Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

   For the transition period from              to             

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

   Date of event requiring this shell company report             

 

Commission file numbers    Barclays PLC    1-09246
   Barclays Bank PLC    1-10257

BARCLAYS PLC

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

(Exact Names of Registrants as Specified in their Charter[s])

ENGLAND

(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

1 CHURCHILL PLACE, LONDON E14 5HP, ENGLAND

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

PATRICK GONSALVES, +44 (0)20 7116 2901, PATRICK.GONSALVES@BARCLAYS.COM

1 CHURCHILL PLACE, LONDON E14 5HP, ENGLAND

*(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

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

Barclays PLC

 

Title of Each Class

  

Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered

25p ordinary shares    New York Stock Exchange*
American Depository Shares, each representing four 25p ordinary shares    New York Stock Exchange

 

  * Not for trading, but in connection with the registration of American Depository Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Barclays Bank PLC

 

Title of Each Class

  

Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered

Callable Floating Rate Notes 2035    New York Stock Exchange
Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Shares, Series 2    New York Stock Exchange*
American Depository Shares, Series 2, each representing one Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Share, Series 2    New York Stock Exchange
Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Shares, Series 3    New York Stock Exchange*
American Depository Shares, Series 3, each representing one Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Share, Series 3    New York Stock Exchange
Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Shares, Series 4    New York Stock Exchange*
American Depository Shares, Series 4, each representing one Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Share, Series 4    New York Stock Exchange
Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Shares, Series 5    New York Stock Exchange*
American Depository Shares, Series 5, each representing one Non-Cumulative Callable Dollar Preference Share, Series 5    New York Stock Exchange
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Commodity Index Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Agriculture Subindex Total Return SM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Aluminum Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Cocoa Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Coffee Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Copper Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Cotton Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Energy Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Grains Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Industrial Metals Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Lead Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Livestock Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Natural Gas Subindex Total Return SM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Nickel Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Platinum Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Precious Metals Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Softs Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Sugar Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Dow Jones – UBS Tin Subindex Total ReturnSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® S&P GSCI® Total Return Index ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® S&P GSCI® Crude Oil Total Return Index ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite IndexSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® MSCI India IndexSM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® EUR/USD Exchange Rate ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® GBP/USD Exchange Rate ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® JPY/USD Exchange Rate ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® S&P 500 VIX Short-Term FuturesTM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term FuturesTM ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Global Carbon ETN    NYSE Arca
iPath® Optimized Currency Carry ETN    NYSE Arca
Barclays GEMS IndexTM ETN    NYSE Arca
Barclays GEMS Asia 8 ETN    NYSE Arca
Barclays Asian and Gulf Currency Revaluation ETN    NYSE Arca
Barclays ETN + Short C Leveraged Exchange Traded Notes Linked to the Inverse Performance of the S&P 500® Total Return IndexSM    NYSE Arca
Barclays ETN + Short D Leveraged Exchange Traded Notes Linked to the Inverse Performance of the S&P 500® Total Return IndexSM    NYSE Arca
Barclays ETN + Long B Leveraged Exchange Traded Notes Linked to the S&P 500® Total Return IndexSM    NYSE Arca
Barclays ETN + Short B Leveraged Exchange Traded Notes Linked to the Inverse Performance of the S&P 500® Total Return IndexSM    NYSE Arca
Barclays ETN + Long C Leveraged Exchange Traded Notes Linked to the S&P 500® Total Return IndexSM    NYSE Arca

 

* Not for trading, but in connection with the registration of American Depository Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

 

Barclays PLC    25p ordinary shares    11,411,577,230
Barclays Bank PLC    £1 ordinary shares    2,342,558,515
   £1 preference shares    1,000
   £100 preference shares    75,000
   100 preference shares    240,000
   $0.25 preference shares    237,000,000
   $100 preference shares    100,000

Indicate by check mark if each registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes  þ    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 1934.

Yes  ¨    No  þ

Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants: (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web sites, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).*

Yes  þ    No  ¨

 

* This requirement does not apply to the registrants until their fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Barclays PLC                
Large Accelerated Filer  þ      Accelerated Filer  ¨      Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨      
Barclays Bank PLC                
Large Accelerated Filer  ¨      Accelerated Filer  ¨      Non-Accelerated Filer  þ      

 

* Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP  ¨

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  þ

Other  ¨

 

* If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:

Item 17  ¨        Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  þ

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

Yes  ¨    No  ¨

 

 


Table of Contents

Certain non-IFRS measures

In this document certain non-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) measures are reported. Barclays management believes that these non-IFRS measures provide valuable information to readers of its financial statements because they enable the reader to focus more directly on the underlying day-to-day performance of its businesses and provide more detail concerning the elements of performance which the managers of these businesses are most directly able to influence. They also reflect an important aspect of the way in which operating targets are defined and performance is monitored by Barclays management. However, any non-IFRS measures in this document are not a substitute for IFRS measures and readers should consider the IFRS measures as well. Among other non-IFRS information, certain information and related discussion are provided in pages 2 to 50 relating to the Group’s total results rather than separating out discontinued operations, representing the Barclays Global Investors (BGI) business sold on 1st December 2009. These non-IFRS measures are provided because management considers that including BGI as part of Group operations and separately identifying the gain on this disposal provides useful information about the performance of the Group as a whole and reflects how the operations were managed until the disposal of BGI. The consolidated summary income statement on page 2 provides a reconciliation between continuing and Group results, and the discussion of Group results from page 4 to 10 describe the Group’s results on a continuing operations basis, followed by a discussion of the Group’s discontinued operations.

Market and other data

This document contains information, including statistical data, about certain of Barclays markets and its competitive position. Except as otherwise indicated, this information is taken or derived from Datastream and other external sources. Barclays cannot guarantee the accuracy of information taken from external sources, or that, in respect of internal estimates, a third party using different methods would obtain the same estimates as Barclays.

Forward-looking statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to certain Group’s plans and its current goals and expectations relating to its future financial conditions and performance. Barclays cautions readers that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate to only to historic or current facts. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as “may”, “will”, “seek”, “continue”, “aim”, “anticipate”, “target”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “goal”, “believe” or other words of similar meaning. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding Group’s future financial position, income growth, assets, impairments, charges, business strategy, capital ratios, leverage, payment of dividends, projected levels of growth in the banking and finance markets, projected costs, estimates of capital expenditure, and plans and objectives for future operations and other statements that are not historical by fact. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances, including, but not limited to, UK domestic and global economic and business conditions, the effect of continued volatility in credit market exposures, changes in valuation of issue notes, the policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, changes in legislation, the further development of standards and interpretations under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) applicable to past, current and future periods, evolving practices with regard to the interpretation and application of standards under IFRS, the outcome of pending and future litigation, the success of future acquisitions and other strategic transactions and the impact of completion – a number of such factors being beyond the Group’s control. As a result, the Group’s actual results may differ materially from plans, goals, and expectations set forth in the Group’s forward-looking statement.

Any forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date they are made. Expect as required by the U.K. Financial Services Authority (FSA), the London Stock Exchange or applicable laws, Barlcays expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect any change in Barclay’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstance on which any such statement is based. The reader should, however, consult any additional disclosures that Barclays has made or may make in documents it has filed or may file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain terms

The term ‘Barclays PLC Group’ means Barclays PLC together with its subsidiaries and the term ‘Barclays Bank PLC Group’ means Barclays Bank PLC together with its subsidiaries. ‘Barclays’ and ‘Group’ are terms which are used to refer to either of the preceding groups when the subject matter is identical. The term ‘Company’, ‘Parent Company’ or ‘Parent’ refers to Barclays PLC, and the term ‘Bank’ refers to Barclays Bank PLC. The term ‘Absa Group Limited’ is used to refer to Absa Group Limited and its subsidiaries, and the term ‘GRCB – Absa’ is used to the refer to the component of the Global Retail and Commercial Banking segment represented by this business. In this report, the abbreviations ‘£m’ and ‘£bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of pounds sterling, respectively; the abbreviations ‘US$m’ and ‘US$bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of US dollars, respectively, and ‘m’ and ‘bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of euros, respectively.

 

i


Table of Contents

SEC FORM 20-F CROSS REFERENCE INFORMATION

 

Form 20-F
item number
         Page and caption references
in this document*
1    Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers    Not applicable
2    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable    Not applicable
3    Key Information     
   A. Selected financial data    11, 12, 304
   B. Capitalization and indebtedness    Not applicable
   C. Reason for the offer and use of proceeds    Not applicable
     D. Risk factors    54-58
4    Information on the Company   
   A. History and development of the company    165, 225 (Note 38)-230 (Note 41), 234 (Note 43), 305, 312
   B. Business overview    117-118, 193-195 (Note 14), 222 (Note 36), 278-282 (Note 53)
   C. Organizational structure    229-230 (Note 41)
     D. Property, plants and equipment    201 (Note 23), 223-224 (Note 37)
4A    Unresolved staff comments    Not applicable
5    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects   
   A. Operating results    2-50, 117-118, 193-195 (Note 14), 222 (Note 36), 257-261 (Note 48)
   B. Liquidity and capital resources    17-18, 92-93, 102-104, 182, 193-195 (Note 14), 204-209 (Note 27), 209-210 (Note 29), 216-218 (Note 31), 220-221 (Note 34), 261-266 (Note 49), 277-278 (Note 52)
   C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.    Not applicable
   D. Trend information    -
   E. Off-balance sheet arrangements    240-242 (note 45)
   F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations    20
     G. Safe harbor    i (Forward-looking statements)
6    Directors, Senior Management and Employees   
   A. Directors and senior management    119-121
   B. Compensation    145-161, 210-216 (Note 30), 230-234 (Note 42)
   C. Board practices    119-140, 147, 154-156
   D. Employees    8, 51
     E. Share ownership    145-161, 233 (Note 42)
7    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions   
   A. Major shareholders    123, 165
   B. Related party transactions    230-234 (Note 42)
     C. Interests of experts and counsel    Not applicable
8    Financial Information   
   A. Consolidated statements and other financial information   

122, 166-300, 302, 305-306

     B. Significant changes    125, 234 (Note 43)
9    The Offer and Listing   
   A. Offer and listing details    303
   B. Plan of distribution    Not applicable
   C. Markets    302
   D. Selling shareholders    Not applicable
   E. Dilution    Not applicable
     F. Expenses of the issue    Not applicable
10    Additional Information   

 

ii


Table of Contents
Form 20-F
item number
         Page and caption references
in this document*
   A. Share capital    Not applicable
   B. Memorandum and Articles of Association    305-307
   C. Material contracts    125, 154, 156, 217-218 (Note 31)
   D. Exchange controls    309
   E. Taxation    308-309
   F. Dividends and paying assets    Not applicable
   G. Statement by experts    Not applicable
   H. Documents on display    309
     I. Subsidiary information    229-230 (Note 41)
11    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk    53-116, 242 (Note 46)-266 (Note 49)
12    Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities   
   A. Debt Securities    Not applicable
   B. Warrants and Rights    Not applicable
   C. Other Securities    Not applicable
     D. American Depositary Shares    310-311
13    Defaults, Dividends Arrearages and Delinquencies    Not applicable
14    Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds    Not applicable
15    Controls and Procedures   
   A. Disclosure controls and procedures    163
   B. Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting   

162

   C. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm   

166

     D. Changes in internal control over financial reporting   

162

15T    Controls and Procedures    162-163
16A    Audit Committee Financial Expert   

134

16B    Code of Ethics   

144

16C    Principal Accountant Fees and Services    125, 137 (Non-Audit Services Policy), 188-189 (Note 9)
16D    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees    Not applicable
16E    Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers    217 (Share Repurchase)
16F    Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant    Not applicable
16G    Corporate Governance    127, 144
17    Financial Statements    Not applicable
18    Financial Statements    164-300
19    Exhibits    Exhibit Index

 

* Captions have been included only in respect of pages with multiple sections on the same page in order to identify the relevant caption on that page covered by the corresponding Form 20-F item number.

 

iii


Table of Contents

Contents

 

     
Section 1
Business review
3  

Financial Review

51  

Our people

52  

Corporate sustainability

     
Section 2
Risk management and governance
54  

Risk management

119  

Board and Executive Committee

122  

Directors’ report

126  

Corporate governance report

145  

Remuneration report

162  

Accountability and audit

     
Section 3
Financial statements
165  

Presentation of information

166  

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s report

167  

Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

283  

Barclays Bank PLC data

     
Section 4
Shareholder information
302  

Shareholder information

312  

Shareholder enquiries

313  

Index

315  

Glossary of terms



Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Business review

 

2   Financial Review
2   Consolidated summary income statement
3   Income statement commentary
11   Five-year consolidated summary income statement
12   Consolidated summary balance sheet
13   Balance sheet commentary
17   Capital management
19   Additional financial disclosure
29   Analysis of results by business
51   Our people
52   Corporate sustainability


Table of Contents
  2        

 

Financial review

Consolidated summary income statement

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31st December   2009            2008                   2007         
    

Continuing

operations

£m

   

Discontinued

operations

£m

   

Total

£m

   

Continuing

operations

£m

   

Discontinued

operations

£m

   

Total

£m

   

Continuing

operations

£m

   

Discontinued

operations

£m

   

Total

£m

 

Net interest income

  11,918      33      11,951      11,469           11,469      9,598      12      9,610   

Net fee and commission income

  8,418      1,759      10,177      6,491      1,916      8,407      5,771      1,937      7,708   

Principal transactions

  7,057      67      7,124      2,019      (10   2,009      4,970      5      4,975   

Net premiums from insurance contracts

  1,172           1,172      1,090           1,090      1,011           1,011   

Other income

  1,389      4      1,393      367      10      377      186      2      188   

Total income

  29,954      1,863      31,817      21,436      1,916      23,352      21,536      1,956      23,492   

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

  (831        (831   (237        (237   (492        (492

Total income net of insurance claims

  29,123      1,863      30,986      21,199      1,916      23,115      21,044      1,956      23,000   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

  (8,071        (8,071   (5,419        (5,419   (2,795        (2,795

Net income

  21,052      1,863      22,915      15,780      1,916      17,696      18,249      1,956      20,205   

Operating expenses

  (16,715   (1,137   (17,852   (13,391   (975   (14,366   (12,096   (1,103   (13,199

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

  34           34      14           14      42           42   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

  188           188      327           327      28           28   

Gains on acquisitions

  26           26      2,406           2,406                  

Profit before tax and disposal of discontinued operations

  4,585      726      5,311      5,136      941      6,077      6,223      853      7,076   

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations

       6,331      6,331                                 

Profit before tax

  4,585      7,057      11,642      5,136      941      6,077      6,223      853      7,076   

Tax

  (1,074   (280   (1,354   (453   (337   (790   (1,699   (282   (1,981

Profit after tax

  3,511      6,777      10,288      4,683      604      5,287      4,524      571      5,095   

Profit for the year attributable to

                 

Equity holders of the Parent

  2,628      6,765      9,393      3,795      587      4,382      3,886      531      4,417   

Non-controlling interests

  883      12      895      888      17      905      638      40      678   
    3,511      6,777      10,288      4,683      604      5,287      4,524      571      5,095   

Earnings per share

                                                     

Basic earnings per share

  24.1p      62.1p      86.2p      51.4p      7.9p      59.3p      60.6p      8.3p      68.9p   

Diluted earnings per share

  22.7p      58.9p      81.6p      49.8p      7.7p      57.5p      58.8p      8.1p      66.9p   

The consolidated summary income statement above sets out the Group’s results analysed between continuing and discontinued operations for each income statement line for ease of comparability. The line items from “Net interest income” to “Profit before tax and disposal of discontinued operations” shown above under “Discontinued operations” for 2009 represent the results for the 11 month period to 30 November 2009 of the BGI discontinued operations that were sold on 1st December 2009. In addition, the figures included in the “Total” columns in 2009, 2008 and 2007 in respect of the line items from “Net interest income” to “Profit before tax and disposal of discontinued operations” are non-IFRS measures; see “Certain non-IFRS measures” on page i for more information with respect to including BGI results within such Group totals. The income statement on page 178 and the five year summary included on page 11 shows the income statement on a continuing basis with profit after tax from discontinued operations shown as a single line under profit after tax from continuing operations, in accordance with IFRS.


Table of Contents
        3  

 

LOGO

 

Financial review

Income statement commentarya

 

 

 

2009/08

Barclays delivered net profit for the year of £10,288m in 2009, an increase of 95% on 2008. This included the BGI gain on sale of £6,331m before tax, and was achieved after absorbing: £6,086m in writedowns on credit market exposures (including impairment of £1,669m), other Group impairment of £6,402m and a charge of £1,820m relating to the tightening of own credit spreads. Profit included £1,255m of gains on debt buy-backs and extinguishment.

Total income net of insurance claims grew 34% to £30,986m, and income from continuing operations grew 37% to £29,123m, with particularly strong growth in Barclays Capital. Within Global Retail and Commercial Banking (GRCB), Barclaycard and GRCB – Western Europe also reported good income growth. The aggregate revenue performance of GRCB businesses was, however, affected by the impact of margin compression on deposit income as a result of the very low absolute levels of interest rates. Barclays Capital income was up 122% compared to 2008. Top-line income rose by £8,004m reflecting the successful integration of the acquired Lehman Brothers North American businesses, buoyant market conditions observed across most financial markets in the first half of 2009 and a good relative performance in the second half of 2009 despite weaker markets. Income in Barclays Capital was impacted by writedowns of £4,417m (2008: £6,290m) relating to credit market exposures held in its trading books and by a charge of £1,820m (2008: gain of £1,663m) relating to own credit.

Impairment charges against loans and advances, available for sale assets and reverse repurchase agreements increased 49% to £8,071m, reflecting deteriorating economic conditions, portfolio maturation and currency movements. The impairment charge against credit market exposures included within this total reduced 5% to £1,669m. Impairment charges as a percentage of Group loans and advances as at 31st December 2009 increased to 156bps from 95bps, or 135bps on constant 2008 year end balance sheet amounts and average foreign exchange rates.

Total operating expenses increased 24% to £17,852m, but by 10% less than the rate of increase in Group total income. Operating expenses from continuing operations increased 25% to £16,715m. Expenses in GRCB were well controlled, with the cost:income ratio improving from 53% to 52%. Operating expenses in Barclays Capital increased by £2,818m to £6,592m reflecting the inclusion of the acquired Lehman Brothers North American business. The Group total cost:income ratio improved from 62% to 58% (from 63% to 57% on a continuing basis). At Barclays Capital the compensation:income ratio improved from 44% to 38%.

 

2008/07

Net profit for the year increased 4% to £5,287m. This included gains on acquisitions of £2,406m, including £2,262m gain on acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses; profit on disposal of Barclays Closed UK Life assurance business of £326m; gains on Visa IPO and sales of shares in MasterCard of £291m; and gross credit market losses and impairment of £8,053m.

Total income net of insurance claims grew 1% to £23,115m and income from continuing operations grew 1% to £21,199m. Income in GRCB increased 17% and was particularly strong in businesses outside of the UK. Income in Barclays Capital was affected by very challenging market conditions in 2008, with income falling by £1,888m (27%) on 2007, reflecting gross losses of £6,290m relating to credit market assets, partially offset by gains of £1,663m on the fair valuation of notes issued due to widening of credit spreads and £1,433m in related income and hedges. Excluding credit market related losses, gains on own credit and related income and hedges, income in Barclays Capital increased 6%.

Impairment charges and other credit provisions of £5,419m increased 94% on the prior year. Impairment charges included £1,763m arising from US sub-prime mortgages and other credit market exposures. Other wholesale impairment charges increased significantly as corporate credit conditions turned sharply worse. Significant impairment growth in GRCB businesses reflected book growth and deteriorating credit conditions particularly in the US, South Africa and Spain.

Total operating expenses increased 9% to £14,366m and operating expenses from continuing operations increased 11% to £13,391m. This reflected continued investment in the distribution network in the GRCB businesses. Expenses fell in Barclays Capital due to lower performance related costs. Group gains from property disposals were £148m (2007: £267m). Head office costs included £101m relating to the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Underlying cost growth was well controlled. The Group cost:income ratio deteriorated by five percentage points to 62% (from 57% to 63% on a continuing basis).


 

Note

 

a Total income net of reinsurance claims, total operating expenses and total cost: income ratio information in the 2009/2008 and 2008/2007 discussions are non-IFRS measures because they present Group operating results that combine continued operations and discontinued operations. See page 2 for a reconciliation between continuing and Group results, see “Certain non-IFRS measures” on page i for more information with respect to including BGI results within such Group totals. In addition, “Top-line income” within Barclays Capital is a non-IFRS measure that represents income before gains/losses and credit market write-downs. This measure has been presented as it provides a consistent basis for comparing the business’ performance between financial periods. For a reconciliation of top-line income to total income of Barclays Capital, see page 43.

 


Table of Contents
  4        

 

Financial review

Income statement commentary

continued

 

 

 

Continuing operations

The commentary below reflects the Group’s results from continuing operations.

Net interest income

2009/08

Group net interest income increased 4% (£449m) to £11,918m (2008: £11,469m) reflecting growth in average customer balances primarily in Barclaycard and Western Europe, and net funding costs and hedging recognised in Head Office Functions and Other Operations.

Group net interest income includes the impact of structural hedges which function to reduce the impact of the volatility of short-term interest rate movements on equity and customer balances that do not re-price with market rates. In total, equity structural hedges generated a gain of £1,162m (2008: £21m gain).

Further discussion of margins is included in the analysis of results by business on pages 29 to 50.

2008/07

Group net interest income increased 19% (£1,871m) to £11,469m (2007: £9,598m) reflecting balance sheet growth across the Global Retail

and Commercial Banking businesses and in particular very strong growth internationally driven by expansion of the distribution network and entrance into new markets. An increase in net interest income was also seen in Barclays Capital due to strong results from global loans and money markets.

The contribution of structural hedges relative to average base rates increased income by £117m (2007: £351m expense), largely due to the effect of the structural hedge on changes in interest rates.

Net fee and commission income

2009/08

Net fee and commission income increased 30% (£1,927m) to £8,418m (2008: £6,491m). Banking and credit related fees and commissions increased 33% (£2,370m) to £9,578m (2008: £7,208m), primarily due to Barclays Capital’s strong performance in Equities and Investment Banking.

2008/07

Net fee and commission income increased 12% (£720m) to £6,491m (2007: £5,771m). Banking and credit related fees and commissions increased 13% (£845m) to £7,208m (2007: £6,363m), reflecting growth in Barclaycard International, increased fees from advisory and origination activities in Barclays Capital and increased foreign exchange, derivative and debt fees in Barclays Commercial Bank.


 

 

Net interest income   
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Cash and balances with central banks

   131      174      145   

Available for sale investments

   1,937      2,355      2,580   

Loans and advances to banks

   513      1,267      1,416   

Loans and advances to customers

   18,456      23,754      19,559   

Other

   199      460      1,596   

Interest income

   21,236      28,010      25,296   

Deposits from banks

   (634   (2,189   (2,720

Customer accounts

   (2,716   (6,697   (4,110

Debt securities in issue

   (3,889   (5,910   (6,651

Subordinated liabilities

   (1,718   (1,349   (878

Other

   (361   (396   (1,339

Interest expense

   (9,318   (16,541   (15,698

Net interest income

   11,918      11,469      9,598   

 

 

Net fee and commission income   
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Brokerage fees

   88      56      78   

Investment management fees

   133      120      122   

Banking and credit related fees and commissions

   9,578      7,208      6,363   

Foreign exchange commission

   147      189      178   

Fee and commission income

   9,946      7,573      6,741   

Fee and commission expense

   (1,528   (1,082   (970

Net fee and commission income

   8,418      6,491      5,771   


Table of Contents
        5  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

Principal transactions

2009/08

Principal transactions comprise net trading income and net investment income. Net trading income increased £5,662m to £7,001m (2008: £1,339m). The majority of the Group’s trading income arises in Barclays Capital. Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities drove the very strong increase in trading income as the expansion of the business and client flows more than absorbed gross credit market losses of £4,417m (2008: £6,290m) and losses relating to own credit of £1,820m (2008: £1,663m gain).

Net investment income decreased 92% (£624m) to £56m (2008: £680m) driven by realised losses in commercial real estate equity investments and losses in the principal investments business, partially offset by gains on disposal of available for sale investments within Barclays Capital.

2008/07

Net trading income decreased 64% (£2,415m) to £1,339m (2007: £3,754m). The majority of the Group’s net trading income arose in Barclays Capital. There was growth in fixed income, prime services, foreign exchange, commodities and emerging markets. There were net losses from credit market dislocation partially offset by the benefits of widening credit spreads on structured notes issued by Barclays Capital.

Net investment income decreased 44% (£536m) to £680m (2007: £1,216m) reflecting the lower profits realised on the sale of investments, the continued decrease in value of assets backing customer liabilities in Barclays Life Assurance and fair value decreases of a number of investments reflecting the current market condition. This was offset by a £170m increase in dividend income reflecting the Visa IPO dividend received by GRCB – Western Europe, GRCB – Emerging Markets and Barclaycard.

 

Net premiums from insurance contracts

2009/08

Net premiums from insurance contracts increased 8% (£82m) to £1,172m (2008: £1,090m) primarily reflecting expansion in GRCB – Western Europe and GRCB – Absa, partially offset by the impact of the sale of the closed life assurance business in the second half of 2008.

2008/07

Net premiums from insurance contracts increased 8% (£79m) to £1,090m (2007: £1,011m), primarily due to expansion in GRCB – Western Europe reflecting a full year’s impact of a range of insurance products launched in late 2007, partially offset by lower net premiums following the sale of the closed life assurance business in the second half of 2008.

Other income

2009/08

Other income includes £1,170m gains on debt buy-backs relating to Upper Tier 2 perpetual debt and its corresponding hedge and £85m (2008: £24m) from the repurchase of securitised debt issued by Barclays Commercial Bank.

2008/07

Certain asset management products offered to institutional clients by Absa are recognised as investment contracts. Accordingly, the invested assets and the related liabilities to investors are held at fair value and changes in those fair values are reported within other income. Other income in 2008 included a £46m gain from the Visa IPO.


 

 

Principal transactions        
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
   2007
£m

Net trading income

   7,001      1,339    3,754

Net gain from disposal of available for sale assets

   349      212    560

Dividend income

   6      196    26

Net gain from financial instruments designated at fair value

   (208   33    293

Other investment income

   (91   239    337

Net investment income

   56      680    1,216

Principal transactions

   7,057      2,019    4,970

 

 

Net premiums from insurance contracts       
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Gross premiums from insurance contracts

   1,224      1,138      1,062   

Premiums ceded to reinsurers

   (52   (48   (51

Net premiums from insurance contracts

   1,172      1,090      1,011   

 

 

Other income       
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Increase/(decrease) in fair value of assets held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   102      (1,219   23   

(Increase)/decrease in liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   (102   1,219      (23

Property rentals

   64      73      53   

Gain on debt buy backs and extinguishments

   1,255      24        

Other

   70      270      133   

Other income

   1,389      367      186   


Table of Contents
  6        

 

Financial review

Income statement commentary

continued

 

 

 

Net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts

2009/08

Net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts increased 251% (£594m) to £831m (2008: £237m) reflecting the expansion in GRCB – Western Europe and GRCB – Absa and a credit as a result of falls in equity markets and the disposal of the closed life assurance business.

2008/07

Net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts decreased 52% (£255m) to £237m (2007: £492m), principally due to a decrease in the value of unit linked insurance contracts in Barclays Wealth, explained by falls in equity markets and the disposal of closed life business in October 2008. This was partially offset by the growth in GRCB – Western Europe.

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

2009/08

Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions increased 50% (£2,445m) to £7,358m (2008: £4,913m). The increase was primarily due to economic deterioration and portfolio maturation, currency movements and methodology enhancements, partially offset by a contraction in loan balances.

The impairment charge in Global Retail and Commercial Banking increased by 85% (£2,473m) to £5,395m (2008: £2,922m) as charges rose in all portfolios, reflecting deteriorating credit conditions across all regions.

In Investment Banking and Investment Management, impairment was broadly unchanged at £1,949m (2008: £1,980m).

 

The impairment charge against available for sale assets and reverse repurchase agreements increased by 41% (£207m) to £713m (2008: £506m), driven by impairment against credit market exposures.

Further discussion of impairments is included in the analysis of results by business on pages 29 to 50.

2008/07

Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions increased 77% (£2,131m) to £4,913m (2007: £2,782m). The increase was caused by charges against ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market positions and as a result of deteriorating economic conditions coupled with growth in several portfolios.

The impairment charge in Global Retail and Commercial Banking increased by 51% (£983m) to £2,922m (2007: £1,939m) resulting from deteriorating economic conditions and growth in several portfolios.

In Investment Banking and Investment Management, impairment increased by 136% (£1,140m) to £1,980m (2007: £840m). This included a charge of £1,517m against ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market positions. The remaining movement primarily related to charges in the private equity and other loans business.

The impairment charge against available for sale assets and reverse repurchase agreements increased by £493m to £506m (2007: £13m) driven by impairment against credit market exposures.


 

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts  
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Gross claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

   858      263      520   

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred

   (27   (26   (28

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

   831      237      492   

 

 

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Impairment charges on loans and advances

      

– New and increased impairment allowances

   8,111      5,116      2,871   

– Releases

   (631   (358   (338

– Recoveries

   (150   (174   (227

Impairment charges on loans and advances

   7,330      4,584      2,306   

Charge/(release) in respect of provision for undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees provided

   28      329      476   

Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions

   7,358      4,913      2,782   

Impairment charges on reverse repurchase agreements

   43      124        

Impairment on available for sale assets

   670      382      13   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

   8,071      5,419      2,795   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions on ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures included above:

                  

Impairment charges on loans and advances

   1,205      1,218      300   

Charges in respect of undrawn facilities and guarantees

        299      469   

Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions on ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures

   1,205      1,517      769   

Impairment charges on reverse repurchase agreements

        54        

Impairment charges on available for sale assets

   464      192      13   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions on ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures

   1,669      1,763      782   


Table of Contents
        7  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

2009/08

Operating expenses increased 25% (£3,324m) to £16,715m (2008: £13,391m). The increase was driven by a 38% increase (£2,744m) in staff costs to £9,948m (2008: £7,204m).

Administrative expenses grew 2% (£98m) to £4,889m (2008:

£4,791m) reflecting the impact of acquisitions made during 2008, the costs of servicing an expanded distribution network across Global Retail and Commercial Banking, and expenses relating to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Operating expenses increased due to a £119m decrease in gains from sale of property to £29m (2008: £148m) as the Group wound down its sale and leaseback of freehold property programme.

Amortisation of intangibles increased £171m to £447m (2008: £276m) primarily related to the intangible assets arising from the acquisition of the Lehman Brothers North American businesses.

2008/07

Operating expenses increased 11% (£1,295m) to £13,391m (2007: £12,096m).

Administrative expenses grew 30% (£1,100m) to £4,791m (2007: £3,691m), reflecting the impact of acquisitions (in particular Lehman Brothers North American businesses and Goldfish), fees associated with Group capital raisings, the cost of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme as well as continued investment in the Global Retail and Commercial Banking distribution network.

Operating expenses were reduced by gains from the sale of property of £148m (2007: £267m) as the Group continued the sale and leaseback of some of its freehold portfolio in 2008.

Amortisation of intangible assets increased 55% (£98m) to £276m (2007: £178m), primarily related to intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses.

Goodwill impairment of £112m reflects the full write-down of £74m relating to EquiFirst and a partial write-down of £37m relating to FirstPlus following its closure to new business in August 2008.

 

Staff costs

2009/08

Staff costs increased 38% (£2,744m) to £9,948m (2008: £7,204m) driven by a 40% increase in salaries and accrued incentive payments, primarily in Barclays Capital, reflecting the inclusion of the acquired Lehman Brothers North American businesses and associated net increase of 7,000 employees in September 2008.

In December 2009, the UK government announced that the Finance Bill 2010 will introduce a bank payroll tax of 50% applicable to discretionary bonuses over £25,000 awarded to UK bank employees between 9th December 2009 and 5th April 2010. Draft legislation and further guidance on its application has been published. Based on this, and in accordance with IAS 19 – Employee benefits, we have accrued for the estimated tax payable in respect of employee services provided during the period. For 2009, £190m has been included within Other Staff Costs in respect of 2009 cash awards. A further provision of £35m has also been included in Other Staff Costs in respect of certain prior year awards being distributed during the tax window, which may fall within the proposed legislation.

Defined benefit plan pension costs decreased £122m to £33m credit (2008: cost of £89m) primarily due to the UK Retirement Fund whose charges decreased as a result of a one-off credit of £371m from the closure of the final salary scheme to existing members.

2008/07

Staff costs decreased 5% (£407m) to £7,204m (2007: £7,611m). Salaries and accrued incentive payments fell overall by 8% (£535m) to £5,787m in 2008 (2007: £6,322m), after absorbing increases of £718m relating to in year hiring and staff from acquisitions. Performance related costs were 48% lower, driven mainly by Barclays Capital.

Defined benefit plans pension costs decreased 41% (£61m) to £89m (2007: £150m). This was due to recognition of actuarial gains, higher expected return on assets and reduction in past service costs partially offset by higher interest costs and reduction in curtailment credit.


 

Operating expenses                   
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Staff costs

   9,948      7,204      7,611   

Administrative expenses

   4,889      4,791      3,691   

Depreciation

   759      606      453   

Impairment charges/(releases)

      

– property and equipment

   33      33      2   

– intangible assets

   28      (3   14   

– goodwill

   1      112        

Operating lease rentals

   639      520      414   

Gain on property disposals

   (29   (148   (267

Amortisation of intangible assets

   447      276      178   

Operating expenses

   16,715      13,391      12,096   

 

Staff costs                
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
   2007
£m

Salaries and accrued incentive payments

   8,081      5,787    6,322

Social security costs

   606      444    480

Pension costs

       

– defined contribution plans

   224      221    119

– defined benefit plans

   (33   89    150

Other post retirement benefits

   16      1    9

Other

   1,054      662    531

Staff costs

   9,948      7,204    7,611


Table of Contents
  8        

 

Financial review

Income statement commentary

continued

 

 

 

Staff numbers

2009/08

Staff numbers are shown on a full-time equivalent basis. Group permanent and fixed term contract staff comprised 55,700 (31st December 2008: 59,600) in the UK and 88,500 (31st December 2008: 93,200) internationally.

UK Retail Banking number of employees decreased 2,200 to 30,400 (31st December 2008: 32,600) reflecting active cost management. Barclays Commercial Bank number of employees decreased 400 to 9,100 (31st December 2008: 9,500) reflecting tightly managed costs, partly offset by the expansion of risk and offshore support operations. Barclaycard number of employees decreased 300 to 10,300 (31st December 2008: 10,600) reflecting the centralisation of certain support functions in Absa from Absa Card and active cost management, offset by increases in collections capacity. GRCB – Western Europe number of employees decreased 200 to 11,600 (31st December 2008: 11,800) primarily due to restructuring within Spain and Russia, partially offset by increases in Portugal and Italy to support the expansion of the network in these countries. GRCB – Emerging Markets number of employees decreased 2,700 to 17,400 (31st December 2008: 20,100) mainly driven by the introduction of more effective and efficient structures. GRCB – Absa number of employees decreased 2,500 to 33,300 (31st December 2008: 35,800), reflecting restructuring and a freeze on recruitment.

Barclays Capital number of employees increased 100 to 23,200 (31st December 2008: 23,100) as a net reduction in the first half of the year was offset by strategic growth in the business and the annual graduate intake. Barclays Wealth number of employees decreased 500 to 7,400 (31st December 2008: 7,900) reflecting active cost management, including efficiency savings in non-client facing areas.

 

2008/07

Staff numbers are shown on a full-time equivalent basis. Total Group permanent and fixed-term contract staff comprised 59,600 (2007: 60,900) in the UK and 93,200 (2007: 70,600) internationally.

UK Retail Banking staff numbers increased 700 to 32,600 (2007: 31,900). Barclays Commercial Bank staff numbers increased 200 to 9,500 (2007: 9,300), reflecting investment in product expertise, sales and risk capability and associated support areas. Barclaycard staff numbers increased 1,200 to 10,600 (2007: 9,400), primarily due to the transfer of staff into Absacard as a result of the acquisition of a majority stake in the South African Woolworth Financial Services business in October 2008. GRCB – Western Europe staff numbers increased 3,600 to 11,800 (2007: 8,200), reflecting expansion of the retail distribution network. GRCB – Emerging Markets staff numbers increased 6,800 to 20,100 (2007: 13,300), driven by expansion into new markets and continued investment in distribution in existing countries. GRCB – Absa staff numbers increased 600 to 35,800 (2007: 35,200), reflecting continued growth in the business and investment in collections capacity.

Barclays Capital staff numbers increased 6,900 to 23,100 (2007: 16,200), due principally to the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses. Barclays Wealth staff numbers increased 1,000 to 7,900 (2007: 6,900), principally due to the acquisition of the Lehman Brothers North American businesses.


 

Staff numbers

As at 31st December

              
      2009    2008    2007

UK Retail Banking

   30,400    32,600    31,900

Barclays Commercial Bank

   9,100    9,500    9,300

Barclaycard

   10,300    10,600    9,400

GRCB – Western Europe

   11,600    11,800    8,200

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   17,400    20,100    13,300

GRCB – Absa

   33,300    35,800    35,200

Barclays Capital

   23,200    23,100    16,200

Barclays Wealth

   7,400    7,900    6,900

Head office functions and other operations

   1,500    1,400    1,100

Total Group permanent and fixed- term contract staff worldwide

   144,200    152,800    131,500


Table of Contents
        9  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

2009/08

The share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures increased £20m to £34m (2008: £14m), reflecting a £23m increase in results from joint ventures largely from Barclaycard and Barclays Capital, and a £3m decrease in results from associates, mainly due to reduced contributions from private equity investments.

2008/07

The overall share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures decreased £28m to £14m (2007: £42m), mainly due to reduced contributions from private equity associates and Barclays Capital joint ventures.

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

2009/08

The profit on disposal of £188m (2008: £327m) is largely attributable to the sale of 50% of Barclays Vida y Pensiones Compañía de Seguros

(£157m), and the 7% sale of GRCB – Emerging Markets Botswana business (£24m).

2008/07

On 31st October 2008 Barclays completed the sale of Barclays Life Assurance Company Ltd to Swiss Reinsurance Company for a net consideration of £729m leading to a net profit on disposal of £326m.

Gains on acquisitions

2009/08

Gains of £26m for the year relate to the acquisition of the Portuguese credit card business of Citibank International PLC in December 2009.

2008/07

The gains on acquisitions in 2008 related to the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses (£2,262m) on 22nd September 2008, Goldfish credit card UK business (£92m) on 31st March 2008 and Macquarie Bank Limited Italian residential mortgage business (£52m) on 6th November 2008.


 

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures
      2009
£m
   2008
£m
    2007
£m

Profit from associates

   19    22      33

Profit/(loss) from joint ventures

   15    (8   9

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

   34    14      42
       
Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures
      2009
£m
   2008
£m
    2007
£m

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

   188    327      28
       
Gains on acquisitions                
      2009
£m
   2008
£m
    2007
£m

Gains on acquisitions

   26    2,406     


Table of Contents
  10        

 

Financial review

Income statement commentary

continued

 

 

 

Tax

2009/08

The effective tax rate for 2009, based on profit before tax on continuing operations was 23.4% (2008: 8.8%). The effective tax rate differs from the UK tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%) because of non-taxable gains and income, different tax rates applied to taxable profits and losses outside the UK, disallowed expenditure and adjustments in respect of prior years. The low effective tax rate of 8.8% on continuing operations in 2008 mainly resulted from the Lehman Brothers North American businesses acquisition.

2008/07

The effective rate of tax for 2008, based on profit before tax on continuing operations was 8.8% (2007: 27.3%). The effective tax rate differs from the 2007 effective rate and the UK corporation tax rate of 28.5% principally due to the Lehman Brothers North American businesses acquisition.

Discontinued operations

Profit after tax from discontinued operations 2009/08

Profit after tax from discontinued operations increased £6,173m to £6,777m, reflecting the gain on sale of the discontinued operations of £6,331m (2008: £nil) and other profit before tax of £726m (2008: £604m). The results for 2009 included 11 months of operations compared to 12 months for 2008.

2008/07

The profit after tax from discontinued operations increased 6% to £604m, reflecting an 8% appreciation of the average value of the US Dollar against Sterling and a £128m decrease in operating expenses, principally reflecting reduced performance related costs, offset by a decline in income from fees and commissions and a reduction in trading income.


 

 

 

Tax  
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Profit before tax from continuing operations

   4,585      5,136      6,223   

Tax charge at average UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%, 2007: 30%)

   1,284      1,464      1,867   

Prior year adjustments

   (220   (171   (17

Differing overseas tax rates

   (27   175      (82

Non-taxable gains and income (including amounts offset by unrecognised tax losses)

   (112   (859   (136

Share-based payments

   (38   201      71   

Deferred tax assets not recognised/(previously not recognised)

   27      (504   (159

Change in tax rates

   (12   (1   24   

Other non-allowable expenses

   172      148      131   

Tax charge

   1,074      453      1,699   

Effective tax rate

   23%      9%      27%   

 

 

Discontinued operations
      2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m

Profit for the year from discontinued operations, including gain on disposal

   6,777    604    571


Table of Contents
        11  

 

LOGO

 

Financial review

Five-year consolidated summary income statement

 

 

 

For the year ended 31st December                               
     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

   

2007

£m

   

2006

£m

    2005
£m
 

Continuing operations

          

Net interest income

   11,918      11,469      9,598      9,133      8,060   

Non-interest income

   18,036      9,967      11,938      11,372      8,600   

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

   (831   (237   (492   (575   (645

Total income net of insurance claims

   29,123      21,199      21,044      19,930      16,015   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

   (8,071   (5,419   (2,795   (2,154   (1,571

Operating expenses

   (16,715   (13,391   (12,096   (11,723   (9,748

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

   34      14      42      46      45   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

   188      327      28      323        

Gain on acquisitions

   26      2,406                  

Profit before tax from continuing operations

   4,585      5,136      6,223      6,422      4,741   

Tax from continuing operations

   (1,074   (453   (1,699   (1,611   (1,251

Profit after tax from continuing operations

   3,511      4,683      4,524      4,811      3,490   

Profit for the year from discontinued operations, including gain on disposal

   6,777      604      571      384      351   

Net profit for the year

   10,288      5,287      5,095      5,195      3,841   

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent

   9,393      4,382      4,417      4,571      3,447   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

   895      905      678      624      394   
     10,288      5,287      5,095      5,195      3,841   

Selected financial statistics

                              

Basic earnings per share

   86.2p      59.3p      68.9p      71.9p      54.4p   

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

   24.1p      51.4p      60.6p      66.6p      49.5p   

Diluted earnings per share

   81.6p      57.5p      66.9p      69.8p      52.6p   

Dividends per ordinary share

   2.5p      11.5p      34.0p      31.0p      26.6p   

Dividend payout ratio

   2.9%      19.4%      49.3%      43.1%      48.9%   

Profit attributable to the equity holders of the Parent as a percentage of:

          

average shareholders’ equity

   23.8%      16.5%      20.3%      24.7%      21.1%   

average total assets

   0.5%      0.2%      0.3%      0.4%      0.4%   

Average United States Dollar exchange rate used in preparing the accounts

   1.57      1.86      2.00      1.84      1.82   

Average Euro exchange rate used in preparing the accounts

   1.12      1.26      1.46      1.47      1.46   

Average Rand exchange rate used in preparing the accounts

   13.14      15.17      14.11      12.47      11.57   

The financial information above is extracted from the published accounts. This information should be read together with the information included in the accompanying financial statements.


Table of Contents
  12        

 

Financial review

Consolidated summary balance sheet

 

 

 

As at 31st December                         
     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

  

2006

£m

  

2005

£m

Assets

              

Cash and other short-term funds

   83,076    31,714    7,637    9,753    5,807

Trading portfolio and financial assets designated at fair value

   193,912    306,836    341,171    292,464    251,820

Derivative financial instruments

   416,815    984,802    248,088    138,353    136,823

Loans and advances to banks

   41,135    47,707    40,120    30,926    31,105

Loans and advances to customers

   420,224    461,815    345,398    282,300    268,896

Available for sale financial investments

   56,483    64,976    43,072    51,703    53,497

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed

   143,431    130,354    183,075    174,090    160,398

Other assets

   23,853    24,776    18,800    17,198    16,011

Total assets

   1,378,929    2,052,980    1,227,361    996,787    924,357

Liabilities

              

Deposits and items in the course of collection due to banks

   77,912    116,545    92,338    81,783    77,468

Customer accounts

   322,429    335,505    294,987    256,754    238,684

Trading portfolio and financial liabilities designated at fair value

   137,454    136,366    139,891    125,861    104,949

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   1,679    69,183    92,639    84,637    85,201

Derivative financial instruments

   403,416    968,072    248,288    140,697    137,971

Debt securities in issue

   135,902    149,567    120,228    111,137    103,328

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

   198,781    182,285    169,429    136,956    121,178

Insurance contract liabilities, including unit-linked liabilities

   2,140    2,152    3,903    3,878    3,767

Subordinated liabilities

   25,816    29,842    18,150    13,786    12,463

Other liabilities

   14,922    16,052    15,032    13,908    14,918

Total liabilities

   1,320,451    2,005,569    1,194,885    969,397    899,927

Shareholders’ equity

              

Shareholders’ equity excluding non-controlling interests

   47,277    36,618    23,291    19,799    17,426

Non-controlling interests

   11,201    10,793    9,185    7,591    7,004

Total shareholders’ equity

   58,478    47,411    32,476    27,390    24,430

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   1,378,929    2,052,980    1,227,361    996,787    924,357

Risk weighted assets and capital ratios a

                        

Risk weighted assets

   382,653    433,302    353,878    297,833    269,148

Tier 1 ratio

   13.0%    8.6%    7.6%    7.7%    7.0%

Risk asset ratio

   16.6%    13.6%    11.2%    11.7%    11.3%

Selected financial statistics

                        

Net asset value per ordinary share

   414p    437p    353p    303p    269p

Number of ordinary shares of Barclays PLC (in millions)

   11,412    8,372    6,601    6,535    6,490

Year-end United States Dollar exchange rate used in preparing the accounts

   1.62    1.46    2.00    1.96    1.72

Year-end Euro exchange rate used in preparing the accounts

   1.12    1.04    1.36    1.49    1.46

Year-end Rand exchange rate used in preparing the accounts

   11.97    13.74    13.64    13.71    10.87

The financial information above is extracted from the published accounts. This information should be read together with the information included in the accompanying financial statements.

Note

 

a Risk weighted assets and capital ratios for 2006 and 2005 are calculated on a Basel I basis.
  Risk weighted assets and capital ratios for 2009, 2008 and 2007 are calculated on a Basel II basis.


Table of Contents
        13  

 

LOGO

 

Financial review

Balance sheet commentary

 

Shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity, including non-controlling interests, increased 23% to £58.5bn in 2009 driven by profit after tax of £10.3bn. Net tangible asset value increased by 47% to £38.5bn. Net tangible asset value per share increased to 337p (2008: 313p).

Balance sheet

Total assets decreased by £674bn to £1,379bn in 2009, primarily reflecting movements in market rates and active reductions in derivative balances.

Assets and risk weighted assets were affected by the depreciation in value of various currencies relative to Sterling during 2009. As at 31st December 2009, the US Dollar and the Euro had depreciated 10% and 7%, respectively, relative to Sterling.

Capital management

At 31st December 2009, on a Basel II basis, our Core Tier 1 ratio was 10.0% (31st December 2008: 5.6%) and our Tier 1 ratio was 13.0% (31st December 2008: 8.6%). Capital ratios reflect a 12% decrease (£51bn) in risk weighted assets to £383bn in 2009. Key drivers included a reduction in the overall size of the balance sheet and foreign exchange movements.

Liquidity

The liquidity pool held by the Group increased to £127bn at 31st December 2009 from £43bn at the end of 2008. Whilst funding markets were difficult, particularly in the first half of 2009, the Group were able to increase available liquidity and the Group extended the average term of unsecured liabilities from 14 months to 26 months. The Group issued £15bn equivalent in public senior unguaranteed debt markets, across multiple currencies and maturities. In addition, the Group raised £1.8bn equivalent in the covered bond market and issued £21bn equivalent of structured notes. The Group have continued to manage liquidity prudently in the light of market conditions and in anticipation of ongoing regulatory developments.

 

Foreign currency translation

During 2009, US Dollar and Euro depreciated 10% and 7%, respectively, relative to Sterling. As a result, foreign currency assets and risk weighted assets decreased in value in Sterling terms.

The Group’s hedging strategy in respect of net investments in foreign currencies is designed to minimise the volatility of the capital ratios caused by changes in the Sterling value of foreign currency capital resources and risk weighted assets due to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. In this regard, the Group’s 31st December 2009 Core Tier 1 ratio is hedged to approximately 75%, 25% and 80% of the movements in US Dollar, Euro and South African Rand respectively against Sterling.

The currency translation reserve reduced by £1.2bn in 2009. This reflected movements in foreign currency net investments which are partially economically hedged through preference share capital (denominated in US Dollars and Euros) that is not revalued for accounting purposes.



Table of Contents
  14        

 

Financial review

Balance sheet commentary

continued

Total assets and risk weighted assets by business

2009/08

Total assets decreased by £674bn to £1,379bn and risk weighted assets decreased £51bn to £383bn.

Barclays UK Retail Bank’s total assets increased 4% to £105.2bn (31st December 2008: £101.4bn) driven by growth in mortgage balances. Risk weighted assets increased 6% (£1.7bn) to £32.2bn (2008: £30.5bn), a significant contributor being the growth in the mortgage book.

Total assets in Barclays Commercial Bank fell 10% (£8.5bn) to £75.5bn (2008: £84.0bn) driven by reduced overdraft borrowings and lower volumes in Barclays Asset and Sales Finance business. New term lending was £14bn. Risk weighted assets fell 4% (£2.8bn) to £60.3bn (2008: £63.1bn) largely reflecting a reduction in net balance sheet exposures offset by the impact of deteriorating credit conditions.

Total assets decreased 2% to £30.2bn (2008: £30.9bn) in Barclaycard reflecting the depreciation in the US Dollar and Euro against Sterling, the decision to stop writing new business in FirstPlus and tighter lending criteria. Risk weighted assets increased 12% (£3.3bn) to £30.6bn (2008: £27.3bn) due to higher volumes and the impact of moving toward an advanced risk measurement methodology offset by favourable foreign exchange and lower secured lending balances in FirstPlus.

Total assets in GRCB – Western Europe remained stable at £64.2bn (2008: £65.5bn), as underlying asset growth was offset by depreciation in the period end value of the Euro against Sterling. Risk weighted assets decreased 12% (£4.6bn) to £32.4bn (2008: £37.0bn) driven by active management and the migration of certain retail portfolios onto the advanced credit risk approach.

 

GRCB – Emerging Markets’ total assets decreased 14% (£2.0bn) to £11.9bn (2008: £13.9bn), and risk weighted assets decreased 15% (£2.2bn) to £12.4bn (2008: £14.6bn) due to the business pro-actively managing down portfolio exposures and the impact of exchange rate movements driven by a realignment of lending strategy in light of the economic downturn. Customer assets decreased 25% (£2.4bn) to £7.3bn (2008: £9.7bn) and customer deposits decreased 9% (£0.8bn) to £8.5bn (2008: £9.3bn).

Total assets in GRCB – Absa increased 13% to £45.8bn (2008: £40.4bn) and risk weighted assets increased 14% (£2.6bn) to £21.4bn (2008: £18.8bn), reflecting the impact of exchange rate movements.

Total assets in Barclays Capital reduced 37% to £1,019.1bn (2008: £1,629.1bn) primarily as a result of lower derivative balances. There were further reductions in the trading portfolio and lending as well as depreciation in the value of other currencies relative to Sterling. These reductions contributed to an overall decrease of 9% in the adjusted gross leverage assets to £618.2bn (2008: £681bn). Risk weighted assets reduced 20% (£46.3bn) to £181.1bn (2008: £227.4bn) following reductions in the size of the balance sheet and reclassification of certain securitisation assets to capital deductions and depreciation on the value of other currencies against Sterling, partially offset by a deterioration in credit conditions which increased probabilities of default.

Barclays Global Investors’ total assets have decreased £65.9bn to £5.4bn (2008: £71.3bn) reflecting the sale of BGI and the Group’s ongoing interest in BlackRock shares.

In Barclays Wealth, total assets increased 14% to £15.1bn (2008: £13.3bn) and risk weighted assets increased 10% (£1.1bn) to £11.4bn (2008: £10.3bn) reflecting growth in loans and advances.


 

 

Total assets by business

 

     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

UK Retail Banking

   105,228    101,384    88,477

Barclays Commercial Bank

   75,547    84,029    74,566

Barclaycard

   30,220    30,925    22,121

GRCB – Western Europe

   64,185    65,519    43,702

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   11,874    13,866    9,188

GRCB – Absa

   45,824    40,391    36,368

Barclays Capital

   1,019,120    1,629,117    839,850

Barclays Global Investors

   5,406    71,340    89,218

Barclays Wealth

   15,095    13,263    18,188

Head office functions and other operations

   6,430    3,146    5,683

Total assets

   1,378,929    2,052,980    1,227,361

 

 

Risk weighted assets by business under Basel II

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m

UK Retail Banking

   32,176    30,491    31,463

Barclays Commercial Bank

   60,292    63,081    57,040

Barclaycard

   30,566    27,316    20,199

GRCB – Western Europe

   32,396    36,953    24,971

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   12,399    14,607    10,484

GRCB – Absa

   21,410    18,846    17,829

Barclays Capital

   181,117    227,448    178,206

Barclays Global Investors

   73    3,910    4,369

Barclays Wealth

   11,354    10,300    8,216

Head office functions and other operations

   870    350    1,101

Total risk weighted assets

   382,653    433,302    353,878


Table of Contents
        15  

 

LOGO

 

2008/07

Total assets increased 67% to £2,053.0bn (2007: £1,227.4bn). Risk weighted assets increased 22% to £433.3bn (2007: £353.9bn).

UK Retail Banking total assets increased 15% to £101.4bn (2007: £88.5bn) driven by growth in mortgage balances. Risk weighted assets decreased 3% to £30.5bn (2007: £31.5bn) as lending growth mainly in high quality, low risk mortgages was more than offset in capital terms by active risk management.

Barclays Commercial Bank total assets grew 13% to £84.0bn (2007: £74.6bn) driven by higher loans and advances. Risk weighted assets increased 11% to £63.1bn (2007: £57.0bn). This was slightly lower than asset growth, reflecting a relative increase in lower risk portfolios.

Barclaycard total assets increased 40% to £30.9bn ( 2007: £22.1bn) reflecting increases in International assets, the acquisition of Goldfish and the appreciation of the Euro and US Dollar against Sterling. Risk weighted assets increased 35% to £27.3bn ( 2007: £20.2bn), driven by acquisitions, the redemption of securitisation deals and exposure growth predominantly in the US.

GRCB – Western Europe total assets grew 50% to £65.5bn (2007: £43.7bn) reflecting growth in retail mortgages, unsecured lending, commercial lending and a 31% appreciation over the year in the value of the Euro against Sterling. Risk weighted assets increased 48% to £37bn (2007: £25.0bn), primarily reflecting underlying lending growth and the appreciation of the Euro.

GRCB – Emerging Markets total assets grew 51% to £13.9bn (2007: £9.2bn) reflecting increases in retail and commercial lending combined with the impact of Sterling depreciation. Risk weighted assets increased 39% to £14.6bn (2007: £10.5bn), reflecting portfolio growth.

GRCB – Absa total assets increased 11% to £40.4bn (2007: £36.4bn) reflecting broad based asset growth. Risk weighted assets increased 6% to £18.8bn (2007: £17.8bn), reflecting balance sheet growth.

Barclays Capital total assets increased 94% (£789.2bn) to £1,629.1bn (2007: £839.9bn) due to an increase in derivative assets of £736.7bn, predominantly driven by significant volatility and movements in yield curves in 2008, together with a substantial depreciation in Sterling against most major currencies. Total assets excluding derivatives increased by 9% in

Sterling. On a constant currency basis, total assets excluding derivatives decreased by approximately 15%. Risk weighted assets increased 28% to £227.4bn (2007: £178.2bn). This was driven by the depreciation in Sterling against the US Dollar and Euro, and an increase in market volatility.

The total assets of our former business, Barclays Global Investors, decreased 20% to £71.3bn (2007: £89.2bn), mainly attributable to adverse market movements in certain asset management products recognised as investment contracts. Risk weighted assets decreased 11% to £3.9bn (2007: £4.4bn) mainly attributed to changes in the asset class mix, partially offset by the weakening of Sterling against other currencies.

Barclays Wealth total assets decreased 27% to £13.3bn (2007: £18.2bn) reflecting the sale of the closed life assurance business partially offset by strong growth in lending to high net worth and intermediary clients. Risk weighted assets increased 26% to £10.3bn (2007: £8.2bn) reflecting strong growth in lending.

 

Head office functions and other operations total assets decreased 46% to £3.1bn (2007: £5.7bn). Risk weighted assets decreased 64% to £0.4bn (2007: £1.1bn). The decrease in the year was mainly attributable to the increased netting of Group deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Adjusted gross leverage

2009/08

The adjusted gross leverage ratio is defined as the multiple of adjusted total tangible assets over total qualifying Tier 1 capital.

Adjusted total tangible assets are total assets less derivative counterparty netting, assets under management on the balance sheet, settlement balances, goodwill and tangible assets. Tier 1 capital is defined by the UK FSA. Adjusted gross leverage is a non-IFRS measure. However, Barclays management believes that this measure provides valuable information to readers of Barclays financial statements as a key measure of stability, which is consistent with the views of regulators and investors. However, this measure is not a substitute for IFRS measures and readers should consider IFRS measures as well.

Limited netting is permitted under IFRS, even for receivables and payables with the same counterparty where there are contractually agreed netting arrangements. Derivative assets and liabilities would be £374bn (2008: £917bn) lower than reported under IFRS if netting were permitted for assets and liabilities with the same counterparty or for which we hold cash collateral.

Assets and liabilities also include amounts held under investment contracts with third parties of a further £2bn as at 31st December 2009 (2008: £69bn). These constitute asset management products offered to institutional pension funds which are required to be recognised as financial instruments. Changes in value in these assets are entirely to the account of the beneficial owner of the asset.

 

Adjusted gross leverage                      
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Total assets

   1,378,929      2,052,980      1,227,361   

Counterparty net/ collateralised derivatives

   (374,099   (917,074   (215,485
Financial assets designated at fair value and associated cash balances – held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts    (1,679   (69,183   (92,639

Net settlement balances

   (25,825   (29,786   (22,459

Goodwill and intangible assets

   (8,795   (10,402   (8,296

Adjusted total tangible assets

   968,531      1,026,535      888,482   

Total qualifying Tier 1 capital

   49,637      37,250      26,743   

Adjusted gross leverage

   20      28      33   


Table of Contents
  16        

 

Financial review

Balance sheet commentary

continued

 

 

 

Excluding these items, settlement balances, goodwill and intangible assets, our adjusted total tangible assets were £969bn at 31st December 2009 (2008: £1,026bn). At 31st December 2009 adjusted gross leverage was 20x (2008: 28x).

Adjusted total tangible assets include cash and balances at central banks of £81.5bn (2008: £30.0bn). Excluding these balances the adjusted gross leverage would be 18x (2008: 27x).

2008/07

Derivative assets and liabilities would be £917bn lower than reported under IFRS if netting were permitted for assets and liabilities with the same counterparty or for which we hold cash collateral. Assets and liabilities also include amounts held under investment contracts with third parties of a further £69bn as at 31st December 2008. These constitute asset management products offered to institutional pension funds which are required to be recognised as financial instruments. Changes in value in these assets are entirely to the account of the beneficial owner of the asset.

Excluding these items, settlement balances, goodwill and intangible assets, our adjusted total tangible assets were £1,026bn at 31st December 2008 (2007: £888bn). At 31st December 2008 adjusted gross leverage was 28x (2007: 33x).

Total shareholders’ equity

2009/08

Total shareholders’ equity increased £11,067m to £58,478m (2008: £47,411m).

Called up share capital comprises 11,412 million ordinary shares of 25p each (2008: 8,372 million ordinary shares of 25p each).

Retained earnings increased £9,637m to £33,845m (2008: £24,208m). Profit attributable to the equity holders of the Parent of £9,393m and the proceeds of capital raising of £784m were partially offset by dividends paid to shareholders of £113m. Other equity in the prior year represents Mandatorily Convertible Notes, which were converted into ordinary shares by June 2009.

Movements in other reserves, except the capital redemption reserve and

other capital reserve, reflect the relevant amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on page 179.

Non-controlling interests increased £408m to £11,201m (2008: £10,793m). The increase primarily reflects profit for the year attributable to non-controlling interests of £895m, currency translation differences of £277m, offset by dividends paid of £767m.

The Group’s authority to buy back equity shares was renewed at the 2009 AGM.

2008/07

Total shareholders’ equity increased £14,935m to £47,411m (2007: £32,476m).

Called up share capital comprised 8,372 million ordinary shares of 25p each (2007: 6,600 million ordinary shares of 25p each and 1 million staff shares of £1 each).

Retained earnings increased £3,238m to £24,208m (2007: £20,970m). Profit attributable to the equity holders of the Parent of £4,382m and the proceeds of capital raising of £1,410m were partially offset by dividends paid to shareholders of £2,344m. Other equity of £3,652m represents the issue of Mandatorily Convertible Notes, which were subsequently converted into ordinary shares prior to 1st July 2009.

Movements in other reserves, except the capital redemption reserve and other capital reserve, reflect the relevant amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on page 179.

Non-controlling interests increased £1,608m to £10,793m (2007: £9,185m). The increase primarily reflects a 2008 preference share issuance by Barclays Bank PLC of £1,345m.

Barclays Bank PLC

Preference shares issued by Barclays Bank PLC are included within share capital and share premium in the Barclays Bank PLC Group but represent non-controlling interests in the Barclays PLC Group. Certain issuances of reserve capital instruments and capital notes by Barclays Bank PLC are included within other shareholders’ equity in the Barclays Bank PLC Group but represent non-controlling interests in Barclays PLC Group.


 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 
      2009
£m
          2008
£m
          2007
£m
 
Barclays PLC Group                             

Called up share capital

   2,853         2,093         1,651   

Share premium account

   7,951         4,045         56   

Other equity

           3,652           

Available for sale reserve

   (110        (1,190        154   

Cash flow hedging reserve

   252         132         26   

Capital redemption reserve

   394         394         384   

Other capital reserve

   617         617         617   

Currency translation reserve

   1,615           2,840           (307

Other reserves

   2,768         2,793         874   

Retained earnings

   33,845         24,208         20,970   

Less: Treasury shares

   (140        (173        (260

Shareholders’ equity excluding

non-controlling interests

   47,277         36,618         23,291   

Non-controlling interests

   11,201           10,793           9,185   

Total shareholders’ equity

   58,478           47,411           32,476   

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 
     

2009

£m

          2008
£m
         

2007

£m

 
Barclays Bank PLC Group                             

Called up share capital

   2,402         2,398         2,382   

Share premium account

   12,092         12,060         10,751   

Available for sale reserve

   (84        (1,249        111   

Cash flow hedging reserve

   252         132         26   

Currency translation reserve

   1,615           2,840           (307

Other reserves

   1,783         1,723         (170

Other shareholders’ equity

   2,559         2,564         2,687   

Retained earnings

   37,089           22,457           14,222   

Shareholders’ equity excluding

non-controlling interests

   55,925         41,202         29,872   

Non-controlling interests

   2,774           2,372           1,949   

Total shareholders’ equity

   58,699           43,574           31,821   


Table of Contents
        17  

 

LOGO

 

Financial review

Capital management

 

 

 

Capital resources

2009/08

Core Tier 1 capital for Barclays PLC Group increased £14.1bn to £38.4bn and Tier 1 capital increased £12.4bn to £49.6bn.

Retained earnings and capital issues (including the conversion of the Mandatorily Convertible Notes) contributed £9.3bn and £4.7bn respectively to Core Tier 1 and Tier 1 capital. Reductions in the adjustment for own credit (£1.3bn) and deduction for intangible assets (£1.6bn) were broadly offset by the increase in securitisation deductions (£2.1bn).

The investment in BlackRock contributed to the £2.6bn increase in deductions from Tier 1 capital. This was partially offset by an increase in the amount of Reserve Capital Instruments eligible for inclusion in Tier 1.

Tier 2 capital decreased by £7.6bn. Deductions increased by £4.6bn, mainly in respect of the investment in BlackRock and securitisation positions. Subordinated loan capital decreased by £4.0bn, driven by net redemptions, the impact of exchange rate movements and lower levels of Reserve Capital Instruments in excess of the Tier 1 limits.

 

2008/07

Core Tier 1 capital increased by £7.6bn to £24.4bn and Tier 1 capital increased by £10.5bn during the year, driven by issues of ordinary shares (£5.2bn), other capital issuances (£4.3bn), retained profits (£2.0bn) and exchange rate movements (£3.2bn). These movements were partially offset by an increase in intangible assets (£1.3bn), innovative Tier 1 capital in excess of regulatory limits being reclassified as Tier 2 capital (£1.3bn) and the reversal of gains on own credit, net of tax (£1.2bn).

Tier 2 capital increased by £8.5bn due to issuance of loan capital (£3.6bn) net of redemptions (£1.1bn), inclusion of innovative capital in excess of the Tier 1 limits (£1.3bn), increases in collective impairment (£1.2bn) and exchange rate movements (£3.9bn).


 

 

Capital ratios under Basel II

 

   2009    2008    2007
      Barclays
PLC
Group
   Barclays
Bank PLC
Group
   Barclays
PLC
Group
   Barclays
Bank PLC
Group
   Barclays
PLC
Group
   Barclays
Bank PLC
Group

Capital ratios

   %    %    %    %    %    %

Core Tier 1 ratio

   10.0    10.1    5.6    5.6    4.7    4.5

Tier 1 ratio

   13.0    13.0    8.6    8.6    7.6    7.3

Risk asset ratio

   16.6    16.6    13.6    13.5    11.2    11.0
Risk weighted assets    £m    £m    £m    £m    £m    £m

Credit risk

   252,054    252,054    266,912    266,912    244,474    244,469

Counterparty risk

   45,450    45,450    70,902    70,902    41,203    41,203

Market risk

                 

– Modelled – VaR

   10,623    10,623    14,452    14,452    7,270    7,270

– Modelled – IRDC a and non-VaR

   5,378    5,378    7,771    7,771    5,522    5,522

– Standardised

   38,525    38,525    43,149    43,149    27,020    27,020

Operational risk

   30,623    30,623    30,116    30,116    28,389    28,389

Total risk weighted assets

   382,653    382,653    433,302    433,302    353,878    353,873

Note

 

a Incremental Default Risk Charge.


Table of Contents
  18        

 

Financial review

Capital management

continued

 

 

 

Capital resources continued

 

 

Total net capital resources under Basel II

 

     2009     2008     2007  
Capital resources
(as defined for regulatory purposes)
   Barclays
PLC
Group
£m
   

Barclays

Bank PLC
Group
£m

    Barclays
PLC
Group
£m
    Barclays
Bank PLC
Group
£m
    Barclays
PLC
Group
£m
    Barclays
Bank PLC
Group
£m
 

Ordinary shareholders’ funds a

   47,277      55,925      36,618      41,202      23,291      29,872   

Regulatory adjustments:

            

MCNs not yet converted

             (3,652               

Available for sale reserve – debt b

   83      83      372      372      49      49   

Available for sale reserve – equity

   (309   (335   (122   (63   (295   (514

Cash flow hedging reserve

   (252   (252   (132   (132   (26   (26

Defined benefit pension scheme

   431      431      849      849      1,052      1,052   

Adjustments for scope of regulatory consolidation

   196      196      847      847      (191   (191

Foreign exchange on RCIs and upper Tier 2 loan stock

   25      25      (231   (231   499      499   

Adjustment for own credit

   (340   (340   (1,650   (1,650   (461   (461

Other adjustments

   144      144      305      304      465      465   

Equity non-controlling interest

   2,351      2,351      1,981      1,981      1,608      1,608   

Less: Intangible assets

   (8,345   (8,345   (9,964   (9,964   (8,191   (8,191

Less: Net excess of expected loss over impairment at 50%

   (25   (25   (159   (159   (743   (743

Less: Securitisation positions at 50%

   (2,799   (2,799   (704   (704   (335   (335

Less: Non Core Tier 1 capital issues included in shareholders’ funds

        (8,427        (8,421        (7,236

Core Tier 1 Capital

   38,437      38,632      24,358      24,231      16,722      15,848   

Preference shares c

   6,256      6,256      6,191      6,191      5,035      5,035   

Reserve Capital Instruments d

   6,724      6,724      5,743      5,721      3,908      3,908   

Tier 1 Notes e

   1,017      1,017      1,086      1,086      899      899   

Tax on the net excess of expected loss over impairment

   8      8      46      46      207      207   

Less: Material holdings in financial companies at 50%

   (2,805   (2,915   (174   (174   (28   (28

Total qualifying Tier 1 capital

   49,637      49,722      37,250      37,101      26,743      25,869   

Revaluation reserves

   26      26      26      26      26      26   

Available for sale reserve – equity

   309      335      122      122      295      295   

Collectively assessed impairment allowances

   2,443      2,443      1,654      1,654      440      440   

Tier 2 non-controlling interests

   547      547      607      607      442      442   

Qualifying subordinated liabilities f

            

Undated loan capital

   1,350      1,350      6,745      6,768      3,191      3,191   

Dated loan capital

   15,657      15,658      14,215      14,215      10,578      10,578   

Less: Net excess of expected loss over impairment at 50%

   (25   (25   (158   (158   (743   (743

Less: Securitisation positions at 50%

   (2,799   (2,799   (704   (704   (335   (335

Less: Material holdings in financial companies at 50%

   (2,805   (2,915   (174   (174   (28   (28

Total qualifying Tier 2 capital

   14,703      14,620      22,333      22,356      13,866      13,866   

Less: Other regulatory deductions

   (880   (880   (856   (964   (826   (826

Total net capital resources

   63,460      63,462      58,727      58,493      39,783      38,909   

Notes

 

a For Barclays Bank PLC this balance represents Shareholders’ equity excluding non-controlling interests.

 

b Adjusted for the scope of regulatory consolidation.

 

c Preference shares are included in the balance sheet under non-controlling interests for Barclays PLC and shareholders equity for Barclays Bank PLC.

 

d Reserve Capital Instruments comprise instruments that are both debt and equity accounted and are included in the balance sheet under subordinated liabilities and non-controlling interests for Barclays PLC and subordinated liabilities and shareholders equity for Barclays Bank PLC.

 

e Tier 1 Notes are included in the balance sheet under subordinated liabilities.

 

f Qualifying subordinated liabilities include excess innovative Tier 1 instruments and are subject to limits laid down in the regulatory requirements.


Table of Contents
        19  

 

LOGO

 

Financial review

Additional financial disclosure

 

 

 

Deposits and short-term borrowings

Deposits

 

Deposits include deposits from banks and customers accounts.

 

      Averagea for the year ended
31st December
     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

   2007
£m

Deposits from banks

        

Customers in the United Kingdom

   13,702    14,003    15,321

Other European Union

   48,161    38,210    33,162

United States

   14,757    15,925    6,656

Africa

   2,218    3,110    4,452

Rest of the World

   24,350    36,599    36,626

Total deposits from banks

   103,188    107,847    96,217

Customer accounts

        

Customers in the United Kingdom

   197,363    206,020    187,249

Other European Union

   38,326    30,909    23,696

United States

   32,218    31,719    21,908

Africa

   37,009    35,692    29,855

Rest of the World

   23,655    27,653    23,032

Customer accounts

   328,571    331,993    285,740

Deposits from banks in offices in the United Kingdom received from non-residents amounted to £51,423m (2008: £63,284m).

 

     Year ended 31st December
    

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Customer accounts

  322,429    335,505    294,987

In offices in the United Kingdom:

       

Current and Demand accounts

       

– interest free

  45,160    41,351    33,400

Current and Demand accounts

       

– interest bearing

  24,066    20,898    32,047

Savings accounts

  71,238    68,335    70,682

Other time deposits – retail

  29,678    33,785    36,123

Other time deposits – wholesale

  52,891    74,417    65,726

Total repayable in offices in the United Kingdom

  223,033    238,786    237,978

In offices outside the United Kingdom:

       

Current and Demand accounts

       

– interest free

  7,308    4,803    2,990

Current and Demand accounts

       

– interest bearing

  24,176    15,463    11,570

Savings accounts

  9,950    7,673    3,917

Other time deposits

  57,962    68,780    38,532

Total repayable in offices outside the United Kingdom

  99,396    96,719    57,009

Customer accounts deposits in offices in the United Kingdom received from non-residents amounted to £57,014m (2008: £61,714m).

Note

 

a Calculated using month-end balances.

 

Short-term borrowings

Short-term borrowings include deposits from banks, commercial paper and negotiable certificates of deposit.

Deposits from banks

Deposits from banks are taken from a wide range of counterparties and generally have maturities of less than one year.

 

     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Year-end balance

   76,446    114,910    90,546

Average balanced a

   103,188    107,847    96,217

Maximum balance

   121,940    139,836    109,586

Average interest rate during year

   0.6%    3.6%    4.1%

Year-end interest rate

   0.4%    2.3%    4.0%

Commercial paper

Commercial paper is issued by the Group, mainly in the United States, generally in denominations of not less than US$100,000, with maturities of up to 270 days.

 

      2009
£m
  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Year-end balance

   19,300    27,692    23,451

Average balance a

   21,835    24,668    26,229

Maximum balance

   28,756    27,792    30,736

Average interest rate during year

   2.5%    4.4%    5.4%

Year-end interest rate

   2.5%    4.2%    5.2%

Negotiable certificates of deposit

Negotiable certificates of deposits are issued mainly in the United Kingdom and United States, generally in denominations of not less than US$100,000.

 

     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Year-end balance

   44,681    61,332    58,401

Average balance a

   54,960    55,122    55,394

Maximum balance

   64,054    67,715    62,436

Average interest rate during year

   2.3%    4.4%    5.1%

Year-end interest rate

   2.2%    4.1%    5.0%


Table of Contents
  20        

 

Financial review

Additional financial disclosure

continued

 

 

 

Commitments and contractual obligations

Commercial commitments include guarantees, contingent liabilities and standby facilities.

 

 

Commercial commitments

     Amount of commitment expiration per period
      Less than
one year
£m
   Between
one to
three years
£m
   Between
three to
five years
£m
   After
five years
£m
   Total
amounts
committed
£m

2009

              

Acceptances and endorsements

   372    3          375

Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security

   6,770    4,103    1,286    3,247    15,406

Securities lending arrangements a

   27,406             27,406

Other contingent liabilities

   7,637    853    381    716    9,587

Documentary credits and other short-term trade related transactions

   722    38    2       762

Forward asset purchases and forward deposits placed

   46             46

Standby facilities, credit lines and other

   145,916    44,004    9,794    6,753    206,467

2008

              

Acceptances and endorsements

   576    6    3       585

Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security

   7,272    2,529    1,781    4,070    15,652

Securities lending arrangements a

   38,290             38,290

Other contingent liabilities

   7,989    1,604    372    1,818    11,783

Documentary credits and other short-term trade related transactions

   770    88    1       859

Forward asset purchases and forward deposits placed

   50    241          291

Standby facilities, credit lines and other

   195,035    29,666    26,150    8,815    259,666

Contractual obligations include debt securities, operating lease and purchase obligations.

 

 

Contractual obligations

     Payments due by period
      Less than
one year
£m
   Between
one to
three years
£m
   Between
three to
five years
£m
   After
five years
£m
   Total
£m

2009

              

Long-term debt

   80,824    31,138    12,982    28,626    153,570

Operating lease obligations

   468    808    675    2,936    4,887

Purchase obligations

   1,109    940    541    1,243    3,833

Total

   82,401    32,886    14,198    32,805    162,290

2008

              

Long-term debt

   108,172    24,701    10,855    22,008    165,736

Operating lease obligations

   280    690    785    2,745    4,500

Purchase obligations

   214    225    61    20    520

Total

   108,666    25,616    11,701    24,773    170,756

The long-term debt does not include undated loan capital of £8,148m (2008: £13,673m). Further information on the contractual maturity of the Group’s assets and liabilities is given in Note 49.

Note

 

a Securities lending arrangements are fully collateralised, and are not expected to result in an outflow of funds from the Group, see Note 34 on page 220 for further details.


Table of Contents
        21  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Securities

The following table analyses the book value of securities which are carried at fair value.

 

 

     2009    2008    2007
      Book value
£m
   Amortised
cost
£m
   Book value
£m
   Amortised
cost
£m
   Book value
£m
   Amortised
cost
£m

Investment securities – available for sale

                 

Debt securities:

                 

United Kingdom government

   77    74    1,238    1,240    78    81

Other government

   10,958    8,389    11,456    11,338    7,383    7,434

Other public bodies and US Agencies

   3,456    3,505    14,660    14,834    5,052    5,048

Mortgage and asset backed securities

   2,498    2,958    3,510    4,126    1,367    1,429

Bank and building society certificates of deposit

   7,697    7,343    10,478    10,535    3,028    3,029

Corporate and other issuers

   19,202    18,986    17,489    17,908    21,765    21,803

Equity securities

   6,676    6,247    2,142    1,814    1,676    1,418

Investment securities – available for sale

   50,564    47,502    60,973    61,795    40,349    40,242

Other securities – held for trading

                 

Debt securities:

                 

United Kingdom government

   6,815    n/a    6,955    n/a    3,832    n/a

Other government

   54,161    n/a    50,727    n/a    51,104    n/a

Other public bodies and US Agencies

   20,517    n/a    21,909    n/a    9,466    n/a

Mortgage and asset backed securities

   12,942    n/a    30,748    n/a    27,572    n/a

Bank and building society certificates of deposit

   995    n/a    7,518    n/a    17,751    n/a

Corporate and other issuers

   21,164    n/a    30,829    n/a    43,053    n/a

Equity securities

   19,602    n/a    30,535    n/a    36,307    n/a

Other securities – held for trading

   136,196    n/a    179,221    n/a    189,085    n/a

Investment debt securities include government securities held as part of the Group’s treasury management portfolio for asset and liability, liquidity and regulatory purposes and are for use on a continuing basis in the activities of the Group. In addition, the Group holds as investments listed and unlisted corporate securities.

Bank and building society certificates of deposit are freely negotiable and have original maturities of up to five years, but are typically held for shorter periods.

In addition to UK government securities shown above, the Group held the following government securities which exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity in any of the last three years. These securities are held at fair value.

 

 

Government securities

     2009    2008    2007
      Book value
£m
   Book value
£m
   Book value
£m

United States

   17,356    17,165    15,156

Japan

   7,609    9,092    9,124

Germany

   9,698    5,832    5,136

France

   2,574    4,091    3,538

Italy

   6,297    6,091    5,090

Spain

   4,948    3,647    3,674

 

 

Maturities and yield of available for sale debt securities

 

     Maturing within
one year
   Maturing after one but
within five years
   Maturing after five but
within ten years
   Maturing after
ten years
   Total
      Amount
£m
   Yield
%
   Amount
£m
   Yield
%
   Amount
£m
   Yield
%
   Amount
£m
   Yield
%
   Amount
£m
   Yield
%

Government

   971    5.3    6,647    2.5    2,147    1.8    1,270    1.2    11,035    2.5

Other public bodies and US Agencies

   14    3.6    148    2.4    3,279    4.1    15    4.8    3,456    4.1

Other issuers

   14,727    2.7    12,983    1.4    1,075    3.0    612    3.4    29,397    2.3

Total book value

   15,712    2.9    19,778    1.8    6,501    3.2    1,897    1.9    43,888    2.5

The yield for each range of maturities is calculated by dividing the annualised interest income prevailing at 31st December 2009 by the fair value of securities held at that date.


Table of Contents
  22        

 

Financial review

Additional financial disclosure

continued

 

 

 

Average balance sheet

Average balance sheet and net interest income (year ended 31st December)

 

     

2009

  

2008

  

2007

      Average
balance a
£m
    Interest
£m
    Average
rate
%
   Average
balance a
£m
    Interest
£m
    Average
rate
%
   Average
balance a
£m
    Interest
£m
    Average
rate
%

Assets

                    

Loans and advances to banks b:

                    

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   41,912      483      1.2    38,913      1,453      3.7    29,431      1,074      3.6

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   35,073      271      0.8    14,379      419      2.9    12,262      779      6.4

Loans and advances to customers b:

                    

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   264,687      9,405      3.6    249,081      13,714      5.5    205,707      13,027      6.3

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   135,936      8,869      6.5    116,284      9,208      7.9    88,212      6,733      7.6

Lease receivables:

                    

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   4,316      174      4.0    4,827      281      5.8    4,822      283      5.9

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   7,406      732      9.9    6,543      752      11.5    5,861      691      11.8

Financial investments:

                    

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   46,702      1,525      3.3    35,844      1,654      4.6    37,803      2,039      5.4

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   13,590      485      3.6    10,450      697      6.7    14,750      452      3.1

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed:

                    

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   163,139      1,770      1.1    207,521      8,768      4.2    211,709      9,644      4.6

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   145,606      665      0.5    128,250      4,450      3.5    109,012      5,454      5.0

Trading portfolio assets:

                    

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   96,421      3,262      3.4    107,626      4,948      4.6    120,691      5,926      4.9

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   103,789      3,228      3.1    128,287      5,577      4.3    57,535      3,489      6.1

Financial assets designated at fair value:

                    

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   18,881      822      4.4    20,299      1,325      6.5    19,154      849      4.4

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   13,552      315      2.3    8,690      426      4.9    11,298      713      6.3

Total average interest earning assets

   1,091,010      32,006      2.9    1,076,994      53,672      5.0    928,247      51,153      5.5

Impairment allowances/provisions

   (8,705        (5,749        (4,435    

Non-interest earning assets

   782,378                 682,867                 392,382             

Total average assets and interest income

   1,864,683      32,006      1.7    1,754,112      53,672      3.1    1,316,194      51,153      3.9

Percentage of total average interest earning assets in offices outside the United Kingdom

   41.7%           38.3%           32.2%       

Total average interest earning assets related to:

                    

Interest income c

     32,006      2.9      53,672      5.0      51,153      5.5

Interest expense c

         (20,713   1.9          (39,820   3.8          (39,201   4.6
           11,293      1.0          13,852      1.2          11,952      0.9

Notes

 

a Average balances are based upon daily averages for most UK banking operations and monthly averages elsewhere.

 

b Loans and advances to banks and customers include all doubtful lendings, including non- accrual lendings. Interest receivable on such lendings has been included to the extent to which either cash payments have been received or interest has been accrued in accordance with the income recognition policy of the Group.

 

c In addition to interest income and interest expense shown on the income statement on page 178, interest income and interest expense above includes interest related to principal transactions and available for sale assets and liabilities.


Table of Contents
        23  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Average balance sheet and net interest income (year ended 31st December)
   2009    2008    2007
      Average
balance a
£m
   Interest
£m
   Average
rate
%
   Average
balance a
£m
   Interest
£m
   Average
rate
%
   Average
balance a
£m
   Interest
£m
   Average
rate
%

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

                          

Deposits by banks:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   66,394    805    1.2    70,272    2,780    4.0    63,902    2,511    3.9

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   31,091    295    0.9    32,172    956    3.0    27,596    1,225    4.4

Customer accounts:

                          

demand deposits:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   20,989    374    1.8    24,333    910    3.7    29,110    858    2.9

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   23,774    876    3.7    14,902    572    3.8    13,799    404    2.9

Customer accounts:

                          

savings deposits:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   71,818    388    0.5    71,062    2,143    3.0    55,064    2,048    3.7

– in offices outside the

                          

United Kingdom

   8,563    326    3.8    7,033    413    5.9    4,848    128    2.6

Customer accounts:

                          

other time deposits – retail:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   30,233    647    2.1    32,283    1,523    4.7    30,578    1,601    5.2

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   28,612    1,728    6.0    20,055    1,350    6.7    12,425    724    5.8

Customer accounts:

                          

other time deposits – wholesale:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   54,459    1,140    2.1    60,574    2,362    3.9    52,147    2,482    4.8

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   20,595    988    4.8    31,300    2,094    6.7    24,298    1,661    6.8

Debt securities in issue:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   75,950    2,186    2.9    41,014    1,920    4.7    41,552    2,053    4.9

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   81,077    2,278    2.8    80,768    3,734    4.6    94,271    5,055    5.4

Dated and undated loan capital and other subordinated liabilities principally:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   26,379    1,889    7.2    22,912    1,435    6.3    12,972    763    5.9

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   169,824    1,300    0.8    203,967    8,445    4.1    169,272    7,616    4.5

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   215,714    849    0.4    177,883    2,800    1.6    118,050    5,051    4.3

Trading portfolio liabilities:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   55,704    2,193    3.9    56,675    2,657    4.7    47,971    2,277    4.7

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   36,812    999    2.7    62,239    2,087    3.4    29,838    1,435    4.8

Financial liabilities designated at fair value:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   32,573    1,223    3.8    32,311    1,062    3.3    16,337    1,068    6.5

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   18,484    229    1.2    14,237    577    4.1    9,190    241    2.6

Total average interest bearing liabilities

   1,069,045    20,713    1.9    1,055,992    39,820    3.8    853,220    39,201    4.6

Interest free customer deposits:

                          

– in offices in the United Kingdom

   43,897          40,439          34,109      

– in offices outside the United Kingdom

   4,816          3,089          3,092      

Other non-interest bearing liabilities

   696,478          617,910          395,946      

Non-controlling and other interests and shareholders’ equity

   50,447              36,682              29,827          

Total average liabilities, shareholders’ equity and interest expense

   1,864,683    20,713    1.1    1,754,112    39,820    2.3    1,316,194    39,201    3.0

Percentage of total average interest bearing non-capital liabilities in offices outside the United Kingdom

   43.5%              41.7%              39.2%          

Note

 

a Average balances are based upon daily averages for most UK banking operations and monthly averages elsewhere.


Table of Contents
  24        

 

Financial review

Additional financial disclosure

continued

 

 

 

Changes in net interest income – volume and rate analysis

The following tables allocate changes in net interest income between changes in volume and changes in interest rates for the last two years. Volume and rate variances have been calculated on the movement in

the average balances and the change in the interest rates on average interest earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities. Where variances have arisen from changes in both volumes and interest rates, these have been allocated proportionately between the two.


 

 

 

     2009/2008 Change due
to increase/
(decrease) in:
    2008/2007 Change due
to increase/
(decrease) in:
    2007/2006 Change due
to increase/
(decrease) in:
 
      Total
change
£m
    Volume
£m
    Rate
£m
    Total
change
£m
    Volume
£m
    Rate
£m
    Total
change
£m
    Volume
£m
    Rate
£m
 

Interest receivable

                  

Loans and advances to banks:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (970   104      (1,074   379      354      25      427      402      25   

– in offices outside the UK

   (148   310      (458   (360   117      (477   291      (1   292   
     (1,118   414      (1,532   19      471      (452   718      401      317   

Loans and advances to customers:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (4,309   814      (5,123   687      2,525      (1,838   1,780      1,337      443   

– in offices outside the UK

   (339   1,422      (1,761   2,475      2,214      261      1,802      728      1,074   
     (4,648   2,236      (6,884   3,162      4,739      (1,577   3,582      2,065      1,517   

Lease receivables:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (107   (27   (80   (2        (2   (17   (26   9   

– in offices outside the UK

   (20   92      (112   61      79      (18   96      (30   126   
     (127   65      (192   59      79      (20   79      (56   135   

Financial investments:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (129   426      (555   (385   (102   (283   103      (165   268   

– in offices outside the UK

   (212   171      (383   245      (163   408      (378   32      (410
     (341   597      (938   (140   (265   125      (275   (133   (142

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (6,998   (1,564   (5,434   (876   (188   (688   3,508      1,865      1,643   

– in offices outside the UK

   (3,785   532      (4,317   (1,004   855      (1,859   414      430      (16
     (10,783   (1,032   (9,751   (1,880   667      (2,547   3,922      2,295      1,627   

Trading portfolio assets:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (1,686   (477   (1,209   (978   (616   (362   1,760      621      1,139   

– in offices outside the UK

   (2,349   (943   (1,406   2,088      3,303      (1,215   881      (172   1,053   
     (4,035   (1,420   (2,615   1,110      2,687      (1,577   2,641      449      2,192   

Financial assets designated at fair value:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (503   (87   (416   476      53      423      479      534      (55

– in offices outside the UK

   (111   174      (285   (287   (146   (141   478      357      121   
     (614   87      (701   189      (93   282      957      891      66   

Total interest receivable:

                  

– in offices in the UK

   (14,702   (811   (13,891   (699   2,026      (2,725   8,040      4,568      3,472   

– in offices outside the UK

   (6,964   1,758      (8,722   3,218      6,259      (3,041   3,584      1,344      2,240   
     (21,666   947      (22,613   2,519      8,285      (5,766   11,624      5,912      5,712   


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        25  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Changes in net interest income – volume and rate analysis                                                
  2009/2008 Change due

to increase/

(decrease) in:

  

  

  

  2008/2007 Change due
to increase/
(decrease) in:
         2007/2006 Change due
to increase/

(decrease) in:

    

  

     Total
change
£m
    Volume
£m
    Rate
£m
    Total
change
£m
    Volume
£m
    Rate
£m
    Total
change
£m
    Volume
£m
    Rate
£m
 

Interest payable

                 

Deposits by banks:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (1,975   (146   (1,829   269      252      17      47      66      (19

– in offices outside the UK

  (661   (31   (630   (269   181      (450   88      190      (102
    (2,636   (177   (2,459        433      (433   135      256      (121

Customer accounts – demand deposits:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (536   (111   (425   52      (155   207      178      105      73   

– in offices outside the UK

  304      327      (23   168      34      134      150      95      55   
    (232   216      (448   220      (121   341      328      200      128   

Customer accounts – savings deposits:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (1,755   23      (1,778   95      527      (432   357      (81   438   

– in offices outside the UK

  (87   77      (164   285      77      208      54      45      9   
    (1,842   100      (1,942   380      604      (224   411      (36   447   

Customer accounts – other time deposits – retail:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (876   (91   (785   (78   86      (164   53      (204   257   

– in offices outside the UK

  378      529      (151   626      500      126      242      200      42   
    (498   438      (936   548      586      (38   295      (4   299   

Customer accounts – other time deposits – wholesale:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (1,222   (219   (1,003   (120   367      (487   688      263      425   

– in offices outside the UK

  (1,106   (605   (501   433      469      (36   470      45      425   
    (2,328   (824   (1,504   313      836      (523   1,158      308      850   

Debt securities in issue:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  266      1,202      (936   (133   (26   (107   203      (240   443   

– in offices outside the UK

  (1,456   14      (1,470   (1,321   (673   (648   1,369      1,063      306   
    (1,190   1,216      (2,406   (1,454   (699   (755   1,572      823      749   

Dated and undated loan capital and other subordinated liabilities principally in offices in the UK

  454      233      221      672      620      52      (14   (41   27   

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (7,145   (1,217   (5,928   829      1,471      (642   2,536      1,090      1,446   

– in offices outside the UK

  (1,951   497      (2,448   (2,251   1,840      (4,091   740      1,402      (662
    (9,096   (720   (8,376   (1,422   3,311      (4,733   3,276      2,492      784   

Trading portfolio liabilities:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (464   (45   (419   380      408      (28   263      (80   343   

– in offices outside the UK

  (1,088   (742   (346   652      1,189      (537   83      (366   449   
    (1,552   (787   (765   1,032      1,597      (565   346      (446   792   

Financial liabilities designated at fair value:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  161      8      153      (6   700      (706   571      82      489   

– in offices outside the UK

  (348   137      (485   336      168      168      29      29        
    (187   145      (332   330      868      (538   600      111      489   

Total interest payable:

                 

– in offices in the UK

  (13,092   (363   (12,729   1,960      4,250      (2,290   4,882      960      3,922   

– in offices outside the UK

  (6,015   203      (6,218   (1,341   3785      (5,126   3,225      2,703      522   
    (19,107   (160   (18,947   619      8,035      (7,416   8,107      3,663      4,444   

Movement in net interest income

                 

Increase/(decrease) in interest receivable

  (21,666   947      (22,613   2,519      8,285      (5,766   11,624      5,912      5,712   

(Increase)/decrease in interest payable

  19,107      160      18,947      (619   (8,035   7,416      (8,107   (3,663   (4,444
    (2,559   1,107      (3,666   1,900      250      1,650      3,517      2,249      1,268   


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  26        

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Critical accounting estimates

The Group’s accounting policies are set out on pages 167 to 177. Certain of these policies, as well as estimates made by management, are considered to be important to an understanding of the Group’s financial condition since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgements and estimates, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. The following accounting policies include estimates which are particularly sensitive in terms of judgements and the extent to which estimates are used. Other accounting policies involve significant amounts of judgements and estimates, but the total amounts involved are not significant to the financial statements. Management has discussed the accounting policies and critical accounting estimates with the Board Audit Committee.

Fair value of financial instruments

Some of the Group’s financial instruments are carried at fair value through profit or loss, such as those held for trading, designated by management under the fair value option and non-cash flow hedging derivatives.

Other non-derivative financial assets may be designated as available for sale. Available for sale financial investments are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently held at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of such assets are included as a separate component of equity. Financial instruments entered into as trading transactions, together with any associated hedging, are measured at fair value and the resultant profits and losses are included in net trading income, along with interest and dividends arising from long and short positions and funding costs relating to trading activities. Assets and liabilities resulting from gains and losses on financial instruments held for trading are reported gross in trading portfolio assets and liabilities or derivative financial instruments, reduced by the effects of netting agreements where there is an intention to settle net with counterparties.

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Where a valuation model is used to determine fair value, it makes maximum use of market inputs. The classification of these instruments is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Financial instruments with a fair value based on quoted market prices (Level 1) include valuations which are determined by unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets where the quoted price is readily available, and the price represents actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis.

Financial instruments with a fair value based on observable inputs (Level 2), other than quoted market prices as described for Level 1, but which are observable for the instrument, either directly or indirectly.

Financial instruments with a fair value based on significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), include valuations which incorporate significant inputs for the instrument that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Unobservable inputs are those not readily available in an active market due to market illiquidity or complexity of the product. These inputs are generally determined based on observable inputs of a similar nature, historic observations on the level of the input or analytical techniques.

An analysis of financial instruments carried at fair value by valuation hierarchy, particulars of the valuation techniques used and a sensitivity analysis of valuations using unobservable inputs is included in Note 50. This note also includes a discussion of the more judgemental aspects of valuation in the period, including: credit valuation adjustments on monoline exposures, commercial real estate loans, and private equity investments.

Allowances for loan impairment and other credit risk provisions

Allowances for loan impairment represent management’s estimate of the losses incurred in the loan portfolios as at the balance sheet date. Changes to the allowances for loan impairment and changes to the provisions for undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees provided are reported in the consolidated income statement as part of the impairment charge. Provision is made for undrawn loan commitments and similar facilities if it is probable that the facility will be drawn and result in recognition of an asset at an amount less than the amount advanced.

Within the retail and small businesses portfolios, which comprise large numbers of small homogeneous assets with similar risk characteristics where credit scoring techniques are generally used, statistical techniques are used to calculate impairment allowances on a portfolio basis, based on historical recovery rates and assumed emergence periods. These statistical analyses use as primary inputs the extent to which accounts in the portfolio



Table of Contents
        27  

 

Financial review

Additional financial disclosure

continued

 

 

 

are in arrears and historical information on the eventual losses encountered from such delinquent portfolios. There are many such models in use, each tailored to a product, line of business or customer category. Judgement and knowledge is needed in selecting the statistical methods to use when the models are developed or revised. The impairment allowance reflected in the financial statements for these portfolios is therefore considered to be reasonable and supportable. The impairment charge reflected in the income statement for these portfolios is £3,917m (2008: £2,333m) and amounts to 53% (2008: 47%) of the total impairment charge on loans and advances in 2009.

For larger accounts, impairment allowances are calculated on an individual basis and all relevant considerations that have a bearing on the expected future cash flows are taken into account, for example, the business prospects for the customer, the realisable value of collateral, the Group’s position relative to other claimants, the reliability of customer information and the likely cost and duration of the work-out process. The level of the impairment allowance is the difference between the value of the discounted expected future cash flows (discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate), and its carrying amount. Subjective judgements are made in the calculation of future cash flows. Furthermore, judgements change with time as new information becomes available or as work-out strategies evolve, resulting in frequent revisions to the impairment allowance as individual decisions are taken. Changes in these estimates would result in a change in the allowances and have a direct impact on the impairment charge. The impairment charge reflected in the financial statements in relation to larger accounts is £3,441m (2008: £2,580m) and amounts to 47% (2008: 53%) of the total impairment charge on loans and advances. Further information on impairment allowances is set out in Note 7 on page 188.

Goodwill

Management have to consider at least annually whether the current carrying value of goodwill is impaired. The first step of the process requires the identification of independent cash generating units and the allocation of goodwill to these units. This allocation is based on the areas of the business expected to benefit from the synergies derived from the acquisition. The allocation is reviewed following business reorganisation. The carrying value of the unit, including the allocated goodwill, is compared to its fair value to determine whether any impairment exists. If the fair value of a unit is less than its carrying value, goodwill will be impaired. Detailed calculations may need to be carried out taking into consideration changes in the market in

 

which a business operates (e.g. competitive activity, regulatory change). In the absence of readily available market price data this calculation is based upon discounting expected pre-tax cash flows at a risk adjusted interest rate appropriate to the operating unit, the determination of both of which requires the exercise of judgement. The estimation of pre-tax cash flows is sensitive to the periods for which detailed forecasts are available and to assumptions regarding the long-term sustainable cash flows. While forecasts are compared with actual performance and external economic data, expected cash flows naturally reflect management’s view of future performance. The most significant amounts of goodwill relate to UK Retail Banking and GRCB – Absa, where goodwill impairment testing performed in 2009 indicated that this goodwill was not impaired. An analysis of goodwill by cluster, together with key assumptions underlying the impairment testing, is included in Note 21 on page 199.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets that derive their value from contractual customer relationships or that can be separated and sold and have a finite useful life are amortised over their estimated useful life. Determining the estimated useful life of these finite life intangible assets requires an analysis of circumstances, and judgement by the Group’s management. At each balance sheet date, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances dictate, intangible assets are assessed for indications of impairment. If indications are present, these assets are subject to an impairment review. The impairment review comprises a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset with its recoverable amount: the higher of the asset’s or the cash-generating unit’s net selling price and its value in use. Net selling price is calculated by reference to the amount at which the asset could be disposed of in a binding sale agreement in an arm’s length transaction evidenced by an active market or recent transactions for similar assets. Value in use is calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows obtainable as a result of the asset’s continued use, including those resulting from its ultimate disposal, at a market-based discount rate on a pre-tax basis. The most significant amounts of intangible assets relate to the GRCB – Absa and Lehman Brothers North American businesses.

Retirement benefit obligations

The Group provides pension plans for employees in most parts of the world. Arrangements for staff retirement benefits vary from country to country and are made in accordance with local regulations and customs. For defined contribution schemes, the pension cost recognised in the profit and loss



Table of Contents
  28        

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

account represents the contributions payable to the scheme. For defined benefit schemes, actuarial valuation of each of the scheme’s obligations using the projected unit credit method and the fair valuation of each of the scheme’s assets are performed annually in accordance with the requirements of IAS 19.

The actuarial valuation is dependent upon a series of assumptions, the key ones being interest rates, mortality, investment returns and inflation. Mortality estimates are based on standard industry and national mortality tables, adjusted where appropriate to reflect the Group’s own experience. The returns on fixed interest investments are set to market yields at the valuation date (less an allowance for risk) to ensure consistency with the asset valuation. The returns on UK and overseas equities are based on the long-term outlook for global equities at the calculation date having regard to current market yields and dividend growth expectations. The inflation assumption reflects long-term expectations of both earnings and retail price inflation.

The difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date, adjusted for any historic unrecognised actuarial gains or losses and past service cost, is recognised as a liability in the balance sheet. An asset arising, for example, as a result of past over-funding or the performance of the plan investments, is recognised to the extent that it does not exceed the present value of future contribution holidays or refunds of contributions. To the extent that any unrecognised gains or losses at the start of the measurement year in relation to any individual defined benefit scheme exceed 10% of the greater of the fair value of the scheme assets and the defined benefit obligation for that scheme, a proportion of the excess is recognised in the income statement.

The Group’s IAS 19 pension deficit across all schemes as at 31st December 2009 was £3,946m (Note 30) (2008: £1,287m). There are net recognised liabilities of £698m (2008: £1,292m) and unrecognised actuarial losses of £3,248m (Note 30) (2008: £5m gains). The net recognised liabilities comprised retirement benefit liabilities of £769m (2008: £1,357m) and assets of £71m (2008: £65m).

The Group’s IAS 19 pension deficit in respect of the main UK scheme as at 31st December 2009 was £3,534m (2008: £858m). The most significant reasons for this change were the decrease in AA corporate bond yields which resulted in a lower discount rate of 5.61% (31st December 2008: 6.75%) and an increase in the long-term inflation assumption to 3.76% (31st December 2008: 3.16%). The impact of the change in assumptions was partially offset by a one-off curtailment credit resulting from the closure of the UK final salary pension schemes to existing

members, better than expected asset performance, and contributions paid in excess of the pension expense.

Further information on retirement benefit obligations, including assumptions, is set out in Note 30 to the accounts on page 210.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset, or a portion of a financial asset, where the contractual rights to that asset have expired. Derecognition is also appropriate where the rights to further cash flows from the asset have been transferred to a third party and, with them, either:

(i) substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset; or

(ii) significant risks and rewards, along with the unconditional ability to sell or pledge the asset.

Where significant risks and rewards have been transferred, but the transferee does not have the unconditional ability to sell or pledge the asset, the Group continues to account for the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement (‘continuing involvement accounting’).

To assess the extent to which risks and rewards have been transferred, it is often necessary to perform a quantitative analysis. Such an analysis will compare the Group’s exposure to variability in asset cash flows before the transfer with its retained exposure after the transfer.

A cash flow analysis of this nature typically involves significant judgement. In particular, it is necessary to estimate the asset’s expected future cash flows as well as potential variability around this expectation. The method of estimating expected future cash flows depends on the nature of the asset, with market and market-implied data used to the greatest extent possible. The potential variability around this expectation is typically determined by stressing underlying parameters to create reasonable alternative upside and downside scenarios. Probabilities are then assigned to each scenario. Stressed parameters may include default rates, loss severity or prepayment rates.

Where neither derecognition nor continuing involvement accounting is appropriate, the Group continues to recognise the asset in its entirety and recognises any consideration received as a financial liability.

Taxation

The tax charge in the accounts for amounts due to fiscal authorities in the various territories in which the Group operates includes estimates based on judgement of the application of law and practice to quantify any liability arising after taking into account external advice where appropriate.



Table of Contents
        29  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

 

 

 

Barclays Overview

Listed in London and New York, Barclays is a major global and financial service provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management presence in Europe, United States, Africa and Asia. With a strong long-term credit rating and over 300 years of history and expertise in banking. Barclays moves, lend and invests money for 48 million customer and client worldwide. The following section analyses the Group’s performance by business.

For management reporting purposes during 2009, Barclays was organised into the following business groupings:

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

 

UK Retail Banking

 

Barclays Commercial Bank

 

Barclaycard

 

GRCB – Western Europe

 

GRCB – Emerging Markets

 

GRCB – Absa

Investment Banking and Investment Management

 

Barclays Capital

 

Barclays Global Investors

 

Barclays Wealth

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

UK Retail Banking

UK Retail Banking comprises Personal Customers, Home Finance, Local Business, Consumer Lending and Barclays Financial Planning. This cluster of businesses aims to build broader and deeper relationships with its Personal and Local Business customers through providing a wide range of products and financial services. Personal Customers and Home Finance provide access to current account and savings products, Woolwich branded mortgages and general insurance.

Consumer Lending provides unsecured loan and protection products and Barclays Financial Planning provides investment advice and products. Local Business provides banking services, including money transmission, to small businesses.

Barclays Commercial Bank

Barclays Commercial Bank provides banking services to organisations with an annual turnover of more than £1m. Customers are served via a network of relationship and industry sector specialists, which provides solutions constructed from a comprehensive suite of banking products, support, expertise and services, including specialist asset financing and leasing facilities. Customers are also offered access to the products and expertise of other businesses in the Group, particularly Barclays Capital, Barclaycard and Barclays Wealth.

Barclaycard

Barclaycard is a multi-brand credit card and consumer lending business which also processes card payments for retailers and merchants and issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. It is one of Europe’s leading credit card businesses and has an increasing presence in the United States and South Africa.

In the UK, Barclaycard comprises Barclaycard UK Cards, Barclaycard Partnerships, Barclays Partner Finance and FirstPlus.

Outside the UK, Barclaycard provides credit cards in the United States, Germany, South Africa (through management of the Absa credit card portfolio) and in the Scandinavian region, where Barclaycard operates through Entercard, a joint venture with Swedbank.

Barclaycard works closely with other parts of the Group, including UK Retail Banking, Barclays Commercial Bank and GRCB – Western Europe and GRCB – Emerging Markets, to leverage their distribution capabilities.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Western Europe

GRCB – Western Europe encompasses Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking, as well as Barclaycard operations, in Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Russia. GRCB – Western Europe serves customers through a variety of distribution channels. GRCB – Western Europe provides a variety of products including retail mortgages, current and deposit accounts, commercial lending, unsecured lending, credit cards, investments, and insurance serving the needs of Barclays retail, mass affluent, and corporate customers.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Emerging Markets

GRCB – Emerging Markets serves retail and commercial banking customers in Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Pakistan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, the UAE, Zambia, Indonesia and Zimbabwe. Through a network of more than 683 distribution points and 1,023 ATMs, we provide 3.7 million customers and clients with a full range of products and services. This includes current accounts, savings, investments, mortgages and secured and unsecured lending.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Absa

GRCB – Absa represents Barclays consolidation of Absa, excluding Absa Capital and Absa Card and Absa Wealth which is included as part of Barclays Capital, Barclaycard and Barclays Wealth respectively. Absa Group Limited is a South African financial services organisation serving personal, commercial and corporate customers predominantly in South Africa. GRCB – Absa serves retail customers through a variety of distribution channels and offers a full range of banking services, including current and deposit accounts, mortgages, instalment finance, credit cards, bancassurance products and wealth management services. It also offers customised business solutions for commercial and large corporate customers.

Barclays Capital

Barclays Capital is the investment banking division of Barclays that provides large corporate, institutional and government clients with solutions to their financing and risk management needs.

Barclays Capital services a wide variety of client needs, covering strategic advisory and M&A; equity and fixed income capital raising and corporate lending; and risk management across foreign exchange, interest rates, equities and commodities.

Activities are organised into three principal areas: Global Markets, which includes commodities, credit products, equities, foreign exchange, interest rate products; Investment Banking, which includes corporate advisory, Mergers and Acquisitions, equity and fixed-income capital raising and corporate lending; and Private Equity and Principal Investments. Barclays Capital includes Absa Capital, the investment banking business of Absa. Barclays Capital works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities.

Barclays Global Investors

The majority of the BGI business, which was previously reported as a separate business segment, was sold on 1st December 2009 to BlackRock, Inc. and represents the Group’s discontinued operations. The continuing operations of BGI disclosed in the segmental analysis represent residual obligations under the cash support arrangements and associated liquidity support charges and, from 1st December 2009, include the Group’s 19.9% ongoing economic interest in BlackRock, Inc. This investment is accounted for as an available for sale equity investment, with no dividends being received during 2009.

Barclays Wealth

Barclays Wealth focuses on private and intermediary clients worldwide providing international and private banking, fiduciary services, investment management, and brokerage.

Barclays Wealth works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities.

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

Head Office Functions and Other Operations comprises head office and central support functions, businesses in transition and inter-segment adjustments.

Head office and central support functions comprises the following areas: Executive Management, Finance, Treasury, Corporate Affairs, Human Resources, Strategy and Planning, Internal Audit, Legal, Corporate Secretariat, Property, Tax, Compliance and Risk. Costs incurred wholly on behalf of the businesses are recharged to them.

Businesses in transition principally relate to certain lending portfolios that are centrally managed with the objective of maximising recovery from the assets.

Business segment reorganisation

In November 2009 we regrouped our activities to form:

 

 

Global Retail Banking (GRB), comprising UK Retail Banking, Barclaycard and the former Western Europe and Emerging Markets businesses, led by Antony Jenkins.

 

 

Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), comprising Barclays Capital and Barclays Commercial Bank (now called Barclays Corporate); Jerry del Missier and Rich Ricci and Co-Chief Executives of Corporate and Investment Banking.

GRB focuses on mass consumers, mass affluent consumers and small business customers. We have significantly changed the footprint here over the past three years, and we intend to push that forward, increasing, through time, the ratio of non-UK to UK business whilst strengthening our UK franchises. We will place particular emphasis on creating appropriate scale in the markets in which we have a presence. As we do that, our objectives will be four-fold: profit growth; an improved loan-to-deposit ratio; further international diversification through deepening existing presences; and the generation of net equity.

Barclays Corporate, as part of CIB, focuses on the high end of what we used to call Barclays Commercial, particularly financial institutions, public sector entries and corporate clients. We brought this business alongside Barclays Capital within CIB because we see significant synergy in sharing relationship management and sector expertise across the two. Realisation of the synergy is enabled by the increasing fungibility of client requirements between traditional corporate banking and investment banking product needs within our client base. This is a global opportunity with significant income growth potential for CIB in the years ahead. Our early work has only reinforced that strongly held belief.

In the area of wealth management, the competitive landscape in the global industry has gone through a sea change over the course of the last three years. That creates opportunity, and we intend to seize that by investing to change the scale of this business over the next five years.

For management reporting purposes these changes have taken effect from 1st January 2010 and therefore have not been reflected in the analysis provided in this document.


Table of Contents
  30        

 

LOGO

 

 

 

Business performance – Global Retail and Commercial Banking

UK Retail Banking profit before tax decreased 55% to £612m as economic conditions remained challenging. Income was down 11% reflecting the impact of deposit margin compression net of hedges, partially offset by good growth in Home Finance. Total loans and advances to customers increased £4.7bn to £99.1bn. Gross new mortgage lending was £14.2bn during 2009 and net new mortgage lending was £5.7bn. The average loan to value ratio of the mortgage book remained conservative at 43%. Impairment charges increased 55% due to the deteriorating economic environment. Operating expenses continued to be tightly controlled and decreased 3% reflecting a one-off credit from the closure of the UK final salary pension scheme offset by a year on year increase in pension costs and the non-recurrence of gains from the sale of property.

Barclays Commercial Bank profit before tax decreased 41% to £749m. Income was broadly flat on 2008 with good growth in net fees and commissions offset by lower income from principal transactions. Net interest income was broadly flat as margin compression on the deposit book was offset by higher lending and deposit volumes. New term lending extended to UK customers during 2009 was £14bn. Operating expenses were tightly controlled and fell 3% driven by a one-off credit from the closure of the UK final salary pension scheme partially offset by an increase in pensions and share-based payment costs and the non-recurrence of gains from the sale of property. Impairment charges increased to £974m reflecting the impact of the weak business environment with rising default rates and falling asset values across all business segments.

Barclaycard profit before tax decreased 4% to £761m. Income growth of 26% reflected strong growth across the businesses driven by increased lending and improved margins. Average customer assets increased 19% to £28.1bn. Impairment charges increased 64% due to the deteriorating global economic environment, although the rate of growth in the second half of the year was lower than in the first half. Impairment grew across both the international and UK businesses. Cost growth of 5% was largely

driven by appreciation of the average value of the US Dollar and the Euro against Sterling and growth in the card portfolios including acquisitions made in 2008.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Western Europe profit before tax fell 48% to £130m. Results included Barclays Russia, which incurred a loss of £67m and reflected a gain of £157m on the sale of Barclays life insurance and pensions business in Iberia. Income grew in all countries, improving 18% as the expanded network continued to mature with customer deposits increasing £7.8bn to £23.4bn. Costs increased 16% reflecting the expansion of the Portuguese and Italian networks, the investment in Barclays Russia, restructuring charges of £24m and reduced gains from the sale of property. Impairment charges increased £370m to £667m, largely driven by losses in Spain in commercial property, construction and SME portfolios. However, delinquency trends improved throughout the second half of 2009 in both retail and commercial portfolios.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Emerging Markets loss before tax of £254m compared to a profit of £141m in 2008. Income increased 5% with significant growth across Africa and the UAE, partially offset by lower

income in India. Impairment charges increased £306m to £471m with significant increases in India and the UAE, reflecting the impact of the economic recession across the business with continued pressure on liquidity, rising default rates and lower asset values. Operating expense growth of 24% reflected continued investment in Indonesia and Pakistan and investment in infrastructure across other markets.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Absa profit before tax decreased 8% to £506m. Income growth of 16% was driven by solid balance sheet growth, the appreciation in the average value of the Rand against Sterling and higher fees and commissions. Operating expenses increased at a lower rate of 13% which led to an improvement in the cost:income ratio to 58% (2008: 59%). Impairment charges rose £220m to £567m as a result of higher delinquency levels in the retail portfolios reflecting high consumer indebtedness.


 

 

Analysis of results by business

 

     UK
Retail
Banking
£m
    Barclays
Commercial
Bank
£m
    Barclaycard
£m
    GRCB –
Western
Europe
£m
    GRCB –
Emerging
Markets
£m
    GRCB –
Absa
£m
    Barclays
Capital
£m
    Barclays
Global
Investors a
£m
    Barclays
Wealth
£m
    Head
Office
Functions
and Other
Operations
£m
 

Net interest income

  2,624      1,741      2,723      1,182      743      1,300      1,598      43      504      (507

Net fee and commission income

  1,225      926      1,271      438      232      943      3,001      1,757      802      (418

Principal transactions

       (26   22      123      68      123      7,021      98      20      (325

Net premiums from insurance contracts

  198           44      544           294      5                92   

Other income

  6      112      2      8      2      60           5      7      1,186   

Total income

  4,053      2,753      4,062      2,295      1,045      2,720      11,625      1,903      1,333      28   

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

  (68        (20   (572        (171                    

Total income, net of insurance claims

  3,985      2,753      4,042      1,723      1,045      2,549      11,625      1,903      1,333      28   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

  (936   (974   (1,798   (667   (471   (567   (2,591        (51   (16

Net income

  3,049      1,779      2,244      1,056      574      1,982      9,034      1,903      1,282      12   

Operating expenses

  (2,440   (1,030   (1,494   (1,113   (852   (1,469   (6,592   (1,154   (1,138   (570

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

  3           8      4           (4   22                1   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

            3      157      24      (3        (1   1      7   

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations

                                     6,331             

Gain on acquisitions

                 26                                 

Profit before tax

  612      749      761      130      (254   506      2,464      7,079      145      (550

As at 31st December 2009

                                                           

Total assets

  105,228      75,547      30,220      64,185      11,874      45,824      1,019,120      5,406      15,095      6,430   

Total liabilities

  102,934      68,108      5,543      48,049      9,836      25,769      951,192      416      41,648      66,848   

 

Business performance – Investment Banking and Investment Management

Barclays Capital profit before tax increased 89% to £2,464m as a result of very strong performances in the UK, Europe and the US, partially offset by a charge of £1,820m relating to own credit (2008: £1,663m gain). Top-line income increased 81% to £17.9bn reflecting excellent results across the client franchise and a resilient fourth quarter with top-line income of £3.6bn. Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities (FICC) was up £5.6bn to £13.0bn following the expansion of the business and increased client flows. Top-line income in Equities and Prime Services increased 147% and Investment Banking income more than doubled. Total credit market exposures were reduced by £14.1bn to £27.6bn. In addition £5.1bn of credit market assets (and £2.4bn of other assets) were sold to Protium Finance LP. Operating expenses were 75% higher than 2008 given the substantial increase in the overall scale of the business. The cost:income ratio improved to 57% (2008: 72%). Compensation expenses as a proportion of income reduced 38%, down from 44% in 2008. Total assets reduced 37% driven by initiatives to reduce derivative balances.

On 1st December 2009 Barclays completed the sale of Barclays Global Investors to BlackRock. Included in the consideration were 37.567 million new BlackRock shares giving Barclays an economic interest of 19.9% of the enlarged BlackRock group. The profit on disposal before tax was £6,331m. Profit before tax, excluding the profit on disposal, increased 26% to £748m (2008: £595m) following a recovery on liquidity support charges and an 18% appreciation in the average value of the US Dollar against Sterling.

Barclays Wealth profit before tax reduced 78% to £145m principally as a result of the impact of the sale of the closed life business in 2008 and the cost of the integration of Barclays Wealth Americas during 2009. Income was in line with 2008. Excluding the impact of these transactions there was solid growth in income due to growth in the client franchise and the product offering. Operating expenses grew by 22%, reflecting the integration of the US business, partially offset by the disposal of the closed life business. Total client assets increased by 4% (£6bn) to £151bn.

 


Note

 

a Continuing and discontinued operations including profit on disposal. For a break-down of the continuing operations and discontinued operations in respect of BGI, including a reconciliation of the results of the continuing operations to the results of the total BGI result shown above, see page 46.

 


Table of Contents
        31  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

UK Retail Banking

UK Retail Banking comprises Personal Customers, Home Finance, Local Business, Consumer Lending and Barclays Financial Planning. We have one of the largest branch networks in the UK with around 1,700 branches and an extensive network of cash machines.

What we do

We are transforming Barclays to be the best bank in the UK by designing innovative, simple and transparent propositions, streamlining operating platforms and further leveraging Barclays Group capabilities.

Our cluster of businesses aims to build broader and deeper relationships with customers. Personal Customers and Home Finance provide a wide range of products and services to retail customers, including current accounts, savings and investment products, mortgages branded Woolwich and general insurance. Barclays Financial Planning provides banking, investment products and advice to affluent customers.

Local Business provides banking services to small businesses. UK Retail Banking is also a gateway to more specialised services from other parts of Barclays such as Barclays Stockbrokers.

Our business serves 15 million UK customers.

Performance

2009/08

In the continued challenging economic environment, UK Retail Banking profit before tax decreased 55% (£757m) to £612m (2008: £1,369m), impacted by low interest rates resulting in margin compression on the deposit book and increased impairment charges which together more than offset well controlled costs and an improved assets margin.

The number of Savings Accounts increased 10% to 13.2 million (31st December 2008: 12.0 million) and Mortgage Accounts increased 18,000 to 834,000 (31st December 2008: 816,000). Local Business customer numbers increased 26,000 to 686,000 (31st December 2008: 660,000) with gross new lending of £1,047m. Total loans and advances to customers increased £4.7bn to £99.1bn (31st December 2008: £94.4bn).

Income decreased 11% (£497m) to £3,985m (2008: £4,482m) reflecting the impact of margin compression, which more than offset good income growth in Home Finance.

LOGO

 

Net interest income decreased 12% (£372m) to £2,624m (2008: £2,996m) driven by margin compression of £755m on liabilities after taking into account gains on product hedges implemented to protect income on current accounts and managed rate deposits. This was partially offset by increases in asset driven net interest income. Total average customer deposit balances increased 4% to £89.0bn (2008: £85.9bn), reflecting good growth in Personal Customer Current Account balances.

Average mortgage balances grew 10%, reflecting strongly positive net lending. Mortgage balances were £87.9bn at the end of the period (31st December 2008: £82.3bn), a market share of 7% (2008: 7%). Gross advances reduced to £14.2bn (2008: £22.9bn) reflecting a continued conservative approach to lending, with redemptions of £8.5bn (2008: £10.4bn). Net new mortgage lending was £5.7bn (2008: £12.5bn). The average loan to value ratio of the mortgage book (including buy-to-let) on a current valuation basis was 43% (2008: 40%). The average loan to value ratio of new mortgage lending was 48% (2008: 47%).

Net fee and commission income decreased 6% (£74m) to £1,225m (2008: £1,299m) reflecting changing customer usage together with lower mortgage application and redemption fees. Overall sales productivity resulted in fee income growth in investments.

Total impairment charges represented 0.93% (2008: 0.63%) of total gross loans and advances to customers and banks. Impairment charges increased 55% (£334m) to £936m (2008: £602m), reflecting lower expectations for recoveries in line with the current economic environment. Impairment charges within Consumer Lending increased 56% to £573m (2008: £368m) with impairment charges increasing 75% to £183m (2008: £105m) in Personal Customer Current Accounts. Mortgage impairment charges remained low at £26m (2008: £24m).

Operating expenses remained well controlled and decreased 3% (£79m) to £2,440m (2008: £2,519m). This reflected the receipt of a one-off credit of £175m resulting from the closure of the UK final salary pension scheme to existing members, offset by a year on year increase in pension costs of £115m and the non-recurrence of gains of £75m from the sale of property.



Table of Contents
  32        

 

LOGO

 

2008/07

UK Retail Banking profit before tax increased 7% (£94m) to £1,369m (2007: £1,275m) through solid income growth and continued good control of impairment and costs. The launch of new products and propositions supported a significant increase in customer accounts, with Current Accounts increasing 4% (0.4m) to 11.7m (2007: 11.3m), Savings Accounts increasing 8% (0.9m) to 12.0m (2007: 11.1m) and Mortgage Accounts increasing 8% (62,000) to 816,000 (2007: 754,000).

Income grew 4% (£185m) to £4,482m (2007: £4,297m) reflecting strong growth in Home Finance and solid growth in Consumer Lending and Local Business, partially offset by reduced income from Personal Customer Savings Accounts due to the impact of the reductions in the UK base rates in the second half of 2008.

Net interest income increased 5% (£138m) to £2,996m (2007: £2,858m) driven by strong growth in loans and advances. Total average customer deposit balances increased 5% to £85.9bn (2007: £81.8bn), reflecting solid growth in Personal Customer and Local Business balances. The average liabilities margin declined to 2.01% (2007: 2.15%) reflecting the reductions in UK base rates in the second half of 2008.

Mortgage balances grew 18%, driven by increased share of new lending and higher levels of balance retention. Mortgage balances were £82.3bn at the end of the period (31st December 2007: £69.8bn), a market share

of 7% (2007: 6%). Gross advances were stable at £22.9bn, with redemptions of £10.4bn (2007: £15.0bn). Net new lending was £12.5bn (2007: £8.0bn), a market sharea of 36% (2007: 8%). The average loan to value ratio of the mortgage book (including buy-to-let) on a current valuation basis was 40% (2007: 34%). The average loan to value ratio of new mortgage lending was 47% (2007: 49%).

Net fee and commission income increased 10% (£116m) to £1,299m (2007: £1,183m) reflecting £116m settlements on overdraft fees in 2007. Excluding this, net fees and commissions were stable.

Impairment charges increased 8% (£43m) to £602m (2007: £559m), reflecting growth in customer assets of 15% and the impact of the current economic environment. Mortgage impairment charges were £24m (2007: release of £3m). Impairment charges within Consumer Lending increased 3%.

Operating expenses increased 2% (£49m) to £2,519m (2007: £2,470m) reflecting reduced gains from the sale of property of £75m (2007: £193m). Continued strong and active management of expense lines, including back-office consolidation and process efficiencies, funded increased investment in product development and distribution channels.

The cost:income ratio improved one percentage point to 56% (2007: 57%).


 

 

UK Retail Banking

  

 

2009
£m

    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     2,624        2,996        2,858   

Net fee and commission income

     1,225        1,299        1,183   

Net premiums from insurance contracts

     198        205        252   

Other income

     6        17        47   

Total income

     4,053        4,517        4,340   

Net claims and benefits on insurance contracts

     (68     (35     (43

Total income net of insurance claims

     3,985        4,482        4,297   

Impairment charges

     (936     (602     (559

Net income

     3,049        3,880        3,738   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (2,400     (2,499     (2,461

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (40     (20     (9

Operating expenses

     (2,440     (2,519     (2,470

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     3        8        7   

Profit before tax

     612        1,369        1,275   

Balance sheet information

      

Loans and advances to customers

   £ 99.1bn      £ 94.4bn      £ 82.0bn   

Customer accounts

   £ 92.5bn      £ 89.6bn      £ 87.1bn   

Total assets

   £ 105.2bn      £ 101.4bn      £ 88.5bn   

Risk weighted assets b

   £ 32.2bn      £ 30.5bn      £ 31.5bn   

Performance ratios

      

Cost:income ratio

     61%        56%        57%   

Cost:net income ratio

     80%        65%        66%   

Notes

a Excludes Housing Associations.
b Risk weighted assets for 2009 and 2008 are calculated under Basel II. 2007 is calculated under Basel I.


Table of Contents
        33  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

Barclays Commercial Bank

Barclays Commercial Bank is one of the UK’s leading providers of banking solutions to business customers and clients with an annual turnover of more than £1m.

What we do

Barclays Commercial Bank provides banking services to customers via a network of relationship, regional, industry-sector and product speacialists across the UK.

Working closely with our clients to understand their needs, we deliver financing, risk management, trade and cash management solutions constructed from a comprehensive suite of products, expertise and services. This includes specialist asset financing and leasing facilities.

Performance

2009/08

Barclays Commercial Bank profit before tax decreased 41% (£517m) to £749m (2008: £1,266m), primarily driven by significantly higher impairment charges. Income was flat, with strong performance from net fees and commissions offset by lower principal transactions.

 

Income totalled £2,753m (2008: £2,745m). Net interest income fell 1% (£16m) to £1,741m (2008: £1,757m) with the benefit of increased average lending balances and higher deposit volumes offset by margin compression in the deposit book. Average lending grew 3% (£1.6bn) to £63.3bn (2008: £61.7bn) reflecting our continuing commitment to lend to viable businesses. Average customer deposits grew 3% (£1.4bn) to £49.0bn (2008: £47.6bn) benefiting from ongoing product initiatives.

Non-interest income comprised 37% of total income (2008: 36%). Net fees and commissions income increased 8% (£65m) to £926m (2008: £861m), driven by strong debt fees, trade guarantees and other fee income.

Principal transactions income decreased £48m to a loss of £26m (2008: gain of £22m) as a result of investment writedowns and fewer opportunities for equity realisation within the current market environment.

Other income grew 7% (£7m) to £112m (2008: £105m) reflecting increased income from the repurchase of securitised debt issued of £85m (2008: £24m), partially offset by lower rental income from operating leases of £21m (2008: £29m). 2008 income included a £39m gain from the restructuring of Barclays interest in a third party finance operation.

Impairment charges rose to £974m (2008: £414m), reflecting the impact of the economic recession across the business with continued pressure on corporate liquidity, rising default rates and lower asset values.


 

LOGO


Table of Contents
  34        

 

LOGO

 

 

Impairment as a percentage of period end gross loans and advances to customers and banks increased to 1.58% (2008: 0.60%).

Operating expenses fell 3% to £1,030m (2008: £1,063m), reflecting tightly managed discretionary costs and a £100m one-off credit for the closure of the UK final salary pensions scheme partially offset by an incremental increase in pension costs of £69m and the non-recurrence of property credits.

The number of customers fell 6% primarily as a result of reductions in exposures to high risk sectors within Barclays Asset and Sales Finance.

2008/07

Barclays Commercial Bank profit before tax decreased 7% (£91m) to £1,266m (2007: £1,357m) reflecting a resilient performance in challenging market conditions in 2008. The impact of growth in net fee and commission income and continued strong growth in customer lending was offset by increased impairment charges and higher operating expenses.

Income increased 7% (£181m) to £2,745m (2007: £2,564m).

Net interest income improved 1% (£10m) to £1,757m (2007: £1,747m). There was strong growth in average customer assets, particularly term loans, which increased 14% to £61.7bn (2007: £53.9bn) reflecting the continued commitment to lend to viable businesses. Average customer accounts grew 3% to £47.6bn (2007: £46.4bn).

Non-interest income increased to 36% of total income (2007: 32%) partly reflecting continued focus on cross sales and efficient balance sheet utilisation. Net fee and commission income increased 15% (£111m) to £861m (2007: £750m) due to increased income from foreign exchange, derivative sales and debt fee income.

Income from principal transactions fell to £22m (2007: £56m) due to lower equity realisations.

Other income of £105m (2007: £11m) included a £39m gain arising from the restructuring of Barclays interest in a third party finance operation. This gain was offset by a broadly similar tax charge. Other income also included £29m (2007: £7m) rental income from operating leases.

Impairment charges increased 42% (£122m) to £414m (2007: £292m) primarily reflecting higher impairment losses in Larger Business, particularly in the final quarter of 2008 as the UK corporate credit environment deteriorated. Impairment as a percentage of period-end loans and advances to customers and banks increased to 0.60% (2007: 0.45%).

Operating expenses increased 14% (£134m) to £1,063m (2007: £929m) reflecting lower gains on the sale of property of £10m (2007: £40m), investment in a new payments capability (2008: £69m, 2007: £42m), growth in the operating lease business (2008: £31m, 2007: £7m) and investment in risk and operations infrastructure, sales force capability and product specialists.


 

 

Barclays Commercial Bank    2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     1,741        1,757        1,747   

Net fee and commission income

     926        861        750   

Net trading income

     25        3        9   

Net investment income

     (51     19        47   

Principal transactions

     (26     22        56   

Other income

     112        105        11   

Total income

     2,753        2,745        2,564   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

     (974     (414     (292

Net income

     1,779        2,331        2,272   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (1,009     (1,048     (924

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (21     (15     (5

Operating expenses

     (1,030     (1,063     (929

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

            (2       

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

                   14   

Profit before tax

     749        1,266        1,357   

Balance sheet information

      

Loans and advances to customers

   £ 59.6bn      £ 67.5bn      £ 63.7bn   

Loans and advances to customers including those designated at fair value

   £ 72.7bn      £ 80.5bn      £ 70.7bn   

Customer accounts

   £ 62.7bn      £ 60.6bn      £ 60.8bn   

Total assets

   £ 75.5bn      £ 84.0bn      £ 74.6bn   

Risk weighted assets

   £ 60.3bn      £ 63.1bn      £ 57.0bn   

Performance ratios

      

Cost: income ratio

     37%        39%        36%   

Cost: net income ratio

     58%        46%        41%   


Table of Contents
        35  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

Barclaycard

Barclaycard is a multi-brand international payment services provider for consumer and business customers including credit cards and consumer lending. Our credit card was the first to be launched in the UK in 1966 and is now one of the leading credit card businesses in Europe, with a fast growing business in the United States and South Africa.

What we do

In the UK our consumer payment services include Barclaycard branded credit cards, partnership cards with leading brands and secured lending.

Barclaycard’s international presence continues to grow very strongly, with international consumer customers now exceeding the number in the UK. We currently operate in Germany, the United States and South Africa. In Scandinavia, we operate through Entercard, a joint venture with Swedbank.

Our UK and international payment businesses provide payment acceptance services for 87,000 retailers and merchants, both for face to face transactions and over the internet and provides market-leading acceptance of contactless cards. The business also issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government, and provides sales financing at retailers and auto dealers. Barclaycard is Europe’s number one issuer of Visa Commercial Cards with over 145,000 public and private sector corporate customers.

Performance

2009/08

Barclaycard profit before tax decreased 4% (£28m) to £761m (2008: £789m). Strong income growth across the portfolio driven by increased lending, improved margins and foreign exchange gains, was offset by higher impairment charges, driven by the deterioration in the global economy.

International businesses’ profit before tax decreased 59% to £107m (2008: £261m) driven by the US business. Strong income growth driven by higher average extended credit balances was more than offset by impairment growth, especially in the US and South African businesses, and increased operating expenses. In the UK our businesses benefited from an improvement in margins and growth in average extended balances leading

to income increasing 18% to £2,494m (2008: £2,111m). Income growth was partially offset by the growth in impairment as worsening economic conditions impacted delinquencies.

Income increased 26% (£823m) to £4,042m (2008: £3,219m) reflecting strong growth across the portfolio, especially in the international businesses through higher extended credit balances, lower funding rates and the appreciation of the average values of the US Dollar and the Euro against Sterling.

Net interest income increased 52% (£937m) to £2,723m (2008: £1,786m) driven by strong growth in international average extended credit card balances, up 52% to £7.9bn (2008: £5.2bn), and lower funding rates as margins improved.

Net fee and commission income decreased 2% (£28m) to £1,271m (2008: £1,299m) through lower volumes in FirstPlus due to the decision taken to stop writing new business in 2008 and lower volumes in the UK card portfolios partially offset by growth in the international businesses.

Principal transactions of £22m (2008: £82m) included a £20m gain from the sale of MasterCard shares (2008: £16m). Investment income in 2008 included a £64m gain from the Visa IPO.

Other income in 2008 included an £18m gain on the sale of a portfolio in the US.

Impairment charges increased £701m (64%) to £1,798m (2008: £1,097m). The rate of growth in the second half of the year was lower than that in the first half. Impairment charges in the international businesses increased £444m, driven by higher delinquencies due to deteriorating economic conditions, growth in average receivables and the appreciation of the average values of the US Dollar and the Euro against Sterling. UK portfolio charges were higher as a result of rising delinquencies due to the economic deterioration, especially in the loan portfolios, and the inclusion of Goldfish in UK Cards.

Operating expenses increased 5% (£72m) to £1,494m (2008: £1,422m), due to the appreciation in the average value of the US Dollar and the Euro against Sterling and growth in the portfolios including the acquisitions made in the UK, US and South Africa in 2008.

The purchase of Goldfish resulted in a gain on acquisition of £92m in 2008.


 

LOGO

Note

 

a The number of customers at 31st December 2009 is, after a reduction of 1.5 million, due to the closure of dormant accounts.


Table of Contents
  36        

 

LOGO

 

2008/07

Barclaycard profit before tax increased 31% (£186m) to £789m (2007: £603m), driven by strong international income growth and lower UK impairment charges. 2008 profit included £40m from the acquisition of, and contribution from, Goldfish, Discover’s UK credit card business, acquired on 31st March 2008. The scale of the UK and international businesses increased substantially with total customer numbers up 31% to 23.3m.

Income increased 27% (£689m) to £3,219m (2007: £2,530m), reflecting strong growth in Barclaycard International and £156m from the inclusion of Goldfish, partially offset by a decline in FirstPlus following its closure to new business.

Net interest income increased 30% (£412m) to £1,786m (2007: £1,374m), driven by 58% growth in international average extended credit card balances to £5.2bn.

Net fee and commission income increased 14% (£156m) to £1,299m (2007: £1,143m), driven by growth in Barclaycard International.

Income from principal transactions increased £71m to £82m (2007: £11m), reflecting a £64m gain from the Visa IPO and a £16m gain from the sale of shares in MasterCard.

Other income increased £44m to £19m (2007: £25m loss), reflecting a gain from a portfolio sale in the United States. 2007 results reflected a £27m loss on disposal of part of the Monument card portfolio.

 

Impairment charges increased 33% (£270m) to £1,097m (2007:

£827m), reflecting £252m growth in charges in the international businesses and £68m from the inclusion of Goldfish. These factors were partially offset by £50m lower impairment in the other UK businesses with reduced flows into delinquency and lower levels of arrears.

Operating expenses increased 30% (£329m) to £1,422m (2007: £1,093m), reflecting continued international growth and increased marketing investment. Operating expenses reflected Goldfish expenses of £140m, including restructuring costs of £64m.

The acquisition of Goldfish resulted in a gain on acquisition of £92m.

Barclaycard International maintained its strong growth momentum, delivering a 71% (£108m) increase in profit before tax to £260m (2007: £152m). Barclaycard US profit before tax was US$249m which exceeded delivery of the financial plan of US$150m set out at the time of acquisition. Strong balance sheet growth in Barclaycard US included US$1.9bn of credit card receivables acquired from FIA Card Services in August 2008, furthering the existing partnership agreement with US Airways. The acquisition of a majority stake in Woolworths Financial Services in October 2008, added 1.6 million customers to the existing Absa credit card business in South Africa. The Entercard joint venture with Swedbank continued to build presence in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.


 

 

Barclaycard

 

       
2009
£m
   

2008
£m

    2007
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     2,723        1,786        1,374   

Net fee and commission income

     1,271        1,299        1,143   

Net trading income

     (1     2          

Net investment income

     23        80        11   

Principal transactions

     22        82        11   

Net premiums from insurance contracts

     44        44        40   

Other income

     2        19        (25

Total income

     4,062        3,230        2,543   

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

     (20     (11     (13

Total income net of insurance claims

     4,042        3,219        2,530   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

     (1,798     (1,097     (827

Net income

     2,244        2,122        1,703   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (1,412     (1,361     (1,057

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (82     (61     (36

Operating expenses

     (1,494     (1,422     (1,093

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     8        (3     (7

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     3                 

Gain on acquisition

            92          

Profit before tax

     761        789        603   

Balance sheet information

      

Loans and advances to customers

   £ 26.5bn      £ 27.4bn      £ 19.7bn   

Total assets

   £ 30.2bn      £ 30.9bn      £ 22.1bn   

Risk weighted assets

   £ 30.6bn      £ 27.3bn      £ 20.2bn   

Performance ratios

      

Cost: income ratio

     37%        44%        43%   

Cost: net income ratio

     67%        67%        64%   


Table of Contents
        37  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

Western Europe

GRCB – Western Europe comprises our retail and commercial banking operations, as well as our Barclaycard businesses, in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Russia.

What we do

GRCB – Western Europe serves approximately 2.8m retail and commercial banking customers in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Russia through a variety of distribution channels including 1,128 branches, 190 sales centres and 1,481 ATMs.

GRCB – Western Europe provides a variety of products and services including retail mortgages, current and deposit accounts, commercial lending, unsecured lending, credit cards, investments and insurance products, serving the needs of Barclays retail, mass affluent and corporate customers.

Performance

2009/08

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Western Europe profit before tax fell 48% (£120m) to £130m (2008: £250m) against the backdrop of a very challenging macroeconomic environment across all key markets, particularly Spain. The results included a gain of £157m on the sale of Barclays Vida y Pensiones Compañía de Seguros, Barclays Iberian life insurance and pensions business, a restructuring charge of £24m largely concentrated in Spain and an operating loss before tax of £67m (2008: loss before tax of £7m) related to Barclays Russia driven by increased impairment due to the economic environment and increased expenses incurred in positioning the business for future growth. Excluding Russia, all businesses traded profitably although Spain’s net profit fell significantly due to high impairment charges, particularly in the commercial property portfolio. Profit before tax was favourably

impacted by the 13% appreciation in the average value of the Euro against Sterling.

Income increased across all countries, improving 18% (£268m) to £1,723m (2008: £1,455m) driven by the appreciation of the Euro and the significant expansion in the distribution network in 2007 and 2008. The number of distribution points increased by 137 to 1,318 (31st December 2008: 1,181) reflecting further selected organic growth and development of the franchise.

Net interest income increased 35% (£307m) to £1,182m (2008: £875m). The increase was principally driven by strong growth in customer deposits of 50% to £23.4bn (2008: £15.6bn), an improvement in the customer assets margin and an increase in treasury interest income. This was partially offset by competitive pressures on liability margin compression.

Net fee and commission income increased 13% (£49m) to £438m (2008: £389m), generated from asset management and insurance product lines.

Principal transactions fell 20% (£31m) to £123m (2008: £154m), mainly due to the non-recurrence of the gains from both the Visa IPO (2008: £65m) and the sale of shares in MasterCard (2008: £17m), partially offset by profit on the sale of Government backed bonds.

Net premiums from insurance contracts increased £192m to £544m (2008: £352m) reflecting growth in the life assurance business. Net claims and benefits incurred increased correspondingly by £207m.

Impairment charges increased £370m to £667m (2008: £297m), principally due to higher impairment in Spain on the commercial property, construction and SME portfolios and, to a lesser extent, on the retail portfolio. The impairment charge for Spain increased 107% (£235m) to £455m (2008: £220m) of which £270m related to the corporate and SME portfolios.

Operating expenses increased 16% (£153m) to £1,113m (2008: £960m) due to the continued expansion of the Italian and Portuguese networks, investment in Barclays Russia, restructuring charges of £24m and reduced gains from the sale of property of £25m (2008: £55m). Underlying costs were tightly controlled.


 

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  38        

 

LOGO

 

In September 2009, Barclays established a long-term life insurance joint venture in Spain, Portugal and Italy with CNP Assurances SA (CNP). As part of this transaction Barclays sold a 50 per cent stake in Barclays Vida y Pensiones Compañía de Seguros to CNP. The transaction gave rise to a gain of £157m. Barclays share of the results of the joint venture with CNP are reported within share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures.

Barclays acquired the Citigroup cards business in Portugal in December 2009. This resulted in the acquisition of approximately 400,000 customers and loans and advances to customers of £550m. The transaction generated a gain on acquisition of £26m.

2008/07

GRCB – Western Europe profit before tax grew 28% (£54m) to £250m (2007: £196m), despite challenging market conditions in Spain in 2008 and accelerated investment in the expansion of the franchise. Distribution points increased 383 to 1,181 (2007: 798), including 149 in Italy. Strong income growth including gains of £82m from the Visa IPO and the sale of shares in MasterCard was partially offset by increased impairment and higher operating costs. Profit before tax was favourably impacted by the 16% appreciation in the average value of the Euro against Sterling.

Income increased 55% (£518m) to £1,455m (2007: £937m), reflecting growth in both net interest income and net fee and commission income.

 

Net interest income increased 66% (£348m) to £875m (2007: £527m), driven by a 66% increase in customer liabilities to £15.6bn (2007: £9.4bn) and a 54% increase in customer assets to £53.9bn (2007: £35.0bn).

Net fee and commission income increased 21% (£67m) to £389m (2007: £322m). Increased fees in retail and in the life insurance businesses were offset by lower market-related investment revenue.

Principal transactions grew £48m to £154m (2007: £106m) including gains from the Visa IPO (£65m) and the sale of shares in MasterCard (£17m) which enabled GRCB – Western Europe to invest in the expansion of the business.

Impairment charges increased £221m to £297m (2007: £76m). This increase was principally due to higher charges in Spanish commercial property (£82m) and deterioration of the Spanish credit card portfolio (£66m) as a consequence of the rapid slowdown in the Spanish economy.

Operating expenses increased 43% (£287m) to £960m (2007: £673m), reflecting the rapid expansion of the retail distribution network and the strengthening of the Premier segment. Operating expenses also included £55m (2007: £22m) gains from the sale of property.

Gain on acquisition of £52m (2007: £nil) arose from the purchase of the Italian residential mortgage business of Macquarie Bank Limited in November 2008.


 

 

GRCB – Western Europe

 

      2009
£m
    2008 a
£m
    2007 a
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     1,182        875        527   

Net fee and commission income

     438        389        322   

Net trading income

            (7     13   

Net investment income

     123        161        93   

Principal transactions

     123        154        106   

Net premiums from insurance contracts

     544        352        145   

Other income

     8        50        7   

Total income

     2,295        1,820        1,107   

Net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts

     (572     (365     (170

Total income net of insurance claims

     1,723        1,455        937   

Impairment charges

     (667     (297     (76

Net income

     1,056        1,158        861   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (1,075     (941     (665

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (38     (19     (8

Operating expenses

     (1,113     (960     (673

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     4                 

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     157               8   

Gain on acquisition

     26        52          

Profit before tax

     130        250        196   

Balance sheet information

      

Loans and advances to customers

   £ 52.7bn      £ 53.9bn      £ 35.0bn   

Customer accounts

   £ 23.4bn      £ 15.6bn      £ 9.4bn   

Total assets

   £ 64.2bn      £ 65.5bn      £ 43.7bn   

Risk weighted assets

   £ 32.4bn      £ 37.0bn      £ 25.0bn   

Performance ratios

      

Cost: income ratio

     65%        66%        72%   

Cost: net income ratio

     105%        83%        78%   

Note

 

a Figures have been restated to include Barclays Russia, which was transferred from GRCB – Emerging Markets to GRCB – Western Europe during 2009.


Table of Contents
        39  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

Emerging Markets

GRCB – Emerging Markets comprises our retail and commercial banking operations, as well as our Barclaycard businesses, in 14 countries across Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia.

What we do

GRCB – Emerging Markets serves retail and commercial banking customers in Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Pakistan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, the UAE, Zambia, Indonesia and Zimbabwe.

Through a network of more than 683 distribution points and 1,023 ATMs, we provide 3.7m customers and clients with a full range of products and services. This includes current accounts, savings, investments, mortgages and secured and unsecured lending.

Performance

2009/08

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Emerging Markets made a loss before tax of £254m in 2009 versus a profit before tax of £141m in 2008. Good income growth across Emerging Markets was offset by significantly increased impairment in India and UAE and continued investment across

new and existing markets. Profit before tax in the established markets in Africa and the Indian Ocean decreased to £109m (2008: £182m) primarily due to the allocation of gains from the Visa IPO and sale of shares in MasterCard during 2008.

Income increased 5% to £1,045m (2008: £994m) driven by strong growth in UAE, Africa and the Indian Ocean, partially offset by lower income in India.

Net interest income increased 24% (£146m) to £743m (2008: £597m), driven by retail and commercial balance sheet growth with average customer assets up 19% to £8.3bn (2008: £7.0bn) and customer deposits up 11% to £8.2bn (2008: £7.4bn).

Net fee and commission income increased 7% (£15m) to £232m (2008:£217m) primarily driven by growth in retail fee income.

Principal transactions decreased £111m to £68m (2008: £179m). 2008 included a gain of £82m from the sale of shares in MasterCard and Visa. Excluding this gain, principal transactions decreased £29m driven by lower fees from foreign exchange income transactions.

Impairment charges increased to £471m (2008: £165m) including an increase of £255m across India and UAE due to the deterioration in the credit environment in 2009 reflecting the impact of the economic recession


LOGO


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  40        

 

LOGO

 

across the business with continued pressure on liquidity, rising default rates and lower asset values.

Operating expenses increased 24% (£164m) to £852m (2008: £688m) reflecting continued investment in Indonesia and Pakistan and investment in infrastructure across other markets.

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures of £24m represented the sale of a 7% stake in the GRCB – Emerging Markets Botswana business. The residual holding of Barclays in Barclays Bank of Botswana Limited following the sale is 68%.

2008/07

GRCB – Emerging Markets profit before tax increased 41% (£41m) to £141m (2007: £100m). Very strong income growth, including £82m from the Visa IPO and the sale of shares in MasterCard, absorbed the increased investment across existing and new markets and higher impairment charges. The number of distribution points increased 250 to 800 (2007: 550). New market entries in 2008 comprised the launch of a new business in Pakistan and the acquisition of Bank Akita in Indonesia which was completed in 2009.

 

Income increased 86% (£461m) to £994m (2007: £533m), reflecting growth in lending, deposit taking and fee-driven transactional revenues.

Net interest income increased 87% (£278m) to £597m (2007: £319m), loans and advances to customers increased 90% to £9.7bn (2007: £5.1bn). Customer accounts increased 50% to £9.3bn (2007: £6.2bn).

Net fee and commission income increased 55% (£77m) to £217m (2007: £140m), primarily driven by very strong growth in commercial banking and treasury fee income.

Principal transactions increased £107m to £179m (2007: £72m), reflecting higher foreign exchange income, a gain of £82m relating to the Visa IPO and the sale of shares in MasterCard.

Impairment charges increased £126m to £165m (2007: £39m), reflecting higher assets and delinquencies, particularly in India and increased wholesale impairment in Africa.

Operating expenses increased 74% (£293m) to £688m (2007: £395m), reflecting continued investment in new markets and expansion of the business in existing markets, with investment in infrastructure and the roll-out of global platforms.


 

 

 

GRCB – Emerging Markets

 

      2009
£m
    2008 a
£m
    2007 a
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     743        597        319   

Net fee and commission income

     232        217        140   

Net trading income

     61        88        56   

Net investment income

     7        91        16   

Principal transactions

     68        179        72   

Other income

     2        1        2   

Total income

     1,045        994        533   

Impairment charges

     (471     (165     (39

Net income

     574        829        494   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (846     (685     (391

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (6     (3     (4

Operating expenses

     (852     (688     (395

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

                   1   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     24                 

Profit before tax

     (254     141        100   

Balance sheet information

      

Loans and advances to customers

   £ 7.3bn      £ 9.7bn      £ 5.1bn   

Customer accounts

   £ 8.5bn      £ 9.3bn      £ 6.2bn   

Total assets

   £ 11.9bn      £ 13.9bn      £ 9.2bn   

Risk weighted assets

   £ 12.4bn      £ 14.6bn      £ 10.5bn   

Performance ratios

      

Cost: income ratio

     82%        69%        74%   

Cost: net income ratio

     148%        83%        80%   

Note

 

a Figures have been restated to exclude Barclays Russia, which was transferred from GRCB – Emerging Markets to GRCB – Western Europe during 2009.


Table of Contents
        41  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

 

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

Absa

GRCB – Absa comprises three operating divisions: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking and a Bancassurance division. The Absa Group’s other businesses are Absa Capital, Absa Card and Absa Wealth, which are included in Barclays Capital, Barclaycard and Barclays Wealth respectively.

What we do

GRCB – Absa forms part of Absa Group Limited, one of South Africa’s largest financial services groups, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited. GRCB – Absa offers a complete range of banking products and services, including current accounts, savings products, bancassurance, mortgages, instalment finance and wealth management. It also offers customised business solutions for commercial and large corporate customers.

Absa’s business is conducted primarily in South Africa. In addition to this, the Group has equity holdings in banks in Mozambique and Tanzania.

Absa serves more than 11 million customers through a range of physical channels that include 1,062 distribution points and 8,560 ATMs, as well as electronic channels such as telephone and online banking.

Performance

2009/08

Profit before tax decreased 8% (£46m) to £506m (2008: £552m) owing to challenging market conditions. Modest Rand income growth and tight cost control were offset by increased impairment.

Income increased 16% (£351m) to £2,549m (2008: £2,198m) predominantly reflecting the impact of exchange rate movements.

 

Net interest income improved 18% (£196m) to £1,300m (2008: £1,104m) reflecting the appreciation in the average value of the Rand against Sterling and modest balance sheet growth. Average customer assets increased 17% to £32.5bn (2008: £27.7bn) driven by appreciation of the Rand against Sterling and modest growth in loans and advances. Retail and commercial mortgages remained relatively flat in 2009 while instalment finance showed a slight decline with the run-off outweighing new sales. Average customer deposits increased 29% to £17.4bn (2008: £13.5bn), primarily driven by the appreciation of the Rand and the increase in the number of customers. Retail and commercial deposits increased 3.9% and 4.6% respectively.

Net fee and commission increased 24% (£181m) to £943m (2008: £762m), reflecting pricing increases, volume growth and the impact of exchange rate movements.

Principal transactions increased £12m to £123m (2008: £111m) reflecting the impact of exchange rate movements and gains of £17m from the sale of shares in MasterCard, slightly offset by lower gains on economic hedges.

Net premiums from insurance contracts increased 26% (£60m) to £294m (2008: £234m) reflecting volume growth in short-term insurance contracts and the impact of exchange rate movements.

Other income decreased £53m to £60m (2008: £113m) reflecting the non-recurrence of the gain of £46m recorded on the Visa IPO in 2008.

Impairment charges increased £220m to £567m (2008: £347m) due to high delinquency levels in the retail portfolios as a result of continued consumer indebtedness, despite the decline in interest and inflation rates during the first half of the year. There was a slight improvement in impairment ratios in the second half of 2009.

Operating expenses increased 13% (£164m) to £1,469m (2008: £1,305m) reflecting the impact of exchange rate movements. Costs were tightly controlled in Rand.


 

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  42        

 

LOGO

 

2008/07

GRCB – Absa profit before tax decreased 8% (£45m) to £552m (2007: £597m), owing to challenging market conditions and the 7% depreciation in the average value of the Rand against Sterling. Profit before tax included a gain of £46m relating to the Visa IPO. Very strong Rand income growth was partially offset by increased impairment and investment in the expansion of the franchise by 176 distribution points to 1,177 (2007: 1,001).

Total income increased 10% (£211m) to £2,324m (2007: £2,113m).

Net interest income improved 5% (£49m) to £1,104m (2007: £1,055m) reflecting strong balance sheet growth. Average customer assets increased 9% to £27.7bn (2007: £25.3bn), primarily driven by retail and commercial mortgages and commercial cheque accounts. Average customer liabilities increased 17% to £13.5bn (2007: £11.5bn), primarily driven by retail savings.

 

Net fee and commission income increased 11% (£78m) to £762m (2007: £684m), underpinned by retail transaction volume growth.

Principal transactions increased £41m to £111m (2007: £70m) reflecting gains on economic hedges relating to the commercial property finance and liquid asset portfolios.

Other income increased £36m to £113m (2007: £77m), reflecting a gain of £46m from the Visa IPO.

Impairment charges increased £201m to £347m (2007: £146m) as a result of rising delinquency levels in the retail portfolios, which have been impacted by rising interest and inflation rates and increasing consumer indebtedness.

Operating expenses increased 3% (£38m) to £1,305m (2007: £1,267m). The cost:income ratio improved from 63% to 59%.


 

GRCB – Absa                     
      2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m

Income statement information

        

Net interest income

     1,300      1,104      1,055

Net fee and commission income

     943      762      684

Net trading income/(expense)

     (5)      6     

Net investment income

     128      105      70

Principal transactions

     123      111      70

Net premiums from insurance contracts

     294      234      227

Other income

     60      113      77

Total income

     2,720      2,324      2,113

Net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts

     (171)      (126)      (114)

Total income net of insurance claims

     2,549      2,198      1,999

Impairment charges

     (567)      (347)      (146)

Net income

     1,982      1,851      1,853

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (1,418)      (1,255)      (1,212)

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (51)      (50)      (55)

Operating expenses

     (1,469)      (1,305)      (1,267)

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     (4)      5      6

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     (3)      1      5

Profit before tax

     506      552      597

Balance sheet information

        

Loans and advances to customers

   £ 36.4bn    £ 32.7bn    £ 29.9bn

Customer accounts

   £ 19.7bn    £ 17.0bn    £ 13.0bn

Total assets

   £ 45.8bn    £ 40.4bn    £ 36.4bn

Risk weighted assets

   £ 21.4bn    £ 18.8bn    £ 17.8bn

Performance ratios

        

Cost:income ratio

     58%      59%      63%

Cost:net income ratio

     74%      71%      68%


Table of Contents
        43  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

Investment Banking and Investment Management

Barclays Capital

Barclays Capital is a leading global investment bank providing large corporate, government and institutional clients with a full spectrum of solutions to their strategic advisory, financing and risk management needs.

What we do

Barclays Capital is a global investment bank, which offers clients the full range of services covering strategic advisory and M&A; equity and fixed income capital raising and corporate lending; and risk management across foreign exchange, interest rates, equities and commodities.

Activities are organised into three principal areas: Global Markets, which includes commodities, credit products, equities, foreign exchange, interest rate products; Investment Banking, which includes corporate advisory, Mergers and Acquisitions, equity and fixed-income capital raising and corporate lending; and Private Equity and Principal Investments. Barclays Capital includes Absa Capital, the investment banking business of Absa.

Barclays Capital works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities.

Performance

2009/08

Barclays Capital profit before tax increased 89% to £2,464m (2008: £1,302m). The substantial increase in income and profit reflected very strong performances in the UK and Europe, and a transformation in the scale and service offering in the US through the integration of the Lehman Brothers North American businesses acquired in September 2008. Profit before tax was struck after credit market writedowns of £6,086m (2008: £8,053m), including £4,417m credit market losses (2008: £6,290m) and £1,669m of impairment (2008: £1,763m). The loss on own credit was £1,820m (2008: £1,663m gain). For more information on credit market losses, see page 82 and for more information on own credit losses, see Note 24 to the financial statements.

Income of £11,625m was up 122% (2008: £5,231m), reflecting excellent growth across the client franchise. Top-line incomea increased 81% to £17,862m (2008: £9,858m). Top-line income in Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities increased 76% and drove the strong increase in trading income following the expansion of the business and the associated increase in client flows. Top-line income in Equities and Prime Services increased 147% driven by the acquisition of the Lehman Brothers North American businesses with particularly strong performances in cash equities and equity derivatives.

 

LOGO

 

Investment Banking, which comprises advisory businesses and equity and debt underwriting, more than doubled to £2,195m (2008: £1,053m) driven by origination and advisory activity. The cash equity business, along with Investment Banking, drove a significant rise in fee and commission income.

Losses in Principal Investments of £143m (2008: income of £299m) contributed to the overall net investment loss of £164m (2008: income of £559m).

Impairment charges of £2,591m (2008: £2,423m) included credit market impairment of £1,669m (2008: £1,763m) as discussed on page 81. Non credit market related impairment of £922m (2008: £660m) principally related to charges in the portfolio management, global loans and principal investment businesses. Impairment charges declined significantly in the second half of 2009.

Operating expenses increased 75% to £6,592m (2008: £3,774m), reflecting the inclusion of the acquired Lehman business. Compensation costs represented 38% of income, a reduction of 6 percentage points on the prior year.

2008/07

In an exceptionally challenging market environment in 2008, Barclays Capital profit before tax decreased 44% (£1,033m) to £1,302m (2007: £2,335m). Profit before tax included a gain on the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses of £2,262m. Absa Capital profit before tax grew 13% to £175m (2007: £155m).

Net income included gross losses of £8,053m (2007: £2,999m) due to continuing dislocation in the credit markets. These losses were partially offset by income and hedges of £1,433m (2007: £706m), and gains of £1,663m (2007: £658m) from the general widening of credit spreads on structured notes issued by Barclays Capital. The gross losses, comprised £6,290m (2007: £2,217m) against income and £1,763m (2007: £782m) in impairment charges.

The integration of the Lehman Brothers North American businesses was completed in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the acquired businesses made a positive contribution in the period following completion, with good results in equities, fixed income and advisory. There was a gain on acquisition of £2,262m. Not included in this gain is expenditure relating to integration of the acquired business.

 

Analysis of Total Income                   
     Year ended 31st December  
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities

   12,964      7,353      5,722   

Equities and Prime Services

   2,846      1,153      1,631   

Investment Banking

   2,195      1,053      921   

Principal Investments

   (143   299      404   

Top-line incomea

   17,862      9,858      8,678   

Credit market losses in income

   (4,417   (6,290   (2,217

Own credit

   (1,820   1,663      658   

Total Income

   11,625      5,231      7,119   

 


 

 

Note

 

a Top-line income is a non-IFRS measure that represents income before own credit gains/losses and credit market write-downs. This measure has been presented as it provides for a consistent basis for comparing the business’ performance between financial periods. For a reconciliation of top-line income to total income for Barclays Capital, see the “Analysis of Total Income” table on this page.


Table of Contents
  44        

 

LOGO

 

Income was down 27% at £5,231m (2007: £7,119m) driven by the impact of the market dislocation. There was very strong underlying growth in the US driven by fixed income, prime services and the acquired businesses. In other regions income fell driven by the challenging environment.

Net trading income decreased 60% (£2,233m) to £1,506m (2007: £3,739m) reflecting losses from the credit market dislocation and weaker performance in credit products and equities. This was partially offset by significant growth in interest rates, foreign exchange, emerging markets and prime services. Average DVaR at 95% increased by 64% to £53.4m driven by higher credit spread and interest rate risk.

Net investment income decreased 41% (£394m) to £559m reflecting the market conditions. Net interest income increased 46% (£545m) to £1,724m (2007: £1,179m), driven by strong results in global loans and money markets. Net fee and commission income from advisory and origination activities increased 16% (£194m) to £1,429m. The corporate lending portfolio, including leveraged finance, increased 46% to £76.6bn (31st December 2007: £52.3bn) driven by the decline in the value of Sterling relative to other currencies as well as draw downs on existing

loan facilities and the extension of new loans at current terms to financial and manufacturing institutions.

Impairment charges and other credit provisions of £2,423m (2007: £846m) included £1,763m (2007: £782m) due to the credit market dislocation. Other impairment charges of £660m (2007: £64m) principally related to private equity, prime services and the loan book.

Operating expenses fell 5% (£199m) to £3,774m (2007: £3,973m) due to lower performance related pay, partially offset by operating costs of the acquired businesses. The cost:income ratio increased to 72% (2007: 56%) and the compensation cost:income ratio increased to 44% (2007: 42%). Amortisation of intangible assets increased £38m to £92m (2007: £54m).

Total headcount increased 6,900 to 23,100 (31st December 2007: 16,200). Prior to the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses, headcount during 2008 was materially unchanged except for hiring associated with the annual global graduate programme. The acquisition initially added 10,000 to the headcount but there were reductions in the fourth quarter of 2008 as the US businesses were integrated.


 

 

Barclays Capital

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     1,598        1,724        1,179   

Net fee and commission income

     3,001        1,429        1,235   

Net trading income

     7,185        1,506        3,739   

Net investment (loss)/income

     (164     559        953   

Principal transactions

     7,021        2,065        4,692   

Other income

     5        13        13   

Total income

     11,625        5,231        7,119   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

     (2,591     (2,423     (846

Net income

     9,034        2,808        6,273   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (6,406     (3,682     (3,919

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (186     (92     (54

Operating expenses

     (6,592     (3,774     (3,973

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     22        6        35   

Gain on acquisition

            2,262          

Profit before tax

     2,464        1,302        2,335   

Balance sheet information

      

Loans and advances to banks and customers at amortised cost

   £ 162.6bn      £ 206.8bn      £ 135.6bn   

Total assets

   £ 1,019.1bn      £ 1,629.1bn      £ 839.9bn   

Risk weighted assets

   £ 181.1bn      £ 227.4bn      £ 178.2bn   

Performance ratios

      

Cost: income ratio

     57%        72%        56%   

Cost: net income ratio

     73%        134%        63%   

Compensation:income ratio

     38%        44%        42%   

Average total income per employee (‘000)

   £ 515      £ 281      £ 465   

Other financial measures

      

Average DVaR (95%) a

   £ 77.0m      £ 53.4m      £ 32.5m   

Note

 

a Average DVaR for 2008 and 2007 are calculated with a 98% confidence level.


Table of Contents
        45  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

 

Investment Banking and Investment Management

Barclays Global Investors

Barclays Global Investors (BGI) was sold to BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) on 1st December 2009. As a result of the transaction we retain a 19.9% economic interest in the enlarged BlackRock Group.

Performancea

2009/08

Barclays Global Investors total profit before tax increased £6,484m to £7,079m (2008: £595m), including the profit arising from the sale of Barclays Global Investors to BlackRock. Consideration of £9,501m included 37.567 million new BlackRock shares valued at £5,294m as at 1st December 2009.

The profit on disposal before tax was £6,331m after deducting amounts relating to non-controlling interests, transaction costs and a break fee relating to the termination of CVC Capital Partners’ proposed purchase of the iShares business. Further information on the disposal is set out below. For more information on the sale of BGI and Barclays on-going relationship with BlackRock, see Note 38 to the financial statements.

Profit before tax excluding the profit on disposal increased 26% to £748m (2008: £595m) reflecting a recovery on liquidity support of £25m

 

during 2009 (2008: charge of £263m) and an 18% appreciation in the average value of the US Dollar against Sterling. The 2009 results included 11 months of discontinued operations compared to 12 months for 2008. Total income grew 3% (£59m) to £1,903m (2008: £1,844m).

Net fee and commission income declined 8% (£160m) to £1,757m (2008: £1,917m) largely reflecting 11 months’ activity in the year.

Principal transactions increased £141m to a gain of £98m (2008: £43m loss) driven by sales of assets excluded from the disposal to BlackRock.

Operating expenses decreased 8% (£95m) to £1,154m (2008: £1,249m), benefiting from a recovery on liquidity support of £24m during 2009 (2008: charge of £263m), partially offset by exchange rate movements.

The continuing operations of BGI represent residual obligations under the cash support arrangements and associated liquidity support charges and, from 1st December 2009, included the Group’s 19.9% ongoing interest in BlackRock. This investment is accounted for as an available for sale equity investment, with no dividends being received during 2009. Profit before tax on continuing operations for 2009 increased by £368m to £22m (2008: £346m loss) primarily due to lower liquidity support charges.

Total assets as at 31st December 2009 reflect shares to the value of £5,386m held in BlackRock, with assets from continuing operations as at 31st December 2008 representing residual assets excluded from the disposal to BlackRock.


 

Profit on disposal information    As at 1st
December
2009 £m

Consideration including hedging gains

  

– Cash

   4,207

– BlackRock shares

   5,294

Total consideration

   9,501

Net assets disposed

   (2,051)

CVC fee

   (106)

Transaction costs

   (433)

Amounts relating to non-controlling interests

   (580)

Profit on disposal before tax

   6,331

 

Note

 

a Certain BGI total information may be considered non-IFRS measures because they present BGI results that combine continuing operations and discontinuing operations. See “Certain non-IFRS Measures” on page i for more information with respect to including BGI results within Group totals. For a reconciliation of the results of the continuing operations in respect of BGI to total BGI results which include both discontinued and continuing operations, see table on page 46.


Table of Contents
  46        

 

LOGO

 

2008/07

Barclays Global Investors profit before tax decreased 19% (£139m) to £595m (2007: £734m). Profit was impacted by the cost of provision of selective support of liquidity products of £263m (2007: £80m) and an 8% appreciation in the average value of the US Dollar against Sterling.

Income declined 4% (£82m) to £1,844m (2007: £1,926m).

Net fee and commission income declined 1% (£19m) to £1,917m (2007: £1,936m). This was primarily attributable to reduced incentive fees of £49m (2007: £198m), partially offset by increased securities lending revenue.

 

Operating expenses increased 5% (£57m) to £1,249m (2007: £1,192m). Operating expenses included charges of £263m (2007: £80m) related to selective support of liquidity products, partially offset by a reduction in performance related costs. The cost:income ratio increased to 68% (2007: 62%).

The loss before tax on continuing operations increased to £346m (2007: £119m) principally reflecting the liquidity support charge recognised during the year.


 

      2009     2008     2007  
      Continuing
operations
£m
    Discontinued
operations
£m
    Total
£m
    Continuing
operations
£m
    Discontinued
operations
£m
    Total £m     Continuing
operations
£m
    Discontinued
operations
£m
    Total £m  

Income statement information

                  

Net interest income/(expense)

     10      33        43        (38            (38     (20     12        (8

Net fee and commission income

     (2   1,759        1,757        1        1,916        1,917        (1     1,937        1,936   

Net trading income/(loss)

     20      1        21        (4     (10     (14            5        5   

Net investment income/(loss)

     11      66        77        (29            (29     (9            (9

Principal transactions

     31      67        98        (33     (10     (43     (9     5        (4

Other income

     1      4        5        (2     10        8               2        2   

Total income

     40      1,863        1,903        (72     1,916        1,844        (30     1,956        1,926   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (17   (1,123     (1,140     (274     (960     (1,234     (89     (1,095     (1,184

Amortisation of intangible assets

          (14     (14            (15     (15            (8     (8

Operating expenses

     (17   (1,137     (1,154     (274     (975     (1,249     (89     (1,103     (1,192

Profit on disposal of associates and joint ventures

     (1          (1                                          

Profit/(loss) before tax and disposal of discontinued operations

     22      726        748        (346     941        595        (119     853        734   

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations

          6,331        6,331                                             

Profit/(loss) before tax

     22      7,057        7,079        (346     941        595        (119     853        734   

Balance sheet information

                  

Total assets

   £ 5.4bn           £ 5.4bn      £ 0.7bn      £ 70.6bn      £ 71.3bn      £ 0.5bn      £ 88.7bn      £ 89.2bn   


Table of Contents
        47  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

 

Investment Banking and Investment Management

Barclays Wealth

Barclays Wealth focuses on private and intermediary clients worldwide. We are the UK’s leading wealth manager by client assets. We have 7,400 staff and manage total client assets of £151bn. We have 101 offices in 25 countries across EMEA, Asia and the Americas.

What we do

Barclays Wealth provides international and private banking, fiduciary services, investment management, and brokerage.

Barclays Wealth works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities, for example, offering world-class investment solutions with institutional quality products and services from Barclays Capital and Barclays Commercial Bank.

Performance

2009/08

Barclays Wealth profit before tax reduced 78% (£526m) to £145m (2008: £671m). The reduction in profit was principally due to the sale of the closed life assurance business in 2008 (2008: profit before tax of £104m and profit on disposal of £326m). Results were also affected by the integration of Lehman Brothers North American businesses (Barclays Wealth Americas), which made a loss of £39m.

 

Total income net of insurance claims increased 1% (£9m) to £1,333m (2008: £1,324m). Excluding the impact of the sale of the closed life business and the integration of Barclays Wealth Americas, income grew 3% as growth in the client franchise and the product offering offset the impact of adverse economic conditions.

Net interest income increased 4% (£18m) to £504m (2008: £486m) reflecting growth in customer lending. Average lending grew 27% to £12.3bn (2008: £9.7bn). Average 2009 deposits were in line with the prior year (2008: £37.2bn).

Net fee and commission income increased by 11% (£82m) to £802m (2008: £720m) driven by Barclays Wealth Americas.

The movements in principal transactions, net premiums from insurance contracts and net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts were due to the sale of the closed life assurance business in October 2008.

Impairment charges increased 16% (£7m) to £51m (2008: £44m). This increase reflected the impact of the current economic environment on client liquidity and collateral values and the substantial increase in the loan book over the last four years.

Operating expenses increased 22% to £1,138m (2008: £935m) principally reflecting the impact of the acquisition of Barclays Wealth Americas partially offset by the impact of the disposal of the closed life business in 2008.

Total client assets, comprising customer accounts and client investments were £151.3bn (31st December 2008: £145.1bn) with underlying net new asset inflows of £3bn.


 

LOGO


Table of Contents
  48        

 

LOGO

 

2008/07

Barclays Wealth profit before tax grew 119% (£364m) to £671m (2007: £307m). Profit before gains on disposal increased 12% (£38m) driven by solid income growth and tight cost control, offset by an increase in impairment charges. The closed life assurance business contributed profit before tax of £104m (2007: £110m) prior to its sale in October 2008, which generated a profit on disposal of £326m.

Income increased 3% (£37m) to £1,324m (2007: £1,287m). Net interest income increased 13% (£55m) to £486m (2007: £431m) reflecting strong growth in both customer deposits and lending. Average deposits grew 19% to £37.2bn (2007: £31.2bn). Average lending grew 31% to £9.7bn (2007: £7.4bn).

Net fee and commission income decreased 3% (£19m) to £720m (2007: £739m) driven by falling equity markets partially offset by increased client assets.

Net investment income, net premiums from insurance contracts and net claims and benefits paid on insurance contracts related wholly to the closed life assurance business. Their overall net impact on income

increased marginally to £103m (2007: £95m). The decrease in net investment income, driven by a fall in the value of unit linked contracts and reduced premium income, were offset by reduced net claims and benefits as a result of a fall in the value of linked and non-linked liabilities.

Impairment charges increased £37m to £44m (2007: £7m) from a very low base. This increase reflected both the substantial increase in the loan book over the three years from 2006 to 2008 and the impact of the current economic environment on client liquidity and collateral values.

Operating expenses decreased 4% to £935m (2007: £973m) with significant cost savings including a reduction in performance related costs partially offset by increased expenditure in upgrading technology and operating platforms and continued hiring of client-facing staff.

Total client assets, comprising customer deposits and client investments, increased 10% (£12.6bn) to £145.1bn (2007: £132.5bn) with underlying net new asset inflows of £3.2bn and the acquisition of the Lehman Brothers North American businesses offsetting the impact of market and foreign exchange movements and the sale of the closed life assurance book.


 

Barclays Wealth

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     504        486        431   

Net fee and commission income

     802        720        739   

Net trading income

     7        (11     3   

Net investment income

     13        (333     52   

Principal transactions

     20        (344     55   

Net premiums from insurance contracts

            136        195   

Other income

     7        26        19   

Total income

     1,333        1,024        1,439   

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

            300        (152

Total income net of insurance claims

     1,333        1,324        1,287   

Impairment charges

     (51     (44     (7

Net income

     1,282        1,280        1,280   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (1,114     (919     (967

Amortisation of intangible assets

     (24     (16     (6

Operating expenses

     (1,138     (935     (973

Profit on disposal of associates and joint ventures

     1        326          

Profit before tax

     145        671        307   

Balance sheet information

      

Loans and advances to customers

   £ 13.1bn      £ 11.4bn      £ 9.0bn   

Customer accounts

   £ 38.5bn      £ 42.4bn      £ 34.4bn   

Total assets

   £ 15.1bn      £ 13.3bn      £ 18.2bn   

Risk weighted assets

   £ 11.4bn      £ 10.3bn      £ 8.2bn   

Performance ratios

      

Cost:income ratio

     85%        71%        76%   

Average net income generated per member of staff (‘000)

     £169        £176        £188   


Table of Contents
        49  

 

Financial review

Analysis of results by business

continued

 

 

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

Head office functions and other operations comprises:

 

 

Head office and central support functions

 

 

Businesses in transition

 

 

Inter-segment adjustments

What we do

Head office functions and other operations comprises the following areas: Executive Management, Finance, Treasury, Corporate Affairs, Human Resources, Strategy and Planning, Internal Audit, Legal, Corporate Secretariat, Property, Tax, Compliance and Risk. Costs incurred wholly on behalf of the businesses are recharged to them. Businesses in transition principally relate to certain lending portfolios that are centrally managed with the objective of maximising recovery from the assets.

Performance

2009/08

Head Office Functions and Other Operations loss before tax reduced £308m to £550m (2008: loss of £858m).

Total income increased £405m to £28m (2008: loss of £377m).

Group segmental reporting is performed in accordance with Group accounting policies. This means that inter-segment transactions are recorded in each segment as if undertaken on an arm’s length basis. Adjustments necessary to eliminate inter-segment transactions are included in Head Office Functions and Other Operations.

Net interest income decreased £689m to a loss of £507m (2008: profit of £182m) primarily due to an increase in costs in central funding activity due to the money market dislocation, increased liquidity requirements and lower income on shareholders’ funds due to the lower interest rate environment. This was partially offset by a £170m gain from a reclassification on consolidation for hedging derivatives with the corresponding expense being recorded in principal transactions.

Net fees and commission expense decreased £68m to £418m (2008: £486m) reflecting adjustments to eliminate inter-segmental transactions, offset by increases in fees for structured capital market activities to £191m (2008: £141m) and in fees paid to Barclays Capital for debt and equity raising and risk management advice to £174m (2008: £151m).

Losses associated with principal transactions increased £107m to £325m (2008: loss of £218m) predominantly due to a £170m increase in the consolidation reclassification adjustment on hedging derivatives.

Other income increased £1,160m to £1,186m (2008: £26m). During 2009, certain upper Tier 2 perpetual debt was exchanged for new issuances

of lower Tier 2 dated loan stock resulting in a net gain of £1,164m. £1,170m of this gain was reflected in other income.

Operating expenses increased £119m to £570m (2008: £451m) reflecting a UK bank payroll tax charge of £190m (2008: £nil) in respect of 2009 cash compensation and £35m in respect of certain prior years awards which may fall within the proposed legislation, partially offset by a reduction of £55m in the costs relating to an internal review of Barclays compliance with US economic sanctions to £33m (2008: £88m).

2008/07

Head Office Functions and Other Operations loss before tax increased £430m to £858m (2007: £428m).

Total income decreased £185m to a loss of £377m (2007: loss of £192m).

Group segmental reporting is performed in accordance with Group accounting policies. This means that inter-segment transactions are recorded in each segment as if undertaken on an arm’s length basis. Adjustments necessary to eliminate inter-segment transactions are included in Head Office Functions and Other Operations. The impact of such inter-segment adjustments increased £32m to £265m (2007: £233m). These adjustments included internal fees for structured capital market activities of £141m (2007: £169m) and fees paid to Barclays Capital for debt and equity raising and risk management advice of £151m (2007: £65m), both of which reduce net fees and commission income.

Net interest income increased £54m to £182m (2007: £128m) primarily due to a consolidation adjustment between net interest income and trading income required to match the booking of certain derivative hedging transactions between different segments in the Group. This resulted in a £111m increase in net interest income to £143m (2007: £32m) with an equal and opposite decrease in principal transactions. This was partially offset by an increase in costs in central funding activity due to the money market dislocation, in particular LIBOR resets.

Principal transactions loss increased £135m to £218m (2007: £83m) reflecting the £111m increase in consolidation reclassification adjustment on derivative hedging transactions.

Impairment charges increased £27m to £30m (2007: £3m) mainly reflecting losses on Floating Rate Notes held for hedging purposes.

Operating expenses increased £217m to £451m (2007: £234m). The main drivers of this increase were: a £101m charge for the Group’s share of levies that will be raised by the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme; £64m increase in costs relating to an internal review of Barclays compliance with US economic sanctions; the non-recurrence of a £58m break fee relating to the ABN Amro transaction; lower rental income and lower proceeds on property sales.



Table of Contents
  50        

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

Head office functions and other operations

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Income statement information

      

Net interest income

     (507     182        128   

Net fee and commission income

     (418     (486     (424

Net trading (loss)/income

     (291     (245     (66

Net investment income/(expense)

     (34     27        (17

Principal transactions

     (325     (218     (83

Net premiums from insurance contracts

     92        119        152   

Other income

     1,186        26        35   

Total income

     28        (377     (192

Impairment (charges)/releases

     (16     (30     (3

Net income

     12        (407     (195

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

     (570     (451     (233

Amortisation of intangible assets

                   (1

Operating expenses

     (570     (451     (234

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     1                 

Profit on disposal of associates and joint ventures

     7               1   

Loss before tax

     (550     (858     (428

Balance sheet information

      

Total assets

   £ 6.4bn      £ 3.1bn      £ 5.7bn   

Risk weighted assets

   £ 0.9bn      £ 0.4bn      £ 1.1bn   


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Our people

 

 

 

 

Global minimum standards

To maintain the right balance between overall control and effective local decision making we have established global governance frameworks and minimum standards to regulate how we manage and treat our employees around the world. The key areas covered by the minimum standards are summarised below.

Performance management and compensation

The performance and development process provides employees with the opportunity to have regular discussions with their line managers about their performance and to receive coaching for their personal development. The performance of employees is typically assessed twice a year and a performance rating is agreed with the line manager.

We are committed to the principle of pay for performance. Compensation is based on the performance of individuals and their businesses. Our compensation philosophy is to drive a high performance culture within the appropriate risk and governance frameworks.

Employee relations

Barclays recognises and works constructively with 30 employee representative organisations throughout the world.

Regular employee opinion surveys are used to assess employee engagement. The findings are benchmarked against other global financial services organisations and high-performing organisations.

 

Diversity and inclusion

Barclays operates across the globe and engages with employees across a wealth of diverse and rich cultures. Our mission is to create confidence and trust to do the right thing for both our customers and employees through creating a truly inclusive environment. We will achieve this through ensuring that everything we do treats people fairly through valuing diversity. An example of the progress made in this area is that currently three of our major businesses have female Chief Executive Officers who lead more than half of our employees globally.

Health and safety

Our commitment is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our employees and to provide and maintain safe working conditions. Effective management of health and safety will have a positive effect on the services we provide. Good working climates will help our employees to perform better in serving our customers which in turn will create value for all our stakeholders – customers, employees, shareholders and the communities that we serve.

Training

Developing both existing and new employees is key to our future prosperity. We undertake this through formal classroom-based training and informal on-the-job training, education and coaching. Minimum mandatory training is provided to all employees to ensure that our employees understand Barclays policies and procedures and their role in meeting our regulatory responsibilities.


 

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Corporate sustainability

 

 

 

 

Barclays in making progress on embedding sustainability into our business. We are ranked in the top quartile of global banks in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. However, we realise we have a long way to go and will continue to build our programme in the year ahead. We have remained ‘open for business’ throughout the downturn, and at the same time have reinforced our commitment to be a responsible lender, providing access to credit and support while maintaining prudent lending standards. We are focused on offering a strong safe and responsible service that contributes to the economic progress of society as a whole.

As well as supporting our customers and client, and the communities in which we operate, we have:

 

 

developed our role as an equal opportunities employer;

 

 

taken action on climate issues; and

 

 

aimed to operate as a responsible global citizen.

The Group Executive Committee is responsible for our overall sustainability strategy, and works to support the Chief Executive in its implementation. This Committee, along with the Board, reviews progress against sustainability objectives twice a year, using a robust reporting framework that includes over 100 performance indicators.

Environment

As part of our commitment to minimising our environment footprint, we successfully made our global banking operations carbon neutral in 2009.

 

Barclays Climate Action Programme continues to focus on greater energy efficiency, as well as working with suppliers to reduce the CO2 emissions and developing products and services that will help our customers to do the same.

Partnerships are also a crucial part of the programme, such as our work with the World Wildlife Fund in eastern Africa to pioneer a new era of conservation in the region where communities are supported to utilise their resources more sustainably.

Many of our major environmental and social impacts are indirect and arise through business relationship with suppliers and clients. Our Environmental and Social Impact Assessment policy focuses on any lending we carry out in sensitive sectors and is also the mechanism by which we apply the Equator Principles to our projects. The Equator Principles are based on the International Finance Corporation’s Performance standards, which form the financial services industry standard to manage environmental and social risks in project finance deals above US$10m.

Our Environmental Risk Management team operates across the Group, and in 2009 it assessed more than 290 project and non-project finance transactions.



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Risk management and governance

 

54    Risk management
54    Risk factors
59    Barclays risk management strategy
66    Credit risk management
94    Market risk management
99    Capital risk management
102    Liquidity risk management
105    Operational risk management
107    Statistical information
117    Supervision and regulation
119    Board and Executive Committee
122    Directors’ report
126    Corporate governance report
145    Remuneration report
162    Accountability and audit


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Risk management

Risk factors

 

 

 

The following information sets forth the risk factors which the Group believes could cause its future results to differ materially from expected results. However, other factors could also adversely affect the Group’s results and so the factors discussed in this report should not be considered to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties.

The Group’s approach to identifying, assessing, managing and reporting risks is formalised in its Principal Risk framework, and definitions of the 13 Principal Risks are given below. A description of the Principal Risk framework is provided on page 62.

This summary of risk factors also includes a discussion of the impact of business conditions and the general economy, which are not Principal Risks but can impact risk factors such as credit and market risk and so influence the Group’s results.

Business conditions and general economy

Barclays operates a universal banking business model and its services range from current accounts for personal customers to inflation-risk hedging for governments and institutions. The Group also has significant activities in a large number of countries. There are, therefore, many ways in which changes in business conditions and the general economy can adversely impact Barclays profitability, be they at the level of the Group, the individual business units or the specific countries in which we operate.

The Group’s stress testing framework helps it understand the impact of changes in business conditions and the general economy, as well as the sensitivity of its business goals to such changes and the scope of management actions to mitigate their impact.

As the current downturn has shown, higher unemployment in the UK, US, Spain and South Africa has led to increased arrears in our credit card portfolios, while falls in GDP have reduced the credit quality of the Group’s corporate portfolios. In both cases, there is an increased risk that a higher proportion of the Group’s customers and counterparties may be unable to meet their obligations. In addition, declines in residential and commercial property prices have reduced the value of collateral and caused mark to market losses in some of the Group’s trading portfolios.

The business conditions facing the Group in 2010 are subject to significant uncertainties, most notably:

 

 

the extent and sustainability of economic recovery and asset prices in the UK, US, Spain and South Africa as governments consider how and when to withdraw stimulus packages;

 

 

the dynamics of unemployment in those markets and the impact on delinquency and charge-off rates;

 

 

 

the speed and extent of possible rises in interest rates in the UK, US and eurozone;

 

 

the possibility of further falls in residential property prices in the UK, South Africa and Spain;

 

 

the potential for single name risk and for idiosyncratic losses in different sectors and geographies where credit positions are sensitive to economic downturn;

 

 

possible additional deterioration in our remaining credit market exposures, including commercial real estate and leveraged finance;

 

 

the potential impact of deteriorating sovereign credit quality;

 

 

changes in the value of Sterling relative to other currencies, which could increase risk weighted assets and therefore raise the capital requirements of the Group; and

 

 

the liquidity and volatility of capital markets and investors’ appetite for risk, which could lead to a decline in the income that the Group receives from fees and commissions.

Principal Risk Factors

Retail and Wholesale Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of suffering financial loss, should any of the Group’s customers, clients or market counterparties fail to fulfil their contractual obligations to the Group. The credit risk that the Group faces arises mainly from wholesale and retail loans and advances. However, credit risk may also arise where the downgrading of an entity’s credit rating causes a fall in the fair value of the Group’s investment in that entity’s financial instruments.

In a recessionary environment, such as that recently seen in the United Kingdom, the United States and other economies, credit risk increases.

Credit risk may also be manifested as country risk where difficulties may arise in the country in which the exposure is domiciled, thus impeding or reducing the value of the assets, or where the counterparty may be the country itself.

Another form of credit risk is settlement risk, which is the possibility that the Group may pay funds away to a counterparty but fail to receive the corresponding settlement in return. The Group is exposed to many different industries and counterparties in the normal course of its business, but its exposure to counterparties in the financial services industry is particularly significant. This exposure can arise through trading, lending, deposit-taking, clearance and settlement and many other activities and relationships. These counterparties include broker dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds and other institutional clients. Many of these



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relationships expose the Group to credit risk in the event of default of a counterparty and to systemic risk affecting its counterparties. Where the Group holds collateral against counterparty exposures, it may not be able to realise it or liquidate it at prices sufficient to cover the full exposures. Many of the hedging and other risk management strategies utilised by the Group also involve transactions with financial services counterparties. The failure of these counterparties to settle, or the perceived weakness of these counterparties, may impair the effectiveness of the Group’s hedging and other risk management strategies.

The Group’s credit risk governance structure, management and measurement methodologies, together with an analysis of exposures to credit risk is detailed in the ‘Credit risk management’ section on page 66 and Note 47 to the financial statements on page 243.

An analysis of Barclays Capital’s credit market exposures is detailed on pages 81 to 89.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that the Group’s earnings or capital, or its ability to meet business objectives, will be adversely affected by changes in the level or volatility of market rates or prices such as interest rates, credit spreads, commodity prices, equity prices and foreign exchange rates.

The majority of market risk exposure resides in Barclays Capital. Barclays is also exposed to market risk through non-traded interest rate risk and the pension fund.

The Group’s future earnings could be affected by depressed asset valuations resulting from deterioration in market conditions. Financial markets are sometimes subject to stress conditions where steep falls in asset values can occur, as demonstrated by events in 2007 and 2008 affecting asset backed CDOs and the US sub-prime residential mortgage market and which may occur in other asset classes during an economic downturn. Severe market events are difficult to predict and, if they continue to occur, could result in the Group incurring additional losses.

From the second half of 2007, the Group recorded material net losses on certain credit market exposures, including ABS CDO Super Senior exposures. As market conditions change, the fair value of these exposures could fall further and result in additional losses or impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s earnings. Such losses or impairment charges could derive from: a decline in the value of exposures; a decline in the ability of counterparties, including monoline insurers, to meet their obligations as they fall due; or the ineffectiveness of hedging and other risk management strategies in circumstances of severe stress.

 

The Group’s market risk governance structure, management and measurement methodologies, together with an analysis of exposures to both traded and non-traded market risk is detailed in the ‘Market risk management’ section on page 94 and Note 48 to the financial statements on page 257. Further details relating to the Group’s pension risk is included in Note 30 on page 210.

Capital risk

Capital risk is the risk that the Group has insufficient capital resources to:

 

 

meet minimum regulatory requirements in the UK and in other jurisdictions such as the United States and South Africa where regulated activities are undertaken. The Group’s authority to operate as a bank is dependent upon the maintenance of adequate capital resources;

 

 

support its credit rating. A weaker credit rating would increase the Group’s cost of funds; and

 

 

support its growth and strategic options.

Regulators assess the Group’s capital position and target levels of capital resources on an ongoing basis. Targets may increase in the future, and rules dictating the measurement of capital may be adversely changed, which would constrain the Group’s planned activities and contribute to adverse impacts on the Group’s earnings. During periods of market dislocation, increasing the Group’s capital resources in order to meet targets may prove more difficult or costly.

In December 2009 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a consultative document that outlined proposed changes to the definition of regulatory capital. These proposals are going through a period of consultation and are expected to be introduced by the beginning of 2013, with substantial transitional arrangements. While the proposals may significantly impact the capital resources and requirements of the Group, the Group maintains sufficient Balance Sheet flexibility to adapt accordingly.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its obligations as they fall due as a result of a sudden, and potentially protracted, increase in net cash outflows. Such outflows would deplete available cash resources for client lending, trading activities and investments. In extreme circumstances, lack of liquidity could result in reductions in balance sheet and sales of assets, or potentially an inability to fulfil lending commitments. This risk is inherent in all banking operations and can be affected by a range of institution-specific and market-wide events.



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Risk management

Risk factors

continued

 

 

During periods of market dislocation the Group’s ability to manage liquidity requirements may be impacted by a reduction in the availability of wholesale term funding as well as an increase in the cost of raising wholesale funds. Asset sales, balance sheet reductions and the increasing costs of raising funding may have a material effect on the earnings of the Group.

In illiquid markets, the Group may decide to hold assets rather than securitising, syndicating or disposing of them. This could affect the Group’s ability to originate new loans or support other customer transactions as both capital and liquidity are consumed by existing or legacy assets.

The FSA issued its policy document on ‘strengthening liquidity standards’ on 5th October 2009 detailing the requirements for liquidity governance to be in place by 1st December 2009, and the quantitative requirements for liquidity buffers, which will be in place from 1st June 2010, although with an extended transition period of several years to meet the expected standards.

In addition, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision released a consultative document ‘International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring’ in December 2009. This included two new key liquidity metrics. A liquidity coverage ratio aimed at ensuring banks have sufficient unencumbered high quality assets to meet cash outflows in an acute short-term stress and a net stable funding ratio to promote longer-term structural funding of bank’s balance sheet and capital market activities.

The Group’s liquidity risk management and measurement methodologies are detailed in the ‘Liquidity Risk Management’ section on page 102 and the ‘Liquidity Risk’ note to the financial statements on page 261.

Operations risk

Operations risk is the risk of losses from inadequate or failed internal processes and systems, caused by human error or external events. Operations risk has a broad scope and for that reason, the Group’s Risk Control Frameworks are defined at a more granular level within the overall Operations Principal Risk. These risks are transaction operations, new product development, premises, external suppliers, payments process and the management of information, data quality and records.

Financial crime risk

Financial crime risk is the risk that the Group suffers losses as a result of internal and external fraud or intentional damage, loss or harm to people, premises or moveable assets.

Technology risk

Technology is a key business enabler and requires an appropriate level of control to ensure that the most significant technology risks are effectively managed. Such risks include the non-availability of IT systems, inadequate design and testing of new and changed IT solutions and inadequate IT system security. Data privacy issues are covered under Regulatory Risk and external supplier issues relating to technology are covered under Operations Risk.

 

People risk

People risk arises from failures of the Group to manage its key risks as an employer, including lack of appropriate people resource, failure to manage performance and reward, unauthorised or inappropriate employee activity and failure to comply with employment related requirements.

Regulatory risk

Regulatory risk arises from a failure or inability to comply fully with the laws, regulations or codes applicable specifically to the financial services industry. Non-compliance could lead to fines, public reprimands, damage to reputation, increased prudential requirements, enforced suspension of operations or, in extreme cases, withdrawal of authorisations to operate.

In addition, the Group’s businesses and earnings can be affected by the fiscal or other policies and other actions of various governmental and regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom, the European Union (‘EU’), the United States, South Africa and elsewhere. All these are subject to change, particularly in an environment where recent developments in the global markets have led to an increase in the involvement of various governmental and regulatory authorities in the financial sector and in the operations of financial institutions. In particular, governmental and regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom, the United States and elsewhere are implementing measures to increase regulatory control in their respective banking sectors, including by imposing enhanced capital and liquidity requirements. Any future regulatory changes may potentially restrict the Group’s operations, mandate certain lending activity and impose other compliance costs.

Areas where changes could have an impact include:

 

 

the monetary, interest rate and other policies of central banks and regulatory authorities;

 

 

general changes in government or regulatory policy that may significantly influence investor decisions, in particular markets in which the Group operates;

 

 

general changes in regulatory requirements, for example, prudential rules relating to the capital adequacy framework and rules designed to promote financial stability and increase depositor protection;

 

 

changes in competition and pricing environments;

 

 

further developments in the financial reporting environment;

 

 

differentiation amongst financial institutions by governments with respect to the extension of guarantees to customer deposits and the terms attaching to those guarantees; and

 

 

implementation of, or costs related to, local customer or depositor compensation or reimbursement schemes.

Further details of specific matters that impact the Group are included in the Supervision and Regulation section on page 117 and Note 36 to the financial statements on page 222.



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Financial reporting risk

Financial reporting risk arises from a failure or inability to comply fully with the laws, regulations or codes in relation to the disclosure of financial information. Non-compliance could lead to fines, public reprimands, damage to reputation, enforced suspension of operations or, in extreme cases, withdrawal of authorisations to operate. Further details of the Group’s internal controls over financial reporting are included in the Accountability and Audit Section on page 162.

Legal risk

The Group is subject to a comprehensive range of legal obligations in all countries in which it operates. As a result, the Group is exposed to many forms of legal risk, which may arise in a number of ways. Primarily:

 

 

the Group’s business may not be conducted in accordance with applicable laws around the world;

 

 

contractual obligations may either not be enforceable as intended or may be enforced against the Group in an adverse way;

 

 

the intellectual property of the Group (such as its trade names) may not be adequately protected; and

 

 

the Group may be liable for damages to third parties harmed by the conduct of its business.

The Group faces risk where legal proceedings are brought against it. Regardless of whether such claims have merit, the outcome of legal proceedings is inherently uncertain and could result in financial loss.

Defending legal proceedings can be expensive and time-consuming and there is no guarantee that all costs incurred will be recovered even if the Group is successful. Although the Group has processes and controls to manage legal risks, failure to manage these risks could impact the Group adversely, both financially and by reputation.

Further details of the Group’s legal proceedings are included in Note 35 to the financial statements on page 221.

 

Taxation risk

The Group is subject to the tax laws in all countries in which it operates, including tax laws adopted at an EU level. A number of double taxation agreements entered between two countries also impact on the taxation of the Group. Tax risk is the risk associated with changes in tax law or in the interpretation of tax law. It also includes the risk of changes in tax rates and the risk of failure to comply with procedures required by tax authorities. Failure to manage tax risks could lead to an additional tax charge. It could also lead to a financial penalty for failure to comply with required tax procedures or other aspects of tax law. If, as a result of a particular tax risk materialising, the tax costs associated with particular transactions are greater than anticipated, it could affect the profitability of those transactions.

The Group takes a responsible and transparent approach to the management and control of its tax affairs and related tax risk, specifically:

 

 

tax risks are assessed as part of the Group’s formal governance processes and are reviewed by the Executive Committee, Group Finance Director and the Board Risk Committee;

 

 

the tax charge is also reviewed by the Board Audit Committee;

 

 

the tax risks of proposed transactions or new areas of business are fully considered before proceeding;

 

 

the Group takes appropriate advice from reputable professional firms;

 

 

the Group employs high-quality tax professionals and provides ongoing technical training;

 

 

the tax professionals understand and work closely with the different areas of the business;

 

 

the Group uses effective, well-documented and controlled processes to ensure compliance with tax disclosure and filing obligations; and

 

 

where disputes arise with tax authorities with regard to the interpretation and application of tax law, the Group is committed to addressing the matter promptly and resolving the matter with the tax authority in an open and constructive manner.



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Risk factors

continued

 

 

 

Other Risk Factors

In addition to the 13 Principal Risks, the Group’s high-level risk classification includes four other ‘Level 1’ risks. These risks are in general less amenable to formal quantification than the Principal Risks in terms of risk measurement or setting risk appetite. However, they retain the potential to impact the Group’s performance.

Strategic Risk

The Group devotes substantial management and planning resources to the development of strategic plans for organic growth and identification of possible acquisitions, supported by substantial expenditure to generate growth in customer business. If these strategic plans are not delivered as anticipated, the Group’s earnings could grow more slowly or decline. In addition, the Group’s strategy could be impacted by revenue volatility due to factors such as macroeconomic conditions, inflexible cost structures, uncompetitive products or pricing and structural inefficiencies.

 

Change risk

Change risk arises when the Group needs to make extensive changes to its operations. The cost of implementation projects may overrun, or they may fail to achieve their objectives. Examples of situations in which change risk arises include the integration of acquired businesses, significant business unit restructuring, changes in target operating models, the roll-out of new and potentially disruptive technologies, the introduction of a single currency such as the euro, and Group-wide projects to implement significant new regulation such as Basel II.

Corporate sustainability risk

Corporate sustainability risk arises from the failure to identify and manage the impact of business decisions and activities on the community and the environment, covering the following themes: customers and clients, inclusive banking, the environment, diversity and responsible global citizenship. For more information, see page 52.

Brand management risk

Barclays defines brand risk as the failure to manage the visual identity of Barclays brands in an effective manner. This is distinct from reputational impact (damage to the general brand/reputation of Barclays), which is a potential by-product of financial, strategic or operational risks.



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Risk management

Barclays risk management strategy

 

 

 

Barclays has clear risk management objectives and a well-established strategy to deliver them, through core risk management processes.

At a strategic level, our risk management objectives are:

 

 

To identify the Group’s material risks.

 

 

To formulate the Group’s Risk Appetite and ensure that business profile and plans are consistent with it.

 

 

To optimise risk/return decisions by taking them as closely as possible to the business, while establishing strong and independent review and challenge structures.

 

 

To ensure that business growth plans are properly supported by effective risk infrastructure.

 

 

To manage risk profile to ensure that specific financial deliverables remain possible under a range of adverse business conditions.

 

 

To help executives improve the control and co-ordination of risk taking across the business.

The Group’s strategy is to break down risk management into five discrete processes: direct, assess, control, report, and manage/challenge. Each of these processes is broken down further, to establish end to end activities within the risk management process and the infrastructure needed to support it (see panel below).

 

Assigning responsibilities

Responsibility for risk management resides at all levels within the Group, from the Board and the Executive Committee down through the organisation to each business manager and risk specialist. Barclays distributes these responsibilities so that risk/return decisions are taken at the most appropriate level; as close as possible to the business, and subject to robust and effective review and challenge. The responsibilities for effective review and challenges reside with senior managers, risk oversight committees, Barclays Internal Audit, the independent Group Risk function, the Board Risk Committee and ultimately, the Board.

The Board is responsible for approving Risk Appetite, which is the level of risk the Group chooses to take in pursuit of its business objectives. At most of the Board’s scheduled meetings, the Chief Risk Officer presents a report summarising developments in the risk environment and performance trends in the key portfolios. The Board is also responsible for the Internal Control and Assurance Framework. It oversees the management of the most significant risks through the regular review of risk exposures and related key controls. Executive Management responsibilities relating to this are set via the Group’s Principal Risks Policy.

The Board Risk Committee (BRC) monitors the Group’s risk profile against the agreed appetite. Where actual performance differs from expectations, the actions being taken by management are reviewed to ensure that the BRC is comfortable with them. After each meeting, the Chair of the BRC prepares a report for the next meeting of the Board. Barclays first established a separate Board Risk Committee in 1999 and all members are non-executive directors. The Finance Director and the Chief Risk Officer attend each meeting as a matter of course and the Chief Risk Officer has a dotted reporting line to the Chair. The BRC receives regular and comprehensive reports on the Group’s risk profile, the key issues affecting each business portfolio, risk measurement methodologies and forward risk trends. The Committee also commissions in-depth analyses of significant risk topics, which are presented by the Chief Risk Officer or senior risk managers in the businesses. The Chair of the Committee prepares a statement each year on its activities (see page 141).


 

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Risk management

Barclays risk management strategy

continued

 

 

 

The Board Audit Committee receives quarterly reports on control issues of significance and a half-yearly review of the adequacy of impairment allowances, which it reviews relative to the risk inherent in the portfolios, the business environment, the Group’s policies and methodologies and the performance trends of peer banks. The Chair of the Board Audit Committee also sits on the Board Risk Committee. See page 136 for additional details on the membership and activities of the Board Audit Committee.

The Board HR and Remuneration Committee receives advice from the Board Risk Committee on the management of remuneration risk, including advice on the setting of performance objectives in the context of incentive packages.

Summaries of the relevant business, professional and risk management experience of the Directors of the Board are given on pages 119 and 121. The terms of reference for each of the principal Board Committees are available from the Corporate Governance section at: www.aboutbarclays.com.

The Chief Risk Officer is a member of the Executive Committee and has overall day to day accountability for risk management under delegated authority from the Finance Director. The Finance Director must consult the Chairman of the Board Risk Committee in respect of the Chief Risk Officer’s performance appraisal and compensation as well as all appointments to or departures from the role.


 

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Note

 

The governance structure will not change following the restructure of the Group announced in November 2009.


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The Chief Risk Officer manages the independent Group Risk function and chairs the Group Risk Oversight Committee, which monitors the Group’s risk profile relative to established risk appetite. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, and working in the Group Risk function, are risk-type heads for: retail credit risk, wholesale credit risk, market risk, operational risk, financial crime risk and capital analytics. Along with their teams, the risk-type heads are responsible for establishing a Group-wide framework for risk control framework and oversight. These risk-type teams liaise with each business as part of the monitoring and management processes.

In addition, each business unit has an embedded risk management function, headed by a business risk director. Business risk directors and their teams are responsible for assisting business heads in the

identification and management of their business risk profiles and for implementing appropriate controls. These teams also assist Group Risk in the formulation of Group policies and their implementation across the businesses. The business risk directors report jointly to their respective business heads and to the Chief Risk Officer.

The risk type heads within the central Group Risk function and the business risk directors within the business units report to the Chief Risk Officer and are members of the Group Risk Oversight Committee.


 

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Barclays risk management strategy

continued

 

 

 

Internal Audit is responsible for the independent review of risk management and the control environment. Its objective is to provide reliable, valued and timely assurance to the Board and Executive Management over the effectiveness of controls, mitigating current and evolving high risks and in so doing enhancing the controls culture within the Group. The Board Audit Committee reviews and approves Internal Audit’s plans and resources, and evaluates the effectiveness of Internal Audit.

An assessment by external advisers is also carried out periodically. In addition to the Committees shown in the chart, there is a Brand and Reputation Committee reviewing emerging issues with potentially significant reputational impact.

Risk management responsibilities are laid out in the Principal Risks Policy, which covers the categories of risk in which the Group has its most significant actual or potential risk exposures.

The Principal Risks Framework:

 

 

creates clear ownership and accountability;

 

 

ensures the Group’s risk exposures are understood and managed in accordance with agreed risk appetite (for financial risks) and risk tolerances (for non-financial risks); and

 

 

ensures regular reporting of both risk exposures and the operating effectiveness of controls.

Each Principal Risk is owned by a senior individual within Barclays, known as the Principal Risk Owner (PRO) who is required to document, communicate and maintain a risk control framework which makes clear the mandated control requirements in managing that Principal Risk, for every business across the firm.

 

These control requirements are given further specification, according to the business unit or risk type, to provide a complete and appropriate system of internal control.

Business unit and Group centre heads are responsible for obtaining ongoing assurance that the controls they have put in place to manage the risks to their business objectives are operating effectively. Six-monthly reviews support the regulatory requirement for the Group to make a statement about its system of internal controls (the ‘Turnbull’ statement), in the Annual Report and Accounts.

PROs report their assessments of the risk exposure and control effectiveness to Group-level oversight committees. Their assessments form the basis of the reports that go to the Board Risk Committee.

Setting and using Risk Appetite

Risk Appetite is the level of risk the Group chooses to take in pursuit of its business objectives.

As part of the yearly planning process, we add up our estimated bad debts charges and ask ourselves if that potential level of credit loss is consistent with our strategy, with our business position, and with our capital.

The starting point is the total expected credit loss, assuming the base case economic forecast. To gain a more rounded understanding of the risk, the Group estimates credit losses based on the kind of stressed conditions that can be expected to occur approximately once every seven years (moderate stress) and once every 25 years (severe stress). These potentially larger but increasingly less likely levels of loss are illustrated in the Risk Appetite concepts chart below.


 

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Risk Appetite is prepared for the Board, as part of the formal planning process. The Board requires credible plans that show the Executive is aware of risk sensitivities and potential downside cases, and is investing capital into sustainable businesses over an economic cycle. The Chief Risk Officer leads the discussion at the Executive and Board levels. If the projections entail too high a level of risk, management will challenge each area to find new ways to rebalance the business mix to incur less overall risk. Performance against Risk Appetite is measured and reported to the Executive and Board regularly throughout the year.

As well as credit risk, the Risk Appetite framework also considers market and operational risks.

Barclays uses Risk Appetite to:

 

 

improve management confidence and debate regarding our risk profile;

 

 

give executives greater control and co-ordination of risk-taking across businesses;

 

 

re-balance the risk profile of the medium-term plan to achieve a superior risk-return profile; and

 

 

identify unused risk capacity.

There is a second element to Risk Appetite setting in Barclays: the extensive system of Mandate and Scale limits, which are set by the independent Group Risk function, formally monitored each month and subject to Board-level oversight.

The framework operates through limits and triggers, which work in tandem with clearly defined lending criteria for specific sectors, industries and products, in order to maintain asset quality.

 

For example, in the UK mortgage business a series of explicit mandate and scale limits have kept the average loan to value of the portfolio at conservative levels, set an upper boundary on the proportion of buy-to-let customers, and set at ‘zero’ our appetite to offer self-certified mortgages.

In our commercial property finance portfolios, a comprehensive series of limits are in place to control exposure within each business and geographic market. To ensure that limits are aligned to the underlying risk characteristics, the Mandate and Scale limits differentiate between types of exposure. There are, for example, individual limits for property investment and property development and for senior and subordinated lending. Since the onset of the global economic downturn, these limits have been reduced significantly and the frequency of review has been increased.

Barclays uses the Mandate and Scale framework to:

 

 

limit concentration risk;

 

 

keep business activities within Group and individual business mandate;

 

 

ensure activities remain of an appropriate scale relative to the underlying risk and reward; and

 

 

ensure risk-taking is supported by appropriate expertise and capabilities.

 

 

As well as Group-level Mandate and Scale limits, further limits are set by risk managers within each business unit, covering particular portfolios. Taken as a whole, the Risk Appetite framework provides a basis for the allocation of risk capacity across the Barclays Group.



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Risk management

Barclays risk management strategy

continued

 

 

 

Modelling risk

Risk taking on any meaningful scale requires quantification. Barclays uses risk models in an extensive range of decisions, from credit grading, pricing and approval to portfolio management, risk appetite setting, economic capital allocation and regulatory capital calculations.

The key inputs into the models used to quantify credit risk are:

 

 

Probability of default (PD).

 

 

Exposure at default (EAD).

 

 

Loss given default (LGD).

These models are used in a range of applications that measure credit risk across the Group. For example, Barclays can assign an expected loss over the next 12 months to each customer by multiplying these three factors. We calculate probability of default (PD) by assessing the credit quality of borrowers and other counterparties. For the sake of illustration, suppose a customer has a 0.5% probability of defaulting over a 12-month period. The exposure at default (EAD) is our estimate of what the outstanding balance will be, if the customer does default. Supposing the current balance is £1,000, our models might predict a rise to £1,200 by then. Should customers default, some part of the exposure is usually recovered. The part that is not recovered, together with the economic costs associated with the recovery process, comprise the loss given default (LGD), which is expressed as a percentage of EAD. Supposing the LGD in this case is estimated to be 30%, the expected loss for this customer is: 0.5% x £1,200 x 30% or £1.80.

The Group has an extensive range of models in use, covering estimations of PD, EAD, LGD as well as many other types of risk besides credit risk. The models are developed and owned by each business unit and used to measure risk in their portfolios. To minimise the risk of loss through model failure, the Group Model Risk Policy (GMRP) was developed. It is managed by the independent Group Risk function and was reviewed and expanded during 2009.

The GMRP helps reduce the potential for model failure by setting Group-wide minimum standards for the model development and implementation process. The GMRP also sets the Group governance processes for all models, which allows model performance and risk to be monitored, and seeks to identify and escalate any potential problems at an early stage.

 

To ensure that the governance process is effective, and that management time is focused on the more material models, each model is provided with a materiality rating. The GMRP defines the materiality ranges for all model types, based on an assessment of the impact to the Group in the event of a model error. The final level of model sign-off is based on materiality, with all of a business unit’s models initially being approved in business unit committees. The more material models are also approved at the Group-level Material Models Technical Committee, and the most material models require further approval by the Executive Models Committee, a sub-committee of Group Executive Committee.

This process ensures that the most significant models are subject to the most rigorous review, and that senior management have a good understanding of the most material models in the Group. Although the final level of model sign-off will vary, depending on model materiality, the standards required by the GMRP do not change with the materiality level.

The GMRP also sets detailed standards that a model must meet during development and subsequent use. For new models, documentation must be sufficiently detailed to allow an expert to understand all aspects of model development such that they could reproduce the model. It must include a description of the data used for model development, the methodology used (and the rationale for choosing such a methodology), a description of any assumptions made, as well as details of the strengths and weaknesses of the model.

All new models are subject to validation and independent review before they can be signed off for implementation. The model validation exercise must demonstrate that the model is fit for purpose and provides accurate estimates. The independent review ensures that the model development has followed a robust process and that the standards of the GMRP have been met, as well as ensuring that the model satisfies business and regulatory requirements. In addition, the most material models are subject to independent review by Group Risk. Once implemented, all models are subject to post-implementation review. This confirms that the model has been implemented correctly and behaves as predicted.

The GMRP also sets the requirements for ongoing performance monitoring and the annual review process. Once implemented, all models within the Group are subject to ongoing performance monitoring to ensure that any deficiencies are identified early, and that remedial action can be taken before the decision-making process is affected. As part of this process,


 

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model owners set performance triggers and define appropriate actions for their models in the event that a trigger level is breached.

In addition to regular monitoring, models are subject to an annual validation process to ensure that they will continue to perform as expected, and that assumptions used in model development are still appropriate. In line with initial sign-off requirements, annual validations are also formally reviewed at the appropriate technical committee.

Within Barclays Capital, where models are used to value positions within the trading book, the positions are subject to regular independent price testing which covers all trading positions. Prices are compared with direct external market data where possible. When this is not possible, more analytic techniques are used, such as industry consensus pricing services. These services enable peer banks to compare structured products and model-input parameters on an anonymous basis. The conclusions and any exceptions to this exercise are communicated to senior levels of business management.

Externally developed models are subject to the same governance standards as internal models, and must be approved for use following the validation and independent review process. External models are also subject to the same standards for ongoing monitoring and annual validation requirements.

Stress testing

A fundamental duty of risk management is to ensure that organisations do not neglect to prepare for the worst event as they plan for success. Stress testing helps Barclays to understand how its portfolios would react if business conditions became significantly more challenging. We generate specific forward-looking scenarios and analyse how well our profitability would hold up, whether our levels of capital would be adequate and what managers could do ahead of time to mitigate the risk.

Stress tests capture a wide range of macroeconomic variables that are relevant to the current environment, such as:

 

 

GDP;

 

 

unemployment;

 

 

asset prices; and

 

 

interest rates.

 

The Board Risk Committee agrees the range of scenarios to be tested and the independent Group Risk function co-ordinates the process, using bottom-up analysis performed by the businesses. The results of the stress tests are presented to the Executive Committee, the Board Risk Committee, the Strategy Board and the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA).

In 2009, the range of stress scenarios included the stress test set out by the FSA as part of its assessment of the Group’s resilience to stressed credit risk, market risk and economic conditions over a five-year period. This stress scenario took into account a wide range of factors, including:

 

 

the Group’s revenue generation potential given stressed GDP and interest rates assumptions;

 

 

the probability of default and possible losses given default within its loan book; and

 

 

possible declines in the market value of assets held in the trading books.

Following this work and discussion with the FSA, the Group was able to confirm that its capital position and resources, after exposure to the stress, were expected to continue to meet the FSA’s capital requirements.

Barclays uses stress testing techniques at Group, portfolio and product level and across a range of risk types. For example, portfolio management in the US cards business employs stressed assumptions of unemployment to determine profitability hurdles for new accounts. And in the UK mortgage business, affordability thresholds incorporate stressed estimates of interest rates.

In the Investment Banking division, global scenario testing is used to gauge potential losses that could arise in conditions of extreme market stress. Stress testing is also conducted on our positions in particular asset classes, including interest rates, commodities, equities, credit and foreign exchange.

Further details of the Group’s stress testing relating to liquidity risk is set out on page 102.



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Risk management

Credit risk management

 

 

 

Credit risk is the risk of suffering financial loss should any of the Group’s customers, clients or market counterparties fail to fulfil their contractual obligations to the Group.

The granting of credit is one of the Group’s major sources of income and, as the most significant risk, the Group dedicates considerable resources to controlling it.

The credit risk that the Group faces arises mainly from wholesale and retail loans and advances together with the counterparty credit risk arising from derivative contracts entered into with our clients.

Barclays is also exposed to other credit risks arising from its trading activities, including debt securities, settlement balances with market counterparties, available for sale assets and reverse repurchase loans.

In managing credit risk, the Group applies the five-step risk management process. Credit risk management objectives are:

 

 

To establish a framework of controls to ensure credit risk-taking is based on sound credit risk management principles.

 

 

To identify, assess and measure credit risk clearly and accurately across the Group and within each separate business, from the level of individual facilities up to the total portfolio.

 

 

To control and plan credit risk-taking in line with external stakeholder expectations and avoiding undesirable concentrations.

 

 

To monitor credit risk and adherence to agreed controls.

 

 

To ensure that risk-reward objectives are met.

In the review of Barclays credit risk management that follows, we first explain how the Group meets its credit risk management objectives through its organisation, structure and governance, measurement, reporting and system of internal ratings.

We then provide a summary of the Group’s total assets, including the asset types which give rise to credit risk and counterparty credit risk, namely: loans and advances, debt securities and derivatives.

On pages 68 to 79, we set out a detailed analysis of the Group’s loans and advances across a number of asset classes and businesses referencing significant portfolios and including summary measures of asset quality.

We provide disclosures and analyses of the credit risk profiles of these asset categories, beginning with Barclays Capital’s credit market exposures by asset class, covering current exposures, losses during 2009, sales and paydowns, foreign exchange movements and, where appropriate, details of collateral held, geographic spread, vintage and credit quality. These are given on pages 81 to 90.

Finally, additional analysis of debt securities and derivatives is provided on pages 91 to 93.

Organisation and structure

Barclays has structured the responsibilities of credit risk management so that decisions are taken as close as possible to the business, whilst ensuring robust review and challenge of performance, risk infrastructure and strategic plans.

The credit risk management teams in each business are accountable to the business risk directors in those businesses who, in turn, report to the heads of their businesses and also to the Chief Risk Officer.

The role of the Group Risk function is to provide Group-wide direction, oversight and challenge of credit risk-taking. Group Risk sets the Credit Risk Control Framework, which provides a structure within which credit risk is managed together with supporting Group Credit Risk Policies.

Group Credit Risk Policies currently in force include:

 

 

Maximum Exposure Guidelines to limit the exposures to an individual customer or counterparty;

 

 

Country risk policies to specify Risk Appetite by country and avoid excessive concentration of credit risk in individual countries;

 

 

Aggregation policy to set out the circumstances in which counterparties should be grouped together for credit risk purposes;

 

 

Expected loss policies to set out the Group approaches for the calculation of expected loss, i.e. Group measure of anticipated loss for exposures;

 

 

Repayment plans policy for setting the standards for repayment plans and restructures within retail portfolios; and

 

 

Impairment and provisioning policies to ensure that measurement of impairment accurately reflects incurred losses and that clear governance procedures are in place for the calculation and approval of impairment allowances.

The largest credit exposures are approved at the Group Credit Committee which is managed by Group Risk. Group Risk also manages and approves the Mandate and Scale limits and triggers which mitigate concentration risk and define appetite in risk sensitive areas of the portfolio such as commercial property finance (see page 63).

Group Risk also provides technical support, review and validation of credit risk measurement models across the Group.

The principal Committees that review credit risk management, approve overall Group credit policy and resolve all significant credit policy issues are the Board Risk Committee, the Group Risk Oversight Committee, the Wholesale Credit Risk Management Committee and the Retail Credit Risk Management Committee. Senior Group and business risk management are represented on the Group Risk Oversight Committee, the Wholesale Credit Risk Management Committee and the Retail Credit Risk Management Committee.

On a semi-annual basis, the Credit Risk Impairment Committee (CRIC) obtains assurance on behalf of the Group that all businesses are recognising impairment in their portfolios accurately, promptly and in accordance with policy, accounting standards and established governance.

CRIC is chaired by the Credit Risk Director and reviews the movements to impairment in the businesses, including those already agreed at Credit Committee, as well as potential credit risk loans, loan loss rates, asset quality metrics and impairment coverage ratios.

CRIC makes twice-yearly recommendations to the Board Audit

Committee on the adequacy of Group impairment allowances. Impairment allowances are reviewed relative to the risk in the portfolio, business and economic trends, current policies and methodologies, and our position relative to peer banks.



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Measurement and internal ratings

The principal objective of credit risk measurement is to produce the most accurate possible quantitative assessment of the credit risk to which the Group is exposed, from the level of individual facilities up to the total portfolio. Integral to this is the calculation of internal ratings, which are used in numerous aspects of credit risk management and in the calculation of regulatory and economic capital. The key building blocks of this process are:

 

 

Probability of default (PD).

 

 

Exposure at default (EAD).

 

 

Loss given default (LGD).

To calculate probability of default (PD), Barclays assesses the credit quality of borrowers and other counterparties and assigns them an internal risk rating. Multiple rating methodologies may be used to inform the overall rating decision on individual large credits, such as internal and external models, rating agency ratings, and, for wholesale assets, market information such as credit spreads. For smaller credits, a single source may suffice such as the result from an internal rating model. Barclays recognises the need for two different expressions of PD depending on the purpose for which it is used. For the purposes of calculating regulatory and economic capital, long-run average through-the-cycle (TTC) PDs are required. However, for the purposes of pricing, PDs should represent the best estimate of probability of default given the current position in the credit cycle. Hence, point-in-time (PIT) PDs are also required.

Each PD model outputs an estimate of default probability that is PIT, TTC or a hybrid (e.g. a 50:50 blend). Bespoke conversion techniques, appropriate to the portfolio in question, are then applied to convert the model output to pure PIT and TTC PD estimates. In deriving the appropriate conversion, industry and location of the counterparty and an understanding of the current and long-term credit conditions are considered. Both PIT and the TTC PD estimates are recorded for each client.

Within Barclays, the calculation of internal ratings differs between wholesale and retail customers. For wholesale portfolios, the rating system is constructed to ensure that a client receives the same rating regardless of the part of the business with which it is dealing. To achieve this, a model hierarchy is adopted which requires users to adopt a specific approach to rating each counterparty depending upon the nature of the business and its location. A range of methods are utilised for estimating wholesale counterparty PDs. These include bespoke grading models developed within the Group (internal models), vendor models such as MKMV Credit Edge and RiskCalc, and a conversion of external alphabet ratings from either S&P, Moody’s or Fitch. Retail models, especially those used for capital purposes, are almost exclusively built internally using Barclays data. In many cases bureau data is used to complement internal data and in rare cases models developed by the credit bureau themselves are used in conjunction with internal models. In addition, in some low data/low default environments, external developments may also be utilised.

A key element of the Barclays wholesale framework is the PD Masterscale (see below). This scale has been developed to distinguish meaningful differences in the probability of default risk throughout the risk range. In contrast to wholesale businesses, retail areas rarely bucket exposures into generic grades for account management purposes (although they may be used for reporting purposes). Instead, accounts are managed at a more granular and bespoke level.

Exposure at default (EAD) represents the expected level of usage of the credit facility should default occur. At the point of default, the customer exposure can vary from the current position due to the combined effects of additional drawings, repayment of principal and interest and fees. EAD parameters are all derived from internal estimates and are determined from internal historical behaviour. The lower bound of EAD for regulatory capital purposes is the current balance at calculation of EAD. For derivative instruments, exposure in the event of default is the estimated cost of replacing contracts with a positive value should counterparties fail to perform their obligations.

Should a customer default, some part of the exposure is usually recovered. The part that is not recovered, the actual loss, together with the economic costs associated with the recovery process, comprise the loss given default (LGD), which is expressed as a percentage of EAD. The Group estimates an average LGD for each type of exposure using historical information. The level of LGD depends principally on: the type of collateral (if any); the seniority or subordination of the exposure; the industry in which the customer operates (if a business); the length of time taken for the recovery process and the timing of all associated cash flows; and the jurisdiction applicable and work-out expenses. The outcome is also dependent on economic conditions that may determine, for example, the prices that can be realised for assets, whether a business can readily be refinanced or the availability of a repayment source for personal customers. For the purposes of regulatory capital an adjustment is made to the modelled LGD to account for the increased losses experienced under downturn conditions, giving a ‘downturn LGD’.

 

 

Barclays PD Masterscale

 

Default grade/

TTC Band

   Default Probability
   >=Min    Mid    <Max

1

   0.00%    0.010%    0.02%

2

   0.02%    0.025%    0.03%

3

   0.03%    0.040%    0.05%

4

   0.05%    0.075%    0.10%

5

   0.10%    0.125%    0.15%

6

   0.15%    0.175%    0.20%

7

   0.20%    0.225%    0.25%

8

   0.25%    0.275%    0.30%

9

   0.30%    0.350%    0.40%

10

   0.40%    0.450%    0.50%

11

   0.50%    0.550%    0.60%

12

   0.60%    0.900%    1.20%

13

   1.20%    1.375%    1.55%

14

   1.55%    1.850%    2.15%

15

   2.15%    2.600%    3.05%

16

   3.05%    3.750%    4.45%

17

   4.45%    5.400%    6.35%

18

   6.35%    7.500%    8.65%

19

   8.65%    10.000%    11.35%

20

   11.35%    15.000%    18.65%

21

   18.65%    30.000%    100.00%


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Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

Reporting

The Group dedicates considerable resources to gaining a clear and accurate understanding of credit risk across the business and ensuring that its balance sheet correctly reflects the value of the assets in accordance with applicable accounting principles. This process can be summarised in five broad stages:

 

 

measuring exposures and concentrations;

 

 

monitoring weaknesses in portfolios;

 

 

identifying potential problem loans and credit risk loans (collectively known as potential credit risk loans or PCRLs);

 

 

raising allowances for impaired loans; and

 

 

writing off assets when the whole or part of a debt is considered irrecoverable.

 

Measuring exposures and concentrations

Loans and advances to customers provide the principal source of credit risk to the Group although Barclays can also be exposed to other forms of credit risk through, for example, loans to banks, loan commitments and debt securities.

Barclays risk management policies and processes are designed to identify and analyse risk, to set appropriate risk appetite, limits and controls, and to monitor the risks and adherence to limits by means of reliable and timely data.

One area of particular review is concentration risk. A concentration of credit risk exists when a number of counterparties are engaged in similar activities and have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic and other conditions.

As a result, Barclays constantly reviews its concentration in a number of areas including, for example, geography, maturity, industry and investment grade (see below).

Diversification is achieved through setting maximum exposure guidelines to individual counterparties. Excesses are reported to the Group Risk Oversight Committee and the Board Risk Committee. Mandate and Scale limits are used to limit the stock of current exposures in a loan portfolio and the flow of new exposures into a loan portfolio. Limits are typically based on the nature of the lending and the amount of the portfolio meeting certain standards of underwriting criteria.


 

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Note

 

a Total comprises all limits to cross-border counterparties (non-UK) where limits are greater than £10m.


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Monitoring weaknesses in portfolios

Whilst the basic principles for monitoring weaknesses in wholesale and retail exposures are broadly similar, they will reflect the differing nature of the assets.

As a matter of policy all facilities granted to corporate or wholesale customers are subject to a review on, at least, an annual basis, even when they are performing satisfactorily.

Corporate accounts that are deemed to contain heightened levels of risk are recorded on graded early warning lists or watchlists comprising three categories graded in line with the perceived severity of the risk attached to the lending, and its probability of default. These are updated monthly and circulated to the relevant risk control points. Once an account has been placed on watchlist (WL) or early warning list (EWL), the exposure is carefully monitored and, where appropriate, exposure reductions are effected.

Should an account become impaired, it will normally have passed through each of the three categories, which reflect the need for increasing caution and control. Where an obligor’s financial health gives grounds for concern, it is immediately placed into the appropriate category. While all obligors, regardless of financial health, are subject to a full review of all facilities on, at least, an annual basis, more frequent interim reviews may be undertaken should circumstances dictate.

Specialist recovery functions deal with clients in default, collection or insolvency. Their mandate is to maximise shareholder value via the orderly and timely recovery of impaired debts. Accounts can stay in Recoveries for up to two years unless a longer-term strategy has been agreed.

 

Within the retail portfolios, which tend to comprise homogeneous assets, statistical techniques more readily allow potential weaknesses to be monitored on a portfolio basis. The approach is consistent with the Group’s policy of raising a collective impairment allowance as soon as objective evidence of impairment is identified.

Retail accounts can be classified according to specified categories of arrears status (or cycle), which reflects the level of contractual payments which are overdue on a loan.

The probability of default increases with the number of contractual payments missed, thus raising the associated impairment requirement. Once a loan has passed through all six cycles it will enter recovery status, having been charged off. In most cases, charge-off will result in the account moving to a legal recovery function or debt sale. This will typically occur after an account has been treated by a collections function. However, in certain cases, an account may be charged off directly from a performing (up to date) status, such as in the case of insolvency or death.

As a general principle, charge-off marks the point at which it becomes more economically efficient to treat an account through a recovery function or debt sale rather than a collections function. Economic efficiency includes the (discounted) expected amount recovered and operational and legal costs. Whilst charge-off is considered an irreversible state, in certain cases, it may be acceptable for mortgage and vehicle finance accounts to move back from charge-off to performing or delinquent states. This is only considered acceptable where local legislation requirements are in place, or where it is deemed that the customer has a renewed willingness to pay and there is a


 

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Credit risk management

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strong chance that they will be able to meet their contractual obligations in the foreseeable future.

For the majority of products, the standard period for charging off accounts is 180 days past due of contractual obligation. However, in the case of customer bankruptcy or insolvency, the associated accounts will be charged off within 60 days.

Within UKRB Local Business, accounts that are deemed to have a heightened level of risk, or that exhibit some unsatisfactory features which could affect viability in the short to medium term, are transferred to a separate ‘caution’ stream. Accounts on the caution stream are reviewed on at least a quarterly basis, at which time consideration is given to continuing with the agreed strategy, returning the customer to a lower risk refer stream, or instigating recovery/exit action.

Identifying potential credit risk loans

In line with disclosure requirements from the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US, the Group reports potentially and actually impaired loans as Potential Credit Risk Loans (PCRLs). PCRLs comprise two categories of loans: Potential Problem Loans (PPLs) and Credit Risk Loans (CRLs).

PPLs are loans that are currently complying with repayment terms but where serious doubt exists as to the ability of the borrower to continue to comply with such terms in the near future. If the credit quality of a loan on an early warning or watch list deteriorates to the highest category (wholesale) or deteriorates to delinquency cycle 2 (retail), consideration is given to including it within the PPL category.

Should further evidence of deterioration be observed, a loan may move to the CRL category. Events that would trigger the transfer of a loan from the PPL to the CRL category include a missed payment or a breach of covenant. CRLs comprise three classes of loans:

– ‘Impaired loans’ comprise loans where individual identified impairment allowance has been raised and also include loans which are fully collateralised or where indebtedness has already been written down to the expected realisable value. The impaired loan category may include loans, which, while impaired, are still performing.

– The category ‘accruing past due 90 days or more’ comprises loans that are 90 days or more past due with respect to principal or interest. An impairment allowance will be raised against these loans if the expected cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate are less than the carrying value.

– The category ‘impaired and restructured loans’ comprises loans not included above where, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, a concession has been granted to the debtor that would not otherwise be considered. Where the concession results in the expected cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate being less than the loan’s carrying value, an impairment allowance will be raised.

 

Allowances for impairment and other credit provisions

Barclays establishes, through charges against profit, impairment allowances and other credit provisions for the incurred loss inherent in the lending book.

Under IFRS, impairment allowances are recognised where there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more loss events that have occurred after initial recognition, and where these events have had an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or portfolio of financial assets. Impairment of loans and receivables is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. If the carrying amount is less than the discounted cash flows, then no further allowance is necessary.

Impairment allowances are measured individually for assets that are individually significant, and collectively where a portfolio comprises homogenous assets and where appropriate statistical techniques are available.

In terms of individual assessment, the trigger point for impairment is formal classification of an account as exhibiting serious financial problems and where any further deterioration is likely to lead to failure. Two key inputs to the cash flow calculation are the valuation of all security and collateral, as well as the timing of all asset realisations, after allowing for all attendant costs. This method applies mainly in the corporate portfolios.

For collective assessment, the trigger point for impairment is the missing of a contractual payment. While the impairment allowance is calculated per individual account, the calculation methodology relies on the historical experience of pools of similar assets; hence the impairment allowance is collective. The impairment calculation is based on a roll-rate approach, where the percentage of assets that move from the initial delinquency to default are derived from statistical probabilities based on historical experience. Recovery amounts and contractual interest rates are calculated using a weighted average for the relevant portfolio. This method applies mainly to the Group’s retail portfolios and is consistent with Barclays policy of raising an allowance as soon as impairment is identified.

Unidentified impairment allowances are also raised to cover losses which are judged to be incurred but not yet specifically identified in customer exposures at the balance sheet date, and which, therefore, have not been specifically reported.

The incurred but not yet reported calculation is based on the asset’s probability of moving from the performing portfolio to being specifically identified as impaired within the given emergence period and then on to default within a specified period. This is calculated on the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

The emergence periods vary across businesses and are based on actual experience and are reviewed on an annual basis. This methodology ensures that the Group captures the loss incurred at the correct balance sheet date.

These impairment allowances are reviewed and adjusted at least


 

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Note

Loan loss rate for the years prior to 2005 does not reflect the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4.


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quarterly by an appropriate charge or release of the stock of impairment allowances based on statistical analysis and management judgement.

Where appropriate, the accuracy of this analysis is periodically assessed against actual losses (see Modelling Risk on page 64).

As one of the controls to ensure that adequate impairment allowances are held, movements in impairment allowances to individual names with total impairment of more than £10m are presented to the Credit Committee for agreement.

Monitoring the loan loss rate (LLR) provides Barclays with one way of measuring the trends in the quality of the loan portfolio at the Group, business and product levels. At Barclays, the LLR represents the annualised impairment charges on loans and advances to customers and banks and other credit provisions as a percentage of the total, period-end loans and advances to customers and banks, gross of impairment allowances.

The impairment allowance is the aggregate of the identified and unidentified impairment balances. Impairment allowance coverage, or the coverage ratio, is reported at two levels:

 

 

Credit risk loans coverage ratio (Impairment allowances as a percentage of CRL balances).

 

 

Potential credit risk loans coverage ratio (Impairment allowances as a percentage of total CRL & PPL balances).

Appropriate coverage ratios will vary according to the type of product but can be broadly bracketed under three categories: secured retail home loans; unsecured and other retail products; and corporate facilities. Analysis and experience has indicated that, in general, the severity rates for these types of products are typically within the following ranges:

 

 

Secured retail home loans: 5%-20%.

 

 

Unsecured and other retail products: 65%-75%.

 

 

Corporate facilities: 30%-50%.

CRL coverage ratios would therefore be expected to be at or around these levels over a defined period of time. In principal, a number of factors may affect the Group’s coverage ratios, including:

 

 

The mix of products within total CRL balances. Coverage ratios will tend to be lower when there is a high proportion of secured retail and corporate balances within total CRLs. This is due to the fact that the recovery outlook on these types of exposures is typically higher than retail unsecured products with the result that they will have lower impairment requirements.

 

 

The stage in the economic cycle. Coverage ratios will tend to be lower in the earlier stages of deterioration in credit conditions. At this stage, retail delinquent balances will be predominantly in the early delinquency cycles and corporate names will have only recently moved to CRL categories. As such balances attract a lower impairment requirement, the CRL coverage ratio will be lower.

 

 

The balance of PPLs to CRLs. The impairment requirements for PPLs are lower than for CRLs, so the greater the proportion of PPLs, the lower the PCRL coverage ratio.

 

 

Write-off policies. The speed with which defaulted assets are written off will affect coverage ratios. The more quickly assets are written off, the lower the ratios will be, since stock with 100% coverage will tend to roll out of PCRL categories more quickly.

Writing-off of assets

After an advance has been identified as impaired and is subject to an impairment allowance, the stage may be reached whereby it is concluded that there is no realistic prospect of further recovery. Write-off will occur when, and to the extent that, the whole or part of a debt is considered irrecoverable.

The timing and extent of write-offs may involve some element of subjective judgement. Nevertheless, a write-off will often be prompted by a specific event, such as the inception of insolvency proceedings or other formal recovery action, which makes it possible to establish that some or the entire advance is beyond realistic prospect of recovery. In any event, the position of impaired loans is reviewed at least quarterly to ensure that irrecoverable advances are being written off in a prompt and orderly manner and in compliance with any local regulations.

Such assets are only written off once all the necessary procedures have been completed and the amount of the loss has been determined.

Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are written back and hence decrease the amount of the reported loan impairment charge in the income statement. In 2009 total write-offs of impaired financial assets increased by £461m to £3,380m (2008: £2,919m).


 

LOGO


Table of Contents
  72        

 

Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

Total assets and Barclays Capital credit market assets

 

Analysis of Total Assets        Accounting basis   Analysis of total assets   Sub analysis
Assets as at 31.12.09   Total
assets
£m
  Fair
value
£m
  Cost
based
measure
£m
  Derivatives
£m
  Loans and
advances a
£m
  Debt
securities and
other bills b
£m
  Reverse
repurchase
agreements c
£m
  Equity
securities d
£m
  Other
£m
  Credit
market
assets e
£m

Cash and balances at central banks

  81,483       81,483                       81,483    

Items in the course of collection from other banks

  1,593       1,593                       1,593    

Treasury and other eligible bills

  9,926   9,926         9,926        

Debt securities

  116,594   116,594         116,594         1,186

Equity securities

  19,602   19,602             19,602    

Traded loans

  2,962   2,962       2,962          

Commoditiesf

  2,260   2,260                           2,260    

Trading portfolio assets

  151,344   151,344           2,962   126,520       19,602   2,260   1,186

Financial assets designated at fair value

                   

Loans and advances

  22,390   22,390       22,390           6,941

Debt securities

  4,007   4,007         4,007        

Equity securities

  6,256   6,256             6,256    

Other financial assetsg

  8,658   8,658           557       7,757       344    

Held for own account

  41,311   41,311           22,947   4,007   7,757   6,256   344   6,941

Held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contractsh

  1,257   1,257                           1,257    

Derivative financial instruments

  416,815   416,815       416,815                       2,304

Loans and advances to banks

  41,135       41,135       41,135                    

Loans and advances to customers

  420,224       420,224       420,224                   15,186

Debt securities

  43,888   43,888         43,888         535

Equity securities

  6,676   6,676             6,676    

Treasury and other eligible bills

  5,919   5,919               5,919                

Available for sale financial instruments

  56,483   56,483               49,807       6,676       535

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed

  143,431     143,431         143,431      

Other assets

  23,853   1,207   22,646                       23,853   1,200

Total assets as at 31.12.09

  1,378,929   668,417   710,512   416,815   487,268   180,334   151,188   32,534   110,790   27,352

Total assets as at 31.12.08

  2,052,980   1,356,614   696,366   984,802   542,118   224,692   137,637   39,173   124,558   41,208

Notes

 

a Further analysis of loans and advances is on pages 68 to 79.

 

b Further analysis of debt securities and other bills is on page 91.

 

c Reverse repurchase agreements comprise primarily short-term cash lending with assets pledged by counterparties securing the loan.

 

d Equity securities comprise primarily equity securities determined by available quoted prices in active markets.

 

e Further analysis of Barclays Capital credit market exposures is on pages 81 to 90. Undrawn commitments of £257m (2008: £531m) are off-balance sheet and therefore not included in the table above. This is a change in presentation from 31st December 2008, which reflected certain loan facilities originated post 1st July 2007.

 

f Commodities primarily consists of physical inventory positions.

 

g These instruments consist primarily of loans with embedded derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements designated at fair value.

 

h Financial assets designated at fair value in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts have not been further analysed as the Group is not exposed to the risks inherent in these assets.


Table of Contents
        73  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Loans and advances to customers and banks

Total loans and advances to customers and banks net of impairment allowance fell 10% to £487,268m (31st December 2008: £542,118m). Loans and advances at amortised cost were £461,359m (31st December 2008: £509,522m) and loans and advances at fair value were £25,909m (31st December 2008: £32,596m).

Total loans and advances to customers and banks gross of impairment allowances fell by £43,941m (9%) to £472,155m (31st December 2008: £516,096m) due to an 18% reduction in the wholesale portfolios, principally in:

 

 

Barclays Capital, due to a decrease in the cash collateral held against derivative trades, a reduction in non-UK lending and a decrease in the value of other currencies relative to Sterling. This was partially offset by increases in lending due to restructuring of credit market assets and a reclassification of previously held for trading assets to loans and advances; and

 

 

Barclays Commercial Bank, due to reduced customer demand.

 

This was partially offset by a rise in loans and advances to customers across the majority of retail business units, notably in UK Retail Bank due to growth in the UK Home Finance portfolio.

Loans and advances held at fair value

Barclays Capital loans and advances held at fair value were £12,835m (31st December 2008: £19,630m). Included within this balance is £6,941m relating to credit market exposures, the majority of which are commercial real estate loans. The balance of £5,894m primarily comprises financial institutions and manufacturing loans.

Barclays Commercial Bank loans and advances held at fair value split between property, business and services and Government sectors, were £13,074m (31st December 2008: £12,966m). The fair value of these loans and any movements are matched by offsetting fair value movements on hedging instruments.


 

 

Loans and advances at amortised cost

 

As at 31st December 2009    Gross
loans and
advances
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
   Loans and
advances net
of impairment
£m
   Credit risk
loans
£m
   CRLs % of
gross loans
and advances
%
   Impairment
charge
£m
   Loan loss
rates
basis points

Wholesale – customers

   218,110    4,604    213,506    10,990    5.0    3,430    157

Wholesale – banks

   41,196    61    41,135    57    0.1    11    3

Total wholesale

   259,306    4,665    254,641    11,047    4.3    3,441    133

Retail – customers

   212,849    6,131    206,718    11,341    5.3    3,917    184

Total retail

   212,849    6,131    206,718    11,341    5.3    3,917    184

Total

   472,155    10,796    461,359    22,388    4.7    7,358    156

As at 31st December 2008

                                  

Wholesale – customers

   266,750    2,784    263,966    8,144    3.1    2,540    95

Wholesale – banks

   47,758    51    47,707    48    0.1    40    8

Total wholesale

   314,508    2,835    311,673    8,192    2.6    2,580    82

Retail – customers

   201,588    3,739    197,849    7,508    3.7    2,333    116

Total retail

   201,588    3,739    197,849    7,508    3.7    2,333    116

Total

   516,096    6,574    509,522    15,700    3.0    4,913    95

 

Loans and advances held at fair value    As at
31.12.09
£m
  

As at a

31.12.08

£m

Government

   5,024    5,143

Financial Institutions

   3,543    7,354

Transport

   177    218

Postal and Communications

   179    37

Business and other services

   2,793    2,882

Manufacturing

   1,561    238

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

   664    1,110

Construction

   237    412

Property

   11,490    14,944

Energy and Water

   241    258

Total

   25,909    32,596

 

Note

 

a 2008 loans and advances held at fair value have been reanalysed to reflect changes in classification of assets.


Table of Contents
  74        

 

Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

Impairment Charges

Impairment charges on loans and advances increased 50% (£2,445m) to £7,358m (2008: £4,913m). The increase was primarily due to economic deterioration and portfolio maturation, currency movements and methodology enhancements, partially offset by a contraction in loan balances. As a result of this increase in impairment and the fall in loans and advances, the impairment charges as a percentage of period end Group total loans and advances (loan loss rate) increased to 156bps (31st December 2008: 95bps). When measured against constant 2008 year-end loans and advances balances and impairment at average 2008 foreign exchange rates, the loan loss rate for the period was 135bps.

 

The impairment charge in Global Retail and Commercial Banking increased by 85% (£2,473m) to £5,395m (2008: £2,922m) as charges rose in all portfolios, reflecting deteriorating credit conditions across all regions. The loan loss rate for 2009 was 185bps (2008: 99bps).

In Investment Banking and Investment Management, impairment was broadly unchanged at £1,949m (2008: £1,980m). The loan loss rate for 2009 was 109bps (2008: 90bps).

The impairment charge against available for sale assets and reverse repurchase agreements increased by 41% (£207m) to £713m (2008: £506m), driven by impairment against credit market exposures.


 

 

Impairment Charges and Other Credit Provisions

   Year Ended
31.12.09
£m
  

 

Year Ended
31.12.08
£m

Impairment charges on loans and advances

   7,330    4,584

Charges in respect of undrawn facilities and guarantees

   28    329

Impairment charges on loans and advances

   7,358    4,913

Impairment charges on reverse repurchase agreements

   43    124

Impairment charges on available for sale assets

   670    382

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

   8,071    5,419

 

 

Impairment Charges by Business

   Loans and
advances
£m
   Available for
sale assets
£m
  

 

Reverse
repurchase
agreements
£m

   Total
£m
Year Ended 31.12.2009                        

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

   5,395    18       5,413

UK Retail Banking

   936          936

Barclays Commercial Bank

   960    14       974

Barclaycard

   1,798          1,798

GRCB – Western Europe

   663    4       667

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   471          471

GRCB – Absa

   567          567

Investment Banking and Investment Management

   1,949    650    43    2,642

Barclays Capitala

   1,898    650    43    2,591

Barclays Wealth

   51          51

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

   14    2       16

Total Impairment charges

   7,358    670    43    8,071

Year Ended 31.12.2008

                   

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

   2,922          2,922

UK Retail Banking

   602          602

Barclays Commercial Bank

   414          414

Barclaycard

   1,097          1,097

GRCB – Western Europe

   297          297

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   165          165

GRCB – Absa

   347          347

Investment Banking and Investment Management

   1,980    363    124    2,467

Barclays Capitala

   1,936    363    124    2,423

Barclays Wealth

   44          44

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

   11    19       30

Total Impairment charges

   4,913    382    124    5,419

Note

 

a Credit market related impairment charges within Barclays Capital comprised £1,205m (2008: £1,517m) against loans and advances, £464m (2008: £192m) against available for sale assets and £nil (2008: £54m) against reverse repurchase agreements.


Table of Contents
        75  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Credit Risk Loans

The Group’s Credit Risk Loans (CRLs) rose 43% to £22,388m (31st December 2008: £15,700m) in 2009. Balances were higher across Retail Home Loans, Retail Unsecured and Other and Corporate and Wholesale exposures reflecting the deterioration in credit conditions in the past year across Barclays areas of operations. The most notable increases were in the international businesses in Global Retail and Commercial Banking, with GRCB – Western Europe increasing the most as credit conditions deteriorated in Spain, Italy and Portugal. However, the rate of increase to the Group numbers has fallen during each quarter of 2009 from 17% in Q1 09 to 5% in Q4 09.

CRLs in Retail Home Loans increased by £1,076m (43%) to £3,604m (31st December 2008: £2,528m) and in Retail Unsecured and Other portfolios by £2,757m (55%) to £7,737m (31st December 2008: £4,980m) as credit conditions deteriorated and arrears balances rose in a number of regions, notably in: Absa Home Finance and Cards, GRCB – Western Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy; Barclaycard US cards; and in UK Retail Banking unsecured lending. CRLs also increased in GRCB – Western Europe following the purchase of the Citigroup cards portfolio in Portugal in December 2009.

CRLs in the Corporate and Wholesale portfolios rose 35% to £11,047m (31st December 2008: £8,192m). CRL balances were higher in all businesses, as economic conditions led to deterioration across default grades and a rise in impairment in most wholesale portfolios. The largest increases were in GRCB – Western Europe, Barclays Capital and Barclays Commercial Bank.

Potential Problem Loans

Balances within the Group’s Potential Problem Loans (PPLs) category rose by 37% to £3,368m (31st December 2008: £2,456m). The principal movements were in the Corporate and Wholesale portfolios, where PPLs rose £715m to £2,674m (31st December 2008: £1,959m). PPL balances increased in the retail portfolios to £694m (31st December 2008: £497m) as balances increased in the Retail Unsecured and Other portfolios. This was partially offset by a fall in PPL balances in Retail Home Loans.

 

Potential Credit Risk Loans

As a result of the increases in CRLs and PPLs, Group Potential Credit Risk Loan (PCRL) balances rose 42% to £25,756m (31st December 2008: £18,156m).

PCRL balances rose in Retail Home Loans by 34% to £3,739m (31st December 2008: £2,795m) and in Retail Unsecured and Other portfolios by 59% to £8,296m (31st December 2008: £5,210m) as delinquency rates rose across a number of portfolios, particularly in the UK, US, Spain and South Africa.

Total PCRL balances in the Corporate and Wholesale portfolios increased by 35% to £13,721m (31st December 2008: £10,151m) after a number of customers migrated into the CRL and PPL categories, reflecting higher default probabilities in the deteriorating global wholesale environment.

Impairment Allowances and Coverage Ratios

Impairment allowances increased 64% to £10,796m (31st December 2008: £6,574m), reflecting increases across the majority of businesses as credit conditions deteriorated during the year.

Retail impairment allowances rose by 99% in Retail Home Loans to £639m (31st December 2008: £321m) and by 61% in Retail Unsecured and Other portfolios to £5,492m (31st December 2008: £3,418m). The CRL coverage ratio in Retail Home Loans increased to 17.7% (31st December 2008: 12.7%), and the PCRL coverage ratio increased to 17.1% (31st December 2008: 11.5%). The CRL coverage ratio in Retail Unsecured and Others portfolios increased to 71.0% (31st December 2008: 68.6%). The PCRL coverage ratio increased to 66.2% (31st December 2008: 65.6%).

In the Corporate and Wholesale portfolios, impairment allowances increased 65% to £4,665m (31st December 2008: £2,835m). The CRL coverage ratio rose to 42.2% (31st December 2008: 34.6%), and the PCRL coverage ratio rose to 34.0% (31st December 2008: 27.9%).

The CRL coverage ratios in Retail Home Loans, Retail Unsecured and Other and Corporate and Wholesale portfolios remain within the ranges which are the typical severity rates for these types of products. As a result of the movements across these three portfolios, the Group’s CRL coverage ratio increased to 48.2% (31st December 2008: 41.9%), and its PCRL coverage ratio also increased to 41.9% (31st December 2008: 36.2%).


 

 

Potential Credit Risk Loans and Coverage Ratios

 

  

CRLs

  

PPLs

  

PCRLs

      31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m
   31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m
   31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m

Home Loans

   3,604    2,528    135    267    3,739    2,795

Unsecured and other

   7,737    4,980    559    230    8,296    5,210

Retail

   11,341    7,508    694    497    12,035    8,005

Corporate/Wholesale

   11,047    8,192    2,674    1,959    13,721    10,151

Group

   22,388    15,700    3,368    2,456    25,756    18,156
      Impairment allowance    CRL coverage    PCRL coverage
      31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m
   31.12.09
%
   31.12.08
%
   31.12.09
%
   31.12.08
%

Home Loans

   639    321    17.7    12.7    17.1    11.5

Unsecured and other

   5,492    3,418    71.0    68.6    66.2    65.6

Retail

   6,131    3,739    54.1    49.8    50.9    46.7

Corporate/Wholesale

   4,665    2,835    42.2    34.6    34.0    27.9

Group

   10,796    6,574    48.2    41.9    41.9    36.2


Table of Contents
  76        

 

Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

Wholesale Credit Risk

Loans and Advances to customers and banks in the wholesale portfolios decreased by £55,202m (18%) to £259,306m, primarily as a result of a £42,972m (21%) fall in Barclays Capital to £165,624m, due to a decrease in the cash collateral held against derivative trades, a reduction in non-UK lending and a decrease in the value of Sterling relative to other currencies. This was partially offset by increases in lending due to restructuring of credit market assets and a reclassification of previously held for trading assets to loans and advances.

The corporate and government lending portfolio declined 30% to £53,305m (31st December 2008: £76,556m) primarily due to reductions in non-UK lending, a decrease in the value of other currencies relative to Sterling and the repayment of leveraged finance loans.

 

Included within corporate and government lending and other wholesale lending portfolios are £5,646m (31st December 2008: £7,674m) of loans backed by retail mortgage collateral classified within financial institutions.

Loans and advances fell in Barclays Commercial Bank by £8,064m (12%) to £60,840m, due to reduced customer demand. Balances fell in both GRCB – Western Europe and GRCB – Emerging Markets, which was due, in part, to the depreciation of various currencies across the regions against Sterling. The increase of £1,429m (17%) of balances in GRCB –Absa was due to the appreciation of the Rand against Sterling during 2009. In Rand terms, balances were stable.

In the wholesale portfolios, the impairment charge against loans and advances rose by £861m (33%) to £3,441m (2008: £2,580m) mainly due to increases in:

 

 

Barclays Commercial Bank, reflecting rising default rates and lower asset values;


 

 

 

Wholesale loans and advances at amortised cost

 

             
As at 31.12.09    Gross
loans and
advances
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
   Loans and
advances net
of impairment
£m
   Credit risk
loans
£m
  CRLs % of
gross loans and
advances loans
%
   Impairment
charge
£m
   Loan rates
loss
bps

BCB

   60,840    679    60,161    1,837   3.0    960    158

Barclaycard

   322    4    318    10   3.1    17    528

GRCB WE

   12,690    466    12,224    1,435   11.3    328    258

GRCB EM

   5,228    227    5,001    358   6.8    140    268

GRCB Absa

   10,077    195    9,882    690   6.8    67    66

Barclays Capital

   165,624    3,025    162,599    6,411   3.9    1,898    115

BGI

   5       5           

Barclays Wealth

   3,495    43    3,452    179   5.1    17    49

Head office

   1,025    26    999    127   12.4    14    137

Total

   259,306    4,665    254,641    11,047   4.3    3,441    133
As at 31.12.08                                         
BCB    68,904    504    68,400    1,181   1.7    414    60
Barclaycard    301    2    299    20   6.6    11    365
GRCB WE    15,750    232    15,518    579   3.7    125    79
GRCB EM    7,233    122    7,111    190   2.6    36    50
GRCB Absa    8,648    140    8,508    304   3.5    19    22
Barclays Capital    208,596    1,796    206,800    5,743   2.8    1,936    93
BGI    834       834           
Barclays Wealth    3,282    28    3,254    174   5.3    28    85
Head office    960    11    949    1   0.1    11    115
Total    314,508    2,835    311,673    8,192   2.6    2,580    82

 

 

Analysis of wholesale loans and advances at amortised cost net of impairment allowances

 

        
     Corporate    Government    Settlement
balances & cash
collateral
   Other wholesale    Total wholesale
Wholesale    31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m
   31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m
   31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m
   31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m
   31.12.09
£m
   31.12.08
£m

BCB

   59,979    67,741    182    659                60,161    68,400

Barclaycard

   318    299                      318    299

GRCB WE

   12,184    15,226    14    32          26    260    12,224    15,518

GRCB EM

   4,044    5,074    170    1,709          787    328    5,001    7,111

GRCB Absa

   8,695    8,480    263    28          924       9,882    8,508

Barclays Capital

   49,849    72,796    3,456    3,760    55,672    79,418    53,622    50,826    162,599    206,800

BGI

   5    834                      5    834

Barclays Wealtha

   2,818    2,691    162    105          472    458    3,452    3,254

Head office

   999    949                      999    949

Total

   138,891    174,090    4,247    6,293    55,672    79,418    55,831    51,872    254,641    311,673

Note

 

a 2008 Barclays Wealth analysis of Wholesale loans and advances has been reanalysed to reflect changes in the reclassification of assets.


Table of Contents
        77  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

GRCB – Western Europe, reflecting the economic deterioration in Spain which has impacted the commercial, construction and SME portfolios in particular, together with the appreciation of the average value of the Euro against Sterling; and

 

 

GRCB – Emerging Markets as credit conditions continued to deteriorate resulting in a small number of higher value single name charges and the appreciation of the average value of a number of currencies against Sterling.

Impairment in Barclays Capital of £1,898m (2008: £1,936m) was broadly in line with 2008, as a fall in the impairment charge against credit market exposures was partially offset by a rise in the impairment charge against non-credit market exposures.

The loan loss rate across the Group’s wholesale portfolios for 2009 was 133bps (2008: 82bps), reflecting the rise in impairment and the 18% reduction in wholesale loans and advances.

 

As we enter 2010, the principal uncertainties relating to the performance of the wholesale portfolios are:

 

 

the extent and sustainability of economic recovery and asset prices in the UK, US, Spain and South Africa as governments consider how and when to withdraw stimulus packages;

 

 

the potential for single name risk and for idiosyncratic losses in different sectors and geographies where credit positions are sensitive to economic downturn;

 

 

possible additional deterioration in our remaining credit market exposures, including commercial real estate and leveraged finance; and

 

 

the potential impact of deteriorating sovereign credit quality.


 

 

Analysis of Barclays capital wholesale loans and advances at amortised cost

 

As at 31.12.09    Gross
loans and
advances
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
   Loans and
advances net
of impairment
£m
   Credit risk
Loans
£m
   CRLs % of
gross loans
and advance
%
   Impairment
Charge
£m
   Loan loss
rates
basis points

Loans and advances to banks

                    

Cash collateral and settlement balances

   15,893       15,893            

Interbank lending

   21,722    61    21,661    57    0.3    14    6

Loans and advances to customers

                    

Corporate and Government lending

   54,342    1,037    53,305    2,198    4.0    1,115    205

ABS CDO Super Senior

   3,541    1,610    1,931    3,541    100.0    714    2,016

Other wholesale lending

   30,347    317    30,030    615    2.0    55    18

Cash collateral and settlement balances

   39,779       39,779            

Total

   165,624    3,025    162,599    6,411    3.9    1,898    115

As at 31.12.08

                                  

Cash collateral and settlement balances

   19,264       19,264            

Interbank lending

   24,086    51    24,035    48    0.2    40    17

Loans and advances to customers

                    

Corporate and Government lending

   77,042    486    76,556    1,100    1.4    305    40

ABS CDO Super Senior

   4,117    1,013    3,104    4,117    100.0    1,383    3,359

Other wholesale lending

   23,933    246    23,687    478    2.0    208    87

Cash collateral and settlement balances

   60,154       60,154            

Total

   208,596    1,796    206,800    5,743    2.8    1,936    93


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  78        

 

Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

Retail Credit Risk

Loans and advances to customers in the retail portfolios increased by £11,261m (6%) to £212,849m. Balances grew in most businesses with the largest increase in UK Retail Banking, which increased by £4,981m (5%) to £101,064m primarily in the UK Home Finance portfolio. There was modest growth in balances to local businesses but a moderate decline in balances relating to unsecured loans and overdrafts. GRCB – Western Europe increased by £2,517m (6%), which primarily reflected growth in Italy and Portugal following the expansion of the franchise, principally across mortgages and cards. This growth was partially offset by the appreciation of the Euro against Sterling. The increase of £2,611m (11%) of balances in GRCB – Absa was due to the appreciation of the Rand against Sterling during 2009. In Rand terms, balances fell by 3%. Balances in GRCB –Emerging Markets were £483m (12%) lower, in part reflecting movements in Sterling against local currencies.

Total home loans to retail customers rose by £9,254m (7%) to £149,099m (31st December 2008: £139,845m). The UK Home Finance portfolios within UK Retail Banking grew 7% to £87,943m (31st December 2008: £82,303m).

Unsecured retail credit (credit card and unsecured loans) portfolios fell 7% to £37,733m (31st December 2008: £40,437m).

In the retail portfolios, the impairment charge against loans and advances rose by £1,584m (68%) to £3,917m (2008: £2,333m) as economic

conditions, particularly unemployment, deteriorated across all regions. Policy and methodology enhancements, currency movements and portfolio maturation also had an impact. The largest increase was in Barclaycard, which increased by £695m (64%) to £1,781m, mainly driven by higher delinquencies and deteriorating economic conditions in the United Kingdom and the United States as well as portfolio maturation. The increase of £334m (55%) to £936m in UK Retail Banking was primarily due to lower recoveries and policy and methodology enhancements. Impairment charges in GRCB – Western Europe and GRCB – Emerging Markets were impacted by increased delinquency rates as credit conditions deteriorated particularly in Spain and India. Impairment increased in GRCB – Absa as a result of high delinquency levels due to consumer indebtedness and increased debt counselling balances following the enactment of the 2007 National Credit Act.

The loan loss rate across the Group’s retail portfolios for 2009 was 184bps (2008: 116bps).

As we enter 2010, the principal uncertainties relating to the performance of the Group’s retail portfolios are:

 

 

the extent and sustainability of economic recovery in the UK, US, Spain and South Africa as governments consider how and when to withdraw stimulus packages;

 

 

the dynamics of unemployment in those markets and the impact on delinquency and charge-off rates;


 

 

 

Retail loans and advances to customers at amortised cost

              
As at 31.12.09    Gross
loans &
advances
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
   Loans &
advances net
of impairment
£m
   Credit risk
loans
£m
   CRLs % of
gross loans
& advances
%
   Impairment
charge
£m
   Loan loss
rates
bp

UKRB

   101,064    1,587    99,477    3,108    3.1    936    93

Barclaycard

   29,460    2,670    26,790    3,392    11.5    1,781    605

GRCB WE

   41,514    689    40,825    1,411    3.4    335    81

GRCB EM

   3,521    474    3,047    551    15.6    331    940

GRCB Absa

   27,288    655    26,633    2,573    9.4    500    183

Barclays Wealth

   10,002    56    9,946    306    3.1    34    34

Total

   212,849    6,131    206,718    11,341    5.3    3,917    184
As at 31.12.08                                          
UKRB    96,083    1,134    94,949    2,403    2.5    602    63
Barclaycard    29,390    1,677    27,713    2,566    8.7    1,086    370
GRCB WE    38,997    306    38,691    798    2.0    172    44
GRCB EM    4,004    187    3,817    175    4.4    129    322
GRCB Absa    24,677    411    24,266    1,518    6.2    328    133
Barclays Wealth    8,437    24    8,413    48    0.6    16    19
Total    201,588    3,739    197,849    7,508    3.7    2,333    116

 

 

 

     Home loans    Cards and unsecured loans    Other retail    Total retail
     

31.12.09

£m

  

31.12.08

£m

  

31.12.09

£m

  

31.12.08

£m

  

31.12.09

£m

  

31.12.08

£m

  

31.12.09

£m

  

31.12.08

£m

UK Retail Banking

   87,943    82,303    7,329    8,294    4,205    4,352    99,477    94,949

Barclaycard

         21,564    23,224    5,226    4,489    26,790    27,713

GRCB – Western Europe

   34,592    33,807    3,513    4,423    2,720    461    40,825    38,691

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   452    556    2,502    2,872    93    389    3,047    3,817

GRCB – Absa

   20,492    18,411    1,003    43    5,138    5,812    26,633    24,266

Barclays Wealth a

   5,620    4,768    1,822    1,581    2,504    2,064    9,946    8,413

Total

   149,099    139,845    37,733    40,437    19,886    17,567    206,718    197,849

Note

 

a 2008 Barclays Wealth analysis of retail loans and advances to customers has been reanalysed to reflect changes in the classification of assets.


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the speed and extent of possible rises in interest rates in the UK, US and eurozone; and

 

 

the possibility of any further falls in residential property prices in the UK, South Africa and Spain.

Home Loans

The Group’s principal home loans portfolios continued largely to be in the UK Retail Banking Home Finance business (59% of the Group’s total), GRCB – Western Europe (23%) primarily Spain and Italy, and South Africa (14%). The credit quality of the principal home loan portfolios reflected low LTV lending. Using current valuations, the average LTV of the portfolios as at 31st December 2009 was 43% for UK Home Finance (31st December 2008: 40%), 51% for Spain (31st December 2008: 48%) and 42% for South Africa (31st December 2008: 41%). The average LTV for new mortgage business during 2009 at origination was 48% for UK Home Finance (31st December 2008: 47%), 55% for Spain (31st December 2008: 63%) and 53% for South Africa (31st December 2008: 58%). The percentage of balances with an LTV of over 85% based on current values was 14% for UK Home Finance (31st December 2008: 10%), 7% for Spain (31st December 2008: 5%) and 27% for South Africa (31st December 2008: 25%). In the UK, buy-to-let mortgages comprised 6% of the total stock as at 31st December 2009.

Impairment charges rose across the home loans portfolios, reflecting the impact of lower house prices as well as some increases in arrears rates.

Three-month arrears as at 31st December 2009 were 1.04% for UK mortgages (31st December 2008: 0.91%), 0.63% for Spain (31st December 2008: 0.51%), as credit conditions deteriorated and 4.07% for South Africa (31st December 2008: 2.11%), due to consumer indebtedness and increased debt counselling balances following the enactment of the 2007 National Credit Act.

Repossessions

The number of properties in repossession in UK Home Loans remained very low during 2009. At the end of 2009 there were 196 properties in repossession, 40 higher than the previous year (31st December 2008: 156).

Credit Cards and Unsecured Loans

The Group’s largest card and unsecured loan portfolios are in the UK (56% Group total). The US cards portfolio accounts for 20% of the total exposure, where Barclaycard’s portfolio is largely prime credit quality (FICO score of 660 or more).

Arrears rates in the UK Cards portfolio rose during the year to 1.79% (31st December 2008: 1.57%), reflecting the impact of the economic downturn. Repayment Plan balances grew to support government initiatives to supply relief to customers experiencing financial difficulty. As a percentage of the portfolio, three-month arrears rates rose during 2009 to 2.74% for UK Loans (31st December 2008: 2.28%) and 3.31% for US Cards (31st December 2008: 2.32%).


 

 

Number of Repossessions in UK Home Finance

 

      As at
31.12.09
   As at
31.12.08

Residential and buy-to-let mortgage portfolios

   196    156

 

 

Home loans – distribution of balances by loan to value (current valuations)a

 

     UK   Spainb   South Africac
     31.12.09
%
  31.12.08
%
  31.12.09
%
  31.12.08
%
  31.12.09
%
  31.12.08
%

<= 75%

  74.5   78.3   83.2   86.7   57.8   60.5

> 75% and <= 80%

  6.3   6.1   5.6   4.8   7.1   7.5

> 80% and <= 85%

  5.4   5.5   4.4   3.7   7.7   7.2

> 85% and <= 90%

  4.6   4.5   3.2   1.6   7.6   7.6

> 90% and <= 95%

  3.4   2.5   1.7   1.3   7.8   6.7

> 95%

  5.8   3.1   1.9   1.9   12.0   10.5

Mark to market LTV %

  43   40   51   48   42   41

Average LTV on new mortgages

  48   47   55   63   53   58

 

 

 

Home loans – 3 month arrearsd

 

      As at
31.12.09
%
   As at
31.12.08
%

UK

   1.04    0.91

Spain

   0.63    0.51

South Africa

   4.07    2.11

 

 

Unsecured lending 3 month arrearse

 

         
      As at
31.12.09
%
   As at
31.12.08
%

UK Cardsf

   1.79    1.57

UK Loansg

   2.74    2.28

US Cardsh

   3.31    2.32

 

Notes

 

a Based on the following portfolios: UK: UKRB Residential Mortgages and Buy to Let portfolios; Spain: GRCB – Western Europe Spanish retail home finance portfolio; and South Africa: GRCB – Absa retail home finance portfolio.

 

b Spain mark to market methodology as per Bank of Spain requirements.

 

c South Africa mark to market methodology will be revised in 2010 to incorporate additional granularity.

 

d Defined as total 90 day + delinquent balances as a percentage of outstandings.

 

e Defined as total 90 day + delinquent balances as a percentage of outstandings. Includes accounts on repayment plans but excludes the balances in the legal book.

 

f UK Cards includes Branded Cards and Goldfish.

 

g UK Loans based on Barclayloans and Personal Loans from Barclaycard.

 

h Excludes Business Card; December 2009 includes US Airways.


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Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

Expected loss

Basel II, introduced in 2008, includes, for those aspects of an entity’s exposures that are on an Internal Ratings Based (IRB) approach, a statistical measure of credit losses known as Expected Loss (EL). EL is an estimate of the average loss amount from:

– defaulted and past due items at the reported date (i.e. incurred losses); and

– modelled default events over a 12-month forward period for performing exposures.

On the performing portfolios, EL is calculated as the product of Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD) and Loss Given Default (LGD).

– EL is assessed against both the performing and non-performing parts of the Group’s portfolios.

– EL considers average credit conditions, generally uses a ‘through-the-cycle’ PD and incorporates an adjustment to LGD which represents economic conditions in a downturn.

The aspect of an entity’s exposures that are not on an IRB approach will continue to be measured on the standardised approach, against which Basel II does not assess EL. For this purpose, the regulatory impairment allowance on IRB and standardised portfolios gives an indication of credit losses on the standardised book.

EL is reflected in the calculation of capital supply, such that, for IRB portfolios, 50% of the excess of EL over total impairment allowances and valuation adjustments is deducted from each of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. If total impairment allowances and valuation adjustments exceed EL, then this excess can be added to Tier 2 capital. As at 31st December 2009, EL exceeded total impairment allowances and valuation adjustments by £50m (2008: £317m).

There are several differences in the calculation of the regulatory impairment allowance and EL, with these measures representing different views of losses and, as such, they are not directly comparable. These differences include the fact that regulatory impairment allowance reflects defaulted and past due items at the reporting date (i.e. incurred losses), whereas EL includes both the best estimate of

losses in the non-performing portfolio and the expected losses over the coming 12 months in the performing portfolio. EL for the performing portfolio is also based on Exposure at Default (EAD) and downturn LGD. For these reasons, EL will generally exceed regulatory impairment allowance. As noted above, this excess is deducted from capital.

In addition, whilst the regulatory impairment allowance is based on the impairment allowance for loans and advances, there are differences between these amounts in two main respects. Firstly, the regulatory impairment allowance includes valuation adjustments on available for sale exposures and exposures designated at fair value. Secondly, it excludes impairment held against securitisation exposures.

The principal drivers of the increase in EL during the year ended 31st December 2009 are as follows:

 

 

UK Retail Banking EL increased £445m due to a deteriorating economic environment coupled with methodology enhancements.

 

 

Barclays Commercial Bank EL decreased by £43m, driven by the change in treatment of defaulted assets partially offset by an increase in the non-performing book.

 

 

Barclaycard EL increase of £351m was driven by the combination of an additional roll-out of IRB during the period and increased levels of retained non-performing assets during the recovery period.

 

 

GRCB – Western Europe EL increased to £243m following the migration of Spanish card portfolio and Italian and Portuguese mortgage portfolios onto the IRB approach.

 

 

GRCB – Absa EL increased by £466m, mostly due to exchange rate movements, higher delinquency levels and a deterioration in credit quality of the performing book.

 

 

Barclays Capital EL increase of £910m was primarily driven by defaulted counterparties and an increase in IRB coverage, partially offset by a reduction in exposures due to foreign exchange movements.

Further exposures will be moved onto the IRB approach during 2010. Additional information with respect to Expected Loss will be provided as part of our Pillar 3 disclosures, available at the end of March 2010.


 

Total EL on IRB portfolios            
      As at
31.12.09
£m
   As at
31.12.08
£m

UK Retail Banking

   1,703    1,258

Barclays Commercial Bank

   776    819

Barclaycard

   1,261    910

GRCB – Western Europe

   243   

GRCB – Emerging Marketsa

     

GRCB – Absa

   1,158    692

Barclays Capital

   2,467    1,557

Barclays Wealth

   23   

Head Office Functions & Other Operations

   11    1

Total EL on IRB portfolios

   7,642    5,237

Total regulatory impairment allowance on IRB portfolios

   7,592    4,672

Total regulatory impairment allowance on standardised portfolios

   4,693    2,560

Note

 

a Not currently on the IRB approach.


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Barclays Capital credit market exposures

Barclays Capital’s credit market exposures as at 31st December 2009 primarily relate to commercial real estate and leveraged finance. These include positions subject to fair value movements in the income statement and positions that are classified as loans and advances and as available for sale.

The balances at and gross writedowns to 31st December 2009 are set out below:

During the year ended 31st December 2009, these positions have been reduced by £14,130m to £27,609m (31st December 2008: £41,739m), including net sales and paydowns of £6,590m, gross writedowns of £6,086m

and a decrease of £4,226m due to currency and other movements. In addition, on 16th September 2009, £5,087m credit market assets and £2,367m other assets were sold to Protium Finance LP, funded by a £7,669m loan extended by Barclays. The loan balance at 31st December 2009 of £7,859m includes accrued interest.

In the year ended 31st December 2009, gross writedowns comprised £4,417m (2008: £6,290m) of fair value losses through income and £1,669m (2008: £1,763m) of impairment charges. Gross writedowns included £2,082m (2008: £5,584m) against US residential mortgage positions, £3,007m (2008: £1,488m) against commercial mortgage positions, and £997m (2008: £981m) against other credit market positions.


 

Barclays Capital credit market exposuresa          As at 31st December    Year ended 31.12.09
US Residential Mortgages    Notes    2009
$m
   2008
$m
   2009
£m
   2008
£m
   Fair value
losses
£m
   Impairment
charge
£m
   Gross
losses
£m

ABS CDO Super Senior

   A1    3,127    4,526    1,931    3,104       714    714

Other US sub-prime & Alt-A

   A2    2,254    11,269    1,392    7,729    531    555    1,086

Monoline wrapped US RMBS

   A3    9    2,389    6    1,639    282       282

Commercial Mortgages

                                       

Commercial real estate loans and properties

   B1    12,525    16,882    7,734    11,578    2,466       2,466

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   B1    762    1,072    471    735    44       44

Monoline wrapped CMBS

   B2    49    2,703    30    1,854    497       497

Other Credit Market

                                       

Leveraged Financeb

   C1    8,919    13,193    5,507    9,048       396    396

SIVs, SIV-Lites and CDPCs

   C2    896    1,622    553    1,113    69    4    73

Monoline wrapped CLO and other

   C3    3,443    7,202    2,126    4,939    528       528

Total exposures

        31,984    60,858    19,750    41,739               

Total gross writedowns

                            4,417    1,669    6,086

Loan to Protium

   D    12,727       7,859                  

Notes

 

a As the majority of positions are denominated in US Dollars, the positions above are shown in both US Dollars and Sterling.
b Includes undrawn commitments of £257m (2008: £531m).


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  82        

 

Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

 

Analysis of Barclays Capital credit market assets by asset class

 

      Trading
portfolio
assets – debt
securities
£m
   Financial
assets
designated at
fair value –
loans and
advances
£m
   Derivative
financial
instruments
£m
    Loans and
advances to
customers
£m
   Available
for sale
– debt
securities
£m
   Other
assets
£m
   Total
as at
31.12.09
£m
   Total
as at
31.12.08
£m

ABS CDO Super Senior

                   1,931              1,931    3,104

Other US sub-prime

   3    52    244      24    209         532    3,441

Alt-A

   323         211           326         860    4,288

RMBS monoline wrapped US RMBS

             6                     6    1,639

Commercial real estate loans

        6,534                         6,534    11,578

Commercial real estate properties

                             1,200    1,200   

Commercial mortgage backed securities

   860         (389                  471    735

Monoline wrapped CMBS

             30                     30    1,854

Leveraged financea

                   5,250              5,250    8,517

SIVs and SIV-lites

        355    53      122              530    963

CDPCs

             23                     23    150

Monoline wrapped CLO and other

             2,126                     2,126    4,939

Loan to Protium

                   7,859              7,859   

Total

   1,186    6,941    2,304      15,186    535    1,200    27,352    41,208

Note

 

a Further analysis of Barclays Capital credit market exposures is on pages 81 and 82. Undrawn commitments of £257m (2008: £531m) are off-balance sheet and therefore not included in the table above. This is a change in presentation from 31st December 2008, which reflected certain loan facilities originated post 1st July 2007.


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A. US Residential Mortgages

A1. ABS CDO Super Senior

 

      As at
31.12.09
Total
£m
    As at
31.12.08
Total
£ m
    As at
31.12.09
Marksa
%
   As at
31.12.08
Marksa
%

2005 and earlier

   1,048      1,226      77    90

2006

   422      471      7    37

2007 and 2008

   22      25      34    69

Sub-prime

   1,492      1,722      57    75

2005 and earlier

   761      891      43    77

2006

   230      269      59    75

2007 and 2008

   55      62      14    37

Alt-A

   1,046      1,222      45    74

Prime

   421      520      83    100

RMBS CDO

   351      402      6   

Sub-prime second lien

   110      127        

Total US RMBS

   3,420      3,993      49    68

CMBS

   37      44      89    100

Non-RMBS CDO

   400      453      35    56

CLOs

   32      35      100    100

Other ABS

   37      51      100    100

Total Other ABS

   506      583      48    66

Total notional collateral

   3,926      4,576        

Subordination

   (385   (459         

Gross exposure pre-impairment

   3,541      4,117        

Impairment allowances

   (1,610   (1,013         

Total

   1,931      3,104      49    68

ABS CDO Super Senior positions at 31st December 2009 comprised five high grade liquidity facilities which were fully drawn and classified within loans and receivables (31st December 2008: five facilities).

During the year, ABS CDO Super Senior positions reduced by £1,173m to £1,931m (31st December 2008: £3,104m). Positions are stated after writedowns and charges of £714m incurred in 2009 (2008: £1,461m). There was a decline of £290m resulting from depreciation in the value of the US Dollar against Sterling and amortisation of £169m in the year.

Note

 

a Marks above reflect the gross positions after impairment and subordination.


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Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

A2. Other US Sub-Prime and Alt-A

 

Other US Sub-prime    As at
31.12.09
£m
   As at
31.12.08
£m
   Marks at
31.12.09
%
   Marks at
31.12.08
%

Whole loans

      1,565       72

Sub-prime securities (net of hedges)

   212    929    38    25

Other positions with underlying sub-prime collateral:

           

– Derivatives

   244    643    96    87

– Loans

   76    195    22    70

– Real Estate

      109       46

Total Other US Sub-Prime

   532    3,441          

Alt-A

                   

Whole Loans

      776       67

Alt-A Securities

   649    3,112    40    16

Residuals

      2       6

Derivative positions with underlying Alt-A collateral

   211    398    99    100

Total

   860    4,288          

Total Other US Sub-Prime and Alt-A

   1,392    7,729          

The majority of Other US sub-prime and Alt-A positions are measured at fair value through profit and loss. The balance reduced by £6,337m to £1,392m (31st December 2008: £7,729m), driven by the Protium sale of £2,319m, other net sales, paydowns and other movements of £2,398m and gross losses of £1,086m. Depreciation of the US Dollar against Sterling resulted in a decline of £534m.

Counterparty derivative positions relating to vehicles which hold sub-prime collateral was £455m (31st December 2008: £1,041m). These positions largely comprise the most senior obligation of the vehicles.

A3. US Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Wrapped by Monoline Insurers

The table below shows RMBS assets where Barclays Capital held protection from monoline insurers at 31st December 2009. These are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

 

By rating of the monoline                               
      As at 31.12.09
      Notional
£m
   Fair Value
of Underlying
Asset
£m
   Fair Value
Exposure
£m
   Credit
Valuation
Adjustment
£m
    Net
Exposure
£m
             

Non-investment grade

   56    6    50    (44   6

Total

   56    6    50    (44   6
      As at 31.12.08

A/BBB

   2,567    492    2,075    (473   1,602

Non-investment grade

   74    8    66    (29   37

Total

   2,641    500    2,141    (502   1,639


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A3. US Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Wrapped by Monoline Insurers continued

The balance reduced by £1,633m to £6m (31st December 2008: £1,639m), reflecting the Protium sale of £1,164m, a credit valuation adjustment of £282m, and currency and other movements of £187m.

Barclays would review claims in the event of default of the underlying assets. There have been no claims under the monoline insurance contracts as none of the underlying assets defaulted in the year.

The notional value of the assets split by the rating of the underlying asset is shown below.

 

      As at 31.12.09    As at 31.12.08
By rating of underlying asset    A/BBB
£m
   Non-
investment
Grade
£ m
   Total
£m
   AAA/AA
£m
   A/BBB
£m
   Non-
investment
Grade
£m
   Total
£m

2005 and earlier

            143          143

2006

                  1,240    1,240

2007 and 2008

                  510    510

High Grade

            143       1,750    1,893

Mezzanine – 2005 and earlier

      56    56    31    330    338    699

CDO2 – 2005 and earlier

                  49    49

US RMBS

      56    56    174    330    2,137    2,641

B. Commercial Mortgages

B1. Commercial Real Estate and Mortgage-Backed Securities

Commercial mortgages held at fair value include commercial real estate loans of £6,534m (31st December 2008: £11,578m), commercial real estate properties of £1,200m (31st December 2008: £nil), and commercial mortgage-backed securities of £471m (31st December 2008: £735m).

Commercial Real Estate Loans and Properties

In the year ended 31st December 2009, the commercial real estate loans and properties balance reduced by £3,844m to £7,734m (31st December 2008: £11,578m). There were gross losses of £2,466m, of which £1,541m related to the US, £843m to UK and Europe, and £82m to Asia. There were gross sales and paydowns of £661m comprising £345m in the UK and Europe, £307m in the US, and £9m in Asia, and currency and other movements of £717m.

The commercial real estate loan balances comprised 51% UK and Europe, 44% US and 5% Asia.

One large transaction comprises 25% of the total US commercial real estate loan balance. The remaining 75% of the US balance comprises 64 transactions. The remaining weighted average number of years to initial maturity of the US portfolio is 1.2 years (31st December 2008: 1.4 years).

The UK and Europe portfolio is well diversified with 56 transactions at 31st December 2009. In Europe protection is provided by loan covenants and periodic LTV retests, which cover 83% of the portfolio. 50% of the German balance relates to one transaction secured on residential assets.

 

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Region    As at
31.12.09
£m
   As at
31.12.08
£m
   Marks at
31.12.09
%
   Marks at
31.12.08
%

US

   2,852    6,329    62    88

Germany

   1,959    2,467    84    95

Sweden

   201    265    81    96

France

   189    270    70    94

Switzerland

   141    176    85    97

Spain

   72    106    56    92

Other Europe

   370    677    57    90

UK

   429    831    61    89

Asia

   321    457    77    97

Total

   6,534    11,578          


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Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

B1. Commercial Real Estate and Mortgage-Backed Securities continued

 

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Industry   

As at 31.12.09

   As at
31.12.08
      US
£m
   Germany
£m
   Other
Europe
£m
   UK
£m
   Asia
£m
   Total
£m
   Total
£m

Residential

   1,132    1,053       152    102    2,439    3,582

Office

   372    251    557    79    79    1,338    3,656

Hotels

   614       223    8    1    846    1,633

Retail

   54    507    73    30    73    737    957

Industrial

   383    105    103    20    11    622    887

Leisure

            140       140    233

Land

   128                128    232

Mixed/Others

   169    43    17       55    284    398

Total

   2,852    1,959    973    429    321    6,534    11,578
Commercial Real Estate Properties by Industry                                  As at
31.12.09
£m
   As at
31.12.08
£m

Residential

                  56   

Office

                  927   

Hotels

                  126   

Industrial

                  25   

Leisure

                  33   

Land

                  31   

Mixed/Others

                            2   

Total

                            1,200   

Included within the commercial real estate properties balance are properties held by Crescent Real Estate Holdings LLC (Crescent) with a carrying value of £1,001m. On 19th November 2009, Barclays Capital assumed ownership of Crescent following the completion of a debt restructuring transaction.

 

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities    As at
31.12.09
£m
   As at
31.12.08
£m
   Marks
ata
31.12.09
%
   Marks
ata
31.12.08
%

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (Net of Hedges)

   471    735    20    21

Note

 

a Marks are based on gross collateral.


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B2. CMBS Wrapped by Monoline Insurers

The table below shows commercial mortgage backed security assets where Barclays Capital held protection from monoline insurers at 31st December 2009. These are measured at fair value through profit and loss.

 

By rating of the monoline    As at 31.12.09
      Notional
£m
   Fair value
of underlying
asset
£m
   Fair value
exposure
£m
   Credit
valuation
adjustment
£m
    Net
exposure
£m

AAA/AA

   54    21    33    (3   30

Non-investment grade

   383    160    223    (223  

Total

   437    181    256    (226   30
     As at 31.12.08

AAA/AA

   69    27    42    (4   38

A/BBB

   3,258    1,301    1,957    (320   1,637

Non-investment grade

   425    181    244    (65   179

Total

   3,752    1,509    2,243    (389   1,854

The balance reduced by £1,824m to £30m (31st December 2008: £1,854m), reflecting the Protium sale of £1,208m, a credit valuation adjustment of £497m, and currency and other movements of £119m.

Claims would become due in the event of default of the underlying assets. There have been no claims under the monoline insurance contracts as none of the underlying assets defaulted in the year.

The notional value of the assets split by the current rating of the underlying asset is shown below.

 

By rating of the underlying asset    As at 31.12.09    As at 31.12.08
      AAA/AA
£m
   A/BBB
£m
   Total
£m
   AAA/
AA
£m
   Total
£m

2005 and earlier

            437    437

2006

   54       54    613    613

2007 and 2008

      383    383    2,702    2,702

CMBS

   54    383    437    3,752    3,752


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Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

C. Other Credit Market

C1. Leveraged Finance

 

Leveraged Finance Loans by Region               
      As at
31.12.09
£m
    As at
31.12.08
£m
 

UK

   4,530      4,519   

Europe

   1,051      1,291   

Asia

   165      140   

US

   35      3,213   

Total lending and commitments

   5,781      9,163   

Impairment

   (274   (115

Net lending and commitments at period enda

   5,507      9,048   

Leveraged finance loans are classified within loans and advances and are stated at amortised cost less impairment. The table above includes certain loan facilities originated prior to 1st July 2007, the start of the dislocation in the credit marketb.

At 31st December 2009, net lending and commitments reduced £3,541m to £5,507m (31st December 2008: £9,048m), following a repayment of £3,056m at par in January 2009, impairment of £396m, and other movements of £89m.

The overall credit performance of the assets remained satisfactory with the majority of the portfolio performing to plan or in line with original stress tolerances. There were a small number of deteriorating positions on which higher impairment was charged.

C2. SIVs, SIV-Lites and CDPCs

SIV and SIV-lite positions comprise liquidity facilities and derivatives. At 31st December 2009 SIVs and SIV-Lites positions reduced by £433m to £530m (31st December 2008: £963m) with a reduced number of counterparties. There were £72m of gross writedowns in the year.

Credit Derivative Product Companies (CDPCs) positions at 31st December 2009 reduced by £127m to £23m (31st December 2008: £150m).

C3. CLO and Other Assets Wrapped by Monoline Insurers

The table below shows Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs) and other assets where we held protection from monoline insurers at 31st December 2009.

 

By Rating of the Monoline                               
      As at 31.12.09
      Notional
£m
   Fair value
of underlying
asset
£m
   Fair value
exposure
£m
   Credit
valuation
adjustment
£m
    Net
exposure
£m

AAA/AA

   7,336    5,731    1,605    (91   1,514

A/BBB

                

Non-investment grade:

             

– Fair value through profit and loss

   1,052    824    228    (175   53

– Loans and receivables

   9,116    7,994    1,122    (563   559

Total

   17,504    14,549    2,955    (829   2,126
      As at 31.12.08

AAA/AA

   8,281    5,854    2,427    (55   2,372

A/BBB

   6,446    4,808    1,638    (204   1,434

Non-investment grade

   6,148    4,441    1,707    (574   1,133

Total

   20,875    15,103    5,772    (833   4,939

The balance reduced by £2,813m to £2,126m (31st December 2008: £4,939m), reflecting increases in the fair value of the underlying assets of £1,321m, credit valuation adjustments of £528m, the Protium sale of £396m, and currency and other movements of £568m.

Claims would become due in the event of default of the underlying assets. There have been no claims under the monoline insurance contracts as none of the underlying assets defaulted in the year.

On 25th November 2009, £8,027m of the CLO assets wrapped by non-investment grade rated monolines were reclassified to loans and receivables (as discussed in Note 51). At 31st December 2009, the fair value of the transferred assets was £7,994m and the net exposure to monoline insurers was £559m. The remaining non-investment grade exposure continues to be measured at fair value through profit and loss.

Notes

 

a Includes undrawn commitments of £257m (2008: £531m).

 

b This is a change of presentation from 31st December 2008, which reflected certain loan facilities originated post 1st July 2007.


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The notional value of the assets split by the current rating of the underlying asset is shown below.

 

By rating of underlying asset    As at 31.12.09    As at 31.12.08
     AAA/AA    A/BBB    Non-
investment
grade
fair value
£m
   Total
£m
   AAA/AA
Fair
value
£m
   A/BBB
Fair
value
£m
   Total
£m
      Fair
value
£m
   Loans and
receivables
£m
   Fair
value
£m
   Loans and
receivables
£m
              

2005 and earlier

   1,518    2,209    294    815       4,836    6,037       6,037

2006

   1,972    2,952       458       5,382    5,894       5,894

2007 and 2008

   2,452    2,199    548    483       5,682    6,295       6,295

CLOs

   5,942    7,360    842    1,756       15,900    18,226       18,226

2005 and earlier

         55       55    110    862       862

2006

   118       90       125    333    535       535

2007 and 2008

   441             720    1,161    785    467    1,252

Other

   559       145       900    1,604    2,182    467    2,649

Total

   6,501    7,360    987    1,756    900    17,504    20,408    467    20,875

D. Protium

On 16th September 2009, Barclays Capital sold assets of £7,454m, including £5,087m in credit market assets, to Protium Finance LP (Protium), a newly established fund. The impact of the sale on each class of credit market asset is detailed in each relevant category in sections A to C.

As part of the transaction, Barclays extended a £7,669m 10-year loan to Protium, which will be repaid during the term from cash generated by the fund. The principal terms of the loan are as follows:

– The loan has a final maturity of ten years, with a rate of return fixed at USD LIBOR plus 2.75%.

– Protium is obliged to pay principal and interest equal to the amount of available cash generated by the fund after payment of fund expenses and certain payments to the fund’s partners.

– The loan is secured by a charge over the assets of Protium.

The loan is classified as loans and receivables. The difference between the size of the loan and assets sold relates to cash and US Treasuries held by Protium. The increase in the loan balance between 16th September 2009 and 31st December 2009 reflects accrued interest which was received from Protium in January 2010.

The fair value of assets sold to Protium is set out below. The balances at 31st December 2009 include cash realised from subsequent sales and paydowns.

 

Protium assets    As at
31.12.09
$m
   As at
16.09.09
$m
   As at
30.06.09
$m
   As at
31.12.09
£m
   As at
16.09.09
£m
   As at
30.06.09
£m

US Residential Mortgages

                 

Other US sub-prime whole loans and real estate

   1,038    1,124    1,256    641    682    764

Other US sub-prime securities

   578    513    508    357    311    309

Total other US sub-prime

   1,616    1,637    1,764    998    993    1,073

Alt-A

   2,112    2,185    2,342    1,304    1,326    1,424

Monoline wrapped US RMBS

   1,447    1,919    2,081    893    1,164    1,266

Commercial Mortgages

                             

Monoline wrapped CMBS

   1,378    1,991    2,450    851    1,208    1,490

Other Credit market

                             

Monoline wrapped CLO and other

   475    652    752    294    396    457

Credit market related exposure

   7,028    8,384    9,389    4,340    5,087    5,710

Fair value of underlying assets wrapped by monoline insurers

   4,095    3,592    2,728    2,529    2,179    1,659

Other assets

   1,230    309    285    759    188    173

Total

   12,353    12,285    12,402    7,628    7,454    7,542

Loan to Protium

   12,727    12,641       7,859    7,669   


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Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

DBRS Inc. (DBRS), a nationally recognised statistical rating organisation, was engaged to provide a private, point-in-time rating reflecting the specific terms and conditions of the Protium loan as a whole. In addition point-in-time ratings with respect to gross cumulative cash flows due to Barclays under the loan to Protium, considered in sequential instalments, were also sought (Tranched Ratings).

On the transaction date, the loan fair value was assessed as equal to its notional amount. Subsequently, the obtained ratings were incorporated into an updated transaction date valuation. This valuation discounted the cash flows at appropriate discount rates determined by Barclays based on the Tranched Ratings. The calculation produced a value of £7,651m ($12,611m). The difference to the original valuation was £18m ($30m), which has been recorded as a loss on sale in the period. The Tranched Ratings and loan valuation are summarised in the table below:

 

Tranched Rating    Cash
flows
£m
   Weighted
average life
(years)
   Spread to
LIBOR
(bps)
   Net present
value
£m

AAA

   2,092    3.8    52    2,015

AA+

   1,464    4.3    80    1,385

AA/AA-

   354    4.3    108/128    330

A

   642    2.6    169    606

BBB/BBB-

   1,098    4.7    260/355    955

BB+/BB

   1,021    2.1    451/546    915

B/B-/CCC

   1,886    3.4    700/785/870    1,445

Total

   8,557         282    7,651

The loan valuation was performed by Barclays and, of the information disclosed above, only the Tranched Ratings were provided by DBRS. The Tranched Ratings are as of 15th September 2009 and are based on a scenario in which the portfolio of assets sold to Protium is static, with no subsequent sales or additional purchases.

A single rating of CCC (low), being the Tranched Rating for the lowest rated cash flows, has been assigned to the loan as a whole by DBRS. This rating addresses the ultimate payment of cumulative principal and interest under the terms and conditions of the Protium loan and it being advanced as a single loan, as opposed to being structurally tranched. The single rating of CCC (low) is also as of 15th September 2009 and is based on a scenario in which the portfolio of assets sold to Protium is static, with no subsequent sales or additional purchases.

The loan to Protium was assessed for impairment by the Group as at 31st December 2009 in line with its impairment policy. This analysis found that there was no impairment as at 31st December 2009.


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Debt securities and other bills

The following table presents an analysis of the credit quality of debt and similar securities, other than loans held within the Group. Securities rated as investment grade amounted to 91.8% of the portfolio (2008: 91.6%).

 

As at 31.12.09   

 

Treasury
and other
eligible bills
£m

   Debt
securities
£m
   Total
£m
   %

AAA to BBB- (investment grade)

   13,950    151,621    165,571    91.8

BB+ to B

   1,895    10,297    12,192    6.8

B- or lower

      2,571    2,571    1.4

Total

   15,845    164,489    180,334    100.0

Of which issued by:

           

– governments and other public bodies

   15,845    72,238    88,083    48.8

– US agency

      23,924    23,924    13.3

– mortgage and asset-backed securities

      17,826    17,826    9.9

– corporate and other issuers

      41,641    41,641    23.1

– bank and building society certificates of deposit

      8,860    8,860    4.9

Total

   15,845    164,489    180,334    100.0

Of which classified as:

           

– trading portfolio assets

   9,926    116,594    126,520    70.2

– financial instruments designated at fair value

      4,007    4,007    2.2

– available for sale securities

   5,919    43,888    49,807    27.6

Total

   15,845    164,489    180,334    100.0
As at 31.12.08                    

AAA to BBB- (investment grade)

   7,314    198,493    205,807    91.6

BB+ to B

   1,233    15,309    16,542    7.4

B- or lower

      2,343    2,343    1.0

Total

   8,547    216,145    224,692    100.0

Of which issued by:

           

– governments and other public bodies

   8,547    73,881    82,428    36.7

– US agency

      34,180    34,180    15.2

– mortgage and asset-backed securities

      34,844    34,844    15.5

– corporate and other issuers

      55,244    55,244    24.6

– bank and building society certificates of deposit

      17,996    17,996    8.0

Total

   8,547    216,145    224,692    100.0

Of which classified as:

           

– trading portfolio assets

   4,544    148,686    153,230    68.2

– financial instruments designated at fair value

      8,628    8,628    3.8

– available for sale securities

   4,003    58,831    62,834    28.0

Total

   8,547    216,145    224,692    100.0


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Risk management

Credit risk management

continued

 

 

 

Derivatives

The use of derivatives and their sale to customers as risk management products are an integral part of the Group’s trading activities. These instruments are also used to manage the Group’s own exposure to fluctuations in interest, exchange rates and commodity and equity prices as part of its asset and liability management activities.

Barclays Capital manages the trading derivatives book as part of the market risk book. This includes foreign exchange, interest rate, equity, commodity and credit derivatives. The policies regarding market risk management are outlined in the market risk management section on pages 94 to 101.

Derivative instruments are contracts whose value is derived from one or more underlying financial instruments or indices defined in the contract. They include swaps, forward rate agreements, futures, options and combinations of these instruments and primarily affect the Group’s net interest income, net trading income, net fee and commission income and derivative assets and liabilities. Notional amounts of the contracts are not recorded on the balance sheet.

The Group participates both in exchange traded and over the counter derivatives markets.

Exchange traded derivatives

The Group buys and sells financial instruments that are traded or cleared on an exchange, including interest rate swaps, futures and options on futures. Holders of exchange traded instruments provide margin daily with cash or other security at the exchange, to which the holders look for ultimate settlement.

Over the counter traded derivatives

The Group also buys and sells financial instruments that are traded over the counter, rather than on a recognised exchange.

These instruments range from commoditised transactions in derivative markets, to trades where the specific terms are tailored to the requirements of the Group’s customers. In many cases, industry standard documentation is used, most commonly in the form of a master agreement, with individual transaction confirmations. The existence of a signed master agreement is intended to give the Group protection in situations where a counterparty is in default.

Foreign exchange derivatives

The Group’s principal exchange rate related contracts are forward foreign exchange contracts, currency swaps and currency options. Forward foreign exchange contracts are agreements to buy or sell a specified quantity of foreign currency, usually on a specified future date at an agreed rate. A currency swap generally involves the exchange, or notional exchange, of equivalent amounts of two currencies and a commitment to exchange interest periodically until the principal amounts are re-exchanged on a future date.

Currency options provide the buyer with the right, but not the obligation, either to purchase or sell a fixed amount of a currency at a specified exchange rate on or before a future date. As compensation for assuming the option risk, the option writer generally receives a premium at the start of the option period.

Interest rate derivatives

The Group’s principal interest rate related contracts are interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements, basis swaps, caps, floors and swaptions. Included in this product category are transactions that include combinations of these features.

An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange fixed rate and floating rate interest by means of periodic payments based upon a notional principal amount and the interest rates defined in the contract. Certain agreements combine interest rate and foreign currency swap transactions, which may or may not include the exchange of principal amounts. A basis swap is a form of interest rate swap, in which both parties exchange interest payments based on floating rates, where the floating rates are based upon different underlying reference indices. In a forward rate agreement, two parties agree a future settlement of the difference between an agreed rate and a future interest rate, applied to a notional principal amount. The settlement, which generally occurs at the start of the contract period, is the discounted present value of the payment that would otherwise be made at the end of that period.

Credit derivatives

The Group’s principal credit derivative-related contracts include credit default swaps and total return swaps. A credit derivative is an arrangement whereby the credit risk of an asset (the reference asset) is transferred from the buyer to the seller of protection.

A credit default swap is a contract where the protection seller receives premium or interest-related payments in return for contracting to make payments to the protection buyer upon a defined credit event. Credit events normally include bankruptcy, payment default on a reference asset or assets, or downgrades by a rating agency.

A total return swap is an instrument whereby the seller of protection receives the full return of the asset, including both the income and change in the capital value of the asset. The buyer in return receives a predetermined amount.

Equity derivatives

The Group’s principal equity-related contracts are equity and stock index swaps and options (including warrants, which are equity options listed on an exchange). An equity swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange periodic payments, based upon a notional principal amount, with one side paying fixed or floating interest and the other side paying based on the actual return of the stock or stock index. An equity option provides the buyer with the right, but not the obligation, either to purchase or sell a specified stock, basket of stocks or stock index at a specified price or level on or before a specified date. The Group also enters into fund-linked derivatives, being swaps and options whose underlyings include mutual funds, hedge funds, indices and multi-asset portfolios.

Commodity derivatives

The Group’s principal commodity-related derivative contracts are swaps, options, forwards and futures. The main commodities transacted are base metals, precious metals, oil and oil-related products, power and natural gas.



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The tables below set out the fair values of the derivative assets together with the value of those assets subject to enforceable counterparty netting arrangements for which the Group holds offsetting liabilities and eligible collateral.

 

Derivative assets    Gross
assets
£m
   Counterparty
netting
£m
  

 

Net
exposure
£m

As at 31.12.09

        

Foreign exchange

   51,775    45,391    6,384

Interest rate

   261,211    213,446    47,765

Credit derivatives

   56,295    48,774    7,521

Equity and stock index

   17,784    13,330    4,454

Commodity derivatives

   29,750    21,687    8,063
     416,815    342,628    74,187

Total collateral held

             31,471

Net exposure less collateral

             42,716

As at 31.12.08

              

Foreign exchange

   107,730    91,572    16,158

Interest rate

   615,321    558,985    56,336

Credit derivatives

   184,072    155,599    28,473

Equity and stock index

   28,684    20,110    8,574

Commodity derivatives

   48,995    35,903    13,092
     984,802    862,169    122,633

Total collateral held

             54,905

Net exposure less collateral

             67,728

Gross derivative assets of £417bn (2008: £985bn) cannot be netted down under IFRS. Derivative assets would be £374bn (2008: £917bn) lower than reported under IFRS if counterparty or collateral netting were allowed.

Exposure relating to derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, stock borrowing and loan transactions is calculated using internal, FSA approved models. These are used as the basis to assess both regulatory capital and capital appetite and are managed on a daily basis. The methodology encompasses all relevant factors to enable the current value to be calculated and the future value to be estimated, for example: current market rates, market volatility and legal documentation (including collateral rights).


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Risk management

Market risk management

 

 

 

Market Risk is the risk that Barclays earnings or capital, or its ability to meet business objectives, will be adversely affected by changes in the level or volatility of market rates or prices such as interest rates, credit spreads, commodity prices, equity prices and foreign exchange rates. The majority of market risk exposure resides in Barclays Capital. Barclays is also exposed to market risk through non-traded interest rate risk and the pension fund.

Barclays market risk objectives are to:

 

 

Understand and control market risk by robust measurement and the setting of limits.

 

 

Facilitate business growth within a controlled and transparent risk management framework.

 

 

Ensure traded market risk resides primarily in Barclays Capital.

 

 

Minimise non-traded market risk.

Organisation and structure

The Board approves market risk appetite for trading and non-trading activities. The Market Risk Director is responsible for the Market Risk Control Framework and, under delegated authority from the Chief Risk Officer, sets a limit framework within the context of the approved market risk appetite. A daily market risk report summarises Barclays market risk exposures against agreed limits. This daily report is sent to the Chief Risk Officer, the Market Risk Director, the Group Finance Director and the appropriate Business Risk Directors.

The head of each business, assisted by the business risk management team, is accountable for all market risks associated with its activities. Each business is responsible for the identification, measurement, management, control and reporting of market risk as outlined in the Barclays Market Risk Control Framework. Oversight and support is provided to the business by the Market Risk Director, assisted by the Group Market

Risk team. The Market Risk Committee reviews, approves, and makes recommendations concerning the market risk profile across Barclays including risk appetite, limits and utilisation. The Committee meets monthly and is chaired by the Market Risk Director. Attendees include the Chief Risk Officer, respective business risk managers and senior managers from Group Market Risk.

In Barclays Capital, the Head of Market Risk is responsible for implementing the Market Risk Control Framework. Day to day responsibility for market risk lies with the senior management of Barclays Capital, supported by the Market Risk Management team that operates independently of the trading areas. Oversight is provided by Group Market Risk.

Daily market risk reports are produced for Barclays Capital as a whole as well as for the main business areas. These are sent to Group Market Risk for review and inclusion in the daily market risk report. The risks covered include interest rate, credit spread, commodity, equity and foreign exchange. A more detailed trading market risk presentation is produced fortnightly and discussed at the Barclays Capital Traded Positions Risk Review meeting. The attendees at this meeting include senior trading and risk managers from Barclays Capital and Group Market Risk.

In each of the six main Global Retail and Commercial Banking businesses (UK Retail Banking, Barclays Commercial Bank, Barclaycard, Western Europe, Emerging Markets and Absa), Group Treasury and Wealth, there is a dedicated market risk department. The head of each department is responsible for implementing the Market Risk Control Framework, with oversight provided by Group Market Risk. A combination of daily and monthly risk reports are sent to Group Market Risk for review and inclusion in the daily market risk report. A risk summary is also presented at Market Risk Committee and the respective Asset and Liability Committees.

The chart below gives an overview of the business control structure.


 

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Traded market risk

Barclays policy is to concentrate trading activities in Barclays Capital. This includes transactions where Barclays Capital acts as principal with clients or with the market. For maximum efficiency, client and market activities are managed together. In Barclays Capital, trading risk is measured for the trading book, as defined for regulatory purposes, and certain banking books.

Risk Measurement and Control

The measurement techniques used to measure and control traded market risk include Daily Value at Risk (DVaR), Expected Shortfall, average of the three worst hypothetical losses from the DVaR simulation (3W), Global Asset Class stress testing and Global Scenario stress testing.

DVaR is an estimate of the potential loss arising from unfavourable market movements, if the current positions were to be held unchanged for one business day. Barclays Capital uses the historical simulation methodology with a two-year unweighted historical period at the 95% confidence level.

The historical simulation methodology can be split into three parts:

 

 

Calculate hypothetical daily profit or loss for each position over the most recent two years, using observed daily market moves.

 

 

Sum all hypothetical profits or losses for day one across all positions, giving one total profit or loss. Repeat for all other days in the two-year history.

 

 

DVaR is the 95th percentile selected from the two-year history of daily hypothetical total profit or loss.

Market volatility decreased from the extreme levels observed in the second half of 2008, but remained above pre-crisis 2007 levels. As a consequence of the unweighted DVaR historical simulation methodology, the extreme 2008 volatility will continue to impact DVaR until late 2010.

 

The DVaR model has been approved by the FSA to calculate regulatory capital for the trading book. The approval covers general market risk in interest rate, foreign exchange, commodities and equity products, and issuer specific risk for the majority of single name and portfolio traded credit products. Internally, as noted before, DVaR is calculated for the trading book and certain banking books.

When reviewing DVaR estimates, a number of considerations should be taken into account. These are:

 

 

Historical simulation uses the recent past to generate possible future market moves but the past may not be a good indicator of the future.

 

 

The one-day time horizon does not fully capture the market risk of positions that cannot be closed out or hedged within one day.

 

 

Intra-day risk is not captured.

 

 

DVaR does not indicate the potential loss beyond the 95th percentile.

DVaR is an important market risk measurement and control tool and consequently the model is regularly assessed. The main approach employed is the technique known as back-testing which counts the number of days when a loss (as defined by the FSA) exceeds the corresponding DVaR estimate, measured at the 99% confidence level.

The FSA categorises a DVaR model as green, amber or red. A green model is consistent with a good working DVaR model and is achieved for models that have four or less back-testing exceptions in a 12-month period. For Barclays Capital’s trading book, green model status was maintained for 2009 and 2008.

Expected Shortfall is the average of all hypothetical losses from the historical simulation beyond DVaR. To improve the control framework, formal monitoring of 3W (average of the three worst observations from the DVaR historical simulation) was started in the first half of 2009.



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Risk management

Market risk management

continued

 

 

 

Stress testing provides an indication of the potential size of losses that could arise in extreme conditions. Global Asset Class stress testing has been designed to cover major asset classes including interest rate, credit spread, commodity, equity and foreign exchange rates. They are based on past stress moves in respective asset class prices and rates. Global Scenario stress testing is based on hypothetical events which could lead to extreme yet plausible stress type moves, under which profitability is seriously challenged.

Market Risk is controlled through the use of limits where appropriate on the above risk measures. Limits are set at the total Barclays Capital level, risk factor level e.g. interest rate risk, and business line level e.g. Emerging Markets. Book limits such as foreign exchange and interest rate sensitivity limits are also in place.

Risk exposures are monitored by Barclays Capital’s risk managers with oversight provided by Group Market Risk. The total DVaR limit is approved by the Board. Risk Factor DVaR limits and Global Asset Class stress testing limits are approved by Market Risk Committee.

Analysis of traded market risk exposures

Barclays Capital’s market risk exposure, as measured by average total DVaR, increased by 45% to £77m (2008: £53m). The rise was mainly due to volatility considerations, increased interest rate and credit spread exposure, and the Lehman Brothers North American businesses acquisition. Volatility impacted average DVaR because 2008’s extreme

volatility impacted DVaR throughout 2009 but only impacted 2008 DVaR in the last four months of 2008. More commentary is given under the total DVaR graph below.

Expected Shortfall and 3W averaged £121m and £209m respectively representing increases of £51m (73%) and £93m (80%) compared to 2008.

As we enter 2010, the principal uncertainties which may impact Barclays market risk relate to volatility in interest rates, commodities, credit spreads, equity prices and foreign exchange rates. While these markets exhibit improved liquidity and reduced volatility following Central Bank support, price instability and higher volatility may still arise as government policy seeks to target future economic growth while controlling inflation risk.

Analysis of trading revenue

The histogram below shows the distribution of daily trading revenue for Barclays Capital in 2009 and 2008.

Trading revenue reflects top-line incomeg, excluding income from Private Equity and Principal Investments.

The average daily revenue in 2009 was £71m, 87% more than recorded for 2008 (£38m). There were 247 positive days, 5 negative days and one flat day (2008: 206 positive, 47 negative, one flat).


 

The daily average, maximum and minimum values of DVaR, Expected Shortfall and 3W were calculated as below:

 

DVaR (95%)                                      
      Year ended 31st December 2009    Year ended 31st December 2008
      Average
£m
    High
£m
   Low
£m
   Average
£m
    High
£m
   Low
£m

Interest rate risk

   44      83    23    29      48    15

Credit Spread risk

   58      102    35    31      72    15

Commodity risk

   14      20    11    18      25    13

Equity risk

   13      27    5    9      21    5

Foreign exchange risk

   8      15    3    6      13    2

Diversification effect

   (60             (40         

Total DVaR

   77      119    50    53      95    36

Expected Shortfall

   121      188    88    70      146    41

3W

   209      301    148    116      282    61

 

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Notes

 

a Barclays acquires Lehman Brothers North American businesses during a period of extreme market volatility. The Lehman positions are subsequently reduced.

 

b DVaR increases significantly due to the extreme market volatility impacting the DVaR calculation. Several financial institutions fail and there is a material deterioration in the global economic outlook.

 

c Total DVaR peaked at £119m in March 2009.

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d Before trending down mainly due to a decrease in credit spread exposure and interest rate exposure, reaching £58m in August 2009.

 

e DVaR subsequently increased as markets began to recover and new positions were added to facilitate client trades.

 

f DVaR decreased towards year end driven by a reduction in exposure and an increase in diversification. Total DVaR as at 31st December 2009 was £55m (31st December 2008: £87m).

 

g Defined on page 319.


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Non-traded interest rate risk

Non-traded interest rate risk arises from the provision of retail and wholesale (non-traded) banking products and services, and resides mainly in Global Retail and Commercial Banking, and Group Treasury.

Barclays objective is to minimise non-traded risk. This is achieved by transferring interest rate risk from the business to a local treasury or Group Treasury, which in turn hedges the net exposure with the external market. Limits exist to ensure no material risk is retained within any business or product area. Trading activity is not permitted outside Barclays Capital.

Risk measurement and control

The risk in each business is measured and controlled using both an income metric (Annual Earnings at Risk) and a present value metric (Daily Value at Risk or stress testing). In addition, scenario stress analysis is carried out by the business and reviewed by senior management and business-level asset and liability committees, when required.

Annual Earnings at Risk (AEaR) measures the sensitivity of net interest income (NII) over the next 12 months. It is calculated as the difference between the estimated income using the current yield curve and the lowest estimated income following a 100 basis points increase or decrease in interest rates, subject to a minimum interest rate of 0%. Balances are adjusted for an assumed behavioural profiles. This includes the treatment of non-maturity deposits.

Daily Value at Risk and stress testing is calculated using a Barclays Capital consistent approach. Both these metrics are calculated by each respective business area with oversight provided by Group Market Risk.

Risk exposures are monitored by respective business risk managers with oversight provided by Group Market Risk. The main business limits are approved by Market Risk Committee. Book limits such as foreign exchange and interest rate sensitivity limits are also in place where appropriate.

To further improve the market risk control framework, Group Market Risk initiated an ongoing programme of conformance visits to non-traded Treasury operations. These visits review both the current market risk profile and potential market risk developments, as well as verifying conformance with Barclays policies and standards as detailed in the Market Risk Control Framework.

Analysis of Net Interest Income sensitivity

The table below shows the pre-tax net interest income sensitivity for the non-trading financial assets and financial liabilities held at 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2008. The sensitivity has been measured using AEaR methodology as described above. The benchmark interest rate for each currency is set as at 31st December 2009. The figures include the effect of hedging instruments but exclude exposures held or issued by Barclays Capital as these are measured and managed using DVaR.

 

Net interest income sensitivity (AEaR) by currency   
     31st December 2009      31st December 2008   
     

+100
basis
points

£m

    -100
basis
points
£m
    +100
basis
points
£m
    -100
basis
points
£m
 

GBP

   30      (360   3      (273

USD

   (43   14      (25   7   

EUR

   (34        (34   30   

ZAR

   29      (27   13      (13

Others

   (1   4           (8

Total

   (19   (369   (43   (257

As percentage of total net interest income

   (0.16 %)    (3.10 %)    (0.37 %)    (2.24 %) 

 

Non-traded interest rate risk, as measured by AEaR, was £369m as at 31st December 2009, an increase of £112m compared to 31st December 2008. The increase mainly reflects the reduced spread generated on retail and commercial banking liabilities in the lower interest rate environment. If the interest rate hedges had not been in place then the AEaR for 2009 would have been £704m (2008: £670m).

DVaR is also used to control market risk in Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Western Europe and in Group Treasury. The indicative average 2009 DVaRs for 2009 are £1.4m (2008: £1.3m) for Western Europe and £1.0m (2008: £0.6m) for Group Treasury.

Other market risks

Barclays maintains a number of defined benefit pension schemes for past and current employees. The ability of the Pension Fund to meet the projected pension payments is maintained through investments and regular bank contributions. Pension risk arises because the estimated market value of the pension fund assets might decline; or their investment returns might reduce; or the estimated value of the pension liabilities might increase. In these circumstances, Barclays could be required or might choose to make extra contributions to the pension fund.

During 2009 a risk reducing programme was conducted. This entailed increasing the holding of index-linked gilts to better match the liabilities and reducing the net exposure to equities. Financial details of the pension fund are in Note 30.

Investment risk is the risk of financial volatility arising from changes in the market value of investments, principally occurring in Barclays insurance companies. A change in the fair value of these investments may give rise to a liability which may have to be funded by the Group. It is Barclays policy to hedge such exposures in line with a defined risk appetite.

Barclays policy is for foreign exchange traded risk to be concentrated and managed in Barclays Capital. Some transactional foreign exchange risk exposure arises outside Barclays Capital to support and facilitate client activity. This is minimised in accordance with modest risk limits and was not material as at 31st December 2009. Other non-Barclays capital foreign exchange exposure is covered in Note 48.

Asset management structural risk arises where the fee and commission income earned by asset management products and businesses is affected by a change in market levels, primarily through the link between income and the value of assets under management. It is Barclays policy that businesses monitor and report this risk against a defined risk appetite and regularly assess potential hedging strategies.



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Risk management

Market risk management

continued

 

 

Disclosures about certain trading activities including non-exchange traded commodity contracts

The Group provides a fully integrated service to clients for base metals, precious metals, oil, power, natural gas, coal, freight, emission credits, structured products and other related commodities. This service offering continues to expand, as market conditions allow, through the addition of new products and markets.

The Group offers both over the counter (OTC) and exchange-traded derivatives, including swaps, options, forwards and futures and enters into physically settled contracts in base metals, power and gas, oil and related products. Physical commodity positions are held at fair value and reported under the Trading Portfolio in Note 12 on page 191.

Fair value measurement

The fair values of physical and derivative positions are primarily determined through a combination of recognised market observable

prices, exchange prices, and established inter-commodity relationships. Further information on fair value measurement of financial instruments can be found in Note 50 on page 267.

Credit risk

Credit risk exposures are actively managed by the Group. Refer to Note 47 on page 243 for more information on the Group’s approach to credit risk management and the credit quality of derivative assets.

Fair value of the commodity derivative contracts

The tables below analyse the overall fair value of the OTC commodity derivative contracts by movement over time and contractual maturity. As at 31st December 2009 the fair value of the commodity derivative contracts reflects a gross positive fair value of £27,134m (2008: £44,881m) and a gross negative value of £26,227m (2008: £45,817m).


 

Movement in fair value of commodity derivative
positions
              
     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period

   (936   812   

Contracts realised or otherwise settled during the period

   1,521      241   

Fair value of new contracts entered into during the period

   (181   (1,245

Other changes in fair values

   503      (744

Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period

   907      (936

 

Maturity analysis of commodity derivative fair value               
     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

 

Not more than one year

   (75   (2,022

Over one year but not more than five years

   620      999   

Over five years

   362      87   

Total

   907      (936

 


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Risk management

Capital risk management

 

 

Capital risk is the risk that the Group has insufficient capital resources to:

 

 

Meet minimum regulatory requirements in the UK and in other jurisdictions such as the United States and South Africa where regulated activities are undertaken. The Group’s authority to operate as a bank is dependent upon the maintenance of adequate capital resources.

 

 

Support its credit rating. A weaker credit rating would increase the Group’s cost of funds.

 

 

Support its growth and strategic options.

Organisation and structure

Barclays operates a centralised capital management model, considering both regulatory and economic capital. The Group’s capital management objectives are to:

 

 

maintain sufficient capital resources to meet the minimum regulatory capital requirements set by the FSA and the US Federal Reserve Bank’s requirements that a financial holding company be ‘well capitalised’;

 

 

maintain sufficient capital resources to support the Group’s risk appetite and economic capital requirements;

 

 

support the Group’s credit rating;

 

 

ensure locally regulated subsidiaries can meet their minimum capital requirements; and

 

 

allocate capital to support the Group’s strategic objectives including optimising returns on economic and regulatory capital.

Treasury Committee manages compliance with the Group’s capital management objectives. The Committee reviews actual and forecast capital demand and resources on a monthly basis. The processes in place for delivering the Group’s capital management objectives are:

 

 

establishment of internal targets for capital demand and ratios;

 

 

managing capital ratio sensitivity to foreign exchange movement;

 

 

ensuring local entity regulatory capital adequacy;

 

 

allocating capital in the Group’s strategic medium-term plan; and

 

 

economic Capital management.

In addition to the processes above, the Group Risk Oversight Committee and the Board Risk Committee annually review and set risk appetite (see page 242) and analyse the impacts of stress scenarios on the Group capital forecast (see page 65) in order to understand and manage the Group’s projected capital adequacy.

Internal targets

To support its capital management objectives, the Group sets internal targets for its key capital ratios. Internal targets are reviewed regularly by Treasury Committee to take account of:

 

 

changes in forecast demand for capital caused by accessing new business opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions;

 

 

flexibility in debt capital issuance and securitisation plans;

 

 

the possible impact of stress scenarios including:

 

   

changes in forecast demand for capital from unanticipated drawdown of committed facilities or as a result of deterioration in the credit quality of the Group’s assets;

 

   

changes in forecast profits and other capital resources; and

 

   

changes to capital resources and forecast demand due to foreign exchange rate movements.

Managing capital ratio sensitivity to foreign exchange rate movements

The Group has capital resources and risk weighted assets denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign exchange rates result in changes in the sterling equivalent value of foreign currency denominated capital resources and risk weighted assets. As a result, the Group’s regulatory capital ratios are sensitive to foreign currency movements.

The Group’s capital ratio hedge strategy is to minimise the volatility of the capital ratios caused by foreign exchange rate movements. To achieve this, the Group aims to maintain the ratio of foreign currency Core Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total Capital resources to foreign currency RWAs the same as the Group’s capital ratios.

The Group’s foreign currency capital resources include investments in subsidiaries and branches, intangible assets, non-controlling interest, deductions from capital and debt capital instruments.

The Group’s investments in foreign currency subsidiaries and branches create Core Tier 1 capital resources denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in the sterling value of the investments due to foreign currency movements are captured in the currency translation reserve, resulting in a movement in Core Tier 1 capital.

To create foreign currency Tier 1 and Total Capital resources additional to the Core Tier 1 capital resources, the Group issues, where possible, debt capital in non-sterling currencies. This is primarily achieved by the issuance of debt capital from Barclays Bank PLC, but can also be achieved by subsidiaries issuing capital in local currencies.

In some circumstances, investments in foreign currency subsidiaries and branches are hedged. In these circumstances, foreign currency capital resources are not created. Hedging decisions take into account the impact on capital ratios, the strategic nature of the investment, the cost of hedging, the availability of a suitable foreign exchange market and prevailing foreign exchange rates. Depending on the value of foreign currency net investments, it is not always possible to maintain the ratio of Core Tier 1 capital to RWAs consistent with the Group’s Core Tier 1 ratio in all currencies, leaving some capital ratio sensitivity to foreign currency movements.

The investment of proceeds from the issuance of equity accounted foreign currency preference shares also contributes to foreign currency capital resources. If a preference share issuance is redeemed, the cumulative movement from the date of issuance in the currency translation reserve will be offset by an equal and opposite movement in reserves reflecting the revaluation of the preference shares to prevailing foreign exchange rates. Issuance of a replacement Tier 1 instrument in the same currency will maintain the hedge of the Tier 1 ratio.

Local entity regulatory capital adequacy

The Group manages its capital resources to ensure that those Group entities that are subject to local capital adequacy regulation in individual jurisdictions meet their minimum capital requirements. Local management manages compliance with entities minimum regulatory capital requirements by reporting to local Asset and Liability Committees with oversight by The Treasury Committee, as required.

Injections of capital resources into Group entities are centrally controlled by The Treasury Committee, under authorities delegated from the Group Executive Committee. The Group’s policy is for surplus capital held in Group entities to be repatriated to Barclays Bank PLC in the form of dividends and/or capital repatriation, subject to local regulatory requirements, exchange controls and tax implications.

Other than as indicated above, the Group is not aware of any material impediments to the prompt transfer of capital resources or repayment of intra-group liabilities when due.



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Risk management

Capital risk management

continued

 

 

Allocating capital in the Group’s strategic medium-term plan

Capital adequacy and returns on regulatory and economic capital form a key part of the Group’s annual strategic medium-term planning process. Amongst other strategic objectives, the Group seeks to optimise returns on economic and regulatory capital through the planning process. To achieve this, executive management consider returns on risk weighted assets and economic capital when setting limits for business capital demand. Executive management will also review the forecast capital ratios to ensure internal targets continue to be met over the medium-term plan.

The Treasury Committee reviews the limits on capital demand on a monthly basis taking into account actual performance.

Economic capital

Economic capital is an internal measure of the minimum equity and preference capital required for the Group to maintain its credit rating based upon its risk profile.

Barclays assesses capital requirements by measuring the Group’s risk profile using both internally and externally developed models. The Group assigns economic capital primarily within the following risk categories: credit risk, market risk, operational risk, private equity and pension risk.

The Group regularly reviews its economic capital methodology and benchmarks outputs to external reference points. The framework uses default probabilities during average credit conditions, rather than those prevailing at the balance sheet date, thus seeking to remove cyclicality from the economic capital calculation. The economic capital framework takes into consideration time horizon, correlation of risks and risk concentrations.

Economic capital is allocated on a consistent basis across all of Barclays businesses and risk activities. A single cost of equity is applied to calculate the cost of risk.

The total average economic capital required by the Group is compared with the supply of economic capital to evaluate economic capital utilisation. The supply of economic capital is based on the available shareholders’ equity adjusted for certain items (e.g. retirement benefit liability, cash flow hedging reserve) and including preference shares.

Economic capital forms the basis of the Group’s submission for the Basel II Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP).

 

Economic Capital Demand a

UK Retail Banking economic capital allocation decreased £200m to £3,750m (2008: £3,950m) mainly reflecting a revised measurement of economic capital for business risk. In addition, small reductions were seen in the economic capital allocation for overdrafts and local businesses that were offset by growth in mortgages and consumer lending.

Barclays Commercial Bank economic capital allocation decreased £50m to £3,450m (2008: £3,500m) driven primarily by a reduction in exposure offset by an increase in non-performing loans due to economic conditions.

Barclaycard economic capital allocation increased £650m to £3,350m (2008: £2,700m), reflecting asset growth and appreciation of US Dollar against Sterling in 2008 and modest asset growth in 2009.

GRCB – Western Europe economic capital allocation increased £600m to £2,500m (2008: £1,900m), due to deteriorating wholesale credit conditions, acquisition activity, additional fixed assets as a result of branch expansion and exchange rate movements.

GRCB – Emerging Markets economic capital allocation increased £100m to £1,200m (2008: £1,100m). This reflects asset growth in 2008 versus a relatively slower contraction in 2009.

GRCB – Absa economic capital allocation increased £100m to £1,200m (2008: £1,100m), driven primarily by exchange rate movements offset by a reduction in exposure.

Barclays Capital average economic capital allocation increased £2,500m to £10,750m (2008: £8,250m). This primarily reflects deterioration in credit quality that resulted in growth in the economic capital allocation towards the end of 2008 and a further modest increase in 2009.

Barclays Global Investors investment economic capital allocation of £1,000m (2008: £400m) includes BGI assets up to disposal on 1st December 2009, and BGI related exposures post-disposal, mainly the BlackRock, Inc equity investment.

Barclays Wealth economic capital allocation increased £50m to £550m (2008: £500m), reflecting growth in loans and advances and increased measure of economic capital for other risk types.


 

Average economic capital          
     

Average year
ended
31.12.09

£m

  

Average year
ended
31.12.08

£m

UK Retail Banking

   3,750    3,950

Barclays Commercial Bank

   3,450    3,500

Barclaycard

   3,350    2,700

GRCB – Western Europe

   2,500    1,900

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   1,200    1,100

GRCB – Absa

   1,200    1,100

Barclays Capital

   10,750    8,250

Barclays Global Investors

   1,000    400

Barclays Wealth

   550    500

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

   100    50

Economic capital requirement

     

(excluding goodwill)

   27,850    23,450

Average historic goodwill and intangible assets b

   11,000    9,450

Total economic capital requirement c

   38,850    32,900

Notes

 

a Calculated using an adjusted average over the year and rounded to the nearest £50m for presentation purposes. Economic capital demand excludes the economic capital calculated for pension risk.

 

b Average goodwill relates to purchased goodwill and intangible assets from business acquisitions.

 

c Total period end economic capital requirement as at 31st December 2009 stood at £40,750m (31st December 2008: £39,200m).


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     2009
£m
  
  
  2008
£m
  
  
The average supply of capital to support the economic capital framework a     

Shareholders’ equity excluding non-controlling interests less goodwill b

   28,000      17,650   

Retirement benefits liability

   800      1,050   

Cash flow hedging reserve

   (300   100   

Available for sale reserve

   600      400   

Cumulative gains on own credit

   (1,150   (1,250

Preference shares

   5,850      5,500   

Available funds for economic capital excluding goodwill

   33,800      23,450   

Average historic goodwill and intangible assets b

   11,000      9,450   

Available funds for economic capital including goodwill c

   44,800      32,900   

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Notes

 

a Averages for the period will not correspond to period-end balances disclosed on the balance sheet. Numbers are rounded to the nearest £50m for presentational purposes only.

 

b Average goodwill relates to purchased goodwill and intangible assets from business acquisitions.

 

c Available funds for economic capital as at 31st December 2009 stood at £40,650m (2008:£39,200m).

 

d Average EC charts exclude the EC calculated for pension risk (average pension risk for 2009 is £2,500m compared with £650m in 2008).

 

e Includes Transition Businesses and capital for central function risks.

 

f Includes credit risk loans.

 

g Includes investments in associates, private equity risk, insurance risk, residual value and business risk. Also includes BGI related exposures post-disposal, mainly the BlackRock equity.


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Risk management

Liquidity risk management

 

 

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its obligations when they fall due as a result of a sudden, and potentially protracted, increase in net cash outflows. Such outflows would deplete available cash resources for client lending, trading activities, investments and deposits. In extreme circumstances lack of liquidity could result in reductions in balance sheet and sales of assets, or potentially an inability to fulfil lending commitments. The risk that it will be unable to do so is inherent in all banking operations and can be affected by a range of institution-specific and market-wide events.

Organisation and structure

Barclays Treasury operates a centralised governance and control process that covers all of the Group’s liquidity risk management activities. Businesses assist Barclays Treasury in policy formation and limit setting by providing relevant and expert input for their local markets and customers.

Execution of the Group’s liquidity risk management strategy is carried out at country level within agreed policies, controls and limits, with the Country Treasurer providing reports directly to Barclays Treasury to evidence conformance with the agreed risk profile. Liquidity risk is a standing agenda item at Country and Cluster Asset and Liability Committees and on a consolidated basis is reported to the Group’s Treasury Committee.

The objective of the Group’s liquidity risk management strategy is to ensure that the funding profile of individual businesses and the Group as a whole is appropriate to underlying market conditions and the profile of our business in each given country. Liquidity risk limits and controls are flexed to achieve that profile and are based on regular qualitative and quantitative assessments of conditions under both normal and stressed conditions. Businesses are only allowed to have funding exposure to wholesale markets where they can demonstrate that their market is sufficiently deep and liquid and then only relative to the size and complexity of their business.

Liquidity limits reflect both local regulatory requirements as well as the behavioural characteristics of their balance sheets. Breaches of limits are reported to Treasury Committee together with details of the requirements to return to compliance.

 

Liquidity risk framework

Barclays has a comprehensive Liquidity Risk Management Framework (the Liquidity Framework) for managing the Group’s liquidity risk. The objective of the Liquidity Framework is for the Group to have sufficient liquidity to continue to operate for at least the minimum period specified by the FSA in the event that the wholesale funding markets are neither open to Barclays nor to the market as a whole. Many of the stress tests currently applied under the Liquidity Framework will also be applied under the FSA’s new regime, although the precise calibration may differ in Barclays final Individual Liquidity Guidance to be set by the FSA. The Framework considers a range of possible wholesale and retail factors leading to loss of financing including:

 

 

maturing of wholesale liabilities;

 

 

loss of secured financing and widened haircuts on remaining book;

 

 

retail and commercial outflows from savings and deposit accounts;

 

 

drawdown of loans and commitments;

 

 

potential impact of a two-notch ratings downgrade; and

 

 

withdrawal of initial margin amounts by counterparties.

These stressed scenarios are used to assess the appropriate level for the Group’s liquidity pool, which comprises unencumbered assets and cash. Barclays regularly uses these assets to access secured funding markets, thereby testing the liquidity assumptions underlying pool composition. The Group does not presume the availability of central bank facilities to monetise the liquidity pool in any of the stress scenarios under the Liquidity Framework.

Liquidity Pool

The Group liquidity pool as at 31st December 2009 was £127bn gross (31st December 2008: £43bn) and comprised cash and unencumbered assets.

The cost of maintaining the liquidity pool is a function of the source of funding for the buffer and the reinvestment spread. The cost of funding the liquidity pool is estimated to have been approximately £650m for 2009.


 

Composition of the Group liquidity pool                              
     

Cash and
deposits
with central
banks

£bn

  

Government
guaranteed
bonds

£bn

  

Government
and
supranational
bonds

£bn

  

Other
available
liquidity

£bn

  

Total

£bn

As at 31st December 2009 a

   81    3    31    12    127

As at 31st December 2008 a

   30       2    11    43


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        103  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

Term Financing

Raising term funding is important in meeting the risk appetite of the Barclays Liquidity Framework. Barclays has continued to increase the term of issued liabilities during 2009 by issuing:

 

 

£15bn equivalent of public senior term funding;

 

 

£1.8bn equivalent of public covered bonds; and

 

 

£21bn equivalent of structured notes.

The Group has £4bn of publicly issued debt and £11bn of structured notes maturing in 2010.

Intraday liquidity

The need to monitor, manage and control intraday liquidity in real time is recognised by the Group as a critical process: any failure to meet specific intraday commitments would have significant consequences, such as a visible market disruption.

The Group policy is that each operation must ensure that it has access to sufficient intraday liquidity to meet any obligations it may have to clearing and settlement systems. Major currency payment flows and payment system collateral are monitored and managed in real time to ensure that at all times there is sufficient collateral to make payments. In practice, the Group maintains a significant buffer of surplus intraday liquidity to ensure that payments are made on a timely basis. The Group actively engages in payment system development to help ensure that new payment systems are robust.

Day to day funding

Day to day funding is managed through limits on wholesale borrowings, secured borrowings and funding mismatches. These ensure that on any day and over any period there is a limited amount of refinancing requirement. These requirements include replenishment of funds as they mature or are borrowed by customers.

 

In addition to cash flow management, Treasury also monitors term mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as the level and type of undrawn lending commitments, the usage of overdraft facilities and the impact of contingent liabilities such as standby letters of credit and guarantees.

Diversification of liquidity sources

Sources of liquidity are regularly reviewed to maintain a wide diversification by currency, geography, provider, product and term. In addition, to avoid reliance on a particular group of customers or market sectors, the distribution of sources and the maturity profile of deposits are also carefully managed. Important factors in assuring liquidity are competitive rates and the maintenance of depositors’ confidence. Such confidence is based on a number of factors including the Group’s reputation and relationship with those clients, the strength of earnings and the Group’s financial position.

Funding Structure

Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Barclays Wealth and Head Office Functions are structured to be self-funded through customer deposits and Barclays equity and other long-term capital. The Barclays Capital and Absa businesses are funded through the wholesale secured and unsecured funding markets.

The ratio of customer loans to customer deposits and long-term funding has improved to 81% at 31st December 2009, from 93% at 31st December 2008.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Barclays Wealth and Head Office Functions

An important source of structural liquidity is provided by our core retail deposits in the UK, Europe and Africa; mainly current accounts and savings accounts. Although contractually current accounts are repayable on demand and savings accounts at short notice, the Group’s broad base of customers –numerically and by depositor type – helps to protect against unexpected fluctuations. Such accounts form a stable funding base for the Group’s operations and liquidity needs.


 

Wholesale depositor split by counterparty type – Barclays Capital
      Banks
%
   Corporates
%
   Governments
%
   Other
central
banks
%
   Other
financial
institutions
%
   Total
%

As at 31st December 2009

   36    15    2    16    31    100

As at 31st December 2008

   32    15    11    9    33    100

 

Wholesale depositor split by geography – Barclays Capital
      US
%
   UK
%
   Other EU
%
   Japan
%
   Africa
%
   Rest of
World
%
   Total
%

As at 31st December 2009

   9    25    23    3    16    24    100

As at 31st December 2008

   13    22    16    9    17    23    100

 

GRCB, Barclays Wealth and Head Office a

Behavioural maturity profile of assets and liabilities

   Cash inflow/(outflow)        
      Funding
surplus
£bn
   Not
more than
1 year
£bn
    Over
1 year
but not
more than
2 years
£bn
   Over
2 years
but not
more than
3 years
£bn
   Over
3 years
but not
more than
4 years
£bn
   Over
4 years
but not
more than
5 years
£bn
   Over
5 years
£bn
 

As at 31st December 2009

   94.5    (10.2   17.8    21.2    7.8    1.8    (132.9

Note

 

a Prior year figures have not been provided as these measures have not previously been reported on a comparable basis.


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  104        

 

Risk management

Liquidity risk management

continued

 

 

 

Group policy is to ensure that the assets of the retail, wealth and corporate bank, together with Head Office functions, on a global basis, do not exceed customer deposits and subordinated funding so that these businesses place no reliance on wholesale markets. The exception to this policy is Absa, which has a large portion of wholesale funding due to the structure of the South African financial sector.

In order to assess liquidity risk, the balance sheet is modelled to reflect behavioural experience in both assets and liabilities and is managed to maintain a cash surplus. The maturity profile, excluding Absa, resulting from this behavioural modelling is set out above. This shows that there is a funding surplus of £94.5bn, and that there are expected outflows of £10.2bn within one year from asset repayments being less than liability attrition. For subsequent years the expected repayments on assets are larger than the roll off of liabilities resulting in cash inflows. Maturities of net liabilities are, therefore, behaviourally expected to occur after five years.

Barclays Capital

Barclays Capital manages its liquidity to be primarily funded through wholesale sources, managing access to liquidity to ensure that potential cash outflows in a stressed environment are covered.

73% of the inventory is funded on a secured basis (31st December 2008: 50%). Additionally, much of the short-term funding is invested in highly liquid assets and central bank cash and therefore contributes towards the Group liquidity pool.

Barclays Capital undertakes secured funding in the repo markets based on liquidity characteristics. Limits are in place for each security asset class reflecting liquidity in the cash and financing markets for these assets. The percentage of secured funding using each asset class as collateral is set out below.

 

Unsecured wholesale funding for the Group (excluding Absa) is managed by Barclays Capital within specific term limits. Excluding short-term deposits that are included within the Group’s liquidity pool, the term of unsecured liabilities has been extended, with average life improving from at least 14 months a at 31st December 2008 to at least 26 months at 31st December 2009.

The extension of the term of the wholesale financing has meant that, as at 31st December 2009, 81% of net wholesale funding had remaining maturity of greater than one year and, as at the same date, there was no net wholesale unsecured re-financing required within six months.

Regulatory Changes in 2009

The FSA issued its policy document on ‘strengthening liquidity standards’ on 5th October detailing the requirements for liquidity governance to be in place by 1st December 2009, and the quantitative requirements for liquidity buffers, which will be in place from 1st June 2010, although with an extended transition period of several years to meet the expected standards.

This is the most comprehensive liquidity regime imposed by any regulator globally, requiring increased quantitative reporting from June 2010 and additional evidential reporting to demonstrate adherence to new qualitative requirements. In addition, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision released a consultative document ‘International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring’ in December 2009. This included two new key liquidity metrics. A liquidity coverage ratio aimed at ensuring banks have sufficient unencumbered high quality assets to meet cash outflows in an acute short-term stress and a Net Stable Funding Ratio to promote longer-term structural funding of the Bank’s balance sheet and capital market activities.


 

 

Secured funding by asset class    Government    Agency    MBS    ABS    Corporate    Equity    Other
   %    %    %    %    %    %    %

As at 31st December 2009

   59    7    7    6    10    8    3

As at 31st December 2008

   49    9    11    9    15    4    3
                    
Contractual maturity of unsecured liabilities b
(Net of assets available from the Group Liquidity
    pool)
         Not more
than 1
month
   Not more
than
2 months
   Not more
than
3 months
   Not more
than 6
months
   Not more
than 1
year
   Over
1 year
      %    %    %    %    %    %

As at 31st December 2009

                    19    81

Notes

 

a The 31st December 2008 average unsecured liability term has been restated to at least 14 months to reflect refinements in the underlying calculation.

 

b Prior years’ figures have not been provided as these measures have not previously been reported on a comparable basis.


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Risk management

Operational risk management

 

 

Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect losses resulting from human factors, external events, and inadequate or failed internal processes and systems. Operational risks are inherent in the Group’s operations and are typical of any large enterprise. Major sources of operational risk include: operational process reliability, IT security, outsourcing of operations, dependence on key suppliers, implementation of strategic change, integration of acquisitions, fraud, human error, customer service quality, regulatory compliance, recruitment, training and retention of staff, and social and environmental impacts. Barclays is committed to the advanced measurement and management of operational risks. In particular, it has implemented improved management and measurement approaches for operational risk to strengthen control, improve customer service and minimise operating losses. Barclays was granted a Waiver to operate an Advanced Measurement Approach (AMA) under Basel II, which commenced in January 2008.

The Group’s operational risk management framework aims to:

 

 

Understand and report the operational risks being taken by the Group.

 

 

Capture and report operational errors made.

 

 

Understand and minimise the frequency and impact, on a cost benefit basis, of operational risk events.

 

 

Manage residual exposures using insurance.

Organisation and structure

Barclays works to benchmark our internal operation risk practices with peer banks and to drive the development of advanced operational risk techniques across the industry. It is not cost effective to attempt to eliminate all operational risks and in any event it would not be possible to do so. Events of small significance are expected to occur and are accepted as part of the normal course of business; events of material significance are rare and the Group seeks to reduce the risk from these in accordance with its agreed Risk Appetite.

Barclays has a Group Operational Risk Framework, which is consistent with and part of the Group Internal Control and Assurance Framework. Minimum control requirements have been established for all key areas of identified risk by ‘Principal Risk’ owners (see page 54). The risk categories relevant to operational risks are Financial Crime, Financial Reporting, Taxation, Legal, Operations, People, Regulatory and Technology. In addition, the following risk categories are used for business risk: Brand Management, Corporate Responsibility, Strategic and Major Change. Responsibility for implementing and overseeing these policies is positioned with Group Principal Risk Owners. The prime

responsibility for the management of operational risk and the compliance with control requirements rests with the business and functional units where the risk arises. Front line risk managers are widely distributed throughout the Group in business units. They service and support these areas, assisting line managers in managing these risks.

Business Risk Directors in each business are responsible for overseeing the implementation of and compliance with Group policies. Governance and Control Committees in each business monitor control effectiveness. The Group Governance and Control Committee receives reports from the committees in the businesses and considers Group-significant control issues and their remediation. In the Group Centre, each Principal Risk is owned by a senior individual who liaises with Principal Risk owners within the businesses. In addition, the Operational Risk Director oversees the range of operational risks across the Group in accordance with the Group Operational Risk Framework. Business units are required to report on both a regular and an event-driven basis. The reports include a profile of the material risks to their business objectives, control issues of Group-level significance, and operational risk events. Specific reports are prepared on a regular basis for the Group Risk Oversight Committee, the Board Risk Committee and the Board Audit Committee. The Internal Audit function provides further assurance for operational risk control across the organisation and reports to the Board and senior management.

Measurement and capital modelling

Barclays applies a consistent approach to the identification and assessment of key risks and controls across all business units. Managers in the businesses use self-assessment techniques to identify risks, evaluate control effectiveness and monitor performance. Business management determines whether particular risks are effectively managed within business Risk Appetite and otherwise takes remedial action. The risk assessment process is consistent with the principles in the integrated framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

A standard process is used Group-wide for the recognition, capture, assessment, analysis and reporting of risk events. This process is used to help identify where process and control requirements are needed to reduce the recurrence of risk events. Risk events are captured in a central database and reported monthly to the Group Operational Risk Executive Committee.

Barclays also uses a database of external public risk events and is a member of the Operational Risk Data Exchange (ORX), an association of international banks that share anonymised loss data information to assist in risk identification, assessment and modelling.



Table of Contents
  106        

 

Risk management

Operational risk management

continued

 

 

 

By combining internal data, including internal loss experience, risk and control assessments, key indicators and audit findings, with external loss data and expert management judgement, Barclays is able to generate Key Risk Scenarios (KRSs), which identify the most significant operational risks across the Group. The KRSs are validated at business unit and at Group level to ensure that they appropriately reflect the level of operational risk. These are the main input to our capital model. Distributions of the potential frequency and severity of operational risk losses are calculated and aggregated to provide a distribution of potential losses over a year for Barclays as a whole. The aggregation process takes into account potential correlations between risk events. The regulatory capital requirement is determined to a soundness standard of 99.9% confidence. Operational risk capital is allocated, on a risk sensitive basis, to business units, providing an incentive to manage these risks within appetite levels.

 

Operational risk events

A high proportion of Barclays operational risk events have a low financial cost associated with them and a very small proportion of operational risk events have a material impact. In 2009, 73.3% of reported operational losses had a value of £50,000 or less (2008: 72.8%) but accounted for 3.4% of the overall impact (2008: 7.8%). In contrast, 4% of the operational risk events had a value of £1m or greater (2008: 2%) but accounted for 87% of the overall impact (2008: 66%).

The Group monitors trends in operational losses by size, business unit and internal risk categories (including Principal Risk). For comparative purposes, the analysis below presents Barclays operational risk events by Basel II category. In 2009, the highest frequency of events occurred in Execution, Delivery and Process Management (45.3%) and External Fraud (35.8%). These two areas also accounted for the majority of losses by value, with Execution, Delivery and Process Management comprising 50.5% of total operational risk losses and External Fraud making up a further 38.1%. The growth in impact of external fraud year on year was caused by stressed market conditions which have brought to light fraudulent activity by a number of clients.


 

LOGO

LOGO



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LOGO

 

Risk management

Statistical information

 

 

 

Statistical and other risk information

This section of the report contains supplementary information that is more detailed or contains longer histories than the data presented in the discussion. For commentary on this information, please refer to the preceding text (pages 66 to 93).

Credit risk management

 

Table 1: Maturity analysis of loans and advances to banks
At 31st December 2009    On demand
£m
   Not more
than three
months
£m
   Over three
months
but not
more than
six months
£m
  

Over six
months
but not
more than
one year

£m

  

Over one
year

but not
more than
three years
£m

  

Over three
years

but not
more than
five years
£m

  

Over five
years

but not
more than
ten years
£m

  

Over

ten years
£m

  

Total

£m

United Kingdom

   403    3,234    64    625    405          398    5,129

Other European Union

   1,262    10,803    44    394    184    8    2       12,697

United States

   1,257    10,926    77    619    157       38    63    13,137

Africa

   565    465    221    98    974    6    41    18    2,388

Rest of the World

   1,275    5,111    88    98    708    530    17    18    7,845
     4,762    30,539    494    1,834    2,428    544    98    497    41,196

At 31st December 2008

                          

United Kingdom

   127    6,474    193    163    232          343    7,532

Other European Union

   1,210    10,458    54    415    407    50    5    1    12,600

United States

   1,310    11,215    7    676    324          84    13,616

Africa

   584    595    51    1    51    861    8    38    2,189

Rest of the World

   1,652    6,957    201    666    884    943    39    479    11,821

Loans and advances to banks

   4,883    35,699    506    1,921    1,898    1,854    52    945    47,758

 

Table 2: Interest rate sensitivity of loans and advances
      2009    2008
At 31st December   

Fixed

rate

£m

  

Variable
rate

£m

  

Total

£m

  

Fixed
rate

£m

  

Variable
rate

£m

  

Total

£m

Banks

   15,898    25,298    41,196    12,101    35,657    47,758

Customers

   94,470    336,489    430,959    98,404    369,934    468,338


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  108        

 

Risk management

Statistical information

continued

 

 

 

Table 3: Loans and advances to customers by industry

 

At 31st December

                             
  

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

  

2006

£m

  

2005

£m

Financial services

   95,839    114,069    71,160    45,954    43,102

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

   4,321    3,281    3,319    3,997    3,785

Manufacturing

   18,855    26,374    16,974    15,451    13,779

Construction

   6,303    8,239    5,423    4,056    5,020

Property

   23,468    22,155    17,018    16,528    16,325

Government

   4,801    5,301    2,036    2,426    1,718

Energy and water

   10,735    14,101    8,632    6,810    6,891

Wholesale and retail, distribution and leisure

   19,746    20,208    18,216    15,490    17,760

Transport

   7,284    8,612    6,258    5,586    5,960

Postal and communication

   3,427    7,268    5,404    2,180    1,313

Business and other services

   30,277    37,373    30,363    26,999    22,529

Home loans

   149,738    140,166    106,751    92,477    85,206

Other personal

   44,971    48,305    46,423    37,535    39,866

Finance lease receivables

   11,194    12,886    11,190    10,142    9,088

Loans and advances to customers

   430,959    468,338    349,167    285,631    272,342

 

Table 4: Loans and advances to customers in the UK

 

At 31st December

                             
  

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

  

2006

£m

  

2005

£m

Financial services

   21,975    26,091    21,131    14,011    11,958

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

   2,192    2,245    2,220    2,307    2,409

Manufacturing

   8,549    11,340    9,388    9,047    8,469

Construction

   3,544    4,278    3,542    2,761    3,090

Property

   13,514    12,091    10,203    10,010    10,547

Government

   496    20    201    6    6

Energy and water

   2,447    3,040    2,203    2,360    2,701

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

   12,792    14,421    13,800    12,951    12,747

Transport

   2,784    3,467    3,185    2,745    2,797

Postal and communication

   1,098    1,491    1,416    899    455

Business and other services

   16,577    19,589    20,485    19,260    15,397

Home loans

   90,903    85,672    69,874    62,621    57,382

Other personal

   27,687    28,362    28,691    27,617    30,598

Finance lease receivables

   3,021    3,911    4,008    3,923    5,203

Loans and advances to customers in the UK

   207,579    216,018    190,347    170,518    163,759

Loans and advances included in the above table for the year 2008 have been reanalysed between Home loans and Other personal to reflect changes in classification of assets.

The industry classifications in Tables 3-7 have been prepared at the level of the borrowing entity. This means that a loan to the subsidiary of a major corporation is classified by the industry in which the subsidiary operates, even though the Parent’s predominant business may be in a different industry.


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        109  

 

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Table 5: Loans and advances to customers in other European Union countries

 

At 31st December

                             
   2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
   2005
£m

Financial services

   14,475    14,218    7,585    5,629    3,982

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

   187    216    141    786    155

Manufacturing

   5,754    8,700    4,175    3,147    2,254

Construction

   1,610    1,786    1,159    639    803

Property

   4,224    4,814    2,510    2,162    3,299

Government

   575    1,089       6   

Energy and water

   3,882    5,313    2,425    2,050    1,490

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

   2,428    2,653    1,719    776    952

Transport

   1,905    2,603    1,933    1,465    1,695

Postal and communication

   649    962    662    580    432

Business and other services

   4,878    5,490    3,801    2,343    3,594

Home loans

   35,752    34,451    21,405    18,202    16,114

Other personal

   7,403    6,440    6,615    4,086    2,283

Finance lease receivables

   2,636    3,328    2,403    1,559    1,870

Loans and advances to customers in other European Union countries

   86,358    92,063    56,533    43,430    38,923

 

Table 6: Loans and advances to customers in the United States

 

At 31st December

                             
   2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
   2005
£m

Financial services

   46,132    56,006    29,342    17,516    16,229

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

   1       2    2    1

Manufacturing

   797    2,171    818    519    937

Construction

   7    21    18    13    32

Property

   428    549    568    1,714    329

Government

   303    336    221    153    300

Energy and water

   2,336    3,085    1,279    1,078    1,261

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

   720    1,165    846    403    794

Transport

   383    415    137    128    148

Postal and communication

   355    3,343    2,446    36    236

Business and other services

   1,721    2,279    1,053    1,432    885

Home loans

   19    28    10    349    2

Other personal

   7,410    7,691    3,256    2,022    1,443

Finance lease receivables

   318    298    304    312    328

Loans and advances to customers in the United States

   60,930    77,387    40,300    25,677    22,925

 

Table 7: Loans and advances to customers in Africa

 

At 31st December

                             
   2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
   2005
£m

Financial services

   3,600    1,956    3,472    2,821    4,350

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

   1,936    817    956    889    1,193

Manufacturing

   1,419    1,082    1,351    1,747    1,501

Construction

   903    2,053    637    591    1,068

Property

   4,154    3,485    2,433    1,987    1,673

Government

   1,449    1,741    967    785    625

Energy and water

   158    118    356    156    193

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

   1,789    1,012    1,326    1,050    2,774

Transport

   368    739    116    354    394

Postal and communication

   715    293    231    241    27

Business and other services

   4,319    4,699    1,285    2,631    1,258

Home loans

   22,057    19,036    15,393    11,223    11,630

Other personal

   964    3,069    6,287    2,976    4,955

Finance lease receivables

   5,018    5,130    4,357    4,240    1,580

Loans and advances to customers in Africa

   48,849    45,230    39,167    31,691    33,221


Table of Contents
  110        

 

Risk management

Statistical information

continued

 

 

 

Table 8: Loans and advances to customers in the Rest of the World

 

At 31st December

                             
   2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
   2005
£m

Loans and advances

   27,042    37,421    22,702    14,207    13,407

Finance lease receivables

   201    219    118    108    107

Loans and advances to customers in the Rest of the World

   27,243    37,640    22,820    14,315    13,514

 

Table 9: Maturity analysis of loans and advances to customers
At 31st December 2009    On demand
£m
   Not more
than three
months
£m
   Over three
months
but not
more than
six months
£m
   Over six
months
but not
more than
one year
£m
  

Over one
year

but not
more than
three years

£m

  

Over three
years

but not
more than
five years
£m

   Over five
years but
not
more than
ten years
£m
  

Over

ten
years
£m

  

Total

£m

United Kingdom

                          

Corporate lending

   21,369    14,941    1,568    2,856    13,057    10,071    9,759    14,626    88,247

Other lending to customers in the United Kingdom

   5,862    3,802    2,092    3,809    15,201    10,404    23,302    54,860    119,332

Total United Kingdom

   27,231    18,743    3,660    6,665    28,258    20,475    33,061    69,486    207,579

Other European Union

   4,094    16,113    1,976    3,278    11,088    9,247    10,137    30,425    86,358

United States

   4,887    25,296    2,265    3,637    4,876    1,251    11,485    7,233    60,930

Africa

   11,248    2,457    1,052    1,322    4,307    3,091    6,162    19,210    48,849

Rest of the World

   1,967    6,616    1,189    3,758    4,367    4,485    3,154    1,707    27,243

Total

   49,427    69,225    10,142    18,660    52,896    38,549    63,999    128,061    430,959

At 31st December 2008

                          

United Kingdom

                          

Corporate lending

   24,790    14,715    1,574    3,259    10,585    12,372    10,495    15,876    93,666

Other lending to customers in the United Kingdom

   4,560    6,264    2,495    4,477    16,604    10,541    21,913    55,498    122,352

Total United Kingdom

   29,350    20,979    4,069    7,736    27,189    22,913    32,408    71,374    216,018

Other European Union

   5,254    17,618    2,707    5,681    11,808    10,272    10,138    28,585    92,063

United States

   6,298    39,754    2,737    5,413    8,767    3,447    4,238    6,733    77,387

Africa

   8,428    2,247    1,143    1,852    4,560    4,557    5,674    16,769    45,230

Rest of the World

   3,832    8,150    2,167    1,545    9,267    4,008    5,666    3,005    37,640

Total

   53,162    88,748    12,823    22,227    61,591    45,197    58,124    126,466    468,338

 

Table 10: Foreign outstandings in currencies other than the local currency

of the borrower for countries where this exceeds 1% of total Group assets

At 31st December 2009    As % of
assets
   Total
£m
   Banks
and other
financial
institutions
£m
   Governments
and official
institutions
£m
  

Commercial
industrial
and other
private
sectors

£m

              

United States

   1.2    16,907    4,622       12,285

At 31st December 2008

              

United States

   3.1    63,614    16,724    2    46,888

Cayman Islands

   1.2    23,765    271       23,494

At 31st December 2007

              

United States

   2.1    26,249    7,151    6    19,092

At 31st December 2009, 2008 and 2007, there were no countries where Barclays had cross-currency loans to borrowers between 0.75% and 1% of total Group assets.


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Table 11: Off-balance sheet and other credit exposures as at 31st December   

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Off-balance sheet exposures

        

Contingent liabilities

   52,774    66,310    45,774

Commitments

   207,275    260,816    192,639

On-balance sheet exposures

        

Trading portfolio assets

   151,344    185,637    193,691

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account

   41,311    54,542    56,629

Derivative financial instruments

   416,815    984,802    248,088

Available for sale financial investments

   56,483    64,976    43,072

 

Table 12: Notional principal amounts of credit derivatives as at 31st December   

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Credit derivatives held or issued for trading purposes a

   2,016,796    4,129,244    2,472,249

 

Table 13: Credit risk loans summary

At 31st December

   2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
   2005
£m

Impaired loans

   16,240    12,264    8,574    4,444    4,550

Accruing loans which are contractually overdue 90 days or more as to principal or interest

   5,317    2,953    794    598    609

Impaired and restructured loans

   831    483    273    46    51

Credit risk loans

   22,388    15,700    9,641    5,088    5,210

 

Table 14: Credit risk loans

At 31st December

   2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
   2005
£m

Impaired loans:

              

United Kingdom

   4,519    3,793    3,605    3,340    2,965

Other European Union

   4,004    1,713    472    410    345

United States

   4,612    4,397    3,703    129    230

Africa

   2,170    1,996    757    535    831

Rest of the World

   935    365    37    30    179

Total

   16,240    12,264    8,574    4,444    4,550

Accruing loans which are contractually overdue 90 days or more as to principal or interest:

              

United Kingdom

   2,312    1,656    676    516    539

Other European Union

   951    562    79    58    53

United States

   232    433    10    3   

Africa

   1,739    172    29    21    17

Rest of the World

   83    130         

Total

   5,317    2,953    794    598    609

Impaired and restructured loans:

              

United Kingdom

   582    367    179       5

Other European Union

   41    29    14    10    7

United States

   180    82    38    22    16

Africa

   22       42    14    23

Rest of the World

   6    5         

Total

   831    483    273    46    51

Total credit risk loans:

              

United Kingdom

   7,413    5,816    4,460    3,856    3,509

Other European Union

   4,996    2,304    565    478    405

United States

   5,024    4,912    3,751    154    246

Africa

   3,931    2,168    828    570    871

Rest of the World

   1,024    500    37    30    179

Credit risk loans

   22,388    15,700    9,641    5,088    5,210

Note

 

a Includes credit derivatives held as economic hedges which are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.


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Statistical information

continued

 

 

 

Table 15: Potential problem loans                              
At 31st December    2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
   2005
£m

United Kingdom

   858    883    419    465    640

Other European Union

   790    963    59    32    26

United States

   553    431    964    21    12

Africa

   488    140    355    240    248

Rest of the World

   679    39       3    3

Potential problem loans

   3,368    2,456    1,797    761    929

 

Table 16: Interest foregone on credit risk loans                  
     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Interest income that would have been recognised under the original contractual terms

        

United Kingdom

   392    244    340

Rest of the World

   736    235    91

Total

   1,128    479    431

Interest income of approximately £413m (2008: £195m, 2007: £48m) from such loans was included in profit, of which £137m (2008: £72m, 2007: £26m) related to domestic lending and the remainder related to foreign lending.

In addition, a further £185m (2008: £135m, 2007: £113m) was recognised arising from impaired loans. Following impairment, interest income is recognised using the original effective rate of interest which was used to discount the expected future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss. £52m (2008: £42m, 2007: £93m) of this related to domestic impaired loans and the remainder related to foreign impaired loans.

 

Table 17: Analysis of impairment/provision charges                                 
At 31st December    2009
£m
   2008
£m
   2007
£m
   2006
£m
    2005
£m
 

Impairment charge/net specific provisions charge

             

United Kingdom

   2,744    1,817    1,593    1,880      1,382   

Other European Union

   1,408    587    123    92      75   

United States

   1,525    1,519    374    12      76   

Africa

   814    454    214    143      37   

Rest of the World

   839    207    2    (53   4   

Impairment on loans and advances

   7,330    4,584    2,306    2,074      1,574   

Impairment on available for sale assets

   670    382    13    86      4   

Impairment on reverse repurchase agreements

   43    124              

Impairment charge

   8,043    5,090    2,319    2,160      1,578   

Other credit provisions charge/(release)

   28    329    476    (6   (7

Impairment/provision charges

   8,071    5,419    2,795    2,154      1,571   

 

Table 18: Impairment/provisions charges ratios (‘Loan loss ratios’)                              
     

2009

%

  

2008

%

  

2007

%

  

2006

%

  

2005

%

Impairment/provisions charges as a percentage of average loans and advances for the year:

              

Impairment charge

   1.64    1.01    0.64    0.66    0.58

Total

   1.64    1.01    0.64    0.66    0.58

Amounts written off (net of recoveries)

   0.72    0.61    0.49    0.61    0.50


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Table 19: Analysis of allowance for impairment/provision for bad and doubtful debts    2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
   £m    £m    £m    £m    £m

Impairment allowance/specific provisions

              

United Kingdom

   4,083    2,947    2,526    2,477    2,266

Other European Union

   2,014    963    344    311    284

United States

   2,518    1,561    356    100    130

Africa

   1,349    857    514    417    647

Rest of the World

   832    246    32    30    123

Allowance for impairment provision balances

   10,796    6,574    3,772    3,335    3,450

Average loans and advances for the year

   447,569    453,413    357,853    313,614    271,421

 

Table 20: Allowance for impairment/provision balance ratios    2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
   %    %    %    %    %

Allowance for impairment/provision balance at end of year as a percentage of loans and advances at end of year:

              

Impairment balance

   2.29    1.27    0.97    1.05    1.14

Total

   2.29    1.27    0.97    1.05    1.14

 

Table 21: Movements in allowance for impairment/provisions charge

for bad and doubtful debts a

   2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
   £m     £m     £m     £m     £m  

Allowance for impairment/provision balance at beginning of year

   6,574      3,772      3,335      3,450      2,637   

Acquisitions and disposals

   434      307      (73   (23   555   

Unwind of discount

   (185   (135   (113   (98   (76

Exchange and other adjustments

   (127   791      53      (153   125   

Amounts written off

   (3,380   (2,919   (1,963   (2,174   (1,587

Recoveries

   150      174      227      259      222   

Impairment/provision charged against profit

   7,330      4,584      2,306      2,074      1,574   

Allowance for impairment/provision balance at end of year

   10,796      6,574      3,772      3,335      3,450   

 

Table 22: Amounts written off    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
   £m     £m     £m     £m     £m  

United Kingdom

   (1,569   (1,514   (1,530   (1,746   (1,302

Other European Union

   (453   (162   (143   (74   (56

United States

   (669   (1,044   (145   (46   (143

Africa

   (438   (187   (145   (264   (81

Rest of the World

   (251   (12        (44   (5

Amounts written off

   (3,380   (2,919   (1,963   (2,174   (1,587


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Statistical information

continued

 

 

 

Table 23: Recoveries    2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
    2006
£m
    2005
£m
 

United Kingdom

   48      131      154      178      160   

Other European Union

   12      4      32      18      13   

United States

   6      1      7      22      15   

Africa

   80      36      34      33      16   

Rest of the World

   4      2           8      18   

Recoveries

   150      174      227      259      222   
          
Table 24: Impairment allowances/provision charged against profit a    2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
    2006
£m
    2005
£m
 

New and increased impairment allowance/specific provision charge:

          

United Kingdom

   3,123      2,160      1,960      2,253      1,763   

Other European Union

   1,625      659      192      182      113   

United States

   1,535      1,529      431      60      105   

Africa

   932      526      268      209      109   

Rest of the World

   896      242      20      18      39   
   8,111      5,116      2,871      2,722      2,129   

Reversals of impairment allowance/specific provision charge:

          

United Kingdom

   (331   (212   (213   (195   (221

Other European Union

   (205   (68   (37   (72   (25

United States

   (4   (9   (50   (26   (14

Africa

   (38   (36   (20   (33   (56

Rest of the World

   (53   (33   (18   (63   (17
   (631   (358   (338   (389   (333

Recoveries

   (150   (174   (227   (259   (222

Net charge to profit

   7,330      4,584      2,306      2,074      1,574   
          

Table 25: Total impairment/specific provision charges

for bad and doubtful debts by industry

   2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
    2006
£m
    2005
£m
 

United Kingdom:

          

Financial services

   485      76      32      64      22   

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

   2      4           5      9   

Manufacturing

   112      118      72      1      120   

Construction

   54      15      14      17      14   

Property

   113      80      36      15      18   

Energy and water

        1      1      (7   1   

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

   314      59      118      88      39   

Transport

   13      3      3      19      (27

Postal and communication

   17           15      15      3   

Business and other services

   175      234      81      133      45   

Home loans

   33      28      1      4      (7

Other personal

   1,376      1,178      1,187      1,526      1,142   

Finance lease receivables

   50      21      33           3   
   2,744      1,817      1,593      1,880      1,382   

Overseas

   4,586      2,767      713      194      192   

Impairment/specific provision charges

   7,330      4,584      2,306      2,074      1,574   

The category ‘Other personal’ includes credit cards, personal loans, second liens and personal overdrafts.

The industry classifications in Tables 25, 26 and 27 have been prepared at the level of the borrowing entity. This means that a loan to the subsidiary of a major corporation is classified by the industry in which the subsidiary operates, even though the Parent’s predominant business may be in a different industry.

Note

 

a Does not reflect the impairment of available for sale assets, reverse repurchase agreements or other credit risk provisions.


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Table 26: Allowance for impairment/specific provision for bad and doubtful debts by industry
     2009   2008   2007   2006   2005
     £m   %   £m   %   £m   %   £m   %   £m   %

United Kingdom:

                   

Financial services

  493   4.6   81   1.2   103   2.7   67   2.0   26   0.8

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

      1   0.0   5   0.1   17   0.5   12   0.3

Manufacturing

  142   1.3   185   2.8   65   1.7   85   2.5   181   5.2

Construction

  41   0.4   18   0.3   16   0.4   16   0.5   13   0.4

Property

  90   0.8   114   1.7   54   1.4   26   0.8   24   0.7

Energy and water

      1   0.0   1         18   0.5

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

  182   1.7   43   0.7   102   2.7   81   2.4   99   2.9

Transport

    0.0     0.0   11   0.3   24   0.7   32   0.9

Postal and communication

  27   0.3   33   0.5   25   0.7   12   0.4   2   0.1

Business and other services

  218   2.0   236   3.6   158   4.2   186   5.6   102   3.0

Home loans

  63   0.6   46   0.7   15   0.4   10   0.3   50   1.4

Other personal

  2,762   25.5   2,160   32.9   1,915   50.8   1,953   58.6   1,696   49.2

Finance lease receivables

  65   0.6   29   0.4   56   1.5       11   0.3
  4,083   37.8   2,947   44.8   2,526   67.0   2,477   74.3   2,266   65.7

Overseas

  6,713   62.2   3,627   55.2   1,246   33.0   858   25.7   1,184   34.3

Total

  10,796   100   6,574   100.0   3,772   100.0   3,335   100.0   3,450   100.0

 

Table 27: Analysis of amounts written off and recovered by industry               
    

Amounts written off for the year

 

Recoveries of amounts previously

written off

     2009
£m
  2008
£m
  2007
£m
  2006
£m
  2005
£m
  2009
£m
  2008
£m
  2007
£m
  2006
£m
  2005
£m

United Kingdom:

                   

Financial services

  72   88   6   13   2   3   4   1     1

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

  2   6   5   8   3       2   1  

Manufacturing

  162   53   83   73   47   4   8   7   21   11

Construction

  34   19   23   17   15   3   2   3   2   1

Property

  141   27   16   23   4   3   2   10   6   1

Energy and water

  2   1     1   22   4       2  

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

  182   137   109   120   85   8   7   12   14   25

Transport

  14   10   13   11   29   1   1     1   10

Postal and communication

  23   3   3   5   15          

Business and other services

  197   153   83   124   83   5   10   22   17   14

Home loans

  16   4   1     2     1   1   7   4

Other personal

  705   960   1,164   1,351   992   13   88   96   107   92

Finance lease receivables

  19   53   24     3   4   8       1
  1,569   1,514   1,530   1,746   1,302   48   131   154   178   160

Overseas

  1,811   1,405   433   428   285   102   43   73   81   62

Total

  3,380   2,919   1,963   2,174   1,587   150   174   227   259   222


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Statistical information

continued

 

 

 

Table 28: Total impairment allowance/(provision) coverage of credit risk loans
      2009
%
   2008
%
   2007
%
   2006
%
   2005
%

United Kingdom

   55.1    50.7    56.6    64.2    64.6

Other European Union

   40.3    41.8    60.9    65.1    70.1

United States

   50.1    31.8    9.5    64.9    52.8

Africa

   34.3    39.5    62.1    73.2    74.3

Rest of the World

   81.3    49.2    86.5    100.0    68.7

Total coverage of credit risk loans

   48.2    41.9    39.1    65.6    66.2

 

Table 29: Total impairment allowance/(provision) coverage of

potential credit risk lending (CRLs and PPLs)

      2009
%
   2008
%
   2007
%
   2006
%
   2005
%

United Kingdom

   49.4    44.0    51.8    57.3    54.6

Other European Union

   34.8    29.5    55.1    61.0    65.9

United States

   45.1    29.2    7.6    57.1    50.4

Africa

   30.5    37.1    43.4    51.5    57.8

Rest of the World

   48.9    45.5    86.5    91.0    67.6

Total coverage of potential credit risk lending

   41.9    36.2    33.0    57.0    56.2


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Risk management

Supervision and regulation

 

 

 

The Group’s operations, including its overseas offices, subsidiaries and associates, are subject to a significant body of rules and regulations that are a condition for authorisation to conduct banking and financial services business, constrain business operations and affect financial returns. These include reserve and reporting requirements and conduct of business regulations. These requirements are imposed by the relevant central banks and regulatory authorities that supervise the Group in the jurisdictions in which it operates. The requirements reflect global standards developed by, among others, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions. They also reflect requirements derived from EU directives.

In the UK, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) is the independent body responsible for the regulation and supervision of deposit taking, life insurance, home mortgages, general insurance and investment business. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the FSA under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to carry on a range of regulated activities within the UK and is subject to consolidated supervision by the FSA. In its role as supervisor, the FSA seeks to maintain the safety and soundness of financial institutions with the aim of strengthening, but not guaranteeing, the protection of customers and the financial system. The FSA’s continuing supervision of financial institutions is conducted through a variety of regulatory tools, including the collection of information from statistical and prudential returns, reports obtained from skilled persons, visits to firms and regular meetings with management to discuss issues such as performance, risk management and strategy.

The FSA adopts a risk-based approach to supervision. The starting point for supervision of all financial institutions is a systematic analysis of the risk profile for each authorised firm. The FSA has adopted a homogeneous risk, processes and resourcing model in its approach to its supervisory responsibilities (known as the ARROW model) and the results of the risk assessment are used by the FSA to develop a risk mitigation programme for a firm. The FSA also promulgates requirements that banks and other financial institutions are required to meet on matters such as capital adequacy, limits on large exposures to individual entities and groups of closely connected entities, liquidity and rules of business conduct.

The Banking Act 2009 (the Banking Act) provides a permanent regime to allow the FSA, the UK Treasury and the Bank of England to resolve failing banks in the UK. Under the Banking Act, these authorities are given powers, including (a) the power to issue share transfer orders pursuant to which all or some of the securities issued by a bank may be transferred to a commercial purchaser or Bank of England entity and (b) the power to transfer all or some of the property, rights and liabilities of the UK bank to a purchaser or Bank of England entity. A share transfer order can extend to a wide range of securities including shares and bonds issued by a UK bank (including Barclays Bank PLC) or its holding company (Barclays PLC) and warrants for such shares and bonds. The Banking Act powers apply regardless of any contractual restrictions and compensation may be payable in the context of both share transfer orders and property appropriation.

The Banking Act also gives the Bank of England the power to override, vary or impose contractual obligations between a UK bank or its holding company and its former group undertakings for reasonable consideration, in order to enable any transferee or successor bank of the UK bank to operate effectively. There is also power for the Treasury to amend the law (excluding provisions made by or under the Banking Act) for the purpose of enabling it to use the regime powers effectively, potentially with retrospective effect. In addition, the Banking Act gives the Bank of England statutory responsibility for financial stability in the UK and for the oversight of payment systems.

Banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions in the UK are subject to a single financial services compensation scheme (the Financial Services Compensation Scheme—FSCS) where an authorised firm is unable or is likely to be unable to meet claims made against it because of its financial circumstances. Most deposits made with branches of Barclays Bank PLC within the European Economic Area (EEA) which are denominated in Sterling or other EEA currencies (including the Euro) are covered by the FSCS. Most claims made in respect of investment business will also be protected claims if the business was carried on from the UK or from a branch of the bank or investment firm in another EEA member state. The FSCS is funded by levies on authorised UK firms such as Barclays Bank PLC. In the event that the FSCS raises funds, raises those funds more frequently or significantly increases the levies to be paid by firms, the associated costs to the Group may have a material impact on the Group’s results and financial condition. Further details can be found in the “Competition and Regulatory Matters” note to the financial statements on page 222.

Outside the UK, the Group has operations (and main regulators) located in continental Europe, in particular France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal and Italy (local central banks and other regulatory authorities); Asia Pacific (various regulatory authorities including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Financial Services Agency of Japan, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the China Banking Regulatory Commission and the Reserve Bank of India); Africa and the Middle East (various regulatory authorities including the South African Reserve Bank and the Financial Services Board and the regulatory authorities of the United Arab Emirates) and the United States of America (including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)).

In Europe, the UK regulatory agenda is considerably shaped and influenced by the directives emanating from the EU. These form part of the European Single Market programme, an important feature of which is the framework for the regulation of authorised firms. This framework is designed to enable a credit institution or investment firm authorised in one EU member state to conduct banking or investment business

through the establishment of branches or by the provision of services on a cross-border basis in other member states without the need for local authorisation. Barclays operations in Europe are authorised and regulated by a combination of both home (the FSA) and host regulators.

Barclays operations in South Africa, including Absa Group Limited, are supervised and regulated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Financial Services Board (FSB). SARB oversees the banking industry and follows a risk-based approach to supervision whilst the FSB oversees the non-banking financial services industry and focuses on enhancing consumer protection and regulating market conduct.

In the United States, Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays US banking subsidiaries are subject to a comprehensive regulatory structure involving numerous statutes, rules and regulations. Barclays Bank PLC’s branches in New York and Florida are licensed by, and subject to regulation and examination by, their respective licensing authorities, the New York State Banking Department and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Barclays Bank PLC also operates a federal agency in California that is licensed by and subject to regulation and examination by the OCC. Barclays Bank Delaware is a Delaware-chartered commercial bank subject to regulation and examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Delaware State Banking Commissioner. In addition, the FRB is the primary US federal regulator for the New York and Florida branches and also exercises umbrella regulatory authority over Barclays other US operations. The regulation of Barclays and its US banking subsidiaries imposes restrictions on the activities of Barclays, including its US banking subsidiaries and Barclays Bank PLC’s US branches and agencies, as well as prudential restrictions, such as limits on extensions of credit by the Barclays Bank PLC’s US branches and agencies and the US banking subsidiaries to a single borrower and to Barclays subsidiaries and affiliates.

The licensing authority of each US branch has the authority, in certain circumstances, to take possession of the business and property of Barclays Bank PLC located in the state of the office it licenses. Such circumstances generally include violations of law, unsafe business practices and insolvency. As long as Barclays Bank PLC maintains one or more federal branches or agencies, the OCC also has the authority to take possession of the US operations of Barclays Bank PLC under similar circumstances, and this federal power may pre-empt the state insolvency regimes that would otherwise be applicable to Barclays Bank PLC’s state licensed branches. As a result, if the OCC exercised its authority over the US agency of Barclays Bank PLC pursuant to federal law in the event of a Barclays Bank PLC insolvency, all of Barclays Bank PLC’s US assets would most likely be applied first to satisfy creditors of its US branches and agencies as a group, and then made available for application pursuant to any UK insolvency proceeding.

In addition to the direct regulation of Barclays US banking offices, Barclays US operations subject Barclays to regulation by the FRB under various laws, including the International Banking Act of 1978 and the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHC Act). Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Group US Inc. are bank holding companies registered with the FRB. Each has elected to be treated as a financial holding company under the BHC Act. Financial holding companies may engage in a broader range of financial and related activities than are permitted to registered bank holding companies that do not maintain financial holding company status, including underwriting and dealing in all types of securities. To maintain the financial holding company status of each of Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Group US Inc., Barclays Bank PLC is required to meet or exceed certain capital ratios and to be deemed to be “well managed” and Barclays Bank Delaware must also meet certain capital requirements, be deemed to be “well managed” and have at least a “satisfactory” rating under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977.

Barclays is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before acquiring, directly or indirectly, the ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of any US bank or bank holding company. Under current FRB policy, Barclays is required to act as a source of financial strength for Barclays Bank Delaware. This policy could, among other things, require Barclays to inject capital into Barclays Bank Delaware if it becomes undercapitalised. A major focus of US governmental policy relating to financial institutions in recent years has been combating money laundering and terrorist financing and enforcing compliance with US economic sanctions. Regulations applicable to US operations of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries impose obligations to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to ensure compliance with US economic sanctions against designated foreign countries, nationals and others. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programmes to combat money laundering and terrorist financing or to ensure economic sanction compliance could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution. See Note 36 to the financial statements for further discussion of competition and regulatory matters.

Barclays investment banking operations are subject to regulations that cover all aspects of the securities business, including:

– Sales Methods

– Trade practices among broker-dealers

– Use and safekeeping of customers’ funds and securities

– Capital structure

– Record-keeping

– The financing of customers’ purchases

– Procedures for compliance with US securities law

– The conduct of directors, officers and employees


 


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Risk management

Supervision and regulation

continued

 

 

Barclays Capital Inc. and the other subsidiaries that conduct these operations are regulated by a number of different government agencies and self-regulatory organizations, including the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Depending upon the specific nature of a broker-dealer’s business, it may also be regulated by some or all of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the US Department of the Treasury, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and other exchanges of which it may be a member. In addition, the US states, provinces and territories have local securities commissions that regulate and monitor activities in the interest of investor protection. These regulators have available a variety of sanctions, including the authority to conduct administrative proceedings that can result in censure, fines, the issuance of cease-and-desist orders or the suspension or expulsion of the entity or its directors, officers or employees.

Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital Energy, Inc. are authorised by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to sell wholesale physical power at market-based rates. As FERC authorised power marketers and as buyers and sellers of natural gas, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital Energy, Inc. are subject to regulation under The U.S. Federal Power Act, The U.S. Natural Gas Act and The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 and applicable FERC orders, rules and regulations thereunder.

Barclays subsidiaries in the US are also subject to regulation by applicable federal and state regulators of their activities in the mortgage servicing business.

Regulatory Developments

In the wake of the financial crisis there will be regulatory change that will have a substantial impact on all financial institutions, including the Group. The full extent of this impact and its timing is not yet fully clear, with reform programmes being developed at global, EU and national level. A programme to reform the global regulatory framework was agreed by G20 Heads of Government in April 2009, building on an agreement that had been reached by the G20 in November 2008. The EU is following a similar programme of reform following the May 2008 ‘roadmap’ and implementing G20 requirements. There is a substantial degree of commonality to these programmes covering issues of capital and liquidity regulation, risk management and accounting standards.

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has been designated by the G20 as the body responsible for co-ordinating the delivery of the reform programme. It has initiated work developing guidelines for the supervision of systemically significant institutions. It is required to present its proposals to the November 2010 meeting of G20 Heads of Government. The FSB is also working on approaches to the resolution of systemically significant institutions that will include the preparation of Recovery and Resolution Plans, sometimes called ‘living wills’. Further detail is awaited from the FSB, although the FSA has initiated a pilot project with a group of large UK banks.

In execution of the mandate given by the G20 and the FSB, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has agreed on increased capital requirements for trading book activities to be introduced from the end of 2010. In December 2009, the Basel Committee issued proposals for consultation on enhanced capital and liquidity requirements. These proposals would refine the definition of regulatory capital to have a greater focus on core equity, would enhance capital requirements in respect of counterparty risk, introduce measures to make capital requirements less procyclical, establish a leverage ratio and require banks to hold greater buffers of high quality liquid instruments. The Basel Committee will conduct a quantitative impact study on its proposals in the course of the first half of 2010, with a view to finalising its requirements by the end of the year and with the aim of commencing the transition to the new capital and liquidity regime from the end of 2012.

The Basel Committee’s trading book proposals are being implemented in the EU by amendment to the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD). The CRD has also been amended to tighten the definition of hybrid capital and the operation of the large exposures regime in relation to interbank transactions. The EU has indicated that it will further amend the CRD to implement revised global standards on capital adequacy and on liquidity that are being consulted on by the Basel Committee. The EU will also conduct a Europe-focused quantitative impact study. In addition, other amendments are being made to the EU framework of directives, including to the Directive and to the Directive on Deposit Guarantee Schemes. Further amendments to EU regulatory requirements are likely as the EU develops its response to the financial crisis, including the structure of the regulatory system in Europe as proposed in the report of a high-level Commission group published in February 2009. Among other things, it is proposed by the end of 2010 to create a European Banking Authority charged with the development of a single rulebook for banks in the EU. National authorities will remain responsible for the supervision of financial institutions.

In the UK, the Treasury issued a White Paper ‘Reforming Financial Markets’ in July 2009 that foreshadowed the introduction of a Financial Services Bill in November. The Financial Services Bill will among other things create a Council for Financial Stability to co-ordinate the activities of the UK tripartite authorities (HM Treasury, the FSA and the Bank of

England) to deal with issues related to financial stability and systemic risk. It will also place a duty on the FSA to make rules requiring financial institutions to create and maintain Recovery and Resolution plans, require the FSA to make general rules about remuneration policies of regulated firms, give the FSA a wider authority to prohibit short selling and permit collective court actions as a means by which redress can be sought in cases where there has been a mass failure of practice that has affected significant numbers of consumers. The Financial Services Bill is currently going through the Parliamentary process and its likely final shape remains uncertain. In response to the Introduction of the Financial Services Bill, the Conservative Party indicated in July 2009 that, were it to have a majority following the General Election that must take place by early June 2010, it would transfer responsibility for prudential supervision to the Bank of England and create a Consumer Protection Agency to focus on issues of business conduct.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer commissioned two major reviews of the regulation of banks that reported in 2009. Lord Turner, the Chairman of the FSA was requested to undertake a review of banking regulation, while Sir David Walker was asked to review the corporate governance of financial institutions. The Turner Review, published in March 2009, sets out a comprehensive approach to reform the regulation of banks, and for higher standards of capital, liquidity and risk management. It also sets out a more intensive and intrusive approach to supervision. This was already in development as part of the FSA’s Supervisory Enhancement Programme that has seen an increase in the resources devoted to supervision, the intensity of supervision and the penalties that may be applied in any enforcement action. Pending international agreement, the FSA has unilaterally set minimum capital requirements that are very substantially increased from pre-crisis levels. Similarly, the FSA is introducing a regulatory liquidity regime in advance of international agreement on the Basel proposals. The Walker Review, published in November 2009, sets out proposals for reforms to the corporate governance of financial institutions. The Financial Services Bill referred to above will give the FSA enabling powers to implement some of these.

In the United States, the FDIC has established a Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP) for eligible institutions including, among others, US bank holding companies and FDIC-insured depository institutions, unless they opted out. Under the TLGP, the FDIC insures the entire amount of non-interest bearing transaction account deposits of eligible institutions until June 30th, 2010 and certain senior unsecured debt of eligible institutions issued before June 30th, 2009 (later extended to October 31st, 2009). Barclays Bank Delaware and Barclays Group US, Inc. are eligible to participate in the TLGP, and they have opted in. Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC, as non-US banks or bank holding companies, were not eligible to participate in the TLGP.

In addition, in the United States, as elsewhere, recent market disruptions and economic conditions have led to numerous proposals for changes to and significant increases in the regulation of the financial services industry. These proposals include: possible limitations on the activities of banking institutions such as prohibitions on engaging in proprietary trading operations that are not related to serving customers; proposals that would subject large and systemically important banks and financial institutions to enhanced regulatory requirements; and financial market and trading reforms such as the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act 2009, which was passed by the US House of Representatives in December 2009 and which would, if enacted, among other things, increase regulation of over-the-counter derivatives by imposing clearing and execution requirements on swap dealers and major swap market participants. However, these and other proposals are still under consideration and there is uncertainty as to whether and in what forms such proposals ultimately may be enacted or adopted and therefore what impact they will have on the Group and its businesses in the United States. The Obama Administration has also proposed the levying of a Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee (FCRF). The Administration has said that the FCRF will apply to the US subsidiaries of a foreign bank or financial company if the consolidated assets of the US subsidiaries exceed £50bn. As legislation implementing the FCRF has not yet been proposed, the impact of the FCRF on the Group cannot yet be determined.

The credit card-related activities of the Group in the US will be significantly affected by the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (Credit CARD Act) which was passed by Congress. The Credit CARD Act will have the effect of restricting many credit card pricing and marketing practices. Among the numerous provisions, which come into effect at various times through August 2010, are those that prohibit increasing rates on existing balances and over limit fees in most instances, restrict increasing fees and rates prospectively, restrict what penalty fees can be assessed, regulate how payments are to be allocated to different balances and how the billing process is to work, and revises all communications to cardholders.



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Board and executive committee

 

 

 

 

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Marcus’ extensive background in banking began at Lazard where he worked from 1972 to 2006, latterly as Chairman of Lazard in London and Deputy Chairman of Lazard LLC. He was Chairman of BAA plc until 2006 and is currently Senior Independent Director of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Chairman of the Trustees of The Royal Botanic Gardens.

Term of office: Marcus joined the Board in September 2006 as a non-executive Director and was appointed Chairman on 1st January 2007. Marcus was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: On appointment

External appointments: Senior Independent Director of the BBC since 2006. Chairman of the Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Chairman of The Foundation and Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Chairman of Lazard in London and Deputy Chairman of Lazard LLC until 2006.

Chairman of BAA plc until 2006.

Committee membership: Chairman of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee since January 2007. Member of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee since January 2007.

 

Sir Richard has experience of both the private and public sector having worked in high-level banking roles and the Civil Service. He was the Executive Chairman of HM Customs and Excise from 2000 to 2003. Formerly a member of the Group Executive Committee of Schroders PLC and a non-executive Director of the Securities Institute.

Sir Richard is Chairman of Arriva PLC.

Term of office: Sir Richard joined the Board in September 2003. Appointed Senior Independent Director on 1st September 2004 and Deputy Chairman on 16th July 2009. Sir Richard was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Chairman of Arriva PLC since 2004. Executive Chairman of HM Customs and Excise until 2003. Former Group Executive Committee member of Schroders PLC. Non-executive Director of the Securities Institute until 1995.

Committee membership: Member of the Board Risk Committee since April 2004 (Chairman January 2006 to December 2009). Chairman of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee since January 2007 (member since April 2004). Member of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee since September 2004.

 

David manages his own venture capital investments, having retired from the Management Committee of Morgan Stanley in 1997. David was employed by Morgan Stanley from 1982 to 1992, and again from 1995 to 1997. He held various key positions there, including Head of Government Bond Trading, Head of Mortgage Trading, Sales and Finance and Head of Global Operations and Technology.

Term of office: David joined the Board in May 2007. David was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Director of East Ferry Investors, Inc. Trustee of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Various positions at Morgan Stanley & Co. until 1997. Director of the Discount Corporation of New York until 1993.

Committee membership: Chairman of the Board Risk Committee since January 2010 (member since January 2008). Member of Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee since January 2010.

 

Leigh is Chairman of Qantas Airways Limited, a Director of Bechtel Group Inc, Chairman of Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd and Senior Adviser to Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts and Co. Leigh joined the Rio Tinto Group in 1970 and was a Director of Rio Tinto plc from 1994 and Rio Tinto Limited from 1995, and was Chief Executive of the Rio Tinto Group from 2000 until 2007.

Term of office: Leigh joined the Board in October 2004. Leigh was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Chairman of Qantas Airways Limited since November 2007. Chairman of Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd since July 2009. Director of Bechtel Group Inc since July 2009. Senior Adviser to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co since January 2009. Chairman of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute since December 2009. Board Member of the National Gallery of Victoria Foundation. Chief Executive of Rio Tinto from 2000 until 2007. Director of Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. until 2004.

Committee membership: Member of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee since July 2005. Member of the Barclays Asia Pacific Advisory Committee.


 

LOGO

 

Fulvio is currently Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Enel SpA, the Italian energy group, where he was previously Chief Financial Officer from 1999-2005. Fulvio has held a number of high-level financial roles, including Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of Telecom Italia and General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of Ferrovie dello Stato. He was also head of the accounting, finance, and control department of Montecatini and was in charge of finance at Montedison-Compart. He has held positions in finance and operations in various affiliates of Mobil Oil Corporation in Italy and Europe.

Term of office: Fulvio joined the Board in April 2006. Fulvio was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Chief Executive of Enel SpA since 2005. Director of ENDESA SA since June 2009. Director of AON Corporation

since January 2008. Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of Telecom Italia until 1999. General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of Ferrovie dello Stato until 1998.

Committee membership: Member of the Board Audit Committee since September 2006.

 

Simon has extensive experience of the institutional fund management industry, having worked at Fidelity International from 1981 to 2008, latterly as President of the Investment Solutions Group and President of the Retirement Institute. Simon held a number of positions during his career at Fidelity International, including President, European & UK Institutional Business, Global Chief Investment Officer, Chief Investment Officer for Asia Pacific and Chief Investment Officer of the European Investment Group. Simon remains a Director of Fidelity European Values PLC and Fidelity Japanese Values PLC.

Term of office: Simon Fraser joined the Board in March 2009. Simon was last reelected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Director of Fidelity European Values PLC since July 2002. Director of Fidelity Japanese Values PLC since May 2000. Director of The Merchants Trust PLC since August 2009. Director and Chairman Designate of Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust PLC since September 2009.

Committee membership: Member of the Board Audit Committee since May 2009. Member of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee since May 2009.

 

Reuben is a Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington, D.C. and previously served in the US government as Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs (2007-2009). Prior to joining the Department of State, Reuben was the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (2005-2007) and before that held a number of positions in US government service (2002-2005). He spent 18 years at Goldman, Sachs & Co. between 1983-2001, where he was managing partner of Goldman Sachs in Paris and of the firm’s European Financial Institutions Group in London.

Term of office: Reuben Jeffery joined the Board in July 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, Washington D.C.

Committee membership: Member of Board Risk Committee since January 2010.

 

Sir Andrew is Chairman of the National Audit Office, having held a number of public roles in the financial services sector, including Managing Director, Financial Management, Reporting and Audit and Head of the Government Accountancy Service at HM Treasury and non-executive Director of the Bank of England. Sir Andrew is also Dean of the London Business School. He has been at the London Business School from 1974-1976, 1979-1993 and since 2004.

Term of office: Sir Andrew joined the Board in September 2004. Sir Andrew was last reelected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Dean of the London Business School since January 2009.

Chairman of the National Audit Office since December 2008. Trustee of the Institute for Government since September 2008.

Chairman of Applied Intellectual Capital Inc. until 2008. Non-executive Director of the Bank of England until 2008. Non-executive Director and Vice-Chairman of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust until 2008. Non-executive Director and Chairman of the MORI Group until 2005.

Committee membership: Member of the Board Audit Committee since September 2004. Member of the Board Risk Committee since September 2004.



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Board and executive committee

 

continued

 

 

 

LOGO    LOGO   

 

Sir Michael is currently Chairman of BT Group PLC, Chairman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and Chairman of easyJet plc. Sir Michael previously worked at KPMG from 1974-2007 where he spent a number of years in Continental Europe and the Middle East. He was Senior Partner of the UK firm from 1998-2000 and Chairman of KPMG International from 2002-2007.

Term of office: Sir Michael joined the Board in January 2008. Sir Michael was last reelected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Chairman of BT Group PLC since 2007. Chairman of easyJet plc since January 2010 (Deputy Chairman June 2009-December 2009). Director of the Financial Reporting Council since 2007. Chairman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills since 2007. Director of the McGraw-Hill Companies since 2007. Chairman of KPMG International until 2007. Chairman of Business in the Community from 2004 until 2007.

Committee membership: Chairman of the Board Audit Committee since March 2009 (member since January 2008). Member of the Board Risk Committee since May 2009. Member of Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee since May 2009.

 

Sir John is Chairman of Merlin Entertainments Limited. Until July 2008 he was Chairman of Cadbury Schweppes PLC, having worked at Cadbury’s in various roles, including that of Chief Executive, since 1968. He is a Director of the Financial Reporting Council, an Adviser to CVC Capital Partners, an Association Member of BUPA and a Governor of both Reading and Aston University Councils.

Term of office: Sir John joined the Board in June 2005. Sir John was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

Independent: Yes

External appointments: Chairman of Merlin Entertainments Limited since December 2009. Deputy President of the Chartered Management Institute 2008-2009 (President 2007-2008). Director of the Financial Reporting Council since 2004. Adviser to CVC Capital Partners. Chairman of Cadbury Schweppes PLC until July 2008. Deputy President of the CBI until June 2008 (former member and President). Non-executive Director of the Rank Group PLC until 2006.

Committee membership: Member of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee since September 2006. Member of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee since July 2005.

 


 

 

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John was appointed Group Chief Executive of Barclays on 1st September 2004, prior to which he had been Group Deputy Chief Executive from 1st January 2004. He joined Barclays in 1982 and has held various positions across the Group, including the position of Group Finance Director from 2000 until the end of 2003. He was Chief Executive of Retail Financial Services from 1998 to 2000 and Chairman of the Asset Management Division from 1995 to 1998. Following the sale of BGI, John is a non-executive Director of BlackRock, Inc. John is also a non-executive Director of AstraZeneca PLC. He is Chairman of Business Action on Homelessness, President of the Employer’s Forum on Disability, Honorary President of the UK Drug Policy Commission and a member of the International Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Term of office: John joined the Executive Committee in September 1996 and was appointed to the Board in June 1998. John was last re-elected at the AGM in 2009.

External appointments: Non-executive Director of BlackRock, Inc since December 2009. Non-executive Director of AstraZeneca PLC since 2006. Non-executive Director of British Grolux Investments Limited since 1999. Chairman of Business Action on Homelessness since 2006. President of the Employer’s Forum on Disability since 2005. Honorary President of the UK Drug Policy Commission since 2007. Member of the International Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore since 2006.

 

Robert E Diamond Jr is responsible for the Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth Management businesses of the Barclays Group, comprising Barclays Capital, Barclays Corporate and Barclays Wealth. Bob was formerly Vice Chairman and Head of Global Fixed Income and Foreign Exchange at CS First Boston and he was a member of the Executive Board and Operating Committee of CS First Boston. Following the sale of BGI, Bob is a non-executive Director of BlackRock, Inc.

Term of office: Bob was appointed President and became an executive Director in June 2005. He has been a member of the Barclays Executive Committee since September 1997. Bob was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

External appointments: Non-executive Director of BlackRock, Inc. Chairman, Board of Trustees of Colby College, Waterville, Maine. Chairman, Old Vic Productions Plc. Trustee, The Mayor’s Fund for London. Member of the Advisory Board, Judge Business School. Member of International Advisory Board, British-American Business Council. Life Member of The Council on Foreign Relations. Member of The International Advisory Board, The Atlantic Council.

 

Chris has worked across financial services for most of his career, including three years in New York as Head of the US Banking Audit Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Chris joined Barclays from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was UK Head of Financial Services and Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets. He was Global Relationship Partner for Barclays for the 1999-2004 financial years and subsequently held similar roles for other global financial services organisations.

Term of office: Chris was appointed Group Finance Director and became a member of the Executive Committee in April 2007. Chris was last re-elected by shareholders at the AGM in 2009.

External appointments: UK Head of Financial Services and Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP until 2006.



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LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOGO   LOGO   LOGO

 

See page 120 for full biography

 

 

See page 120 for full biography

 

 

See page 120 for full biography


 

 

LOGO

 

Jerry is responsible for the firm’s Global Markets businesses, encompassing the Trading, Sales and Research functions globally. He joined Barclays Capital in June 1997 from Bankers Trust in London where he had been a Senior Managing Director of Derivatives Products, responsible for the European business. Prior to this, he was based in Toronto, Canada, where he was responsible for the Canadian Dollar interest rate derivatives business. Before Bankers Trust, he worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia. Jerry currently serves on the Boards of SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association), Room to Read and Queen’s University.

 

Mark joined Barclays as Group General Counsel in 2003. Included within his area of responsibility are legal and regulatory compliance issues throughout the bank. He chairs the Group Operating Committee and Group Governance and Control Committee. Previously, Mark was a partner in the international law firm, Clifford Chance, where his practice spanned bank finance, capital markets and financial services regulation. He spent four years at UBS as General Counsel of its investment bank. Mark is past Chairman of the General Counsel 100 Group and of the Board of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA). He is a Governor of the College of Law.

 

Antony was appointed Chief Executive of Global Retail Banking and joined the Barclays Executive Committee in November 2009. Prior to that he had been Chief Executive of Barclaycard since January 2006. Antony is a Barclays appointed non-executive Director of Absa, which is majority owned by Barclays. Since October 2008, Antony has been on the Board of Visa Europe Ltd.

 

Tom joined Barclays in September 1996 after 18 years at JP Morgan where he held a number of roles, including Head of Fixed Income Sales, Trading and Research, and was responsible for all activities with investors in the United States. He has served on the US Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee and is a former Chair of the US Bond Market Association, a predecessor organisation to SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association).


 

LOGO

Robert has been the Chief Risk Officer for Barclays Group since 2004. He first joined Barclays in 2002 as Head of Risk Management at Barclays Capital. Robert is a non-executive Director of Absa, which is majority owned by Barclays. Before joining Barclays, Robert spent most of his career at JP Morgan in the capital markets, fixed income, emerging market and credit areas in New York and London.

 

Maria is the Group Chief Executive of Absa Group Ltd, which is majority owned by Barclays. Prior to joining Absa on 1st March 2009, she was Group Chief Executive of Transnet Limited, the state-owned South African freight transport and logistics service provider. This was after a successful term as Director-General of the National Treasury (formerly the Department of Finance). Maria is an accomplished academic, who has previously taught at various institutions. She currently serves on the executive committees of the International Business Council, the World Bank Chief Economist Advisory Panel, Business Trust (South Africa), Business Leadership South Africa and the Banking Association of South Africa.

 

Rich joined Barclays Capital in 1994 and assumed responsibility for several of its support areas. He became Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Barclays Global Investors (BGI) and a member of the BGI Executive Committee in December 2002. In January 2005, Rich was appointed COO of Barclays Investment Banking and Investment Management businesses comprising Barclays Capital, Barclays Wealth and BGI. Prior to joining Barclays Capital, Rich held senior front-office, finance and technology positions at the Bank of Boston and the Bank of New England.

 

Cathy was appointed as Group Human Resources Director in April 2005 prior to which she held the position as Investor Relations Director for four years. In July 2008 her remit was extended to include Strategy, Corporate Affairs and Brand and Marketing. Prior to Barclays, Cathy was a Practice Leader at Ernst and Young and has previously held roles at Deloitte, Watson Wyatt, Percom and Volex Plc. Cathy is a Council Member of the Royal College of Art and a Board Member of the IFS School of Finance.



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Directors’ report

 

 

 

Profit Attributable

The profit attributable to equity shareholders of Barclays PLC for the year amounted to £9,393m, compared with £4,382m in 2008.

Dividends

The final dividend for the year ended 31st December 2009 of 1.5p per ordinary share of 25p each has been agreed by the Directors. The final dividend was announced on 16th February 2010 for payment on 19th March 2010 in respect of the ordinary shares registered at the close of business on 26th February 2010. With the interim dividend of 1.0p per ordinary share that was paid on 11th December 2009, the total distribution for 2009 is 2.5p (2008: 11.5p) per ordinary share. The interim and final dividend for 2009 amounted to £289m (2008: £906m).

Share Capital

At the 2008 Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved the creation of Sterling, Dollar, Euro and Yen preference shares (preference shares) in order to provide the Group with more flexibility in managing its capital resources. As at 5th March 2010 (the latest practicable date for inclusion in this report) no preference shares have been issued.

The Company did not repurchase any ordinary shares of 25p each during 2009 (2008: 36,150,000 at a total cost of £171,923,243).

As at 5th March 2010, the Company had an unexpired authority to repurchase ordinary shares up to a maximum of 837,620,130 ordinary shares. The authorised ordinary share capital was increased by 7,000 million ordinary shares at the Annual General Meeting held on 23rd April 2009.

The issued ordinary share capital was increased by 3,040 million ordinary shares during 2009. In addition to those issued as a result of the exercise of options under the Sharesave and Executive Share Option Schemes during the year, the following share issues took place:

 

 

During the period 7th January to 30th June 2009, 2,642 million ordinary shares were issued following the conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Notes.

 

 

On 28th October 2009, 379 million ordinary shares were issued following the exercise of warrants to subscribe for ordinary shares.

At 31st December 2009, the issued ordinary share capital totalled 11,411,577,230 shares. Ordinary shares represent 100% of the total issued share capital as at 31st December 2009. Since 31st December 2009 628.3 million ordinary shares have been issued, of which 626.8 million were issued on exercise of Warrants on 17th February 2010. As at 5th March 2010, issued ordinary share capital was 12,039,880,284.

 

The Company’s Articles of Association, a summary of which can be found in the Shareholder Information section on pages 306 to 311, contain the following details, which are incorporated into this report by reference:

 

 

The structure of the Company’s capital, including the rights and obligations attaching to each class of shares.

 

 

Restrictions on the transfer of securities in the Company, including limitations on the holding of securities and requirements to obtain approvals for a transfer of securities.

 

 

Restrictions on voting rights.

 

 

The powers of the Directors, including in relation to issuing or buying back shares in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. It will be proposed at the 2010 AGM that the Directors be granted new authorities to allot and buy-back shares under the Companies Act 2006.

 

 

Rules that the Company has about the appointment and removal of Directors or amendments to the Company’s Articles of Association.

Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) operate in connection with certain of the Group’s Employee Share Plans (Plans). The trustees of the EBTs may exercise all rights attached to the shares in accordance with their fiduciary duties other than as specifically restricted in the relevant Plan governing documents. The trustees of the EBTs have informed the Company that their normal policy is to abstain from voting in respect of the Barclays shares held in trust. The trustees of the Sharepurchase EBT may vote in respect of Barclays shares held in the Sharepurchase EBT, but only at the discretion of the participants. The trustees will not otherwise vote in respect of shares held in the Sharepurchase EBT.

Mandatorily Convertible Notes

On 27th November 2008, Barclays Bank PLC issued £4,050m of 9.75% Mandatorily Convertible Notes (MCNs) maturing on 30th September 2009 to: Qatar Holding LLC; Challenger Universal Limited and entities representing the beneficial interests of HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi; existing institutional shareholders; and other institutional investors. If not converted at the holders’ option beforehand, these instruments mandatorily converted to ordinary shares of Barclays PLC on 30th June 2009. The conversion price was £1.53276 and, after taking into account MCNs that were converted on or before 31st December 2008, resulted in the issue of 2,642 million new ordinary shares.



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Warrants

On 31st October 2008, Barclays PLC issued, in conjunction with a simultaneous issue of Reserve Capital Instruments issued by Barclays Bank PLC, warrants to subscribe for up to 1,516.9 million new ordinary shares at a price of £1.97775 to Qatar Holding LLC and HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The warrants may be exercised at any time up to close of business on 31st October 2013.

If there is a change of control of Barclays PLC following a takeover bid, Barclays PLC must (so far as legally possible) use all reasonable endeavours to cause the corporation which then controls Barclays PLC to execute a deed poll providing that the holders of the warrants shall have the right (during the period in which the warrants are exercisable) to exercise the warrants into the class and amount of shares and other securities and property receivable upon such a takeover by the holders of the number of ordinary shares as would have been issued on exercise of the warrants had such warrants been exercised immediately prior to the completion of such takeover.

The warrants contain provisions for the adjustment of the gross number of ordinary shares in the event of the occurrence of certain dilutive events including, amongst others, extraordinary dividends, bonus issues, alterations to the nominal value of ordinary shares and rights issues.

As at 5th March 2010, a total of 1,006.1 million ordinary shares have been issued on exercise of warrants to subscribe for ordinary shares.

Substantial Shareholdings

Substantial shareholders do not have different voting rights from those of other shareholders. As at 5th March 2010, the Company had been notified under Rule 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the FSA of the following holdings of voting rights in its shares:

 

Holder   Number of
Barclays
Shares
  % of total
voting rights
attaching
to issued
share capital
  Number of
warrants
  % of total
voting rights
attaching
to issued
share capital a
BlackRock, Inc. b   805,969,166   7.06    
Qatar Holding LLC   813,964,552   6.76   379,218,809   3.15
Nexus Capital Investing Ltd   626,835,443   5.49   131,602,175   1.15
Legal & General Group Plc   483,625,057   4.01    
Appleby Trust (Jersey) Limited c   353,373,992   3.10    

Board Membership

The membership of the Boards of Directors of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC is identical and biographical details of the Board members are set out on pages 119 and 121. Simon Fraser and Reuben Jeffery were appointed as non-executive Directors with effect from 10th March 2009 and 16th July 2009 respectively. The following Directors left the Board during 2009:

 

 

Professor Dame Sandra Dawson on 23rd April 2009.

 

 

Sir Nigel Rudd on 23rd April 2009.

 

 

Patience Wheatcroft on 16th June 2009.

 

 

Stephen Russell on 31st October 2009.

 

 

Frits Seegers on 3rd November 2009.

 

Retirement and Re-election of Directors

In accordance with its Articles of Association, one-third (rounded down) of the Directors of Barclays PLC are required to retire by rotation at each Annual General Meeting (AGM), together with Directors appointed by the Board since the last AGM. The retiring Directors are eligible to stand for re-election. In addition, the UK Combined Code on Corporate Governance (the Code), recommends that every Director should seek re-election by shareholders at least every three years.

All members of the Board exceptionally offered themselves for reelection at the Barclays Annual General Meeting held in April 2009. Going forward, the Group Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Chairmen of each principal Board Committee will stand for re-election on an annual basis. One-third of the remaining Directors (excluding Directors appointed since the last AGM) will retire by rotation annually. The Directors offering themselves for re-election in such a manner at the 2010 AGM are Marcus Agius, David Booth, Sir Richard Broadbent and Sir Michael Rake. The Directors retiring by rotation at the 2010 AGM and offering themselves for re-election are Sir Andrew Likierman and Chris Lucas. In addition, Reuben Jeffery, who was appointed as a Director since the last AGM, will be offering himself for re-election at the 2010 AGM.

Directors’ Interests

Directors’ interests in the shares of the Group on 31st December 2009 are shown on page 153.

Directors’ Emoluments

Information on emoluments of Directors of Barclays PLC, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules of the United Kingdom Listing Authority, is given in the Remuneration report on pages 145 to 161 and in Note 42 to the financial statements.

Directors’ Indemnities

The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Group to attract and retain the services of the most able and experienced Directors by offering competitive terms of engagement, including the granting of indemnities on terms consistent with the applicable statutory provisions. Qualifying third party indemnity provisions (as defined by section 234 of the Companies Act 2006) were accordingly in force during the course of the financial year ended 31st December 2009 for the benefit of the then Directors and, at the date of this report, are in force for the benefit of the Directors in relation to certain losses and liabilities which they may incur (or have incurred) in connection with their duties, powers or office.

Activities

The Group is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking and wealth management. The Group operates through branches, offices and subsidiaries in the UK and overseas.

Community Involvement

Barclays has an extensive community programme covering many countries around the world. The Group provides funding and support to over 7,000 charities and voluntary organisations, ranging from small, local charities, like Passage (UK), to international organisations like Unicef. We also have a very successful employee programme which in 2009 saw more than 58,000 employees and pensioners worldwide taking part in Barclays-supported volunteering, giving and fundraising activities.

The total commitment for 2009 was £54.9m (2008: £52.2m). The Group committed £27.4m in support of the community in the UK (2008: £27.7m) and £27.5m was committed in international support (2008: £24.5m). The UK commitment includes £19.3m of charitable donations (2008: £19.6m).


 

Notes

 

a The percentages of voting rights detailed above have been calculated without including the new shares to be issued when the warrants are exercised. This results in the percentage figures being artificially high.

 

b The number of Barclays shares includes 8,003,236 contracts for difference to which voting rights are attached.

 

c The number of Barclays shares includes 192,860,970 Total Return Swap shares to which voting rights are attached.


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Directors’ report

continued

 

 

 

Political Donations

The Group did not give any money for political purposes in the UK or the rest of the EU nor did it make any political donations to political parties or other political organisations, or to any independent election candidates, or incur any political expenditure during the year. Absa Group Limited, in which the Group acquired a majority stake in 2005, made donations totalling £213,982 in 2009 (2008: £186,589) in accordance with its policy of making political donations to the major South African political parties as part of their Democracy Support Programme. Donations are made to parties with more than three seats in the National Parliament as confirmed by the Independent Electoral Commission. Support for the deepening of democracy in South Africa remains paramount for the government. The Group made no other political donations in 2009.

At the AGM in 2009, shareholders gave a limited authority for Barclays PLC and its subsidiaries to make political donations and incur political expenditure, within an agreed limit, as a precautionary measure in light of the wide definitions in the Companies Act 2006. This was similar to an authority given by shareholders in 2008. This authority, which has not been used, expires at the conclusion of the AGM held this year, or, if earlier, 30th June 2010. The risk of inadvertently breaching the Companies Act 2006 remains and the Directors consider it prudent to seek a similar authority from shareholders. A resolution to authorise Barclays PLC and its subsidiaries to make EU political donations and incur EU political expenditure up to a maximum aggregate sum of £125,000 is therefore being proposed at the Barclays PLC 2010 AGM.

Employee Involvement

Barclays is committed to ensuring that employees share in the success of the Group. Staff are encouraged to participate in share option and share purchase schemes and have a substantial sum invested in Barclays shares. Employees are kept informed of matters of concern to them in a variety of ways, including the corporate news magazines, intranets, briefings and mobile phone SMS messaging. These communications help achieve a common awareness among employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the performance of Barclays. Barclays is also committed to providing employees with opportunities to share their views and provide feedback on issues that are important to them. Annual Employee Opinion Surveys are undertaken across the Group with results being reported to the Board and Board HR and Remuneration Committee, all employees and to our European Works Council, Africa Forum, Unite (Amicus section), our recognised union in the UK and other recognised unions worldwide. Roadshows and employee forums also take place. In addition, Barclays undertakes regular and formal consultations with our recognised trade unions and work councils internationally.

Diversity and Inclusion

The diversity agenda at Barclays seeks to include customers, colleagues and suppliers. Our objective is to recruit and retain the best people, regardless of (but not limited to) race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. We strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities in which we operate and the international nature of the organisation. We recognise that diversity is a key part of responsible business strategy in support of our increasingly global business. In the

UK, Barclays is committed to providing additional support to employees with disabilities and making it easier for them to inform us of their specific requirements, including the introduction of a dedicated intranet site and disability helpline. Through our UK Reasonable Adjustments Scheme, appropriate assistance can be given, including both physical workplace adjustments, and relevant training and access to trained mentors is also provided for disabled employees. A wide range of recruitment initiatives have been taken to increase the number of people with disabilities working in Barclays.

Health and Safety

We are committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our employees and to providing and maintaining safe working conditions. Barclays regards legislative compliance as a minimum and, where appropriate, we seek to implement higher standards. Barclays also recognises its responsibilities towards all persons on its premises, such as contractors, visitors and members of the public, and ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that they are not exposed to significant risks to their health and safety. Barclays regularly reviews its Statement of Health and Safety Commitment, issued with the authority of the Board and which applies to all business areas in which Barclays has operational control. In this statement Barclays commits to:

 

 

demonstrate personal leadership that is consistent with this commitment;

 

 

provide the appropriate resources to fulfil this commitment;

 

 

carry out risk assessments and take appropriate actions to mitigate the risks identified;

 

 

consult with our employees on matters affecting their health and safety;

 

 

ensure that appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision are provided;

 

 

appoint competent persons to provide specialist advice; and

 

 

review Barclays Health and Safety Group Process and the Statement of Commitment, at regular intervals.

Barclays monitors its health and safety performance using a variety of measurements on a monthly basis and the Board HR and Remuneration Committee receives annual reports on health and safety performance from the Group Human Resource Director. In 2009, a Health and Safety Steering Committee was established to ensure decisions are taken relating to the Health and Safety Global Standard and to oversee the operation of a coordinated Health and Safety control framework. The Committee meets on a quarterly basis and produces a quarterly report for the HR Risk Committee. As part of its Partnership Agreement with Unite (Amicus section), Barclays currently funds full time Health and Safety Representatives.

Creditors’ Payment Policy

Barclays values its suppliers and acknowledges the importance of paying invoices, especially those of small businesses, in a timely manner. Barclays policy follows the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills’ Prompt Payment Code, copies of which can be obtained from the Prompt Payment Code website at www.promptpaymentcode.org.uk. Part 5 of Schedule 7 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires disclosure of trade creditor payment days. Disclosure is required by the Company, rather than the Group. The Group’s principal trading subsidiary in the UK is Barclays Bank PLC, the accounts for which are prepared in accordance with IFRS.



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The components for the trade creditor calculation are not easily identified. However, by identifying as closely as possible the components that would be required if item E.4 (trade creditors) in format I of Schedule 1 of these Regulations applied, the trade creditor payment days for Barclays Bank PLC for 2009 were 27 days (2008: 24 days). This is an arithmetical calculation and does not necessarily reflect our practice, which is described above, nor the experience of any individual creditor.

Essential Business Contracts

There are no persons with whom the Group has contractual or other arrangements that are considered essential to the business of the Group.

Contracts of Significance

Under the terms of a stock purchase agreement dated 16th June 2009 which was entered into by and among Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays PLC and BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock), Barclays agreed to sell BGI to BlackRock. The sale completed on 1st December 2009 following the receipt of all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other closing conditions. The consideration at completion was US$15.2bn (£9.5bn), including 37.567 million new BlackRock shares, giving Barclays an economic interest of 19.9% of the enlarged BlackRock group. Barclays has provided BlackRock with customary warranties and indemnities in connection with the sale. Barclays Bank will also continue to provide support in respect of certain BGI cash funds until December 2013 and indemnities in respect of certain of BGI’s fully collateralised securities lending activities until 30th November 2012.

Research and development

In the ordinary course of business the Group develops new products and services in each of its business units.

Financial Instruments

The Group’s financial risk management objectives and policies, including the policy for hedging each major type of forecasted transaction for which hedge accounting is used, and the exposure to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk are set out on pages 94 to 104 under the headings, ‘Barclays risk management strategy’, ‘Credit risk management’, ‘Market risk management’, ‘Liquidity risk management’ and ‘Derivatives’ and in Note 14 and Notes 47 to 49 to the accounts.

Events after the Balance Sheet Date

On 1st January 2010, the Group acquired 100% ownership of Standard Life Bank Plc for a consideration of £227m in cash. The assets acquired include a savings book of approximately £5.8bn, and a mortgage book with outstanding balances of approximately £7.5bn.

As announced on 3rd November 2009, the Group has made changes to its business structure, which will be reflected in the Group’s external financial reporting for periods commencing 1st January 2010. The segmental information presented in this Annual Report represents the business segments and other operations used for management and reporting purposes during the year ended 31st December 2009.

On 17th February 2010, 626.8 million of the 758.4 million warrants held by PCP Gulf Invest 3 Limited (a subsidiary of Nexus Capital Investing Limited) were exercised for an aggregate exercise price of approximately £1,240m. As a result 626.8 million new ordinary shares were issued representing a 5.2% ownership in the Group’s enlarged share capital.

The Auditors

The Board Audit Committee reviews the appointment of the external auditors, as well as their relationship with the Group, including monitoring the Group’s use of the auditors for non-audit services and the balance of audit and non-audit fees paid to the auditors. More details on this can be found on page 137 and Note 9 to the accounts. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have been the Company’s auditors for many years. Having reviewed the independence and effectiveness of the external auditors, the Committee has not considered it necessary to date

to require them to tender for the audit work. The external auditors are required to rotate the audit partners responsible for the Group and subsidiary audits every five years. The current lead audit partner, who has now been in place for five years, will be replaced for the 2010 year-end. There are no contractual obligations restricting the Company’s choice of external auditor. The Committee has recommended to the Board that the existing auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, be reappointed. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have signified their willingness to continue in office and ordinary resolutions reappointing them as auditors and authorising the Directors to set their remuneration will be proposed at the 2010 AGM. So far as each of the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware. Each of the Directors has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information. For these purposes, ‘relevant audit information’ means information needed by the Company’s auditors in connection with preparing their report.

The Annual General Meeting

The Barclays PLC AGM will be held at the Royal Festival Hall on Friday 30th April 2010. The Notice of Meeting is included in a separate document sent to shareholders with this report. A summary of the resolutions being proposed at the 2010 AGM is set out below.

Ordinary Resolutions

 

 

To receive the Directors’ and Auditors’ Reports and the audited accounts for the year ended 31st December 2009.

 

 

To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31st December 2009.

 

 

To re-elect the following Directors:

Reuben Jeffery III

Marcus Agius

David Booth

Sir Richard Broadbent

Sir Michael Rake

Sir Andrew Likierman

Chris Lucas

 

 

To reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company.

 

 

To authorise the Directors to set the remuneration of the auditors.

 

 

To authorise Barclays PLC and its subsidiaries to make political donations and incur political expenditure.

 

 

To renew the authority given to Directors to allot securities.

 

 

To approve and adopt the rules of the Barclays Group SAYE Share Option Scheme.

Special Resolutions

 

 

To renew the authority given to the Directors to allot securities for cash other than on a pro-rata basis to shareholders and to sell treasury shares.

 

 

To renew the Company’s authority to purchase its own shares.

 

 

To permit General Meetings to continue to be called on 14 clear days’ notice.

 

 

To adopt new Articles of Association.

This is only a summary of the business to be transacted at the meetings and you should refer to the Notice of Meeting for full details.

By order of the Board

LOGO

Lawrence Dickinson

Company Secretary

9th March 2010



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Corporate governance

Corporate governance report

 

 

LOGO

Group Chairman’s Introduction

Barclays performed strongly in 2009, despite it being another challenging year for the financial services industry. Once again, a number of difficult decisions had to be taken as the Board sought to act in the best interests of shareholders.

Review of 2009

The year started with confidence in the banking sector as a whole at an extremely low ebb. The market was unsure as to the strength of banks’ balance sheets and the extent of further losses from both credit market exposures and the global economic downturn. In Barclays case, the share price was extremely weak during January and the Board took its first key decision in deciding to issue an open letter from the Group Chief Executive and myself on 26th January 2009 to address the principal causes for concern. We felt that it was important to make this announcement, in what were exceptional circumstances, to reassure our stakeholders that we were well funded and profitable.

In March 2009, we announced that the Board did not believe it was in the interests of investors, depositors or clients to participate in HM Treasury’s Asset Protection Scheme. This decision was taken after careful consideration of the economics of participation and detailed stress testing of our capital position and resources, the results of which were confirmed by the FSA.

In March 2009, we explored the potential sale of our iShares business with a number of interested parties and announced, in April 2009, the sale of that business to a limited partnership established by CVC Capital Partners Group. Following a superior offer from BlackRock, Inc. for the sale of the whole of the Barclays Global Investors business (BGI), the Board concluded that it would be in the best interests of Barclays and for the benefit of shareholders to accept that offer. The resolution for the sale of BGI was put to shareholders at a General Meeting on 6th August 2009 and 99.9% of votes cast were in favour of the transaction.

During the second half of 2009, the Board took the decision to restructure the Group’s credit market exposures. We announced in September 2009 that we were restructuring a significant tranche of such exposures in order to secure more stable risk-adjusted returns for shareholders over time. And, while we did not pay a final dividend for 2008, we were able to resume dividend payments in the second half of 2009 and it is our intention to pay quarterly dividends going forward.

It was essential to keep the Board fully informed during the discussions on all these matters and the Directors were updated regularly at Board meetings and through ad hoc circulation of information. A significant number of additional Board and Board Committee meetings were held, often at short notice, to discuss and take those decisions – a total of 27 Board meetings were held during the year and each of our Board Committees held additional meetings. It was also important to keep our shareholders informed and, in addition to regulatory announcements, meetings were held with our institutional shareholders and other investor groups to discuss the financial crisis and how we have responded. Briefings on these meetings were reported to the Board to ensure that all Directors were aware of any concerns raised by our shareholders.

Corporate Governance in Barclays

As Chairman, a key part of my role is to ensure that the composition of the Board is appropriate; that appropriate behaviours are demonstrated in the Boardroom and that there is an environment in which challenge is expected and achieved. In April, we reviewed the lessons learnt from the

financial crisis and considered any enhancements that could be made. Governance processes were reviewed and a number of changes were made. These included revisions to the Board Risk Committee Terms of Reference to make explicit its role in reviewing risks following the Group’s entry into new businesses or geographies. The changes also set out the Committee’s role in reviewing the specific risk adjustments to be applied to performance objectives. The frequency of risk, capital and liquidity reporting to the Board, Board Audit Committee and Board Risk Committee has been increased and additional time has been allocated to strategy discussions.

Barclays has emerged from the crisis in a relatively strong position compared to many of our peers. The profits of the Group were strong in 2009 and good progress was made on key measures of financial strength, such as capital and liquidity. However, we remain conscious of the significant reduction in shareholder value suffered by our shareholders. Whilst we have made changes to some of our Corporate Governance processes and practices, we believe that these were fundamentally sound. The review of Corporate Governance in the banking sector by Sir David Walker (the Walker Review), to which we contributed, made a number of recommendations for improvements in governance in the banking sector. Many of the practices put forward in the Walker Review recommendations are in line with practices we already have in place, but where we can enhance processes and practices, we are doing so.

However, the real key to effective Corporate Governance is to ensure that behaviours around the Board table are appropriate. It is an essential part of my role to ensure that firstly, appropriate and timely information is available to the Board in a readily understandable format, and secondly, that there is an environment in the Boardroom which promotes and supports constructive and effective challenge. This requires the right Board composition and I believe Barclays has been well served by both its executive and non-executive Directors in this respect. Our Directors understand the importance of appropriate Board behaviour, which is set out in our ‘Charter of Expectations’ at www.barclays.com/corporategovernance. The Charter of Expectations is given to all new Directors and reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it sets out the expectations of each Director in their role on the Board, including expected competencies, behaviours and time commitment.

Board size and composition

During 2009, we made a conscious effort to reduce the size of the Board from its peak of 17 and, although this number will fluctuate as we seek to ensure the Board has the right level of skills and experience, we will aim to keep it between 12 to 15 Directors. Going forward, it is our intention to maintain a majority of independent non-executive Directors, with approximately 50% of those non-executive Directors, including the Group Chairman and the Chairmen of the principal Board Committees, having banking or financial experience. We do believe, however, that to be fully effective, the Board should have a balance of Directors with both banking or financial experience and broader experience.

We have carefully considered, in the light of both the Walker Review and the Review of the Combined Code, whether all Directors should stand for re-election each year. I do believe it is important that the Chairman should stand for re-election annually and, having discussed the issue at both the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee and the Board, we decided that the Deputy Chairman and Committee Chairmen should also stand for annual re-election.

The report that follows sets out how we have complied with the UK Combined Code on Corporate Governance (the Code) and also gives further details of any enhancements made during the year and in particular, in response to the recommendations of the Walker Review.

LOGO

Marcus Agius

Group Chairman

9th March 2010



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Statements of Compliance

UK Combined Code on Corporate Governance

As Barclays is listed on the London Stock Exchange, we comply with the UK Combined Code on Corporate Governance (the Code). For the year ended 31st December 2009, we have complied with the relevant provisions set out in section 1 of the Code and applied the principles of the Code as described in this report.

NYSE Corporate Governance Rules

Barclays has American Depositary Receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and is also subject to the NYSE’s Corporate Governance rules (NYSE Rules). We are exempt from most of the NYSE Rules, which domestic US companies must follow, because we are a non-US company listed on the NYSE. However, we are required to provide an Annual Written Affirmation to the NYSE of our compliance with the applicable NYSE Rules and must also disclose any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by domestic US companies listed on the NYSE. As our main listing is on the London Stock Exchange, we follow the UK’s Combined Code. Key differences between the Code and NYSE Rules are set out later in this Report.

 

Role and constitution of Board

Corporate governance framework

Good corporate governance practices are not just a matter for the Board but are at the heart of everything that we do within the Group. The Group operates within a comprehensive governance framework, which is outlined in the diagram below and set out in the report that follows. The Group’s risk management framework is described in the Risk Management section on pages 59 to 65.

The Board

The Board is responsible to the shareholders for creating and delivering sustainable shareholder value through the management of the Group’s businesses. Each Director must act in a way that he or she considers promotes the long-term success of the Company for the benefit of shareholders. The Board also ensures that management achieves an appropriate balance between promoting long-term growth and delivering short-term objectives.

Board meetings

The Board has eight Board meetings scheduled each year. Strategy is reviewed regularly at these meetings with updates at each meeting from at least one business unit on the execution of their agreed strategy. One Board meeting each year, scheduled over a day and a half, considers and approves the Group’s future strategy. A different approach was taken to strategy formulation in 2009 following feedback received as part of the 2008 Board Effectiveness Review. During the summer of 2009, the non-executive Directors took part in interviews with the Head of Strategy and Company Secretary to discuss strategic areas of focus. These areas of focus were debated by the Board in September with discussions of various themes facilitated by non-executive Directors. Management then developed strategy proposals, which were fully debated by the whole Board in November.

In addition to the eight scheduled meetings in 2009, there were 13 additional Board meetings held to consider and approve the iShares and BGI transactions and the restructuring of our credit market exposures. A further six Board meetings were held during the year on other issues, including share price performance. The additional Board meetings, which were often called at short notice, had attendance of 88%. Any Director who was unable to attend a meeting was briefed separately on the discussions at the meeting


 

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and their views were sought and considered. There were also 12 meetings of the Board Finance Committee, to which the Board delegated authority to review and approve certain aspects of the iShares, BGI and credit market exposure transactions. The Board Finance Committee, whose purpose is to authorise certain transactions to which the Group is party, subject to the relevant authority being delegated to the Committee by the Board (as set out in the Board Finance Committee’s Terms of Reference), comprises the Group Chairman, Group Chief Executive and at least two independent non-executive Directors. Board Finance Committee attendance was 100%.

Scheduled Board and Committee meetings are arranged at least one year in advance and all Directors are expected to attend each meeting. All Directors are provided with the meeting papers and relevant information in advance of each meeting and, if a Director is unable to attend a meeting because of exceptional circumstances, he or she will still receive the supporting papers and will usually discuss any matters they wish to raise with the Chairman of the meeting. This ensures that their views are given due consideration. The attendance at Board meetings held in 2009 is set out on page 130. In 2009, all Directors committed an appropriate amount of time to fulfil their duties and responsibilities on the Board. Any instances of non-attendance at Board meetings are generally related to prior business or personal commitments or illness. The additional meetings in 2009 were often arranged at short notice or rearranged as market conditions changed and it was not always possible for all Directors to attend these meetings particularly because of time zone differences.

Non-executive Director Board briefings

The Group Chairman usually meets with the non-executive Directors ahead of each scheduled Board meeting to brief them on the business of the meeting. These meetings are held without any executive Directors or senior management present. The non-executive Directors use these meetings as an opportunity to advise the Group Chairman if they have any specific questions they would like to raise about the business of the meeting. The Group Chairman, Group Chief Executive and Company Secretary are always available for the Directors to discuss any issues concerning Board meetings or other matters.

Role of the Board

UK company law requires Directors to act in a way they consider, in good faith, would promote the success of the Company for the benefit of shareholders as a whole. In doing so, the Directors must have regard (amongst other matters) to:

 

 

the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term;

 

 

the interests of Barclays employees;

 

 

the need to foster Barclays business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

 

 

the impact of Barclays operations on the community and the environment;

 

 

the desirability of Barclays maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and

 

 

the need to act fairly as between shareholders of Barclays.

In addition to their statutory duties, the Directors must ensure that the Board focuses effectively on all its accountabilities. The Board determines the strategic objectives and policies of the Group to deliver long-term value, providing overall strategic direction within an appropriate framework of rewards, incentives and controls. The Board is collectively responsible for the success of the Group: the executive Directors are directly responsible for running the business operations and the non-executive Directors are responsible for bringing independent judgment and scrutiny to decisions taken by the Board. The non-executive Directors must satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust. Following presentation by executive management and a disciplined process of review and challenge by the Board, clear decisions on the policy or strategy are adopted, and the executive management are fully empowered to implement those decisions. The role and responsibilities of the Barclays Board are set out in ‘Corporate Governance in Barclays’, which is available on our website at www.barclays.com/corporategovernance.

 

Role of the Group Chairman

The role of the Group Chairman is to lead and manage the Board to ensure it discharges its legal and regulatory responsibilities fully and effectively. The time commitment of the Group Chairman is set out in our Charter of Expectations and is in line with the Walker Review recommendation that a Chairman commits two-thirds of his/her time to the role. The Group Chairman must also ensure the Board is effective in delivering all its objectives, and so sets the Board agenda and allocates sufficient time for the Board to engage in meaningful discussions on strategic issues. He facilitates and encourages challenge from all Directors where decisions are needed on matters of risk and strategy. The Group Chairman also ensures that the Directors are kept well-informed, particularly the non-executive Directors, so that Board discussions are effective and there is good communication between the executive and non-executive Directors. The Group Chairman, Group Chief Executive and the Company Secretary work together to ensure that the Directors receive relevant information for them to discharge their duties and that such information is accurate, timely and clear. The communication of information applies to all scheduled Board meetings, but is particularly important in exceptional circumstances where the Board needs to respond to changing market conditions. We provide all our Directors with secure access to electronic copies of meeting papers and other key documents via a dedicated Directors’ intranet. The documents available include past and current Board and Committee papers, reports, minutes, press coverage, analyst reports and material from briefing sessions.

Role of the Chief Executive

The roles of the Group Chairman and Group Chief Executive are separate. The role of the Group Chief Executive is to manage the day-to-day running of the Group. The Board has delegated this responsibility to the Group Chief Executive and he then leads the executive Directors and Executive Committee in making and executing operational decisions. The Group Chief Executive is also responsible for recommending strategy to the Board.

Company Secretary

The Company Secretary and his team provide dedicated support to the Board. Their services are available to all Directors, particularly the non-executive Directors who may need additional support to ensure they receive timely and accurate information to fulfil their duties. Directors may also take independent professional advice on request at the Company’s expense.

Effective internal control

One of the Board’s key responsibilities is to ensure that management maintains a system of internal control that provides assurance of effective and efficient operations, internal financial controls and compliance with law and regulation. The Board considers the materiality of financial and other risks to the Group’s business and reputation, ensures that appropriate controls are in place and considers the relative costs and benefits of implementing specific controls.

The powers of the Board are set out in a formal schedule of matters reserved for the Board’s decision. These matters are significant to the Group as a whole because of their strategic, financial or reputational implications.

The Schedule of Matters Reserved to the Board is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it remains appropriate and a summary of these matters is set out on page 129.

Board Activities in 2009

At each meeting in 2009, the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director reported to the Board and one or two of the main businesses or functions also presented an update on the implementation of their agreed strategy. Scheduled Board meetings also received reports from each of the principal Board Committees and reports from the Company Secretary on relevant corporate governance matters, including updates on the Walker Review and the Review of the Combined Code and the potential implications for the Group. The Board also received reports on the new regulatory frameworks in respect of compensation, particularly in respect of the FSA Remuneration Code and the proposals of the Financial Stability Board.



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Summary of Matters Reserved for the Board

 

 

Approval of the Group’s strategy, Medium-Term and Short-Term Plans

 

 

Approval of Risk Appetite and Liquidity Risk Appetite

 

 

Monitoring delivery of the strategy and performance against plan

 

 

Changes relating to capital structure or status as a PLC

 

 

Approval of annual Capital Plan

 

 

Approval of interim and final financial statements, dividends and any significant change in accounting policies or practices

 

 

Authorisation for Directors’ conflicts or possible conflicts of interest

 

 

Appointment (or removal) of Company Secretary and Chief Risk Officer

 

 

Any share dividend alternative

 

 

Remuneration of auditors and recommendations for appointment or removal of auditors

 

 

Approval of all circulars, prospectuses and significant press releases

 

 

Principal regulatory filings with stock exchanges

 

 

Board appointments and removals

 

 

Role profiles of key positions on the Board

 

 

Terms of reference and membership of Board Committees

 

 

Major acquisitions, mergers or disposals

 

 

Major capital investments and projects

 

 

Approval of the framework for determining the policy and specific remuneration of Executive Directors

 

 

Approval of Chairman and non-executive Director remuneration

 

 

Major changes in employee share schemes

 

 

Approval of allotment of shares

 

 

Approval of Board and Board Committees performance evaluation process

 

 

Determination of independence of non-executive Directors

 

 

Approval of Corporate Governance framework

 

 

Approval of division of responsibilities between the Chairman and Group Chief Executive

 

 

Rules and procedures for dealing in Barclays securities

 

The Board allocated its time at scheduled Board meetings during 2009 to the following:

Strategy

 

 

discussion of and approval of Group Strategy, including risk strategy and remuneration strategy;

 

 

reports from the Group Chief Executive on key strategic issues and progress, matters considered by the Executive Committee and competitor activity. The reports also included progress on Group-wide key objectives, a half yearly review of TSR performance and an update on talent management;

 

 

reports from the following businesses on progress against strategy: Western Europe, Barclays Global Investors, Barclays Wealth, Barclays Commercial Bank, Barclays Capital (including an update on the integration of the Lehman Brothers North American business), Barclaycard, UK Retail Bank and Absa;

 

 

reports on the following key issues: Brand and Marketing, Corporate Sustainability, Franchise Health (including customer and employee satisfaction measures); and

 

 

presentations on shareholder sentiment (including institutional perceptions) and reputation.

Finance (including capital and liquidity)

 

 

reports from the Group Finance Director on the financial position of the Group, which included capital management and liquidity updates throughout the year;

 

 

regular reports from the Chairman of the Board Audit Committee on matters discussed at that Committee;

 

 

approval of the full year and half-year results for the Group;

 

 

reports on peer group comparison of results following the release of preliminary and half-year results;

 

 

approval of the dividend policy;

 

 

approval of the Group’s cost of equity and capital plan for 2010; and

 

 

approval of the medium-term plan (including the financial framework) and short-term plan.

Risk

 

 

regular reports from the Chief Risk Officer on risk management and impairment and from the Group General Counsel on legal risk issues;

 

 

regular reports from the Chairman of the Board Risk Committee on matters discussed at that Committee; and

 

 

approval of Risk Appetite and Liquidity Risk Appetite for the Group for 2010.


 

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Note

 

a Capital management was reported separately for 2008. It is included within Finance (including capital and liquidity) for 2009.


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Corporate Finance

 

 

consideration and approval of the proposed iShares sale and subsequent sale of Barclays Global Investors; and

 

 

consideration and approval of the restructuring of our credit market exposures.

Corporate Governance

 

 

reports on governance issues and updates on the changes in company law, including approval of non-executive Director appointments, updates on the Walker Review consultation and the Financial Reporting Council’s Review of the Combined Code;

 

 

a report on the effectiveness of the Board following the effectiveness review;

 

 

approval of the non-executive Directors’ fees following a benchmarking comparison against our peer group; and

 

 

reports from each of the Board Committees.

Compensation

 

 

reports on remuneration strategy;

 

 

reports on regulatory frameworks, including FSA Remuneration Code and the proposals from the Financial Stability Board;

 

 

regular reports from the Chairman of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee on matters discussed at that Committee; and

 

 

consideration of the proposals for the closure of the UK Retirement Fund.

 

Regulatory issues

 

 

a review of the FSA’s stress-test results;

 

 

regular reports from the Group Chief Executive on contact with regulators worldwide and in particular discussions with the tripartite authorities in the UK;

 

 

consideration of the Government’s Asset Protection Scheme; and updates on the global and UK economic and regulatory environment.

 

 

Figure 1 on page 129 illustrates how the Board spent its time at scheduled Board meetings in 2009.

Board size, composition and qualification

Board size and composition

There are currently 13 Directors on the Board, comprised of the Group Chairman, three executive Directors and nine non-executive Directors. The size and composition of the Board is regularly reviewed by the Board and, in particular, the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee, to ensure there is an appropriate and diverse mix of skills and experience. The Board aims to appoint non-executive Directors who have the skills and experience needed for a comprehensive understanding of the Group’s activities and the risk associated with them. This is particularly important for Barclays as a financial services business and it is our intention that 50% of our non-executive Directors, including the Group Chairman and the Chairmen of the principal Board Committees, should have banking or financial experience. However, a broader range of skills and experience is


 

Board and Committee Attendance

 

      Independent    Scheduled
Board
  

Additional

Board a

   Board
Audit
Committee
   Board HR &
Remuneration
Committee
   Board
Corporate
Governance &
Nominations
Committee
   Board
Risk
Committee
   AGM

Number of meetings held

        8    19    11    14    4    5    1

Group Chairman

                       

Marcus Agius

   OA    8    19       14    4       1

Executive Directors

                       

John Varley (Group Chief Executive)

   ED    8    19                1

Bob Diamond

   ED    8    17                1

Chris Lucas

   ED    8    19                1

Frits Seegers (to 3rd November)

   ED    6    19                1

Non-executive Directors

                       

David Booth

   I    8    16             5    1

Sir Richard Broadbent

                       

(Deputy Chairman & Senior Independent Director)

   I    8    18       14    4    5    1

Leigh Clifford

   I    8    7       11          1

Fulvio Conti

   I    8    15    10             1

Professor Dame Sandra Dawson (to 23rd April)

   I    3    11    5             1

Simon Fraser (from 10th March) b

   I    7    15    5    7         

Reuben Jeffery III (from 16th July)

   I    4    2               

Sir Andrew Likierman

   I    8    17    11          5    1

Sir Michael Rake

   I    8    17    11       2    3    1

Sir Nigel Rudd (Deputy Chairman to 23rd April)

   I    3    11          1       1

Stephen Russell (to 31st October)

   I    6    12    7       2    3    1

Sir John Sunderland

   I    8    17       14    4       1

Patience Wheatcroft (to 16th June)

   I    3    14                1

 

Key

OA Independent on appointment.

ED Executive Director.

I Independent non-executive Director.

Notes

 

a In the case of Leigh Clifford, who is based in Australia, the time difference meant that he was not always able to participate in additional Board meetings called at short notice, but he was fully briefed on the discussions by the Group Chairman or the Company Secretary.

 

b Simon Fraser was appointed as a member of the Board Audit Committee and Board HR and Remuneration Committee with effect from 1st May 2009.


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essential for the Board to be fully effective. Figure 2 demonstrates the diverse range of skills and experience on the Board.

We have a strong independent element on the Board and more than half the Directors are independent non-executive Directors, which is in line with the recommendations of the Code. The balance of the Board is illustrated by Figure 3.

Independence of non-executive Directors

The Code sets out the circumstances that may be relevant to the Board in determining whether each non-executive Director is independent. In addition to these circumstances, Barclays ‘Charter of Expectations’ sets out specific criteria that the Board considers are essential behaviours in order to assess the independence of non-executive Directors. These criteria are as follows:

 

 

provides objective challenge to management;

 

 

is prepared to challenge others’ assumptions, beliefs or viewpoints as necessary for the good of the organisation;

 

 

questions intelligently, debates constructively, challenges rigorously and decides dispassionately;

 

 

is willing to stand up and defend their own beliefs and viewpoints in order to support the ultimate good of the organisation; and

 

 

has a good understanding of the organisation’s business and affairs to enable them to properly evaluate the information and responses provided by management.

 

The Board considers non-executive Director independence on an annual basis, as part of each Director’s performance evaluation. The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee and the Board reviewed the independence of each non-executive Director in early 2010 and concluded that each of them continues to demonstrate these essential behaviours.

Board qualification

The Board benefits from the diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience that the non-executive and executive Directors have acquired as Directors of other companies or as business leaders in government or in academia. The Board also values the experience that our international Directors bring and aims to have diverse geographical experience on the Board, as illustrated by Figure 4. The effectiveness of the Board depends on ensuring the right balance of Directors with banking or financial experience and broader commercial experience.

External appointments

We recognise that there are significant advantages to individuals and to the Board as a whole of Barclays executive Directors serving on the Boards of other companies. In line with the Code recommendation, executive Directors may join the Board of one other listed company and all such appointments must be approved by the Board. Executive Directors must ensure that their external appointments do not involve excessive commitment or conflict of interest and their time commitment to Barclays must take precedence over any external appointment (other than those they undertake in connection with their duties at Barclays). Executive


 

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Note

 

a Individual directors may fall into one or more categories.


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Directors may retain fees paid in connection with an external appointment and details of any fees received by executive Directors may be found in the Remuneration Report on page 145.

Conflicts of Interest

Under UK company law, all Directors must seek authorisation before taking up any position with another company that conflicts, or may possibly conflict, with the Barclays interests. Barclays Articles of Association contain provisions to allow the Directors to authorise situations of potential conflicts of interest so that a Director is not in breach of his duty under company law. All Directors must report any changes in their circumstances to the Board and the Board reserves the right to terminate the appointment of a non-executive Director if there are any material changes in their circumstances that may conflict with their commitments as a Barclays Director or that may impact on their independence. All existing external appointments for each Director have been authorised by the Board and each authorisation is set out in a Conflicts Register. The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee is responsible for conducting an annual review of the Conflicts Register and confirming to the Board that, where relevant, conflicts are dealt with appropriately, and that the process for dealing with them is operating effectively. The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee reviewed the Conflicts Register in early 2010 and concluded that conflicts had been appropriately authorised and that the process for authorisation is operating effectively.

Role of the Board and Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee

In addition to reviewing the size and composition of the Board, the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee is also responsible for reviewing the balance on the Board and its principal Committees and recommending the appointment of any new Directors to the Board. It is essential that the Board is refreshed regularly to maintain the appropriate skills and experience and the Committee also considers length of tenure of each non-executive Director, which is set out in Figure 5. The biographies of the current Directors, which set out the details of their skills and experience, are on pages 119 and 120.

The Charter of Expectations, which forms part of ‘Corporate Governance in Barclays’ sets out detailed role profiles for each of the Board positions, including the Group Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Senior Independent Director and both non-executive and executive Directors. Before appointing a new Director, the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee will consider the responsibilities general to all Directors and, in addition, the specific responsibilities required for each role. Non-executive Directors have a responsibility to constructively challenge and develop proposals on strategy and assess the

performance of management in implementing the Group’s strategy. As Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director, Sir Richard Broadbent has further responsibilities, which are set out in our Charter of Expectations, including conducting the performance review of the Group Chairman and meeting institutional investors.

Sir Richard Broadbent met privately during the year with the other non-executive Directors and the Group Chief Executive to discuss feedback he received on the Group Chairman’s performance. These results were shared with the Group Chairman. During 2008 and in the first few months of 2009 leading up to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Sir Richard conducted a series of meetings and consultations with institutional shareholders to discuss the capital raisings. Sir Richard also met with institutional shareholders to discuss Barclays remuneration strategy and the external reviews into this area.

Time Commitment

The Charter of Expectations sets out the time commitment expected from each Director, with specific requirements for the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Senior Independent Director and non-executive Directors. Additional time commitment expectations are set out for the Board Committee Chairmen and members. The expected time commitment, which is agreed with each individual, will not be less than a minimum of 20 days per annum. Certain non-executive Directors, including the Deputy Chairman, Committee Chairmen and Committee members, are expected to commit additional time, with the average time commitment for the non-executive Directors as a whole being in the range of 30-36 days per year. Sir Richard Broadbent, as Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director, is expected to commit to at least one day per week in carrying out his Barclays duties, but in practice spends significantly more time on Barclays business. Committee Chairmen are expected to commit between 3 and 10 days per year in addition to between 6 and 8 days per year for Committee members. The time commitment of each non-executive Director is decided on an individual basis, with six of the non-executive Directors committing over 30 days per year. Taking into account both Board and Board Committee requirements, the balance commit at least 28 days per year.

Re-election of Directors

In line with the recommendations of the Code, all Directors usually seek re-election every three years and any Directors that were appointed during the year seek re-election at the next AGM. For the 2010 AGM the Group Chairman, Marcus Agius, will offer himself for re-election as recommended by the Walker Review. In addition, the Deputy Chairman, Sir Richard Broadbent, the Chairmen of each principal Board Committee, David Booth,


 

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and Sir Michael Rake will also offer themselves for re-election. The Directors retiring by rotation, as required by our Articles, and offering themselves for re-election are Sir Andrew Likierman and Chris Lucas. Reuben Jeffery, who was appointed on 16th July 2009, is also offering himself for re-election.

Induction, business awareness and development

Each new Director receives an induction presentation, an information pack and a personalised induction programme. The induction presentation explains their responsibilities as a Director of a global, listed financial services company and sets out an overview of the Group and its businesses. The information pack gives details of the disclosures that Directors are required to make to comply with various laws and regulations. The personal induction programme, which is discussed with each new Director, is tailored to their needs so that they can gain a better understanding of the Group and its businesses. The induction programme typically involves two stages of meetings. The first involves sessions with each of the executive Directors, members of the Executive Committee and the heads of the main Group functions. These sessions include opportunities for the new Director to visit operational sites and meet with senior management and employees. The second stage includes additional sessions with the executive Directors and senior managers from each of the Group’s main business units to provide the new Director with in-depth information to develop a comprehensive understanding of those businesses. The sessions focus on the challenges, opportunities and risks that are faced by each business unit. Simon Fraser and Reuben Jeffery undertook their Board induction programmes during 2009. Additional induction programmes are put together for non-executive Directors who are joining any of the principal Board Committees and may include meetings with external advisers and the Group’s statutory auditor, where appropriate or relevant.

To ensure the Directors continue to further their understanding of the issues facing the Group we provide a comprehensive programme of business awareness training sessions and briefings on external technical matters. In early 2009, non-executive Directors were sent a questionnaire to seek their views on topics of interest, including business specific areas and technical issues. As a result, three in-depth briefing sessions on Basel II, Capital Management and Derivatives were arranged during 2009.

Attendees were sent pre-reading material for these sessions and interactive discussions were encouraged. Positive feedback was received from the non-executive Directors who attended these sessions and further sessions are planned for 2010.

 

During 2009, in response to the 2008 Board Effectiveness Review, a questionnaire was sent to non-executive Directors requesting feedback about the level of interaction with senior management below Board level. Following that feedback, and in addition to the regular presentations made to each Board meeting by senior managers, we aim to hold regular lunches for the non-executive Directors and senior management after Board meetings to encourage greater informal interaction between non-executive Directors and senior management.

External matters

Directors are regularly briefed on market opinion and receive copies of analyst research and press commentary. Further briefing material on market conditions was sent to Directors during 2009 and Directors continue to receive relevant publications to keep them up to date with changing market opinion, including a weekly commentary on the Barclays share price and analyst comment. Directors are invited to attend results presentations to meet with analysts and investors to enhance their awareness of market sentiment.

Functioning of the Board and evaluation of performance

Functioning of the Board

For the Board to function effectively, the non-executive Directors must contribute to Board discussions and challenge and test the proposals on strategy that are put forward by the executive Directors. The Board promotes an environment whereby challenge from the non-executive Directors is welcomed and encouraged, combined with full support for and empowerment of the executive Directors in implementing decisions.

The Board Committees

Certain responsibilities of the Board are delegated to Board Committees to assist the Board in carrying out its functions and to ensure independent oversight of internal control and risk management. The four principal Board Committees (the Board Audit Committee, the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee, the Board HR and Remuneration Committee and the Board Risk Committee) play an essential role in supporting the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities and ensuring that the highest standards of corporate governance are maintained throughout the Group. Each Board Committee reports to the Board following each of its meetings and the minutes of each Board Committee meeting are circulated to the Board. This report sets out how the Board and its Committees work within the governance framework and corporate governance guidelines.


 

Current membership of the Board Committees

 

      Board
Audit
Committee
   Board
Corporate
Governance &
Nominations
Committee
   Board HR &
Remuneration
Committee
   Board
Risk
Committee

Marcus Agius

      C    M   

David Booth

      M       C

Sir Richard Broadbent

      M    C    M

Leigh Clifford

         M   

Fulvio Conti

   M         

Simon Fraser

   M       M   

Reuben Jeffery III

            M

Sir Andrew Likierman

   M          M

Sir Michael Rake

   C    M       M

Sir John Sunderland

      M    M   

Key

C  Chairman

M  Member


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All members of the principal Board Committees are independent non-executive Directors, although the Group Chairman is a member of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee, as permitted by the Code for a Chairman who was independent on appointment. The Group Chairman is also Chairman of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee.

Each Committee’s terms of reference set out the specific matters for which delegated authority has been given by the Board. These terms of reference are reviewed annually and are available on our website at: www.barclays.com/corporategovernance. A summary of the terms of reference is set out in the table below.

 

Board Audit Committee

Sir Michael Rake (Chairman from 31st March 2009)

Fulvio Conti

Simon Fraser (from 1st May 2009)

Sir Andrew Likierman

Stephen Russell (to 31st October 2009) (Chairman to 31st March 2009)

Secretary

Lawrence Dickinson

In addition to the members of the Committee, there are a number of regular attendees at each meeting. The Group Chief Executive, Group Finance Director, Barclays Internal Audit Director, Chief Risk Officer, Group General Counsel and the lead external audit partner normally attend all scheduled Board Audit Committee meetings. The Board Audit Committee members usually meet before each meeting, without any executive Directors or senior management present, to raise any questions and discuss issues with the Chairman of the meeting. They also meet with the external auditors and the Barclays Internal Audit Director, without management present, at the end of most Committee meetings.

Sir Andrew Likierman continues to fulfil his role as the ‘financial expert’ as defined by the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and, as a result of his accountancy background and his career with HM Treasury, has ‘recent and relevant financial experience’ as recommended by the Code. Sir Michael Rake succeeded Stephen Russell as Chairman of the Committee in March 2009.


 

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Board Audit Committee Chairman’s Statement

I took over from Stephen Russell as Chairman of the Board Audit Committee at the end of March. I would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and diligence as Chairman of the Committee and for the support provided to me during the handover period.

Since becoming Chairman, I have focused the work of the Committee on the following key areas:

 

 

Capital;

 

 

Liquidity;

 

 

Impairment;

 

 

Credit Market Exposures and Mark to Market valuations; and

 

 

Key Control Issues.

In terms of capital and liquidity, the Committee receives quarterly reports setting out current and forecast capital ratios, the size of the buffer above minimum capital requirements and the potential impact on capital ratios of stress scenarios. The liquidity section of the report reviews the Group’s liquidity risk profile, including movements in retail and commercial deposits, the wholesale funding maturity profile and the potential impact on the Group’s liquidity position of stress scenarios. The Committee’s regular review of these reports is one of the key processes enabling it to recommend to the Board, on a bi-annual basis, the going concern statement in the published annual and interim financial statements.

The Committee receives regular reports on current and forecast impairment. The report reviews trends in both retail and wholesale credit risk, in each case by business unit. The report also reviews the level of potential credit risk loans and the level of impairment held against them. A specific report on impairment methodology was commissioned by the Committee to ensure that it was satisfied with the methodologies in use across the Group. The impairment charge included in the interim and preliminary results announcements is specifically reviewed to ensure that the Committee is satisfied that the charge is appropriate. In arriving at this decision, a variety of factors are considered including:

 

 

actual performance versus forecast;

 

 

underlying portfolio trends;

 

 

the business environment;

 

 

compliance with Group impairment policy;

 

 

any adjustments to impairment model outputs;

 

 

Barclays position relative to peer banks; and

 

 

input from the Group’s external auditor.

The Committee continues to review closely the fair value of the Barclays Capital credit market exposures (including asset backed securities, commercial property exposure and leveraged credit positions) and the form and content of disclosures of these exposures. The review of the credit market exposure valuations includes a review of marks by key asset categories, movements in exposures (including sales/paydowns) and a review of underlying collateral by vintage and rating. The Committee receives at both the half-year and year-end and before each Interim Management Statement, a specific presentation from Barclays Capital’s Chief Operating Officer and discusses the valuations with the Group Finance Director, the Chief Risk Officer and, importantly, the Group’s external auditors. Confirmation is sought from independent Group control functions such as Risk and Finance, and the external auditors, that the individual marks are appropriate. The Committee continues to be reassured that there were no significant variations between the prices at which assets were sold and the underlying marks.

A specific focus was the sale of US$12.3bn of credit market assets to Protium Finance LP in September. I discussed the accounting treatment relating to the asset sale with both the Group Finance Director and the Group’s external auditor to ensure I was satisfied that it was appropriate. The Committee also reviewed the reclassification of certain financial assets originally classified as held for trading, and now considered as loans and receivables, again to ensure the accounting treatment was appropriate.

 

The Committee receives a quarterly report on Control Issues of Group Level Significance. This report identifies control weaknesses which could have a significant financial or non-financial impact. The Committee satisfies itself that the remediation programmes are appropriate and, in particular, sufficiently timely. It also monitors the ongoing remediation programme through to satisfactory resolution. The Committee also reviews the key risks and controls in each of the Group’s major business units, focusing in particular on those areas where the Group’s business is expanding or is deemed to be higher risk. It also undertakes more in-depth reviews of specific areas which it believes warrant close attention, including in 2009:

 

 

Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering Controls;

 

 

Sanctions Compliance;

 

 

the use of direct sales agents, particularly in the Emerging Markets business; and

 

 

the Lehman Brothers North American business integration programme.

In addition to the five areas of focus outlined above, the Committee has been anxious to ensure that the downward pressure on costs in the current environment does not weaken the control environment. We have particularly monitored staffing levels in Internal Audit to ensure that it has the necessary resources to fulfil the agreed Audit Plan.

The Committee reviews the performance of the internal and external auditors annually. During 2009, a comprehensive external assessment of Internal Audit was undertaken. The review compared their practices to relevant standards, including those published by the Institute of Internal Auditors as well as regulatory standards and expectations in various jurisdictions and included peer group benchmarking. The review concluded that the Internal Audit function complies with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Standards, is fit for purpose and provides independent assurance on which the Board may rely, with many examples of leading practice. Where suggestions for improvement were made, the Committee will monitor progress.

Feedback on the performance of the external auditors was again sought from key stakeholders in the Group via questionnaires with the results being presented to, and discussed by, the Committee. The Committee is fully satisfied with the performance of the Group’s external auditor and has recommended to the Board and to shareholders that the Group’s external auditor should be re-appointed as the Group’s auditors at the AGM on 30th April 2010. We are satisfied that the Group’s external auditor provides effective, independent challenge to management, which has been crucial in the current difficult environment, and has provided valued support to the Committee in the advice given and the clarity of their briefings and reports.

As Chairman of the Committee, I have liaised as appropriate with the Chairman of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee, particularly to draw attention to any specific aspects of the Group’s results which I feel he ought to be aware of when determining appropriate levels of compensation. I have also liaised with the Chairman of the Board Risk Committee to ensure our agendas are co-ordinated where necessary and to avoid any overlap/underlap in coverage. I am also a member of the Board Risk Committee, which helps to ensure close co-ordination between the two committees.

I also have a programme of visiting key businesses overseas, including attending meetings of local governance and control committees and the audit committees of key subsidiaries. During the year, I visited New York, Dubai and Johannesburg.

The Committee can confirm that it received sufficient, reliable and timely information from management to enable it to fulfil its responsibilities.

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Sir Michael Rake

Chairman of the Board Audit Committee

9th March 2010



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Corporate governance

Corporate governance report

continued

 

 

 

Board Audit Committee Activities in 2009

The Committee met 11 times in 2009 and Figure 6 illustrates how the Committee allocated its time at those meetings. The items covered under each heading in Figure 6 are as follows:

Control Issues

 

 

reviewed internal control and risk management systems;

 

 

considered the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls over financial reporting;

 

 

reviewed impairment methodologies; and

 

 

considered the Fraud Risk Control Framework.

Financial Results

 

 

reviewed the full year results, including market understanding and perception of those results;

 

 

reviewed the Annual Report and Accounts, half-year Results and Interim Management Statements; and

 

 

reviewed the Group’s accounting policies and the valuation of derivatives and credit market exposures.

Internal Audit Matters

 

 

received reports from the internal auditors;

 

 

monitored the performance of the Internal Audit function and received an external assessment review of the Internal Audit function; and

 

 

reviewed the Global Internal Audit Plan.

External Audit Matters

 

 

reviewed the effectiveness and independence of the Group statutory auditor;

 

 

approved the re-appointment, remuneration and engagement letter of the Group statutory auditor;

 

 

approved the global audit plan for 2009;

 

 

considered the provision of non-audit services by the Group statutory auditor – more details can be found in the box on page 137; and

 

 

received reports from the external auditors.

 

Business Control Environment

 

 

received reports on Group Control Environment Key Trend Data and on the control environments in each of the following businesses or functions: UK Retail Banking, Barclays Commercial Bank, Barclays Wealth (Americas), Barclays Capital (including an update on the integration of the Lehman Brothers North American business), Barclaycard, Emerging Markets, Barclays Wealth, Western Europe, GRCB–Technology and Absa.

Governance and Compliance

 

 

considered the information it would require during the coming year to enable it to discharge its responsibilities given the significant changes in financial markets and economic conditions and the impact on the areas of focus for the Committee;

 

 

received reports on matters discussed at the Board Risk Committee, which included information on mark to market valuations, impairment, capital and liquidity;

 

 

received regular reports on ‘Raising Concerns’, including whistleblowing;

 

 

received updates on Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance;

 

 

received updates on ‘Know Your Customer’, Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Compliance audits;

 

 

reviewed the effectiveness of subsidiary audit committees;

 

 

reviewed the recommendations from the Walker Review; and

 

 

reviewed its Terms of Reference to satisfy itself that they enable the Committee to fulfil its responsibilities.

Other

 

 

received updates on business continuity management; and

 

 

reviewed the regulatory issues.


 

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Non-Audit Services Policy

The Committee takes seriously its responsibility to put in place safeguards to auditor objectivity and independence. It has therefore established a policy on the provision of services by the Group’s statutory Auditor. The Policy describes the circumstances in which the Auditor may be permitted to undertake non-audit work for the Group. The Committee oversees compliance with the Policy and considers and approves requests to use the Auditor for non-audit work. Allowable services are pre-approved up to £100,000 or £25,000 in the case of certain taxation services. Any assignment where the expected fee is above the relevant threshold requires specific approval from the Committee or a member of the Committee. The Company Secretary and his team deal with day to day administration of the Policy, facilitating requests for approval by the Committee. The Committee receives a report at each meeting on the non-audit services provided by the Auditor and the Policy is reviewed by the Committee annually. Details of the services that are prohibited and allowed are set out below.

Services that are prohibited include:

 

 

bookkeeping;

 

 

design and implementation of financial information systems;

 

 

appraisal or valuation services;

 

 

actuarial services;

 

 

internal audit outsourcing;

 

 

management and Human Resource functions;

 

 

broker or dealer, investment advisor or investment banking services; and

 

 

legal, expert and tax services involving advocacy.

Allowable services that the Committee will consider for approval include:

 

 

statutory and regulatory audit services and regulatory non-audit services;

 

 

other attest and assurance services;

 

 

accountancy advice and training;

 

 

risk management and controls advice;

 

 

transaction support;

 

 

taxation services;

 

 

business support and recoveries; and

 

 

translation services.

 

Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee

Marcus Agius (Chairman)

David Booth (from 1st January 2010)

Sir Richard Broadbent

Sir Michael Rake

Stephen Russell (to 31st October 2009)

Sir John Sunderland

Secretary

Lawrence Dickinson

The meetings are also attended by the Group Chief Executive.

Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee Activities in 2009

The Committee met four times in 2009 and Figure 7 illustrates how the Committee allocated its time at those meetings. During 2009, the Committee:

 

 

regularly reviewed Board and Board Committee composition to ensure the right mix of skills and experience are present;

 

 

monitored the progress of the action plan arising from the 2008 Board Effectiveness Review and oversaw the conduct of the 2009 Board Effectiveness Review including reviewing the process for the Board, Committee and individual Review Director evaluations for 2009;

 

 

reviewed the corporate governance disclosures for the 2008 Annual Report and considered the proposed disclosures for 2009;

 

 

reviewed issues raised at corporate governance meetings held with institutional investors and investor bodies in the lead up to the AGM;

 

 

recommended the appointment of the new non-executive Directors to the Board and changes to Committee membership;

 

 

reviewed succession plans for the Executive Committee and the position of Group Chief Executive; and

 

 

reviewed its Terms of Reference to satisfy itself that they enable the Committee to fulfil its responsibilities.


 

LOGO

Note

 

a Included in ‘Board and Committee Composition’ for 2008.


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Corporate governance report

continued

 

 

 

During 2009, the Committee reviewed the composition of the Board and its principal Committees at each of its meetings. Following those deliberations, the Committee recommended to the Board that Simon Fraser and Reuben Jeffery, who were both identified with the assistance of external search consultants, be appointed as non-executive Directors in March and July 2009 respectively. The Committee also recommended to the Board the following changes to Committee membership:

 

 

Sir Michael Rake succeeded Stephen Russell as Chairman of the Board Audit Committee on 31st March 2009 and was appointed as a member of the Board Risk Committee and Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee with effect from 1st May 2009;

 

 

Simon Fraser was appointed as a member of the Board Audit Committee and Board HR and Remuneration Committee with effect from 1st May 2009;

 

 

Patience Wheatcroft was appointed as a member of the Board Risk Committee with effect from 1st May 2009;

 

 

David Booth succeeded Sir Richard Broadbent as Chairman of the Board Risk Committee and was appointed as a member of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee with effect from 1st January 2010; and

 

 

Reuben Jeffery was appointed as a member of the Board Risk Committee with effect from 1st January 2010.

The Committee oversees the Board Effectiveness Review and approves the Action Plan for the year ahead. Further details of the review and our evaluation statement are set out on page 140.

Board Risk Committee

Information on the role and activities of the Board Risk Committee and the Committee Chairman’s Statement can be found on pages 141 to 143 of this report under ‘Governance of Risk’.

 

Board HR and Remuneration Committee

Sir Richard Broadbent (Chairman)

Marcus Agius

Leigh Clifford

Simon Fraser (from 1st May 2009)

Sir John Sunderland

Secretary

Secretary: Patrick Gonsalves

Additional information on the role and activities of the Committee can be found in the Remuneration Report on pages 145 to 161. The Committee’s terms of reference have been updated to reflect the changes to its role and the recent developments in Corporate Governance and regulation.

Board HR and Remuneration Committee Activities in 2009

The Committee met 14 times in 2009 and Figure 8 illustrates how the Committee allocated its time at those meetings. During 2009 the Committee:

 

 

continued its review of the Group’s remuneration policies and practices to ensure that they remained appropriate and effective;

 

 

reviewed Executive and Executive Committee compensation;

 

 

reviewed various Pensions and Health and Safety matters;

 

 

monitored the implementation of the talent agenda;

 

 

considered incentive funding for each main business area for 2010;

 

 

considered the alignment of risk and compensation;

 

 

reviewed current and future, Group and business level long-term incentive arrangements;

 

 

obtained market data on remuneration levels in specified markets; and

 

 

reviewed regulatory developements in respect of compensation.

The Committee received valuable support and advice from its independent advisers, Towers Perrin MGMC (now Towers Watson), who attended four meetings in 2009.


 

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Management Committees

Executive Committee

John Varley, Group Chief Executive (Chairman)

Bob Diamond, Group President and Chief Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth Management

Chris Lucas, Group Finance Director

Jerry del Missier, co-Chief Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking

Mark Harding, Group General Counsel

Antony Jenkins, Chief Executive, Global Retail Banking

Tom Kalaris, Chief Executive, Barclays Wealth

Robert Le Blanc, Chief Risk Officer

Maria Ramos, Chief Executive, Absa

Rich Ricci, co-Chief Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking

Cathy Turner, Group Human Resources Director

The Board delegates the responsibility for the day to day management of the Company to the Group Chief Executive and he is responsible for ensuring that the business is operating effectively. The Group Chief Executive chairs the Executive Committee, which supports him in this role. The Executive Committee is supported by a number of management committees, including the Disclosure Committee, the Group Governance and Control Committee, the Group Operating Committee, the Group Risk Oversight Committee and the Group Brand and Reputation Committee. The Executive Committee meets every fortnight to discuss strategy development and policies to recommend to the Board.

Disclosure Committee

Chris Lucas, Group Finance Director, is Chairman of the Disclosure Committee and the members of the Committee are the Company Secretary, Group General Counsel, Director Investor Relations, Chief Risk Officer, Barclays Corporate Affairs Director, Group Financial Controller and Barclays Treasurer. The Committee:

 

 

considers and reviews the preliminary and half-year results, Annual Report/Annual Report on Form 20-F and the Annual Review;

 

 

considers Interim Management Statements released to the Stock Exchange; and

 

 

considers the content, accuracy and tone of any other announcement that is proposed to be made in accordance with the FSA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

 

The Committee reports to the Executive Committee and also reports to the Board Audit Committee, documenting its conclusions about the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures. This, together with a joint report on internal controls from Barclays Internal Audit Director and the Chairman of the Group Governance and Control Committee, provides assurance to the Board Audit Committee as required by the Turnbull Review of Internal Controls and as recommended by the Code.

Evaluation of Board Performance

The Code recommends that an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees is conducted annually and the Walker Review further recommended that the process is externally facilitated at least every second or third year. We have undertaken externally facilitated performance evaluations annually since 2004 and an action plan has been agreed each year to progress any identified improvements. The evaluation in 2008 was independently facilitated by Egon Zehnder International and the following actions were agreed for 2009:

 

 

continued focus on the Board’s calendar of business to ensure that noncritical items are removed or kept to a minimum, thereby ensuring that sufficient time can be allocated to items fundamental to the success of the Group;

 

 

refinements to the Board’s calendar of business, including additional time to be spent on items such as compensation strategy and succession planning;

 

 

review of the overall size of the Board;

 

 

refinements to the process for evaluating the performance of individual Directors; and

 

 

additional reporting on capital and liquidity.

Further details of these actions are set out under Board Activities in 2009 on page 128, and Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee Activities in 2009 on page 137. The Action Plan for 2009 was completed. The evaluation statement for 2009 is set out on page 140.



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Corporate governance

Corporate governance report

continued

 

 

Evaluation Statement

In light of changes in Board composition and the significant events of 2009, we reviewed our Board evaluation process before starting the review for 2009. This included considering whether or not to use an external facilitator and reviewing and interviewing a number of alternative external facilitators.

The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee decided to use an external facilitator again in 2009. It felt that in order to get the maximum benefit from an evaluation exercise, interviews with Directors must be conducted as these tend to be far more informative than questionnaires alone. The Committee also felt that it was appropriate to conduct such an external review given the question-marks that have been raised over corporate governance in the sector and following publication of the Walker Review.

The 2009 evaluation was again independently facilitated by Egon Zehnder International. The Committee felt that their proposal for a refreshed approach to evaluation, including an increased emphasis on Board relationships and a broader remit with input being sought from key executives below Board level, was the most appropriate process. The Board confirms that it does not believe there is a conflict of interest in the business relationship with Egon Zehnder International as executive search consultants and Board evaluation facilitators, particularly as the Group has relationships with other search firms.

The evaluation process is rigorous and took the form of questionnaires, which were shortened this year to focus on the elements that need to be monitored. These questionnaires were completed by Director and other key executives, who then had individual interviews with Egon Zehnder. The individual meetings with Egon Zehnder focused on overall Board composition, a review of key decisions taken by the Board, the quality of information flows, the quality of debate, the effectiveness of the Board Committees and Board dynamics, particularly with a view to assessing whether the interaction of the Board creates a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The process underpinning key decisions taken by the Board during the year was also reviewed. In addition, the evaluation exercise seeks Directors’ views on the appropriate size and composition of the Board, including identifying any gaps in skills and experience around the Board table. The evaluation covered the following areas:

 

 

Group performance;

 

 

Strategy and performance objectives, including non-executive Director involvement;

 

 

Reporting to shareholders and stakeholders;

 

 

Structure, people and succession planning;

 

 

Decision-making processes, including the culture for effective challenge;

 

 

Information flows and presentations;

 

 

Board structure and composition, including non-executive experience and knowledge;

 

 

Board roles and responsibilities;

 

 

Board and management relationships;

 

 

Board Meetings; and

 

 

Board Committees.

The results of the evaluation were presented to the Board in February 2010. The results focused on key themes rather than on direct feedback from the questionnaires.

The themes that will form the basis of the action plan for 2010 include:

 

 

Board size and diversity;

 

 

holding additional Board meetings overseas, particularly given the increased size of our operations in the US;

 

 

increasing the visibility of senior executives below Board and Group Executive Committee level; and

 

 

improving the format of strategy presentations to the Board.

I held private meetings with the non-executive Directors in early 2010 so that individual and general results could be discussed. Bespoke development plans are then agreed with each non-executive Director in relation to their own performance.

As Chairman, I had regular meetings with shareholders and kept the Board fully informed of their views. Details of communications with shareholders are set out on page 143 in the section on Relations with Shareholders.

LOGO

Marcus Agius

Group Chairman

9th March 2010



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Governance of Risk

Board Risk Committee

David Booth (Chairman from 1st January 2010)

Sir Richard Broadbent (Chairman to 31st December 2009)

Reuben Jeffery III (from 1st January 2010)

Sir Andrew Likierman

Sir Michael Rake

Stephen Russell (to 31st October 2009)

Patience Wheatcroft (1st May-16th June 2009)

Secretary

Secretary: Lawrence Dickinson

In addition to the Members of the Committee, all meetings are usually attended by the Group Finance Director and Chief Risk Officer. Barclays Internal Audit Director, Group General Counsel and Barclays external auditor, as well as other senior executives, also attend meetings of the Board Risk Committee, where appropriate.


 

Board Risk Committee Chairman’s Statement

 

Context

Barclays has long recognised the importance of ensuring that the Board and its Committees devote sufficient attention to risk, particularly as it is only by taking appropriate levels of risk that Banks can make a profit. A Board level Risk Committee has been in existence since 1999 and a key role of the Committee is to analyse, understand and monitor the key risks taken by the business to generate profit and create shareholder value. The Committee focuses on risks taken deliberately and overtly, such as credit, market, capital and liquidity risk, rather than the risks of simply doing business, such as operational risk. The Committee, in analysing and monitoring risk, is acting on behalf of the Board and it was an essential part of my role as Chairman to ensure that the Committee alerts the Board to issues of concern.

The Committee itself is comprised solely of independent non-executive directors. However, the Group Finance Director and Chief Risk Officer attend each meeting as a matter of course and the Chief Risk Officer has a dotted reporting line to me as Chairman of the Committee. I have regular meetings with Robert Le Blanc, the Chief Risk Officer, who also has the right (and indeed responsibility) to elevate issues to me where he considers it necessary. I am also consulted by the Group Finance Director in respect of the performance appraisal and compensation of the Chief Risk Officer. His compensation is approved by the Board HR and Remuneration Committee and appointment to or departures from the role are a matter reserved to the Board.

The Committee is conscious, when undertaking its duties, that banks are in the business of taking risk. The aim of the risk function within Barclays and the Board Risk Committee itself is therefore not to minimise risk but to optimise it. This requires us to ensure that risks being taken are:

 

 

properly identified and understood, both in their own right and relative to their interactions with other risks we are taking;

 

 

appropriate, relative to the scale and type of our business;

 

 

affordable, particularly in relation to the capital base of the company;

 

 

properly controlled and managed; and

 

 

earning an appropriate return, i.e. , one commensurate with the risk taken.

 

How the Committee goes about its business.

It has been an essential feature of the operation of the Committee that the information flowing to the Committee is congruent with the information flow to Executive Committee. In the case of the Group Risk Profile Report (see below), the report is identical.

The Committee plans its forward programme and undertakes a number of key tasks throughout the course of the year in order to ensure it is satisfied with the way risk is being managed. A key role is to review in detail at the end of every year the proposed Risk Appetite for the forthcoming year, before recommending it to the Board.

The Committee monitors risk performance throughout the year to assess whether such performance is in line with expectations when the budget was set, adjusted for any differences in the performance of the economy. Where actual performance differs from expectations, the actions being taken by management are reviewed to ensure that the Committee is comfortable with them.

The Committee also reviews sectoral limits in both the wholesale and retail sectors and in market risk. The purpose of these limits, known internally as Mandate and Scale limits, is to ensure that concentrations in the risk profile do not result in unacceptable levels of losses.

The Committee, in conjunction with the risk function, also seeks to identify potential future areas of risk in order to undertake detailed analysis and review. A good example of this would be the Committee’s review of the US mortgage business, which was requested at the end of 2006. The Committee will also, as part of its calendar of business, review experience of past risk events and seek to identify any lessons learnt in order to ensure they are embedded into business practices. It also seeks to compare Barclays risk stance with those of others to understand the relative risk being taken.

The Committee also monitors the Group’s capital and liquidity position throughout the year to ensure they are within the agreed Risk Appetite parameters.

Finally, the Committee regularly reviews how risk is measured within the business in order to ensure it is satisfied with the risk measurement systems in place.



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Corporate governance

Corporate governance report

continued

 

 

 

Activities in 2009

During 2009, the Committee undertook the following activities:

Reviewed a full Group Risk Profile Report quarterly.

The Group Risk Profile Report incorporates:

 

 

an economic overview;

 

 

an update on impairment charges and loan loss rates; – risk appetite utilisation; and

 

 

sections on retail and wholesale credit risk (by business unit), market risk and operational risk.

Capital and Liquidity

The Committee monitored movement in economic and regulatory capital demand and supply and the level of losses that could be experienced before minimum regulatory capital ratios are breached. The Committee also reviewed and recommended to the Board the liquidity risk appetite of the Group to ensure that sufficient liquidity is held to cover both market-wide and Barclays specific stress scenarios.

Key risk issues

Each year, the Committee ensures it has a forward programme of issues to analyse in detail. During 2009, the Committee analysed the risk profiles and controls in the following businesses:

 

 

the Commodities business in Barclays Capital;

 

 

the Emerging Markets business in GRCB; and

 

 

the US equities business.

The Committee also received regular reports on the Group’s exposures to the asset backed securities (ABS) and leveraged credit market exposures and how these were being managed down.

Stress Testing

The Committee reviewed and approved the scenarios to be used in the annual stress testing and reviewed the results of the tests themselves to ensure that the Group would remain adequately capitalised and liquid even under severe stress.

Risk Appetite

Risk appetite is set by agreeing the level of credit risk impairment the Group is prepared to accept in the base case economic forecast for the following year, together with impairment levels that would be incurred in economic scenarios that represent 1:7 and 1:25 events. A Daily Value at Risk limit and stress losses for market risk in 1:7 and 1:25 scenarios is also agreed, together with total loss limits from operational risk.

The financial results of the Group are budgeted in the base case and forecast in the stress scenarios to ensure that they do not breach a series of parameters agreed by the Committee. These parameters include pre-tax profit, return on equity, loan loss rates, capital ratios, leverage ratios, dividend and credit rating. A key focus, given current conditions, was to ensure that the capital ratio parameters (in respect of Tier 1 and Core Tier 1) were met at all times.

Follow up on risk issues

The Committee requested and received a report from the business on the lessons learnt from the sub-prime crisis. The losses in sub-prime arose from a systemic market collapse which was not foreseen by our risk processes, the rating agencies or the broader market. Subsequent events have highlighted areas for improvement in certain of our processes, particularly around the need to improve the aggregation of risk positions across all businesses and to include the potential for discontinuous moves in key parameters when setting

sector limits. Risk models in use in the business must also include more subjectivity and bespoke analysis when rating complex financial structures. Action is underway in all these areas.

Mandate and Scale Limits

The Committee reviewed the sectoral limits in place in both the Wholesale and Retail Credit Risk Sectors. These limits include commercial property caps (by geography), leveraged finance limits, high yield underwriting caps, limits to loans to lower grade names or credit scores and stress limits by different types of market risk (e.g. interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity).

Governance

The Committee spent time discussing both the Turner Review and the draft and final Walker Review and, in particular, how the recommendations should be reflected in the Committee’s terms of reference and way of working. Some minor changes have been made as a result.

Relationship with other Committees

The Committee must work closely with both the Board Audit Committee and the Board HR and Remuneration Committee. In respect of the Board Audit Committee, a schedule has been agreed setting out the key roles of each committee in areas such as capital and liquidity to ensure there is clarity of responsibility. The Committee discussed papers from the risk function on the assessment of business performance on a risk-adjusted basis and the proposals for risk metrics to be used in the 2010 compensation cycle, in both cases prior to submission to the Board HR and Remuneration Committee as an input into compensation decisions.

In conclusion, the Committee seeks to ensure that it achieves a balance each year between:

 

 

comparative analysis

 

 

reviewing our risk stance compared to that of our competitors in defined areas;

 

 

retrospective analysis

 

 

we undertake a retrospective review at least once a year of a selected area of risk;

 

 

trend analysis – we look once a year at underlying risk trends; and

 

 

technical analysis – we review at least once a year one technical area related to the measurement and management of risk.

The quality of papers is vital to the work of the Committee, with papers typically including:

 

 

quantified analysis, including both absolute and relative data;

– information on returns; and

– financial parameters, such as performance against budget and capital utilisation.

The Committee provides a full written report to the Board after every meeting, which I introduce and answer questions about.

At the beginning of 2010, I handed over the Chairmanship of the Committee to David Booth after four stimulating and challenging years.

LOGO

Sir Richard Broadbent

Chairman of the Board Risk Committee

9th March 2010



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Board Risk Committee (continued)

The Committee met five times in 2009 and Figure 9 shows how the Committee allocated its time at those meetings. The items covered under each heading in Figure 9 are as follows:

Risk Profile/Risk Appetite

 

 

Reviewed the Group Risk Profile Report (including updates on the Group’s capital position);

 

 

reviewed updates on liquidity risk;

 

 

reviewed in greater detail the process around setting annual Risk Appetite to establish the effectiveness of the process in responding to significant changes in economic and market conditions;

 

 

reviewed the Risk Appetite for the Group for 2010 and made recommendations to the Board; and

 

 

received regular Future Risk Trends reports, which set out the internal and external indicators that are showing signs of strain and a report on future risk issues.

Key Risk Issues

 

 

reviewed risk trends in tax risk management;

 

 

received regular reports on ABS and leveraged credit market exposures; and

 

 

reviewed the Group’s stress testing proposals and outcomes.

Internal Control/Risk Policies

 

 

reviewed the internal control and assurance framework;

 

 

examined the risk control framework, and approved Group policies including the trading book policy, large exposures policy, liquidity policy, retail and wholesale credit impairment policies and the Group’s principal risks policy;

 

 

reviewed risk measurement methodologies; and

 

 

received updates on the programme of actions being taken Group-wide to mitigate risk in view of deteriorating economic conditions in our major markets, such as the UK, US, South Africa and Spain.

Regulatory Frameworks

 

 

reviewed the liquidity risk framework and underlying assumptions;

Other

 

 

revised its Terms of Reference, including its role in reviewing risks following the Group’s entry into new businesses or geographies; its role in reviewing capital ratios, liquidity risk and its input into remuneration decisions; the increased frequency of risk, capital and liquidity reporting and the setting up of an external advisers panel for the Committee; and

 

 

reviewed its Terms of Reference to satisfy itself that they enable the Committee to fulfil its responsibilities.

More information on risk management and the internal control framework can be found in the Risk management report on pages 54 to 118.

Relations with Shareholders

Communicating with shareholders is a key priority for the Board and was particularly important during the continuing financial crisis in 2009. In the normal course of events, the Board aims to keep shareholders up to date and informed about how Barclays is performing and its strategy. During 2009, there was significant additional communication around the sudden fall in the share price in January 2009, the proposed sale of the iShares business and the subsequent sale of BGI, for which we held a General Meeting in August 2009.

Institutional shareholders

Engagement with our institutional shareholders is essential to ensure a greater understanding of and confidence in the medium and longer-term strategy of Barclays and in the Board’s ability to oversee its implementation.

The Group Chairman and Senior Independent Director are responsible for ensuring the Board is accessible to major shareholders and that channels for communication are open. They are also responsible for ensuring that the Board is aware of any concerns raised by major shareholders and that their views are taken on board. The Group Chairman, Senior Independent Director, Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director regularly meet with our investors and the executive Directors and senior executives hold group and one to one meetings with major investors. The Group Chairman, Senior Independent Director and Company Secretary also conduct a series of meetings with the corporate governance representatives of our major institutional shareholders ahead of each AGM. The Investor Relations team organise roadshows, seminars, conferences, presentations and other activities that enable the Directors to engage with investors and some of these are highlighted below:

 

 

over 100 meetings with US institutions following the acquisition of the Lehman Brothers North American businesses;

 

 

over 200 one-to-one meetings with investors (the Group Chairman and Executive Committee members);

 

 

over 40 group meetings with investors; and

 

 

nine presentations at conferences.

In addition, the Investor Relations team also met nearly 150 investors in one to one and group meetings.


 

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Corporate governance report

continued

 

 

 

Private shareholders

Communication with our private shareholders has also been important during 2009. Personalised information was sent to shareholders for the AGM in April and the General Meeting in August, which included the Notice of Meeting, proxy form, Circular and a question and answer booklet about the proposed sale of BGI. Further documents were available on the Group’s website and sent to shareholders on request.

We recommenced paying a dividend in December 2009 and will pay the final dividend for 2009 in March 2010.

The change in law that allows us to communicate electronically with shareholders has enabled us to use less paper, which benefits the environment and lowers distribution costs for the Group. All shareholder documents are available electronically as soon as they are published but shareholders can still receive communications in paper format if they wish. This year we will post the Notice of Meeting and proxy forms to all shareholders.

We encourage shareholders to hold their shares in Barclays Sharestore, where shares are held electronically in a cost-effective and secure environment. Shareholders can use our e-view service to receive their shareholder documents electronically and they can also use this service to get immediate access to information relating to their personal shareholding and dividend history. E-view participants can also change their details and dividend mandates online and receive dividend tax vouchers electronically.

Annual General Meeting/General Meeting

The 2009 AGM was held on 23rd April 2009 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London. In accordance with best practice, all resolutions were considered on a poll and the results were made available on our website the same day. 53.1% of the shares in issue were voted and all resolutions were approved. All Directors are encouraged to attend the AGM and are available to answer shareholder questions. All Directors attended the 2009 AGM, with the exception of Simon Fraser, who was appointed to the Board on 10th March 2009 and had a prior commitment on the day of the AGM.

A general meeting (GM) was held on 6th August 2009, at the Brewery, London, where shareholders were asked to approve a resolution in connection with the proposed sale of the BGI business and ancillary arrangements. 61.6% of the shares in issue were voted on a poll and the resolution was approved. The results of the poll were made available on our website on the same day. The Group Chairman, all of the Executive Directors and two non-executive Directors, including the Deputy Chairman, attended the GM.

The 2010 AGM will be held on Friday 30th April 2010 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The resolutions will be considered on a poll and the results will be available on our website on 30th April 2010.

Statement on US Corporate Governance Standards

The statement required by NYSE is set out below.

Director independence

NYSE Rules require the majority of the Board to be independent. The Code requires at least half of the Board (excluding the Chairman) to be independent. The NYSE Rules contain detailed tests for determining whether a Director is independent, whereas the Code requires the Board to determine whether each Director is independent in character and judgement and sets out criteria that may be relevant to that determination.

 

We follow the Code’s recommendations as well as developing best practices among other UK public companies. The independence of our non-executive Directors is reviewed by the Board on an annual basis and it takes into account the guidance in the Code and the criteria we have established for determining independence, which are described on page 131.

Board Committees

We have a Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee and a Board HR and Remuneration (rather than Compensation) Committee, both of which are broadly similar in purpose and constitution to the Committees required by the NYSE Rules and whose terms of reference comply with the Code’s requirements. As the Group Chairman was independent on appointment, the Code permits him to chair the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee and be a member of the Board HR and Remuneration Committee. Except for these appointments, both Committees are composed solely of non-executive Directors, whom the Board has determined to be independent. We follow the Code recommendation that a majority of the Nominations Committee should be independent non-executive Directors, whereas the NYSE Rules state that the Committee must be composed entirely of independent Directors. We comply with the NYSE Rules regarding the obligation to have a Board Audit Committee that meets the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the US Securities Exchange Act, including the requirements relating to the independence of Committee members. In April 2009, we made an Annual Written Affirmation of our compliance with these requirements to the NYSE. The Code also requires us to have a Board Audit Committee comprised solely of independent non-executive Directors. However, we follow the Code recommendations, rather than the NYSE Rules regarding the responsibilities of the Board Audit Committee, although both are broadly comparable. We also have a Board Risk Committee, comprised of independent non-executive Directors, which considers and discusses policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The NYSE Rules require domestic US companies to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. There is no equivalent recommendation in the Code but the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee has developed corporate governance guidelines, ‘Corporate Governance in Barclays’, which have been approved and adopted by the Board.

Code of Ethics

The NYSE Rules require that domestic US companies adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for Directors, officers and employees. Rather than a single consolidated code as envisaged in the NYSE Rules, we have a number of ‘values based’ business conduct and ethics policies, which apply to all employees. In addition, we have adopted a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive and senior financial officers as required by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Shareholder approval of equity-compensation plans

The NYSE listing standards require that shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity-compensation plans and material revisions to those plans. We comply with UK requirements, which are similar to the NYSE standards. However, the Board does not explicitly take into consideration the NYSE’s detailed definition of what are considered ‘material revisions’.



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Corporate governance

Remuneration report

 

 

 

Statement from the Chairman of the Board HR and

Remuneration Committee

Context

The Committee’s goal is to balance the needs of sustaining a competitive business capable of creating future value for shareholders with the crystallisation of current returns to build capital to finance business growth and to pay dividends to shareholders.

This is never an easy balance to strike and trading conditions of the last two years, exceptional levels of political and social interest in remuneration, new fiscal measures and new regulatory requirements that differed in their interpretation in different jurisdictions all complicated our task this year. This has also been a year of significant business growth in investment banking which has materially increased the scope of matters requiring our attention.

During 2009, we have been reviewing our remuneration practices to ensure that they remain appropriate and effective. The context of the review was to ensure that the important principle of pay for performance that underpins our business continues to be implemented in a way that is consistent with and supportive of:

 

 

appropriate management of risk

 

 

delivering returns to shareholders

 

 

strengthening the balance sheet to support current business activities such as lending to our customers, and future business growth

 

 

protecting the business franchise by maintaining our competitiveness in the labour market.

We have drawn directional conclusions from our work to date which will underpin our decisions about structure and quantum of compensation looking forward. These are:

 

 

a significantly greater proportion of incentives will be longer term and more will be deferred in order to contend with greater risk adjustment, industry cyclicality and market volatility

 

 

the use of equity for employee remuneration remains central to ensuring alignment of shareholder and employee interests

 

 

there will be greater emphasis on the detailed consideration of risk associated with individual performance

 

 

there is a role for greater exercise of discretion to avoid the perverse results that can arise particularly from long-term schemes being tied to over-precise performance projections. Discretion should be exercised within the context of a robust framework of performance and risk data, and be associated with appropriate levels of accountability.

How the Committee goes about its business

A critical element of our approach is a robust governance framework. The Committee approves forward-looking frameworks based on financial metrics to ensure leadership and planning of remuneration in each of the key businesses. These frameworks incorporate metrics consistent with delivering the businesses’ business plans; and are assessed against market benchmarks to inform its decision making when approving aggregate remuneration proposals from management as well as the remuneration

 

proposals of any employee above a specified threshold or falling within the scope of the FSA’s Remuneration Code.

To reflect the Group’s stated goal of focus on returns over growth, the return we generate on risk-weighted assets was added in 2009 to the key metrics of financial performance used in these frameworks. Our metrics include compensation as a percentage of pre-compensation PBT and of net revenues. We also monitor absolute compensation per employee.

The Committee’s decision making is also informed by input from the Group Finance Director and, more recently, the Chief Risk Officer directly to ensure that the level of risk within the business and the quality of underlying profits have been considered. The Committee has also considered the impact on profits from a number of factors including use of Central Bank and government schemes, higher liquidity requirements and the shape of the yield curve.

The Committee also reviews the structure as well as the quantum of compensation, with particular attention on levels of deferral, the mix of annual and long-term incentives and the proportion of equity relative to cash.

In reaching its final decisions, the Committee uses its discretion, informed by an assessment of performance and risk within the context of a strong, risk-adjusted culture, and underpinned by robust governance processes. Market benchmarking is an important but not the only input in supporting the Committee’s objective to pay the minimum amount consistent with maintaining competitiveness and long-term shareholder value creation.

Subsequent to each year, we look back and review the extent to which our decisions met our objectives and seek to learn lessons for the coming year.

The Committee retains independent advisers to support it in its work.

2009

The performance of Barclays during 2009 is described in detail in the Business Review included in this report. Barclays delivered profit before tax of £11.6bn, 92% up on 2008. In addition, excellent progress was made in the following areas:

 

 

Core Tier 1 ratio increased from 5.6% for 2008 to 10.0% for 2009

 

 

the balance sheet reduced by 33%

 

 

adjusted gross leverage decreased to 20x compared to 28x in 2008 and the Group liquidity pool increased to £127bn compared to £43bn in 2008

 

 

gross new lending to UK households and businesses totalled £35bn during 2009

 

 

the payment of dividends resumed with a final dividend of 1.5p per share, giving total declared dividends for 2009 of 2.5p per share.

Our decisions on discretionary pay in 2009 properly reflect this performance. The increase in incentive compensation in the investment banking business was materially less than the increase in total income (with the ratio of total compensation to total income falling from 44% in 2008 to 38% in 2009); and the cost to net income ratio was brought down even more sharply.



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In addition, there was a significant increase in the use of deferral, equity and long-term awards, particularly to senior executives. Around 5,000 employees will have a proportion of their remuneration delivered as long-term awards. All discretionary remuneration for members of the Group Executive Committee and all members of Barclays Capital Executive Committee will be delivered over a three-year period and subject to clawback.

Long-term awards take the form of equity or cash, paid over three years. 73% of the long-term awards from the 2009 pay review are in the form of equity. Two new plans have been introduced for the purpose of making long-term awards below the executive Director level, the Share Value Plan and Cash Value Plan. These are described in further detail in the following report.

We are compliant with the FSA Remuneration Code and the Financial Stability Board Implementation Standards endorsed by the G20 and have applied these to the decisions of the 2009 pay review. The overall quantum of remuneration is also consistent with the FSA’s minimum capital requirements. A direct and intended consequence of our 2009 pay decisions has been the further strengthening of our Core Tier 1 capital ratio.

The compensation pool has been managed in such a way that the UK Bank Payroll Tax cost broadly equates to a reduction in the size of the pool, with the reduction being borne by senior executives. The cost to the Group of the UK Bank Payroll Tax in respect of 2009 cash compensation is £190m, and £35m is being provided in respect of certain prior year awards which may fall within the proposed legislation.

The following approach has been taken on executive Directors’ remuneration:

 

 

appropriate consideration was given to non-financial measures as well as risk considerations in the assessment of executive Directors’ performance

 

 

zero annual performance bonus for the Chief Executive and the President. This is the second successive year that they have advised the Board that they wish to decline any annual bonus awards

 

 

no long-term award for the Chief Executive. This is the second successive year that he has advised the Board that he wishes to decline any long-term award

 

 

current executive Directors who have long-term performance shares due to vest and be released in 2010 intend to agree to voluntary clawback arrangements operating over a further two years.

These outcomes for executive Directors were carefully considered and seek to ensure an appropriate share of value between employees and shareholders, with full consideration also being given to the requirements of other stakeholders such as regulators and governments. They follow on from the unequivocal outcomes in respect of 2008: no salary increases or annual performance bonuses, long-term awards 64% lower than 2007 with no awards for the Chief Executive and President, and the vesting of long-term awards to executive Directors due to be released in 2009 being deferred for a further two years subject to additional financial performance over that period.

 

Activities in 2009

The Committee exercised effective governance in 2009, meeting 14 times to review remuneration practices, frameworks, regulatory developments and market data and advice from external consultants.

In addition to the wider review of remuneration arrangements, the key activities were as follows:

 

 

approval of annual remuneration packages including incentive awards for executive Directors and other senior executives as part of the 2009 pay review

 

 

approval of senior executive remuneration packages on appointment, promotion and termination

 

 

approval of aggregate incentive funding for each of the major businesses

 

 

assessment of performance against relative TSR, cumulative Economic Profit and other financial performance targets to determine the vesting level under performance share and other long-term awards

 

 

selection of performance metrics and calibration of targets for long-term awards

 

 

preparation, review and approval of the Remuneration Report.

Report

The following report of the Committee provides further explanation of the current remuneration governance and arrangements for executive Directors and is divided into the following sections:

 

 

Committee remit, members and advisers

 

 

Remuneration policy, decisions and governance

 

 

Executive Directors’ remuneration

 

 

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration

 

 

Former Directors’ remuneration

 

 

Share plan descriptions.

As required by Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the Group’s auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have audited the information contained in Tables 1b, 3, 5, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18 and 19 of the Committee’s report.

The Committee unanimously recommends that you vote at the 2010 AGM to approve the Remuneration Report as all Directors will be doing with their own Barclays PLC shares.

On behalf of the Board

LOGO

Sir Richard Broadbent

Chairman, Board HR and Remuneration Committee

9th March 2010



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Board HR and Remuneration Committee remit and membership

The Committee provides governance and strategic oversight of executive and all other employee remuneration, Barclays Human Resources activities and senior management development. The Committee’s terms of reference are available in the Corporate Governance section of the website http://www.aboutbarclays.com. The terms of reference were revised in February 2010 in the light of best practice and to take account of regulatory and corporate governance developments. The Committee met formally 14 times during 2009. The Chairman of the Committee presented a report to the full Board on each meeting. A report on the Committee’s activities is set out on page 161 as part of the Corporate Governance Report.

The members of the Committee are Sir Richard Broadbent (Committee Chairman), Marcus Agius (Group Chairman), Leigh Clifford, Sir John Sunderland and Simon Fraser who was appointed to the Committee with effect from 1st May 2009.

The non-executive Directors who are Committee members are considered by the Board to be independent of management and free from any business or other relationship that could materially affect the exercise of their independent judgement. Marcus Agius, the Group Chairman, is also a member and he was considered independent on appointment to the Board.

Advisers

The Committee’s work is supported by independent professional advice. The Committee reviews the appointment of advisers each year. Towers Perrin MGMC (now Towers Watson) were re-appointed by the Committee in 2009.

Any potential conflicts of interest the advisers may have are disclosed to the Committee. In addition to advising the Committee, Towers Watson provided remuneration benchmarking data to the Group.

The Group Chief Executive, the Human Resources Director, the Compensation and Benefits Director and, as necessary, members of the Executive Committee, also advise the Committee, supported by their teams. No Group employee is permitted to participate in discussions or decisions of the Committee relating to his or her own remuneration.

Executive Directors’ remuneration – alignment of interests with shareholders

Figure 1 shows the aggregate total direct remuneration of the current executive Directors for 2007, 2008 and 2009 compared to the indicative fair value movements on the current executive Directors’ aggregate share-based remuneration and beneficial interests in Barclays PLC shares from 1st January 2007 on a cumulative basis. The performance of Barclays share price is shown for context. The chart shows that the current executive Directors’ interests have decreased in value by £62m over 2007, 2008 and 2009 as a consequence of the movement in Barclays share price.

 

Remuneration Policy

The aims of the Barclays Remuneration Policy are to:

 

1. Attract and retain those people with the ability, experience and skill to deliver the strategy.

 

2. Create a direct and recognisable alignment between the rewards and risk exposure of shareholders and employees, particularly executive Directors and senior management.

 

3. Incentivise employees to deliver sustained performance consistent with strategic goals and appropriate risk management, and to reward success in this.

 

4. Deliver compensation that is affordable and appropriate in terms of value allocated to shareholders and employees.

 

5. Encourage behaviour consistent with the principles that guide Barclays business:

i) Winning together

 

  Doing what is right for Barclays, its teams and colleagues, to achieve collective and individual success.

ii) Best people

 

  Developing talented colleagues and differentiating compensation to reflect performance.

 

  Doing what is needed to ensure a leading position in the global financial services industry.

iii) Customer and client focus

 

  Understanding what customers and clients want and need and then serving them brilliantly.

Total Shareholder Return

Figure 2 shows the value, at 31st December 2009, of £100 invested in Barclays on 31st December 2004 compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 100 Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year ends. The FTSE 100 Index is a widely recognised performance comparison for large UK companies and this is why it has been chosen as a comparator to illustrate Barclays TSR. The graph shows that, at the end of 2009, a hypothetical £100 invested in Barclays on 31st December 2004 would have generated a total loss of £40 compared with a gain of £35 if invested in the FTSE 100 Index.


 

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iv) Pioneering

 

  Driving new ideas, especially those that make Barclays profitable and improve control.

 

  Improving operational excellence.

 

  Adding diverse skills to stimulate new perspectives and bold steps.

v) Trusted

 

  Acting with the highest levels of integrity to retain the trust of customers, shareholders, other external stakeholders and colleagues.

 

  Taking full responsibility for decisions and actions.

 

  Reflecting the operation of independent, robust and evidence based governance and control and complying with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

The Committee keeps the Remuneration Policy and arrangements, as detailed in this report, under review to ensure that Barclays programmes remain competitive and provide appropriate incentive for performance.

Remuneration decisions

Our Remuneration Policy provides a framework for the Committee in carrying out its work including remuneration decisions in relation to executive Directors.

One of the core elements of Barclays approach is to deliver compensation that is affordable and appropriate in terms of value allocated to shareholders and employees, with full consideration also being given to other relevant stakeholders such as customers, regulators and governments. When making compensation decisions, Barclays balances the views of these stakeholders with the need to be able to attract, retain and incentivise talent in a competitive market.

A particular focus during 2009 has been to ensure that our approach to discretionary pay awards for 2009 is compliant with both the Financial Services Authority Remuneration Code and the Financial Stability Board Implementation Standards, and that aggregate funding decisions balance a number of factors including the need to continue to strengthen capital ratios, to invest in the business, to recommence dividend payments and to protect the business franchise.

We are committed to the principle of pay for performance. A key element of ensuring the link between pay and performance on an individual basis is the robust performance assessment framework operated across the Group. Employee behaviours are considered in the context of the Guiding Principles set out above which are incorporated into our Remuneration Policy. The extent to which employee behaviour accords with these standards is assessed as part of the performance assessment framework, which includes an examination of the employee’s performance from both a financial and non-financial perspective. Performance against these areas helps to reinforce the right behaviours and so mitigate operational and reputational risks. The resulting performance ratings have a direct impact on all individual compensation decisions.

At an aggregate level, in order to ensure that a link is maintained between pay and performance, incentive funding decisions are made by reference to a number of quantitative and qualitative measures and are determined at the discretion of the Committee. During 2009, the role of Risk and other control functions in remuneration governance was enhanced and the process for setting the remuneration of control functions was formalised.

The exercise of informed discretion plays an important role in the assessment of performance in the context of all our remuneration decisions, rather than using a formulaic approach which could incentivise inappropriate behaviours.

Pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group are taken into account by the Committee in determining the remuneration packages for executive Directors. The general approach is the same across the Group, namely decisions are made on a total compensation basis (base salary, bonus and long-term awards) against the relevant market. We seek to provide market competitive retirement and other benefits and eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in share plans.

 

Remuneration Policy governance

To ensure appropriate operation of the Remuneration Policy, the Committee has established frameworks for the governance of remuneration in each of the major businesses and for the Group as a whole. These frameworks were reviewed in 2009. The current frameworks set out key financial ratios achieved by Barclays and its competitors and have been used by the Committee to inform its decision-making process when approving aggregate remuneration spend, including bonus and long-term incentive expenditure, strategic investment for new hires, and the remuneration arrangements of any employee with annual total remuneration equal to or in excess of £750,000. Going forward, compensation of employees within the scope of the FSA Remuneration Code’s particular remuneration structure requirements will also be individually approved by the Committee. The reporting of senior hires and leavers to the Committee has also been enhanced.

For individual remuneration decisions made by the Committee, including those for executive Directors and other key senior management, the Committee reviews each element of remuneration relative to performance and to the practice of other comparable organisations. Remuneration is benchmarked against the markets in which we compete for talent. This includes benchmarking against other leading international banks and financial services organisations, and other companies of a similar size to Barclays in the FTSE 100 Index.

Given the materiality of Barclays pension arrangements, the Committee operates a specific framework for the management of pensions to ensure proper oversight. The Global Retirement Fund Governance Framework is operated to ensure best practice in respect of regulatory compliance, governance, investment and administration. In the second half of 2009, Barclays announced the closure of its UK final salary pension schemes to future accrual in order to reduce current and future UK pension liability risk and to ensure that our pension arrangements are sustainable and affordable over the long term. Details of the pension arrangements in place for executive Directors are set out on page 153 and for other employees on page 210.



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Executive Directors’ remuneration

Table 1a explains the purpose of each element of remuneration and Table 1b shows executive Directors’ remuneration in respect of 2009 and 2008.

Base salaries

Table 2 shows the annual base salaries for the current executive Directors.

 

Table 2: Base salary
     Base salary at
31st December 2009
£000
  Base salary at
1st April 2010
£000
  Date of
previous
increase

Executive Directors

     

John Varley

  1,100   1,100   1st April 2008

Robert E Diamond Jr

  250   250   1st March 1999

Chris Lucas

  650   800   1st April 2008

Robert E Diamond Jr has, since 1st January 2009, received his base salary in US dollars converted from sterling into US dollars using an average sterling/US dollar exchange rate for 2008 of 1.86.

In respect of Chris Lucas, having regard to the levels of salary and total compensation in comparable organisations, the Committee approved the increase to base salary set out above, effective from 1st April 2010.

 

Annual cash bonus and deferred share awards

The maximum bonus opportunity for executive Directors is tailored to the relevant market; this is typically 250% of base salary. The annual bonus award is made by reference to a qualitative and quantitative assessment of performance with the latter assessment comprising the majority. For 2009, more emphasis was placed on non-financial measures as well as risk considerations.

ESAS is a deferred share award plan operated in conjunction with various Group bonus plans for executive Directors and certain other employees, subject to trustee discretion. For 2009, the use of ESAS was significantly scaled back as the new Share Value Plan and Cash Value Plan are being operated for deferrals across the Group. The future use of ESAS is under review. Further detail of these plans is included on pages 158 to 160.

The Board, through the Committee, formed the view that annual bonus awards for John Varley and Robert E Diamond Jr were merited based on both Group and personal performance. However, out of consideration of the continued impact of the economic downturn on many clients, customers and shareholders, combined with the fact that banks and bankers’ pay remain matters of intense public interest and concern, both advised the Board that they wish to decline any such awards for the second successive year.

For Chris Lucas, a recommendation will be made to the ESAS trustee that


 

Table 1a: Executive Directors’ annual remuneration
Element   Purpose   Delivery   Programme summary   When normally received/
awarded

Base salary

  To reflect the market value of the individual and their role  

–  Cash

–  Monthly

–  Pensionable

 

–  Reviewed annually, with any increases typically effective on 1st April

  Paid in year
Annual performance bonus (cash)   To incentivise the delivery of annual goals at the Group, business division and individual levels  

–  A proportion of annual performance bonus paid in cash

–  Non-pensionable

 

–  Based on annual performance of the Group as a whole, business unit performance where relevant and individual performance

  Normally paid in the following financial year

Total cash

  Sub-total of the above            
Deferred share award (ESAS)   To align annual performance with shareholder value and increase retention  

–  A proportion of annual performance bonus recommended as a deferred share award under ESAS

–  Non-pensionable

 

–  Discretionary award of shares to be deferred for three to five years. No performance condition on release, as a deferred share award

–  20% bonus shares releasable after three years, a further 10% after five years

–  Dividends normally accumulated during deferral period

  Normally awarded in the following financial year
Long-term incentive award 2010-2012 (PSP)   To reward the creation of sustained growth in shareholder value  

–  Award of shares that vests after three years, subject to performance conditions

–  Non-pensionable

 

–  Discretionary awards

–  Participation reviewed annually

–  Barclays performance over three years determines the performance shares eligible for release to each individual

–  Dividends normally accumulated during deferral period

  Normally awarded in the following financial year
Pension (or cash allowance)   To provide a market competitive post-retirement benefit  

–  Deferred cash or cash allowance

–  Monthly

 

–  Non-contributory, defined benefit scheme and/or defined contribution scheme, or cash allowance in lieu of pension contributions

  Paid or accrued during year

Other benefits

  To provide market competitive benefits  

–  Benefit in kind, or cash allowance

–  Non-pensionable

 

–  Benefits include private medical insurance, life and disability cover, accommodation overseas when required for business purposes, use of company-owned vehicle or cash equivalent and tax advice

  Received during year
Sub-total in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008   Total of base salary, annual performance bonus (cash), pension cash allowance and other benefits


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100% of his annual bonus is delivered as a share award under ESAS which is deferred over a three- to five-year period. The ESAS amounts shown in Table 1b show the basic allocations, but do not include bonus shares. Including the maximum potential 30% bonus shares, the award in respect of 2009 will have an initial value of £1,950,000 for Mr Lucas. Typically, 20% bonus shares become releasable after three years, with the full 30% bonus shares only normally releasable five years from the date of award. Following consultation with the Committee and mindful of evolving best practice and regulatory developments, Mr Lucas intends to write to the ESAS trustee in respect of any awards made in 2010. He proposes that, in its absolute discretion, the trustee may take into account personal misconduct and/or any material misstatement of the 2009 financial results when considering whether to release any shares under these awards to him at the scheduled release dates.

PSP awards due to vest in 2010

For the PSP awards made in relation to the 2007-2009 cycle, the TSR condition was not met and the EP condition was met. As a result, awards that are scheduled to vest in March 2010 (at the absolute discretion of the PSP trustee) are due to vest at 1.5 times the initial award (maximum is 3 times). This represents a reduction in value of approximately 75% of the maximum value of the number of shares that could vest at the share price at award.

 

After consultation with the Committee, the current executive Directors intend to write to the Committee agreeing voluntary clawback arrangements to operate for a two-year period following vesting of their awards. By this voluntary agreement, the executive Directors will repay the value of the shares at the end of the two-year period (after deduction of taxes paid) should a performance condition, to be agreed and assessed by the Committee, not be met.

Proposed awards in 2010

It is proposed that Bob Diamond and Chris Lucas are awarded a performance share plan award in 2010 which will be based upon performance over the three-year period 2010 to 2012.

The Board, through the Committee, formed the view that a performance share plan award for John Varley was merited, based on both Group and personal performance. However, John Varley advised the Board that he wishes to decline any such award.

The number of shares awarded to date and the performance conditions relating to each award are set out below.

The PSP awards are shown in Table 1b at the fair value of the recommended awards.


 

Table 1b: Executive Directors’ annual remuneration    John Varley    Robert E Diamond Jr    Chris Lucas
     

2009

£000

  

2008

£000

  

2009

£000

  

2008

£000

   2009
£000
   2008
£000

Base salary

   1,100    1,075    250    250    650    638

Annual performance bonus (cash)

   0    0    0    0    0    0

Total cash

   1,100    1,075    250    250    650    638

Deferred share award

                 

(ESAS)

   0    0    0    0    1,500    0

Long term incentive award 2010-2012 (PSP)

   0    0    6,000    0    1,000    800
Pension (or cash allowance)    Member of
pension
scheme
See page 153
   Member of
pension
scheme
See page 153
   Member of
pension
scheme
See page 153
   Member of
pension
scheme
See page 153
   163    159

Other benefits

   23    23    134    66    19    18

Sub-total in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008

   1,123    1,098    384    316    832    815


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Share plans

Barclays operates a number of share plans to align the interests of employees with shareholders. The following tables summarise the interests of each current executive Director in each plan and the relevant three-year performance conditions for outstanding PSP cycles. The interests shown

are the maximum number of shares that may be received under each plan. Executive Directors do not pay for any share plan award.

Summary descriptions of principal share plans operated by Barclays are shown on pages 158 to 161.

For PSP, at the end of each performance period, independent


 

Table 3: Long-term plans and deferred share plans  
      Number of
shares under
award/option at
1st January 2009
(maximum)
   Awarded in
year (maximum)
   Market
price on
award date
   Weighted
average
exercise price
   Number
released/
exercised
 

John Varley

              

PSP 2006-2008

   473,604       £ 6.75           

PSP 2007-2009

   504,294       £ 7.08           

PSP 2008-2010

   812,412       £ 4.25           

ISOP

   944,655            £ 4.29      

Sharesave

   3,735            £ 4.70      

ESAS

   469,467                 (38,498

Robert E. Diamond Jr

              

PSP 2006-2008

   2,368,014       £ 6.75           

PSP 2007-2009

   2,878,686       £ 7.08           

PSP 2008-2010

   2,031,030       £ 4.25           

ISOP

   575,008            £ 4.42      

BGI EOP

   100,000            £ 20.11    (100,000

ESAS

   7,048,112                 (3,682,230

Chris Lucas

              

PSP 2007-2009

   255,396       £ 7.08           

PSP 2008-2010

   541,608       £ 4.25           

PSP 2009-2011

      1,598,046    £ 2.34           

Sharesave

   3,735            £ 4.70      

ESAS

   79,477                 (35,471

 

Numbers shown for ESAS above represent provisional allocations that have been awarded. Numbers shown as aggregate ESAS amounts also include shares under option as at 31st December 2009. Nil cost options are normally granted under mandatory ESAS awards at the third anniversary of grant and are exercisable (over initial allocation and two-thirds of bonus shares) typically for two years. The aggregate exercise price of a nil cost option is £1. At the fifth anniversary of the provisional allocation the nil cost options normally lapse and the shares (including bonus shares) are released at the discretion of the ESAS trustee (further detail

is included on page 158). In 2009, nil cost options were granted to Mr Varley over 100,924 shares. Nil cost options (granted in 2007) lapsed during the year. Mr Varley held 146,282 nil cost options under ESAS as at 1st January 2009, and 206,934 as at 31st December 2009. The first and last exercise dates were 12th March 2008 and 21st March 2011 respectively. Mr Varley received 9,674 dividend shares and Mr Diamond and Mr Lucas received 578,308 and 6,211 dividend shares respectively from the ESAS released during the year (share price on release date was £2.10).


 

Table 4: Performance conditions attaching to the share plans in which the executive Directors participate
Scheme   

Performance

period

   Performance measure    Target

PSP

   2009 -2011    50% of award calibrated against TSR    33% of maximum award released for above median performance (6th place) with 100% released in 1st place and a scaled basis in between
          50% average RoRWA    17% of maximum award released for 0.83% scaled to a maximum award at 1.34%
   2008-2010    50% of award calibrated against TSR    As above
          50% of award calibrated against Cumulative EP over the three-year performance period    33% of maximum award released for £6,921m scaled to 100% of maximum award at £8,350m
   2007-2009    50% of award calibrated against TSR    As above
          50% of award calibrated against Cumulative EP over the three-year performance period    33% of maximum award released for £7,618m scaled to 100% of maximum award at £8,668m


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Corporate governance

Remuneration report

continued

 

 

 

confirmation is provided to the Committee of the extent to which each performance condition has been met.

Relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) and Return on Risk-Weighted Assets (RoRWA) were selected in 2009 as performance measures to support the Group’s long-term goals.

All awards and releases are recommended by the Committee to the independent trustee and are subject to trustee discretion.

 

The trustee may also release to participants dividend shares which represent accumulated dividends (net of withholding) in respect of shares under award.

During 2009 Barclays highest share price was £3.84 and the lowest was £0.51. The share price at year end was £2.76.


 

Market price

on release/

exercise date

   Number lapsed
in 2009
   Number of
shares under
award/option at
31st December
2009 (maximum)
   Vested number
of shares
under option
   Value of release/
exercise
   End of three-
year PSP
performance
period, or first
exercise/
scheduled
release date
   Last exercise/
scheduled
release date
   (240,749)    232,855          31/12/08    30/03/11
      504,294          31/12/09    22/03/10
      812,412          31/12/10    20/03/11
      944,655    944,655       18/05/03    22/03/14
      3,735          01/11/14    30/04/15
£2.08       430,969       £0.08m    12/03/08    20/03/13
   (1,203,741)    1,164,273          31/12/08    30/03/11
      2,878,686          31/12/09    22/03/10
      2,031,030          31/12/10    20/03/11
      575,008    575,008       12/03/04    22/03/14
£109.45             £8.93m    26/03/07    15/12/09
£2.08       3,365,882       £7.67m    07/03/10    20/03/13
      255,396          31/12/09    22/03/10
      541,608          31/12/10    20/03/11
      1,598,046          31/12/11    27/04/12
      3,735          01/11/14    30/04/15
£2.08       44,006       £0.07m    20/03/11    20/03/13

 

Following completion of the sale of BGI on 1st December 2009, the BGI EOP was terminated In accordance with the rules of the plan. As part of the EOP termination and in line with other participants, Robert E Diamond Jr exercised his EOP options and sold his BGI Holdings shares to Barclays Bank PLC. Robert E Diamond Jr’s EOP options were granted before he was appointed to the Board of Barclays.

 

In relation to the 2006-2008 PSP awards, after consultation with the Committee, the executive Directors wrote to the PSP trustee to request that it defer the exercise of its discretion to release shares to them until 2011 (subject to continued employment and further financial performance conditions relating to the underlying financial health of the Group). The maximum number of shares that may be released in 2011 was determined in 2009 and is fixed as set out in the table above. There will be no opportunity to receive shares in excess of this number (except for any dividend shares that may be awarded by the PSP trustee).


 

TSR peer group constituents            
UK    Mainland Europe    US    Underpin   

Actual

performance

HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Royal Bank of Scotland

   Banco Santander, BBVA, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, UBS, Unicredit    Citigroup,

JP Morgan Chase

   Committee must be satisfied with the underlying financial health of the Group after considering Economic Profit (EP) and Profit Before Tax (PBT) on a cumulative basis over the three-year period   

To be determined at vesting in

March 2012

                     

HBOS, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland

   As above    As above    Cumulative EP over performance period must exceed cumulative EP over previous three years   

To be determined at vesting in

March 2011

                     

As above

   As above    As above    As above   

Performance

condition

partially met


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Pensions

Chris Lucas receives a cash allowance of 25% of base salary in lieu of joining a Group pension scheme.

John Varley is a member of the Group’s 1964 UK defined benefit pension scheme. Following a review of UK pension schemes, in line with other employees, he will cease to build up benefits in this non-contributory defined benefit scheme with effect from 31st March 2010. At present Mr Varley has a contractual entitlement to an unreduced pension of 60% of pensionable salary should he retire at age 55, and a pension of up to two thirds of his pensionable salary at the normal retirement age of 60. Mr Varley has voluntarily chosen to give up this contractual entitlement with effect from 1st April 2010 and a lesser amount will now be available, equating to the benefit accrued up to 31st March 2010.

From 1st April 2010 Mr Varley will instead receive a cash allowance of 25% of his base salary in lieu of joining a Group pension scheme in line with other executive Directors. No compensation was paid to Mr Varley for giving up his contractual right to continue to accrue benefits in the defined benefit pension scheme.

Mr Varley also has a defined contribution benefit of £596,568 as at 31st December 2009 in respect of a previous transfer from a freestanding AVC, arising from his personal contributions only.

Robert E Diamond Jr participates in the Group’s US non-contributory defined benefit arrangements which provide a benefit at age 65 of 1/60th of final average pensionable pay for each year of service up to a maximum of 30 years. In line with current market practice, final average pensionable pay includes salary and an element of bonus up to a current combined maximum of US$350,000. The benefits are provided through the US defined benefit plan (a funded arrangement) and the US Restoration Plan (an unfunded arrangement). The scheme also provides a death in service spouse’s pension of approximately 50% of the pension that would have been payable had early retirement occurred on the date of death.

Mr Diamond also participates in the Barclays Bank PLC 401K Thrift

Savings Plan and Thrift Restoration Plan, which are both defined contribution plans. The company contributions paid in respect of 2009 amounted to £18,786 (US$29,400).

Table 5 sets out the pension benefits of the current executive Directors. Pension accrued during the year represents the change in accrued pension during the year (including inflation at the prescribed rate of –1.6% (UK)). Pensions paid from the UK defined benefit pension scheme are reviewed annually and increase by a minimum of the increase in the retail prices index (capped at 5%), subject to the scheme rules.

The transfer value for Mr Varley has been calculated in a manner consistent with the approach used by the independent UK Retirement Fund Trustee to calculate cash equivalent transfer values in compliance with the transfer value regulations that came into force on 1st October 2008. During 2009, the UK Retirement Fund Trustee changed the transfer basis for all members. The change reflected different mortality assumptions and a lower discount rate. This contributed £3m of the increase in Mr Varley’s transfer value during the year and this amount does not relate to an increase in the pensions benefits accrued by Mr Varley (but the current actuarial assessment of the value of those benefits). The remainder of the increase in transfer value relates to Mr Varley’s additional year of pensionable service.

The transfer value for Mr Diamond has been calculated consistent with the approach and assumptions appropriate to the US defined benefit plans of which he is a member.

The transfer values disclosed do not represent a sum paid or payable to the executive Directors, but rather they represent the present value of accrued payments to be made under the pension schemes.

Other benefits

Executive Directors are provided with benefits including private medical insurance, life and disability cover, the use of a company-owned vehicle or the cash equivalent, tax advice and accommodation overseas when required for business purposes. These benefits are available on similar terms to each executive Director. No Director has an expense allowance.


 

Table 5: Pension provision

     Age at 31st
December
2009
  Completed
years of
service
 

Accrued
pension

at 31st
December
2008
£000

  Pension
accrued
during 2009
(including
increase for
inflation)
£000
  Pension
accrued
during
2009
(excluding
inflation)
£000
 

Accrued
pension
at 31st
December
2009

£000

 

Transfer

value of
accrued
pension
at 31st
December
2008
£000

 

Transfer

value of
accrued
pension
at 31st
December
2009

£000

  Increase
in transfer
value during
the year
£000
  Annual cash
in lieu of
pension
£000

John Varley

  53   27   572   47   56   619   12,328   17,015   4,687  

Robert E Diamond Jr

  58   13   45   13   14   58   280   383   103  

Chris Lucas

  49   2                 163

 

Table 6: Interests in shares of Barclays PLC at 31st December 2009
      At 1st January 2009    At 31st December 2009
      Beneficial    Non-
beneficial
   Beneficial    Non-
beneficial

Executive Directors

           

John Varley

   593,266       622,418   

Robert E

Diamond Jr

   5,866,965       8,333,810   

Chris Lucas

   76,038       101,697   

Beneficial interests include shares held either directly, or through a nominee, spouse, or children under 18. They include any interests held through Sharepurchase. Non-beneficial interests include any interests in shares where the executive Director holds the legal, but not beneficial interest. Note 42 provides further information on Directors’ and officers’ shareholdings. There were no changes to the interests of executive Directors in shares of Barclays PLC in the period 31st December 2009 to 5th March 2010.

As part of the termination of EOP, Robert E Diamond Jr exercised his options over 100,000 BGI Holdings shares. He then sold his newly acquired BGI Holdings shares and existing 200,000 BGI Holdings shares to Barclays Bank PLC for a net consideration of £26.8m, after deducting aggregate option exercise costs of £6.0m.

 

Table 7: Indicative change in value of executive Director total share
interests
     

Indicative
value at
1st January
2009

£m

   Indicative
change in
holdings
£m
   

Indicative
value at
31st December
2009

£m

  

Indicative
increase on
total share
interest
2009

£m

Executive Directors

          

John Varley

   2.5         4.8    2.3
Robert E Diamond Jr    23.5    (3.7   40.0    20.2

Chris Lucas

   0.7    0.8      2.6    1.1

Total share interests are beneficial interests plus share-based remuneration including any initial or provisional allocations and vested awards under ESAS, PSP, ISOP and Sharesave.



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Remuneration report

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Shareholding guideline

The Committee guideline provides that executive Directors should hold Barclays PLC shares worth, as a minimum, the higher of two times base salary or average of total remuneration over the last three years. Executive Directors have five years from their appointment to meet this guideline and a reasonable period to build up to the guideline again if it is not met because of a share price fall. Table 6 shows the current executive Directors’ beneficial and non-beneficial interests in shares. Table 7 shows the indicative change in value of the executive Directors’ total share interests during 2009.

Performance-linked remuneration

Each element of remuneration is important and has a specific role in achieving the aims of the Remuneration Policy. The combined potential remuneration from annual performance bonus and PSP outweighs the other elements, and is subject to personal and Group performance, thereby placing the majority of potential remuneration at risk.

Table 8 shows the average proportions of fixed and variable pay over the last three years.

 

Table 8: Average fixed and variable pay over the last three years (or
since joining)
 
           Variable   

Executive Directors

   Fixed      Cash      Shares   

John Varley

   79   9   12

Robert E Diamond Jr

   4   23   73

Chris Lucas

   30   6   64

This incorporates salary and benefits, the increase in transfer value of accrued pension or annual cash in lieu of pension, annual bonus comprising cash bonus and deferred share awards including bonus shares, and the fair value of PSP awards.

 

Service contracts

The Group has service contracts with its executive Directors which do not have a fixed term but provide for a notice period from the Group of 12 months and normally for retirement at age 65. Executive Directors’ contracts allow for termination with contractual notice from the Group or, in the alternative, termination by way of payment in lieu of notice (in phased instalments) which are subject to contractual mitigation. In the event of gross misconduct, neither notice nor a payment in lieu of notice will be given.

The Committee’s approach when considering payments in the event of termination is to take account of the individual circumstances including the reason for termination, contractual obligations and share and pension plan rules.

The Committee is sensitive to stakeholder concerns regarding contractual bonus payments to departing executive Directors. The executive Directors’ service contracts will be reviewed in 2010 in the light of best practice and regulatory and corporate governance developments. The Committee does not intend to include similar contractual provisions in relation to executive Director appointments going forward.

Details of current executive Director contract terms are shown in Table 9.

External appointments

The fees for external appointments held by executive Directors are shown in Table 10.


 

Table 9: Contract terms    Effective date
of contract
  

Notice period

from the Company

   Potential compensation for loss of office
Executive Directors         

John Varley

   1st September 2004    12 months    12 months base salary, bonus equivalent to the average of the previous three years and continuation of medical and pension benefits whilst an employee

Robert E Diamond Jr

   1st June 2005    12 months    12 months base salary, bonus equivalent to the average of the previous three years and continuation of medical and pension benefits whilst an employee

Chris Lucas

   1st April 2007    12 months    12 months base salary, bonus equivalent to the average of the previous three years up to 100% of base salary and continuation of medical and pension benefits whilst an employee

 

Table 10: Fees for external appointments held by
executive Directors Director
         2009    2008
    

Organisation

   Fees    Fees
retained
   Fees    Fees
retained

John Varley

   British Grolux Investments Limited    £8,061    £8,061    £7,788    £7,788
     AstraZeneca PLC    £95,000    £95,000    £83,333    £83,333

Any other positions held by the executive Directors do not attract fees.


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Group Chairman, Deputy Chairman and non-executive Directors

The Group Chairman, Deputy Chairman and non-executive Directors receive fees which reflect the individual responsibilities and membership of Board Committees. Fees are reviewed each year by the Board. Fees were last increased in June 2008.

The first £20,000 of each non-executive Director’s base fee and the Deputy Chairman’s fee is used to purchase Barclays PLC shares. These shares, together with reinvested dividends, are retained on behalf of the non-executive Directors until they retire from the Board.

Marcus Agius, Group Chairman, has a minimum time commitment to

Barclays equivalent to 60% of a full-time role and he receives private health insurance in addition to his fees. Marcus Agius is not eligible to participate in Barclays bonus and share incentive plans nor will he participate in Barclays pension plans or receive any pension contributions. No other non-executive Director receives any benefits from Barclays.

Membership and Chairmanship of Board Committees as at 31st December 2009 and details of the remuneration received by the non-executive Directors during the year are set out in Table 11. The Corporate Governance Report sets out current membership. Details of non-executive Director beneficial interests in Barclays PLC shares are set out in Table 12.


 

Table 11: 2009 fees
      Chairman
£000
   Deputy
Chairman
£000
   Board
Member
£000
   Board
Audit
Committee
£000
   Board HR
and
Remuneration
Committee
£000
   Board
Corporate
Governance
and
Nominations
Committee
£000
  

Board Risk

Committee

£000

   Benefits
£000
   Total
2009
£000
  

Total

2008

£000

Fees (at 31st Dec 09)

                             

Full-year fee

   750    200    70                     

Committee Chair

            60    40       40         

Committee Member

            25    15    15    15         

Fees to 31st December 2009 Group Chairman

                             

Marcus Agius

   750             M.    Ch.       1    751    751

Non-executive Directors

                             

David Booth

         M.             M.       85    83

Sir Richard Broadbent

      DCh.    M.       Ch.    M.    Ch.       197    188

Leigh Clifford AO

         M.       M.             123    115

Fulvio Conti

         M.    M.                95    90

Simon Fraser

         M.    M.    M.             83   

Reuben Jeffery III

         M.                   32   

Sir Andrew Likierman

         M.    M.          M.       110    105

Sir Michael Rake

         M.    Ch.       M.    M.       141    90

Sir John Sunderland

         M.       M.    M.          108    98

Leigh Clifford was also a member of the Asia Pacific Advisory Committee and received fees of US$60,000 (2008: US$60,000). These fees are included in those shown above. As Deputy Chairman, Sir Richard Broadbent receives a fee of £200,000 per annum. From 16th July 2009, the date from which he was appointed as Deputy Chairman, Sir Richard Broadbent did not receive any additional fees for serving on Board Committees or as Senior Independent Director.

Sir John Sunderland was appointed as a member of the Group Brand and Reputation Committee (for which the full-year fee is £15,000) with effect from 1st July 2009 and received fees of £7,500. These fees are included in those shown above.

 

Table 12: Shareholdings                  
      At
1st January
2009 total
beneficial
interests
  

At 31st

December
2009

total
beneficial
interests

  

At 5th

March
2010 total
beneficial
interests

Group Chairman

        

Marcus Agius

   113,148    113,530    113,530

Non-executive Directors

        

David Booth

   64,248    73,325    75,376

Sir Richard Broadbent

   24,625    34,590    36,634

Leigh Clifford AO

   26,236    35,427    37,348

Fulvio Conti

   30,482    39,304    41,274

Simon Fraser

      46,247    48,172

Reuben Jeffery III

      26,173    62,841

Sir Andrew Likierman

   13,297    23,007    25,078

Sir Michael Rake

   6,399    15,127    17,138

Sir John Sunderland

   71,463    79,775    81,705

 

Table 13: Terms of letters of appointment Notice Potential
    

Effective

date

 

period

from the

Company

 

compensation

for loss

of office

Group Chairman

      12 months
contractual

remuneration

Marcus Agius

  1st Jan 2007   12 months  

Non-executive Directors

     

David Booth

  1st May 2007   6 months   6 months fees

Sir Richard Broadbent

  16th July 2009   6 months   6 months fees

Leigh Clifford AO

  1st Oct 2004   6 months   6 months fees

Fulvio Conti

  1st Apr 2006   6 months   6 months fees

Simon Fraser

  10th Mar 2009   6 months   6 months fees

Reuben Jeffery III

  16th July 2009   6 months   6 months fees

Sir Andrew Likierman

  1st Sep 2004   6 months   6 months fees

Sir Michael Rake

  1st Jan 2008   6 months   6 months fees

Sir John Sunderland

  1st June 2005   6 months   6 months fees

 

 

Simon Fraser was appointed as a non-executive Director with effect from 10th March 2009. Reuben Jeffery III was appointed as a non-executive Director with effect from 16th July 2009. On 16th February 2010, the non-executive Directors acquired ordinary shares pursuant to arrangements under which part of each non-executive Director’s fee is used to buy shares in Barclays. Barclays PLC shares were acquired by each non-executive Director as follows: David Booth 2,051; Sir Richard Broadbent 2,044; Leigh Clifford 1,921; Fulvio Conti 1,970; Simon Fraser 1,925; Reuben Jeffery 2,668; Sir Andrew Likierman 2,071; Sir Michael Rake 2,011 and Sir John Sunderland 1,930. On 17th February 2010, Reuben Jeffery also acquired 8,500 Barclays American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), representing 34,000 Barclays PLC shares. Except as described in this note, there were no changes to the beneficial or non-beneficial interests of non-executive Directors in the period 31st December 2009 – 5th March 2010.



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Corporate governance

Remuneration report

continued

 

 

 

Letters of appointment

The Group Chairman, Deputy Chairman and non-executive Directors have individual letters of appointment. Each non-executive Director appointment is for an initial six-year term, renewable for a single term of three years thereafter.

Details of non-executive Directors standing for re-election at the 2010 AGM are set out on page 123.

Former Directors

Frits Seegers, Sir Nigel Rudd, Professor Dame Sandra Dawson, Stephen Russell and Patience Wheatcroft ceased to be Directors during the year.

Frits Seegers ceased to be a Director with effect from 3rd November 2009 and continued as an employee in order to effect a successful handover. Professor Dame Sandra Dawson and Sir Nigel Rudd did not put themselves forward for re-election at the 2009 AGM and received no termination payments. Patience Wheatcroft resigned as a non-executive Director with effect from 16th June 2009 and received no termination payment. Stephen Russell resigned as a non-executive Director with effect from 31st October 2009 and received no termination payment. Their remuneration for 2009 was as follows:

 

Table 14: Annual remuneration    Received for 2009
      Salary
and fees
£000
   Annual
cash bonus
£000
   Deferred
share award
(ESAS)
£000
   Long term
incentive
(PSP)
£000
   Benefits
£000
   Cash
allowance
£000
   Total
2009
£000
   Total
2008
£000

Frits Seegers

   700    467    933    0    110    175    2,385    2,502

Professor Dame Sandra Dawson

   30                   30    90

Sir Nigel Rudd DL

   63                   63    200

Stephen Russell

   113                   113    153

Patience Wheatcroft

   41                   41    78

In respect of the deferred share award (ESAS), a recommendation was made to the ESAS trustee that a provisional allocation of shares is made to Mr Seegers, scheduled to vest over a three-year period (31.5% scheduled to vest at first and second anniversary of grant and 37% scheduled to vest at third anniversary of grant. The third portion alone will include 20% bonus shares). The ESAS amount shown in Table 14 shows the basic allocation, but does not include bonus shares. Including the maximum potential bonus shares, the ESAS award will have an initial value of £1,002,042 for Mr Seegers.

During Mr Seegers’ notice period, which will expire on 31st December 2010 at the latest, monthly payments of £161,150 constituting base salary, instalments in respect of bonus for 2010 and other benefits are payable in line with his contract. In the event of an earlier cessation of employment by mutual agreement, monthly payments in respect of salary, cash allowance in lieu of pension and other benefits will cease to be made.

Sir Nigel Rudd was appointed as Chairman of the Advisory Committee – UK & Ireland Private Bank with effect from 1st December 2009. As Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Sir Nigel will receive a fee of £150,000 p.a. and in 2009 received £12,500. These fees are not included in those shown above.

Patience Wheatcroft was a member of the Group Brand and Reputation Committee (for which the full-year fee is £15,000) until her resignation as a non-executive Director with effect from 16th June 2009 and received fees of £6,917. These fees are included in those shown above.

 

Table 15: Terms of contract or
letter of appointment
   Effective date    Notice period from the
Company
   Potential compensation
for loss of office

Frits Seegers

   7th June 2006    12 months    12 months base salary, bonus equivalent to the average of the previous three years and continuation of medical and pension benefits whilst an employee

Professor Dame Sandra Dawson

   1st March 2003    6 months    6 months fees

Sir Nigel Rudd DL

   1st February 1996    6 months    6 months fees

Stephen Russell

   25th October 2000    6 months    6 months fees

Patience Wheatcroft

   1st January 2008    6 months    6 months fees

 

Table 16: Other directorships held by Frits Seegers          2009    2008
Director    Organisation    Fees    Fees
retained
   Fees    Fees
retained

Frits Seegers

   Absa Group Limited and
Absa Bank Limited
   £ 7,598    £0    £ 26,807    £0

Frits Seegers held this position until 11th February 2009.


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Former Directors continued

 

 

Table 17: Executive Share Award Scheme (ESAS)
Scheme    Number at
1st January
2009
(maximum)
   Awarded
in year
(maximum)
   Market
price on
award
date
   Number
released
    Market
price on
release
date
   Number
lapsed in
2009
   Number at
3rd November
2009
(maximum)
   Value of
release
  

First
release

date

   Last
release
date

Frits Seegers

                            

ESAS

   285,712          (84,521   £2.83       201,191    £0.24m    21/03/10    20/03/11

Mr Seegers received 53,817 dividend shares from the ESAS released during the year (share price on release date was £2.86).

 

 

Table 18: Performance Share Plan (PSP)
Scheme    Number of
shares at
1st January
2009
(maximum)
   Awarded
in year
(maximum)
   Market
price
on
award
date
   Number
released
   Market
price
on
release
date
   Number
lapsed
in 2009
    Number of
shares at
3rd November
2009
(maximum)
   Value of
release
   End of
three- year
PSP
performance
period
   Scheduled
release
date

Frits Seegers

                            

PSP 2006-2008

   485,868       £6.30          (246,983   238,885       31/12/08    31/08/11

PSP 2007-2009

   420,246       £7.08               420,246       31/12/09    22/03/10

PSP 2008-2010

   1,083,216       £4.25               1,083,216       31/12/10    20/03/11

PSP 2009-2011

      3,196,095    £2.34               3,196,095       31/12/11    27/04/12

In respect of Mr Seegers’ 2006 PSP award (scheduled to vest in 2009), vesting was deferred for a further two-year period at his request, subject to the satisfaction of further performance conditions. The maximum number of shares that may be released is as set out in the table. There is no opportunity to receive shares in excess of this number (save for any dividend shares that may be awarded by the PSP trustee). Following his cessation as a Director, a recommendation has been made for the award to vest in March 2010. The Committee determined that the further performance conditions (as requested in 2009) had been met.

50% of Mr Seegers’ 2009 PSP award was subject to the Return on Risk-Weighted Assets condition measured at GRCB level. The Committee determined that following the reorganisation of GRCB, performance would be measured for the 2009 financial year only, to reflect his contribution whilst in service (and is subject to the auditors’ final confirmation). Performance shares under this portion of the award (if any) will not vest until the third anniversary of grant. The TSR portion of the award will continue to be measured for the full three-year period, with shares (if any) scheduled to vest on or after the third anniversary of grant.

 

Table 19: Sharesave
Scheme    Number at
1st January
2009
(maximum)
   Awarded
in year
(maximum)
   Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number
vested
in year
   Number
exercised
   Market
price on
exercise
date
   Number
lapsed
in 2009
   Number at
3rd November
2009
(maximum)
   Vested
number
of share
options
   Value of
exercise
   First
exercise
date
   Last
exercise
date

Frits Seegers

                                   

Sharesave

   3,480       £4.70                  3,480          01/11/12    01/05/13

Gary Hoffman, a former Director, is a Director of Barclays Pension Fund Trustees Limited and received fees of £55,254.


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Corporate governance

Remuneration report

continued

 

 

 

Share and long-term incentive plans

Barclays operates a number of Group-wide plans. Summaries of the principal plans are set out below. Barclays has a number of employee benefit trusts which operate with these plans. In some cases, the trustees grant awards and purchase shares in the market to satisfy awards as required, in others, new issue or treasury shares may be used to satisfy awards where the appropriate shareholder approval has been obtained. The number of shares held by the trustees is set out in Note 44 on pages 238 and 239. The limits on the issue of new shares comply with the guidelines issued by the Association of British Insurers.

 

Table 20: Plans under which awards made in 2009

Plan name

   Executive Directors eligible?    Description
Performance Share Plan (PSP)    Yes   

–  PSP is a performance related share plan under which awards of Barclays PLC shares may be made to selected employees (including executive Directors), subject to trustee discretion.

     

–  The PSP trustee may select any employee of the Group to participate in the plan.

     

–  Awards are granted by the PSP trustee, in consultation with the Remuneration Committee and are communicated as provisional allocations to participants. No right to the shares arises until the PSP trustee releases the shares.

     

–  Participants do not pay for a grant or release of an award.

     

–  Awards are normally releasable on or after the third anniversary of grant, to the extent that applicable performance conditions are satisfied, subject to trustee discretion.

     

–  Any awards released may also include an additional number of shares equivalent to any dividends that would have been paid on the shares between the date of grant and release.

     

–  Normally, the maximum expected value of an award made to an employee at the date of grant is the higher of 150% of base salary, or 75% of base salary and target bonus. Maximum awards reflect the relevant market for each executive Director. Awards are communicated on grant as an expected value. This is a single value for the award at grant, which takes into account the sum of the various possible performance and vesting outcomes.

     

–  On cessation of employment, eligible leavers (as defined) normally receive an award pro rated for time and performance subject to trustee discretion. For other leavers, awards will normally lapse.

     

–  On a change of control awards may vest at the PSP trustee’s discretion and may be pro rated for time and performance to the date of change of control.

     

–  PSP is not an HMRC approved plan.

         

–  The plan was approved for a ten year period by shareholders in April 2005.

 

 

Executive Share Award Scheme (ESAS)

  

 

Yes

  

 

–  ESAS is a deferred share award plan operated in conjunction with various Group bonus plans for selected employees (including executive Directors), subject to trustee discretion.

     

–  Awards are granted by the ESAS trustee having first consulted with the Remuneration Committee.

     

–  For certain eligible employees a proportion of discretionary annual bonus is delivered in cash and a proportion is as a recommended mandatory provisional allocation of Barclays PLC shares under ESAS.

     

–  The mandatory provisional allocation will normally include bonus shares equal to 30% of the value of the deferred bonus amount awarded in shares.

     

–  Under mandatory ESAS awards, nil cost options are typically granted three years from award, subject to the discretion of the ESAS trustee. Participants may then call for the shares plus two thirds of the bonus shares and any associated dividend shares. If the nil cost option is not exercised by the end of the two year period, the ESAS trustee may release all shares, bonus shares and any dividend shares to the participant.

     

–  In addition to mandatory ESAS, participants may also request to waive any bonus (or part of a bonus) to which they may become entitled and request that a voluntary ESAS award be made to them in the form of a nil cost option. Voluntary ESAS awards are typically fully exercisable after five years, and include bonus shares equal to 30% of the waived bonus amount. Dividend shares may be awarded, as per mandatory ESAS awards.

     

–  On cessation of employment, a participant may forfeit an award depending on the reason for leaving. Special provisions apply on a change of control.

     

–  ESAS is also used to make certain awards to facilitate the retention and recruitment of new joiners to the Group who have forfeited share awards on leaving previous employment. Typically bonus shares are not awarded, though dividend shares may be awarded, as per mandatory ESAS awards.

         

–  ESAS is not an HMRC approved plan.

 

 

Incentive shares

  

 

No

  

 

–  Incentive shares are discretionary share awards that may be made to selected employees (excluding executive Directors), subject to trustee discretion.

     

–  Shares are normally released after three years, subject to continued employment and the discretion of the trustee. Dividends received are normally awarded as additional shares and released at the same time.

     

–  On cessation of employment eligible leavers (as defined) normally receive an award pro rated for time in employment, subject to the discretion of the trustee; for other leavers, awards will normally lapse.

     

–  On a change of control awards may vest, pro rated for time to the date of change of control, subject to the discretion of the trustee.

         

–  Incentive shares is not an HMRC approved plan.

 


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LOGO

 

 

 

 

Share and long-term incentive plans continued

 

 

Table 20: Plans under which awards made in 2009 continued

 

 

Plan name    Executive
Directors
eligible?
   Description
Long Term Cash Plan (LTCP)    No   

–  The LTCP is a forward-looking plan introduced for 2009, under which conditional awards of cash are made to eligible employees (excluding executive Directors).

–  Awards are released in portions over a period of time (two years for 2009 awards), subject to continued employment.

–  At the time of the final release, for 2009 awards, a service credit (10% of the initial value of the award) is added.

–  Participants must normally be in employment at the time of release in order to receive each portion of the payment.

–  Participants who leave employment before the release date of any portion of the award will normally forfeit any outstanding amounts. For categories of eligible leavers an award will vest, pro rated for time in service.

–  On a change of control awards may vest at the discretion of the Committee.

 

Sharesave    Yes   

–  Sharesave was approved for a ten-year period in 2000 and is due to expire at the end of 2010. Shareholder approval will be sought at the AGM to establish a replacement scheme on substantially the same terms.

–  Sharesave is a share option plan under which all eligible employees in the UK, Ireland and Spain (including executive Directors) are invited to participate. It is HMRC approved in the UK and approved by the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland.

–  Participants are granted options over Barclays PLC shares which may be at a discount to the market value at the date of award (currently 20%).

–  At the expiry of a fixed term (three, five or seven years) participants may use savings to acquire the shares by exercising their option within 6 months of the date of vesting. Participants may save up to £250 per month (¤500 in Ireland, ¤135 in Spain) for this purpose.

–  On cessation of employment eligible leavers (as defined) may exercise their option to acquire shares to the extent of their savings for a period of 6 months.

–  On a change of control, participants may be able to exercise their options to acquire shares to the extent of their savings for a period of 6 months (or a shorter period in certain circumstances).

 

Sharepurchase    Yes   

–  Sharepurchase is an HMRC approved share incentive plan under which all employees in the UK (including executive Directors) are invited to participate.

–  Participants may purchase up to £1,500 of shares each tax year. To encourage employee share ownership, Barclays matches the first £600 of shares purchased by participants on a one-for-one basis. Dividends are also earned in the form of additional shares.

–  Purchased shares may be withdrawn from the plan at any time. Matching and dividend shares must be held in trust for three years before release, but may be kept in trust for five years.

–  On cessation of employment participants must withdraw all shares and depending on the reason for and timing of cessation, the matching shares may be forfeited.

–  On a change of control, participants are able to instruct the Sharepurchase trustee how to act or vote on their behalf.

–  The plan was approved by shareholders in April 2000.

 

Global Sharepurchase    Yes   

–  Global Sharepurchase is an extension of the Sharepurchase plan that is offered to employees in the UK. When the Sharepurchase plan was approved by shareholders in April 2000, the approval included the option of extending the plan to other jurisdictions.

–  Employees in certain jurisdictions are invited under the terms of the Global Sharepurchase plan to purchase shares in Barclays PLC, which attract a matching share award awarded by Barclays (up to a cap) and associated dividend shares.

–  Global Sharepurchase operates in substantially the same way as Sharepurchase.

 


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Corporate governance

Remuneration report

 

continued

 

 

 

Share and long-term incentive plans continued

 

Table 21: New plans under which awards to be made in 2010
Plan name    Executive
Directors
eligible?
   Description
Share Value Plan (SVP)    No   

–  The SVP is a new share incentive plan to be introduced for 2010.

–  Share awards in 2010 will be discretionary awards that may be made to selected employees (excluding executive Directors), subject to trustee discretion.

–  Awards vest in three annual instalments over three years, subject to continued employment and the discretion of the trustee. Dividends received are normally awarded as additional shares and released at the same time.

–  Vesting of the awards may be reduced (to nil if appropriate) on occurrence of certain events (e.g. where the Company’s accounts have been materially restated at any time during the vesting period).

–  Participants who leave employment voluntarily or are dismissed for gross misconduct before the release date of any instalment will normally forfeit any outstanding awards. For categories of eligible leavers awards will vest.

–  On a change of control awards may vest subject to the discretion of the Committee and the trustee.

–The SVP is not an HMRC approved plan.

Cash Value Plan (CVP)    No   

–  The CVP is a new cash incentive plan to be introduced for 2010.

–  Discretionary awards of cash are made to eligible employees (excluding executive Directors).

–  The CVP operates in substantially the same way as the SVP with the intention that 2010 awards are paid in three annual instalments over a three-year period, at the discretion of the Company’s Cash Plans Committee.

–  In addition to cash awards, participants may be awarded a service credit (10% of the initial value of the award) to be paid at the same time as the final instalment of their award, subject to continued employment in the Group.

–  Similar leaver and change of control provisions apply under the CVP as for the SVP.


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Share and long-term incentive plans continued

 

Table 22: Plans under which awards not made in 2009
Plan name    Executive
Directors
eligible?
   Description
ISOP (Incentive Share Option Plan)    Yes   

–  The Incentive Share Option Plan is a share option plan under which share options were granted to selected employees (including executive Directors). No options have been granted since 2004.

–  ISOP contains HMRC approved and unapproved parts.

–  Options were awarded at the market price at the date of grant calculated in accordance with the rules of the plan.

–  Options granted had an EP threshold and a TSR performance condition associated with them. Options were normally exercisable between three and ten years of the grant date.

–  All options granted which met these performance criteria have now vested and are exercisable.

–  On cessation of employment eligible leavers (as defined) normally are able to exercise their options; for other leavers, options normally lapse.

–  On a change of control options would remain exercisable for a specified period.

–  The plan was approved for a ten year period by shareholders in April 2000.

 

ESOS (Executive Share Option Scheme)    n/a   

–  The Executive Share Option Scheme is a share option plan under which share options were granted to selected employees (including executive Directors). No options have been granted since 2000.

–  Options were awarded at the market price at the date of grant calculated in accordance with the rules of the plan.

–  Options were normally exercisable between three and ten years of the grant date. All options are now vested.

–  On cessation of employment eligible leavers (as defined) normally are able to exercise their option pro-rated for performance; for other leavers, options normally lapse.

–  On a change of control options remain exercisable for a specified period.

–  The plan was adopted for a ten year period by shareholders in 1990.

 

BGI EOP

(BGI Equity Ownership Plan)

   No   

–  The BGI Equity Ownership Plan (BGI EOP) was approved by shareholders at Barclays 2000 AGM to provide the employee share incentive arrangements required to recruit and retain senior management.

–  Under the terms of the BGI EOP, options were granted at fair value to key BGI employees over shares in Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited (BGI Holdings) within an overall cap of 20% of the issued ordinary share capital of BGI Holdings.

–  Employees who were executive Directors of Barclays PLC at the date of grant were not eligible to receive options under the BGI EOP.

–  Following completion of the sale of BGI on 1st December 2009, the BGI EOP was terminated on 16th December 2009, in accordance with the rules of the plan. Under the terms of EOP participants were able to exercise their outstanding options in full. Participants were then able to sell their newly acquired and existing BGI Holdings shares to Barclays Bank PLC. In accordance with the terms of EOP, the price per BGI Holdings share was determined to be £109.45.

–  As part of the termination of EOP, participants exercised outstanding options to purchase 6.4 million shares and the Group repurchased all participants’ holdings totalling 10.2 million shares for a net consideration of £542m, after deducting aggregate option exercise costs of £571m.

 

BGI EOP – Accounting and disclosure

–  The BGI EOP is accounted for as an equity settled share-based payment in accordance with IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’. The fair value of the services received from the employees is measured by reference to the fair value of the share options granted on the date of the grant. The cost of the employee services received in respect of the share options granted is recognised in the income statement over the period that the services are received.

–  In accordance with IFRS 2, details of share options granted and exercised, together with weighted average fair values at grant date and weighted average exercise prices are set out in Note 44 to the accounts. In accordance with IAS 33 ‘Earnings per Share’, unexercised options are taken into account in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as set out in Note 11 to the accounts.

–  For Group reporting, participants’ shareholdings are treated as non controlling interests and goodwill has been previously recognised as a result of the purchase of shares offered for sale by employees. The related goodwill and non-controlling interests relating to the scheme are included in Notes 21 and 33 to the accounts respectively.

–  Following completion of the sale of BGI, the BGI EOP was terminated. The cost of terminating the plan has been included as a cost of disposal in Note 38 to the accounts.

 

BGI Equity Participation Plan    No   

–  The BGI Equity Participation Plan was a share plan linked to the value of BGI shares intended for selected BGI employees (in the form of stock appreciation rights settled in shares of restricted share awards).

–  No awards have been or will be made under the plan as BGI has now been sold from the Group.

 


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Corporate governance

Accountability and audit

 

 

 

 

Going concern

The Group’s business activities and financial position; the factors likely to affect its future development and performance; and its objectives and policies in managing the financial risks to which it is exposed and its capital are discussed in the Business Review.

The Directors have assessed, in the light of current and anticipated economic conditions, the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Directors confirm they are satisfied that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the ‘going concern’ basis for preparing accounts.

Internal control

The Directors have responsibility for ensuring that management maintain an effective system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. Throughout the year ended 31st December 2009, and to date, the Group has operated a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance of effective and efficient operations covering all controls, including financial and operational controls and compliance with laws and regulations. Processes are in place for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks facing the Group in accordance with the guidance ‘Internal Control: Revised Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code’ published by the Financial Reporting Council. The Board regularly reviews these processes through its principal Board Committees.

The Directors review the effectiveness of the system of internal control semi-annually. An internal control compliance certification process is conducted throughout the Group in support of this review. The effectiveness of controls is periodically reviewed within the business areas. Regular reports are made to the Board Audit Committee by management, Internal Audit and the finance, compliance and legal functions covering particularly financial controls, compliance and operational controls. The Board Audit Committee monitors resolution of any identified control issues of Group level significance through to a satisfactory conclusion.

The Group Internal Control and Assurance Framework (GICAF) describes the Group’s approach to internal control and details Group policies and processes. The GICAF is reviewed and approved on behalf of the Group Chief Executive by the Group Governance and Control Committee.

Regular risk reports are made to the Board covering risks of Group significance including credit risk, market risk, operational risk and legal risk. Reports covering credit, market and operational risk, key risks, risk measurement methodologies and risk appetite are made to the Board Risk Committee. Further details of risk management procedures are given in the Risk management section on pages 54 to 118.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

The management of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC (collectively ‘Management’) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the principal

executive and principal financial officers of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and the respective Directors of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material affect on the financial statements.

Internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31st December 2009. In making its assessment, Management has utilised the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework. Management concluded that, based on its assessment, the internal control over financial reporting of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC was effective as of 31st December 2009.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued a report on Barclays PLC’s internal control over financial reporting which is set out on page 166.

This annual report does not include a report of our registered public accounting firm on Barclays Bank PLC’s internal control over financial reporting. Barclays Bank PLC’s internal control over financial reporting is not subject to assessment by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit Barclays Bank PLC to provide only the management’s report in this annual report.

The system of internal financial and operational controls is also subject to regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom and overseas. Further information on supervision by the financial services regulators is provided under Supervision and Regulation in the Risk Management section on pages 117 to 118.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report which have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC’s internal control over financial reporting.



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LOGO

 

 

 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities for accounts

The following statement is made with a view to distinguishing for shareholders the respective responsibilities of the Directors and of the auditors in relation to the accounts.

The Directors are required by the Companies Act 2006 to prepare accounts for each financial year and, with regards to Group accounts, in accordance with Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. The Directors have prepared individual accounts in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The accounts are required by law and IFRS to present fairly the financial position of the Company and the Group and the performance for that period. The Companies Act 2006 provides, in relation to such accounts, that references to accounts giving a true and fair view are references to fair presentation.

The Directors consider that, in preparing the accounts on pages 167 to 282, and the additional information contained on pages 302 to 312, the Group has used appropriate accounting policies, supported by reasonable judgements and estimates, and that all accounting standards which they consider to be applicable have been followed.

The Directors have responsibility for ensuring that the Company and the Group keep accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Company and the Group and which enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006.

The Directors have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures

The Group Chief Executive, John Varley, and the Group Finance Director, Chris Lucas, conducted with Group Management an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Group’s disclosure controls and procedures as at 31st December 2009, which are defined as those controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarised and reported within the time periods specified in the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. As of the date of the evaluation, the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

 

(a) The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of Barclays PLC and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

 

(b) The management report, which is incorporated into the Directors’ Report on pages 122 to 125, includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of Barclays PLC and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

Signed on behalf of the Board

LOGO

Marcus Agius

Group Chairman

9th March 2010



Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Financial

statements

 

165    Presentation of information
166    Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s report
167    Accounting policies
177    Accounting developments
178    Consolidated income statement
179    Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
180    Consolidated balance sheet
181    Consolidated statement of changes in equity
182    Consolidated cash flow statement
183    Parent Company accounts
186    Notes to the accounts
283    Barclays Bank PLC data


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        165  

 

LOGO

 

Presentation of information

 

 

Barclays PLC is a public limited company registered in England under company number 48839. The Company, originally named Barclay & Company Limited, was incorporated in England and Wales on 20th July 1896 under the Companies Acts 1862 to 1890 as a company limited by shares. The company name was changed to Barclays Bank Limited on 17th February 1917 and it was reregistered in 1982 as a public limited company under the Companies Acts 1948 to 1980. On 1st January 1985, the company changed its name to Barclays PLC.

Barclays Bank PLC is a public limited company registered in England under company number 1026167. The Bank was incorporated on 7th August 1925 under the Colonial Bank Act 1925 and on 4th October 1971 was registered as a company limited by shares under the Companies Acts 1948 to 1967. Pursuant to The Barclays Bank Act 1984, on 1st January 1985 the Bank was reregistered as a public limited company and its name was changed from Barclays Bank International Limited to Barclays Bank PLC.

All of the issued ordinary share capital of Barclays Bank PLC is owned by Barclays PLC. The Annual Report for Barclays PLC also contains the consolidated accounts of, and other information relating to, Barclays Bank PLC. The Annual Report includes information required to be included in the Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2009. Form 20-F will contain as exhibits certificates pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, with respect to both Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC. Except where otherwise indicated, the information given is identical with respect to both Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC.

The accounts of Barclays Bank PLC included in this document do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts of Barclays Bank PLC, which contain an unqualified audit report and do not contain any statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of that Act, will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in accordance with Section 441 of that Act and are published as a separate document.

 

Draft BBA Code for Financial Reporting Disclosure

In accordance with the agreement set out in the FSA discussion paper, ‘Enhancing financial reporting disclosure by UK credit institutions’, Barclays confirms that it has complied with the draft BBA Code for Financial Reporting Disclosure.

In October 2009, the British Bankers’ Association published a draft Code for Financial Reporting Disclosure. The draft Code sets out five disclosure principles together with supporting guidance. The principles are that UK banks will: provide high quality, meaningful and decision-useful disclosures; review and enhance their financial instrument disclosures for key areas of interest; assess the applicability and relevance of good practice recommendations to their disclosures acknowledging the importance of such guidance; seek to enhance the comparability of financial statement disclosures across the UK banking sector; and clearly differentiate in their annual reports between information that is audited and information that is unaudited.

The Group and other major UK banks have voluntarily adopted the draft Code in their 2009 financial statements. The Group’s 2009 financial statements have therefore been prepared in compliance with the draft Code’s principles and the Group aims to continue to enhance its disclosures in line with developing market practice and areas of focus.

Statutory Accounts

The consolidated accounts of Barclays PLC and its subsidiaries are set out on pages 167 to 282 along with the accounts of Barclays PLC itself on pages 183 to 185. The consolidated accounts of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries are set out on pages 283 to 300. The accounting policies on pages 167 to 177 and the Notes commencing on page 186 apply equally to both sets of accounts unless otherwise stated.



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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s report

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Barclays PLC

In our opinion, the accompanying Consolidated income statements and the related Consolidated balance sheets, Consolidated cash flow statements and, Consolidated statements of comprehensive income and Consolidated statements of changes in equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Barclays PLC (The Company) and its subsidiaries at 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2008 and the results of their operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31st December 2009, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also, in our opinion the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 31st December 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

The Company’s management are responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in ‘Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting’ as it pertains to Barclays PLC in the section headed ‘Accountability and Audit’.

Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant

 

estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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

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

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

London, United Kingdom

9th March 2010



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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Accounting policies

 

 

Significant accounting policies

1. Reporting entity

These financial statements are prepared for the Barclays PLC Group under Section 399 of the Companies Act 2006. The Group is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services. In addition, individual financial statements have been prepared for the holding company, Barclays PLC (the Company), under Section 397 of the Companies Act 2006.

Barclays PLC is a public limited company, incorporated in England and Wales having a registered office in England and is the holding company of the Group.

2. Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards

The consolidated financial statements of the Barclays PLC Group, and the individual financial statements of Barclays PLC, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), as published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). They are also in accordance with IFRS and IFRIC interpretations as adopted by the European Union.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of the consolidated and individual financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied. Changes in accounting policy are set out on page 177.

3. Basis of preparation

The consolidated and individual financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include the fair valuation of investment property, certain financial instruments and contracts to buy or sell non-financial items and trading inventories to the extent required or permitted under accounting standards and as set out in the relevant accounting polices. They are stated in millions of pounds Sterling (£m), the currency of the country in which Barclays PLC is incorporated.

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in the process of applying the accounting policies. The notes to the financial statements set out areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions are significant to the consolidated and individual financial statements such as fair value of financial instruments (Note 50), allowance for impairment (Note 47), goodwill (Note 21), intangible assets (Note 22), retirement benefit obligations (Note 30), derecognition of financial assets (Note 29), taxation (Note 10) and credit risk (Note 47).

4. Consolidation

Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements combine the financial statements of Barclays PLC and all its subsidiaries, including certain special purpose entities (SPEs) where appropriate, made up to 31st December. Entities qualify as subsidiaries where the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities,

generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered in assessing whether the Group controls another entity. Details of the principal subsidiaries are given in Note 41.

SPEs are consolidated when the substance of the relationship between the Group and that entity indicates control. Potential indicators of control include, amongst others, an assessment of the Group’s exposure to the risks and benefits of the SPE.

This assessment of risks and benefits is based on arrangements in place and the assessed risk exposures at inception. The initial assessment is reconsidered at a later date if:

 

a) the Group acquires additional interests in the entity;

 

b) the contractual arrangements of the entity are amended such that the relative exposure to risks and benefits change; or

 

c) if the Group acquires control over the main operating and financial decisions of the entity.

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the date that control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the purchase of subsidiaries. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, plus any costs directly related to the acquisition.

The excess of the cost of an acquisition over the Group’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. See accounting policy 14 for the accounting policy for goodwill. A gain on acquisition is recognised in profit or loss if there is an excess of the Group’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired over the cost of the acquisition. Intra-group transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation and consistent accounting policies are used throughout the Group for the purposes of the consolidation.

As the consolidated financial statements include partnerships where a Group member is a partner, advantage has been taken of the exemption under Regulation 7 of the Partnerships (Accounts) Regulations 2008 with regard to the preparation and filing of individual partnership financial statements.

In the individual financial statements, investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less impairment, if any.

Associates and joint ventures

An associate is an entity in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial management policy decisions. This is generally demonstrated by the Group holding in excess of 20%, but no more than 50%, of the voting rights.

A joint venture exists where the Group has a contractual arrangement with one or more parties to undertake activities typically, though not necessarily, through entities which are subject to joint control.

Unless designated as at fair value through profit and loss as set out in policy 7, the Group’s investments in associates and joint ventures are initially recorded at cost and increased (or decreased) each year by the Group’s



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Accounting policies

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share of the post-acquisition profit (or loss), or other movements reflected directly in the other comprehensive income of the associated or jointly controlled entity. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of an associate or joint venture is included in the carrying amount of the investment (net of any accumulated impairment loss). When the Group’s share of losses or other reductions in equity in an associate or joint venture equals or exceeds the recorded interest, including any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the entity.

The Group’s share of the results of associates and joint ventures is based on financial statements made up to a date not earlier than three months before the balance sheet date, adjusted to conform with the accounting polices of the Group. Unrealised gains on transactions are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment in the asset transferred.

In the individual financial statements, investments in associates and joint ventures are stated at cost less impairment, if any.

5. Foreign currency translation

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using their functional currency, being the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates.

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the appropriate functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate prevailing at the period end. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the retranslation and settlement of these items are recognised in the income statement except for qualifying cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments. See policy 12 for the policies on hedge accounting.

Non-monetary assets that are measured at fair value are translated using the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Exchange differences on equities and similar non-monetary items held at fair value through profit or loss, are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. Translation differences on equities classified as available for sale financial assets and similar non-monetary items are included directly in equity.

For the purposes of translation into the presentational currency, assets, liabilities and equity of foreign operations are translated at the closing rate, and items of income and expense are translated into Sterling at the rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions, or average rates of exchange where these approximate to actual rates.

The exchange differences arising on the translation of a foreign operation are included in cumulative translation reserves within shareholders’ equity and included in the profit or loss on disposal or partial disposal of the operation.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of foreign subsidiaries are maintained in the functional currency of the foreign operation, translated at the closing rate and are included in hedges of net investments where appropriate.

 

6. Interest, fees and commissions

Interest

Interest is recognised in interest income and interest expense in the income statement for all interest bearing financial instruments classified as held to maturity, available for sale or other loans and receivables using the effective interest method.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or liability (or group of assets and liabilities) and of allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts the expected future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount of the instrument. The application of the method has the effect of recognising income (and expense) receivable (or payable) on the instrument evenly in proportion to the amount outstanding over the period to maturity or repayment.

In calculating effective interest, the Group estimates cash flows (using projections based on its experience of customers’ behaviour) considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument but excluding future credit losses. Fees, including those for early redemption, are included in the calculation to the extent that they can be measured and are considered to be an integral part of the effective interest rate. Cash flows arising from the direct and incremental costs of issuing financial instruments are also taken into account in the calculation. Where it is not possible to otherwise estimate reliably the cash flows or the expected life of a financial instrument, effective interest is calculated by reference to the payments or receipts specified in the contract, and the full contractual term.

Fees and commissions

Unless included in the effective interest calculation, fees and commissions are recognised on an accruals basis as the service is provided. Fees and commissions not integral to effective interest arising from negotiating, or participating in the negotiation of a transaction from a third party, such as the acquisition of loans, shares or other securities or the purchase or sale of businesses, are recognised on completion of the underlying transaction. Portfolio and other management advisory and service fees are recognised based on the applicable service contracts. Asset management fees related to investment funds are recognised over the period the service is provided. The same principle is applied to the recognition of income from wealth management, financial planning and custody services that are continuously provided over an extended period of time.

Commitment fees, together with related direct costs, for loan facilities where draw down is probable are deferred and recognised as an adjustment to the effective interest on the loan once drawn. Commitment fees in relation to facilities where draw down is not probable are recognised over the term of the commitment.



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Insurance premiums

Insurance premiums are recognised in the period earned.

Net trading income

Income arises from the margins which are achieved through market-making and customer business and from changes in fair value caused by movements in interest and exchange rates, equity prices and other market variables. Trading positions are held at fair value and the resulting gains and losses are included in the income statement, together with interest and dividends arising from long and short positions and funding costs relating to trading activities.

Dividends

Dividends are recognised when the right to receive payment is established. In the individual financial statements of Barclays PLC, this is when the dividends are received or when the dividends are appropriately authorised by the subsidiary.

7. Financial assets and liabilities

Financial assets

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss; loans and receivables; held to maturity investments and available for sale financial assets. Management determines the classification of financial assets and liabilities at initial recognition.

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

Financial instruments are classified in this category if they are held for trading, or if they are designated by management under the fair value option. Instruments are classified as held for trading if they are:

 

a) acquired principally for the purposes of selling or repurchasing in the near term;

 

b) part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term profit taking; or

 

c) a derivative, except for a derivative that is a financial guarantee contract or a designated and effective hedging instrument.

It is not possible to transfer a financial instrument out of this category whilst it is held or issued with the exception of non-derivative financial assets held for trading which may be transferred out of this category from 1st July 2008 after initial classification where:

 

a) in rare circumstances, it is no longer held for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term, or

 

b) it is no longer held for the purpose of trading, it would have met the definition of a loan and receivable on initial classification and the Group has the intention and ability to hold it for the foreseeable future or until maturity.

 

Financial instruments included in this category are recognised initially at fair value and transaction costs are taken directly to the income statement. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included directly in the income statement.

Regular way purchases and sales of financial instruments held for trading or designated under the fair value option are recognised on trade date, being the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. The fair value option is used in the following circumstances:

 

a) financial assets backing insurance contracts and financial assets backing investment contracts are designated at fair value through profit or loss because the related liabilities have cash flows that are contractually based on the performance of the assets or the related liabilities are insurance contracts whose measurement incorporates current information. Fair valuing the assets through profit and loss significantly reduces the recognition inconsistencies that would arise if the financial assets were classified as available for sale;

 

b) financial assets, loans to customers, financial liabilities, financial guarantees and structured notes may be designated at fair value through profit or loss if they contain substantive embedded derivatives;

 

c) financial assets, loans to customers, financial liabilities, financial guarantees and structured notes may be designated at fair value through profit or loss where doing so significantly reduces measurement inconsistencies that would arise if the related derivatives were treated as held for trading and the underlying financial instruments were carried at amortised cost; and

 

d) certain private equity and other investments that are managed, and evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy and reported to key management personnel on that basis.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and which are not classified as available for sale. Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value, including direct and incremental transaction costs. They are subsequently valued at amortised cost, using the effective interest method (see accounting policy 6).

Regular way purchases and sales of loans and receivables are recognised on contractual settlement.

Held to maturity

Held to maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that the Group’s management has the intention and ability to hold to maturity. They are initially recognised at fair value including direct and incremental transaction costs. They are subsequently valued at amortised cost, using the effective interest method (see accounting policy 6).



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Accounting policies

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Regular way purchases of held to maturity financial assets are recognised on trade date, being the date on which the Group commits to purchase the asset.

Available for sale

Available for sale assets are non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available for sale and are not categorised into any of the other categories described above. They are initially recognised at fair value including direct and incremental transaction costs. They are subsequently held at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included as a separate component of equity until sale when the cumulative gain or loss is transferred to the income statement. Interest determined using the effective interest method (see accounting policy 6), impairment losses and translation differences on monetary items are recognised in the income statement.

Regular way purchases and sales of available for sale financial instruments are recognised on trade date, being the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

A financial asset classified as available for sale that would have met the definition of loans and receivables may only be transferred from the available for sale classification where the Group has the intention and the ability to hold the asset for the foreseeable future or until maturity.

Embedded derivatives

Some hybrid contracts contain both a derivative and a non-derivative component. In such cases, the derivative component is termed an embedded derivative. Where the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivatives are not closely related to those of the host contract, and the host contract itself is not carried at fair value through profit or loss, the embedded derivative is bifurcated and reported at fair value with gains and losses being recognised in the income statement.

Profits or losses cannot be recognised on the initial recognition of embedded derivatives unless the host contract is also carried at fair value.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset, or a portion of a financial asset, where the contractual rights to that asset have expired. Derecognition is also appropriate where the rights to further cash flows from the asset have been transferred to a third party and, with them, either:

 

(i) substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset; or

 

(ii) significant risks and rewards, along with the unconditional ability to sell or pledge the asset.

Where significant risks and rewards have been transferred, but the transferee does not have the unconditional ability to sell or pledge the asset, the Group continues to account for the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement (‘continuing involvement accounting’).

To assess the extent to which risks and rewards have been transferred, it is often necessary to perform a quantitative analysis. Such an analysis will compare the Group’s exposure to variability in asset cash flows before the transfer with its retained exposure after the transfer.

Where neither derecognition nor continuing involvement accounting is appropriate, the Group continues to recognise the asset in its entirety and recognises any consideration received as a financial liability.

 

Loan commitments

Loan commitments, where the Group has a past practice of selling the resulting assets shortly after origination, are held at fair value through profit or loss. Other loan commitments are accounted for in accordance with accounting policy 23.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, except for trading liabilities and liabilities designated at fair value, which are held at fair value through profit or loss. Financial liabilities are derecognised when extinguished.

An exchange of an existing debt instrument for a new instrument with the lender on substantially different terms is accounted for as an extinguishment of the original financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability. An assessment is made as to whether the terms are substantially different considering qualitative and quantitive characteristics. For example, if the discounted present value calculated using the original effective interest rate of the cash flows under the new terms, including fees, is at least 10 per cent different from the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability, or if the qualitative assessment concludes that the nature and risk profile of the original financial liability is materially different from that of the new financial liability based on the terms of the instruments including repayment terms, coupon terms and call options, the original financial liability is extinguished.

When an exchange is accounted for as an extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred are recognised as part of the gain or loss on the extinguishment. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.

Determining fair value

Where the classification of a financial instrument requires it to be stated at fair value, fair value is determined by reference to a quoted market price for that instrument or by using a valuation model. Where the fair value is calculated using valuation models, the methodology is to calculate the expected cash flows under the terms of each specific contract and then discount these values back to a present value. These models use as their basis independently sourced market parameters including, for example, interest rate yield curves, equities and commodities prices, option volatilities and currency rates. For financial liabilities measured at fair value, the carrying amount reflects the effect on fair value of changes in own credit spreads derived from observable market data, such as spreads on Barclays issued bonds or credit default swaps. Most market parameters are either directly observable or are implied from instrument prices. The model may perform numerical procedures in the pricing such as interpolation when input values do not directly correspond to the most actively traded market trade parameters. However, where valuations include significant unobservable inputs, the transaction price is deemed to provide the best evidence of initial fair value for accounting purposes. As such, profits or losses are recognised upon trade inception only when such profits can be measured solely by reference to observable market data. For valuations that include significant unobservable inputs, the difference between the model valuation and the initial transaction price is recognised in profit or loss:



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a) on a straight-line basis over the term of the transaction, or over the period until all model inputs will become observable where appropriate, or;

 

b) released in full where previously unobservable inputs become observable.

Various factors influence the availability of observable inputs and these may vary from product to product and change over time. Factors include, for example, the depth of activity in the relevant market, the type of product, whether the product is new and not widely traded in the marketplace, the maturity of market modelling and the nature of the transaction (bespoke or generic). To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are not observable in the market, the determination of fair value can be more subjective, dependant on the significance of the unobservable input to the overall valuation. Unobservable inputs are determined based on the best information available, for example by reference to similar assets, similar maturities or other analytical techniques.

8. Impairment of financial assets

The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that loans and receivables or available for sale financial investments are impaired. These are impaired and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more loss events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset and prior to the balance sheet date (a loss event) and that loss event or events has had an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or the portfolio that can be reliably estimated. The criteria that the Group uses to determine that there is objective evidence of an impairment loss include:

 

a) significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor;

 

b) a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

 

c) the lender, for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granting to the borrower a concession that the lender would not otherwise consider;

 

d) it becomes probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation;

 

e) the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or

 

f) observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of financial assets since the initial recognition of those assets, although the decrease cannot yet be identified with the individual financial assets in the portfolio, including:

 

  (i) adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio;

 

  (ii) national or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults on the assets in the portfolio.

For loans and receivables the Group first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists individually for loans and receivables that are individually significant, and individually or collectively for loans and

receivables that are not individually significant. If the Group determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed loan and receivable, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in a group of loans and receivables with similar credit risk characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. Loans and receivables that are individually assessed for impairment and for which an impairment loss is or continues to be recognised are not included in a collective assessment of impairment.

The amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The amount of the loss is recognised using an allowance account and recognised in the income statement.

Where appropriate, the calculation of the present value of the estimated future cash flows of a collateralised loan and receivable asset reflect the cash flows that may result from foreclosure costs for obtaining and selling the collateral, whether or not foreclosure is probable.

For the purposes of a collective evaluation of impairment, loans and receivables are grouped on the basis of similar risk characteristics, taking into account asset type, industry, geographical location, collateral type, past-due status and other relevant factors. These characteristics are relevant to the estimation of future cash flows for groups of such assets by being indicative of the counterparty’s ability to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the assets being evaluated.

Future cash flows in a group of loans and receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment are estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the assets in the group and historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to those in the group. Historical loss experience is adjusted based on current observable data to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not affect the period on which the historical loss experience is based and to remove the effects of conditions in the historical period that do not currently exist.

The methodology and assumptions used for estimating future cash flows are reviewed regularly to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual loss experience.

Following impairment, interest income is recognised using the effective rate of interest which was used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss.

When a loan is uncollectable, it is written off against the related allowance for loan impairment. Such loans are written off after all the necessary procedures have been completed and the amount of the loss has been determined. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the income statement.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed by adjusting the allowance account. The amount of the reversal is recognised in the income statement.

Equity securities or properties acquired in exchange for loans in order to achieve an orderly realisation are accounted for as a disposal of the loan and an acquisition of equity securities or investment properties. Where control is obtained over an entity as a result of the transaction, the entity is consolidated. Any further impairment of the assets or business acquired is treated as an impairment of the relevant asset or business and not as an impairment of the original instrument.



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In the case of available for sale equity securities, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is also considered in determining whether impairment exists. Where such evidence exists, the cumulative net loss that has been previously recognised directly in equity is removed from equity and recognised in the income statement. In the case of debt instruments classified as available for sale, impairment is assessed based on the same criteria as all other financial assets. Reversals of impairment of debt instruments are recognised in the income statement. Reversals of impairment of equity shares are not recognised in the income statement, increases in the fair value of equity shares after impairment are recognised directly in equity.

9. Sale and repurchase agreements (including stock borrowing and lending)

Securities may be lent or sold subject to a commitment to repurchase them (a repo). Such securities are retained on the balance sheet when substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership remain with the Group, and the counterparty liability is included separately on the balance sheet when cash consideration is received.

Similarly, where the Group borrows or purchases securities subject to a commitment to resell them (a reverse repo) but does not acquire the risks and rewards of ownership, the transactions are treated as collateralised loans when cash consideration is paid, and the securities are not included in the balance sheet.

The difference between sale and repurchase price is accrued over the life of the agreements using the effective interest method. Securities lent to counterparties are also retained in the financial statements. Securities borrowed are not recognised in the financial statements, unless these are sold to third parties, at which point the obligation to repurchase the securities is recorded as a trading liability at fair value and any subsequent gain or loss included in net trading income.

10. Securitisation transactions

The Group enters into securitisation transactions in respect of its own financial assets and to facilitate client transactions as described in Note 29 to the accounts.

All financial assets continue to be held on the Group balance sheet, and a liability recognised for the proceeds of the funding transaction, unless:

 

a) substantially all the risks and rewards associated with the financial instruments have been transferred, in which case, the assets are derecognised in full; or

 

b) if a significant portion, but not all, of the risks and rewards have been transferred, the asset is derecognised entirely if the transferee has the ability to sell the financial asset, otherwise the asset continues to be recognised only to the extent of the Group’s continuing involvement.

Where a) or b) above applies to a fully proportionate share of all or specifically identified cash flows, the relevant accounting treatment is applied to that proportion of the asset.

 

11. Collateral and netting

The Group enters into master agreements with counterparties whenever possible and, when appropriate, obtains collateral. Master agreements provide that, if an event of default occurs, all outstanding transactions with the counterparty will fall due and all amounts outstanding will be settled on a net basis.

Collateral

The Group obtains collateral in respect of customer liabilities where this is considered appropriate. The collateral normally takes the form of a lien over the customer’s assets and gives the Group a claim on these assets for both existing and future customer liabilities.

The Group also receives collateral in the form of cash or securities in respect of other credit instruments, such as stock borrowing contracts, and derivative contracts in order to reduce credit risk. Collateral received in the form of securities is not recorded on the balance sheet. Collateral received in the form of cash is recorded on the balance sheet with a corresponding liability. These items are assigned to deposits received from bank or other counterparties. Any interest payable or receivable arising is recorded as interest expense or interest income respectively except for funding costs relating to trading activities which are recorded in net trading income.

Netting

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported on the balance sheet if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise an asset and settle the liability simultaneously. In many cases, even though master netting agreements are in place, the lack of an intention to settle on a net basis results in the related assets and liabilities being presented gross on the balance sheet.

12. Hedge accounting

Derivatives are used to hedge interest rate, exchange rate, commodity, and equity exposures and exposures to certain indices such as house price indices and retail price indices related to non-trading positions.

Where derivatives are held for risk management purposes, and when transactions meet the required criteria, the Group applies fair value hedge accounting, cash flow hedge accounting, or hedging of a net investment in a foreign operation as appropriate to the risks being hedged.

When a financial instrument is designated as a hedge, the Group formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item as well as its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking the various hedging transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

The Group discontinues hedge accounting when:

 

a) it is determined that a derivative is not, or has ceased to be, highly effective as a hedge;

 

b) the derivative expires, or is sold, terminated, or exercised;

 

c) the hedged item matures or is sold or repaid; or

 

d) a forecast transaction is no longer deemed highly probable.


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In certain circumstances, the Group may decide to cease hedge accounting even though the hedge relationship continues to be highly effective by no longer designating the financial instrument as a hedging instrument. To the extent that the changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative differ from changes in the fair value of the hedged risk in the hedged item; or the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedging derivative differs from the cumulative change in the fair value of expected future cash flows of the hedged item, the hedge is deemed to include ineffectiveness. The amount of ineffectiveness, provided it is not so great as to disqualify the entire hedge for hedge accounting, is recorded in the income statement.

Fair value hedge accounting

Changes in fair value of derivatives that qualify and are designated as fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement, together with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.

If the hedge relationship no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, it is discontinued. For fair value hedges of interest rate risk, the fair value adjustment to the hedged item is amortised to the income statement over the period to maturity of the previously designated hedge relationship using the effective interest method.

If the hedged item is sold or repaid, the unamortised fair value adjustment is recognised immediately in the income statement.

Cash flow hedges

For qualifying cash flow hedges, the fair value gain or loss associated with the effective portion of the cash flow hedge is recognised initially in shareholders’ equity, and recycled to the income statement in the periods when the hedged item will affect profit or loss. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the income statement immediately.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the hedged item is ultimately recognised in the income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was recognised in equity is immediately transferred to the income statement.

Hedges of net investments

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations, including monetary items that are accounted for as part of the net investment, are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges; the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is recognised in the income statement on the disposal or partial disposal of the foreign operation.

Hedges of net investments may include non-derivative liabilities as well as derivative financial instruments although for a non-derivative liability only the foreign exchange risk is designated as a hedge.

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

Derivative contracts entered into as economic hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting are held at fair value through profit or loss.

 

13. Property, plant and equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and provisions for impairment, if required. Additions and subsequent expenditures are capitalised only to the extent that they enhance the future economic benefits expected to be derived from the assets.

Depreciation is provided on the depreciable amount of items of property and equipment on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful economic lives. The depreciable amount is the gross carrying amount, less the estimated residual value at the end of its useful economic life.

The Group uses the following annual rates in calculating depreciation:

 

Freehold buildings and long-leasehold
property
     

(more than 50 years to run)

   2-3.3%

Leasehold property

   Over the remaining

(less than 50 years to run)

   life of the lease

Costs of adaptation of freehold and leasehold property a

   7-10%

Equipment installed in freehold and leasehold property a

   7-10%

Computers and similar equipment

   20-33%

Fixtures and fittings and other equipment

   10-20%

Depreciation rates, methods and the residual values underlying the calculation of depreciation of items of property, plant and equipment are kept under review to take account of any change in circumstances.

When deciding on depreciation rates and methods, the principal factors the Group takes into account are the expected rate of technological developments and expected market requirements for, and the expected pattern of usage of, the assets. When reviewing residual values, the Group estimates the amount that it would currently obtain for the disposal of the asset after deducting the estimated cost of disposal if the asset were already of the age and condition expected at the end of its useful economic life.

No depreciation is provided on freehold land, although, in common with all long-lived assets, it is subject to impairment testing, if deemed appropriate.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the income statement.

Investment property is property held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or for both rather than for sale or use in the business. The Group initially recognises investment properties at cost, and subsequently at their fair value at each balance sheet date reflecting market conditions at the reporting date. The fair value of investment property is determined by reference to current market prices for similar properties, adjusted as necessary for condition and location, or by reference to recent transactions updated to reflect current economic conditions. Discounted cash flow techniques may be employed to calculate fair value where there have been no recent transactions, using current external market inputs such as market rents and interest rates. Valuations are carried out by management with the support of appropriately qualified independent valuers.

Movements in fair value subsequent to initial recognition are included in the income statement. No depreciation is provided in respect of investment properties.


 

Note

 

a Where leasehold property has a remaining useful life of less than 15 years, costs of adaptation and installed equipment are depreciated over the remaining life of the lease.


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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Accounting policies

continued

 

 

 

14. Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and associates and joint ventures, and represents the excess of the fair value of the purchase consideration and direct costs of making the acquisition, over the fair value of the Group’s share of the assets acquired, and the liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed on the date of the acquisition.

For the purpose of calculating goodwill, fair values of acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are determined by reference to market values or other valuation methodologies including discounted cash flow techniques, using market rates or by using risk-free rates and risk-adjusted expected future cash flows. Goodwill is capitalised and reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently when there are indications that impairment may have occurred. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. Goodwill on acquisitions of associates and joint ventures is included in the amount of the investment. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of the goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Computer software

Computer software is stated at cost, less amortisation and provisions for impairment, if required.

The identifiable and directly associated external and internal costs of acquiring and developing software are capitalised where the software is controlled by the Group, and where it is probable that future economic benefits that exceed its cost will flow from its use over more than one year. Costs associated with maintaining software are recognised as an expense when incurred.

Capitalised computer software is amortised over three to five years.

Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets consist of brands, customer lists, licences and other contracts, core deposit intangibles, mortgage servicing rights and customer relationships. Other intangible assets are initially recognised when they are separable or arise from contractual or other legal rights, the cost can be measured reliably and, in the case of intangible assets not acquired in a business combination, where it is probable that future economic benefits attributable to the assets will flow from their use. The value of intangible assets which are acquired in a business combination is generally determined using income approach methodologies such as the discounted cash flow method and the relief from royalty method that estimate net cash flows attributable to an asset over its economic life and discount to present value using an appropriate rate of return based on the cost of equity adjusted for risk.

Other intangible assets are stated at cost less amortisation and provisions for impairment, if any, and are amortised over their useful lives in a manner that reflects the pattern to which they contribute to future cash flows, generally over 4-25 years.

15. Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

At each balance sheet date, or more frequently where events or changes in circumstances dictate, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, are assessed for indications of impairment. If indications are present, these assets are subject to an impairment review. Goodwill is subject to an impairment review as at the balance sheet date each year. The impairment review comprises a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset with its recoverable amount: the higher of the asset’s or the cash-generating unit’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Fair value less costs to sell is calculated by reference to the amount at which the asset could be disposed of in a binding sale agreement in an arm’s length transaction evidenced by an active market or recent transactions for similar assets. Value in use is

calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows obtainable as a result of the asset’s continued use, including those resulting from its ultimate disposal, at a market-based discount rate on a pre-tax basis.

The carrying values of fixed assets and goodwill are written down by the amount of any impairment and this loss is recognised in the income statement in the period in which it occurs. A previously recognised impairment loss relating to a fixed asset may be reversed in part or in full when a change in circumstances leads to a change in the estimates used to determine the fixed asset’s recoverable amount. The carrying amount of the fixed asset will only be increased up to the amount that it would have been had the original impairment not been recognised. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. For the purpose of conducting impairment reviews, cash-generating units are the lowest level at which management monitors the return on investment on assets.

16. Financial guarantees

Financial guarantee contracts are contracts that require the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payments when due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument.

Financial guarantees are initially recognised in the financial statements at fair value on the date that the guarantee was given. Other than where the fair value option is applied, subsequent to initial recognition, the Group’s liabilities under such guarantees are measured at the higher of the initial measurement, less amortisation calculated to recognise in the income statement any fee income earned over the period, and any financial obligation arising as a result of the guarantees at the balance sheet date, in accordance with policy 23.

Any increase in the liability relating to guarantees is taken to the income statement in Provisions for undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees provided. Any liability remaining is recognised in the income statement when the guarantee is discharged, cancelled or expires.

17. Issued debt and equity securities

Issued financial instruments or their components are classified as liabilities where the contractual arrangement results in the Group having a present obligation to either deliver cash or another financial asset to the holder, to exchange financial instruments on terms that are potentially unfavourable or to satisfy the obligation otherwise than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of equity shares. Issued financial instruments, or their components, are classified as equity where they meet the definition of equity and confer on the holder a residual interest in the assets of the Group. The components of issued financial instruments that contain both liability and equity elements are accounted for separately with the equity component being assigned the residual amount after deducting from the instrument as a whole the amount separately determined as the fair value of the liability component.

Financial liabilities, other than trading liabilities and financial liabilities designated at fair value, are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method as set out in policy 6. Derivatives embedded in financial liabilities that are not designated at fair value are accounted for as set out in policy 7. Equity instruments, including share capital, are initially recognised at net proceeds, after deducting transaction costs and any related income tax. Dividend and other payments to equity holders are deducted from equity, net of any related tax.

18. Share capital

Share issue costs

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options including those issued on the acquisition of a business are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.



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Dividends on ordinary shares

Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised in equity in the period in which they are paid or, if earlier, approved by the Barclays PLC (the Company) shareholders.

Treasury shares

Where the Company or any member of the Group purchases the Company’s share capital, the consideration paid is deducted from shareholders’ equity as treasury shares until they are cancelled. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is included in shareholders’ equity.

19. Insurance contracts and investment contracts

The Group offers wealth management, term assurance, annuity, property and payment protection insurance products to customers that take the form of long- and short-term insurance contracts.

The Group classifies its wealth management and other products as insurance contracts where these transfer significant insurance risk, generally where the benefits payable on the occurrence of an insured event are at least 5% more than the benefits that would be payable if the insured event does not occur.

Contracts that do not contain significant insurance risk or discretionary participation features are classified as investment contracts. Financial assets and liabilities relating to investment contracts, and assets backing insurance contracts are classified and measured as appropriate under IAS 39, ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ as set out in policy 7.

Long-term insurance contracts

These contracts insure events associated with human life (for example, death or survival) over a long duration. Premiums are recognised as revenue when they become payable by the contract holder. Claims and surrenders are accounted for when notified. Maturities on the policy maturity date and regular withdrawals are accounted for when due.

A liability for contractual benefits that are expected to be incurred in the future is recorded when the premiums are recognised, based on the expected discounted value of the benefit payments and directly related administration costs, less the expected discounted value of the future premiums that would be required to meet the benefits and other expenses. The calculation of the liability contains assumptions regarding mortality, maintenance expenses and investment income.

Liabilities under unit-linked life insurance contracts (such as endowment policies) in addition reflect the value of assets held within unitised investment pools.

Short-term insurance contracts

Under its payment protection insurance products the Group is committed to paying benefits to the policyholder rather than forgiving interest or principal on the occurrence of an insured event, such as unemployment, sickness, or injury. Property insurance contracts mainly compensate the policyholders for damage to their property or for the value of property lost.

Premiums are recognised as revenue proportionally over the period of the coverage. Claims and claims handling costs are charged to income as incurred, based on the estimated liability for compensation owed to policyholders arising from events that have occurred up to the balance sheet date even if they have not yet been reported to the Group, based on assessments of individual cases reported to the Group and statistical analyses for the claims incurred but not reported.

Deferred acquisition costs (DAC)

Commissions and other costs that are related to securing new insurance and investment contracts are capitalised and amortised over the estimated lives of the relevant contracts.

 

Deferred income liability

Fees that are designed to recover commissions and other costs related to either securing new insurance and investment contracts or renewing existing investment contracts are included as a liability and amortised over the estimated life of the contract.

Value of business acquired

On acquisition of a portfolio of contracts, such as through the acquisition of a subsidiary, the Group recognises an intangible asset representing the value of business acquired (VOBA), representing the future profits embedded in acquired insurance contracts and investment contracts with a discretionary participation feature. The asset is amortised over the remaining terms of the acquired contracts.

Liability adequacy test

Liability adequacy tests are performed at each balance sheet date to ensure the adequacy of contract liabilities net of DAC and VOBA assets. Current best estimates of future contractual cash flows, claims handling and administration costs, and investment returns from the assets backing the liabilities are taken into account in the tests. Where a deficiency is highlighted by the test, DAC and VOBA assets are written off first, and insurance liabilities increased when these are written off in full.

Any deficiency is immediately recognised in the income statement.

Reinsurance

Short- and long-term insurance business is ceded to reinsurers under contracts to transfer part or all of one or more of the following risks: mortality, investment and expenses. All such contracts are dealt with as insurance contracts. The benefits to which the Group is entitled under its reinsurance contracts are recognised as reinsurance assets. The Group assesses reinsurance assets at each balance sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, the carrying amount of the reinsurance asset is reduced accordingly, resulting in a charge to the income statement.

20. Leases

Lessor

Assets leased to customers under agreements, which transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, with or without ultimate legal title, are classified as finance leases. When assets are held subject to a finance lease, the present value of the lease payments, discounted at the rate of interest implicit in the lease, is recognised as a receivable. The difference between the total payments receivable under the lease and the present value of the receivable is recognised as unearned finance income, which is allocated to accounting periods under the pre-tax net investment method to reflect a constant periodic rate of return.

Assets leased to customers under agreements which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. The leased assets are included within property, plant and equipment on the Group’s balance sheet and depreciation is provided on the depreciable amount of these assets on a systematic basis over their estimated useful lives. Lease income is recognised on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease unless another systematic basis is more appropriate.

Lessee

The leases entered into by the Group are primarily operating leases.

Operating lease rentals payable are recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless another systematic basis is more appropriate.



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Accounting policies

continued

 

 

 

 

21. Employee benefits

The Group provides employees worldwide with post-retirement benefits mainly in the form of pensions. The Group operates a number of pension schemes which may be funded or unfunded and of a defined contribution or defined benefit nature. In addition, the Group contributes, according to local law in the various countries in which it operates, to Governmental and other plans which have the characteristics of defined contribution plans.

For defined benefit schemes, actuarial valuation of each of the scheme’s obligations using the projected unit credit method and the fair valuation of each of the scheme’s assets are performed annually, using the assumptions set out in Note 30. The difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date, adjusted for any historic unrecognised actuarial gains or losses and past service cost, is recognised as a liability in the balance sheet. An asset arising, for example, as a result of past over funding or the performance of the plan investments, is recognised to the extent that it does not exceed the present value of future contribution holidays or refunds of contributions. Gains and losses on curtailments are recognised when the curtailment occurs which is when there is a demonstrable commitment to make a significant reduction in the number of employees covered by the plan or amendments have been made to the terms of the plan so that a significant element of future service will no longer qualify for benefits or will qualify only for reduced benefits. The gain or loss comprises any resulting change in the present value of the defined benefit obligation, any resulting change in the fair value of the plan assets and any related actuarial gain or loss that had not previously been recognised since they fell within the corridor.

Cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of the greater of 10% of the assets or 10% of the obligations of the plan (the corridor) are recognised in the income statement over the remaining average service lives of the employees of the related plan, on a straight-line basis.

For defined contribution schemes, the Group recognises contributions due in respect of the accounting period in the income statement. Any contributions unpaid at the balance sheet date are included as a liability.

The Group also provides health care benefits to certain retired employees, which are accrued as a liability in the financial statements over the period of employment, using a methodology similar to that for defined benefit pensions plans.

Short-term employee benefits, such as salaries, paid absences, and other benefits including any related payroll taxes are accounted for on an accruals basis over the period in which the employees provide the related services. Bonuses are recognised to the extent that the Group has a present obligation to its employees that can be measured reliably.

All expenses related to employee benefits are recognised in the income statement in staff costs, which is included within operating expenses.

22. Share-based payments to employees

The Group engages in equity settled share-based payment transactions in respect of services received from certain of its employees. The fair value of the services received is measured by reference to the fair value of the shares or share options granted on the date of the grant. The cost of the employee services received in respect of the shares or share options granted is recognised in the income statement over the period that the services are received, which is the vesting period. The fair value of the options granted is determined using option pricing models, which take into account the exercise price of the option, the current share price, the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility of the share price over the life of the option and other relevant factors. Except for those which include terms related to market conditions, vesting conditions, which are service conditions or performance conditions, included in the terms of the grant are not taken into account in estimating fair value. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of shares or share options included in the measurement of the cost of employee services so that ultimately, the amount recognised in the income statement reflects the number of vested shares or options. Where vesting conditions are related to market conditions, the charges for the services received are recognised regardless of whether or not the market-related vesting condition is met, provided that the non-market vesting conditions are met. Similarly, non-vesting conditions, which are other conditions not being service conditions or performance conditions, are taken into account in estimating the grant date fair value and share-based payment charges and are recognised when all non-market vesting conditions are satisfied irrespective of whether the non-vesting

conditions are satisfied. If meeting a non-vesting condition is a matter of choice, failure to meet the non-vesting condition is treated as a cancellation, resulting in an acceleration of recognition of the cost of the employee services.

23. Provisions

Provisions are recognised for present obligations arising as consequences of past events where it is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefit will be necessary to settle the obligation, and it can be reliably estimated.

When a leasehold property ceases to be used in the business or a demonstrable commitment has been made to cease to use a property, provision is made where the unavoidable costs of the future obligations relating to the lease are expected to exceed anticipated rental income and other benefits. The net costs are discounted using market rates of interest to reflect the long-term nature of the cash flows.

Provision is made for the anticipated cost of restructuring, including redundancy costs when an obligation exists. An obligation exists when the Group has a detailed formal plan for restructuring a business and has raised valid expectations in those affected by the restructuring by starting to implement the plan or announcing its main features. The provision raised is normally utilised within nine months.

Provision is made for undrawn loan commitments and similar facilities if it is probable that the facility will be drawn and result in the recognition of an asset at an amount less than the amount advanced.

Contingent liabilities are possible obligations whose existence will be confirmed only by uncertain future events or present obligations where the transfer of economic benefit is uncertain or cannot be reliably measured. Contingent liabilities are not recognised but are disclosed unless they are remote.

24. Taxes, including deferred taxes

Income tax payable on taxable profits (Current Tax), is recognised as an expense in the period in which the profits arise. Income tax recoverable on tax allowable losses is recognised as an asset only to the extent that it is regarded as recoverable by offset against current or future taxable profits.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising from the differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and legislation enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date which are expected to apply when the deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled. Current Tax assets and liabilities are only offset when they arise in the same tax reporting group and where there is both the legal right and the intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

25. Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, which is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the chief operating decision maker.

All transactions between business segments are conducted on an arm’s length basis, with intra-segment revenue and costs being eliminated in Head Office. Income and expenses directly associated with each segment are included in determining business segment performance.

26. Cash and cash equivalents

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash comprises cash on hand and demand deposits, and cash equivalents comprise highly liquid investments that are convertible into cash with an insignificant risk of changes in value with original maturities of less than three months.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are not considered to be part of cash equivalents.

27. Trust activities

The Group commonly acts as trustees and in other fiduciary capacities that result in the holding or placing of assets on behalf of individuals, trusts, retirement benefit plans and other institutions. These assets and income arising thereon are excluded from these financial statements, as they are not assets of the Group.



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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Accounting developments

 

 

 

Changes to Accounting Policy

The Group has continued to apply the accounting policies used for the 2008 Annual Report and has adopted the following:

 

 

The 2008 amendments to IFRS 2 – Shared-Based Payment-Vesting Conditions and Cancellations which has led to a change in accounting for share-based payments to employees. As a result, non-vesting conditions are taken into account in estimating the grant date fair value and the timing of recognition of charges. No prior year adjustments have been made as the impact on previous years is immaterial

 

 

IFRS 7 – Improving Disclosures about Financial Instruments, an amendment to IFRS 7 – Financial Instruments: Disclosures, which has resulted in additional disclosures being made regarding liquidity risk and fair value of financial instruments

 

 

IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements (revised), which has resulted in the reformatting of the statement of recognised income and expense into a statement of comprehensive income and the addition of a statement of changes in equity. This does not change the recognition, measurement or disclosure of specific transactions and events required by other standards

Future accounting developments

Consideration will be given during 2010 to the implications, if any, of the following revised standards as follows:

 

 

IFRS 3 – Business Combinations and IAS 27 – Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements are revised standards issued in January 2008. The revised IFRS 3 applies prospectively to business combinations first accounted for in accounting periods beginning on or after 1st July 2009 and the amendments to IAS 27 apply retrospectively to periods beginning on or after 1st July 2009. The main changes in existing practice resulting from the revision to IFRS 3 affect acquisitions that are achieved in stages and acquisitions where less than 100% of the equity is acquired. In addition, acquisition-related costs – such as fees paid to advisers – must be accounted for separately from the business combination, which means that they will be recognised as expenses unless they are directly connected with the issue of debt or equity securities. The revisions to IAS 27 specify that changes in a Parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in the loss of control must be accounted for as equity transactions. Until future acquisitions take place that are accounted for in accordance with the revised IFRS 3, the main impact on Barclays will be that, from 2010, gains and losses on transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of control will no longer be recognised in the income statement but directly in equity. In 2009, gains of £3m were recognised in income relating to such transactions.

The following standards and amendments to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the Group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2010 or later periods, but have not been adopted. They are not expected to result in significant changes to the Group’s accounting policies.

 

 

Embedded derivatives: Amendments to IFRIC 9 and IAS 39

 

 

Group cash-settled share-based payment transactions: Amendments to IFRS 2

 

 

Eligible Hedged Items (an amendment to IAS 39)

 

 

IFRS classification of rights issues: Amendment to IAS 32

 

 

IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures

 

 

Prepayments and minimum funding requirements (Amendments to IFRIC 14)

 

 

IFRIC 17 – Distribution of non-cash assets to owners

 

 

IFRIC 18 – Transfers of assets from customers

 

 

IFRIC 19 – Extinguishing financial liabilities with equity instruments

 

 

Improvements to IFRS 2008

 

 

Improvements to IFRS 2009

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement’ was published on 12th November 2009. It is the first phase of a project to replace IAS 39 and will ultimately result in fundamental changes in the way that the Group accounts for financial instruments. Adoption of the standard is not mandatory until accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2013 but early adoption is permitted. However, it is not available for adoption in the EU until it has been endorsed.

The main differences from IAS 39 are as follows:

 

 

All financial assets, except for certain equity investments, would be classified into two categories:

 

 

– amortised cost, where they generate solely payments of interest and principal and the business model is to collect contractual cash flows that represent principal and interest; or

 

 

– fair value through profit or loss.

 

 

Certain non-trading equity investments would be classified at fair value through profit or loss or fair value though Other comprehensive income with dividends recognised in net income.

 

 

Embedded derivatives are no longer considered for bifurcation but are included in the assessment of the cash flows for the classification of the financial asset as a whole.

 

 

Financial assets which meet the requirements for classification at amortised cost are optionally permitted to be measured at fair value if that eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch.

 

 

Reclassifications are required if, and only if, there is a change in the business model.

Aspects of financial instrument accounting which will be addressed in future phases of the project include the accounting for financial liabilities, impairment of amortised cost financial assets and hedge accounting. The Group is assessing the impacts of the first phase in the project, as well as following developments in the future phases.



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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31st December

 

 

 

      Notes    2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Continuing operations

         

Interest income

   2    21,236      28,010      25,296   

Interest expense

   2    (9,318   (16,541   (15,698

Net interest income

        11,918      11,469      9,598   

Fee and commission income

   3    9,946      7,573      6,741   

Fee and commission expense

   3    (1,528   (1,082   (970

Net fee and commission income

        8,418      6,491      5,771   

Net trading income

   4    7,001      1,339      3,754   

Net investment income

   4    56      680      1,216   

Principal transactions

        7,057      2,019      4,970   

Net premiums from insurance contracts

   5    1,172      1,090      1,011   

Other income

   6    1,389      367      186   

Total income

      29,954      21,436      21,536   

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

   5    (831   (237   (492

Total income net of insurance claims

      29,123      21,199      21,044   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

   7    (8,071   (5,419   (2,795

Net income

        21,052      15,780      18,249   

Staff costs

   8    (9,948   (7,204   (7,611

Administration and general expenses

   9    (5,561   (5,305   (3,854

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   23    (759   (606   (453

Amortisation of intangible assets

   22    (447   (276   (178

Operating expenses

        (16,715   (13,391   (12,096

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

   20    34      14      42   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

   38    188      327      28   

Gains on acquisitions

   40    26      2,406        

Profit before tax

      4,585      5,136      6,223   

Tax

   10    (1,074   (453   (1,699

Profit after tax from continuing operations

        3,511      4,683      4,524   

Discontinued operations

         

Profit after tax for the year from discontinued operations, including gain on disposal

   39    6,777      604      571   

Net profit for the year

        10,288      5,287      5,095   

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent from:

         

Continuing operations

      2,628      3,795      3,886   

Discontinued operations

        6,765      587      531   

Total

      9,393      4,382      4,417   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

   33    895      905      678   
          10,288      5,287      5,095   
            p     p     p  

Earnings per share

         

Basic earnings per share

   11    86.2      59.3      68.9   

Basic earnings per share – continuing operations

      24.1      51.4      60.6   

Basic earnings per share – discontinued operations

        62.1      7.9      8.3   

Diluted earnings per share

   11    81.6      57.5      66.9   

Diluted earnings per share – continuing operations

      22.7      49.8      58.8   

Diluted earnings per share – discontinued operations

        58.9      7.7      8.1   

Interim dividend per ordinary share

      1.0      11.5      11.50   

Final dividend per ordinary share

   1    1.5           22.50   
            £m     £m     £m  

Interim dividend paid

      113      906      768   

Final dividend

   1    176           1,485   

The Board of Directors approved the accounts set out on pages 167 to 282 on 9th March 2010.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated accounts.


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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31st December

 

 

 

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m

Net profit for the year

   10,288      5,287      5,095

Other comprehensive income:

      

Continuing operations

      

Currency translation differences

   (861   2,274      43

Available for sale financial assets

   1,236      (1,561   1

Cash flow hedges

   165      376      359

Other

        (5   22

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

   (26   851      40

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax, from continuing operations

   514      1,935      465

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax, from discontinued operations

   (58   114      26

Total comprehensive income for the year

   10,744      7,336      5,586

Attributable to:

      

Equity holders of the Parent

   9,556      6,213      4,854

Non-controlling interests

   1,188      1,123      732
     10,744      7,336      5,586

Income tax relating to each component of other comprehensive income is disclosed in Note 10.


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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 31st December

 

 

      Notes   

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

 

Assets

       

Cash and balances at central banks

      81,483      30,019   

Items in the course of collection from other banks

      1,593      1,695   

Trading portfolio assets

   12    151,344      185,637   

Financial assets designated at fair value:

       

– held on own account

   13    41,311      54,542   

– held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   13    1,257      66,657   

Derivative financial instruments

   14    416,815      984,802   

Loans and advances to banks

   15    41,135      47,707   

Loans and advances to customers

   15    420,224      461,815   

Available for sale financial investments

   16    56,483      64,976   

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed

   17    143,431      130,354   

Other assets

   18    6,358      6,302   

Current tax assets

      349      389   

Investments in associates and joint ventures

   20    422      341   

Goodwill

   21    6,232      7,625   

Intangible assets

   22    2,563      2,777   

Property, plant and equipment

   23    5,626      4,674   

Deferred tax assets

   19    2,303      2,668   

Total assets

        1,378,929      2,052,980   

Liabilities

       

Deposits from banks

      76,446      114,910   

Items in the course of collection due to other banks

      1,466      1,635   

Customer accounts

      322,429      335,505   

Trading portfolio liabilities

   12    51,252      59,474   

Financial liabilities designated at fair value

   24    86,202      76,892   

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   13    1,679      69,183   

Derivative financial instruments

   14    403,416      968,072   

Debt securities in issue

      135,902      149,567   

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

   17    198,781      182,285   

Other liabilities

   25    12,101      12,640   

Current tax liabilities

      992      1,216   

Insurance contract liabilities, including unit-linked liabilities

   26    2,140      2,152   

Subordinated liabilities

   27    25,816      29,842   

Deferred tax liabilities

   19    470      304   

Provisions

   28    590      535   

Retirement benefit liabilities

   30    769      1,357   

Total liabilities

        1,320,451      2,005,569   

Shareholders’ equity

       

Called up share capital

   31    2,853      2,093   

Share premium account

   31    7,951      4,045   

Other equity

   31         3,652   

Other reserves

   32    2,768      2,793   

Retained earnings

   32    33,845      24,208   

Less: treasury shares

   32    (140   (173

Shareholders’ equity excluding non-controlling interests

      47,277      36,618   

Non-controlling interests

   33    11,201      10,793   

Total shareholders’ equity

        58,478      47,411   

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

        1,378,929      2,052,980   

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated accounts.

Marcus Agius

Group Chairman

John Varley

Group Chief Executive

Chris Lucas

Group Finance Director


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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 

 

 

     

Notes

   Share capital
and share
premium a
£m
    Other
Reserves b
£m
    Retained
earnings c
£m
    Total
£m
    Non-
controlling
interests d
£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

Balance at 1st January 2009

      6,138      6,272      24,208      36,618      10,793      47,411   

Net profit for the year

                9,393      9,393      895      10,288   

Other comprehensive income:

               

Currency translation differences

           (1,138        (1,138   277      (861

Available for sale financial assets

           1,250           1,250      (14   1,236   

Cash flow hedges

           194           194      (29   165   

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

           (256   171      (85   59      (26

Other comprehensive income net of tax from discontinued operations

             (75   17      (58        (58

Total comprehensive income

             (25   9,581      9,556      1,188      10,744   

Issue of new ordinary shares

      749                749           749   

Issue of shares under employee share schemes

      35           298      333           333   

Net purchase of treasury shares

           (47        (47        (47

Transfers

           80      (80               

Dividends

   1              (113   (113   (767   (880

Net decrease in non-controlling interest arising on acquisitions, disposals and capital issuances

                          (82   (82

Conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Notes

      3,882      (3,652   (230               

Other

                  181      181      69      250   

Balance at 31st December 2009

        10,804      2,628      33,845      47,277      11,201      58,478   

Balance at 1st January 2008

      1,707      614      20,970      23,291      9,185      32,476   

Net profit for the year

                4,382      4,382      905      5,287   

Other comprehensive income:

               

Currency translation differences

           2,174           2,174      100      2,274   

Available for sale financial assets

           (1,559        (1,559   (2   (1,561

Cash flow hedges

           271           271      105      376   

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

           882      (46   836      15      851   

Other

                (5   (5        (5

Other comprehensive income net of tax from discontinued operations

             124      (10   114           114   

Total comprehensive income

             1,892      4,321      6,213      1,123      7,336   

Issue of new ordinary shares

      4,422                4,422           4,422   

Issue of shares under employee share schemes

      19           463      482           482   

Issue of shares and warrants

                1,410      1,410           1,410   

Repurchase of shares

      (10   10      (173   (173        (173

Net purchase of treasury shares

           (350        (350        (350

Transfers

           437      (437               

Dividends

                (2,344   (2,344   (703   (3,047

Net increase in non-controlling interest arising on acquisitions, disposals and capital issuances

                          1,338      1,338   

Issue of Mandatorily Convertible Notes

           3,652           3,652           3,652   

Other

             17      (2   15      (150   (135

Balance at 31st December 2008

        6,138      6,272      24,208      36,618      10,793      47,411   

Notes

 

a Details of share capital and share premium are shown in Note 31.

 

b Details of other reserves are shown in Note 32. Other reserves above includes treasury shares.

 

c Details of retained earnings and treasury shares are shown in Note 32.

 

d Details of non-controlling interests are shown in Note 33.


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Consolidated accounts Barclays PLC

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 31st December

 

 

 

 

     

2009

£m

         

2008

£m

         

2007

£m

 

Continuing operations

            

Reconciliation of profit before tax to net cash flows from operating activities:

            

Profit before tax

   4,585         5,136         6,223   

Adjustment for non-cash items:

            

Allowance for impairment

   8,071         5,419         2,795   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of property, plant, equipment and intangibles

   1,196         885         651   

Other provisions, including pensions

   428         804         753   

Net profit from associates and joint ventures

   (34      (14      (42

Net profit on disposal of investments and property, plant and equipment

   (383      (371      (862

Net profit from disposal of associates and joint ventures

   3                 (26

Net profit from disposal of subsidiaries

   (191      (327      (2

Net gains on acquisitions

   (26      (2,406        

Other non-cash movements a

   4,573         960         (1,181

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

            

Net decrease/(increase) in loans and advances to banks and customers

   25,482         (58,431      (77,987

Net (decrease)/increase in deposits and debt securities in issue

   (49,203      77,743         90,589   

Net decrease/(increase) in derivative financial instruments

   3,321         (17,529      (2,144

Net decrease/(increase) in trading assets

   34,334         26,919         (18,227

Net decrease in trading liabilities

   (8,222      (5,928      (6,472

Net increase/(decrease) in financial investments

   20,459         5,229         (4,379

Net (increase)/decrease in other assets

   (465      (3,016      1,116   

Net decrease in other liabilities

   (907      (477      (1,071

Tax paid

   (1,177        (1,404        (1,254

Net cash from operating activities

   41,844           33,192           (11,520

Purchase of available for sale investments

   (78,420      (57,756      (26,899

Proceeds from sale or redemption of available for sale investments

   88,559         51,429         38,423   

Net addition of intangible assets

   (226      (666      (227

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   (1,150      (1,643      (1,182

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

   372         799         617   

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

   (28      (961      (270

Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed

   339         238         383   

Disposal of discontinued operation, net of cash disposed

   2,469                   

Increase in investment in subsidiaries

           (157      (668

Decrease in investment in subsidiaries

           19         57   

Acquisition of associates and joint ventures

   (81      (96      (220

Disposal of associates and joint ventures

   69         137         145   

Other cash flows associated with investing activities

   (15        (5        153   

Net cash from investing activities

   11,888           (8,662        10,312   

Dividends paid

   (633      (2,697      (2,151

Proceeds of borrowings and issuance of debt securities

   3,549         5,763         4,646   

Repayments of borrowings and redemption of debt securities

   (4,383      (1,207      (683

Net issue of shares and other equity instruments

   773         9,505         2,494   

Repurchase of shares and other equity instruments

           (173      (1,802

Net disposal/(purchase) of treasury shares

   33         87         (48

Net issue of shares to non-controlling interests

             1,356           1,331   

Net cash from financing activities

   (661        12,634           3,787   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   (2,864        (6,018        (537

Net cash from discontinued operations

   (376        286           83   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   49,831           31,432           2,125   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   64,509           33,077           30,952   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   114, 340           64,509           33,077   

Cash and cash equivalents comprise:

            

Cash and balances at central banks

   81,483         30,019         5,801   

Loans and advances to banks

   41,135         47,707         40,120   

Less: non-cash and amounts with original maturity greater than three months

   (10,674      (15,428      (19,377
   30,461         32,279         20,743   

Available for sale treasury and other eligible bills

   56,483         64,976         43,072   

Less: non-cash and amounts with original maturity greater than three months

   (54,239      (62,876      (41,688
   2,244         2,100         1,384   

Trading portfolio assets

   151,344         185,637         193,691   

Less: non-cash and amounts with original maturity greater than three months

   (151,192      (185,526      (188,556
   152         111         5,135   

Other

                       14   
     114,340           64,509           33,077   

Interest received in 2009 was £32,437m (2008: £41,017m, 2007: £49,441m) and interest paid in 2009 was £20,889m (2008: £38,975m, 2007: £37,821m). The Group is required to maintain balances with central banks and other regulatory authorities and these amounted to £2,470m at 31st December 2009 (2008: £1,050m).

Note

 

a Other non-cash movements principally comprise movements in exchange rates and the fair value of available for sale investments less subordinated debt hedging.


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Accounts of Barclays PLC

Parent company accounts

 

 

 

Income statement

For the year ended 31st December

 

   2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Dividends received from subsidiary

   103      1,173      3,287   

Interest income

   53      7      4   

Trading gain/(loss)

        18      (13

Other income

             15   

Management charge from subsidiary

   (4   (4   (4

Profit before tax

   152      1,194      3,289   

Tax

   (27   (1     

Profit after tax

   125      1,193      3,289   

The Company had no staff during the year (2008: nil, 2007: nil).

Profit after tax and total comprehensive income for the year was £125m (2008: £1,193m, 2007: £3,289m). There were no other components of total comprehensive income other than the net profit for the year.

 

Balance sheet

As at 31st December

 

   Notes    2009
£m
   2008
£m

Assets

        

Non-current assets

        

Investment in subsidiaries

   41    20,215    15,340

Current assets

        

Cash and balances at central banks

      1   

Other assets

        26    3,851

Total assets

        20,242    19,191

Liabilities

        

Current liabilities

        

Amounts payable within one year

      28    1

Shareholders’ equity

        

Called up share capital

   31    2,853    2,093

Share premium account

   31    7,951    4,045

Other equity

   31       3,652

Capital redemption reserve

   32    394    394

Retained earnings

   32    9,016    9,006

Total shareholders’ equity

        20,214    19,190

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

        20,242    19,191

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the accounts.

Marcus Agius

Group Chairman

John Varley

Group Chief Executive

Chris Lucas

Group Finance Director


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  184        

 

Accounts of Barclays PLC

Parent company accounts

continued

 

 

 

Statement of changes in equity    Notes    Share capital
and share
premium a
£m
    Other
reserves b
£m
    Retained
earnings c
£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

Balance at 1st January 2009

      6,138      4,046      9,006      19,190   

Total comprehensive income:

           

Net profit for the year and total comprehensive income

                125      125   

Issue of new ordinary shares

      749                749   

Issue of shares under employee share schemes

      35                35   

Issue of warrants

                       

Mandatorily Convertible Notes issued

      3,882      (3,652   (230     

Repurchase of shares

                       

Dividends

   1              (113   (113

Other

                  228      228   

Balance at 31st December 2009

        10,804      394      9,016      20,214   

Balance at 1st January 2008

      1,707      384      8,990      11,081   

Total comprehensive income:

           

Net profit for the year and total comprehensive income

                1,193      1,193   

Issue of new ordinary shares

      4,422           634      5,056   

Issue of shares under employee share schemes

      19                19   

Issue of warrants

                776      776   

Mandatorily Convertible Notes issued

           3,652           3,652   

Repurchase of shares

      (10   10      (173   (173

Dividends

                (2,414   (2,414

Other

                         

Balance at 31st December 2008

        6,138      4,046      9,006      19,190   

In 2009 and 2008 there were no other components of total comprehensive income other than the net profit for the year.

Notes

 

a Details of share capital and share premium are shown in Note 31.

 

b Details of other reserves are shown in Note 32.

 

c Details of retained earnings are shown in Note 32.


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Cash flow statement

For the year ended 31st December

 

   2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Reconciliation of profit before tax to net cash flows from operating activities:

      

Profit before tax

   152      1,194      3,289   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Net decrease/(increase) in other assets

   2      (16   (3

Net increase/(decrease) in other liabilities

   1           (3

Net cash from operating activities

   155      1,178      3,283   

Capital contribution to subsidiaries

   (800   (4,362   (1,434

Purchase of shares in subsidiaries

   (25   (16   (316

Liquidation of subsidiary

        205        

Net cash used in investing activities

   (825   (4,173   (1,750

Issue of shares and other equity instruments

   784      4,911      2,494   

Dividends paid

   (113   (2,414   (2,129

Repurchase of ordinary shares

        (173   (1,802

Net cash from financing activities

   671      2,324      (1,437

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   1      (671   96   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

        671      575   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   1           671   

Cash and cash equivalents comprise:

      

Cash and balances at central banks

   1           671   

Net cash from operating activities includes:

      

Dividends received

   103      1,173      3,287   

Interest received

   53      7      4   

The Parent Company’s principal activity is to hold the investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Barclays Bank PLC. Dividends received are treated as operating income.

The Company was not exposed at 31st December 2009 or 2008 to significant risks arising from the financial instruments it holds; which comprised cash, balances with central banks and other assets which had no credit or market risk.

Non-cash transactions

During 2008 Barclays Bank PLC issued £4,050m of Mandatorily Convertible Notes (MCNs), which had mandatorily converted into ordinary shares of Barclays PLC by 30th June 2009. Barclays PLC’s right to receive the MCNs was included in other assets in 2008, with a corresponding increase, net of issue costs, in other equity. In 2009, Barclays PLC waived its rights over the MCNs, which have been added to its cost of investment in its subsidiary.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the accounts.


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  186        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

 

 

 

1 Dividends per share

The Directors have recommended the final dividend in respect of 2009 of 1.5p per ordinary share of 25p each, amounting to a total of £176m, which will be paid on 19th March 2010. The financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2009 do not reflect these dividends, which will be accounted for in shareholders’ equity as an appropriation of retained profits in the year ending 31st December 2010. The financial statements to 31st December 2009 include the 2009 interim dividend of £113m.

2 Net interest income

 

Interest arising from:   

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

   

2007

£m

 

Cash and balances with central banks

   131      174      145   

Available for sale investments

   1,937      2,355      2,580   

Loans and advances to banks

   513      1,267      1,416   

Loans and advances to customers

   18,456      23,754      19,559   

Other interest income

   199      460      1,596   

Interest income

   21,236      28,010      25,296   

Deposits from banks

   (634   (2,189   (2,720

Customer accounts

   (2,716   (6,697   (4,110

Debt securities in issue

   (3,889   (5,910   (6,651

Subordinated liabilities

   (1,718   (1,349   (878

Other interest expense

   (361   (396   (1,339

Interest expense

   (9,318   (16,541   (15,698

Net interest income

   11,918      11,469      9,598   

Interest income includes £185m (2008: £135m, 2007: £113m) arising from impaired loans.

Other interest income principally includes interest income relating to reverse repurchase agreements. Similarly, other interest expense principally includes interest expense relating to repurchase agreements and hedging activity.

Included in net interest income is hedge ineffectiveness as detailed in Note 14.

3 Net fee and commission income

 

     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

   

2007

£m

 

Fee and commission income

      

Brokerage fees

   88      56      78   

Investment management fees

   133      120      122   

Banking and credit related fees and commissions

   9,578      7,208      6,363   

Foreign exchange commissions

   147      189      178   

Fee and commission income

   9,946      7,573      6,741   

Fee and commission expense

   (1,528   (1,082   (970

Net fee and commission income

   8,418      6,491      5,771   


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4 Principal transactions

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
   2007
£m

Net trading income

   7,001      1,339    3,754

Net gain from disposal of available for sale assets

   349      212    560

Dividend income

   6      196    26

Net (loss)/gain from financial instruments designated at fair value

   (208   33    293

Other investment (losses)/income

   (91   239    337

Net investment income

   56      680    1,216

Principal transactions

   7,057      2,019    4,970

Net trading income includes the profits and losses arising both on the purchase and sale of trading instruments and from the revaluation to fair value, together with the interest income earned from these instruments and the related funding cost.

Net trading income included a £682m gain (2008: £1,272m, 2007: £640m) related to foreign exchange dealings.

The net loss on financial assets designated at fair value included within principal transactions was £2,557m (2008: £6,602m loss, 2007: £78m gain) of which losses of £2,349m (2008: £6,635m loss, 2007: £215m loss) were included in net trading income and losses of £208m (2008: £33m gain, 2007: £293m gain) were included within net investment income.

The net loss on financial liabilities designated at fair value included within principal transactions was £3,158m (2008: £3,328m gain, 2007: £231m loss) all of which was included within net trading income.

Net trading income includes the net loss from tightening credit spreads relating to Barclays Capital issued structured notes held at fair value of £1,820m (2008: £1,663m gain, 2007: £658m gain).

5 Insurance premiums and insurance claims and benefits

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Gross premiums from insurance contracts

   1,224      1,138      1,062   

Premiums ceded to reinsurers

   (52   (48   (51

Net premiums from insurance contracts

   1,172      1,090      1,011   

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Gross claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

   858      263      520   

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred

   (27   (26   (28

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

   831      237      492   

6 Other income

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Increase/(decrease) in fair value of assets held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   102      (1,219   23   

(Increase)/decrease in liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   (102   1,219      (23

Property rentals

   64      73      53   

Gains on debt buy backs and extinguishments

   1,255      24        

Other

   70      270      133   

Other income

   1,389      367      186   


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  188        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

7 Impairment charges and other credit provisions

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Impairment charges on loans and advances

      

New and increased impairment allowances

   8,111      5,116      2,871   

Releases

   (631   (358   (338

Recoveries

   (150   (174   (227

Impairment charges on loans and advances

   7,330      4,584      2,306   

Charge in respect of provision for undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees provided

   28      329      476   

Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions

   7,358      4,913      2,782   

Impairment charges on reverse repurchase agreements

   43      124        

Impairment on available for sale assets

   670      382      13   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

   8,071      5,419      2,795   

An analysis of the impairment charges by class of financial instrument is included in Note 47.

8 Staff costs

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
   2007
£m

Salaries and accrued incentive payments

   8,081      5,787    6,322

Social security costs

   606      444    480

Pension costs – defined contribution plans

   224      221    119

Pension costs – defined benefit plans (Note 30)

   (33   89    150

Other post-retirement benefits (Note 30)

   16      1    9

Other

   1,054      662    531

Staff costs

   9,948      7,204    7,611

Included in salaries and incentive payments is £290m (2008: £257m, 2007: £551m) arising from equity settled share-based payments, of which £56m (2008: £23m, 2007: £60m) is a charge related to option-based schemes and of which £12m (2008: £35m, 2007: £74m) relates to discontinued operations. Also included is £8m (2008: £3m, 2007: £8m) arising from cash settled share-based payments.

In December 2009, the UK government announced that the Finance Bill 2010 will introduce a bank payroll tax of 50% applicable to discretionary bonuses over £25,000 awarded to UK bank employees between 9th December 2009 and 5th April 2010. Draft legislation and further guidance on its application has been published. Based on this, and in accordance with IAS 19 – Employee benefits, the Group has accrued for the estimated tax payable in respect of employee services provided during the period. For 2009, £190m has been included within Other Staff Costs in respect of 2009 cash awards. A further provision of £35m has also been included in Other Staff Costs in respect of certain prior year awards being distributed during the tax window, which may fall within the proposed legislation.

Staff costs above relate to continuing operations only. Total staff costs for the Group (including both continuing and discontinued operations) was

£10,683m (2008: £7,779m, 2007: £8,405m) comprising salaries and accrued incentive payments of £8,595m (2008: £6,273m, 2007: £6,993m), social security costs of £621m (2008: £464m, 2007: £508m), pension costs of £217m (2008: £326m, 2007: £291m), other post-retirement benefits of £19m (2008: £1m, 2007: £10m) and other staff costs of £1,231m (2008: £715m, 2007: £603m).

The total average number of persons employed by the Group (including both continuing and discontinued operations) during the year was 153,800 (2008: 151,500).

9 Administration and general expenses

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Administrative expenses

   4,889      4,791      3,691   

Impairment charges/(releases)

      

– property and equipment (Note 23)

   34      33      2   

– intangible assets (Note 22)

   27      (3   14   

– goodwill (Note 21)

   1      112        

Operating lease rentals

   639      520      414   

Gain on property disposals

   (29   (148   (267

Administration and general expenses

   5,561      5,305      3,854   


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9 Administration and general expenses continued

Auditors’ remuneration

 

      Notes     Audit
£m
   Audit
related
£m
   Taxation
services
£m
   Other
services
£m
   Total
£m

2009

                

Audit of the Group’s annual accounts

     12             12

Other services:

                

Fees payable for the audit of the Company’s associates pursuant to legislation

   a   23             23

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation

   b      2          2

Other services relating to taxation

   c         7       7

Services relating to corporate finance transactions entered into or proposed to be entered into by or on behalf of the Company or any of its associates

   d            3    3

Other

            4       1    5

Total auditors’ remuneration

         35    6    7    4    52

2008

                

Audit of the Group’s annual accounts

     12             12

Other services:

                

Fees payable for the audit of the Company’s associates pursuant to legislation

   a   19             19

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation

   b      2          2

Other services relating to taxation

   c         9       9

Services relating to corporate finance transactions entered into or proposed to be entered into by or on behalf of the Company or any of its associates

   d            2    2

Other

            4       1    5

Total auditors’ remuneration

         31    6    9    3    49

2007

                

Audit of the Group’s annual accounts

     7             7

Other services:

                

Fees payable for the audit of the Company’s associates pursuant to legislation

   a   11             11

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation

   b   6    2          8

Other services relating to taxation

   c         3       3

Services relating to corporate finance transactions entered into or proposed to be entered into by or on behalf of the Company or any of its associates

   d            5    5

Other

            1       1    2

Total auditors’ remuneration

         24    3    3    6    36

The figures shown in the above table relate to fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and its associates for continuing operations of business. Fees paid to other auditors not associated with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in respect of the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries were £3m (2008: £3m, 2007: £2m).

 

a) Fees payable for the audit of the Company’s associates pursuant to legislation comprise the fees for the statutory audit of the subsidiaries and associated pension schemes both inside and outside Great Britain and fees for the work performed by the associates of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in respect of the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The fees relating to the audit of the associated pension schemes were £0.5m (2008: £0.2m, 2007: £0.3m).

 

b) Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation comprise services in relation to statutory and regulatory filings. These include audit services for the review of the interim financial information under the Listing Rules of the UK listing authority and fees paid for reporting under Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 404). In 2009 and 2008 fees paid for reporting under Section 404 are not separately identifiable from the fees of the audit of the Group’s annual accounts and the Company’s associates.

 

c) Other services relating to taxation include compliance services such as tax return preparation and advisory services such as consultation on tax matters, tax advice relating to transactions and other tax planning and advice.

 

d) Services relating to corporate finance transactions comprise due diligence related to transactions and other work in connection with such transactions.

Excluded from the total auditors’ remuneration above are fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and associates relating to BGI (discontinued operations) of £4m (2008: £3m, 2007: £8m).


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

10 Tax

The charge for tax is based upon the UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%, 2007: 30%) and comprises:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Current tax charge/(credit)

      

Current year

   1,249      1,201      2,013   

Adjustment for prior years

   (118   98      10   
     1,131      1,299      2,023   

Deferred tax charge/(credit)

      

Current year

   45      (577   (297

Adjustment for prior years

   (102   (269   (27
     (57   (846   (324

Total charge

   1,074      453      1,699   

The effective tax rate for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 28% (2008: 28.5%, 2007: 30%). The differences are set out below:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Profit before tax

   4,585      5,136      6,223   

Tax charge at standard UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%, 2007: 30%)

   1,284      1,464      1,867   

Adjustment for prior years

   (220   (171   (17

Effect of overseas tax rates different from UK standard tax rate

   (27   175      (82

Non-taxable gains and income (including amounts offset by unrecognised tax losses)

   (112   (859   (136

Share-based payments

   (38   201      71   

Deferred tax assets not recognised/(previously not recognised)

   27      (504   (159

Change in tax rates

   (12   (1   24   

Other non-allowable expenses

   172      148      131   

Overall tax charge

   1,074      453      1,699   

Effective tax rate

   23   9   27

The effective tax rate for 2009, based on profit before tax on continuing operations was 23.4% (2008: 8.8%). The effective tax rate differs from the UK tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%) because of non-taxable gains and income, different tax rates applied to taxable profits and losses outside the UK, disallowed expenditure and adjustments in respect of prior years. The low effective tax rate of 8.8% on continuing operations in 2008 mainly resulted from the Lehman Brothers North American business acquisition.

Tax effects relating to each component of other comprehensive income

 

For the year ended 31st December   2009     2008     2007
     Before tax
amount
£m
    Tax
(expense)/
benefit
£m
    Net of
tax
amount
£m
    Before tax
amount
£m
    Tax
(expense)/
benefit
£m
    Net of tax
amount
£m
    Before tax
amount
£m
  Tax
(expense)/
benefit
£m
    Net of tax
amount
£m

Continuing operations

                 

Currency translation differences

  (861   (2   (863   2,274      840      3,114      43   102      145

Available for sale

  1,236      (177   1,059      (1,561   207      (1,354   1   (1  

Cash flow hedge

  165      (65   100      376      (194   182      359   (119   240

Other

       218      218      (5   (2   (7   22   58      80

Other comprehensive income

  540      (26   514      1,084      851      1,935      425   40      465


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11 Earnings per share

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Continuing operations

      

Profit attributable to equity holders of Parent

   2,628      3,795      3,886   

Dilutive impact of convertible options

   (17   (19   (15

Profit attributable to equity holders of Parent including dilutive impact of convertible options

   2,611      3,776      3,871   

Discontinued operations

   6,765      587      531   
      
      2009
million
    2008
million
    2007
million
 

Basic weighted average number of shares in issue

   10,890      7,389      6,410   

Number of potential ordinary shares

   594      188      177   

Diluted weighted average number of shares

   11,484      7,577      6,587   
      
      p     p     p  

Basic earnings per share

   86.2      59.3      68.9   

Continuing operations

   24.1      51.4      60.6   

Discontinued operations

   62.1      7.9      8.3   

Diluted earnings per share

   81.6      57.5      66.9   

Continuing operations

   22.7      49.8      58.8   

Discontinued operations

   58.9      7.7      8.1   

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent and the number of basic weighted average number of shares excluding own shares held in employee benefits trusts and shares held for trading.

The basic weighted average number of shares in issue in the year ended 31st December 2009 reflects the full year impact of the 1,803 million shares issued during 2008, the 2,642 million shares that were issued during the first six months of 2009 following conversion in full of the Mandatorily Convertible Notes, and the weighted average impact of the 379 million warrants exercised during 2009. The increase in the number of potential ordinary shares is primarily driven by the warrants issued in 2008 becoming dilutive in 2009 as the average share price exceeded the warrants’ exercise price.

When calculating the diluted earnings per share, the profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent is adjusted for the dilutive impact of the potential conversion of outstanding options held in respect of Absa Group Limited that would increase the Group’s non-controlling interests on exercise. In addition, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares held in respect of Barclays PLC, totalling 594 million (2008: 188 million, 2007: 177 million).

Of the total number of employee share options and share awards at 31st December 2009, 97 million were anti-dilutive (2008: 64 million, 2007: nil).

Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Group continued to make on-market purchases of treasury shares for the purposes of satisfying its various employee share schemes. No adjustment has been made to earnings per share in respect of these purchases.

12 Trading portfolio

 

     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

 

Trading portfolio assets

    

Treasury and other eligible bills

   9,926      4,544   

Debt securities

   116,594      148,686   

Equity securities

   19,602      30,535   

Traded loans

   2,962      1,070   

Commodities

   2,260      802   

Trading portfolio assets

   151,344      185,637   

Trading portfolio liabilities

    

Treasury and other eligible bills

   (381   (79

Debt securities

   (44,327   (44,309

Equity securities

   (6,468   (14,919

Commodities

   (76   (167

Trading portfolio liabilities

   (51,252   (59,474

As disclosed in Note 51, £8,027m of collateralised loan obligations were reclassified from the trading portfolio to loans and receivables during the year.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

13 Financial assets designated at fair value

Held on own account

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Loans and advances

   22,390    30,187

Debt securities

   4,007    8,628

Equity securities

   6,256    6,496

Other financial assets

   8,658    9,231

Financial assets designated at fair value – held on own account

   41,311    54,542

The maximum exposure to credit risk on loans and advances designated at fair value at 31st December 2009 was £22,390m (2008: £30,187m). The amount by which related credit derivatives and similar instruments mitigate the exposure to credit risk at 31st December 2009 was £1,416m (2008: £2,084m).

The net loss attributable to changes in credit risk for loans and advances designated at fair value was £2,370m in 2009 (2008: £2,550m). The gains on related credit derivatives was £229m for the year (2008: £519m).

The cumulative net loss attributable to changes in credit risk for loans and advances designated at fair value since initial recognition is £5,321m at 31st December 2009 (2008: £2,951m). The cumulative change in fair value of related credit derivatives at 31st December 2009 is £744m (2008: £515m).

Held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts/liabilities arising from investment contracts

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Financial assets designated at fair value held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   1,257      66,657   

Cash and bank balances within the portfolio

   422      2,526   

Assets held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   1,679      69,183   

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   (1,679   (69,183

A portion of the Group’s fund management business in 2008, mostly relating to BGI, takes the legal form of investment contracts, under which legal title to the underlying investment is held by the Group, but the inherent risks and rewards in the investments are borne by the investors. In the normal course of business, the Group’s financial interest in such investments is restricted to fees for investment management services.

Due to the nature of these contracts, the carrying value of the assets is always the same as the value of the liabilities and any change in the value of the assets results in an equal but opposite change in the value of the amounts due to the policyholders.

The Group is therefore not exposed to the financial risks – market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk – inherent in the investments and they are omitted from the disclosures on financial risks in Notes 47 to 49.

On the balance sheet, the assets are included as ‘Financial assets designated at fair value – held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts’. Balances within the portfolio have been included in the Group’s cash balances. The associated obligation to deliver the value of the investments to customers at their fair value on-balance sheet date is included as ‘Liabilities to customers under investment contracts’.

The increase/decrease in fair value arising from the return on the investments and the corresponding increase/decrease in linked liabilities to customers is disclosed in Note 6.


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14 Derivative financial instruments

The Group’s objectives and policies on managing the risks that arise in connection with derivatives, including the policies for hedging, are included in Notes 46 to 49.

The fair values and notional amounts of derivative instruments held for trading are set out in the following table:

 

            2009                 2008        
    

Notional
contract
amount
£m

   Fair value    

Notional
contract
amount
£m

   Fair value  

Year ended 31st December

Derivatives held for trading

      Assets
£m
   Liabilities
£m
       Assets
£m
   Liabilities
£m
 

Foreign exchange derivatives

                

Forward foreign exchange

   1,457,271    18,148    (18,019   1,374,108    44,631    (46,371

Currency swaps

   810,666    26,008    (32,357   828,983    47,077    (53,116

OTC options bought and sold

   539,976    7,332    (7,321   426,739    15,405    (14,331

OTC derivatives

   2,807,913    51,488    (57,697   2,629,830    107,113    (113,818

Exchange traded futures – bought and sold

   2,035            8,008         

Exchange traded options – bought and sold

   28,220            1,295         

Foreign exchange derivatives

   2,838,168    51,488    (57,697   2,639,133    107,113    (113,818

Interest rate derivatives

                

Interest rate swaps

   9,408,811    193,133    (179,744   17,624,591    498,661    (496,292

Forward rate agreements

   4,436,628    3,595    (3,289   4,377,619    8,853    (8,224

OTC options bought and sold

   5,113,613    63,647    (61,304   5,598,960    105,743    (101,005

OTC derivatives

   18,959,052    260,375    (244,337   27,601,170    613,257    (605,521

Exchange traded futures – bought and sold

   547,685            586,312         

Exchange traded options – bought and sold

   272,960            276,752         

Exchange traded swaps

   13,424,261            9,411,001         

Interest rate derivatives

   33,203,958    260,375    (244,337   37,875,235    613,257    (605,521

Credit derivatives

                

Swaps

   2,016,796    56,295    (51,780   4,129,244    184,072    (170,011

Equity and stock index derivatives

                

OTC options bought and sold

   124,944    13,042    (15,681   180,157    19,576    (19,998

Equity swaps and forwards

   45,922    2,057    (1,718   51,267    3,432    (2,819

OTC derivatives

   170,866    15,099    (17,399   231,424    23,008    (22,817

Exchange traded futures – bought and sold

   57,565            38,340         

Exchange traded options – bought and sold

   130,885    2,631    (2,371   121,712    5,551    (3,109

Equity and stock index derivatives

   359,316    17,730    (19,770   391,476    28,559    (25,926

Commodity derivatives

                

OTC options bought and sold

   92,508    4,262    (4,215   78,680    6,565    (10,261

Commodity swaps and forwards

   252,621    22,872    (22,012   407,015    38,316    (35,556

OTC derivatives

   345,129    27,134    (26,227   485,695    44,881    (45,817

Exchange traded futures – bought and sold

   312,883    2,436    (2,008   165,564    3,953    (2,745

Exchange traded options – bought and sold

   55,729    180    (200   54,435    161    (233

Commodity derivatives

   713,741    29,750    (28,435   705,694    48,995    (48,795

Derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading

   39,131,979    415,638    (402,019   45,740,782    981,996    (964,071


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

14 Derivative financial instruments continued

The fair values and notional amounts of derivative instruments held for risk management are set out in the following table:

 

      2009     2008  
     Notional
contract
amount
£m
   Fair value     Notional
contract
amount
£m
   Fair value  

Year ended 31st December

Derivatives held for trading

      Assets
£m
   Liabilities
£m
       Assets
£m
   Liabilities
£m
 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

                

Currency swaps

              586       (271

Interest rate swaps

   79,241    478    (494   60,669    1,013    (1,011

Equity options

              400       (154

OTC options bought and sold

   673    2                 

Forward foreign exchange

   2,224    237    (51   1,871    309    (354

Exchange traded interest rate swaps

   33,534            20,028         

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

   115,672    717    (545   83,554    1,322    (1,790

Derivatives designated as fair value hedges

                

Currency swaps

   502    10         2,666    283    (105

Interest rate swaps

   12,199    357    (459   14,010    1,052    (357

Equity options

   7,710    53    (56   259    124    (110

Forward foreign exchange

   5,386    18    (103           

Exchange traded interest rate swaps

   32,257            18,767         

Derivatives designated as fair value hedges

   58,054    438    (618   35,702    1,459    (572

Derivatives designated as hedges of net investments

                

Forward foreign exchange

   5,321    22    (97   2,019    4    (76

Currency swaps

   971       (137   3,675    21    (1,563

Derivatives designated as hedges of net investment

   6,292    22    (234   5,694    25    (1,639

Derivative assets/(liabilities) held for risk management

   180,018    1,177    (1,397   124,950    2,806    (4,001

Interest rate derivatives, designated as cash flow hedges, primarily hedge the exposure to cash flow variability from interest rates of variable rate loans to banks and customers, variable rate debt securities held and highly probable forecast financing transactions and reinvestments.

Interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges primarily hedge the interest rate risk of fixed rate borrowings in issue, fixed rate loans to banks and customers and investments in fixed rate debt securities held.

Currency derivatives are primarily designated as hedges of the foreign currency risk of net investments in foreign operations.

The Group’s total derivative asset and liability position as reported on the balance sheet is as follows:

 

      2009     2008  
     Notional
contract
amount
£m
   Fair value    

Notional
contract
amount £m

   Fair value  
Year ended 31st December       Assets
£m
   Liabilities
£m
       Assets
£m
   Liabilities
£m
 

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading

   39,131,979    415,638    (402,019   45,740,782    981,996    (964,071

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for risk management

   180,018    1,177    (1,397   124,950    2,806    (4,001

Derivative assets/(liabilities)

   39,311,997    416,815    (403,416   45,865,732    984,802    (968,072

Derivative assets and liabilities subject to counterparty netting agreements amounted to £343bn (2008: £862bn). Additionally, the Group held £31bn (2008: £55bn) of collateral against the net derivative assets exposure.


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14 Derivative financial instruments continued

The Group has hedged the following forecast cash flows, which primarily vary with interest rates. These cash flows are expected to impact the income statement in the following periods, excluding any hedge adjustments that may be applied:

 

      Total
£m
   Up to
one year
£m
   Between
one to
two years
£m
   Between
two to
three years
£m
   Between
three to
four years
£m
   Between
four to
five years
£m
   More than
five years
£m

2009

                    

Forecast receivable cash flows

   3,304    467    838    837    700    370    92

Forecast payable cash flows

   558    51    96    122    145    116    28

2008

                    

Forecast receivable cash flows

   2,569    875    586    596    347    127    38

Forecast payable cash flows

   974    275    166    175    145    123    90

The maximum length of time over which the Group hedges exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecast transactions, excluding those forecast transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments, is nine years (2008: seven years).

All gains or losses on hedging derivatives relating to forecast transactions, which are no longer expected to occur, have been recycled to the income statement.

A loss of £1,478m on hedging instruments was recognised in relation to fair value hedges in net interest income (2008: £2,439m gain). A gain of £1,604m on the hedged items was recognised in relation to fair value hedges in net interest income (2008: £2,423m loss).

Ineffectiveness recognised in relation to cash flow hedges in net interest income was a gain of £21m (2008: £14m gain). Ineffectiveness recognised in relation to hedges of net investment was a loss of £5m (2008: £2m gain).

15 Loans and advances to banks and customers

 

     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

 

Gross loans and advances to banks

   41,196      47,758   

Less: Allowance for impairment

   (61   (51

Loans and advances to banks

   41,135      47,707   

Gross loans and advances to customers

   430,959      468,338   

Less: Allowance for impairment

   (10,735   (6,523

Loans and advances to customers

   420,224      461,815   


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

16 Available for sale financial investments

 

     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

 

Debt securities

   43,888      58,831   

Treasury bills and other eligible bills

   5,919      4,003   

Equity securities

   6,676      2,142   

Available for sale financial investments

   56,483      64,976   
    

Movement in available for sale financial investments

            

At beginning of year

   64,976      43,072   

Exchange and other adjustments

   (4,399   14,275   

Acquisitions and transfers

   83,915      59,703   

Disposals (through sale and redemption)

   (88,854   (50,501

Gains/(losses) from changes in fair value recognised in equity

   1,576      (1,174

Impairment charge

   (670   (382

Amortisation charge

   (6   (17

Business disposals/discontinued operations

   (55     

At end of year

   56,483      64,976   

17 Securities borrowing, securities lending, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements

Amounts included in the balance sheet and reported on a net basis where the Group has the intention and the legal ability to settle net or realise simultaneously were as follows:

a) Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed

Amounts advanced to counterparties under reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral provided under stock borrowing agreements are treated as collateralised loans receivable. The related securities purchased or borrowed subject to an agreement with the counterparty to repurchase them are not recognised on-balance sheet where the risks and rewards of ownership remain with the counterparty.

 

     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

Banks

   67,872    55,471

Customers

   75,559    74,883

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral held on securities borrowed

   143,431    130,354

b) Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

Securities that are not recorded on the balance sheet (for example, securities that have been obtained as a result of reverse repurchase and stock borrowing transactions) may also be lent or sold subject to a commitment to repurchase – such securities remain off-balance sheet. In both instances, amounts received from counterparty are treated as liabilities, which at 31st December were as follows:

 

     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

Banks

   93,692    87,403

Customers

   105,089    94,882

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

   198,781    182,285

18 Other assets

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Sundry debtors

   4,909    4,814

Prepayments

   1,010    882

Accrued income

   347    483

Reinsurance assets

   92    123

Other assets

   6,358    6,302

Included in the above are balances of £4,978m (2008: £4,704m) expected to be recovered within no more than 12 months after the balance sheet date and balances of £1,380m (2008: £1,598m) expected to be recovered more than 12 months after the balance sheet date.

Other assets include £3,476m (2008: £3,096m) of receivables which meet the definition of financial assets.


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19 Deferred tax

The components of deferred taxes disclosed on the balance sheet are as follows:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Deferred tax liability

   (470   (304

Deferred tax asset

   2,303      2,668   

Net deferred tax

   1,833      2,364   

Deferred taxes are calculated on all temporary differences under the liability method. Movements on deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

     Fixed
asset timing
differences
£m
    Available
for sale
investments
£m
    Cash flow
hedges
£m
    Pensions
and other
retirement
benefits
£m
    Allowance
for
impairment
on loans
£m
    Other
provisions
£m
    Tax losses
carried
forward
£m
    Share based
payments
£m
    Other
£m
    Total
£m
 

Liabilities

  (945   (46   (368                            (1,075   (2,434

Assets

  87      57      246      403      356      532      1,659      342      1,116      4,798   

At 1st January 2009

  (858   11      (122   403      356      532      1,659      342      41      2,364   

Income statement

  340      (8   44      (189   39      15      (785   50      293      (201

Equity

       (21   (59                       156      24      100   

Acquisitions and disposals

  1                (5   (1   (8   4      (41   (98   (148

Exchange and other adjustments

  (26   (8   (2   10      (15   (245   160      (171   15      (282
    (543   (26   (139   219      379      294      1,038      336      275      1,833   

Liabilities

  (660   (54   (278                            (197   (1,189

Assets

  117      28      139      219      379      294      1,038      336      472      3,022   

At 31st December 2009

  (543   (26   (139   219      379      294      1,038      336      275      1,833   
                   
                                                             

Liabilities

  (803   (101   (51                            (771   (1,726

Assets

            44      491      108      377      215      428      671      2,334   

At 1st January 2008

  (803   (101   (7   491      108      377      215      428      (100   608   

Income statement

  124      8      5      (90   223      (10   598      (215   227      870   

Equity

       103      (161                  750      (33   (13   646   

Acquisitions and disposals

  (195                       56           75      (211   (275

Exchange and other adjustments

  16      1      41      2      25      109      96      87      138      515   
    (858   11      (122   403      356      532      1,659      342      41      2,364   

Liabilities

  (945   (46   (368                            (1,075   (2,434

Assets

  87      57      246      403      356      532      1,659      342      1,116      4,798   

At 31st December 2008

  (858   11      (122   403      356      532      1,659      342      41      2,364   

The amount of deferred tax liability expected to be settled after more than 12 months is £955m (2008: £1,949m).

The amount of deferred tax asset expected to be recovered after more than 12 months is £2,446m (2008: £4,593m).

The deferred tax assets balance includes £197m (2008: £2,139m) which is the excess deferred tax assets over deferred tax liabilities in entities which have suffered a loss in either the current or prior year. This is based on management assessment that it is probable that the relevant entities will have taxable profits against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of deductible temporary differences (gross) of £4m (2008: £9m), unused tax losses (gross) of £8,542m (2008: £4,083m loss) and unused tax credits of £nil (2008: £46m). Tax losses of £8,516m expire in 2029. The other tax losses, tax credits and temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilise benefits. The unused tax losses include amounts relating to non-UK branches of Barclays Bank PLC where the future tax benefit might be restricted to the amount in excess of the UK rate.

The amount of temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates and joint ventures for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised is £738m (2008: £8,429m).


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

20 Investments in associates and joint ventures

Share of net assets

 

      Associates     Joint ventures     Total  
.    2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

At beginning of year

   175      90      166      287      341      377   

Share of results before tax

   21      25      21      (6   42      19   

Share of tax

   (2   (3   (6   (2   (8   (5

Share of post-tax results

   19      22      15      (8   34      14   

Dividends paid

             (1        (1     

New investments

   198      6      1      27      199      33   

Acquisitions

   38      62      3      1      41      63   

Disposals

   (58   (20   (14   (117   (72   (137

Exchange and other adjustments

   (122   15      2      (24   (120   (9

At end of year

   250      175      172      166      422      341   

Goodwill included above:

 

      Associates    Joint ventures    Total
.    2009
£m
    2008
£m
   2009
£m
    2008
£m
   2009
£m
    2008
£m

Cost

              

At beginning of year

           31      27    31      27

Acquisitions

   19                 19     

Exchange and other adjustments

   (1      (1   4    (2   4

At end of year

   18         30      31    48      31

The Group holds investments in associates listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: Pinnacle Point Group Limited, Blue Financial Services Limited (acquired during 2009) and Sekunjalo Investments Limited (acquired during 2009). The fair value of the Group’s investment in these associates is £15m (2008: £60m). Ambit Properties Limited was disposed during 2009 (2008: fair value of £51m).

Aggregate cash consideration paid for additional investments in associates and joint ventures was £82m (2008: £96m), which also included New China Trust. Additional investments for non-cash consideration, include Barclays Vida y Pensiones Compañía de Seguros (£69m) and associates held by Crescent Real Estate Holdings LLC (£89m).

Summarised financial information for the Group’s associates and joint ventures is set out below:

 

      2009     2008  
.    Associates
£m
    Joint
ventures
£m
    Associates
£m
    Joint
ventures
£m
 

Property, plant and equipment

   1,174      98      788      104   

Financial investments

   772      6      124        

Trading portfolio assets

   426                  

Loans to banks and customers

   712      3,124      271      2,883   

Other assets

   1,855      293      1,343      418   

Total assets

   4,939      3,521      2,526      3,405   

Deposits from banks and customers

   2,200      2,751      1,376      2,207   

Trading portfolio liabilities

   370      107             

Other liabilities

   1,666      380      985      890   

Shareholders’ equity

   703      283      165      308   

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   4,939      3,521      2,526      3,405   

Net income

   1,022      391      859      357   

Operating expenses

   (1,045   (342   (732   (364

(Loss)/profit before tax

   (23   49      127      (7

(Loss)/profit after tax

   (96   30      52      (11

The amounts included above, which include the entire assets, liabilities and net income of the investees, not just the Group’s share, are based on accounts made up to 31st December 2009 with the exception of certain undertakings for which the amounts are based on accounts made up to dates not earlier than three months before the balance sheet date.

The Group’s share of commitments and contingencies of its associates and joint ventures is £5m (2008: £nil).


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21 Goodwill

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Net book value

    

At beginning of year

   7,625      7,014   

Acquisitions

   63      400   

Business disposals/discontinued operations

   (1,503   (10

Impairment charge

   (1   (112

Exchange and other adjustments

   48      333   

At end of year

   6,232      7,625   

Goodwill is allocated to business operations according to business segments identified by the Group under IFRS 8, as follows:

 

      2009
£m
   2008 a
£m

UK Retail Banking

   3,146    3,139

Barclays Commercial Bank

   22    10

Barclaycard

   525    413

GRCB – Western Europe

   886    948

GRCB – Emerging Markets

   39    49

GRCB – Absa

   1,116    1,084

Barclays Capital

   107    95

Barclays Global Investors

      1,496

Barclays Wealth

   391    391

Goodwill

   6,232    7,625

The goodwill disposal relates to Barclays Global Investors. During 2009, the allocation of balances has been updated to reflect certain changes in the business structure.

Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently when there are indicators that impairment may have occurred, by comparing the carrying value to its recoverable amount.

Impairment testing of goodwill

The recoverable amount of each operation’s goodwill is based on value-in-use or fair value less costs to sell calculations. The calculations are based upon discounting expected pre-tax cash flows at a risk-adjusted interest rate appropriate to the cash generating unit, the determination of both of which requires the exercise of judgement. The estimation of pre-tax cash flows is sensitive to the periods for which forecasts are available and to assumptions regarding the long-term sustainable cash flows. While forecasts are compared with actual performance and external economic data, expected cash flows naturally reflect management’s view of future performance.

At 31st December 2009, the goodwill allocated to UK Retail Banking was £3,146m (2008: £3,139m) including £3,130m (2008: £3,130m) relating to Woolwich, the goodwill allocated to GRCB – Absa was £1,116m (2008: £1,084m) and the goodwill allocated to Barclays Global Investors was £nil (2008: £1,496m). The remaining aggregate of goodwill of £1,986m (2008: £1,915m) consists of balances relating to multiple business operations which are not considered individually significant.

Key assumptions used in impairment testing for significant goodwill

UK Retail Banking

The recoverable amount of UK Retail Banking has been determined based on a value in use calculation. The calculation uses cash flow predictions based on financial budgets approved by management covering a three-year period, with a terminal growth rate of 3% applied thereafter. The forecast cash flows have been discounted at a rate of 14%. The recoverable amount exceeded the carrying amount including goodwill by £1.2bn. A one percentage point change in the discount rate or the terminal growth rate would reduce the recoverable amount by £0.7bn and £0.5bn respectively. A reduction in the forecast cash flows of 5% per annum would reduce the recoverable amount by £0.4bn.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Absa

The recoverable amount of GRCB – Absa has been determined based on a value in use calculation. The calculation uses cash flow predictions based on financial budgets approved by management covering a three year period, with a terminal growth rate of 6% applied thereafter. The forecast cash flows have been discounted at a rate of 14%. The result of the impairment test is not sensitive to reasonably possible changes in key assumptions.

Barclays Global Investors

All of the goodwill in Barclays Global Investors has been disposed of following the sale of this business to BlackRock, Inc on 1st December 2009. The value of the goodwill was recovered in full as a result of the transaction.

Note

 

a Figures have been restated for the transfer of Barclays Russia from GRCB – Emerging Markets to GRCB – Western Europe.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

22 Intangible assets

 

      Internally
generated
software
£m
    Other
software
£m
    Core
deposit
intangibles
£m
    Brands
£m
   

Customer
lists

£m

   

Mortgage
servicing
rights

£m

   

Licences
and
other

£m

    Total
£m
 

2009

                

Cost

                

At 1st January 2009

   721      328      261      155      1,565      173      426      3,629   

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

                       1           109      110   

Disposal of discontinued operations

   (66             (2             (32   (100

Additions/disposals

   264      (36                       11      239   

Exchange and other adjustments

   44      (55   40      22      (45   (9   (52   (55

At 31st December 2009

   963      237      301      175      1,521      164      462      3,823   

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

                

At 1st January 2009

   (284   (69   (52   (55   (172   (116   (104   (852

Disposal of discontinued operations

   25                2                8      35   

Disposals

   12      4                               16   

Amortisation charge

   (190   (29   (22   (17   (136   (13   (54   (461

Impairment charge

   (11             (6             (10   (27

Exchange and other adjustments

   (17   36      (8   (8   (10   12      24      29   

At 31st December 2009

   (465   (58   (82   (84   (318   (117   (136   (1,260

Net book value

   498      179      219      91      1,203      47      326      2,563   

2008

                

Cost

                

At 1st January 2008

   388      188      244      149      524      126      161      1,780   

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

        127      17      6      992           210      1,352   

Additions/disposals

   274      5                          3      282   

Exchange and other adjustments

   59      8                49      47      52      215   

At 31st December 2008

   721      328      261      155      1,565      173      426      3,629   

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

                

At 1st January 2008

   (163   (57   (37   (38   (101   (64   (38   (498

Disposals

   11      7                               18   

Amortisation charge

   (86   (33   (14   (15   (62   (22   (59   (291

Impairment release

   3                                    3   

Exchange and other adjustments

   (49   14      (1   (2   (9   (30   (7   (84

At 31st December 2008

   (284   (69   (52   (55   (172   (116   (104   (852

Net book value

   437      259      209      100      1,393      57      322      2,777   

Of the amortisation charge for the year, £447m (2008: £276m) relates to continuing operations.

The impairment release detailed above has been included within other operating expenses.


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23 Property, plant and equipment

 

      Investment
property
£m
   Property
£m
    Equipment
£m
    Leased
assets
£m
    Total
£m
 

2009

           

Cost

           

At 1st January 2009

      3,624      3,944      304      7,872   

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

   978    171      5           1,154   

Disposal of discontinued operations

      (120   (99        (219

Additions/disposals

   137    233      387      (37   720   

Change in fair value of investment properties

   6                   6   

Fully depreciated assets written off

      (6   (17        (23

Exchange and other adjustments

   86    (72   (23   (201   (210

At 31st December 2009

   1,207    3,830      4,197      66      9,300   

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

           

At 1st January 2009

      (1,011   (2,144   (43   (3,198

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

           2           2   

Disposal of discontinued operations

      33      64           97   

Depreciation charge

      (201   (565   (20   (786

Impairment charge

      (32   (2        (34

Disposals

      46      97      1      144   

Fully depreciated assets written off

      6      17           23   

Exchange and other adjustments

      31      2      45      78   

At 31st December 2009

      (1,128   (2,529   (17   (3,674

Net book value

   1,207    2,702      1,668      49      5,626   

2008

           

Cost

           

At 1st January 2008

      2,451      2,995      413      5,859   

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

      992      218           1,210   

Additions/disposals

      8      570      (109   469   

Fully depreciated assets written off

      (15   (7        (22

Exchange and other adjustments

      188      168           356   

At 31st December 2008

      3,624      3,944      304      7,872   

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

           

At 1st January 2008

      (1,044   (1,804   (15   (2,863

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

      (8   (12        (20

Depreciation charge

      (124   (475   (31   (630

Impairment charge

           (33        (33

Disposals

      168      185      3      356   

Fully depreciated assets written off

      15      7           22   

Exchange and other adjustments

      (18   (12        (30

At 31st December 2008

      (1,011   (2,144   (43   (3,198

Net book value

      2,613      1,800      261      4,674   

Of the depreciation charge for the year £759m (2008: £606m) relates to continuing operations.

The fair value of Barclays investment property is based on valuations supported by appropriately qualified independent valuers.

Leased assets represent assets leased to customers under operating leases.

Certain of the Group’s equipment is held on finance leases, see Note 37.


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  202        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

24 Financial liabilities designated at fair value

 

      2009    2008
      Fair value
£m
   Contractual
amount
due on
maturity
£m
   Fair value
£m
   Contractual
amount
due on
maturity
£m

Debt securities

   72,191    77,636    61,297    69,197

Deposits

   6,275    6,544    10,518    10,109

Other

   7,736    8,811    5,077    6,761

Financial liabilities designated at fair value

   86,202    92,991    76,892    86,067

At 31st December 2009, the own credit adjustment arose from the fair valuation of £61.5bn of Barclays Capital structured notes (2008: £54.5bn). The movement in Barclays credit spreads in the year affected the fair value of these notes and as a result revaluation losses of £1,820m were recognised in trading income (2008: £1,663m gains).

The cumulative own credit net gain that has been recognised on issued notes is £501m at 31st December 2009 (2008: £2,321m).

25 Other liabilities

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Accruals and deferred income

   6,007    6,495

Sundry creditors

   5,972    6,049

Obligations under finance leases (Note 37)

   122    96

Other liabilities

   12,101    12,640

Included in the above are balances of £10,966m (2008: £11,068m) expected to be settled within no more than 12 months after the balance sheet date; and balances of £1,135m (2008: £1,572m) expected to be settled more than 12 months after the balance sheet date.

Accruals and deferred income includes £108m (2008: £101m) for the Group’s estimated share of levies that will be raised by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The provision is based on estimates of the Group’s market participation in the relevant charging periods and the interest FSCS will pay on the facilities provided by HM Treasury in support of its obligations to depositors of banks declared in default. The total of these facilities is understood to be some £20bn.

While it is anticipated that the substantial majority of these facilities will be repaid wholly from recoveries from the institutions concerned, there is the risk of shortfall, such that the FSCS may place additional levies on FSCS participants. It is not currently possible to estimate the amount of potential additional levies, or the Group’s share, which is expected to be based on a future level of market participation, or the effect that such levies may have upon operating results in any particular financial period.

26 Insurance assets and liabilities

Insurance assets

Reinsurance assets are £92m (2008: £123m) and relate principally to the Group’s long-term business. Reinsurers’ share of provisions relating to the Group’s short-term business are £7m (2008: £32m). The reinsurance assets expected to be recovered after more than one year are £85m (2008: £91m).

Insurance contract liabilities including unit-linked liabilities

Insurance liabilities comprise the following:

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Insurance contract liabilities:

     

– linked liabilities

   139    125

– non-linked liabilities

   1,886    1,908

Provision for claims

   115    119

Insurance contract liabilities including unit-linked liabilities

   2,140    2,152

Insurance contract liabilities relate principally to the Group’s long-term business. Insurance contract liabilities associated with the Group’s short-term non-life business are £132m (2008: £73m).


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26 Insurance assets and liabilities continued

Movements in insurance liabilities and reinsurance assets

Movements in insurance assets and insurance contract liabilities were as follows:

 

             2009                  2008         
      Gross
£m
    Reinsurance
£m
    Net
£m
   Gross
£m
    Reinsurance
£m
    Net
£m
 

At beginning of year

   2,152      (123   2,029    3,903      (157   3,746   

Change in year

   (12   31      19    (1,751   34      (1,717

At end of year

   2,140      (92   2,048    2,152      (123   2,029   

Assumptions used to measure insurance liabilities

The assumptions that have the greatest effect on the measurement of the amounts recognised above, and the processes used to determine them were as follows:

Long-term business – linked and non-linked

Mortality – mortality estimates are based on standard industry and national mortality tables, adjusted where appropriate to reflect the Group’s own experience. A margin is added to ensure prudence – for example, future mortality improvements for annuity business.

Renewal expenses level and inflation – expense reserves are a small part of overall insurance liabilities, however, increases in expenses caused by unanticipated inflation or other unforeseen factors could lead to expense reserve increases. Expenses are therefore set using prudent assumptions. Initial renewal expense levels are set by considering expense forecasts for the business and, where appropriate, building in a margin to allow for the increasing burden of fixed costs on the UK closed life book of business. The inflation assumption is set by adding a margin to the market rate of inflation implied by index-linked gilt yields.

Short-term business

Short-term business – for single premium policies the proportion of unearned premiums is calculated based on estimates of the frequency and severity of incidents.

Changes in assumptions

There have been no changes in assumptions in 2009 that have had a material effect on the financial statements.

Uncertainties associated with cash flows related to insurance contracts and risk management activities

The assumptions used to determine uncertainties in cash flows and the processes used to manage risk were as follows:

Long-term insurance contracts (linked and non-linked)

For long-term insurance contracts where death is the insured risk, the most significant factors that could affect the frequency and severity of claims are the incidence of disease, such as AIDS, or general changes in lifestyle, such as in eating, exercise and smoking. Where survival is the insured risk, advances in medical care and social conditions are the key factors that increase longevity.

The Group manages its exposure to risk by operating in part as a unit-linked business, prudent product design, applying strict underwriting criteria, transferring risk to reinsurers, managing claims and establishing prudent reserves.

Short-term insurance contracts

For payment protection contracts where inability to make payments under a loan contract is the insured risk, the most significant factors are the health of the policyholder and the possibility of unemployment which depends upon, among other things, long-term and short-term economic factors. The Group manages its exposure to such risks through prudent product design, efficient claims management, prudent reserving methodologies and bases, regular product, economic and market reviews and regular adequacy tests on the size of the reserves.

Absa insures property and motor vehicles, for which the most significant factors that could affect the frequency and severity of claims are climatic change and crime. Absa manages its exposure to risk by diversifying insurance risks accepted and transferring risk to reinsurers.

Sensitivity analysis

The following table presents the sensitivity of the level of insurance contract liabilities disclosed in this note to movements in the actuarial assumptions used to calculate them. The percentage change in variable is applied to a range of existing actuarial modelling assumptions to derive the possible impact on net profit after tax. The disclosure is not intended to explain the impact of a percentage change in the insurance assets and liabilities disclosed above.

 

      2009          2008      
      Change in
variable
%
   Net profit
after tax
impact
£m
   Change in
variable
%
   Net profit
after tax
impact
£m

Long-term insurance contracts:

           

Improving mortality (annuitants only)

   10       10    1

Worsening of mortality (assured lives only)

   10    14    10    20

Worsening of base renewal expense level

   20    11    20    19

Worsening of expense inflation rate

   10    3    10    1

Short-term insurance contracts:

           

Worsening of claim expense assumptions

   10    5    10    3

Any change in net profit after tax would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in shareholders’ equity.

The above analyses are based on a change in a single assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice this is unlikely to occur.


Table of Contents
  204        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

26 Insurance assets and liabilities continued

Options and guarantees

The Group’s insurance contracts do not contain options or guarantees that give rise to material risk.

Concentration of insurance risk

The Group considers that the concentration of insurance risk that is most relevant to the Group financial statements is according to the type of cover offered and the location of insured risk. The following table shows the maximum amounts payable under all of the Group’s insurance products. It ignores the probability of insured events occurring and the contribution from investments backing the insurance policies. The table shows the broad product types and the location of the insured risk, before and after the impact of reinsurance that represents the risk that is passed to other insurers.

 

      2009          2008       
      Before
Reinsurance
£m
   Reinsurance
£m
    After
Reinsurance
£m
   Before
Reinsurance
£m
   Reinsurance
£m
    After
Reinsurance
£m

Total benefits insured by product type

               

Long-term insurance contracts

   13,405    (1,547   11,858    19,193    (3,591   15,602

Short-term insurance contracts

   49,359    (4,145   45,214    36,228    (2,735   33,493

Total benefits insured

   62,764    (5,692   57,072    55,421    (6,326   49,095

Total benefits insured by geographic location

               

United Kingdom

   5,727    (363   5,364    8,120    (525   7,595

Other European Union

   1,724    (20   1,704    6,519    (2,305   4,214

Africa

   55,313    (5,309   50,004    40,782    (3,496   37,286

Total benefits insured

   62,764    (5,692   57,072    55,421    (6,326   49,095

Reinsurer credit risk

For the long-term business, reinsurance programmes are in place to restrict the amount of cover on any single life. The reinsurance cover is spread across highly rated companies to diversify the risk of reinsurer solvency. Net insurance reserves include a margin to reflect reinsurer credit risk.

27 Subordinated liabilities

Subordinated liabilities, which are all issued by Barclays Bank PLC (‘The Bank’) or other subsidiaries of the Group, include accrued interest and comprise dated and undated loan capital as follows:

 

           

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

Undated loan capital

      8,148    13,673

Dated loan capital

        17,668    16,169
          25,816    29,842

Undated loan capital

 

        
      Notes   

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

Non-convertible

        

Barclays Bank PLC

        

6% Callable Perpetual Core Tier One Notes

   a,p    424    487

6.86% Callable Perpetual Core Tier One Notes (US$1,000m)

   a,p    784    1,118

5.3304% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments

   b,q    560    652

5.926% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments (US$1,350m)

   c,r    928    1,109

6.3688% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments

   m,ac    567    600

7.434% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments (US$1,250m)

   n,ad    866    1,055

14% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments

   e,s    2,608    2,514

Junior Undated Floating Rate Notes (US$121m)

   d,t    75    83

7.7% Undated Subordinated Notes (US$99m, 2008: US$2,000m)

   o,af    65    1,644

Undated Floating Rate Primary Capital Notes Series 3

   d,u    145    147

9.25% Perpetual Subordinated Bonds (ex-Woolwich plc)

   f,v    95    232

9% Permanent Interest Bearing Capital Bonds

   g,w    43    120

8.25% Undated Subordinated Notes

   o,ae    152    1,092

7.125% Undated Subordinated Notes

   h,x    180    620

6.875% Undated Subordinated Notes

   i,y    151    729

6.375% Undated Subordinated Notes

   j,z    147    526

6.125% Undated Subordinated Notes

   k,aa    220    666

6.5% Undated Subordinated Notes (FFr 1,000m)

         151

5.03% Reverse Dual Currency Undated Subordinated Loan (Yen 8,000m)

   l,ab    55    51

5% Reverse Dual Currency Undated Subordinated Loan (Yen 12,000m)

   l,ab    83    77

Undated loan capital – non-convertible

        8,148    13,673


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        205  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

27 Subordinated liabilities continued

Security and subordination

None of the undated loan capital is secured.

The Junior Undated Floating Rate Notes (the Junior Notes) rank behind the claims against the Bank of depositors and other unsecured unsubordinated creditors and holders of dated loan capital.

All other issues of undated loan capital rank pari passu with each other and behind the claims of the holders of the Junior Notes, except for the 6% and 6.86% Callable Perpetual Core Tier One Notes (the TONs) and the 5.3304%, 5.926%, 6.3688%, 7.434% and 14% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments (the RCIs) (such issues, excluding the TONs and the RCIs, being the Undated Notes and Loans).

The TONs and the RCIs rank pari passu with each other and behind the claims of the holders of the Undated Notes and Loans.

Interest

Notes

 

a) These TONs bear a fixed rate of interest until 2032. After that date, in the event that the TONs are not redeemed, the TONs will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

b) These RCIs bear a fixed rate of interest until 2036. After that date, in the event that the RCIs are not redeemed, the RCIs will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

c) These RCIs bear a fixed rate of interest until 2016. After that date, in the event that the RCIs are not redeemed, the RCIs will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

d) These Notes bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

e) These RCIs bear a fixed rate of interest until 2019. After that date, in the event that the RCIs are not redeemed, the RCIs will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

f) These Bonds bear a fixed rate of interest until 2021. After that date, in the event that the Bonds are not redeemed, the coupon will be reset to a fixed margin over a reference gilt rate for a further period of five years.

 

g) The interest rate on these Bonds is fixed for the life of this issue.

 

h) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2020. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the coupon will be reset to a fixed margin over a reference gilt rate for a further period of five years.

 

i) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2015. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the coupon will be reset to a fixed margin over a reference gilt rate for a further period of five years.

 

j) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2017. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the coupon will be reset to a fixed margin over a reference gilt rate for a further period of five years.

 

k) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2027. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the coupon will be reset to a fixed margin over a reference gilt rate for a further period of five years.

 

l) These Loans bear a fixed rate of interest until 2028 based on a US Dollar principal amount, but the interest payments have been swapped, resulting in a Yen interest rate payable, which is fixed periodically in advance based on London interbank rates. After that date, in the event that the Loans are not redeemed, the Loans will bear Yen interest rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

m) These RCIs bear a fixed rate of interest until 2019. After that date, in the event that the RCIs are not redeemed, the RCIs will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

n) These RCIs bear a fixed rate of interest until 2017. After that date, in the event that the RCIs are not redeemed, the RCIs will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.

 

o) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2018. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the Notes will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates.


Table of Contents
  206        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

27 Subordinated liabilities continued

Barclays Bank PLC is not obliged to make a payment of interest on its Undated Notes and Loans excluding the 9.25% Perpetual Subordinated Bonds, 7.7% Undated Subordinated Notes and 8.25% Undated Subordinated Notes if, in the preceding six months, a dividend has not been declared or paid on any class of shares of Barclays PLC or, in certain cases, any class of preference shares of the Bank. The Bank is not obliged to make a payment of interest on its 9.25% Perpetual Subordinated Bonds if, in the immediately preceding 12 months’ interest period, a dividend has not been paid on any class of its share capital. Interest not so paid becomes payable in each case if such a dividend is subsequently paid or in certain other circumstances. During the year, the Bank declared and paid dividends on its ordinary shares and on all classes of preference shares.

No payment of principal or any interest may be made unless the Bank satisfies a specified solvency test.

The Bank may elect to defer any payment of interest on the 7.7% Undated Subordinated Notes and 8.25% Undated Subordinated Notes. Until such time as any deferred interest has been paid in full, neither the Bank nor Barclays PLC may declare or pay a dividend, subject to certain exceptions, on any of its ordinary shares, preference shares, or other share capital or satisfy any payments of interest or coupons on certain other junior obligations.

The Bank may elect to defer any payment of interest on the RCIs (b, c, e, m and n above). Any such deferred payment of interest must be paid on the earlier of (i) the date of redemption of the RCIs, (ii) the coupon payment date falling on or nearest to the tenth anniversary of the date of deferral of such payment, and (iii) in respect of e above only, substitution. Whilst such deferral is continuing, neither the Bank nor Barclays PLC may declare or pay a dividend, subject to certain exceptions, on any of its ordinary shares or preference shares.

The Bank may elect to defer any payment of interest on the TONs if it determines that it is, or such payment would result in it being, in non-compliance with capital adequacy requirements and policies of the FSA. Any such deferred payment of interest will only be payable on a redemption of the TONs. Until such time as the Bank next makes a payment of interest on the TONs, neither the Bank nor Barclays PLC may (i) declare or pay a dividend, subject to certain exceptions, on any of their respective ordinary shares or Preference Shares, or make payments of interest in respect of the Bank’s Reserve Capital Instruments and (ii) certain restrictions on the redemption, purchase or reduction of their respective share capital and certain other securities also apply.

Repayment

Notes

 

p) These TONs are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any coupon payment date falling in or after June 2032.

 

q) These RCIs are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any coupon payment date falling in or after December 2036.

 

r) These RCIs are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any coupon payment date falling in or after December 2016.

 

s) These RCIs are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any coupon payment date falling in or after June 2019.

 

t) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole or in part on any interest payment date.

 

u) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any interest payment date.

 

v) These Bonds are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole in 2021, or on any fifth anniversary thereafter.

 

w) These Bonds are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole at any time.

 

x) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole in 2020, or on any fifth anniversary thereafter.

 

y) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole in 2015, or on any fifth anniversary thereafter.

 

z) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole in 2017, or on any fifth anniversary thereafter.

 

aa) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole in 2027, or on any fifth anniversary thereafter.

 

ab) These Loans are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole in 2028, or on any fifth anniversary thereafter.

 

ac) These RCIs are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any coupon payment date falling in or after December 2019.

 

ad) These RCIs are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any coupon payment date falling in or after December 2017.

 

ae) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any interest payment date falling in or after December 2018.

 

af) These Notes are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any interest payment date falling in or after April 2018.

In addition, each issue of undated loan capital is repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole for certain tax reasons, either at any time, or on an interest payment date. There are no events of default except non-payment of principal or mandatory interest.

Any repayments require the prior notification to the FSA.

All issues of undated loan capital have been made in the eurocurrency market and/or under Rule 144A, and no issues have been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933.


Table of Contents
        207  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

27 Subordinated liabilities continued

Dated loan capital

Dated loan capital is issued by the Bank for the development and expansion of the Group’s business and to strengthen its capital base by Barclays Bank Spain SA (Barclays Spain), Barclays Bank of Botswana Ltd (BBB), Barclays Bank Zambia PLC (Barclays Zambia) and Barclays Bank of Kenya (Barclays Kenya) to enhance their respective capital bases and by Absa and Barclays Bank of Ghana Ltd (BBG) for general corporate purposes. It comprises:

 

      Notes    2009
£m
   2008
£m

Non-convertible

        

Barclays Bank PLC

        

7.4% Subordinated Notes 2009 (US$400m)

         275

Subordinated Fixed to CMS-Linked Notes 2009 (31m)

         31

12% Unsecured Capital Loan Stock 2010

   a    27    27

5.75% Subordinated Notes 2011 (1,000m)

   a    853    943

5.25% Subordinated Notes 2011 (250m) (ex-Woolwich plc)

   a    246    260

5.015% Subordinated Notes 2013 (US$150m)

   a    99    112

4.875% Subordinated Notes 2013 (750m)

   a    693    750

Callable Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2015 (US$1,500m)

   b,j    927    1,031

4.38% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes 2015 (US$75m)

   a    51    88

4.75% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes 2015 (US$150m)

   a    103    81

Floating Rate Subordinated Step-up Callable Notes 2016 (US$750m)

   b,j    463    514

Callable Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2016 (1,250m)

   b,j    1,115    1,211

Callable Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2017 (US$500m)

   b,j    309    343

10.125% Subordinated Notes 2017 (ex-Woolwich plc)

   g,j    107    109

Floating Rate Subordinated Step-up Callable Notes 2017 (US$1,500m)

   b,j    926    1,029

Floating Rate Subordinated Step-up Callable Notes 2017 (1,500m)

   b,j    1,337    1,444

6.05% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes 2017 (US$2,250m)

   a    1,505    1,856

Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2018 (40m)

   b    36    38

6% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes due 2018 (1,750m)

   a    1,641    1,767

CMS-Linked Subordinated Notes due 2018 (100m)

   b    92    100

CMS-Linked Subordinated Notes due 2018 (135m)

   b    124    135

Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2019 (50m)

   b    43    47

Callable Fixed/Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2019 (1,000m)

   h    915    984

9.5% Subordinated Bonds 2021(ex-Woolwich plc)

   a    276    298

Subordinated Floating Rate Notes 2021 (100m)

   b    87    94

10% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes 2021

   a    2,022   

10.179% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes 2021 (US$ 1,521m)

   a    942   

Subordinated Floating Rate Notes 2022 (50m)

   b    45    49

Subordinated Floating Rate Notes 2023 (50m)

   b    45    48

Fixed/Floating Rate Subordinated Callable Notes 2023

   m,j    568    571

5.75% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes 2026

   a    631    690

5.4% Reverse Dual Currency Subordinated Loan 2027 (Yen 15,000m)

   i    105    128

6.33% Subordinated Notes 2032

   a    52    53

Subordinated Floating Rate Notes 2040 (100m)

   b    89    96

Barclays Bank SA, Spain (Barclays Spain)

        

Subordinated Floating Rate Capital Notes 2011 (11m)

   b    4    11

Absa

        

14.25% Subordinated Callable Notes 2014 (ZAR 3,100m)

         240

10.75% Subordinated Callable Notes 2015 (ZAR 1,100m)

   c,j    95    85

Subordinated Callable Notes 2015 (ZAR 400m)

   d,j    36    30

8.75% Subordinated Callable Notes 2017 (ZAR 1,500m)

   e,j    129    115

Subordinated Callable Notes 2018 (ZAR 1,886m)

   d,j    173    144

8.8% Subordinated Fixed Rate Callable Notes 2019 (ZAR 1,725m)

   n,j    143    146

Subordinated Callable Notes 2019 (ZAR 3,000m)

   d,j    268   

8.1% Subordinated Callable Notes 2020 (ZAR 2,000m)

   f,j    160    130

Subordinated Callable Notes 2028 (ZAR 1,500m)

   d,j    127   

Barclays Bank of Ghana Ltd (BBG)

        

14% Fixed Rate BBG Subordinated Callable Notes 2016 (GHC 10m)

   a,j    4    5

Barclays Bank of Kenya (Barclays Kenya)

        

Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2014 (KES 968m)

   o    8    8

Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2015 (KES 740m)

   o    6    6

Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes 2015 (KES 1,260m)

   a    10    12

Barclays Bank Zambia PLC (Barclays Zambia)

        

Subordinated Unsecured Floating Rate Capital Notes 2016 (ZMK 49,232m)

   p    6   

Dated loan capital – non-convertible

        17,643    16,134


Table of Contents
  208        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

27 Subordinated liabilities continued

 

      Notes     2009
£m
   2008
£m

Convertible

       

Barclays Bank of Botswana (BBB)

       

Subordinated Unsecured Fixed Rate Capital Notes 2014 (BWP 190m)

   j,k   18    17

Barclays Bank Zambia PLC (Barclays Zambia)

       

Subordinated Unsecured Floating Rate Capital Notes 2015 (ZMK 49,086m)

   j,l   7    7

Absa

       

Redeemable cumulative option-holding preference shares (ZAR 147m)

            11

Dated loan capital convertible

         25    35

Total dated loan capital

         17,668    16,169

None of the Group’s dated loan capital is secured. The debt obligations of the Bank, Barclays Spain, BBG, BBB, Barclays Zambia, Barclays Kenya and Absa rank ahead of the interests of holders of their equity and the dated loan capital has been issued on the basis that the claims thereunder are subordinated to the respective claims of their depositors and other unsecured unsubordinated creditors.

Interest

Notes

 

a) The interest rates on these Notes are fixed for the life of those issues.

 

b) These Notes bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on London or European interbank rates.

 

c) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2010. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the Notes will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on Johannesburg interbank acceptance rates.

 

d) These Notes bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on Johannesburg interbank acceptance rates.

 

e) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2012. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the Notes will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on Johannesburg interbank acceptance rates.

 

f) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2015. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the Notes will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on Johannesburg interbank acceptance rates.

 

g) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2012. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the coupon will be reset to a fixed margin over a reference gilt rate for a further period of five years.

 

h) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2014. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the Notes will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on European interbank rates.

 

i) This Loan bears a fixed rate of interest based on a US Dollar principal amount, but the interest payments have been swapped, resulting in a Yen interest rate payable which is fixed periodically in advance based on London interbank rates.

 

j) Repayable at the option of the issuer, prior to maturity, on conditions governing the respective debt obligations, some in whole or in part, and some only in whole.

 

k) These Notes bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on the Bank of Botswana Certificate Rate. All of these Notes will be compulsorily converted to Preference Shares of BBB, having a total par value equal in sum to the principal amount of Notes outstanding at the time of conversion, should BBB experience pre-tax losses in excess of its retained earnings and other capital surplus accounts.

 

l) These Notes bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on the Bank of Zambia Treasury Bill rate. All of these Notes will be compulsorily converted to Preference Shares of Barclays Zambia, having a total par value equal in sum to the principal amount of Notes outstanding at the time of conversion, should Barclays Zambia experience pre-tax losses in excess of its retained earnings and other capital surplus accounts.

 

m) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2018. After that date in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the Notes will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on London interbank rates.

 

n) These Notes bear a fixed rate of interest until 2014. After that date, in the event that the Notes are not redeemed, the Notes will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on Johannesburg interbank acceptance rates.

 

o) These Notes bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on the Central Bank of Kenya Treasury Bill rates.

 

p) These Notes bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance based on the Central Bank of Zambia Treasury Bill rates.


Table of Contents
        209  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

27 Subordinated liabilities continued

The 7.4% Subordinated Notes 2009 (the ‘7.4% Notes’) issued by the Bank were registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. All other issues of dated loan capital by the Bank, Barclays Spain, BBG, BBB, Barclays Zambia, Barclays Kenya and Absa, which were made in non-US markets, have not been so registered.

Repayment terms

Unless otherwise indicated, the Group’s dated loan capital outstanding at 31st December 2009 is redeemable only on maturity, subject in particular cases, to provisions allowing an early redemption in the event of certain changes in tax law or, in the case of BBB and Barclays Zambia, to certain changes in legislation or regulations.

Any repayments prior to maturity require, in the case of the Bank, the prior notification to the FSA, in the case of BBB, the prior approval of the Bank of Botswana, in the case of Barclays Zambia, the prior approval of the Bank of Zambia, and in the case of Absa, the prior approval of the South African Registrar of Banks.

There are no committed facilities in existence at the balance sheet date which permit the refinancing of debt beyond the date of maturity.

28 Provisions

 

      Onerous
contracts
£m
    Redundancy
and
restructuring
£m
   

Undrawn
contractually
committed
facilities and
guarantees
provided

£m

    Sundry
provisions
£m
    Total
£m
 

At 1st January 2009

   50      118      109      258      535   

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

        (2   1      (6   (7

Exchange and other adjustments

        4      2           6   

Additions

   51      269      119      125      564   

Amounts used

   (27   (201   (21   (142   (391

Unused amounts reversed

   (8   (26   (48   (37   (119

Amortisation of discount

   2                     2   

At 31st December 2009

   68      162      162      198      590   

At 1st January 2008

   64      82      475      209      830   

Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

   9      (9        (1   (1

Exchange and other adjustments

   2           63      15      80   

Additions

   12      269      461      102      844   

Amounts used

   (41   (213   (794   (42   (1,090

Unused amounts reversed

        (11   (96   (25   (132

Amortisation of discount

   4                     4   

At 31st December 2008

   50      118      109      258      535   

Provisions expected to be recovered or settled within no more than 12 months after 31st December 2009 were £466m (2008: £333m).

Sundry provisions are made with respect to commission clawbacks, warranties and litigation claims.

29 Securitisations

The Group was party to securitisation transactions involving its residential mortgage loans, business loans and credit card balances. In addition, the Group acts as a conduit for commercial paper, whereby it acquires static pools of residential mortgage loans from other lending institutions for securitisation transactions.

In these transactions, the assets, or interests in the assets, or beneficial interests in the cash flows arising from the assets, are transferred to a special purpose entity, or to a trust which then transfers its beneficial interests to a special purpose entity, which then issues floating rate debt securities to third-party investors.

Securitisations may, depending on the individual arrangement, result in continued recognition of the securitised assets and the recognition of the debt securities issued in the transaction; lead to partial continued recognition of the assets to the extent of the Group’s continuing involvement in those assets or to derecognition of the assets and the separate recognition, as assets or liabilities, of any rights and obligations created or retained in the transfer. Full derecognition only occurs when the Group transfers both its contractual right to receive cash flows from the financial assets, or retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows, but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to another party without material delay or reinvestment, and also transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, including credit risk, prepayment risk and interest rate risk.


Table of Contents
  210        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

29 Securitisations continued

The following table shows the carrying amount of securitised assets, stated at the amount of the Group’s continuing involvement where appropriate, together with the associated liabilities, for each category of asset on the balance sheet:

 

      2009     2008  
     

Carrying
amount of
assets

£m

   Associated
liabilities
£m
    Carrying
amount of
assets
£m
   Associated
liabilities
£m
 

Loans and advances to customers

          

Residential mortgage loans

   10,374    (10,738   12,754    (13,172

Credit card receivables

   1,288    (1,288   1,888    (2,109

Other personal lending

   94    (124   212    (256

Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   4,835    (5,999   7,702    (8,937

Total

   16,591    (18,149   22,556    (24,474

Assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

          

Retained interest in residential mortgage loans

   26          316       

Balances included within loans and advances to customers represent securitisations where substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset have been retained by the Group.

The excess of total associated liabilities over the carrying amount of assets primarily reflects timing differences in the receipt and payment of cash flows, and foreign exchange movements where the assets and associated liabilities are denominated in different currencies.

Retained interests in residential mortgage loans are securities which represent a continuing exposure to the prepayment and credit risk in the underlying securitised assets. The total amount of the loans was £14,795m (2008: £31,734m). The retained interest is initially recorded as an allocation of the original carrying amount based on the relative fair values of the portion derecognised and the portion retained.

30 Retirement benefit obligations

Pension schemes

The UK Retirement Fund (UKRF), which is the main scheme of the Group, amounting to 93% of all the Group’s schemes in terms of benefit obligations, comprises ten sections.

The 1964 Pension Scheme

Most employees recruited before July 1997 are members of this non-contributory defined benefit scheme. Pensions are calculated by reference to service and pensionable salary and are normally subject to a deduction from State pension age.

The Retirement Investment Scheme (RIS)

A defined contribution plan for most joiners between July 1997 and 1st October 2003. This was closed to new entrants on 1st October 2003 and the large majority of existing members of the RIS transferred to Afterwork in respect of future benefit accrual with effect from 1st January 2004. There are no longer any active members of the RIS.

The Pension Investment Plan (PIP)

A defined contribution plan created from 1st July 2001 to provide benefits for employees of Barclays Capital.

Afterwork

Combines a contributory cash balance element with a voluntary defined contribution element. The majority of new employees outside of Barclays Capital since 1st October 2003 are eligible to join Afterwork. In addition, the large majority of active members of the RIS (now closed) were transferred to Afterwork in respect of future benefit accrual after 1st January 2004.

Career Average Section

The Career Average Section was established in the UKRF with effect from 1st May 2004 following the transfer of members from the Woolwich Pension Fund. The Career Average Section is a non-contributory career average scheme and was closed to new entrants on 1st December 2006.

1951 Fund Section, AP89 Section, BCPS Section, CCS Section and Mercantile Section

Five new sections were established in the UKRF with effect from 31st March 2007 following the merger of the UKRF with five smaller schemes sponsored from within the Group. All five sections are closed to new members.

The 1951 Fund Section, AP89 Section and Mercantile Section provide final salary benefits calculated by reference to service and pensionable salary.

The BCPS and CCS Sections provide defined contribution benefits. The benefits built up in these sections in relation to service before 6th April 1997 are subject to a defined benefit minimum.

In addition, the costs of ill-health retirements and death in service benefits are generally borne by the UKRF for each of the ten sections. From November 2008, members were given the option to contribute by way of salary sacrifice to the UKRF.

On 10th September 2009, the Trust Deed was amended such that with effect from 1st April 2010 the following sections of the UKRF will close to the accrual of future pension benefits: 1964 Pension Scheme; AP89 Section; 1951 Fund Section; Mercantile Section; Career Average Section; and CCS Section. Members of these sections will be eligible to accrue future service pension benefits in either Afterwork or PIP from 1st April 2010. This gave rise to the recognition of a curtailment gain during the year of £487m, the recognition of actuarial losses of £79m and an additional cost of £37m included in other staff costs.


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30 Retirement benefit obligations continued

Governance

The UKRF operates under trust law and is managed and administered on behalf of the members in accordance with the terms of the Trust Deed and all relevant legislations. The Corporate Trustee is Barclays Pension Funds Trustees Limited (BPFTL), a private limited company incorporated on 20th December 1990 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. The Trustee is the legal owner of the assets of the UKRF which are held separately from the assets of the Group.

The Trustee Board comprises six Management Directors selected by Barclays, of whom three are independent Directors with no relationship with Barclays or the UKRF, and three are Member Nominated Directors. In addition there are three Alternate Management Directors and three Alternate Member Nominated Directors. Member Nominated Directors are selected from those eligible active staff and pensioner members who apply to be considered for the role.

The Pensions Act 2004 (the Act) requires corporate trustees to take responsibility for making arrangements for the nomination and selection of Member Nominated Directors (MNDs). A formal procedure has been in place since 1st September 2007, which is fully compliant with the legal requirements and reflects best practice. Eligibility for nomination and selection is open to all members of the UKRF but excludes those in receipt of solely spouses, civil partners, dependants or ex-spouse participants pensions, deferred pensioners and members with eligibility for death benefits only.

Under the Act, the Bank and the Trustee must agree on the funding rate, including a recovery plan to fund any deficit against the scheme specific statutory funding objective. The first ongoing funding valuation to be completed under this legislation was carried out as at 30th September 2007.

There are other pension schemes (both defined benefit and defined contribution) in the UK and overseas. The same principles of pension governance applies to UK based schemes, although different legislation covers overseas schemes where, in most cases, the Bank has the power to determine the funding rate.

The following tables present an analysis of defined benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for all the Group’s pension schemes and post-retirement benefits (the latter are unfunded) and present the amounts recognised in the income statement including those related to post-retirement health care.

 

      2009     2008     2007  
      Pensions
£m
    Other post-
retirement
benefits
£m
   Total
£m
    Pensions
£m
    Other post-
retirement
benefits
£m
    Total
£m
    Pensions
£m
    Other post-
retirement
benefits
£m
   Total
£m
 

Income statement charge

                    

Current service cost

   281      10    291      299      2      301      332      2    334   

Interest cost

   992      9    1,001      991      8      999      905      8    913   

Expected return on scheme assets

   (935      (935   (1,175        (1,175   (1,074      (1,074

Recognised actuarial (gain)/loss

   96         96      (23   (1   (24   (1      (1

Past service cost

   6         6      2      (8   (6   20         20   

Curtailment or settlements

   (473      (473   (5        (5   (32      (32

Total included in staff costs

   (33   19    (14   89      1      90      150      10    160   

Staff costs are included in other operating expenses. Of the other post retirement benefit costs £16m relate to continuing operations (2008: £1m, 2007: £9m).

 

      2009                   2008                
      Pensions     Post-retirement
benefits
    Total     Pensions     Post-retirement
benefits
    Total  
     

UK

£m

    Overseas
£m
   

UK

£m

    Overseas
£m
    £m    

UK

£m

    Overseas
£m
    UK
£m
   

Overseas

£m

    £m  

Benefit obligation at beginning of the year

   (14,395   (1,220   (43   (125   (15,783   (16,563   (913   (60   (98   (17,634

Current service cost

   (254   (27   (1   (9   (291   (276   (23        (2   (301

Interest cost

   (941   (51   (3   (6   (1,001   (946   (45   (3   (5   (999

Past service cost

   (1                  (1   (2   (11   7           (6

Curtailments or settlements

   482      (7        1      476      7      2                9   

Actuarial (loss)/gain

   (4,757   (33   (3   7      (4,786   2,807           11      (5   2,813   

Contributions by plan participants

   (2   (5             (7   (20   (3             (23

Benefits paid

   659      58      1      6      724      598      42      2      9      651   

Business disposals

        9           6      15                            

Exchange and other adjustments

        (1   (16   25      8           (269        (24   (293

Benefit obligation at end of the year

   (19,209   (1,277   (65   (95   (20,646   (14,395   (1,220   (43   (125   (15,783


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

30 Retirement benefit obligations continued

The benefit obligation arises from plans that are wholly unfunded and wholly or partly funded as follows:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Unfunded obligations

   (288   (297

Wholly or partly funded obligations

   (20,358   (15,486

Total

   (20,646   (15,783

Change in plan assets

 

                    2009                                 2008                
     

Pensions

    Post-retirement
benefits
    Total    

Pensions

    Post-retirement
benefits
    Total  
      UK
£m
    Overseas
£m
    UK
£m
    Overseas
£m
    £m    

UK

£m

    Overseas
£m
    UK
£m
    Overseas
£m
    £m  

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year

   13,537      959                14,496      17,231      796                18,027   

Expected return on plan assets

   904      31                935      1,134      41                1,175   

Employer contribution

   525      76      1      6      608      336      71      2      9      418   

Settlements

        (2             (2        (2             (2

Contributions by plan participants

   2      5                7      20      3                23   

Actuarial gain/(loss)

   1,424      (8             1,416      (4,534   (121             (4,655

Benefits paid

   (659   (58   (1   (6   (724   (598   (42   (2   (9   (651

Business disposals

        (6             (6                         

Exchange and other adjustments

   (58   28                (30   (52   213                161   

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year

   15,675      1,025                16,700      13,537      959                14,496   

Amounts recognised on-balance sheet

The pension and post-retirement benefit assets and liabilities recognised on the balance sheet are as follows:

 

                    2009                                 2008                
     

Pensions

    Post-retirement
benefits
    Total    

Pensions

    Post-retirement
benefits
    Total  
     

UK

£m

    Overseas
£m
    UK
£m
    Overseas
£m
    £m    

UK

£m

    Overseas
£m
    UK
£m
    Overseas
£m
    £m  

Benefit obligation at end of period

   (19,209   (1,277   (65   (95   (20,646   (14,395   (1,220   (43   (125   (15,783

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

   15,675      1,025                16,700      13,537      959                14,496   

Net deficit

   (3,534   (252   (65   (95   (3,946   (858   (261   (43   (125   (1,287

Unrecognised actuarial losses/(gains)

   3,087      158      (7   10      3,248      (167   150      (11   23      (5

Net recognised liability

   (447   (94   (72   (85   (698   (1,025   (111   (54   (102   (1,292

Recognised assets a

        71                71           65                65   

Recognised liability

   (447   (165   (72   (85   (769   (1,025   (176   (54   (102   (1,357

Net recognised liability

   (447   (94   (72   (85   (698   (1,025   (111   (54   (102   (1,292

The UKRF funded status, as measured using the IAS 19 assumptions detailed below, has decreased from a deficit of £0.9bn at 31st December 2008 to a deficit of £3.5bn at 31st December 2009. The most significant reasons for this change were the decrease in AA corporate bond yields which resulted in a lower discount rate of 5.61% (31st December 2008: 6.75%) and an increase in the long-term inflation assumption to 3.76% (31st December 2008: 3.16%). The impact of the change in assumptions was partially offset by a one-off curtailment credit resulting from the closure of the UK final salary pension schemes to existing members, better than expected asset performance, and contributions paid in excess of the pension expense.

Note

 

a Included within other assets.


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30 Retirement benefit obligations continued

Assumptions

Obligations arising under defined benefit schemes are actuarially valued using the projected unit credit method. Under this method, where a defined benefit scheme is closed to new members, such as in the case of the 1964 Pension Scheme, the current service cost expressed as a percentage of salary is expected to increase in the future, although this higher rate will be applied to a decreasing payroll. The latest actuarial IFRS valuations were carried out as at 31st December using the following assumptions:

 

      UK schemes    Overseas schemes
      2009
% p.a.
   2008
% p.a.
   2009
% p.a.
   2008
% p.a.

Discount rate

   5.61    6.75    7.53    7.09

Rate of increase in salaries

   4.26    3.66    5.49    5.93

Inflation rate

   3.76    3.16    3.78    3.98

Rate of increase for pensions in payment

   3.56    3.06    3.27    3.17

Rate of increase for pensions in deferment

   3.76    3.16    2.81    4.37

Initial health care inflation

   7.00    8.00    8.50    9.00

Long-term health care inflation

   5.00    5.00    5.00    5.01

Expected return on plan assets

   6.70    6.80    7.44    7.95

The expected return on plan assets assumption is weighted on the basis of the fair value of these assets. Health care inflation assumptions are weighted on the basis of the health care cost for the period. All other assumptions are weighted on the basis of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the period.

The UK Schemes discount rate assumption is based on a liability-weighted rate derived from an AA corporate bond yield curve.

The overseas health care inflation assumptions relate to the US.

Mortality assumptions

The post-retirement mortality assumptions used in valuing the liabilities of the UKRF were based on the standard 2000 series tables as published by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. These tables are considered to be most relevant to the population of the UKRF based on their mortality history. These were then adjusted in line with the actual experience of the UKRF’s own pensioners relative to the standard table. An allowance has been made for future mortality improvements based on the medium cohort projections published by the Continuous Mortality Investigation Bureau subject to a floor of 1% pa on future improvements. On this basis the post-retirement mortality assumptions for the UKRF includes:

 

      2009    2008    2007    2006    2005

Longevity at 60 for current pensioners (years)

              

– Males

   27.5    27.4    26.7    25.8    25.8

– Females

   28.7    28.5    27.9    29.5    29.5

Longevity at 60 for future pensioners currently aged 40 (years)

              

– Males

   29.6    29.5    28.0    27.1    27.1

– Females

   30.6    30.5    29.1    30.7    30.6

Sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analysis for each of the principal assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation of the UKRF are as follows:

 

      Impact on UKRF benefit obligation  
     

(Decrease)/
Increase

%

   

(Decrease)/
Increase

£bn

 

0.5% increase to:

    

– Discount rate

   (8.5   (1.6

– Rate of inflation

   7.7      1.5   

1 year increase to longevity at 60

   2.5      0.5   

Following the amendment to the UKRF Trust Deed on 10th September 2009, the UKRF benefit obligation is not sensitive to future salary growth.


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  214        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

30 Retirement benefit obligations continued

Post-retirement health care

A one percentage point change in assumed health care trend rates, assuming all other assumptions remain constant would have the following effects for 2009:

 

      1% increase
£m
   1% decrease
£m
 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

   1    (1

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation

   13    (11

Assets

A long-term strategy has been set for the asset allocation of the UKRF which comprises a mixture of equities, bonds, property and other appropriate assets. This recognises that different asset classes are likely to produce different long-term returns and some asset classes may be more volatile than others.

The long-term strategy ensures that investments are adequately diversified. Asset managers are permitted some flexibility to vary the asset allocation from the long-term strategy within control ranges agreed with the Trustees from time to time.

The UKRF also employs derivative instruments, where appropriate, to achieve a desired exposure or return, or to match assets more closely to liabilities. The value of assets shown reflects the actual physical assets held by the scheme, with any derivative holdings reflected on a mark to market basis. The expected return on asset assumptions overall have been based on the portfolio of assets created after allowing for the net impact of the derivatives on the risk and return profile of the holdings.

During the second half of 2009, an investment de-risking programme was agreed for the UKRF between the Bank and the Trustee in order to achieve a better matching between assets and liabilities and to reduce the investment risk profile of the plan. This involved a partial sale of physical equities and purchase of index-linked gilts.

The value of the assets of the schemes, their percentage in relation to total scheme assets, and their expected rate of return at 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2008 were as follows:

 

      UK schemes    Overseas schemes    Total
      Value
£m
    % of
total fair
value of
scheme
assets
   

Expected
rate

of

return

%

   Value
£m
   % of
total fair
value of
scheme
assets
  

Expected
rate

of

return

%

   Value
£m
    % of
total fair
value of
scheme
assets
   

Expected
rate

of

return

%

2009

                      

Equities

   4,236      27      8.6    400    39    7.8    4,636      28      8.5

Bonds

   8,787      56      4.9    387    38    6.0    9,174      55      4.9

Property

   1,186      8      7.0    20    2    12.6    1,206      7      7.1

Derivatives

   (37                    (37       

Cash

   1,157      7      0.5    139    14    3.2    1,296      8      0.8

Other

   346      2      5.0    79    7    8.1    425      2      5.6

Fair value of plan assets a

   15,675      100      6.7    1,025    100    6.6    16,700      100      6.7

2008

                      

Equities

   5,813      43      8.5    217    23    9.3    6,030      42      8.5

Bonds

   6,360      47      5.3    166    17    6.2    6,526      45      5.3

Property

   1,214      9      7.2    16    2    13.4    1,230      8      7.3

Derivatives

   (420   (3               (420   (3  

Cash

   (131   (1   2.0    415    43    7.6    284      2      3.9

Other

   701      5      7.4    145    15    6.4    846      6      7.2

Fair value of plan assets a

   13,537      100      6.8    959    100    8.0    14,496      100      6.9

Note

 

a Excludes £890m (2008: £675m) representing the money purchase assets of the UKRF.


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30 Retirement benefit obligations continued

The UKRF plan assets include £58m relating to UK private equity investments (2008: £27m) and £921m relating to overseas private equity investments (2008: £735m). These are disclosed within Equities.

Amounts included in the fair value of plan assets include £4m (2008: £5m) relating to shares in Barclays Group, £5m (2008: £11m) relating to bonds issued by the Barclays Group, £nil (2008: £nil) relating to other investments in the Barclays Group, and £10m (2008: £17m) relating to property occupied by Group companies.

The expected return on assets is determined by calculating a total return estimate based on weighted average estimated returns for each asset class. Asset class returns are estimated using current and projected economic and market factors such as inflation, credit spreads and equity risk premiums.

The Group actual return on plan assets was an increase of £2,351m (2008: £3,480m decrease).

Actuarial gains and losses

The actuarial gains and losses arising on plan liabilities and plan assets are as follows:

 

     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

   

2007

£m

   

2006

£m

   

2005

£m

 

UK schemes

          

Present value of obligations

   (19,274   (14,438   (16,623   (17,353   (18,252

Fair value of plan assets

   15,675      13,537      17,231      16,761      15,571   

Net (deficit)/surplus in the plans

   (3,599   (901   608      (592   (2,681

Experience gains and (losses) on plan liabilities

          

– amount

   107      (81   (297   48      (2

– as percentage of plan liabilities

   1%      (1%   (2%          

Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets

          

– amount

   1,424      (4,534   (332   423      1,599   

– as percentage of plan assets

   9%      (33%   (2%   3%      10%   

Overseas schemes

          

Present value of obligations

   (1,372   (1,345   (1,011   (970   (1,017

Fair value of plan assets

   1,025      959      796      745      819   

Net deficit in the plans

   (347   (386   (215   (225   (198

Experience losses on plan liabilities

          

– amount

   (45   (96   (79   (54   (2

– as percentage of plan liabilities

   (3%   (7%   (8%   (6%     

Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets

          

– amount

   (8   (121   (11   25      2   

– as percentage of plan assets

   (1%   (13%        3%        

Total UK and Overseas schemes

          

Present value of obligations

   (20,646   (15,783   (17,634   (18,323   (19,269

Fair value of plan assets

   16,700      14,496      18,027      17,506      16,390   

Net (deficit)/surplus in the plans

   (3,946   (1,287   393      (817   (2,879

Experience gains and (losses) on plan liabilities

          

– amount

   62      (177   (376   (6   (4

– as percentage of plan liabilities

   0%      (1%   (2%          

Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets

          

– amount

   1,416      (4,655   (343   448      1,601   

– as percentage of plan assets

   8%      (32%   (2%   3%      10


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

30 Retirement benefit obligations continued

Funding

The most recent triennial funding valuation of the UK Retirement Fund (UKRF) was performed with an effective date of 30th September 2007. In compliance with the Pensions Act 2004, the Bank and Trustee have agreed a scheme-specific funding target, statement of funding principles, and a schedule of contributions. This agreement forms the basis of the Group’s commitment that the fund has sufficient assets to make payments to members in respect of their accrued benefits as and when they fall due. This funding valuation uses a discount rate that reflects a prudent expectation of long-term future investment returns from the current and assumed future investment strategy, and takes into account projected future salary increases when assessing liabilities arising from accrued service.

As at 30th September 2007 the funding valuation showed a surplus of £0.2bn. The Scheme Actuary prepares an annual update of the funding position as at 30th September. The latest annual update was carried out as at 30th September 2009 and showed a deficit of £4.8bn. The next triennial funding valuation will take place with an effective date of 30th September 2010.

The Group has agreed funding contributions which, in aggregate, are no less than those which are sufficient to meet the Group’s share of the cost of benefits accruing over each year. The Group has, in the recent past, chosen to make funding contributions in excess of this, more consistent with the IAS 19 service cost; and in 2009 made an additional voluntary contribution of £150m.

Defined benefit contributions paid with respect to the UKRF were as follows:

 

      £m

Contributions paid

  

2009

   525

2008

   336

2007

   355

Excluding the UKRF, the Group is expected to pay contributions of approximately £1m to UK schemes and £59m to overseas schemes in 2010.

The Group is committed to making estimated contributions to UKRF in 2010 of £290m, with potential additional voluntary contributions dependent on the scheme’s funding level.

31 Ordinary shares, share premium, and other equity

Ordinary shares and share premium

 

     

Number of
shares

m

    Ordinary
shares
£m
    Share
premium
£m
   Total
£m
 

At 1st January 2009

   8,372      2,093      4,045    6,138   

Issued under the Incentive Share Option Plan a

                  

Issued to staff under the Share Incentive Plan

   19      5      30    35   

Issue of new ordinary shares

   379      94      655    749   

Conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Notes

   2,642      661      3,221    3,882   

At 31st December 2009

   11,412      2,853      7,951    10,804   

At 1st January 2008

   6,601      1,651      56    1,707   

Issued to staff under the Sharesave Share Option Scheme

   3      1      13    14   

Issued under the Incentive Share Option Plan a

   1           3    3   

Issued to staff under the Share Incentive Plan a

   1           2    2   

Issue of new ordinary shares

   1,803      451      3,971    4,422   

Repurchase of shares

   (37   (10      (10

At 31st December 2008

   8,372      2,093      4,045    6,138   

Note

 

a The nominal value of share options issued during 2008 for the Incentive Share Option Plan and Share Incentive Plan was less than £500,000 in each case.


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31 Ordinary shares, share premium, and other equity continued

The authorised share capital of Barclays PLC is £5,290m, US$77.5m, 40m and Japanese Yen (¥)4,000m (31st December 2008: £3,540m, US$77.5m, 40m and ¥4,000m) comprising 20,996 million (31st December 2008: 13,996 million) ordinary shares of 25p each, 0.4 million (31st December 2008: 0.4 million) Sterling preference shares of £100 each, 0.4 million (31st December 2008: 0.4 million) US Dollar preference shares of $100 each, 150 million (31st December 2008: 150 million) US Dollar preference shares of $0.25 each, 0.4 million (31st December 2008: 0.4 million) Euro preference shares of 100 each, 0.4 million (31st December 2008: 0.4 million) Yen preference shares of ¥10,000 each and 1 million (31st December 2008: 1 million) staff shares of £1 each.

 

Called up share capital, allotted and fully paid    2009
£m
   2008
£m
 

Ordinary shares:

     

At beginning of year

   2,093    1,650   

Issued to staff under the Sharesave Share Option Scheme

      1   

Issued to staff under the Share Incentive Plan

   5      

Issue of new ordinary shares

   94    451   

Conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Notes

   661      

Repurchase of shares

      (9

At end of year

   2,853    2,093   

Staff shares:

     

At beginning of year

      1   

Repurchase of shares

      (1

At end of year

        

Total

   2,853    2,093   

Issue of new ordinary shares

During the year, the following share issues took place:

Conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Notes

The Mandatorily Convertible Notes (MCNs), issued by Barclays Bank PLC on 27th November 2008, were converted into 2,642 million ordinary shares in Barclays PLC by 30th June 2009 at the conversion price of £1.53276. £661m was credited to share capital and the remaining £3,221m (net of issuance costs) was credited to the share premium account.

Warrants

On 31st October 2008 Barclays PLC issued, in conjunction with a simultaneous issue of Reserve Capital Instruments issued by Barclays Bank PLC, warrants to subscribe for up to 1,516.9 million new ordinary shares at a price of £1.97775 to Qatar Holding LLC and HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Nahyan.

On 28th October 2009, Qatar Holding LLC exercised 379.2 million warrants to subscribe for new Barclays PLC Shares. £94m was credited to share capital and the remaining £655m was credited to the share premium account.

Share repurchase

No share repurchases were made during the year. In 2008, Barclays PLC repurchased shares at a cost of £173m.

At the 2009 AGM on 23rd April 2009, Barclays PLC was authorised to repurchase 837,620,130 of its ordinary shares of 25p. The authorisation is effective until the AGM in 2010.

Shares under option

The Group has four schemes that give employees rights to subscribe for new shares in Barclays PLC. A summary of the key terms of each scheme are included in Note 44.

At 31st December 2009, 91.3 million (2008: 94.1 million) options were outstanding under the terms of the Sharesave Share Option Scheme (Sharesave), no options were outstanding under the terms of the Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS) (2008: 0.5 million), 0.1 million (2008: 0.4 million) options were outstanding under the terms of the Woolwich Executive Share Option Plan (Woolwich ESOP) and 12.6 million (2008: 20.5 million) options were outstanding under the terms of the Incentive Share Option Plan (ISOP) enabling certain Directors and members of staff to subscribe for ordinary shares between 2009 and 2017 at prices ranging from 144p to 547p.

In addition to the above, the independent trustee of the Barclays Group (ESAS) Employees’ Benefit Trust (ESAS Trust), established by Barclays Bank PLC in 1996, operates the Executive Share Award Scheme (ESAS). ESAS is a deferred share bonus plan for employees of the Group. The key terms of the ESAS are described in Note 44. The independent trustees of the ESAS Trust make awards of Barclays shares and grant options over Barclays shares to beneficiaries of the ESAS Trust. Beneficiaries of the ESAS Trust include employees and former employees of the Barclays Group.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

31 Ordinary shares, share premium, and other equity continued

The independent trustee of the Barclays Group (PSP and ESOS) Employees’ Benefit Trust (PSP Trust), established by Barclays Bank PLC in 1996, operates the Performance Share Plan (PSP) and may satisfy awards under the ESOS. No awards have been made under this trust since 1999. All awards are in the form of options over Barclays shares.

The Sharepurchase scheme which was established in 2002 is open to all eligible UK employees, including executive Directors. The key terms of the Sharepurchase scheme are described in Note 44.

The Global Sharepurchase scheme which was established in 2009 is open to all eligible non UK employees, excluding executive Directors. The key terms of the Global Sharepurchase scheme are described in Note 44.

32 Reserves

Other reserves

 

     

Capital
redemption
reserve

£m

   Other
capital
reserve
£m
   Available
for sale
reserve
£m
    Cash flow
hedging
reserve
£m
    Currency
translation
reserve
£m
    Total
£m
 

At 1st January 2009

   394    617    (1,190   132      2,840      2,793   

Net gains from changes in fair value

         1,194      287           1,481   

Net gains transferred to net profit

         (415   (92        (507

Currency translation differences

                   (1,223   (1,223

Net losses transferred to net profit due to impairment

         670                670   

Changes in insurance liabilities

         (67             (67

Net gains transferred to net profit due to fair value hedging

         (123             (123

Tax

         (179   (75   (2   (256

At 31st December 2009

   394    617    (110   252      1,615      2,768   

At 1st January 2008

   384    617    154      26      (307   874   

Net (losses)/gains from changes in fair value

         (1,736   252           (1,484

Net (gains)/losses transferred to net profit

         (212   19           (193

Currency translation differences

                   2,307      2,307   

Net losses transferred to net profit due to impairment

         382                382   

Changes in insurance liabilities

         17                17   

Net gains transferred to net profit due to fair value hedging

         (2             (2

Tax

         207      (165   840      882   

Repurchase of shares

   10                      10   

At 31st December 2008

   394    617    (1,190   132      2,840      2,793   

Available for sale net gains transferred to net profit includes £349m gain (2008: £212m gain) relating to continuing operations and £66m gain (2008: £nil) relating to discontinued operations.

The capital redemption reserve and other capital reserve represent transfers from retained earnings in accordance with relevant legislation. These reserves are not distributable.

The available for sale reserve represents the unrealised change in the fair value of available for sale investments since initial recognition.

The cash flow hedging reserve represents the cumulative gains and losses on effective cash flow hedging instruments that will be recycled to the income statement when the hedged transactions affect profit or loss.

The currency translation reserve represents the cumulative gains and losses on the retranslation of the Group’s net investment in foreign operations, net of the effects of hedging.

Transfers from cash flow hedging reserve

Gains and losses transferred from the cash flow hedging reserve were to: interest income: £22m loss (2008: £4m loss), interest expense: £272m gain (2008: £74m loss), net trading income: £165m loss (2008: £119m gain), and administration and general expenses: £7m gain (2008: £60m loss).


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32 Reserves continued

Retained earnings and treasury shares

 

      Retained
earnings
£m
    Treasury
shares
£m
    Total
£m
 

At 1st January 2009

   24,208      (173   24,035   

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent

   9,393           9,393   

Equity-settled share schemes

   298           298   

Tax on equity-settled share schemes

   156           156   

Other taxes

   32           32   

Net purchases of treasury shares

        (47   (47

Transfer

   (80   80        

Dividends paid

   (113        (113

Conversion of mandatorily convertible notes

   (230        (230

Other

   181           181   

At 31st December 2009

   33,845      (140   33,705   

At 1st January 2008

   20,970      (260   20,710   

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent

   4,382           4,382   

Equity-settled share schemes

   463           463   

Tax on equity-settled share schemes

   (4        (4

Other taxes

   (52        (52

Net purchases of treasury shares

        (350   (350

Transfer

   (437   437        

Dividends paid

   (2,344        (2,344

Repurchase of shares

   (173        (173

Arising on share issue

   634           634   

Issue of warrants

   776           776   

Other

   (7        (7

At 31st December 2008

   24,208      (173   24,035   

The treasury shares primarily relate to Barclays PLC shares held by employee benefit trusts in relation to the Executive Share Award Scheme, Performance Share Plan and Sharepurchase Scheme, to the extent that such shares have not been allocated to employees. These schemes are described in Note 44.

The total number of Barclays shares held in Group employee benefit trusts at 31st December 2009 was 125.1 million (2008: 217.9 million). No dividend rights have been waived on these shares. The total market value of the shares held in trust, based on the year-end share price of £2.75 (2008: £1.53), was £344m (2008: £333m). As at 31st December 2009, options over 15.6 million (2008: 19.1 million) of the total shares held in the trusts were exercisable.

The Group operates in a number of countries subject to regulations under which subsidiaries and other operations have to maintain minimum levels of capital. The current policy of the Group is that the local capital requirements are met, to the greatest possible extent, through the retention of profit. Certain countries also operate exchange control regulations which limit the amount of dividends that can be remitted to non-resident shareholders.

Retained earnings – Barclays PLC (Parent Company)

 

      Retained
earnings
£m
   

Capital
redemption
reserve

£m

At 1st January 2009

   9,006      394

Profit after tax

   125     

Dividends paid

   (113  

Conversion of mandatorily convertible notes

   (230  

Other

   228     

At 31st December 2009

   9,016      394

At 1st January 2008

   8,990      384

Profit after tax

   1,193     

Dividends paid

   (2,414  

Arising on share issue

   634     

Repurchase of shares

   (173   10

Issue of warrants

   776     

At 31st December 2008

   9,006      394

Details of principal subsidiaries held through Barclays Bank PLC are shown in Note 41.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

33 Non-controlling interests

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

At beginning of year

   10,793      9,185   

Share of profit after tax

   895      905   

Dividend and other payments

   (767   (703

Equity issued by subsidiaries

        1,349   

Available for sale reserve: net (loss)/gain from changes in fair value

   (12   (1

Cash flow hedges: (loss)/gain from changes in fair value

   (19   76   

Currency translation differences

   277      100   

Additions

   9        

Disposals

   (91   (11

Other

   116      (107

At end of year

   11,201      10,793   

The non-controlling interests as at 31st December represented holdings in the following:

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Barclays Bank PLC issued Preference shares

   5,933    5,927

Barclays Bank PLC issued Reserve Capital Instruments – equity accounted

   1,908    1,908

Barclays Bank PLC issued Upper Tier 2 instruments – equity accounted

   586    586

Absa Group Limited – issued preference shares and other non-controlling interests

   2,539    1,994

Other

   235    378

Total

   11,201    10,793

There were no Preference Shares issued by Barclays Bank PLC during the year.

34 Contingent liabilities and commitments

The following table summarises the nominal principal amount of contingent liabilities and commitments with off-balance sheet risk:

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Acceptances and endorsements

   375    585

Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security

   15,406    15,652

Securities lending arrangements

   27,406    38,290

Other contingent liabilities

   9,587    11,783

Contingent liabilities

   52,774    66,310

Documentary credits and other short-term trade related transactions

   762    859

Undrawn note issuance and revolving underwriting facilities:

     

Forward asset purchases and forward deposits placed

   46    291

Standby facilities, credit lines and other

   206,467    259,666

Commitments

   207,275    260,816

Nature of instruments

In common with other banks, the Group conducts business involving acceptances, performance bonds and indemnities. The majority of these facilities are offset by corresponding obligations of third parties.

An acceptance is an undertaking by a bank to pay a bill of exchange drawn on a customer. The Group expects most acceptances to be presented, but reimbursement by the customer is normally immediate. Endorsements are residual liabilities of the Group in respect of bills of exchange, which have been paid and subsequently rediscounted.

Guarantees and letters of credit are given as security to support the performance of a customer to third parties. As the Group will only be required to meet these obligations in the event of the customer’s default, the cash requirements of these instruments are expected to be considerably below their nominal amounts.

Until the disposal of BGI on 1st December 2009, the Group facilitated securities lending arrangements for its managed investment funds whereby securities held by funds under management were lent to third parties. Borrowers provided cash or investment grade assets as collateral equal to 100% of the market value of the securities lent plus a margin of 2% – 10%. The Group has agreed with BlackRock to continue to provide indemnities to support these arrangements for a further three years. As at 31st December 2009, the value of the collateral held was £28,248m (2008: £39,690m) and that of the stock lent was £27,406m (2008: £38,290m).

Other contingent liabilities include transaction-related customs and performance bonds and are, generally, short-term commitments to third parties which are not directly dependent on the customer’s creditworthiness.


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34 Contingent liabilities and commitments continued

Commitments to lend are agreements to lend to a customer in the future, subject to certain conditions. Such commitments are either made for a fixed period, or have no specific maturity but are cancellable by the lender subject to notice requirements.

Documentary credits commit the Group to make payments to third parties, on production of documents, which are usually reimbursed immediately by customers.

Capital commitments

At 31st December 2009 the commitments for capital expenditure under contract amounted to £129m (2008: £48m).

Assets pledged

Assets are pledged as collateral to secure liabilities under repurchase agreements, securitisations and stock lending agreements or as security deposits relating to derivatives. The disclosure includes any asset transfers associated with liabilities under repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions.

The following table summarises the nature and carrying amount of the assets pledged as security against these liabilities:

 

     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

Trading portfolio assets

   96,176    81,186

Loans and advances

   48,846    28,789

Available for sale investments

   24,264    32,321

Other

   77    3,812

Assets pledged

   169,363    146,108

Collateral held as security for assets

Under certain transactions, including reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing transactions, the Group is allowed to resell or repledge the collateral held. The fair value at the balance sheet date of collateral accepted and repledged to others was as follows:

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Fair value of securities accepted as collateral

   357,159    424,819

Of which fair value of securities repledged/transferred to others

   283,334    374,222

35 Legal proceedings

On 25th November 2009, the UK Supreme Court decided the test case relating to current account overdraft charges in favour of the banks. The Office of Fair Trading subsequently confirmed that it will not proceed with its investigation into the fairness of these charges following the Supreme Court judgment. Accordingly, we are seeking to have all outstanding claims which were premised on the same legal principles as those at issue in the test case discontinued or dismissed. There remain a small number of residual complaints challenging the charges on a different basis, but these complaints are not expected to have a material effect on Barclays.

Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays PLC and various current and former members of Barclays PLC’s Board of Directors have been named as defendants in five proposed securities class actions (which have been consolidated) pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The consolidated amended complaint, dated 12th February 2010, alleges that the registration statements relating to American Depositary Shares representing Preferred Stock, Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 (ADS) offered by Barclays Bank PLC at various times between 2006 and 2008 contained misstatements and omissions concerning (amongst other things) Barclays portfolio of mortgage-related (including US subprime-related) securities, Barclays exposure to mortgage and credit market risk and Barclays financial condition. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims under Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. Barclays considers that these ADS-related claims against it are without merit and is defending them vigorously. It is not possible to estimate any possible loss in relation to these claims or any effect that they might have upon operating results in any particular financial period.

On 15th September 2009 motions were filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (LBHI), the SIPA Trustee for Lehman Brothers Inc. (the Trustee) and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (the Committee). All three motions challenge certain aspects of the transaction pursuant to which Barclays Capital Inc. (BCI) and other companies in the Barclays Group acquired most of the assets of Lehman Brothers Inc. (LBI) in September 2008 and the court order approving such sale. The claimants seek an order: voiding the transfer of certain assets to BCI; requiring BCI to return to the LBI estate alleged excess value BCI received; and declaring that BCI is not entitled to certain assets that it claims pursuant to the sale documents and order approving the sale. On 16th November 2009, LBHI, the Trustee and the Committee filed separate complaints in the Bankruptcy Court asserting claims against BCI based on the same underlying allegations as the pending motions and seeking relief similar to that which is requested in the motions. On 29th January 2010, BCI filed its response to the motions. Barclays considers that the motions and claims against BCI are without merit and BCI is vigorously defending its position. On 29th January 2010, BCI also filed a motion seeking delivery of certain assets that LBHI and LBI have failed to deliver as required by the sale documents and the court order approving the sale. It is not possible to estimate any possible loss to Barclays in relation to these matters or any effect that these matters might have upon operating results in any particular financial period.

Barclays is engaged in various other litigation proceedings both in the United Kingdom and a number of overseas jurisdictions, including the United States, involving claims by and against it which arise in the ordinary course of business. Barclays does not expect the ultimate resolution of any of the proceedings to which Barclays is party to have a significant adverse effect on the financial position of the Group and Barclays has not disclosed the contingent liabilities associated with these claims either because they cannot reasonably be estimated or because such disclosure could be prejudicial to the conduct of the claims.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

36 Competition and regulatory matters

The scale of regulatory change remains challenging and the global financial crisis is resulting in a significant tightening of regulation and changes to regulatory structures globally, especially for banks that are deemed to be of systemic importance. Concurrently, there is continuing political and regulatory scrutiny of the operation of the banking and consumer credit industries in the UK and elsewhere which, in some cases, is leading to increased regulation. For example, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 in the US will restrict many credit card pricing and marketing practices. The nature and impact of future changes in the legal framework, policies and regulatory action cannot currently be fully predicted and are beyond Barclays control but, especially in the area of banking regulation, are likely to have an impact on Barclays businesses and earnings.

The market for payment protection insurance (PPI) has been under scrutiny by the UK competition authorities and financial services regulators. Following a reference from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), the UK Competition Commission (CC) undertook an in-depth enquiry into the PPI market. The CC published its final report on 29th January 2009 concluding that the businesses which offer PPI alongside credit face little or no competition when selling PPI to their credit customers. In March 2009, Barclays submitted a targeted appeal focused on the prohibition on sale of PPI at the point of sale (POSP) remedy on the basis that it was not based on sound analysis, and is unduly draconian. The Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT) upheld Barclays appeal on two grounds, meaning that the CC will be required to reconsider the POSP remedy and the basis for it, and made an order to that effect on 26th November 2009.

This remittal process is expected to take until the autumn of 2010, at which time the CC will publish its final Remedies Order.

Separately, in 2006, the FSA published the outcome of its broad industry thematic review of PPI sales practices in which it concluded that some firms fail to treat customers fairly and that the FSA would strengthen its actions against such firms. Tackling poor PPI sales practices remains a priority for the FSA. In September 2009, the FSA issued a Consultation Paper on the assessment and redress of PPI complaints made on or after 14th January 2005. The FSA has announced that it intends to publish a final version of the policy statement in early 2010 and will amend the DISP (Dispute Resolution: Complaints) rules in the FSA Sourcebook. Barclays voluntarily complied with the FSA’s request to cease selling single premium PPI by the end of January 2009.

The OFT has carried out investigations into Visa and MasterCard credit card interchange rates. A decision by the OFT in the MasterCard interchange case was set aside by the CAT in 2006. The OFT is progressing its investigations in the Visa interchange case and a second MasterCard interchange case in parallel and both are ongoing. The outcome is not known but these investigations may have an impact on the consumer credit industry in general and therefore on Barclays business in this sector. In 2007, the OFT expanded its investigations into interchange rates to include debit cards.

Notwithstanding the Supreme Court ruling in relation to the test case (see Note 35 on page 221) Barclays continues to be involved in the OFT’s work on personal current accounts. The OFT initiated a market study into personal current accounts (PCAs) in the UK in 2007 which also included an examination of other retail banking products, in particular savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans and mortgages in order to take into account the competitive dynamics of UK retail banking. In 2008, the OFT published its market study report, in which it concluded that certain features of the UK PCA market were not working well for consumers. The OFT reached the provisional view that some form of regulatory intervention is necessary in the UK PCA market. The OFT also held a consultation to seek views on the findings and possible measures to address the issues raised in its report. In October 2009, the OFT published a follow-up report containing details of voluntary initiatives in relation to transparency and switching agreed between the OFT and the industry. A further follow-up report is expected in March 2010 to provide details of voluntary initiatives agreed in relation to charging structures. Barclays has participated fully in the market study process and will continue to do so.

US laws and regulations require compliance with US economic sanctions, administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, against designated foreign countries, nationals and others. HM Treasury regulations similarly require compliance with sanctions adopted by the UK government. Barclays has been conducting an internal review of its conduct with respect to US Dollar payments involving countries, persons and entities subject to these sanctions and has been reporting to governmental authorities about the results of that review. Barclays received inquiries relating to these sanctions and certain US Dollar payments processed by its New York branch from the New York County District Attorney’s Office and the US Department of Justice which, along with other authorities, has been reported to be conducting investigations of sanctions compliance by non-US financial institutions. Barclays has responded to those inquiries and is cooperating with the regulators, the Department of Justice and the District Attorney’s Office in connection with their investigations of Barclays conduct with respect to sanctions compliance. Barclays has also received a formal notice of investigation from the FSA, and has been keeping the FSA informed of the progress of the US investigations and Barclays internal review. Barclays review is ongoing. It is currently not possible to predict the ultimate resolution of the issues covered by Barclays review and the investigations, including the timing and potential financial impact of any resolution, which could be substantial.


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37 Leasing

The Group is both lessor and lessee under finance and operating leases, providing asset financing for its customers and leasing assets for its own use. In addition, assets leased by the Group may be sublet to other parties. An analysis of the impact of these transactions on the Group balance sheet and income statement is as follows:

a) As Lessor

Finance lease receivables

The Group specialises in asset-based lending and works with a broad range of international technology, industrial equipment and commercial companies to provide customised finance programmes to assist manufacturers, dealers and distributors of assets.

Finance lease receivables are included within loans and advances to customers. The Group’s net investment in finance lease receivables was as follows:

 

      2009    2008
     

Gross
investment in
finance lease
receivables

£m

   Future
finance
income
£m
   

Present value of
minimum lease
payments
receivable

£m

  

Unguaranteed
residual
values

£m

  

Gross
investment in
finance lease
receivables

£m

  

Future
finance
income

£m

   

Present value of
minimum lease
payments
receivable

£m

  

Unguaranteed
residual
values

£m

Not more than one year

   3,513    (456   3,057    55    3,929    (689   3,240    149

Over one year but not more than five years

   7,597    (1,117   6,480    154    8,668    (1,673   6,995    355

Over five years

   2,084    (427   1,657    407    3,419    (768   2,651    25

Total

   13,194    (2,000   11,194    616    16,016    (3,130   12,886    529

The allowance for uncollectable finance lease receivables included in the allowance for impairment amounted to £321m at 31st December 2009 (2008: £189m).

Operating lease receivables

The Group acts as lessor, whereby items of plant and equipment are purchased and then leased to third parties under arrangements qualifying as operating leases. The items purchased to satisfy these leases are included within plant and equipment (see Note 23) and are generally disposed of at the end of the lease term.

The future minimum lease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable operating leases at 31st December 2009 were as follows:

 

      2009    2008
     

Plant and
equipment

£m

  

Plant and
equipment

£m

Not more than one year

   10    80

Over one year but not more than two years

   7    42

Over two years but not more than three years

   7    36

Over three years but not more than four years

   6    24

Over four years but not more than five years

   8    13

Over five years

   1    39

Total

   39    234


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

37 Leasing continued

b) As Lessee

Finance lease commitments

The Group leases items of property, plant and equipment on terms that meet the definition of finance leases. Finance lease commitments are included within other liabilities (see Note 25).

Obligations under finance leases were as follows:

 

      2009    2008
      Total
future
minimum
payments
£m
   Total
future
minimum
payments
£m

Not more than one year

   16    35

Over one year but not more than two years

   7    13

Over two years but not more than three years

   30    14

Over three years but not more than four years

   18    17

Over four years but not more than five years

   17    14

Over five years

   34    3

Net obligations under finance leases

   122    96

The carrying amount of assets held under finance leases at the balance sheet date was:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Cost

   127      87   

Accumulated depreciation

   (84   (67

Net book value

   43      20   

Operating lease commitments

The Group leases various offices, branches and other premises under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements. The leases have various terms, escalation and renewal rights. There are no contingent rents payable. The Group also leases equipment under non-cancellable lease arrangements. Where the Group is the lessee the future minimum lease payment under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 

      2009    2008
      Property
£m
   Equipment
£m
   Property
£m
   Equipment
£m

Not more than one year

   459    9    275    5

Over one year but not more than two years

   424    6    354    1

Over two years but not more than three years

   378       334    1

Over three years but not more than four years

   334       315   

Over four years but not more than five years

   341       465    5

Over five years

   2,933    3    2,744    1

Total

   4,869    18    4,487    13

The total of future minimum sublease payments to be received under non-cancellable subleases at the balance sheet date is £147m (2008: £158m).


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38 Disposal of subsidiaries

During the year, the Group disposed of Barclays Global Investors (BGI), 50% of Barclays Vida y Pensiones Compañía de Seguros and 7% of the GRCB –Emerging Markets Botswana business.

 

      BGI     Other     Total  
      2009
£m
    2009
£m
    2009
£m
 

Consideration received including hedging gains:

      

Cash received a

   4,207      158      4,365   

Non-cash consideration

   5,294      118      5,412   

Total consideration received

   9,501      276      9,777   

Assets and liabilities disposed of:

      

Assets

      

Cash and balances at central banks

   667           667   

Financial assets designated at fair value:

      

– held on own account

        393      393   

– held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   71,791           71,791   

Derivative financial instruments

        5      5   

Loans and advances to customers

        4      4   

Available for sale investments

   55      788      843   

Other assets

   398      204      602   

Goodwill and Intangible assets

   1,586           1,586   

Property, plant and equipment

   122           122   

Deferred tax assets

   99           99   

Total

   74,718      1,394      76,112   

Liabilities

      

Customer accounts

        (368   (368

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   (71,791   (415   (72,206

Derivative financial instruments

        (8   (8

Other liabilities

   (911   (74   (985

Current tax liabilities

   35           35   

Insurance contract liabilities, including unit-linked liabilities

        (354   (354

Deferred tax liabilities

        (16   (16

Total

   (72,667   (1,235   (73,902

Net assets disposed of

   2,051      159      2,210   

Group share of net assets disposed of

   2,051      82      2,133   

Transaction costs

   (539   (10   (549

Amounts relating to non-controlling interests

   (580        (580

Gain on sale before tax

   6,331      184      6,515   

Tax

   (43   (28   (71

Gain on sale, net of tax

   6,288      156      6,444   

On 1st December 2009 the Group completed the sale of BGI to BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) recognising a profit on disposal before tax of £6,331m. The tax charge of £43m reflects the application of UK substantial shareholdings relief in accordance with UK tax law.

The consideration at completion was $15.2bn (£9.5bn), including 37.567 million new BlackRock shares, giving an economic interest of 19.9% of the enlarged BlackRock group. Barclays Group holds 4.9% of the voting rights and under the terms of the transaction may not acquire additional voting rights and will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the BlackRock Board of Directors. John Varley and Robert E Diamond Jr. have been appointed to the BlackRock Board, which comprises 18 Directors. The Group is not deemed to exercise significant influence and the investment has been accounted for as an available for sale equity investment.

The Group has provided BlackRock with customary warranties and indemnities in connection with the sale. Barclays will also continue to indemnify securities lending arrangements until 30th November 2012 (included within contingent liabilities in Note 34) and provide support to certain BGI cash funds until December 2013 in the form of credit derivatives (included within derivative liabilities in Note 14) and financial guarantees (included within provisions in Note 28).

In addition, Barclays, BlackRock and their respective affiliates also enter into agreements and transactions with one another in the ordinary course of their respective businesses and on an arm’s length commercial basis, subject to applicable regulation and agreements with relevant regulators.

In connection with its financing of its acquisition of BGI, BlackRock entered into a 364-day revolving credit facility with a group of lenders including Barclays, who is also acting as revolving agent. Of the $2bn credit facility, $0.8bn was committed by other lenders and following completion BlackRock had borrowed or notified to be borrowed $1.5bn under the facility. All amounts borrowed under this facility have been fully repaid and the facility was terminated prior to 31st December 2009.

Prior year disposals

In 2008, the Group disposed of Barclays Life Assurance Limited. There were no material disposals in 2007.

Note

 

a Net cash consideration received from the sale of BGI, excluding the effect of hedging, cash balances disposed of and transaction costs paid, was £2,469m.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

39 Discontinued operations

The disposed BGI business has been treated as a discontinued operation, the results of which are set out below. For the year ended 31st December 2009 the results are for the 11 month period up to the date of disposal.

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Net interest income

   33           12   

Net fee and commission income

   1,759      1,916      1,937   

Net trading income/(loss)

   67      (10   5   

Other income

   4      10      2   

Total income

   1,863      1,916      1,956   

Operating expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets

   (1,123   (960   (1,095

Amortisation of intangible assets

   (14   (15   (8

Operating expenses

   (1,137   (975   (1,103

Profit before tax from discontinued operations

   726      941      853   

Tax on discontinued operations

   (237   (337   (282

Profit after tax from discontinued operations

   489      604      571   

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations a

   6,331             

Tax on disposal

   (43          

Net profit on the disposal of the discontinued operation

   6,288             

Profit after tax from discontinued operations, including gain on disposal

   6,777      604      571   

Other comprehensive income relating to discontinued operations is as follows:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m

Available for sale assets

   10      (9   1

Currency translation reserve

   (85   133      11

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

   17      (10   14

Other comprehensive income, net of tax, from discontinued operations

   (58   114      26

The cash flows attributable to the discontinued operations were as follows:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Cash flows from discontinued operations

      

Net cash flows from operating activities

   333      524      773   

Net cash flows from investing activities

   (25   (93   (248

Net cash flows from financing activities

   (550   (362   (429

Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   (134   217      (13

Net cash flows from discontinued operations

   (376   286      83   

Notes

 

a Details of the profit on disposal are shown in Note 38.


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40 Acquisition of subsidiaries

a) Crescent Real Estate

On 19th November 2009, Barclays formed Crescent Real Estate Holdings LLC a joint venture with Goff Capital, Inc., to assume 99.7% ownership of Crescent Real Estate Equities Limited partnership (Crescent) following the completion of a debt restructuring transaction. Crescent is a real estate investment company that owns and manages office space, as well as investments in resort residential developments and luxury hotels across the US. These properties are accounted for as investment properties.

The assets and liabilities of Crescent at acquisition were as follows:

 

      Carrying
value pre-
acquisition
£m
    Fair value
adjustments
£m
    Fair
values
£m
 

Assets

      

Loans and advances to customers

   85           85   

Investment in associates and joint ventures

   132      (45   87   

Property, plant and equipment

   879      69      948   

Other assets

   154      (2   152   

Total assets

   1,250      22      1,272   

Liabilities

      

Deposits from banks

   (170        (170

Other liabilities

   (102   3      (99

Total liabilities

   (272   3      (269

Net assets

   978      25      1,003   

Group share of net assets acquired

   978      25      1,003   

Acquisition cost

      

Loans

               1,003   

Total consideration

               1,003   

No goodwill arose on acquisition.

The results of Crescent’s operations have been included from 19th November 2009 and did not materially contribute to the consolidated profit before tax. It is impracticable to disclose the revenue and profit or loss of the combined entity as though the acquisition date had been 1st January 2009.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

40 Acquisition of subsidiaries continued

b) Other acquisitions

Other acquisitions made by the Group during the year included 100% of PT Bank Akita on 1st February 2009 and 100% of the Portuguese credit card business of Citibank International PLC on 1st December 2009.

The Group increased its share in Abseq Properties (Pty) Ltd (previously accounted for as an associate) to 85% on 30th January 2009. On 6th April 2009, the Group acquired 100% of Care Principles as part of a debt restructuring transaction.

None of these acquisitions were individually material.

Details of the net assets acquired and the consideration paid are set out in aggregate below. The results of their operations have been included from the dates acquired and contributed a loss of £17m to the consolidated profit before tax.

 

      Carrying
value pre-
acquisition
£m
    Fair value
adjustments
£m
    Other
adjustments
£m
    Fair
values
£m
 

Assets

        

Loans and advances to customers

   598      (9        589   

Investments in associates and joint ventures

   3                3   

Intangible assets

        75      16      91   

Property, plant and equipment

   201      5           206   

Other assets

   38                38   

Total assets

   840      71      16      927   

Liabilities

        

Deposits from banks

   (806   45      117      (644

Customer accounts

   (48             (48

Derivative financial instruments

        (32   19      (13

Deferred tax liabilities

   (14   (26        (40

Other liabilities

   (111   18      (2   (95

Total liabilities

   (979   5      134      (840

Net assets acquired

   (139   76      150      87   

Group share of net assets acquired

                     66   

Acquisition cost

        

Cash Paid

         24   

Deferred consideration

         19   

Attributable costs

                     4   

Total consideration

                     47   

Goodwill

                     7   

Gain on acquisition

                     26   

Cash outflows in respect of acquisitions

The aggregate net outflow of cash from the acquisition of the above Group entities was £28m, representing cash consideration and attributable costs.

Prior year acquisitions

The initial accounting for the 2008 acquisition of the North American businesses of Lehman Brothers was completed on 22nd September 2009. There were no revisions to the initial accounting disclosed in the 2008 financial statements. Approximately £2.3bn of the assets acquired as part of the acquisition had not been received by 31st December 2009, approximately £1.8bn of which were recognised as part of the accounting for the acquisition and are included in the balance sheet as at 31st December 2009. Ongoing legal proceedings related to the acquisition, including in respect of assets not yet received, are discussed in Note 35.

In addition, in 2008 the Group acquired Macquarie Bank Limited’s residential mortgage businesses, Goldfish credit card UK businesses and 100% of the ordinary shares of Expobank.

In 2007, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of each of Indexchange Investment AG, Equifirst Corporation and Walbrook Group Limited.


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41 Investment in subsidiaries

The investment in Barclays Bank PLC is stated on the balance sheet of Barclays PLC at a cost of £20,215m (2008: £15,340m). The increase of £4,875m (2008: £5,154m) during the year represents the cost of additional shares of £25m (2008: £16m), capital contributions of £800m (2008: £4,362m) and a non-cash capital contribution of £4,050m (2008: £776m).

Principal subsidiaries

 

Country of registration
or incorporation
   Company name    Nature of business    Percentage
of equity
capital
held %
 

Botswana

   Barclays Bank of Botswana Limited    Banking    67.8   

Egypt

   Barclays Bank Egypt SAE    Banking    100   

England

   Barclays Bank PLC    Banking, holding company    100

England

   Barclays Mercantile Business Finance Limited    Loans and advances including leases to customers    100

England

   Barclays Bank Trust Company Limited    Banking, securities industries and trust services    100

England

   Barclays Stockbrokers Limited    Stockbroking    100

England

   Barclays Capital Securities Limited    Securities dealing    100

England

   FIRSTPLUS Financial Group PLC    Secured loan provider    100   

England

   Gerrard Investment Management Limited    Investment management    100

Ghana

   Barclays Bank of Ghana Limited    Banking    100   

Ireland

   Barclays Insurance (Dublin) Limited    Insurance provider    100

Ireland

   Barclays Assurance (Dublin) Limited    Insurance provider    100

Isle of Man

   Barclays Private Clients International Limited    Banking    100   

Japan

   Barclays Capital Japan Limited    Securities dealing    100

Jersey

   Barclays Private Bank & Trust Limited    Banking, trust company    100

Kenya

   Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited    Banking    68.5   

Russia

   Barclays Bank LLC    Banking    100

South Africa

   Absa Group Limited    Banking    55.5   

Spain

   Barclays Bank SA    Banking    99.7   

Switzerland

   Barclays Bank (Suisse) S.A.    Banking and trust services    100   

USA

   Barclays Capital Inc.    Securities dealing    100

USA

   Barclays Financial Corporation    Holding company for US credit card issuer    100

USA

   Barclays Group US Inc.    Holding company    100   

Zimbabwe

   Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited    Banking    67.7

In accordance with Section 410(2)(a) of the Companies Act 2006, the above information is provided solely in relation to principal subsidiaries.

The country of registration or incorporation is also the principal area of operation of each of the above subsidiaries. Investments in these subsidiaries are held directly by Barclays Bank PLC except where marked*.

Full information of all subsidiaries will be included in the Annual Return to be filed at UK Companies House.

Entities in which the Group holds less than half the voting rights

There are a number of entities in which the Group holds less than half the voting rights which are consolidated when the substance of the relationship between the Group and the entity indicates that the entity is controlled by the Group. Such entities are deemed to be controlled by the Group when relationships with such entities give rise to benefits that are in substance no different from those that would arise were the entity a subsidiary.

The consolidation of such entities may be appropriate in a number of situations, but primarily when:

 

 

the operating and financial policies of the entity are closely defined from the outset (i.e. it operates on an ‘autopilot’ basis) with such policies being largely determined by the Group;

 

 

the Group has rights to obtain the majority of the benefits of the entity and/or retains the majority of the residual or ownership risks related to the entity; or

 

 

the activities of the entity are being conducted largely on behalf of the Group according to its specific business objectives.

Such entities are created for a variety of purposes including securitisation, structuring, asset realisation, intermediation and management.

Subsidiaries with a different reporting date from that of the Parent of 31st December

Entities may have a different reporting date from that of the Parent of 31st December. Dates may differ for a variety of reasons including local reporting regulations or tax laws. In accordance with our accounting policies, for the purpose of inclusion in the consolidated financial statements of Barclays PLC, entities with different reporting dates are made up until 31st December.


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  230        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

41 Investment in subsidiaries continued

Entities where the Group’s interest exceeds 50% which are excluded from consolidation

Although the Group’s interest in the equity voting rights in certain entities exceeds 50%, or it may have the power to appoint a majority of their Boards of Directors, they are excluded from consolidation because the Group either cannot direct the financial and operating policies of these entities, or on the grounds that another entity has a superior economic interest in them. Consequently, these entities are not deemed to be controlled by Barclays.

The table below includes information in relation to such entities as required by the Companies Act 2006 Section 410(2)(b).

 

Country of registration

or incorporation

   Name   

Percentage of
ordinary share
capital held

%

   Equity
share-
holders’
funds
£m
   Retained
loss for
the year
£m

UK

   Fitzroy Finance Limited    100      

Cayman Islands

   Palomino Limited    100    1   

42 Related party transactions and Directors’ remuneration

a) Related party transactions

Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operation decisions, or one other party controls both. The definition includes subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures and the Group’s pension schemes, as well as other persons.

Subsidiaries

Transactions between Barclays PLC and subsidiaries also meet the definition of related party transactions. Where these are eliminated on consolidation, they are not disclosed in the Group financial statements. Transactions between Barclays PLC and its subsidiary, Barclays Bank PLC are fully disclosed in its balance sheet and income statement. A list of the Group’s principal subsidiaries is shown in Note 41.

Associates, joint ventures and other entities

The Group provides banking services to its associates, joint ventures, the Group pension funds (principally the UK Retirement Fund) and to entities under common directorships, providing loans, overdrafts, interest and non-interest bearing deposits and current accounts to these entities as well as other services. Group companies also provide investment management and custodian services to the Group pension schemes. The Group also provides banking services for unit trusts and investment funds managed by Group companies and are not individually material. All of these transactions are conducted on the same terms as third-party transactions.

Entities under common directorships

The Group enters into normal commercial relationships with entities for which members of the Group’s Board also serve as Directors. The amounts included in the Group’s financial statements relating to such entities that are not publicly listed are shown in the table opposite under Entities under common directorships.


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42 Related party transactions and Directors’ remuneration continued

Amounts included in the accounts, in aggregate, by category of related party entity are as follows:

 

                                    
      Associates
£m
    Joint
ventures
£m
    Entities
under
common
directorships
£m
  

Pension
funds, unit
trusts and
investment
funds

£m

   Total
£m
 

For the year ended and as at 31st December 2009

            

Income statement:

            

Interest received

   3      90      7       100   

Interest paid

        (18         (18
Fees received for services rendered (including investment management and custody and commissions)    10      9         6    25   

Fees paid for services provided

   (47   (113         (160

Principal transactions

   (11   (35   6       (40

Impairment

   (2   (5         (7

Assets:

            

Loans and advances to banks and customers

   144      1,145      192       1,481   

Derivative transactions

   3      8      48       59   

Other assets

   76      193            269   

Liabilities:

            

Deposits from banks

        654            654   

Customer accounts

   54      252      29    23    358   

Derivative transactions

        3      10       13   

Other liabilities

   2      22         23    47   

 

      Associates
£m
    Joint
ventures
£m
    Entities
under
common
directorships
£m
  

Pension
funds, unit
trusts and
investment
funds

£m

    Total
£m
 

For the year ended and as at 31st December 2008

           

Income statement:

           

Interest received

        105      3         108   

Interest paid

        (73           (73
Fees received for services rendered (including investment management and custody and commissions)         15         5      20   

Fees paid for services provided

   (44   (146           (190

Principal transactions

   8      59      60    (25   102   

Assets:

           

Loans and advances to banks and customers

   110      954      34         1,098   

Derivative transactions

        9      311    15      335   

Other assets

   67      276         3      346   

Liabilities:

           

Deposits from banks

        592              592   

Customer accounts

        167      74    10      251   

Derivative transactions

             111    41      152   

Other liabilities

   3      18         28      49   

 

      Associates
£m
    Joint
ventures
£m
    Entities
under
common
directorships
£m
   

Pension
funds, unit
trusts and
investment
funds

£m

   Total
£m
 

For the year ended and as at 31st December 2007

           

Income statement:

           

Interest received

   5      88      1         94   

Interest paid

   (1   (58   (1      (60
Fees received for services rendered (including investment management and custody and commissions)    1      34           26    61   

Fees paid for services provided

   (52   (78           (130

Principal transactions

   (27   45      (16      2   

Assets:

           

Loans and advances to banks and customers

   142      1,285      40         1,467   

Derivative transactions

        4      36         40   

Other assets

   213      106           14    333   

Liabilities:

           

Deposits from banks

   11                   11   

Customer accounts

        61      33      12    106   

Derivative transactions

        10      50         60   

Other liabilities

   4      125              129   


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  232        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

42 Related party transactions and Directors’ remuneration continued

No guarantees, pledges or commitments have been given or received in respect of these transactions in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Derivatives transacted on behalf of the Pensions Funds Unit Trusts and Investment Funds amounted to £192m (2008: £318m, 2007: £22m).

In 2008 Barclays paid £12m (2007: £18m) of its charitable donations through the Charities Aid Foundation, a registered charitable organisation, in which a Director of the Company was a Trustee. In 2009, following personnel changes, Charities Aid Foundation is not a related party.

Key Management Personnel

The Group’s Key Management Personnel, and persons connected with them, are also considered to be related parties for disclosure purposes. Key Management Personnel are defined as those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Barclays PLC (directly or indirectly) and comprise the Directors of Barclays PLC and the Officers of the Group, certain direct reports of the Group Chief Executive and the heads of major business units.

There were no material related party transactions with Entities under common directorship where a Director or other member of Key Management Personnel (or any connected person) is also a Director or other member of Key Management Personnel (or any connected person) of Barclays.

The Group provides banking services to Directors and other Key Management Personnel and persons connected to them. Transactions during the year and the balances outstanding at 31st December 2009 were as follows:

 

      Directors, other Key Management
Personnel and connected persons
 
     

2009

£m

   

2008

£m

   

2007

£m

 

Loans outstanding at 1st January

   7.3      7.4      7.8   

Loans issued during the year

   1.9      6.9      2.7   

Loan repayments during the year

   (1.6   (5.5   (3.2

Loans outstanding at 31st December

   7.6      8.8      7.3   

Interest income earned

   0.1      0.4      0.4   

No allowances for impairment were recognised in respect of loans to Directors or other members of Key Management Personnel (or any connected person) in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Deposits outstanding at 1st January

   28.7      8.9      15.0   

Deposits received during the year

   160.0      235.7      114.4   

Deposits repaid during the year

   (158.0   (221.9   (115.0

Deposits outstanding at 31st December

   30.7      22.7      14.4   

Interest expense on deposits

   0.1      0.5      0.6   

During 2009 the membership of the Group Executive Committee increased. These additional persons became Officers of the Group and as such are included in Key Management Personnel for 2009, but not 2008.

Of the loans outstanding above, £0.1m (2008: £1.6m, 2007: £nil) relates to Directors and other Key Management Personnel (and persons connected to them) that left the Group during the year. Of the deposits outstanding above, £3.7m (2008: £6.1m, 2007: £2.8m) related to Directors and other Key Management Personnel (and persons connected to them) that left the Group during the year. The amounts disclosed as at 1st January includes deposits outstanding for those who became Directors or Key Management Personnel during the year.

All loans to Directors and other Key Management Personnel (and persons connected to them), (a) were made in the ordinary course of business, (b) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with other persons and (c) did not involve more than a normal risk of collectability or present other unfavourable features; with the exception of £692 provided on an interest free basis.

A loan of £692 provided on an interest free basis was granted to one non-Director member of Barclays Key Management to purchase a commuter rail ticket. The maximum loan outstanding during the year was £692. Commuter rail ticket loans are provided to all Barclays staff members upon request on the same terms.


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42 Related party transactions and Directors’ remuneration continued

Remuneration of Directors and other Key Management Personnel

 

      Directors, other Key Management
Personnel and connected persons
     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

  

2007

£m

Salaries and other short-term benefits

   8.6    10.7    23.7

Pension costs

   0.7    0.9    1.1

Other long-term benefits

   2.5    1.6    9.2

Share-based payments

   15.8    11.8    31.7

Employer social security charges on emoluments

   2.9    2.7    7.8
     30.5    27.7    73.5

b) Disclosure required by the Companies Act 2006

The following information is presented in accordance with the Companies Act 2006:

Directors’ remuneration

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

Aggregate emoluments

   8.8    6.0

Gains made on the exercise of share options

   8.9   

Amounts paid under long-term incentive schemes

      7.4
     17.7    13.4

Actual pension contributions of £18,786 were paid to money purchase schemes on behalf of one Director (2008: £11,745, one Director). Notional pension contributions to money purchase schemes were £nil (2008: £nil).

As at 31st December 2009, two Directors were accruing retirement benefits under a defined benefit scheme (2008: two Directors).

One Director (Frits Seegers) agreed to waive his fees as non-executive Director of Absa Group Limited and Absa Bank Limited. The fees for 2009 were ZAR 0.1m (£0.01m). The fees for 2008 were ZAR 0.4m (£0.03m). In both 2008 and 2009 the fees were paid to Barclays.

Directors’ and Officers’ shareholdings and options

The beneficial ownership of the ordinary share capital of Barclays PLC by all Directors and Officers of Barclays PLC (involving 23 persons) and Barclays Bank PLC (involving 24 persons) at 31st December 2009 amounted 20,000,820 ordinary shares of 25p each (0.18% of the ordinary share capital outstanding) and 20,008,541 ordinary shares of 25p each (0.18% of the ordinary share capital outstanding), respectively.

Directors and Officers of Barclays PLC held in total (involving 12 persons) at 31st December 2009, options to purchase 3,279,642 Barclays PLC ordinary shares of 25p each at prices ranging from 255p to 470p under Sharesave and ranging from 317p to 520p under the Incentive Share Option Plan, respectively.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

42 Related party transactions and Directors’ remuneration continued

Advances and credit to Directors and guarantees on behalf of Directors

In accordance with Section 413 of the Companies Act 2006 and in relation to those who served as Directors of the Company at any time in the financial year, the total amount of advances and credits at 31st December 2009 was £1.8m (2008: £0.8m). The total amount of guarantees on behalf of Directors at 31st December 2009 was £nil (2008: £nil).

c) US disclosures

For US disclosure purposes, the aggregate emoluments of all Directors and Officers of Barclays PLC who held office during the year (2009: 28 persons, 2008: 24 persons, 2007: 22 persons) for the year ended 31st December 2009 amounted to £29.8m (2008: £26.8m, 2007: £64.6m). In addition, the aggregate amount set aside for the year ended 31st December 2009, to provide pension benefits for the Directors and Officers amounted to £0.7m (2008: £0.9m, 2007: £1.1m). The aggregate emoluments of all Directors and Officers of Barclays Bank PLC who held office during the year (2009: 29 persons, 2008: 25 persons, 2007: 23 persons) for the year ended 31st December 2009 amounted to £30.1m (2008: £26.9m and 2007: £64.9m). In addition, the aggregate amount set aside by the Bank and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31st December 2009, to provide pension benefits for the Directors and Officers amounted to £0.7m (2008: £0.9m, 2007: £1.1m).

43 Events after the balance sheet date

On 1st January 2010, the Group acquired 100% ownership of Standard Life Bank Plc for a consideration of £227m in cash. The assets acquired include a savings book of approximately £5.8bn, and a mortgage book with outstanding balances of approximately £7.5bn.

As announced on 3rd November 2009, the Group has made changes to its business structure, which will be reflected in the Group’s external financial reporting for periods commencing 1st January 2010. The segmental information presented in Note 53 represents the business segments and other operations used for management and reporting purposes during the year ended 31st December 2009.

On 17th February 2010, 626.8 million of the 758.4 million warrants held by PCP Gulf Invest 3 Limited (a subsidiary of Nexus Capital Investing Limited) were exercised for an aggregate exercise price of approximately £1,240m. As a result 626.8 million new ordinary shares were issued representing a 5.2% ownership in the Group’s enlarged share capital.

44 Share-based payments

The Group operates share schemes for employees throughout the world. The main current schemes are:

Sharesave

Eligible employees in the UK, Spain and Ireland may participate in the Barclays Sharesave scheme. Under this scheme, employees may enter into contracts to save up to £250 per month (Ireland: ¤500, Spain: ¤135) and, at the expiry of a fixed term of three, five or seven years (Spain: three years), have the option to use these savings to acquire shares in the Company at a discount, calculated in accordance with the rules of the scheme. The discount is currently 20% of the market price at the date the options are granted. Participants in the scheme have six months from the date of vest in which the option can be exercised.

UK Sharepurchase

UK Sharepurchase was introduced in January 2002. It is an HM Revenue & Customs approved all-employee share plan. The plan is open to all eligible UK employees, including executive Directors. Under the plan, participants are able to purchase up to £1,500 worth of Barclays PLC ordinary shares per tax year, which, if kept in trust for five years, can be withdrawn from the plan tax-free. Matching shares were introduced to the scheme during 2005 where the purchase of Barclays shares by the participant are matched equally by the Company up to a value of £600 per tax year. Any shares in the plan will earn dividends in the form of additional shares, which must normally be held by the trustee for three years before being eligible for release.

Global Sharepurchase

Global Sharepurchase was introduced in August 2009. The plan is open to all eligible employees in countries outside the UK, including executive Directors. In 2009, the plan was launched in Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Switzerland. Under the plan, participants are able to purchase up to £1,500 worth of Barclays PLC ordinary shares per calendar year, from post-tax salary. The purchase of Barclays shares by the participant is matched by the Company on a one-for-one basis up to a value of £600 per calendar year. Matching Shares are forfeited if the participant chooses to sell shares purchased from their post-tax salary before the third anniversary of purchase. Any shares in the plan will earn dividends in the form of additional shares, which must normally be held by the trustee for three years before being eligible for release.

Executive Share Award Scheme (ESAS)

For certain employees of the Group an element of their annual bonus is in the form of a deferred award of a provisional allocation of Barclays PLC shares under ESAS. The total value of the bonus made to the employee of which ESAS is an element is dependent upon the business unit, Group and individual employee performance. The ESAS element of the annual bonus must normally be held for at least three years. Additional bonus shares are subsequently awarded to recipients of the provisional allocation and vest upon achieving continued service for three and five years from the date of award. ESAS awards are also made to eligible employees for recruitment purposes. All awards are subject to potential forfeit if the individual resigns and commences work with a competitor business.

Performance Share Plan (PSP)

The Performance Share Plan (PSP) was approved by shareholders at the 2005 AGM to replace the ISOP scheme. Performance shares are ‘free’ Barclays shares for which no exercise price is payable and which qualify for dividends. Performance share awards are communicated to participants as an initial allocation. Barclays performance over a three-year period determines the final number of shares that may be released to participants.

Incentive Share Plan (Incentive Shares)

The Incentive Share Plan (Incentive Shares) was introduced in March 2008. Incentive Shares are granted to participants in the form of a provisional allocation of Barclays shares which vest upon achieving continued service after three years. Participants do not pay to receive an award or to receive a release of shares. Incentive Shares qualify for dividends.


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44 Share-based payments continued

Options granted under the following schemes are over subsidiaries of Barclays PLC:

Absa Group Limited Share Incentive Trust (AGLSIT)

In terms of the rules of Absa Group Limited Share Incentive Trust, the maximum number of shares which may be issued or transferred and/or in respect of which options may be granted to the participants shall be limited to shares representing 10% of the total number of issued shares from time to time. This is an equity-settled share-based payment arrangement and options are allocated to Absa employees according to the normal human resources talent management processes. The options issued up to August 2005 had no performance criteria linked to them and vested in equal tranches after three, four and five years respectively. No dividends accrue to the option holder over the vesting period. The options expire after a period of ten years from the issuing date. Options issued since August 2005 have performance criteria associated with them, which require headline earnings per share to exceed an agreed benchmark over a three-year period from the grant date for the options to vest. Participants need to be in the employ of Absa at the vesting date in order to be entitled to the options.

Absa Group Limited Executive Share Award Scheme (AGLESAS)

The ESAS is an equity-settled share-based payment arrangement, where the participant’s notional bonus comprises a number of restricted nil-cost options, based on the allocation price of ordinary shares. Such an initial allocation is held in trust or in the name of the participant. If the participant is in the employ of Absa after the three-year vesting period, the participant will receive 20% matched shares. If the bonus award remains in the ESAS for another two years, the participant receives another 10% matched shares. Dividend shares are paid to participants on the ordinary shares as if the shares were held from inception. The number of dividend shares awarded is therefore calculated on the initial allocation and on the 20% and/or 10% matched shares, over the three- or five-year period. Employees that receive a performance bonus in excess of a predetermined amount were compelled to place a set percentage of their bonus award into the ESAS. Employees also had the option of utilising more of their bonus award for voluntary ESAS options.

Absa Group Limited Performance Share Plan (AGLPSP)

The Performance Share Plan (PSP) was implemented in 2008. Performance shares are ‘free’ Absa Group Limited shares for which no exercise price is payable and which qualify for dividends. Performance share awards are communicated to participants as an initial allocation. Absa Group Limited’s performance over a three-year period determines the final number of shares that may be released to participants.

Options remain outstanding under the following closed schemes:

Incentive Share Option Plan (ISOP)

The ISOP was open by invitation to the employees and Directors of Barclays PLC. Options were granted at the market price at the date of grant calculated in accordance with the rules of the plan, and are normally exercisable between three and ten years from that date. The final number of shares over which the option may be exercised is determined by reference to set performance criteria. The number of shares under option represents the maximum possible number that may be exercised. No awards were made under ISOP during 2009.

Woolwich Executive Share Option Plan (Woolwich ESOP)

Options originally granted over Woolwich PLC shares at market value were exercised in 2001 or exchanged, in accordance with the proposals made under the offer to acquire the Woolwich, for options over Barclays PLC shares. Under the rules of ESOP, the performance conditions attached to the exercise of options were disapplied on acquisition of Woolwich PLC by Barclays. Options lapse ten years after grant.

In addition, there were no options outstanding at year end under the following closed schemes:

Absa Group Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment transaction (BEE)

The Group entered into a black economic empowerment (BEE) transaction with Batho Bonke Capital (Proprietary) Limited in July 2004. The shares issued in terms of the transaction vested immediately. Due to the shares issued vesting immediately and also as a result of the issue being before 1st January 2005, the provisions of IFRS 2 Share-based payments were not applicable. In the current period 49.9% of the options were repurchased from Batho Bonke (Proprietary) Limited at a discount to their fair value. Batho Bonke utilised the proceeds to exercise 11,970,536 options. The Group provided bridging finance for the remaining 24,678,764 options. The life of these options was effectively extended for three months, effective 1st June 2009. The modification did not result in an increase in the fair value of these options and therefore, in terms of the provisions of IFRS 2, no cost was recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in the current period.

The bridging finance was redeemed on 1st September 2009 and Batho Bonke Capital (Proprietary) Limited exercised the balance of the options outstanding.

Absa Group Limited Share Ownership Administrative Trust (AGLSOT)

AGLSOT enabled all Absa employees to participate in a one-off offer to purchase 200 redeemable cumulative option-holding preference shares. Each redeemable preference share carries the option to acquire one Absa ordinary share. Options vest after three years and lapse after five years from the date of issue. Exercise may occur in lots of 100 only and within a price range varying from R48 to R69 (£3.81 to £5.48) dependent on the 30-day volume weighted trading price on the JSE Limited. Options are redeemed by Absa on the final exercise date.

Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS)

The ESOS is a long-term incentive scheme and was available by invitation to certain senior executives of the Group with grants usually made annually. Options were issued with an exercise price equivalent to the market price at the date of the grant without any discount, calculated in accordance with the rules of the scheme, and are normally exercisable between three and ten years from that date. No further awards are made under ESOS.

Barclays Global Investors Equity Ownership Plan (BGI EOP)

The EOP was provided to key employees of BGI and was wound up following the disposal of BGI. The exercise price of the options was determined by the Remuneration Committee of Barclays PLC based on the fair value of BGI as determined by an independent appraiser. The options were granted over shares in Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC.

Options were not exercisable until vesting, with a third of the options held generally becoming exercisable at each anniversary of grant. The shareholder had the right to offer to sell the shares to Barclays Bank PLC 355 days following the exercise of the option. The most recently agreed valuation was £109.45, at 30th November 2009. No awards were made under the BGI EOP in 2009.

The scheme rules provided that in the event of a sale of the business, outstanding options vest before the disposal. During the year the Group disposed of Barclays Global Investors. Accordingly, the share-based payment charge has been accelerated in these financial statements.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

44 Share-based payments continued

At the balance sheet date the following cash-settled schemes operated within the Group:

Absa Group Limited Phantom Performance Share Plan (Phantom PSP)

The Phantom PSP is a cash-settled plan and payments made to participants in respect of their awards are in the form of cash. The Phantom PSP shares (and any associated notional dividend shares) are awarded at no cost to the participants. The amount that is ultimately paid to the participants is equal to the market value of a number of ordinary shares as determined after a three-year vesting period. The vesting of the Phantom PSP awards will be subject to two non-market performance conditions which will be measured over a three-year period, starting on the first day of the financial year in which the award is made. The award will vest after three years to the extent that the performance conditions are satisfied. These awards are forfeited in total if Absa performance fails to meet the minimum criteria.

Absa Group Limited Phantom Executive Share Award Scheme (Phantom ESAS)

The Phantom ESAS is a cash-settled share-based payment arrangement, where the participant’s notional bonus comprises a number of restricted nil-cost options, based on the allocation price of ordinary shares. If the participant is in the employ of the Group after the three-year vesting period, the participant will receive 20% bonus phantom shares. If the bonus award remains in the Phantom ESAS for another two years, the participant receives an additional 10% bonus phantom shares. Dividend phantom shares are paid to participants on the ordinary phantom shares as if the shares were held from inception. The number of dividend phantom shares awarded is therefore calculated on the initial allocation and on the 20% and 10% bonus phantom shares, over the three- or five-year period. Employees that receive performance bonuses in excess of a predetermined amount are compelled to place a set percentage of the bonus award in the Phantom ESAS. Employees also have the option of utilising more of their bonus award for voluntary ESAS phantom shares.

The weighted average fair value per option granted during the year is as follows:

 

      2009
£
   2008
£

Sharesave

   1.43    0.92

PSP

   2.81    4.89

Sharepurchase

   1.82    3.38

ISP

   2.58    4.22

ESAS

   1.08    4.09

AGLPSP

   6.88    7.76

AGLESAS

   6.82    7.17

Fair values for Sharesave and PSP are calculated at the date of grant using either a Black-Scholes model or Monte Carlo simulation. Sharepurchase, ISP, ESAS, AGLPSP and AGLESAS are nil cost awards on which the performance conditions are substantially completed at the date of grant. Consequently the fair value of these awards is based on the market value at that date.

As described above, the terms of the ESAS scheme require shares to be held for a set number of years from the date of vest. The calculation of the vest date fair value of such awards includes a reduction for this post-vesting restriction. This discount is determined by calculating how much a willing market participant would rationally pay to remove the restriction using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The total discount required in 2009 is £10m (2008: £10m, 2007: £66m).

The significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the options granted in 2009 are as follows:

 

      2009  
     Sharesave      PSP   

Weighted average share price

   3.51      2.34   

Weighted average exercise price

   2.70      1.77   

Expected volatility

   45   45

Expected option life

   4 years      2 years   

The significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the options granted in 2008 are as follows:

 

      2008  
     Sharesave      PSP   

Weighted average share price

   3.11      5.45   

Weighted average exercise price

   2.51      2.07   

Expected volatility

   37   37

Expected option life

   4 years      3 years   

The significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the options granted in 2007 are as follows:

 

             2007                
     Sharesave      PSP      BGI EOP      AGLSIT   

Weighted average share price

   5.82      7.07      95.33      9.18   

Weighted average exercise price

   4.81           95.33      7.62   

Expected volatility

   25   25   20   30

Expected option life

   4 years      3 years      4 years      5 years   


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44 Share-based payments continued

Expected volatility and dividend yield on the date of grant have been used as inputs into the respective valuation models for Sharesave and PSP.

The yield on UK government bonds with a commensurate life has been used to determine the risk-free discount rate of 3% for Sharesave and PSP. Option life is estimated based upon historical data for the holding period of options between grant and exercise dates.

For the purposes of determining the expected life and number of options to vest, historical exercise patterns have been used, together with an assumption that a certain percentage of options will lapse due to leavers.

The assumed dividend yield for Barclays PLC is the average annual dividend yield on the date of grant of 2%.

Analysis of the movement in the number and weighted average exercise price of options is set out below:

 

      Sharesave a    Sharepurchase a, c
     

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
  

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
      2009     2008     2009    2008    2009     2008     2009    2008

Outstanding at beginning of year

   94,131      74,027      1.83    4.48    6,961      3,824        

Granted in the year

   28,005      56,024      2.70    2.51    6,832      3,834        

Adjustment in grants for open offer

        1,354         4.33                

Exercised/released in the year

   (153   (3,357   2.83    3.71    (952   (64     

Less: forfeited in the year

   (30,672   (33,917   3.58    4.35    (521   (633     

Less: expired in the year

                               

Outstanding at end of year

   91,311      94,131      3.01    1.83    12,320      6,961        

Of which exercisable:

   7,537      4,025      4.19    3.71    1,621      737        
      ESAS a, c    PSP a, c
     

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
  

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
      2009     2008     2009    2008    2009     2008     2009    2008

Outstanding at beginning of year

   267,937      182,200            50,729      63,163        

Granted in the year

   311,977      141,269            4,794      8,528        

Adjustment in grants for open offer

        6,884                 1,370        

Exercised/released in the year

   (90,296   (56,231         (6,496   (1,467     

Less: forfeited in the year

   (25,107   (6,185         (17,765   (20,865     

Less: expired in the year

                               

Outstanding at end of year

   464,511      267,937            31,262      50,729        

Of which exercisable:

   12,714      15,131                        
      ISP a, c    Absa BEE b
     

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
  

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
      2009     2008     2009    2008    2009     2008     2009    2008

Outstanding at beginning of year/acquisition date

   7,100                 73,152      73,152      3.16-4.55    3.40-3.89

Granted in the year

   50,652      6,923                        

Adjustment in grants for open offer

        177                        

Exercised/released in the year

   (19              (36,649        5.42   

Less: repurchased in the year

                   (36,503          

Less: forfeited in the year

   (2,755                          

Less: expired in the year

                               

Outstanding at end of year

   54,978      7,100                 73,152         3.16-4.55

Of which exercisable:

                        73,152         3.16-4.55

Notes

 

a Options/award granted over Barclays PLC shares.

 

b Options/award granted over Absa Group Limited shares.

 

c Nil cost award.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

44 Share-based payments continued

 

      AGLSIT b    AGLSOT b
     

Number

(000s)

   

Weighted average

ex. price (£)

  

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
      2009     2008     2009    2008    2009     2008     2009    2008

Outstanding at beginning of year/acquisition date

   9,967      13,618      4.91    4.81    559      946      3.16-4.55    3.40-3.89

Exercised/released in the year

   (3,569   (3,252   5.10    3.37    (539   (368   5.33   

Less: forfeited in the year

   (100   (399   6.99    4.96    (20   (19   3.81-5.48    3.16-4.55

Outstanding at end of year

   6,298      9,967      6.28    4.91         559         3.16-4.55

Of which exercisable:

   5,016      5,944      5.67    3.86         559         3.16-4.55
      AGLPSP b, c    AGLESAS b, c
     

Number

(000s)

   

Weighted average

ex. price (£)

  

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
      2009     2008     2009    2008    2009     2008     2009    2008

Outstanding at beginning of year

   2,008                 1,015      37        

Granted in the year

   1,589      2,134            1,324      1,019        

Less: forfeited in the year

   (180   (126         (155   (41     

Outstanding at end of year

   3,417      2,008            2,184      1,015        

Of which exercisable:

                               
      ISOP a    ESOS a
     

Number

(000s)

   

Weighted average

ex. price (£)

  

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
      2009     2008     2009    2008    2009     2008     2009    2008

Outstanding at beginning of year

   20,547      20,549      4.44    4.56    473      1,423      4.33    4.13

Adjustment in grants for open offer

        537         4.44         12         4.33

Exercised/released in the year

   (253   (539   3.17    4.06         (70      3.97

Less: forfeited in the year

   (7,648        4.54       (473   (892   4.33    3.97

Outstanding at end of year

   12,646      20,547      4.41    4.44         473         4.33

Of which exercisable:

   12,646      20,547      4.41    4.44         473         4.33
      Woolwich ESOP a    BGI EOP d
     

Number

(000s)

   

Weighted average

ex. price (£)

  

Number

(000s)

    Weighted average
ex. price (£)
      2009     2008     2009    2008    2009     2008     2009    2008

Outstanding at beginning of year

   442      540      3.70    3.81    6,584      7,502      78.50    75.66

Adjustment in grants for open offer

        12         3.70                

Exercised/released in the year

   (7   (104   3.20    3.10    (6,417   (550   78.16    34.55

Less: forfeited in the year

   (89   (6   3.80    3.65    (167   (368   91.54    86.57

Less: expired in the year

   (281                          

Outstanding at end of year

   65      442      3.20    3.70         6,584         78.50

Of which exercisable:

   65      442      3.20    3.70         3,631         69.29

Notes

 

a Options/award granted over Barclays PLC shares.

 

b Options/award granted over Absa Group Limited shares.

 

c Nil cost award.

 

d Options/award granted over Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited shares.


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44 Share-based payments continued

The table below shows the weighted average share price at the date of exercise/release of shares:

 

     

2009

£

  

2008

£

Sharesave a

   3.21    4.70

Sharepurchase a, c

   2.64    1.59

ESAS a, c

   2.02    4.07

PSP a, c

   1.77    2.07

BGI EOP d

   109.45    87.22

Absa BEE b

   7.92   

AGLSIT b

   9.18    6.78

AGLSOT b

   7.86    6.79

ISP a, c

   3.43   

ISOP a

   3.61    4.59

ESOS a

      4.74

Woolwich ESOP a

   3.52    4.72

The exercise price range, the weighted average contractual remaining life and number of options outstanding (including those exercisable) at the balance sheet date are as follows:

 

Exercise price range    2009    2008
      Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life in years
   Number of
options
outstanding
   Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life in years
   Number of
options
outstanding

Sharesave a

           

£1.44-£2.49

   2    1,817,640    3    2,121,926

£2.50-£3.49

   3    69,543,729    4    54,437,940

£3.50-£4.49

   1    9,057,990    1    19,986,642

£4.50-£5.49

   2    10,892,016    3    17,584,689

Sharepurchase a, c

   2    12,319,993    2    6,960,593

ESAS a, c

   3    464,511,395    3    267,936,513

ISP a, c

   2    54,978,012    2    7,099,655

PSP a, c

   1    31,261,898    1    50,729,245

AGLSIT b

           

£1.66-£7.50

   5    6,298,491    6    9,967,000

AGLESAS b, c

   3    2,184,286    3    1,015,000

AGLPSP b, c

   2    3,417,488    2    2,008,000

ISOP a

           

£2.50-£3.49

   3    2,701,442    4    3,862,322

£3.50-£4.49

   1    955,045    2    1,558,449

£4.50-£5.49

   3    8,989,576    4    14,899,933

£5.50-£6.49

         7    225,894

ESOS a

           

£3.50-£4.49

         1    472,561

Woolwich ESOP a

           

£2.50-£3.49

      65,024    1    89,644

£3.50-£4.49

         1    352,961

There were no modifications to the share-based payment arrangements in the years 2009, 2008 and 2007. As at 31st December 2009, the total liability arising from cash-settled share-based payment transactions was £13m (2008: £23m).

In accordance with the scheme rules, all options awarded vested and were exercised by the holders following the disposal of the BGI business on 1st December 2009. The options were all exercised during December 2009.

Notes

 

a Options/award granted over Barclays PLC shares.

 

b Options/award granted over Absa Group Limited shares.

 

c Nil cost award.

 

d Options/award granted over Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited shares.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

45 Off-balance sheet arrangements

In the ordinary course of business and primarily to facilitate client transactions, the Group enters into transactions which may involve the use of off-balance sheet arrangements and special purpose entities (SPEs). These arrangements include the provision of guarantees, loan commitments, retained interests in assets which have been transferred to an unconsolidated SPE or obligations arising from the Group’s involvements with such SPEs.

Guarantees

The Group issues guarantees on behalf of its customers. In the majority of cases, the Group will hold collateral against the exposure, have a right of recourse to the customer or both. In addition, the Group issues guarantees on its own behalf. The main types of guarantees provided are: financial guarantees given to banks and financial institutions on behalf of customers to secure loans; overdrafts; and other banking facilities, including stock borrowing indemnities and standby letters of credit. Other guarantees provided include performance guarantees, advance payment guarantees, tender guarantees, guarantees to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and retention guarantees. The nominal principal amount of contingent liabilities with off-balance sheet risk is set out in Note 34 (Contingent liabilities and commitments).

Loan commitments

The Group enters into commitments to lend to its customers subject to certain conditions. Such loan commitments are made either for a fixed period or are cancellable by the Group subject to notice conditions. Information on loan commitments and similar facilities is set out in Note 34 (Contingent liabilities and commitments).

Leasing

The Group leases various offices, branches, other premises and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements. With such operating lease arrangements, the asset is kept on the lessor’s balance sheet and the Group reports the future minimum lease payments as an expense over the lease term. Information on leasing can be found in Note 37 (Leasing).

Special purpose entities

SPEs are entities that are created to accomplish a narrow and well defined objective. There are often specific restrictions or limits around their ongoing activities. The Group’s transactions with SPEs take a number of forms, including:

 

 

The provision of financing to fund asset purchases, or commitments to provide finance for future purchases.

 

 

Derivative transactions to provide investors in the SPE with a specified exposure.

 

 

The provision of liquidity or backstop facilities which may be drawn upon if the SPE experiences future funding difficulties.

 

 

Direct investment in the notes issued by SPEs.

Depending on the nature of the Group’s resulting exposure, it may consolidate the SPE on to the Group’s balance sheet. The consolidation of SPEs is considered at inception, based on the arrangements in place and the assessed risk exposures at that time. In accordance with IFRS, SPEs are consolidated when the substance of the relationship between the Group and the entity indicates control. Potential indicators of control include, amongst others, an assessment of the Group’s exposure to the risks and benefits of the SPE. The initial consolidation analysis is revisited at a later date if:

 

i) the Group acquires additional interests in the entity;

 

ii) the contractual arrangements of the entity are amended such that the relative exposures to risks and rewards change; or

 

iii) the Group acquires control over the main operating and financial decisions of the entity.

A number of the Group’s transactions have recourse only to the assets of unconsolidated SPEs. Typically, the majority of the exposure to these assets is borne by third parties and the Group’s risk is mitigated through over-collateralisation, unwind features and other protective measures.

The business activities within the Group where SPEs are used include multi-seller conduit programmes, asset securitisations, client intermediation, credit structuring, asset realisations and fund management. These activities are described below. In addition, later sections provide quantative information on the Group’s involvements with CDOs,SIVs SIV-Lites and conduits.

Multi-seller conduit programmes

Barclays creates, administers and provides liquidity and credit enhancements to several commercial paper conduit programmes, primarily in the United States. These conduits provide clients access to liquidity in the commercial paper markets by allowing them to sell consumer or trade receivables to the conduit, which then issues commercial paper to investors to fund the purchase. The conduits have sufficient collateral, credit enhancements and liquidity support to maintain an investment grade rating for the commercial paper.

Asset securitisations

The Group has assisted its customers with the formation of asset securitisations, some of which are effected through the use of SPEs. These entities have minimal equity and rely on funding in the form of notes to purchase the assets for securitisation. As these SPEs are created for other companies, the Group does not usually control these entities and therefore does not consolidate them. The Group may provide financing in the form of senior notes or junior notes and may also provide derivatives to the SPE. These transactions are included on the balance sheet.

The Group has also used SPEs to securitise part of its originated and purchased retail and commercial lending portfolios and credit card receivables. These SPEs are usually consolidated and derecognition only occurs when the Group transfers its contractual right to receive cash flows from the financial assets, or retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows, but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to another party without material delay or reinvestment, and also transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, including credit risk, prepayment risk and interest rate risk. The carrying amount of securitised assets together with the associated liabilities are set out in Note 29.


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45 Off-balance sheet arrangements continued

Client intermediation

The Group has structured transactions as a financial intermediary to meet investor and client needs. These transactions involve entities structured by either the Group or the client and they are used to modify cash flows of third party assets to create investments with specific risk or return profiles or to assist clients in the efficient management of other risks. Such transactions will typically result in a derivative being shown on the balance sheet, representing the Group’s exposure to the relevant asset. The Group also invests in lessor entities specifically to acquire assets for leasing. Client intermediation also includes arrangements to fund the purchase or construction of specific assets (most common in the property industry).

Credit structuring

The Group structures investments to provide specific risk profiles to investors. This may involve the sale of credit exposures, often by way of derivatives, to an entity which subsequently funds those exposures by issuing securities. These securities may initially be held by Barclays prior to sale outside of the Group.

Asset realisations

The Group establishes SPEs to facilitate the recovery of loans in circumstances where the borrower has suffered financial loss.

To the extent that there are guarantees and commitments in relation to SPEs the details are included in Note 34 Contingent liabilities and commitments.

Collateralised debt obligations (CDOs)

The Group has structured and underwritten CDOs. At inception, the Group's exposure principally takes the form of a liquidity facility provided to support future funding difficulties or cash shortfalls in the vehicles. If required by the vehicle, the facility is drawn with the amount advanced included within loans and advances on the balance sheet. Upon an event of default or other triggering event, the Group may acquire control of a CDO and, therefore, be required to fully consolidate the vehicle for accounting purposes. The potential for transactions to hit default triggers before the end of 2010 has been assessed and is included in the determination of £714m impairment charges and other credit provisions in relation to ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures for the year ended 31st December 2009.

The Group's exposure to ABS CDO Super Senior positions before hedging was £1,931m as at 31st December 2009, equivalent to an aggregate 50.83% decline in value on average for all investors. This represents the Group's exposure to High Grade CDOs, stated net of write-downs and charges. These facilities are fully drawn and included within loans and advances on the balance sheet.

Collateral

The collateral underlying unconsolidated CDOs comprised 78% residential mortgage-backed securities, 3% non-residential asset-backed securities and 19% in other categories (a proportion of which will be backed by residential mortgage collateral).

The remaining Weighted Average Life (WAL) of all collateral is 5.9 years. The combined Net Asset Value (NAV) for all of the CDOs was £0.9bn.

Funding

The CDOs were funded with senior unrated notes and rated notes up to AAA. The capital structure senior to the AAA notes on cash CDOs was supported by a liquidity facility provided by the Group. The senior portion covered by liquidity facilities is on average 88% of the capital structure.

The initial WAL of the notes in issue averaged 6.7 years. The full contractual maturity is 38.2 years.

Interests in third party CDOs

The Group has purchased securities in and entered into derivative instruments with third party CDOs. These interests are held as trading assets or liabilities on the Group's balance sheet and measured at fair value. The Group has not provided liquidity facilities or similar agreements to third party CDOs.

Structured investment vehicles (SIVs)

The Group does not structure or manage SIVs. Group exposure to third party SIVs comprised:

 

 

£16m (2008: £52m) of senior liquidity facilities.

 

 

Derivative exposures included on the balance sheet at their net fair value of £53m (2008: £273m).

SIV-Lites

The Group has exposure to two SIV-Lite transactions. The Group is not involved in their ongoing management. Exposures have decreased to £461m (2008: £638m) representing drawn liquidity facilities of £106m and assets designated at fair value of £355m.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

45 Off-balance sheet arrangements continued

Commercial paper and medium-term note conduits

The Group provided £16bn in undrawn backstop liquidity facilities to its own sponsored CP conduits. The Group fully consolidates these entities such that the underlying assets are reflected on the Group balance sheet.

These consolidated entities in turn provide facilities of £753m to third party conduits containing prime UK buy-to-let RMBS. As at 31st December 2009, the entire facility had been drawn and is included in available for sale financial investments.

The Group provided backstop facilities to support the paper issued by four third party conduits. These facilities totalled £287m, with underlying collateral comprising 100% auto loans. Drawings on these facilities were £125m as at 31st December 2009 and are included within loans and advances to customers.

The Group provided backstop facilities to four third party SPEs that fund themselves with medium-term notes. These notes are sold to investors as a series of 12-month securities and remarketed to investors annually. If investors decline to renew their holdings at a price below a pre-agreed spread, the backstop facility requires the Group to purchase the outstanding notes at scheduled maturity. The Group has provided facilities of £1.6bn to SPEs holding prime UK and Australian owner-occupied Residential Mortgage Back Securities (RMBS) assets. As at the balance sheet date these facilities had been drawn and were included in loans and advances.

46 Financial risks

Financial risk management

The Group is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services. Financial instruments are fundamental to the Group’s business and managing financial risks, especially credit risk, is a fundamental part of its business activity.

The Group’s risk management policies and processes are designed to identify and analyse risk, to set appropriate risk appetite, limits, and controls, and to monitor the risks and adherence to limits by means of reliable and up-to-date data. Risk management policies, models and systems are regularly reviewed to reflect changes to markets, products and best market practice.

Risk responsibilities

The Board approves risk appetite and the Board Risk Committee (BRC) monitors the Group’s risk profile against this appetite:

 

 

The Chief Risk Officer, under delegated authority from the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, has responsibility for ensuring effective risk management and control;

 

 

Business Heads are responsible for the identification and management of risk in their businesses;

 

 

Business risk teams, each under the management of a Business Risk Director, are responsible for assisting Business Heads in the identification and management of their business risk profiles for implementing appropriate controls. These risk management teams also assist Group Risk in the formulation of Group Risk policy and the implementation of it across the businesses;

 

 

Within Group Risk, Risk-Type Heads and their teams are responsible for establishing a risk control framework and risk oversight; and

 

 

Internal Audit is responsible for the independent review of risk management and the control environment.

Oversight of risk management is exercised by the Group Risk Oversight Committee which is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer under authority delegated by the Group Finance Director. The Group Risk Oversight Committee oversees management of the Group’s risk profile, exercised through the setting, review and challenge of the size and constitution of the profile when viewed against the Group risk appetite.

The Executive Committee monitors and manages risk-adjusted performance of businesses and receives a regular update on forward risk trends and the Group Risk Profile Report.

The BRC reviews the Group risk profile, approves the Group Control Framework and approves minimum control requirements for principal risks.

The Board Audit Committee (BAC) considers the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group Control Framework and receives quarterly reports on control issues of significance and half-yearly reports on impairment allowances and regulatory reports.

Both BRC and BAC also receive reports dealing in more depth with specific issues relevant at the time. The proceedings of both Committees are reported to the full Board. The Board approves the overall Group risk appetite.

The Group Risk Oversight Committee is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer and oversees the management of the Group’s risk profile and all of its significant risks. Oversight is exercised through the setting, review and challenge of the size and constitution of the profile when viewed against the Group’s risk appetite. It has delegated and apportioned responsibility for credit risk management to the Retail and Wholesale Credit Risk Management Committees.

The main financial risks affecting the Group are discussed in Notes 47 to 49.


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47 Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of suffering financial loss, should any of the Group’s customers, clients or market counterparties fail to fulfil their contractual obligations to the Group. Credit risk arises mainly from commercial and consumer loans and advances, credit cards, and loan commitments arising from such lending activities, but can also arise from credit enhancement provided, such as financial guarantees, letters of credit, endorsements and acceptances.

The Group is also exposed to other credit risks arising from investments in debt securities and other exposures arising from its trading activities (‘trading exposures’) including, non-equity trading portfolio assets, derivatives as well as settlement balances with market counterparties and reverse repurchase loans.

Losses arising from exposures held for trading (derivatives, debt securities) are accounted for as trading losses, rather than impairment charges, even though the fall in value causing the loss may be attributable to credit deterioration.

Maximum exposure to credit risk before collateral held or other credit enhancements

The following table presents the maximum exposure at 31st December 2009 and 2008 to credit risk of balance sheet and off-balance sheet financial instruments, before taking account of any collateral held or other credit enhancements and after allowance for impairment and netting where appropriate.

For financial assets recognised on the balance sheet, the exposure to credit risk equals their carrying amount. For financial guarantees granted, the maximum exposure to credit risk is the maximum amount that Barclays would have to pay if the guarantees were to be called upon. For loan commitments and other credit related commitments that are irrevocable over the life of the respective facilities, the maximum exposure to credit risk is the full amount of the committed facilities.

This analysis and all subsequent analyses of credit risk include only financial assets subject to credit risk. They exclude other financial assets, mainly equity securities held in trading portfolio or available for sale as well as non-financial assets. The nominal value of off-balance sheet credit related instruments are also shown, where appropriate.

Financial assets designated at fair value held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts have not been included as the Group is not exposed to credit risk on these assets. Credit losses in these portfolios, if any, would lead to a reduction in the linked liabilities and result in no direct loss to the Group.

Whilst the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying value of the assets or, in the case of off-balance sheet items, the amount guaranteed, committed, accepted or endorsed, in most cases the likely exposure is far less due to collateral, credit enhancements and other actions taken to mitigate the Group’s exposure.


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  244        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

A description of the credit risk management and measurement methodologies, the credit quality of the assets and the collateral and other credit enhancements held against them is included in the relevant sections within this Note, for each of the categories in the following table:

 

At 31st December 2009

 

     

Loans and
advances

£m

  

Debt
securities

£m

  

Derivatives

£m

  

Reverse
repurchase
agreements

£m

  

Others

£m

  

Total

£m

On-balance sheet:

                             

Cash and balances at central banks

                       81,483    81,483

Items in course of collection from other banks

                       1,593    1,593

Trading portfolio:

                 

Treasury and other eligible bills

      9,926             9,926

Debt securities

      116,594             116,594

Traded loans

   2,962                        2,962

Total trading portfolio

   2,962    126,520                   129,482

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:

                 

Loans and advances

   22,390                22,390

Debt securities

      4,007             4,007

Other financial assets

   557              7,757    344    8,658

Total financial assets designated at fair value held on own account

   22,947    4,007         7,757    344    35,055

Derivative financial instruments

             416,815              416,815

Loans and advances to banks

   41,135                        41,135

Loans and advances to customers:

                 

Residential mortgage loans

   149,099                149,099

Credit card receivables

   21,889                21,889

Other personal lending

   25,435                25,435

Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   212,928                212,928

Finance lease receivables

   10,873                        10,873

Total loans and advances to customers

   420,224                        420,224

Available for sale financial investments:

                 

Treasury and other eligible bills

      5,919             5,919

Debt securities

        43,888                   43,888

Total available for sale financial investments

        49,807                   49,807

Reverse repurchase agreements

            143,431       143,431

Other assets

                       3,476    3,476

Total on-balance sheet

   487,268    180,334    416,815    151,188    86,896    1,322,501

Off-balance sheet:

                 

Acceptances and endorsements

                  375
Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security and securities lending arrangements                   42,812

Commitments

                            207,275

Total off-balance sheet

                            250,462

Total maximum exposure

                            1,572,963


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47 Credit risk continued

 

At 31st December 2008

 

     

Loans and
advances

£m

  

Debt
securities

£m

  

Derivatives

£m

  

Reverse
repurchase
agreements

£m

  

Others

£m

  

Total

£m

On-balance sheet:

                             

Cash and balances at central banks

                       30,019    30,019

Items in course of collection from other banks

                       1,695    1,695

Trading portfolio:

                 

Treasury and other eligible bills

      4,544             4,544

Debt securities

      148,686             148,686

Traded loans

   1,070                        1,070

Total trading portfolio

   1,070    153,230                   154,300

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:

                 

Loans and advances

   30,057             130    30,187

Debt securities

      8,628             8,628

Other financial assets

   1,469              7,283    479    9,231

Total financial assets designated at fair value held on own account

   31,526    8,628         7,283    609    48,046

Derivative financial instruments

             984,802              984,802

Loans and advances to banks

   47,707                        47,707

Loans and advances to customers:

                 

Residential mortgage loans

   139,845                139,845

Credit card receivables

   22,304                22,304

Other personal lending

   27,270                27,270

Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   259,699                259,699

Finance lease receivables

   12,697                        12,697

Total loans and advances to customers

   461,815                        461,815

Available for sale financial investments:

                 

Treasury and other eligible bills

      4,003             4,003

Debt securities

        58,831                   58,831

Total available for sale financial investments

        62,834                   62,834

Reverse repurchase agreements

            130,354       130,354

Other assets

                       3,096    3,096

Total on-balance sheet

   542,118    224,692    984,802    137,637    35,419    1,924,668

Off-balance sheet:

                 

Acceptances and endorsements

                  585
Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security and securities lending arrangements                   53,942

Commitments

                            260,816

Total off-balance sheet

                            315,343

Total maximum exposure

                            2,240,011


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

Credit risk concentrations

A concentration of credit risk exists when a number of counterparties are engaged in similar activities and have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions.

The analyses of credit risk concentrations presented below are based on the location of the counterparty or customer or the industry in which they are engaged.

 

Credit risk concentrations by geographical sector                                    
      United
Kingdom
£m
  

Other
European
Union

£m

  

United
States

£m

   Africa
£m
   Rest of
the
World
£m
  

Total

£m

2009

                 

On-balance sheet:

                 

Cash and balances at central banks

   37,697    5,584    32,279    1,742    4,181    81,483

Items in the course of collection from other banks

   1,340    56       196    1    1,593

Trading portfolio

   12,232    35,088    52,229    1,414    28,519    129,482

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account

   13,945    3,986    10,800    2,352    3,972    35,055

Derivative financial instruments

   133,713    128,881    111,269    2,511    40,441    416,815

Loans and advances to banks

   5,117    12,697    13,137    2,388    7,796    41,135

Loans and advances to customers

   203,582    84,343    58,355    47,495    26,449    420,224

Available for sale financial investments

   16,752    14,028    7,175    4,993    6,859    49,807

Reverse repurchase agreements

   22,222    44,014    60,759    527    15,909    143,431

Other assets

   1,565    417    651    661    182    3,476

Total on-balance sheet

   448,165    329,094    346,654    64,279    134,309    1,322,501

Off-balance sheet:

                 

Acceptances and endorsements

   134    5       26    210    375
Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security and securities lending arrangements    3,337    2,783    32,849    1,795    2,048    42,812

Commitments

   95,120    26,344    57,598    19,480    8,733    207,275

Total off-balance sheet

   98,591    29,132    90,447    21,301    10,991    250,462

Total

   546,756    358,226    437,101    85,580    145,300    1,572,963

2008

                 

On-balance sheet:

                 

Cash and balances at central banks

   8,406    11,039    8,381    1,712    481    30,019

Items in the course of collection from other banks

   1,447    59       169    20    1,695

Trading portfolio

   23,865    35,396    66,084    2,770    26,185    154,300

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account

   14,158    7,388    19,738    2,904    3,858    48,046

Derivative financial instruments

   317,621    215,054    366,161    4,403    81,563    984,802

Loans and advances to banks

   7,524    12,591    13,616    2,189    11,787    47,707

Loans and advances to customers

   213,079    91,109    75,826    44,373    37,428    461,815

Available for sale financial investments

   15,423    18,928    16,583    3,351    8,549    62,834

Reverse repurchase agreements

   22,659    41,724    47,034    848    18,089    130,354

Other assets

   1,198    548    550    520    280    3,096

Total on-balance sheet

   625,380    433,836    613,973    63,239    188,240    1,924,668

Off-balance sheet:

                 

Acceptances and endorsements

   274       6    41    264    585
Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security and securities lending arrangements    4,433    3,742    42,227    1,738    1,802    53,942

Commitments

   103,548    32,445    90,298    23,210    11,315    260,816

Total off-balance sheet

   108,255    36,187    132,531    24,989    13,381    315,343

Total

   733,635    470,023    746,504    88,228    201,621    2,240,011


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47 Credit risk continued

 

Credit risk concentrations by industrial sector
     

Government
and Central
Banks

£m

   Financial
Services
£m
  

Transport,

Postal and
communication
and Business
and other
services

£m

  

Agriculture,
Manufacturing
and
Wholesale
and retail
trade

£m

  

Construction
and

Property

£m

   Energy
and
water
£m
  

Residential
mortgage
loans

£m

   Other
personal
lending
£m
   Finance
lease
receivables
£m
  

Total

£m

2009

                             
On-balance sheet:                              
Cash and balances at central banks    81,483                            81,483
Items in the course of collection from other banks    7    1,586                         1,593
Trading portfolio    76,454    41,482    2,811    4,536    1,063    3,136             129,482
Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account    5,435    13,366    2,893    948    11,929    330    150    4       35,055
Derivative financial instruments    6,119    379,901    8,424    7,805    2,416    12,081       69       416,815
Loans and advances to banks    4,425    36,710                         41,135
Loans and advances to customers    4,800    93,370    40,034    41,645    29,175    10,727    149,099    40,501    10,873    420,224
Available for sale financial investments    16,320    30,398    1,962    377    269    57    416       8    49,807
Reverse repurchase agreements    5,347    136,184    608    366    926                143,431

Other assets

 

   414    1,588    543    64    60    13    106    682    6    3,476

 

Total on-balance sheet

 

  

 

200,804

 

  

 

734,585

 

  

 

57,275

 

  

 

55,741

 

  

 

45,838

 

  

 

26,344

 

  

 

149,771

 

  

 

41,256

 

  

 

10,887

 

  

 

1,322,501

 

 

Off-balance sheet:

                             
Acceptances and endorsements       85    95    155    2    33       5       375
Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security and securities lending arrangements       33,117    2,805    2,308    715    2,872    584    411       42,812

Commitments

 

   1,687

 

   39,806

 

   18,670

 

   28,552

 

   10,647

 

   13,502

 

   15,356

 

   79,055

 

  

 

   207,275

 

 

Total off-balance sheet

 

  

 

1,687

 

  

 

73,008

 

  

 

21,570

 

  

 

31,015

 

  

 

11,364

 

  

 

16,407

 

  

 

15,940

 

  

 

79,471

 

  

 

 

  

 

250,462

 

 

Total

 

  

 

202,491

 

  

 

807,593

 

  

 

78,845

 

  

 

86,756

 

  

 

57,202

 

  

 

42,751

 

  

 

165,711

 

  

 

120,727

 

  

 

10,887

 

  

 

1,572,963

 


Table of Contents
  248        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

 

Credit risk concentrations by industrial sector
     

Government
and central
banks

£m

   Financial
services
£m
  

Transport,

postal and
communication
and business
and other
services

£m

  

Agriculture,
manufacturing
and
wholesale
and retail
trade

£m

  

Construction
and
Property

£m

  

Energy
and
water

£m

  

Residential
mortgage
loans

£m

  

Other
personal
lending

£m

  

Finance
lease
receivables

£m

  

Total

£m

2008

                             
On-balance sheet:                              
Cash and balances at central banks    30,019                            30,019
Items in the course of collection from other banks    10    1,685                         1,695
Trading portfolio    68,962    73,729    3,320    2,590    1,404    4,272       4    19    154,300
Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account    5,871    21,860    1,080    1,286    17,415    271       263       48,046
Derivative financial instruments    10,370    928,793    9,265    14,420    3,779    18,054       121       984,802
Loans and advances to banks    2,794    44,913                         47,707
Loans and advances to customers    5,296    112,506    52,243    49,068    29,988    14,078    139,845    46,094    12,697    461,815
Available for sale financial investments    14,891    44,865    1,288    436    333    354    569    98       62,834
Reverse repurchase agreements    17,939    110,645    536    428    806                130,354

Other assets

 

   103    1,397    602    260    8    12    155    554    5    3,096

 

Total on-balance sheet

 

  

 

156,255

 

  

 

1,340,393

 

  

 

68,334

 

  

 

68,488

 

  

 

53,733

 

  

 

37,041

 

  

 

140,569

 

  

 

47,134

 

  

 

12,721

 

  

 

1,924,668

 

 

Off-balance sheet:

                             
Acceptances and endorsements       151    180    231    14    3       6       585
Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security and securities lending arrangements       44,858    4,161    2,275    778    1,604       266       53,942

Commitments

   5,096

 

   33,746

 

   32,769

 

   36,815

 

   11,405

 

   16,279

 

   12,196

 

   112,510

 

  

 

   260,816

 

 

Total off-balance sheet

 

  

 

5,096

 

  

 

78,755

 

  

 

37,110

 

  

 

39,321

 

  

 

12,197

 

  

 

17,886

 

  

 

12,196

 

  

 

112,782

 

  

 

 

  

 

315,343

 

 

Total

  

 

161,351

 

  

 

1,419,148

 

  

 

105,444

 

  

 

107,809

 

  

 

65,930

 

  

 

54,927

 

  

 

152,765

 

  

 

159,916

 

  

 

12,721

 

  

 

2,240,011

 


Table of Contents
        249  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

Loans and advances

Credit risk management

Governance and responsibilities

The credit risk management teams in each business are accountable to the Business Risk Directors in those businesses who, in turn, report to the heads of their businesses and also to the Chief Risk Officer.

The credit risk function provides Group-wide direction of credit risk-taking. The teams within this function manage the resolution of all significant credit policy issues and run the Credit Committee, which approves major credit decisions. Each business segment has an embedded credit risk management team. These teams assist Group Risk in the formulation of Group Risk policy and its implementation across the businesses.

The principal committees that review credit risk management, formulate overall Group credit policy and resolve all significant credit policy issues are the Board Risk Committee, the Group Risk Oversight Committee, the Wholesale Credit Risk Management Committee and the Retail Credit Risk Management Committee.

The Wholesale Credit Risk Management Committee (WCRMC) oversees wholesale exposures, comprising lending to businesses, banks and other financial institutions. The WCRMC monitors exposure by country, industry sector, individual large exposures and exposures to sub-investment grade countries.

The Retail Credit Risk Management Committee (RCRMC) oversees exposures, which comprise unsecured personal lending (including small businesses), mortgages and credit cards. The RCRMC monitors the risk profile and performance of the retail portfolios by receipt of key risk measures and indicators at an individual portfolio level, ensuring mitigating actions taken to address performance are appropriate and timely. Metrics reviewed will consider portfolio composition and both an overall stock and new flow level.

The monthly Wholesale and Retail Credit Risk Management Committees exercise oversight through review and challenge of the size and constitution of the portfolios when viewed against Group Risk Appetite for wholesale and retail credit risks. They are chaired by the Wholesale and Retail Credit Risk Directors.

Credit monitoring

Wholesale and corporate loans which are deemed to contain heightened levels of risk are recorded on early-warning or watch lists. These lists are graded in line with the perceived severity of the risk attached to the lending and its probability of default. The lists are updated on a monthly basis and are closely monitored.

Regardless of whether they are recorded on early-warning or watch lists, all wholesale and corporate loans are subject to a full review of all facilities on, at least, an annual basis. More frequent interim reviews may be undertaken should circumstances dictate.

Retail loans (which tend to comprise homogeneous assets) are monitored on a portfolio basis.

Credit risk measurement

Barclays uses statistical modelling techniques throughout its business in its credit rating systems. They enable a coherent approach to risk measurement across all credit exposures, retail and wholesale. The key building blocks in the measurement system are the probability of customer default (PD), exposure in the event of default (EAD), and severity of loss-given-default (LGD). The models are reviewed regularly to monitor their robustness relative to actual performance and amended as necessary to optimise their effectiveness.

For wholesale and corporate lending, Barclays assesses the credit quality of borrowers and other counterparties and assigns them an internal risk rating. Barclays credit rating contains 21 grades, representing the Group’s best estimate of credit risk for a counterparty based on current economic conditions. Retail customers are not all assigned internal risk ratings in this way for account management purposes, therefore their probability of default is considered.

The Group considers Credit Risk Loans (defined as all customers overdue by 90 days or more, and/or individually impaired or restructured) and loan loss rates when assessing the credit performance of its loan portfolios, other than those held at fair value. For the purposes of historical and business unit comparison, loan loss rates are defined as total annualised credit impairment charge (excluding available for sale assets and reverse repurchase agreements) divided by gross loans and advances to customers and banks (at amortised cost).

Credit risk mitigation

Where appropriate, the Group takes action to mitigate credit risk such as reducing amounts outstanding (in discussion with the customers, clients or counterparties if appropriate), using credit derivatives, securitising assets, and disposals.

Diversification to avoid unwanted credit risk concentrations is achieved through setting maximum exposure guidelines to individual counterparties. Excesses are reported to the Board Risk Committee and the Group Risk Oversight Committee. Mandate and scale limits are used to limit the stock of current exposures in a loan portfolio and the flow of new exposures into a loan portfolio. Limits are typically based on the tenor and nature of the lending.

Collateral and security

The Group routinely obtains collateral and security to mitigate credit risk.

The Group ensures that any collateral held is sufficiently liquid, legally effective, enforceable and regularly reassessed. Before attaching value to collateral, businesses holding specific, agreed classes of collateral must ensure that they are holding a correctly perfected charge.

Before reliance is placed on third party protection in the form of bank, government or corporate guarantees or credit derivative protection from financial intermediary counterparties, a credit assessment is undertaken.

Security structures and legal covenants are subject to regular review, at least annually, to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and remain consistent with accepted local market practice.


Table of Contents
  250        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

All loans and advances are categorised as either:

– neither past due nor individually impaired;

– past due but not individually impaired; or

– individually impaired, which includes restructured loans.

The impairment allowance includes allowances against financial assets that have been individually impaired and those subject to collective impairment.

Credit risk loans comprise loans and advances to banks and customers 90 days overdue or more and those subject to individual impairment. The coverage ratio is calculated by reference to the total impairment allowance and the carrying value (before impairment) of credit risk loans.

 

      Neither past
due nor
individually
impaired a
£m
   Past due
but not
individually
impaired b
£m
   Individually
impaired
£m
   Total
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
    Total
carrying
value
£m
   Credit Risk
Loans
£m
   Coverage
ratio
%

 

As at 31st December 2009

                      

Trading portfolio:

                      

Traded loans

   2,962          2,962         2,962      
Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:                       

Loans and advances

   22,210    180       22,390         22,390      

Other financial assets

   557          557         557      

Loans and advances to banks

   38,859    2,280    57    41,196    (61   41,135    57    100.0
Loans and advances to customers:                       

Residential mortgage loans

   139,199    8,846    1,693    149,738    (639   149,099    3,604    17.7

Credit card receivables

   20,195    1,544    2,459    24,198    (2,309   21,889    3,068    75.3

Other personal lending

   23,796    2,175    2,372    28,343    (2,908   25,435    3,466    83.9
Wholesale and corporate loans and advances    199,800    7,598    10,088    217,486    (4,558   212,928    11,497    39.6

Finance lease receivables

 

   10,128    664    402    11,194    (321   10,873    696    46.1

 

Total

 

  

 

457,706

 

  

 

23,287

 

  

 

17,071

 

  

 

498,064

 

  

 

(10,796

 

 

 

 

 

487,268

 

  

 

22,388

 

  

 

48.2

 

As at 31st December 2008                       

Trading portfolio:

                      

Traded loans

   1,070          1,070         1,070      
Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:                       

Loans and advances

   29,182    875       30,057         30,057      

Other financial assets

   1,469          1,469         1,469      

Loans and advances to banks

   46,665    1,045    48    47,758    (51   47,707    48    100.0
Loans and advances to customers c:                       

Residential mortgage loans

   131,017    7,481    1,668    140,166    (321   139,845    2,528    12.7

Credit card receivables

   21,092    1,426    1,231    23,749    (1,445   22,304    1,990    72.6

Other personal lending

   25,885    1,274    1,980    29,139    (1,869   27,270    2,560    73.0
Wholesale and corporate loans and advances    246,505    8,307    7,586    262,398    (2,699   259,699    8,277    32.6

Finance lease receivables

 

   12,367    285    234    12,886    (189   12,697    297    63.6

 

Total

 

   515,252

 

   20,693

 

   12,747

 

   548,692

 

   (6,574

 

 

  542,118

 

   15,700

 

   41.9

 

Notes

a Financial assets subject to collective impairment allowance are included in this column if they are not past due.

 

b Financial assets subject to collective impairment allowance are included in this column if they are past due.

 

c Loans and advances to customers in the above table have been reanalysed between Residential mortgage loans and Other personal lending.


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        251  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

Credit quality of loans and advances neither past due nor individually impaired

 

            2009                2008      
      Strong
£m
   Satisfactory
£m
   Higher risk
£m
   Total
£m
   Strong
£m
   Satisfactory
£m
   Higher risk
£m
   Total
£m

Trading portfolio:

                       

Traded loans

   1,366    1,290    306    2,962    759    220    91    1,070
Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:                        

Loans and advances

   15,909    3,809    2,492    22,210    25,665    2,792    725    29,182

Other financial assets

   261       296    557       1,469       1,469

Loans and advances to banks

   35,825    2,492    542    38,859    40,181    6,384    100    46,665

Loans and advances to customers:

                       

Residential mortgage loans

   66,956    69,919    2,324    139,199    86,937    42,770    1,310    131,017

Credit card receivables

      20,038    157    20,195       20,426    666    21,092

Other personal lending

   3,417    18,108    2,271    23,796    2,975    21,750    1,160    25,885

Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   119,764    70,132    9,904    199,800    141,868    94,453    10,184    246,505

Finance lease receivables

 

   2,664    7,082    382    10,128    4,214    7,504    649    12,367

 

Total loans and advances

 

  

 

246,162

  

 

192,870

  

 

18,674

  

 

457,706

  

 

302,599

  

 

197,768

  

 

14,885

  

 

515,252

For the purposes of the analysis of credit quality, the following internal measures of credit quality have been used:

 

      Retail lending   Wholesale lending     

 

Financial statements description

 

  

Probability of default

 

 

Probability of default

 

 

Default grade

 

 

Strong

  

 

0.0-0.60%

 

 

0.0-0.05%
0.05-0.15%
0.15-0.30%
0.30-0.60%

 

 

 

1-3
4-5
6-8
9-11

 

 

Satisfactory

  

 

0.60-10.00%

 

 

0.60-2.15%
2.15-11.35%

 

 

 

12-14
15-19

 

 

Higher risk

 

  

 

10.00% +

 

 

 

11.35% +

 

 

 

20-21

 

Financial statement descriptions can be summarised as follows:

Strong – there is a very high likelihood of the asset being recovered in full.

Satisfactory – whilst there is a high likelihood that the asset will be recovered and therefore, of no cause for concern to the Group, the asset may not be collateralised, or may relate to retail facilities, such as credit card balances and unsecured loans, which have been classified as satisfactory, regardless of the fact that the output of internal grading models may have indicated a higher classification. At the lower end of this grade there are customers that are being more carefully monitored, for example, corporate customers which are indicating some evidence of some deterioration, mortgages with a high loan to value ratio, and unsecured retail loans operating outside normal product guidelines.

Higher risk – there is concern over the obligor’s ability to make payments when due. However, these have not yet converted to actual delinquency. There may also be doubts over value of collateral or security provided. However, the borrower or counterparty is continuing to make payments when due and is expected to settle all outstanding amounts of principal and interest.


Table of Contents
  252        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

Loans and advances that are past due but not individually impaired

An age analysis of loans and advances that are past due but not individually impaired is set out below.

For the purposes of this analysis an asset is considered past due and included below when any payment due under strict contractual terms is received late or missed. The amount included is the entire financial asset, not just the payment, of principal or interest or both, overdue.

The table below provides a breakdown of total financial assets past due but not individually impaired. In general, retail and wholesale loans fall into this category for two separate reasons. Retail loans and advances to customers may come under this category because the impairment allowance on such loans is calculated on a collective – not individual – basis. This reflects the homogenous nature of the assets, which allows statistical techniques to be used, rather than individual assessment.

In contrast, some loans to wholesale and corporate customers and banks may come under this category because of instances where a payment on a loan is past due without requiring an individual impairment allowance. For example, an individual impairment allowance will not be required when a loss is not expected due to a corporate loan being fully secured or collateralised. As a result, it is past due but not individually impaired.

 

      Past due
up to 1
month
£m
   Past due
1-2
months
£m
   Past due
2-3
months
£m
   Past due
3-6
months
£m
   Past due
6 months
and over
£m
   Total
£m
   Of which
Credit
Risk Loans
£m

2009

                    

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:

                    

Loans and advances

 

   170       1       9    180   

 

Loans and advances to banks

 

  

 

2,280

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

2,280

  

 

 

Loans and advances to customers:

                    

Residential mortgage loans

   4,849    1,453    633    1,410    501    8,846    1,911

Credit card receivables

   501    214    220    459    150    1,544    609

Other personal lending

   369    295    417    413    681    2,175    1,094

Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   5,403    292    494    866    543    7,598    1,409

Finance lease receivables

 

   186    86    98    282    12    664    294

 

Total loans and advances to customers

 

  

 

11,308

  

 

2,340

  

 

1,862

  

 

3,430

  

 

1,887

  

 

20,827

  

 

5,317

 

Total financial assets past due but not individually impaired

 

  

 

13,758

  

 

2,340

  

 

1,863

  

 

3,430

  

 

1,896

  

 

23,287

  

 

5,317

2008

                    

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:

                    

Loans and advances

 

   315    147    81    82    250    875   

 

Loans and advances to banks

 

  

 

1,044

  

 

1

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

1,045

  

 

 

Loans and advances to customers:

                    

Residential mortgage loans

   4,421    1,570    630    713    147    7,481    860

Credit card receivables

   293    224    150    291    468    1,426    759

Other personal lending

   219    202    273    338    242    1,274    580

Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   6,229    540    847    477    214    8,307    691

Finance lease receivables

 

   130    53    39    63       285    63

 

Total loans and advances to customers

 

   11,292

 

   2,589

 

   1,939

 

   1,882

 

   1,071

 

   18,773

 

   2,953

 

 

Total financial assets past due but not individually impaired

 

   12,651

 

   2,737

 

   2,020

 

   1,964

 

   1,321

 

   20,693

 

   2,953

 


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        253  

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

Loans and advances individually assessed as impaired

An analysis of financial assets individually assessed as impaired is as follows:

 

     

2009

   2008
      Original
carrying
amount
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
    Revised
carrying
amount
£m
   Original
carrying
amount
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
    Revised
carrying
amount
£m

Loans and advances to banks individually impaired

 

   57

 

   (49

 

 

  8

 

   48

 

   (44

 

 

  4

 

 

Loans and advances to customers:

               

Residential mortgage loans

   1,693    (317   1,376    1,668    (240   1,428

Credit card receivables

   2,459    (1,690   769    1,231    (727   504

Other personal lending

   2,372    (1,531   841    1,980    (1,237   743

Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   10,088    (3,837   6,251    7,586    (2,310   5,276

Finance lease receivables

   402    (233   169    234    (140   94

 

Total loans and advances individually impaired

 

   17,071

 

   (7,657

 

 

  9,414

 

   12,747

 

   (4,698

 

 

  8,049

 

 

Collective impairment allowance

 

        (3,139

 

 

            (1,876

 

 

   

 

Total impairment allowance

 

        (10,796

 

 

            (6,574

 

 

   

The movements on the impairment allowance during the year were as follows:

 

      At
beginning
of year
£m
   Acquisitions
and
disposals
£m
   Unwind
of
discount
£m
    Exchange
and other
adjustments
£m
   

Amounts
written
off

£m

    Recoveries
£m
   Amounts
charged to
income
statement
£m
   Balance
at 31st
December
£m

2009

                    

Loans and advances to banks

 

  

 

51

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

(11)

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

10

  

 

11

  

 

61

 

Loans and advances to customers:

                 

Residential mortgage loans

   321    19    (59   46      (82   3    391    639

Credit card receivables

   1,445    415    (79   (28   (1,009   78    1,487    2,309

Other personal lending

   1,869       (26   (89   (633   21    1,766    2,908
Wholesale and corporate loans and advances    2,699       (15   (48   (1,538   28    3,432    4,558

Finance lease receivables

 

   189       (6)      3      (118)      10    243    321

 

Total loans and advances to

customers

 

  

 

6,523

  

 

434

  

 

(185)

 

  

 

 

(116)

 

  

 

 

(3,380)

 

  

 

 

140

  

 

7,319

  

 

10,735

 

Total impairment allowance

 

  

 

6,574

  

 

434

  

 

(185)

 

  

 

 

(127)

 

  

 

 

(3,380)

 

  

 

 

150

  

 

7,330

  

 

10,796

     

At
beginning
of year

£m

  

Acquisitions
and
disposals

£m

   Unwind
of
discount
£m
    Exchange
and other
adjustments
£m
   

Amounts
written
off

£m

    Recoveries
£m
   Amounts
charged to
income
statement
£m
   Balance
at 31st
December
£m

2008

                    

Loans and advances to banks

 

   3            1           7    40    51

 

Loans and advances to

customers:

                    

Residential mortgage loans

   137       (35   19      (44   3    241    321

Credit card receivables

   841    306    (68   94      (845   69    1,048    1,445
Other personal lending    1,368    1    (32   134      (525   42    881    1,869
Wholesale and corporate loans and advances    1,310            506      (1,428   41    2,270    2,699

Finance lease receivables

 

   113            37      (77   12    104    189

 

Total loans and advances to

customers

 

  

 

3,769

  

 

307

  

 

(135

 

 

 

790

 

  

 

 

(2,919

 

 

 

167

  

 

4,544

  

 

6,523

 

Total impairment allowance

 

  

 

3,772

  

 

307

  

 

(135

 

 

 

791

 

  

 

 

(2,919

 

 

 

174

  

 

4,584

  

 

6,574

 

 

Loan Loss Rates

                         
      Gross
loans and
advances
£m
   Impairment
allowance
£m
   

Loans and

advances
net of
impairment
£m

  

Impairment
charge

£m

   Loan
Loss Rate
basis points

 

As at 31st December 2009

   472,155    (10,796   461,359    7,358    156

As at 31st December 2008

   516,096    (6,574   509,522    4,913    95


Table of Contents
  254        

 

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

Renegotiated loans and advances

Loans and advances are generally renegotiated either as part of an ongoing customer relationship or in response to an adverse change in the circumstances of the borrower. In the latter case renegotiation can result in an extension of the due date of payment or repayment plans under which the Group offers a concessionary rate of interest to genuinely distressed borrowers. This will result in the asset continuing to be overdue and will be individually impaired where the renegotiated payments of interest and principal will not recover the original carrying amount of the asset. In other cases, renegotiation will lead to a new agreement, which is treated as a new loan.

Collateral and other credit enhancements held

Financial assets that are past due or individually assessed as impaired may be partially or fully collateralised or subject to other forms of credit enhancement.

Assets in these categories subject to collateralisation are mainly corporate loans, residential mortgage loans and finance lease receivables. Credit card receivables and other personal lending are generally unsecured (although in some instances a charge over the borrowers property of other assets may be sought).

Corporate loans

Security is usually taken in the form of a fixed charge over the borrower’s property or a floating charge over the assets of the borrower. Loan covenants may be put in place to safeguard the Group’s financial position. If the exposure is sufficiently large, either individually or at the portfolio level, credit protection in the form of guarantees, credit derivatives or insurance may be taken out.

For these and other reasons collateral given is only accurately valued on origination of the loan or in the course of enforcement actions and as a result it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the collateral held.

Residential mortgage loans

These are secured by a fixed charge over the property.

A description and the estimated fair value of collateral held in respect of residential mortgage loans that are past due or individually assessed as impaired is as follows:

 

 

Nature of assets

         
     

2009

Fair value
£m

  

2008

Fair value
£m

 

Residential property

 

  

 

9,628

  

 

7,264

Collateral included in the above table reflects the Group’s interest in the property in the event of default. That held in the form of charges against residential property in the UK is restricted to the outstanding loan balance. In other territories, where the Group is not obliged to return any sale proceeds to the mortgagee, the full estimated fair value has been included.

Finance lease receivables

The net investment in the lease is secured through retention of legal title to the leased assets.

Collateral and other credit enhancements obtained

The carrying value of assets held by the Group as at 31st December 2009 as a result of the enforcement of collateral was as follows:

 

 

Nature of assets

         
     

2009

Carrying
amount
£m

  

2008

Carrying
amount
£m

 

Residential property

   71    171

Commercial and industrial property

   66    2

Other credit enhancements

 

   248    61

 

Total

 

  

 

385

  

 

234

Any properties repossessed are made available for sale in an orderly and timely fashion, with any proceeds realised being used to reduce or repay the outstanding loan. For business customers, in some circumstances, where excess funds are available after repayment in full of the outstanding loan, they are offered to any other, lower ranked, secured lenders. Any additional funds are returned to the customer. Barclays does not, as a rule, occupy repossessed properties for its business use.

The Group does not use assets obtained in its operations. Assets obtained are normally sold, generally at auction, or realised in an orderly manner for the maximum benefit of the Group, the borrower and the borrower’s other creditors in accordance with the relevant insolvency regulations.


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47 Credit risk continued

Debt securities

Trading portfolio assets, financial assets designated at fair value and available for sale assets are measured on a fair value basis. The fair value will reflect, among other things, the credit risk of the issuer.

Most listed and some unlisted securities are rated by external rating agencies. The Group mainly uses external credit ratings provided by Standard & Poors’ or Moody’s. Where such ratings are not available or are not current, the Group will use its own internal ratings for the securities.

An analysis of the credit quality of the Group’s debt securities is set out below:

 

      2009    2008
      AAA to BBB-
(investment
grade)
£m
   BB+ to B
£m
   B- and
below
£m
   Total
£m
   AAA to BBB-
(investment
grade)
£m
   BB+ to B
£m
   B-and
below
£m
   Total
£m

Trading portfolio:

                       

Treasury and other eligible bills

   9,901    25       9,926    4,491    53       4,544

Debt securities

 

   109,237    5,321    2,036    116,594    141,454    5,556    1,676    148,686

 

Total trading portfolio

 

  

 

119,138

  

 

5,346

  

 

2,036

  

 

126,520

  

 

145,945

  

 

5,609

  

 

1,676

  

 

153,230

 

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:

                       

Debt securities

 

   2,200    1,791    16    4,007    1,222    7,406       8,628

 

Available for sale financial investments:

                       

Treasury and other eligible bills

   4,049    1,870       5,919    2,823    1,180       4,003

Debt securities

 

   40,184    3,185    519    43,888    55,817    2,347    667    58,831

 

Total available for sale financial investments

 

  

 

44,233

 

  

 

5,055

  

 

519

  

 

49,807

  

 

58,640

  

 

3,527

  

 

667

  

 

62,834

 

Total debt securities

 

  

 

165,571

  

 

12,192

  

 

2,571

  

 

180,334

  

 

205,807

  

 

16,542

  

 

2,343

  

 

224,692

 

%

 

  

 

91.8

  

 

6.8

  

 

1.4

  

 

100.0

  

 

91.6

  

 

7.4

  

 

1.0

  

 

100.0

Included in the table above, there are impaired available for sale debt securities with a carrying value at 31st December 2009 of £265m (2008: £329m), after a write-down of £692m (2008: £363m).

Collateral is not generally obtained directly from the issuers of debt securities. Certain debt securities may be collateralised by specifically identified assets that would be obtainable in the event of default.

Derivatives

Derivatives are measured on a fair value basis.

The credit quality of the Group’s derivative assets according to the credit quality of the counterparty at 31st December 2009 and 2008 was as follows:

 

      2009    2008
      AAA to BBB-
(investment
grade)
£m
   BB+ to B
£m
   B- and
below
£m
   Total
£m
   AAA to BBB-
(investment
grade)
£m
   BB+ to B
£m
   B- and
below
£m
   Total
£m

 

Derivatives

 

  

 

399,534

 

  

 

15,565

  

 

1,716

  

 

416,815

  

 

939,071

  

 

42,266

  

 

3,465

  

 

984,802

 

%

 

  

 

95.9

  

 

3.7

  

 

0.4

  

 

100.0

  

 

95.3

  

 

4.3

  

 

0.4

  

 

100.0

Credit risk from derivatives is mitigated where possible through netting agreements whereby derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty can be offset. Group policy requires all netting arrangements to be legally documented. The ISDA Master Agreement is the Group’s preferred agreement for documenting OTC derivatives. It provides the contractual framework within which dealing activities across a full range of OTC products are conducted and contractually binds both parties to apply close-out netting across all outstanding transactions covered by an agreement if either party defaults or other predetermined events occur.

Collateral is obtained against derivative assets, depending on the creditworthiness of the counterparty and/or nature of the transaction. Any collateral taken in respect of OTC trading exposures will be subject to a ‘haircut’ which is negotiated at the time of signing the collateral agreement. A haircut is the valuation percentage applicable to each type of collateral and will be largely based on liquidity and price volatility of the underlying security. The collateral obtained for derivatives is either cash, direct debt obligation government (G14+) bonds denominated in the domestic currency of the issuing country, debt issued by supranationals or letters of credit issued by an institution with a long-term unsecured debt rating of A+/A3 or better. Where the Group has ISDA master agreements, the collateral document will be the ISDA Credit Support Annex (CSA). The collateral document must give Barclays the power to realise any collateral placed with it in the event of the failure of the counterparty, and to place further collateral when requested or in the event of insolvency, administration or similar processes, as well as in the case of early termination.

Derivative assets and liabilities would be £374bn (2008: £917bn) lower than reported if netting were permitted for assets and liabilities with the same counterparty or for which the Group holds cash collateral.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

47 Credit risk continued

Reverse repurchase agreements

Reverse repurchase agreements and securities borrowing arrangements are collateralised loans typically of short maturities.

The loans are fully collateralised with highly liquid securities legally transferred to the Group. The level of collateral is monitored daily and further collateral called when required.

 

      2009    2008
      AAA to BBB-
(investment
grade)
£m
   BB+ to B
£m
   B- and
below
£m
   Total
£m
   AAA to BBB-
(investment
grade)
£m
   BB+ to B
£m
   B- and
below
£m
   Total
£m

 

Financial assets designated at fair value held on own account:

                       

Other financial assets

   4,749    1,955    1,053    7,757    3,882    3,401       7,283

Reverse repurchase agreements

 

   136,366    6,674    391    143,431    122,188    6,101    2,065    130,354

 

Total reverse repurchase agreements

 

  

 

141,115

  

 

8,629

  

 

1,444

  

 

151,188

  

 

126,070

  

 

9,502

  

 

2,065

  

 

137,637

 

%

 

  

 

93.3

  

 

5.7

  

 

1.0

  

 

100.0

  

 

91.6

  

 

6.9

  

 

1.5

  

 

100.0

No reverse repurchase agreements held by the Group at 31st December 2009 or 2008 were individually impaired, however during the year, the Group wrote off £43m of reverse repurchase agreements (2008: 124m).

Other credit risk assets

The Group’s other assets that are subject to credit risk are cash with central banks of £81,483m (2008: £30,019m), items in course of collection from other Banks £1,593m (2008: £1,695m), other financial assets £3,476m (2008: £3,096m).

Cash and balances at central banks

Substantially all balances are held with central banks. There is limited credit risk in relation to balances at central banks.

Items in the course of collection from other banks

There is limited credit risk in relation to items in the course of collection through the clearing system from other banks. Other financial assets

Other financial assets

Other financial assets comprise £3,476m (2008: £3,096m) of other assets and £344m (2008 £609m) of assets held at fair value.

Off-balance sheet

The Group applies fundamentally the same risk management policies for off-balance sheet risks as it does for its on-balance sheet risks. In the case of commitments to lend, customers and counterparties will be subject to the same credit management policies as for loans and advances. Collateral may be sought depending on the strength of the counterparty and the nature of the transaction.

Credit market exposures

Barclays Capital’s credit market exposures primarily relate to US residential mortgages, commercial mortgages and leveraged finance businesses that have been significantly impacted by the continued deterioration in the global credit markets. The exposures include both significant positions subject to fair value movements in the profit and loss account and positions that are classified as loans and advances and available for sale.

The exposures are set out by asset class below:

 

US Residential Mortgages    As at
31.12.09
£m
   As at
31.12.08
£m

 

ABS CDO Super Senior

 

  

 

1,931

  

 

3,104

 

Other US sub-prime and Alt-A

 

  

 

1,392

  

 

7,729

 

Monoline wrapped US RMBS

 

  

 

6

  

 

1,639

Commercial mortgages

 

         

Commercial real estate loans and properties

   7,734    11,578

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   471    735

Monoline wrapped CMBS

 

   30    1,854

 

Other Credit Market Exposures

 

         

 

Leveraged finance a

 

  

 

5,507

  

 

9,048

 

SIVs, SIV-Lites and CDPCs

 

  

 

553

  

 

1,113

 

Monoline wrapped CLO and other

 

  

 

2,126

  

 

4,939

 

Total exposures

 

  

 

19,750

  

 

41,739

 

Loan to Protium

 

  

 

7,859

  

 

On 16th September 2009, Barclays Capital sold assets of £7,454m, including £5,087m in credit market assets, to Protium Finance LP (Protium), a newly established fund. As part of the transaction, Barclays extended a £7,669m 10-year loan to Protium Finance LP. At 31st December 2009, this loan had a carrying value of £7,859m (including accrued interest).

Note

a This is a change in presentation from 31st December 2008, which reflected certain loan facilities originated post 1st July 2007.


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48 Market risk

Market risk management

Market risk is the risk that the Group’s earnings or capital, or its ability to meet business objectives, will be adversely affected by changes in the level or volatility of market rates or prices such as interest rates, credit spreads, commodity prices, equity prices and foreign exchange rates. The majority of market risk exposure resides in Barclays Capital. Barclays is also exposed to market risk through interest rate risk on its non-trading activities and through the pension fund.

Organisation and structure

The Board approves market risk appetite for trading and non-trading activities. The Market Risk Director is responsible for the Market Risk Control Framework and, under delegated authority from the Chief Risk Officer, sets a limit framework within the context of the approved market risk appetite. A daily market risk report summarises Barclays market risk exposures against agreed limits. This daily report is sent to the Chief Risk Officer, the Market Risk Director, the Group Finance Director and the appropriate Business Risk Directors.

The head of each business, assisted by the business risk management team, is accountable for all market risks associated with its activities. Each business is responsible for the identification, measurement, management, control and reporting of market risk as outlined in Barclays Market Risk Control Framework. Oversight and support is provided to the business by the Market Risk Director, assisted by the Group Market Risk team. The Market Risk Committee reviews, approves, and makes recommendations concerning the market risk profile across Barclays including risk appetite, limits and utilisation. The Committee meets monthly and is chaired by the Market Risk Director. Attendees include the Chief Risk Officer, respective business risk managers and Group Market Risk.

Traded market risk

Barclays policy is to concentrate trading activities in Barclays Capital. This includes transactions where Barclays Capital acts as principal with clients or with the market. For maximum efficiency, client and market activities are managed together.

Risk measurement and control

The measurement techniques used to measure and control traded market risk include Daily Value at Risk (DVaR), Expected Shortfall , average of the three worst hypothetical losses from the DVaR simulation (3W), Global Asset Class stress testing and Global Scenario stress testing.

DVaR is an estimate of the potential loss arising from unfavourable market movements, if the current positions were to be held unchanged for one business day. Barclays Capital uses the historical simulation methodology with a two-year unweighted historical period at the 95% confidence level.

The historical simulation calculation can be split into three parts:

– Calculate hypothetical daily profit or loss for each position over the most recent two years, using observed daily market moves.

– Sum all hypothetical profit or losses for day one across all positions, giving one total profit or loss. Repeat for all other days in the two-year history.

– DVaR is the 95th percentile selected from the two years of daily hypothetical total profit or loss.

The DVaR model has been approved by the FSA to calculate regulatory capital for the trading book. The approval covers general market risk in interest rate, foreign exchange, commodities and equity products, and issuer specific risk for the majority of single name and portfolio traded credit products.

DVaR is an important market risk measurement and control tool and consequently the model is regularly assessed. The main approach employed is the technique known as back-testing which counts the number of days when a loss (as defined by the FSA), exceeds the corresponding DVaR estimate, measured at the 99% confidence level.

The FSA categorises a DVaR model as green, amber or red. A green model is consistent with a good working DVaR model and is achieved for models that have four or less back-testing exceptions in a 12-month period. For Barclays Capital’s trading book, green model status was maintained for 2009 and 2008.

Expected Shortfall is the average of all hypothetical losses from the historical simulation beyond DVaR. To improve the control framework, formal monitoring of 3W (average of the three worst observations from the DVaR historical simulation) was started in the first half of 2009.

Stress testing provides an indication of the potential size of losses that could arise in extreme conditions. Global Asset Class stress testing has been designed to cover major asset classes including interest rate, credit spread, commodity, equity and foreign exchange rates. They are based on past stress moves in respective asset class prices and rates. Global Scenario stress testing is based on hypothetical events which could lead to extreme yet plausible stress type moves, under which profitability is seriously challenged.

Market Risk is controlled through the use of limits where appropriate on the above risk measures. Limits are set at the total Barclays Capital level, risk factor level such as interest rate risk, and business line level. Book limits such as foreign exchange and interest rate sensitivity limits are also in place.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

48 Market risk continued

Analysis of traded market risk exposures

Barclays Capital's market risk exposure, as measured by average total DVaR, increased by 45% to £77m (2008: £53m). The rise was mainly due to volatility considerations, increased interest rate and credit spread exposure, and the Lehman Brothers North America businesses acquisition. Volatility impacted average DVaR because 2008’s extreme volatility impacted DVaR throughout 2009 but only impacted 2008 DVaR in the last four months of 2008.

Expected shortfall and 3W averaged £121m and £209m respectively representing increases of £51m (73%) and £93m (80%) compared to 2008. The daily average, maximum and minimum values of DVaR, Expected Shortfall and 3W were calculated as below.

 

DVaR (95%)

     

12 months to

31st December 2009

  

12 months to

31st December 2008

     

 

Average
£m

    High a
£m
   Low a
£m
   Average
£m
    High a
£m
   Low a
£m

 

Interest rate risk

   44      83    23    29      48    15

Credit spread risk

   58      102    35    31      72    15

Commodity risk

   14      20    11    18      25    13

Equity risk

   13      27    5    9      21    5

Foreign exchange risk

   8      15    3    6      13    2

Diversification effect a

 

   (60   n/a    n/a    (40   n/a    n/a

Total DVaR

 

   77

 

  

 

  119

 

   50

 

   53

 

  

 

  95

 

   36

 

 

Expected shortfall

 

   121

 

  

 

  188

 

   88

 

   70

 

  

 

  146

 

   41

 

 

3W

 

   209

 

  

 

  301

 

   148

 

   116

 

  

 

  282

 

   61

 

Non-traded interest rate risk

Non-traded interest rate risk arises from the provision of retail and wholesale (non-traded) banking products and services.

Barclays objective is to minimise non-traded risk. This is achieved by transferring risk from the business to a local treasury or Group Treasury, who in turn hedge the net exposure with the external market. Limits exist to ensure no material risk is retained within any business or product area. The majority of non-trading interest rate market exposures are within Global Retail and Commercial Banking, and Group Treasury. Trading activity is not permitted outside Barclays Capital.

Risk measurement and control

The risk in each business is measured and controlled using both an income metric (Annual Earnings at Risk) and a present value metric (Daily Value at Risk or stress testing). In addition scenario stress analysis is carried out by the business and reviewed by senior management and business-level asset and liability committees, when required.

Annual Earnings at Risk (AEaR) measures the sensitivity of net interest income (NII) over the next 12 months. It is calculated as the difference between the estimated income using the current yield curve and the lowest estimated income following a 100 basis points increase or decrease in interest rates, subject to a minimum interest rate of 0%. Balances are adjusted for an assumed behavioural profile. This includes the treatment of non-maturity deposits.

Daily Value at Risk and stress testing is calculated using a Barclays Capital consistent approach. Both these metrics are calculated by each respective business area with oversight provided by Group Market Risk.

Risk exposures are monitored by respective business risk managers with oversight provided by Group Market Risk. The main business limits are approved by Market Risk Committee. Book limits such as foreign exchange and interest rate sensitivity limits are also in place where appropriate.

To further improve the market risk control framework, Group Market Risk initiated an ongoing programme of conformance visits to non-traded Treasury operations. These visits review both the current market risk profile and potential market risk developments, as well as verifying conformance with Barclays policies and standards as detailed in the market risk control framework.

Note

a The high (and low) DVaR figures reported for each category did not necessarily occur on the same day as the high (and low) DVaR reported as a whole. Consequently, a diversification effect number for the high (and low) DVaR figures would not be meaningful and it is therefore omitted from the above table.


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48 Market risk continued

Analysis of net interest income sensitivity

The tables below show the pre-tax net interest income sensitivity for the non-trading financial assets and financial liabilities held at 31st December 2009. The sensitivity has been measured using AEaR methodology as described above. The benchmark interest rate for each currency is set as at 31st December 2009. The figures include the effect of hedging instruments but exclude exposures held or issued by Barclays Capital as these are measured and managed using DVaR.

 

Net interest income sensitivity (AEaR) by currency

  

      +100 basis
points
2009 £m
    –100 basis
points
2009 £m
    +100 basis
points
2008 £m
    –100 basis
points
2008 £m
 

GBP

   30      (360   3      (273

USD

   (43   14      (25   7   

EUR

   (34        (34   30   

ZAR

   29      (27   13      (13

Others

 

   (1   4           (8

 

Total

 

   (19   (369   (43   (257

 

As percentage of net interest income

 

   (0.16%   (3.10%   (0.37%   (2.24%

Non-traded interest rate risk, as measured by AEaR, was £369m in 2009, an increase of £112m compared to 2008. This estimate takes into account the rates in place as at 31st December 2009. The increase mainly reflects the reduced spread generated on retail and commercial banking liabilities in the lower interest rate environment. If the interest rate hedges had not been in place then the AEaR risk for 2009 would have been £704m (2008: £670m).

DVaR is also used to control market risk in Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Western Europe and in Group Treasury. The indicative average DVaRs for 2009 are £1.4m (2008: £1.3m) for Western Europe and £1.0m (2008: £0.6m) for Group Treasury.

Analysis of equity sensitivity

 

      +100 basis
points
2009 £m
    –100 basis
points
2009 £m
    +100 basis
points
2008 £m
    –100 basis
points
2008 £m
 

 

Net interest income

   (19   (369   (43   (257

Taxation effects on the above

 

   4      86      6      33   

 

Effect on profit for the year

 

   (15   (283   (37   (224

 

As percentage of net profit after tax

 

   (0.15%   (2.75%   (0.70%   (4.24%

 

Effect on profit for the year (per above)

   (15   (283   (37   (224

Available for sale reserve

   (527   527      (806   806   

Cash flow hedge reserve

   (929   957      (473   474   

Taxation effects on the above

 

   341      (347   166      (166

 

Effect on equity

 

   (1,130   854      (1,150   890   

 

As percentage of equity

 

   (1.93%   1.46%      (2.43%   1.88%   


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

48 Market risk continued

Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to two sources of foreign exchange risk.

a) Transactional foreign currency exposure

Transactional foreign exchange exposures represent exposure on banking assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the transacting entity.

The Group’s risk management policies prevent the holding of significant open positions in foreign currencies outside the trading portfolio managed by Barclays Capital which is monitored through DVaR.

There were no material net transactional foreign currency exposures outside the trading portfolio at either 31st December 2009 or 2008. Due to the low level of non-trading exposures no reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates would have a material effect on either the Group’s profit or movements in equity for the year ended 31st December 2009 or 2008.

b) Translational foreign exchange exposure

The Group’s translational foreign currency exposure arises from both its capital resources (including investments in subsidiaries and branches, intangible assets, non-controlling interests, deductions from capital and debt capital instruments) and risk weighted assets (RWAs) being denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign exchange rates result in changes in the Sterling equivalent value of foreign currency denominated capital resources and risk weighted assets. As a result, the Group’s regulatory capital ratios are sensitive to foreign exchange rate movements.

The Group’s capital ratio hedge strategy is to minimise the volatility of the capital ratios caused by foreign exchange rate movements. To achieve this, the Group aims to maintain the ratio of foreign currency Core Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total Capital resources to foreign currency RWAs the same as the Group’s capital ratios.

The Group’s foreign currency capital resources include investments in subsidiaries and branches, intangible assets, non-controlling interests, deductions from capital and debt capital instruments.

The Group’s investments in foreign currency subsidiaries and branches create capital resources denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in the Sterling value of the investments due to foreign currency movements are captured in the currency translation reserve, resulting in a movement in Core Tier 1 capital.

During 2009, structural currency exposures net of hedging instruments increased from £6.4bn to £12.5bn primarily as a result of US Dollar hedging decisions taken in accordance with the Group’s capital ratio hedge strategy for foreign exchange rate movements.

To create foreign currency Tier 1 and Total Capital resources additional to the Core Tier 1 capital resources, the Group issues, where possible, debt capital in non sterling currencies. This is primarily achieved by the issuance of debt capital from Barclays Bank PLC, but can also be achieved by subsidiaries issuing capital in local currencies.

The carrying value of the Group’s foreign currency net investments in subsidiaries and branches and the foreign currency borrowings and derivatives used to hedge them as at 31st December 2009 were as follows:

 

At 31st December 2009

Functional currency of the operation involved

 

   Foreign
currency
net
investments
£m
   Borrowings
which hedge
the net
investments
£m
   Derivatives
which hedge
the net
investments
£m
   Structural
currency
exposures
pre economic
hedges £m
    Economic
hedges
£m
   Remaining
structural
currency
exposures
£m
 

 

US Dollar

   16,677    3,205       13,472      6,056    7,416   

Euro

   6,772    3,418       3,354      2,902    452   

Rand

   4,055       1,542    2,513      189    2,324   

Japanese Yen

   4,436    3,484    940    12         12   

Swiss Franc

   2,840    2,734    92    14         14   

Other

 

   2,983       677    2,306         2,306   

 

Total

 

   37,763    12,841    3,251    21,671      9,147    12,524   

At 31st December 2008

 

                                      

 

US Dollar

   14,577    6,019       8,558      6,720    1,838   

Euro

   6,336    2,922       3,414      3,125    289   

Rand

   3,725       1,306    2,419      164    2,255   

Japanese Yen

   5,009    801    4,212    (4      (4

Swiss Franc

   3,042    2,936    101    5         5   

 

Other

 

   2,940       880    2,060         2,060   

 

Total

 

   35,629    12,678    6,499    16,452      10,009    6,443   


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48 Market risk continued

The economic hedges represent the US Dollar and Euro Preference Shares and Reserve Capital Instruments in issue that are treated as equity under IFRS, and do not qualify as hedges for accounting purposes.

The impact of a change in the exchange rate between Sterling and any of the major currencies would be:

– A higher or lower Sterling equivalent value of non-Sterling denominated capital resources and risk weighted assets. This includes a higher or lower currency translation reserve within equity, representing the retranslation of non-Sterling subsidiaries, branches and associated undertakings net of the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on derivatives and borrowings designated as hedges of net investments.

– A higher or lower profit after tax, arising from changes in the exchange rates used to translate items in the consolidated income statement.

– A higher or lower value of available for sale investments denominated in foreign currencies, impacting the available for sale reserve.

49 Liquidity risk

Liquidity management

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its obligations when they fall due as a result of a sudden, and potentially protracted, increase in net cash outflows. Such outflows would deplete available cash resources for client lending, trading activities, investments and deposits. In extreme circumstances lack of liquidity could result in reductions in balance sheet and sales of assets, or potentially an inability to fulfil lending commitments. The risk that it will be unable to do so is inherent in all banking operations and can be affected by a range of institution-specific and market-wide events.

Organisation and structure

Barclays Treasury operates a centralised governance and control process that covers all of the Group’s liquidity risk management activities. Businesses assist Barclays Treasury in policy formation and limit setting by providing relevant and expert input for their local markets and customers.

Execution of the Group’s liquidity risk management strategy is carried out at country level within agreed policies, controls and limits, with the Country Treasurer providing reports directly to Barclays Treasury to evidence conformance with the agreed risk profile. Liquidity risk is a standing agenda item at Country and Cluster Asset and Liability Committees and on a consolidated basis is reported to the Group’s Treasury Committee.

The objective of the Group’s liquidity risk management strategy is to ensure that the funding profile of individual businesses and the Group as a whole is appropriate to underlying market conditions and the profile of our business in each given country. Liquidity risk limits and controls are flexed to achieve that profile and are based on regular qualitative and quantitative assessments of conditions under both normal and stressed conditions. Businesses are only allowed to have funding exposure to wholesale markets where they can demonstrate that their market is sufficiently deep and liquid and then only relative to the size and complexity of their business.

Liquidity limits reflect both local regulatory requirements as well as the behavioural characteristics of their balance sheets. Breaches of limits are reported to Treasury Committee together with details of the requirements to return to compliance.

Liquidity risk framework

Barclays has a comprehensive Liquidity Risk Management Framework (the Liquidity Framework) for managing the Group’s liquidity risk. The objective of the Liquidity Framework is for the Group to have sufficient liquidity to continue to operate for at least the minimum period specified by the FSA in the event that the wholesale funding markets are neither open to Barclays nor to the market as a whole. Many of the stress tests currently applied under the Liquidity Framework will also be applied under the FSA’s new regime, although the precise calibration may differ in Barclays final Individual Liquidity Guidance to be set by the FSA. The framework considers a range of possible wholesale and retail factors leading to loss of financing including:

 

 

maturing of wholesale liabilities;

 

 

loss of secured financing and widened haircuts on remaining book;

 

 

retail and commercial outflows from savings and deposit accounts;

 

 

drawdown of loans and commitments;

 

 

potential impact of a two-notch ratings downgrade; and

 

 

withdrawal of initial margin amounts by counterparties.

These stressed scenarios are used to assess the appropriate level for the Group’s liquidity pool, which comprises unencumbered assets and cash. Barclays regularly uses these assets to access secured funding markets, thereby testing the liquidity assumptions underlying pool composition. The Group does not presume the availability of central bank facilities to monetise the liquidity pool in any of the stress scenarios under the Liquidity Framework.

Liquidity pool

The Group liquidity pool as at 31st December 2009 was £127bn gross (31st December 2008: £43bn) and comprised the following cash and unencumbered assets:

 

Composition of Group liquidity pool

                        
      Cash and
deposits
with central
banks
£bn
   Government
guaranteed
bonds
£bn
   Government
and
supranational
bonds
£bn
   Other
available
liquidity
£bn
   Total
£bn

 

As at 31st December 2009

   81    3    31    12    127

As at 31st December 2008 a

   30       2    11    43

The cost of maintaining the liquidity pool is a function of the source of funding for the buffer and the reinvestment spread.

 

 

Note

 

a Previously disclosed as Barclays Capital only.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

49 Liquidity risk continued

Term financing

Raising term funding is important in meeting the risk appetite of the Barclays Liquidity Framework. Barclays has continued to increase the term of issued liabilities during 2009 by issuing:

 

 

£15bn equivalent of public senior term funding

 

 

£1.8bn equivalent of public covered bonds

 

 

£21bn equivalent of structured notes

The Group has £4bn of publicly issued debt and £11bn of structured notes maturing in 2010.

Intraday liquidity

The need to monitor, manage and control intraday liquidity in real time is recognised by the Group as a critical process: any failure to meet specific intraday commitments would have significant consequences, such as a visible market disruption.

The Group policy is that each operation must ensure that it has access to sufficient intraday liquidity to meet any obligations it may have to clearing and settlement systems. Major currency payment flows and payment system collateral are monitored and managed in real time to ensure that at all times there is sufficient collateral to make payments. In practice the Group maintains a significant buffer of surplus intraday liquidity to ensure that payments are made on a timely basis. The Group actively engages in payment system development to help ensure that new payment systems are robust.

Day to day funding

Day to day funding is managed through limits on wholesale borrowings, secured borrowings and funding mismatches. These ensure that on any day and over any period there is a limited amount of refinancing requirement. These requirements include replenishment of funds as they mature or are borrowed by customers.

In addition to cash flow management, Treasury also monitors term mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as the level and type of undrawn lending commitments, the usage of overdraft facilities and the impact of contingent liabilities such as standby letters of credit and guarantees.

Diversification of liquidity sources

Sources of liquidity are regularly reviewed to maintain a wide diversification by currency, geography, provider, product and term. In addition, to avoid reliance on a particular group of customers or market sectors, the distribution of sources and the maturity profile of deposits are also carefully managed. Important factors in assuring liquidity are competitive rates and the maintenance of depositors’ confidence. Such confidence is based on a number of factors including the Group’s reputation and relationship with those clients, the strength of earnings and the Group’s financial position.

 

 

Wholesale depositor split by counterparty type – Barclays Capital

                             
      Banks
%
   Corporates
%
   Governments
%
   Other
central
banks
%
   Other
financial
institutions
%
   Total
%

 

As at 31st December 2009

   36    15    2    16    31    100

As at 31st December 2008

   32    15    11    9    33    100

 

 

Wholesale depositor split by geography – Barclays Capital

                                  
      US
%
   UK
%
   Other EU
%
   Japan
%
   Africa
%
   World
%
   Rest of
Total
%

 

As at 31st December 2009

   9    25    23    3    16    24    100

As at 31st December 2008

   13    22    16    9    17    23    100

Funding structure

Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Barclays Wealth and Head Office Functions are structured to be self-funded through customer deposits and Barclays equity and other long-term capital. The Barclays Capital and Absa businesses are funded through the wholesale secured and unsecured funding markets.

The ratio of customer loans to customer deposits and long-term funding has improved to 81% at 31st December 2009, from 93% at 31st December 2008.


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49 Liquidity risk continued

Global retail and commercial banking, Barclays Wealth and Head Office functions

An important source of structural liquidity is provided by our core retail deposits in the UK, Europe and Africa; mainly current accounts and savings accounts. Although contractually current accounts are repayable on demand and savings accounts at short notice, the Group’s broad base of customers – numerically and by depositor type – helps to protect against unexpected fluctuations. Such accounts form a stable funding base for the Group’s operations and liquidity needs.

Group policy is to ensure that the assets of the retail, wealth and corporate bank, together with Head Office functions, on a global basis, do not exceed customer deposits and subordinated funding so that these businesses place no reliance on wholesale markets. The exception to this policy is Absa, which has a large portion of wholesale funding due to the structure of the South African financial sector.

In order to assess liquidity risk, the balance sheet is modelled to reflect behavioural experience in both assets and liabilities and is managed to maintain a cash surplus. The maturity profile, excluding Absa, resulting from this behavioural modelling is set out below. This shows that there is a funding surplus of £94.5bn, and that there are expected outflows of £10.2bn within one year from asset repayments being less than liability attrition. For subsequent years the expected repayments on assets are larger than the roll off of liabilities resulting in cash inflows. Maturities of net liabilities are, therefore, behaviourally expected to occur after five years.

 

Behavioural maturity profile of assets and liabilities a

                                
                     Cash inflow/(outflow)            
      Funding
surplus
£bn
   Not more
than
1 year
£bn
    Over
1 year
but not
more than
2 years
£bn
   Over
2 years
but not
more than
3 years
£bn
   Over
3 years
but not
more than
4 years
£bn
   Over
4 years
but not
more than
5 years
£bn
   Over
5 years
£bn
 
As at 31st December 2009    94.5    (10.2   17.8    21.2    7.8    1.8    (132.9

Barclays Capital

Barclays Capital manages its liquidity to be primarily funded through wholesale sources, managing access to liquidity to ensure that potential cash outflows in a stressed environment are covered.

73% of the inventory is funded on a secured basis (31st December 2008: 50%). Additionally, much of the short-term funding is invested in highly liquid assets and central bank cash and therefore contributes towards the Group liquidity pool.

Barclays Capital undertakes secured funding in the repo markets based on liquidity characteristics. Limits are in place for each security asset class reflecting liquidity in the cash and financing markets for these assets. The percentage of secured funding using each asset class as collateral is set out below:

 

Secured funding by asset class

                                  
      Government
%
   Agency
%
   MBS
%
   ABS
%
   Corporate
%
   Equity
%
   Other
%
As at 31st December 2009    59    7    7    6    10    8    3

As at 31st December 2008

   49    9    11    9    15    4    3

Unsecured wholesale funding for the Group (excluding Absa) is managed by Barclays Capital within specific term limits. Excluding short-term deposits that are included within the Group’s liquidity pool, the term of unsecured liabilities has been extended, with average life improving from at least 14 monthsb at 31st December 2008 to at least 26 months at 31st December 2009.

 

Contractual maturity of unsecured liabilitiesa

(Net of assets available from the Group liquidity pool)

                             
      Not more
than
1 month
%
   Not more
than
2 months
%
   Not more
than
3 months
%
   Not more
than
6 months
%
   Not more
than
1 year
%
       
Over
1 year
%
As at 31st December 2009                19    81

The extension of the term of the wholesale financing has meant that, as at 31st December 2009, 81% of net wholesale funding had remaining maturity of greater than one year and, as at the same date, there was no net wholesale unsecured refinancing required within six months.

Notes

 

a In accordance with IFRS 7, prior year figures have not been provided as these measures have not previously been reported on a comparable basis.

 

b The 31st December 2008 average unsecured liability term has been restated to at least 14 months to reflect refinements in the underlying calculation.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

49 Liquidity risk continued

Contractual maturity of financial assets and liabilities

Details of contractual maturities for assets and liabilities form an important source of information for the management of liquidity risk. Such information is used (amongst other things) as the basis for modelling a behavioural balance sheet, for input into the liquidity framework, as discussed above.

The table below provides detail on the contractual maturity of all financial instruments and other assets and liabilities. Derivatives (other than those designated in a hedging relationship) and trading portfolio assets and liabilities are included in the on demand column at their fair value. Liquidity risk on these items is not managed on the basis of contractual maturity since they are not held for settlement according to such maturity and will frequently be settled before contractual maturity at fair value. Derivatives designated in a hedging relationship are included according to their contractual maturity.

Financial assets designated at fair value in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts have been included in Other assets and Other liabilities as the Group is not exposed to liquidity risk arising from them; any request for funds from creditors would be met by simultaneously liquidating or transferring the related investment.

 

 

At 31st December 2009

 

      On
demand
£m
   Not more
than three
months
£m
    Over
three
months
but not
more than
six months
£m
    Over
six months
but not
more than
one year
£m
    Over
one year
but not
more than
three years
£m
    Over
three years
but not
more than
five years
£m
    Over
five years
but not
more than
ten years
£m
    Over
ten years
£m
   Total
£m

Assets

                    
Cash and balances at central banks    80,592    891                                  81,483
Items in the course of collection from other banks    1,243    350                                  1,593
Trading portfolio assets    151,344                                     151,344
Financial assets designated at fair value:                     

– held on own account

   679    10,795      1,679      2,456      5,514      3,998      2,293      13,897    41,311
Derivative financial instruments:                     

– held for trading

   415,638                                     415,638
– designated for risk management       216      115      89      236      101      334      86    1,177
Loans and advances to banks    5,114    30,385      314      1,787      2,396      544      98      497    41,135
Loans and advances to customers    44,826    68,876      8,987      17,848      51,886      38,357      63,180      126,264    420,224
Available for sale financial investments    1,157    6,999      8,356      3,434      20,530      5,871      6,802      3,334    56,483
Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed    248    129,095      3,558      5,604      4,680      31      210      5    143,431

Other financial assets

 

  

 

   2,816

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

  660

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   3,476

 

Total financial assets

 

   700,841    250,423      23,009      31,218      85,902      48,902      72,917      144,083    1,357,295

Other assets

 

                                                 21,634

Total assets

 

                                                 1,378,929

Liabilities

                    
Deposits from other banks    3,861    50,020      4,850      15,558      1,325      200      420      212    76,446
Items in the course of collection due to other banks    1,373    93                                  1,466
Customer accounts    205,868    86,481      8,226      11,940      2,954      3,049      2,864      1,047    322,429
Trading portfolio liabilities    51,252                                     51,252
Financial liabilities designated at fair value:                     

– held on own account

   1,219    17,599      5,755      7,145      18,780      14,701      14,647      6,356    86,202
Derivative financial instruments:                     

– held for trading

   402,019                                     402,019
– designated for risk management       186      68      37      111      433      394      168    1,397
Debt securities in issue    64    43,390      17,761      19,408      29,904      11,607      7,838      5,930    135,902
Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent    502    189,843      5,446      2,525      326      108      29      2    198,781
Subordinated liabilities       173      1      27      1,234      1,375      9,871      13,135    25,816
Other financial liabilities       4,959                1,135                   6,094

Total financial liabilities

 

   666,158    392,744      42,107      56,640      55,769      31,473      36,063      26,850    1,307,804

Other liabilities

 

                                                 12,647

Total liabilities

 

                                                 1,320,451

Cumulative liquidity gap

 

   34,683    (107,638   (126,736   (152,158   (122,025   (104,596   (67,742   49,491    58,478


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49 Liquidity risk continued

 

At 31st December 2008

                                                  
     

On

demand

£m

   Not more
than three
months
£m
   

Over

three
months
but not
more than
six months
£m

    Over
six months
but not
more than
one year
£m
    Over
one year
but not
more than
three years
£m
    Over
three years
but not
more than
five years
£m
    Over
five years
but not
more than
ten years
£m
    Over
ten years
£m
   Total
£m

Assets

                    
Cash and balances at central banks    29,774    245                                  30,019
Items in the course of collection from other banks    1,619    76                                  1,695
Trading portfolio assets    185,637                                     185,637
Financial assets designated at fair value:                     

– held on own account

   661    13,861      1,648      5,861      5,420      6,738      4,159      16,194    54,542
Derivative financial instruments:                     

– held for trading

   981,996                                     981,996
– designated for risk management       381      91      542      505      336      419      532    2,806
Loans and advances to banks    4,882    35,690      505      1,892      1,887      1,854      52      945    47,707
Loans and advances to customers    51,155    87,624      12,447      21,976      60,927      44,982      57,409      125,295    461,815
Available for sale financial investments    132    11,539      5,129      13,461      10,266      6,660      9,779      8,010    64,976
Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed    29    107,415      8,947      2,582      10,124      1,019      238         130,354
Other financial assets   

 

   2,459

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

  637

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   3,096

 

Total financial assets

 

   1,255,885    259,290      28,767      46,314      89,766      61,589      72,056      150,976    1,964,643

Other assets

 

                                                 88,337

Total assets

 

                                                 2,052,980

Liabilities

                    
Deposits from other banks    10,850    94,083      6,040      1,273      1,585      461      433      185    114,910
Items in the course of collection due to other banks    1,633    2                                  1,635
Customer accounts    195,728    112,582      9,389      10,099      2,451      1,555      1,395      2,306    335,505
Trading portfolio liabilities    59,474                                     59,474
Financial liabilities designated at fair value:                     

– held on own account

   1,043    16,573      10,630      5,115      12,229      12,041      11,825      7,436    76,892
Derivative financial instruments:                     

– held for trading

   964,071                                     964,071
– designated for risk management       222      141      1,345      1,197      108      781      207    4,001
Debt securities in issue    2,567    79,600      10,049      17,197      23,355      9,856      2,528      4,415    149,567
Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent    69    176,169      3,409      2,067      245      267      59         182,285
Subordinated liabilities       260      49      281      1,345      999      10,176      16,732    29,842
Other financial liabilities       4,573                1,572                   6,145

Total financial liabilities

 

   1,235,435    484,064      39,707      37,377      43,979      25,287      27,197      31,281    1,924,327

Other liabilities

 

                                                 81,242

Total liabilities

 

                                                 2,005,569

Cumulative liquidity gap

 

   20,450    (204,324   (215,264   (206,327   (160,540   (124,238   (79,379   40,316    47,411

Expected maturity dates do not differ significantly from the contract dates, except for:

 

 

Trading Portfolio Assets and Liabilities and derivative financial instruments, which may not be held to maturity as part of the Group’s trading strategies. For these instruments, which are mostly held by Barclays Capital, liquidity and repricing risk is managed through the Daily Value at Risk (DVaR) methodology.

 

 

Retail deposits, which are included within customer accounts, are repayable on demand or at short notice on a contractual basis. In practice, these instruments form a stable base for the Group’s operations and liquidity needs because of the broad base of customers – both numerically and by depositor type.

 

 

Financial assets designated at fair value held in respect of linked liabilities, which are managed with the associated liabilities.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

49 Liquidity risk continued

Contractual maturity of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis

The table below presents the cash flows payable by the Group under financial liabilities by remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows of all financial liabilities (i.e nominal values), whereas the Group manages the inherent liquidity risk based on discounted expected cash inflows. Derivative financial instruments held for trading and trading portfolio liabilities are included in the on demand column at their fair value.

 

 

At 31st December 2009

 

     

On

demand
£m

   Within
one year
£m
   Over
one year
but
less than
five years
£m
   Over
five years
£m
  

Total

£m

Deposits from other banks

   3,861    70,645    1,607    773    76,886

Items in the course of collection due to other banks

   1,373    93          1,466

Customer accounts

   205,868    106,991    6,898    5,488    325,245

Trading portfolio liabilities

   51,252             51,252

Financial liabilities designated at fair value:

              

– held on own account

   1,219    31,030    35,733    34,206    102,188

Derivative financial instruments:

              

– held for trading

   402,019             402,019

– designated for risk management

      311    627    998    1,936

Debt securities in issue

   64    82,215    46,055    22,243    150,577

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

   502    197,864    450    37    198,853

Subordinated liabilities

      2,101    6,295    26,842    35,238

Other financial liabilities

 

      4,959    1,135       6,094

Total financial liabilities

 

   666,158    496,209    98,800    90,587    1,351,754

Off-balance sheet items

              

Loan commitments

   127,540    74,111    4,181    861    206,693

Other commitments

 

   386    384    19       789

Total off-balance sheet items

 

   127,926    74,495    4,200    861    207,482

Total financial liabilities and off-balance sheet items

 

   794,084    570,704    103,000    91,448    1,559,236
At 31st December 2008

Deposits from other banks

   10,850    101,537    2,224    671    115,282

Items in the course of collection due to other banks

   1,633    2          1,635

Customer accounts

   195,728    132,927    5,249    5,807    339,711

Trading portfolio liabilities

   59,474             59,474

Financial liabilities designated at fair value:

              

– held on own account

   1,043    33,860    28,300    30,427    93,630

Derivative financial instruments:

              

– held for trading

   964,071             964,071

– designated for risk management

      1,809    1,671    1,206    4,686

Debt securities in issue

   2,567    108,955    34,510    11,853    157,885

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

   69    181,895    547    24    182,535

Subordinated liabilities a

      1,273    5,114    28,726    35,113

Other financial liabilities

 

      4,573    1,572       6,145

Total financial liabilities

 

   1,235,435    566,831    79,187    78,714    1,960,167

Off-balance sheet items

              

Loan commitments

   222,801    30,502    5,799    917    260,019

Other commitments

 

   493    318    340       1,151

Total off-balance sheet items

 

   223,294    30,820    6,139    917    261,170

Total financial liabilities and off-balance sheet items

 

   1,458,729    597,651    85,326    79,631    2,221,337

Financial liabilities designated at fair value in respect of linked liabilities under investment contracts have been excluded from this analysis as the Group is not exposed to liquidity risk arising from them. Any request for funds from investors would be met simultaneously from the linked assets.

The balances in the above table do not agree directly to the balances in the consolidated balance sheet as the table incorporates all cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, related to both principal as well as those associated with all future coupon payments.

The principal due under perpetual subordinated liability instruments has been included in the over five years category. Further interest payments have not been included on this amount, which according to their strict contractual terms, could carry on indefinitely.

Note

 

a Subordinated liabilities maturity has been reanalysed to reflect the date on which the counterparty can require repayment as opposed to the date of first call.


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50 Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable willing parties.

Comparison of carrying amounts and fair values

The following table summarises the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities presented on the Group’s balance sheet, and their fair values differentiating between financial assets and liabilities subsequently measured at fair value and those subsequently measured at amortised cost:

 

            2009    2008
      Notes    Carrying
amount
£m
   Fair
value
£m
   Carrying
amount
£m
   Fair
value
£m

Financial assets:

              

Cash and balances at central banks

   a    81,483    81,483    30,019    30,019

Items in the course of collection from other banks

   a    1,593    1,593    1,695    1,695

Trading portfolio assets

              

– Treasury and other eligible bills

   b    9,926    9,926    4,544    4,544

– Debt securities

   b    116,594    116,594    148,686    148,686

– Equity securities

   b    19,602    19,602    30,535    30,535

– Traded loans

   b    2,962    2,962    1,070    1,070

– Commodities

   b    2,260    2,260    802    802

Financial assets designated at fair value:

              

held in respect of linked liabilities under investment contracts

   b    1,257    1,257    66,657    66,657

held under own account:

              

– Equity securities

   b    6,256    6,256    6,496    6,496

– Loans and advances

   b    22,390    22,390    30,187    30,187

– Debt securities

   b    4,007    4,007    8,628    8,628

– Other financial assets designated at fair value

   b    8,658    8,658    9,231    9,231

Derivative financial instruments

   b    416,815    416,815    984,802    984,802

Loans and advances to banks

   c    41,135    41,135    47,707    47,594

Loans and advances to customers

              

– Residential mortgage loans

   c    149,099    142,726    139,845    138,373

– Credit card receivables

   c    21,889    21,889    22,304    22,312

– Other personal lending

   c    25,435    25,430    27,270    26,496

– Wholesale and corporate loans and advances

   c    212,928    207,648    259,699    247,798

– Finance lease receivables

   c    10,873    10,898    12,697    12,697

Available for sale financial instruments

              

– Treasury and other eligible bills

   b    5,919    5,919    4,003    4,003

– Debt securities

   b    43,888    43,888    58,831    58,831

– Equity securities

   b    6,676    6,676    2,142    2,142

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed

   c    143,431    142,524    130,354    129,296

Financial liabilities:

              

Deposits from banks

   d    76,446    76,457    114,910    114,912

Items in the course of collection due to other banks

   a    1,466    1,466    1,635    1,635

Customer accounts:

              

– Current and demand accounts

   d    100,710    100,710    82,515    82,515

– Savings accounts

   d    81,188    81,188    76,008    76,008

– Other time deposits

   d    140,531    140,544    176,982    176,966

Trading portfolio liabilities:

              

– Treasury and other eligible bills

   b    381    381    79    79

– Debt securities

   b    44,327    44,327    44,309    44,309

– Equity securities

   b    6,468    6,468    14,919    14,919

– Commodities

   b    76    76    167    167

Financial liabilities designated at fair value:

              

– Held on own account

   b    86,202    86,202    76,892    76,892

– Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   b    1,679    1,679    69,183    69,183

Derivative financial instruments

   b    403,416    403,416    968,072    968,072

Debt securities in issue

   d    135,902    135,405    149,567    148,736

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

   d    198,781    198,781    182,285    182,285

Subordinated liabilities

   d    25,816    25,299    29,842    22,944


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

Notes

 

a) Fair value approximates carrying value due to the short-term nature of these financial assets and liabilities.

 

b) The carrying value of financial instruments subsequently measured at fair value (including those held for trading, designated at fair value, derivatives and available for sale) is determined in accordance with accounting policy as noted on pages 168 and 169 and further description and analysis of these fair values are set out below.

 

c) The carrying value of financial assets subsequently measured at amortised cost (including loans and advances, and other lending such as reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed) is determined in accordance with the accounting policy as noted on page 169. In many cases the fair value disclosed approximates the carrying value because the instruments are short-term in nature or have interest rates that reprice frequently. In other cases, fair value is determined using discounted cash flows, applying either market derived interest rates or, where the counterparty is a bank, rates currently offered by other financial institutions for placings with similar characteristics. Alternatively, fair value can be determined by applying an average of available regional and industry segmental credit spreads to the loan portfolio, taking the contractual maturity of the loan facilities into consideration.

 

d) The carrying value of financial liabilities subsequently measured at amortised cost (including customer accounts and other deposits such as repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent, debt securities in issue, subordinated liabilities) is determined in accordance with the accounting policy as noted on page 169. In many cases, the fair value disclosed approximates the carrying value because the instruments are short-term in nature or have interest rates that reprice frequently such as customer accounts and other deposits and short-term debt securities. Fair values of other debt securities in issue are based on quoted prices where available, or where these are unavailable, are estimated using a valuation model. Fair values for dated and undated convertible and non convertible loan capital are based on quoted market rates for the issue concerned or similar issues with similar terms and conditions.

Valuation inputs

During the year, the Group adopted the requirements of IFRS 7 – Financial Instruments: Disclosures. This requires an entity to classify its financial assets and liabilities held at fair value according to a hierarchy that reflects the significance of observable market inputs. The classification of these instruments is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined below.

Quoted market prices – Level 1

Financial instruments, the valuation of which are determined by reference to unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets where the quoted price is readily available, and the price represents actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. An active market is one in which transactions occur with sufficient volume and frequency to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

This category includes highly liquid government bonds, short dated US agency securities, active listed equities and actively exchange-traded derivatives.

Valuation technique using observable inputs – Level 2

Financial instruments that have been valued using inputs other than quoted prices as described for level 1 but which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

This category includes most investment grade and liquid high yield bonds; asset backed securities; long dated US agency securities; certain government bonds, less liquid listed equities; bank, corporate, and municipal obligations; certain OTC derivatives; certain convertible bonds; certificates of deposit and commercial paper; certain collateralised debt obligations (CDOs) (cash and synthetic underlyings); collateralised loan obligations (CLOs); commodities based derivatives; credit derivatives, certain credit default swaps (CDSs); most fund units; certain loans; foreign exchange spot and forward transactions; and certain issued notes.

Valuation technique using significant unobservable inputs – Level 3

Financial instruments, the valuation of which incorporate significant inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Unobservable inputs are those not readily available in an active market due to market illiquidity or complexity of the product. These inputs are generally determined based on observable inputs of a similar nature, historic observations on the level of the input or analytical techniques.

This category includes certain corporate debt securities; highly distressed debt; private equity investments; commercial real estate loans; certain OTC derivatives (requiring complex and unobservable inputs such as correlations and long dated volatilities); certain convertible bonds; some CDOs (cash and synthetic underlyings); certain credit default swaps; derivative exposures to Monoline insurers; fund units; certain asset backed securities; certain issued notes; certain collateralised loan obligations (CLOs) and certain loans.


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50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

The following table shows the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are recognised and measured at fair value and analysed by level within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value

                        
      Valuation technique using         
      Quoted
market
prices
(Level 1)
£m
    Observable
inputs
(Level 2)
£m
    Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
£m
    Total
£m
 

31st December 2009

        

Trading portfolio assets

   76,256      69,010      6,078      151,344   

Financial assets designated at fair value:

        

– held on own account

   5,766      24,845      10,700      41,311   

– held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   1,209      48           1,257   

Derivative financial assets

   3,163      401,451      12,201      416,815   

Available for sale assets

   19,919      35,287      1,277      56,483   

Total assets

 

   106,313

 

  

 

  530,641

 

  

 

  30,256

 

  

 

  667,210

 

  

 

Trading portfolio liabilities

   (42,238   (8,936   (78   (51,252

Financial liabilities designated at fair value

        (82,374   (3,828   (86,202

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   (109   (1,570        (1,679

Derivative financial liabilities

   (2,386   (391,916   (9,114   (403,416

Total liabilities

 

 

   (44,733

 

 

  (484,796

 

 

  (13,020

 

 

  (542,549

 

 

31st December 2008

        

Trading portfolio assets

   72,120      98,892      14,625      185,637   

Financial assets designated at fair value:

        

– held on own account

   5,129      32,340      17,073      54,542   

– held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   33,554      32,495      608      66,657   

Derivative financial assets

   5,548      956,348      22,906      984,802   

Available for sale assets

   14,391      47,448      3,137      64,976   

Total assets

 

   130,742

 

  

 

  1,167,523

 

  

 

  58,349

 

  

 

  1,356,614

 

  

 

Trading portfolio liabilities

   (42,777   (16,439   (258   (59,474

Financial liabilities designated at fair value

   (23   (73,698   (3,171   (76,892

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   (32,640   (35,935   (608   (69,183

Derivative financial liabilities

   (3,516   (949,143   (15,413   (968,072

Total liabilities

 

   (78,956

 

 

  (1,075,215

 

 

  (19,450

 

 

  (1,173,621

 

 

The table above has been compiled using the new definitions required by IFRS 7 revised and, as a result, the classifications of assets and liabilities are not directly comparable to the Group’s previously published tables of fair value measurement.

The following table shows the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are recognised and measured at fair value disaggregated by valuation techniques and by product type.

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at
fair value by product type
At 31st December 2009
                                       
      Assets
Valuation technique using
   Liabilities
Valuation technique using
 
      Quoted
market prices
Level 1
£m
   Observable
inputs
Level 2
£m
   Significant
unobservable
inputs
Level 3
£m
   Quoted
market prices
Level 1
£m
    Observable
inputs
Level 2
£m
    Significant
unobservable
inputs
Level 3
£m
 
               

Commercial real estate loans

         7,170                

Asset backed products

      34,779    5,840         (6,165   (2,334

Other credit products

   1    47,202    2,020         (47,904   (2,827

Derivative exposure to Monoline insurers

         2,027                

Non-asset backed debt instruments

   72,578    66,885    3,127    (35,760   (73,371   (3,202

Equity products

   28,053    11,772    1,536    (8,788   (13,737   (1,922

Private equity

   73    176    1,978                

Funds and fund-linked products

   3,856    5,387    1,241         (2,049     

FX products

      24,885    761         (25,159   (379

Interest rate products

   176    288,718    2,357         (275,684   (1,775

Commodity products

   1,414    31,562    748    (76   (37,091   (581

Other

   162    19,275    1,451    (109   (3,636     

Total

   106,313    530,641    30,256    (44,733   (484,796   (13,020


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

 

Level 3 financial assets and liabilities by balance sheet classification and product type                      
As at 31st December 2009          Non-derivative assets    Non-derivative liabilities     Derivatives  
      Trading
portfolio
assets
£m
   Financial
assets
designated
at fair
value
£m
   Available
for sale
assets
£m
   Trading
portfolio
liabilities
£m
    Financial
liabilities
designated
at fair
value
£m
    Net derivative
financial
instruments a
£m
 

Commercial real estate loans

      7,170                   

Asset backed products

   1,840    423    205    (5   (63   1,106   

Other credit products

      92            (595   (304

Derivative exposure to Monoline insurers

                      2,027   

Non-asset backed debt instruments

   2,461    438    166    (73   (3,081   14   

Equity products

   190       157              (733

Private equity

   104    1,237    637                

Funds and fund-linked products

   1,128    8    105                

FX products

                      382   

Interest rate products

      64            (25   543   

Commodity products

      12    4         (64   215   

Other

   355    1,256    3              (163

Total

   6,078    10,700    1,277    (78   (3,828   3,087   

Level 3 Movement Analysis

The following table summarises the movements in the level 3 balance during the year ended 31st December 2009. The table shows gains and losses and includes amounts for all financial assets and liabilities transferred to level 3 during the year. The table does not reflect gains and losses for level 3 financial assets and liabilities that were transferred out during the year. Transfers have been reflected as if they had taken place at the beginning of the year.

 

Analysis of movement in level 3 financial assets and liabilities

For the period ended 31st December 2009

                                    
      Trading
portfolio
assets
£m
    Financial
assets
designated
at fair value
£m
    Available
for sale
assets
£m
    Trading
portfolio
liabilities
£m
    Financial
liabilities
designated
at fair value
£m
    Net
derivative
financial
instruments a
£m
    Total
£m
 

As at 1st January 2009

   14,625      17,681      3,137      (258   (3,779   7,493      38,899   

Purchases

   2,021      700      459      (70   (313   2,334      5,131   

Sales

   (7,018   (4,875   (9   172      690      (3,548   (14,588

Issues

                       (1,343   (1,718   (3,061

Settlements

   (410   (804   (347        763      (100   (898

Total gains and losses in the period

              

Recognised in the income statement

              

– trading income

   (2,290   (3,356        27      1,574      (3,516   (7,561

– other income

        (434   (131                  (565

Total gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income

             (103                  (103

Transfers in/transfers out

   (850   1,788      (1,729   51      (1,420   2,142      (18

As at 31st December 2009

   6,078      10,700      1,277      (78   (3,828   3,087      17,236   

The following table discloses the gains and losses recognised in the period arising on level 3 financial assets and liabilities held as at 31st December 2009.

 

Gains and losses recognised during the period on level 3 financial assets and liabilities held
As at 31st December 2009
                     
      Trading
portfolio
assets
£m
    Financial
assets
designated
at fair value
£m
    Available
for sale
assets
£m
    Trading
portfolio
liabilities
£m
   Financial
liabilities
designated
at fair value
£m
    Net
derivative
financial
instruments
£m
    Total
£m
 

Total gains and losses held as at 31st December 2009

               

Recognised in the income statement

               

– trading income

   (736   (3,034        8    (269   (2,817   (6,848

– other income

        (452   (140                (592

Total gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income

             (65                (65

Total

   (736   (3,486   (205   8    (269   (2,817   (7,505

Note

 

a The derivative financial instruments in the tables above are represented on a net basis of £3,087m. On a gross basis derivative financial assets are £12,201m, derivative financial liabilities are £9,114m.


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50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

The significant movements in the level 3 positions during the year ended 31st December 2009 are explained below:

– Purchases of £5.1bn were primarily composed of £1.7bn of asset backed products, £1.5bn of credit derivatives and £0.6bn of equity products.

– Sales of £14.6bn include the disposal of £7.5bn of assets backed products and Monoline exposures through the Protium transaction.

The Crescent debt restructuring, disclosed in Note 40, resulted in the sale of £1.0bn of commercial real estate loans and there were additional sales of £3.8bn asset backed products and £0.6bn Monoline exposures during the period.

– Issuances of £3.1bn were driven by £1.3bn of new credit-linked notes and equity, credit and commodity derivatives of £1.7bn.

– Losses in Trading Income of £7.6bn were primarily attributable to the £4.4bn of writedowns on the credit market exposures summarised in Note 47, along with writedowns on other asset backed products, funds and other Monoline insurers. These were offset by gains on interest rate and commodity products.

– Losses in Other Income of £0.6bn were driven by the writedown and impairment of commercial real estate loans.

– Transfers into level 3 were largely due to the lack of observable valuation inputs for certain securities as well as curves becoming unobservable for certain derivative products.

– Transfers out of level 3 were principally due to unobservable valuation inputs being deemed insignificant to the overall valuation of certain instruments particularly on investment grade asset backed products.

There were no significant transfers between level 1 and level 2.

Valuation techniques

Valuations based on observable inputs include financial instruments such as swaps and forwards which are valued using market standard pricing techniques; and options that are commonly traded in markets where all the inputs to the market standard pricing models are observable.

Valuation models are reviewed at least annually for model performance and calibration. Current year valuation methodologies were consistent with the prior year unless otherwise noted below. These methodologies are commonly used by market participants.

The main products whose valuation includes unobservable inputs are described below.

Commercial real estate loans

This category includes lending on a range of commercial property types including retail, hotels, office and development properties.

The valuations are considered unobservable due to the bespoke nature of the instruments and the high level of volatility in the commercial real estate market at present. Fair value is calculated using a risk adjusted spread based methodology performed on a loan by loan basis with consideration of characteristics such as property type, geographic location, yields, credit quality and property performance reviews.

The valuation inputs are reviewed with reference to CMBX and CMBS bond indices. Initial spreads are sourced from market quoted origination spreads by property type and classified into Loan-to-Value (LTV) buckets which are adjusted for internal credit rating and subordination of the loans. The internal credit ratings used in the valuation model are subject to a monthly review process. The model is calibrated monthly based on external quotes of new origination property type spreads and the latest internal credit ratings.

The methodology used differs to the prior period in that internal credit ratings, additional risk factors and property performance reviews are now incorporated. The changes were made to take advantage of data that has become available and to enhance the assessment of credit risk.

Asset backed products

These are debt and derivative products that are linked to the cash flows of a pool of referenced assets. This category includes asset backed loans; CDOs (cash underlyings); CLOs; asset backed credit derivatives; asset and mortgage backed securities.

Within this population, valuation inputs are unobservable for non-investment grade ABS; non-agency residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) and asset backed credit derivatives. The valuations are determined using industry standard cash flow models that calculate fair value based on loss projections, prepayment, recovery and discount rates. These parameters are determined by reference to underlying collateral performance, independent research, ABX indices, broker quotes, observable trades on similar securities and third party pricing sources.

The determination of parameter levels takes account of a range of factors such as deal vintage, underlying asset composition (historical losses; borrower characteristics; various loan attributes such as loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios and geographic concentration), credit ratings (original and current), home price changes and interest rates.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

Other credit products

These products are linked to the credit spread of a referenced entity, index or basket of referenced entities. This category includes synthetic CDOs; single name and index CDS and Nth to default basket swaps. Within this population, valuation inputs are unobservable for certain synthetic CDOs and CDS with illiquid reference assets.

Synthetic CDOs are valued using a model that calculates fair value based on observable and unobservable parameters including credit spreads, recovery rates, correlations and interest rates and is calibrated daily. For index and bespoke synthetic CDOs with unobservable inputs, correlation is set with reference to index tranche market.

CDS with illiquid reference assets are valued using an industry standard ‘hazard-type’ model that calculates fair value of the credit protection using interest rates, credit spreads and recovery rates of the underlying issuers. Interest rates are observable and sourced from liquid interest rate instruments. Credit spreads are unobservable and are determined with reference to recent transactions or bond spreads from observable issuances of the same issuer or other similar obligors as a proxy.

Derivative exposure to Monoline insurers

These products comprise securities, principally CLOs, on which default protection has been purchased. Credit spreads of the counterparty providing protection are unobservable.

The derivative positions are valued with reference to the price of the underlying security. As the security and derivative are hedged, the net present value of the derivative increases as the net present value of the security decreases. The derivative valuation is then adjusted to reflect the credit quality of the counterparty.

Non-asset backed debt instruments

These are government bonds; US agency bonds; corporate bonds; commercial paper; certificates of deposit; convertible bonds; notes and other non-asset backed bonds. Within this population, valuation inputs are unobservable for certain convertible bonds, corporate bonds and issued notes.

Convertible bonds are valued using prices observed through broker sources, market data services and trading activity. Prices are validated against liquid external sources. Where liquid external sources are not available, fair value is determined using a spread to the equity conversion value or the value of the bond without the additional equity conversion. The spread level is determined with reference to similar proxy assets. Positions are valued on a daily basis.

Corporate bonds are valued on a price basis or using spreads over risk free interest rate curves built from liquid instruments. Where unobservable, bond spreads are determined by reference to either issuances or alternatively CDS spreads of the same issuer are used as proxy inputs to obtain discounted cash flows and accordingly the value of the bond. In the absence of observable bond or CDS spreads of the respective issuer, similar reference assets or sector averages are applied as a proxy.

Fixed and floating rate notes issued, in certain emerging markets, are valued using models that discount expected future cash flows. These proprietary models calculate fair value based on observable interest rates and unobservable funding or credit spreads. The interest rates are derived from broker and bank notes rates. Funding spreads up to five years are sourced from negotiable commercial deposit rates in the market as a proxy. Funding spreads greater than five years are determined by applying linear extrapolation.

Equity products

This category includes listed equities; exchange traded derivatives; OTC equity derivatives; preference shares and contracts for difference. Within this population, valuation inputs for certain OTC equity derivatives are unobservable.

OTC equity derivatives valuation are determined using industry standard models. The models calculate fair value based on input parameters such as stock prices, dividends, volatilities, interest rates, equity repo curves and, for multi-asset products, correlations. In general, input parameters are deemed observable up to liquid maturities which are determined separately for each parameter and underlying instrument. Unobservable model inputs are set by referencing liquid market instruments and applying extrapolation techniques to match the risk profile of the trading portfolio. These are validated against consensus market data services for the same or similar underlying instrument. Models are calibrated daily based on liquid market instrument prices.

Private equity

Private equity investments are valued in accordance with the ‘International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines’. This requires the use of a number of individual pricing benchmarks such as the prices of recent transactions in the same or similar instruments, discounted cash flow analysis, and comparison with the earnings multiples of listed comparative companies. Unobservable inputs include earnings estimates, multiples of comparative companies, marketability discounts and discount rates. Model inputs are based on market conditions at the reporting date. The valuation of unquoted equity instruments is subjective by nature. However, the relevant methodologies are commonly applied by other market participants and have been consistently applied over time. Full valuations are performed bi-annually, with the portfolio reviewed on a monthly basis for material events that might impact upon fair value.


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50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

Fund and fund-linked products

This category includes holdings in hedge funds; funds of funds; and fund derivatives. Fund derivatives are derivatives whose underlyings include mutual funds, hedge funds, indices and multi-asset portfolios. They are valued using underlying fund prices, yield curves and other available market information.

In general fund holdings are valued based on the latest available valuation received from the fund administrator. Funds are deemed unobservable where the fund is either suspended, in wind-down, has a redemption restriction that severely affects liquidity, or where the latest Net Asset Value (NAV) from the fund administrators is more than three months old. In the case of illiquid fund holdings the valuation will take account of all available information in relation to the underlying fund or collection of funds and may be adjusted relative to the performance of relevant index benchmarks. Prices are marked based on available valuation data and any adjustments are reviewed on a monthly basis.

FX products

These products are derivatives linked to the foreign exchange market. This category includes Forward contracts, FX swaps and FX options.

Exotic derivatives are valued using industry standard and proprietary models. Fair value is based on input parameters that include FX rates, interest rates, FX volatilities, interest rate volatilities, FX interest rate correlations and other model parameters. Unobservable model inputs are set by referencing liquid market instruments and applying extrapolation techniques to match the risk profile of the trading portfolio. These are validated against consensus market data services on a monthly basis.

Interest rate products

These are products with a payoff linked to interest rates for example Libor (London interbank offer rate) or inflation rates and indices. This category includes interest rate and inflation swaps; swaptions; caps; floors; inflation options; Bank of England base rate derivatives and other exotic interest rate derivatives.

Inflation structured and property index-linked products are valued using an industry standard model. The model calculates fair value based on observable and unobservable parameters such as inflation index levels, volatilities and correlations sourced from trading information, broker data and historical analysis. The assumptions and inputs applied reflect observable parameters such as yield curves, interpolation adjustments for the seasonal nature of inflation and volatility surfaces. The most significant unobservable input is correlation between inflation indices. The suitability of the models employed is reviewed on an annual basis.

Bank of England base rate derivatives are valued using standard discounted cash flows techniques. Bank of England forward base rates are used as inputs into the valuation model. These forward base rates are constructed from the base rate yield curve set from market data up to five years. For maturities greater than five years, spreads to observable proxies are applied. The base rate yield curve used is updated daily.

Commodity products

These products are exchange traded and OTC derivatives based on an underlying commodity such as metals, oil and oil related, power and natural gas. Within this population, valuation inputs of certain commodity swaps and options are unobservable.

Valuation inputs of certain commodity swaps and options are determined using models incorporating discounting of cash flows, closed form Black models and Monte-Carlo simulation. The models calculate fair value based on inputs such as forward curves, volatility surfaces and tenor correlation. Unobservable inputs are set with reference to similar observable products or by applying extrapolation techniques from the observable market. As markets close at different times, curves are constructed using a spread to the primary market benchmark to ensure that all curves are valued using the dominant market base price.

The frequency and method used to calibrate the model is based on an assessment of observable option and swap prices.

Other

This category is primarily made up of fixed rate loans, which are valued using models that discount expected future cash flows. These models calculate the fair value based on observable interest rates and unobservable funding or credit spreads. Unobservable funding or credit spreads are determined by applying linear extrapolation of observable spreads.

Fair value adjustments

The main adjustments to model or system balances to arrive at a fair value are described below:

Bid-Offer valuation adjustments

Portfolios are valued to reflect the most advantageous market price to which Barclays has immediate access. For assets and liabilities where the firm is not a market maker, mid prices are adjusted to bid and offer prices respectively. The bid-offer adjustment factors reflect the expected close out strategy and, for derivatives, that they are managed on a portfolio basis. The methodology for determining the bid-offer adjustment for a derivative portfolio will generally involve netting between long and short positions and the bucketing of risk by strike and term in accordance with hedging strategy. Bid-offer levels are derived from market sources, such as broker data, and are reviewed periodically. For those assets and liabilities where the firm is a market maker (which is the case for certain equity, bond and vanilla derivative markets), since the bid-offer spread does not represent a transaction cost, mid prices are used.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

Model valuation adjustments

New models used for valuing the firm’s positions are reviewed under the firm’s Model Validation Policy. This assesses the assumptions used in modelling and recommends any model fair value adjustments. Such adjustments take account of any model limitations which may include additional model factors such as volatility skew or uncertainties such as prepayment rates. These adjustments calibrate the carrying value to fair value. The magnitude of the valuation adjustment is dependant on the size of portfolio, complexity of the model, whether the model is market standard and to what extent it incorporates all known risk factors. Models and model value adjustment recommendations are subject to an annual review process.

Credit and debit valuation adjustments

Credit Valuation Adjustments (CVAs) and Debit valuation adjustments (DVAs) are incorporated into derivative valuations to reflect the impact on the fair value of counterparty risk and Barclays’ own credit quality. These adjustments are modelled for OTC derivatives across all asset classes.

Probability of Default (PD) and Loss Given Default (LGD) are applied to expected exposures at a counterparty level to arrive at a CVA and DVA adjustment.

Monoline credit valuation adjustments

Expected exposure is calculated by simulating default losses on the underlying assets, calibrated to market observable parameters and forward looking market research. This exposure is then adjusted for any spread between prices derived from observable proxies and expected exposure based on the PD or regulatory intervention.

The PD used to calculate the CVA is derived from external ratings cross referenced to internal default grades and is based on internal simulations of credit-factor indices by region and industry designations, calibrated to historical time-series and forecast on the basis of current values. The LGD used to calculate the CVA is a function of available historical data, the monoline’s credit quality and risk concentration.

Other credit and debit valuation adjustments

CVAs and DVAs for non Monoline exposures are calculated using Monte-Carlo simulation to generate an expected exposure profile. The expected exposure is calculated at a counterparty level after netting and collateral are applied.

For counterparties with an observable credit market, the PD and LGD are derived from single name credit default swap prices. For all other counterparties, PDs are derived from a combination of industry curves; indices; and loan/note pricing taking into account geographic factors, internal credit ratings, loss assumptions and ratings agency data. Where the curve is unobservable and the CVA is significant to the overall value of the underlying derivative, the full value of the derivative and its associated credit valuation adjustment has been deemed unobservable.

CVAs are not incorporated into the fair value of certain counterparties where the market does not apply a credit charge. The categories of counterparties excluded are as follows:

 

Strongly collateralised counterparties – this is any counterparty with a collateral agreement with minimum weekly calls and the collateral threshold plus minimum transfer amount below a defined level;

 

Certain highly-rated sovereigns, supra-nationals and government agencies; and

 

Liquidity providers – when trading on the interbank market with certain collateralised market making counterparties no counterparty spreads are applied.

Where counterparty credit quality and exposure to that counterparty are linked, wrong way risk may arise. In these instances, wrong way risk suggests that exposure to the counterparty is likely to increase as counterparty credit quality deteriorates. Exposure to ‘wrong way risk’ is limited via internal governance processes and deal pricing.

Own credit adjustments

The carrying amount of issued notes that are designated under the IAS 39 fair value option is adjusted to reflect the effect of changes in own credit spreads. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in the income statement.

For funded instruments such as issued notes, credit spreads on Barclays issued bonds represent the most appropriate basis for this adjustment. However, from 30th September 2007 to 30th June 2009, Barclays credit default swap spreads were used to calculate the carrying amount of issued notes, since there were insufficient observable own credit spreads through secondary trading prices in issued bonds. From 1st July 2009, the carrying amount of issued notes has been calculated using credit spreads derived from secondary trading in Barclays issued bonds.

At 31st December 2009, the own credit adjustment arose from the fair valuation of £61.5bn of Barclays Capital structured notes (31st December 2008: £54.5bn). Barclays credit spreads improved during 2009, leading to a loss of £1,820m (2008: gain £1,663m) from the fair value of changes in own credit. If Barclays had calculated the carrying amount of issued notes using credit default swap spreads at 31st December 2009, the fair value of changes in own credit would have been a loss of £2,448m in the year.

Barclays Capital also uses credit default swap spreads to determine the impact of Barclays own credit quality on the fair value of derivative liabilities. At 31st December 2009, cumulative adjustments of £307m (31st December 2008: £1,176m) were netted against derivative liabilities. The impact of these adjustments in both periods was more than offset by the impact of the credit valuation adjustments to reflect counterparty creditworthiness that were netted against derivative assets.


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50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

Unrecognised gains as a result of the use of valuation models using unobservable inputs

The amount that has yet to be recognised in income that relates to the difference between the transaction price (the fair value at initial recognition) and the amount that would have arisen had valuation models using unobservable inputs been used on initial recognition, less amounts subsequently recognised, was as follows:

 

Year ended 31st December

            
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Opening balance

   128      154   

Additions

   39      77   

Amortisation and releases

   (68   (103

Closing balance

   99      128   

Sensitivity analysis of valuations using unobservable inputs

 

At 31st December 2009    Fair value     Favourable
changes
   Unfavourable
change
 
Product type    Total
assets
£m
   Total
liabilities
£m
    Profit
and
loss
£m
   Equity
£m
   Profit
and loss
£m
    Equity
£m
 

Commercial real estate loans

   7,170         429       (437     

Asset backed products

   5,840    (2,334   175    4    (175   (4

Other credit products

   2,020    (2,827   171       (152     

Derivative exposure to Monoline insurers

   2,027         336       (532     

Non-asset backed debt instruments

   3,127    (3,202   145    2    (141   (2

Equity products

   1,536    (1,922   28    15    (28   (15

Private equity

   1,978         267    73    (339   (95

Funds and fund-linked products

   1,241         100       (100     

FX products

   761    (379   33       (33     

Interest rate products

   2,357    (1,775   78       (78     

Commodity products

   748    (581   36       (36     

Other

   1,451         52       (52     

Total

   30,256    (13,020   1,850    94    (2,103   (116

As part of risk management processes, an analysis is performed on unobservable parameters to generate a range of reasonably possible alternative valuations.

The effect of stressing the unobservable assumptions to a range of reasonably possible alternatives would be to increase the fair values by up to £1.9bn (2008: £2.4bn) or to decrease the fair values by up to £2.2bn (2008: £3bn) with substantially all the potential effect impacting profit or loss rather than equity. The metric has not been offset for the effect of hedging.

The stresses applied take account of the nature of valuation techniques used, as well as the availability and reliability of observable proxy and historic data. In all cases, an assessment is made to determine the suitability of available data. The sensitivity methodologies are based on a range, standard deviation or spread data of a reliable reference source or a scenario based on alternative market views. The level of shift or scenarios applied is considered for each product and varied according to the quality of the data and variability of underlying market. The approach adopted in determining these sensitivities has evolved during the year, in the context of changing market conditions.

Commercial real estate loans

The unobservable inputs include but are not limited to market quoted origination spreads, internal credit ratings and subordination of the loans. The sensitivity is determined by applying a +/- 6% shift for each underlying position based on the largest upward and downward price movement of observable published indices of a similar nature in the preceding 12-month period.

Asset backed products

For non-agency RMBS and non-investment grade ABS, sensitivity is calculated on the price movement on observable ABX.HE indices. For asset backed credit derivatives, sensitivity is calculated on price movements within the ABX.HE.AAA indices. Sensitivity is based on the average of the largest price movement upward and the largest price movement downward in the preceding 12-month period.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

50 Fair value of financial instruments continued

Other credit products

Sensitivity of synthetic CDOs is determined by using valuations based on different assumptions for recovery and tranche mapping. The sensitivity represents the impact of the application of different modelling assumptions. These model assumptions change the distribution of losses on the trades.

The sensitivity of valuations of the illiquid CDS portfolio is determined by applying a +/- 0.5% stress to the DV01 for each underlying reference asset. The stress is based upon the average bid offer spreads observed in the market for similar CDS.

Derivative exposure to Monoline insurers

The main unobservable input in the valuation of the derivative exposure to Monoline insurers is the credit quality of the Monoline insurers. The approach to determine downside sensitivity is dependent on the credit quality of the Monoline insurer. For higher quality Monoline insurers a shift in internal credit ratings has been applied. For lower quality Monoline insurers the impact has been assessed by a shift to default and recovery rates. The recovery rate was set to 10% and risk of default to 100%. To assess the upside risk to Monoline insurers, the underlying assets were flexed by 3%, based on the average monthly move for the LCDX index over the preceding 12 month period.

Non-asset backed debt instruments

The sensitivity on convertible bonds, is determined by applying a +/- 1% shift for each underlying value. The shift is based upon the bid offer spreads observed in the market for similar bonds.

The sensitivity on corporate bonds portfolio is determined by applying a +/- 1% shift for each underlying value. The shift is based upon the average bid offer spreads observed in the market for similar bonds.

The sensitivity for fixed and floating rate notes is calculated using a +/- 1% shift in credit spreads.

Equity products

The sensitivity is estimated based on the statistical spread of consensus data services either directly or through proxies. The estimate has been calculated using 1 standard deviation of the consensus returns.

Private equity

The relevant valuation models are sensitive to each of the key assumptions, such as projected future earnings, comparator multiples, marketability discounts and discount rates. Valuation sensitivity is estimated by flexing such assumptions to reasonable alternative levels and determining the impact to the outcome of the valuation, for example comparator multiples for a range of similar companies.

Fund and fund-linked products

The sensitivity measure is based on observing the largest monthly move in the main hedge fund index (HFRX) over the prior two-year period.

FX products

The sensitivity is based on the statistical spread of consensus data services. The estimate has been calculated using consensus data service statistical standard deviation and this represents 2 standard deviations of the mid correlations.

Interest rate products

For inflation products, the sensitivity is calculated by stressing the correlation parameters. The sensitivity was determined by applying a +/- 8% shift to the correlation risks and this was based on the historical observation of correlation levels over the preceeding month.

For base rate derivatives, the sensitivity is based on bid offer spreads of base rates swaps. The sensitivity was determined by applying a +/- 0.125% shift to the PV01 for each underlying position.

Commodity products

The sensitivity is determined by applying values based on historic variability over two years. The estimate has been calculated using data for shortdated forward volatility curves to generate a best and worst case likely scenario. The sensitivities are based on a 25% probability of occurrence over two years, and taking 50% of the difference between the best and worst multiplied by exposure to the relevant risk factor.

Other

The sensitivity for fixed rate loans is calculated using a +/- 1% shift in credit spreads.

Valuation control framework

The independent price verification process is a key control in ensuring the material accuracy of valuation. Price verification procedures cover all fair value positions. Data sources that are most representative of the market and readily available are used. The data sources are assessed against the following characteristics: independence; reliability; consistency between sources and evidence that it represents executable levels. This control process assists in the determination of whether market levels represent forced transactions which should not be considered in the assessment of fair value.


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51 Reclassification of financial assets held for trading

On 25th November 2009 the Group reclassified certain financial assets, originally classified as held for trading that were deemed to be no longer held for trading purposes, and thus considered as loans and receivables. The reclassified assets comprised Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs) against which the Group held credit protection with monoline counterparties rated below investment grade.

As at the 25th November, the assets had a carrying value of £8,027m. The effective interest rates on these assets ranged from 0.50% to 2.99% with undiscounted interest and principal cash flows of £8,769m.

In the period prior to reclassification, £1,500m of fair value gains were recognised in the consolidated income statement. Since the 25th November, paydowns and maturities of £26m along with foreign exchange movements on the assets and accrued interest resulted in a carrying value as at 31st December 2009 of £8,099m.

The carrying value of the securities reclassified during 2008 into loans and receivables has decreased from £3,986m to £1,279m primarily as a result of paydowns and maturities of the underlying securities of £2,733m. No impairment has been identified on these securities.

The following table provides a summary of the assets reclassified from held for trading to loans and advances.

 

      As at 31st December 2009    As at 31st December 2008
     Carrying
value
£m
   Fair value
£m
   Carrying
value
£m
   Fair value
£m

Trading assets reclassified to loans and receivables

           

Reclassification 25th November 2009

   8,099    7,994      

Reclassification 16th December 2008

   1,279    1,335    3,986    3,984

Total financial assets reclassified to loans and receivables

   9,378    9,329    3,986    3,984

If the reclassifications had not been made, the Group's income statement for 2009 would have included net losses on the reclassified trading assets of £49m (2008: £2m).

After reclassification, the reclassified financial assets contributed £192m (2008: £4m) to interest income.

52 Capital Management

Barclays operates a centralised capital management model, considering both regulatory and economic capital. The capital management strategy is to continue to maximise shareholder value through optimising both the level and mix of capital resources. Decisions on the allocation of capital resources are conducted as part of the strategic planning review.

The Group’s capital management objectives are to:

 

maintain sufficient capital resources to meet the minimum regulatory capital requirements set by the FSA and the US Federal Reserve Bank’s requirements that a financial holding company be well capitalised;

 

maintain sufficient capital resources to support the Group’s risk appetite and economic capital requirements;

 

support the Group’s credit rating;

 

ensure locally regulated subsidiaries can meet their minimum capital requirements; and

 

allocate capital to businesses to support the Group’s strategic objectives, including optimising returns on economic and regulatory capital.

External regulatory capital requirements

The Group is subject to minimum capital requirements imposed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), following guidelines developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the Basel Committee) and implemented in the UK via European Union Directives.

Under Basel II, effective from 1st January 2008, the Group has approval by the FSA to use the advanced approaches to credit and operational risk management. Pillar 1 capital requirements are generated using the Group’s risk models.

Under Pillar 2 of Basel II, the Group is subject to an overall regulatory capital requirement based on individual capital guidance (‘ICG’) received from the FSA. The ICG imposes additional capital requirements in excess of Pillar 1 minimum capital.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

52 Capital Management continued

Outside the UK, the Group has operations (and main regulators) located in continental Europe, in particular France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy (local central banks and other regulatory authorities); Asia Pacific (various regulatory authorities including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Japanese FSA and the Monetary Authority of Singapore); Africa, where the Group’s operations are headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa (The South African Reserve Bank and the Financial Services Board (FSB)) and the United States of America (the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission).

The Group manages its capital resources to ensure that those Group entities that are subject to local capital adequacy regulation in individual countries meet their minimum capital requirements. Local management manages compliance with subsidiary entity minimum regulatory capital requirements with reporting to local Asset and Liability Committees and to Treasury Committee, as required.

Regulatory capital

The table below provides details of the regulatory capital resources managed by the Group.

 

      Basel ll
2009
£m
    Basel II
2008
£m
 

Total qualifying Tier 1 capital

   49,637      37,250   

Total qualifying Tier 2 capital

   14,703      22,333   

Total deductions

   (880   (856

Total net capital resources

   63,460      58,727   

53 Segmental reporting

The following section analyses the Group’s performance by business. For management reporting purposes during 2009, Barclays was organised into the following business groupings:

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

 

UK Retail Banking

 

Barclays Commercial Bank

 

Barclaycard

 

GRCB – Western Europe

 

GRCB – Emerging Markets

 

GRCB – Absa

Investment Banking and Investment Management

 

Barclays Capital

 

Barclays Global Investors

 

Barclays Wealth

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

UK Retail Banking

UK Retail Banking comprises Personal Customers, Home Finance, Local Business, Consumer Lending and Barclays Financial Planning. This cluster of businesses aims to build broader and deeper relationships with its Personal and Local Business customers through providing a wide range of products and financial services. Personal Customers and Home Finance provide access to current account and savings products, Woolwich branded mortgages and general insurance.

Consumer Lending provides unsecured loan and protection products and Barclays Financial Planning provides investment advice and products. Local Business provides banking services, including money transmission, to small businesses.

Barclays Commercial Bank

Barclays Commercial Bank provides banking services to organisations with an annual turnover of more than £1m. Customers are served via a network of relationship and industry sector specialists, which provides solutions constructed from a comprehensive suite of banking products, support, expertise and services, including specialist asset financing and leasing facilities. Customers are also offered access to the products and expertise of other businesses in the Group, particularly Barclays Capital, Barclaycard and Barclays Wealth.


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53 Segmental reporting continued

Barclaycard

Barclaycard is a multi-brand credit card and consumer lending business which also processes card payments for retailers and merchants and issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. It is one of Europe’s leading credit card businesses and has an increasing presence in the United States and South Africa.

In the UK, Barclaycard comprises Barclaycard UK Cards, Barclaycard Partnerships, Barclays Partner Finance and FirstPlus.

Outside the UK, Barclaycard provides credit cards in the United States, Germany, South Africa (through management of the Absa credit card portfolio) and in the Scandinavian region, where Barclaycard operates through Entercard, a joint venture with Swedbank.

Barclaycard works closely with other parts of the Group, including UK Retail Banking, Barclays Commercial Bank and GRCB – Western Europe and GRCB – Emerging Markets, to leverage their distribution capabilities.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Western Europe

GRCB – Western Europe encompasses Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking, as well as Barclaycard operations, in Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Russia. GRCB – Western Europe serves customers through a variety of distribution channels. GRCB – Western Europe provides a variety of products including retail mortgages, current and deposit accounts, commercial lending, unsecured lending, credit cards, investments, and insurance serving the needs of Barclays retail, mass affluent, and corporate customers.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Emerging Markets

GRCB – Emerging Markets serves retail and commercial banking customers in Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Pakistan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, the UAE, Zambia, Indonesia and Zimbabwe. Through a network of more than 683 distribution points and 1,023 ATMs, we provide 3.7 million customers and clients with a full range of products and services. This includes current accounts, savings, investments, mortgages and secured and unsecured lending.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Absa

GRCB – Absa represents Barclays consolidation of Absa, excluding Absa Capital and Absa Card and Absa Wealth which is included as part of Barclays Capital, Barclaycard and Barclays Wealth respectively. Absa Group Limited is a South African financial services organisation serving personal, commercial and corporate customers predominantly in South Africa. GRCB – Absa serves retail customers through a variety of distribution channels and offers a full range of banking services, including current and deposit accounts, mortgages, instalment finance, credit cards, bancassurance products and wealth management services. It also offers customised business solutions for commercial and large corporate customers.

Barclays Capital

Barclays Capital is the investment banking division of Barclays that provides large corporate, institutional and government clients with solutions to their financing and risk management needs.

Barclays Capital services a wide variety of client needs, covering strategic advisory and M&A; equity and fixed income capital raising and corporate lending; and risk management across foreign exchange, interest rates, equities and commodities.

Activities are organised into three principal areas: Global Markets, which includes commodities, credit products, equities, foreign exchange, interest rate products; Investment Banking, which includes corporate advisory, Mergers and Acquisitions, equity and fixed-income capital raising and corporate lending; and Private Equity and Principal Investments. Barclays Capital includes Absa Capital, the investment banking business of Absa. Barclays Capital works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities.

Barclays Global Investors

The majority of the BGI business, which was previously reported as a separate business segment, was sold on 1st December 2009 to BlackRock, Inc. and represents the Group’s discontinued operations. The continuing operations of BGI disclosed in the segmental analysis represent residual obligations under the cash support arrangements and associated liquidity support charges and, from 1st December 2009, include the Group’s 19.9% ongoing economic interest in BlackRock, Inc. This investment is accounted for as an available for sale equity investment, with no dividends being received during 2009.

Barclays Wealth

Barclays Wealth focuses on private and intermediary clients worldwide providing international and private banking, fiduciary services, investment management, and brokerage.

Barclays Wealth works closely with all other parts of the Group to leverage synergies from client relationships and product capabilities.

Head Office Functions and Other Operations

Head Office Functions and Other Operations comprises head office and central support functions, businesses in transition and inter-segment adjustments.

Head office and central support functions comprises the following areas: Executive Management, Finance, Treasury, Corporate Affairs, Human Resources, Strategy and Planning, Internal Audit, Legal, Corporate Secretariat, Property, Tax, Compliance and Risk. Costs incurred wholly on behalf of the businesses are recharged to them.

Businesses in transition principally relate to certain lending portfolios that are centrally managed with the objective of maximising recovery from the assets.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

53 Segmental reporting continued

 

As at 31st December 2009

   UK
Retail
Banking
£m
 
 
 
  
  Barclays
Commercial
Bank
£m
  
  
 
  
  Barclaycard
£m
  
  
  GRCB –
Western
Europe
£m
  
  
  
  
  GRCB –
Emerging
Markets
£m
  
  
  
  
  GRCB –
Absa
£m
 
 
  
  Barclays
Capital
£m
  
  
  
  Barclays
Global
Investors a
£m
  
  
  
  
  Barclays
Wealth
£m
  
  
  
  Head office

functions

and other

operations

£m

  

  

  

  

  

  Total
Continuing
Operations
£m
  
  
  
  
Interest income from external customers    2,421      1,568      2,573      1,083      765      1,385      1,002      (37   470      688      11,918   
Other income from external customers    1,550      1,096      1,456      640      280      1,166      10,097      76      966      (122   17,205   
Income from external customers, net of insurance claims    3,971      2,664      4,029      1,723      1,045      2,551      11,099      39      1,436      566      29,123   

Inter-segment income

   14      89      13                (2   526      1      (103   (538     
Total income net of insurance claims    3,985      2,753      4,042      1,723      1,045      2,549      11,625      40      1,333      28      29,123   
Impairment charges and other credit provisions    (936   (974   (1,798   (667   (471   (567   (2,591        (51   (16   (8,071
Segment expenses – external    (2,187   (838   (1,440   (1,318   (934   (1,743   (6,559   2      (1,015   (683   (16,715

Inter-segment expenses

   (253   (192   (54   205      82      274      (33   (19   (123   113        

Total expenses

   (2,440   (1,030   (1,494   (1,113   (852   (1,469   (6,592   (17   (1,138   (570   (16,715
Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures    3           8      4           (4   22                1      34   
Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures              3      157      24      (3        (1   1      7      188   

Gains on acquisitions

                  26                                    26   
Business segment profit before tax    612      749      761      130      (254   506      2,464      22      145      (550   4,585   

Additional information

                      
Depreciation and amortisation    146      69      133      110      77      143      452           51      25      1,206   
Impairment loss – intangible assets    4      1      17      1      1      2                     1      27   

Impairment of goodwill

        1                                              1   
Investments in associates and joint ventures    2      (1   (5   88           34      170                134      422   

Total assets

   105,228      75,547      30,220      64,185      11,874      45,8241,019,120        5,406      15,095      6,430      1,378,929   

Total liabilities

   102,934      68,108      5,543      48,049      9,836      25,769      951,192      416      41,648      66,956      1,320,451   

Note

 

a The discontinued operations of the Barclays Global Investors business are disclosed in Note 39.


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53 Segmental reporting continued

 

As at 31st December 2008

  UK
Retail
Banking
£m
  
  
  
  
  Barclays
Commercial
Bank

£m

  
  
  

  

  Barclaycard

£m

  

  

  GRCB –
Western
Europeb
Marketsb
£m
  
  
  
  
  
  GRCB –
Emerging
£m
  
  
  
  GRCB –
Absa
£m
  
  
  
  Barclays
Capital
£m
  
  
  
  Barclays
Global
Investorsa
£m
  
  
  
  
  Barclays
Wealth
£m
  
  
  
  Head office
functions
and other
operations
£m
  
  
  
  
  
  Total
Continuing
Operations
£m
  
  
  
  
Interest income from external customers   2,816      1,589      1,677      831      621      1,223      2,026      (52   496      242      11,469   
Other income from external customers   1,702      1,068      1,492      627      373      946      2,989      (26   914      (355   9,730   
Income from external customers, net of insurance claims   4,518      2,657      3,169      1,458      994      2,169      5,015      (78   1,410      (113   21,199   

Inter-segment income

  (36   88      50      (3        29      216      6      (86   (264     
Total income net of insurance claims   4,482      2,745      3,219      1,455      994      2,198      5,231      (72   1,324      (377   21,199   
Impairment charges and other credit provisions   (602   (414   (1,097   (297   (165   (347   (2,423        (44   (30   (5,419
Segment expenses – external   (2,138   (934   (1,405   (1,139   (825   (1,576   (3,789   (256   (809   (520   (13,391

Inter-segment expenses

  (381   (129   (17   179      137      271      15      (18   (126   69        

Total expenses

  (2,519   (1,063   (1,422   (960   (688   (1,305   (3,774   (274   (935   (451   (13,391
Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures   8      (2   (3             5      6                     14   
Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures                            1                326           327   

Gains on acquisitions

            92      52                2,262                     2,406   
Business segment profit before tax   1,369      1,266      789      250      141      552      1,302      (346   671      (858   5,136   

Additional information

                     
Depreciation and amortisation   111      69      114      75      52      117      272      1      40      31      882   
Impairment loss – intangible assets                                           (3        (3
Impairment of goodwill             37                     74      1                112   
Investments in associates and joint ventures   1      (3   (13             84      150                122      341   

Total assets

  101,384      84,029      30,925      65,519      13,866      40,391      1,629,117      71,340      13,263      3,146      2,052,980   

Total liabilities

  104,640      64,997      3,004      37,632      10,135      20,720      1,603,093      68,372      45,846      47,130      2,005,569   

Note

 

a The discontinued operations of the Barclays Global Investors business are disclosed in Note 39.

 

b Figures have been restated for Barclays Russia, which was transferred from GRCB – Emerging Markets to GRCB – Western Europe during 2009.


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Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31st December 2009

continued

 

 

 

53 Segmental reporting continued

 

As at 31st December 2007

  UK
Retail
Banking
£m
 
 
 
  
  Barclays
Commercial
Bank
£m
 
 
 
  
  Barclaycard
£m
 
  
  GRCB –
Western
Europe
£m
 
 
 
  
  GRCB –
Emerging
Markets
£m
 
 
 
  
  GRCB –
Absa
£m
 
 
  
  Barclays
Capital
£m
 
 
  
  Barclays
Global
Investors a
£m
 
 
 
  
  Barclays
Wealth
£m
 
 
  
  Head office
functions
and other
operations
£m
 
 
 
 
  
  Total
Continuing
Operations
£m
 
 
 
  
Interest income from external customers   2,725      1,624      1,303      472      344      1,140      1,536      (14   453      15      9,598   
Other income from external customers   1,652      922      1,086      474      189      832      5,398      (27   890      30      11,446   
Income from external customers, net of insurance claims   4,377      2,546      2,389      946      533      1,972      6,934      (41   1,343      45      21,044   

Inter-segment income

  (80   18      141      (9        27      185      11      (56   (237     

 

Total income net of insurance claims

  4,297      2,564      2,530      937      533      1,999      7,119      (30   1,287      (192   21,044   
Impairment charges and other credit provisions   (559   (292   (827   (76   (39   (146   (846        (7   (3   (2,795

 

Segment expenses – external

  (2,154   (785   (1,079   (859   (553   (1,518   (3,989   (77   (829   (253   (12,096

Inter-segment expenses

  (316   (144   (14   186      158      251      16      (12   (144   19        

 

Total expenses

  (2,470   (929   (1,093   (673   (395   (1,267   (3,973   (89   (973   (234   (12,096

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

  7           (7        1      6      35                     42   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

       14           8           5                     1      28   

Business segment profit before tax

  1,275      1,357      603      196      100      597      2,335      (119   307      (428   6,223   

 

Additional information

                     

Depreciation and amortisation

  101      33      79      42      30      121      181           18      26      631   
Impairment loss – intangible assets        13                     1                          14   
Investments in associates and joint ventures   (7   1      (8             108      171                112      377   

 

Total assets

  88,477      74,566      22,121      43,702      9,188      36,368      839,850      89,218      18,188      5,683      1,227,361   

Total liabilities

  101,516      66,251      1,952      24,004      7,507      17,176      811,704      87,096      44,152      33,527      1,194,885   

Revenue by products and services

Details of revenue from external customers by product or service are disclosed in Notes 2 to 6 on pages 186 and 187.

Geographical information

(i) A geographical analysis of revenues from external customers is presented below:

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m
    2007
£m

Continuing operations

       

Attributed to the UK

   12,850    11,958      12,744

Other European Union

   4,397    3,514      3,232

United States

   5,547    (471   1,119

South Africa

   2,980    2,618      2,374

Other Africa

   917    1,015      814

Rest of the World

   2,432    2,565      761

Total

   29,123    21,199      21,044

Discontinued operations

       

Attributed to the UK

   432    319      383

Other European Union

   100    119      142

United States

   1,084    1,181      1,090

Rest of the World

   247    297      341

There are no individual countries included in Other European Union, Other Africa, or Rest of the World contributing more than 5% of income from external customers.

Note

 

a The discontinued operations of the Barclays Global Investors business are disclosed in Note 39.


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LOGO

 

 

 

 

Barclays Bank PLC data

 

 

284

 

 

Independent registered public accounting firm’s report

 

285  

Consolidated income statement

 

286  

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 

287  

Consolidated balance sheet

 

288  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 

289  

Consolidated cash flow statement

 

290  

Notes to the accounts

 

299  

Financial data

 



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Barclays Bank PLC data

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Barclays Bank PLC:

In our opinion, the accompanying Consolidated income statements and the related Consolidated statements of comprehensive income, Consolidated balance sheet, Consolidated statement of changes in equity and Consolidated cash flow statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries at 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 December 2009 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. These financial- statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements

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

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

London, United Kingdom

9th March 2010



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Barclays Bank PLC data

Consolidated income statement

 

 

 

For the year ended 31st December

 

      Notes    2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Continuing operations

         

Interest income

   a    21,236      28,010      25,296   

Interest expense

 

   a    (9,567   (16,595   (15,707

Net interest income

 

        11,669      11,415      9,589   

Fee and commission income

   b    9,946      7,573      6,745   

Fee and commission expense

 

   b    (1,528   (1,082   (970

Net fee and commission income

 

        8,418      6,491      5,775   

Net trading income

   c    6,994      1,270      3,754   

Net investment income

 

   c    283      680      1,216   

Principal transactions

 

        7,277      1,950      4,970   

Net premiums from insurance contracts

   5    1,172      1,090      1,011   

Other income

 

   f    1,389      444      222   

Total income

      29,925      21,390      21,567   

Net claims and benefits incurred on insurance contracts

 

   5    (831   (237   (492

Total income net of insurance claims

      29,094      21,153      21,075   

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

 

   7    (8,071   (5,419   (2,795

Net income

 

        21,023      15,734      18,280   

Staff costs

   8    (9,948   (7,204   (7,611

Administration and general expenses

   d    (5,558   (5,301   (3,854

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   23    (759   (606   (453

Amortisation of intangible assets

 

   22    (447   (276   (178

Operating expenses

 

        (16,712   (13,387   (12,096

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

   20    34      14      42   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

      188      327      28   

Gains on acquisitions

 

   40    26      2,406        

Profit before tax

      4,559      5,094      6,254   

Tax

 

   e    (1,047   (449   (1,699

Profit after tax from continuing operations

 

        3,512      4,645      4,555   

Discontinued operations

         

Profit after tax for the year from discontinued operations, including gain on disposal

 

        6,777      604      571   

Net profit for the year

      10,289      5,249      5,126   

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent from:

         

Continuing operations

      3,228      4,259      4,218   

Discontinued operations

 

        6,765      587      531   

Total

 

        9,993      4,846      4,749   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

 

        296      403      377   
          10,289

 

  

 

  5,249

 

  

 

  5,126

 

  

 

The note numbers refer to the notes on pages 186 to 282, whereas the note letters refer to those on pages 290 to 298.


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Barclays Bank PLC data

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31st December

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Net profit for the year

 

   10,289      5,249      5,126   

Other comprehensive income:

      

Continuing operations

      

Currency translation differences

   (853   2,233      34   

Available for sale financial assets

   1,320      (1,577   (94

Cash flow hedges

   165      376      359   

Other

   (1   (56)      22   

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

 

   (26   851      40   

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax from continuing operations

   605      1,827      361   

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax from discontinued operations

 

   (58   114      26   

Total comprehensive income for the year

 

   10,836      7,190      5,513   

Attributable to:

      

Equity holders of the Parent

   10,286      6,654      5,135   

Non-controlling interests

 

   550      536      378   
     10,836

 

  

 

  7,190

 

  

 

  5,513

 

  

 


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Barclays Bank PLC data

Consolidated balance sheet

 

 

 

As at 31st December

 

      Notes    2009
£m
   2008
£m

Assets

        

Cash and balances at central banks

      81,483    30,019

Items in the course of collection from other banks

      1,593    1,695

Trading portfolio assets

   g    151,395    185,646

Financial assets designated at fair value:

        

– held on own account

   13    41,311    54,542

– held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   13    1,257    66,657

Derivative financial instruments

   14    416,815    984,802

Loans and advances to banks

   15    41,135    47,707

Loans and advances to customers

   15    420,224    461,815

Available for sale financial investments

   h    56,651    65,016

Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed

   17    143,431    130,354

Other assets

   18    6,358    6,302

Current tax assets

      349    389

Investments in associates and joint ventures

   20    422    341

Goodwill

   21    6,232    7,625

Intangible assets

   22    2,563    2,777

Property, plant and equipment

   23    5,626    4,674

Deferred tax assets

 

   19    2,303    2,668

Total assets

 

        1,379,148    2,053,029

Liabilities

        

Deposits from banks

      76,446    114,910

Items in the course of collection due to other banks

      1,466    1,635

Customer accounts

      322,455    335,533

Trading portfolio liabilities

   12    51,252    59,474

Financial liabilities designated at fair value

   24    86,202    76,892

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   13    1,679    69,183

Derivative financial instruments

   14    403,416    968,072

Debt securities in issue

      135,902    153,426

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

   17    198,781    182,285

Other liabilities

   25    12,101    12,640

Current tax liabilities

      964    1,215

Insurance contract liabilities, including unit-linked liabilities

   26    2,140    2,152

Subordinated liabilities

   27    25,816    29,842

Deferred tax liabilities

   19    470    304

Provisions

   28    590    535

Retirement benefit liabilities

 

   30    769    1,357

Total liabilities

 

        1,320,449    2,009,455

Shareholders’ equity

        

Called up share capital

   i    2,402    2,398

Share premium account

   i    12,092    12,060

Other reserves

   j    1,783    1,723

Other shareholders’ equity

   k    2,559    2,564

Retained earnings

   j    37,089    22,457

Shareholders’ equity excluding non-controlling interests

      55,925    41,202

Non-controlling interests

 

   l    2,774    2,372

Total shareholders’ equity

 

        58,699    43,574

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

        1,379,148    2,053,029

The note numbers refer to the notes on pages 186 to 282, whereas the note letters refer to those on pages 290 to 298.

These financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 9th March 2009.


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Barclays Bank PLC data

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 

 

 

.    Share capital
and share
premium a
£m
   Other
reserves b
and
shareholders ’
equity
£m
    Retained
earnings c
£m
    Total
£m
    Non-
controlling
interests
£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

Balance at 1st January 2009

   14,458    4,287      22,457      41,202      2,372      43,574   

Net profit for the year

           9,993      9,993      296      10,289   

Other comprehensive income:

             

Currency translation differences

      (1,138        (1,138   285      (853

Available for sale financial assets

      1,334           1,334      (14   1,320   

Cash flow hedges

      194           194      (29   165   

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

      (209   171      (38   12      (26

Other

           (1   (1        (1

Other comprehensive income net of tax from discontinued operations

 

  
   (75

  17
  
  (58

 
  
  (58

Total comprehensive income

 

      106      10,180      10,286      550      10,836   

Issue of new ordinary shares

   25              25           25   

Issue of new preference shares

                            

Equity settled share schemes

           298      298           298   
Vesting of Barclays PLC shares under share-based payment schemes            (80   (80        (80

Capital injection from Barclays PLC

           4,850      4,850           4,850   

Dividends paid

           (103   (103   (132   (235

Dividends on preference shares and other shareholders equity

           (599   (599        (599
Net increase/decrease in non-controlling interest arising on acquisitions, disposals and capital issuances                      (82   (82

Other

 

   11    (51   86      46      66      112   

Balance at 31st December 2009

 

   14,494    4,342      37,089      55,925      2,774      58,699   

Balance at 1st January 2008

   13,133    2,517      14,222      29,872      1,949      31,821   

Net profit for the year

           4,846      4,846      403      5,249   

Other comprehensive income:

             

Currency translation differences

      2,174           2,174      59      2,233   

Available for sale financial assets

      (1,575        (1,575   (2   (1,577

Cash flow hedges

      271           271      105      376   

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

      926      (46   880      (29   851   

Other

           (56   (56        (56

Other comprehensive income net of tax from discontinued operations

 

      124      (10   114           114   

Total comprehensive income

 

      1,920      4,734      6,654      536      7,190   

Issue of new ordinary shares

   16              16           16   

Issue of new preference shares

   1,309              1,309           1,309   

Equity settled share schemes

           463      463           463   
Vesting of Barclays PLC shares under share-based payment schemes            (437   (437        (437

Capital injection from Barclays PLC

           5,137      5,137           5,137   

Dividends paid

           (1,160   (1,160   (134   (1,294

Dividends on preference shares and other shareholders equity

           (502   (502        (502
Net increase/decrease in non-controlling interest arising on acquisitions, disposals and capital issuances                      4      4   

Other

 

      (150        (150   17      (133

Balance at 31st December 2008

 

   14,458    4,287      22,457      41,202      2,372      43,574   

Notes

a Details of share capital and share premium are shown in Note i.
b Details of other reserves are shown in Note j.
c Details of retained earnings are shown in Note j.


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Barclays Bank PLC data

Consolidated cash flow statement

 

 

 

For the year ended 31st December             
      2009
£m
          2008
£m
          2007
£m
 

Continuing operations

            

Reconciliation of profit before tax to net cash flows from operating activities:

            

Profit before tax

   4,559         5,094         6,254   

Adjustment for non-cash items:

            

Allowance for impairment

   8,071         5,419         2,795   

Depreciation and amortisation and impairment of property, plant, equipment and intangibles

   1,196         885         651   

Other provisions, including pensions

   428         804         753   

Net profit from associates and joint ventures

   (34      (14      (42

Net profit on disposal of investments and property, plant and equipment

   (610      (371      (862

Net profit from disposal of associates and joint ventures

   3                 (26

Net profit from disposal of subsidiaries

   (191      (327      (2

Net gains on acquisitions

   (26      (2,406        

Other non-cash movements

   4,255         994         (1,519

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

            

Net decrease/(increase) in loans and advances to banks and customers

   25,482         (58,432      (77,987

Net (decrease)/increase in deposits and debt securities in issue

   (49,014      76,886         91,451   

Net decrease/(increase) in derivative financial instruments

   3,321         (17,529      (2,144

Net decrease/(increase) in trading assets

   34,292         26,945         (18,245

Net decrease in trading liabilities

   (8,222      (5,928      (6,472

Net increase/(decrease) in financial investments

   20,459         5,229         (4,379

Net (increase)/decrease in other assets

   (465      (3,013      1,113   

Net decrease in other liabilities

   (907      (492      (1,056

Tax paid

 

   (1,176        (1,398        (1,254

 

Net cash from operating activities

  

 

41,421

 

  

      

 

32,346

 

  

      

 

(10,971

 

Purchase of available for sale financial investments

   (78,420      (57,756      (26,947

Proceeds from sale or redemption of available for sale financial investments

   88,931         51,429         38,423   

Net addition of intangible assets

   (226      (666      (227

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   (1,150      (1,643      (1,182

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

   372         799         617   

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

   (28      (961      (270

Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed

   339         238         383   

Disposal of discontinued operation, net of cash acquired

   2,469                   

Increase in investment in subsidiaries

           (157      (668

Decrease in investment in subsidiaries

           19         57   

Acquisition of associates and joint ventures

   (81      (96      (220

Disposal of associates and joint ventures

   69         137         145   

Other cash flows associated with investing activities

   (15        (5        153   

Net cash from investing activities

   12,260           (8,662        10,264   

Dividends paid

   (590      (1,446      (3,010

Proceeds from borrowings and issuance of debt securities

   3,549         9,645         4,646   

Repayments of borrowings and redemption of debt securities

   (4,383      (1,207      (683

Net issue of shares and other equity instruments

   14         1,339         1,355   

Capital injection from Barclays PLC

   800         5,137         1,434   

Net issues of shares to non-controlling interests

 

             11           199   

Net cash from financing activities

   (610        13,479           3,941   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   (2,864        (6,018        (641

Net cash from discontinued operations

   (376        286           83   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   49,831           31,431           2,676   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   64,509           33,078           30,402   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   114,340           64,509           33,078   

Cash and cash equivalents comprise:

            

Cash and balances at central banks

   81,483         30,019         5,801   

Loans and advances to banks

   41,135         47,707         40,120   

Less: non-cash amounts and amounts with original maturity greater than three months

   (10,674      (15,428      (19,376
   30,461         32,279         20,744   

Available for sale treasury and other eligible bills

   56,483         64,976         43,256   

Less: non-cash and amounts with original maturity greater than three months

   (54,239      (62,876      (41,872
   2,244         2,100         1,384   

Trading portfolio assets

   151,344         185,637         193,726   

Less: non-cash and amounts with maturity greater than three months

   (151,192      (185,526      (188,591
   152         111         5,135   

Other

                       14   
     114,340           64,509           33,078   


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Notes to the accounts

 

 

 

a Net interest income

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Cash and balances with central banks

   131      174      145   

Available for sale investments

   1,937      2,355      2,580   

Loans and advances to banks

   513      1,267      1,416   

Loans and advances to customers

   18,456      23,754      19,559   

Other

   199      460      1,596   

Interest income

   21,236      28,010      25,296   

Deposits from banks

   (634   (2,189   (2,720

Customer accounts

   (2,720   (6,714   (4,110

Debt securities in issue

   (4,134   (5,947   (6,651

Subordinated liabilities

   (1,718   (1,349   (878

Other

   (361   (396   (1,348

Interest expense

   (9,567   (16,595   (15,707

Net interest income

   11,669      11,415      9,589   

Interest income includes £185m (2008: £135m, 2007: £113m) accrued on impaired loans.

Other interest income principally includes interest income relating to reverse repurchase agreements. Similarly, other interest expense principally includes interest expense relating to repurchase agreements and hedging activity.

Included in net interest income is hedge ineffectiveness as detailed in Note 14.

b Net fee and commission income

 

     2009
£m
  
  
  2008
£m
  
  
  2007
£m
  
  

Fee and commission income

      

Brokerage fees

   88      56      78   

Investment management fees

   133      120      122   

Banking and credit related fees and commissions

   9,578      7,208      6,367   

Foreign exchange commissions

   147      189      178   

Fee and commission income

   9,946      7,573      6,745   

Fee and commission expense

   (1,528   (1,082   (970

Net fee and commission income

   8,418      6,491      5,775   

c Principal transactions

 

     2009
£m
  
  
  2008
£m
   2007
£m

Net trading income

   6,994      1,270    3,754

Net gain from disposal of available for sale assets

   576      212    560

Dividend income

   6      196    26

Net (loss)/gain from financial instruments designated at fair value

   (208   33    293

Other investment (losses)/income

   (91   239    337

Net investment income

   283      680    1,216

Principal transactions

   7,277      1,950    4,970


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d Administration and general expenses

 

     2009
£m
  
  
  2008
£m
  
  
  2007
£m
  
  

Administrative expenses

   4,886      4,787      3,691   

Impairment charges/(releases):

      

– property and equipment (Note 23)

   34      33      2   

– intangible assets (Note 22)

   27      (3   14   

– goodwill (Note 21)

   1      112        

Operating lease rentals

   639      520      414   

Gain on property disposals

   (29   (148   (267

Administration and general expenses

   5,558      5,301      3,854   

Auditors’ remuneration

 

      2009
      Audit
£m
   Audit
related
£m
   Taxation
services
£m
   Other
services
£m
   Total
£m

Audit of the Group’s annual accounts

   12             12

Other services:

              

Fees payable for the audit of the Bank’s associates pursuant to legislation

   23             23

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation

      2          2

Other services relating to taxation

         7       7
Services relating to corporate finance transactions entered into or proposed to be entered into by or on behalf of the Bank or any of its associates             3    3

Other

      4       1    5

Total auditors’ remuneration

   35    6    7    4    52
      2008
      Audit
£m
   Audit
related
£m
   Taxation
services
£m
   Other
services
£m
   Total
£m

Audit of the Group’s annual accounts

   12             12

Other services:

              

Fees payable for the audit of the Bank’s associates pursuant to legislation

   19             19

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation

      2          2

Other services relating to taxation

         9       9
Services relating to corporate finance transactions entered into or proposed to be entered into by or on behalf of the Bank or any of its associates             2    2

Other

      4       1    5

Total auditors’ remuneration

   31    6    9    3    49
      2007
      Audit
£m
   Audit
related
£m
   Taxation
services
£m
   Other
services
£m
   Total
£m

Audit of the Group’s annual accounts

   7             7

Other services:

              

Fees payable for the audit of the Bank’s associates pursuant to legislation

   11             11

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation

   6    2          8

Other services relating to taxation

         3       3
Services relating to corporate finance transactions entered into or proposed to be entered into by or on behalf of the Bank or any of its associates             5    5

Other

      1       1    2

Total auditors’ remuneration

   24    3    3    6    36

The figures shown in the above tables relate to fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and its associates for continuing operations of business. Fees paid to other auditors not associated with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in respect of the audit of the Bank’s subsidiaries were £3m (2008: £3m, 2007: £2m).


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Notes to the accounts

continued

 

 

 

d Administration and general expenses continued

Fees payable for the audit of the Bank’s associates pursuant to legislation comprise the fees for the statutory audit of the subsidiaries and associated pension schemes both inside and outside Great Britain and fees for the work performed by the associates of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in respect of the consolidated financial statements of the Bank. The fees relating to the audit of the associated pension schemes were £0.5m (2008: £0.2m, 2007: £0.3m).

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation comprise services in relation to statutory and regulatory filings. These includes audit services for the review of the interim financial information under the Listing Rules of the UK listing authority and fees paid for reporting under Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 404). In 2008 and 2009 fees paid for reporting under Section 404 are not separately identifiable from the fees of the audit of the Bank’s annual accounts and the Bank’s associates. Fees for the audit of Barclays Bank PLC Group accounts are not separately identifiable from Barclays PLC, therefore there is no difference in the amounts reported in both Annual Reports.

Other services related to taxation include compliance services such as tax return preparation and advisory services such as consultation on tax matters, tax advice relating to transactions and other tax planning and advice.

Services relating to corporate finance transactions comprise due diligence related to transactions and other work in connection with such transactions.

Excluded from the total auditors’ remuneration above are fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and associates relating to BGI (discontinued operations) of £4m (2008: £3m, 2007: £8m).

e Tax

The charge for tax is based upon the UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%, 2007: 30%) and comprises:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Current tax charge/(credit)

      

Current year

   1,235      1,197      2,013   

Adjustment for prior years

   (131   98      10   
     1,104      1,295      2,023   

Deferred tax (credit)/charge

      

Current year

   45      (577   (297

Adjustment for prior years

   (102   (269   (27
     (57   (846   (324

Total charge

   1,047      449      1,699   

The effective tax rate for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 28% (2008: 28.5%, 2007: 30%). The differences are set out below:

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Profit before tax

 

   4,560

 

  

 

  5,094

 

  

 

  6,254

 

  

 

Tax charge at standard UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%, 2007: 30%)

   1,277      1,452      1,876   

Adjustment for prior years

   (233   (171   (17

Differing overseas tax rates

   (27   175      (82

Non-taxable gains and income (including amounts offset by unrecognised tax losses)

   (119   (851   (145

Share-based payments

   (38   201      71   

Deferred tax assets not recognised/(previously not recognised)

   27      (504   (159

Change in tax rates

   (12   (1   24   

Other non-allowable expenses

   172      148      131   

Overall tax charge

   1,047      449      1,699   

Effective tax rate

   23%      9%      27%   

The effective tax rate for 2009, based on profit before tax on continuing operations was 23.0% (2008: 8.8%). The effective tax rate differs from the UK tax rate of 28% (2008: 28.5%) because of non-taxable gains and income, different tax rates applied to taxable profits and losses outside the UK, disallowed expenditure and adjustments in respect of prior years. The low effective tax rate of 8.8% on continuing operations in 2008 mainly resulted from the Lehman Brothers North American business acquisition.


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f Other income

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
    2007
£m
 

Increase/(decrease) in fair value of assets held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   102      (1,219   23   

(Increase)/decrease in liabilities to customers under investment contracts

   (102   1,219      (23

Property rentals

   64      73      53   

Gain on debt buy backs and extinguishments

   1,255      24        

Other income

   70      347      169   

Other income

   1,389      444      222   

g Trading portfolio assets

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Trading portfolio assets

    

Treasury and other eligible bills

   9,926      4,544   

Debt securities

   116,594      148,686   

Equity securities

   19,653      30,544   

Traded loans

   2,962      1,070   

Commodities

   2,260      802   

Trading portfolio assets

   151,395      185,646   
    
h Available for sale financial investments     
    
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

Debt securities

   43,888      58,831   

Treasury bills and other eligible bills

   5,919      4,003   

Equity securities

   6,844      2,182   

Available for sale financial investments

   56,651      65,016   
    

Movement in available for sale financial investments

            
      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

At beginning of year

   65,016      43,256   

Exchange and other adjustments

   (4,439   14,275   

Acquisitions and transfers

   83,915      59,703   

Disposals (through sale and redemption)

   (88,999   (50,629

Gains/(losses) from changes in fair value recognised in equity

   1,889      (1,190

Impairment charge

   (670   (382

Amortisation charge

   (6   (17

Business disposals/discontinued operations

   (55     

At end of year

   56,651      65,016   


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Notes to the accounts

continued

 

 

 

i Called up share capital

Ordinary Shares

The authorised ordinary share capital of Barclays Bank PLC, as at 31st December 2009, was 3,000 million ordinary shares of £1 each (2008: 3,000 million). During the year 4 million ordinary shares were issued for cash consideration of £25m.

Preference Shares

The authorised preference share capital of Barclays Bank PLC, as at 31st December 2009, was 1,000 Preference Shares of £1 each (2008: 1,000); 400,000 Preference Shares of ¤100 each (2008: 400,000); 400,000 Preference Shares of £100 each (2008: 400,000); 400,000 Preference Shares of US$100 each (2008: 400,000); 300 million Preference Shares of US$0.25 each (2008: 300 million).

The issued preference share capital of Barclays Bank PLC, as at 31st December 2009, comprised 1,000 Sterling Preference Shares of £1 each (2008: 1,000); 240,000 Euro Preference Shares of ¤100 each (2008: 240,000); 75,000 Sterling Preference Shares of £100 each (2008: 75,000); 100,000 US Dollar Preference Shares of US$100 each (2008: 100,000); 237 million US Dollar Preference Shares of US$0.25 each (2008: 237 million).

 

     

2009

£m

  

2008

£m

Called up share capital, allotted and fully paid

     

At beginning of year

   2,338    2,336

Issued for cash

   4    2

At end of year

   2,342    2,338

Called up preference share capital, allotted and fully paid

     

At beginning of year

   60    46

Issued for cash

      14

At end of year

   60    60

Called up share capital

   2,402    2,398
     

Share premium

         
      2009
£m
   2008
£m

At beginning of year

   12,060    10,751

Ordinary shares issued for cash

   21    15

Preference shares issued for cash

      1,294

Preference shares – other movement

   11   

At end of year

   12,092    12,060

Sterling £1 Preference Shares

1,000 Sterling cumulative callable preference shares of £1 each (the £1 Preference Shares) were issued on 31st December 2004 at nil premium.

The £1 Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive Sterling cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, semi-annually at a rate reset semi-annually equal to the Sterling interbank offered rate for six-month sterling deposits.

Barclays Bank PLC shall be obliged to pay such dividends if: (1) it has profits available for the purpose of distribution under the Companies Act 2006 as at each dividend payment date; and (2) it is solvent on the relevant dividend payment date, provided that a capital regulations condition is satisfied on such dividend payment date. The dividends shall not be due and payable on the relevant dividend payment date except to the extent that Barclays Bank PLC could make such payment and still be solvent immediately thereafter. Barclays Bank PLC shall be considered solvent on any date if: (1) it is able to pay its debts to senior creditors as they fall due; and (2) its auditors have reported within the previous six months that its assets exceed its liabilities. If Barclays Bank PLC shall not pay, or shall pay only in part, a dividend for a period of seven days or more after the due date for payment, the holders of the £1 Preference Shares may institute proceedings for the winding-up of Barclays Bank PLC. No remedy against Barclays Bank PLC shall be available to the holder of any £1 Preference Shares for the recovery of amounts owing in respect of £1 Preference Shares other than the institution of proceedings for the winding-up of Barclays Bank PLC and/or proving in such winding-up. On a winding-up or other return of capital (other than a redemption or purchase by Barclays Bank PLC of any of its issued shares, or a reduction of share capital, permitted by the Articles of Barclays Bank PLC and under applicable law), the assets of Barclays Bank PLC available to shareholders shall be applied in priority to any payment to the holders of ordinary shares and any other class of shares in the capital of Barclays Bank PLC then in issue ranking junior to the £1 Preference Shares on such a return of capital and pari passu on such a return of capital with the holders of any other class of shares in the capital of Barclays Bank PLC then in issue (other than any class of shares in the capital of Barclays Bank PLC then in issue ranking in priority to the £1 Preference Shares on a winding-up or other such return of capital), in payment to the holders of the £1 Preference Shares of a sum equal to the aggregate of: (1) an amount equal to the dividends accrued thereon for the then current dividend period (and any accumulated arrears thereof) to the date of the commencement of the winding-up or other such return of capital; and (2) an amount equal to £1 per £1 Preference Share. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the £1 Preference Shares wil have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of Barclays Bank PLC and will not be entitled to any further participation in such return of capital. The £1 Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole but not in part only, subject to the Companies Act 2006 and its Articles. Holders of the £1 Preference Shares are not entitled to receive notice of, or to attend, or vote at, any general meeting of Barclays Bank PLC.


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i Called up share capital continued

Euro Preference Shares

100,000 Euro 4.875% non-cumulative callable preference shares of 100 each (the 4.875% Preference Shares) were issued on 8th December 2004 for a consideration of 993.6m (£688.4m), of which the nominal value was 10m and the balance was share premium. The 4.875% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive Euro non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, annually at a fixed rate of 4.875% per annum on the amount of 10,000 per preference share until 15th December 2014, and thereafter quarterly at a rate reset quarterly equal to 1.05% per annum above the Euro interbank offered rate for three-month Euro deposits.

The 4.875% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole but not in part only, on 15th December 2014, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at 10,000 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

140,000 Euro 4.75% non-cumulative callable preference shares of 100 each (the 4.75% Preference Shares) were issued on 15th March 2005 for a consideration of 1,383.3m (£966.7m), of which the nominal value was 14m and the balance was share premium. The 4.75% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive Euro non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, annually at a fixed rate of 4.75% per annum on the amount of ¤10,000 per preference share until 15th March 2020, and thereafter quarterly at a rate reset quarterly equal to 0.71% per annum above the Euro interbank offered rate for three-month Euro deposits.

The 4.75% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole but not in part only, on 15th March 2020, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at 10,000 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

Sterling Preference Shares

75,000 Sterling 6.0% non-cumulative callable preference shares of £100 each (the 6.0% Preference Shares) were issued on 22nd June 2005 for a consideration of £743.7m, of which the nominal value was £7.5m and the balance was share premium. The 6.0% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive Sterling non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, annually at a fixed rate of 6.0% per annum on the amount of £10,000 per preference share until 15th December 2017, and thereafter quarterly at a rate reset quarterly equal to 1.42% per annum above the London interbank offered rate for three-month Sterling deposits.

The 6.0% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole but not in part only, on 15th December 2017, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at £10,000 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

US Dollar Preference Shares

100,000 US Dollar 6.278% non-cumulative callable preference shares of US$100 each (the 6.278% Preference Shares), represented by 100,000 American Depositary Shares, Series 1, were issued on 8th June 2005 for a consideration of US$995.4m (£548.1m), of which the nominal value was US$10m and the balance was share premium. The 6.278% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive US Dollar non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, semi-annually at a fixed rate of 6.278% per annum on the amount of US$10,000 per preference share until 15th December 2034, and thereafter quarterly at a rate reset quarterly equal to 1.55% per annum above the London interbank offered rate for three-month US Dollar deposits.

The 6.278% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole but not in part only, on 15th December 2034, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at US$10,000 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

30 million US Dollar 6.625% non-cumulative callable preference shares of US$0.25 each (the 6.625% Preference Shares), represented by 30 million American Depositary Shares, Series 2, were issued on 25th and 28th April 2006 for a consideration of US$727m (£406m), of which the nominal value was US$7.5m and the balance was share premium. The 6.625% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive US Dollar non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, quarterly at a fixed rate of 6.625% per annum on the amount of US$25 per preference share.

The 6.625% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole but not in part only, on 15th September 2011, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at US$25 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

55 million US Dollar 7.1% non-cumulative callable preference shares of US$0.25 each (the 7.1% Preference Shares), represented by 55 million American Depositary Shares, Series 3, were issued on 13th September 2007 for a consideration of US$1,335m (£657m), of which the nominal value was US$13.75m and the balance was share premium. The 7.1% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive US Dollar non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, quarterly at a fixed rate of 7.1% per annum on the amount of US$25 per preference share.

The 7.1% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole or in part, on 15th December 2012, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at US$25 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

46 million US Dollar 7.75% non-cumulative callable preference shares of US$0.25 each (the 7.75% Preference Shares), represented by 46 million American Depositary Shares, Series 4, were issued on 7th December 2007 for a consideration of US$1,116m (£550m), of which the nominal value was US$11.5m and the balance was share premium. The 7.75% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive US Dollar non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, quarterly at a fixed rate of 7.75% per annum on the amount of US$25 per preference share.


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Notes to the accounts

continued

 

 

 

i Called up share capital continued

The 7.75% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole or in part, on 15th December 2013, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at US$25 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

106 million US Dollar 8.125% non-cumulative callable preference shares of US$0.25 each (the 8.125% Preference Shares), represented by 106 million American Depositary Shares, Series 5, were issued on 11th April 2008 and 25th April 2008 for a total consideration of US$2,650m (£1,345m), of which the nominal value was US$26.5m and the balance was share premium. The 8.125% Preference Shares entitle the holders thereof to receive US Dollar non-cumulative cash dividends out of distributable profits of Barclays Bank PLC, quarterly at a fixed rate of 8.125% per annum on the amount of US$25 per preference share.

The 8.125% Preference Shares are redeemable at the option of Barclays Bank PLC, in whole or in part, on 15th June 2013, and on each dividend payment date thereafter at US$25 per share plus any dividends accrued for the then current dividend period to the date fixed for redemption.

No redemption or purchase of any 4.875% Preference Shares, the 4.75% Preference Shares, the 6.0% Preference Shares, the 6.278% Preference Shares, the 6.625% Preference Shares, the 7.1% Preference Shares, the 7.75% Preference Shares and the 8.125% Preference Shares (together, the Preference Shares) may be made by Barclays Bank PLC without the prior notification to the UK FSA and any such redemption will be subject to the Companies Act 2006 and the Articles of Barclays Bank PLC.

On a winding-up of Barclays Bank PLC or other return of capital (other than a redemption or purchase of shares of Barclays Bank PLC, or a reduction of share capital), a holder of Preference Shares will rank in the application of assets of Barclays Bank PLC available to shareholders: (1) junior to the holder of any shares of Barclays Bank PLC in issue ranking in priority to the Preference Shares; (2) equally in all respects with holders of other preference shares and any other shares of Barclays Bank PLC in issue ranking pari passu with the Preference Shares; and (3) in priority to the holders of ordinary shares and any other shares of Barclays Bank PLC in issue ranking junior to the Preference Shares.

The holders of the £400m 6% Callable Perpetual Core Tier One Notes and the US$1,000m 6.86% Callable Perpetual Core Tier One Notes of Barclays Bank PLC (together, the TONs) and the holders of the US$1,250m 8.55% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments, the US$750m 7.375% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments, the ¤850m 7.50% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments, the £500m 5.3304% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments, the US$1,350m 5.926% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments, the £500m 6.3688% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments, the US$1,250m 7.434% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments and the £3,000m 14% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital Instruments of Barclays Bank PLC (together, the RCIs) would, for the purposes only of calculating the amounts payable in respect of such securities on a winding-up of Barclays Bank PLC, subject to limited exceptions and to the extent that the TONs and the RCIs are then in issue, rank pari passu with the holders of the most senior class or classes of preference shares then in issue in the capital of Barclays Bank PLC. Accordingly, the holders of the preference shares would rank equally with the holders of such TONs and RCIs on such a winding-up of Barclays Bank PLC (unless one or more classes of shares of Barclays Bank PLC ranking in priority to the preference shares are in issue at the time of such winding-up, in which event the holders of such TONs and RCIs would rank equally with the holders of such shares and in priority to the holders of the preference shares).

Subject to such ranking, in such event, holders of the preference shares will be entitled to receive out of assets of Barclays Bank PLC available for distributions to shareholders, liquidating distributions in the amount of ¤10,000 per 4.875% Preference Share, ¤10,000 per 4.75% Preference Share, £10,000 per 6.0% Preference Share, US$10,000 per 6.278% Preference Share, US$25 per 6.625% Preference Share, US$25 per 7.1% Preference Share, US$25 per 7.75% Preference Share and US$0.25 per 8.125% Preference Share, plus, in each case, an amount equal to the accrued dividend for the then current dividend period to the date of the commencement of the winding-up or other such return of capital. If a dividend is not paid in full on any preference shares on any dividend payment date, then a dividend restriction shall apply.

This dividend restriction will mean that neither Barclays Bank PLC nor Barclays PLC may (a) declare or pay a dividend (other than payment by Barclays PLC of a final dividend declared by its shareholders prior to the relevant dividend payment date, or a dividend paid by Barclays Bank PLC to Barclays PLC or to a wholly owned subsidiary) on any of their respective ordinary shares, other preference shares or other share capital or (b) redeem, purchase, reduce or otherwise acquire any of their respective share capital, other than shares of Barclays Bank PLC held by Barclays PLC or a wholly owned subsidiary, until the earlier of: (1) the date on which Barclays Bank PLC next declares and pays in full a preference dividend; and (2) the date on or by which all the preference shares are redeemed in full or purchased by Barclays Bank PLC.

Holders of the preference shares are not entitled to receive notice of, or to attend, or vote at, any general meeting of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is not permitted to create a class of shares ranking as regards participation in the profits or assets of Barclays Bank PLC in priority to the preference shares, save with the sanction of a special resolution of a separate general meeting of the holders of the preference shares (requiring a majority of not less than three-fourths of the holders of the preference shares voting at the separate general meeting) or with the consent in writing of the holders of three-fourths of the preference shares.

Except as described above, the holders of the preference shares have no right to participate in the surplus assets of Barclays Bank PLC.


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j Reserves

 

Other reserves

                        
     

Available

for sale
reserve
£m

   

Cash flow

hedging
reserve
£m

   

Translation
reserve

£m

    Total
£m
 

At 1st January 2009

   (1,249   132      2,840      1,723   

Net gains from changes in fair value

   1,506      287           1,793   

Net gains transferred to net profit

   (642   (92        (734

Currency translation differences

             (1,223   (1,223

Net losses transferred to net profit due to impairment

   670                670   

Changes in insurance liabilities

   (67             (67

Net gains transferred to net profit due to fair value hedging

   (123             (123

Tax

   (179)      (75)      (2)      (256)   

At 31st December 2009

   (84)      252      1,615      1,783   

 

Retained earnings

      
     

Retained

earnings
£m

 

At 1st January 2009

   22,457   

Profit attributable to equity holders

   9,993   

Equity-settled share schemes

   298   

Tax on equity-settled shares schemes

   156   

Other taxes

   32   

Vesting of Barclays PLC shares under share-based payment schemes

   (80

Dividends paid

   (103

Dividends on preference shares and other shareholders’ equity

   (599

Capital injection from Barclays PLC

   4,850   

Other movements

   85   

At 31st December 2009

   37,089   

At 1st January 2008

   14,222   

Profit attributable to equity holders

   4,846   

Equity-settled share schemes

   463   

Tax on equity-settled shares schemes

   (4

Other taxes

   (52

Vesting of Barclays PLC shares under share-based payment schemes

   (437

Dividends paid

   (1,160

Dividends on preference shares and other shareholders’ equity

   (502

Capital injection from Barclays PLC

   5,137   

Other movements

   (56

At 31st December 2008

   22,457   

Transfers from the cash flow hedging reserve to the income statement were: interest income £22m loss (2008: £4m loss), interest expense £272m gain (2008: £74m loss), net trading income £165m loss (2008: £119m gain) and administration and general expenses of £7m gain (2008: £60m loss).

k Other shareholders’ equity

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

At 1st January

   2,564    2,687

Appropriations

      23

Tax credits

   47    44

Other movements

   (52)    (190)

At 31st December

   2,559    2,564

Included in other shareholders’ equity are:

Issuances of reserve capital instruments which bear a fixed rate of interest ranging between 7.375%-8.55% until 2010 or 2011. After these dates, in the event that the reserve capital instruments are not redeemed, they will bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London or European interbank rates. These instruments are repayable, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any coupon payment date falling in or after June or December 2010 or 2011. The Bank may elect to defer any payment of interest on the reserve capital instruments for any period of time. Whilst such deferral is continuing, neither the Bank nor Barclays PLC may declare or pay a dividend, subject to certain exceptions, on any of its ordinary shares or preference shares.

Issuance of capital notes which bear interest at rates fixed periodically in advance, based on London interbank rates. These notes are repayable in each case, at the option of the Bank, in whole on any interest payment date. The Bank is not obliged to make a payment of interest on its capital notes if, in the preceding six months, a dividend has not been declared or paid on any class of shares of Barclays PLC.


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Barclays Bank PLC data

Notes to the accounts

continued

 

 

 

l Non-controlling interests

 

      2009
£m
    2008
£m
 

At beginning of year

   2,372      1,949   

Share of profit after tax

   296      403   

Dividend and other payments

   (132   (134

Equity issued by subsidiaries

        4   

Available for sale reserve: net (loss)/gain from changes in fair value

   (12   (1

Cash flow hedges: net (loss)/gain from changes in fair value

   (19   76   

Currency translation differences

   285      59   

Additions

   9        

Disposals

   (91   (11

Other

   66      27   

At end of year

   2,774      2,372   

m Dividends

 

      2009
£m
   2008
£m

On ordinary shares

     

Final dividend

      1,030

Interim dividends

   103    130

Dividends

   103    1,160

These dividends are paid to enable Barclays PLC to fund its dividends to its shareholders.

Dividends paid on preference shares amounted to £477m (2008: £390m). Dividends paid on other equity instruments as detailed in Note k amounted to £122m (2008: £112m).

n Financial risks

The only significant financial instruments that are held by Barclays Bank PLC and not Barclays PLC are investments in Barclays PLC ordinary shares, dealt with as trading portfolio equity assets, debt securities and available for sale financial investments as appropriate.

There consequently are no significant differences in exposures to market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and the fair value of financial instruments between Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC, and no differences in the manner in which these financial risks are managed. Therefore the disclosures regarding financial risks appearing in Notes 46 to 49 are in all material respects the same for Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays PLC.

o Capital

The Barclays Bank PLC Group’s policies and objectives for managing capital are the same as those for the Barclays PLC Group, disclosed in Note 52.

The table below provides details of the Barclays Bank PLC Group at 31st December 2009 and 2008.

 

      2009
Basel II
£m
    2008
Basel II
£m
 

Total qualifying Tier 1 capital

   49,722      37,101   

Total qualifying Tier 2 capital

   14,620      22,356   

Total deductions

   (880   (964

Total net capital resources

   63,462      58,493   

p Segmental reporting

Segmental reporting by Barclays Bank PLC is the same as that presented in Note 53 to the Barclays PLC financial statements, except for:

 

 

the difference in profit before tax of £26m (2008: £42m) between Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC is included in Head office functions and other operations; and

 

 

the difference in total assets of £219m (2008: £49m) is represented by holdings of Barclays PLC shares held by the businesses.


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Barclays Bank PLC data

Financial data

 

 

 

                 IFRS               
Selected financial statistics   

2009

%

   

2008

%

   

2007

%

   

2006

%

   

2005

%

 

Attributable profit from continuing operations as a percentage of:

          

– average total assets

   0.2      0.3      0.4      0.4      0.4   

– average shareholders’ equity

   6.5      12.1      14.5      18.8      15.9   

Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets

 

   2.9      2.0      2.2      2.2      2.2   

Selected income statement data

 

  

£m

 

   

£m

 

   

£m

 

   

£m

 

   

£m

 

 

Continuing operations

          

Interest income

   21,236      28,010      25,296      21,795      17,217   

Interest expense

   (9,567   (16,595   (15,707   (12,662   (9,157

Non-interest income

   18,256      9,975      11,948      11,433      8,631   

Operating expenses

   (16,712   (13,387   (12,096   11,723      (9,748

Impairment charges

   (8,071   (5,419   (2,795   (2,154   (1,571

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

   34      14      42      46      45   

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

   188      327      28      323        

Gains on acquisitions

   26      2,406                  

Profit before tax from continuing operations

   4,559      5,094      6,254      6,483      4,772   

Profit for the year from discontinued operations, including gain on disposal

   6,777      604      571      384      351   

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent from:

          

Continuing operations

   3,228      4,259      4,218      4,578      3,385   

Discontinued operations

 

   6,765

 

  

 

  587

 

  

 

  531

 

  

 

  336

 

  

 

  310

 

  

 

Selected balance sheet data

 

  

£m

 

   

£m

 

   

£m

 

   

£m

 

   

£m

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   58,699      43,574      31,821      27,106      24,243   

Subordinated liabilities

   25,816      29,842      18,150      13,786      12,463   

Deposits from banks, customer accounts and debt securities in issue

   534,803      603,869      506,623      447,453      417,139   

Loans and advances to banks and customers

   461,359      509,522      385,518      313,226      300,001   

Total assets

 

   1,379,148      2,053,029      1,227,583      996,503      924,170   


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Barclays Bank PLC data

Financial data

 

 

 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges – Barclays Bank PLC

 

      2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
     (in £m except for ratios)   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

          

Fixed charges

          

Interest expense

   20,962      38,197      37,903      30,385      20,965   

Rental expense

 

   256      235      158      135      124   

Total fixed charges

 

   21,218      38,432      38,061      30,520      21,089   

Earnings

          

Income before taxes and non-controlling interests

   4,559      5,094      6,254      6,483      4,772   

Less: Unremitted pre-tax income of associated companies and joint ventures

 

   (43   (19   (45   (41   (28
   4,516      5,075      6,209      6,442      4,744   

Fixed charges

 

   21,218      38,432      38,061      30,520      21,089   

Total earnings including fixed charges

 

   25,734      43,507      44,270      36,962      25,833   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

 

   1.21      1.13      1.16      1.21      1.22   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preference shares – Barclays Bank PLC

 

      2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
     (in £m except for ratios)   

Combined fixed charges, preference share dividends and similar appropriations

          

Interest expense

   20,962      38,197      37,903      30,385      20,965   

Rental expense

 

   256      235      158      135      124   

Fixed charges

   21,218      38,432      38,061      30,520      21,089   

Preference share dividends and similar appropriations

 

   646      583      345      395      304   

Total fixed charges

 

   21,864      39,015      38,406      30,915      21,393   

Earnings

          

Income before taxes and non-controlling interests

   4,559      5,094      6,254      6,483      4,772   

Less: Unremitted pre-tax income of associated companies and joint ventures

 

   (43   (19   (45   (41   (28
   4,516      5,075      6,209      6,442      4,744   

Fixed charges

 

   21,864      39,015      38,406      30,915      21,393   

Total earnings including fixed charges

 

   26,380      44,090      44,615      37,357      26,137   

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges, preference share dividends and similar appropriations

 

   1.21      1.13      1.16      1.21      1.22   


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Shareholder information

 

302  

Shareholder information

 

312  

Shareholder enquiries

 

313  

Index

 

315  

Glossary of terms

 



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Shareholder information

 

 

 

Dividends on the ordinary shares of Barclays PLC

Barclays PLC has paid dividends on its ordinary shares every year since its incorporation in 1896.

As announced on 10th November 2009, the Board resumed dividend payments with an interim cash dividend of 1p per ordinary share paid on 11th December 2009. A final cash dividend for the full-year ended 31st December 2009 of 1.5p per ordinary share was announced on 16th February 2010 for payment on 19th March 2010.

We intend to make three quarterly fixed payments in 2010 and a final variable payment relating to the calendar year 2010 in March 2011. Given uncertainty about the full consequences of regulatory reform, prudence dictates that our dividend policy should be conservative. But, subject to that caveat, we intend our dividend policy to be progressive relative to a 2009 annualised dividend of 4.5p per share.

The dividends declared for each of the last five years were:

 

Pence per 25p ordinary share

                        
      2009    2008    2007    2006    2005

Interim

   1.00    11.50    11.50    10.50    9.20

Final

 

   1.50       22.50    20.50    17.40

Total

 

   2.50    11.50    34.00    31.00    26.60

 

US Dollars per 25p ordinary share

                        
      2009    2008    2007    2006    2005

Interim

   0.02    0.20    0.23    0.20    0.16

Final

 

   0.02       0.45    0.41    0.31

Total

 

   0.04    0.20    0.68    0.61    0.47

The gross dividends applicable to an American Depositary Share (ADS) representing four ordinary shares, before deduction of withholding tax, are as follows:

 

US Dollars per American Depositary Share

                        
      2009    2008    2007    2006    2005

Interim

   0.07    0.82    0.93    0.80    0.65

Final

 

   0.09       1.78    1.64    1.24

Total

 

   0.16    0.82    2.71    2.44    1.89

For years prior to 2009, final dividends expressed in Dollars have been translated at the Noon Buying Rates in New York City for cable transfers in Pounds Sterling as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the Noon Buying Rate). From January 2009, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York discontinued the publication of Noon Buying Rates. The final dividend for 2009 is expressed in Dollars translated at the closing spot rate for Pounds Sterling as determined by Bloomberg at 5pm in New York City (the ‘Closing Spot Rate’) on 5th March 2010. No representation is made that Pounds Sterling amounts have been, or could have been, or could be, converted into Dollars at these rates.

Trading market for ordinary shares of Barclays PLC

The nominal capital of Barclays PLC is divided into 20,996,000,000 ordinary shares of 25p each (ordinary shares), 0.4 million Sterling preference shares of £100 each, 0.4 million US Dollar preference shares of $100 each, 150 million US Dollar preference shares of $0.25 each, 0.4 million Euro preference shares of 100 each, 0.4 million Yen preference shares of ¥10,000 each and 1 million staff shares of £1 each. At the close of business on 31st December 2009, 11,411,577,230 ordinary shares were outstanding.

The principal trading market for Barclays PLC ordinary shares is the London Stock Exchange. Ordinary share listings were also obtained on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with effect from 9th September 1986.

Trading on the NYSE is in the form of ADSs under the symbol ‘BCS’. Each ADS represents four ordinary shares and is evidenced by an American Depositary Receipt (ADR). The ADR depositary is J P Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. Details of trading activity are published in the stock tables of leading daily newspapers in the US.

There were 891 ADR holders and 1,595 recorded holders of ordinary shares with US addresses at 31st December 2009, whose shareholdings represented approximately 12.08% of total outstanding ordinary shares on that date. Since certain of the ordinary shares and ADRs were held by brokers or other nominees, the number of recorded holders in the US may not be representative of the number of beneficial holders or of their country of residence.


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The following table shows the high and low sales price for the ordinary shares during the periods indicated, based on mid-market prices at close of business on the London Stock Exchange and the high and low sale price for ADSs as reported on the NYSE composite tape.

 

      25p ordinary shares   

American

Depositary Shares

     

High

p

  

Low

p

   High
US$
   Low
US$

2010

           

By month:

           

January

   320.6    265.0    21.1    17.0

February

   316.3    262.0    19.9    16.3

2009

           

By month:

           

July

   314.8    287.0    20.9    18.4

August

   380.3    322.6    24.7    22.2

September

   380.0    351.3    25.4    22.9

October

   383.6    319.0    25.2    20.6

November

   342.9    291.1    23.2    19.6

December

   304.5    264.3    20.1    17.4

By quarter:

           

First quarter

   184.6    51.2    11.0    3.1

Second quarter

   316.3    157.0    20.5    9.3

Third quarter

   380.3    287.0    25.4    18.4

Fourth quarter

   383.6    264.3    25.2    17.4

2008

           

First quarter

   506.4    382.3    41.4    32.3

Second quarter

   490.8    291.5    39.9    23.2

Third quarter

   389.0    260.5    32.5    20.8

Fourth quarter

   368.0    127.7    25.9    7.4

2008

   506.4    127.7    41.4    7.4

2007

   790.0    474.5    62.5    39.9

2006

   737.0    586.0    61.5    41.8

2005

   615.0    520.0    47.0    37.2

2004

   586.0    443.0    46.0    32.8

This section incorporates information on the prices at which securities of Barclays PLC have traded. It is emphasised that past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance.

 

Shareholdings at 31st December 2009 a

                   
      Number of
shareholders
   Percentage
of holders
   Shares held
(millions)
   Percentage
of capital

Classification of shareholders

           

Personal holders

   732,028    97.34    762.49    6.68

Banks and nominees

   18,083    2.40    9,537.83    83.58

Other companies

   1,859    0.25    1,111.18    9.74

Insurance companies

   12       0.05   

Pensions funds

   18       0.03   

Totals

 

   752,000    100.00    11,411.58    100

Shareholding range

           

1-100

   30,251    4.02    1.28    0.01

101-250

   230,779    30.69    48.54    0.43

251-500

   238,196    31.68    81.45    0.71

501-1,000

   116,153    15.45    81.71    0.72

1,001-5,000

   104,331    13.87    215.08    1.88

5,001-10,000

   17,538    2.33    123.89    1.09

10,001-25,000

   10,192    1.36    154.08    1.35

25,001-50,000

   2,296    0.31    78.57    0.69

50,001 and over

   2,264    0.30    10,626.98    93.12

Totals

 

   752,000    100.00    11,411.58    100

United States holdings

 

   1,595    0.21    3.39    0.03

Note

 

a These figures include Barclays Sharestore members.


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Shareholder information

continued

 

 

 

Currency of presentation

In this report, unless otherwise specified, all amounts are expressed in Pound Sterling. For the months of September 2009 through to February 2010, the highest and lowest closing spot rates as determined by Bloomberg at 5:00pm (New York time) (the “Closing Spot Rate”), expressed in US Dollars per Pound Sterling were:

 

      (US Dollars per Pound Sterling)
     February    January    December    November    October    September
            2010                2009      

High

   1.60    1.64    1.66    1.68    1.66    1.67

Low

   1.52    1.59    1.59    1.64    1.58    1.59

For the years 2005 through to 2008 the average of the noon buying rates on the last day of each month is shown in the table below. From January 2009, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York discontinued the publication of Noon Buying Rates. For 2009 the average Closing Spot Rate on the last day of each month is shown in the table below.

 

      (US Dollars per Pound Sterling)

Average

   2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
     1.57    1.84    2.0    1.86    1.81

On 5th March 2010, the Closing Spot Rate in Pound Sterling was $1.51.

No representation is made that Pounds Sterling amounts have been, or could have been, or could be, converted into US Dollars at any of the above rates. For the purpose of presenting financial information in this report, exchange rates other than those shown above may have been used.


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Articles of Association

The Company was incorporated in England on 20th July 1896 under the Companies Acts 1862 to 1890 as a company limited by shares and was reregistered in 1982 as a public limited company under the Companies Acts 1948 to 1980. The Company is registered under company number 48839. The Company was reregistered as Barclays PLC on 1st January 1985.

The objects of the Company are set out in full in clause 4 of its Memorandum of Association which provides, among other things, that the Company’s objects are to carry on business as an investment and holding company and the business of banking in all its aspects. The Memorandum of Association is treated as forming part of the Company’s Articles of Association as of 1st October 2009 by virtue of the Companies Act 2006.

The Company may, by Special Resolution, amend its Articles of Association. The Company is proposing to adopt new Articles of Association at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2010, to update its Articles of Association following implementation of the remaining provisions of the Companies Act 2006. A summary of the proposed changes may be found in the Notice of Meeting that accompanies this report.

The following is a summary of the current Articles of Association.

Directors

(i) The minimum number of Directors (excluding alternate Directors) is five. There is no maximum limit. There is no age limit for Directors.

(ii) Excluding executive remuneration and any other entitlement to remuneration for extra services (including service on board committees) under the Articles, a Director is entitled to a fee at a rate determined by the Board but the aggregate fees paid to all Directors shall not exceed £1,000,000 per annum or such higher amount as may be approved by an ordinary resolution of the Company. Each Director is entitled to reimbursement for all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by him/her in or about the performance of his/her duties.

(iii) No Director may act (either himself/herself or through his/her firm) as an auditor of the Company. A Director may hold any other office of the Company on such terms as the Board shall determine.

(iv) At each AGM of the Company, one third of the Directors (rounded down) are required to retire from office by rotation and may offer themselves for re-election. The Directors so retiring are those who have been longest in office (and in the case of equality of service length are selected by lot). Other than a retiring Director, no person shall (unless recommended by the Board) be eligible for election unless a member notifies the Company Secretary in advance of his/her intention to propose a person for election.

(v) The Board has the power to appoint additional Directors or to fill a casual vacancy amongst the Directors. Any Director so appointed holds office until the next AGM, when he/she may offer himself/herself for re-election. He/she is not taken into account in determining the number of Directors retiring by rotation.

(vi) The Board may appoint any Director to any executive position or employment in the Company on such terms as they determine.

(vii) A Director may appoint either another Director or some other person approved by the Board to act as his/her alternate with power to attend Board meetings and generally to exercise the functions of the appointing Director in his/her absence (other than the power to appoint an alternate).

(viii) The Board may authorise any matter in relation to which a Director has, or can have, a direct interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict with, the Company’s interests. Only Directors who have no interest in the matter being considered will be able to authorise the relevant matter and they may impose limits or conditions when giving authorisation if they think this is appropriate.

(ix) A Director may hold positions with or be interested in other companies and, subject to legislation applicable to the Company and the FSA’s requirements, may contract with the Company or any other company in which the Company is interested. A Director may not vote or count towards the quorum on any resolution concerning any proposal in which he/she (or any person connected with him/her) has a material interest (other than by virtue of his/her interest in securities of the Company) or if he/she has a duty which conflicts or may conflict with the interests of the Company, unless the resolution relates to any proposal:

 

(a) to indemnify a Director or provide him/her with a guarantee or security in respect of money lent by him/her to, or any obligation incurred by him/her or any other person for the benefit of (or at the request of), the Company (or any other member of the Group);

 

(b) to indemnify or give security or a guarantee to a third party in respect of a debt or obligation of the Company (or any other member of the Group) for which the Director has personally assumed responsibility;

 

(c) to obtain insurance for the benefit of Directors;

 

(d) involving the acquisition by a Director of any securities of the Company pursuant to an offer to existing holders of securities or to the public;

 

(e) that the Director underwrite any issue of securities of the Company (or any of its subsidiaries);

 

(f) concerning any other company in which the Director is interested as an officer or creditor or shareholder but, broadly, only if he/she (together with his/her connected persons) is directly or indirectly interested in less than 1% of either any class of the issued equity share capital or of the voting rights of that company; and

 

(g) concerning any other arrangement for the benefit of employees of the Company (or any other member of the Group) under which the Director benefits or stands to benefit in a similar manner to the employees concerned and which does not give the Director any advantage which the employees to whom the arrangement relates would not receive.

(x) A Director may not vote or be counted in the quorum on any resolution which concerns his/her own employment or appointment to any office of the Company or any other company in which the Company is interested.

(xi) Subject to applicable legislation, the provisions described in sub-paragraphs (ix) and (x) may be relaxed or suspended by an ordinary resolution of the members of the Company or any applicable governmental or other regulatory body.

(xii) A Director is required to hold an interest in ordinary shares having a nominal value of at least £500, which currently equates to 2,000 Ordinary Shares unless restricted from acquiring or holding such interest by any applicable law or regulation or any applicable governmental or other regulatory body. A Director may act before acquiring those shares but must acquire the qualification shares within two months from his/her appointment. Where a Director is unable to acquire the requisite number of shares within that time owing to law, regulation or requirement of any governmental or other relevant authority, he/she must acquire the shares as soon as reasonably practicable once the restriction(s) end.

(xiii) The Board may exercise all of the powers of the Company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital and to issue debentures and other securities.

Classes of share

The Company only has Ordinary Shares in issue. However, the Company has authorised but unissued preference shares of £100, $100, $0.25, 100 and ¥10,000 each (together, the Preference Shares) which may (pursuant to a resolution passed by the shareholders of the Company at the AGM) be issued by the Board from time to time in one or more series with such rights and subject to such restrictions and limitations as the Board may determine. The Company also has authorised but unissued staff shares of £1 each. The Articles of Association contain provisions to the following effect:

(i) Dividends

Subject to the provisions of the Articles and applicable legislation, the Company in General Meeting may declare dividends on the Ordinary Shares by ordinary resolution, but such dividend may not exceed the amount recommended by the Board. The Board may also pay interim or final dividends if it appears they are justified by the Company’s financial position.

Each Preference Share confers the right to a non-cumulative preferential dividend (Preference Dividend) payable in such currency at such rates (whether fixed or calculated by reference to or in accordance with a specified procedure or mechanism), on such dates and on such other terms as may be determined by the Board prior to allotment thereof.



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The Preference Shares rank in regard to payment of dividend in priority to the holders of Ordinary Shares and any other class of shares in the Company ranking junior to the Preference Shares.

Dividends may be paid on the Preference Shares if, in the opinion of the Board, the Company has sufficient distributable profits, after payment in full or the setting aside of a sum to provide for all dividends payable on (or in the case of shares carrying a cumulative right to dividends, before) the relevant dividend payment date on any class of shares in the Company ranking pari passu with or in priority to the relevant series of Preference Shares as regards participation in the profits of the Company.

If the Board considers that the distributable profits of the Company available for distribution are insufficient to cover the payment in full of Preference Dividends, Preference Dividends shall be paid to the extent of the distributable profits on a pro rata basis.

Notwithstanding the above, the Board may, at its absolute discretion, determine that any Preference Dividend which would otherwise be payable may either not be payable at all or only payable in part.

If any Preference Dividend on a series of Preference Shares is not paid, or is only paid in part, for the reasons described above, holders of Preference Shares will not have a claim in respect of such nonpayment.

If any dividend on a series of Preference Shares is not paid in full on the relevant dividend payment date, a dividend restriction shall apply. The dividend restriction means that, subject to certain exceptions, neither the Company nor Barclays Bank may (a) pay a dividend on, or (b) redeem, purchase, reduce or otherwise acquire, any of their respective ordinary shares, other preference shares or other share capital ranking equal or junior to the relevant series of Preference Shares until the earlier of such time as the Company next pays in full a dividend on the relevant series of Preference Shares or the date on which all of the relevant series of Preference Shares are redeemed.

All unclaimed dividends payable in respect of any share may be invested or otherwise made use of by the Board for the benefit of the Company until claimed. If a dividend is not claimed after 12 years of it becoming payable, it is forfeited and reverts to the Company.

The Board may (although it currently does not), with the approval of an ordinary resolution of the Company, offer shareholders the right to choose to receive an allotment of additional fully paid Ordinary Shares instead of cash in respect of all or part of any dividend.

(ii) Voting

Every member who is present in person or by proxy, or represented at any general meeting of the Company and who is entitled to vote has one vote on a show of hands. On a poll, every member who is present or represented has one vote for every share held. Any joint holder may vote in respect of jointly owned shares, but the vote of the senior holder (as determined by order in the share register) shall take precedence. If any sum payable remains unpaid in relation to a member’s shareholding, that member is not entitled to vote that share or exercise any other right in relation to a meeting of the Company unless the Board otherwise determine.

If any member, or any other person appearing to be interested in any of the Company’s Ordinary Shares, is served with a notice under Section 793 of the Companies Act 2006 and does not supply the Company with the information required in the notice, then the Board, in its absolute discretion, may direct that that member shall not be entitled to attend or vote at any meeting of the Company.

The Board may further direct that if the shares of the defaulting member represent 0.25% or more of the issued shares of the relevant class, that dividends or other monies payable on those shares shall be retained by the Company until the direction ceases to have effect and that no transfer of those shares shall be registered (other than certain specified ‘approved transfers’). A direction ceases to have effect seven days after the Company has received the information requested, or when the Company is notified that an ‘approved transfer’ to a third party has occurred, or as the Board otherwise determines.

 

(iii) Transfers

Ordinary Shares may be held in either certificated or uncertificated form. Certificated Ordinary Shares shall be transferred in writing in any usual or other form approved by the Board and executed by or on behalf of the transferor. Transfers of uncertificated Ordinary Shares shall be made in accordance with the applicable regulations. The Board may make any arrangements to regulate and evidence the transfer of Ordinary Shares as they consider fit in accordance with applicable legislation and the rules of the FSA.

Registration of Ordinary Shares may be suspended, subject to applicable legislation, for such periods as the Board may determine (but for not more than 30 days in any calendar year).

The Board is not bound to register a transfer of partly paid Ordinary Shares, or fully paid shares in exceptional circumstances approved by the FSA. The Board may also decline to register an instrument of transfer of certificated Ordinary Shares unless it is duly stamped and deposited at the prescribed place and accompanied by the share certificate(s) and such other evidence as reasonably required by the Board to evidence right to transfer, it is in respect of one class of shares only, and it is in favour of not more than four transferees (except in the case of executors or trustees of a member).

Preference Shares may be represented by share warrants to bearer or be in registered form.

Preference Shares represented by share warrants to bearer are transferred by delivery of the relevant warrant. Preference Shares in registered form shall be transferred in writing in any usual or other form approved by the Board and executed by or on behalf of the transferor. The Company’s registrar shall register such transfers of Preference Shares in registered form by making the appropriate entries in the register of Preference Shares.

(iv) Return of Capital and Liquidation

In the event of any return of capital by reduction of capital or on liquidation, the holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive such capital in proportion to the amounts paid up or credited as paid up on the shares of each class.

Each Preference Share shall confer, in the event of a winding up or any return of capital by reduction of capital (other than, unless otherwise provided by their terms of issue, a redemption or purchase by the Company of any of its issued shares, or a reduction of share capital), the right to receive out of the surplus assets of the Company available for distribution amongst the members and in priority to the holders of the Ordinary Shares and any other shares in the Company ranking junior to the relevant series of Preference Shares and pari passu with any other class of Preference Shares, repayment of the amount paid up or treated as paid up in respect of the nominal value of the Preference Share together with any premium which was paid or treated as paid when the Preference Share was issued in addition to an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends.

(v) Redemption and Purchase

Subject to applicable legislation and the rights of the other shareholders, any share may be issued on terms that it is, at the option of the Company or the holder of such share, redeemable. While the Company currently has no redeemable shares in issue, any series of Preference Shares issued in the future will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company on a date not less than five years after the date on which such series of Preference Shares was first issued. The Company may purchase its own shares subject to the provisions of applicable legislation, the Articles and the approval of any class of convertible shares in issue (by special resolution or written consent of 75% of such class).

(vi) Calls on capital

The Directors may make calls upon the members in respect of any monies unpaid on their shares. A person upon whom a call is made remains liable even if the shares in respect of which the call is made have been transferred. Interest will be chargeable on any unpaid amount called at a rate determined by the Board (of not more than 20%).



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If a member fails to pay any call in full (following notice from the Board that such failure will result in forfeiture of the relevant shares), such shares (including any dividends declared but not paid) may be forfeited by a resolution of the Board, and will become the property of the Company. Forfeiture shall not absolve a previous member for amounts payable by him/her (which may continue to accrue interest).

The Company also has a lien over all partly paid shares of the Company for all monies payable or called on that share and over the debts and liabilities of a member to the Company. If any monies which are the subject of the lien remain unpaid after a notice from the Board demanding payment, the Company may sell such shares.

(vii) Variation of Rights

The rights attached to any class of shares may be varied with the sanction of special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.

The rights of shares shall not (unless expressly provided by the rights attached to such shares) be deemed varied by the creation of further shares ranking equally with them.

Annual and other general meetings

The Company is required to hold an AGM in addition to such other general meetings as the Directors think fit. The type of the meeting will be specified in the notice calling it. Under the Companies Act 2006, the AGM must be held within six months of the financial year end. A general meeting may be convened by the Board on requisition in accordance with the applicable legislation.

In the case of an AGM, a minimum of 21 clear days’ notice is required. The notice must be in writing and must specify the place, the day and the hour of the meeting, and the general nature of the business to be transacted. A notice convening a meeting to pass a special resolution shall specify the intention to propose the resolution as such. The accidental failure to give notice of a general meeting or the non-receipt of such notice will not invalidate the proceedings at such meeting.

Subject as noted above, all shareholders are entitled to attend and vote at general meetings. The Articles do, however, provide that arrangements may be made for simultaneous attendance at a general meeting at a place other than that specified in the notice of meeting, in which case shareholders may be excluded from the specified place.

Holders of Preference Shares have no right to receive notice of, attend or vote at, any general meetings of the Company as a result of holding Preference Shares.

Limitations on foreign shareholders

There are no restrictions imposed by the Company’s Memorandum or Articles of Association or (subject to the effect of any economic sanctions that may be in force from time to time) by current UK laws which relate only to non-residents of the UK and which limit the rights of such non-residents to hold or (when entitled to do so) vote the Company’s Ordinary Shares.

Notices

A document or information may be sent by the Company in hard copy form, electronic form, by being made available on a website, or by another means agreed with the recipient. A document or information may only be sent in electronic form to a person who has agreed to receive it in that form or, in the case of a company, who has been deemed to have so agreed pursuant to applicable legislation. A document or information may only be sent by being made available on a website if the recipient has agreed to receive it in that form or has been deemed to have so agreed pursuant to applicable legislation, and has not revoked that agreement.

 

In respect of joint holdings, documents or information shall be sent to the joint holder whose name stands first in the register.

A member who (having no registered address within the UK) has not supplied an address in the UK at which documents or information may be sent is not entitled to have documents or information sent to him/her.

Alteration of share capital

The Company may, by way of ordinary resolution:

 

 

increase its share capital by a sum to be divided into shares of an amount prescribed by the resolution;

 

 

consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of a larger nominal amount;

 

 

subject to legislation, sub-divide all or part of its shares into shares of a smaller nominal amount and may decide by that resolution that the resulting shares have preference or other advantage or restrictions; and

 

 

cancel any shares which, at the date of the resolution, have not been subscribed or agreed to have been subscribed for and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.

The Company may also, by special resolution, reduce its share capital or capital redemption reserve or any share premium account or other undistributable reserve in any manner authorised by legislation.

The Company may, by ordinary resolution, upon the recommendation of the Board capitalise all or any part of an amount standing to the credit of a reserve or fund to be set free for distribution provided that amounts from the share premium account, capital redemption reserve or any profits not available for distribution should be applied only in paying up unissued shares issued to members and no unrealised profits shall be applied in paying up debentures of the Company or any amount unpaid on any share in the capital of the Company.

Indemnity

Subject to applicable legislation, every current and former Director or other officer of the Company (other than any person engaged by the company as auditor) shall be indemnified by the Company against any liability in relation to the Company, other than (broadly) any liability to the Company or a member of the Group, or any criminal or regulatory fine.

 

Officers of the Group         Date of
appointment
as officer

Lawrence Dickinson

  

Company Secretary

   2002

Peter Estlin

  

Group Financial Controller

   2008

Patrick Gonsalves

  

Joint Secretary, Barclays Bank PLC

   2002

Mark Harding

  

Group General Counsel

   2003

Antony Jenkins

  

Chief Executive of

  
  

Global Retail Banking

   2009

Tom Kalaris

  

Chief Executive of Barclays Wealth

   2009

Robert Le Blanc

  

Group Risk Officer

   2004

Jerry del Missier

  

President of Barclays Capital and Co-Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking

   2009

Maria Ramos

  

Group Chief Executive, Absa

   2009

Rich Ricci

  

Co-Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking

   2009

Cathy Turner

  

Group Human Resources Director

   2009


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Taxation

The following is a summary of the principal tax consequences for holders of Ordinary Shares of Barclays PLC, Preference Shares of Barclays Bank PLC (the Bank), or ADSs representing such Ordinary Shares or Preference Shares, and who are citizens or residents of the UK or US, or otherwise who are subject to UK tax or US federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of such securities, that own the shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. It is not, however, a comprehensive analysis of all the potential tax consequences for such holders, and it does not discuss the tax consequences of members of special classes of holders subject to special rules or holders that, directly or indirectly, hold 10% or more of Barclays voting stock. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisers regarding the tax implications of their particular holdings, including the consequences under applicable state and local law, and in particular whether they are eligible for the benefits of the Treaty, as defined below.

A US holder is a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs that is, for US federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident of the US, (ii) a US domestic corporation, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to US federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if a US court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more US persons are authorised to control all substantial decisions of the trust. If a partnership holds the shares or ADSs, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the shares or ADSs should consult its tax adviser with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment of an investment in the shares or ADSs.

Unless otherwise noted, the statements of tax laws set out below are based on the tax laws of the UK in force as at 5th March 2010 and are subject to any subsequent changes in UK law, in particular any announcements made in the Chancellor’s expected UK Budget in March 2010.

This section is also based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions (the Code), and on the Double Taxation Convention between the UK and the US as entered into force in March 2003 (the Treaty), all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

This section is based in part upon the representations of the ADR Depositary and the assumption that each obligation of the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

For purposes of the Treaty, the Estate and Gift Tax Convention between the United Kingdom and the United States, and the Code, the holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be treated as owners of the underlying ordinary shares or preference shares, as the case may be. Generally, exchanges of shares for ADRs and ADRs for shares will not be subject to US federal income tax or to UK capital gains tax.

Taxation of UK holders

Taxation of dividends

In accordance with UK law, Barclays pays dividends on ordinary shares and preference shares without any deduction or withholding tax in respect of any taxes imposed by the UK government or any UK taxing authority.

If the shareholder is a UK resident individual liable to income tax only at the basic rate, then there will be no further tax liability in respect of the dividend received. If, however, the individual shareholder is subject to income tax at the higher/highest rates (currently 40%/50%), there will be a further liability to tax. Higher/highest rate taxpayers are taxable on dividend income at a special rate (currently 32.5%/42.5%) against which can be offset a tax credit of one-ninth of the cash dividend received. Tax credits are not repayable to shareholders with no tax liability.

 

Taxation of shares under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Where a shareholder elects to purchase shares using their cash dividend, the individual will be liable for income tax on dividends reinvested in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan on the same basis as if they had received the cash and arranged the investment themselves. They should accordingly include the dividend received in their annual tax return in the normal way. The tax consequences for a UK individual are the same as described in ‘Taxation of dividends’ above.

Taxation of capital gains

Where shares are disposed of by open market sale, a capital gain may result if the disposal proceeds exceed the sum of the base cost of the shares sold and any other allowable deductions such as share dealing costs and indexation relief (up to 5th April 1998). To arrive at the total base cost of any Barclays PLC shares held, the amount subscribed for rights taken up in 1985 and 1988 must be added to the cost of all other shares held. For this purpose, current legislation permits the market valuation at 31st March 1982 to be substituted for the original cost of shares purchased before that date.

The calculations required to compute chargeable capital gains may be complex. Capital gains may also arise from the gifting of shares to connected parties such as relatives (although not spouses or civil partners) and family trusts. Shareholders are advised to consult their personal financial adviser if further information regarding a possible tax liability in respect of their holdings of Barclays PLC shares is required.

Stamp duty

Stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax at the rate of 0.5% is normally payable on the purchase price of shares acquired.

Inheritance tax

An individual may be liable to inheritance tax on the transfer of ordinary shares or preference shares. Where an individual is liable, inheritance tax may be charged on the amount by which the value of his or her estate is reduced as a result of any transfer by way of gift or other gratuitous transaction made by them or treated as made by them.

Taxation of US holders

Taxation of dividends

Subject to PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder is subject to US federal income taxation on the gross amount of any dividend paid by Barclays PLC or Barclays Bank PLC, as applicable, out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal income tax purposes). Dividends paid to a non-corporate US holder in taxable years beginning before 1st January 2011 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to the holder at a maximum tax rate of 15%, provided that the holder has a holding period of the shares or ADSs of more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or, in the case of preference shares or ADSs relating thereto, if the dividend is attributable to a period or periods aggregating over 366 days, provided that the holder holds the shares or ADSs for more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before the ex-dividend date) and meets certain other holding period requirements. Dividends paid by Barclays, with respect to the ordinary or preference shares or ADSs will generally be qualified dividend income.

A US holder will not be subject to UK withholding tax. The US holder will include in gross income for US federal income tax purposes the amount of the dividend actually received. Dividends must be included in income when the US holder, in the case of shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, actually or constructively receives the dividend, and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to US corporations in respect of dividends received from other US corporations. For foreign tax credit purposes, dividends will generally be income from sources outside the



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United States and will, depending on a US holder’s circumstances, be either ‘passive’ or ‘general’ income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a US holder.

The amount of the dividend distribution includable in income will be the US Dollar value of the Pound Sterling payments made, determined at the spot Pound Sterling/US Dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includable in income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into US Dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend payment is includable in income to the date the payment is converted into US Dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and, for foreign tax credit limitation purposes, from sources within the US and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income.

Distributions in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the US holder’s basis in the shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain.

Taxation of capital gains

Subject to PFIC rules discussed below, generally, US holders will not be subject to UK tax, but will be subject to US tax on capital gains realised on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares, preference shares or ADSs. Generally, a US holder will recognise capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realised and a US holder’s tax basis, determined in US Dollars, in its shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a noncorporate US holder that is recognised in taxable years beginning before 1st January 2011 is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% where the holder has a holding period of greater than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Taxation of premium on redemption or purchase of shares

No refund of tax will be available under the Treaty in respect of any premium paid on a redemption of preference shares by Barclays Bank PLC or on a purchase by Barclays PLC of its own shares. For US tax purposes, redemption premium generally will be treated as an additional amount realised in the calculation of gain or loss.

Taxation of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs)

Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC believe that their respective shares and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If Barclays PLC or Barclays Bank PLC were to be treated as a PFIC, unless a US holder elects to be taxed annually on a mark to market basis with respect to the shares or ADSs, gain realised on the sale or other disposition of their shares or ADSs

 

would in general not be treated as capital gain. Instead, for a US holder, such gain and certain ‘excess distributions’ would be treated as having been realised rateably over the holding period for the shares or ADSs and would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. With certain exceptions, a US holder’s shares or ADSs will be treated as stock in a PFIC if Barclays PLC or Barclays Bank PLC was a PFIC at any time during such holder’s holding period in their shares or ADSs. Dividends that a US holder receives will not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if Barclays PLC or Barclays Bank PLC are treated as a PFIC with respect to such US holder either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

Stamp duty

No UK stamp duty is payable on the transfer of an ADS, provided that the separate instrument of transfer is not executed in, and remains at all times outside, the UK.

Estate and gift tax

Under the Estate and Gift Tax Convention between the United Kingdom and the United States, a US holder generally is not subject to UK inheritance tax.

Exchange controls and other limitations affecting security holders

Other than certain economic sanctions which may be in force from time to time, there are currently no UK laws, decrees or regulations which would affect the transfer of capital or remittance of dividends, interest and other payments to holders of Barclays securities who are not residents of the UK. There are also no restrictions under the Articles of Association of either Barclays PLC or Barclays Bank PLC, or (subject to the effect of any such economic sanctions) under current UK laws, which relate only to nonresidents of the UK, and which limit the right of such non-residents to hold Barclays securities or, when entitled to vote, to do so.

Documents on display

It is possible to read and copy documents that have been filed by Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC with the US Securities and Exchange Commission at the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s office of Investor Education and Advocacy located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington DC 20549. Please call the US Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. Filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services, and from the website maintained by the US Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.



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Fees and Charges Payable by a Holder of ADSs

The ADR depositary collects fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing ordinary shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The ADR depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of the distributable property to pay the fees.

The charges of the ADR depositary payable by investors are as follows:

 

Type of Service    ADR Depositary Actions    Fee

ADR depositary or substituting the underlying shares

  

Issuance of ADSs against the deposit of ordinary shares, including deposits and issuances in respect of:

 

– Share distributions, stock splits, rights, merger

– Exchange of securities or other transactions or event or other distribution affecting the ADSs or deposited securities

   $5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the new ADSs delivered

Receiving or distributing cash dividends

   Distribution of cash dividends    No fee currently payable

Selling or exercising rights

   Distribution or sale of securities, the fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities    $5.00 or less per each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)

Withdrawing an underlying ordinary share

   Acceptance of ADSs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited ordinary shares    $5.00 or less for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADSs surrendered

General depositary services, particularly those charged on an annual basis

   Other services performed by the ADS depositary in administering the ADS program    No fee currently payable

Expenses of the ADR depositary

  

Expenses incurred on behalf of Holders in connection with:

 

– Taxes and other governmental charges

– Cable, telex and facsimile transmission/delivery

– Transfer or registration fees, if applicable, for the registration of transfers or underlying ordinary shares

– Expenses of the Depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into US dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency)

– Any other charge payable by ADR depositary or its agents

   Expenses payable at the sole discretion of the ADR depositary by billing Holders or by deducting charges from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions


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Fees and Payments made by the ADR depositary to Barclays

The ADR depositary has agreed to reimburse certain Barclays expenses related to Barclays ADS program and incurred by Barclays in connection with the program. In the year ended 31 December 2009, the ADR depositary reimbursed to Barclays, or paid amounts on its behalf to third parties, a total sum of $1,000,000.1 The table below sets out the types of expenses that the ADR depositary has agreed to reimburse and the amounts reimbursed in the year ended 31 December 2009, which include certain expenses paid by the ADR depositary to third parties on behalf of Barclays:

 

Category of expense reimbursed to Barclays

    
     

Amount Reimbursed for the Year ended 31
December 2009

(000s)

Legal fees

   $298

Investor relations

   $212

Distribution of voting documentation – AGM

   $138

Distribution of voting documentation – General Meeting

   $169

NYSE listing fees

   $98

US Share Plans

   $82

Form 6-K filing fees

 

   $3

Total

   $1,000

Under certain circumstances, including removal of the ADR depositary or termination of the ADR program by Barclays, Barclays is required to repay the ADR depositary certain amounts reimbursed and/or expenses paid to or on behalf of Barclays.

The ADR depositary has also agreed to waive certain of its fees for standard costs associated with the administration of the ADR program.

 

1 In early 2009, Barclays also received certain reimbursements from the ADR depositary with respect to services provided in the year ended 31 December 2008 in connection with the program.


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Shareholder enquiries

 

 

Investors who have any questions about their investment in Barclays, or

about Barclays in general, may write to the Director, Investor Relations

at our Head office as follows:

Director, Investor Relations

Barclays PLC

1 Churchill Place

London

E14 5HP

or, in the United States of America,

The Corporate Communications Department

Barclays Bank PLC

745 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10019, USA

Registered and Head office:

1 Churchill Place

London

E14 5HP

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7116 1000

Registrar:

The Registrar to Barclays

Aspect House

Spencer Road

Lancing

West Sussex

BN99 6DA

Tel: 0871 384 2055* or +44 (0) 121 415 7004 (from overseas)

Email: questions@share-registers.co.uk

ADR Depositary:

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

PO Box 64504 St.

Paul MN

55164-0504

USA

Tel: 1-800-990-1135 (toll-free for US domestic callers)

or +1 651 453 2128

Email: jpmorgan.adr@wellsfargo.com

 

*Calls to this number are charged at 8p per minute if using a BT landline.

Call charges may vary if using other telephone providers.


Table of Contents
        313  

 

LOGO

 

Index

 

     

 

Absa

   

42

  business analysis
41   business description
162   Accountability and Audit

 

Accounting

   
177   developments
167-177   policies
165   presentation

 

Acquisitions

   
227   notes to the accounts

 

Allowance for impairment

   
243   notes to the accounts
113   risk management
125  

 

Annual General Meeting

 

178  

 

Annual Report and Accounts (approval)

 

 

Assets

   
280   by class of business
196   other

 

Auditors

   
166   reports
196  

 

Available for sale investments

 

 

Balance sheet

   
22   average
180   consolidated
287   consolidated (Barclays Bank)

 

Barclaycard

   
36   business analysis
35   business description

 

Barclays Bank PLC

   
285   consolidated accounts
299   financial data
290   notes to the accounts

 

Barclays Capital

   
44   business analysis
43   business description

 

Barclays Commercial Bank

   
34   business analysis
33   business description

 

Barclays Global Investors

   
46   business analysis
45   business description
161   BGI Equity Ownership Plan (EOP)

 

Barclays Wealth

   
48   business analysis
47   business description

 

Capital adequacy data

   
14   total assets and risk weighted assets
17   capital management
17   capital ratios
17-18   capital resources
277-278  

 

Capital management

 

Cash flow statement    
182   consolidated
289   consolidated (Barclays Bank)
186   notes to the accounts
222  

 

Competition and regulatory matters

 

246-248  

Concentrations of credit risk

 

220-221  

 

Contingent liabilities and commitments

 

20  

 

Contractual obligations

 

     

 

Corporate governance

   
126-144   corporate governance report
130   attendance at board meetings
52  

 

Corporate sustainability

 

243-256  

 

Credit risk

 

26-28  

 

Critical accounting estimates

 

304  

 

Currency of presentation

 

260-261  

 

Currency risk

 

 

Derivatives and other financial
instruments

   
193-195   notes to the accounts

 

Directors’ and officers’

   
119-121   biographies
123   emoluments
123   interests
230-234   notes to the accounts
122-125  

 

Directors’ report

 

186  

 

Dividends

 

191  

 

Earnings per share

 

100-101  

 

Economic capital

 

 

Emerging Markets

   
40   business analysis
39   business description

 

Employees

   
124   equality and diversity
124   involvement
234  

 

Events after the balance sheet date

 

121  

 

Executive management structure

 

267-276  

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

192  

 

Financial assets designated at fair value

 

202  

 

Financial liabilities designated at fair value

   

Financial review

 

242   Financial risks
    Global Retail and Commercial
Banking
30   business analysis
316-320  

 

Glossary

 

199  

 

Goodwill

 

   

 

Head office functions and other
operations

50   business analysis
49   business description
 

 

Impairment charges

 

188   notes to the accounts
74   risk management
   

 

Income statement

 

178   consolidated
285   consolidated (Barclays Bank)
202-204  

 

Insurance assets and liabilities

187  

Insurance premiums and insurance claims and benefits

 

200  

 

Intangible assets

 

258-259  

 

Interest rate risk



Table of Contents
  314        

 

Index

continued

 

 

 

Investment Banking and
Investment Management
   
30  

business analysis

 

198  

 

Investment in associates and joint ventures

 

223-224  

 

Leasing

 

221  

 

Legal proceedings

 

 

Liabilities

   
202   other
261-266  

 

Liquidity risk

 

 

Loans and advances to banks

   
107   interest rate sensitivity
107   maturity analysis
195  

notes to the accounts

 

 

Loans and advances to
customers

   
107   interest rate sensitivity
110   maturity analysis
195  

notes to the accounts

 

257-261  

 

Market risk

 

305  

 

Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

220  

 

Non-controlling interests

 

 

Net fee and commission income

   
186   notes to the accounts
4  

summary

 

 

Net interest income

   
186   notes to the accounts
4  

summary

 

240-242  

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

 

Operating expenses

   
188-189   administration and general expenses
188   staff costs
7  

summary

 

 

Ordinary shares, share premiums, and other equity

 
216-218  

called up

 

 

Other income

 
187   notes to the accounts
5   summary
51  

 

Our people

 

183-185  

 

Parent Company accounts (Barclays PLC)

 

 

Pensions

 
153   directors
210-216  

notes to the accounts

 

229-230  

 

Principal subsidiaries

 

 

Principal transactions

 
187   notes to the accounts
5  

summary

 

75  

 

Potential credit risk loans

 

165  

 

Presentation of information

 

201  

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

209  

 

Provisions

 

230-234  

 

Related party transactions

 

145-161  

 

Remuneration report

 

218-219  

 

Reserves

 

29-50  

 

Results by business

 

54-58  

 

Risk factors

 

 

Risk management

   
59-65   Barclays approach to risk management
66-93   credit risk management
94-98   market risk management
99-101   capital risk management
102-104   liquidity risk management
105-106   operational risk management
107-116   statistical information
117-118  

supervision and regulation

 

17  

 

Risk weighted assets

 

196  

 

Securities borrowing, securities lending, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements

 

209-210  

 

Securitisation

 

 

 

Segmental reporting

278-282   by class of business
282  

by geographical segments

 

234-239  

 

Share-based payments

 

302-312  

 

Shareholder information

 

19  

 

Short-term borrowings

 

 

Statement of comprehesive income

 
179   consolidated
286  

consolidated (Barclays Bank)

 

204-209  

 

Subordinated liabilities

 

Tax

 
190   notes to the accounts
309-310   shareholder information
14  

 

Total assets

 

191  

 

Trading portfolio

 

176  

 

Trust activities

 

 

UK Retail Banking

 
32   business analysis
31  

business description

 

 

Western Europe

 
38   business analysis
37  

business description

 



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        315  

 

LOGO

 

Glossary of terms

 

 

 

LOGO

 

‘ABS CDO Super Senior’ The super senior tranches of debt linked to collateralised debt obligations of asset backed securities (defined below). Payment of super senior tranches takes priority over other obligations. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Absa’ Refers to the results for Absa Group Limited as consolidated into the results of Barclays PLC; translated into Sterling with adjustments for amortisation of intangible assets, certain head office adjustments, transfer pricing and non-controlling interests.

‘Absa Capital’ The portion of Absa’s results that is reported by Barclays within the Barclays Capital business.

‘Absa Card’ The portion of Absa’s results that arises from the Absa credit card business and is reported within Barclaycard.

‘Absa Group Limited’ Refers to the consolidated results of the South African group of which the Parent Company is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE Limited) in which Barclays owns a controlling stake.

‘ABX Index’ An index tracking the yields of a basket of credit default swaps linked to sub-prime mortgages, widely used in the industry.

‘ABX.HE Index’ An index referencing the yield on a basket of 20 subprime mortgage-backed securities, widely used in the industry.

‘Adjusted Gross Leverage’ The multiple of adjusted total tangible assets over total qualifying Tier 1 capital. Adjusted total tangible assets are total assets less derivative counterparty netting, assets under management on the balance sheet, settlement balances, goodwill and intangible assets. See ‘Tier 1 Capital’ below.

‘Alt-A’ Loans regarded as lower risk than sub-prime, but with higher risk characteristics than lending under normal criteria. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Annual Earnings at Risk (AEaR)’ is the sensitivity of annual earnings to shocks in market rates, at approximately 99th percentile for change over one year. For interest rates this equates to a 2% parallel shift in rates. For equity indices, it equates to a 25% change from one-year end to the next, or 15% from one-year end to the next year’s average.

‘Arrears’ Customers are said to be in arrears when they are behind in fulfilling their obligations with the result that an outstanding loan is

unpaid or overdue. Such a customer is also said to be in a state of delinquency. When a customer is in arrears, his entire outstanding balance is said to be delinquent, meaning that delinquent balances are the total outstanding loans on which payments are overdue.

‘Asset backed products’ As used in Note 50, asset backed products are debt and derivative products that are linked to the cash flow of a referenced asset. This category includes asset backed loans; collateralised debt obligations (CDOs); collateralised loan obligations (CLOs); asset backed credit derivatives (ABS CDS); asset backed and mortgage backed securities.

‘Asset Backed Securities (ABS)’ Securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of referenced assets. The referenced pool can comprise any assets which attract a set of associated cash flows but are commonly pools of residential or commercial mortgages and, in the case of Collateralised Debt Obligations (CDOs), the referenced pool may be ABS or other classes of assets. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Average balances’ which make up the average balance sheet are based upon daily averages for most UK banking operations and monthly averages outside the UK.

‘Average base rates’ Average of the official base rate.

‘Average net income generated per member of staff’ Total operating income compared to the average number of employees for the reporting period.

‘Backstop facility’ A standby facility, that is a liquidity arrangement whereby another party agrees to make a payment should the primary party not do so.

‘Basis point’ One hundredth of a per cent (0.01%), so 100 basis points is 1%. Used in quoting movements in interest rates or yields on securities.

‘CMBS Index Products (CMBX)’ The CMBX is a series of CMBS credit default swap indices. It allows investors to take diversified exposure (long or short) synthetically across rating categories. CMBX is administered by Markit, which serves as the calculation and marketing agent for CMBX.

‘CMBS IG Index’ An index compiled by Barclays Capital, which measures the return for CMBS securities with an original deal size of $500m or greater, combined with a required rating of Baa3/BBB- or higher (investment grade). In addition, maturity must be equal to or greater than one year and no floating rate certificates may be included.

‘Collateralised Debt Obligations (CDOs)’ Securities issued by a third party which reference Asset Backed Securities (ABSs) (defined above) and/or certain other related assets purchased by the issuer. CDOs may feature exposure to sub-prime mortgage assets through the underlying assets. CDO2 securities represent investments in CDOs that have been securitised by a third party. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.



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Glossary of terms

continued

 

 

‘Collateralised Loan Obligation (CLO)’ A security backed by the repayments from a pool of commercial loans. The payments may be made to different classes of owners (in tranches). See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Collateralised Synthetic Obligation (CSO)’ A form of synthetic collateralised debt obligation (CDO) that does not hold assets like bonds or loans but invests in credit default swaps (CDSs) or other non-cash assets to gain exposure to a portfolio of fixed income assets.

‘Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS)’ Securities that represent interests in a pool of commercial mortgages. Investors in these securities have the right to cash received from future mortgage payments (interest and/or principal). See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Commercial Real Estate’ Includes office buildings, industrial property, medical centres, hotels, malls, retail stores, shopping centres, farm land, multifamily housing buildings, warehouses, garages, and industrial properties. Commercial real estate loans are those backed by a package of commercial real estate assets. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Commercial Paper’ An unsecured promissory note issued to finance short-term credit needs. It specifies the face amount paid to investors on the maturity date.

‘Commodity products’ As used in Note 50, these products are exchange traded and OTC derivatives based on a commodity underlying (e.g. metals, precious metals, oil and oil related, power and natural gas).

‘Compensation:income ratio’ Staff compensation based costs compared to total income net of insurance claims.

‘Conduits’ A financial vehicle that holds asset-backed debt such as mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit card receivables, all financed with short-term loans (generally commercial paper) that use the asset-backed debt as collateral. The profitability of a conduit depends on the ability to roll over maturing short-term debt at a cost that is lower than the returns earned from asset-backed securities held in the portfolio. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Core Tier 1 capital’ Called-up share capital and eligible reserves plus equity non-controlling interests, less intangible assets and deductions relating to the excess of expected loss over regulatory impairment allowance and securitisation positions as specified by the FSA.

‘Core Tier 1 capital ratio’ Core Tier 1 capital as a percentage of risk weighted assets.

‘Cost: income ratio’ Operating expenses compared to total income net of insurance claims.

‘Cost:net income ratio’ Operating expenses compared to total income net of insurance claims less impairment charges.

‘Coverage ratio (CRL)’ Impairment allowances as a percentage of CRL balances.

‘Credit conversion factors (CCFs)’ The portion of an off-balance sheet commitment drawn in the event of a future default. The conversion factor is expressed as a percentage. The conversion factor is used to calculate the exposure at default (EAD).

‘Credit Default Swaps (CDS)’ A credit derivative is an arrangement whereby the credit risk of an asset (the reference asset) is transferred from the buyer to the seller of protection. A credit default swap is a contract where the protection seller receives premium or interest-related payments in return for contracting to make payments to the protection buyer in the event of a defined credit event. Credit events normally include bankruptcy, payment default on a reference asset or assets, or downgrades by a rating agency.

‘Credit Derivative Product Company (CDPC)’ A company that sells protection on credit derivatives. CDPCs are similar to monoline insurers.

However, unlike monoline insurers, they are not regulated as insurers. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Credit market exposures’ Relates to commercial real estate and leveraged finance businesses that have been significantly impacted by the continued deterioration in the global credit markets. The exposures include positions subject to fair value movements in the Income Statement, positions that are classified as loans and advances and available for sale.

‘Other credit products’ As used in Note 50, these are products linked to the credit risk of a referenced entity, index or a basket. This category includes collateralised synthetic obligations (non-asset backed CDOs) and OTC derivatives. The OTC derivatives are namely, CDS single name; CDS index; CDS index tranche and Nth to default basket swaps (in which the payout is linked to one in a series of defaults, such as first-, second- or third-to-default, with the contract terminating at that point).

‘Credit Risk Loans (CRLs)’ A loan becomes a credit risk loan when evidence of deterioration has been observed, for example a missed payment or other breach of covenant. A loan may be reported in one of three categories: impaired loans, accruing past due 90 days or more or impaired and restructured loans. These may include loans which, while impaired, are still performing but have associated individual impairment allowances raised against them.

‘Credit spread’ The yield spread between securities with the same coupon rate and maturity structure but with different associated credit risks, with the yield spread rising as the credit rating worsens. It is the premium over the benchmark or risk-free rate required by the market to accept a lower credit quality.

‘Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA)’ The difference between the risk-free value of a portfolio of trades and the market value which takes into account the counterparty’s risk of default. The CVA therefore represents an estimate of the adjustment to fair value that a market participant would make to incorporate the credit risk of the counterparty due to any failure to perform on contractual agreements.

‘Customer deposits’ Money deposited by all individuals and companies that are not credit institutions. Such funds are recorded as liabilities in the Group’s balance sheet under Customer Accounts.

‘Daily Value at Risk (DVaR)’ An estimate of the potential loss which might arise from market movements under normal market conditions, if the current positions were to be held unchanged for one business day, measured to a confidence level. (Also see VaR).

‘Debit Valuation Adjustment (DVA)’ The opposite of credit valuation adjustment (CVA). It is the difference between the risk-free value of a portfolio of trades and the market value which takes into account Barclays Group’s risk of default. The DVA, therefore, represents an estimate of the adjustment to fair value that a market participant would make to incorporate the credit risk of Barclays Group due to any failure to perform on contractual agreements. The DVA decreases the value of a liability to take into account a reduction in the remaining balance that would be settled should Barclays Group default or not perform in terms of contractual agreements.

‘Debt restructuring’ This is when the terms and provisions of outstanding debt agreements are changed. This is often done in order to improve cash flow and the ability of the borrower to repay the debt. It can involve altering the repayment schedule as well as reducing the debt or interest charged on the loan.

‘Delinquency’ See ‘Arrears’.

‘Dividend payout ratio’ Yearly dividends paid per share as a fraction of earnings per share.

‘Economic capital’ An internal measure of the minimum equity and preference capital required for the Group to maintain its credit rating based upon its risk profile.



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LOGO

 

 

 

‘Equity products’ As used in Note 50, these products are linked to equity markets. This category includes listed equities, exchange traded derivatives, equity derivatives, preference shares and contract for difference (CFD) products.

‘Equity structural hedge’ An interest rate hedge which functions to reduce the impact of the volatility of short-term interest rate movements on equity positions on the balance sheet that do not reprice with market rates.

‘Expected loss’ The Group measure of anticipated loss for exposures captured under an internal ratings based credit risk approach for capital adequacy calculations. It is measured as the Barclays modelled view of anticipated loss based on Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD) and Exposure at Default (EAD), with a one-year time horizon.

‘Exposure in the event of default (EAD)’ The estimation of the extent to which Barclays may be exposed to a customer or counterparty in the event of, and at the time of, that counterparty’s default. At default, the customer may not have drawn the loan fully or may already have repaid some of the principal, so that exposure is typically less than the approved loan limit.

‘FICO score’ A credit score, based on the Fair Isaac Corporation (being the US rating company that wrote the software that calculates the scores).

‘First/Second Lien’ First lien: debt that places its holder first in line to collect compensation from the sale of the underlying collateral in the event of a default on the loan. Second lien: debt that is issued against the same collateral as higher lien debt but that is subordinate to it. In the case of default, compensation for this debt will only be received after the first lien has been repaid and thus represents a riskier investment than the first lien. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Full time equivalent’ Full time equivalent employee units are the on-job hours paid for employee services divided by the number of ordinary-time hours normally paid for a full-time staff member when on the job (or contract employee where applicable).

‘Funds and fund-linked products’ As used in Note 50, this category includes holdings in mutual funds, hedge funds, fund of funds and fund linked derivatives.

‘Funded/unfunded’ Exposures where the notional amount of the transaction is either funded or unfunded. Represents exposures where a commitment to provide future funding has been made and the funds have been released/not released.

‘FX products’ As used in Note 50, these products are derivatives linked to the foreign exchange market. This category includes FX spot and forward contracts; FX swaps; FX options.

‘Gain on acquisition’ The amount by which the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, recognised in a business combination, exceeds the cost of the combination.

‘Global Retail and Commercial Banking – Absa’ The portion of Absa’s results that is reported within the Global Retail and Commercial Banking business.

‘Home Loans’ A loan to purchase a residential property which is then used as collateral to guarantee repayment of the loan. The borrower gives the lender a lien against the property, and the lender can foreclose on the property if the borrower does not repay the loan per the agreed terms. Also known as a residential mortgage.

‘Impaired loans’ Loans are reported as Credit Risk Loans (defined above) and comprise loans where individual identified impairment allowance has been raised and also include loans which are fully collateralised or where indebtedness has already been written down to the expected realisable value. The impaired loan category may include loans, which, while impaired, are still performing.

‘Impairment allowances’ A provision held on the balance sheet as a result of the raising of a charge against profit for the incurred loss

inherent in the lending book. An impairment allowance may either be identified or unidentified and individual or collective.

‘Income’ Total income net of insurance claims, unless otherwise specified.

‘Individually/Collectively Assessed’ Impairment is measured individually for assets that are individually significant, and collectively where a portfolio comprises homogenous assets and where appropriate statistical techniques are available.

‘Interest rate products’ As used in Note 50, these are products with a payoff linked to interest rates. This category includes interest rate swaps, swaptions, caps and exotic interest rate derivatives.

‘Investment grade’ A debt security, treasury bill or similar instrument with a credit rating measured by external agencies of AAA to BBB.

‘LCDX Index’ The Loan Credit Default Swap Index, a generally accepted loan-only credit default swap index created by CDSIndexCo. The LCDX index is a tradeable index with 100 equally-weighted underlying single-name loan-only credit default swaps (LCDS).

‘Leveraged Finance’ Loans or other financing agreements provided to companies whose overall level of debt is high in relation to their cash flow (net debt: EBITDA) typically arising from private equity sponsor led acquisitions of the businesses concerned.

‘Liquidity and Credit enhancements’ Credit enhancement facilities are used to enhance the creditworthiness of financial obligations and cover losses due to asset default. Two general types of credit enhancement are third-party loan guarantees and self-enhancement through over collateralization. Liquidity enhancement makes funds available if required, for other reasons than asset default, e.g. to ensure timely repayment of maturing commercial paper.

‘Liquidity pool/buffer’ The Group liquidity pool comprises cash at central banks and highly liquid collateral specifically held by the Group as contingency to enable the bank to meet cash outflows in the event of stressed market conditions.

‘Loan loss rate’ Defined as total credit impairment charge (excluding available for sale assets and reverse repurchase agreements) divided by gross loans and advances to customers and banks (at amortised cost).

‘Loan to deposit ratio’ The ratio of wholesale and retail loans and advances to customers net of impairment allowance divided by customer deposits. ‘Loan funding ratio’ The ratio of wholesale and retail loans and advances to customers net of impairment allowance, divided by the total of customer accounts, long-term debt (>1 yr) and equity.

‘Loan to value ratio (LTV)’ The amount of a first mortgage lien as a percentage of the total appraised value of real property. The LTV ratio is used in determining the appropriate level of risk for the loan and therefore the price of the loan to the borrower. LTV ratios may be expressed in a number of ways, including origination LTV and mark to market (MTM) LTV. Origination LTVs use the current outstanding loan balance and the value of the property at origination of the loan. MTM LTVs use the current outstanding loan value and the current value of the property (which is estimated using one or more external house price indices).

‘Loans past due’ Loans are past due when a counterparty has failed to make a payment when contractually due.

‘Loss Given Default (LGD)’ The fraction of Exposure at Default (EAD) (defined above) that will not be recovered following default. LGD comprises the actual loss (the part that is not expected to be recovered), together with the economic costs associated with the recovery process.

‘Markit LCDX Index’ An index compiled by Markit Inc, a specialist securities market researcher, compiled by reference to first lien loans issued by 100 entities listed on the Markit Syndicated Secured List, widely used in the industry.

‘Medium Term Notes (MTNs)’ Corporate notes continuously offered by a company to investors through a dealer. Investors can choose from differing maturities, ranging from nine months to 30 years.



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Glossary of terms

continued

 

 

 

‘Monoline’ An entity which specialises in providing credit protection to the holders of debt instruments in the event of default by a debt security counterparty. This protection is typically held in the form of derivatives such as credit default swaps (CDS) referencing the underlying exposures held. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Monoline Wrapped’ Debt instruments for which credit enhancement or protection by a monoline insurer has been obtained. The wrap is credit protection against the notional and principal interest cash flows due to the holders of debt instruments in the event of default in payment of these by the underlying counterparty. Therefore, if a security is monoline wrapped its payments of principal and interest are guaranteed by a monoline insurer. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS)’ Securities that represent interests in a group of mortgages. Investors in these securities have the right to cash received from future mortgage payments (interest and/or principal). See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Mortgage vintage’ The year the mortgage was issued.

‘Mortgage related securities’ Securities which are referenced to underlying mortgages. See RMBS, CMBS and MBS.

‘Net Asset Value per Share’ Computed by dividing shareholders’ equity excluding non-controlling interests by the number of issued ordinary shares.

‘Net Interest Margin’ The margin is expressed as annualised net interest income for GRCB and Barclays Wealth divided by the sum of the average assets and average liabilities for GRCB and Barclays Wealth.

‘Net Tangible Asset Value per Share’ Computed by dividing shareholders’ equity excluding non-controlling interests less goodwill and intangible assets, by the number of issued ordinary shares.

‘Non-asset backed debt instruments’ As used in Note 50, these products are debt instruments. This category includes government bonds; US agency bonds; corporate bonds; commercial paper; certificates of deposit; convertible bonds; corporate bonds and issued notes.

‘Non-investment grade’ A debt security, treasury bill or similar instrument with a credit rating measured by external agencies of BB+ or below.

‘Notional Collateral’ Collateral based on the notional amount of a financial instrument.

‘Over the counter derivatives (OTC)’ Contracts that are traded (and privately negotiated) directly between two parties, without going through an exchange or other intermediary. They offer flexibility because, unlike standardised exchange-traded products, they can be tailored to fit specific needs.

‘Own Credit’ The effect of the Group’s own credit standing on the fair value of financial liabilities.

‘PCRL Coverage ratio’ Impairment allowances as a percentage of total CRL (credit risk loan) & PPL (potential problem loan) balances. See CRL and PPL.

‘Potential Credit Risk Loans (PCRLs)’ Comprise the outstanding balances to Potential Problem Loans (defined below) and the three categories of Credit Risk Loans (defined above).

‘Potential Problem Loans (PPLs)’ Loans where serious doubt exists as to the ability of the borrowers to continue to comply with repayment terms in the near future.

‘Prime’ Loans of a higher credit quality and would be expected to satisfy the criteria for inclusion into Government programmes.

‘Principal transactions’ Principal transactions comprise net trading income and net investment income.

 

‘Private equity investments’ As used in Note 50, private equity is equity securities in operating companies not quoted on a public exchange. Investment in private equity often involves the investment of capital in private companies or the acquisition of a public company that results in the delisting of public equity. Capital for private equity investment is raised by retail or institutional investors and used to fund investment strategies such as leveraged buyouts, venture capital, growth capital, distressed investments and mezzanine capital.

‘Probability of default (PD)’ The likelihood that a loan will not be repaid and will fall into default. PD may be calculated for each client who has a loan (normally applicable to wholesale customers/clients) or for a portfolio of clients with similar attributes (normally applicable to retail customers). To calculate PD, Barclays assesses the credit quality of borrowers and other counterparties and assigns them an internal risk rating. Multiple rating methodologies may be used to inform the rating decision on individual large credits, such as internal and external models, rating agency ratings, and for wholesale assets market information such as credit spreads. For smaller credits, a single source may suffice such as the result from an internal rating model.

‘Product structural hedge’ An interest rate hedge which functions to reduce the impact of the volatility of short-term interest rate movements on-balance sheet positions that can be matched to a specific product, e.g. customer balances that do not reprice with market rates.

‘Renegotiated loans’ Loans and advances are generally renegotiated either as part of an ongoing customer relationship or in response to an adverse change in the circumstances of the borrower. In the latter case renegotiation can result in an extension of the due date of payment or repayment plans under which the Group offers a concessionary rate of interest to genuinely distressed borrowers. This will result in the asset continuing to be overdue and will be individually impaired where the renegotiated payments of interest and principal will not recover the original carrying amount of the asset. In other cases, renegotiation will lead to a new agreement, which is treated as a new loan.

‘Repo/Reverse repo’ A repurchase agreement that allows a borrower to use a financial security as collateral for a cash loan at a fixed rate of interest. In a repo, the borrower agrees to sell a security to the lender subject to a commitment to repurchase the asset at a specified price on a given date. For the party selling the security (and agreeing to repurchase it in the future) it is a repo; for the party on the other end of the transaction (buying the security and agreeing to sell in the future) it is a reverse repurchase agreement or reverse repo.

‘Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS)’ Securities that represent interests in a group of residential mortgages. Investors in these securities have the right to cash received from future mortgage payments (interest and/or principal). See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Restructured loans’ ‘Impaired and restructured loans’ comprises loans where, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, a concession has been granted to the debtor that would not otherwise be considered. Where the concession results in the expected cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate being less than the loan’s carrying value, an impairment allowance will be raised.

‘Retail Loans’ Loans to individuals rather than institutions. This includes both secured and unsecured loans such as mortgages and credit card balances.

‘Risk asset ratio’ A measure of the risk attached to the assets of a business using definitions of capital and risk weightings established in accordance with the Basel Capital Accord as implemented by the FSA.

‘Risk weighted assets’ A measure of a bank’s assets adjusted for their associated risks. Risk weightings are established in accordance with the Basel Capital Accord as implemented by the FSA.



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‘Securitisation’ A process by which debt instruments are aggregated into a pool, which is used to back new securities. A company sells assets to an SPV (special purpose vehicle) who then issues securities backed by the assets based on their value. This allows the credit quality of the assets to be separated from the credit rating of the original company and transfers risk to external investors.

SIV Lites’ Are SPEs (Special Purpose Entities) which invest in diversified portfolios of interest earning assets to take advantage of the spread differentials between the assets in the SIV and the funding cost. Unlike SIVs they are not perpetual, making them look more like CDOs, which have fixed maturity dates. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Special Purpose Entities (SPEs)’ Entities that are created to accomplish a narrow and well defined objective. There are often specific restrictions or limits around their ongoing activities. Transactions with SPEs take a number of forms, including:

 

The provision of financing to fund asset purchases, or commitments to provide finance for future purchases.

 

Derivative transactions to provide investors in the SPE with a specified exposure.

 

The provision of liquidity or backstop facilities which may be drawn upon if the SPE experiences future funding difficulties.

 

Direct investment in the notes issued by SPEs.

‘Structural hedge’ An interest rate hedge which functions to reduce the impact of the volatility of short-term interest rate movements on positions that exist within the balance sheet that carry interest rates that do not reprice with market rates. See also equity structural hedge and product structural hedge.

‘Structured Investment Vehicles (SIVs)’ SPEs (Special Purpose Entities) which invest in diversified portfolios of interest earning assets to take advantage of the spread differentials between the assets in the SIV and the funding cost. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Structural liquidity’ The liquidity available from current positions – principally unpledged marketable assets and holdings of term liabilities with long remaining lives.

‘Structured finance/notes’ A structured note is an investment tool which pays a return linked to the value or level of a specified asset or index and sometimes offers capital protection if the value declines. Structured notes can be linked to equities, interest rates, funds, commodities and foreign currency.

‘Subordination’ The state of prioritising repayments of principal and interest on debt to a creditor lower than repayments to other creditors by the same debtor. That is, claims of a security are settled by a debtor to a creditor only after the claims of securities held by other creditors of the same debtor have been settled.

 

‘Subordinated liabilities’ Liabilities which, in the event of insolvency or liquidation of the issuer, are subordinated to the claims of depositors and other creditors of the issuer.

‘Sub-Prime’ Defined as loans to borrowers typically having weakened credit histories that include payment delinquencies and potentially more severe problems such as court judgements and bankruptcies. They may also display reduced repayment capacity as measured by credit scores, high debt-to-income ratios, or other criteria indicating heightened risk of default. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Tier 1 capital’ A measure of a bank's financial strength defined by the FSA. It captures Core Tier 1 capital plus other Tier 1 securities in issue, but is subject to a deduction in respect of material holdings in financial companies.

‘Tier 1 capital ratio’ The ratio expresses Tier 1 capital as a percentage of risk weighted assets.

‘Tier 2 capital’ Defined by the FSA. Broadly, it includes qualifying subordinated debt and other Tier 2 securities in issue, eligible collective impairment allowances, unrealised available for sale equity gains and revaluation reserves. It is subject to deductions relating to the excess of expected loss over regulatory impairment allowance, securitisation positions and material holdings in financial companies.

‘Top-line income’ Income before own credit gains/losses and credit market write-downs.

‘Total shareholder return (TSR)’ Defined as the value created for shareholders through share price appreciation, plus reinvested dividend payments.

‘Value at Risk (VaR)’ An estimate of the potential loss which might arise from market movements under normal market conditions, if the current positions were to be held unchanged for one business day, measured to a confidence level. (Also see DVaR).

‘Whole loans’ A mortgage loan sold in its entirety when the buyer assumes the entire loan along with its rights and responsibilities. A whole loan is differentiated from investments in which the buyer becomes part owner of a pool of mortgages. See Risk Management section – Credit Market Exposures.

‘Write-Down’ After an advance has been identified as impaired and is subject to an impairment allowance, the stage may be reached whereby it is concluded that there is no realistic prospect of further recovery. Write-downs will occur when, and to the extent that, the whole or part of a debt is considered irrecoverable.



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Signatures

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

Date March 19th, 2010  

Barclays PLC

(Registrant)

 

  By  

/s/    Chris Lucas

    Chris Lucas, Group Finance Director

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

Date March 19th, 2010  

Barclays Bank PLC

(Registrant)

  By  

/s/    Chris Lucas

    Chris Lucas, Group Finance Director


Table of Contents

BACK COVER


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

1.1   Memorandum of Association of Barclays PLC
1.2   Articles of Association of Barclays PLC (incorporated by reference to the 2008 Form 20-F filed on March 24th, 2009)
1.3   Memorandum and Articles of Association of Barclays Bank PLC (incorporated by reference to the 2008 Form 20-F filed on March 24th, 2009)
2.1   Long term debt instruments
4.1   Rules of the Barclays Group Performance Share Plan (2005) (incorporated by reference to the 2006 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2007)
4.2   Rules of the Barclays PLC Renewed 1986 Executive Share Option Scheme (incorporated by reference to the Barclays PLC Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-153723) filed on September 29th, 2008)
4.3   Rules of the Barclays PLC Approved Incentive Share Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Barclays PLC Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-153723) filed on September 29 th, 2008)
4.4   Rules of the Barclays PLC Unapproved Incentive Share Option Plans (incorporated by reference to the Barclays PLC Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-153723) filed on September 29th, 2008)
4.5   Rules of the Barclays PLC Executive Share Award Scheme (incorporated by reference to the Barclays PLC Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-153723) filed on September 29th, 2008)
4.6   Rules of the Barclays Group Special Award Performance Share Plan (incorporated by reference to the Barclays PLC Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-153723) filed on September 29th, 2008
4.7   Rules of the Barclays Group Incentive Share Plan (incorporated by reference to the Barclays PLC Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-153723) filed on September 29th, 2008)
4.8   Rules of Barclays Bank PLC 1999 Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (amended and restated, effective January 1, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Barclays Bank PLC’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-149301) filed on February 19, 2008)
4.9   Rules of Barclays Bank PLC Senior Management Deferred Compensation Plan (amended and restated, effective January 1, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Barclays Bank PLC’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-149302) filed on February 19, 2008)
4.10   Service Contract – John Varley (incorporated by reference to the 2003 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2004)
4.11   Service Contract and Subsequent Side Letter to Service Contract – Gary Hoffman (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th , 2006)


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

4.12   Service Contract – Robert E. Diamond Jr (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
4.13   Contract of Employment – Christopher Lucas (incorporated by reference to the 2006 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2007)
4.14   Addendum to contract of employment between Barclays Bank plc and Gary Hoffman (incorporated by reference to the 2006 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2007)
4.15   Addendum to contract of employment between Barclays Bank plc and John Varley (incorporated by reference to the 2006 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2007)
4.16   Appointment Letter and Subsequent Amendment to appoint as Senior Independent Director – Sir Richard Broadbent (incorporated by reference to the 2004 Form 20-F filed on March 24th, 2005)
4.17   Appointment Letter – Leigh Clifford (incorporated by reference to the 2004 Form 20-F filed on March 24th, 2005)
4.18   Appointment Letter – Sir Andrew Likierman (incorporated by reference to the 2004 Form 20-F filed on March 24th, 2005)
4.19   Appointment Letter – Dr Daniël Cronjé (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
4.20   Appointment Letter – John Sunderland (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
4.21   Appointment Letter – Marcus Agius (incorporated by reference to the 2006 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2007)
4.22   Appointment Letter – Fulvio Conti (incorporated by reference to the 2006 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2007)
4.23   Appointment Letter – David Booth (incorporated by reference to the 2007 20-F filed on March 26th, 2008)
4.24   Appointment Letter – Sir Michael Rake (incorporated by reference to the 2007 20-F filed on March 26th, 2008)
4.25   Appointment Letter – Simon Fraser (incorporated by reference to the 2008 Form 20-F filed on March 24th, 2008)
4.26   Appointment Letter – Reuben Jeffery III
4.27   Indemnity Letter – John Varley (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
4.28   Indemnity Letter – Gary Hoffman (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

  4.29   Indemnity Letter – Robert E. Diamond Jr (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
  4.30   Indemnity Letter – Sir Richard Broadbent (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
  4.31   Indemnity Letter – Leigh Clifford (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
  4.32   Indemnity Letter – Sir Andrew Likierman (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
  4.33   Indemnity Letter – Dr Daniël Cronjé (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
  4.34   Indemnity Letter – John Sunderland (incorporated by reference to the 2005 Form 20-F filed on March 29th, 2006)
  4.35   Term sheet for Barclays PLC Warrants (incorporated by reference to the 2008 Form 20-F filed March 24th, 2008)
  4.36   Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 16, 2009, by and among Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays PLC (solely for the purposes of Section 6.16, Section 6.18 and Section 6.24) and BlackRock, Inc.
  4.37   Stockholder Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009, by and among BlackRock, Inc., Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays BR Holdings S.à r.l.
  7.1   Ratios of earnings to fixed charges
  7.2   Ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges, preference share dividends and similar appropriations
  8.1   List of subsidiaries
11.1   Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to the 2003 Form 20-F filed on March 26th, 2004)
12.1   Certifications filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240. 13(a)-14(a)
13.1   Certifications filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240. 13(a) and 18 U.S.C 1350(a) and 1350(b)
15.1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for incorporation by reference of reports in certain securities registration statements of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC.