2, Sanapiro Str., Tbilisi 0114, Georgia Tel.: (995 32) 6488; Fax: (995 32) (995 32) 240 6577; Hot line: (995 32) 240 6406 E-mail: Info@nbg.ge; www.nbg.ge
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA
2014
The annual publication ISSN 1512-1739 Photo: Giorgi Shermazanashvili
Content Introduction................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1. Macroeconomic Environment.................... ................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 1.1 World Economy....................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ . . . . . . . . 16 1.2 Economic Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . 18 1.3 Change in Consumer Prices ................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... . . . . . . . . 22 1.4 External Sector and Balance of Payments... ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... . . . . . . . . 26 2. Monetary and Exchange Rate Policy.............. ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . 35 2.1 Monetary Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 2.2 Monetary Policy Instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
2.2.1 Refinancing loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
2.2.2 Overnight loans and deposits. . . . . . . . . . ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
2.2.3 Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
2.2.4 Minimum reserve requirements. . . . . . . ........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
2.3 Exchange Rate Policy and International Reserves Management............................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
2.3.1 International Reserve Management. . . ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3. Banking Sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 3.1 Development of the regulatory framework............................... . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 3.2 Ownership structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 3.3 Credit Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 3.4 Profitability Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 3.5 Market Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
3.5.1 Foreign exchange risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
3.5.2 Interest rate risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
3.6 Liquidity risk............................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
3.6.1 Structure of liquid assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
3.6.2 Structure of liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
3.6.3 Wholesale funding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
3.6.4 Liquidity risk regulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
3.7 Capital Adequacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 3.8 Operational Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 3.9 Macro Prudential Risks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 3.10 Consumer Protection....................... ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 4. Non-banking sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 4.1 Securities sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 4.2 Other Financial Institutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
4.2.1 Microfinance Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
5. Payment Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 6. Development of Information Technologies. ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 7. Electronic Signature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 8. Organization of Cash Emission Activities. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 9. Internal Audit, Risk Management and Accounting...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 10. Public Relations and International Cooperation...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 11. Human Resources Management and Development...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 12. Development of the Normative Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 13. Statistical Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 14. Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Boxes Box N 1 Refinancing loans and the short-term interest rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Box N 2 Initiation of a project aiming at making amendments to the regulation on
“Asset Classification, Creation and Application of Reserves for Possible Losses“. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Box N 3 The lari sign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Diagrams Diagram N 1.1 Real growth of GDP in the World. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Diagram N 1.2 CPI inflation in the World. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Diagram N 1.3 Price indices of main commodities (2005=100)...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Diagram N 1.4 Consolidated budget deficit (mln GEL) and its ratio to GDP...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Diagram N 1.5 GDP growth by expenditures. ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Diagram N 1.6 Headline and core inflation (2009-2014)...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Diagram N 1.7
Contribution of food and fuel inflation to headline inflation...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Diagram N 1.8 Imported and domestic inflation...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Diagram N 1.9
Change of annual inflation for goods of different durability and services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Diagram N 1.10 Ratio of current account components to GDP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Diagram N 1.11 Tourism export receipts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Diagram N 1.12 Current account deficit financing sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Diagram N 1.13 Largest groups of registered exports of goods in 2013-2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Diagram N 1.14 Registered export volume by region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Diagram N 1.15 Volume of different categories of registered imports (2009-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Diagram N 1.16 Volume of biggest import products (2013-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Diagram N 1.17 Largest import partners of Georgia (2013-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Diagram N 2.1 Monetary policy rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Diagram N 2.2 Larization of loans and deposits (2005-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Diagram N 2.3
Money market interest rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Diagram N 2.4 Yield spreads to monetary policy rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Diagram N 2.5 The dynamics of the balance of treasury securities and certificates of deposit (1999-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Diagram N 2.6 Interbank money market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Diagram N 2.7
Refinancing loans volume in 2011-2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Diagram N 2.8
Short term interest rate volatility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Diagram N 2.9 Certificates of Deposit portfolio in 2010-2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Diagram N 2.10 Portfolio of Treasury Bills and Treasury Notes in 2013-2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Diagram N 2.11 Dynamics of the Secondary Market in 2012-2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Diagram N 2.12 Minimum Reserve Requirements by Residual Maturities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Diagram N 2.13 Foreign exchange market dynamics (2003-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Diagram N 2.14 Lari REER and NEER indices (Dec 2009=100). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Diagram N 2.15 NBG official reserve assets in 1997-2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Diagram N 3.1
Dynamics of gross loan portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Diagram N 3.2 Weighted average interest rates on loans per segment disbursed during a month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Diagram N 3.3 The share of pro-cyclical sectors in the gross loan portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Diagram N 3.4 Retail products distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Diagram N 3.5 Portfolio composition by currency (excluding interbank loans). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Diagram N 3.6 Retail portfolio composition by currency (excluding interbank loans). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Diagram N 3.7 Overdue loans of 90 days and more. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Diagram N 3.8 Volume of net loans with floating interest rates and the share in total portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Diagram N 3.9 Portfolio composition by quality (excluding interbank loans). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Diagram N 3.10 Loan loss reserve to gross portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Diagram N 3.11 Dynamics of the gross loan portfolio with net effect of recoveries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Diagram N 3.12 Write-off and recovery of loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Diagram N 3.13 Problem assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Diagram N 3.14 Repossessed property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Diagram N 3.15 Return on assets and equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Diagram N 3.16 Decomposition of profitability growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Diagram N 3.17 Interest spread and factors affecting it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Diagram N 3.18 Banking system net profit from operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Diagram N 3.19 Balance sheet and consolidated open currency positions to regulatory capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Diagram N 3.20 Interest bearing assets coverage of liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Diagram N 3.21 Level of liquid assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Diagram N 3.22 Liquidity coefficients by currency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Diagram N 3.23 Liquidity gap: assets with a maturity of less than one month to liabilities with
a maturity of less than one month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Diagram N 3.24 Volume and structure of liquid assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Diagram N 3.25 Liability structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Diagram N 3.26 Client deposits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Diagram N 3.27 Share of non-resident deposits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Diagram N 3.28 Structure of non-resident deposits (December 2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Diagram N 3.29 Non-resident deposits by country (December 2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Diagram N 3.30 Gross loans to non-bank deposits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Diagram N 3.31 Capital adequacy ratios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Diagram N 3.32 Dynamics of operational losses, 2013-2014 (in GEL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Diagram N 3.33 Gross operational losses in 2014, according to event categories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Diagram N 3.34 Loans to GDP gap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Diagram N 3.35 Resolved complaints towards commercial banks (by year) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Diagram N 4.1 Information on brokers’ total assets, liabilities and equity, and the share of the consumer
portfolio in total assets (2009-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Diagram N 4.2 Main trade indicators (deals executed during trading sessions and outside the stock exchange) (2007-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Diagram N 4.3 Number of deals executed on and off the stock exchange by year (2007-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Diagram N 4.4 Turnover of securities deposited with the Central Depositary (2008-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Diagram N 4.5 Turnover of funds deposited with the Central Depositary (2008-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Diagram N 4.6
Total assets, liabilities, equity and liabilities-to-assets dynamics of microfinance organizations. . . . . . . . . 104
Diagram N 4.7
Net loan portfolio growth relative to assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Diagram N 4.8
Gross loan portfolio structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Diagram N 4.9 Borrowed funds structure, raised from non-resident organizations and private individuals. . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Diagram N 4.10 Profitability indicators (ROE, ROA) of microfinance organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Diagram N 5.1 Transfers processed through the RTGS system (2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Diagram N 5.2 Transfers processed through the RTGS system (2002-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Diagram N 5.3 Payment transactions by payment systems and other means of execution (2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Diagram N 5.4
Non-cash payments by means of initiation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Diagram N 5.5 Payment cards issued (2010-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Diagram N 5.6 Local transactions executed by payment cards issued in Georgia (2010–2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Diagram N 5.7
Payment card accepting devices (2011-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Diagram N 8.1 Cash in circulation (31 December 2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Diagram N 8.2
Cash in circulation (2013-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Diagram N 8.3
Counterfeit lari banknotes and coins detected in 2014, by percent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Diagram N 8.4 Number of counterfeit lari banknotes recovered in 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Diagram N 8.5 Number of counterfeit coins recovered in 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Diagram N 11.1 Quantitative and qualitative indicators for NBG staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Tables Table N 1.1
Real GDP growth and sector breakdown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Table N 1.2
Inflation indicators according to individual components (percentage), their share in the
consumer basket (percentage) and contribution to CPI (percentage points). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Table N 1.3
Balance of payments in 2010-2014 (million USD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Table N 2.1
REER annual change in 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Table N 3.1
Gross loan portfolio by segment (excluding interbank loans). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Table N 3.2
Gross loan portfolio according to risk sectors (excluding interbank loans). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Table N 3.3
Retail products distribution, annual change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Table N 3.4
Quality of portfolio by segment (excluding interbank loans). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Table N 3.5
Gross loan portfolio categories and loan loss reserves as of December 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Table N 3.6
Ratios by Sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Table N 3.7
External sources of wholesale funding and the repayment schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Table N 4.1
Public emission of bonds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Table N 4.2
Public emission of shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Table N 4.3
Brokerage company activities (2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Table N 4.4
Aggregate information on main indicators of trade concluded during trading
sessions and outside stock exchange (2012-2014). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Table N 8.1
Examination results of suspicious banknotes and coins received by the NBG in 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
INTRODUCTION
T
he 2014 annual report of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is prepared in accordance with
Articles 60 and 61 of the Organic Law on the National Bank of Georgia and comprises an overview of the bank’s monetary, exchange rate and supervisory policies, and audited financial statements. The report presents the priorities of the county’s central bank during the 2013 accounting period. It also contains the NBG’s assessments with regard to the ongoing processes, both within Georgia and abroad, that had a significant influence on Georgia’s economic position and the fulfillment of the NBG‘s objectives during 2014. During 2013, the NBG conducted its monetary policy in accordance with the objectives and functions stipulated by Article 3 of the Organic Law on the National Bank of Georgia, which states that the primary objective of the NBG is to maintain price stability. The NBG should also ensure the stability and transparency of the financial system and promote sustainable economic growth, without jeopardizing its primary objective. The NBG relies on an inflation targeting regime when conducting monetary policy. The NBG’s longterm inflation target equals 3%. Taking into account that Georgia is an emerging economy, and that relatively high rates of both economic growth and inflation are common for such economies, the inflation target for 2015-2016 is set at 5%, and will decrease to 4% in 2017. Throughout 2014, annual inflation fluctuated between 2% and 4% and was thus below the NBG’s medium-term target. After deflationary processes commenced in 2013, the rate of change in overall price level was characterized by growth, but during the second half of 2014 inflation declined again – mainly as a result of supply side factors. During the spring of 2014, a number of geopolitical risks were identified that were negatively reflected on external demand and
subsequently put downward pressure on domestic demand. This was reflected in the dynamics of core inflation, which remained at a low level during the year. The downward trend of inflation began in June 2011 and was mainly caused by supply side factors. This trend continued in 2012 and, from the second half of the year, the negative effect on prices from the supply side was accompanied by a reduction of total demand. Despite the fact that inflation remained low during 2013, a trend of economic recovery was observed up until the end of the year. Reinvigorated domestic demand coupled with expanding external demand led to economic growth, which caused inflation to start increasing. According to the information available at the time, it was expected that the positive tendencies would continue in 2014, which, in turn, would help inflation to approach the target level. It was thus decided that there was no need to continue retaining an accommodative monetary policy. As a consequence, at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of February 2014 it was decided that the National Bank of Georgia would start the process of exiting from its loose monetary policy stance and the policy rate was increased by 25 basis points to 4%. During the second quarter of 2014, a number of geopolitical risks were identified that brought uncertainty to the economy. The recovery of external demand was in doubt, which may have resulted in a decrease in exports. In addition, the realization of those geopolitical risks might have influenced domestic demand through reduced remittances and deteriorating investor sentiment. All this put downward pressure on prices and led to the low inflation rate. These risks were coupled with a reduction in food price levels on international markets. Taking into account the good harvest in 2014, this resulted in a significant decrease in local food prices. During 2014, the dynamics of inflation and the fact that it remained lower than the target value was predominantly caused by the changes in food prices. Taking all of these factors into consideration, and despite the revival of domestic economic
7
8
activity, the Monetary Policy Committee decided to
2014, the US dollar started to appreciate as a result of
keep the policy rate unchanged at its March and May
positive economic trends and expectations in the US.
meetings. Although it was still believed that there was
This was accompanied by the FED hinting towards the
a need to exit the accommodative monetary policy, the
possibility of monetary policy normalization. In Octo-
speed of this process depended on aggregate demand
ber, the FED finally decided to terminate the quantita-
and the extent of the recovery of economic activity.
tive easing that had been started in 2008. This move
The downward pressure on prices from supply side
further strengthened the US dollar. As a consequence
factors increased in the second half of 2014. In addi-
of these events, world currencies began to significantly
tion to the lower rates of food inflation, a sharp drop
depreciate against the US dollar from the beginning
in oil prices was observed in international markets,
of the year. However, these processes were not reflect-
which was gradually reflected in fuel prices in Geor-
ed on the lari exchange rate until towards the end of
gia. As a result, and given the high share of oil and
the year as a result of moderate foreign currency in-
food products in the consumer basket, headline infla-
flows during the first three quarters of 2014. It should
tion significantly reduced.
also be noted that the strengthening of US dollar was
During 2014, the impact of inflation and changes
primarily reflected on the currencies of those coun-
in exchange rates in Georgia’s main trading partner
tries with more developed financial markets. These
economies had a clear impact on the dynamics of con-
processes transferred to the Georgian economy later
sumer price inflation in Georgia. Imported inflation
through balance of payments deterioration resulting
displayed a growing trend during the first half of the
from the depreciation of partner countries’ currencies
year. However, the subsequent significant depreciation
(a decline in goods exports and remittances and a de-
of the currencies of Georgia’s main trading partners
crease in the growth rate of tourism revenues).
caused an appreciation of the lari nominal effective ex-
The negative trends outlined above caused eco-
change rate. As a result, the inflation rate on imported
nomic activity to increasingly lag behind its poten-
consumer goods slowed and made only a minor con-
tial level, slowing the approach of the inflation rate
tribution by the end of the year.
towards its target and prolonging the process of exit-
Alongside the supply factors mentioned above,
ing from the accommodative monetary policy. Under
demand side factors impacting the inflation rate also
these conditions, and on the basis of its inflation fore-
intensified by the end of 2014. The difficult political
casts and macroeconomic analysis, the National Bank
situation in the region and unfavorable economic
of Georgia kept the monetary policy rate unchanged.
trends in trading partner countries were reflected on
Since February 2014, the Monetary Policy Committee
the Georgian economy and led to weakened foreign
met seven times, but no decisions were made concern-
demand. The decrease in exports was coupled with
ing further changes in the policy and the policy rate
a considerable decline in remittances. At the same
remained at 4%. The annual inflation rate of consumer
time, the growth rate of tourism revenues started to
prices amounted to 2% by the end of the year.
diminish. Although weak external demand was partly
The real growth of GDP in 2014 was 4.8%, howev-
balanced by increased investments and domestic con-
er, the quarterly growth rates of the economy were not
sumption, this failed to ensure sufficient growth of ag-
equal. High economic growth was observed during the
gregate demand, as was expected at the beginning of
first three quarters of the year, with GDP growth aver-
the year.
aging 5.9%. In the fourth quarter, the GDP growth rate
Against the background of external shocks, it is
decreased significantly to 1.8%. On the one hand, this
worth explaining exchange market developments. In
was caused by the base effect – the growth rate of the
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
corresponding period of the previous year was quite
3.9 percentage points. Receipts from trade in services
high. On the other hand, economic activity clearly de-
also declined in 2014, mainly as a result of the de-
clined in the fourth quarter, even after taking the base
creased growth of tourism inflows. Tourism receipts,
effect into consideration. This reduction was caused by
which account for a major share in services exports,
worsening economic conditions in the region, which
reached 1.8 billion USD. Although this was 4% higher
resulted in the decrease of external demand. Reduced
than the previous year, the growth rate was much low-
demand on exported products had a negative effect on
er than the 22% recorded in 2013.
the manufacturing sector, where traditional products
During 2014, the volume of Georgia’s net interna-
for export are produced. Manufacturing fell by 6.9%
tional reserves declined by 124 million USD. The Na-
in the fourth quarter, while during the first three quar-
tional Bank supplied 100 million USD to the market
ters the growth rate was 9% on average. The worsened
through foreign exchange interventions. It should also
economic conditions in Georgia’s main trading part-
be noted that the net service of the IMF loan amount-
ner countries were negatively reflected in other sec-
ed to 136 million USD. Georgia’s total international
tors as well. Alongside the fall in exports, the number
reserves stood at 2.7 billion USD at the end of 2014.
of visitors and amount of money transfers to Georgia
Since 2010, the NBG has been actively working to
decreased in the last quarter of the year, which had a
improve the efficiency of monetary policy, with low
negative effect on most sectors of the economy and on
levels of financial sector larization being the main ob-
economic growth.
stacle to this. Stable and positive results were attained
Unlike the previous year, economic growth was
through measures taken over recent years. During
mainly driven by domestic demand, which was stimu-
2014, a growth of deposit and credit portfolio lariza-
lated by the loosened monetary policy of the National
tion was observable. However, taking into account
Bank. In line with increased domestic demand and
the high levels of exchange rate volatility, this growth
improved expectations, the share of final consump-
was moderate. Excluding the effect of exchange rate
tion increased drastically, inventories that were at low
changes, the deposit larization indicator improved by
levels due to weak demand in the previous year filled
1.7% over the year and amounted to 39.8%, while the
up, and investments made a positive contribution to
share of local currency denominated loans increased
GDP growth. Over the course of the year, imports
by 3.3% to 39.2%.
were facilitating the needs of consumption and capi-
The reforms undertaken by the NBG directed
tal formation. It was expected that the current account
at developing financial and exchange markets have
deficit would deepen as domestic demand started
played an important role in promoting larization
to expand in 2014, but external economic shocks in
over recent years. The expansion of the collateral base
the second quarter of the year further contributed to
used for refinancing operations and the inclusion of
worsen the current account deficit. In 2014, the deficit
national currency loans issued by international finan-
reached 9.7% of GDP, which was 4 percentage points
cial institutions encouraged the issuance of financial
higher than the same indicator from the previous year.
instruments in local markets by international finan-
In absolute terms, the current account deficit deep-
cial institutions. In this regard, the most important
ened by 681 million USD and amounted to 1.6 billion
lari-denominated bonds (50 million GEL) were those
USD. The worsening of the current account deficit
issued by the European Bank for Reconstruction and
was mainly due to the deterioration of the trade bal-
Development (EBRD) for local markets. At the begin-
ance. The trade in goods deficit reached 25.6% of GDP,
ning of 2015, a number of other international financial
which exceeded same indicator of the previous year by
institutions also carried out lari-denominated bond
9
emissions. This process will facilitate local capital markets and secondary markets and encourage the development of a local corporate bonds market.
10
tically and internationally. During recent years, the NBG has implemented a number of important reforms with regards to banking
Throughout the year, particular attention was paid
supervision. These reforms have been aimed at mak-
to increasing the efficiency of the development of mon-
ing existing practice more forward-looking and risk-
etary policy, through both the development of existing
based. For the purpose of enhancing financial system
channels for communicating monetary policy with
stability, the issue of macro prudential regulation, in
the public and the introduction of new instruments.
parallel with micro prudential regulation, has received
Communication has particular importance within the
increased attention.
framework of the inflation targeting regime because
In terms of the professional recognition of the steps
it is essential to correctly formulate and manage pub-
taken towards improving banking supervision, the Fi-
lic expectations. Timely and effective communication
nancial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), which
of the NBG’s goals, strategies and economic analysis
was conducted jointly by the IMF and the World Bank,
increases the predictability of monetary policy deci-
is particularly important. The mission concluded that
sion making. Improving and increasing communica-
by introducing important reforms and maintaining
tion channels is thus a top priority. Throughout 2014,
a conservative approach, the NBG had implemented
important steps were taken in this direction. In March,
a comprehensive, advanced, and risk-based supervi-
the NBG introduced a monetary policy strategy docu-
sory framework, which provides for the early iden-
ment that describes the main principles of the infla-
tification of risks and the most efficient allocation
tion targeting regime in Georgia (which has been ac-
of resources. The report highlighted that the NBG’s
tive since 2009), its advantages and what conditions
framework is comprehensive because it addresses all
must be fulfilled for the successful functioning of this
potential risks emanating from the banking system; it
regime. The document underlines that the NBG has
is forward-looking because it includes elements such
set its long-run inflation target at 3%. When formulat-
as stress tests and business model, corporate govern-
ing monetary policy decisions, special importance is
ance, capital and contingency planning; and it is risk-
given to the inflation forecast as changes to the mon-
based because it focuses on the most important risks.
etary policy instruments initiated by the NBG are
The concluding document highlighted that in some
transmitted to the economy with a time lag and thus
instances the NBG’s approaches constitute advanced
affect future inflation.
practice that could serve as an example for other de-
In order to disseminate the information regard-
veloped countries. The NBG’s advanced supervisory
ing the decisions of the NBG’s Monetary Policy Com-
tools, macro prudential regulatory framework, and
mittee, as well as the forecasts made in the process of
other elements were considered particularly notewor-
adopting these decisions, the NBG implemented the
thy. The report also underlined the impressive quality
practice of holding regular presentations and meetings
of the supervisory staff, which is a prerequisite for the
with analysts. These activities continued during 2014
effective implementation of reforms and solving com-
as well. Furthermore, in terms of spreading informa-
plex issues on the NBG’s agenda.
tion and forming correct economic expectations, it is
In 2014, the National Bank of Georgia became a
important to mention the NBG’s publication of the
member of the Basel Consultative Group (BCG) of
scientific-analytic journal Economics and Banking.
the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS).
The journal offers high-quality articles on topics rel-
Within the framework of membership in this group,
evant to economic processes taking place both domes-
starting from January 2015, the NBG became actively
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
involved in the main activities of the Basel Commit-
the various components of the continuous cycle of
tee’s Supervision and Implementation Group, which
risk-based supervision and outlines the responsible
focus on implementing advanced approaches of in-
structural units. GRAPE incorporates the stages of
ternational supervisory policy. The supervisory prin-
risk identification, analysis and assessment during
ciples that this group develops constitute an interna-
different phases, periodic summary assessments and
tional standard, and Georgia was invited to share its
supervisory actions. The internal capital adequacy as-
experiences in the working group at this level for the
sessment and stress tests of pillar II are integral parts
first time.
of the program.
At the same time, the BCBS invited NBG repre-
For the purpose of improving and perfecting cur-
sentatives as experts in the Regulatory Consistency
rent norms, and graduating to an essentially new level
Assessment Program (RCAP) team. This program
of risk management, the National Bank of Georgia de-
only operates in Basel Committee member countries,
veloped a project for amending the regulatory frame-
and constitutes the main instrument for monitoring
work on “Asset Classification and Creation of Possi-
and evaluating the consistency of the Basel III imple-
ble Loan Loss Reserves”. The said project constitutes
mentation process. An on-site visit to a Basel Com-
a follow-up step in the wake of the work completed
mittee member country in scheduled for 2015, where,
within the framework of the “Lending Standards” in-
within the given program, NBG representatives will
ternational conference that was organized by the NBG
conduct an assessment of the supervisory framework
in 2014. The conference aimed at discussing and ana-
for the Basel Committee.
lyzing the outlook and opinions of market participants
Based on the recommendations from international
regarding effective credit standards, as well as the ne-
organizations, in 2014 various delegations from dif-
cessity of benchmarks. The proposed amendment pro-
ferent countries visited Georgia to share supervisory
ject entails the introduction of specific qualitative pa-
experience. The visitors were particularly interested in
rameters for identifying and determining the so-called
the Basel II/III transition process implemented by the
“standard” loans. The abovementioned methodology
National Bank of Georgia, including the issues of con-
is based on the assessment methods of international
solidated supervision, stress test methodology, quality
rating agencies and takes into account empirical indi-
analysis of credit assets, and other risk-based supervi-
cators on the markets.
sion reforms.
In order to enhance the quality of financial report-
In 2014, the components of Pillars I and II of the
ing, the National Bank of Georgia started working
capital adequacy framework, which are based on Ba-
on developing a methodology for the impairment of
sel II/III, were fully launched. The existing minimum
debt instruments in line with international practice.
requirements of Basel I will be gradually phased out
This was discussed with leading audit companies at
during the next three years and will be fully replaced
the working level. The objective of the regulation is to
by the Basel II/III framework. Within Pillar II of Basel
specify the methods for the disclosure and calculation
II/III, commercial banks identify material risks in line
of the impairment of financial instruments within In-
with their own risk profiles, and calculate the amount
ternational Accounting Standard (IAS) 39, which will
of capital required.
contribute to the adequate and timely reflection of im-
In 2014, the Rule on the General Risk Assessment
paired loans and other debt instruments in financial
Program (GRAPE) also came into force. GRAPE’s ob-
statements. It also represents a step forward in terms
jective is to formalize the risk-based supervisory pro-
of implementing International Financial Reporting
cess of commercial banks. This document describes
Standard (IFRS) 9.
11
In the beginning of 2014, several changes were
the corporate portfolio, the interest rates offered on it
carried out with regards to liquidity supervisory re-
are at a record low. The growth of assets and the im-
quirements: individual categories of liquid assets were
provement of effectiveness due to economies of scale
specified in more detail; the requirements for resourc-
have positively influenced the banking sector’s profit-
es placed in non-resident banks were made stricter;
ability. The share of retail loans increased significantly
concessions were established for long-term certificates
and, in terms of profitability, were characterized by
of deposits; and, for the purpose of supporting the
relatively high interest rates. However, it must be not-
repo operations market, approaches were specified for
ed that retail loans are related to larger operational and
factoring the latter in the determination of liquidity
higher expected (collectively assessed impairment)
position.
credit risk costs, which are realized in the following
A new Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for liquidity risks, a requirement of Basel III, was developed and
spread.
will come into force after final calibration. Although
By the end of 2014, the Georgian banking system
the implementation of the ratio will significantly im-
maintained a high level of capitalization. The Basel I
prove prudential supervision, it must be taken into
Tier 1 capital ratio exceeded 13.6 percent, while the
consideration that this does not cover some integral
regulatory capital ratio reached 17.4 percent. Both
aspects of liquidity risk regulation that receive atten-
sources of capital growth – shareholder strength and
tion during risk assessments such as the concentration
profitability – were positively assessed. In addition,
of payments for liabilities, actual contingency funding
within the framework of Basel II/III implementation,
plans, etc. After the enforcement of the LCR require-
the evaluation of economic capital will receive greater
ments, the implementation of Net Stable Funding Ra-
emphasis.
tio (NSFR) benchmarks for the improvement of longterm liquidity regulation is planned.
Within the framework of identifying macro prudential risks, systemic factors were singled out dur-
In 2014, the NBG regulation on the "Management
ing the assessment of individual risks. During the
of Operational Risks at Commercial Banks” came into
risk assessment process, in addition to general mac-
force. This regulation represents a principle-based le-
roeconomic parameters, trends in individual sectors
gal act that fully meets the requirements of the Basel
are taken into consideration. In order to identify risks
Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). Within
to the stable supply of banking services, stress tests
the framework of this regulation, requirements for
were actively applied, including the evaluation of risks
business continuity management (including testing),
stemming from countries of the region and the foreign
information systems audits, and outsourcing risk
sector in general. Advice from the FSAP group was
management were established for commercial banks
also used for the purpose of developing a micro model
for the first time. Operational risk capital require-
of stress tests. In addition, in order to ensure that stress
ments in line with Basel II banking standards also
tests are more forward-looking, activities oriented to-
came into force in 2014.
wards the implementation of micro stress tests were
The trend of decreasing interest rates continued in
12
period and decrease the return from the increased
carried out in coordination with commercial banks.
2014. This was primarily caused by a further increase
In line with existing assessments, the banking sec-
of competition in the banking sector. It is noteworthy
tor is resilient against the decline of the GDP growth
that the profitability of loans disbursed to corporate
rate, exchange rate devaluation, and the decrease of
and small and medium enterprises has decreased sig-
demand on export markets. However, it should be
nificantly. Despite the historically high credit losses of
mentioned that negative effects are expected in 2015.
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
In terms of consumer rights protection, coopera-
CSD systems). The 2014 Financial Sector Assessment
tion with commercial banks continued with the pur-
Program (FSAP) report, which was prepared by a joint
pose of improving service transparency. In addition,
mission of the IMF and World Bank, reads: “The Na-
the National Bank of Georgia started working on the
tional Bank of Georgia (NBG) has established a robust
preparation of its “Financial Literacy Strategy”. This
foundation for Georgia’s National Payment System
document will be discussed with both local and inter-
(NPS). A well-articulated legal and regulatory frame-
national experts in the fields of education, economics
work is now in place. Plus, the nation’s core payments
and finance. The NBG hopes that local state and non-
infrastructure, the Georgia Payment and Settlement
governmental, executive and legislative bodies will be
System (GPSS), which was launched just four years
involved in the process.
ago, is so efficient and effective that central banks
The microfinance sector is an important and grow-
from around the world have come to study Georgia’s
ing representative of non-bank institutions. This sec-
system”. Representatives from more than 10 countries’
tor’s assets exceeded 1 billion GEL, which constitutes
central banks have visited the National Bank of Geor-
4.8% of total banking system assets, and the credit
gia to share its experiences of the implementation of
portfolio is growing alongside the growth of assets.
the payment and settlement system.
Despite the fact that, according to legislation, the Na-
Work was also undertaken to perfect information
tional Bank of Georgia does not regulate microfinance
technologies. On 6-7 November 2014, at the 7th re-
organizations, it is actively working towards protect-
gional conference on Georgian Cyber Security and
ing the interests of consumers and enhancing their
ICT Innovation (GITI 2014), the National Bank of
awareness of such organizations.
Georgia obtained awards in three categories: (i) “The
During the reporting period, the NBG continued
most widely applicable e-service”, which envisages
pursuing the objectives that it had set in the previous
the replacement of paperwork with electronic docu-
year regarding the development of the securities mar-
ments made using “advance electronic signatures” in
ket. Intensive consultations were undertaken with in-
the banking sector. (ii) “Best Information Security
vestors and current and potential market participants
Management”, within the framework of which an in-
with the purpose of contributing towards the sphere’s
formation security management system in line with
further development. In comparison with the previous
the international standard ISO27001 was introduced
year, 2014 saw a strengthened securities market and
in the National Bank of Georgia. In the nearest future
growing interest from investors. Innovations were also
the National Bank of Georgia plans to adopt certifica-
introduced in the stock market in terms of its develop-
tion according to that standard, which will be the first
ment and modernization.
ISO27001 certification in Georgia. (iii) “Most success-
The Georgian payment system includes the infra-
ful infrastructure solution”, within the scope of which
structure for both large and retail payments. As a re-
the National Bank of Georgia, for the first time in the
sult of important legislative and infrastructure reforms
Georgian public sector, introduced federated storage
undertaken in recent years, the efficiency of payment
virtualization technology, which reduced the duration
operations has been improved and associated risks re-
of time of commuting between datacenters to zero.
lated to their execution have been reduced. After the
Another innovative project of the National Bank
NBG’s completion of the above mentioned reforms
that entered into law in 2014 concerned the introduc-
greater attention was paid to the issues of business
tion of electronic signatures in the banking sector.
continuity and the information security of payment
This was the first such model adopted not only in the
systems (in particular, the National Bank’s RTGS and
Georgian banking sector but also in the region. The
13
project, which in accordance with European regula-
risk management system within the NBG. This system
tions qualifies as an “advanced electronic signature”,
will be integrated with the NBG’s processes, goals and
is based on a digital certificate and uses the biometric
common strategy.
data of the subscriber. The use of electronic signatures in the banking sector implies replacing paper signatures with electronic signatures ensuring that all electronic document turnover is permitted by the applicable law. The necessity for using electronic signatures as a legally binding instrument leaves no alternative other than the gradual removal of operations done on paper. Moreover, the switch from material to electronic documents is an unconditional way to ensure flexibility and optimization of business processes. In line with the challenges of modern corporate governance and the working practices of various cen-
es, so-called SebStat, in the banking system was completed during 2014. At the same time, work towards the automated processing of SebStat’s final statistical products began, with the goal of creating an environment for unlimited access to the NBG’s statistical data for final users. In 2014, the NBG started to export its reforms. Several countries expressed desire to become familiar with and share the experiences of the National Bank of Georgia's recent reforms. To this end, a number of
tral banks, the NBG has attached special importance
official delegations from Asian, African, Eastern Eu-
to the needs of risk management systematization. As
ropean and CIS countries visited the National Bank,
a result, the Centralized Risk Management depart-
many arriving in Georgia on the recommendation of
ment was created in November 2014 with the primary
the World Bank.
mission of developing and implementing an effective
14
The implementation of statistical business process-
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
I Macroeconomic Environment
15
business sentiment amid weakened foreign demand
1.1 World Economy
G
and increased taxes. Much better situations were ob-
lobal economic activity was marked by signifi-
served in the United States and the United Kingdom
cant fluctuations in 2014. Price reductions of
as a result of loose monetary stances and increasing
main commodities (oil, food and metals) on interna-
investment in the real estate market. The economic
tional markets, heightened geopolitical crises and the
outlook of the emerging and developing trade partners
legacy of the global financial crisis have significantly influenced both developed and emerging economies. Eurozone countries have continued to suffer from high unemployment, negative investor sentiment and structural problems – all of which was eventually reflected in less-than-expected economic growth in
of Georgia deteriorated significantly in 2014, manly owing to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in Russia and Ukraine and it economic consequences. The International Monetary Fund estimates that global economic growth reached 3.3% in 2014, which is almost no dif-
2014. Slower than expected economic growth was also
ferent from the 2013 figure (see Diagram N 1.1).1 The
observed in Japan, where the central bank's monetary
global economy is forecast to grow by 3.5% and 3.7%
loosening proved insufficient to boost consumer and
in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Diagram N 1.1 Real growth of GDP in the World 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% -2% -4% -6% 2006
2007
World
2008
Eurozone
2009
2010
United States
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Emerging and Developing Countries Source: International Monetary Fund
Price cuts on main commodities (oil, food and
should be noted. This was the result of the increased
metals) on international markets and negative output
extraction of shale oil in the US. Two additional fac-
gaps have resulted in weak inflation in a number of
tors accompanied this: OPEC member states’ decision
countries (see Diagram N 1.2). Brent oil prices drasti-
not to give up their market share (at the expense of
cally fell in the second half of 2014 – from about 105
sharp cuts of the sale price); and the strengthening of
USD to 55 USD per barrel. There were a number of
the US dollar against other major currencies (which
causes of this reduction. First of all, weak global de-
also reduced demand for oil in importer countries).
mand and the higher-than-expected supply effect
1. Source: IMF, WEO Update, Jan. 2015
16
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 1.2 CPI inflation in the World 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% -2% 2005
2006
2007
World
2008
2009
Eurozone
2010
2011
2012
United States
2013
2014
2015
2016
Emerging and Developing Countries Source: International Monetary Fund
Amid excess supply, huge price reductions were
and lower input costs. Metal prices also fell as demand
observed on main food commodities (cereals, sugar,
for raw materials decreased in China and other emerg-
dairy products and soy) on international markets in
ing economies (see Diagram N 1.3).
2014. This was a result of favorable climatic conditions
Diagram N 1.3 Price indices of main commodities (2005=100) 260 220 180 140
Commodity Price Index
Metal Price Index
Food Price index
Energy Price Index
Dec/14
Nov/14
Oct/14
Sep/14
Aug/14
Jul/14
Jun/14
May/14
Apr/14
Mar/14
Feb/14
Jan/14
Dec/13
Nov/13
Oct/13
Sep/13
Aug/13
Jul/13
Jun/13
May/13
Apr/13
Mar/13
Feb/13
Jan/13
Dec/12
100
Price indices of main commodities (2005=100)
The US gross domestic product increased by 2.4%
prices. The unemployment rate decreased significantly
in 2014, which was more than expected. Loose mon-
(falling to 6%), which formed the basis for phasing out
etary and fiscal policy led to an increase in economic
monetary easing; however, weak inflation, resulting
activity, which was followed by the recovery of the real
from falling oil prices and the appreciation of the US
estate market and a rise in real income due to lower oil
dollar, causes monetary contraction to be slow and
17
gradual. The International Monetary Fund forecasts
phase of the military conflict, it is expected that the
that the US economy will grow by 3.6% and 3.3% in
crisis in Ukraine will turn into a long recession, and
2015 and 2016 respectively.2
the country’s GDP will shrink by 5% in 2015.5
In 2014, high unemployment was still prevalent
The outlook for Armenia, an important trading
in a number of countries in the eurozone, along with
partner of Georgia, has also deteriorated – mainly due
negative investor expectations and structural prob-
to its close economic ties with Russia. The local cur-
lems. The gross domestic product of the monetary
rency fell by 17% against the US dollar and remittanc-
union grew by only 0.8%, with less-than-expected real
es from Russia decreased drastically.6 According to the
economic growth observed in France, Germany and
forecasts, in 2015 Armenia's economy will post 0%
Italy. Although the political and economic situation in
growth. The difficulties in the region are also reflected
Greece remained unstable, other European countries,
on the economy of Azerbaijan. However, falling global
Spain and Ireland in particular, showed clear signs of
oil prices was the much more pressing problem for the
recovery. Eurozone inflation, conditioned by weak de-
energy exporter country, leading to a worsened eco-
mand and falling oil prices, remained below the target
nomic growth outlook for 2015. At the regional level,
in 2014. The IMF predicts that the eurozone GDP will
there were relatively better prospects in Turkey, where
increase by 1.2% in 2015, while growth in 2016 will
the economy grew by 2.9% in 2014. According to fore-
average 1.4%.
casts, Turkey's GDP growth in 2015 will equal 3%.7
3
The ongoing geopolitical conflict between Russia
To deal with inflation risks, the central banks of
and Ukraine and its economic consequences underlie
the region adopted strict monetary policy in 2014. At
the negative growth outlook for these countries and
the end of the year, in Russia and Ukraine the main
some other important trading partners of Georgia.
policy rate reached 17% and 14% respectively. A radi-
The economic sanctions imposed on Russia were fol-
cally different situation existed in the eurozone, where
lowed by the global oil price drop in the end of 2014,
the central bank’s goal is to alleviate credit conditions
which was a serious blow for the energy-export-ori-
in order to stimulate demand and investment. De-
ented economy. Deteriorating terms of trade were
spite the US Federal Reserve’s announcements about
not fully compensated by the 85% depreciation of the
a possible exit from its expansionary monetary policy
Russian ruble against the US dollar. Nevertheless, the
stance, an accommodative monetary policy was sus-
depreciation elevated inflation and reduced real in-
tained in the United States.
comes, resulting in a significant negative impact on exports from neighboring countries and remittances from Russia. The negative trend is expected to persist in the near future – even the most optimistic estimations show that Russia's GDP in 2015 will fall by about 3-5%.4
1.2 Economic Growth
T
the course of the year, the quarterly growth rates
of the economy were not the same. High economic
The economy of Ukraine decreased by about 8%
growth was observed during the first three quarters
in 2014, while the local currency depreciated 98%
of the year, with the GDP growth averaging 5.9%. In
against the US dollar. Taking into account the new
the fourth quarter, the GDP growth rate decreased
2. Source: IMF, WEO Update, Jan. 2015 3. Source: IMF, WEO Update, Jan. 2015 4. Source: EBRD (Regional Economic Prospects, Jan. 2015) and IMF (WEO Update, Jan. 2015) 5. Source: EBRD (Regional Economic Prospects, Jan. 2015) 6. Source: EBRD (Regional Economic Prospects, Jan. 2015) 7. Source: EBRD (Regional Economic Prospects, Jan. 2015)
18
he real growth of GDP in 2014 posted 4.8%. Over
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
significantly and fell to 1.8%. On the one hand, this
Bank was quickly reflected on the largest sector, trade,
was caused by the base effect as the corresponding pe-
which saw 6.1% growth. The significant increase in the
riod of the previous year saw quite a high growth rate.
credit portfolio of commercial banks was followed by
On the other hand, economic activity in the fourth
10% growth in financial intermediation.
quarter reduced even after taking the base effect into
Negative external factors were the main reason
consideration. This decline was caused by worsening
for the sharp deterioration of economic growth in the
economic conditions in the region, which resulted in a
fourth quarter. Reduced demand on exported prod-
decrease of external demand.
ucts had a negative effect on the manufacturing sector,
The main drivers of economic growth in 2014 were
where traditional products for export are produced.
the construction sector (with 13.5% annual growth
Manufacturing fell by 6.9% in the fourth quarter,
and making a 0.8% contribution to total growth) and the trade sector (with annual growth of 6.1% and making a 0.9% contribution to growth). Construction posted growth in both the public and private sectors. Government infrastructure projects were revived as compared to the previous year, while increased private sector activity was supported by commercial banks’ low interest rate loans for real estate purchases (which are linked to the policy rate). Given the 10.5% decrease of the previous year, the high growth rate of the con-
while the average growth rate was 9% during the first three quarters. The worsened economic conditions in Georgia’s main trading partner countries were negatively reflected in other sectors as well. Alongside falling exports, the number of visitors and the amount of money transfers to Georgia both decreased in the last quarter, which had a negative effect on most sectors of the economy and on economic growth. The modest growth of the agriculture sector should
struction sector in 2014 was also caused by the base
be noted separately. Agriculture increased by only
effect. The loosened monetary policy of the National
1.5% in 2014 and contributed 0.1% to total growth.
19
Table N 1.1 Real GDP growth and sector breakdown 2012 Growth Agriculture, hunting and forestry; fishing
2013
Contribution
Growth
2014
Contribution
Growth
Contribution
-3.7%
-0.3%
11.3%
0.8%
1.5%
0.1%
6.6%
0.1%
2.8%
0.0%
1.8%
0.0%
13.2%
1.1%
8.6%
0.8%
3.9%
0.4%
0.7%
0.0%
5.1%
0.1%
-2.1%
-0.1%
Processing of products by households
-2.6%
-0.1%
6.8%
0.2%
1.1%
0.0%
Construction
18.2%
1.1%
-10.5%
-0.7%
13.5%
0.8%
7.1%
1.0%
5.4%
0.8%
6.1%
0.9%
11.4%
0.2%
4.6%
0.1%
5.6%
0.1%
7.0%
0.5%
3.2%
0.2%
6.4%
0.4%
Communication
10.1%
0.3%
0.9%
0.0%
7.1%
0.2%
Financial intermediation
14.8%
0.3%
7.0%
0.2%
10.0%
0.3%
Real estate, renting and business activities
5.3%
0.2%
9.6%
0.5%
8.5%
0.4%
Imputed rent of own occupied dwellings
3.7%
0.1%
3.1%
0.1%
2.6%
0.1%
Public administration
3.3%
0.3%
2.2%
0.2%
2.6%
0.2%
Education
3.1%
0.1%
2.4%
0.1%
2.1%
0.1%
Health and social work
2.9%
0.2%
0.0%
0.0%
2.2%
0.1%
7.1%
0.3%
1.6%
0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
6.7%
0.0%
-0.6%
0.0%
-4.9%
0.0%
10.2%
-0.1%
11.6%
-0.1%
11.9%
-1.0%
7.2%
1.0%
1.1%
0.2%
5.7%
0.8%
-0.5%
0.0%
14.2%
-0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
Mining and quarrying Manufacturing Electricity, gas and water supply
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods Hotels and restaurants Transport
Other community, social and personal service activities Private households employing domestic staff and undifferentiated production activities of households for own use Financial Intermediation Services Indirectly Measured (FISIM) Taxes on products (+) Subsidies on Products (–) GDP at Market Prices
6.40%
3.3%
4.8%
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
20
Demand
ous year. The 19% increase of consumer goods imports
In 2014, the GDP growth structure by expenditures
during first three quarters was significant. Imports of
changed significantly compared to the previous year.
intermediate and investment goods grew by 11% and
GDP growth was mainly driven by domestic demand,
1% respectively. Consumption increased during the
which was stimulated by the loosened monetary poli-
fourth quarter, despite the slower economic growth
cy of the National Bank.
rate; however, the growth of consumer goods imports
The share of final consumption in GDP growth in-
was a miserable 0.1%. The latter can be partially ex-
creased importantly, by 3 p.p compared to the previ-
plained by the base effect (imports of consumer goods
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
increased by 28% in the last quarter of 2013). Demand
The fiscal sector played important role in forming
was also satisfied by increased inventories during pre-
domestic demand. The consolidated budget deficit
vious months.
posted 3.2% of GDP in 2014, which is 0.6 percent-
As domestic demand increased and expectations
age points lower than planned (see Diagram N 1.4).
improved, inventories, which were at low levels due to
Compared to 2013, the budget deficit grew by 0.6 per-
weak demand in the previous year, filled up. As a re-
centage points. It should be noted that consolidated
sult of the rise of inventories, increased infrastructure
budget expenditures increased by 884 mln GEL (11%)
projects in the construction sector and more housing
in 2014. Current expenditures rose by 975 mln GEL,
funds from the private sector stimulated the growth of
while capital expenditures and net lending decreased
capital formation. Unlike previous years, investments
by 91 mln GEL.
made a positive contribution to GDP growth (7.1%).
Diagram N 1.4 Consolidated budget deficit (mln GEL) and its ratio to GDP 0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
0.00%
(225)
-1.25%
(450)
-2.50%
(675)
-3.75%
(900)
-5.00%
(1,125)
-6.25%
(1,350)
-7.50%
(1,575)
-8.75%
(1,800)
-10.00%
Consolidated Budget Deficit (left axis)
Ratio to GDP (right axis)
Source: Ministry of Finance of Georgia
Over the course of the year, imports were facilitat-
from external demand, together with the sharp de-
ing the needs of consumption and capital formation.
crease of exports of goods and services, resulted in a
The growth rate of imported goods was higher than
higher trade deficit. Unlike previous years, net exports
the growth rate of exports. The difference was espe-
made a negative contribution to GDP growth (-5.4%)
cially high in the fourth quarter. The negative effect
in 2014.
21
Diagram N 1.5 GDP growth by expenditures 20.0% 15.0%
7.5%
10.0% 5.0% 0.0%
10.0%
-4.2%
-5.0%
3.9%
4.5%
6.5%
4.8%
2.9%
3.5%
-6.1%
-6.5%
2011
2012
0.3% 7.7% 0.7% -3.2% -1.8%
7.1% 3.0% -5.6%
-7.1% -10.0% -15.0%
2010
Consumption
Capital Formation
2013
2014
Exports of Goods and Services
Imports of Goods and Services Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
1.3 Change in Consumer Prices
share of food products in the consumption basket is
T
Due to both external and domestic factors, increase
he main objective of the National Bank of Georgia is to ensure the maintenance of price stabil-
ity in the country. During 2014, annual inflation fluctuated between 2% and 4% and was thus below the NBG’s medium-term target of 5%. After deflationary 8
processes commenced in 2013, the rate of change in the overall price level was characterized by growth, but inflation declined again during the second half of 2014 and amounted to 2% by the end of the year. At the same time, core inflation (excluding food and energy products) exhibited an increasing trend, reaching 2.9% by the end of December 2014. The dynamics of the consumer price index and the deviation from the annual inflation target indicator were influenced by both supply and demand factors in the economy. In Georgia, as in other low-income countries, the
relatively high. The inflation indicator is thus highly sensitive towards changes in food product prices. in foods prices had been slow throughout 2014. As a result of a rich harvest in the region, domestic food prices decreased considerably. Moreover, according to FAOSTAT (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), during the second quarter of 2014 a decreasing trend was observed in the overall price level of food on international markets. During 2014, the food price index declined by 4%. Despite the end of year depreciation of the lari against the US dollar, food prices decreased further. By the end of December, the inflation rate on food items included in the consumption basket amounted to 2.7% and its impact on headline inflation reduced by 0.8 percentage points. The change in fuel prices was also important for the dynamics of the consumer price index in the country. Against the backdrop of a sharp fall in oil prices
8. The inflation target for 2014 is 6%, but will decrease to 5% in 2015. Because monetary policy actions have a lagged effect on prices, the inflation target of 5% is used for the formulation of monetary policy.
22
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 1.6 Headline and core inflation (2009-2014) 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% -2%
Dec-14
Sep-14
Jun-14
Mar-14
Dec-13
Sep-13
Jun-13
Dec-12
Mar-13
Sep-12
Jun-12
Mar-12
Dec-11
Sep-11
Jun-11
Dec-10
Core (net of food and energy)
Mar-11
Sep-10
Jun-10
Mar-10
Dec-09
Sep-09
Jun-09
Mar-09
-6%
Dec-08
-4%
Headline
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia and the NBG
on international markets, fuel prices declined in Geor-
prices on petrol and diesel had declined by 5-6% on an
gia. Taking into account the high share of oil products
annual basis, contributing approximately -0.3 percent-
in the consumer basket, this drop had a significant
age points to headline inflation.
impact on the overall price level. By the end of 2014,
Diagram N 1.7 Contribution of food and fuel inflation to headline inflation 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% -1% -2%
Food
Fuel
Dec-14
Nov-14
Oct-14
Sep-14
Aug-14
Jul-14
Jun-14
May-14
Apr-14
Mar-14
Feb-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Nov-13
Oct-13
Sep-13
Aug-13
Jul-13
Jun-13
May-13
Apr-13
Mar-13
Feb-13
Jan-13
-3%
Other Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia and the NBG
23
In terms of supply factors, it is worth stressing the
year. However, the subsequent significant depreciation
influence of imported inflation on the overall price
of the currencies of Georgia’s main trading partners
level. As imported products constitute quite a signifi-
caused the appreciation of the lari nominal effective
cant part of the consumer basket, imported inflation is
exchange rate. As a result, the inflation rate on im-
one factor determining the low level of inflation in the
ported consumer goods slowed down. By the end of
country. In line with high inflation rates in Georgia’s
the year, annual imported inflation had declined by
main trading partners, from the beginning of 2014
2.1 percentage points compared to July, amounting to
the change of imported prices became positive and
1.1% and contributing approximately 0.2 percentage
displayed a growing trend during the first half of the
points to headline inflation.
Diagram N 1.8 Imported and domestic inflation9 20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
-5%
Jul-14
Oct-14
Jan-14
Apr-14
Jul-13
Oct-13
Jan-13
Apr-13
Jul-12
Oct-12
Jan-12
Apr-12
Jul-11
Oct-11
Jan-11
Apr-11
Jul-10
Domestic
Oct-10
Jan-10
Apr-10
Jul-09
Oct-09
Jan-09
Imported
Apr-09
Jul-08
Oct-08
Jan-08
Apr-08
Jul-07
Oct-07
Jan-07
Apr-07
-10%
Headline
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia and the NBG
As was already mentioned, the low inflation rate
and the growth rate of tourism revenues decreased
was determined not only by factors from the sup-
significantly. Factors weakening external demand thus
ply side, but from the demand side as well. During
caused a widening of the negative output gap. That,
the second quarter of 2014, a number of geopolitical
in turn, put downward pressure on the growth rate of
risks were identified that were negatively reflected on
consumer prices and prolonged the approach towards
external demand. Exports and remittances declined,
the target level. As for domestic demand, against the
9. Imported and domestic inflation is calculated by NBG based on indices of different items of consumer basket provided by Goestat
24
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
backdrop of expansionary monetary policy and in-
hold equipment, routine house maintenance“ catego-
creasing investment and domestic consumption, lend-
ries, where the annual inflation rate amounted to 6.7%
ing activity continued to exhibit moderate growth.
and 4% respectively. Relatively low inflation indicators
It is interesting to observe the price dynamics of
were observed in the categories of “hotels, cafes and
tradable and non-tradable goods to evaluate the im-
restaurants”, “education” and “housing, water, elec-
pact of aggregate demand on overall price levels in the
tricity, gas and other fuels” (of 3.9%, 1.9% and 1 %
economy. As a response to the general macroeconom-
respectively). Given the general increase of aggregate
ic environment, prices in the non-tradable sector have
price levels, it should be noted that several groups ob-
been increasing at a slower pace during recent years
served a decrease of prices. Compared to 2013, prices
(even when deflationary processes occurred). In line
of goods and services in the “clothing and footwear”
with the moderate growth of aggregate demand dur-
category decreased by 5.5% and those in the “trans-
ing 2014, the inflation rate of non-tradable goods ac-
port” sector by 1.6%. Prices of goods and services in
celerated somewhat, fluctuating in the range of 2-3%.
the “communications” sphere decreased more slowly,
10
An analysis of the change in prices of individual
by 0.8%.
goods by category shows that the annual change in
An analysis of price changes in terms of consump-
prices for products falling into the “food and non-
tion durability demonstrates that the level of con-
alcoholic beverages” category amounted to 2.7%. The
sumer prices decreased throughout 2014 for products
“alcoholic beverages and tobacco” group had almost
of medium-term use, while increasing for goods of
the same price increase (2.5%). An increase of the
short- and long-term use and for services included in
aggregate level of prices was observed for goods and
the consumer basket.
services in the “healthcare” and “furnishings, house-
Diagram N 1.9 Change of annual inflation for goods of different durability and services 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% -2% -4% -6%
Non-Durable
Durable
Semi-Durable
Services
Dec-14
Nov-14
Oct-14
Sep-14
Aug-14
Jul-14
Jun-14
May-14
Apr-14
Mar-14
Feb-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Nov-13
Oct-13
Sep-13
Aug-13
Jul-13
Jun-13
May-13
Apr-13
Mar-13
Feb-13
Jan-13
-8%
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia and the NBG
10. A class of goods and services that can be sold in a location distant from the place of production.
25
Table N 1.2 Inflation indicators according to individual components (percentage), their share in the consumer basket (percentage) and contribution to CPI (percentage points) 2013 December weights
Inflation
Contribution
Inflation
Contribution
Total
100.0%
2.0%
2.0%
3.1%
3.1%
Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
30.2%
2.5%
0.8%
5.1%
1.5%
Food
27.4%
2.7%
0.8%
5.5%
1.5%
Bread and Bakery
7.3%
0.5%
0.0%
-0.4%
0.0%
Meat and Meat Products
5.1%
2.7%
0.1%
-0.1%
0.0%
Fish Products
0.1%
3.2%
0.0%
2.9%
0.0%
Milk, Cheese, and Egg
5.3%
3.9%
0.2%
5.0%
0.3%
Oil and Fats
1.7%
-1.3%
0.0%
-4.1%
-0.1%
Fruits, Grapes
1.2%
21.2%
0.3%
1.9%
0.0%
Vegetables, Melons, Potatoes and other Tubers
3.1%
0.3%
0.0%
27.7%
0.7%
Sugar, Jams, Honey, Syrups, Chocolate, Pastry
2.9%
3.4%
0.1%
2.5%
0.1%
Other Food Products
0.7%
7.1%
0.0%
2.1%
0.0%
Non-alcoholic beverages
2.9%
0.7%
0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco
5.1%
2.5%
0.1%
5.2%
0.3%
Clothing and Footwear
2.9%
-5.5%
-0.2%
-5.4%
-0.2%
Dec14/Dec13
Jan14Dec14/Jan13Dec13
Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and other Fuels
8.4%
1.0%
0.1%
4.2%
0.3%
Furnishings, Household Equipment, Routine House Maintenance
6.2%
4.0%
0.2%
1.7%
0.1%
Healthcare
10.1%
6.7%
0.7%
5.5%
0.6%
Transport
11.8%
-1.6%
-0.2%
0.8%
0.1%
Communication
3.6%
-0.8%
0.0%
-0.8%
0.0%
Recreation and Culture
6.6%
0.9%
0.1%
0.7%
0.0%
Education
5.4%
1.9%
0.1%
1.1%
0.1%
Hotels, Cafes and Restaurants
5.0%
3.9%
0.2%
3.5%
0.2%
Miscellaneous Goods and Services
4.7%
0.8%
0.0%
-0.3%
0.0%
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
1.4 External Sector and Balance of Payments
I
million USD and amounted to 1.6 billion USD. Although it was expected that the deficit would deepen in 2014 as domestic demand started to expand, the external economic shocks in the second quarter of the
n 2014, the current account deficit reached 9.7% of GDP, which was 4 percentage points higher than
the same indicator from the previous year. In absolute
26
terms, the current account deficit deepened by 681
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
year further contributed to the worsening of the current account deficit.
Diagram N 1.10 Ratio of current account components to GDP 30% 20% 10% 0% -10% -20% -30% -40% 2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Trade in goods
Trade in services
Current transfers
Current account deficit
2013
2014
Income
Source: National Bank of Georgia
The current account deficit worsened mainly as a
2014, exports of goods and services expanded by 7.4%
result of a deterioration of the trade balance. The defi-
year-on-year, while imports of goods and services in-
cit of trade in goods reached 25.6% of GDP, which ex-
creased by 13.4%. In the second half of 2014, imports
ceeded the same indicator of a year earlier by 3.9 per-
continued to grow (by 2.4%), however over the same
centage points. In absolute terms, the trade in goods
period exports contracted by 8.6%, resulting in a sharp
deficit increased by 733 mln USD, however it should
deterioration of the balance of trade in goods and ser-
be noted that the widening trade in goods deficit was
vices.
not evenly distributed across the year. A total of 35.8%
In 2014, receipts from trade in services declined
of the increase in the deficit occurred during the first
by 4.6% and amounted to 1.34 billion USD. Decreased
half of 2014, while the remaining 64.2% occurred in
tourism inflows and a worsening balance of trade in
the second half of the year. The sharp deterioration of
transportation services contributed to the worsen-
the trade in goods balance in the latter half of 2014 was
ing of the trade in services balance. Tourism receipts,
a consequence of the economic crises facing Georgia’s
which account for a major share of trade in services,
main trading partners that negatively affected de-
reached 1.79 billion USD, which is 3.9% higher than
mand for Georgian exports. During the first half of
in 2013.
27
Diagram N 1.11 Tourism export receipts 700 600
million USD
500
2010 2011
400
2012 300
2013 2014
200 100 0
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Source: National Bank of Georgia
In 2014, the tourism receipts to GDP ratio was at
ancing item for the trade in goods deficit, decreased by
10.8%, 0.2 percentage points higher year-on-year. The
2.3% year-on-year in 2014 and amounted to 1.43 bil-
growth rate of tourism receipts diminished due to
lion USD. Remittances, the biggest portion of current
the low growth of incoming visitors. The number of
transfers, decreased by 3.2%. The reduction in remit-
visitors was down year-on-year from Turkey (-10.1%).
tances was especially notable in the fourth quarter of
The reduction of visitors was especially pronounced in
2014, shrinking by 15.1% year-on-year due to the ad-
the fourth quarter of 2014, with the number of incom-
verse developments in Russia and Ukraine.
ing visitors declining from Ukraine (-11%), Poland
As was the case in previous years, the current ac-
(-23%) and Iran (-81%). The number of incoming visi-
count deficit was mainly financed by foreign direct in-
tors from Russia remained unchanged over the same
vestments in 2014. Foreign direct investments (FDI)
period.
in Georgia reached 1.3 billion USD in 2014, which
The income account improved slightly in 2014, but
was 34.8% higher than the same figure a year earlier.
it remains negative and adversely affects the current
The growth of FDI was chiefly driven by investment
account deficit. The investment income deficit im-
in construction, which increased fivefold compared to
proved by 12.5% annually in 2014 and reached 821.3
2013. Most of this increase was related to the construc-
million USD. Despite this improvement, investment
tion of infrastructure for the Youth Olympic Festival
income remains the largest negative component of the
to be held in Tbilisi in 2015. A growth of investment
income account. The balance of salaries of workers
was also notable in the following sectors: transport
also improved by 5.1% and amounted to 662.8 million
and communication (+145%), real estate (+106%),
USD. As a result of these improvements, the income
processing industry (+74.5%) and agriculture (+61%).
deficit contracted considerably and totaled 158.5 mil-
FDI from the European Union increased by 64% year-
lion USD in 2014.
on-year and reached 640 million USD, with invest-
Current transfers, which represent a significant bal-
28
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
ments mainly originating from the Netherlands and
Great Britain. Direct investment from CIS countries
from other countries increased by 5%, mainly due
reached 353 million USD, 168% higher compared to
to increasing investments from China. Unlike 2013,
the previous year. The latter increase was mainly a
portfolio investments were also significant for financ-
result of Azerbaijani investments (+269%) related to
ing the current account deficit in 2014.
the new BP pipeline construction project. Investments
Diagram N 1.12 Current account deficit financing sources 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% -10.0% -20.0% -30.0% 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Current account
Capital account
Foreign direct investment
Portfolio investment
Other investment
Reserve assets
2013
2014
Source: National Bank of Georgia
In 2014, portfolio investments totaled 247 million
of which 118 million USD was an IMF loan. At the
USD, which is 289 million USD above the 2013 fig-
same time, the government repaid an IMF loan to the
ure (portfolio investments were -43 million USD in
amount of 184 million USD. The National Bank of
2013). The banking sector attracted the majority of the
Georgia also repaid 70 million USD of its IMF loan.
portfolio investment. The share of other investments
Official reserve assets decreased by 124.2 million
in financing the current account deficit also increased
USD to 2.7 billion USD, mainly due to interventions
compared to the previous year. The net inflow of other
on the FX market. By the end of 2015, the ratio of to-
investments in 2014 reached 218 million USD, main-
tal reserves to months of imports is forecast to be at
ly as a result of increased government borrowing. In
around 3.7.
2014, the government borrowed 568.1 million USD,
29
Table N 1.3 Balance of payments in 2010-2014 (million USD) Name
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Current Account
-1,193
-1,841
-1,855
-930
-1,611
Goods
-2,590
-3,494
-4,216
-3,493
-4,225
Export
2,462
3,254
3,502
4,246
4,073
Import
-5,052
-6,748
-7,718
-7,738
-8,299
513
747
1,101
1,405
1,341
1,599
2,008
2,544
2,964
3,019
Services Credit
of which: tourism inflows Debit Income (net)
of which: interest payments Transfers (net)
659
955
1,411
1,720
1,787
-1,085
-1,261
-1,443
-1,559
-1,678
-215
-423
-147
-308
-158
-252
-311
-395
-377
-375
1,098
1,329
1,408
1,466
1,432
of which: public sector
174
144
118
91
54
of which: remittance, credit
417
618
712
786
761
of which: other private transfers, credit
534
583
587
600
636
Capital Account
206
153
134
134
115
1,019
1,672
1,744
824
1,546
679
902
614
829
1,077
814
1,048
911
949
1,279
Portfolio investment (net)
250
133
848
-37
210
Financial derivatives (net)
1
5
5
-2
8
297
1,205
314
-12
218
336
278
398
490
355
Decrease in reserve assets
-208
-572
-38
45
33
Net errors and omissions
-33
15
-23
-28
-50
3.4
3.7
3.7
3.4
3.7
Financial Account Direct investment(net) of which: direct investment in Georgia
Other Investments (net) of which: public sector
Important coefficients Reserve assets to monthly imports (months of next year imports) Exports/imports (goods and services)
-66.2%
-65.7%
-66.0%
-77.5%
-71.1%
Current account/GDP (percent)
-10.2%
-12.7%
-11.7%
-5.8%
-9.7%
Direct Investment/GDP (percent)
5.8%
6.2%
3.9%
5.1%
6.5%
Tourism inflows/GDP (percent)
5.7%
6.6%
8.9%
10.7%
10.8%
Transfers/GDP (percent)
9.0%
8.8%
8.4%
9.2%
8.7%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Registered exports of goods declined by 1.7%,
was also a reduction in exports of spirits (-4.7%),
down to 2.86 million USD in 2014. On the other hand,
steel produce (-24.5%), gold (-46.3%) and bovines
registered imports of goods increased by 9.2% and
(-36.8%). These reductions were partly offset by in-
reached 8.6 billion USD. In 2014, total trade increased
creased exports of ferroalloys (+24.3%), copper con-
by 6.2% and amounted to 69% of GDP, which is 2 per-
centrates (+53.5%), nuts (+10.0%), wines (+41.4%),
centage points higher than the previous year.
mineral waters (+28.3%), medicaments (+76.8%), tex-
Of the different groups of goods, it is worth mentioning that exports of cars declined by 26.4%. There
30
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
tiles (+76.2%) and electricity (+114.9%).
Diagram N 1.13 Largest groups of registered exports of goods in 2013-2014 800
millions of USD
700 600 500 400 300 200 100
2013
Steel produce
Medicaments
Spirits
Mineral waters
Fertilizers
Wines
Nuts
Copper concentrates
Ferroalloys
Cars
0
2014
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
The growth of the export goods was not equally
As for the geographic decomposition of exports,
distributed across the year. Depreciation of the curren-
exports to the EU increased by 2.1% to 620.8 million
cies of main trading partners and the Russia-Ukraine
USD. On the other hand, exports to CIS countries de-
crisis negatively affected the growth of exports of key
clined by 9.6%, with the sharpest declines observed
products in the second half of 2014. After growing by
to Azerbaijan (-23.3%), Ukraine (-27.3%), Armenia
63.7% in the first half of 2014, exports of mineral wa-
(-8.7%) and Moldova (-67.5%). Conversely, despite
ters grew by only 3.2% in the second half of 2014. The
the sharp reduction in the last months of 2014, exports
annual growth rate of wine exports also sharply de-
to Russia increased by 44.5% year-on-year. Exports to
clined from 152.4% in the first half of 2014 to 1.7% in
other countries expanded by 13.9%, mainly due to in-
the second half of 2014. Along the same lines, exports
creasing exports to Turkey (30.9%), the USA (52.1%)
of spirits declined from 9% in the first half of 2014 to
and China (166.9%).
-13.9% in the second half.
31
Diagram N 1.14 Registered export volume by region 1,800 1,600 1,400
million USD
1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0
2008
EU
2009
2010
CIS
2011
2012
2013
2014
Other
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
Despite the decline of exports to Azerbaijan and
Import growth was mainly driven by growing imports
Armenia, these countries remain the top export desti-
of consumer goods (+13.1%) and intermediate goods
nations for Georgian exports. Russia replaced Ukraine
(+9.1%). Imports of investment goods also increased
as the third biggest export partner for Georgia in 2014.
by 2%, but this made a negligible contribution to total
In 2014, registered imports of goods increased by
import growth.
9.1% and reached 8.6 billion USD in absolute terms.
Diagram N 1.15 Volume of different categories of registered imports (2009-2014) 5,000
million USD
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2009
Investment goods
2010
2011
Intermediate goods
2012
2013
2014
Consumer goods
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
32
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
In 2014, imports of petroleum, the largest import
0.6% to 715.1 million USD. Also noteworthy was the
commodity, declined by 3.8% on an annual basis, fall-
growth of imports of petroleum gas (+22.6%), me-
ing to 918.3 million USD. The reduction of petroleum
dicaments (+12.1%), telephones (+28.6%), copper
imports was the result of declining prices on global
concentrates (+46.2%), cigarettes (+20.7%), comput-
markets. Despite the decline in car re-exports (-26.4%
ers (+15.5%) and black metal constructions (+38.7%).
year-on-year), imports in this category increased by Diagram N 1.16 Volume of biggest import products (2013-2014)
millions of USD
1,200 1,000 800 600 400
2013
Black metal constructions
Computers
Cigarettes
Wheat
Copper concentrates
Telephones
Medicaments
Petroleum gases
Cars
Petroleum products
200
2014
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
Turkey still leads the list of the largest importer
paced Azerbaijan to become the second largest import
countries for Georgia. In 2014, imports from Turkey
partner, accounting for 8.5% of total imports in 2014.
totaled 1.7 billion USD, which is 22.6% higher than
Imports from Azerbaijan and Russia declined by 2.3%
the same indicator from the previous year. Turkey ac-
and 1.7% respectively.
counted for 20.1% of total imports in 2014. China outDiagram N 1.17 Largest import partners of Georgia (2013-2014) 2,000 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200
2013
Italy
USA
Japan
Romania
Germany
China
Russia
Ukraine
Azerbaijan
0
Turkey
Millions of USD
1,800
2014 Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia
33
Turkey still leads the list of the largest importer
A regional breakdown of import growth shows
countries for Georgia. In 2014, imports from Turkey
that imports from EU countries increased by 4.3% and
totaled 1.7 billion USD, which is 22.6% higher than
reached 2.4 billion USD, representing 27.6% of total
the same indicator from the previous year. Turkey ac-
imports. Imports slipped by 2.4% from CIS countries
counted for 20.1% of total imports in 2014. China out-
to reach 2.1 billion USD in nominal terms. The CIS
paced Azerbaijan to become the second largest import
accounted for 24.7% of total imports. Imports signifi-
partner, accounting for 8.5% of total imports in 2014.
cantly grew from other countries (+14.7%), mainly
Imports from Azerbaijan and Russia declined by 2.3%
due to increasing imports from China, Turkey and
and 1.7% respectively.
the USA. The total share of other countries in imports reached 47.7% in 2014.
34
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
II Monetary and Exchange
Rate Policy
35
2.1 Monetary Policy
increase public confidence in the national currency.
I
shocks that had a significant influence on the econom-
n accordance with the Organic Law of Georgia on the National Bank of Georgia, the primary purpose
of the National Bank is to ensure the maintenance of price stability. In addition, the law obliges the National Bank to “ensure stability and transparency of the financial system and to promote sustainable economic growth in the country, without jeopardizing its primary objective”. The monetary policy conducted by the NBG in 2014 was in accordance with the Decree of the Parliament of Georgia on “the main directions of monetary and exchange rate policies of the years 2014-2016”. This document outlines the inflation target set by the National Bank, which must be clearly declared for the medium-term period in accordance with the country’s current inflation targeting regime. For 2014, the National Bank of Georgia set the inflation target at 6%, and at 5% for the years 2015-2016. If the inflation forecast exceeds the target rate, the NBG will tighten monetary policy, and if the inflation forecast is below the inflation target, the NBG will resort to loosening mon-
ic situation in the country. Inflation remained below the target level throughout 2014. The downward trend of inflation began in June 2011 and was mainly caused by supply side factors. This trend continued in 2012 as well and, from the second half of the year, the negative effect on prices from the supply side was accompanied by a reduction of total demand. Despite the fact that inflation remained low during 2013, economic recovery was observed towards the end of the year. Activated domestic demand coupled with expanding external demand led to economic growth and inflation started to increase. According to the information available at the time, it was expected that these positive tendencies would continue in 2014, which would help inflation approach the target level. It was thus decided that there was no need to continue retaining an accommodative monetary policy. As a consequence, at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of February 2014 the National Bank of Georgia started the process of
etary policy. The long-term inflation target of the Na-
exiting from its loose monetary policy stance and the
tional Bank of Georgia stands at 3%. As the Georgian
policy rate was increased by 25 basis points to 4%.
economy converges with that of developed countries,
During the second quarter of 2014, a number of
the optimal level of inflation will gradually approach
geopolitical risks were identified that brought uncer-
its long-term level. Consequently, the inflation target
tainty to the economy. The dynamics of external de-
rate will be reduced to 5% from 2015 – a move that is reflected in the main directions of the monetary and exchange rate policies. The next downward revision of the inflation target is planned to take place in 2017 when it will be reduced to 4%. During 2014, the monetary policy of the NBG was conducted on the basis of a complex analysis of the macroeconomic environment and global and domestic political and economic processes. Consideration was given to price dynamics in Georgia’s major trading partner countries, the government’s fiscal policy, financial and foreign exchange market trends, trends
36
It must be noted that 2014 was marked by external
mand recovery was in doubt, which might have resulted in a decrease in exports. Besides, the realization of those risks might have influenced domestic demand through reduced remittances and deteriorating investor sentiment. All this put downward pressure on prices and led to the low inflation rate. These risks were coupled with a reduction in the overall price level of food in international markets, which, taking into account the good harvest in 2014, resulted in a significant decrease in local food prices. During 2014, the lower-than-target value of inflation was mainly caused
in international commodity markets, the specifics of
by changes in food prices. Taking all of these factors
the consumer basket, and the monetary transmission
into consideration, and despite the revival of domes-
channel used to promote inflation expectations and
tic economic activity, at its March and May meetings
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
the Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the
US. This was coupled with the FED hinting towards
policy rate unchanged. Although it was still thought
the possibility of monetary policy normalization. In
that there was a need to exit the accommodative mon-
October, the FED finally decided to terminate the
etary policy, the speed of this process would depend
quantitative easing that had begun in 2008. This fur-
on aggregate demand and the extent of recovery of
ther strengthened the US dollar. As a consequence of
economic activity.
these events, world currencies began to significantly
The supply side factors that placed downward pres-
depreciate against the US dollar from the beginning of
sure on prices strengthened in the second half of 2014.
the year. However, these processes were not reflected
In addition to lower rates of food inflation, a sharp
on the lari exchange rate until towards the end of the
drop of oil prices was observed in international markets, which was gradually reflected in fuel prices in Georgia. Headline inflation was significantly reduced as a result of the high share of oil and food products in the consumer basket. During 2014, inflation rates and changes in exchange rates in Georgia’s main trading partner economies had an essential impact on the dynamics of consumer price inflation. Imported inflation grew during the first half of the year. However, the subsequent significant depreciation of the currencies of Georgia’s main trading partners caused the appreciation of the lari nominal effective exchange rate. As a result, the inflation rate on imported consumer goods slowed down and made a minor contribution by the end of the year. Together with the supply factors mentioned above, demand side factors impacting the inflation rate intensified by the end of 2014. The difficult political situation in the region and unfavorable economic trends in trading partner countries was reflected on the Georgian economy and led to weakened foreign demand. The decrease in exports was coupled with a
year as a result of moderate foreign currency inflows during the first three quarters of 2014. It should also be noted that the strengthening of the US dollar was primarily reflected on the currencies of countries with more developed financial markets. These processes were transmitted to the Georgian economy later through the deterioration of balance of payments due to the depreciation of partner countries’ currencies (the decline in goods exports and remittances and a decrease in the growth rate of tourism revenues). Despite the Lari exchange rate depreciation against the US dollar, the nominal effective exchange rate has been appreciating as currencies of partner economies were experiencing higher devaluation. This prevented the growth of imported inflation and kept headline inflation below the target. The negative trends outlined above prolonged the process of exiting from the accommodative monetary policy. Against the realization of external shocks, both foreign and domestic demand had been declining since the beginning of 2014, thus deepening the lag of economic activity behind its potential level (GDP
considerable decline in remittances. At the same time,
gap). Consequently, the approach of the inflation rate
the growth of tourism revenues started to decline. Al-
towards the target of 5% slowed down. Under these
though weak external demand was partly balanced by
conditions, and on the basis of inflation forecasts and
increased investments and domestic consumption,
macroeconomic analysis, the National Bank of Geor-
this failed to ensure the sufficient growth of aggregate
gia kept the monetary policy rate unchanged. Since
demand that was expected at the beginning of the year.
February 2014, the committee met seven times, but
Against the background of external shocks, it is
no decisions about further changes to the policy were
worth explaining exchange market developments. In
made and the policy rate remained at 4%. The annual
2014, the US dollar started to appreciate as a result
inflation rate of consumer prices amounted to 2% by
of positive economic trends and expectations in the
the end of the year.
37
Diagram N 2.1 Monetary policy rate 11% 10% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4%
Oct-08 Dec-08 Feb-09 Apr-09 Jun-09 Aug-09 Oct-09 Dec-09 Feb-10 Apr-10 Jun-10 Aug-10 Oct-10 Dec-10 Feb-11 Apr-11 Jun-11 Aug-11 Oct-11 Dec-11 Feb-12 Apr-12 Jun-12 Aug-12 Oct-12 Dec-12 Feb-13 Apr-13 Jun-13 Aug-13 Oct-13 Dec-13 Feb-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Aug-14 Oct-14 Dec-14
3%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
38
In order to implement efficient monetary policy
exchange rate flexibility. Moreover, foreign exchange
and strengthen the transmission of its changes to the
risk is present for those economic agents that are not
real economy, it is important to develop and expand
safe from currency fluctuations; this is especially true
the money market. During 2014, the commercial
for those bank clients (borrowers) whose income is
banks’ demand for refinancing loans was high. Short-
denominated in the domestic currency, while their
term interest rates were thus under control of the cen-
debt is in a foreign currency. This increases the credit
tral bank, which is a necessary prerequisite for the effi-
risk of commercial bank portfolios, which is caused
cient functioning of the monetary policy transmission
by creditors’ unhedged positions (currency induced
mechanism.
credit risk). Consequently, exchange rate fluctuations
As in previous years, one of the main objectives of
can have a serious impact on the quality of commer-
the NBG’s activities in 2013 was to increase the effi-
cial banks’ credit portfolios. One of the main objec-
ciency of monetary policy, with low levels of larization
tives for the NBG is thus the growth of larization.
in the economy of Georgia being the main obstacle.
However, this is a long process that requires chang-
Under high levels of dollarization, the interest rate
ing the behavior of economic agents, the existence of a
transmission mechanism is weakened since most of
developed financial market and sustainable economic
the money supply is denominated in foreign curren-
growth for many years. In 2014, as in previous years,
cies – the interest rates of which are determined by the
the NBG’s policy was directed towards the develop-
central banks of other countries in accordance with
ment of the lari money market and the promotion of
the economic cycles of those countries and are thus
lending in the national currency. Since 2010, the NBG
obviously beyond the control of the NBG. Under the
has been actively working towards increasing the ef-
conditions of low larization, the impact of exchange
ficiency of monetary policy. The activities undertaken
rate changes of inflation is higher, which impedes
had positive consequences. In 2014, a growth of de-
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
posit larization was recorded, but taking into account
term national currency resources in the banking sys-
the exchange rate fluctuations this growth was rela-
tem. As is well known, the liabilities of commercial
tively moderate, with the figure increasing from 38.2%
banks are mostly short term and are mainly used to
to 39.8%. Similarly, the larization rate of the credit
finance short-term loans. The new mechanism allows
portfolio grew by 3.3 percentage points, from 39.2%
banks to place short-term resources in financial in-
(excluding the exchange rate change effect).
struments and, in return, receive long-term liquidity
The issuance of Treasury papers has great impor-
in the form of unredeemable deposits. Banks pay an
tance for the promotion of the larization process. Dur-
additional 1% to make long-term deposits. The mech-
ing 2014, the net growth of Treasury bills and bonds
anism explained above facilitates long-term business
amounted to 588.5 million GEL, of which 415.7 mil-
loans in the national currency, which is vital to ensure
lion GEL was used to finance the deficit. The remain-
long-term economic growth and reduce the currency
ing 172.8 million GEL was deposited in commercial
risk for borrowers.
banks. The mechanism is designed to increase long-
Diagram N 2.2 Larization of loans and deposits (2005-2014)11 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15%
Deposits
Jul-14
Jan-14
Jul-13
Jan-13
Jul-12
Jul-11
Jan-12
Jan-11
Jul-10
Jan-10
Jul-09
Jan-09
Jul-08
Jan-08
Jul-07
Jan-07
Jul-06
Jan-06
Jul-05
Jan-05
Jul-04
Jan-04
10%
Loans
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Reforms undertaken by the NBG over recent years
encouraged the issuance of financial instruments in
have played an important role in the process of pro-
local markets by international financial institutions.
moting larization. These reforms were directed to-
In this regard, the most important lari-denominated
wards developing financial and exchange markets. The
bonds (Totaling 50 million GEL) are those issued by
expansion of the collateral base used for refinancing
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Develop-
operations and the inclusion of loans in the national
ment (EBRD) for local markets. At the beginning of
currency issued by international financial institutions
2015, other international financial institutions also
11. Larization is calculated excluding the exchange rate change effect.
39
carried out lari-denominated bond emissions. This
decisions of the NBG Monetary Policy Committee,
process will facilitate local capital markets and sec-
as well as the forecasts that are made in the process
ondary markets and encourage the development of a
of adopting these decisions, in 2013 the NBG imple-
local corporate bonds market.
mented the practice of holding regular presentations
Throughout the year, particular attention was paid
and meetings with analysts. These activities continued
to increasing the efficiency of the development of mon-
during 2014 as well. Furthermore, in terms of spread-
etary policy, through both the development of existing
ing information and forming correct economic expec-
channels for communicating monetary policy with
tations, it is important to mention the NBG’s publica-
the public and the introduction of new instruments.
tion of the scientific-analytic journal Economics and
Communication gains particular importance within the framework of the inflation targeting regime, because it is essential to correctly formulate and manage public expectations. Timely and effective communication of the NBG’s goals, strategies and economic analysis increases the predictability of monetary policy decision making. Therefore, improving and increasing communication channels are some of the NBG’s main priorities. Throughout 2014, important steps were taken in this direction. In March, the NBG introduced its monetary policy strategy document. This describes the main principles of the inflation targeting regime in Georgia (which has been active since 2009), its advantages and what conditions must be fulfilled for its successful functioning. The document underlines the point that the NBG has set its long-run inflation target at 3%. During the formulation of monetary policy decisions special importance is given to the inflation forecast, since changes in the monetary policy instruments initiated by the NBG are transmitted to the economy with a time lag and affect future inflation. In addition, in order to increase the predictability of monetary policy, it was important to start so-called "forward guidance", which entails the communication of future monetary policy rates through press releases. This practice has been implemented since the August meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee. In order to disseminate information regarding the
40
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Banking. The journal represents the best method for the NBG and the country’s economists to express their opinions on domestic and international economic processes. The journal also supports young researchers and scientists working on specific economic or financial topics. For the monetary policy mechanism to function it is necessary for changes in short-term interest rates to also be applied to longer-term interest rates and, ultimately, to lending rates. The yield curve points to the relationship between interest rates of different terms (see Diagram N 2.4). For policy effectiveness, it is particularly important to form correct expectations on the market. As was mentioned above, in February 2014 the NBG started exiting from its accommodative monetary policy stance and reduced the refinancing rate by 0.25 percentage points. However, because the policy rate change was expected, the increase in interest rates in financial markets was observed before the policy decision. Consequently, the yields on sovereign financial papers of different maturities increased during the first half of the year (see Diagram N 2.3). However, in the aftermath of various shocks being realized, expectations regarding the rise in interest rates changed and the yields reduced again. Despite the policy rate increase, interest rates on loans were still characterized by a declining trend.
Diagram N 2.3 Money market interest rates 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2%
1 year
5 years
2 years
10 years
Sep-14
Nov-14
Jul-14
Mar-14
May-14
Jan-14
Nov-13
Jul-13
Sep-13
May-13
Jan-13
Mar-13
Sep-12
Nov-12
Jul-12
May-12
Jan-12
Mar-12
Nov-11
Jul-11
Sep-11
May-11
Jan-11
Mar-11
Sep-10
Nov-10
Jul-10
0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Throughout recent years, in line with the deepen-
manifested in a gradual reduction of the yield curve
ing of the money market, the yield curve slope de-
slope. It should be mentioned that the downward
creased. In previous years, the yield curve had a fairly
trend of the yield curve slope began in 2010 and was
large slope. As the difference between interest rates of
related to the launch of a number of new instruments,
different maturities was rather high, this difference en-
improvements with the NBG’s communications, mod-
compassed not only short-term interest rate fluctua-
erate fluctuations in policy rates, and an increase in
tion risk, but also operational and liquidity risks. Un-
the predictability of monetary policy decisions. This
der the conditions of a developing money market, the
indicates an increase in the efficiency of the monetary
difference between interest rates only reflects interest
policy transmission mechanism, as expectations about
rate risk. With the development of the money market
changes in short-term interest rates are reflected on
in Georgia, the liquidity risk decreased, which became
the dynamics of long-term interest rates.
41
Diagram N 2.4 Yield spreads to monetary policy rate 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% -2% O/N
1W
Dec/00
3M
6M
Dec/05
1Y
2Y
Dec/10
5Y
10Y
Dec/14
Source: National Bank of Georgia
42
The activities carried out by the NBG during pre-
markets, it is also important to revitalize secondary
vious years (such as the launch of new instruments
markets for the development of the financial market,
and the simplification of conducting financial transac-
as this will further promote market liquidity. A signifi-
tions) had a significant influence on the revitalization
cant enhancement was recorded in repo transactions
and development of the money and capital markets of
during 2014. The expansion of the volume of financial
Georgia. Over the past few years, considerable growth
papers made a considerable contribution to the devel-
was recorded in the trade volumes of Treasury securi-
opment of this segment, since the available resources
ties. During 2014, the balance of Treasury securities
for collateralized transactions increased and the mar-
in circulation increased threefold as compared to 2010
ket became more attractive for banks. In 2013, only
and the growth amounted to 80% in comparison with
four repo transactions were reported, while in 2014
the end of 2013. Along with the expansion of primary
that figure had risen to 86.
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
1-Oct-14
1-Mar-14
1-Jan-13
1-Aug-13
1-Jun-12
1-Nov-11
1-Sep-10
1-Apr-11
1-Jul-09
1-Feb-10
1-Dec-08
1-Oct-07
0.0% 1-May-08
0.7%
0 1-Mar-07
1.4%
200 1-Jan-06
400
1-Aug-06
2.1%
1-Jun-05
600
1-Nov-04
2.8%
1-Sep-03
3.5%
800
1-Apr-04
1,000
1-Jul-02
4.2%
1-Feb-03
1,200
1-Dec-01
4.9%
1-Oct-00
5.6%
1,400
1-May-01
6.3%
1,600
1-Mar-00
7.0%
1,800
1-Jan-99
2,000
1-Aug-99
mls of GEL
Diagram N 2.5 The dynamics of the balance of treasury securities and certificates of deposit (1999-2014)
Certificates of deposit (outstanding, mln of GEL) Treasury papers (outstanding, mln of GEL) As share of GDP (RHS)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
As has already been mentioned, inflation remained
As a result of the policy pursued by the NBG, dur-
below the NBG’s target rate in 2014. Foreign supply
ing 2014 the interest rate transmission mechanism
factors had the clearest influence on inflation dynam-
was further enhanced in comparison with previous
ics. At the same time, insufficient pressure on prices
years. Commercial bank activities also increased on
was observed from decelerated demand, which was
the interbank money market. The volume of transac-
particularly aggravated in the second half of the year
tions carried out in the national currency increased
as a result of significantly worsening economic condi-
by 39% and amounted to 18.9 billion GEL. The NBG
tions in almost all countries in the region.
monetary policy rate in 2014 was stable at 4%. Using monetary policy instruments, interbank interest rates
2.2 Monetary Policy Instruments
T
fluctuated near the monetary policy rate.
he objective of monetary operations is to keep interbank interest rates stable and close to the
policy rate determined by the Monetary Policy Committee of the NBG. The NBG’s operational framework consists of the following monetary instruments: refinancing loans, overnight loans, overnight deposits, certificates of deposit and minimum reserve requirements.
43
Diagram N 2.6 Interbank money market 9%
250
8% 200
7%
150
5% 4%
100
3% 2%
mln GEL
6%
50
1% 0%
TIBR1 Volume (Right Axis) REPO Volumes NBG Policy Rate (Left Axis)
Nov-14
Sep-14
Jul-14
May-14
Mar-14
Jan-14
Nov-13
Sep-13
Jul-13
May-13
Mar-13
Jan-13
Nov-12
Sep-12
Jul-12
May-12
Mar-12
Jan-12
0
TIBR7 Volume (Right Axis) TIBR1 (Left Axis) NBG O/N Credit Facility (Left Axis)
erTdRiani depozitebis ganakveTi (marcxena RerZi)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
2.2.1 Refinancing loans
44
in the banking system and to enhance the confidence
For the purpose of ensuring short-term liquidity
of financial market participants towards the refinanc-
in the banking system, throughout 2014 the National
ing loan mechanism, in 2014 the National Bank also
Bank of Georgia used the refinancing loan instrument
utilized a standing refinance loan instrument, which
on a weekly basis. This instrument first came into ef-
is issued without auctions. The standing refinance
fect in 2008. The mechanism of refinancing loans
loan instrument provides commercial banks with a
represents a reliable and low-risk source of providing
guaranteed source of liquidity when needed. These
short-term liquidity, which has positively affected the
enable banks to use refinancing loans even in those
development of the money market and overall finan-
cases when their bids are not satisfied in regular re-
cial stability. The refinancing loan instrument is de-
financing loan auctions. The interest rate for standing
signed to manage short-term interbank interest rates.
refinancing loans is set in advance by the Monetary
The National Bank is the sole provider of short-term
Policy Committee and is determined by the current
liquidity in lari on the market. Thus, the NBG has the
monetary policy rate plus one percentage point. The
capacity to achieve its desired interest rate on the in-
maturities of standing refinancing loans, and thus the
terbank market. The interest rate of refinancing loan
dates for obtaining and repaying such loans, are iden-
auctions is based on the NBG’s monetary policy rate.
tical to those on regular refinancing loans.
Following the decisions of the Monetary Policy
In 2014, as in previous years, the banking sector’s
Committee, and based on the short-term liquidity fore-
demand for the refinancing loan instrument was high,
cast, the NBG determines the volume of refinancing
which was reflected in banks’ activities in the auctions.
loans. The NBG manages this process so that the auc-
Because banks mostly obtained short-term liquidity
tion average interest rate is kept close to the policy rate.
on interbank financial markets and in refinancing loan
In order to meet mandatory liquidity requirements
auctions at a rate close to the monetary policy rate, in
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
2014 the demand from banks for standing refinanc-
curities, loan assets of commercial banks, lari denomi-
ing loans did not increase. Throughout 2014, standing
nated securities issued by international financial in-
refinancing loans were issued only on four occasions
tuitions and international bank guarantees. The NBG
(the same number as in 2013).
defined the eligibility criteria for each type of collat-
In 2014, the collateral base of monetary operations
eral. For their operations with the NBG, in 2014 com-
included NBG certificates of deposits, government se-
mercial banks mainly used NBG certificates of deposit and government securities.
Diagram N 2.7 Refinancing loans volume in 2011-2014 800 700
500 400 300 200 100 0 May-11 May-11 Jun-11 Jul-11 Jul-11 Aug-11 Sep-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 Apr-12 May-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Jul-14 Aug-14 Sep-14 Oct-14 Oct-14 Nov-14 Dec-14 Dec-14
Million GEL
600
Source: National Bank of Georgia
45
Box N 1 Refinancing loans and the short-term interest rate The monetary policy of the National Bank of Georgia relies on inflation targeting. The main objective of the monetary policy is to maintain price stability. The short-term interest rate represents the main policy instrument in the framework of the inflation targeting regime. Decisions on changes to short-term interest rates are made according to expected inflation. From the operational perspective, short-term interbank interest rates are used in the process of monetary policy implementation. Interest rates on the interbank money market are formed based on the demand and supply of liquidity. The main goal of the National Bank is to supply sufficient liquidity to the market to provide the desired interest rate in the interbank money market. The National Bank of Georgia provides the required liquidity to the interbank market using its refinancing loans. The refinancing operations of the National Bank serve to eliminate imbalances on the interbank money market, which in turn ensures the stability of interest rates and regulates them around the monetary policy rate. Due to the many factors affecting the volume of the liquidity in the banking system in the short run, it is characterized by large fluctuations. In order for the fluctuating demand for liquidity to not be translated into fluctuating interest rates, the demand and supply of liquidity must be well balanced. Therefore, changes in the provision of refinancing loans must be adequate for changes in factors influencing the demand for liquidity. The central bank can achieve stability on the interbank market by the provision of an adequate volume of refinancing loans. The factors determining the volume of liquidity supply in the short run are government operations, cash in circulation, FX interventions, and the securities of the government and central bank.12 Each of these factors influence liquidity in the banking sector. For instance, the emission of securities reduces liquidity, government spending increases liquidity and government revenues (taxes) reduce liquidity. Increasing the volume of cash in circulation decreases the liquidity of the financial system and increases the volume of refinancing loans to fill the gap. Each of these elements can be characterized by excessive volatility in the short run. For example, during days when the collection of government revenues takes place (VAT, profit tax) liquidity significantly drops and this increases demand for refinancing loans. Budget expenditures are also seasonal and during times of increased expenditures the demand for refinancing decreases. During holidays, especially over New Year and Easter, the cash in circulation sharply rises, which reduces the liquid assets on hand for commercial banks and, consequently, the demand for liquidity provided via refinancing loans increases. On top of these factors, economic growth creates increased demand for cash in circulation in the long run. All other things remaining equal, this trend drives increased demand for liquidity in the financial system. As was mentioned above, the purpose of the refinancing instrument is to manage the liquidity in the bank system, which represents the main objective of central banks. Accordingly, liquidity management tools are used by all of central banks that have independent monetary policy, including the National Bank of Georgia. Through this tool the National Bank steers lari interest rates around the monetary policy rate. The effective operation of the refinancing instrument represents a necessary precondition for low interest rates, the long-run stability of the exchange rate, the development of the financial sector and stable
12. Detailed information about the short-term liquidity forecast can be found on the website of the National Bank of Georgia https://www.nbg.gov.ge/index. php?m=563&lng=eng.
46
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
long-run economic growth. Insufficient liquidity in the financial sector might lead to a severe crisis. The global financial crisis in 2008 started with a “systemic crisis of liquidity” resulting from the deteriorating quality of assets used as collateral (it was hard to assess the value of those assets). Refinancing loans are provided in weekly auctions, in which every commercial bank can participate. The number of auction participants differs every week and the commercial banks determine the parameters of the volume of the loan and interest rates13 in their auction applications. The total volume of loans announced for auction is distributed among banks according to the interest rate they have indicated in the auction application. Those who offer higher interest rates obtain refinancing loans first. The NBG forecasts the amount of short-term liquidity demand and supplies the appropriate volumes in the weekly auctions. The forecast of liquidity is based on the above mentioned factors that influence the supply-demand balance of liquidity in the financial system. The financial resources attracted by commercial banks will increase alongside the deepening of financial markets, and will automatically increase the financial system’s demand for longer-term liquidity. To account for the above mentioned developments, the National Bank of Georgia will employ instruments for the provision of longer-term liquidity in the future.
2.2.2 Overnight loans and deposits In line with global best practice, the NBG continued using an interest rate corridor for financial market
albeit with a higher price in comparison with the market rate – which pushes banks to the interbank market in order to find a better price for the funds they need. As a result, demand on this instrument was
development, to reduce interbank interest rate fluctua-
not high. Commercial banks mostly used refinancing
tions and to boost the activities of the financial mar-
loans, which the banking sector considers a signifi-
ket. This allowed interbank market interest rates to be
cantly more flexible and comprehensive instrument
maintained within stable limits. The interest rate cor-
for short-term liquidity management. The collateral
ridor is defined by equal deviations from the monetary
base accepted for overnight loans is the same as that
policy rate in both directions, thus forming the upper
for refinancing loans.
and lower interest rate limits. The upper limit was used
The instrument of overnight deposits, which has
for the NBG’s overnight loans, while the lower limit
been in place since April 2010, was actively used in
was used for the NBG’s overnight deposits. In 2014,
2014. Through the overnight deposit instrument com-
the interest rate corridor was equal to 3% – the mon-
mercial banks have an opportunity to transfer excess
etary policy rate plus and minus 1.5 percentage points.
lari from correspondent accounts for overnight depos-
The use of the interest rate corridor reduces the sharp
it with the NBG at the end of each day. The amount de-
fluctuation of interest rates on the interbank market
posited will be returned to the correspondent account
and promotes the convergence of interbank interest
at the beginning of the next workday. The existence of
rates with the policy rate.
the interest rate corridor played an essential role in the
Overnight loans from the NBG represent the fastest source of instant liquidity for the banking sector,
stabilization of interest rates on the interbank market in 2014.
13. Minimum interest rate is policy rate
47
Diagram N 2.8 Short term interest rate volatility14 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.5%
Feb-08 Apr-08 Jun-08 Aug-08 Oct-08 Dec-08 Feb-09 Apr-09 Jun-09 Aug-09 Oct-09 Dec-09 Feb-10 Apr-10 Jun-10 Aug-10 Oct-10 Dec-10 Feb-11 Apr-11 Jun-11 Aug-11 Oct-11 Dec-11 Feb-12 Apr-12 Jun-12 Aug-12 Oct-12 Dec-12 Feb-13 Apr-13 Jun-13 Aug-13 Oct-13 Dec-13 Feb-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Aug-14 Oct-14 Dec-14
0.0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
2.2.3 Securities
between long- and short-term interest rates decreased
Certificates of Deposit
during the year, indicating progress in terms of market
In 2014, the NBG continued to issue its own certificates of deposit (CD) securities. Together with Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the Ministry of Finance, certificates of deposit enjoyed a high level of demand from commercial banks. CDs are on the short side of the term structure, trading for 3- and 6-month maturities, while government securities trade for 1-, 2-, 5- and 10-year maturities. These securities have contributed to the formation of a stable yield curve. The yield curve provides important information regarding the term structure of interest rates, and is indicative of the expectations of financial market participants. According to the yield curve, the spread
14. Volatility is measured by 3 day standard deviation
48
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
efficiency. In 2014, the NBG issued 3- and 6-month CDs, which the banking sector used as the most attractive and effective short-term liquidity management instrument. Therefore, the CD allocation ratio, which reflects the level of actual allocation compared to planned emissions, equaled 1.0; the demand ratio, which reflects the relationship between the level of demand and declared emissions, amounted to 2.7. As of 31 December 2014, there were nine commercial banks that held 505 million GEL worth of CDs. In 2014, five transactions were settled on the secondary market for a total of 66.5 million GEL.
Diagram N 2.9 Certificates of Deposit portfolio in 2010-2014 900 800 700
Million GEL
600 500 400 300 200 100
Nov-14
Jul-14
Sep-14
May-14
Jan-14
Mar-14
Nov-13
Jul-13
Sep-13
May-13
Jan-13
Mar-13
Nov-12
Jul-12
Sep-12
May-12
Jan-12
Mar-12
Sep-11
Nov-11
Jul-11
May-11
Jan-11
Mar-11
Sep-10
Nov-10
Jul-10
May-10
Jan-10
Mar-10
0
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Government Bonds
sued in non-materialized form. The nominal value of a
As of 31 December 2014, the NBG held govern-
security is 1,000 GEL. The placement of Treasury bills
ment bonds with a par value of 80 million GEL, which
and Treasury bonds is executed through a multiple
were not used for open market operations during the
price auction conducted by the NBG via the Bloomb-
year. In terms of government bonds in circulation in
erg trading platform. All commercial banks licensed
the banking sector, as of 31 December 2014, two com-
by the NBG have the right to participate in the auc-
mercial banks and one non-bank investor were own-
tions and any individual or legal entity can use a bank
ers of government bonds with a par value of 52 mil-
as its representative. A security may have a nominal
lion GEL. In 2014, two transactions were settled on the
owner – a market intermediary – to whom the owner
secondary market (there were 21 such transactions in
grants authority, through written contract, to register
2013).
Treasury securities in the registry under his/her name
Treasury Bills and Treasury Bonds
and to manage, buy, sell and collateralize them.
The Ministry of Finance of Georgia continued issu-
By the end of 2014, the total portfolio of Treasury
ing Treasury bills and Treasury bonds for the purpose
bills and Treasury bonds in circulation amounted to
of developing the lari financial market. In 2014, the
1.3 billion GEL, or 4.5% of GDP. It is worth mention-
Ministry of Finance emitted 1-year discount securities
ing that the size of government securities in circula-
and 2-, 5- and 10-year coupon bonds. These securities
tion remains small relative to the size of the economy.
are denominated in the national currency and are is-
49
Dec-14
Oct-14
Nov-14
Sep-14
Aug-14
Jul-14
Jun-14
Apr-14
May-14
Mar-14
Feb-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Oct-13
Nov-13
Sep-13
Jul-13
Treasury Bills
Aug-13
Jun-13
May-13
Apr-13
Mar-13
Jan-13
Feb-13
1000 950 900 850 800 750 700 650 600 550 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Dec-12
Million GEL
Diagram N 2.10 Portfolio of Treasury Bills and Treasury Notes in 2013-2014
Treasury Notes Source: National Bank of Georgia
The existence of a liquid secondary market for se-
In terms of dealing operations, eight Treasury bills
curities plays an important role in the efficiency of the
transactions with a total nominal value of 35.4 million
monetary policy transmission mechanism. In 2014,
GEL were settled on the secondary market in 2014 (22
repo operations significantly intensified, causing a
deals, worth 54 million GEL, were conducted in 2013).
substantial reduction in outright trading activity. The
In the case of Treasury bonds, ten transactions were
main factor preventing further growth of secondary
settled with a total nominal value of 21.5 million GEL
market activity is the insufficient amount of securities
(67 deals were conducted in 2013, worth 248.9 million
in circulation.
GEL).
Diagram N 2.11 Dynamics of the Secondary Market in 2012-2014 40
200 180
35
160
30
140
25
Million GEL
120 100
20
80
15
60
10
40
5
20 0
Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Aug-14 Sep-14 Oct-14 Nov-14 Dec-14
0
Number of Transactions (Right Axis)
Volume (Left Axis)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
50
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
In order to further promote the secondary market for securities and to provide modern high-tech infra-
2.2.4 Minimum reserve requirements
structure for the market, the NBG continued to make significant material and intellectual investments. This ultimately became manifested in the proper functioning of a settlement system for government security transactions, the Central Securities Depository (CSD), and other interrelated systems. In 2014, the interbank repo market significantly intensified. This was based on an internationally adopted repo master agreement that was created on the initiative of NBG with the consent of commercial banks. Commercial banks used the Bloomberg trading system and the Central Securities Depository to conduct repo deals. Using these systems 86 repo transactions were conducted between commercial banks involving government securities in 2014, with a total nominal amount of 1,184 million GEL. In 2013, only four such transactions were conducted with a nominal amount of 5 million GEL. The existing securities market practice and infrastructure provides a strong basis for the further development of secondary securities market activities, which, in turn, will increase market liquidity.
By using the minimum reserve requirements instrument, the NBG has the opportunity to influence the money multiplier and to create preconditions for the efficient use of other monetary instruments. For the purposes of supporting the monetary policy transmission channel, promoting the development of the lari money market and encouraging larization, the minimum reserve requirement for funds denominated in the national currency was set at 10% in 2014 (the reserve requirement for borrowing with a residual maturity of more than 1 year equals 0%); for foreign currency denominated funds, the rate was set at 15% (the minimum reserve rate for FX borrowings with a residual maturity of 1 to 2 years was 5%, while it was 0% for FX borrowings with a residual maturity of more than 2 years). Commercial banks can earn interest equal to the NBG’s monetary policy rate on minimum reserve balances placed in lari correspondent accounts, while USD and euro cash balances accrue interest equal to the policy rates of the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, respectively, minus 0.5 percentage points, but not less than zero.
Diagram N 2.12 Minimum Reserve Requirements by Residual Maturities 20%
15%
10%
5%
0% 0
0-1 year
1 year
Funds Raised in Foreign Currency
1-2 year
2 years
over 2 years
Funds Raised in National Currency
Source: National Bank of Georgia
51
2.3 Exchange Rate Policy and International Reserves Management
policy strategy of the National Bank of Georgia. During
I
tuations. Such fluctuations are frequent in small open
n 2014, the main priorities for the foreign exchange policy of the National Bank of Georgia were sup-
porting exchange rate formation on market principles, the development of the foreign exchange market, and
a floating regime the exchange rate is defined according to supply-demand in the foreign exchange market, which is affected by both fundamental economic factors and temporary events. In this regime, the foreign exchange market is characterized by short-term fluceconomies with high dollarization, such as Georgia, and are related to the small volumes of the foreign exchange market and uneven capital flows. The NBG’s foreign exchange policy only considers interventions
maintaining an adequate level of international re-
in foreign exchange market through foreign exchange
serves.
auctions in particular cases: when temporary capital
In Georgia currency is free floating, which is sup-
flows trigger sharp currency fluctuation in the short
posed to be the optimal regime for a small-size open
term; in order to increase international reserves; and
economy such as Georgia. In these kinds of economies
in order to balance public external operations.
exchange rate functions act as a shock absorber, be-
During 2014, the National Bank of Georgia inter-
cause in the event of an external shock, the change in
vened in foreign exchange market only through for-
exchange rate absorbs the negative impact on the real
eign exchange auctions. During the course of the year,
economy – on economic growth and inflation.
the National Bank intervened 18 times. In comparison
In addition, in the case of free capital movement,
with previous years and in line with the development
the inflation targeting regime requires a floating ex-
of the foreign exchange market, the frequency of inter-
change rate regime, which is defined by the monetary
ventions was reduced.
Diagram N 2.13 Foreign exchange market dynamics (2003-2014)
Currency market introduction
1,800
18 16
1,400
14
1,200
12
1,000
10
800 600
8
400
4
200
2
0
0
6
Jan-03 May-03 Sep-03 Jan-04 May-04 Sep-04 Jan-05 May-05 Sep-05 Jan-06 May-06 Sep-06 Jan-07 May-07 Sep-07 Jan-08 May-08 Sep-08 Jan-09 May-09 Sep-09 Jan-10 May-10 Sep-10 Jan-11 May-11 Sep-11 Jan-12 May-12 Sep-12 Jan-13 May-13 Sep-13 Jan-14 May-14 Sep-14
Millions $
1,600
Turnover, left axis Number of interventions, average per month, right axis
Share of NBG in Total Turnover, left axis
Source: National Bank of Georgia
52
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
In the beginning of the previous year, the lari ex-
sanctions. Worsened economic conditions in Russia
change rate experienced depreciation pressure that
quickly spread to closely linked Armenia. The Russia-
was mostly caused by temporary factors. In particular,
Ukraine conflict placed further downside pressure
in the last quarter of 2013 increased public and private
on exports. The export growth rate had been declin-
consumption increased demand on imports, conse-
ing since the start of 2014, and started to shrink after
quently raising pressure on the exchange rate. In the
August. Over the same period imports continued to
event of a temporary shock the National Bank can use
grow. This trend was underpinned by the appreciation
FX interventions to avoid large exchange rate fluctua-
of the lari real effective exchange rate against Georgia’s
tions that can cause a rise in inflation expectations. In
trading partners. The trade deficit particularly deep-
order to curtail inflation expectations, the National
ened in November-December.
Bank sold 220 million USD in January. In February
Additional depreciation pressure on the lari ex-
and August, the National Bank intervened to buy for-
change rate came from the plummeting inflow of re-
eign currency in order to fill its international reserves. In both Georgia and regional currency markets the US dollar strengthened throughout 2014. In October 2013, the US Federal Reserve made the decision to gradually halt the quantitative easing program that it had started in November 2008. This decision strengthened the position of the US dollar all over the world. The US dollar appreciated against many currencies, including those of Georgia’s trade partners. This process affected the lari relatively late, in the last months of the year. This was underpinned by the reasonable inflow of foreign exchange in the first three quarters. In particular, the high FDI inflow in the third quarter (507.5 million USD) and augmented tourism foreign currency inflows in the summer should be noted. These inflows strengthened the lari and neutralized depreciation pressure. The US dollar appreciation first affected countries with relatively developed foreign exchange markets. In Georgia this process was transferred later via the depreciation of trading partner countries’ currencies and the current account deterioration. The factors strengthening the lari weakened by the end of the year. This was impacted not only by the global appreciation of the US dollar, but also by the worsening economic conditions in trading partner
mittances. Since the beginning of 2014, the growth rate of remittances significantly reduced, but by the last quarter remittances had fallen below the level of the previous year. The weakened growth of tourism revenues was an additional negative factor. The above mentioned factors, which were mainly external, started increasing depreciation pressure on the exchange rate by the end of 2013. The depreciation of a currency due to external shocks is a natural market reaction in a free floating regime. In these kind of cases intervention from the central bank is counterproductive; on the one hand, it hinders adjustment of the external misbalance and, on the other, promotes speculative expectations. Therefore, the foreign exchange policy of the National Bank was aimed at making minimal interventions in the market in order to let the external misbalance adjust as quickly as possible. During this period, the National Bank intervened only twice in the currency market – to signal to the market that the fluctuation was not a result of an uncontrolled process. Despite the depreciation of the lari against the US dollar, the real effective exchange rate (REER) and nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) of the lari had an appreciating trend during 2014. In December 2014, the REER and NEER appreciated in comparison with December 2013 by 4.8% and 8.8% respectively.
countries. The oil price collapse had a negative impact
The REER appreciated less than the NEER because the
on both Azerbaijan and Russia’s economic growth.
inflation rate in Georgia was lower than in its trading
These trends adversely affected demand on Georgia’s
partners. Appreciation of the REER is in line with its
exports. In addition, Russia was targeted by Western
long-term trend dynamics.
53
Table N 2.1 REER annual change in 2014 NEER Annual Change, % Effective Exchange Rate
REER Annual Change, %
Contribution to REER
8.8
4.9
4.9
Turkey
0.8
-5.0
-1.1
Eurozone
1.0
2.7
0.4
Ukraine
76.9
44.4
5.1
Armenia
3.3
0.7
0.0
USA
-9.1
-8.0
-0.5
Russian Federation
51.7
38.9
3.2
Azerbaijan
-9.1
-7.2
-1.3
Other
1.4
1.8
-1.1 Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 2.14 Lari REER and NEER indices (Dec 2009=100) 125 120 115 110 105 100 95 90 85
Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 Jul-11 Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Aug-14 Sep-14 Oct-14 Nov-14 Dec-14
80
NEER
REER
Source: National Bank of Georgia
2.3.1 International Reserve Management In 2014, the accumulation of international reserves
54
favorable external conditions, with increased risks and reduced investment opportunities. As a result, the international reserves of the NBG amounted to 2.7 bln
was not the main priority for the National Bank of
USD as of 31 December 2014, as compared to 2.8 bln
Georgia, but attention was still paid to the mainte-
USD in 2013. The official reserves decreased by 124.23
nance of reserves at the desired level. During this time,
mln USD over the course of the year (which is equiva-
international reserves were being managed under un-
lent to a 4.4% decline).
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 2.15 NBG official reserve assets in 1997-2014 3,500 2,829 2,873 2,823
3,000
Millions USD
2,500
2,110
2,699
2,264
2,000 1,361
1,500 931
1,000 500
1,480
200
128
136
112
162
202
196
387
479
0 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Several factors affected the volume of the NBG’s
mln USD was paid to cover other government debt ex-
international reserves during 2014: FX auctions, gov-
penditures. In addition, government foreign currency
ernment expenditures, and grants and credits received
conversion needs totaled 171.1 mln USD.
from international organizations. During the year, the
It is worth mentioning that in 2014 the NBG man-
NBG’s net sales of foreign currency via FX auctions
aged to completely, and on time, cover its own por-
amounted to 100 mln USD.
tion of the IMF’s SBA (stand-by arrangement) pro-
During 2014, 184.4 mln USD was received in the
gram. Despite that, throughout 2014 the volume of
form of loans and grants from different international
the NBG’s international reserves was maintained at an
financial organizations and donor countries: 18.8 mln
adequate level.
USD from the European Union, 92.1 mln USD from
During 2014, the situation in international finan-
the World Bank, 73.5 mln USD from the Asian Devel-
cial markets remained complicated, which negatively
opment Bank, and 4 mln USD from other organiza-
affected the income generated from international re-
tions. Another 238.4 mln USD was received for pro-
serves management. The world’s leading countries
ject financing: 54.4 mln USD from the World Bank,
kept refinancing rates at levels close to zero and yields
75.5 mln USD from the European Investment Bank,
on the main reserve currencies (USD, GBP, EUR and
47.8 mln USD from Japan, 17.8 mln USD from the
JPY) were held at historically low levels. The Feder-
Asian Development Bank, and 42.9 mln USD from
al Reserve system of the United States continued its
other sources.
long-term bonds buying program. Popularly known as
The year was particularly notable for the large-scale
the “quantitative easing” program, this was launched
repayments of the NBG’s and the government’s debts,
by the Federal Reserve in January 2013 with the in-
which negatively affected the volume of international
tended monthly purchase of 85 bln USD worth of US
reserves. In 2014, the NBG repaid a total of 429.4 mln
Treasury Bonds. These steps led to the largest expan-
USD (principal amount and interest payments), of
sion of the FED balance sheet to 3.7 trillion USD and
which 254.2 mln USD was repaid to the IMF; 175.2
was aimed at fostering a more robust economic recov-
55
56
ery and stimulating the inflation level by increasing
the negative zone, which significantly affected invest-
the money supply. Massive asset purchases led to a ral-
ment opportunities for the euro portion of the NBG’s
ly in long-term bond prices and thus decreased their
international reserves, making them practically im-
yields. During 2014, US Treasury yields stayed at close
possible.
to zero – the 1-year maturity US Treasury note yield
Throughout 2014, the NBG’s investment policy
fluctuated between 0.05-0.25%. Based on the positive
remained conservative and was oriented toward the
macroeconomic data of October 2014, which showed
reduction of credit risk. The NBG’s international re-
a drop in the unemployment rate, rising inflation pres-
serves were allocated in highly liquid government,
sure and consumer spending improvement, FED as-
agency and supranational securities of the United
set purchases were halted. As the unemployment rate
States, eurozone countries, Australia and Canada, and
decreased, the situation on the US real estate market
in international banking institutions with high credit
also improved and consumer spending accelerated.
ratings. As a result of the low yield environment dur-
Meanwhile, economic conditions outside the USA
ing 2014, the income generated from the management
remained very uncertain. China and other emerging
of international reserves amounted to 19.76 mln GEL,
economies continued to decelerate and a volatile geo-
which was 23.4% less than the 2013 result.
political situation remained in Ukraine and Russia,
In 2014, the NBG continued its cooperation with
which put global economic growth perspectives under
the World Bank within the framework of the Sover-
question.
eign Investments Partnership Program, which it be-
In the eurozone the European Central Bank intro-
came a member of in 2009. The program aims at pro-
duced unprecedented measures and set negative inter-
viding technical assistance for further development
est rates. In 2014, deflationary pressures prevailed in
of international reserve management, the creation of
the eurozone, and the economic growth rate did not
proper infrastructure and accumulation of knowledge.
even reach 1%. The pace of economic activity was very
The program entails sharing the World Bank’s experi-
low and the unemployment rate at the end of the year
ence in the fields of portfolio and risk management,
totaled 11.4%. A considerable correction occurred
international settlements, accounting, law and infor-
with regards to the EUR/USD exchange rate – during
mation technology. Within the framework of this pro-
2014 the euro depreciated 12% against the US dollar.
gram, new financial instruments were implemented
In 2014, the European Central Bank twice reduced
over the year.
the refinancing rate by 10 basis points, from 25 basis
In the beginning of 2014, the process of the moving
points to 5 basis points, while the deposit rate (ECB
the international reserves portfolio to a new structure
deposit facility) in June and September was reduced
was concluded. This new structure implied the divi-
from 0 basis points by 20 basis points. By the end of
sion of the FX reserves portfolio into three tranches
2014, the interest rates mentioned above became nega-
(working capital, liquidity and investment) and set-
tive and amounted to -20 basis points. With the intro-
ting the size, goal, objectives and benchmark indices
duction of a negative rate on the ECB deposit facility,
for each tranche.
the ECB aimed to stimulate the transfer of funds on
At the end of 2014, the National Bank of Georgia
central bank accounts to the real economy, which in
also joined the investment program of the Bank for
turn would foster investment activity and economic
International Settlements (BIS), known as the BIS In-
growth in the eurozone region. Based on the ECB’s
vestment Pool (BISIP). The National Bank of Georgia
steps, throughout almost the whole of 2014 yields on
has been a client of the BIS since 1999 and has very
eurozone countries’ government bonds remained in
fruitful cooperation in the fields of banking supervi-
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
sion and reserve management. The BIS has 85 years’
The BCB delegation visited the NBG to discuss techni-
experience in the financial sector and provides as-
cal issues of strategic asset allocation. The functional-
sistance in the fields of reserve management to more
ity of the BCB’s “Zeus” module was studied and a plan
than 140 central banks and other international insti-
for future cooperation was elaborated.
tutions. The BIS is the bank of central banks and its
In cooperation with the World Bank, the Bank for
activities entail supporting central banks and different
International Settlements and the BCB, the National
international financial organizations. The BISIP port-
Bank of Georgia has started the implementation of a
folio is managed against a selected benchmark index
new project that aims at the creation of an applica-
within the investment strategy agreed between the BIS
tion for the strategic asset allocation process. Applica-
and the NBG. Monthly experience-sharing conference
tions like this are widely used in major central banks
calls are organized between the BIS and NBG staff to
around the world and in international organizations
discuss investment decisions and rationale. The Bank
(the World Bank, BIS, BCB, etc.). They allow organi-
for International Settlements hosts annual seminars
zations to implement an optimal investment portfolio
and conferences for BISIP clients, where they share
using the quantitative methods of financial modeling,
theories and practical aspects related to portfolio
which features an optimal risk-return profile and is
management. The BISIP program also involves assis-
relevant to the goals of the organization. Cooperation
tance and experience sharing in other aspects of re-
with these financial institutions allows the NBG to put
serves management.
the best practice of quantitative modeling approaches
In 2014, a memorandum of understanding was
into the new application. The NBG plans to share its
signed between the NBG and the Central Bank of Bra-
own system and methodology with other developing
zil (BCB), which involves cooperation in the risk man-
countries’ central banks in the future.
agement aspects of the reserves management process.
57
III Banking Sector
58
3.1 Development of the regulatory framework
I
ing to these instructions, the total capital requirement is determined by the minimum requirements of Pillar I and the buffers of Pillar II. The buffers include conservation, countercyclical, systematic, stress tests and concentration buffers and the additional requirements
n 2014, the components of Pillars I and II of the capital adequacy framework, which are based on
Basel II/III, were fully launched. The updated regulations were first enforced in 2013 and in the initial stages only entailed the reporting requirement; however, from the second half of 2014, all commercial banks in Georgia were required to comply with the requirements of the regulations. Pillar 1 of Basel II/III is more risk-based than the Basel I document. Within its framework, commercial banks are required to maintain minimum capital for credit, market and operational risks and the framework entails the use of high quality mitigation techniques. At present, commercial banks prepare statements within both the existing and updated frameworks. Over the following three years, the minimum requirements of Basel I will be gradually phased out and replaced with the Basel II/III framework. Within Pillar II of Basel II/III, commercial banks identify material risks in line with their own risk profiles, and calculate the amount of capital required. Unlike Pillar I, which represents a uniform methodology for all banks, Pillar II provides a method for calculating economic capital that is more closely adjusted to each bank’s actual risks. Should these risks materialize, the document allows for the calculation of capital needed to cover the loss. In 2014, commercial banks submitted their Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Program (ICAAP) results, which are subject to the National Bank of Georgia’s supervisory review and evaluation process. In 2014, the National Bank of Georgia developed instructions for establishing capital requirements for each individual commercial bank. It is planned to use these for reporting and calibration purposes. Accord-
of the General Risk Assessment Program. The rules of the General Risk Assessment Program (GRAPE) also came into force in 2014. GRAPE’s objective is to formalize the risk-based supervisory process of commercial banks. The document describes the various components of the continuous cycle of risk-based supervision and outlines the responsible structural units. GRAPE incorporates the stages of risk identification, analysis and assessment during different phases, periodic summary assessments and supervisory actions. The internal capital adequacy assessments and stress tests of pillar II are integral parts of the program. Within the program, the supervisor determines the risk-based supervisory actions. In addition to the development of the supervisory framework, it is important to ensure that the National Bank of Georgia’s regulatory reforms and existing practices are reasonable and comply with international best practices. In this regard, in 2014, the assessments of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), which was jointly conducted by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, were particularly important. As part of this program, the mission comprehensively assessed the supervisory approaches of the National Bank of Georgia. The mission concluded that, as a result of introducing important reforms and maintaining conservative approaches, the NBG had implemented a comprehensive, advanced and risk-based supervisory framework, which provides for the early identification of risks and the most effective allocation of resources. As the result, the mission considered the National Bank’s supervisory practice to be highly in line with the “Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision” of the Basel Committee on Banking Su-
59
60
pervision (BCBS). The assessors’ report underscored
enhancing risk management for commercial banks
the point that the framework is comprehensive, be-
within the Basel II/III implementation process.
cause it addresses all risks emanating from banks and
As per the recommendations provided by the IMF
the banking system; is forward looking, because it
and World Bank, the NBG has already introduced a
includes elements such as stress test, business model,
number of legislative amendments. A new edition of
corporate governance, and capital and contingency
the regulation on the “Licensing of Banking Institu-
planning; and is risk-based, because it focuses on the
tions” was approved, which is more in line with in-
most important risks.
ternational practice. As a result of amendments in-
It should be noted that the innovative practices im-
troduced to the regulation on “Conducting External
plemented by the National Bank of Georgia in differ-
Audits of Commercial Banks”, cooperation between
ent fields were positively assessed by the mission. The
the NBG and external auditors has also moved in line
mission’s report specifically highlights that in some
with current best practice. An updated version of the
instances the NBG’s approaches constitute very ad-
regulation on the “Management of Conflicts of Inter-
vanced practice that can serve as an example for other
ests” was developed and approved, which ensures ad-
developed countries. The NBG’s advanced supervisory
equate supervision and control of commercial banks’
tools, credit risk supervisory practice, macro pruden-
transactions with the related parties for the purpose
tial supervisory framework, and other elements were
of avoiding conflicts of interests as much as possible.
considered particularly noteworthy.
Amendments made to the regulation on “Internal
The mission praised the impressive quality of the
Audit Requirements for Commercial Banks” also pro-
supervisors, which is a prerequisite for the effective
moted cooperation between supervisors and internal
implementation of reforms and solving the complex
auditors in line with best international practice.
questions on the NBG’s agenda. However, the research
Along with the development of the legislative
suggested that offering highly competitive salary scales
framework, important steps were taken towards sup-
in the Georgian banking system remains an important
porting the implementation of international best
challenge. The mission argued that in order for the
practice of corporate governance and supervisory
NBG to maintain a strong supervisory and regulatory
frameworks at commercial banks. In this regard, the
framework, salaries must be in line with Article 19 of
National Bank of Georgia plans to develop corporate
the Organic Law of Georgia on the National Bank of
governance guidelines that will be based not only on
Georgia, which states that the amount of remunera-
structural/organizational requirements, but will also
tion for employees of the NBG should be commensu-
reflect the NBG’s expectations regarding behavioral
rate with the level of wages in the Georgian banking
organizational practices. Over the past year, the Na-
system.
tional Bank of Georgia has also supported commercial
In addition to the implementation of reforms, the
banks in developing recovery and resolution plans,
mission also positively assessed the NBG’s current ac-
which, according to international practice, constitute
tivities and vision, the implementation of which will
some of the most important components for the sta-
further strengthen risk management in the sector. The
bility of the financial sector. In particular, commercial
National Bank of Georgia has expressed its readiness
banks are required to develop comprehensive practi-
for continuous improvement and further strength-
cal action plans for specific stress scenarios, which will
ening of the supervisory framework – including the
assist timely recovery or resolution should these sce-
provision of more resources for the supervisors and
narios materialize.
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
In 2014, the National Bank of Georgia became a member of Basel Consultative Group (BCG) of the
quality analysis of credit assets and other reforms carried out within risk-based supervision.
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). Starting from January 2015, the NBG was also actively
Financial reporting and transparency
involved in the main activities of the Basel Commit-
Enhancing the transparency of the financial sector
tee’s Supervision and Implementation Group, which
remains one of the top priorities of the National Bank
focuses on implementing advanced approaches of in-
of Georgia.
ternational supervisory policy. The supervisory prin-
Throughout 2014, assessments of commercial
ciples that this group develops constitute an interna-
banks’ International Financial Reporting Standards
tional standard, and this was the first time that Georgia
(IFRS) statements mainly concentrated on financial
was invited to share its experiences at this level. It must
instrument impairment methods and the quality of
be noted that in addition to developing modern ap-
disclosure of financial risks. As the result, in order
proaches of banking supervision, the NBG has ac-
to enhance the quality of financial reporting, the Na-
cumulated vast experience in terms of evaluating the
tional Bank of Georgia started working on the devel-
risks associated with asset quality. The National Bank
opment of a methodology for the impairment of debt
of Georgia has expressed its readiness to actively en-
instruments in line with international practice. The
gage in the development of international best practice
latter was discussed with leading audit companies at
in terms of promoting the continuous improvement of
the working level. The objective of the regulation is
risk management.
to specify methods for the disclosure and calculation
At the same time, the BCBS invited NBG repre-
of the impairment of financial instruments within In-
sentatives to serve as experts in the Regulatory Con-
ternational Accounting Standard (IAS) 39, which will
sistency Assessment Program (RCAP) team. This
contribute to the adequate and timely reflection of im-
program only operates in Basel Committee member
paired loans and other debt instruments in financial
countries and constitutes the main instrument for
statements. It also represents a step forwards in terms
monitoring and evaluating the consistency of the
of implementing IFRS 9.
Basel III implementation process. An on-site visit in
IFRS 9 encompasses the accounting principles for
a Basel Committee member country is scheduled in
financial instruments that will replace the current IAS
2015, where representatives of the NBG will conduct
39 standard from 2018. Under IFRS 9, the calcula-
an assessment of the supervisory framework for the
tion of the impairment of financial instruments will
Basel Committee.
be based on the expected loss model, while under
In 2014, based on the recommendations and fund-
IAS 39 it is based on the incurred loss model. IFRS
ing from the World Bank, delegations from the central
9 also includes important methodological changes in
banks of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan vis-
the financial instruments classification and disclosure
ited the National Bank of Georgia. These visits were
section. As per the preliminary estimates of interna-
mainly aimed at studying the reforms Georgia carried
tional financial institutions, the process of implement-
out in terms of banking supervision, and sharing the
ing IFRS 9 will take two to three years and requires
NBG’s experience. The visitors were particularly in-
complex changes in terms of both methodology and
terested in the Basel II/III transition process, imple-
information systems. The NBG will actively cooperate
mented by the National Bank, including the issues of
with commercial banks and external auditors for the
consolidated supervision, the stress test methodology,
smooth implementation of the new standard.
61
High quality audits are an important prerequisite for the reliability of financial statements. With the growth of the banking sector’s assets and complexity, supervisors and auditors face common challenges. Cooperation and information sharing is thus important for accurate and efficient supervision and auditing, especially considering that the professional services industry is self-regulated. Accordingly, in 2014, the National Bank of Georgia enhanced its cooperation with the external auditors of commercial banks. In order to enhance the quality and transparency of annual financial reporting, three-way meetings were conducted between the National Bank of Georgia, commercial banks and the external auditors of commercial banks. Within the framework of such cooperation, in October 2014 the NBG introduced the main approaches of its risk-based supervision framework to the external auditors, with a particular focus on credit risk assessment principles, consolidated supervision and capital adequacy issues. In 2014, the National Bank of Georgia started working on fully replacing the current reporting system of commercial banks with the IFRS system. As a result, continuous supervisory reporting by commercial banks in line with IFRS will be based on the reporting system established by the European Union (FINREP). This will contribute to enhancing transparency and efficiency, and will avoid any double reporting burden. However, the NBG will also maintain prudential filters in order to ensure the conservative and risk-based supervision process continues uninterrupted.
3.2 Ownership structure
A
s of 31 December 2014, 21 commercial banks operated on the Georgian banking sector. The
share of non-resident beneficiaries in banks’ assets, according to final ownership, stood at 87 percent, while in equity capital it stood at 84 percent. Two mergers were planned through transactions carried out in 2014. In January 2015, JSC TBC Bank completed the legal and operational process of merging with JSC Bank Constanta. In addition, JSC Bank of Georgia purchased 100 percent of JSC PrivatBank shares and, as a result, a merger of the two is planned. It is also noteworthy that yet another Georgian commercial bank - JSC TBC Bank - conducted an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange in 2014. As a result, at present almost half of the Georgian banking Sector is traded on the London stock market. It is important that stock market requirements contribute to the growth of transparency and have a positive impact on the interests of investors. In addition, major international and regional investors remain in the Georgian banking sector. For the purpose of assessing the ownership structure, the National Bank of Georgia continues its active involvement in monitoring the processes that develop in the home countries of the international banking groups represented in Georgia.
3.3 Credit Risk
A
s of 31 December 2014, the size of the total loan portfolio in the banking system reached over 13
billion GEL.15 Not adjusted for exchange rate effects, growth during the year amounted to 18.6 percent. The year was characterized by relatively modest lending activities.
15. 12,966 mln GEL, excluding interbank loans.
62
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 3.1 Dynamics of gross loan portfolio 14,000
milion GEL
12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000
Dec-05 Feb-06 Apr-06 Jun-06 Aug-06 Oct-06 Dec-06 Feb-07 Apr-07 Jun-07 Aug-07 Oct-07 Dec-07 Feb-08 Apr-08 Jun-08 Aug-08 Oct-08 Dec-08 Feb-09 Apr-09 Jun-09 Aug-09 Oct-09 Dec-09 Feb-10 Apr-10 Jun-10 Aug-10 Oct-10 Dec-10 Feb-11 Apr-11 Jun-11 Aug-11 Oct-11 Dec-11 Feb-12 Apr-12 Jun-12 Aug-12 Oct-12 Dec-12 Feb-13 Apr-13 Jun-13 Aug-13 Oct-13 Dec-13 Feb-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Aug-14 Oct-14 Dec-14
0
Loans (On Balance)
Loans (on Balance) December. 2005 constant exchange rate
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Excluding interbank loans, the composition of the loan portfolio in terms of segments did not change sig-
tail portfolio grew the most, followed by the corporate and SME loan segments.
nificantly during 2014. Similar to 2013, in 2014 the reTable N 3.1 Gross loan portfolio by segment (excluding interbank loans) Segment (excluding interbank loans) - growth without the exchange rate effect (exchange rate as of the end of 2013)
Dec. 2013
Dec. 2014
Growth Percentage
Growth Amount
Mln GEL
%
Mln GEL
%
Corporate
4,028
38%
4,616
37%
15%
588
SME
2,051
20%
2,300
18%
12%
249
Retail
4,400
42%
5,541
44%
26%
1,141
Total
10,480
100%
12,457
100%
19%
1,977
Source: National Bank of Georgia
As was the case in recent years, the trend of decreasing interest rates continued in 2014. This was pri-
marily caused by an even further increase of competition in the banking sector.
63
Diagram N 3.2 Weighted average interest rates on loans per segment disbursed during a month 25% 23% 21% 19% 17% 15% 13% 11%
Corporate Loans
SME Loans
Dec-14
Oct-14
Jun-14
Aug-14
Feb-14
Apr-14
Oct-13
Dec-13
Aug-13
Jun-13
Feb-13
Apr-13
Oct-12
Dec-12
Aug-12
Jun-12
Feb-12
Apr-12
Oct-11
Dec-11
Jun-11
Aug-11
Apr-11
Feb-11
Oct-10
Dec-10
Jun-10
Aug-10
Apr-10
Feb-10
9%
Retail Loans Source: National Bank of Georgia
The sectorial distribution of the loan portfolio (ex-
and trade of construction materials, production and
cluding interbank loans) is rather diversified. Through-
trade of durable goods, and automobile dealers) in the
out 2014, the share of pro–cyclical sectors (real estate
banking sector’s loan portfolio stabilized at an accept-
development, real estate management, production
able level.
Table N 3.2 Gross loan portfolio according to risk sectors (excluding interbank loans) Share in Portfolio
Loan
Loan Reserve
Loan reserve to Portfolio
State
0.6%
75
2
2.0%
Financial Institutions
1.3%
166
7
3.9%
Pawn-shop Loans
3.4%
435
11
2.5%
Real Estate Development
1.9%
249
43
17.0%
Real Estate Management
4.1%
537
31
5.7%
Construction Companies (non-developers)
1.9%
247
42
16.8%
Production and Trade of Construction Materials
2.0%
254
16
6.5%
Trade of Consumer Foods and Goods
4.7%
606
37
6.2%
Production of Consumer Foods and Goods
4.0%
513
25
5.0%
Production and Trade of Durable Goods
1.4%
183
12
6.7%
Production and Trade of Clothes, Shoes and Textiles
1.1%
141
7
4.8%
Trade (other)
4.1%
528
23
4.3%
Other Production
1.2%
158
10
6.1%
Sector excluding interbank loans (Mln GEL)
64
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
(continue) Share in Portfolio
Loan
Loan Reserve
Loan reserve to Portfolio
Hotels and Tourism
3.4%
446
16
3.6%
Restaurants
1.1%
142
10
7.1%
Industry
3.3%
431
48
11.2%
Oil Importers and Retailers
1.4%
180
18
9.9%
Energy
3.2%
412
11
2.7%
Auto
1.2%
156
14
8.8%
Healthcare
2.7%
353
13
3.8%
Pharmacy
0.7%
95
11
11.3%
Telecommunication
1.8%
231
38
16.6%
Service
4.9%
632
53
8.3%
Agriculture sector
4.6%
596
25
4.2%
Other including scrap metals
1.6%
202
8
3.8%
Retail products
38.6%
4,999
259
5.2%
Car Loans
0.4%
51
4
7.5%
Consumer Loans
16.5%
2,135
101
4.7%
Instant Installments
2.8%
369
22
6.1%
Payrolls (overdrafts)
0.5%
71
6
7.9%
Credit Cards
4.3%
564
60
10.7%
Loans for Housing Renovations
1.8%
232
7
3.2%
Mortgage Loans
12.2%
1,577
58
3.7%
Total
100.0%
12,966
787
6.1%
Sector excluding interbank loans (Mln GEL)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.3 The share of pro-cyclical sectors in the gross loan portfolio 19.0% 17.0% 15.0% 13.0% 11.0% 9.0%
Dec-08 Feb-09 Apr-09 Jun-09 Aug-09 Oct-09 Dec-09 Feb-10 Apr-10 Jun-10 Aug-10 Oct-10 Dec-10 Feb-11 Apr-11 Jun-11 Aug-11 Oct-11 Dec-11 Feb-12 Apr-12 Jun-12 Aug-12 Oct-12 Dec-12 Feb-13 Apr-13 Jun-13 Aug-13 Oct-13 Dec-13 Feb-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Aug-14 Oct-14 Dec-14
7.0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
65
During 2014, the main drivers of retail portfolio growth were mortgages, consumer loans and instant
ment loans reached 63 percent in 2013, not adjusted for exchange rate effects.
installments. The annual growth rate of instant install-
Diagram N 3.4 Retail products distribution 1%
Car Loans Consumer Loans
32%
Instant Installments
43%
Payrolls (Overdrafts) Credit Cards
5% 11%
Loans for Housing Renovation
7%
Mortgage Loans
1%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.5 Portfolio composition by currency (excluding interbank loans) 100%
0.0% 1.9%
0.0% 4.1%
0.0% 1.0%
0.0% 0.5%
90% 80% 70%
40.8% 58.9%
60%
74.1%
72.6%
50% 40% 30% 20%
58.7% 39.2%
10% 0%
Total portfolio Other
EURO
23.3%
24.8%
Corporate
SME
USD
Retail
GEL Source: National Bank of Georgia
66
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 3.6 Retail portfolio composition by currency (excluding interbank loans) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40%
GEL
EUR
Dec-14
Nov-14
Sep-14
Oct-14
Aug-14
Jul-14
Jun-14
Apr-14
May-14
Mar-14
Feb-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Nov-13
Oct-13
Sep-13
Jul-13
USD
Aug-13
Jun-13
May-13
Apr-13
Feb-13
Mar-13
Jan-13
Dec-12
30%
Other
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Table N 3.3 Retail products distribution, annual change Million GEL - growth without the exchange rate effect (exchange rate as of the end of 2013) Retail Products Car Loans Consumer Loans
Dec-13
Share
Dec-14
Share
Change percent
Change amount
3,871
100%
4,862
100%
26%
991
57
1%
48
1%
-15%
-9
1,706
44%
2,106
43%
23%
400
Instant Installments
226
6%
368
8%
63%
142
Payrolls (Overdrafts)
67
2%
70
1%
5%
3
Credit Cards
503
13%
562
12%
12%
59
Loans for Housing Renovations
172
4%
219
5%
28%
47
1,141
29%
1,489
31%
30%
348
Mortgage Loans
Source: National Bank of Georgia
By the end of 2014, the quality of the loan portfolio was satisfactory. The share of non-performing loans
constitutes one of the best results among comparable countries.
in the loan portfolio had almost no change. However,
The quality of the portfolio varies significantly
the share of negative loans decreased. For comparison
based on its segments. It should also be mentioned
with current international practice, the share of 90-
that the portfolio quality of the SME and retail seg-
day overdue loans in the total loan portfolio (exclud-
ments is expected to deteriorate in parallel with the
ing interbank loans) amounts to 3.1 percent; the latter
decline of the portfolio growth rate.
has not experienced any major changes since 2013 and
67
Table N 3.4 Quality of portfolio by segment (excluding interbank loans) Segment
Negative Loans
Corporate
Non-performing Loans
Average reserve
21.1%
13.9%
8.0%
SME
8.1%
4.2%
4.6%
Retail
7.2%
3.8%
4.9% Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.7 Overdue loans of 90 days and more Estonia Turkey Georgia Belarus Poland Latvia Slovakia Czech Republic Russia Armenia Kosovo Lithuania Macedonia Moldova Romania Slovenia Bosnia and Herzegovina Hungary Kazakhstan Croatia Ukraine Tajikistan Greece Cyprus
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
40.0%
45.0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
In parallel with the satisfactory quality of the loan
Starting from 2013, the banking sector began ac-
portfolio, growth of borrowers’ financial burdens can
tive disbursement of variable interest rate loans; the
be observed in all three segments of the system. The
latter amounted to 16 percent of the entire (net) loan
latter was caused by the relative easing of lending re-
portfolio by the end of 2014. The fact that global inter-
quirements by commercial banks, as well as the volatil-
est rates have reached historically low levels, which is
ity of the Georgian lari exchange rate by the end of the
mostly related to LIBOR (London Interbank Offered
year (for those borrowers who had liabilities in US dol-
Rate), may create an additional burden in terms of
lars). Despite the fact that such practice also exists on
loan servicing by business borrowers. It must also be
the international level, the increase of the loan burden
pointed out that the management of variable rate loans
in this regard is undesirable. Please refer to the macro
by commercial banks requires further improvement.
prudential analysis section of this document to view the influence of exchange rate fluctuations and the effects of extending loan maturities.
68
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 3.8 Volume of net loans with floating interest rates and the share in total portfolio 18%
2,500
16%
12% 1,500
10% 8%
1,000
6% 4%
Milion GEL
2,000
14%
500
2% 0% Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Aug-14 Sep-14 Oct-14 Nov-14 Dec-14
0
Net loans with floating interest rate Share of net loans with floating interest rate in total portfolio
Source: National Bank of Georgia
The real estate management and development, and
served in the medium-term in Tbilisi and Batumi,
hotels and tourism sectors have recently attracted the
the two most important cities of Georgia in terms of
particular attention of the central bank, calling for ad-
tourism, while the growth rate of visitors from foreign
ditional study and active monitoring.
countries dropped in 2014.
In the real estate management and development
The growth of the debt burden in terms of retail
sector, an increase of supply was observed in the medi-
products was caused by an easing of the requirements
um-term perspective, with regards to both office and
for verifying a borrower’s income, and by a further ex-
residential areas. However, in parallel with this, by the
tension of retail loan terms. An analysis of the recent
end of the year unfavorable tendencies were observed
period demonstrates that so-called “portability” offers
with regards to real estate agreements.
have been reinvigorated without the growth of new potential retail borrowers.
In terms of hotels, an excess of supply can be ob-
Table N 3.5 Gross loan portfolio categories and loan loss reserves as of December 2014 Category
Amount (Mln GEL)
Standard
11,339
87.5%
2%
Negative
1,627
12.5%
33%
Watch
639
4.9%
11%
Non-performing
988
7.6%
48%
Substandard
535
4.1%
30%
Doubtful
252
1.9%
51%
201
1.6%
93%
12,966
100%
6%
Loss Total:
Share
Reserve
Source: National Bank of Georgia
69
Diagram N 3.9 Portfolio composition by quality (excluding interbank loans) 18.0% 16.0% 14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% Dec-14
Oct-14
Nov-14
Sep-14
Aug-14
Jul-14
Jun-14
Apr-14
May-14
Feb-14
Mar-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Oct-13
Nov-13
Sep-13
Aug-13
Jul-13
Jun-13
Apr-13
May-13
Feb-13
Mar-13
Jan-13
Dec-12
0.0%
90 and more days overdue loans Non - performing loans
Negative loans
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.10 Loan loss reserve to gross portfolio 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0%
mar-07 jun-07 sep-07 dec-07 mar-08 jun-08 sep-08 dec-08 mar-09 jun-09 sep-09 dec-09 mar-10 jun-10 sep-10 dec-10 mar-11 jun-11 sep-11 dec-11 mar-12 jun-12 sep-12 dec-12 mar-13 jun-13 sep-13 dec-13 mar-14 jun-14 sep-14 dec-14
dec-05 mar-06 jun-06 sep-06 dec-06
0.0%
Reserves / Loans (On Balance) Reserves / Loans (On Balance) considering the effect of net write-offs since 2005
Source: National Bank of Georgia
70
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Dec-05
Loans Write-offs Dec-14
Sep-14
Jun-14
Mar-14
Dec-13
Sep-13
Jun-13
Mar-13
Dec-12
Sep-12
Jun-12
Mar-12
Dec-11
Sep-11
Jun-11
Mar-11
Dec-10
Sep-10
Jun-10
Mar-10
Dec-09
Sep-09
Jun-09
Mar-09
Dec-08
Sep-08
Jun-08
Mar-08
Dec-07
Sep-07
Jun-07
Mar-07
Dec-06
Sep-06
Jun-06
Mar-06
Milion GEL
mar-07 jun-07 sep-07 dec-07 mar-08 jun-08 sep-08 dec-08 mar-09 jun-09 sep-09 dec-09 mar-10 jun-10 sep-10 dec-10 mar-11 jun-11 sep-11 dec-11 mar-12 jun-12 sep-12 dec-12 mar-13 jun-13 sep-13 dec-13 mar-14 jun-14 sep-14 dec-14
dec-05 mar-06 jun-06 sep-06 dec-06
Milion GEL
Diagram N 3.11 Dynamics of the gross loan portfolio with net effect of recoveries
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
Loans (on balance) considering the effect of net write-offs using 12-2005 fixed exchange rate Loans (on balance) considering the effect of net write-offs
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.12 Write-off and recovery of loans
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Recovery of Written-off Loans
Source: National Bank of Georgia
71
Diagram N 3.13 Problem assets 45.0%
3,500
40.0%
3,000
35.0% 2,500 Bilion GEL
30.0%
2,000
25.0%
1,500
20.0% 15.0%
1,000
10.0% 500
5.0% 0.0% Dec-14
Jun-14 Sep-14
Mar-14
Sep-13
Dec-13
Jun-13
Dec-12
Mar-13
Jun-12
Sep-12
Mar-12
Sep-11
Dec-11
Mar-11 Jun-11
Dec-10
Jun-10
Sep-10
Sep-09
Dec-09 Mar-10
Jun-09
Dec-08
Mar-09
Jun-08
Sep-08
Mar-08
Dec-07
0
Negative Investments (Left axis) Repossessed Property (Left axis) Net Write-offs (Left axis) Non - Performing Loans (Left axsis) Negative Loans (Left axis) Negative Portfolio / Total Portfolio (Right axis) (Negative Portfolio + Negative Investments) / (Total Portfolio + Total Investments) (Right axis)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
72
For the purpose of improving and perfecting cur-
regarding effective credit standards, as well as the ne-
rent norms, and graduating to an essentially new level
cessity of benchmarks. The proposed amendments
of risk management, the National Bank of Georgia de-
project entails the introduction of specific qualitative
veloped a project for amending the regulatory frame-
parameters for identifying and determining so-called
work on “Asset Classification and the Creation of Pos-
“standard” loans. According to the proposed amend-
sible Loan Loss Reserves”. This project constitutes a
ments project, in terms of lending, the NBG deter-
follow-up step from the work completed within the
mines the minimal qualitative and financial indicators
framework of the international “Lending Standards”
that a borrower must meet in order to be classified as
conference that was organized by the NBG in 2014.
“standard” by the bank. Some countries apply qualita-
The conference aimed at the discussing and analyz-
tive and quantitative approaches within their supervi-
ing the outlook and opinions of market participants
sory frameworks. Qualitative criteria tend to be quite
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 3.14 Repossessed property
4.0%
350
3.5%
300
3.0%
200
2.0% 150
1.5%
Milion GEL
250
2.5%
100
1.0%
50
0.0%
0 December-05 March-06 June-06 September-06 December-06 March-07 June-07 September-07 December-07 March-08 June-08 September-08 December-08 March-09 June-09 September-09 December-09 March-10 June-10 September-10 December-10 March-11 June-11 September-11 December-11 March-12 June-12 September-12 December-12 March-13 June-13 September-13 December-13 March-14 June-14 September-14 December-14
0.5%
Repossessed propery (Right axis) Reserve on repossessed property (Left axis) Repossessed propery / (Total loans + Repossessed propery) (Left axis)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
general and leave plenty of room for interpretation.
or other similar factors. The proposed amendments
Whereas qualitative assessment approaches, which are
project is based on the methodologies of international
mostly based on the number of days past due, must
rating agencies, financial intermediaries’ factual indi-
be assessed as being inadequate as a result of banks’ active usage of refinancing/restructuring practices. Undertaking detailed analysis of a borrower’s creditworthiness is the single most accurate method for fairly and adequately determining the extent of possible losses. Such creditworthiness analysis must be primarily based on the borrower’s financial capacity, and not on an assessment of the number of days past due
cators on advanced markets, and similar sources. Local events are also considered, including existing interest rates and the characteristics of different sectors, amongst other factors. The proposed amendments project does not constitute the final version. The final version will be presented and approved after concluding the discussion and reviewing the observations and opinions of market participants.
73
Box N 2 Initiation of a project aiming at making amendments to the regulation on „Asset Classification, Creation and Application of Reserves for Possible Losses“ Business loans requiring individual assessment In addition to the requirements outlined in the regulations on asset classification, for the purpose of classifying a business loan as “standard”, the borrower’s average financial indicators must meet the following criteria: •
Interest Coverage Ratio (EBIT16 / Interest Expenses) >=3;
•
Debt/ EBITDA17<=3.0;
•
Equity/Assets >=30%;
•
“State organizations”, “financial institutions” – Equity/Assets >=20%.
•
“Pawnshop Loans” – LTV18<90%
•
Loans collateralized by precious metals and stones.
These average indicators may vary depending on industry-specific factors. The proposed ratios shall not constitute the sole argument for deciding whether a borrower may be classified as “standard.” The availability of specifically defined ratios must not induce banks to base their assessment of borrowers solely on the NBG’s benchmarks, since this would give risk management a rather mechanical character. When assessing a borrower within a comprehensive credit analysis framework, attention must also be paid to other important indicators. If a bank violates the proposed benchmarks, it must have solid and specific arguments in terms of business and financial risks for assigning the “standard” category. Commercial banks must submit a list of such loans and the arguments for a “standard” classification to the National Bank of Georgia. Banks must use the following ratios when analyzing a borrower based on risk sectors. Table N 3.6 Ratios by Sector Debt/EBITDA
EBIT/Interest Expenses
Real Estate Development
2.50
3.50
Production and Trade of Construction materials
2.75
3.25
Auto dealers
2.75
3.25
Construction Companies (non-developers)
2.50
3.25
Real Estate Management
3.00
3.00
Production of Consumer Foods and Goods
3.00
3.00
Hotels and Tourism
3.00
3.00
Agriculture sector
3.00
3.00
Restaurants
3.00
3.00
Service
3.00
3.00
Healthcare
3.00
3.00
Risk Sector
16. Earnings before interest and tax. 17. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. 18. Loan to Value Ratio: The ratio of a loan to the value of an asset purchased.
74
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
(continue) Debt/EBITDA
EBIT/Interest Expenses
Production and Trade of Durable Goods
2.75
3.00
Trade (other)
2.75
3.00
Production and Trade of Clothes, Shoes and Textiles
3.25
2.75
Pharmacy
3.25
2.75
Trade of Consumer Foods and Goods
3.25
2.75
Oil Importers and Retailers
3.00
2.75
Telecommunication
3.00
2.75
Industry
2.75
2.75
Energy
3.50
2.50
Other Production
2.75
3.25
Other, including scrap metals
2.75
3.25
Risk Sector
For small and medium loans, the debt/EBIT-
“Trade of commodities” – During commodi-
DA ratio per sector must be 20% less than those
ties trading (goods that are actively traded and
indicated above, whereas the EBIT/interest ex-
whose value is determined by international mar-
pense ratio should exceed the figures given above by 20%. Different approaches may be used for borrowers in the micro loans portfolio, but these must be agreed with the National Bank of Georgia. “State Organizations” – Companies in this sector must be assessed in accordance with the requirements of the respective sector. The leverage indicator (Equity/Assets) must be applied in relation to those legal persons who provide public
kets) a borrower may not meet the main benchmarks when a specific trade operation is financed. In such cases, a bank must have internal policies and procedures in place that define the adequate margin for mitigating losses caused by possible price changes. Gradation of loans to be individually assessed For the purpose of the aforementioned regu-
service. If a business entity operating in this sector
lations, loans that require individual assessment
has been granted an unconditional state guaran-
must be divided into the following segments: Mi-
tee, the financial data of the given entity may be
cro, SME, and Corporate loans.
scrutinized less intensively.
Each commercial bank is required to have in-
“Pawnshop Loans” – The LTV coefficient is
ternal policies and procedures that determine the
important for a loan portfolio collateralized by
characteristics of the aforementioned segments,
precious metals. A borrower cannot be classified as “standard” if his/her collateral does not adequately cover existing loans. When calculating the LTV coefficient, the most up-to-date market value of the collateral must be taken into consideration. “Project Financing” – In the process of project financing, the initial years of a project may not prove profitable. The bank should take into consideration benchmarks defined in accordance with the project’s average indicators.
and these must be approved by the National Bank of Georgia. The policies and procedures are required to take into account at least two parameters: the volume of loans and turnover-sales. As a rule, the volume of loans per segment, taking into consideration all related parties, should be close to the following limits: 1. <=250,000 GEL – Micro loans 2. >250,000 GEL -<=2,500,000 GEL – SME loans
75
3. >2,500,000 GEL – Corporate loans Additional general parameters for ”stand-
defining factors include, but are not limited to: • Changes in the risk profile of the granular
ard” loans
portfolio;
In order for a loan to be classified as “stand-
ard”, it is necessary for the borrower to have the
o Payment to income, LTV and other qualitative characteristics;
capacity to extend the maturity of the loan in the
• Changes in policies and procedures;
future, which will give him/her the possibility of
• Concentration risk;
receiving significant concessions with regards to
• Restructurings, write-offs, and modifications
payments.
of contract terms;
Granular portfolios (retail, business)
• Changes in the tendencies of the portfolio;
Considering the absence of the complete his-
o Days past due, nonperforming loans, etc.
torical data, the possible loss reserves of a granular
• Changes in economic conditions;
portfolio that requires collective assessment must
• Other factors.
not be solely based on historical data, since such data might be inadequate for the current period. In parallel with historical statistics, banks must
A bank might not have specific indicators for the factors listed above, in which case it must employ professional and conservative judgment.
consider the rate of the portfolio’s growth (with
In the granular portfolio, particular attention
regards to both business and retail loans) and its
must be paid to those cases when the ratio of
accompanying effects, as well as every other pos-
monthly payments to the monthly net income of
sible outcome that may influence the portfolio’s
an employed borrower, co-debtor, guarantor and
possible loss reserve. A bank must take this infor-
his/her household exceeds the limits listed below:
mation into account as far as possible. Such riskMonthly payments on loans/net monthly income – maximum indicator
Volume of net monthly income in GEL
30%
1000<
35%
1000-2000
40%
2000-4000
45%
>4000
When conducting a collective assessment of
loans (excluding credit cards) should not exceed
business borrowers, the approaches for individu-
48 months. In addition, the ratio of the service life
ally assessing business loans should be applied
of a consumer product to the maturity of the loan
even more conservatively.
must also be taken into account as far as possible.
When classifying a loan as “standard”, a bank
Particular attention must be paid to loans col-
must take into consideration the minimum vol-
lateralized by real estate, the LTV of which ex-
ume of a borrower’s/group’s income.
ceeds:
In order to classify a loan as “standard”, it is important for a borrower to have the capacity to ex-
tumi, and Rustavi.
tend the maturity of the loan in the future, which
• 65%-70% in the case of other settlements.
will give him/her the possibility to receive signifi-
If these Loan-to-Value coefficient margins are
cant concessions with regards to payments. The maturity of non-collateralized consumer
76
• 75%-80% in the case of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Ba-
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
violated, the liquidity of the collateral must be taken into consideration.
3.4 Profitability Risk
I
n 2014, the return on average assets and equity amounted to 2.6 percent and 14.8 percent respec-
tively, which did not differ significantly from the figures of the previous year. The rate of banking system profitability has been stable in recent years and, in total, has approached the required return on equity for the shareholders.
Diagram N 3.15 Return on assets and equity 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% -5.0% -10.0% -15.0% 2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
ROA ROE
Source: National Bank of Georgia
The profitability of the banking system was posi-
est rate spread, which was due to the relatively large
tively affected by the growth of assets and the sub-
drop in interest rates on loans compared to interest
sequent increase in effectiveness due to economies
rates on deposits. In addition, there was insufficient
of scale. Alongside the growth of total assets by 19.8
growth of non-interest income, compared to assets.
percent and total loans by 22.5 percent , non-interest
The liquid assets yield declined as a result of the lower
expenses increased by only 9.8 percent. The increase
interest income on interbank accounts and deposits,
of efficiency is reflected in the ratio of cost to income,
as well as the return on certificates of deposit and
which dropped from 52.5 percent to 49.6 percent. On
Treasury bonds. However, the latter has little impact
the other hand, the improvement of profitability in
on profitability.
19
2014 was negatively affected by a decrease of the inter-
The share of retail loans increased significantly
19. Including the exchange rate effect.
77
and, in terms of profitability, these were character-
the forward-looking supervisory approach.
ized by relatively high interest rates. However, it must
It is noteworthy that, in contrast to the retail seg-
be noted that retail loans are related to larger opera-
ment, the return on corporate and SME loans has de-
tional and higher expected (collectively assessed im-
creased dramatically. Despite the record high credit
pairment) credit risk costs, which will be realized in
losses of this portfolio, the interest rates offered on it
the following period and decrease the return from the
are still at historically low levels. The main reason for
increased spread. In addition, based on the NBGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as-
this is competition in the banking sector, which may
sessment, lending standards have been significantly
undermine the market position of certain banks in the
loosened and thus the receivable part of profitability
future. Therefore, considering the principles of risk-
is expected to decrease somewhat over the medium
based supervision, in 2014 the NBG continued pay-
term. Risks related to the expected credit losses due to
ing increased attention to the projected indicators for
rapid growth are also important for small- and medi-
assessing banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; profitability. Particular attention was
um-sized business lending. The NBG, in cooperation
paid to factors such as the scale effect, the existence of
with commercial banks, is actively engaged in over-
a market niche and/or other competitive advantages,
coming these shortcomings within the framework of
and the assessment of projected credit losses.
Diagram N 3.16 Decomposition of profitability growth mln. GEL 175
Loan portfolio growth
125 79.2
Increase in efficiency
75 12.3
25
54.5
(14.8) -25
Improvement in asset quality
(22.2) (0.2) (23.1)
Increase in spread Change in liquid assets yield Other Change in non-interest income
-75
Source: National Bank of Georgia
78
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 3.17 Interest spread and factors affecting it 18% 16% 14%
Interest Rate Spread
12% 10%
Return on interest-bearing assets
8% 6%
Cost of funds
4% 2% Dec-10 Feb-11 Apr-11 Jun-11 Aug-11 Oct-11 Dec-11 Feb-12 Apr-12 Jun-12 Aug-12 Oct-12 Dec-12 Feb-13 Apr-13 Jun-13 Aug-13 Oct-13 Dec-13 Feb-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Aug-14 Oct-14 Dec-14
0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.18 Banking system net profit20 from operations 900 800 700
mln. GEL
600 500 400 300 200 100 0
Dec-08
Dec-09
Dec-10
Dec-11
Dec-12
Dec-13
Dec-14
Source: National Bank of Georgia
3.5 Market Risk
its efforts towards improving the existing foreign ex-
3.5.1 Foreign exchange risk
tention is paid to the revaluation of foreign-exchange
C
onsidering the structure of financial market liabilities, the sensitivity of the Georgian banking
change risk management methodology. Particular atreserves, the assessment of risks relating to structural position, and the improvement of banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; internal
system to FX risk is rather high. Despite the enhanced
models. By the end of 2014, this process became even
larization of loans, the extent of larization remains at a
more important due to the increased currency volatil-
low level (over 50 percent of loans to individuals and
ity in the countries of the region.
40 percent of total loans). The NBG continues to direct
The currency position calculated with the exist-
20. Profit before provisioning and one-time income/expenses.
79
ing methodology is quite balanced. However, because
the share capital is denominated in lari, the revaluation
gross loans (not net loans) are factored as assets when
of risk-weighted assets due to currency depreciation
calculating the abovementioned position, and since
significantly reduces banks’ capital adequacy ratios. In
loan loss reserves are formed in lari, the banks’ actual
addition, taking into consideration the existing own-
positions are short. As a result, considering the revalu-
ership structure of the banking system, non-resident
ation of reserves, commercial banks are at a loss dur-
shareholders are highly exposed to exchange rate risk
ing the currency depreciation. Furthermore, because
in the process of dividend conversion.
Diagram N 3.19 Balance sheet and consolidated open currency positions to regulatory capital 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% -1% -2% -3%
Balance sheet open currency position
Dec-14
Nov-14
Oct-14
Sep-14
Aug-14
Jul-14
Jun-14
May-14
Apr-14
Mar-14
Feb-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
-4%
Consolidated open currency position
Source: National Bank of Georgia
3.5.2 Interest rate risk Georgian banks currently own almost no trad-
80
tal adequacy coefficient will decrease from 17.4 percent to 17.1 percent.
ing securities; therefore, the banking book approach
The aforementioned result accounts for the bal-
is used for banking supervision. Nevertheless, the
ance effect during the reporting period. The influence
NBG requires that banks with trading books develop
of interest rate shock on economic value – which is
relevant procedures and report to the National Bank.
not directly reflected on profits and losses, but has an
When significant growth opportunities are identified
impact on a bank’s market value – is also noteworthy.
as a result of monitoring, regulations for the manage-
In this regard, certain factors complicate a more ac-
ment of trading book risk will be enforced.
curate assessment of interest rate risk, in particular: a
All other things being equal, if interest rates go up
2 percent limit imposed on loan prepayment fees for
by 300 basis points, incremental losses will amount to
the purpose of promoting competition; the difference
an annual 46.1 million GEL, while the regulatory capi-
between costs of domestic and foreign funds raised in
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
the same currency; and loan agreement conditions,
eign currency, are manageable results and fall signifi-
according to which banks have the right to reconsider
cantly behind the 20-percent threshold of regulatory
rates fixed in a contract in the event of significant inter-
capital established by international standards. There-
est rate fluctuations in the market. For a better assess-
fore, the latter does not pose a threat to the stability of
ment of interest rate risk, the NBG developed a new reporting form for interest rate gaps21, where interest earning assets and liabilities are sorted in more detail based on currency and maturity. The new form also records whether funds are attracted from domestic or foreign sources. Currently, the National Bank analyses the interest rate gap forms submitted by commercial banks in order to establish what effect changes in interest rates may have on the economic value of banks. The calibration of the model continues. Its improvement is related to difficulties such as the real maturity
the system. Supervisory mitigation measures are applied with regards to those banks that have relatively high interest rate risks. During the analysis of the interest rate risk stress scenario, attention is currently focused on the risk of a hike in interest rates, which is especially significant considering that interest rates fell to quite low levels. In addition, through the new Basel II/III capital framework, and as part of the capital adequacy internal management process for the purpose of supervi-
of bank assets and liabilities, and the development of
sory review, banks submitted their own calculations
the long-term yield curve. However, based on existing
of interest rate risks. The evaluation process of major
assessments, a 400 basis point interest rate growth in
banks is thus complete and the NBG plans to commu-
lari, and a 200 basis point interest rate growth in for-
nicate its position with the banks.
Diagram N 3.20 Interest bearing assets coverage of liabilities 300% 250% 200% 150% 100% 50% 0%
Up to 1 month
Dec-13
1-3 months
3-6 months
6-12 months
Over 1 year term
Dec-14
Source: National Bank of Georgia
21. The difference between assets and liabilities of the same maturity.
81
3.6 Liquidity risk 3.6.1 Structure of liquid assets
A
lthough the level of liquid assets was characterized by minor fluctuations, it remained high
throughout 2014. Liquid assets constitute 22 percent of total assets, which is sufficient to cover 39 percent of non-bank deposits.
Diagram N 3.21 Level of liquid assets 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
Dec-14
Nov-14
Oct-14
Sep-14
Jul-14
Aug-14
Jun-14
May-14
Apr-14
Mar-14
Feb-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Nov-13
Oct-13
Sep-13
Jul-13
Aug-13
Jun-13
May-13
Apr-13
Mar-13
Feb-13
Jan-13
Dec-12
0%
Liquid Assets / Total Assets Liquid assets / non-bank deposits
Source: National Bank of Georgia
It is noteworthy that, despite the stability of the
nificantly. By the end of 2014, the increased share of
total liquidity ratio, liquidity by currency was charac-
cash and mandatory reserve funds was mainly caused
terized by significant fluctuations. In general, the li-
by exchange rate effects. The reason behind the de-
quidity ratio in the national currency exceeds that of
creased maturity gap of less than one month in foreign
foreign currency, which is mostly a result of the short-
currency was the reduced liquidity of foreign currency
term nature of lari-denominated liabilities with a high
as a result of increased disbursement of loans. How-
yield on lari-denominated liquid assets. The National
ever, considering historical data, this figure was main-
Bank has continued to monitor liquidity by currency.
tained at an acceptable level.
The structure of liquid assets has not changed sig-
82
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 3.22 Liquidity coefficients by currency 60.0% 55.0% 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Aug-14 Sep-14 Oct-14 Nov-14 Dec-14
20.0%
GEL
Foreign currency
Total
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.23 Liquidity gap: assets with a maturity of less than one month to liabilities with a maturity of less than one month 115% 110% 105% 100% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75%
GEL
Foreign currency
Dec-14
Jul-14
Feb-14
Sep-13
Apr-13
Nov-12
Jun-12
Jan-12
70%
Total
Source: National Bank of Georgia
83
Diagram N 3.24 Volume and structure of liquid assets 100% 90% 80%
Liquid securities
70% 60%
Deposits due from commercial banks
50%
Nostro accounts due from commercial banks
40% 30%
Cash due from National Bank of Georgia
20% 10%
Cash Dec-14
Jul-14
Feb-14
Sep-13
Apr-13
Nov-12
Jun-12
Jan-12
0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
3.6.2 Structure of liabilities If we exclude the slight growth of the share of term deposits, there have been no significant qualitative changes in the structure of liabilities in 2014. In terms of liability structure, banks have maintained an adequate level of liquid assets.
Diagram N 3.25 Liability structure 2013
2014
Current and Demand deposits, 38%
Current and Demand deposits, 37%
Term deposits, 29%
Term deposits, 31%
Other liabilities, 8%
Other liabilities, 8%
Borrowed funds, 20%
Borrowed funds, 20%
Subordinated liabilities, 5%
Subordinated liabilities, 4%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
84
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
During 2014, the volume of deposits increased by 1.92 billion GEL (up to 20 percent)22), and stood at
by individuals and legal entities amounted to 21.2 percent and 18.6 percent respectively.23
11.6 billion GEL by December. The growth of deposits
Diagram N 3.26 Client deposits 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5
Individuals
Dec-14
Jul-14
Feb-14
Sep-13
Apr-13
Nov-12
Jun-12
Jan-12
2.0
Legal entities
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 3.27 Share of non-resident deposits 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2%
Dec-14
Jul-14
Feb-14
Sep-13
Apr-13
Nov-12
Jun-12
Jan-12
0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
22. 14.9 percent excluding the exchange rate effect. 23. 15 and 14.9 percent, respectively, excluding the exchange rate effect.
85
The share of non-resident deposits in total nonbank deposits did not significantly increase in 2014,
move was reflected in the stabilization of the share of non-resident deposits.
standing at 15.9 percent by December. These deposits
Based on the argument that some non-resident
were rather diversified in terms of country of origin,
customers are in fact Georgians with foreign pass-
which is a positive factor in terms of risks. Further-
ports, a number of commercial banks have expressed
more, the share of term deposits is high, which sig-
readiness to isolate such depositories and not apply
nificantly reduces the risk of outflows. During 2014,
stringent liquidity requirements to them. However,
some non-resident term deposits continued to be
these factors were already been taken into account
transferred to irrevocable certificates of deposit, which
when calibrating this requirement and so no material
represent a stable source of funding. Despite this, in
changes are planned. However, the NBG welcomes
order to prevent excessive dependence on this type
initiatives from banks and will continue to monitor
of funding the NBG established certain limitations in
banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; liquidity risk profiles, the aforementioned de-
2013. A requirement for additional liquidity was es-
posits and the general structure of funded entities. In
tablished for banks whose share of non-resident de-
the event of positive dynamics, these requirements
posits exceeds 10 percent of total non-bank deposits.
may be revised. A better study of risks related to the
The necessity for additional liquidity in banks with
outflow of non-residents by commercial banks will
a high share of non-residents decreases motivation
have a positive impact on supervisorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; assessments.
to attract this type of deposit portfolio. In 2014, this
Diagram N 3.28 Structure of non-resident deposits (December 2014) 2,000 1,800 1,600
mln GEL
1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600
Other countries, 54% Israel (IL), 15%
400 200 0
Depositary
Russia (RU), 12% United Kingdom (GB), 14% Germany (DE), 5%
Product
Individuals, 1272
Term, 1187
Legal, 575
Demand, 294 Current, 366
Source: National Bank of Georgia
86
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
3.6.3 Wholesale funding Diagram N 3.29 Non-resident deposits by country (December 2014)
Throughout 2014, the ratio of loans to deposits remained stable.
mln GEL
2,000 1,800
Wholesale funding is rather diversified in terms
1,600
of both lender type and residual maturity. Principal
1,400
disbursement of Eurobond debt is concentrated in the
1,200
24-36 month period. It is expected that these funds
1,000
will be refinanced before the maturity date. However,
800
considering that the Eurobond issued by one of the
600
Other countries, 54% Israel (IL), 15%
400
largest Georgian companies matures at around the
200
same time, the NBG will carefully analyze all possible
0
scenarios and their potential impact on the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Depositary Product funding.
Russia (RU), 12%
Individuals, 1272
Term, 1187
Legal, 575
Demand, 294
A total of 30 percent of wholesale funding is attrib-
United Kingdom (GB), 14%
uted to international financial institutions, 13 percent
Germany (DE), 5%
Current, 366
to parent/related companies and 57 percent to other private institutions. The high share of international
Source: National Bank of Georgia
financial institutions and the long-term repayment schedule can be assessed as low-risk. Monitoring of covenants24 was regularly conducted and their effects were included in the new framework of stress tests.
Diagram N 3.30 Gross loans to non-bank deposits 1.95 1.85 1.75 1.65 1.55 1.45 1.35 1.25 1.15
Dec-14
Sep-14
Jun-14
Mar-14
Dec-13
Sep-13
Jun-13
Mar-13
Dec-12
Sep-12
Jun-12
Mar-12
Dec-11
Sep-11
Jun-11
Mar-11
Dec-10
Sep-10
Jun-10
Mar-10
Dec-09
Sep-09
Jun-09
Mar-09
Dec-08
1.05
Source: National Bank of Georgia
24. Restrictions established through loan agreements.
87
Table N 3.7 External sources of wholesale funding and the repayment schedule Month
<1
1–3
3–6
6 – 12
12 – 24
24 – 36
36 – 60
>60
Sum
Total
5.17%
1.64%
5.34%
13.09%
13.21%
34.32%
15.16%
12.06%
100%
International Financial Institutions
1.03%
0.45%
1.18%
2.57%
5.48%
5.27%
7.98%
5.88%
29.84%
Related/Parent Financial Institutions
1.15%
0.38%
1.44%
3.78%
0.76%
1.49%
3.36%
1.10%
13.46%
Other private financing
2.99%
0.80%
2.72%
6.75%
6.97%
27.56%
3.82%
5.08%
56.69%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
3.6.4 Liquidity risk regulation In early 2014, several amendments were intro-
in more detail; requirements for resources placed in
T
non-resident banks were tightened; concessions were
ulatory capital ratio reached 17.4 percent, which ex-
established on long-term deposit certificates; and, for
ceeded the NBG’s minimum capital adequacy require-
the purpose of developing the repo operations market,
ments by 5.6 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. The
approaches were specified for factoring the latter when
leverage indicator was thus also high (capital/assets),
determining liquidity position.
reaching 17.4 percent; while due to high liquidity the
duced regarding liquidity supervisory requirements: separate categories of liquid assets were specified
Throughout 2014, the process of calibration and implementation of the Basel III’s liquidity ratio in the banking system continued. This represents a modern and effective approach to short-term liquidity management (up to 30 days), and provides an opportunity for improved identification, assessment, monitoring and control of risks. The implementation of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) will significantly improve prudential supervision, but it must be taken into consideration that this does not cover some integral aspects of liquidity
hroughout 2014, the Georgian banking system maintained a high level of capitalization. The
Tier I capital ratio exceeded 13.6 percent and the reg-
ratio of net loans to equity equaled 3.41. It should also be noted that through the process of Basel II/III implementation, the capital adequacy requirements based on Basel I will gradually decrease each year, until being completely eliminated in 2017. Starting from 2015, the minimum requirements based on Basel I equal 7.6 percent and 11.4 percent. The capital adequacy ratios are comfortable within the updated Basel II/III framework as well. In particular, the Tier I capital ratio amounts to 13.1 percent, while the regulatory capital ratio equals 16.5 percent, which exceeds the NBG’s minimum capital adequacy
risk regulation that receive attention during risk as-
requirements by 4.6 percent and 6 percent, respec-
sessments, such as the concentration of payments for
tively.
liabilities and actual contingency funding plans. After
Both sources of capital growth – shareholder
the LCR requirements are enforced, implementation
strength and profitability – have been positively as-
of Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) benchmarks is
sessed. In addition, as was mentioned above, the
planned for the improvement of long-term liquidity regulations.
88
3.7 Capital Adequacy
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
evaluation of economic capital will be increasingly underscored within the framework of Basel II/III implementation.
Diagram N 3.31 Capital adequacy ratios 20% 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2%
Tier I capital
Regulatory capital
Limit on Tier I capital
Limit on regulatory capital
Dec-14
Jul-14
Feb-14
Sep-13
Apr-13
Nov-12
Jun-12
Jan-12
0%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
3.8 Operational Risk
I
n 2014, the NBG continued working with commercial banks on the implementation and development
of the operational risk management framework. In the first half of the year, the National Bank of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regulation on operational risk management25 was ap-
proved. This regulation, which came into force on 1 September 2014, represents a principle-based legal act, which fully meets the requirements of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). Within the framework of the regulation, requirements for business continuity management, information systems auditing and outsourcing risk management for commercial banks were established for the first time.26 Operational risk capital requirements in line with Ba-
An IMF mission also visited the National Bank of Georgia in 2014 as part of the Financial Stability Assessment Program (FSAP). The mission praised the progress that had been made in operational risk management/supervision since the previous FSAP assessment of 2006. Operational risk reporting In 2014, the ratio of annual total gross losses to total gross revenues, calculated according to Basel II, amounted to 0.5 percent, or 7.96 million GEL. Gross loss represents the initial amount related to an operational loss event, prior to any compensation/recoveries. In 2014, a total of 9,138 operational losses were reported. The volume of the average loss amounted to 870.82 GEL. Diagram N 3.32 reflects the dynamics of total operational losses for 2013-2014.
sel II banking standards also came into force in 2014.
25. The full title of the regulation is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regulation of the National Bank of Georgia on the Management of Operational Risks at Commercial Banks." The document is available at: https://www.nbg.gov.ge/uploads/legalacts/supervision/2014/regulation_of_the_national_bank_of_georgia_on_the_management_of_operational_risks_at_commercial_banks.pdf 26. Outsourcing risk is a type of operational risk. Outsourcing risk is directly related to an organization contracting its specific business process/processes to an outside party.
89
Diagram N 3.32 Dynamics of operational losses, 2013-2014 (in GEL) 3000000
2500000
2000000
1500000
1000000
500000
0
Jan
Feb
2014
2013
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Operational losses were predominantly observed
delivery and process management accounted for the
in the retail banking business line, but were also seen
largest share of losses, followed by external fraud. The
to some extent in the commercial banking business
execution, delivery and process management loss cate-
line. In addition to retail banking services, the retail
gory includes types of events that stem from mistakes,
banking business line also includes operational risk-
carelessness or a lack of attention from staff, and the
related losses associated with payment cards.
failure to meet mandatory reporting obligations. In
If we divide operational risk losses based on loss
2014, the third largest loss event category was external
event categories, the largest share of losses (29 percent
fraud (26 percent of total gross losses). The structure
of total losses) were attributed to the clients, products
of operational losses for 2014 is found in Diagram N
and business practices loss category. The second larg-
3.33. It should be mentioned that Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total oper-
est loss category was execution, delivery and process
ational losses are mostly in line with international loss
management (27 percent). The operational losses of
data collection exercises, where the largest category
2014 differ from the previous year, when execution,
consists of client, products and business practices.27
26. The data includes research on operational losses conducted by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). The research covered many (but not all) international commercial banks. The data on total losses was submitted by commercial banks and then rendered anonymous by the BIS (http://www.bis.org/publ/bcbs160a.pdf).
90
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Diagram N 3.33 Gross operational losses in 2014, according to event categories Internal Fraud 15%
External Fraud
27% Empl. Practices & Workplace Safety Clients, Products & Business practices 26%
2%
Damage to Physical Assets
1%
System disr./Failure 29% 0%
Process Management
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Outsourcing
of automation and complexity of commercial banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
The enactment of the NBG's operational risk man-
electronic information systems. It must be mentioned
agement regulations in 2014 brought requirements for
that banks should allocate appropriate resources in
outsourcing risk management into force. Prior to the
this regard, and make adequate investments in com-
implementation of the new regulations, the National
plementary assets from the perspective of information
Bank of Georgia was actively engaged in assessing the
technology.
outsourcing risk of commercial banks. Within the
Information systems audits
new risk assessment approach, commercial banks are
An information systems audit constitutes a type of
required to carry out the risk assessment process be-
audit that plays an extremely important role in mod-
fore an outsourcing agreement is signed. Therefore,
ern risk management processes within commercial
in order to sustain risks associated with outsourcing/
banks. It also covers the cyber-security of commercial
offshoring schemes within moderate and acceptable
banks. In 2014, the regulation regarding operational
limits, the NBG closely and proactively monitors sys-
risk management introduced specific criteria for con-
temic risks associated with outsourcing.
ducting information systems audits. According to the
28
Accuracy risk
regulation, commercial banks are required to perform
During 2014, the National Bank of Georgia contin-
regular audits of their information systems. By the end
ued its assessment of data/information accuracy in the
of the year, the NBG started working with commer-
different reporting forms used by commercial banks.
cial banks towards implementing audit requirements
A detailed analysis of selected reports was also carried
for information systems. Large commercial banks are
out, which included an assessment of information sys-
currently requested to conduct information systems
tem adequacy and the quality of information systems
audits through external audit companies. Small banks
used by commercial banks during the reporting pe-
are given the opportunity to perform an audit of infor-
riod. In addition, the NBG paid attention to the level
mation systems within the scope of a regular financial
28. An offshoring scheme represents a type of outsourcing wherein an organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business process is relocated outside of the country, but remains within the same organization (possibly on the level of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group).
91
audit, on the condition that a full assessment of infor-
business continuity plans by the end of 2015. The ex-
mation technology general controls will be conducted.
istence of effective mechanisms for business continu-
The link between the banking system and other
ity management constitutes one of the most important
sectors Various sectors of the economy are inextricably linked with each other. The banking system cannot be
elements of modern banking activities. Therefore, in 2015 significant attention will be paid to testing banks’ overall business continuity plans.
considered as an isolated system that is uninfluenced
At present, the general level of awareness in the
by other sectors of the economy. Therefore, it remains
banking system about information systems audits is
important to assess risks directly linked to the banking
not high. Raising the level of awareness about such
system’s dependence on other sectors of the economy.
audits is very important and further measures need
These sectors include: energy, information technolo-
to be taken in this regard. The NBG’s cooperation
gies (IT), transport and communication, among oth-
with commercial banks on this issue will be enhanced
ers. It is advisable to establish close relations with
throughout 2015.
representatives of these critical sectors in order to
Seminars and training sessions on operational risks
properly manage the risk associated with the banking
are crucial for the effective management of such risks.
system’s dependence on them.
In this regard, it is essential to increase the number of
Sharing of operational risk management practices with other organizations
operational risk management training and educational events held in the country. Organizing such events will
It should be noted that the NBG's Operational
be a priority for the National Bank of Georgia in 2015.
Risks and Information Processing division was invited
In addition, considering that there is no common da-
to join a panel of experts in an event organized by De
tabase for operational losses on the national level, it is
Nederlandsche Bank (the central bank of the Nether-
essential that such a database be introduced in future.
lands) in Amsterdam. At this event, the NBG repre-
Along with other benefits, the creation of a common
sentatives met their counterparts from other countries
database will allow commercial banks to access and
and shared experiences regarding business continuity
use the information to enhance their operational risk
management and cyber security. The conference was
management approaches.
attended by leading experts from different European countries in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) supervision. Throughout 2014, the NBG’s Operational Risks and Information Processing division also shared its experiences with representatives from the central banks of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Training sessions were held within the experience sharing framework and particular attention was paid to business continuity management, cyber-security, mitigating outsourcing risk, and the significance of conducting audits of information systems at commercial banks. Measures to be taken in the future The goal of the National Bank of Georgia is for all commercial banks in Georgia to have comprehensive
92
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
3.9 Macro Prudential Risks
T
he NBG closely monitors the indicators of systemic risks that may have a material impact on
the banking system. The identification and monitoring of particular systemic risks is mainly carried out by specialized groups. These specialized groups, together with the supervisors, then monitor the banks in which important systemic risks have been identified. During the risk assessment process, in addition to general macroeconomic parameters, trends in individual sectors are taken into consideration. For in-
stance, there is currently a sharp rise in the construc-
their capital is rather substantial. In light of this, the
tion of high-class hotels, which, when paired with the
stability of the system or any individual bank is not
reduction of tourist inflows (due to the situation in the
endangered.
region), may lead to an excess of supply due to the low
It is important to underscore that the scenario
occupancy rate of the hotels. In addition, an increased
analysis included, among other things, the spillover
supply of new residential apartments is planned for
risks from other countries in the region. In this regard,
2015-2016. Although the financing of this sector by
although banks do not have direct loans or exposure
commercial banks is limited, the decline of rent by the
to other risks from these countries, there are indirect
end of the year, reduced transactions, the depreciation
considerations as the loans disbursed by banks to
of the lari, an expected slowdown of economic activity,
companies that have trade or other economic ties with
and the increased pressure on apartment prices will
these countries account for 3.7 percent of the total
eventually increase the credit risk for loans collateral-
loan portfolio.
ized by real estate.
Stress testing and other activities towards the de-
Within the framework of the forward-looking su-
velopment and implementation of the framework are
pervisory approach, the Financial Risks and Macro
ongoing. A number of approaches chosen by banks
Prudential Policy division conducts periodic reviews
are in need of enhancement, and the quality and auto-
of the main parameters of stress tests, and then intro-
mation of reporting also requires improvement – this
duces them to commercial banks. Activities oriented
point has been communicated to the relevant institu-
towards the implementation of micro stress-tests were
tions.
carried out in coordination with commercial banks,
In spite of the exchange rate fluctuations, the
with scenarios related to the current regional instabil-
macro stress scenario was not modified because the
ity and currency depreciation being factored into the
existing real exchange rate is still within the margins
most recent calculations. The calculations were con-
of equilibrium. On the other hand, the lari devaluated
ducted by macro modeling, as well as by stressing the
against the US dollar in nominal terms, and more than
balance sheet elements on the transaction level for in-
half of the total loan portfolio of the banking system
dividual banks and aggregating the results. Based on
is denominated in US dollars. Since the risks in this
the existing assessment of the level of the banking sys-
regard have already been partially realized, within the
tem, the elasticity of non-performing loans and loan
framework of the countercyclical policy the NBG is
loss reserves against the exchange rate is approximate-
discussing the possibility of reducing the additional
ly within the 2.0-3.2 range.29
risk weight of foreign currency loans to avoid a de-
According to an analysis of various plausible stress
cline in the lending rate. However, naturally, it is first
scenarios, the banking system as a whole remains ad-
important to monitor loan portfolio growth and the
equately capitalized, with the capital adequacy level
realization of losses – which is why this instrument
close to the regulatory minimum. In addition, given
was not launched immediately.
the operational profitability and restructuring poten-
For the purpose of monitoring credit cycles, the
tial, based on the existing ownership structure and
study of the loan/GDP gap, as calculated with the Ba-
expected support from international development
sel methodology, continues. Statistically, this indicator
finance institutions, the capacity for banks to grow
well describes bank activities and also provides correct
29. According to economic literature, when considering the dollarization of the financial sector and the average debt burden, the experience of other countries is comparable. On the other hand, banks’ internal assessments are less strict. In addition, a lower total impact is projected by the model that the IMF developed for the Georgian financial sector within its “Financial Stability Assessment Program." Nevertheless, the NBG maintains a conservative approach and relies more on its own assessments.
93
warning signals; however, it becomes less useful during
Analytical activities were also enhanced within the
exchange rate fluctuations in dollarized economies. In
non-banking financial sector. Studies undertaken on
this case, the growth of the gap in the fourth quarter
informal financial organizations and pawnshops indi-
of 2014 was mainly caused by the exchange rate effect.
cated that this segment has a material impact on the
Throughout 2014, total lending activities remained
total debt burden of banking system borrowers, but
within the normal range, with relatively high growth
the information on the liabilities of such clients are not
in the retail segment. In this regard, it was important
provided to the credit reference bureau. As a result,
for lending standards to be loosened further; the latter
banks cannot properly assess the creditworthiness of
trend was identified in previous years. Accordingly, in
such clients. In order to overcome this problem, leg-
cooperation with commercial banks, the NBG is cur-
islative amendments are planned that would see the
rently working on macro prudential instruments, in-
credit bureau cover the non-banking sector as far as
cluding several coefficients that need to be observed
possible, including credit institutions not licensed by
during loan disbursement (please see Box N 2 in the
the NBG.
Credit Risk section), as well as on limiting the growth
It is also important that the Financial Stabil-
rate of total retail lending (excluding mortgages). The
ity Committee was established at the NBG. The main
NBG will observe the subsequent dynamics at the be-
objective of the committee is to develop and imple-
ginning of 2015, and will decide on the appropriate-
ment financial stability policies. The annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finan-
ness of using this instrument. It is important that the
cial Stability Reportâ&#x20AC;? will discuss questions related to
low growth rate of consumer loans is also preferable
the work of the committee, as well as underlining the
from a macro perspective, in terms of improving the
main challenges facing financial stability. An updated
trade balance.
version of the report will be published in the second half of 2015.
Diagram N 3.34 Loans to GDP gap 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5%
Loan/GDP (Actual)
Sep-14
Dec-13
Mar-13
Jun-12
Sep-11
Dec-10
Mar-10
Jun-09
Sep-08
Dec-07
Mar-07
Jun-06
Sep-05
Dec-04
Mar-04
Jun-03
Sep-02
Dec-01
Mar-01
0%
Loan/GDP (Trend)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
94
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
3.10 Consumer Protection
T
he year 2014 was interesting and important in terms of consumer rights protection. The bank-
ing sector continued to take the interests of consumers into consideration and banks have been active in their efforts to increase the levels of their consumers’ financial literacy. Throughout 2014, organizations offering small, short-term loans (so-called payday loans) became active on the retail financial market. Based on information directly received from the consumers, the need to regulate such financial institutions in terms of con-
Between June 2011 and December 2014, a total of 39% of complaints reviewed were considered reasonable by the banks and were resolved in favor of consumers, while 61% were turned down as being unfounded. It should be mentioned that although the number of claims in 2014 increased by 8 percent compared to the previous year, the share of reasonable complaints was still low, amounting to 33%. This fact points, on the one hand, to consumers’ increased awareness of the mechanism for submitting complaints to banks, and, on the other hand, to the timely eradication of errors related to technical and service quality issues identified by banks as a result of consumer complaints.
sumer protection became apparent.
Diagram N 3.35 Resolved complaints towards commercial banks (by year) 3000 2500 2000
Considered unreasonable by the bank
1500
Considered reasonable by the bank
1000 500 0 2012
2013
2014
Source: National Bank of Georgia
In 2014, the Consumer Protection division of the
other structural units of the NBG.
NBG received 878 complaints from consumers, which
Financial education
is 9 percent more than the previous year’s figures. The
Financial education is one of the most important
majority of complaints, 719 (82 percent), were ex-
global challenges. This topic is quite problematic for
pressed over the phone; 90 complaints were in writ-
Georgia, with personal budget planning being of criti-
ing (10 percent); 41 consumers (5 percent) visited the
cal importance, especially for low- and medium-in-
NBG personally; and 28 consumers (3 percent) ad-
come populations. Different studies have found a di-
dressed the NBG via email. In 2014, for the purpose of
rect correlation between the levels of financial literacy
providing consumers with qualified consultations, the
and the population’s debt burden. Individuals with
NBG continued the practice of discussing complaints
low levels of financial literacy tend to display “expen-
in detail with the financial institutions involved and
sive behavior”, meaning that they make uninformed
95
and “expensive” decisions when purchasing financial
tional materials on consumer rights protection, which
products and services. Managing financial literacy
will be of practical use for the employees of financial
problems is in the interests of the financial sector, the
service providers. In addition to the educational ma-
economy and the country as a whole.
terials, the GBTC also created a specialized training
For the purpose of discussing financial literacy
program that will help employees of financial service
problems and possible responses to these problems,
providers to better understand the major requirements
the NBG carried out several activities in 2014.
and principles of the consumer protection regulatory
• International conference “Financial Literacy –
framework, and to use them in practice. Finalization
Challenges and Outlook”.
of these educational materials is planned for the spring
The NBG, in cooperation with the Savings Banks
of 2015.
Foundation for International Cooperation (SBFIC),
Brochures
organized an international conference titled “Finan-
With assistance from the European Fund for
cial Literacy – Challenges and Outlook” at the Tbilisi
South-East Europe, the National Bank of Georgia
Holiday Inn hotel on 30 September 2014. The purpose
started working on developing educational materials
of the conference was to identify problems related to
for private individuals and SMEs. Such brochures will
financial literacy and to share the experiences of dif-
help private individuals and SMEs to make informed
ferent stakeholders regarding activities already car-
decisions when obtaining mortgages or business loans,
ried out and planned for the future. The conference
respectively. The materials encompass an assessment
discussed the negative effects of low levels of financial
of risks related to the use of credit, a comparison of
literacy on consumers’ financial well-being and its
different repayment schedules, and offer practical ad-
possible subsequent impact on financial institutions.
vice for consumers. Publication of these materials is
Further debates were facilitated around topics such as
planned for the first half of 2015.
activities carried out for enhancing the levels of finan-
• Financial education concept
cial literacy, and the responsibilities and roles of different stakeholders.
and numerous meetings held with financial sector
International experts from Great Britain and Ger-
representatives revealed that the individual efforts of
many shared their experiences with the conference
financial sector participants and different stakehold-
participants regarding activities for raising levels of
ers are insufficient to overcome financial literacy
financial literacy. Participants included representa-
problems in the country. The development of a rel-
tives from local commercial banks, the Association of
evant strategic document is thus necessary. For this
Banks of Georgia (ABG), the Association of Develop-
purpose, the NBG has started developing its finan-
ment and Support of Microfinance Organizations of
cial education concept. This document will define the
Georgia, the Ministry of Education and Science of
main principles and directions for raising the financial
Georgia, international financial institutions and non-
literacy levels of the population and thus help to pro-
governmental organizations.
mote their financial well-being. The document will be
• Educational materials
discussed with local and international experts in the
Consumer protection education program
fields of education, economics and finance. Local and
With funding from the SBFIC and support from
international non-governmental organizations, as well
the NBG and the Association of Banks of Georgia, the
as executive and legislative authorities, will also be in-
Georgian Banking Training Center (GBTC) started
volved in the process. The conclusion of the strategy
developing a manual and a practical workbook on the
document is planned for 2015.
protection of consumer rights at commercial banks.
• Global Money Week
This represents a pioneering effort to create educa-
96
The international conference of September 2014
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
In 2014, the NBG organized the first celebration
of Global Money Week in Georgia. The annual Global
placed on the www.grovia.com.ge website created spe-
Money Week is celebrated in many countries in the
cifically for the day.
first half of March. The main objective of the event is
The campaign planned within the framework of
to encourage the younger generation’s participation
World Savings Day was aimed at raising levels of fi-
in discussions on savings, changes in the economic
nancial awareness among the population. The cel-
system, and the financial future. This event also helps
ebration of World Savings Day served as one more
strengthen the financial skills of the youth.
reminder that everyone should learn how to manage
Within the framework of Global Money Week,
their personal income and expenditures. Events un-
the National Bank of Georgia organized an educa-
dertaken with the participation of different financial
tional tour for children from socially vulnerable and
institutions, the National Bank of Georgia, academia
large families. The children visited Ilia Chavchavadze
and different associations will help increase the popu-
State Museum and the Money Museum of the NBG in
lation’s trust towards the financial sector. Celebration
Kvareli, and received information about the history of
of this day is also a good mechanism for overcoming
Georgian money.
the barrier between the population and commercial
The annual Global Money Week celebrations con-
banks.
stitute another mechanism for reaching more children
Instant loans
and young people, and providing information about
For the purpose of identifying consumer right pro-
the history of money, the culture of savings and the
tection issues and adverse market practices, the Con-
importance of personal finance management. These,
sumer Protection division of the NBG continuously
in turn, are prerequisites for enhancing levels of finan-
monitors the retail financial sector. In 2014, compa-
cial literacy and financial inclusion.
nies that offer small, short-term loans (so-called pay-
World Savings Day
day loans) online, without checking the income of the
World Savings Day was celebrated for the third time
borrower, have become particularly active on the re-
in Georgia in October 2014. World Savings Day has an
tail financial market. Such business practices are wide-
extensive history and has been celebrated around the
spread around the world. In contrast to Georgia, such
world with different events since 1925. In 2014, the
activities are regulated in some countries and are com-
event was celebrated in Georgia on a larger scale than
pletely prohibited in others.
ever before. For the first time, commercial banks and
In order to determine the necessity of develop-
the NBG organized joint events in Tbilisi and Kutaisi.
ing a regulatory framework for the abovementioned
Events for children and their parents were held in Rike
market, the National Bank of Georgia continuously
Park in Tbilisi, and on the central square in front of
observed the dynamics of its development throughout
Meskhishvili Theatre in Kutaisi. A special entertain-
2014. The volume of such companies’ credit portfolio
ment program from “Multi-Pulti World” welcomed
is unknown for the time being. However, based on the
the children. The program included performances by
NBG’s observations and taking into consideration the
different fairy tale characters, games, contests, as well
financial standing of payday loan companies’ clients,
as humorous and educational elements. Participating
the activities of such companies may negatively affect
commercial banks were also present at the events and
consumers’ social conditions. Therefore, taking in-
disseminated brochures amongst visitors. In addition,
ternational practice into consideration, the National
a special clip featuring “Grovia,” the Georgian mas-
Bank of Georgia is planning to start discussions about
cot of World Savings Day, was aired in participating
developing a regulatory framework with representa-
banks’ branches, ATMs, websites and social media.
tives of the financial sector, international organiza-
Additional materials on banking services and
tions and other experts.
products, as well as consumer rights protection, were
97
I V Non-banking sector
98
The reporting year is noteworthy for the develop-
4.1 Securities sector
B
ment of the debt securities market, and the growth of investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest in this field. It must be mentioned
y the end of 2014, a stock exchange, a Central Se-
that the investor-oriented reforms and regulations that
curities Depositary, eight brokerage companies,
were conducted during recent years to encourage the
and three independent securities registrars were oper-
development of this market proved to be productive
ating on the Georgian securities market. Of the eight
and ultimately yielded the results that were projected
brokerage companies, two were not members of the
during the implementation of reforms. In 2014, three
stock exchange. Compared to 2013, there was one less
different companies emitted obligations in form of
brokerage company active on the market. Registrars
public offerings a total of five times. The total value of
maintained the registry of shares of 818 joint-stock
all obligations emitted by public offerings amounted
companies (JSCs), which is 36 more than in the previ-
to 30 million USD. In addition, one emission of stocks
ous year.
though public offering, with total value of 11 million GEL, was carried out in 2014.
Table N 4.1 Public emission of bonds #
Issuer
Currency/Volume
Maturity
Nominal Value
Interest Rate (%)
1
JSC M2
USD/5,000,000
1
USD/1,000
9.50
2
JSC M2
USD/10,000,000
1
USD/1,000
8.42
3
LLC TBC kredit non-banking credit organization
USD/2,500,000
2
USD/10,000
9.00
4
LLC Georgian Leasing Company
USD/10,000,000
3
USD/1,000
8.75
5
LLC TBC kredit non-banking credit organization
USD/2,500,000
2
USD/10,000
9.00
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Table N 4.2 Public emission of shares #
Issuer
Currency/Volume
Nominal Value (GEL)
1
JSC VTB Bank Georgia
GEL/11,000,000
1 Source: National Bank of Georgia
99
The reinvigoration of the debt securities market
which is 5% more than in 2013.
influenced growth in the activities of market interme-
According to 2014 data, the consumer portfolio
diaries. By 31 December 2014, the total volume of the
(cash and securities) comprised 13% of brokerage
assets of active brokerage companies amounted to 33.7
companies’ total assets and amounted to 4.39 million
million GEL, which was 11% more than the previous
GEL, which is 17% more than last year’s figure. It must
year’s results. The total volume of liabilities increased
be mentioned that the ratio of the consumer portfolio
by 37% and amounted to 8.4 million GEL. The to-
to total assets has not changed over recent years.
tal volume of capital amounted to 25.3 million GEL,
Diagram N 4.1 Information on brokers’ total assets, liabilities and equity, and the share of the consumer portfolio in total assets (2009-2014) 50
25%
45 20.3%
40
million GEL
35
20%
15.0%
30
12.8%
25
13.0%
12.4%
20
10% 7.6%
15 10 5 0
15%
5% 35 12 23
35 23 12
45 14 31
47 18 29
2009
2010
2011
2012
Assets
30
6 24 2013
34
8
25
2014
0%
Equity
Liabilities
Client's portfolio share in total assets
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Table N 4.3 Brokerage company activities (2014)
Broker Company
Volume (number of securities)
Price (GEL)
JSC Galt and Taggart LLC TBC Broker
82,398,754 2,441,322
388,996,863 52,408,108
LLC Liberty Securities
32,953,557
3,402,515
409,079
2,162,877
1,213
49,349
JSC Caucasus Capital Group LLC Cartu Broker LLC Abbey Asset Management
-
-
LLC Stocks
-
-
LLC Caucasus Financial Services
-
-
118,203,925
447,019,71230
Total
Source: National Bank of Georgia
30. A significant portion of this value is related to operations carried out on the international market.
100
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
The value of securities transactions (both over-the-
comparable data from 2013, the value of transactions
counter and through the stock exchange) executed via
decreased 1.11 times, while the volume decreased 2.96
brokerage companies amounted to 447 million GEL
times. A total of 0.9 million GEL worth of deals were
(118.2 million pieces). During stock exchange trading
executed in stock exchange trading sessions and the
sessions, 1 million GEL of deals (16.7 million pieces)
remaining 46.5 million GEL were transactions made
were executed, while the remaining 446 million GEL
OTC. In addition, registrars executed 86 OTC transac-
(101.5 million pieces) were transactions made over-
tions on 770,000 securities, which include the transfer
the-counter (OTC).
of securities via inheritance, gifts and other transac-
As of December 2014, securities of 128 issuers were
tions that are not executed on the stock exchange.
admitted for trade through the Georgian Stock Ex-
Diagram N 4.2 Main trade indicators (deals ex-
change (GSE). During the reporting period, the total
ecuted during trading sessions and outside the stock
value of securities transactions amounted to 47.4 mil-
exchange) (2007-2014)
lion GEL (85.4 million pieces). In comparison with the
Diagram N 4.2 Main trade indicators (deals executed during trading sessions and outside the stock exchange) (2007-2014) 3,500
800
3,000
700
Volume (million)
500
2,000
400 1,500
300
1,000
200
500
Value (million GEL)
600
2,500
100 0
0 2007
2008
2009
Volume (left axis)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Value (right axis)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Table N 4.4 Aggregate information on main indicators of trade concluded during trading sessions and outside stock exchange (2012-2014)
Number of Deals
Volume of securities (Number)
Value of securities (GEL)
Year
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
At Stock Exchange
131
283
12,122,547
27,170,709
881,234
530,493
Outside Stock Exchange
115
230
73,306,185
225,508,802
46,549,015
51,955,237
Sum
246
513
85,428,732
252,679,511
47,430,249
52,485,730
Source: National Bank of Georgia
101
Diagram N 4.3 Number of deals executed on and off the stock exchange by year (2007-2014) 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 2007
2008
Over The Counter
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Exchange traded
Source: National Bank of Georgia
In 2014, 32.96 million pieces of securities and
number of securities transactions in the Central De-
11.39 million GEL in cash were deposited in the Cen-
positary increased by 23%, while the turnover of de-
tral Securities Depositary. In comparison to 2013, the
posited securities increased by 48%.
Diagram N 4.4 Turnover of securities deposited with the Central Depositary (2008-2014)
110 100
1,000
91
90
Value (million GEL)
1,100
1,047
900 800
80
700
70 630
60 50
600 500
55
40
400
249
33
30 227
20 18
10
17 110
7
2008
2009
Turnover
2010
2011
2012
200
2013
100
64
52
0 2007
300
22
2014
0 2015
Number of transactions
Source: National Bank of Georgia
102
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
The turnover of funds in the Central Securities De-
in comparison with 2013 and the number of transac-
positary in 2014 decreased by only 10.9 million GEL
tions fell by 26%.
Diagram N 4.5 Turnover of funds deposited with the Central Depositary (2008-2014) 140 900
895
120
800
127
763 700 637
80
600
60
499
500
469
40
400
393
20
23
19
348
22
14
10
Volume (million)
Value (million GEL)
100
300
11 200
0 2007
2008
Turnover
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Number of transactions
Source: National Bank of Georgia
4.2 Other Financial Institutions
A
s of 31 December 2014, other financial institutions in Georgia comprised 17 credit unions, 70
microfinance organizations, 1,116 currency exchange bureaus and 51 monetary remittance units.
4.2.1 Microfinance Organizations The microfinance sector continued to grow and develop in 2014. In comparison with 2013, total assets increased by 36%, and amounted to 1.1 billion GEL. The growth was proportionate to the expense of liabilities and capital, which amounted to 836 million GEL and 271 million GEL respectively. The 36% rate of asset growth in 2014 did not lag far behind the average growth rate of assets in 2013, which was equal to approximately 42%.
103
Diagram N 4.6 Total assets, liabilities, equity and liabilities-to-assets dynamics of microfinance organizations 1,200
80.0%
1,000
74.9%
75.0%
74.9%
1,107
70.0% 836
1,010
271
65.0% 254
235
218
203
755
938 703
853 635
812 609 171
444 316 128
310 228 82
679
400 200
75.5%
71.1%
600
508
milion GEL
75.0%
73.6%
800
74.8%
74.5%
0
60.0% 2010
2011
2012
2013 IV
2014 I
2014 II
2014 III
2014 IV
Total Assets
Total Equity
Total Liabilities
Dynamics of total Liabilities to total Assets (right scale)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
According to 2014 data, the net loan portfolio
net loans to total assets has not changed over recent
comprised 76% of total assets and was equal to 841.4
years. The growth rate of loans was almost identical to
million GEL. It must be mentioned that the ratio of
that of total assets, equaling 37%.
Diagram N 4.7 Net loan portfolio growth relative to assets 1,200
0
2010
Total Assets
841
755
1,010
712
938
513
655
615
679 346
227
200
444
400
853
812
600
1,107
800
310
milion GEL
1,000
2011
2012
2013 IV
2014 I
2014 II
2014 III
2014 IV
Net Loans
Source: National Bank of Georgia
104
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
According to 2014 data, the gross loan portfolio
the portfolio);
of the microfinance sector amounted to 852.2 million
2. Agriculture and forestry – 187.6 million GEL (22%
GEL. The portfolio is represented by three main sec-
of the portfolio);
tors:
3. Consumer loans – 427.9 million GEL (50% of the
1. Trade and services – 170.2 million GEL (20% of
portfolio).
Diagram N 4.8 Gross loan portfolio structure 1,000 50% 67
million GEL
800
600
67 59 276
400 49 200
0
73
72
79
40% 428
333
299
351
30%
177
102
188
143
146
154
169
175
105
140
131
136
144
155
170
2011
2012
2013 IV
2014 I
2014 II
2014 III
2014 IV
92
Other
Share of consumer loans in total loans (right scale)
Consumer Loans
Share of trade and service in total loans (right scale)
Agriculture and forestry
Share of agriculture and forestry in total loans (right scale)
20%
10%
Trade and service
Source: National Bank of Georgia
According to Diagram N 4.8, in light of the growth in the share of consumer loans, the share of loans granted to the agriculture sector decreased. However,
culture was maintained. Like in previous years, borrowed funds were the main source of asset financing (68% on average).
the tendency of microfinance sector lending to agri-
105
Diagram N 4.9 Borrowed funds structure, raised from non-resident organizations and private individuals 70%
900 800
million GEL
700 600 91
300 58
200 100 0
75
23
106 44
13 2009
2010
67 139 82 2011
152
255
247
223
234
255
270
288
2013 IV
2014 I
2014 II
2014 III
2014 IV
275
328
285
2012
Other Loans from non-resident financial institutions and legal entities
40% 30%
230 145
60% 50%
83
110
500 400
124
166
20% 10%
Loans from individuals Share of loans from non-resident financial institutions and legal entities in total borrowings (right scale) Share of loans from individuals in total borrowings (right scale)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Throughout 2014, the growth trend of funds re-
tors, the share of funds attracted from individuals in
ceived from nonresident financial institutions was
the liability structure of microfinance organizations
maintained. It is noteworthy that major international
decreased in 2014. It should be noted that consider-
investors (Triodos, AccessHolding, etc.), who have
able portion of the funds from retail investors shown
many years of experience in financing the microfi-
in Diagram N 4.9 belongs to the microfinance organi-
nance sector, have become interested in the Georgian
zations declared as a qualified institution by the NBG.
microfinance market. In 2014, efforts to work with microfinance or-
crofinance organizationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consumers, improving levels
ganizations that attract funds from less informed re-
of awareness, and specifying the activities authorized
tail investors were reinvigorated. These organizations
for microfinance organizations, in 2014 the NBG de-
expressed readiness to change their business models
veloped a project for amending the Law of Georgia on
and presented an action plan that entails a decrease
Microfinance Organizations. In addition, the study
of relatively small loans being issued to physical per-
of international practice has continued for adapting
sons, and a gradual exit from the retail segment. In
the supervisory framework for organizations that at-
accordance with this plan, these organizations ended
tract funds from lesser informed investors, including
advertisement campaigns directed at attracting funds
in the direction of establishing a lower threshold (e.g.
from physical persons, and started replacing retail
100,000 GEL) on funds attracted from physical per-
borrowers with qualified investors. These changes
sons, and introducing additional supervisory require-
were partially implemented in 2014, and will continue
ments.
throughout 2015.
106
For the purpose of protecting the interests of mi-
The microfinance sector is characterized by high
In light of the NBGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities with regards to in-
profitability. It must be noted that this sector is not reg-
creasing foreign institutional funding and retail inves-
ulated by the National Bank of Georgia. Therefore, the
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
NBG does not inspect the adequacy of possible loan
torâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profitability (ROA, ROE). However, in light of as-
loss reserves. Throughout 2014, the decrease of inter-
set growth and the high margins on products offered
est rates on the financial market had a corresponding
to the market, the figures are still impressive.
influence on the parameters of the microfinance sec-
Diagram N 4.10 Profitability indicators (ROE, ROA) of microfinance organizations
40.0%
10.0% 8.8% 7.6%
35.0%
33.1%
6.7%
6.2%
8.3%
8.3%
33.7% 33.2%
8.0% 6.0%
30.0% 4.0%
27.1% 25.0%
2.0%
24.1% 22.2%
20.0%
0.0% 2009
ROE (left scale)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
ROA (right scale)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Throughout 2014, the NBG continued working on legislative initiatives aimed at developing the sector,
the interests of consumers of microfinance organizationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services.
enhancing its regulatory framework, and protecting
107
V Payment Systems
108
T
he Georgian payment system includes the infra-
systems: in particular, the NBG’s payment and securi-
structure for both large and retail payments. As
ties settlement systems, the legal framework regulat-
a result of the important legislative and infrastructure
ing the payments systems, the reporting instruments
reforms undertaken in recent years, the efficiency of
of regulated entities, and other aspects related to the
payment operations has been improved and the as-
regulation and oversight of payment systems.
sociated risks related to their execution have been re-
Activities for regulating payment systems contin-
duced. After the NBG completed these reforms, great
ued in 2014 and efforts were made towards the im-
attention was paid to the issues of business continuity
provement of the registration process of payment
and information security of payment systems (in par-
system operators and payment services providers, the
ticular, the National Bank’s RTGS and CSD systems).
development of regulatory legal acts, and the improve-
Here it should be noted that the Real-Time Gross
ment of reporting forms within the authority granted
Settlement (RTGS) system’s availability ratio in 2014
by the Law of Georgia on Payment Systems and Pay-
amounted to 99.9%.
ment Services. Determining appropriate criteria for
The 2014 report of the Financial Sector Assessment
declaring an entity a systemically important payment
Program (FSAP), prepared by the joint mission of the
system and an important payment service provider,
IMF and the World Bank, reads: “The National Bank
and establishing additional requirements towards
of Georgia (NBG) has established a robust foundation
such entities is planned.
for the Georgia’s National Payment System (NPS). A
Statistics of RTGS system operations
well-articulated legal and regulatory framework is
Throughout 2014, a total of 15.2 million payment
now in place. Plus, the nation’s core payments infra-
operations were processed through the Real Time
structure, the Georgia Payment and Settlement System
Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, amounting to 131
(GPSS), which was launched just four years ago, is so
billion GEL. The average daily number of transactions
efficient and effective that central banks from around
was 61,000 documents, worth 525.5 million GEL.
the world have come to study Georgia’s system.“
Compared to 2013, the number of transfers through
31
One of the relevant programs executed by the National Bank of Georgia in terms of exporting its payment system reforms are the seminars that were provided for the representatives of the Central Bank
the RTGS system increased by 2.4 million (18.7%), while the value increased by 1.4 billion GEL (1.1%). The statistical data of the RTGS system can be found on Diagrams N 5.1 and N 5.2 below.
of Tajikistan, which covered all domains of payment
31. In order to share the experience of implementing the National Bank’s payment and settlement system, the NBG hosted representatives of the central banks of more than 10 countries.
109
Diagram N 5.1 Transfers processed through the RTGS system (2014) 16
2,000
14
1,800 1,600
12
1,000
6
800
Billion GEL
1,200
8
Thausand
1,400
10
600
4
400
Value (left axis)
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
0
February
200
0
January
2
Volume (right axis)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 5.2 Transfers processed through the RTGS system (2002-2014) 140
16
120
14 12 10
80
8 60
Million
Billion GEL
100
6
40
4
20
2
0
0 2002
2003
2004
2005
value (left axis)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
volume (right axis)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
110
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Throughout 2014, the RTGS system continued
In 2014, the share of card payments in the total
playing a key role in both large- and low-value (retail)
number of non-cash payments increased significantly
payment transactions. The share of transactions pro-
and amounted to 44.6% (this stood at 33% in 2013).
cessed through the NBG’s RTGS system in the total
In terms of the volume of payments, intra-bank pay-
turnover carried out in Georgia (by value) in 2014 was
ments (38%) and RTGS transactions (17%) also played
similar to 2013 levels and equaled 74.2% (in 2013, this
significant roles.
figure amounted to 75.7%). This rate is at least four
It should be noted that non-cash payments ex-
times greater than that of any other non-cash payment
ecuted in foreign currencies have traditionally played
system/means in Georgia and thus acts as the most
a minor role in the country.
32
important element for the smooth flow of financial resources. Diagram N 5.3 Payment transactions by payment systems and other means of execution (2014)
0.75% 3.27%
In Value
In Volume
6.92%
0.05%
0.53%
0.21% 44.63%
14.30%
0.02% 74.24%
38.01%
17.09%
Payments in RTGS System
Intra bank Payments in GEL
Bank’s correspondent payments in GEL
Foreign currency transfers
Card Payments
Foreign currency transfers by using nonresident banks
Note: Foreign currency transfers using non-resident banks include transfers between resident banks’ clients where the final settlement between banks is held on their corresponding accounts at non-resident banks.
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Electronic Payment Instruments
amounted to 21.3% (24.8% in 2013). It should also be
In 2014, consumers’ attitudes towards electronic
noted that the share of paper-based documents sub-
means of payment (payment cards, online bank-
mitted by customers directly to banks has steadily
ing, etc.) maintained a positive trend. Payment cards
been decreasing over the last four years, and in 2014
played a leading role in the payment instruments used
amounted to 13.8% (in 2013 this figure stood at 16.6%;
by consumers. In 2014, the share of the number of
in 2012 at 21.4%; and in 2011 at 27.1%). In terms of
card payments in total non-cash payments increased
value, payments initiated via internet banking were
and amounted to 57.5% (49.8% in 2013). The share
the undisputed leader in non-cash payment transac-
of transactions performed by internet-banking in
tions (in 2014 their share amounted to 64.6%, which is
total non-cash transactions was also significant and
3.6 percentage points greater compared to 2013).
32. Aside from the payment systems existing inside the country, banks also use direct correspondent relations for cashless payments/settlements when necessary, especially for the execution of foreign currency transactions.
111
Diagram N 5.4 Non-cash payments by means of initiation In Value
In Volume
64.6%
21.3%
2.8%
2.6%
57.5% 13.8%
26.9% 2.2% 0.9%
4.4%
2.7% 0.3%
Internet Banking Telephone/mobile banking
Payment card Other electronic means
Paper-based credit payment order
Debit order
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Payment cards
total number of cards issued was 19%, which is 4 per-
By the end of 2014, the number of payment cards
centage points less compared to the end of the previ-
issued by commercial banks in Georgia amounted to
ous year. It should be noted that the number of credit
7.7 million, which is 29% higher than the data for the
cards issued increased by 7% in comparison to 2013,
end of 2013. Approximately 17 cards were issued per
but the growth rate of debit cards was significantly
10 inhabitants by the end of 2014 (four cards more per
greater (36%), thus leading to a reduction of the share
10 inhabitants than the corresponding figure of the
of credit cards in the total number of cards issued.
previous year).
The trend of payment card issuing for 2010-2014 is
By the end of 2014, the share of credit cards in the
shown in Diagram N 5.5.
Diagram N 5.5 Payment cards issued (2010-2014) 8
Million Cards
6
4
2
Credit
Debit
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
0
Total
Source: National Bank of Georgia
112
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Out of the total cards issued, the share of Visa cards was 50%, MasterCard cards made up 25%, the other
card payments increased by 31% in terms of volume and by 21% in terms of value compared to 2013.
international cards was 2% and local cards 23%. Com-
In 2014, 48% of the volume and 17% of the value
pared to 2013, the share of Visa cards decreased by 16
of total card payments were POS-transactions; the
percentage points, while the share of MasterCard cards
rest were cash withdrawal operations. Compared to
increased by 5 percentage points and the share of local
2013, cash withdrawal operations increased by 15% in
cards increased by 10 percentage points. The number
volume and 19% in value, while POS-transactions in-
of Visa cards issued decreased by 1% compared to the
creased by 53% in volume and 33% in value. The share
previous year, while the number of MasterCard and
of internet payments in total POS payments amounted
local cards increased by 65% and 133% respectively.
to 31% in terms of volume and 27% in terms of value.
The total number of payments performed by cards
More than 13.5 million internet operations (489 mil-
issued in Georgia in 2014 amounted to 90.8 million,
lion GEL in terms of value) were performed during
with a total value of 10.8 billion GEL. A total of 96%
2014 by cards issued in Georgia.
in terms of volume and 93% in terms of value of to-
The trend of transactions performed inside the
tal card payments were performed inside the country,
country by payment cards issued in Georgia during
while the remainders were carried out abroad. In 2014,
2010-2014 is shown on the following chart.
100
10
80
8
60
6
40
4
20
2
0
Billion Gel
Million Operations
Diagram N 5.6 Local transactions executed by payment cards issued in Georgia (2010â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2014)
0 2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Payments at Merchant Outlets (Volume)
Cash Withdrawal transactions (Volume)
Payments at Merchant Outlets (Value)
Cash Withdrawal transactions (Value)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
The infrastructure of payment card accepting de-
and POS terminals at bank branches and service centers
vices has also been developing. By the end of 2014,
amounted to 1,963. In comparison with 2013, the num-
there were 2,192 ATMs located in Georgia; the num-
ber of ATMs increased by 6%, while the number of POS
ber of POS terminals at merchantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; outlets was 17,108
terminals at merchant outlets increased by 26%.
113
Diagram N 5.7 Payment card accepting devices (2010-2014) 2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
-27 % +6 % 2,742
+2 6 %
2,191
7,164 1,500
ATM
+24 % +5 %
2,681
2,525
-8 % +25 %
8,914
1,568
POS at Merchant outlet
+2 5 %
1,963
11,119
+23 %
1,933
+2 2 %
13,565
+7 %
2,065
+6 %
17,108
2,192
POS in the Bank
Source: National Bank of Georgia
In 2014, five card processing centers operated in Georgia, among which three operated within commercial banks (in-house); the other two were operated by non-bank entities registered at the NBG as payment system operators. Payment Service Providers By the end 2014, 19 payment service providers were registered at the National Bank of Georgia, five of which were registered in 2014. Payment service providers offer a variety of payment services to consumers, such as the acceptance of payments through self-service kiosks, the issuance of payment cards and electronic money (including an e-money instrument of making payments for Tbilisiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public transportation) and the execution of e-money payments. It should be noted that individual providers frequently offer their customers various types of payment services, which diversifies their business, improving service quality and increasing competition in the market. During 2014, the market of payment service providers registered at the National Bank of Georgia grew significantly. The total number of payment services executed amounted to 2.9 billion GEL in value, which was a 60% increase over the previous year. However, these still represent a fairly minor part of the total payments executed by commercial banks (just 1.8%). Nevertheless, payment service providers play
114
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
an important role in low value (retail) payments. In particular, according to the cumulative data of 2014, the number of payments executed by registered providers was equal to 475 million transactions (18% growth over 2013). Similar to 2013, this rate exceeded the number of payments executed through the RTGS system 31 times. It is noteworthy that the major share of executed payments, in terms of both value and volume, fell on self-service kiosks. The reason for this is the existence of a well-developed network of self-service kiosks across the country and the time factor: these kiosks providers have been active somewhat longer in the Georgian market than other payment service providers (excluding commercial banks). Nonetheless, it should be mentioned that in 2014 the share of self-service kiosks payments in the total payments performed by registered payment service providers significantly reduced compared to the previous year (falling by 11 percentage points in volume and 8 percentage points in value). The reduction of the share in the total number of payments was mainly caused by the rapid growth of payments executed through electronic money (48% growth in comparison with 2013). The largest share in this growth was a result of electronic money used in transportation. In terms of value, transactions executed through electronic money, like in 2013, accounted for only 3% of total payments performed by registered providers.
V I Development of Information Technologies
115
D
uring the accounting period, significant efforts
cessful, the proper operation of the information secu-
were undertaken to perfect the use of informa-
rity management system should be maintained so as to
tion technologies. On 6-7 November 2014, at the 7th regional confer-
The work on this system was completed at the end of
ence on Georgian Cybersecurity and ICT Innovation
the year and the National Bank of Georgia is currently
(GITI 2014), the National Bank of Georgia obtained
ready to obtain the appropriate international certifica-
awards in three categories: (i) “The most widely appli-
tion, which is planned for the first part of 2015.
cable e-service”, which envisages the replacement of pa-
Certification under international standard ISO27001
perwork with electronic documents made by “advanced
means that the National Bank of Georgia manages in-
electronic signatures” in the banking sector. (ii) “Best
formation security under international standards and
information security management”, within the frame-
in accordance with the best international practice. This
work of which an information security management
is confirmed by internationally accredited independ-
system in line with the international ISO27001 stand-
ent auditors during a certification audit. Through this
ard was introduced in the National Bank of Georgia.
process, the protection of valuable information assets
(iii) “Most successful infrastructure solution”, within
is made at a high level and information confidentiality,
the scope of which the National Bank of Georgia intro-
integrity and availability is ensured. The certificate will
duced, for the first time in the Georgian public sector,
demonstrate that all information security controls are
federated storage virtualization technology, to reduce
operating in a correct manner.
the duration of time for commuting between datacenters to zero. Information assets are some of the most valuable assets in any contemporary organization, and they need
116
create relevant procedural records.
ISO27001 certification will promote significant growth of the NBG’s reputation and the trust of both consumers and partners towards the information security of bank services will be increased.
to be treated properly. To this end, the International
In terms of protecting the electronic information of
Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed in-
National Bank of Georgia a number of very important
formation security management international stand-
procedural and technical actions were undertaken in
ard ISO27001 that aims to ensure the confidentiality,
2014. In particular, software was introduced for the en-
integrity and availability of information. The standard
cryption of personal computer hard disks and emails to
implies 113 control mechanisms united into 14 groups.
protect against third party threats.
The NBG’s introduction of this information security
In order to upgrade web security, at the end of 2014
management system in accordance with international
a new generation software was purchased for the con-
standards provides the guarantee that information se-
trol and protection of internal and external networks.
curity risks related to system distribution are adequate-
This new system is currently being deployed.
ly managed. By creating, implementing and operating
The National Bank of Georgia has two identical
such a system the National Bank of Georgia undertook
datacenters, a main center and a reserve, which are re-
such significant steps as the creation of an information
motely located and geographically separated from each
assets registry; the formation and implementation of
other. All existing information system operations are
risk assessment and risk management processes and
made from the datacenters. One of the main compo-
compatibility (SoA); measurement of control efficacy,
nents of the datacenters is storage. The system is vital for
records management, reporting, incidents manage-
both the National Bank of Georgia and for the financial
ment, audits, and the creation and approval of policies
sector in general. Using these storage facilities the op-
and procedures. For the certification process to be suc-
eration of all systems of the National Bank of Georgia,
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
including the country’s payment and international re-
ered, became equal to zero. Under the previous infra-
serve management systems, is assured. Consequently,
structural architecture, some time was needed to switch
their stable, sustainable and uninterrupted operation
from one datacenter to the other, which caused a dis-
is vital for the country’s stability. In order to improve
continuation of applications and, consequently, ham-
the continuity and sustainability of their activities, at
pered processes for a certain period of time. Besides,
the end of 2013 the decision was made to perfect the
switching in such a system required human interven-
existing infrastructure. This process was reflected in the
tion, which increased operational risks. After the intro-
transition from an active-passive storage mode into an
duction of the new technologies, the quality of services
active-active one.
increased significantly as all IT services became avail-
An active-active configuration means that in the event of damage to the disk system of one of the da-
able in both geographically separate datacenters at the same time.
tacenters, the system will switch to the disk system of
During 2014 an advanced electronic signature pro-
the other datacenter immediately and automatically.
ject was implemented in the banking sector (see Chap-
Within the development of the business continuity
ter 7 Electronic Signature). In order to increase the
plan, international consultants recommended reducing
speed and reliability of optical connections, as well as
the switching time between storage centers and recom-
the quality of information security between the data-
mend changing the active-passive configuration into an
centers, an upgrade to the existing optical network in-
active-active one, which means a transition to a geo-
frastructure was also performed. A new generation of
graphically distant storage cluster. This can be achieved
switches were deployed with encryption modules and
by implementing storage virtualization technology in a
increased throughput. During the accounting period,
system that integrates the geographically separate data-
on the order of the President of the National Bank of
centers into one virtual system, ensuring that the data
Georgia, the policy for the backup of databases and ap-
for each application and service is presented as one sys-
plications was upgraded. The backup process was di-
tem, regardless of which datacenter is physically active.
vided into the degree of system importance and the fre-
This results in a high reliability of services and the auto-
quency and extent of data retention for backup copies
mation of switching.
was determined, the type of media on which the backup
It is noteworthy that the National Bank of Georgia was the first state institution in Georgia to deploy the
copies are retained was defined, and types of backups were established for every system.
above-mentioned storage virtualization technology. As
During the accounting period, “AML-Search“ spe-
a result of this system the active-passive datacenters of
cialist anti-money laundering software was developed
the National Bank of Georgia, became active-active –
and put into practice for special inspections. The goal
which is a significant step forward.
of this software is to facilitate information processing
The main advantage of active-active datacenters
during onsite inspections of organizations. The search
over the traditional active-passive approach is that in
system also grants the possibility of revealing divided
the event of one datacenter being damaged, IT services
operations subordinated to monitoring under Georgian
are switched to the other center immediately and auto-
law.
matically. After the introduction of storage virtualiza-
In 2014, the National Bank of Georgia finalized the
tion for almost all IT services the business continuity
implementation of an electronic acquisition system for
parameter, the so-called RTO (Recovery Time Objec-
banking supervision. The system uses a special portal
tive) which determines the maximum acceptable time
in a virtual private network, through which commer-
period during which a failed service needs to be recov-
cial banks are able to safely upload digitally signed elec-
117
tronic reporting for submission to the National Bank of
crease operational efficiency, improve the convenience
Georgia. The step-by-step expansion of this system will
for customers, and decrease operational expenses. The
exclude the provision of electronic documents submit-
program must ensure distance services are provided to
ted by email to the National Bank of Georgia, which is
clients, including receiving electronic tasks from their
an essential step forward.
place of work in a secure way and, through them, mak-
At the end of 2014, a joint financial, macroeconomic and statistical information system, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sebstatâ&#x20AC;?, was pre-
As one of the leading state institutions implement-
pared for implementation by the NBG in the produc-
ing innovative projects, the NBG will continue to intro-
tion environment (see Chapter 13 Statistical Activity).
duce modern technologies and perfect and increase the
In order to improve the quality of service for clients of the National Bank of Georgia, a distance banking service program was implemented and tested. This is to in-
118
ing appropriate records in the main banking system.
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
availability of infrastructure in order to maintain reliable IT services and improve business processes.
VII Electronic Signature
119
I
120
n 2013, the National Bank of Georgia presented an
as a personal signature on a material document, is dif-
initiative to implement electronic signatures in the
ferentiated in the first place based on whether a service
banking sector. The use of electronic signatures entails
is provided directly or distantly. In accordance with this
the substitution of paper-based signatures in the Geor-
distinction, the implementation of different models of
gian banking sector with electronic signatures and the
signatures became important; however, for ensuring re-
circulation of electronic documents for all operations
liable and secure conditions for the use of signatures, it
whose implementation in the electronic form is author-
was deemed mandatory for both models to use digital
ized by current legislation.
certificates for signatures.
The scale of the development of the banking sector
The current electronic signature implemented in the
necessitated the creation of conditions for stimulating
banking sector entails substituting paper-based opera-
electronic business. This initiative will ensure the secu-
tions when directly serving the customer with an elec-
rity of transactions, which, in turn, will directly improve
tronic document - which will be signed with the elec-
the willingness of parties to take part in the process. The
tronic signatures of both the customer and the bank.
necessity of electronic signatures, as an instrument of
This model is applicable for every potential signer, re-
legal power, is indispensable for gradually eliminating
gardless of whether the bank carries out the customer’s
the practice of paper-based operations. In addition,
mandatory identification with the new ID card or does
switching from material to electronic documents is an
so without it; this format of service allows the banking
essential mechanism for enhancing the flexibility and
sector to switch the entire direct service segment to the
optimization of business processes. The electronic cir-
electronic circulation of documents. However, the us-
culation of documents is only considered correct when
age of electronic signatures in the banking sector does
the authenticity of both the document and the signature
not entail the complete elimination of paper-based
on it are secure, and when all this is recognized by a
material signatures in banking activities. In line with
third party.
the security policy approved by NBG, any commercial
This project necessitated the usage of electronic sig-
bank that implements electronic signatures for a spe-
natures that carry the same legal weight of personal sig-
cific operation is also required to ensure the possibility
natures on material documents. According to Paragraph
of using a material paper-based signature for the same
4, Article 19 of the Law of Georgia on the Activities of
type of operation.
Commercial Banks, any commercial bank interested in
The first stage of this project’s implementation was
implementing electronic signatures has the right to es-
finished in December 2013, when the NBG developed
tablish the main foundations for implementing an elec-
and adopted a regulatory framework on the use of
tronic signature security policy. In addition, the same
electronic signatures in the banking sector. The “De-
paragraph of the law states that: “Based on the agreed
scription of the Electronic Signature Implementation
security policy … electronic signatures used during a
Project” describes the basic approaches and regula-
particular banking service has equal legal force with a
tions used, and also concerns the legal recognition of
personal signature signed on a physical document.”
electronic signatures. In addition, the “Methodologi-
In addition to securing the legal status of electronic
cal Guidelines for Implementation of Electronic Sig-
signatures, several other issues proved to be important
natures” was approved to guide the creation of reliable
when implementing the project: defining the technical
and secure conditions for using electronic signatures in
model, ensuring reliable conditions for the safe usage
the banking sector. It also constitutes the methodologi-
of electronic signatures, and the creation of safe condi-
cal foundation for implementing electronic signatures
tions for the electronic circulation of documents in the
and for creating the security policy for using advanced
banking sector. The usage of electronic signatures in the
electronic signatures. The framework was developed in
banking sector, which will have the same legal weight
consideration of the requirements of Georgian legisla-
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
tion and the existing regulations within the European
ity, a reduction of service expenses, an increase of infor-
Union. It relies on the technical, procedural, and quali-
mation safety, a reduction of service time, the possibil-
tative requirements for electronic identification, au-
ity for the improvement of data quality, and the growth
thentication and signing, as defined by EU regulations.
of electronic archiving.
For the purpose of securing reliable and secure con-
In line with NBG’s regulations mentioned above,
ditions for electronic signatures, the National Bank of
electronic signatures have been implemented by Pro-
Georgia is guided by the regulations, standards and rec-
credit Bank. These were based on the individual-ad-
ommendations from within the European Union and/
ministrative act issued by the NBG in February 2014,
or in the legislative sphere considered reliable by the
which granted the bank the authority to use electronic
EU. This project also clearly defines the protection of
signatures in its banking operations. In December, on
the public/private key principle for the use of electronic
the basis of amendments to the same decree, Procredit
signatures, as well as the principles of asymmetric cryp-
Bank obtained authority to use electronic signatures in
tography and certificate-based signatures. The public
all branches on Georgian territory when executing di-
key infrastructure (PKI) is the unity of the components
rect banking operations with consumers.
of services, standards, protocols, and software that al-
The electronic signature model, which obtained le-
lows for the usage of public key cryptography technol-
gal force and was implemented in February 2014, was
ogy. It is also a reliable hierarchy based on public key
the first such model implemented not only in the Geor-
certificates and the supplier of cryptography and digital
gian banking sector, but also in the region. In accord-
certificate services. With the help of a digital certificate
ance with EU regulations, this qualifies as an advanced
issued by certification authorities, the PKI implements
electronic signature as it is based on a digital certificate
the management of a public key that allows customers
and utilizes the biometric data of the signer. In addition,
to carry out secure communication and operations.
the time of the execution of the signature is confirmed
For the purpose of understanding the electronic signatures implemented in the banking sector in practice, the regulations issued by the NBG defined a framework-model that entails the use of “advanced electronic signatures” (or other, more secure signatures) as defined by regulation N910/2014 of the European Parliament and European Council on Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions (which replaced Directive 1999/93/EC). Due to the general and “technically neutral” nature of the definition of an “advanced electronic signature”, its use in practice entails the cryptography of data necessary for identifying the signer, the connection of this data with the document to be signed, and asymmetric cryptography with recommended algorithms and other principles of PKI when executing the certificate-based signature. As a result, the implementation of “advanced electronic signatures” for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of electronic commerce in the banking sector entails, at the very least, the automation of business processes, an improvement of service qual-
by a third party “time stamp.” Advanced electronic signatures in the banking sector For the use of advanced electronic signatures reliable and secure conditions were created. Minimal security requirements must be met and taken into consideration by the participating parties in the system. The basic components of these minimal requirements are: • The signer owns the signature creation device and has sole control over it; • The origin and integrity of the document is guaranteed; • The use of trust CSP and the signature creation device, which is characterized by advanced technology, is secured; • The use of a trusted time stamp on the document is secured; • The biometric data of the signer is secured; • Consumer rights are protected, which includes, at the very least, awareness regarding the legal effects of electronic signatures, as well as reading the docu-
121
ment before signing and accessibility to the original copy of the document; • The granting of the original electronic document to the signer in a secure manner is ensured; • The possibility of conducting expert investigation in the event that a signature is deemed debatable and/ or doubtful is ensured. The following participants are involved in the process of using electronic signatures: • The National Bank of Georgia – determines the minimal threshold of safety for creating an electronic signature and allows commercial banks to use electronic signatures developed with this model; • Commercial banks – develop the security policy and submits this to the NBG for approval; • Producer of the signature creation devices – ensures the provision of equipment and relevant software; • Certification authority – issues the signature certificate; • Timestamp provider – the entity that offers this service; • Electronic signature biometric data encryption key pair generation and management body – performs biometric data encryption key pair generation and management functions; • Examination body – the entity equipped with the relevant technology and qualified personnel that is ready to perform electronic signature examination if requested; • The signer. The following participating entities in the signing process must be declared as “trusted service providers” and admitted into the banking sector: • Producer of electronic signature creation devices; • Certification authorities; • Electronic signature biometric data encryption key pair generation and management body; • Time stamp service providers; • Other “trusted service providers” who ensure other
122
the protection of consumers’ rights. Further information on this and other questions related to the NBG’s regulations on the use of electronic signatures has been published on the NBG’s website: https://www.nbg.gov. ge/index.php?m=623. The institutions that have been declared “trusted service providers” by the NBG and thereby admitted into the banking sector are also published on the website. When using electronic signatures in the banking sector, the level of security and technical parameters appropriate for the following minimum technical requirements must be protected: Public-Key Certificate
X.509
Cryptosystem for public-key encryption
RSA
Key Size
2048 biti
Cryptography Hash function
SHA-256
Time stamp protocol
RFC 3161
Signed document format
PDF A/ - 1a; PDF A/ - 2a
Signature of physical and legal persons As mentioned above, the “advanced electronic signature” used in the banking sector is based on biometric data, which constitutes personal information of the signer and is used for his/her identification. The biometric data is obtained through a signature creation device. In order to use such data, banks are required to meet ISO requirements (ISO/IEC 19794-7:2007(E) Information technology - Biometric data interchange formats), which determine the minimum qualitative criteria for biometric data. The biometric data of signatures forms part of the electronic signature creation data. It is a combination of static and dynamic data and is unique for each signer
services related to electronic signatures.
(which allows the identification of an individual). It
Within its authority, the National Bank defines the
electronic signature creation devices.
may also contain additional data determined by the
security levels for the service provider and the prod-
The static and dynamic data categories for creating
uct, and the mandatory level for risk management and
electronic signatures are presented in the following form:
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Static Images
Dynamic Signals
Upstrokes
Start and ens of a stroke
Crossings Curves and loops
Signals of time and pressure
Enclosed Areas
Acceleratio Speed
Therefore, individual banking sector consumers, representatives of a legal person and/or bank representatives who are in the role of signer when executing a banking operation, will undertake “advanced electronic signatures” in line with the abovementioned biometric data and PKI infrastructure, the minimal requirements of which are set by the NBG. For the purpose of improving the flexibility of operations, optimizing banking activities and increasing efficiency, the NBG has been granted legal power to define and issue an appropriate “legal person’s signature decree”, in which a commercial bank, as a subscriber, is declared “a legal person.” The reason for the use of this model of signature is the technically neutral nature of the EU regulations mentioned above, which allows for the usage of a signature executed with the help of a digital certificate, so long as it is in accordance with PKI principles and fully meets the requirements of the regulations. This means that the “signature of a legal person” utilizes a digital signature based on asymmetric cryptography; while the identification of the legal person is carried out by the certification authorities that issued the digital signature certificate to the identified person. The NBG also defines those banking operations during which banks are authorized to not use an advanced electronic signature based on biometric data, but instead a signature of a legal person executed through the use of a digital certificate that would also be classified as
the abovementioned directive.
an “advanced electronic signature” in accordance with
the National Bank of Georgia.
It should also be mentioned that the signature of both physical and legal persons will receive a cryptographic timestamp from the server of an independent third party. The timestamp is used for recording the precise time of the electronic signature. In the event that the public key certificate is cancelled, the existence of the timestamp allows the verifier to decide whether the signature was executed before the certificate was cancelled or while it remained valid. Electronic Stamp One more novelty that will be used on electronic documents created in the banking sector is the socalled “electronic stamp.” The electronic stamp serves as a form of electronic verification from a commercial bank. It is attached to an electronic document and confirms that the given commercial bank created the document. Like a legal person’s signature, the electronic stamp utilizes a digital signature based on asymmetric cryptography in line with the PKI principles. As a “trusted service provider” admitted in the banking sector, the certifying authority that issues signature certificates for physical and legal persons’ signatures and for electronic stamps must be recognized by
123
VIII Organization of Cash Emission Activities
124
I
n order to fully meet the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demand for cash
counterfeit money; the destruction of unfit banknotes
in 2014, the NBG continued its activities related to
and the improvement of relevant normative acts.
regulating the production, import, storage and issue of
As of 31 December 2014, the value of cash in circula-
notes and coins in circulation; improving the quality
tion amounted to 2.46 billion GEL, of which banknotes
of banknotes and coins in circulation; sorting new
accounted for 2.39 billion GEL and coins 69.9 million
notes and coins and those received from circulation in
GEL (the percentage share of all banknotes and coins in
accordance with the established rules; the detection of
circulation by value is shown in Diagram N 8.1).
Diagram N 8.1 Cash in circulation (31 December 2014) 2.84%
0.13%
0.13%
2.67%
3.07% 4.83%
1 Lari
11.53%
2 Lari 5 Lari 53.86%
20.94%
10 Lari 20 Lari 50 Lari 100 Lari 200 Lari coins
Source: National Bank of Georgia
As compared to the beginning of 2014, the volume
lion GEL during the course of the year (Diagram N 8.2).
of cash in circulation increased by 4.7%, or 110.6 mil-
125
Diagram N 8.2 Cash in circulation (2013-2014) 3,000 2,500 2,098
2,131
2,115
2,160
2,209
2,164
2,264
1,749
1,715
1,746
April
1,500
March
Million GEL
2,000 1,804
1,760
1,822
2,317
1,885
2,295
1,998
2,462
2,265 2,221 2,109
2,066
2,137
2,352
1,000 500
2013
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
February
January
0
2014
Source: National Bank of Georgia
In 2014, the volume of banknotes in circulation in-
ed for 20.5% of the total number of banknotes received
creased by 103.7 million GEL and accounted for 97.2%
from commercial banks (in 2013, this figure stood at
of the total volume of money in circulation. The de-
15.7%).
mand for high denomination 50 and 100 lari banknotes
In order to provide an uninterrupted supply of cash
increased by 7.6%. It should be noted that the 11.1%
to the economy, the NBG continued to replenish its
increase in demand for 100 lari banknotes (132 million
reserve stock of lari banknotes and coins. In 2014, the
GEL) totaled 53.9% of the value of all circulation. The
NBG started new projects related to the re-minting of
volume of 5, 10 and 20 lari denomination banknotes in
1, 5 and 10 ounce gold investment coins, as well as the
circulation decreased by 3.2% (15.3 million GEL) and
production and issue of new collector coins dedicated
the volume of 1 and 2 lari banknotes fell by 1.2%. The
to the XIII European Youth Olympic festival “Tbilisi
volume of 1 and 2 lari coins in circulation increased by
2015” and the 20th anniversary of the lari in circulation.
11.6% and accounted for 44.2 million GEL in circula-
Cash turnover at the NBG increased in 2014. The
tion by the end of the year. It should also be noted that the value of “tetri” coins
and coins, which was 16.7% higher than the previous
in circulation grew by 9.6% in 2014 (the growth rate
year’s figure. Outgoings amounted to 4.3 billion GEL,
of all tetri coins in 2013, compared to the same rate in
which was 7% higher compared to the same figure in
2012, accounted for 10.6%).
2013. Foreign currency issued by the NBG in 2014
In parallel with the growth of cash in circulation, the
amounted to 100,000 USD of banknotes. The cash han-
volume of worn-out and damaged banknotes processed
dling offices serving individuals exchanged cash in the
also increased. The NBG’s cash counting and sorting
amounts of 465.1 thousand GEL, 185.1 thousand EUR
machines automatically destroyed 32.7 million GEL of
and 4.1 thousand USD.
banknotes of different denominations, which account-
126
NBG cash offices received 4.2 billion GEL banknotes
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
To ensure the proper functioning of NBG machin-
ery used for cash processing and sorting, to meet the es-
In 2014, NBG experts examined a total of 15,531
tablished level of authenticity, and to undertake fitness
suspicious banknotes that were submitted by the NBG
checks of banknotes and coins, the maintenance of such
cash desk, commercial banks, cash exchange offices, the
equipment was periodically checked in accordance with
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, the investiga-
the President of the National Bank of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decree
tion service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, and
of 3 June 2010.
private individuals.
Table N 8.1 Examination results of suspicious banknotes and coins received by the NBG in 2014 Suspicious
Counterfeit
Genuine
Non-redeemable
GEL banknotes
4 186
3 684
326
176
GEL coins
10 315
5 142
5 172
1
USD banknotes
843
684
159
_
EUR banknotes
71
57
14
_
Other foreign currency
116
66
50
_
15 531
9 633
5 721
177
Total:
Source: National Bank of Georgia
The percentage share of counterfeit banknotes and coins removed from circulation in 2014 are shown in Diagram N 8.3.
Diagram N 8.3 Counterfeit lari banknotes and coins detected in 2014, by percent 0.01% 24.63%
1.62%
0.01%
0.02% 0.06% 15.76%
12.57%
6.07% 33.58%
1 lari 2 lari 5 lari 10 lari 20 lari 50 lari 100 lari 200 lari 20 tetri 50 tetri (1993) 1 lari coins 2 lari coins 10 lari coins
5.33% 0.02%
0.32%
Source: National Bank of Georgia
127
The number of counterfeit lari banknotes increased
3 times, while the number of 50 tetri coins increased
5.5 times compared to 2013. The share of counterfeit
1.2 times compared to the quantities revealed in 2013
US dollar and euro banknotes increased by 28.3% and
(Diagrams N 8.4 and Diagram N 8.5 illustrate the quan-
42.5% respectively. The number of other counterfeit
tity of counterfeit lari banknotes and coins detected in
foreign banknotes increased 2.1 times during the same
2013-2014 by denomination).
period. The number of counterfeit 1 lari coins increased
Diagram N 8.4 Number of counterfeit lari banknotes recovered in 2014 2500
2000
1919
1500
1391 1109 912
1000
470
536 500 243 2
0
277
143
117
5
2
28
22
0
1 lari 2013
2 lari
5 lari
10 lari
20 lari
50 lari
100 lari
200 lari
2014
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Diagram N 8.5 Number of counterfeit coins recovered in 2014 3500 2964
3000 2402
2500
2174
2000 1500 1000
721
500 2
0
0
20 tetri 2013
1
50 tetri (1993)
1 lari coins
2 lari coins
1
1
1
10 lari coins
2014
Source: National Bank of Georgia
128
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
During 2014, the NBG provided methodological support to commercial banks and currency exchange
other valuable pieces worth 103.8 thousand GEL were sold during the course of the year.
bureaus, as well as to other legal entities and persons
In order to promote the history of Georgian money
in matters related to staff development. In particular,
and raise the public’s awareness of the main activities
training was given to more than 357 persons seeking
of the National Bank of Georgia, the NBG Museum of
to raise their competence in currency authenticity and
Money continued offering educational lectures to the
fitness checks, knowledge of security features and the
public. During the course of 2014, the museum received
general handling of cash.
3,778 visitors (1,019 more than in 2013). In 2014, 115
During 2014, the NBG continued to successfully sell
educational field trips were carried out in the Museum
its investment, collector and numismatic coins. Total
of Money, which included an overview of Georgian
sales amounted to 25,067 pieces, worth 640 thousand
numismatics and the viewing of artifacts. A total of
GEL in value. The Money Museum in Kvareli sold 94
1,845 students and 172 teachers participated in lectures
units, the jewelry store “Zarapxana” sold 65 units, the
(which was 706 more than in 2013). In addition, four
cash center 24,846 units and the NBG online shop 62
thematic lectures on the “history of Georgian money
units. In all, 4,125 collector coins worth 491.5 thou-
and the functions and responsibilities of the central
sand GEL, 69 gold bars (excluding gold certificate bars)
bank of Georgia” were given.
worth 44.7 thousand GEL, and 20,873 numismatic and
129
IX Internal Audit, Risk Management and Accounting
130
I
n accordance with the requirements of “the Interna-
The Internal Audit Service collaborated with the
tional Standards for the Professional Practice of In-
IMF’s Safeguard Assessment mission during its work-
ternal Auditing”, the Internal Audit Service of National
ing visit in 2014. It should be noted that the report pre-
Bank of Georgia has updated its long-term planning
pared by the mission included, amongst current issues,
methodology and reprocessed the audit universe. Ac-
a review of the implementation of the recommenda-
cording to the recent significant changes made to the
tions provided by the previous mission. In this regard,
IT environment of the National Bank of Georgia and
the mission positively assessed the National Bank’s ac-
the implementation of new software systems, a new
tivities.
approach was used for planning IT audits. The new IT
In line with the requirements of the Internal Audit
audit universe was elaborated by taking into considera-
Service’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program
tion the critically significant activities, processes and
an annual internal periodic assessment was conducted.
systems related to the NBG’s information technology.
The main objective of this self-assessment was to de-
Based on the three-year audit cycle and the long-
termine the level of compliance with the requirements
term assurance activities strategy, an annual action plan
of “the International Standards for the Professional
was developed for internal audit inspections and re-
Practice of Internal Auditing” and the “Code of Ethics”.
views. In line with this plan, which was agreed with the
Compliance with all benchmarks and performance tar-
Audit Committee and approved by the NBG Board, a
get indicators of internal audit activities, as defined by
total of 30 thematic audits and reviews were conducted
the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, was
during 2014. Within the framework of these activities,
achieved during the reporting period.
audit assessments were prepared by individual business
Within the framework of the National Bank of
processes regarding risk management, internal controls
Georgia’s project concerning the implementation of the
and compliance with the requirements of the relevant
Information Security Management System, an "Infor-
regulations.
mation Security Management System Internal Audit
At the same time, the Internal Audit Service, in ac-
Manual" was prepared in collaboration with consult-
cordance with existing practice, continued consulting
ants. This methodological document makes it possible
the structural units of the National Bank of Georgia
to formalize all significant steps, processes and pro-
regarding various operational management projects,
cedures regarding audits of the Information Security
including the development of business continuity pro-
Management System.
cedures.
According to the challenges of modern corporate
During the reporting period, the Internal Audit
governance and the current practices of other central
Service continued to supervise and provide quarterly
banks, the National Bank of Georgia gave a distinctive
reports on the process of implementing the recommen-
importance to the systematization of risk management
dations given during its assurance services. The Inter-
process in 2014. Subsequently, in the end of 2014, the
nal Audit Service also carried out periodic monitoring
Centralized Risk management department was estab-
of the extent to which the recommendations issued by
lished to develop and implement effective risk manage-
various external parties (the external auditing company,
ment system at the National Bank of Georgia. It has to
International Monetary Fund, and the Dutch Central
be emphasized that the recommendation regarding the
Bank) had been implemented and prepared consolidat-
approaches of centralized risk management was made
ed reporting information based on responses provided
by International Monetary fund.
by the relevant structural units of the National Bank of Georgia.
The Centralized Risk management department started with initial identification of risks, considering
131
the best practices of other central banks. During the re-
full compliance with objectives and entire strategy of
porting year the main processes, inherent risks and cur-
the bank.
rent control instruments have been identified structural
Work towards developing and further improving
unit level. In addition, the risks have been classified as
accounting and reporting standards had been ongoing.
Strategic, Financial and Operational risks.
Particularly, this work was mainly focused on develop-
The National Bank of Georgia is actively collabo-
ing reports necessary for financial and managerial ac-
rating with the Dutch and German central banks (De
counting. In order to achieve this aim â&#x20AC;&#x153;cost accountingâ&#x20AC;?
Nederlandsche bank, Deutsche Bundes bank) to devel-
model concept was developed, which allows for form-
op the centralized risk management framework. Based
ing financial results according to the main functions of
on already achieved results as well as the international
the National Bank of Georgia. Respective reports have
best practices, the bank has set the goal of implement-
also been prepared.
ing the ISO31000. The implemented standard will be in
132
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
X Public Relations and
International Cooperation
133
I
n order to ensure maximum transparency of the Na-
as various statistical data and Monetary Policy Com-
tional Bank of Georgia’s activities public relations
mittee press-releases. In addition, during 2014 the
were implemented via the media and other means of
NBG prepared and issued the “Annual Report of the
communication. Over the year, the National Bank ef-
National Bank of Georgia, 2013” in print. The NBG
ficiently and promptly disseminated press releases and
also published four issues of the scientific-analytical
statistical data, conducted press conferences, confer-
magazine Economics and Banking, offering readers
ences, briefings, seminars, presentations and meetings
papers and articles on various topical issues.
on a number of subjects. NBG representatives regularly met representatives from both print and electronic media.
International cooperation The year 2014 was important from the standpoint of international cooperation. An international conference was held on “The Monetary Policy Strategy of the NBG”. Conference participants included Masood Ahmed, IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department Director; Mark Griffiths, head of the IMF mission; Zdeněk Tůma, former governor of the Czech Central Bank; and other high profile speakers. Representatives of international financial organizations discussed monetary policy development in Georgia, the Czech Republic and other developing countries. The IMF representatives positively assessed the NBG’s monetary and exchange
134
It is particularly important for the public to under-
rate policies and stated that the NBG is implementing
stand current economic processes and their expected
a correct and consistent policy – the kind that helps
results. It is equally important for the public to clearly
countries reach macroeconomic and financial stability
understand the NBG’s policies and their impact on the
and have affordable banking products.
economy. In this regard, in line with the conventional
The National Bank of Georgia also organized a
practice of the central banks of developed countries,
conference on lending standards, which was attended
the NBG made efforts to ensure the accessibility of
by representatives of the National Bank of Georgia,
information on current trends in the money and FX
commercial banks, the International Monetary Fund,
markets, to express its opinion regarding these issues,
other international financial institutions, the Minis-
and to explain the motives behind particular decisions.
tries of Finance and Economics, large audit firms and
This was done by the use of both electronic and print
other economic experts. Representatives of the inter-
publications as well as other forms of mass media.
national rating agency “Standards and Poor’s” and the
The NBG publishes a monthly “Survey of the Geor-
International Financial Corporation presented their
gian Economy”, a quarterly “Inflation Report”, as well
views at the conference. The goal was to share differ-
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
ent financial sector representatives’ visions of lending standards. The participants discussed corporate and retail product coefficients, their historical and current levels, and the impact on credit quality. Particular attention was paid to the foreign exchange and interest risks facing borrowers. On 19-21 November 2014, the Fourth Regional Forum on Investment Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves was held in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tbilisi; the event was organized by the NBG and the Asian Development Bank. It was the first such forum held in the Caucasus and its key purpose was to share knowledge and practical experience between the financial experts of different countries, to discuss current trends and processes taking place on global financial markets and their analysis in different contexts. On 11 March 2014, in Tbilisi the international audit company KPMG presented the “Report on Banking Products” that had been ordered by the NBG. The presentation of the research results was attended by governors of Georgian commercial banks, representatives of international financial organizations, banking and microfinance associations and other experts. The main purpose of KPMG’s research, which covered Eastern European, Balkan, Caucasus and Central Asian countries, was to compare interest rates on credit products. The results showed that in Georgia the interest rates on an absolute majority of products are lower than in Kazakhstan, Serbia, and neighboring Azerbaijan and Armenia, and are higher than in Poland and more developed Eastern European countries. On 30 September, the international conference “Financial Education – Challenges and Prospects” was held at the Holiday Inn hotel in Tbilisi. The conference was organized by the National Bank of Georgia and was supported by the Foundation of German Deposit Banks. The objective of the conference was to allow different stakeholders to share their visions on the issue of financial education. The attendants discussed the negative effect of poor financial education on consumer welfare, and ultimately its possible impact on financial institutions. Discussions were held on issues such as measures for improving the low level of financial education, the role of stakeholders and their re-
sponsibility, etc. Sean Mund and Anja Deinzer – international experts from the UK and Germany – shared their experience with the attendants of the conference, who included representatives from commercial banks, the Association of Georgian Banks, the Association of Development and Support of Microfinancial Institutions, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, as well as international financial institutions, nongovernment organizations and independent experts. Reforms Export In 2014, the NBG started exporting its reforms. Many countries expressed desire to acquire information on and to share the experiences of the NBG’s recently introduced reforms. To that end, official delegations of different countries from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and the CIS visited the NBG, with most of them coming on the recommendations of the World Bank. The National Bank of Georgia will help the central bank of Tajikistan to implement its payments system development project. For this purpose, representatives from the central bank of Tajikistan visited the NBG. This project will be financed by the World Bank, which will also take care of specialists’ retraining. It is significant that the central bank of Tajikistan has chosen the NBG’s experience as the best practice. The training program will be dedicated to payment systems and covers both the relevant legal environment and payment system supervision issues. In April 2014, a delegation from the central bank of Congo visited the NBG. The aim of the visit was to share experience and gain an introduction to the NBG’s innovative projects. A subject of particular interest for the visitors was becoming acquainted with
135
the NBG’s high-tech payment systems, which allow
since the joint mission of the International Monetary
financial institutions to perform transfers quickly and
Fund and the World Bank published a positive report
safely.
within the scope of the “Financial Sector Assessment
In July, a delegation from the National Bank of the
Program”.
Kyrgyz Republic visited the NBG in order to share experiences and learn about the reforms implemented in international reserve management. It is noteworthy that prior to launching a modern system of international reserve management, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic chose the successful reforms of the NBG as a benchmark. Delegations from the central banks of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan visited the National Bank of Georgia to learn about its supervision model. Within the scope of these visits, the guests learned about the basic principles and framework of the risk-based supervisory approach implemented by the National Bank, including the issues of consolidated supervision, the stress
A delegation of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan visited the National Bank of Georgia with the purpose of sharing experience and learning about the reforms implemented in the field of external sector statistics. At the end of the year another delegation from the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, led by the Chairman of the Bank Tolkunbek Abdygulov, visited the National Bank of Georgia. The main purpose of the visit was to share the successful experience of the NBG, with the NBG’s cash centre being of particular interest as it is the only one in the CIS region equipped with modern safety technologies in complete compliance with international standards.
test methodology and analysis of credit asset quality. It must be noted that interest towards the supervisory approaches of the National Bank has notably increased
“I recently visited the Swiss National Bank and they advised me to see the cash center of the NBG, which was constructed very quickly and is in complete compliance with the high EU standards. I have spent almost half a day at the center and have looked around the building. The main goal of our visit is to share the Georgian experience and then try to implement the same project in Kyrgyzstan …”. Governor of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
136
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
Box N 3 The lari sign According to conventional practices, one of the most important components of a currency’s image is its sign. The work on creating the lari sign started at the end of 2013. A temporary commission was created to determine the choice of sign, which consisted of representatives of the NBG, the Budget and Finance Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, the State Council of Heraldry, the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. In order to identify the winning sign, the commission gave priority to signs based on the single-arched “L” (Las) from the Georgian Mkhedruli alphabet, crossed with two incomplete vertical lines. During the selection process, the sign commission also took into account the following criteria: design, conformity with the Georgian alphabet, the existence of elements marking the currency, the possibility to easily draw the symbol and also the observance of competition rules and recommendations. The winning sign was chosen and approved by the Board of the National Bank of Georgia on 7 July 2014. The designer of the winner sign was the artist-ceramist Malkhaz Shvelidze. The lari sign is based on a graphic outline of the Georgian single-arched “L” (Las). Standard practice regarding various currency signs is to use the first letter of the currency’s name crossed by one or two parallel lines. It should be noted that in a number of currency signs the addition of parallel lines only serves to transform a letter into
a
sign. Whereas in the case of the lari sign, the two parallel lines crossing the letter “Las” are organic parts of the letter. The so-called “leg” of the “Las” represented by a horizontal line at the base is another necessary attribute of the sign, adding to the upper dynamic arc. The outline of the letter was somewhat transformed in the design in order to simplify its perception and establish it as a currency sign. After the approval of the lari sign, the NBG applied to the Unicode Consortium for its registration in order to ensure its adaptation in electronic systems. Registration is long-term process and also includes registration in the ISO. At the same time, in order to ensure the sign’s popularization and use in practice, the NBG started working with different organizations, including payment system operators and payments service providers registered in the NBG. To simplify the adaptation process, the NBG developed a special “lari sign implementation principles and supplementary manual”. Stylized versions of the sign were created for use with different popular fonts. Many organizations have started to actively use the lari sign, while in other organizations the adaptation process is still underway. Usage of the lari sign will make indicating the numeric value of sums denominated in the Georgian currency more practical, in both handwriting and electronic systems. Introduction of the lari sign will also increase public confidence in the national currency.
137
XI Human Resources Management and Development
138
Statistical data on number of employees
B
y the end of 2014, 343 persons were employed by
of 90% of employees had higher education. Out of the
the NBG, with an average age of 38 years. A total
total number of employees, 44% were women.
Diagram N 11.1 Quantitative and qualitative indicators for NBG staff
308
Servant (243) Auxiliary servant (50)
243
Contractor (50) Women (152)
191
Men (191)
152
Staffs' average age (39) Auxiliary staff' average age (43) 50
50
39
43
Contractors' average age (34)
34
With higher education (308)
Source: National Bank of Georgia
Structural optimization
developed on the basis of the systems used by the cen-
In 2014, structural optimization was implemented
tral banks of European partner countries. This will be
at the NBG and the Centralized Risk Management
piloted in 2015.
department was created. Its primary mission is to de-
Cooperation with higher education institutions
velop and implement an effective risk management
Every year the NBG gives students the opportunity
system, which will be integrated with the NBGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro-
to become familiar with the National Bank by un-
cesses, goals and common strategy.
dertaking internships and developing practical skills
Implementation of best practices in human resources management In 2014, a procedure for training needs analysis was implemented at the NBG. The goal of the proce-
that will help them to become professionals. For this purpose, in line with a memorandum of cooperation, the NBG has hired 40 interns, of whom eight became NBG employees.
dure is to improve employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; professional skills in or-
At the same time, the NBG provides summer in-
der to increase their work efficiency. At the same time,
ternship opportunities for Georgian students who
an employee orientation procedure was developed to
study abroad. The purpose of this is to increase the
assist newly appointed employees to adapt to their
interest of Georgian students toward the NBG, so that
new workplace. A procedure for resignation/retire-
after finishing their studies they might decide to return
ment was also developed and implemented in order
and use their knowledge in Georgia. During 2014, six
to assist the NBG in managing and retaining organiza-
such interns were hired.
tional knowledge. A work evaluation system for NBG employees was
The NBG also cares about the employment of socially vulnerable students. To that end, in 2014 a
139
memorandum of cooperation was signed between
In order to share the knowledge and experience
the NBG, the Ministry of Education and Science, and
accumulated in the National Bank with interested em-
the Association of Microfinance Organizations. The
ployees, internal training sessions were carried out in
objective of this memorandum is to arrange intern-
2014. These internal sessions were certified and a total
ships for socially vulnerable students at microfinance
of 81 employees have passed them.
organizations. Within the framework of the memo-
On 15-21 May 2014, a delegation from the Central
randum, two groups of interns were hired: 51 interns
Bank of the Netherlands visited the NBG. The delega-
were hired by various microfinance organizations in
tion held working meetings with employees from all
the first half of 2014 (of whom five were permanently
departments of the NBG. These meetings offered feed-
hired after completing the internship); and another 32
back regarding the implementation of recommenda-
students were hired as interns in November 2014.
tions that had been given in 2009. As a result of this
One of the priorities of NBG is financial education. In this direction, the National Bank has conducted several projects, including cooperation with the higher education institutions. For this purpose, in
a future NBG action plan. Professional development of financial sector employees
2014 numerous groups of students visited the NBG’s
The NBG also supports the professional devel-
headquarters, cash center and money museum. They
opment of banking sector employees. To that end,
became familiar with the specifics of the NBG’s work
in September and November 2014 experts from the
and received comprehensive information about the
Luxembourg Financial Technology Transfer Agency
different projects of the NBG.
conducted two seminars at the NBG for employees of
Employees’ professional development
both the National Bank and commercial banks.
During 2014, the NBG continued taking care of
For the same purpose EY, one of the “big four” au-
its employees’ professional development. A total of
dit firms, conducted a seminar at the National Bank of
93 NBG employees visited the following institutions
Georgia for representatives of the NBG and commer-
for training purposes: the German Bundesbank, the
cial banks on the IFRS 9 financial instruments. The
Central Bank of France, the Central Bank of Italy, the
seminar was attended by 30 participants.
Bank of the Netherlands, the Central Bank of Latvia,
The National Bank also cooperates with exter-
the National Bank of Poland, the Swiss National Bank,
nal auditors. For the purpose of sharing experience,
the Czech National Bank, the National Bank of Aus-
the NBG conducted a working meeting with the big
tria, the World Bank, the IMF and the central banks
four auditors and presented the main framework of
of various other countries. In addition, 127 employees
the “Risk-based Supervisory Approach” implemented
of the NBG were trained in Georgian educational in-
within the NBG.
stitutions.
140
visit, a set of new recommendations was developed for
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
XII Development of the Normative Base
141
D
uring the reporting period, work was undertaken for refining the normative base of the National Bank of Georgia. In accordance with the rules for submitting legislative initiatives to the legislator, legislative draft amendments have been sent to the government of Georgia for submission to parliament. The proposed draft amendments were related to the following legislative acts: the Organic Law of Georgia on the National Bank of Georgia, the Law on Activities of Commercial Banks, the Law on Payment Systems and Payment Services, the Law on Microfinancial Organizations, the Law on Insolvency Proceedings, and the Code of Civil Proceedings of Georgia. The draft amendments aimed at creating legal regulations and mechanisms compatible with new international standards and directives that would enable the National Bank of Georgia, as the supervisor of the financial sector, to maintain stability and provide full protection of consumers’ rights and interests. It is important to note that the proposed draft amendments permit the use of electronic/digital signatures in banking systems during the provision of banking services and that any electronic document approved/certified by electronic signature shall have the power of legal evidence. In 2014, in compliance with existing legislation, the National Bank of Georgia prepared 51 draft normative acts. During the analytical period the key normative acts have been prepared and adopted. The list of the these normative acts includes, but is not limited to, the regulation on the “Licensing of Commercial Banks”; the Decree of the Board of the National Bank of Georgia on “Considering information as a confidential, the procedure of issuing such information and approving the list of confidential information”; the regulation on “Fit and Proper Criteria for Administrators of Commercial Banks”; the regulation on “Classification of the assets of commercial banks and establishing procedures on the creation and use of reserves for losses”; and “Methodological guidelines on implementation of the electronic signature”. In 2014, during the implementation of the information security system, the NBG provided legal assistance for the purpose of forming mechanisms to protect the information assets of the organization. The National Bank of Georgia was the first administrative body in Georgia that managed to implement a policy, system and procedure for information security. During the reporting period, the implementation of the project for the use of electronic signatures at commercial banks started. Within the scope of the project, and in accordance with Article 19, Paragraph 4 of
142
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
the law on “Activities of Commercial Banks”, banks are now entitled, on the basis of an agreed security policy with the National Bank of Georgia, to use specific electronic signatures during the provision of banking services to their clients. By virtue of using electronic signatures, the signed documents carry equal legal weight as documents that are materially signed. The National Bank of Georgia actively provided legal assistance for this project and its staff members studied all of the documents that were presented by commercial banks under the scope of the agreement concerning the security policy for using electronic signatures. The National Bank of Georgia also actively participated in the creation of methodological guidance documents. Commercial banks must satisfy the requirements set out within these documents in order to create suitable security policy. In 2014, the National Bank of Georgia started to create a special portal for implementing electronic signatures in commercial banks. Using this portal clients can receive any electronic document that they have electronically signed at a commercial bank. The portal was directly created by the National Bank of Georgia and any entity that is subject to supervision and uses electronic signatures in their activities will be linked to the portal. At the same time, important work has been conducted to make the portal legally recognized by third parties (public entities). Within the scope of this project, the National Bank of Georgia actively participated in the preparation of the necessary legal documents for the functioning of the portal, and it prepared and drafted the contracts and memorandums necessary for the inclusion of banks and third parties in the portal. In the reporting period, the National Bank of Georgia also participated in the regulation of issues related to state secrecy. The Parliament of Georgia proposed a new draft law on “State Secrecy”. During the parliamentary discussion of the draft law the interests of the NBG were presented and all necessary provisions for the National Bank of Georgia were included in the legal document. In 2014, draft versions of bylaws were prepared that will be adopted by the National Bank of Georgia when the new law on state secrecy comes into legal force. The new regulations entirely change the principles for the treatment of state secrecy in the National Bank. Information that concerns state secrecy related to the issuance, transportation and recording of lari banknotes and coins can now exist in electronic format as well. The legal act specifies the exact procedure for the storage, exchange and protection of the electronic information concerning matters of state secrecy.
XIII Statistical Activity
143
I
n 2014, in order to satisfy the fast-growing demand
statistical business process. This algorithm ensures the
of data users, the National Bank of Georgia worked
standardization and automation of data requirements
to improve data quality and to optimize the statistical
generation (instead of Excel-based questionnaires) at
business process responsible for financial and statisti-
the NBG and the formation of requested data pack-
cal data production in the financial and external sec-
ets at commercial banks and their submission through
tors.
the web-based system. Data validation, processing and
The implementation of the new and innovative sta-
final outcomes formation are also highly automated.
tistical business process model, called SebStat, entered
In addition to saving time and other resources, SebStat
a new phase in 2014. The implementation process of
significantly improves the quality of the data, enhanc-
this was completed in the banking sector and work in-
es efficiency and reduces the reporting burden.
tensified to automate the production of final statistical
Improvement of communication methods to data
products: including, sectorial balance sheets, mone-
providers has determined the success of the imple-
tary surveys and financial accounts. Work is currently
mentation of the SebStat project. At the end of 2014,
underway to create an accessible environment to give
representatives of commercial banks were surveyed
users immediate access to the data.
in order to investigate respondents’ perceptions about
Generally, no exact unified model for the data col-
the new SebStat process. According to the survey re-
lection process exists. Different countries and statisti-
sults:
cal authorities make their own decisions on this matter,
• 100% of respondents thought that cooperation
according to their existing statistical practice, resourc-
with the NBG during the implementation of Seb-
es and qualifications. The essence of the NBG,s new
Stat was very useful;
model and its conceptual and innovative structure lies
• The majority of respondents believe that the organ-
in a universal algorithm, which guarantees standardi-
izational and methodological aspects of SebStat’s
zation, optimization and centralization of the whole
implementation were well structured.
uestion: How would you assess the organizational and methodological aspects of SebStat’s implementation? (1- absolutely disagree; 5- absolutely agree) 4.8
SebStat group is ready (open) for further cooperation
4.6
The task was clearly set
144
Methodology provided by NBG is useful and enough
4.4
SebStat methodology is complete and clear
4.4
Practical materials provided by NBG are useful
4.1
SebStat methodology is helpful for improving data bases
4.1
SebStat is useful for sharing experience
4.1
Joint workshops of the experts from NBG and commercial banks’ were effective
4.0
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA / ANNUAL REPORT / 2014
When asked whether the reporting burden had
Respondents were also asked about changes in
changed or not, 63% of respondents answered that
resource adequacy after the implementation of the
SebStat’s implementation had significantly decreased
SebStat project. Respondents’ answers were positively
the reporting burden.
distributed.
Question: How has resource adequacy changed compared to the beginning of the project? improved 76% were adequate 89%
did not change 24% worsened 0%
Human and IT resources of commercial banks
improved 50% were not adequate 11%
did not change 50% worsened 0%
The statistical information dissemination policy
financial account. As a result of close cooperation with
is still oriented towards the fast-growing demand for
the Ministry of Finance, the National Bank of Georgia
data and is in line with internationally recognized
receives regular information on government financial
standards. In 2014, efforts continued to further im-
operations.
prove the financial stability indicators. During the reference year, more than 150 time series and related metadata was published on the website, which is an important factor for financial stability and macro-prudential analysis. It is noteworthy that in 2014 the NBG started intensive activity for the compilation of financial account matrices. Implementation of financial account compilation practice is a great challenge for the NBG. It is necessary for studying international statistical methodologies and experience in this field; for enhancing cooperation on the national and interna-
In addition, from 2014 the National Bank of Georgia started producing Balance of Payments and International Investment Position statistics in accordance with the sixth edition of the IMF’s “Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual” (BPM6). External sector statistics for the 2014 were published in two formats: according to both the fifth edition (“Balance of Payments Manual”, 1993) and sixth edition manuals (“Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual”, 2009). In addition, the time series data from 2000 was revised and were published according to those two methodologies in 2014. It should be mentioned that although concep-
tional levels, and for improving the professional skills
tual issues remained unchanged in the sixth edition
of employees. Long-term projects were planned with
of the manual, the names of some articles and certain
the National Statistics Office of Georgia in order to
rules for presentation and forming were changed from
establish new statistical reporting mechanisms for the
the fifth edition.
145
XIV Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2014
146
TABLE OF CONTENTS STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014. . . . . . . . . . 148 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT. . . . . . ...... ... . ................................... . ............. . .......... 149 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014: Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. . . . . . ......... . .............................. 150-151 Statement of financial position........ . .......... .......................... . ................................ 152-153 Statement of changes in equity.. . ................ .................... . ........................................... 154 Statement of cash flows.. . ........................ ............ . .............................................. 155-156 Notes to the financial statements .. . ............. ....................... . ................................... 157-200
147
148
Financial Statements
149
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari)
Notes
Year ended
Year ended
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Interest income International reserves management Due from international financial institutions
1,781
Investments held-to-maturity Trading securities Investments available-for-sale Other
2,589
-
56
1,186
663
14,489
18,592
339
296
17,795
22,196
18,398
10,029
Monetary policy operations Due from resident financial institutions Investments available-for-sale
5,712
2,908
24,110
12,937
26,938
29,338
70
78
27,008
29,416
68,913
64,549
(22,032)
(37,922)
(9,505)
(9,146)
(31,537)
(47,068)
(2,698)
(8,419)
(34,235)
(55,487)
34,678
9,062
(74)
275
34,604
9,337 147,471 (1,215) 1,249
Other interest income Investments held-to-maturity Other Total interest income Interest expense Monetary policy operations Debt securities issued Due to resident financial institutions Other interest expenses Due to international financial institutions Total interest expense NET INTEREST INCOME (Loss)/recovery of impairment on other assets
18
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER IMPAIRMENT PROVISION Net gains/ (losses) from foreign currencies: -translation differences -dealing Fee and commission income
4
103,894 832 1,409
Fee and commission expense
4
(1,281)
(1,057)
Net gain on realized available-for-sale financial assets Net loss on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss Net unrealized gain/(loss) on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss Other income NON-INTEREST INCOME
5
3,667
3,801
(2,073)
(113)
379
(83)
1,266
1,901
108,093
151,954
The statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to, and forming part of, the financial statements.
3
150
Financial Statements
151
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Notes
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
ASSETS: Foreign currency assets International reserves Cash and cash equivalents
7
1,725,028
1,514,181
Special Drawing Rights holdings with the International Monetary Fund
9
388,675
385,345
Assets related to derivative instruments
10
2,835
669
Trading securities
11
494,071
413,916
Investments available-for-sale
12
2,422,291
2,588,841
Due from financial institutions
8
-
58
Other assets
18
4
766
5,032,904
4,903,776
Other foreign currency assets
National currency assets Monetary policy instruments Due from financial institutions
8
712,500
400,200
Investments available-for-sale
12
80,776
42,735
Investments held-to-maturity
13
442,094
482,207
Investment property
14
2,173
2,618
Assets held for sale
15
415
-
Property and equipment
16
58,547
61,334
Intangible assets
17
2,514
3,640
Other assets
18
4,102
6,730
1,303,121
999,464
6,336,025
5,903,240
Other national currency assets
TOTAL ASSETS
The statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to, and forming part of, the financial statements.
5
152
Financial Statements
153
154
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari)
Year ended 31-Dec-2014
Year ended 31-Dec-2013
96,888
103,328
(28,539)
(45,568)
1,409
1,249
(1,281)
(1,057)
2,073
114
Net realized gain/(loss) from dealing in foreign currencies
832
(1,215)
Other income received
752
1,176
(13,141)
(12,169)
Cash paid for printing money
(2,467)
(4,146)
Other general and administrative expenses paid
(4,294)
(6,571)
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities
52,232
35,141
(312,440)
(8,673)
1,210
357
(2,166)
(483)
(79,958)
(211,796)
332
749
Money issued in circulation
110,559
433,493
Due to resident financial institutions
334,143
241,394
Due to the Ministry of Finance
102,318
(475,896)
(89)
80
206,141
14,366
Notes CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Interest received Interest paid Fees and commissions received Fees and commissions paid Net gain from investment securities
Personnel expenses paid
Net (increase)/decrease in operating assets: Due from financial institutions Special Drawing Rights holdings with the International Monetary Fund Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Other assets Net increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities:
Due to customers Net cash inflow from operating activities
8
155
156
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 1.
ORGANIZATION The National Bank of Georgia (the “Bank”) is the central bank of Georgia and the banker and fiscal agent of the Government of Georgia. It acts in accordance with the Organic Law of Georgia “On the National Bank of Georgia” enacted effective from 1 December 2009 (the “Law”), which fully replaced the previous law dated 24 October 1995. The responsibilities of the Bank focus on the goals of price stability, financial system stability and efficiency, national currency emission, and the efficient management of international reserves. These functions are carried out as part of the broad functions described below. Monetary policy The main objective of the monetary policy of the National Bank of Georgia is to maintain price stability. Price stability implies the existence of a moderate and predictable rate of inflation, which is a necessary precondition for long run economic growth. Furthermore, the Bank supports financial system stability and promotes the country‟s economic growth as long as the latter objectives do not contradict with its main goal – maintaining price stability. Monetary and exchange rate policies serve the objective of preserving the purchasing power of the national currency, raising the growth potential of gross domestic product, and improving the investment climate. Supervision and financial stability The main objective is ensuring the stability and efficiency of Georgia‟s financial system. In achieving those objectives, the Bank is responsible for the supervision and regulation of separate participants on the financial market – commercial banks, credit unions, micro financial organizations, money remittance units and currency exchange bureaus – and the securities market. Currency The Bank is the only body in the country authorized to issue Georgian Lari banknotes and coins on the territory of Georgia. The Bank determines the design, composition and other features of the Georgian Lari banknotes and coins, printed and minted in leading European mints. International reserve management The Bank maintains a portfolio of foreign currency reserves for policy and operational purposes, for instance to protect the country from external vulnerability by maintaining sufficient liquidity to absorb shocks during financial crisis, to support day to day foreign currency payment requirements of Georgian Government and those of the Bank. Payment systems The Bank operates the largest payment system in the country – the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), which processes and settles interbank and the Government payments in national currency. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, the members of the Council of the Bank are: Position Chairman Member
Name (2014) Mr. Giorgi Kadagidze (Governor) Mr. Archil Mestvirishvili
Name (2013) Mr. Giorgi Kadagidze (Governor) Mr. Archil Mestvirishvili
Member
Mr. Otar Nadaraia
Mr. Otar Nadaraia
Member Member
Mr. Lasha Jugeli Mr. Nikoloz Gongliashvili
Mr. Lasha Jugeli Mr. Nikoloz Gongliashvili
Member
Mr. Vazha Jankarashvili
Mr. Vazha Jankarashvili
Member
Mr. Nikoloz Kavelashvili
Mr. Archil Mamatelashvili
The Bank‟s main office is located at 2 Sanapiro, Tbilisi, 0114, Georgia. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013 the Bank has one cash service center. The Bank has 351 and 328 personnel as at 31 December 2014 and 2013, respectively. 10
157
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 2.
BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of compliance These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The presentation of these financial statements is framed within an economic and accounting framework that fairly reflects the financial position of the Bank, and at the same time, contributes to the economic analysis of the Bank‟s operations. For this reason, the economic concepts of international reserves and monetary policy are shown under the captions international reserve and monetary policy instruments, respectively. The presentation principle according to the latter concept has been first applied in 2014. Comparative information is represented to conform to changes in presentation in the current year. Basis of measurement These financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except that financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale financial assets are stated at fair value. Functional and presentation currency As the Bank‟s main objective is to maintain price stability, which implies that open-market operations play a significant role in the development of the monetary policy, accordingly, its main activity is the issuance of banknotes and coins, in Georgian Lari, which has been defined as the functional and presentation currency for the financial statements. Consequently, all balances and transactions denominated in currencies other than the Georgian Lari are considered as denominated in “foreign currency”. These financial statements are presented in thousands of Georgian Lari (“GEL”), unless otherwise indicated. Financial information presented in GEL is rounded to the nearest thousand.
3.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accounting policies set out below are applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements, and are applied consistently by the Bank. Financial Instruments A financial instrument is defined as any contract that gives rise to both a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. The Bank‟s financial instruments are its Georgian Lari securities, foreign government, supranational or agency securities, interest rate futures, holdings in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), cash and cash equivalents, due from financial institutions, due to commercial banks and Ministry of Finance of Georgia and other financial assets and liabilities. The Bank accounts for its financial, instruments in accordance with IAS 39–Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and reports these instruments under IFRS 7–Financial Instruments: Disclosures and IFRS 13–Fair Value Measurement. The Bank classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), held-to-maturity (HTM), loans and receivables and available-for-sale (AFS). The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition.
11
158
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Initial recognition of financial assets and liabilities. The Bank recognises financial assets and liabilities in its statement of financial position when it becomes a party to the contractual obligations of the instrument. Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets and liabilities are recognised using settlement date accounting. Financial assets and liabilities are initially recognised at fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset or financial liability not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset or financial liability. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or loss. The accounting policies for subsequent re-measurement of these items are disclosed in the respective accounting policies set out below. Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities Financial assets The Bank derecognizes a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset to another party or in which the Bank neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset. If the Bank neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Bank recognizes its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Bank retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Bank continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received. On derecognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference between the assetâ&#x20AC;&#x;s carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and receivable and the cumulative gain of loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity is recognized in profit or loss. On derecognition of a financial asset other than in its entirety (e.g. when the Bank retains an option to repurchase part of a transferred asset), the Bank allocates the previous carrying amount of the financial asset between the part it continues to recognize under continuing involvement, and the part it no longer recognises on the basis of the relative fair values of those parts on the date of the transfer. The difference between the carrying amount allocated to the part that is no longer recognised and the sum of the consideration received for the part no longer recognised and any cumulative gain or loss allocated to it that had been recognised in other comprehensive income is recognized in profit or loss. A cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income is allocated between the part that continues to be recognised and the part that is no longer recognised on the basis of the relative fair values of those parts. Financial liabilities The Bank derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire. Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification, is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable is recognized in profit and loss. Fair value measurement principles Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal, or in its absence, the most advantageous market to which the Bank has access at that date. The fair value of a liability reflects its non-performance risk.
12
159
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari)
When available, the Bank measures the fair value of an instrument using quoted prices in an active market for that instrument. A market is regarded as active if transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. When there is no quoted price in an active market, the Bank uses valuation techniques that maximise the use of relevant observable inputs and minimise the use of unobservable inputs. The chosen valuation technique incorporates all the factors that market participants would take into account in these circumstances. The best evidence of the fair value of a financial instrument at initial recognition is normally the transaction price, i.e., the fair value of the consideration given or received. If the Bank determines that the fair value at initial recognition differs from the transaction price and the fair value is evidenced neither by a quoted price in an active market for an identical asset or liability nor based on a valuation technique that uses only data from observable markets, the financial instrument is initially measured at fair value, adjusted to defer the difference between the fair value at initial recognition and the transaction price. Subsequently, that difference is recognised in profit or loss on an appropriate basis over the life of the instrument, but no later than when the valuation is supported wholly by observable market data or the transaction is closed out. Amortised cost The amortised cost of a financial asset or liability is the amount at which the financial asset or liability is measured at initial recognition, minus principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative amortisation using the effective interest method of any difference between the initial amount recognised and the maturity amount, minus any reduction for impairment. Premiums and discounts, including initial transaction costs, are included in the carrying amount of the related instrument and amortised based on the effective interest rate of the instrument. Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, unrestricted balances on correspondent and time deposit accounts including overnight deposits and amounts due from financial institutions that mature within ninety days from the date of origination and are free from contractual encumbrances. Cash and cash equivalents are subsequently measured at amortized costs. Membership in the International Monetary Fund (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;IMFâ&#x20AC;?) and other international financial institutions Based on the provision of Article 5 of the Law, the Bank acts as an intermediary of the Government of Georgia on transactions related to the membership of Georgia in international financial organizations (i.e. the IMF, World Bank), including payment of membership fees to such organizations. Loans and receivables In the normal course of business, the Bank maintains loans and deposits for various periods of time with financial institutions. Due from financial institutions and other financial assets are considered in this category. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial instruments that are not quoted in an active market. They are not entered into with the intention of immediate or short-term resale and are not classified as trading securities or designated as available-for-sale investments. Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Amounts loans and receivables are carried net of any allowance for impairment losses. Gains and losses are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income when the loans and receivables are derecognised or impaired, as well as through the amortization process.
13
160
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Trading securities Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL) are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. The trading portfolio includes part of international reserves managed by external managers - World Bank and Bank for International Settlements (“BIS”). Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on re-measurement recognised in profit or loss presented in net unrealized gain/loss on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss line item in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Fair value is determined in the manner described in Note 27. Derivative financial instruments The Bank uses interest rate futures contracts on overseas exchanges to manage interest rate risk on its portfolio of foreign securities. An interest rate futures contract is a contract to buy or sell a specific amount of securities for a specific price on a specific future date. Interest rate futures positions are classified under IAS 39 as „at fair value through profit or loss‟. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured to their fair value at each reporting date. The positions are marked to market on balance date at the relevant bid price provided by Bloomberg and valuation gains and losses taken to net unrealized gain/loss from securities and derivatives in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Derivatives are carried as assets when their fair value is positive and as liabilities when it is negative. Investments available-for-sale Investments available for sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any of the other categories. The Bank‟s available-for-sale financial assets comprises of Georgian and foreign government, international financial institutions and agency debt securities. Investments available-for-sale are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently measured at fair value, with such re-measurement recognised directly in equity, except for impairment losses, foreign exchange gains or losses on debt financial instruments available-for-sale and interest income accrued using the effective interest method, which are recognised directly in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. When the instrument is sold,gains or losses previously recognized as part of the equity are realized, and are transferred to the profit and loss, excluding the effects of the exchange rate difference, which is recorded as stated in paragraph above. The Bank uses quoted market prices to determine fair value of the Bank‟s investments available-for-sale. The quoted market prices for international securities are provided daily by Bloomberg and are based on current bid prices. In Management‟s opinion, such prices reflect reasonably the value of investments in international securities, considering the current market information and the accounting policies established by the Bank‟s Management. If the market for investments is not active, the Bank establishes fair value by using discounted cash flow analysis and other relevant valuation techniques. Valuation techniques include using recent arm‟s length market transactions between knowledgeable, willing parties, reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same and discounted cash flow analysis, making maximum use of market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity-specific inputs.
14
161
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Investments held-to-maturity Investments held-to-maturity (HTM) are debt securities with determinable or fixed payments and fixed maturity, and that the Bank has a positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Such securities are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any allowance for impairment Any premium or discount of the instruments representative of debt classified as held-to-maturity investments is recognized with the calculation of the amortized cost by applying the effective interest rate method, recognizing the accrued interest in the “Investment held-to-maturity” caption of the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The effective interest method uses the rate inherent in a financial instrument that discounts the estimated future cash flows over the expected life of the financial instrument so as to recognize interest on a constant-yield basis. The Georgian Government bond is classified as HTM. Allowance for impairment losses on financial assets An asset is impaired if its carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. (a) Financial assets carried at amortised cost The Bank assesses whether financial assets need to be impaired at each reporting date. A financial asset is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that have occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a loss event) and that loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset, that can be estimated reliably. The factors the Bank evaluates in determining the presence of objective evidence of occurrence of an impairment loss include:
information on credit rating of the debtor or issuer; liquidity of the debtor or issuer; solvency of the debtor or issuer; business risks and financial risks; levels and tendencies of default on obligations on similar financial assets; national and local economic tendencies and conditions; and fair value of the security and guarantees.
These and other factors individually or in the aggregate represent, to a great extent, an objective evidence of recognition of the impairment loss on the financial asset or group of financial assets. If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred on financial assets measured at amortized costs, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset‟s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate of the financial asset. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognised in profit or loss. If a loan or receivable has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. 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, such as improved credit rating, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed and is recognized in profit or loss. (b) Financial assets carried at fair value The Bank assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset carried at fair value is impaired at each reporting date. In the case of investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered in determining whether the assets are impaired. If any objective evidence of impairment exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and current fair value, less any impairment loss on the financial asset previously recognised in profit or loss, is removed 15
162
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) from other comprehensive income and recognised in profit or loss. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for sale increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss. However, any subsequent recovery in the fair value of an impaired available-for-sale equity security is recognised in other comprehensive income. Financial liabilities Financial Liabilities measured at amortized costs Issued financial instruments or their components are classified as liabilities, where the substance of the contractual arrangement results in the Bank having an obligation either to deliver cash or another financial asset to the holder, or to satisfy the obligation other than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of own equity instruments. Such instruments include amounts due to the Government, amounts due to resident financial institutions, amounts due to customers, debt securities issued, liabilities to the International Monetary Fund and other financial liabilities. These are initially recognised at fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, these financial instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Money issued in circulation Money issued in circulation represents banknotes and coins issued by the Bank in accordance with the Law and its function as the central bank. Banknotes and coins in circulation are recorded in the statement of financial position at their nominal value net of cash in the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s cash offices. The expenses for the production of notes and coins are expensed as incurred. When notes are returned to the Bank by the commercial banks they are removed from money in circulation and depending on their condition or legal tender status, are either sent for destruction or held by the Bank as cash in vaults outside of the statement of financial position. Provisions (included in other liabilities) Provisions are recognised when the Bank has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made. Retirement and other employee benefit obligations (included in other liabilities) Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under shortterm cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the Bank has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee, and the obligation can be estimated reliably. Pension scheme liabilities on the statement of financial position (note 18) represent the payables under pension arrangement cancelled on 29 May 2009, according to which the Bank had been collecting contributions from its employees and paying aggregated contributions to the employees after they reached the pension age according to the pre-agreed schedule. Precious metals (included in other assets) Gold commemorative coins and gold bars are recognized and subsequently measured according to IAS 2-Inventories requirements. Gold commemorative coins and gold bars initially are measured at cost, including expenses on minting, transportation and other direct costs, subsequently measured at the lower of costs and net realizable value. When commemorative coins and bars are sold, gain or loss is recorded in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Expenses on other 16
163
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) commemorative coins and bars are recognised as current expenses when produced and reflected in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Investment property Investment properties (including property under construction for such purposes) are properties held to earn rental income and/or for capital appreciation but not for sale in normal course of business, or for the use in production or supply of goods or services or for administrative purposes. Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment property is carried at historical cost net of accumulated depreciation and recognized impairment loss. Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis over the useful life of the assets. Assets held for sale A non-current asset is classified as held for sale if it is highly probable that the assetâ&#x20AC;&#x;s carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification of an asset as held for sale. Non-current assets held for sale are measured at the lower of its carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. If the fair value less costs to sell of an asset held for sale is lower than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as loss from non-current assets held for sale. Any subsequent increase in an assetâ&#x20AC;&#x;s fair value less costs to sell is recognized in total comprehensive income to the extent of the cumulative impairment loss that was previously recognised in relation to that specific asset. Property and equipment Property and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss, if any. Land is not depreciated. Where an item of property and equipment comprises major components having different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property and equipment. Depreciation is charged on the historical cost of property and equipment and is designed to write off assets over their useful economic lives. Depreciation commences on the date of acquisition or, in respect of internally constructed assets, from the time an asset is completed and ready for use. Depreciation is charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis at the following annual prescribed rates: % Buildings Computers, office equipment and fixtures Vehicles and other
2 10-20 20
Expenses related to repairs and renewals are charged when incurred and included in operating expenses unless they qualify for capitalization. The carrying amounts of property and equipment are reviewed at each reporting date to assess whether they are recorded in excess of their recoverable amounts. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Where carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, assets are written down to their recoverable amount; impairment is recognised in the respective period in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. After the recognition of an impairment loss the depreciation charge for property and equipment is adjusted in future periods to allocate the assetsâ&#x20AC;&#x; revised carrying value, less its residual value (if any), on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.
17
164
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Intangible assets Intangible assets include computer software and licenses. Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the useful economic lives of five years and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. Amortization periods and methods for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at least at each financial year-end. Taxation According to the Law assets, property and income of the Bank, as well as its activities and operations are exempted from all taxes and other levies. Contingencies Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the statement of financial position but are disclosed unless the possibility of any outflow in settlement is remote. A contingent asset is not recognised in the statement of financial position but disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable. Recognition of income and expense Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Bank and the revenue can be reliably measured. Interest and similar income and expense For all financial instruments measured at amortised cost and interest bearing securities classified as trading and available for sale, interest income or expense is recorded at the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, where appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. The calculation takes into account all contractual terms of the financial instrument (for example, prepayment options) and includes any fees or incremental costs that are directly attributable to the instrument and are an integral part of the effective interest rate, but not future credit losses. The carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability is adjusted if the Bank revises its estimates of payments or receipts. The adjusted carrying amount is calculated based on the original effective interest rate and the change in carrying amount is recorded as interest income or expense. Once the recorded value of a financial asset or a group of similar financial assets has been reduced due to an impairment loss, interest income continues to be recognised using the original effective interest rate applied to the new carrying amount. Fee and commission income and expense The Bank earns fee and commission income from a diverse range of services it provides to its counterparties. Fee and commission income includes cash operations fees and fund transfer fees, which are recognizsed as revenue as the services are provided. Fee and commission expense consists of cash operation, settlement fees and fees paid to the external manager, which are recognized as expense as the services are rendered. Foreign currency translation The financial statements are presented in Georgian Lari, which is the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s functional and presentation currency. Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the nominal currency, 18
165
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) converted into the functional currency the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency rate of exchange ruling at the end of reporting date. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of foreign currency transactions are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as net gains (losses) from foreign currencies - translation differences. Differences between the contractual exchange rate of a transaction in a foreign currency and the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s exchange rate on the date of the transaction are included in net gains (losses) from dealing in foreign currencies. Rates of exchange The exchange rates used by the Bank in the preparation of the financial statements as at year-end are as follows: 31 December 2014 GEL/1 US Dollar GEL/1 Euro GEL/1 Australian Dollar GEL/1 Canadian Dollar GEL/1 Special Drawing Right
1.8636 2.2656 1.5218 1.6021 2.6992
31 December 2013 1.7363 2.3891 1.5403 1.6209 2.6739
Offset of financial assets and liabilities Financial assets and liabilities are offset and reported net in the statement of financial position when the Bank has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the Bank intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. In accounting for a transfer of a financial asset that does not qualify for de-recognition, the Bank does not offset the transferred asset and the associated liability. No offset of financial assets and liabilities have been made as of reporting period. Reclassification of financial assets If a non-derivative financial asset classified as held for trading is no longer held for the purpose of selling in the near term, it may be reclassified out of the fair value through profit or loss category in one of the following cases: ď&#x201A;ˇ
a financial asset that would have met the definition of loans and receivables above may be reclassified to loans and receivables category if the Bank has the intention and ability to hold it for the foreseeable future or until maturity;
ď&#x201A;ˇ
other financial assets may be reclassified to available-for-sale or held-to-maturity categories only in rare circumstances.
A financial asset classified as available-for-sale that would have met the definition of loans and receivables may be reclassified to loans and receivables category if the Bank has the intention and ability to hold it for the foreseeable future or until maturity. Financial assets are reclassified at their fair value on the date of reclassification. Any gain or loss already recognised in profit or loss is not reversed. The fair value of the financial asset on the date of reclassification becomes its new cost or amortised cost, as applicable. No reclassification of financial assets has been made as of reporting period. 19
166
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Areas of significant management judgment and sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the reported amount of income and expenses during the period ended. Management evaluates its estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgments in applying accounting policies is described in the Note 27 Fair values of financial instruments. Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) Summary of new and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective are provided in the below table. The Bank intends to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective. New Standards and amendments to existing standards
Effective for annual periods beginning on
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments FRS 9 Financial Instruments was issued in phases and is intended ultimately to replace International Financial Reporting Standard IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The first phase of IFRS 9 was issued in November 2009 and relates to the classification and measurement of financial assets. The second phase regarding the classification and measurement of financial liabilities was published in October 2010. The third phase of IFRS 9 was issued in November 2013 and relates to general hedge accounting. The standard was finalized and published in July 2014. The final phase relates to a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment. The Bank recognises that the new standard introduces many changes to accounting for financial instruments and is likely to have a significant impact on the financial statements. The Bank has not analysed the impact of these changes yet. The Bank does not intend to adopt this standard early. The standard will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 and will be applied retrospectively with some exemptions. IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets The amendment is applied retrospectively and clarifies in IAS 16 and IAS 38 that the asset may be revalued by reference to observable data on either the gross or the net carrying amount. In addition, the accumulated depreciation or amortisation is the difference between the gross and carrying amounts of the asset.
1 January 2018, with early application permitted. The management is assessing the potential impact on its financial statements resulting from the application of IFRS 9.
1 July 2014 and are not expected to have a material impact on the Bank
Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation The amendments clarify the principle in IAS 16 and IAS 38 that revenue reflects a pattern of economic benefits that are generated from operating a business (of which the asset is part) rather than the economic benefits that are consumed through use of the asset. As a result, a revenue-based method cannot be used to depreciate property, plant and equipment and may only be used in very limited circumstances to amortise intangible assets.
1 January 2016, with early adoption permitted
IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures The amendment is applied retrospectively and clarifies that a management entity (an entity that provides key management personnel services) is a related party subject to the related party disclosures. In addition, an entity that uses a management entity is required to disclose the expenses incurred for management services.
1 July 2014 and are not expected to have a material impact on the Bank
20
167
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Effective for annual periods beginning on
New Standards and amendments to existing standards IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement The amendment is applied prospectively and clarifies that the portfolio exception in IFRS 13 can be applied not only to financial assets and financial liabilities, but also to other contracts within the scope of IFRS 9 (or IAS 39 as applicable).
1 July 2014 and are not expected to have a material impact on the Bank
Various Improvements to IFRS are dealt with on a standard-by-standard basis. All amendments, which result in accounting changes for presentation, recognition or measurement purposes, will come into effect not earlier than 1 January 2015. The Bank has not yet analysed the likely impact of the improvements on its financial position or performance.
4.
FEE AND COMMISSION INCOME AND EXPENSE Fee and commission income and expense comprise: Year ended
Year ended
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
1,399
1,232
10
17
1,409
1,249
Fees paid to external manager
(786)
(650)
Settlement operations
(420)
(336)
(75)
(71)
(1,281)
(1,057)
Fee and commission income: Funds transfer Other Total fee and commission income Fee and commission expense:
Cash operations Total fee and commission expense
The Bank owns and manages a real-time gross settlement system, which is an interbank payment system for national currency settlement operations. Funds transfer represents the billing fees paid by the participants (except for the Ministry of Finance) for settlement transactions.
5.
OTHER INCOME Other income comprises:
Year ended 31-Dec-14
Year ended 31-Dec-13
Revenue from grant received Other
1,122 144
1,123 778
Other income
1,266
1,901
21
168
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari)
6.
OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses comprise: Year ended
Year ended
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
12,319
11,482
822
687
13,141
12,169
Expenses related to financing of legal public entities
1,071
1,092
Subscription to information services
1,036
929
Utilities
794
765
Software maintenance fees
642
619
Staff insurance
434
438
Legal and consultancy
432
446
Security
315
448
Fuel expenses
224
226
Personnel training
233
159
Business travel and related expenses
222
136
Repairs and maintenance
147
214
Communications
73
69
Advertisement expenses
32
13
Office supplies
22
22
491
770
Total general and administrative expenses
6,168
6,346
Salaries and bonuses Paid vacation and sick leave Total personnel expenses
Other
Depreciation charge (Notes 14, 16)
4,808
4,634
Amortization charge (Note 17)
1,395
1,331
Total depreciation and amortization
6,203
5,965
Expenses related to public legal entities financed by the Bank represent expenses related to the Georgian Financial Monitoring Office. However, based on amendments in relevant legislation: Law on Prevention of Illicit Income legalization, effective from 1 January 2015, the Georgian Financial Monitoring Service becomes a legal entity that will be controlled and financed by the Government of Georgia.
22
169
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 7.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash on hand in foreign currencies Current accounts
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
262,700
250,157
162,174
60,373
Time deposits with credit institutions up to 90 days
1,300,154
1,203,651
Total cash and cash equivalents
1,725,028
1,514,181
No cash and cash equivalents are impaired or past due. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, GEL 1,094,505 thousand and GEL 813,755 thousand, respectively, was placed in current accounts and time deposits up to ninety days with six internationally recognised banks and central banks from Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development member countries (OECD). As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, annual interest rate range of time deposits with financial institutions up to 90 days was 0.06%-2.6% and 0.05%-2.42%, respectively. 8.
DUE FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Due from financial institutions as at 31 December 2014 and 2013 comprise: 31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Deposits
-
58
Total due from financial institutions in foreign currency
-
58
690,000
370,200
22,500
30,000
712,500
400,200
Due from financial institutions in foreign currency:
Due from resident financial institutions Refinancing loans Overnight loan Total due from financial institutions in national currency
As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, annual interest rate on time deposits with financial institutions with maturity of more than ninety days range was nil. Refinancing loans are the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Monetary Policy instruments that are issued to Georgian commercial banks for liquidity purposes and have 7 days maturity. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, the Bank had a concentration of refinancing loans in the amount of GEL 618,271 thousand due from three resident commercial banks at annual interest rate of 4.05%-5.5%, and GEL 330,179 thousand due from two resident commercial banks at annual interest rate of 3.75%-4.75%, respectively.
23
170
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Collateral and other credit enhancements The eligible type of collateral and criteria for each type of collateral is defined by the Council of the Bank. The accepted types of collateral are a) debt securities issued by the Bank and by the Government of Georgia, denominated in Lari; b) debt securities issued by the international financial institutions, denominated in Lari; c) debt securities issued by the resident or non-resident legal entities in accordance with the “Law of Georgia on Securities Market”, denominated in Lari; d) claims to eligible loan assets of commercial banks; haircuts to each type of collateral is periodically defined by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank. In special cases defined by the Law, the Council of the Bank can grant the last resort loan without collateral. The Bank has the first lien on borrowers‟ assets according to the Organic Law of Georgia “On the National Bank of Georgia”. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013 types and fair values of financial assets collateralizing due from resident financial institutions are:
Government securities (treasury bills/notes) Debt securities issued by the Bank (certificates of deposits) Loan portfolios of commercial banks Bonds issued by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in GEL
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
508,697 144,520 101,372
247,651 159,711 27,007
25,000
-
779,589
434,369
The Bank monitors the value of collateral, requests additional collateral in accordance with the underlying agreement, and monitors the value of collateral obtained during its review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan impairment. 9.
SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS HOLDINGS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND Balances with the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) comprise: Assets: Special Drawing Rights (SDR) holdings Liabilities: IMF current accounts Current account # 1 Current account # 2 Borrowings from the IMF Under Stand-by Arrangement Facility (SBA) Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) General SDR allocation Special SDR allocation Total due to the IMF Off-balance sheet balances: IMF Quota Security held in custody in respect of IMF quota and as collateral of IMF granted facilities
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
388,675
385,345
1,031 27 1,058
936 25 961
78,822 300,841 87,768 467,431 468,489
72,805 126,414 297,976 87,025 584,220 585,181
412,463
373,445
(732,026)
(835,225)
24
171
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) SDR Holdings SDR holdings represent the current account of the Bank with the IMF used for borrowings and settlements with the IMF. SDR holdings are primarily obtained from the general and special SDR allocations provided by the IMF under its Articles of Agreement. Interest accrued in respect of SDR holdings is calculated using the rate set by the IMF weekly on the basis of short-term market rates in major money markets.The annual nominal interest rate range on the SDR allocation in 2014 and 2013 is 0.03%-0.13% and 0.06%-0.13%, respectively. IMF current accounts The Bank is required to maintain two separate accounts: IMF current account number 1 and IMF current account number 2. IMF current account number 1 is for settlement of the IMF‟s operational transactions, whereas IMF current account number 2 is used for operational expenses incurred by the IMF in Georgian Lari. IMF granted facilities Facilities received from the IMF include the PRGF loan obtained in 78,822 with original maturity of 10 years bearing initial interest of 0.5% per annum issued for the purpose of poverty reduction and macroeconomic stability. The PRGF-ECF (Extended Credit Facility) Trust borrows resources from central banks, governments, and official institutions generally at market-related interest rates, and lends them on a pass-through basis to PRGF-eligible countries. There is no such trust for other IMF granted facilities. On 10 December 2014 the IMF Executive Board extended through 31 December 2016, the interest waiver for PRGF-ECF facilities that was introduced on 7 January 2010. Projected interest charges for years 2017 and 2018 was defined at 0%. The IMF Executive Board will review the interest rates for all PRGF ECF facilities by the end of 2016 and every two years thereafter. PRGF-ECF borrowing is expected to be fully repaid by 2017. SBA facility with original maturity of five years bearing floating interest was fully repaid in 2014. All facilities received from the IMF are denominated in SDR. SDR allocations The SDR allocation is an unsecured, interest bearing distribution of SDRs by the IMF through general and special allocations. The general allocation is made by the IMF according to the Articles of Agreement to all participants in its SDR Department in proportion to countries‟ quotas in the IMF. On 10 August 2009, the Fourth Amendment to the IMF Articles of Agreement providing for a special one-time allocation of SDRs entered into force to boost global liquidity. According to the amendment dated 9 September 2009, the special allocation was made to the IMF members, which includes Georgia. Members and prescribed holders may use their SDR holdings to conduct transactions with the IMF. The Bank treats the allocation as a foreign currency liability to the IMF. Georgia, as a member country of the IMF and recipient of the allocations, is obliged to pay to the IMF an amount equal to its net cumulative allocation and any other amounts that may be due and payable because of the membership termination or liquidation of the IMF‟s SDR Department. The annual interest rate range on the SDR allocation in 2014 and 2013 is 0.03%-0.13% and 0.06%0.13%, respectively. IMF Quota The IMF Quota of Special Drawing Rights of 150,300 thousand, represents the membership subscription of Georgia with the IMF, and is non-interest bearing.
25
172
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Security held in custody in respect of the IMF Quota and as collateral of the IMF granted facilities Security held in custody comprises GEL 412,463 thousand, in respect of the IMF Quota and GEL 319,563 thousand held in custody as collateral for the IMF granted facilities. Security was issued by the Government of Georgia in 1992 in settlement of the IMF Quota. The Security used as collateral includes the total nominal value of the IMF granted facilities to Georgia: to the Bank and to the Government. Nominal value of the security is changed annually according to the revaluation and at the time of facility receipt from the IMF General Resources Account by the facility amount. As this security is held by the Bank in custody, it is accounted for as an off-balance sheet item and presented at nominal value. 10.
ASSETS RELATED TO DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Futures margin
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
2,960
600
Book
Notional
Book
Notional
Value
Principal
Value
principal
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
31-Dec-13
Interest rate futures Interest futures assets Interest futures liabilities
9 (134)
348,365 (1,531,879)
92 (23)
177,103 (612,053)
Net interest futures position
(125)
(1,183,514)
69
(434,950)
Total derivative financial assets
2,835
(1,183,514)
669
(434,950)
At their inception, derivatives often involve only a mutual exchange of promises with little or no transfer of consideration. However, these instruments frequently involve a high degree of leverage and are very volatile. A relatively small movement in the value of the asset, rate or index underlying a derivative contract may have a significant impact on the profit or loss of the Bank. The futures contracts are contractual agreements to buy or sell a specified financial instrument at a specific price and date in the future. The futures contracts are transacted in standardised amounts on regulated exchanges and are subject to daily cash margin requirements. The credit risk related to future contracts is considered minimal because the cash margin requirements of the exchange help ensure that these contracts are always honoured and are settled on a net basis. The Bank has been trading Eurodollar Futures since March 2012, as a part of Active Portfolio management. This financial instrument is listed on CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange & Chicago Board of Trade), hence it is exchange traded and standardized. Eurodollar Futures remain the most liquid and actively traded money market derivatives contracts. Each Eurodollar contract‟s underlying is 3 month Eurodollar time deposit with notional amount of USD 1 million. When trading Eurodollar futures, the Bank is facing the credit risk only of the clearing house, where purchases and sales of Eurodollar futures offset one another. The Bank is taking positions in Eurodollars for hedging purposes, by meaning of buying/selling US Treasuries or Spread Products (Agency and Supranational Securities) and entering opposite positions in corresponding amount of Eurodollar Futures, matching the risk (duration and curve). The main purpose of such strategies is to reduce portfolio‟s exposure to interest rate risks and express view on credit spreads. Eurodollar futures held in the Bank‟s portfolio are not held for trading purposes, i.e. the Bank is not going to make profits from favorable movements in their prices.
26
173
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 11.
TRADING SECURITIES Trading securities comprise: 31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Funds managed under World Bank RAMP* program Government securities US Treasury Notes
119,478
99,411
French Treasury Bills
91,329
120,574
Bundesrepublik Deutschland
31,917
39,316
Government of the Netherlands
27,284
18,313
Kingdom of Denmark
2,304
-
Kingdom of Belgium
2,277
11,943
Republic of Austria
-
17,516
274,589
307,073
European Financial Stability Facility, Luxembourg
4,563
-
European Investment Bank, Luxembourg
1,105
-
5,668
-
Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau
39,767
39,277
Svensk Exportkredit AB
15,475
16,060
Kommunalbanken AS, OSLO
8,503
1,737
Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten
8,317
3,044
Neder Waterschapsbank, Hague
8,153
Erste Abwicklungsanstalt
6,352
5,923
Caisse Des Depots et Consignations
5,611
3,458
FMS Wertmanagement
5,592
12,121
Province of Quebec Canada
5,397
-
Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden NV, Hague
4,483
-
Municipality Finance PLC
3,729
5,237
Kommuninvest I Sverige AB, Orebro
3,727
-
NRW Bank, Duesseldorf
1,871
-
Federal National Mortgage Association, Washington
1,868
-
Kommunekredit
1,864
1,738
Kommunalbanken AS
-
6,081
Province of Ontario
-
3,518
Federal Home Loan
-
3,473
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
-
3,437
Federal Home Loan Bank
-
1,739
120,709
106,843
400,966
413,916
93,105
-
494,071
413,916
Supranational securities
Agency securities
Total funds managed under World Bank RAMP program Funds managed by BIS** BISIP_K Total trading securities
27
174
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) * Funds managed under RAMP program corresponds to the outsourcing of the management of a portion of the reserves to the World Bank treasury specialized in portfolio management (external manager), with the main objective of transferring know-how and providing consulting services to the Bank. The manager receives a management fee, established in the contract, and is evaluated based on the net asset value of the transferred funds. The assets within the external manager portfolio are held on behalf of the Bank, under the responsibility of a global custodian selected for the purpose of investing in and reinvesting the trading securities. The Bank may, from time to time, by notice to the external manager, make additions to or reductions of the investment amount. ** The fund managed by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) refers to the investment placed in the Bank for International Settlements Investment Pool (BISIP K), a fund (comprising US treasury and European Agency bonds) managed for the investment of international reserves of central banks, with the main objective of transferring know-how and providing consulting services to the Bank. The quota holders of the fund may request the partial or complete withdrawal of their investments at any time. Analysis of interest rates (coupon) and maturities on trading securities:
Government securities Supranational securities Agency securities
31-Dec-14 Interest rate p.a. 0.125%-4% 0.25%-1.625% 0.05%-3.625%
Maturity 2015 - 2019 2015 - 2017 2015 - 2019
31-Dec-13 Interest rate p.a. 0.04%-4.3% 0.166%-4.1%
Maturity 2014-2018 2014-2018
No financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are past due or impaired. 12.
INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE Investments available-for-sale in foreign currency: Government securities US Treasury Notes Australia Government Bond Canada Government Bond German Government Bond France Treasury Note Sweden Government Bond Netherlands Government Bond Austria Government Bond Finland Government Bond Luxembourg Government Bond Australian Treasury Bills Supranational securities Inter-American Development Bank Asian Development Bank IBRD World Bank European Investment Bank European Stability Mechanism Nordic Investment Bank Council of Europe Development Bank European Financial Stability Facility EUROFIMA, Basel International Finance Corporation European Union
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
1,345,437 283,341 110,131 86,380 83,299 37,315 15,866 3,837 2,394 1,968,000
1,311,239 109,017 69,388 135,031 19,386 40,093 3,746 30,548 4,614 1,723,062
32,760 26,694 18,834 18,180 11,327 6,261 3,920 117,976
20,117 8,679 81,160 64,981 93,127 15,759 6,236 51,087 46,403 37,030 22,160 446,739
28
175
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Agency securities Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau, Frankfurt Kommuninvest I Sverige AB, Orebro NRW Bank, Duesseldorf Neder Waterschapsbank, Hague Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten, Den Haag â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Netherlands Province of Ontario Canada, Toronto Kommunalbanken AS, Oslo Landeskreditbank Baden-Wuerttemberg Foerderbank Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG, Vienna Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, Frankfurt Kommunekredit, Copenhagen Svensk Exportkredit AB, Stocholm Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Washington Federal National Mortgage Association, Washington Federal Home Loan, Washington Export Development Canada, Ottawa Total investments available-for-sale in foreign currency Marketable government securities in national currency Government Bonds Georgian Government Bonds Total investments available-for-sale in national currency
67,633 57,241 39,954 35,156 33,275 24,560 18,807 18,651 17,078 10,819 9,400 3,741 336,315 2,422,291
87,891 71,165 14,464 19,153 22,014 20,129 33,027 43,795 8,738 4,505 12,181 22,048 33,876 8,734 8,697 8,623 419,040 2,588,841
80,776 80,776
42,735 42,735
Analysis of interest rates (coupon) and maturities on investment available-for-sale: 31-Dec-14 Interest rate In foreign currency: Government Bonds
p.a.
Maturity
p.a.
0.25%-6.25%
2015 - 2019
0.125%-6.25%
Supranational Bonds Agency Bonds
31-Dec-13 Interest rate
Maturity 2014 - 2016
0.5%-6.0%
2015 - 2018
0.375%-6.0%
2015 - 2016
0.375%-6.0%
2015 - 2016
0.25%-6.0%
2014 - 2018
7.3%-8.5%
2015-2019
8.5%
2015-2018
In national currency: Government Bonds
No financial assets at available for sale are past due or impaired.
13.
INVESTMENTS HELD-TO-MATURITY 31-Dec-14 Carrying value
31-Dec-13
Nominal value
Carrying value
Nominal value
Georgian Government securities Georgia Government Bonds
442,094
440,846
482,207
480,846
Total investments held-to-maturity in national currency
442,094
440,846
482,207
480,846
29
176
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Analysis of interest rate (coupon) and maturity of the held to maturity investment: 31-Dec-14
Georgian Government Bonds
Interest rate p.a. 6.0%
31-Dec-13
Maturity
Interest rate p.a.
Maturity
2015-2025
6.0%
2014-2025
Georgian Government Bonds in national currency represent interest bearing securities issued by the Ministry of Finance of Georgia according to the agreement formed between the Government of Georgia and the Bank in March 2006 to convert borrowings of the Government of Georgia into debt securities. The Government Bonds are repaid by issuance of new bond instrument in the amount of GEL 40,000 thousand annually, that are classified as available-for-sale financial instruments (note 12). Interest rate of the bond is subject to annual repricing considering market rates. No financial assets at held-to-maturity are past due or impaired.
14.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY Cost As at 1 January Transferred from assets held for sale Transferred to assets held for sale As at 31 December Accumulated depreciation As at 1 January Depreciation charge As at 31 December Net book value
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
2,618 (401) 2,217
2,618 2,618
(44) (44)
-
2,173
2,618
Investment property includes a building used by the Government Agency under the usufruct agreement and with currently undetermined use. The building is held for capital appreciation purposes. Investment property was transferred from assets classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2013 as it was not expected to realise within twelve month after year then ended. During 2014, land of GEL 401 thousand was transferred from investment property to assets held for sale (note 15). 15.
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Beginning balance Reclassification as property and equipment Reclassification as investment property Effect of valuation Transfer from property and equipment Transfer from investment property
14 401
2,818 (209) (2,618) 9 -
Ending balance
415
-
30
177
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 16.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Computers, office equipment and fixtures
Land and buildings
Vehicles and other
Total
At initial cost: 1-Jan-13
71,058
6,554
13,985
91,597
Additions
174
141
2,210
2,525
Disposals
(15,383)
(1,563)
(4,644)
(21,590)
Transfers
(4,305)
353
3,952
-
209
-
-
209
51,753
5,485
15,503
72,741
Additions
2
2,021
13
2,036
Disposals
-
(283)
(318)
(601)
Transfers to assets held for sale (Note 15)
-
-
(14)
(14)
51,755
7,223
15,184
74,162
1-Jan-13
(3,926)
(3,145)
(9,754)
(16,825)
Depreciation charge
(1,330)
(883)
(2,421)
(4,634)
4,170
1,379
4,503
10,052
31-Dec-13
(1,086)
(2,649)
(7,672)
(11,407)
Depreciation charge
(1,032)
(1,123)
(2,609)
(4,764)
-
273
283
556
(2,118)
(3,499)
(9,998)
(15,615)
As at 31 December 2014
49,637
3,724
5,186
58,547
As at 31 December 2013
50,667
2,836
7,831
61,334
Transfers from assets held for sale (Note 15) 31-Dec-13
31-Dec-14 Accumulated depreciation:
Disposals
Disposals 31-Dec-14 Net book value:
31
178
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 17.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS At cost: 1-Jan-13 Additions Disposals 31-Dec-13 Additions 31-Dec-14 Accumulated amortization: 1-Jan-13
6,920 313 (385) 6,848 74 6,922
Licenses
Total 32 33 65 195 260
6,952 346 (385) 6,913 269 7,182
(2,318)
(9)
(2,327)
(1,320) 385 (3,253) (1,359) (4,612)
(11) (20) (36) (56)
(1,331) 385 (3,273) (1,395) (4,668)
31-Dec-14
2,310
204
2,514
31-Dec-13
3,595
45
3,640
Charge for the year Eliminated on disposals 31-Dec-13 Charge for the year 31-Dec-14 Net book value
18.
Software
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Prepayments Other debtors
4
762 4
Total other assets in foreign currency
4
766
3,117 1,009 422 92 125
3,836 1,341 410 840 940
4,765
7,367
Other assets in foreign currency:
Other assets in national currency: Commemorative gold coins and gold bars Loans to employees Inventory Prepayments Other debtors Allowance for impairment of other assets
(663)
(637)
Total other assets in national currency
4,102
6,730
As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, other financial assets amount to GEL 471 thousand and GEL 2,410 thousand, respectively.
32
179
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari)
The movements in allowance for impairment losses on other assets were as follows: Allowance for impairment of other assets 1-Jan-13
(1,148)
Net impairment charge
275
Write-offs
236
31-Dec-13
(637)
Net impairment charge
(74)
Write-offs
48
31-Dec-14
(663)
Allowance for impairment losses on other assets represents allowance for impairment of loans to employees. Employees of the Bank have the right to take a loan from the Bank during the time period of his/her employment with the Bank. When an employee leaves the Bank, a 100% allowance is made for the outstanding loan. Write-off is conducted according to the decision made by the management of the Bank. Other liabilities comprise: Other liabilities in foreign currency: Amounts due to suppliers Total other liabilities in foreign currency Other liabilities in national currency: Amount due to suppliers Deferred revenue Liability for realized banknotes and coins Pension scheme liabilities Other liabilities Total other liabilities in national currency Total other liabilities
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
617 617
797 797
5,779 1,719 1,439 304 321 9,562
5,906 2,841 1,398 411 234 10,790
10,179
11,587
As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, other financial liabilities amount to GEL 8,402 thousand and GEL 8,746 thousand, respectively. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013 the Bank does not have any active pension arrangements and no significant post-retirement benefits. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013 the Bank has pension scheme liabilities in the amount of GEL 304 thousand and GEL 411 thousand, respectively, that represent the payables under pension arrangement cancelled on 29 May 2009, according to which the Bank had been collecting contributions from its employees and paying aggregated contributions to the employees after they reached the pension age according to the pre-agreed schedule.
33
180
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 19.
DUE TO RESIDENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Due to resident financial institutions comprise: 31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Correspondent accounts in national currency Overnight deposits in national currency Obligatory reserves of banks in foreign currency
480,334 231,923 1,154,372
213,463 289,499 992,621
Total due to resident financial institutions under monetary policy instruments
1,866,629
1,495,583
Correspondent accounts in foreign currency
172,276
141,947
Total due to resident financial institutions, other
172,276
141,947
Due to resident financial institutions under monetary policy instruments
Due to resident financial institutions, other
As at 31 December 2014 and 2013 included in due to resident financial institutions is a balance with three largest local commercial banks in the amount of GEL 1,275,989 thousand and GEL 1,024,538 thousand, respectively, that exceed 62.57% of the total balance of due to resident financial institutions. Resident commercial banks are required to maintain obligatory reserves with the Bank. As at 31 December 2014 the obligatory reserves are calculated as 10% of their eligible liabilities denominated in national currencies, and 15% of their eligible liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. For foreign currency liabilities with a remaining maturity of 1-2 years the reserve requirement amounts to 5%. As at 31 December 2014 and 2013 annual interest rate on GEL denominated obligatory reserves is 4.00% and 3.75%, respectively, and USD and EUR denominated obligatory reserves is nil. Borrowings with a remaining maturity of over one year in the national currency, and over two years in a foreign currency, are exempt from reserve requirements.
20.
DUE TO THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE 31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Current accounts in foreign currency
187,948
146,834
Current account in national currency
407,787
341,443
-
58
595,735
488,335
Due to the Ministry of Finance
Restricted deposits to cover letters of credit Total due to the Ministry of Finance
34
181
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 21.
MONEY ISSUED IN CIRCULATION Money issued in circulation represents the amount of national currency of Georgia issued by the Bank. Movements during the year ended 31 December 2014 and 2013 are as follows: 31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
Balance as at 1 January
2,351,552
1,918,059
Banknotes issued into circulation
4,325,732
4,033,807
Coins issued into circulation
72,855
77,483
Less: Cash on hand in national currency
(1,480)
(936)
(4,220,498)
(3,607,619)
(66,050)
(69,242)
2,462,111
2,351,552
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
1,046
1,135
Banknotes withdrawn from circulation Coins withdrawn from circulation Balance as at 31 December
22.
DUE TO CUSTOMERS Due to customers comprise:
International financial institutions
23.
DEBT SECURITIES ISSUED Interest rate p.a.
24.
Maturity
Nominal value
Carrying value
Certificates of deposit as at 31-Dec-14
4.12%-4.94%
8 Jan-25 June 2015
505,000
500,688
Certificates of deposit as at 31-Dec-13
3.84%-4.71%
9 Jan - 26 June 2014
690,000
684,635
EQUITY As stated in the Law, the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s capital is comprised of its subscribed and fully paid-up capital and reserve fund. Authorised capital The authorised and fully paid-up capital of the Bank is GEL 15,000 thousand as at 31 December 2014 and 2013.
35
182
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Capital management The Bank defines capital as its total equity measured in accordance with IFRS. According to the Article 24 of the Organic Law of Georgia “On the National Bank of Georgia” (the “Law”) dated 1 December 2009 (N2186) the net profit of the Bank for each financial year is calculated as the sum of unrealised net gains or losses resulting from net operational profit or loss and revaluation. Net operational profit or loss shall be received after deducting from revenues of the reporting year all operating expenditures intended for the main activity. Retained earnings are transferred to different reserves based on the requirements of the Law and after approval of the Council. After approval of the annual report of the Bank by the Council the remaining part of the retained earnings is transferred to the State budget within six months. Reserve fund According to the amended Article 25 of the Law the reserve fund should make up 15% of the reserve money, which comprises the national currency in cash put into circulation by the Bank together with the correspondent accounts of commercial banks in national currency, and are established by allocations from the realised profit for the year, which comprises net profit for the year excluding net foreign currency translation gain. The Council is entitled to determine the establishment of the reserve fund of less than 15% of the reserve money. The reserve fund may only be used to offset losses of the Bank. With the specific objective of maintaining stability of the financial system, as well as fostering sustainable economic growth in the country, the Council is entitled to take decision on the distribution of the reserve fund. Upon establishment of the reserve fund, the residual balance of realised profit of the Bank shall be transferred to the State Budget of Georgia. These reserves are non-distributable. In 2014 Bank transferred GEL 10,373 thosand to reserve found (2013 Nil) Foreign currency and other revaluation reserves According to the Article 25(a) of the Law, the Bank transfers net unrealized gains from foreign currency revaluation to the foreign currency revaluation reserve and net unrealized gains arising from changes of the FVTPL financial assets‟ market prices to the other revaluation reserve. During 2014 the entire amount of unrealized gain on foreign currencies translation of GEL 103,894 thousand was transferred to the foreign currency revaluation reserve since the Bank had a net profit on operations other than foreign currency translation in addition in 2014 Bank transferred GEL 379 thosand other revaluation reserve (2013 nil) . During 2013 out of total unrealized gain on foreign currencies translation of GEL 147,471 thousand the amount of GEL 121,399 thousand was transferred to the reserve and GEL 26,072 thousand was retained to compensate a net loss on operations other than foreign currency translation. These reserved may only be used to offset future respective losses. Revaluation reserve for investments available-for-sale This reserve records fair value changes of investments available-for-sale. 25.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In the normal course of operations, the Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet commitments. The Bank uses the same risk management policies in undertaking off-balance sheet commitments as it does for on-balance operations. Capital commitments As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, the Bank‟s has no material capital commitments.
36
183
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Operating environment As an emerging market, Georgia does not possess a well-developed infrastructure that would generally exist in a more mature market economy. Therefore, especially sharp changes of operating environment (including global environment) could affect the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s results and financial position in a manner not currently determinable. Over the last few years the Government of Georgia and the Bank have made a number of developments that positively affect the overall investment climate in Georgia, specifically implementing the reforms necessary for creating efficient banking, judicial, taxation and regulatory systems, as well as, using various measures to fulfill the liquidity needs of the economy and to stabilize the exchange rate of the national currency. This has resulted in a stable macroeconomic environment with higher real growth rates and inflow of foreign investments. The existing tendency aimed at the overall improvement of the economy is expected to persist. However, future development of economy of Georgia is largely dependent upon these reforms and developments, and the effectiveness of economic, financial and monetary measures undertaken by the Government and the Bank. Management believes that all the necessary measures are implemented to support the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s role in maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability. Operating lease commitments No material lease commitments were outstanding as at 31 December 2014 and 2013. Legal proceedings The Bank is subject to legal actions and complaints. Management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, arising from such actions or complaints will not have a material effect on the financial position or the results of operations of the Bank. Management is of the opinion that no material unaccrued losses will be incurred and accordingly no provision has been made in these financial statements. Credit commitments and contingent liabilities As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, the Bank has no material credit commitments and contingent liabilities. Insurance The insurance industry in Georgia is in a developing state and many forms of insurance protection common in other parts of the world are not yet generally available. The Bank does not have full coverage for its operations interruption or third-party liability in respect of environmental damage arising from accidents on its operations or arising from errors or omissions. Until the Bank obtains adequate insurance coverage, there is a risk that the loss or destruction of certain assets could have adverse effect on operations and financial position. 26.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Bank, as a state entity, is related to the Government of Georgia entities. To achieve its policy objectives, the Bank maintains a position of structural and functional independence from the Government of Georgia through its ability to fund its own operations without external assistance and through its management and governance. Under key management personnel are regarded those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Bank, directly or indirectly. Key management personnel comprise the Board members, Chief Executive Officer and head of departments.
37
184
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) In the normal course of its operations, the Bank enters into transactions with related parties, and material transactions and balances are presented in these financial statements, based on substance of the relationship, and not merely the legal form. The Bank had the following transactions outstanding with related parties:
Note Assets: Investments available-forsale in national currency - Government of Georgia Investments held-tomaturity in national currency - Government of Georgia Loans to employees - Key management personnel Liabilities: Due to the Ministry of Finance - Government of Georgia
Key management personnel compensation: - short-term employee benefits
31-Dec-14 Total category as per the financial statements caption
Related party balances 80,776
12
80,776
80,776
Related party balances
31-Dec-13 Total category as per the financial statements caption
42,735
42,735
42,735
442,094
442,094
482,207
482,207
13
442,094 214
1,009
482,207 256
1,341
18
214
256
595,735 20
595,735
595,735
Year ended 31 December 2014 Total category as per the financial Related party statements transactions caption (2,508)
(13,141)
Year ended 31-Dec-14
Related party transactions
488,335
488,335
488,335
Year ended 31 December 2013 Total category as per the financial Related party statements transactions caption (2,318)
(12,169)
Year ended 31-Dec-13
Total category as per the financial statements caption
Related party transactions
Total category as per the financial statements caption
Interest income
32,672
68,913
32,270
64,549
- Government of Georgia
32,650
68,913
32,246
64,549
- Key management personnel
22
Losses on disposal of property and equipment
-
- Government of Georgia General and administrative expenses - Other related parties
24 (44)
(1,071) (1,071)
(10,923)
(11,199)
(10,923) (6,168)
(1,092)
(6,346)
(1,092)
38
185
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 27.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IFRS defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in orderly transactions between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value of the Bank’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis Some of the Bank‟s financial instruments are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The following table gives information about how the fair values of these financial assets are determined (in particular, the valuation techniques and inputs used). Financial instruments measured at fair value are broken down for disclosure purposes into a three level fair value hierarchy based on the observability of inputs:
Quoted prices in an active market (Level 1) – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets that the Bank has the ability to access for identical assets or liabilities. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to these financial instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuations of these products do not require a significant amount of judgment. This level entails financial instruments under international reserve portfolio and classified as derivative financial instruments, trading securities and investments available-for-sale. The instruments are valued on daily bases, based on the bid prices obtained from the Bloomberg at the closing of the markets of the current day.
Valuation techniques using observable inputs (Level 2) – Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include the following: a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, for example: interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals; implied volatilities; and credit spreads; d) market-corroborated inputs Georgian Government securities, classified as investments available-for-sale, are measured using observable inputs under Level 2, in particular market yields on similar securities issued by Georgian Government. For fair value assessment, a discount cash flow model is used based on a current interest rate yield curve appropriate for the remaining term to maturity.
Valuation techniques incorporating information other than observable market data (Level 3) – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Bank does not have any financial instruments valued based on unobservable inputs.
The Bank considers that the accounting estimate related to valuation of financial instruments where quoted markets prices or other observable inputs are not available is a key source of estimation uncertainty because: (i) it is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires management to make assumptions about interest rates, volatility, exchange rates, the credit rating of the counterparty, valuation adjustments and specific feature of the transactions and (ii) the impact that recognizing a change in the valuations would have on the assets reported in the statement of financial position as well as its profit or loss could be material.
39
186
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) The table below analyses financial instruments measured at fair value at 31 December 2014 and 2013, by the level in the fair value hierarchy into which the fair value measurement is categorised. The amounts are based on the values recognised in the statement of financial position: Fair value hierarchy
Fair value as at Financial Assets International reserves Derivative financial assets
Valuation techniques and key inputs
Significant unobserva ble inputs
Notes
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-13
10
2,835
669
Level 1
Quoted bid prices in an active market
N/A
Trading securities
11
494,071
413,916
Level 1
Quoted bid prices in an active market
N/A
Investments available-forsale
12
2,422,291
2,588,841
Level 1
Quoted bid prices in an active market
N/A
12
80,776
42,735
Level 2
Market interest rate for similar instruments
N/A
Monetary policy instruments Investments available-for– sale
There were no transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 during the year ended 31 December 2014 and 2013. Gains and losses included in other comprehensive income relate to investments available for sale and are reported as changes in revaluation reserve of investments available for sale. Net unrealized gain/(loss) from securities and derivatives included in profit or loss relates to derivative financial assets and trading securities as changes in fair value during the year ended 31 December 2014. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring bases (but fair value disclosures are required) For fixed interest bearing financial assets and liabilities that have a short term maturity, it is assumed that the carrying amounts approximates to their fair value. This assumption is also applied to demand deposits and savings accounts without a maturity. For variable interest bearing financial assets (Georgian Government bond classified as held-tomaturity) and liabilities (borrowings from the IMF), it is assumed that the carrying amounts approximate to their fair value. Moreover, management of the Bank believes that due to their specific nature, borrowings from the IMF represent a separate segment of borrowings from international financial organisations to support developing countries. As a result, these borrowings were considered received in an “arm‟s length” transaction. 28.
RISK MANAGEMENT Introduction The activities of the Bank are exposed to various risks. These include financial risks in the form of market, credit, and liquidity risks. It is also exposed to operational risks. Due to its unique role and functions, the Bank‟s risk management and control are not based simply on institutional risk and return considerations, but also take into account national interest, in line with its statutory responsibilities prescribed in relevant legislation. The Bank views risk management and control as an integral part and an essential element of good corporate governance.
40
187
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) The Council of the Bank is ultimately responsible for the oversight of the risk management framework, overseeing the management of key risks and reviewing its risk management policies and procedures; however, there are separate business units responsible for managing and monitoring the various risks. First line of defense: Departmental management Risk management and internal control are an integral part of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s management and accountability function. Depending on the structure of operations, the risk management in the Bank is conducted by centralised and non-centralised method. Financial risk management is conducted centrally whereas operational risk management is managed on departmental level. Departmental management carries the primary responsibility for the ongoing identification, assessment and management of risks in their respective departments, including designing, implementing and maintaining an adequate and effective system of control. Second line of defense: Integrated risk management functions The National Bank of Georgia identified risk management activities as a strategic priority and the Centralized risk management department has been established subsequently (November 2014). The department is accountable to the Governor. However, the day-to-day risk management (financial, nonfinancial) still resides at department level, but overall responsibility of coordinated, comprehensive and systematic management is provided by the Centralized Risk management department. The department ensures that risks are identified, assessed and mitigated within the framework that is consistent to standards and approaches of best international risk management activities. Third line of defense: Internal Audit Risk management processes throughout the Bank are audited regularly by Internal Audit that examines both the adequacy of the procedures and the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s compliance with the procedures. Internal Audit discusses the results of all assessments with management, and reports its findings and recommendations to the Chairman of the Council. Organization of risk management department Nature of risk
Management
Financial risks
At department level
Non-financial risk
At department level
Guidelines policies issued by Monetary policy committee International reserve management committee Responsible Committees
Supervision Centralized risk management department Centralized risk management department
Financial risks The Bank uses financial instruments as a means of achieving its monetary policy objectives and also for managing international reserves. These two portfolios have different risk policies and characteristics, both of them are managed by the financial market department. The description of financial risks below presents the main risks to which these two portfolios of financial instruments are exposed, as well as the management policy of these risks.
42
188
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) The table below shows the maximum exposure to credit risk for the components of the statement of financial position.
Foreign currency assets International Reserves Cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash on hand)
Notes
Maximum exposure 31-Dec-14
Maximum exposure 31-Dec-13
7
1,462,328
1,264,024
Special Drawing Rights holdings with the International Monetary Fund
9
388,675
385,345
Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Investments available-for-sale
10 11 12
2,835 494,071 2,422,291
669 413,916 2,588,841
Other foreign currency assets Due from financial institutions Other financial assets
8 18
4
58 766
National currency assets Monetary policy instruments Due from financial institutions Investments available-for-sale
8 12
712,500 80,776
400,200 42,735
Other national currency assets Investments held-to-maturity Other financial assets
13 18
442,094 467
482,207 1,644
6,006,041
5,580,405
Total credit risk exposure
International reserve portfolio According to the Organic Law of Georgia on the National Bank of Georgia, the Bank is eligible to hold and manage international reserve portfolio. The Bank maintains a portfolio to support its monetary and exchange policies and normal functioning of domestic and foreign payments. Reserves are also employed to protect the country from external vulnerability by maintaining sufficient liquidity to absorb shocks during a financial crisis. Therefore, the multiple objectives of holding international reserves feature safety, liquidity, and profitability. Hence, assets under international reserve portfolio are invested on conservative bases to facilitate these objectives, with an emphasis on liquidity and capital preservation. For instance the Bank‟s Investment Guidelines prioritizes the preservation of capital and high level of liquidity of reserves. Once these conditions are met, return is to be maximized. The portfolio is managed in line with investment guidelines (SAA strategic asset allocation) approved by the council. The Reserve Management Committee (the “Committee”) of the Bank is responsible for monitoring and implementation of risk mitigation measures prescribed in SAA and making sure that the Bank operates within the established risk parameters. Typical activities of the Committee are reviewing the monthly reports, approving the list of eligible counterparties, approving changes to the strategy before submitting them to the Council and occasionally making important tactical decisions on asset allocation. The Risk Management and Control Division (the “Division”) of the Bank is responsible for the overall day to day risk management and compliance functions, ensuring the implementation of common principles and methods for identifying, measuring, managing and reporting risks.
42
189
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Internal Reserve Portfolio is divided into three major tranches based on their objectives:
Working Capital Tranche - to meet short term cash needs for payments, short-term obligations and possible FX interventions; Liquidity Tranche - to provide a buffer in case of significant increase of liquidity needs due to external shocks or depletion of working capital trance; Investment Tranche - to maximize return over longer investment horizon while limiting the level of market risk;
Monetary policy portfolio The monetary policy is executed mainly through financial instruments such as Georgian government securities, loans to commercial banks, deposit of certificates and minimum reserve requirements for commercial banks. The monetary policy committee is responsible for monitoring and implementation of risk mitigation tools, such as collateral requirements for refinancing loans. Credit risk Credit risk is the risk that one party will incur a loss because the other party failed to comply with its financial obligations. a) Financial instruments under international reserves portfolio In order to control the credit risk of the financial instruments used in the international reserves operations, the SAA limits the exposures to credit risk of countries, counterparties and issuers, by setting concentration limits and minimum long-term credit rating, established by the international rating agencies (Standard & Poor‟s, Moody‟s and Fitch). For instance, investment guidelines clearly define the minimum level of the credit rating for investing in any Debt Instruments (Bonds, Bills) as AA- rating. While for bank deposits and other financial instruments the minimum acceptable level of credit rating is A-. Additionally, SAA limits the duration and instrument composition, mostly limited to various money market instruments, as well as fixed income and floating rate securities (Government Bonds, Agency and Supranational Securities) and other highly liquid, highly secure instrument types. While selecting the Bank‟s counterparties, the counterparty‟s credit rating, the country of its residence, the volume of its assets and capital, the experience of working in international markets and with corporate clients and the spectrum of the services and instruments offered to its clients are taken into consideration. In case of downgrade of the long-term credit rating of the Bank‟s counterparty by the above-mentioned rating agencies, the counterparty will be withdrawn from the list of eligible counterparties.
43
190
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) The table below provides information credit ratings of financial instruments within international reserve portfolio. When different credit ratings are designated by the rating agencies (Standard & Poorâ&#x20AC;&#x;s, Moodyâ&#x20AC;&#x;s and Fitch) for the assets, the lowest one is used for credit risk assessment: As at 31 December 2014 Foreign currency assets International reserves Cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash on hand) Special Drawing Rights holdings with the International Monetary Fund Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Investments availablefor-sale Total international reserves As at 31 December 2013 Foreign currency assets International reserves Cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash on hand) Special Drawing Rights holdings with the International Monetary Fund Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Investments availablefor -sale Total international reserves
Notes
AAA
AA+
7
202,539
172,720
106,809
532,196
236,919
208,741
1,079
9
388,675
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
388,675
10
-
-
-
-
-
2,835
-
-
2,835
11
189,759
186,912
101,503
10,500
5,397
-
-
-
494,071
12
802,452 1,472,026
83,299
64,514
-
-
-
- 2,422,291
1,583,425 1,831,658
291,611
607,210
242,316
211,576
1,079
1,325 4,770,200
AA
AA-
A+
Notes
AA
AA-
A+
A
A-
A
BBB
A-
Total
1,325 1,462,328
AAA
AA+
BBB
Total
7
302,677
151,903
4,956
173,696
199,590
251,853
179,349
9
385,345
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
385,345
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
669
-
669
11
107,243
157,819
135,975
12,879
-
-
-
-
413,916
12
728,341 1,526,157
186,118
148,225
-
-
-
- 2,588,841
1,523,606 1,835,879
327,049
334,800
199,590
251,853
180,018
- 4,652,795
- 1,264,024
44
191
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) b) Financial instruments under monetary policy portfolio Credit risk is associated to open-market operations and facilities that inject liquidity to the financial system. The Banksâ&#x20AC;&#x;s securities portfolio is comprised exclusively of securities issued by the Government of Georgia, considered as assets with low credit risk. To mitigate the risk associated to loans to banking institutions, the Bank requires collaterals eligible according to their credit quality, which are valued at market prices at the time of their receipt and subject to the application of discounts or haircuts according to the instrument specific characteristics. The table below shows the credit quality by class of assets under monetary policy portfolio and other financial assets, based on the banks internal credit rating system: As at 31 December 2014
Foreign currency assets Other financial assets
Notes
Neither past due nor impaired AAA grade AA grade
B grade
Total
18
-
-
4
4
National currency assets Monetary policy instruments Due from financial institutions Investments available-for-sale
8 12
712,500 -
80,776
-
712,500 80,776
Other national currency assets Investments held-to-maturity Other financial assets
13 18
-
442,094 -
467
442,094 467
712,500
522,870
471
1,235,841
Total
As at 31 December 2013
Foreign currency assets Due from financial institutions Other financial assets National currency assets Monetary policy instruments Due from financial institutions Investments available-for-sale Other national currency assets Investments held-to-maturity Other financial assets Total
Notes
Neither past due nor impaired AAA grade AA grade
B grade
Total
8 18
58 -
-
766
58 766
8 12
400,200 -
42,735
-
400,200 42,735
13 18
-
482,207 -
1,644
482,207 1,644
400,258
524,942
2,410
927,610
45
192
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) The Bank classifies its financial assets other than international reserves as follows: AAA grade – borrowers with excellent financial performance, having no changes in the terms and conditions of loan agreements and no overdue in principal and interest. AA grade –borrowers with stable financial performance, having no changes in the terms and conditions of loan agreements and no overdue in principal and interest. A grade –borrowers with satisfactory financial performance, having changes in the terms and conditions of loan agreements and no overdue in principal and interest. B grade – loans issued to borrowers with satisfactory financial performance, having changes in the terms and conditions of loan agreements and overdue in principal and interest. It is the Bank‟s policy to maintain accurate and consistent risk ratings across the credit portfolio. The attributed risk ratings are assessed and updated regularly. Excessive risk concentration Concentrations arise when a number of counterparties are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geographic region, or have similar economic features that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic, political or other conditions. Concentrations indicate the relative sensitivity of the Bank‟s performance to developments affecting a particular industry or geographical location. In order to avoid excessive concentrations of risks, the Bank‟s policies and procedures include specific guidelines to focus on maintaining a diversified portfolio. The concentration risks by counterparties and asset quality are disclosed in relevant notes.
46
193
194
Financial Statements 1,755,701
-
9
Liabilities: Due to the International Monetary Fund
Net position
153,034 669 101,151 1,500,847 1,755,701
US
7 9 10 11 12
Notes
Assets: International reserves Cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash on hand) Special Drawing Rights holdings with the IMF Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Investments available-for-sale
As at 31 December 2013
1,712,011
1,595,280
-
516,888 305,810 772,582 1,595,280
EU
1,542,672
-
-
9
Liabilities: Due to the International Monetary Fund
Net position
722,447 273,118 547,107 1,542,672
EU
190,799 2,835 121,346 1,397,031 1,712,011
US
7 9 10 11 12
Notes
Assets: International reserves Cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash on hand) Special Drawing Rights holdings with the IMF Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Investments available-for-sale
As at 31 December 2014
174,430
-
60,793 113,637 174,430
Australia
495,690
-
212,349 283,341 495,690
Australia
227,774
-
195,504 3,518 28,752 227,774
Canada
461,259
-
321,171 5,397 134,691 461,259
Canada
34,913
585,181
61,726 385,345 173,023 620,094
International
75,118
468,489
601 388,675 94,210 60,121 543,607
International
279,516
-
276,079 3,437 279,516
Other
14,961
-
14,961 14,961
Other
47
4,067,614
585,181
1,264,024 385,345 669 413,916 2,588,841 4,652,795
Total
4,301,711
468,489
1,462,328 388,675 2,835 494,071 2,422,291 4,770,200
Total
The Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s financial assets and liabilities are concentrated in Georgia except of international reserve portfolio and borrowings from the IMF. The below table provides information on geographical concentration for these financial assets and liabilities outside of Georgia:
Geographical concentration
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari)
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that arises from a possible difficulty in trading securities in a secondary market, due to the fact that it cannot absorb the volume that is desired to be traded without there being a significant change in price. a) Financial instruments under international reserve portfolio The purpose of the management of the liquidity risk is to ensure that the Bank fulfills all the financial commitments that it has assumed. Accordingly, there is a policy for diversification of maturities and also the establishment of limits aiming at ensuring that the securities purchased may be traded in the secondary market without causing abrupt changes in the prices of the assets. Due to these guidelines, even securities with longer maturities have immediate liquidity. The Bank‟s Monetary Policy and International Reserves Management Committees set limits on the minimum proportion of maturing funds available to cover cash outflows. The liquidity management policy of the Bank requires:
Projecting cash flows by major currencies and considering the level of liquid assets necessary in relation thereto; Maintaining a diverse range of funding sources; Managing the concentration and profile of debts; Maintaining a portfolio of highly marketable assets that can easily be liquidated as protection against any interruption to cash flow; and Maintaining liquidity and funding contingency plans.
The Financial Markets Department receives information from business units regarding the liquidity profile of their financial assets and liabilities and details of other projected cash flows arising from projected future operations. The Bank‟s liquidity risk relates to foreign currency cash flows. The table below summarizes the maturity profile of the Bank‟s financial liabilities in foreign currency as at 31 December 2014 and 2013 based on contractual undiscounted repayment obligations. The financial assets in foreign currencies are presented in “less than 3 months” category on the basis that the Bank can realize them within the period not exceeding 3 months to meet the liquidity requirements: As at 31 December 2014 Foreign currency assets International Reserves Cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash on hand) Special Drawing Rights holdings with the International Monetary Fund Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Investments available-for-sale
Notes
Less than 3 months
3 to 12 months
1 to 5 years
Total
7
1,462,328
-
-
1,462,328
9
388,675
-
-
388,675
10
2,835
-
-
2,835
11
494,071
-
-
494,071
12
2,422,291
-
-
2,422,291
18
4
-
-
4
4,770,204
-
-
4,770,204
Other foreign currency assets Other financial assets Total foreign currency assets Foreign currency liabilities Due to resident financial institutions
19
1,326,648
-
-
1,326,648
Due to the Ministry of Finance Due to the International Monetary Fund Other liabilities
20
187,948
-
-
187,948
9
404,784
26,452
37,789
469,025
18
617
-
-
617
Total foreign currency liabilities
1,919,997
26,452
37,789
1,984,238
Net position
2,850,207
(26,452)
(37,789)
2,785,966
48
195
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari)
As at 31 December 2013 Foreign currency assets International Reserves Cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash on hand) Special Drawing Rights holdings with the International Monetary Fund Assets related to derivative instruments Trading securities Investments available-for-sale
Notes
Less than 3 months
3 to 12 months
1 to 5 years
Total
7
1,264,024
-
-
1,264,024
9
385,345
-
-
385,345
10
669
-
-
669
11
413,916
-
-
413,916
12
2,588,841
-
-
2,588,841
Other foreign currency assets Due from financial institutions
8
58
-
-
58
Other financial assets
18
766
-
-
766
4,653,619
-
-
4,653,619
Total foreign currency assets Foreign currency liabilities Due to resident financial institutions
19
1,134,568
-
-
1,134,568
Due to the Ministry of Finance Due to the International Monetary Fund Due to customers
20
146,892
-
-
146,892
9
453,764
54,694
78,689
587,147
22
1
-
-
1
Other liabilities
18
797
-
-
797
Total foreign currency liabilities
1,736,022
54,694
78,689
1,869,405
Net Position
2,917,597
(54,694)
(78,689)
2,784,214
b) Financial instruments under monetary policy portfolio Considering the characteristics of a monetary authority, which include controlling the liquidity of the financial system, the Bank is not subject to the limitations resulting from a mismatch between assets and liabilities in local currency. Market risk Market risk is the risk that the value of financial instruments will fluctuate due to changes in market variables such as interest rates and foreign exchanges rates. Market risks comprise currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. Market risk arises from open positions in interest rate, currency and equity financial instruments, which are exposed to general and specific market movements and changes in the level of volatility of market prices. a) Financial instruments under international reserve portfolio Market risk implies possible losses due to variations in the price of investments. The SAA process limits the market risk based on the risk tolerance of the Bank. Strategic benchmarks are defined for individual portfolios to maximize returns, after assessing various interest rate scenarios, while staying within the market risk limit. Currency exposures are defined based on the analysis of the foreign debt and diversification effects are also considered to decrease overall currency risk (refer to note about currency risk). All portfolios except Working Capital are actively managed vs. strategic benchmarks. Active market risk vs. benchmarks is defined during risk budgeting process and active market risk limits are established for each portfolio through limiting ex-ante tracking error and duration deviation. Regular stress-testing is conducted to assess resilience of active portfolios to market shocks.
49
196
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Strategic Benchmark Durations and Active Market Risk Limits for international reserve portfolio are as follows:
Tranches
Benchmark Duration (Duration Deviation Limits)
Ex-Ante Tracking Error Limits
Liquidity Portfolio in USD
3 Months (+/-1 Month)
10 Basis Point
Investment Portfolio in USD
6 Months (+/-3 Months)
15 Basis Point
Investment Portfolio in EUR
1 year (+/-3 Months)
15 Basis Point
Investment Portfolio in AUD
1,5 year (+/-3 Months)
15 Basis Point
Investment Portfolio in CAD
1,5 year (+/-3 Months)
15 Basis Point
Market risk is monitored through the daily measurement of the maturity and composition of currencies, and by the follow-up of tracking error. The international reserve management daily report, prepared by the Financial Market Department, includes the measurements of performance and risk in an absolute manner and as compared to a benchmark, and presents an evaluation of the implemented investment strategy. b) Financial instruments under monetary policy portfolio For open-market operations, this risk is mainly associated with changes in the market value of Georgian government bonds, and the change in value of collaterals received in liquidity injection transactions. For collaterals the risk of value loss is mitigated by using margins and haircuts that writedown their value and allow the effective amount lent to be lower than the collateral received. The interest rate sensitivity of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial assets and liabilities Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair value of financial instruments. The following table demonstrates the net effect of 1% change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s statement of profit or loss taking into account the effect of derivatives.
Currency
Increase in interest rate
2014 Sensitivity of net interest income
Increase in interest rate
2013 Sensitivity of net interest income
USD
1%
22,472
1%
19,193
SDR
1%
(793)
1%
(2,004)
EUR
1%
4,084
1%
8,563
AUD
1%
3,589
1%
2,842
CAD
1%
1,604
1%
2,186
GEL
1%
4,959
1%
(596)
Other
1%
161
1%
108
50
197
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) 2014 Currency
Decrease in interest rate
2013
Sensitivity of net interest income
Decrease in interest rate
Sensitivity of net interest income
USD
1%
(22,472)
1%
(19,193)
SDR
1%
793
1%
2,004
EUR
1%
(4,084)
1%
(8,563)
AUD
1%
(3,589)
1%
(2,842)
CAD
1%
(1,604)
1%
(2,186)
GEL
1%
(4,959)
1%
596
Other
1%
(161)
1%
(108)
The sensitivity of equity is calculated by revaluing fixed rate available-for-sale financial assets at 31 December 2014 and 2013 for 1% change in interest rates. Currency
Increase in interest rate
2014
Sensitivity of equity
Increase in interest rate
2013
Sensitivity of equity
USD
1%
16,824
1%
17,150
EUR
1%
2,237
1%
6,180
AUD
1%
3,456
1%
2,186
CAD
1%
1,386
1%
-
GEL
1%
800
1%
400
Currency
Decrease in interest rate
2014
Sensitivity of equity
Increase in interest rate
2013
Sensitivity of equity
USD
1%
(16, 824)
1%
(17,150)
EUR
1%
(2, 237)
1%
(6,180)
AUD
1%
(3,456)
1%
(2,186)
CAD
1%
(1,386)
1%
-
GEL
1%
(800)
1%
(400)
Currency risk Currency risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Subject to the currency structure of assets, the value of assets of the Bank is exposed to risk of changes in exchange rates of main foreign currencies. Within the overall exposure and to a limited extent, foreign currency risk can be mitigated by holding assets across a diversified portfolio of currencies. The Bank holds foreign reserves in the following currencies: U.S. dollars (70%), Euros (20%), Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and other currencies up to 10%. Under SAA, a deviation from target currency composition for the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar +/– 5% is allowed, and a deviation +/–10% is allowed for the U.S. dollar and the Euro‟s target currency composition.
51
198
Financial Statements
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Sensitivity to foreign currency The table below provides the concentration of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x;s financial assets and liabilities by major currencies and analyses of the effect of a 1%, 5% and 10% movement of the currency rate against Georgian Lari, with all other variables held constant on the statement of comprehensive income. A negative amount in the table reflects a potential net reduction in the statement of comprehensive income, while a positive amount reflects a net potential increase. As at 31 December 2014
EUR
SDR
AUD
CAD
3,456,607
632,269
388,675
376,913
162,372
Foreign currency liabilities
1,221,634
293,402
467,965
-
-
280 1,983,281
Net Position
2,234,973
338,867
(79,290)
376,913
162,372
15,787 3,049,622
EUR
SDR
AUD
CAD
Foreign currency assets
As at 31 December 2013
USD
USD
Other
Total
16,067 5,032,903
Other
Total
10,767 4,903,766
Foreign currency assets
2,962,879 1,089,229
386,107
292,551
162,233
Foreign currency liabilities
1,046,334
235,390
584,218
-
-
532 1,866,474
Net Position
1,916,545
853,839 (198,111)
292,551
162,233
10,235 3,037,292
Effect on statement of total comprehensive income 31-Dec-14
USD
EUR
SDR
AUD
CAD
Other
Total
Increase in currency rate of 1%
22,350
3,389
(793)
3,769
1,624
158
30,497
Increase in currency rate of 5% Increase in currency rate of 10%
111,749
16,943
(3,965)
18,846
8,119
789
152,481
223,497
33,887
(7,929)
37,691
16,237
1,579
304,962
(22,350)
(3,389)
793
(3,769)
(1,624)
(158)
(30,497)
Decrease in currency rate of 5% (111,749)
(16,943)
3,965
(18,846)
(8,119)
(789) (152,481)
Decrease incurrency rate of10% (223,497)
(33,887)
7,929
(37,691)
(16,237)
(1,579) (304,962)
Decrease in currency rate of 1%
Effect on statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income 31-Dec-13 USD
EUR
SDR
AUD
CAD
Other
Total
Increase in currency rate of 1%
19,165
8,538
(1,981)
2,926
1,622
102
30,372
Increase in currency rate of 5% Increase in currency rate of 10%
95,827
42,692
(9,906)
14,628
8,112
512
151,865
191,655
85,384
(19,811)
29,255
16,223
1,024
303,730 (30,372)
Decrease in currency rate of 1%
(19,165)
(8,538)
1,981
(2,926)
(1,622)
(102)
Decrease in currency rate of 5%
(95,827)
(42,692)
9,906
(14,628)
(8,112)
(512) (151,865)
Decrease incurrency rate of10% (191,655)
(85,384)
19,811
(29,255)
(16,223)
(1,024) (303,730)
52
199
NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (in thousands of Georgian Lari) Other Risks Settlement risk Settlement risk (i.e., the risk that the counterparty may not be able to complete a transaction) is mitigated in a number of ways. The Bank will only transfer funds after sufficient collateral has been secured. For outright transactions in securities, settlement risk is eliminated through the use of systems that are based on delivery versus payment, that is, the simultaneous exchange of securities and cash. Additionally, the settlement of the cash component is performed through the payment system referred to as Real Time Gross Settlement, which is owned and managed by the Bank, which determines the position of each participant on real time on an individual payment-to-payment basis. This automatically avoids overdrafts and as it simultaneously uses accounts in the Bank as settlement asset, it mitigates credit risk. Non-financial risk Non-financial risk, which includes, among others, the strategic, legal and operational risks, may generate financial loss, damage to reputation or inability to achieve the objectives of the business, resulting from one or more causes of risk, originating from human factors, or defective or inadequate processes or systems, or external events. Among non-financial risks management, Business Continuity planning became a critical component for the Bank. In this regard the Bank improved the resilience of the Bank‟s critical processes providing the management of business continuity risks. The Business Continuity system was implemented during 2014. The Bank introduced two key units: Business Continuity Committee and Business Continuity team. The Business Continuity Committee is led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and is responsible for the policy and related strategic decisions. The Business Continuity team is responsible for the execution of tasks. The Committee monitors and verifies all actions taken to manage those risks. For preventing and controlling the non-financial risks, the Bank has internal control systems in accordance with the characteristics of its activities, as well as, procedures and policies within the competencies of each department and the attributions of their managers. Compliance with these regulations and the existing practice of risk management are monitored/observed by the Bank‟s Internal Audit, for ensuring the adequacy of internal control systems. 29
EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD From January 2015 to March 2015 the GEL foreign exchange rate devalued by approximately 19% in comparison to USD. According to the management of the Bank impact of such devaluation is significant, resulted in net gain from foreign currencies translation differences on the Bank‟s profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
53
200
Financial Statements
2, Sanapiro Str., Tbilisi 0114, Georgia Tel.: (995 32) 6488; Fax: (995 32) (995 32) 240 6577; Hot line: (995 32) 240 6406 E-mail: Info@nbg.ge; www.nbg.ge