AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 29, 2018

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

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

OR

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
OR

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

For the transition period from ..................... to……………..
OR

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

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report……………….

Commission file number: 001 - 32535

BANCOLOMBIA S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Republic of Colombia

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Carrera 48 # 26-85, Avenida Los Industriales
Medellín, Colombia

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Alejandro Mejia Jaramillo, Investor Relations Manager

Tel. +574 4041837, Fax + 574 4045146, e-mail: almejia@bancolombia.com

Carrera 48 # 26-85, Medellín, Colombia

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


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

 

  Title of each Class Name of each exchange on which registered  
American Depositary Shares New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Shares New York Stock Exchange*

 

 

*Bancolombia’s preferred shares are not listed for trading directly, but only in connection with its American Depositary Shares, which are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, each representing four preferred shares.

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

Not applicable
(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

Not applicable
(Title of Class)

 

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

Common Shares 509,704,584
Preferred Shares 452,122,416

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes x No ¨

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No ¨

 

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

Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x     Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨    Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards † provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨

 

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

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

  

U.S. GAAP ¨ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board x Other  ¨  

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No x

 

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

 

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

Yes ¨ No x

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS 5
     
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 8
     
PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION 9
     
PART I 10
     
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 10
     
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 10
     
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 10
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 10
B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS 14
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS 14
D. RISK FACTORS 14
     
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 30
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY 30
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW 34

 

  B.1. GENERAL 34
  B.2. OPERATIONS 37
  B.3. SEASONALITY OF DEPOSITS 37
  B.4. RAW MATERIALS 37
  B.5. DISTRIBUTION NETWORK 37
  B.6. PATENTS, LICENSES AND CONTRACTS 39
  B.7. COMPETITION 40
  B.8. SUPERVISION AND REGULATION 49

 

C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 71
D. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT 73
E. SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION 74

 

  E.1. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY; INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL 74
  E.2. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO 79
  E.3. LOAN PORTFOLIO 83
  E.4. SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE 89
  E.5. DEPOSITS 96
  E.6. RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS 97
  E.7. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS 97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4 A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 98
     
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 98
A. OPERATING RESULTS 98

 

  GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE CHANGES IN RESULTS FOR 2017 VERSUS 2016 100
  GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE CHANGES IN RESULTS FOR 2016 VERSUS 2015 105

 

 2 

 

 

 

B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 126

 

  B.1. LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING 126
  B.2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TREASURY ACTIVITIES 132
  B.3. COMMITMENT FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 133

 

C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC. 133
D. TREND INFORMATION 133
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 135
F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 136
G. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES 137
     
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 144
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 144
B. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 147
C. BOARD PRACTICES 148
D. EMPLOYEES 151
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP 153
     
ITEM 7. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERs AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 153
A. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS 153
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 155
C. INTEREST OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL 155
     
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 156
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION 156

 

  A.1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 156
  A.2. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 156
  A.3. DIVIDEND POLICY 156

 

B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES 157
     
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 157
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS 157
B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 160
C. MARKETS 160
D. SELLING STOCKHOLDERS 160
E. DILUTION 160
F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE 160
     
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 160
A. SHARE CAPITAL 160
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 161
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS 168
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS 169
E. TAXATION 169
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS 176
G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS 176
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY 176
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION 176
     
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 176
     
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 183

 

 3 

 

 

PART II 185
     
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 185
     
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 185
     
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 185
     
ITEM 16. RESERVED 186
A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 186
B. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND CODE OF ETHICS 187
C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 187
D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES 188
E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS 188
F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT 188
G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 189
H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 190
     
PART III 191
     
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 191
     
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 191
     
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS 191

  

 4 

 

 

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

 

Unless otherwise specified or if the context so requires, in this annual report:

 

References to “ADSs” refer to our American Depositary Shares (one ADS represents four preferred shares).

 

References to the “Annual Report” refer to this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

References to “ATM” refer to automatic teller machine.

 

References to “BAM” refer to Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A., a banking institution organized under the laws of the Republic of Guatemala, including its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

References to “Banagrícola” refer to Banagrícola S.A., a company incorporated in Panama, including its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

References to “Banca de Inversión” refer to Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Corporación Financiera, a Subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A. organized under the laws of the Republic of Colombia that specializes in providing investment banking services.

 

References to “Banco Agrícola” refer to Banco Agrícola S.A., a banking institution organized under the laws of the Republic of El Salvador, including its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

References to “Bancolombia”, the “Bank”, “us”, “we” or “our” refer to Bancolombia S.A., a banking institution organized under the laws of the Republic of Colombia, including its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

References to “Bancolombia Panama” refer to Bancolombia Panamá S.A., a subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A. organized under the laws of the Republic of Panama that provides banking services to non-Panamanian customers.

 

References to “Banistmo” refer to Banistmo S.A., a banking institution organized under the laws of the Republic of Panama, including its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

References to “Central Bank” refer to the Central Bank of Colombia (Banco de la República).

 

References to “Colombia” refer to the Republic of Colombia.

 

References to “Colombian banking GAAP” refer to generally accepted accounting principles in Colombia as regulated by Law 1314 of 2009, Decree 1851 of 2013 and as supplemented by the applicable regulations of the SFC, which differs with IFRS in (i) the recognition of impairment for loans; (ii) the classification and subsequent measurement of debt and equity investments, and (iii) the impairment of foreclosed assets.

 

References to “Congress” refer to the national congress of Colombia.

 

 5 

 

 

References to "Consolidated Financial Statements" refer to the audited consolidated statements of financial position of the Bank as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the audited consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and related notes included in this Annual Report.

 

References to “DTF” refer to the Depósitos a Término Fijo rate, the weighted average interest rate paid by finance corporations, commercial banks and financing companies in Colombia for time deposits with maturities of 90 days.

 

References to “Fiduciaria Bancolombia” refer to Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria, a Subsidiary of Bancolombia organized under the laws of Colombia which provides trust and fund management services.

 

References to “Grupo Agromercantil” refer to Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A., a company organized under the laws of the Republic of Panama and the parent company of BAM, and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

References to “IFRS” refer to the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

References to “IRS” refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

 

References to “Leasing Bancolombia” refer to Leasing Bancolombia S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento, a Subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A. organized under the laws of Colombia that on September 30, 2016, merged into Bancolombia S.A. 

 

References to “NYSE” refer to the New York Stock Exchange.

 

References to “OCI” refers to Other Comprehensive Income.

 

References to “peso”, “pesos” or “COP” refer to the lawful currency of Colombia.

 

References to “preferred shares” and “common shares” refer to our issued outstanding and fully paid-in preferred and common shares, designated as acciones con dividendo preferencial sin derecho a voto and acciones ordinarias, respectively.

 

 6 

 

 

References to “Renting Colombia” refer to Renting Colombia S.A., a Subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A. organized under the laws of Colombia, which provides operating lease and fleet management services for individuals and companies.

 

References to “Representative Market Rate” refer to Tasa Representativa del Mercado, the U.S. dollar representative market rate, certified by the SFC. The Representative Market Rate is an economic indicator of the daily exchange rate on the Colombian market spot of currencies. It corresponds to the arithmetical weighted average of the rates for the purchase and sale of currencies by certain financial institutions (including Bancolombia) authorized to engage in foreign exchange transactions in Colombia.

 

References to “SEC” refer to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

References to “SMEs” refer to Small and Medium Enterprises.

 

References to “SMMLV” refer to Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente, the effective legal minimum monthly salary in Colombia. In 2017, the SMMLV in Colombia was COP 737,717.

 

References to “Subsidiaries” refer to entities in which Bancolombia S.A. holds, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares.

 

References to “Superintendency of Finance” or “SFC” refer to the Colombian Superintendency of Finance (Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia), a technical entity under the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (Ministerio de Hacienda y Crédito Público) with functions of inspection, supervision and control over the entities involved in financial activities, capital markets, insurance and any other services related to the management, use or investment of resources collected from the public.

 

References to “Superintendency of Industry and Commerce” or “SIC” refer to the Colombian Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio de Colombia), a technical entity under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Turism (Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo) with functions of supervision and regulation of the competition in several industries, including financial institutions.

 

References to “U.S.” or “United States” refer to the United States of America.

 

References to “U.S. dollar”, “USD”, and “US$” refer to the lawful currency of the United States.

 

References to “UVR” refer to Unidades de Valor Real, a Colombian inflation-adjusted monetary index calculated by the board of directors of the Central Bank and generally used for pricing home-mortgage loans.

 

References to “Valores Bancolombia” refer to Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa, a Subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A. organized under the laws of the Republic of Colombia that provides brokerage and asset management services.

 

The term “billion” means one thousand millions (1,000,000,000).

 

 7 

 

 

The term “trillion” means one million millions (1,000,000,000,000).

 

Our fiscal year ends on December 31, and references in this annual report to any specific fiscal year are to the 12-month period ended December 31 of such year.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report contains statements which may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead represent only the Bank’s belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside the Bank’s control. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “predict”, “target”, “forecast”, “guideline”, “should”, “project” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. It is possible that the Bank’s actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results indicated in or implied by these forward-looking statements.

 

Information regarding important factors that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those in the Bank’s forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this Annual Report, principally in Item 3. “Key Information – D. Risk Factors” and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic, business, political, social, fiscal or other conditions in Colombia, or in any of the other countries where the Bank operates; (ii) changes in capital markets or in markets in general that may affect policies or attitudes towards lending; (iii) unanticipated increases in financing and other costs or the inability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on attractive terms; (iv) inflation, changes in foreign exchange rates and/or interest rates; (v) sovereign risks; (vi) liquidity risks; (vii) increases in delinquencies by the Bank’s borrowers; (viii) lack of acceptance of new products or services by the Bank’s targeted customers; (ix) competition in the banking, financial services, credit card services, insurance, asset management, remittances, business and other industries in which the Bank operates; (x) adverse determination of legal or regulatory disputes or proceedings; and (xi) changes in official regulations and the Colombian government’s banking policy as well as changes in laws, regulations or policies in other jurisdictions in which the Bank does business.

 

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are subject to change, and the Bank does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events arising after the date of this Annual Report.

 

 8 

 

 

PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

 

Accounting Principles

 

The audited consolidated statements of financial position of the Bank as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the audited consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and related notes (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) included in this Annual Report were prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and the related interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”). All data included in this report has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, except for the data included in Item 4. B.7 Competition, which has been prepared in accordance with the local GAAP of each subsidiary.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include entities which the Bank controls, directly or indirectly. See Item 4. “Information on the Company – C. Organizational Structure” for an organizational chart depicting Bancolombia and its subsidiaries.

 

Currencies

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Colombian pesos, which is the functional currency for Bancolombia S.A., and the presentation currency for the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 contained in this Annual Report are expressed in millions of pesos.

 

This Annual Report translates certain pesos amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise indicated, such peso amounts have been translated at the rate of COP 2,984.00 per USD 1.00, which corresponds to the Representative Market Rate calculated on December 31, 2017. The SFC also calculates and certifies the average Representative Market Rate for each month for purposes of preparing financial statements and converting amounts in foreign currency to pesos. Such conversion should not be construed as a representation that the peso amounts correspond to, or have been or could be converted into, U.S. dollars at that rate or any other rate. On April 27, 2018, the Representative Market Rate was COP 2,812.83 per USD 1.00.

 

Rounding Comparability of Data

 

Certain monetary amounts, percentages and other figures included in this Annual Report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be the arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them, and figures expressed as percentages in the text may not total 100% or, as applicable, when aggregated may not be the arithmetic aggregation of the percentages that precede them.

 

The Bank maintains an internet site at http://www.grupobancolombia.com/. In addition, certain of the Bank’s Subsidiaries referred to in this Annual Report maintain separate internet sites. For example, Banco Agrícola and Banistmo maintain internet sites at http://www.bancoagricola.com/ and http://www.banistmo.com/, respectively. Information included on or accessible through Bancolombia’s internet site or the internet site of any of the Subsidiaries of the Bank is not part of this Annual Report. All references in this Annual Report to these and other internet sites are inactive textual references to these URLs, or “uniform resource locators”, and are for your informational reference only.

 

 9 

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2.OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.KEY INFORMATION

 

A.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The selected consolidated statement of financial position data as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the selected consolidated statement of income data for each of the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, set forth below have been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements under IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this Annual Report, except for the figures translated to U.S. dollars, which are presented for the convenience of the reader.

 

The selected consolidated statement of financial position data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements previously filed with the SEC as part of the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

 

The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, and the audit reports of the Bank’s independent registered public accounting firms.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bank as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were audited by Deloitte and Touche Ltda, while the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bank as of and for the years endedDecember 31, 2015 and 2014 were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltda.

 

 10 

 

  

    As of and for the year ended December 31,
    2017 (1)   2017   2016   2015   2014
    In millions of COP and thousands of USD, except per share and per ADS amounts
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:                    
Total interest and valuation USD 5,591,715 COP 16,685,677 COP 15,748,805 COP 11,269,644 COP 9,172,163
Interest expenses   (2,088,802)   (6,232,986)   (6,053,100)   (4,037,941)   (3,164,611)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments   3,502,913   10,452,691   9,695,705   7,231,703   6,007,552
Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases, net   (1,162,433)   (3,468,699)   (2,643,710)   (1,667,680)   (843,597)
Credit impairment recoveries (charges) on off balance sheet credit instruments   2,297   6,854   (87,442)   (7,421)   (25,608)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments   2,342,777   6,990,846   6,964,553   5,556,602   5,138,347
Total other operating income (2)   1,417,349   4,229,370   3,982,779   3,577,320   3,084,942
Total operating expenses   (2,422,066)   (7,227,445)   (6,979,050)   (5,898,287)   (5,118,695)
Profit before tax   1,338,060   3,992,771   3,968,282   3,235,635   3,104,594
Income tax   (415,080)   (1,238,598)   (1,176,832)   (649,250)   (737,676)
Profit for the year from continuing operations   922,980   2,754,173   2,791,450   2,586,385   2,366,918
Net income from discontinued operations   -   -   163,497   22,513   62,867
Net income   922,980   2,754,173   2,954,947   2,608,898   2,429,785
Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company USD 876,340 COP 2,615,000 COP 2,865,328 COP 2,518,890 COP 2,387,086
Non-controlling interest   46,640   139,173   89,619   90,008   42,699
Weighted average of Preferred and Common Shares outstanding (3)       961,827,000   961,827,000   961,827,000   941,936,589
Basic and diluted earnings per share to common shareholders (3)   0.93   2,780   3,040   2,680   2,591
From continuing operations   0.93   2,780   2,870   2,656   2,524
From discontinued operations   -   -   170   24   67

Basic and diluted earnings per

ADS (3)

  3.73   11,120   12,160   10,720   10,364
From continuing operations   3.73   11,120   11,480   10,624   10,096
From discontinued operations   -   -   680   96   268
Cash dividends declared per share   -   1,020   950   888   830
Cash dividends declared per share (stated in USD)   -   0.34   0.32   0.28   0.26
Cash dividends declared per ADS   -   4,080   3,800   3,552   3,320
Cash dividends declared per ADS (stated in USD)   -   1.37   1.27   1.13   1.05

 

(1) Translated for convenience only using the representative market rate as computed and certified by the Superintendency of Finance of COP 2,984.00 per U.S. 1.00 on December 31, 2017.

(2) Includes total fees and commissions, net other operating income and dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees. See consolidated statement of income to the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank recognized the amount of COP 173,339 due to impairment charges on joint venture, for further information see Note 7.

(3) The weighted average of preferred and common shares outstanding for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 reflects 452,122,416 preferred shares and 509,704,584 common shares, and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 reflects 432,232,005 preferred shares and 509,704,584 common shares.

 

 11 

 

  

    As of December 31,
    2017(1)   2017   2016   2015   2014
    In millions of COP and thousands of USD, except per share and ADS amounts
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION DATA:                    
Assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents USD 6,087,682 COP 18,165,644 COP 20,460,245 COP 18,597,614 COP 13,466,783
Financial assets investments   5,488,356   16,377,253   13,060,653   14,277,824   12,784,223
Derivative financial instruments   380,151   1,134,372   1,677,970   2,382,168   1,448,845
Loans and advances to customers and financial Institutions   53,776,171   160,468,094   151,747,486   145,620,639   115,173,653
Allowance for loans and advances and lease losses   (2,755,732)   (8,223,103)   (6,621,911)   (5,248,755)   (4,789,257)
Assets held for sale and inventories   126,341   377,003   273,187   1,950,808   97,744
Investment in associates and joint ventures   524,484   1,565,059   1,298,246   546,549   1,349,697
Investment property   555,432   1,657,409   1,581,689   1,505,046   1,114,180
Premises and equipment, net (2)   1,048,058   3,127,405   3,115,697   3,052,266   2,646,321
Goodwill and intangible assets, net   2,222,327   6,631,424   6,694,037   7,092,255   4,585,849
Deferred tax, net   49,804   148,614   222,862   170,482   187,737
Other assets   830,776   2,479,037   2,750,883   3,025,971   1,564,106
Total assets USD 68,333,850 COP 203,908,211 COP 196,261,044 COP 192,972,867 COP 149,629,881
Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Liabilities and equity                    
Deposits by customers   44,222,257   131,959,215   124,624,011   121,802,028   94,769,319
Borrowings from other financial institutions   4,632,088   13,822,152   18,905,843   19,721,184   13,852,284
Debt securities in issue   6,584,689   19,648,714   18,704,809   19,435,865   14,527,403
Other liabilities (3)   4,707,969   14,048,580   11,549,401   11,605,871   9,114,395
Total equity   8,186,847   24,429,550   22,476,980   20,407,919   17,366,480
Total liabilities and equity USD

 

68,333,850

 

COP 203,908,211 COP 196,261,044 COP 192,972,867 COP 149,629,881

 

(1) Translated for convenience only using the representative market rate as computed and certified by the Superintendency of Finance of COP 2,984.00 per U.S. 1.00 on December 31, 2017.

(2) The Bank previously classified land and buildings that were acquired through foreclosure of loans with net carrying amount of 189,296 as of December 31, 2015 in premises and equipment. As of December 31, 2016, and 2015, such assets were reclassified to other assets as they are intended for immediate sale or disposition.

(3) Includes interbank deposits, repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing, liabilities relating to assets held for sale, derivative financial instruments, preferred shares, current tax, deferred tax, net, employees benefit plans and other liabilities See consolidated statement of financial position to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

See ― “Item 8. Financial Information – A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information –A.3. Dividend Policy”, for information about the dividends declared per share in both pesos and U.S. dollars duringthe fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

 12 

 

 

SELECTED RATIOS

 

  As of and for the year ended
December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  Percentages, except for operating data
SELECTED RATIOS: (1)        
Profitability ratios:        
Net interest and valuation margin from continuing operations (2) 6.07 5.96 5.25 5.30
Return on average total assets from continuing operations (3) 1.30 1.49 1.53 1.72
Return on average stockholders‘ equity attributable to the owners of the parent company (4) 11.99 14.52 13.62 14.81
Efficiency ratio:        
Operating expenses to net operating income from continuing operations 49.23 51.02 54.57 56.30
Operating expenses to average total assets from continuing operations 3.60 3.64 3.62 3.80
Operating expenses to productive assets from continuing operations 4.20 4.29 4.28 4.51
Capital ratios:        
Technical capital to risk weighted assets (5)(6) 14.18 13.26 12.46 N/A
Credit quality data:        
Past due loans to loans principal (9) 4.49 3.31 2.98 2.62
“C”, “D” and “E” loans as a percentage of loans principal 6.34 5.07 3.95 3.81
Allowances for loan and lease losses to past due loans principal 107.52 125.90 115.16 145.55
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of “C”, “D” and “E” loans principal 76.12 82.08 87.00 100.09
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans principal 4.83 4.17 3.43 3.81
Operational data (in units):        
Number of branches (7) 1,153 1,247 1,274 1,067
Number of employees (8) 31,061 31,598 34,390 30,158

 

 

1.Average balances used to calculate the ratios shown above have been calculated as follows: for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, for each month, the actual month-end balances were established. The average consolidated balance for such periods is the average of such month-end balances. These averages are calculated using 13 data points. The Bank has calculated the average balances using quarterly book balances for the year ended December 31, 2014 as we believe such balances are representative of our operations and it would be too costly to produce average balances using monthly balances under IFRS.
2.Net interest and valuation income divided by average interest-earning assets.
3.Net income divided by average total assets.
4.Net income divided by average stockholders’ equity attributable to the owners of the parent company.
5.For an explanation of risk-weighted assets and Technical Capital, see Item 4. “Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8 –Supervision and Regulation” and Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - B. Liquidity and Capital Resources – B.1. Liquidity and Funding - Capital Adequacy".
6.The Bank’s consolidated capital adequacy was computed considering balance accounts under IFRS as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. For 2014 the balance accounts were under Colombian Banking GAAP, as a result the figure is not comparative.
7.Number of branches includes branches of the Bank’s Subsidiaries. For some subsidiaries, the central office is considered a branch. Representative offices are included.
8.The number of employees includes employees of the Bank’s consolidated Subsidiaries. For the years 2015 and 2014 Tuya S.A had 3,020 and 2,639 employees, respectively. For the years 2016 and 2017, Tuya S.A. is classified as an investment in a joint venture in the Bank’s consolidated financial statements.
9.Loans that are past due more than 30 days to loans principal.

 

 13 

 

 

Exchange Rates

 

On March 31, 2018, the Representative Market Rate was COP 2,780.47 per USD 1.00. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a rate for pesos; the SFC calculates the Representative Market Rate based on the weighted average of the buy/sell foreign exchange rates quoted daily by certain financial institutions, including Bancolombia, for the purchase and sale of U.S. dollars.

 

The following table sets forth the low and high peso per U.S. dollar exchange rates and the peso/U.S. dollar representative market rate on the last day of the month, for each of the last six months:

 

Recent exchange rates of pesos per U.S. dollars
Month Low High Period-End
March 2018 2,780.47 2,879.15 2,780.47
February 2018 2,806.67 2,908.70 2,867.94
January 2018 2,783.13 2,940.94 2,835.05
December 2017 2,962.14 3,029.75 2,984.00
November 2017 2,976.39 3,055.57 3,006.04
October 2017 2,921.92 3,039.19 3,039.19

 

 

Source: SFC.

 

The following table sets forth the peso/U.S. dollar representative market rate on the last day of the year and the average peso/U.S. dollar representative market rate (calculated by using the average of the Representative Market Rates on the last day of each month during the year) for each of the five most recent financial years.

 

Representative Market Rate
Period Period-End Average
  Peso/USD 1.00  
2017 2,984.00 2,963.13
2016 3,000.71 3,039.23
2015 3,149.47 2,773.43
2014 2,392.46 2,019.38
2013 1,926.83 1,881.04

 

 

Source: SFC.

 

B.CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

 

Not applicable.

 

C.REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable.

 

D.RISK FACTORS

 

Investors should consider the following risks and uncertainties, and the other factors presented in this Annual Report. In addition, the information referred to below, as well as all other information presented in this Annual Report, should be considered by investors when reviewing any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report, in any document incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, in any of the Bank’s future public filings or press releases, or in any future oral statements made by the Bank or any of its officers or other persons acting on its behalf. If any of the following risks occur, the Bank’s business, results of operations and financial condition, its ability to raise capital and its ability to access funding could be materially and adversely affected. These risk factors should not be considered a complete list of potential risks that may affect Bancolombia.

 

 14 

 

 

Risk Factors Relating to Colombia and Other Countries Where the Bank Operates.

 

Changes in economic and political conditions in Colombia, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala or in other countries where the Bank operates may adversely affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Bank’s financial condition, results of operations and asset quality are significantly dependent on the macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala and the other jurisdictions where the Bank operates. Accordingly, decreases in the growth rate, periods of negative growth, increases in inflation, changes in policy, or future judicial interpretations of policies involving exchange controls and other matters such as currency depreciation, inflation, interest rates, taxation, banking laws and regulations and other political or economic developments in such jurisdictions may affect the overall business environment and may in turn negatively affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

In particular, the governments of Colombia, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala have historically exercised substantial influence on their economies, and they are likely to continue to implement policies that will have an important impact on the business and results of operations of the entities in such countries (including the Bank), market conditions and prices and rates of return on securities of local issuers (including the Bank’s securities). Potential changes in laws, public policies and regulations may cause instability and volatility in Colombia, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala, and their respective markets. Future developments in government policies could negatively affect the Bank’s business and financial condition and the market value of its securities.

 

Although Colombia and Panama currently have investment grade credit ratings from international rating agencies, El Salvador and Guatemala do not. As of the date of this Annual Report, El Salvador has a long-term debt rating of Caa1 (stable) from Moody’s, and CCC+ (stable) by S&P. Guatemala has ratings of BB (stable) and BB- (stable) from Fitchs and S&P, respectively. Further downgrades in the ratings of either country, or the failure of Colombia or Panama to maintain investment grade credit ratings, could increase the Bank’s funding costs and adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition. 

 

The economies of the countries in which the Bank operates are vulnerable to external effects that could be caused by significant economic difficulties experienced by their major regional trading partners or by more general contagion effects, which could have a material adverse effect on economic growth in these countries and their ability to service their public debt.

 

A significant decline in economic growth or a sustained economic downturn of any of Colombia’s, Panama’s, El Salvador’s or Guatemala’s major trading partners (i.e., the European Union, the United States, China and other Latin American countries for Colombia and the United States and European Union for Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador) could have a material adverse impact on Colombia’s, Panama’s, El Salvador’s and Guatemala’s balance of trade and remittances inflows, resulting in lower economic growth.

 

 15 

 

 

Deterioration in the economic and political situation in neighboring countries could adversely affect the economy and cause instability in Colombia, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala by disrupting their diplomatic or commercial relationships with neighboring countries. Any future tensions may cause political and economic uncertainty, instability, market volatility, low confidence levels and higher risk aversion by investors and market participants that may negatively affect economic activity in any of those jurisdictions.

 

Events occurring in a market where we do not operate may cause international investors to have an increased risk perception of an entire region or class of investment, which could in turn negatively affect market prices and liquidity of securities issued or owned by the Bank.

 

Any additional taxes resulting from changes to tax regulations or the interpretation thereof in Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala or other countries in which the Bank operates, could adversely affect the Bank’s consolidated results.

 

Uncertainty relating to tax legislation poses a constant risk to the Bank. Changes in legislation, regulation and jurisprudence can affect tax burdens by increasing tax rates and fees, creating new taxes, limiting deductions and exemptions, and eliminating incentives and non-taxed income. Notably, the Salvadorian government has significant fiscal deficits that may result in future tax increases. Higher taxes could negatively affect the Bank’s results of operations and cash flow. In addition, national or local taxing authorities may not interpret tax regulations in the same way that the Bank does. Differing interpretations could result in future tax litigation and associated costs.

 

Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect the Colombian economy, the market price of the Bank’s ADSs, and the dividends payable to holders of the Bank’s ADSs.

 

Colombia has adopted a floating exchange rate system. The Central Bank maintains the power to intervene in the exchange market in order to consolidate or dispose of international reserves, and to control any volatility in the exchange rate. From time to time, including during 2017, there have been significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Colombian peso and the U.S. dollar. Unforeseen events in the international markets, fluctuations in interest rates, volatility of the oil price in the international markets, or changes in capital flows, may cause exchange rate instability that could generate sharp movements in the value of the peso. Because a portion of the Bank’s assets and liabilities are denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies, especially the U.S. dollar, sharp movements in exchange rates may negatively impact the Bank’s results. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact the value of dividends paid to holders of the Bank’s ADSs as well as the market price and liquidity of ADSs.

 

Colombia has experienced several periods of violence and instability that could affect the economy and the Bank.

 

Colombia has experienced periods of criminal violence over the past four decades, primarily due to the activities of guerilla groups and drug cartels. In response, the Colombian government has negotiated a peace treaty with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia or “FARC”). Additionally, the Colombian government is currently in the process of negotiating a peace treaty with the National Liberation Army (Ejercito de Liberación Nacional or “ELN”). Despite these efforts, the peace treaty with the FARC or the peace negotiations with the ELN may not lead to a lasting decrease in violence or drug-related crime in Colombia or the successful integration of former guerilla members into Colombian society. An escalation of violence or drug-related crime may have a negative impact on the Colombian economy and on the Bank.

 

 16 

 

 

Risk Factors relating to the Bank’s Business and the Banking Industry

 

Our financial results may be negatively affected by changes to accounting standards.

 

We report our results and financial position in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Changes to IFRS or interpretations thereof may cause our future reported results and financial position to differ from current expectations, or historical results to differ from those previously reported due to the adoption of accounting standards on a retrospective basis. Such changes may also affect our regulatory capital and ratios. We monitor potential accounting changes and when possible, we determine their potential impact and disclose significant future changes in our financial statements that we expect as a result of those changes. Currently, there are a number of issued but not yet effective IFRS changes, as well as potential IFRS changes, some of which could be expected to impact our reported results, financial position and regulatory capital in the future. In particular, since January 2018, IFRS 9 requires us to record credit losses on a loan at inception on an expected loss basis instead of recording credit losses on an incurred loss basis, which is likely to result in an increase in the Bank´s provisions for such losses. For further information about developments in financial accounting and reporting standards, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Significant Accounting Policies”.

 

Our financial results may be negatively affected by changes to assumptions supporting the value of our goodwill.

 

We test the goodwill that we have recognized on the respective balance sheets of our operating segments for impairment at least annually. Our impairment test in respect of the assets recognized as of December 31, 2017 indicated that our respective goodwill balances are not impaired. The impairment test requires that we make assumptions regarding estimated earnings, discount rates and long-term growth rates impacting the recoverable amount of the goodwill associated with each operating segment and on estimates of the carrying amounts of the operating segments to which the goodwill relates. If the actual results in future periods deviate from the earnings and other assumptions on which our impairment testing is based, the value of the goodwill in any one or more of our businesses may become impaired in the future, resulting in charges to income. 

 

Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect our ability to report our financial condition accurately and on a timely basis.

 

In connection with our assessment as of December 31, 2017 of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we identified a material weakness relating to the estimation of impairment for individually significant impaired commercial loans. Specifically, the review controls over the key judgments and information used in measuring impairment were not designed effectively and did not operate effectively.

 

We have initiated certain measures, including implementing controls to assure the completeness of the inputs and accuracy of the assumptions used to estimate loan losses from individually significant impaired commercial loans and completeness of the impaired commercial loans; defining procedures required to ensure sufficient detailed documentation to support the assumptions made for the estimation; providing additional training of Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements to key personal in charge of loan losses estimation process; increasing the monitoring of activities during the year of the controls related to this process.

 

For a discussion of our internal control over financial reporting and a description of the material weakness identified in our internal controls and planned remediation measures, see Item 15. “Controls and Procedures”.

 

Although we have initiated the above mentioned remedial steps to address this material weakness in our internal controls, and based on the additional analysis and other procedures performed, we believe the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are fairly presented in all material respects, in conformity with IFRS, if we are unable to remediate the material weakness, our ability to report our financial condition accurately and on a timely basis could be adversely affected. This in turn could negatively affect shareholder and customer confidence towards our financial reporting and other aspects of our business.

 

Changes in banking laws and regulations in Colombia and in other jurisdictions in which the Bank operates could adversely affect the Bank’s consolidated results.

 

Banking laws and regulations, or in their official interpretation, in Colombia and in other jurisdictions in which the Bank operates, have a material effect on the Bank’s business and operations. Banking laws and regulations may change frequently, and changes may be adopted, enforced or interpreted in a manner that may have an adverse effect on the Bank’s business.

 

 17 

 

 

Moreover, regulators in the jurisdictions in which Bancolombia operates may alter the current regulatory capital requirements to which Bancolombia is subject and thereby require equity increases that could dilute existing stockholders, lead to required asset sales or adversely impact the return on stockholders’ equity and/or the market price of the Bank’s common and preferred shares. 

 

Furthermore, banking laws and regulations may create new types of financial entities whose services could compete with the segments or services offered by the Bank. Increased competition could lead to lower margins for affected products and services, and could adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations.

 

The Bank is subject to regulatory inspections, examinations, inquiries or audits in Colombia and in other countries in which it operates, and any sanctions, fines and other penalties resulting from such inspections, examinations, inquiries or audits could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.

 

The Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by the banking authorities of Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala and the other jurisdictions in which the Bank operates. These Banking authorities have broad powers to adopt regulations and impose other requirements affecting or restricting virtually all aspects of the Bank’s capitalization, organization and operations, including the imposition of anti-money laundering measures and the authority to regulate the terms and conditions on which the banks can extend credit. In the event of non-compliance with applicable regulations, the Bank could be subject to fines, sanctions or the revocation of licenses or permits to operate its business. In Colombia, for instance, if the Bank encounters significant financial problems or becomes insolvent or in danger of becoming insolvent, banking authorities would have the power to take over the Bank’s management and operations. Any sanctions, fines and other penalties resulting from non-compliance with regulations in Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and other jurisdictions in which the Bank operates could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.

 

An increase in constitutional public interest actions (acciones populares), class actions (acciones de grupo) and other legal actions involving claims for significant monetary awards against financial institutions may affect the Bank’s businesses and results of operations.

 

Under the Colombian constitution, individuals may initiate constitutional public interest or class actions to protect their collective or class rights, respectively. Colombian financial institutions, including the Bank, have experienced a high number of these actions. The great majority of such actions have been related to fees, financial services and interest rates, and their outcome is uncertain. Pursuant to Law 1425 of 2010, monetary awards for plaintiffs in constitutional actions or class actions were eliminated as of January 1, 2011. Nevertheless, individuals continue to have the right to initiate these actions against the Bank.

 

 18 

 

 

Future restrictions on interest rates or banking fees could negatively affect the Bank’s profitability.

 

In the future, regulations in the jurisdictions where the Bank operates could impose limitations regarding interest rates or fees the Bank may charge. Any such limitations could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations and financial situation.

 

Additionally, in past years, the Congress and the SFC have considered various regulatory initiatives regarding banking fees. Although no such initiatives have been adopted in the past, there are new initiatives to impose similar restrictions on banking fees. If the Bank is prohibited from continuing to charge for certain services or types of transactions to its clients, or from imposing charges with respect to new services that might be introduced, the Bank’s results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

Financial Conglomerates

 

In accordance with Law 1870 of 2017, the Government is expected to set out provisions and regulatory standards applicable to financial conglomerates in the areas of corporate governance principles, risk management, capital adequacy requirements and related party transactions, among others. Pursuant to Law 1870 of 2017 Bancolombia will be subject to such provisions and standards because of the shareholding in Bancolombia by Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A. These provisions and regulatory standards, the details of which have not yet been published, could materially and adversely affect the Bank´s business.

 

Colombian tax haven regulation could adversely affect the Bank’s business and financial results.

 

Decree 1966 of 2014, as modified by Decree 2095 of 2014, designates 37 jurisdictions as tax havens for Colombian tax purposes although neither Panama nor other countries in which the Bank operates, were included on this list. As a result of the tax haven regulation the Bank’s clients who are residents in such jurisdictions would be subject to (i) higher withholding tax rates including a higher withholding rate on interest and dividends derived from investments in the Colombian securities market, (ii) the transfer pricing regime and its reporting duties, (iii) enhanced ability on the part of Colombian authorities to qualify a conduct as abusive under tax regulations, (iv) non-deductibility of payments made to such residents or entities located in tax havens, unless the required tax amount has been withheld and (v) additional information disclosure requirements, any of which could have a negative impact on Bancolombia’s business and financial results.

 

In order to avoid Panama’s designation as a tax haven, Colombia and Panama signed a memorandum of understanding which establishes that both countries will negotiate a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation. This treaty is expected to include provisions regarding the exchange of information between Colombian and Panamanian tax authorities. Although Panama adhered to the Covention on Mutual Administrative Assitance in Tax Matters of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (“OECD”) in 2017, any failure to execute a treaty between Colombia and Panama, or the designation of Panama as a tax haven, could result in a negative impact on the Bank’s customer base and, therefore, a potential negative impact on the Bank’s results of operations and financial condition. On April 28, 2016, the Colombian Ministry of Finance and Public Credit announced the successful conclusion of the negotiations between Colombia and Panama. The two countries stated their intention to enter into a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation. However, as of the date of this Annual Report, the treaty has not been entered into.

 

 19 

 

 

The Bank and most of its Subsidiaries are subject to the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010 and the OECD´s Automatic Exchange of Information - Common Reporting Standard (CRS).

 

Bancolombia and most of its subsidiaries are considered foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”) under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010 (“FATCA”) (see “Item 4. Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8. Supervision and Regulation – International regulations applicable to Bancolombia and its subsidiaries”). Additionally, Bancolombia and some of its subsidiaries are subject to the reporting obligations derived from the conventions that implement the Common Reporting Standard (“CRS”) approved by the OECD.

 

Given the size and the scope of the Bank’s international operations, we have taken measures and implemented procedures aimed at complying with FATCA and CRS, including transmitting to the relevant authorities the reports required under FATCA and CRS.

 

However, if the Bank cannot satisfy the requirements thereunder, certain payments to Bancolombia, or its Subsidiaries, may be subject to withholding under FATCA or other penalties imposed by each government. The possibility of such withholding or penalties and the need for accountholders and investors to provide certain information may discourage some customers or potential customers from banking with us, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, compliance with the terms of the intergovernmental agreements (“IGA”), particular agreements entered into with the IRS, the international conventions signed for the exchange of information under CRS, the laws or any other regulations enforced in the relevant jurisdictions may increase our compliance costs. Legislation and regulations implementing FATCA and CRS in some of the countries in which the Bank operates remain under development, and the reporting dates vary depending on the jurisdiction.

 

The Bank is subject to credit risk, and estimating exposure to credit risk involves subjective and complex judgments.

 

A number of our products expose the Bank to credit risk. These products include loans, financial leases, guarantees and lending commitments.

 

The Bank estimates and establishes reserves for credit risk and potential credit losses. This process involves subjective and complex judgments, including projections of economic conditions and assumptions about the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. This process is also subject to human error as the Bank’s employees may not always be able to assign an accurate credit risk rating to a client, which may result in the Bank’s exposure to a higher credit risk than one indicated by the Bank’s risk rating system. The Bank may not be able to timely detect these risks before they occur, or due to limited resources or available infrastructure, the Bank’s employees may not be able to effectively implement its credit risk management system, which may increase the Bank’s exposure to credit risk. Moreover, the Bank’s failure to continuously refine its credit risk management system may result in a higher risk exposure for the Bank, which could materially and adversely affect its results of operations and financial position.

 

 20 

 

 

Overall, if the Bank is unable to effectively control the level of non-performing or poor credit quality loans in the future, or if its loan loss reserves are insufficient to cover future loan losses, the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

In addition, the amount of the Bank’s non-performing loans may increase in the future as a result of factors beyond the Bank’s control, such as changes in the income levels of the Bank’s borrowers, increases in the inflation rate or an increase in interest rates, the impact of macroeconomic trends and political events affecting Colombia and other jurisdictions in which the Bank operates or has exposure (especially Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala) or events affecting specific industries. Any of these developments could have a negative effect on the quality of the Bank’s loan portfolio, requiring the Bank to increase provisions for loan losses and resulting in reduced profits or in losses.

 

The Bank is subject to credit risk with respect to its non-traditional banking businesses including investing in securities and entering into derivatives transactions.

 

Non-traditional sources of credit risk can arise from, among other things: investing in securities, entering into derivative contracts under which counterparties have obligations to make payments to the Bank, and executing securities, futures, currency or commodity trades from the Bank’s proprietary trading desk that fail to settle at the required time due to non-delivery by the counterparty or systems failure by clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries. Any significant increases in exposure to any of these non-traditional risks, or a significant decline in the credit quality or the insolvency of any of the counterparties, could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations and financial position.

.

The Bank is exposed to risks associated with the mortgage loan market.

 

The Bank is a leader in the mortgage loan markets in which it operates. Colombia’s mortgage loan market is highly regulated and has historically been affected by various macroeconomic factors, as have the mortgage loan markets of Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador. Although interest rates have decreased during recent years, periods of sustained high interest rates have historically discouraged customers from borrowing and have resulted in increased defaults in outstanding loans and deterioration in the quality of assets.

 

The Bank is subject to concentration of default risks in its loan portfolio. Problems with one or more of its largest borrowers may adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Bank’s 25 largest credit exposures, on a consolidated basis, represented 8.88% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. No single exposure represented more than 2% of the loan book and all of those loans were corporate loans. Problems with one or more of the Bank’s largest borrowers could materially and adversely affect its results of operations and financial position, see “Item 4. Information on the Company – E. Selected Statistical Information – E.3. Loan Portfolio – Borrowing Relationships”.

 

 21 

 

 

The value of the collateral securing the outstanding principal and interest balance of the Bank’s loans may not be sufficient to cover such outstanding principal and interest. In addition, the Bank may be unable to realize the full value of the collateral or guarantees securing the outstanding principal and interest balance of its loans.

 

The Bank’s loan collateral primarily includes real estate, assets pledged in financial leasing transactions and other assets that are located primarily in Colombia, El Salvador, Panama and Guatemala, the value of which may significantly fluctuate or decline due to factors beyond the Bank’s control. Such factors include market factors, environmental risks, natural disasters, macroeconomic factors and political events affecting the local economy. In addition, the Bank may face difficulties in enforcing its rights as a secured creditor. In particular, timing delays and procedural problems in enforcing against collateral and local protectionism may make foreclosures on collateral and enforcement of judgments difficult. Any decline in the value of the collateral securing the Bank’s loans may result in a reduction in the recovery from collateral realization and may have an adverse impact on the Bank’s results of operations and financial condition.

 

The Bank is subject to market risk.

 

The Bank is directly and indirectly affected by changes in market conditions. Market risk, or the risk of losses in positions arising from movements in market prices, is inherent in the products and instruments associated with our operations, including loans, deposits, securities, bonds, long-term debt, short-term borrowings, proprietary trading in assets and liabilities and derivatives. Changes in market conditions that may affect our financial condition and results of operations include fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, securities prices and changes in the implied volatility of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, among others.

 

The Bank’s results of operations are sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates.

 

The Bank holds a substantial portfolio of loans and debt securities that have both fixed and floating interest rates. Therefore, changes in interest rates could adversely affect our net interest margins as well as the value of the debt securities. Increases in interest rates may reduce the market value of the Bank’s debt securities, leading to smaller gains or larger losses on these investments. Sustained high interest rates have historically discouraged customers from borrowing and have resulted in increased delinquencies in outstanding loans and deterioration in the quality of assets. On the other hand, decreases in interest rates may cause margin compression and lower net interest income as the Bank usually maintains more assets than liabilities at variable rates. Decreasing interest rates also may trigger loan prepayments which could negatively affect the Bank’s net interest income. Generally, in a declining interest rate environment, prepayment activity increases, reducing the weighted average maturity of the Bank’s interest earning assets and adversely affecting its operating results. Prepayment risk also has a significant adverse impact on our earnings from our credit card and collateralized mortgage obligations, since prepayments could shorten the weighted average life of these portfolios, which may result in a mismatch in funding or in reinvestment of the prepayment proceeds at lower yields.

 

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The Bank’s income from its proprietary trading activities is highly volatile.

 

The Bank derives a portion of its profits from its proprietary trading activities. Income from this activity is highly volatile and depends on numerous factors beyond the Bank’s control, such as the general market environment, overall market trading activity, interest rate levels, fluctuations in exchange rates and general market volatility. A significant decline in the Bank’s trading income, or the incurrence of a trading loss, could adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations and financial position.

 

The Bank has significant exposure to sovereign risk, and especially Colombian risk, and the Bank’s results could be adversely affected by decreases in the value of its sovereign debt securities.

 

The Bank’s debt securities portfolio is primarily composed of sovereign debt securities, including securities issued or guaranteed by the Colombian Government. Therefore, the Bank’s results are exposed to credit, market, and liquidity risk associated with sovereign debt. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank’s total debt securities represented 7.29% of its total assets, and 47.22% of these securities were issued or guaranteed by the Colombian Government. A significant decline in the value of the securities issued or guaranteed by the Colombian Government could adversely affect the Bank’s debt securities portfolio and consequently the Bank’s results of operations and financial position.

 

The Bank is subject to market, operational and structural risks associated with its derivative transactions.

 

The Bank enters into derivative transactions for hedging purposes and on behalf of its customers. The Bank is subject to market and operational risks associated with these transactions, including basis risk (the risk of loss associated with variations in the spread between the asset yield and the funding and/or hedge cost) and credit or default risk (the risk of insolvency or other inability of the counterparty to a particular transaction to perform its obligations thereunder). In addition, the market practice and documentation for derivative transactions is less developed in the jurisdictions in which the Bank operates as compared to other more economically developed countries, and the court systems in such jurisdictions have limited experience in dealing with issues related to derivative transactions. As a result, there are increased operating and structural risks associated with derivatives transactions in these jurisdictions.

 

In addition, the execution and performance of derivatives transactions depend on the Bank’s ability to develop adequate control and administrative systems, and to hire and retain qualified personnel. Moreover, the Bank’s ability to adequately monitor, analyze and report these derivative transactions depends, to a great extent, on its information technology systems. These factors may further increase the risks associated with these transactions and could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations and financial position.

 

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The Bank is subject to operational risks and losses.

 

The Bank’s businesses are dependent on the ability to process a large number of transactions efficiently and accurately. Operational risks and losses can result from fraud, employee errors, technological failures and failure to properly document transactions or to obtain proper internal authorization, failure to comply with regulatory requirements, breaches of conduct of business rules, equipment failures, natural disasters or the failure of external systems. The Bank has adopted procedures to prevent and manage each of the operational risks, but there can be no assurance that our procedures will be sufficient to prevent losses resulting from these risks.

 

In addition, the Bank’s businesses are exposed to risk from potential non-compliance with policies, employee misconduct or negligence and fraud, which could result in regulatory sanctions and serious reputational or financial harm. In recent years, a number of financial institutions have suffered material losses due to the actions of employees and third parties. The precautions the Bank takes to prevent and detect employee and third-party misconduct may not always be effective.

 

The Bank’s businesses rely heavily on data collection, processing and storage systems, the failure of which could materially and adversely affect the effectiveness of its risk management, reputation and internal control system as well as its financial condition and results of operations.

 

All of the Bank’s principal businesses are highly dependent on the ability to timely collect and process a large amount of financial and other information at its various branches across numerous markets, at a time when transaction processes have become increasingly complex with increasing volume. The proper functioning of financial control, accounting or other data collection and processing systems is critical to the Bank’s businesses and to its ability to compete effectively. A partial or complete failure of any of these primary systems could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s decision-making process, its risk management and internal control systems, the quality of its service, and the Bank’s ability to respond on a timely basis to changing market conditions. If the Bank cannot maintain an effective data collection and management system, its business operations, financial condition, reputation and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. The Bank is also dependent on information systems to operate its website, process transactions, respond to customer inquiries on a timely basis and maintain cost-efficient operations. The Bank may experience operational problems with its information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, computer hackers or other causes. Any material disruption or slowdown of its systems could cause information, including data related to customer requests and other client information, to be lost, compromised, or to be delivered to the Bank’s clients with delays or errors, which could reduce demand for the Bank’s services and products, resulting in additional costs for the Bank and potentially fines and penalties by regulators which could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations and financial position.

 

The Bank is subject to cyber-security risk.

 

The Bank is subject to cyber-security risk, which includes the unauthorized access to privileged information, technological assaults on the infrastructure of the Bank with the aim of stealing information, committing fraud or interfering with regular service, and the interruption of the Bank’s services to some of its clients or users due to the exploitation and materialization of these vulnerabilities. Cyber-security risks for financial institutions have significantly increased because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties.

 

The Bank’s business is highly dependent on the security and efficacy of its infrastructure, computer and data management systems, as well as those of service providers, and others with whom the Bank interacts.

 

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The Bank has implemented a cyber-security management and control system that is designed to anticipate, identify, and offset these threats. The system includes features, among others, such as: perimeter security devices; the constant monitoring and continuous assessment of technological infrastructure seeking to identify vulnerabilities; implementations of software and hardware upgrades; backup security systems; a 24/7 security operations center; and continuous security testing (including ethical hacking). Furthermore, the Bank has obtained an insurance policy aimed at covering certain damages that may be suffered by the Bank and third parties as a result of data losses derived from cyber-attacks.

 

In addition to the measures listed above, all relevant cyber-security issues are reported to the Bank´s Board of Directors and Audit Committee.

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, the Bank has not faced a cyber-attack with a material impact on its business or its clients. However, we can give no assurance that the previously described measures, initiatives and procedures will be effective to prevent or mitigate potential future attacks or threats to our technology infrastructure. Any failure by the Bank to detect or prevent cyber-security risk in a timely manner could result in a negative impact on the Bank’s results of operations and financial position, or in problems with information, including data related to customers being lost, compromised, or delivered to the Bank’s clients with delays or errors.

 

Failures related to the Bank’s information technology infrastructure and management information systems could adversely affect the Bank’s competitiveness, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Bank has recently faced technological failures which have negatively affected the Bank´s products and services in general, and in particular, its digital channel (including multiple offline periods). Such failures have impacted, principally, the capacity of our clients to access their products and services. In addition to the technological updates being implemented by the Bank, we have implemented controls and measures, such as enabling alternative channels to assure the client´s access to our services, in order to mitigate such failures and to prevent future threats. Any failure to effectively prevent and manage the Bank’s information technology infrastructure and information management systems in an adequate manner could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s competitiveness, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Furthermore, the Bank’s ability to remain competitive will depend in part on its ability to upgrade the Bank’s information technology infrastructure on a timely and cost-effective basis. The information available to and received by the Bank’s management through its existing information systems may not be timely and sufficient to manage risks or to plan for and respond to changes in market conditions and other developments in its operations. The Bank regularly undertakes projects to update its information technology platform (“IT platform”) that may result in significant changes in the manner in which the Bank manages its business. Any failure to effectively improve or upgrade the Bank’s information technology infrastructure and information management systems in a timely and cost-effective manner could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s competitiveness, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 25 

 

 

The occurrence of natural disasters in the regions in which the Bank operates could impair its ability to conduct business effectively and could impact its results of operations.

 

The Bank is exposed to the risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, tropical storms, floods, wind and hurricanes in the regions where it operates. Although the Bank has implemented disaster recovery systems, in the event of a natural disaster, unanticipated problems with said systems could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s ability to conduct business in the affected region, particularly if those problems affect its computer-based data processing, transmission, storage and retrieval systems and destroy valuable data. In addition, if a significant number of the Bank’s local employees and managers became unavailable due to a natural disaster, the Bank’s ability to effectively conduct business could be severely compromised. In addition, the Bank may face added credit risk if its clients located in the affected region are not able to make timely payment on outstanding loans or other obligations to the Bank. A natural disaster or multiple catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business and results of operations in the affected region.

 

Acquisitions and strategic partnerships may not perform in accordance with expectations or may disrupt the Bank’s operations and adversely affect its profitability.

 

An element of the Bank’s business strategy is to identify and pursue growth-enhancing strategic opportunities. The Bank may base assessments of potential acquisitions and partnerships on assumptions with respect to operations, profitability and other matters that may subsequently prove to be incorrect, and any future acquisitions, investments and alliances may not produce the anticipated synergies or perform in accordance with the Bank’s expectations which could adversely affect its operations and profitability. 

 

The Bank’s concentration in and reliance on short-term deposits may increase its funding costs.

 

The Bank’s principal source of funds is short-term deposits, which on a consolidated basis represented 73.52% of total liabilities at the end of 2017 compared to 71.71% at the end of 2016. Because the Bank relies primarily on short-term deposits for its funding, in the event of a sudden or unexpected shortage of funds in the banking systems and money markets in which the Bank operates, the Bank may not be able to maintain its current level of funding without incurring higher costs or selling assets at prices below their prevailing market value.

 

The Bank has adopted certain initiatives, policies and procedures to mitigate risks related to regulatory compliance.

 

The Bank is subject to laws and regulations related to anti-competitive practices, including the formation of cartels and the abuse of its dominant position. Violation of these laws and regulations may result in significant administrative sanctions imposed by the SIC.

 

The Bank is in the process of creating a special unit responsible for overseeing and ensuring regulatory compliance in general and, in particular, compliance with regulations related to anti-competitive practices, personal data protection and consumer protection. If this initiative is not successful our reputation, regulatory position and financial condition may be adversely affected and our ability to achieve our strategic objectives may be impaired.

 

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Moreover, to ensure compliance with regulations regarding the use and protection of personal data, the Bank is currently developing a Comprehensive Data Protection Program. The program may not be able to prevent all inappropriate use of personal data or breaches that may result in personal data being exposed.

 

The Bank may not be able to prevent all risks associated with regulatory compliance or detect all instances of non-compliance with regulations. Any failure by the Bank to detect and prevent the aforementioned practices in a timely manner could damage the Banks reputation and facing substantial fines and penalties which could adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations and financial position.

 

The Bank’s policies and procedures may not be able to detect money laundering, corruption and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis.

 

The Bank is required to comply with applicable anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism laws and other regulations. These laws and regulations require the Bank, among other things, to adopt and enforce “know your customer” policies and procedures and to report suspicious and large transactions to the applicable regulatory authorities. While the Bank has adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of its banking network for money laundering activities and by terrorists and terrorist-related organizations and individuals generally, as the methods used by money launderers evolve and become increasingly sophisticated, such policies and procedures may not completely eliminate the risk that the Bank may be used by other parties to engage in money laundering, corruption and other illegal or improper activities.

 

The Bank is subject to laws and regulations relating to corrupt and illegal payments to public and private officials in the jurisdictions in where it operates, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Colombian regulations on transnational bribery. The Bank has an anti-corruption system, which incorporates, among others, an anti-corruption policy, training, reporting channels, monitoring, internal investigations and sanctions. Such system has only been recently implemented and does not completely eliminate the risk that the Bank´s employees, providers, clients or agents may engage in corrupt practices.

 

If the Bank fails to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, it may face fines, penalties or other liabilities including restrictions on its ability to conduct business. In addition, the Bank’s business and reputation could suffer if it is not able to prevent and detect money laundering, corruption or other illegal practices.

 

The Bank is subject to increasing competition which may adversely affect its results of operations.

 

The Bank operates in a highly competitive environment and management expects competition to increase in the jurisdictions where the Bank operates. Intensified merger activity in the financial services industry has produced larger, better capitalized and more geographically diverse firms that are capable of offering a wider array of financial products and services at more competitive prices. Also, the emergence of new financial technologies, unregulated financial intermediaries (known as “shadow banking”) and the recent enactment of regulations aimed at enabling non-Colombian residents to offer loans in COP, may increase competition for the Bank operates. The Bank’s ability to maintain its competitive position depends mainly on its ability to fulfill new customers’ needs through the development of new products and services, the Bank’s ability to offer adequate services and strengthen its customer base through cross-selling and the Bank’s ability to bring in and retain human talent. The Bank’s business will be adversely affected if the Bank is not able to maintain efficient service strategies. In addition, the Bank’s efforts to offer new services and products may not succeed if product or market opportunities develop more slowly than expected or if the profitability of opportunities is undermined by competitive pressures.

 

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Downgrades in the credit ratings of the Bank and its subsidiaries would increase their cost of borrowing funds and make their ability to raise new funds, attract deposits or renew maturing debt more difficult.

 

The Bank’s and its subsidiaries’ credit ratings are an important component of the liquidity profile of each entity, and their ability to successfully compete depends on various factors, including their financial stability as reflected by their credit ratings. A downgrade in the credit ratings of the Bank or its subsidiaries would increase their cost of raising funds from other banks or in the capital markets. Purchases of the Bank’s or its subsidiaries’ securities by institutional investors could be reduced if they suffer a decline in their credit ratings. The ability of the Bank or its subsidiaries to renew maturing debt could become restricted and the terms for such renewal more expensive if their credit ratings were to decline. The Bank’s and its subsidiaries’ lenders and counterparties in derivative transactions are sensitive to the risk of a credit rating downgrade. A downgrade in the credit rating of the Bank or its subsidiaries may adversely affect perception of their financial stability and their ability to raise deposits, which could make each entity less successful when competing for deposits and loans in the market place. 

 

The Central Bank may impose requirements on our (and other Colombian residents) ability to obtain loans in foreign currency.

 

The Central Bank may impose certain mandatory deposit requirements in connection with foreign currency denominated loans obtained by Colombian residents, including the Bank, although no such mandatory deposit requirement is currently in effect. We cannot predict or control future actions by the Central Bank in respect of deposit requirements, which may involve the establishment of a mandatory deposit percentage, and the use of such measures by the Central Bank may raise our cost of raising funds and reduce our financial flexibility.

 

Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the ADSs.

 

Preemptive rights may not be available to holders of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) evidencing ADSs.

 

The Bank’s by-laws and Colombian law require that, whenever the Bank issues new shares of any outstanding class, it must offer the holders of each class of shares (including holders of ADRs) the right to purchase a number of shares of such class sufficient to maintain their existing percentage ownership of the aggregate capital stock of the Bank. These rights are called preemptive rights. United States holders of ADRs may not be able to exercise their preemptive rights through The Bank of New York Mellon, which acts as depositary (the “Depositary”) for the Bank’s ADR facility, unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to such rights and class of shares or an exemption from the registration requirement thereunder is available. The Bank is obligated to file a registration statement or find a corresponding exemption only if it determines to extend the rights to holders of the ADRs. Although it is not obligated to, do so, the Bank intends to consider at the time of any rights offering the costs and potential liabilities associated with any such registration statement, the benefits to the Bank from enabling the holders of the ADRs to exercise those rights and any other factors deemed appropriate at the time before it makes a decision as to whether to file a registration statement. Accordingly, the Bank may in some cases decide not to file a registration statement. For example, in connection with rights offering in January 2012, the Bank did not file such a registration statement.

 

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Under the deposit agreement between the Bank and the Depositary, only the Depositary is entitled to exercise preemptive rights, and the Depositary has no obligation to make available preemptive rights to holders of ADRs. If the Bank offers or causes to be offered to the holders of any deposited securities, including preferred shares of the Bank, any rights to subscribe for additional preferred shares of the Bank or any rights of any other nature, the Depositary has discretion as to the procedure to be followed in making such rights available to any holders of ADRs or in disposing of such rights on behalf of any holders of ADRs and making the net proceeds available to such holders of ADRs. If by the terms of such rights offering or for any other reason, the Depositary does not either make such rights available to any holders of ADRs or dispose of such rights and make the net proceeds available to such holders of ADRs, then the Depositary will allow the rights to lapse. Whenever the rights are sold or lapse, the equity interests of the holders of ADRs will be proportionately diluted.

 

The Bank’s preferred shares have limited voting rights.

 

The Bank’s corporate affairs are governed by its by-laws and Colombian law. Under the Bank’s by-laws and Colombian law, the Bank’s preferred stockholders may have fewer rights than stockholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction. Under the Bank’s by-laws and Colombian corporate law, holders of preferred shares (and, consequently, holders of ADRs) have no voting rights in respect of preferred shares, other than in limited circumstances as described in Item 10. “Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Voting Rights – Preferred Shares”. Holders of the Bank’s preferred shares, including holders of ADRs, are not entitled to vote for the election of directors or to influence the Bank’s management policies.

 

Holders of the Bank’s ADRs may encounter difficulties in the exercise of dividend and voting rights.

 

Holders of the Bank’s ADRs may encounter difficulties in the exercise of some of their rights with respect to the shares underlying ADRs. If the Bank makes a distribution to holders of underlying shares in the form of securities, the Depositary is allowed, in its discretion, to sell those securities on behalf of ADR holders and instead distribute the net proceeds to the ADR holders. Also, even in those limited instances in which the preferred shares represented by the ADRs have the power to vote, under some circumstances, ADR holders may not be able to vote by giving instructions to the depositary. This may occur if ADR holders do not receive from the Depositary a notice of meeting sufficiently prior to the instruction date to ensure that the Depositary will vote the preferred shares represented by the ADRs in accordance with instructions received from such holders. There are no circumstances in which holders of ADRs may vote in a way other than by providing instructions to the Depositary.

 

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Relative illiquidity of the Colombian securities markets may impair the ability of an ADR holder to sell preferred shares.

 

The Bank’s common and preferred shares are listed on the Colombian Securities Exchange, which is relatively small and illiquid compared to stock exchanges in major financial centers. In addition, a small number of issuers represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading volume on the Colombian Securities Exchange. A liquid trading market for the Bank’s securities might not develop on the Colombian Securities Exchange. A limited trading market could impair the ability of an ADR holder to sell preferred shares (obtained upon withdrawal of such shares from the ADR facility) on the Colombian Securities Exchange in the amount and at the price and time such holder desires, and could increase the volatility of the price of the ADRs.

 

ADRs do not have the same tax benefits as other equity investments in Colombia.

 

Although ADRs represent Bancolombia’s preferred shares, they are held through a fund of foreign capital in Colombia which is subject to a specific tax regulatory regime. Accordingly, the tax benefits applicable in Colombia to equity investments, in particular those relating to dividends and profits from sale, are not applicable to ADRs, including the Bank’s ADRs. For more information see Item 10. “Additional Information. –E. Taxation –Colombia Taxation”.

 

ITEM 4.INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A.HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

Bancolombia is Colombia’s leading financial institution, with presence in other jurisdictions such as Panama, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, the Cayman Islands, and Peru, providing a wide range of financial products and services to a diversified individual, corporate, and government customer base throughout Colombia, Latin America and the Caribbean region.

 

Bancolombia is a stock company (sociedad anónima) domiciled in Medellin, Colombia and operates under Colombian laws and regulations, mainly the Colombian Commercial Code, Decree 663 of 1993 and Decree 2555 of 2010. Bancolombia was incorporated in Colombia in 1945, under the name Banco Industrial Colombiano S.A. or “BIC”, and is incorporated until 2044. In 1998, the Bank merged with Banco de Colombia S.A., and changed its legal name to Bancolombia S.A. On July 30, 2005, Conavi Banco Comercial y de Ahorros S.A. and Corporación Financiera Nacional y Suramericana S.A. merged with and into Bancolombia, with Bancolombia as the surviving entity. Through this merger, Bancolombia gained important competitive advantages in retail and corporate banking which materially strengthened Bancolombia’s multi-banking franchise.

 

In May 2007, Bancolombia Panama acquired Banagrícola, which controls several subsidiaries, including Banco Agrícola in El Salvador, and is dedicated to banking, commercial activities, consumer activities and brokerage. Through its first international acquisition, Bancolombia gained a leadership position in the Salvadorian market.

 

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 In October 2013, Bancolombia acquired a 100% percent interest in the ordinary voting shares, and 1,325,780 preferred shares of Banistmo, a Panamanian banking entity and its subsidiaries involved in the securities brokerage, trust, consumer finance, and leasing businesses.

 

Also in October 2013, Bancolombia Panama acquired a 40% interest in Grupo Agromercantil, the parent company of BAM, and certain other companies dedicated to securities brokerage, insurance, and other financial businesses. Bancolombia Panama acquired an additional 20% interest and control of Grupo Agromercantil on December 30, 2015.

 

Since 1995, Bancolombia has maintained a listing on the NYSE, where its ADSs are traded under the symbol “CIB”, and on the Colombian Securities Exchange, where its preferred shares are traded under the symbol “PFBCOLOM”. Since 1981 Bancolombia’s common shares have been traded on the Colombian Securities Exchange under the symbol “BCOLOMBIA”. See Item 9. “The Offer and Listing”.

 

Bancolombia has grown substantially over the years, both through organic growth and acquisitions.

 

As of December 31, 2017, Bancolombia and its consolidated subsidiaries had:

 

COP 203,908 billion in total assets;

 

COP 152,245 billion in total net loans and advances to customers and financial institution, net;

 

COP 131,959 billion in total deposits from customers; and

 

COP 23,113 billion in stockholders’ equity attributable to the owners of the parent company.

 

Bancolombia’s consolidated net income attributable to equity holders of Bancolombia S.A. for the year ended December 31, 2017 was COP 2,615 billion, representing a return on average total equity of 11.99% and a return on average total assets of 1.3%.

        

The address and telephone numbers of the Bank’s headquarters are as follows: Carrera 48 # 26-85, Medellín, Colombia; telephone + (574) 404-1837. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Puglisi & Associates, presently located at 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711.

 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

 

Issuance of Subordinated Notes

 

On October 18, 2017 Bancolombia S.A. issued notes for an aggregate principal amount of USD 750,000,000. The notes, which were listed in the New York Stock Exchange, have a 10-year maturity, are redeemdable at the option of Bancolombia on the fifth anniversary of their issuance and bear interest at a rate of 4.875%, payable semi-annually on April 18 and October 18 of each year, commencing on April 18, 2018. The Bank used the proceeds of the Notes to acquire USD 360,912,000 of the outstanding Notes due 2020 and USD 321,152,000 of the outstanding Notes due 2022, issued on July 26, 2010 and September 4, 2012, respectively, through a private exchange following a dealer intermediated tender offer.

 

Issuance of Banistmo Senior Notes

 

On September 12, 2017, Banistmo issued international bonds for an aggregate principal amount of USD 500,000,000 due in 2022, under Regulation S and Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The bonds bear interest at a rate of 3.65%.

 

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Bancolombia enters into a Collective Bargaining Agreement

 

On October 24, 2017, Bancolombia entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with its labor unions. The new agreement provides for a salary increase as well as increases in education, housing and health insurance benefits. The agreement covers 13,000 Colombian employees of Bancolombia S.A. and its subsidiaries. The agreement came into force on November 1, 2017 and will expire on October 31, 2020.

 

PUBLIC TAKEOVER OFFERS

 

In 2017, and as of the date of this Annual Report, there have been no public takeover offers by third parties with respect to the Bank’s shares or by the Bank in respect to another company’s shares.

 

CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

 

During 2017, total capital expenditures amounted to COP 349.97 billion. Such investments were mainly focused on IT related projects (COP 59.71 billion), the expansion of the Bank’s branch and ATM network (COP 23.64 billion), the purchase of fixed assets (COP 30.92 billion), and other miscellaneous projects, including new software modules, upgrade of web contents, automation of reports, and construction of data centers (COP 235.69 billion).

 

In 2017, Bancolombia funded its capital expenditures with its own resources and plans to continue to fund those currently in progress in the same manner.

 

During 2018, the Bank expects to invest approximately COP 295.98 billion as follows: COP 47.65 billion in connection with the expansion of the Bank’s branch and ATM network, COP 55.26 billion in connection with the purchase of hardware for the expansion, updating and replacement of the current IT equipment, COP 36.99 billion in connection with other fixed assets and COP 156.08 billion in connection with strategic projects. These figures represent only an estimate and may change according to the continuing assessment of the Bank’s project portfolio. No assurance can be given, however, that all such capital expenditures will be made and, if made, that such expenditures will be in the amounts currently expected.

 

The following table summarizes the Bank’s capital acquisitions and divestitures in interests in other companies, for the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

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Capital Acquisitions (1)   For the year ended December 31,  
Type of Investment 2017   2016   2015   Total
    In millions of COP  
PA Viva Malls Associate 262,918   388,595   -   651,513
PA Central Point Financial Instrument 36,242   -   -   36,242
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. Joint venture 30,000   15,977   -   45,977
Puntos Colombia S.A.S. Joint venture 9,000   -   -   9,000
ECOPETROL S.A. Financial Instrument 6,347   -   1,785   8,132
500 Luchadores II, L.P. Financial Instrument 2,984   -   -   2,984
Davivienda S.A. Preferencial Financial Instrument 2,490   -   2,180   4,670
Canacol Energy Ltd. Financial Instrument 2,375   -   -   2,375
PA Estrategias Inmobiliarias Financial Instrument 1,797   -   -   1,797
Grupo AVAL Acciones y Valores S.A. Financial Instrument 1,735   -   -   1,735
CEMEX Latam Holdings S.A. Financial Instrument 1,650   -   -   1,650
Fondo Bursátil Ishares COLCAP Financial Instrument 1,567   -   -   1,567
Corporación Financiera Colombiana S.A. Financial Instrument 1,501   -   -   1,501
Fondos SURA SAF SAC Financial Instrument 1,345   3,307   -   4,652
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc Financial Instrument 1,328   -   -   1,328
Johnson & Johnson de Colombia S.A. Financial Instrument 1,258   -   -   1,258
SPDR Gold Shares Financial Instrument 916   -   -   916
Amgen, Inc Financial Instrument 784   -   -   784
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc Financial Instrument 762   -   -   762
Reintegra S.A.S. Associate 739   573   950   2,262
Grupo ARGOS S.A. Financial Instrument -   92,966   -   92,966
Asociación Gremail de Instituciones Financieras Credibanco S.A. Financial Instrument -   82,258   -   82,258
PA Clínica del Prado Financial Instrument -   41,069   -   41,069
Fideicomiso P.A Acqua Power Center Financial Instrument -   21,649   -   21,649
Fideicomiso Corpacero S.A.S. Financial Instrument -   11,111   -   11,111
PA Plesco Financial Instrument -   10,935   -   10,935
ETB S.A. E.S.P. Financial Instrument -   1,986   -   1,986
Equifax centroamerica S.A. De C.V. Financial Instrument -   1,615   1,695   3,310
Gestora de Fondos de Inversión Banagricola S.A. Subsidiary -   1,471 (2) -   1,471
Inversiones ARGOS S.A. Financial Instrument -   37   1,076   1,113
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. DE C.V. Subsidiary -   -   477,145 (3) 477,145
Internacional Ejecutiva de Aviación S.A.S. Associate -   -   8,121   8,121
Compañía de Procesamiento de Medios de Pago Guatemala, S.A. Financial Instrument -   -   5,562   5,562
Grupo Nutresa Financial Instrument -   -   2,644   2,644
Grupo AVAL Financial Instrument -   -   2,618   2,618
Transacciones y Transferencias, S.A. Financial Instrument -   -   1,315   1,315
Interconexión Eléctrica S.A. Financial Instrument -   -   1,107   1,107
Cementos ARGOS S.A. Financial Instrument -   -   667   667
Garantias y Servicios S.G.R.S.A. De C.V. Financial Instrument -   -   531   531
Imágenes Computarizadas de Guatemala, S.A. Financial Instrument -   -   476   476
Citigruop, Inc. Financial Instrument -   -   461   461
Others   3,440   1,842   1,709   6,991
Total Acquisitions   371,178   675,391   510,042   1,556,611

 

 

(1)The amounts disclosed in this table correspond to the consideration paid as a result of the acquisition of each invesment.

(2)The amount of USD 500 thousand has been converted at the rate of COP 2,942.16 per USD 1,00, which is the Representative Market Rate calculated on May 5, 2016, (the date of the completion of the transaction) as reported by the SFC.

(3)The amount of USD 151,5 million has been converted at the rate of COP 3,149.47 per USD 1,00, which is the Representative Market Rate calculated on December 31, 2015, as reported by the SFC.

 

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Capital Divestitures (1)

  As of December 31,
Type of Investment 2017   2016   2015   Total
    In millions of COP
Grupo Argos Financial Instrument 92,966   -   -   92,966
Fideicomiso P.A Acqua Power Center Financial Instrument 17,640   -   -   17,640
Leasing Perú S.A. (In liquidation) Subsidiary 16,838   -   -   16,838
ECOPETROL S.A. Financial Instrument 15,469   -   -   15,469
PA Plesco Financial Instrument 10,935   -   -   10,935
ADARA VENTURES Financial Instrument 6,979   -   -   6,979
Fideicomiso Corpacero S.A.S. Financial Instrument 6,584   -   -   6,584
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A. (In liquidation) Subsidiary 3,757   -   -   3,757
Construcciones El Cóndor S.A. Financial Instrument 2,819   -   -   2,819
Fondos SURA SAF SAC Financial Instrument 2,128   -   -   2,128
SURA Corto Plazo CASHDOL Financial Instrument 1,194   -   -   1,194
Fogansa S.A. Financial Instrument 883   -   -   883
Grupo Odinsa S.A. Financial Instrument -   101,371   1,442   102,813
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. Joint venture -   79,017   -   79,017
CIFIN S.A. Financial Instrument -   46,432   -   46,432
ISAGEN S.A. E.S.P. Financial Instrument -   8,489   -   8,489
Multiactivos S.A. Associate -   4,101   -   4,101
Cementos ARGOS S.A. Financial Instrument -   2,601   -   2,601
Concesiones Urbanas S.A. Associate -   2,361   -   2,361
Davivienda S.A. Preferencial Financial Instrument -   2,180   -   2,180
Trust found Financial Instrument -   2,077   -   2,077
Equifax centroamerica S.A. De C.V. Financial Instrument -   1,695   -   1,695
Inversiones Inmobiliarias Arauco Alameda S.A.S. Associate -   -   216,598   216,598
Others   2,420   2,267   2,426   7,113
Total Divestitures   180,612   252,591   220,466   653,669

 

 

(1).The amount disclosed in this table correspond to the consideration received as result of the sale of each invesment.

 

B.BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

B.1.GENERAL

 

COMPANY DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

 

Bancolombia is a full service financial institution that offers a wide range of banking products and services to a diversified individual and corporate customer base of nearly 12 million customers. Bancolombia delivers its products and services through its regional network comprising Colombia’s largest non-Government owned banking network, El Salvador’s leading financial conglomerate, Guatemala’s fourth-largest bank, Panama’s second-largest bank and off-shore banking subsidiaries in Panama, Cayman and Puerto Rico, all of them measure by gross loans.

 

Bancolombia and its subsidiaries offer the following products and services:

 

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Savings and Investment: The Bank offers its customers checking accounts, savings accounts, fixed term deposits and a diverse variety of investment products that fit the specific transactional needs of each client and their income bracket. The Bank also offers its clients and users the service of tax collection in all its branches, and through electronic channels.

 

Ahorro a la Mano: This is a mobile phone based savings account specially designed to serve low-income clients and those with no prior experience with banking products.

 

Financing: The Bank offers its customers a wide range of credit alternatives which include: trade financing, loans funded by domestic development banks, working capital loans, credit cards, personal loans, vehicle loans, payroll loans and overdrafts, among others.

 

Mortgage Banking: The Bank is a leader in the mortgage market in Colombia, providing full financial support to real estate developers and mortgages for individuals and companies.

 

Factoring: Bancolombia offers its clients solutions for handling their working capital and maximizing their assets turnover through comprehensive solutions to manage their accounts receivable financing.

 

Financial and Operating Leases: The Bank offers financial and operating leases specifically designed for acquiring fixed assets.

 

Capital Markets: The Bank assists its clients in mitigating market risk through hedging instruments such as, futures, forwards, options and swaps.

 

Trading: The bank offers an internet-based trading platform, available for retail and institutional clients, which allows them to buy/sell securities in the Colombian Securities Exchange.

 

The Bank also performs inter-bank lending, repurchase agreements (repos), foreign exchange transactions, as well as sovereign and corporate securities sales and trading. Bancolombia is an active player in the “market-makers” scheme for trading Colombian sovereign debt (TES bonds).  

 

The Bank offers its clients direct access to local and international capital markets through a full range of brokerage and investment advisory services that cover equities and fixed income securities, proprietary and third party asset management products, such as mutual funds, private equity funds, and privately managed investment accounts for institutional, corporate and private bank clients.

 

Cash Management: The Bank provides support to its clients through efficient cash management, offering a portfolio of standard products that allows clients to make payments and collections through different channels. Our payables and receivables services provide solutions to process and reconcile transactions accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner. We also offer a comprehensive reporting solution, providing the data that is required by customers’ internal processes. In addition, the Bank designs and creates custom-made products in order to address our clients’ specific payment and collection needs. These include a variety of real time web services, straight through processing (STP) and messaging through Swift Net solutions.

 

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Foreign Currency and Trade Finance: The Bank offers its clients specialized solutions to satisfy their investment, financing and payment needs with regard to foreign currency transactions. The Bank also provides trade finance solutions with products such as Letters of Credit, Standby Letters of Credit and Bills Collection.

 

Bancassurance and Insurance: The Bank distributes diverse insurance products (life, auto, commercial, and homeowner’s insurance) written by Compañía Suramericana de Seguros, one of the main insurance companies in Colombia. In addition, Bancolombia offers unemployment insurance written by Sure General Cardif Colombia S.A.

 

Investment Banking: The Bank, through its subsidiary Banca de Inversión, offers a wide variety of value-added services, including project and acquisition finance, debt and equity capital markets, principal investments (in real estate, industrials, construction), M&A, restructurings and structured corporate lending across all economic sectors.

 

Trust and Fiduciary Services: The Bank, through its subsidiary Fiduciaria Bancolombia offers a broad and diversified portfolio of services for companies and individuals, meeting their needs with tailored services. These services include managing escrow accounts, multiple investment funds, and real estate funds.

 

Nequi (Digital Bank): In June 2016, the Bank launched its signature pilot project Nequi, a 100% digital bank that operates independently from the Bancolombia brand. This product is completely paperless; users interact with the platform exclusively by mobile phone, with no contact with Bancolombia’s branch network. Nequi users can open a savings account, transfer cash, make payments, withdraw cash from Bancolombia ATMs, and recharge their prepaid cell phone plans. As of December 31, 2017, this app had over 704,467 downloads, 271,864 total users and 76,193 active users who have made at least one transaction over the last three months.

 

NEW PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

 

Bancolombia continues its efforts to diversify and innovate in its product portfolio. Below is a brief description of the new products and services introduced in 2017:

 

Nequi (Digital Bank): In January 2017, the Bank launched its signature pilot project Nequi in Banistmo our operation in Panamá, a 100% digital bank that operates independently from the Banistmo brand. This product is completely paperless; users interact with the platform exclusively by mobile phone, with no contact with Banistmo’s branch network. Nequi users can open a savings account, transfer cash, make payments in POS, withdraw cash from Banistmo ATMs, make payments of some bills by the marketplace of Nequi. As of December 31, 2017, this app had over 80,556 downloads, 20,464 total users and 3,361 active users who have made at least one transaction over the last three months.

 

Revolving Credit Facility for Individuals: it is a product designed for employees that require resources before the next payment day and have a stable salary and their payroll or pension deposited in the Bank. The facility has a flat commitment fee and can be withdrawn through any channel of the Bank. Also, along with the product, there is a life and unemployment insurance that covers the outstanding balance.

 

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MAIN LINES OF BUSINESS

 

The Bank manages its business through nine main operating segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, Off Shore, and All other.

 

For a description and discussion of these segments, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – A. Operating Results – Results by Segment”.

 

B.2.OPERATIONS

 

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for a description of the principal markets in which the Bank competes, including a breakdown of total interest and valuation income by category of activity and geographic market for each of the last two fiscal years.

 

B.3.SEASONALITY OF DEPOSITS

 

Historically, the Bank has experienced some seasonality in its demand deposits, with higher average balances at the end of the year and lower average balances in the first quarter of the year. This behavior is explained primarily by the increased liquidity provided by the Central Bank and the Colombian National Treasury at year end, as economic activity tends to be higher during this period resulting in a greater number of transactions. However, we do not consider the seasonality of demand deposits to have a significant impact on our business.

 

B.4.RAW MATERIALS

 

The Bank is not dependent on sources or availability of raw materials.

 

B.5.DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

 

Bancolombia provides its products and services through a traditional branch network, sales and customer representatives as well as through mobile branches (or “Puntos de Atención Móviles”), an ATM network, online and computer banking, telephone banking, mobile phone banking services, and points of sale (or “Puntos de Atención Cercano”), among others. Transactions performed through electronic channels represented more than 92.26% of all transactions in 2017, up from 91.02% of all transactions in 2016. In addition, as of December 31, 2017, Bancolombia had a sales force of approximately 13,479 employees. 

 

The following are the distribution channels offered by Bancolombia as of December 31, 2017:

 

Branch Network

 

As of December 31, 2017, Bancolombia’s consolidated branch network consisted of 1,153 offices, including 726 from Bancolombia S.A., 97 from Banco Agricola, 44 from Banistmo, 203 from BAM and 83 from other subsidiaries.

 

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Company* Number of
branches
2017
Number of
branches
2016
Number of
branches
2015
Number of
branches
2014
Bancolombia S.A.(unconsolidated) 726 817 827 826
Leasing Bancolombia (1) 19 20 21 21
SUFI (1) 5 3 3 3
Bancolombia Panama 1 1 1 1
Bancolombia S.A. Panama Branch 1 1 1 1
Renting Colombia 24 22 23 19
Valores Bancolombia 6 6 7 11
Valores Bancolombia Panamá S.A. 1 1 1 1
Banca de Inversión 2 2 2 2
Fiduciaria Bancolombia 7 6 5 7
Bancolombia Puerto Rico International Inc. 1 1 1 1
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. (2) 1 1 1 1
Fondo Inversión Arrend.Operativo Renting Perú I (in liquidation)(2) - 1 1 1
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. 2 2 2 2
Banco Agrícola 97 97 97 98
Arrendadora Financiera S.A. 1 1 1 1
Valores Banagricola, S.A. de C.V. 1 1 1 1
Capital Investments SAFI S.A. 1 1 1 1
Transportempo S.A.S. 1 1 1 1
Leasing Perú S.A. (in liquidation) - 1 1 1
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria (previously Fiduciaria GBC S.A.) 1 1 1
Banistmo 44 45 47 50
Financomer 8 8 8 7
BAM (Guatemala) 203 208 220 -
Tuya S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento (3) - - - 4
Seguros Banitsmo (4) - - - 4
Uff Móvil S.A.S. (5) - - - 1
Total 1,153 1,248 1,274 1,067

 

 

* For some subsidiaries, their central office is considered a branch.

(1)On September 30, 2016, Leasing Bancolombia S.A. merged into Bancolombia. Bancolombia, as the surviving entity, became the holder of the rights and liabilities of Leasing, and assumed responsibility for managing Leasing´s existing portfolio of products and services. Leasing Bancolombia assigned to Bancolombia the “Leasing Bancolombia” trademark, which has thereafter been used to identify a division of Bancolombia.  Leasing Bancolombia operates 19 branches under that brand.  Sufi is a Bancolombia brand that operates 5 branches.
(2)Renting Perú S.A.C. changed its legal name to Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. The offices operated for the Localiza franchise in Peru are included in the total number of branches reported for Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.
(3)Bancolombia S.A. sold 50% of its stake in Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. on October 31, 2016. Bancolombia S.A. no longer consolidates such company, although it stills own 50% of the company’s common equity.
(4)On February 23, 2015, Banistmo S.A. sold its insurance operation to Suramericana S.A.
(5)Bancolombia S.A. sold its 80.59% stake in Uff Movil S.A.S. in 2015.

 

Banking Correspondents

 

A banking correspondent is a platform which allows non-financial institutions, such as stores open to the public, to provide financial services and transactions in towns where banks and financial institutions have limited or no presence. As of December 31, 2017, Bancolombia had a total of 10,349 banking correspondents, including 9,629 in Colombia, 142 in Panama and 578 in El Salvador.

 

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Puntos de Atención Móviles “PAM”

 

PAMs consist of commercial advisors who visit small towns in Colombia periodically to offer Bancolombia’s products and services. As of December 31, 2017, there were a total of 590 PAMs (567 in Colombia, 7 in Panama and 16 in El Salvador).

 

Kiosks

 

Kiosks, which are used only in El Salvador, are located inside the Bank’s agencies, malls, and other public places and are used to provide the Bank’s clients the possibility of conducting a variety of self-service transactions. As of December 31, 2017, there were a total of 227 kiosks.

 

Automatic Teller Machines “ATMs”

 

Bancolombia has a total of 5,630 ATMs, including 4,549 in Colombia, 572 in El Salvador, 331 in Panama, and 178 in Guatemala.

 

Online/Computer Banking

 

We offer multiple online and computer-based banking alternatives designed to fit the specific needs of our different client segments. Through a variety of platforms (computer and Internet-based solutions) our clients can review their account balances and monitor transactions in their deposit accounts, loans, and credit cards, make virtual term investments, access funds from pre-approved loans, make payroll and supplier payments, make purchases and bill payments, negotiate stocks, learn about products and services and complete other transactions in real time.

 

Telephone Banking

 

We provide customized and convenient advisory services to customers of all segments through automatic interactive voice response (IVR) operations and a 24/7 contact center.

 

Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale or Punto de Atención Cercano “PAC”

 

Through our own network of 5,414 PACs our customers may carry out a variety of transactions including transfer of funds, bill payments, and changes to debit card PINs, among others.

 

Mobile Phone Banking Service

 

Our clients can conduct a variety of transactions using their cell phones, including fund transfers between Bancolombia accounts, account balance inquiries, purchase of prepaid cell phone air time and payment of bills and invoices.

 

B.6.PATENTS, LICENSES AND CONTRACTS

 

The Bank is not dependent on patents or licenses, nor is it substantially dependent on any industrial, commercial or financial contracts (including contracts with customers or suppliers). However, the contracts with service providers described below are important to the Bank’s business:

 

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The online banking platform of the Bank is provided by Todo1 Services Inc., a company specialized in providing services to financial institutions for their mobile and internet banking platforms.

 

The Bank’s call center and telephone banking services are provided by Allus Global BPO Center, a company specialized in providing business process outsourcing, or BPO solutions.

 

The Bank’s check processing and settlement service is provided by IQ Outsourcing S.A., a Colombian company specialized in processing checks issued by customers of the Colombian financial institutions, through the Central Bank. 

 

The Bank’s software for processing credit card services is provided by First Data Corp., an electronic commerce and payment processing services provider for financial institutions.

 

If we were required to replace any of Todo1 Services Inc., Allus Global BPO Center, IQ Outsourcing S.A. or First Data Corp., as service providers of the Bank, or if any of those service providers were not to fulfill their respective contractual obligations, our business could suffer, and we might be required to incur additional costs to find replacement providers.

 

B.7.COMPETITION

 

Description of the Colombian Financial System

 

Overview

 

During the last decade, the Colombian banking system has been undergoing a period of expansion, given the series of mergers and acquisitions that have taken place within the sector. More specifically, several mergers and acquisitions took place in 2007, mainly due to the global economic situation. Colombian banks made several investments allowing some entities to become big players in the Latin American market. In 2007, Bancolombia completed the acquisition of Banagrícola in El Salvador. In 2010, Banco de Bogotá acquired BAC-Credomatic, which operates in several countries in Central America. In 2011, Canadian Scotiabank purchased a stake in Colpatria. The most relevant event regarding the presence of foreign banks in Colombia was the acquisition of Banco Santander Colombia S.A. in July 2012 by Corpbanca (Chile). Also in 2012, Davivienda acquired the subsidiaries of HSBC in Costa Rica, Honduras and El Salvador.

 

In 2013, Bancolombia continued its internationalization process with the acquisition of the banking and insurance operations of HSBC in Panama for USD 2,234 million. In addition, Bancolombia Panama acquired 40% of the common shares of Grupo Agromercantil for USD 217 million. In 2013, Grupo Aval acquired 100% of the Guatemalan Reformador Financial Group (the transaction was valued at USD 411 million) and acquired BBVA Panama for USD 490 million. In 2013, some competitors started operations in Colombia: Itau BBA entered the market with an investment bank, as did BNP Paribas; Credicorp acquired Correval (a local brokerage firm); Brazilian broker-dealer BTG Pactual acquired Bolsa y Renta; Banco Santander returned to the Colombian market with a bank; and the Chilean company Larrain Vial started operations with a brokerage firm. During 2014, the entry of new entities continued as the financing company Hipotecaria, specialized in mortgage loans, began operations in March, of that year; in June, Corpbanca completed the acquisition of Helm Bank, keeping Corpbanca’s brand, and the bank GNB Sudameris acquired 99.9% of the capital of HSBC Colombia and now operates under the brand GNB Colombia. In October 2014, GNB Sudameris acquired GNB Colombia. In 2015, the Chilean group CorpBanca merged with the Itaú of Brazil and Bancolombia sold 50% of its shares in Tuya S.A. to Grupo Exito. In December 2015, Bancolombia also acquired an additional 20% interest in Grupo Agromercantil, bringing its interest to 60% in total.

 

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As of December 31, 2017, according to the SFC, the main participants in the Colombian financial system were 25 commercial banks (14 domestic private banks, 10 foreign banks, and 1 domestic state-owned bank), 5 financial corporations and 16 financing companies (4 leasing companies and 12 traditional financing companies). In addition, trust companies, cooperatives, insurance companies, insurance brokerage firms, bonded warehouses, special state-owned institutions, and pension and severance pay funds also participate in the Colombian financial system.

 

Market and Credit Institutions’ Evolution in 2017

 

During 2017, the Colombian economy continued its downward trend, with an annual GDP growth of 1.8%, lower than the 2.0% of 2016. The economic activities that contributed to GDP growth were financial services, construction and manufacturing. The economic activity that subtracted from GDP growth was mining and quarrying. Inflation in 2017 was 4.09%, 166 basis points less than 2016, and still above the target range of the Central Bank by 9 basis points. Food and housing groups were the main contributors to this gap. Due to the Central Bank's objective inflation policy and the expectations of rate hikes given by the Federal Reserve in the United States, among other reasons, the Central Bank began to lower the interest rate to 4.75% during the second half of 2017. In 2017, the Colombian peso was largely stable, appreciating only 0.56% against the U.S. dollar.

 

In 2015, Colombian financial institutions began reporting their consolidated financial results under IFRS. However, in the case of credit institutions (including banks, financial corporations, financing companies and 38 financial cooperatives), the SFC has allowed the presentation of stand-alone financial statements under Colombian Banking GAAP, following Decree 1851 of August 2013, which regulates the Law 1314 of 2009 concerning the technical regulatory framework for the institutions that report their financial results. Accordingly, the following information includes figures under Colombian Banking GAAP regulation, as reported by Colombian credit institutions to the SFC. Loan growth at Colombian credit institutions was 6.21% in 2017, compared to 7.83% in 2016. Commercial loans grew by 3.32% in 2017, compared to 4.35% in the previous year. Consumer loans increased 9.39% in 2017, less than the 13.18% in 2016. Mortgage loans continued performing well, with increases of 11.38% compared with 13.50% in 2016, and small business loans grew 7.74% in 2017 as compared with 6.66% in 2016.

 

Credit institutions’ ratio of past-due loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio increased from 3.19% in December 2016 to 4.33% in December 2017. In addition, the coverage, measured by the ratio of allowances for loan losses (principal) to past-due loans (overdue 30 days), ended 2017 at 133.84%, compared to 154.29% at the end of 2016.

 

At the end of 2017, the loan portfolio of Colombian credit institutions represented 64.24% of their assets, less than the previous year, when the precentage was 65.00%. Investments and derivatives transactions as a percentage of total assets increased from 20.77% at the end of 2016 to 21.81% at the end of 2017. The ratio of deposits to total loan balances decreased from 88.75% in 2016 to 85.83% in 2017. 

 

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As of December 31, 2017, credit institutions recorded COP 676.9 trillion in total assets, representing a 6.63% increase compared to previous year. Based on total assets held by Colombian credit institutions, banks had a market share of 95.55% followed by financial corporations with 1.98%, financing companies with 1.96%, and financial cooperatives with 0.52%.

 

The capital adequacy ratio (Tier 1 + Tier 2) for credit institutions was 16.58% in December 2017 (including banks, financial corporations, financing companies and financial cooperatives), which is well above the minimum legal requirement of 9%. With the effectiveness of Decree 1771 of 2012 and the external circular 20 of 2013 of the Financial Superintendence, a new capital regime for credit institutions was established in order to strengthen the quality of equity of financial institutions to ensure they have the capacity to absorb losses in the development of their activities.

 

Bancolombia and its Competitors

 

The following table shows the key profitability, capital adequacy ratios and loan portfolio quality indicators for Bancolombia unconsolidated and its main competitors unconsolidated, based on IFRS information as applicable under Colombian Banking GAAP and published by the SFC.

 

 

 

ROE(1) ROA(2) Past-due loans/
Total loans
Allowances/
Past-due loans
Capital Adequacy
  Dic-17 Dic-16 Dic-17 Dic-16 Dic-17 Dic-16 Dic-17 Dic-16 Dic-17 Dic-16
Bancolombia 10.42% 13.31% 1.52% 1.96% 4.48% 2.95% 151.50% 189.20% 16.56% 16.20%
Banco de Bogotá 11.97% 26.72% 2.41% 5.33% 3.71% 2.55% 121.34% 133.51% 21.25% 20.80%
Davivienda 11.61% 17.37% 1.41% 2.12% 3.78% 2.95% 127.82% 141.31% 15.58% 13.95%
BBVA 11.37% 12.79% 0.79% 0.99% 4.12% 2.66% 127.43% 148.47% 12.27% 12.87%
Banco de Occidente 7.80% 12.95% 0.92% 1.61% 4.13% 2.96% 118.30% 140.42% 14.03% 13.23%
Banco Corpbanca (3.50%) (4.22%) (0.41%) (0.49%) 3.81% 2.90% 165.97% 179.61% 12.73% 12.96%
Banco Colpatria 6.93% 15.87% 0.56% 1.38% 5.89% 4.46% 105.94% 134.50% 11.06% 11.36%

 

 

Source: SFC.

 

(1)ROE is return on average stockholders’ equity.

(2)ROA is return on average assets.

 

The following tables illustrate Bancolombia and its main competitor’s market share on an unconsolidated basis with respect to various key products, based on figures published by the SFC for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

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Total Net Loans
Market Share

 

Total Net Loans – Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Bancolombia 25.62% 25.05%
Banco de Bogotá 12.97% 13.25%
Davivienda 14.79% 14.46%
BBVA 10.48% 10.14%
Banco de Occidente 6.29% 6.71%
Banco Corpbanca 4.96% 5.41%
Banco Colpatria 5.11% 4.98%

 

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Bancolombia based on figures published by the SFC.

 

Checking Accounts
Market Share

 

Checking Accounts – Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Bancolombia 21.82% 22.47%
Banco de Bogotá 23.35% 24.55%
Davivienda 10.72% 9.20%
BBVA 12.10% 10.86%
Banco de Occidente 10.43% 11.01%
Banco Corpbanca 2.97% 3.54%
Banco Colpatria 2.67% 3.21%

 

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Bancolombia based on figures published by the SFC.

 

Time Deposits
Market Share

 

Time Deposits – Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Bancolombia 21.22% 21.68%
Banco de Bogotá 11.75% 12.16%
Davivienda 15.17% 13.34%
BBVA 13.91% 13.27%
Banco de Occidente 4.07% 4.76%
Banco Corpbanca 6.91% 8.16%
Banco Colpatria 6.72% 6.36%

 

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Bancolombia based on figures published by the SFC.

 

Saving Accounts
Market Share

 

Saving Accounts – Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Bancolombia 25.60% 23.94%
Banco de Bogotá 13.49% 13.07%
Davivienda 12.09% 14.28%
BBVA 10.33% 10.63%
Banco de Occidente 6.73% 5.68%
Banco Corpbanca 3.44% 3.98%
Banco Colpatria 4.64% 4.41%

 

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Bancolombia based on figures published by the SFC.

 

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Banco Agrícola and its Competitors

 

In 2017, Banco Agricola continued to lead the Salvadorian financial system and ranked first in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, stockholders’ equity and profits. The information presented in the following tables relates to Banco Agrícola and its competitors on a stand-alone basis and was prepared based on El Salvador accounting standards. The following table illustrates the market share for the main institutions of the Salvadorian financial system for the year ended on December 31, 2017:

 

  Assets Stockholders` Equity Loans Deposits Profits
Banco Agrícola 26.2% 26.0% 26.2% 27.0% 44.7%
Cuscatlán 8.9% 11.1% 8.6% 9.0% 4.7%
Davivienda 15.0% 13.2% 15.3% 13.7% 14.3%
Scotiabank 12.1% 15.4% 13.1% 11.8% 13.4%
BAC 13.6% 11.9% 13.8% 14.1% 13.4%
Promerica 6.8% 5.3% 6.8% 7.2% 5.9%
Others 17.4% 17.1% 16.2% 17.2% 3.6%

 

Sources: ABANSA (Asociación Bancaria Salvadoreña)

 

The following tables illustrate the market share of Banco Agricola and its main competitors, based on figures published by the Salvadorian Banking Association (ABANSA), as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Total Loans
Market Share

 

Total Loans - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Agrícola 26.2% 27.2%
Cuscatlán 8.6% 8.5%
Davivienda 15.3% 14.9%
Scotiabank 13.1% 14.1%
BAC 13.8% 13.0%
Promerica 6.8% 6.8%
Others 16.2% 15.5%

 

Checking Accounts
Market Share

 

Checking Accounts - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Agrícola 21.9% 22.3%
Cuscatlán 11.7% 13.3%
Davivienda 11.0% 10.4%
Scotiabank 9.4% 9.4%
BAC 20.8% 20.2%
Promerica 7.0% 7.1%
Others 18.2% 17.3%

 

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Time Deposits
Market Share

 

Time Deposits - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Agrícola 21.1% 21.3%
Cuscatlán 6.2% 5.6%
Davivienda 15.8% 15.2%
Scotiabank 13.4% 15.1%
BAC 11.9% 10.7%
Promerica 9.4% 9.7%
Others 22.2% 22.4%

 

Saving Accounts
Market Share

 

Saving Account - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Agrícola 40.1% 39.0%
Cuscatlán 9.8% 9.9%
Davivienda 13.5% 13.3%
Scotiabank 12.2% 12.9%
BAC 9.9% 8.7%
Promerica 4.4% 4.1%
Others 10.1% 12.1%

 

Banistmo and its Competitors

 

Banistmo, a leading company in Panama, is the second largest bank in the country with an 11.0% market share by loans. The information presented in the following tables relates was prepared based on Panama accounting standards. The following table illustrates the market share for the main institutions of the Panamanian financial system for the year ended in December 31, 2017.

 

MARKET SHARE

  Assets Equity Loans Deposits Profits
Banistmo 9.4% 9.2% 11.0% 12.0% 5.0%
Banco General 15.9% 10.5% 16.1% 20.8% 21.2%
Global Bank 6.6% 5.1% 7.6% 5.8% 6.8%
Banesco 4.1% 3.3% 4.3% 6.4% 2.7%
BAC 8.0% 22.6% 5.7% 7.0% 25.0%
Others 56.0% 49.3% 55.3% 48.0% 39.3%

 

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by SBP (Superintendency of Banks of Panama)

 

The following tables illustrate the market share of Banistmo stand-alone and its main competitors, based on figures published by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama, in accordance with Panamanian banking regulations, for the years ended in December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

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Total Loans

Market Share

 

Total Loans - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banistmo 11.0% 10.8%
Banco General 16.1% 15.1%
Global Bank 7.6% 8.4%
Banesco 4.3% 4.1%
BAC 5.7% 5.4%
Others 55.3% 56.2%

 

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by SBP (Superintendency of Banks of Panama)

 

Saving Accounts

Market Share

  

Saving Account - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banistmo 12.2% 13.0%
Banco General 25.8% 25.8%
Global Bank 5.2% 5.4%
Banesco 12.5% 13.1%
BAC 3.1% 3.1%
Others 41.2% 39.6%

 

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by SBP (Superintendency of Banks of Panama)

 

Checking Accounts

Market Share

 

Checking Accounts - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banistmo 12.0% 12.2%
Banco General 23.5% 24.6%
Global Bank 3.8% 3.8%
Banesco 4.1% 4.7%
BAC 10.4% 9.0%
Others 46.2% 45.7%

 

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by SBP (Superintendency of Banks of Panama)

 

Time Deposits

Market Share

 

Time Deposits - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banistmo 11.9% 11.6%
Banco General 17.8% 16.8%
Global Bank 6.7% 6.6%
Banesco 4.5% 4.4%
BAC 7.4% 6.0%
Others 51.7% 54.6%

 

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by SBP (Superintendency of Banks of Panama)

 

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Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala, S.A. and its Competitors

 

Banco Agromercantil continues as the fourth largest bank in the banking system in Guatemala by total assets, net loans and stockholders’ equity.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (SIB) has under its supervision and inspection, 18 banking entities. The information presented in the following tables was prepared in accordance with Guatemalan banking regulations, as reported to the SIB (Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala). The following table illustrates the market share for the main institutions of the financial system as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

MARKET SHARE
  Assets Stockholders’ Equity Loans Deposits Profits
Banco Industrial 28.3% 24.8% 27.9% 24.8% 30.5%
Banrural 20.4% 23.4% 17.9% 22.9% 20.7%
Banco G&T Continental 17.1% 13.8% 15.5% 17.3% 13.2%
Banco Agromercantil 8.0% 8.3% 10.6% 7.4% 6.5%
BAC-Reformador 7.6% 8.1% 9.9% 8.0% 6.3%
Bantrab 7.0% 7.4% 7.0% 7.7% 11.6%
Banco Promerica 2.1% 2.9% 2.6% 2.2% 2.6%
Others* 9.5% 11.3% 8.6% 9.7% 8.6%

*Others. Includes the followings banks: Internacional, Crédito Hipotecario Nacional, Ficohsa Azteca, Inmobiliario, De Antigua, Vivibanco, Citibank, N.A. de Guatemala, De Crédito, Inv.

 

Source: Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (SIB).

 

The following tables illustrate the market share of Banco Agromercantil and its main competitors, based on figures published by the SIB as of December 31, 2017 and 2016: 

 

Net Loans

Market Share

 

Total Loans - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Industrial 27.9% 27.6%
Banrural 17.9% 20.0%
Banco G&T Continental 15.5% 15.8%
Banco Agromercantil 10.6% 10.7%
BAC-Reformador 9.9% 8.4%
Bantrab 7.0% 6.5%
Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016)* 2.6% 2.6%
Others** 8.6% 8.4%

 

* Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016). Grupo Promerica completed the acquisition of Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A on October 31, 2016. This transaction is only for consumer and commercial banking, excluding corporate banking which will continue to operate under Citibank N.A. Guatemala Branch. As of February 2017, Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A. changed its corporate name to Banco Promerica de Guatemala.

 

**Others. Includes the following banks: Internacional, Crédito Hipotecario Nacional, Ficohsa, Azteca, Inmobiliario, De Antigua, Vivibanco, Citibank, N.A. de Guatemala, De Crédito, Inv.

 

Source: Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (SIB).

 

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Checking Accounts
Market Share

 

Checking Accounts - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Industrial 30.0% 31.3%
Banrural 22.1% 22.0%
Banco G&T Continental 17.1% 17.3%
BAC-Reformador 11.9% 9.9%
Banco Agromercantil 7.2% 7.8%
Bantrab 1.2% 1.2%
Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016)* 2.0% 1.9%
Others** 8.5% 8.6%

 

* Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016). Grupo Promerica completed the acquisition of Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A on October 31, 2016. This transaction is only for consumer and commercial banking, excluding corporate banking which will continue to operate under Citibank N.A. Guatemala Branch. As of February 2017, Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A. changed its corporate name to Banco Promerica de Guatemala.

 

**Others. Includes the following banks: Internacional, Crédito Hipotecario Nacional, Ficohsa, Azteca, Inmobiliario, De Antigua, Vivibanco, Citibank, N.A. de Guatemala, De Crédito, Inv.

 

Source: Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (SIB).

 

Time Deposits
Market Share

 

Time Deposits - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Industrial 20.9% 18.4%
Banrural 19.5% 21.6%
Bantrab 15.5% 13.5%
Banco G&T Continental 15.0% 17.1%
Banco Agromercantil 7.5% 7.2%
BAC-Reformador 5.9% 5.6%
Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016)* 2.9% 3.4%
Others** 12.8% 13.2%

 

* Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016). Grupo Promerica completed the acquisition of Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A on October 31, 2016. This transaction is only for consumer and commercial banking, excluding corporate banking which will continue to operate under Citibank N.A. Guatemala Branch. As of February 2017, Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A. changed its corporate name to Banco Promerica de Guatemala.

 

**Others. Includes the following banks: Internacional, Crédito Hipotecario Nacional, Ficohsa, Azteca, Inmobiliario, De Antigua, Vivibanco, Citibank, N.A. de Guatemala, De Crédito, Inv.

 

Source: Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (SIB).

 

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Saving Accounts
Market Share

 

Saving Accounts - Market Share (%) 2017 2016
Banco Industrial 23.5% 24.1%
Banrural 31.1% 30.0%
Banco G&T Continental 22.1% 21.4%
Banco Agromercantil 7.5% 8.3%
BAC-Reformador 5.2% 5.2%
Bantrab 3.5% 3.6%
Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016)* 1.3% 1.5%
Others** 5.8% 5.9%

 

* Banco Promerica (Citibank 2016). Grupo Promerica completed the acquisition of Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A on October 31, 2016. This transaction is only for consumer and commercial banking, excluding corporate banking which will continue to operate under Citibank N.A. Guatemala Branch. As of February 2017, Banco Citibank de Guatemala, S.A. changed its corporate name to Banco Promerica de Guatemala.

 

**Others. Includes the following banks: Internacional, Crédito Hipotecario Nacional, Ficohsa, Azteca, Inmobiliario, De Antigua, Vivibanco, Citibank, N.A. de Guatemala, De Crédito, Inv.

 

Source: Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (SIB).

 

B.8.SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

 

Colombian Banking Regulators

 

Pursuant to Colombia’s Constitution, Congress has the power to prescribe the general legal framework within which the Government may regulate the financial system. The agencies vested with the authority to regulate the financial system are the board of directors of the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (the “Ministry of Finance”), the SFC, the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (the “SIC”) and the Self-Regulatory Organization (Autoregulador del Mercado de Valores or “AMV”).

 

Central Bank

 

The Central Bank exercises the customary functions of a central bank, including price stabilization, monetary policy, regulation of currency circulation, regulation of credit, exchange rate monitoring and management of international reserves. Its board of directors is the regulatory authority for monetary, currency exchange and credit policies, and is responsible for the direction of the Central Bank’s duties. The Central Bank also acts as lender of last resort to financial institutions.

 

Ministry of Finance

 

One of the functions of the Ministry of Finance is to regulate all aspects of finance and insurance activities. As part of its duties, the Ministry of Finance issues decrees relating to financial matters that may affect banking operations in Colombia. In particular, the Ministry of Finance is responsible for regulations relating to capital adequacy, risk limitations, authorized operations, disclosure of information and accounting of financial institutions on a high level, which matters are then regulated in detail by the SFC.

 

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Superintendency of Finance

 

The SFC is the authority responsible for supervising and regulating financial institutions, including commercial banks such as the Bank, finance corporations, financing companies, financial services companies and insurance companies, all of which require prior authorization of the SFC before commencing operations. Regulations issued by the SFC must comply with decrees issued by the Ministry of Finance. The SFC has broad discretionary powers to supervise financial institutions, including the authority to impose fines on financial institutions and their directors and officers for violations of applicable regulations. The SFC can also conduct on-site inspections of Colombian financial institutions. 

 

The SFC is also responsible for monitoring and regulating the market for publicly traded securities in Colombia and for monitoring and supervising securities market participants, including the Colombian Securities Exchange, brokers, dealers, mutual funds and issuers.

 

Violations of the financial system rules and regulations are subject to administrative and, in some cases, criminal sanctions.

 

Other Colombian regulators

 

Self- Regulatory Organization

 

The AMV is a private entity responsible for the regulation of entities participating in the Colombian capital markets. The AMV may issue mandatory instructions to its members and supervise its members’ compliance and impose sanctions for violations.

 

All capital market intermediaries, including the Bank, must become members of the AMV and are subject to its regulations.

 

Superintendency of Industry and Commerce

 

The SIC is the authority responsible for supervising and regulating competition in several industrial sectors, including financial institutions. The SIC is authorized to initiate administrative proceedings and impose sanctions on banks, including the Bank, whenever the financial entity behaves in a manner considered to be anti-competitive.

 

Regulatory Framework for Colombian Banking Institutions

 

The basic regulatory framework of the Colombian financial sector is set forth in Decree 663 of 1993, as modified by among others, Law 510 of 1999, Law 546 of 1999, Law 795 of 2003, Law 1328 of 2009 and Law 1870 of 2017.

 

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Decree 663 of 1993 defined the structure of the Colombian financial system, establishes a set of permitted activities wilthin the system and defines several forms of business entities, including: (i) credit institutions (establecimientos de crédito) (which are further categorized into banking institutions, such as the Bank, finance corporations (corporaciones financieras), financing companies (compañias de financiamiento) and finance cooperatives (cooperativas financieras)); (ii) financial services entities (sociedades de servicios financieros); (iii) capitalization corporations (sociedades de capitalización); (iv) insurance companies (entidades aseguradoras); and (v) insurance intermediaries (intermediarios de seguros). Furthermore, Decree 663 of 1993 sets forth (i) the procedure applicable for mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, and other corporate reorganizations of the aforementioned entities, (ii) specific regulations that apply to the issuance and sale of shares and other securities by such entities, and (iii) certain rules regarding the activies of officers and directors of such institutions, among others. Finally, Decree 663 of 1993 provides that no financial, banking or credit institution may operate in Colombia without the prior approval of the SFC. 

 

Law 510 of 1999 improved the solvency standards and stability of Colombia’s financial institutions by providing rules for their incorporation and regulating permitted investments of credit institutions, insurance companies and investment companies.

 

Law 546 of 1999 was enacted to regulate the system of long-term home loans.

 

Law 795 of 2003 broadened the scope of permitted activities for financial institutions, to update regulations with some of the then-latest principles of the Basel Committee and to increase the minimum capital requirements in order to incorporate a financial institution (for more information, see “Minimum Capital Requirements” below). Law 795 of 2003 also provided authority to the SFC to take preventive measures, consisting mainly of preventive interventions with respect to financial institutions whose capital falls below certain thresholds.

 

Law 1328 of 2009 provided a set of rights and responsibilities for customers of the financial system and a set of obligations for financial institutions in order to minimize disputes. This law also gives foreign banks more flexibility to operate in Colombia through “branches”. Following its adoption, credit institutions were allowed to operate leasing businesses and banks were allowed to extend loans to third parties so that borrowers could acquire control of other companies.

 

Law 1870 of 2017 implemented the legal framework for the regulation and supervision on financial conglomerates. The law sets forth a definition for financial conglomerate. This regulation establishes two ways in which a company is considered a financial holding company and therefore subject to the new legal framework: (i) it has significant influence over a financial institution, or (ii) it controls a financial institution. This law prescribes the framework within which the Government and the SFC may regulate matters related to financial conglomerates, such as regulatory capital, definition of related parties, corporate governance principles and risk management, among others. In regulating financial conglomerates, the Government and the SFC musttake into consideration the structure, complexity, and individual features of each conglomerate. Additionally, regarding risk management and exposure limits, the new requirements applicable to financial conglomerates must consider the requirements to which the financial institutions are already subject. Along the same lines, when financial institutions fulfill capital adequacy requirements and solvency ratios, authorities may not impose solvency ratios on the conglomerate.

 

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The law also reinforced the mechanism for the resolution of credit establishments - deposit-taking institutions under Colombian Law - by establishing the concept of the bridge bank, an entity used to facilitate the purchase of assets and transfer of liabilities from failing institutions.

 

The SFC has authority to implement applicable regulations and, accordingly, from time to time issues administrative resolutions and circulars. By means of External Circular 029 of 2014, the SFC compiled the rules and regulations applicable to financial institutions and other entities under its supervision. Likewise, by means of External Circular 100 of 1995 (the “Basic Accounting Circular”), it compiled all accounting rules applicable to financial institutions and its other supervised entities.

 

Financial institutions are subject to further rules if they engage in additional activities. Law 964 of 2005 (securities market law) regulates securities intermediation activities, which may be performed by banks, and securities offerings. External Resolution 8 of 2000 (foreign exchange regulations), and Resolution 4 (as hereinafter defined) issued by the board of directors of the Central Bank, defined the different activities that banks, including the Bank, may perform as currency exchange intermediaries, including lending in foreign currencies and investing in foreign securities.

 

Additionally, Decree 2555 of 2010 compiled regulations that were dispersed in separate decrees, including regulations regarding securities market activities, capital adequacy requirements, principles in the determination, diffusion and publicity of rates and prices of products and financial services, and lending activities.

 

Violations of any of the above statutes and their relevant regulations are subject to administrative sanctions and, in some cases, criminal sanctions. 

 

Key interest rates

 

Colombian commercial banks, finance corporations and consumer financing companies are required to provide the Central Bank, on a weekly basis, with data regarding the total volume (in pesos) of certificates of deposit issued during the prior week and the average interest rates paid for certificates of deposit with maturities of 90 days. Based on such reports, the Central Bank computes Depósitos a Término Fijo (“DTF”) rate, which is published at the beginning of the following week, for use in calculating interest rates payable by financial institutions. The DTF is the weighted average interest rate paid by finance corporations, commercial banks and consumer financing companies for certificates of deposit with maturities of 90 days. For the week of April 27, 2018, the DTF was 4.88%.

 

Article 884 of the Colombian Commercial Code provides for a limit on the amount of interest that may be charged in commercial transactions. The limit is 1.5 times the current banking interest rate, or Interés Bancario Corriente, certified and calculated by the SFC as the average rate of interest ordinarily charged by banks for loans made during a specified period. The current banking interest rate for small business loans and for all other loans is certified by the SFC. As of December 31, 2017, the banking interest rate for small business loans was 36.78% and for all other loans was 20.69%. 

 

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Capital adequacy requirements

 

Capital adequacy requirements for Colombian financial institutions (as set forth in Decree 2555 of 2010, as amended) are based on applicable Basel Committee standards. Some of the highlights of this regulation are as follows:

 

·The technical capital is calculated as the sum of Ordinary Basic Capital (common equity Tier I), Additional Basic Capital (additional Tier I), and Additional Capital (Tier II capital).

 

·Criteria for debt and equity instruments to be considered ordinary basic capital, additional basic capital, and additional capital were established. Additionally, the SFC must review whether a given instrument adequately complies with these criteria in order for an instrument to be considered Tier I or Tier II capital, upon request of the issuer. Debt and equity instruments that have not been classified by the SFC as basic or additional capital are not be considered Tier I or Tier II capital for purposes of capital adequacy requirements.

 

·The capital adequacy ratio is set at a minimum of 9% of the financial institution’s total risk-weighted assets; however, each entity must comply with a minimum basic solvency ratio of 4.5%, which is defined as the ordinary basic capital after deductions divided by the financial institution’s total risk-weighted assets. These ratios apply to credit establishments individually and on a consolidated basis. Credit establishments include Banks, Financial Corporations, and Financing Companies.

 

·Recently the Ministry of Finance issued Decree 415 of 2018, which establishes that as of the year 2019, non-depository financial institutions, such as asset managers and fiduciary entities under Colombian law, shall comply with a 9% minimum solvency ratio on an individual basis.

 

In 2014, the Ministry of Finance issued Decree 1648 of 2014 and Decree 2392 of 2015 establishing criteria for hybrid instruments to be considered additional basic capital (Additional Tier I). 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank’s capital adequacy ratio was 14.18%, exceeding the requirements of the Colombian government and the SFC by 518 basis points. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank’s capital adequacy ratio was 13.26%.

 

For more information, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - B1 Liquidity and Funding. Capital Adequacy.”

 

The minimum capital requirement for banks on an unconsolidated basis is established in Article 80 of Decree 633 of 1993. The minimum capital requirement for banks, including Bancolombia S.A., for 2017 is COP 90,142 million. Failure to meet such requirement can result in the taking of possession (toma de posesión) of the Bank by the SFC (see Item 4. “Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8 –Supervision and Regulation – Bankruptcy Considerations”).

 

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Capital Investment Limit

 

For entities incorporated in Colombia, all investments in subsidiaries and other authorized capital investments, excluding those made in order to abide by legal requirements, may not exceed 100% of the total aggregate capital, equity reserves and the equity re-adjustment account of the respective bank, financial corporation or commercial finance company excluding unadjusted fixed assets and including deductions for accumulated losses.

 

Mandatory Investments

 

Central Bank regulations require financial institutions, including the Bank, to hold minimum mandatory investments in debt securities issued by Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector Agropecuario (“Finagro”), a Colombian public financial institution that finances production and rural activities to support the agricultural sector. The amount of these mandatory investments is calculated by applying a fixed percentage (ranging from 4.3% to 5.8%, depending on the type of liability) to the quarterly average of the end of day balances of certain liabilities, primarily, deposits and short-term debt. The investment balance is computed at the end of each quarter. Any required adjustment (due to a change in the quarterly average between periods) results in the purchase of additional securities or may result in redemption by Finagro at of securities in excess of the requirement. The purchase of additional securities takes place during the month following the date as of which the computation was performed.

 

Foreign Currency Position Requirements

 

According to External Resolution 9 of 2013 issued by the board of directors of the Central Bank as amended or suppplemented (“Resolution 9”), a financial institution’s foreign currency position (posición propia en moneda extranjera) is the difference between such institution’s foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities (including any off-balance sheet items), actual or contingent, including those that may be converted into Colombian legal currency. 

 

Resolution 9 provides that the average of a bank’s foreign currency position for three business days cannot exceed the equivalent in pesos of 20% of the bank’s technical capital. Currency exchange intermediaries such as the Bank are permitted to hold a three business days’ average negative foreign currency position not exceeding the equivalent in foreign currency of 5% of its technical capital (with penalties being payable after the first business day).

 

In addition, in the case of a bank that consolidated financial statements with its subsidiaries and has controlled foreign investments, the average of the bank’s foreign currency position for three business days cannot exceed the equivalent in foreign currency of 30% of the bank’s technical capital.

 

Resolution 9 also defines the foreign currency position in cash (posición propia de contado en moneda extranjera) as the difference between all foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities. A bank’s three business days average foreign currency position in cash cannot exceed 50% of the bank’s technical capital. In accordance with Resolution 9, the three business days’ average must be calculated on a daily basis and the foreign currency position in cash for any single business day can be negative as long as it does not exceed 20% of the bank’s technical capital.

 

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Finally, Resolution 9 requires banks to comply with a gross position of leverage (posición bruta de apalancamiento) as it relates to its foreign currency position. Gross position of leverage is defined as (i) the value of term contracts denominated in foreign currency, plus (ii) the value of transactions denominated in foreign currency to be settled in a term equal or greater than one day in cash, plus (iii) the value of the exchange rate risk exposure associated with exchange rate options and derivatives. According to Resolution 9 the three business days’ average of the gross position of leverage cannot exceed 55% of the technical capital.

 

Reserve Requirements

 

Credit institutions are required to satisfy reserve requirements with respect to deposits and other cash demands which are held by the Central Bank in the form of cash deposits. According to Resolution 11 of 2008 issued by the board of directors of the Central Bank, as amended, the reserve requirements for Colombian banks are measured bi-weekly and the amount depends on the class of deposits.

 

Credit institutions must maintain reserves of 11% over private demand deposits, government demand deposits, other deposits and liabilities and savings deposits; of 4.5% over term deposits with maturities fewer than 540 days and 0% over term deposits with maturities equal to or more than 540 days.

 

Foreign Currency Loans

 

According to External Resolution 8 of 2000, residents of Colombia may obtain foreign currency loans from foreign residents, and from Colombian currency exchange intermediaries (such as the Bank) or by placing debt securities abroad. Foreign currency loans must be either disbursed through a foreign exchange intermediary or deposited in special purpose offshore accounts.

 

Colombian residents who borrow funds in foreign currency my be required to post with the Central Bank non-interest bearing deposits for a specified term, but currently although the size of the required deposit is currently zero. Such deposits would not be required in certain cases, including foreign currency loans aimed at financing Colombian investments abroad, or for short-term exportation loans, provided that these loans are disbursed against the funds of Banco de Comercio Exterior – Bancoldex. 

 

External Resolution 8 of 2000 sets forth a number of restrictions and limitations as to the use of proceeds in the case of foreign currency loans obtained by Colombian currency exchange intermediaries for the purpose of avoiding the deposit requirement described above. Such foreign currency loans may be used, among others, for lending activities in a foreign currency with a tenor equal to, or shorter than, the tenor of the foreign financing.

 

Finally, pursuant to Law 9 of 1991, the board of directors of the Central Bank is entitled to impose conditions and limitations on the incurrence of foreign currency indebtedness, as an exchange control policy, in order to avoid pressure in the currency exchange market.

 

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Non-Performing Loan Allowance

 

The SFC maintains rules on non-performing loan allowances for financial institutions. These rules apply for Bancolombia’s financial statements on a stand-alone basis for Colombian regulatory purposes. Non-performing loan allowances in the Consolidated Financial Statements are calculated according to IFRS.

 

Lending Activities

 

Decree 2555 of 2010, as amended, sets forth the maximum amounts that a financial institution may lend to a single borrower (including for this purpose all related fees, expenses and charges). These maximum amounts may not exceed 10% of a bank’s Technical Capital. However, there are several circumstances under which the limit may be raised. In general, the limit is raised to 25% when amounts lent above 5% of Technical Capital are secured by guarantees that comply with the financial guidelines provided in Decree 2555 of 2010, as amended. Also, a bank may not make loans to any shareholder that holds directly more than 10% of its capital stock for one year after such shareholder reaches the 10% threshold. In no event may a loan to a shareholder holding directly or indirectly 20% or more of the Bank’s capital stock exceed 20% of the Bank’s Technical Capital. In addition, no loan to a single financial institution may exceed 30% of the Bank’s Technical Capital, with the exception of loans funded by Colombian development banks which are not subject to such limit.

 

Decree 2555 of 2010 also sets a maximum limit of 30% of the Bank’s technical capital for single-party risk, the calculation of which includes loans, leasing operations and equity and debt investments.

 

The Central Bank also has the authority to establish maximum limits on the interest rates that commercial banks and other financial institutions may charge on loans. However, interest rates must also be consistent with market terms with a maximum limit certified by the SFC.

 

Ownership and Management Restrictions

 

The Bank is organized as a stock company (sociedad anónima). Its corporate existence is subject to the rules applicable to commercial companies, principally the Colombian Commercial Code which requires stock companies (such as the Bank) to have a minimum of five shareholders at all times and provides that no single shareholder may own 95% or more of the Bank’s subscribed capital stock. Article 262 of the Colombian Commerce Code prohibits the Bank’s subsidiaries from acquiring stock of the Bank. 

 

 Pursuant to Decree 663 of 1993, as amended, any transaction resulting in an individual or entity holding 10% or more of the outstanding shares of any Colombian financial institution, including, in the case of the Bank, transactions resulting in holding ADRs representing 10% or more of the subscribed capital stock of the Bank, is subject to the prior authorization of the SFC. For that purpose, the SFC must evaluate the proposed transaction based on the criteria and guidelines specified in Decree 663 of 1993. Transactions entered into without the prior approval of the SFC are null and void and cannot be recorded in the institution’s stock ledger. These restrictions apply equally to Colombian and foreign investors.

 

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Bankruptcy Considerations

 

Colombian banks and other financial institutions are not subject to the laws and regulations that generally govern the insolvency, restructuring and liquidation of industrial and commercial companies, but rather are subject to special rules, the most important details of which are summarized below.

 

Pursuant to Colombian banking law, the SFC has the power to intervene in the operations of a bank in order to prevent it from, or to control and reduce the effects of, a bank failure. The SFC also conducts periodic visits to financial institutions and may impose capital or solvency obligations on financial institutions without taking control.

 

The SFC may intervene in a bank’s business: (i) prior to the liquidation of the bank, in order to prevent the bank from entering into a state where the SFC would need to take possession by taking one of the following recovery measures (institutos de salvamento): (a) submitting the bank to a special supervision regime; (b) issuing a mandatory order to recapitalize the bank; (c) placing the bank under the management of another authorized financial institution, acting as trustee; (d) ordering the transfer of all or part of the assets, liabilities and contracts of the bank to another financial institution; (e) ordering the bank to merge with one or more financial institutions that consent to the merger; (f) ordering the adoption of a recovery plan by the bank pursuant to guidelines approved by the government; (g) ordering the exclusion of certain assets and liabilities by requiring the transfer of such assets and liabilities to another institution designated by the SFC; or (h) ordering the progressive unwinding (desmonte progresivo) of the operations of the bank; or (ii) at any time, by taking possession of the bank to either administer the bank or order its liquidation, depending on how critical the situation is found to be by the SFC.

 

The following grounds for a taking of possession are considered to be “automatic” in the sense that, if the SFC discovers their existence, the SFC must step in and take over the financial institution: (i) if the financial institution’s Technical Capital falls below 40% of the legal minimum; or (ii) upon the expiration of the term of any then-current recovery plans or the non-fulfillment of the goals set forth in such plans. 

 

Additionally, and subject to the approval of the Ministry of Finance and the opinion of its advisory council (Consejo Asesor del Superintendente), the SFC may, at its discretion, initiate intervention procedures against a bank under the following circumstances: (i) suspension of payments; (ii) failure to pay deposits; (iii) refusal to submit its files, accounts and supporting documentation for inspection by the SFC; (iv) refusal to be interrogated under oath regarding its business; (v) repeated failure to comply with orders and instructions from the SFC; (vi) repeated violations of applicable laws and regulations or of the bank’s by-laws; (vii) unauthorized or fraudulent management of the bank’s business; (viii) reduction of the bank’s net worth below 50% of its subscribed capital; (ix) existence of serious inconsistencies in the information provided to the SFC that, at its discretion, impedes the SFC to accurately understand the situation of the bank; (x) failure to comply with the minimum capital requirements set forth in Decree 663 of 1993; (xi) failure to comply with the recovery plans that were adopted by the bank; (xii) failure to comply with the order of exclusion of certain assets and liabilities to another institution designated by the SFC; and (xiii) failure to comply with the order of progressive unwinding (desmonte progresivo) of the operations of the bank.

 

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Within two months (extensible for two additional months) from the date in which the SFC takes possession of a bank, the SFC must decide which measures to adopt. The decision is to be made with the purpose of permitting depositors, creditors and investors to obtain full or partial payment of their credits and must be submitted to Fondo de Garantías de Instituciones Financieras’ (Fogafin) previous opinion.

 

Upon the taking of possession of a bank, depending on the bank’s financial situation and the reasons that gave rise to such measure, the SFC may (but is not required to) order the bank to suspend payments to its creditors. The SFC has the power to determine that such suspension will affect all of the obligations of the bank, or only certain types of obligations or even obligations up to or in excess of a specified amount.

 

As a result of the taking of possession, the SFC must appoint as special agent the person or entity designated by Fogafin to administer the affairs of the bank while such process lasts and until it is decided whether to liquidate the bank.

 

As part of its duties following the taking of possession by the SFC, Fogafin must provide the SFC with the plan to be followed by the special agent in order to meet the goals set for the fulfillment of the measures that may have been adopted. If the underlying problems that gave rise to the taking of possession of the bank are not resolved within a term not to exceed two years, the SFC must order the liquidation of the bank.

 

During the taking of possession (which period ends when the liquidation process begins), Colombian banking laws prevent any creditor of the bank from: (i) initiating any procedure for the collection of any amount owed by the bank; (ii) enforcing any judicial decision rendered against the bank to secure payment of any of its obligations; (iii) constituting a lien or attachment over any of the assets of the bank to secure payment of any of its obligations; or (iv) making any payment, advance or compensation or assuming any obligation on behalf of the bank, with the funds or assets that may belong to it and are held by third parties, except for payments that are made by way of set-off between regulated entities of the Colombian financial and insurance systems.

 

In the event that the bank is liquidated, the SFC must, among other measures, provide that all term obligations owed by the bank are due and payable as of the date when the order to liquidate becomes effective. 

 

During the liquidation process bank deposits and certain other types of saving instruments will be excluded from the liquidation process and paid prior to any other liabilities. The remainder of resources will be distributed among creditors whose claims are recognized in accordance with the following rank: (i) the first class of claims includes the court expenses incurred in the interest of all creditors, wages and other obligations related with employment contracts and tax authorities’ credits regarding national and local taxes; (ii) the second class of claims comprises the claims secured by a security interest on movable assets; (iii) the third class of claims includes the claims secured by real estate collateral, such as mortgages; (iv) the fourth class of claims contains some other claims of the tax authorities against the debtor that are not included in the first class of claims and claims of suppliers of raw materials and input to the debtor and (v) finally, the fifth class of claims includes all other credits without any priority or privilege, provided, however, that among credits of the fifth class, subordinated debt will be ranked junior to the external liabilities (pasivos externos) and senior only to capital stock. Each category of creditors will collect in the order indicated above, whereby distributions in one category will be subject to the full satisfaction of claims in the prior category.

 

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Deposit insurance—Troubled Financial Institutions

 

Subject to specific limitations, Fogafin is authorized to provide equity (whether or not reducing the par value of the recipient’s shares) and/or secured credits to troubled financial institutions, and to insure deposits of commercial banks and certain other financial institutions.

 

To protect the customers of commercial banks and certain financial institutions, Resolution 1 of 2012 of the board of directors of Fogafin, as amended, requires mandatory deposit insurance. Banks must pay an annual premium of 0.30% of total funds received on saving accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit and other deposits, which is paid in four quarterly installments. If a bank is liquidated, the deposit insurance will cover the funds deposited by an individual or corporation with such bank up to a maximum of COP 50 million regardless of the number of accounts held.

 

Risk Management Systems

 

Commercial banks must have risk administration systems to meet the SFC minimum standards for compliance and to avoid and mitigate the following risks: (i) credit; (ii) liquidity; (iii) market; (iv) operational; (v) money laundering and terrorism; and (vi) counterparty.

 

Commercial banks generally have several risk measurement methods, including the risk weighted assets measurement which is calculated according to weight percentages assigned to different types of assets, which may be 0%, 20%, 50% and 100%. There are some exceptions in which the weight percentage is higher and is calculated based on the associated risk perception of the evaluated asset. Provisions, which are calculated on a monthly basis, are another risk measurement method. For commercial and consumer loans, the SFC issues a provision reference model, according to which the probability of default depends on an assigned rating (AA, A, BB, B, CC and default). For mortgage loans and small business loans, provisions are calculated based on ratings (A, B, C, D and E) assigned depending on the time elapsed since the client’s default.

 

With respect to market risks, commercial banks must follow the provisions of the Basic Accounting Circular, which defines criteria and procedures for measuring a bank’s exposure to interest rate, foreign exchange, and market risks. Under such regulations, banks must submit to the SFC information on the net present value, duration, and interest rate of its assets, liabilities, and derivative positions. Colombian banks are required to calculate, for each position on the statement of financial position, a volatility rate and a parametric value at risk (“VaR”), which is calculated based on net present value, modified duration and a risk factor computed in terms of a basis points change. Each risk factor is calculated and provided by the SFC. 

 

With respect to liquidity risk, financial entities must meet a liquidity coverage test that ensures their ability to hold liquid assets sufficient to cover potential net cash outflows for a period of 30 days. Net cash outflows for this purpose are contractual maturities of assets (interbank borrowings, financial assets investments, loans and advances to customers, derivative financial instruments) minus contractual maturities of liabilities (demand deposits, time deposits, interbank deposits borrowings from other financial institutions, debt securities, derivative financial instruments) occurring within a period of 30 days. For purposes of this calculation, liabilities does not include projections of future transactions. The maturity of the loan portfolio is affected by the historical default indicator and the maturity of deposits is modeled according to the regulation.

 

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With respect to operational risk, commercial banks must assess, according to principles provided by the Basic Accounting Circular, each of their business lines (such as corporate finance, purchases and sales of securities, commercial banking, asset management, etc.) in order to record the risk events that may occur and result in fraud, technology problems, legal and reputational problems and problems associated with labor relations at the bank.

 

Anti-Money Laundering Provisions

 

The regulatory framework to prevent and control money laundering is contained in, among others, Decree 663 of 1993 and External Circular 029 of 2014 issued by the SFC, as well as Law 599 of 2000, and the Colombian Criminal Code, as amended.

 

Colombian laws adopt the latest guidelines related to anti-money laundering and other terrorist activities established by the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (“FATF”). Colombia, as a member of the GAFI-SUD (a FATF-style regional body), follows all of FATF’s 40 recommendations and eight special recommendations. External Circular 029 of 2014 requires the implementation by financial institutions of a system of controls for money laundering and terrorism financing. These rules emphasize “know your customer” policies and knowledge of customers and markets, and other customer identification and monitoring processes that include screening against international lists.

 

Financial institutions must cooperate with the appropriate authorities to prevent and control money laundering and terrorism financing. Finally, the Colombian Criminal Code introduced criminal rules and regulations to prevent, control, detect, eliminate and adjudicate all matters related to financing terrorism and money laundering, including the omission of reports on cash transactions, mobilization or storage of cash, and the lack of controls.

 

Regulatory Framework for Subsidiaries that are Non-Participants in the Financial Sector

 

All of Bancolombia’s Colombian subsidiaries that are not part of the financial services are governed by the laws and regulations embodied in the Colombian Civil Code and the Colombian Commercial Code as well as any regulations issued by the Colombian Superintendency of Industry and Commerce and the Superintendency of Corporations or any other type of special regulations that may be applicable to the commercial and industrial activities carried out by said subsidiaries.

 

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International regulations applicable to Bancolombia and its subsidiaries

 

FATCA

 

FATCA, a U.S. federal tax law enacted in 2010, imposes a 30% withholding tax on ‘withholdable payments’ made to non-U.S. financial institutions that do not participate in the FATCA program or that fail (or, in some cases, that have affiliates in which they hold an interest of more than 50% and which are also non-U.S. financial institutions that fail) to provide certain information regarding their U.S. accountholders and/or certain U.S. investors (such U.S. accountholders and U.S. investors, “U.S. accountholders”) to the IRS. FATCA also requires participating FFIs to withhold on “passthru payments” (which include both “withholdable payments” and certain non-U.S.-source payments) made to account holders who do not provide information to the FFIs to determine their U.S. accountholder’s status – “recalcitrant accountholders” – and to FFIs that do not sign an FFI Agreement with the IRS (such FFIs, “nonparticipating FFIs”). “Withholdable payments” generally include, among other items, payments of U.S.-source interest and dividends and the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of property that may produce U.S.-source interest and dividends. This withholding will take effect on a “phased” schedule, which started in July 2014 with respect to certain payments.

 

Among the countries where Bancolombia operates, Colombia, the Cayman Islands, and Panama have signed an IGA Model 1. Peru has reached an agreement in substance with the IRS, and consented to be treated as having an IGA in effect. In addition, certain subsidiaries of Bancolombia located in other countries have transmitted directly to the IRS the information required pursuant to FATCA, since they have not entered into an IGA.

 

CRS

 

The CRS, approved by the OECD Council on 2014, is applicable to signatory countries of the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (“MCAA”) which, therefore, have the obligation to obtain information from their financial institutions and automatically exchange that information with other jurisdictions on an annual basis. The CRS defines (i) which financial institutions are required to report; (ii) the types of accounts covered; and (iii) the due diligence procedures that financial institutions must follow to identify the reporting information.

 

Among the countries where Bancolombia operates, Colombia, Panamá and Cayman Island, have signed to the MCAA and, thus, has the obligation to report in accordance to the CRS.

 

Financial Regulation in Panama

 

The banking business in Panama is regulated by the Law Decree 9 of 1998, subsequently amended by Law Decree 2 of 2008. In accordance with the Law Decree, as amended, the Superintendency of Banks of the Republic of Panama, as the banking supervisor, has the power to issue agreements and resolutions to regulate the banking system. These regulations are mainly focused on matters such as licensing of banks, corporate governance, banking supervision (consolidated and individual or sub-consolidated), capital requirements, capital adequacy, liquidity requirements, risk management (credit, market, liquidity, country, asset and liability, operational, information technology, electronic banking), external audit, on-site inspections, reporting, compliance, change of control, mergers and acquisitions, confidentiality, money laundering, voluntary wind up, administrative and operational control, reorganization, bankruptcy, penalties, customers protection and dispute resolution.

 

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In order to implement Basel III capital standards, the Superintendency of Banks of the Republic of Panama issued in January 2015 an agreement on Capital Adequacy. This agreement sets forth the new composition of a banking institution’s capital base, as well as the new capital adequacy ratio, including tier 1 core capital ratio and tier 1 capital ratio, all consistent with Basel III standards. This agreement became effective in June 2016, and the new standards will be implemented, progressively, from that date until they are fully applicable in January 2019. With respect to liquidity, banks operating under a general banking license, or General License Banks, are currently required to maintain 30% of their global deposits in liquid assets (which include short-term loans to other banks and other liquid assets) of the type prescribed by the Superintendency of Banks. Additionally, General License Banks are required to maintain assets in Panama of no less than 85% of their local deposits or any other percentage fixed by the Superintendency of Banks. Under the Banking Law, deposits from central banks and other similar depositories of the international reserves of sovereign states are immune from attachment or seizure proceedings.

 

Panamian regulations also require all financial institutions to maintain a legal reserve for certain obligations. The Superintendency of Banks may require additional marginal reserves. The exact level and method of calculation of these reserve requirements is set by the Superintendency of Banks.

 

As for credit risk, in March 2016, the Superintendency of Banks of the Republic of Panamá issued Accord No.3-2016, which sets forth new risk weights applicable to on and off-balance sheet credit exposures, which are more risk sensitive in line with Basel II. The Accord introduces the treatment of counterparty exposures in derivatives transactions, as well as credit risk mitigation techniques, such as the treatment of financial collaterals.

 

In Panama, banks are prohibited from granting, directly or indirectly, to any individual or legal person, including any entity that is part of the economic group of a bank, any loan or credit facility, guarantee or any other obligation (other than credit facilities fully secured by deposits in the bank) (“Credit Facilities”) in favor of said person exceeding at any time, individually or jointly, 25% of the total regulatory capital of the bank. Obligations to related parties (as such term is defined in the applicable regulations) that exceed (i) 5% of its total capital, in the case of unsecured transactions, and (ii) 10% of its total capital, in the case of secured transactions (other than loans secured by deposits in the bank), are prohibited.

 

Banks and banking groups (defined as the holding company and all direct and indirect subsidiaries of the holding company) are subject to inspection by the Superintendency of Banks, which must take place at least once every two years. The Superintendency of Banks is empowered to request from any bank or any company that belongs to the economic group of which a bank in Panama is a member, the documents and reports pertaining to its operations and activities. The Superintendency of Banks can assume the administrative and operating control of a bank, including possession of its assets and seizure of its management in order to defend the best interest of the bank’s depositors and creditors, under any of the following grounds: (i) at the request of the bank; (ii) if the bank may not continue operations without endangering the interests of the depositors; (iii) as a consequence of the evaluation of an advisor’s report; (iv) noncompliance with the measures ordered by the Superintendency of Banks; (v) if the bank carries out its operations in an illegal, negligent or fraudulent manner; (vi) if the bank has suspended payment of its obligations; and (vii) if the Superintendency of Banks confirms that capital adequacy, solvency or liquidity of the bank has deteriorated in such a way as to require the Superintendency of Banks intervention. Upon expiration of the period of administrative control, the Superintendent will decide whether to proceed with the reorganization of the bank, the compulsory liquidation of the bank or the return of administrative and operating control to the directors or legal representatives of the bank, as the case may be. 

 

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The Superintendency of Banks of the Republic of Panama is also in charge of the supervision and oversight of the trust business, regulated by Law 1 of 1984, which set forth aspects such as minimum requirements of trust agreements, characteristics of trusts, rights and responsibilities of grantors, trustees and beneficiaries.

 

In 2017, the Panamanian Congress issued Law No.21 of 2017, which strengthens the oversight and regulation capabilities of the Superintendency of Banks, regarding the trust business. The Law imposes higher standards and provides for more detailed supervision, with respect to matters such as licensing, prudential regulation, corporate governance, reporting and customer protection, amongst others.

 

Other Regulations in Panama

 

Securities market activities in Panama are subject to the supervision, control and oversight of the Superintendency of the Securities Market. These activities are primarily regulated by Law Decree 1 of 1999, as amended by several laws, which established important changes in order to strengthen the regulatory framework of the Panamanian securities market and increase investors’ confidence. Among the most important changes introduced by these recent amendments are the following:

 

1. The establishment of a coordination and cooperation system between the financial supervisors. This system also enables a more comprehensive supervision of financial conglomerates operating in multiple areas of the financial industry.

 

2. The establishment of the Superintendency of the Securities Market, as the supervising entity replacing the previous National Securities Commission.

 

3. The authority given to the Superintendency of the Securities Market to carry the consolidated supervision, as home supervisor, of intermediaries having agencies abroad, and to enter into cooperation agreements with foreign supervisors to facilitate the consolidated supervision.

 

4. The regulation of foreign currency exchange as a securities activity and the regulation of certain actors of the securities market, such as securities price suppliers, risk rating agencies and Administrative Service Suppliers of the securities market.

 

5. The introduction of provisions regarding clearing and settlement of securities and financial instruments, which will bring more stability and security to transactions;

 

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6. The creation of new participants to promote over-the-counter transactions, such as entities acting as central counterparties, and infrastructure providers for the over-the-counter market.

 

The principal aspects of the securities business covered by the Law-Decree 1 of 1999 as amended, and the agreements and resolutions issued by the Superintendency of the Securities Market of the Republic of Panama are (i) licensing requirements of securities brokers, investment advisors, fund administrators and self-regulated organizations, (ii) registration requirements of risk rating agencies, securities price suppliers, securities, public offerings, funds and administrative service suppliers of the securities market, (iii) authorization for requesting voting powers regarding registered securities, (iv) notification requirements of public offerings for the acquisition of registered shares, (v) options, futures contracts and derivatives, (vi) custody, clearing and settlement of securities, (vii) penalization procedures and penalties, (viii) voluntary wind up, reorganization and bankruptcy of securities brokers, self-regulated organizations, funds, and fund administrators, (ix) reporting of issuers of registered securities, securities brokers, investment advisors, funds, fund administrators, self-regulated organization and other registered entities, (x) on-site inspection of securities brokers, investment advisors, self-regulated organizations, funds, fund administrators, administrative service suppliers of the securities market, securities price suppliers and rating agencies, (xi) capital requirements, liquidity requirements, risk assessment, confidentiality, conflict of interest, suitability, compliance and money laundering of securities brokers and (xii) communication of events of importance by issuers of registered securities.

 

Panama has also enacted a series of laws in order to prevent, detect and punish money-laundering activities. In Panama, anti-money laundering requirements are primarily regulated by (i) Executive Decree No. 136 of June 9, 1995, which created a Financial Analysis Unit (“UAF”) for the Prevention of Money Laundering, and (ii) Law No. 23 of April 27, 2015 (“Law 23”), regulated by Executive Decree No. 363 of August 13, 2015, whereby banks and trust corporations, among other financial institutions, are required to perform their operations with due diligence and due care conducive to preventing said operations, to be performed with funds, or over funds, generated from activities related to money laundering.

 

Law 23 and Accord No. 7-2015 provide that the following entities are deemed to be “supervised entities” for purposes of money laundering, financing of terrorism or any other illicit activity: (i) banks; (ii) bank groups; (iii) trust corporations; (iv) leasing companies; (v) factoring companies; (vi) credit, debit or pre-paid card processing entities; (vii) companies engaged in remittances or wire transfers; and (viii) companies that provide any other service related to trust companies. These entities must take necessary measures to prevent their operations and/or transactions from being used for money laundering, financing of terrorism or any other illicit activity. Non-compliance with Law 23, or those dictated by the pertinent authorities of supervision of each activity for which there is no specific sanction established, is subject to fines ranging from US$5,000 to US$1,000,000.

 

Panama has also moved forward with the adoption of international standards on transparency and cooperation on tax matters, through the approval of the Inter-Governmental Agreement for the implementation of FATCA on 2016, the commitment regarding the automatic exchange of information on a bilateral basis and under the Common Reporting Standard, beginning on September, 2018, and the ratification of the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance on Tax Matters on 2017. All of the above will enable the exchange of information for tax matters between the Panamanian tax authorities, and a broader set of countries to implement these commitments, regulations were adopted during the course of 2016 and 2017 setting forth the obligations and responsibilities of banking institutions, regarding due diligence procedures in order to identify reportable accounts under FATCA and CRS, as well as responsibilities regarding control measures and reporting requirements necessary to comply with such international standards and agreements. The laws, rules and regulations issued for these purposes include: Law No.47 of 2016, Law No.51 of 2016, Law No.5 of 2017, Executive Decree No.124 of 2017, Executive Decree No.461 of 2017 and the Resolution No.201-3931 of 2017 amended by Resolution No.201-4488 of 2017.

 

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Financial Regulation in El Salvador

 

In 2011, Decree 592, entitled “Supervision and Regulation of the Financial System” (Ley de Supervisión y Regulación del Sistema Financiero) was enacted in order to strengthen the State’s organization, adapting all supervision and regulatory institutions to the economic reality of the financial system. Decree 592 states that the Superintendency of the Financial System and the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador are mandated to supervise all members of the financial system and to approve the necessary regulation for the adequate application of Decree 592.

 

Decree 592’s main objectives are to maintain stability in the Salvadorian financial system, to guarantee efficiency, transparency, security and solidity within the system, and to bring all its members in compliance with this law, and other applicable laws and regulations, all in accordance with best international practices.

 

The Superintendency of the Financial System is responsible for the supervision of the individual and consolidated activities of all the members in the Salvadorian financial system, as well as the people, operations and entities described in the law. Decree 592 establishes all the powers and duties of the Superintendency, some of which are: (i) to fulfill and enforce the regulations applicable to the entities subject to its supervision and issue all the necessary instructions for compliance of the laws applicable to the system; (ii) to authorize the establishment, function, operation, intervention, suspension, modification, revocation of authorizations and closure of all members of the system, in accordance with regulations. In the event of closure, the Superintendency will coordinate with the entities involved the actions established by the law; (iii) risk prevention through the monitoring and management of the members within the system with a view toward the prudential management of liquidity and capital adequacy; (iv) facilitation of an efficient, transparent and organized financial system; (v) to require that all supervised entities and institutions be managed in accordance with the best international practices of risk management and corporate governance; and (vi) all other legal requirements.

 

In 2015, the Salvadorian congress amended Decree 592 in order to include within the scope of the supervision of the Superintendency of the Financial System all legal entities dedicated to the money transfer business. In 2016 another was amendment to Decree 592 was enacted in order to define the requirements that must be met by valuation experts when elaborating valuation reports in connection with guarantees of loans granted by financial entities.

 

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Banking Law of El Salvador

 

On 1999, The Congress of the Republic of El Salvador enacted Decree 697, which regulates the financial intermediation activities and other operations performed by banks. Banks are required to establish the regulatory reserve requirements set by the Superintendency of the Financial System in accordance with the deposits and liabilities of each bank.

 

According to the Salvadorian Superintendency of Financial System’s regulations, the reserve requirements for Salvadorian banks as of December 31, 2017 are:

 

  Ordinary Reserve Requirements %
Checking accounts 25%
Saving accounts 20%
Time deposits 20%
Borrowings from foreign banks 5%
Long-term debt (1) 15% - 20%
Checking accounts 25%

 

(1) 15% for long-term debt with maturity above one year and 20% for long-term debt with maturity less than one year.

Investment Certificates with maturity equal or more than 5 years with mortgage guarantee, are not obliged to have reserves.

 

Monetary Integration Law of El Salvador

 

The Monetary Integration Law adopted the U.S. dollar as the legal currency, establishing a fixed exchange rate of 8.75 Colones per USD 1.00. The colón continues to have unrestricted legal circulation, but the Central Reserve Bank has been replacing it with the U.S. dollar each time colón bills and coins are used in commercial transactions.

 

Since the implementation of the Monetary Integration Law, all financial operations, such as bank deposits, loans, pensions, securities offerings and any other activities performed through the financial system, as well as the accounting records, must be expressed in U.S. dollars. The operations or transactions of the financial system made or agreed in Colones before the effective date of the Monetary Integration Law are expressed in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate established in such law.  

 

Financial Transactions Tax

 

In 2014, the Congress the Republic of El Salvador enacted the "Financial Transactions Tax Law". Pursuant to the financial transactions tax law, financial entities act as withholding agents for the tax to be applied on financial transactions and of the liquidity control tax, each of which are calculated at the time the customer conducts financial transactions. The financial transactions tax is 0.25% on taxable transactions exceeding USD 1,000. The tax for liquidity control is 0.25% on cash transactions of deposit, withdrawals and payments in excess of a monthly aggregate amount of USD 5,000.

 

The transactions subject to the financial transactions tax are: (i) payments of goods and services by checking or debit card, (ii) payments by wire transfers, (iii) transfers to third parties by any means, and (iv) transactions between financial entities based on any statement of their customers. In December 2016, the aforementioned law was amended in order to exclude from its scope certain transactions executed in the Salvadorian stock market. Such amendment was enacted in order to stimulate investment in the local stock market.

 

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Investment Funds Law

 

The investment funds law seeks to encourage economic activity by providing small investors with access to capital markets, diversification of their investments and channeling their savings into productive sectors, in order to generate higher economic growth.

 

This Law sets forth the regulatory framework for the supervision of investment funds, their share of participation and companies that administer such funds and their operations; as well as other participants to which it refers. Additionally, it regulates the marketing of participation shares in foreign investment funds.

 

This Law also provides for the creation of investment fund managers who are responsible for performing all acts, contracts and operations necessary for the administration and operation of investment funds.

 

In 2016, The Central Bank enacted Technical Standards (“Normas Técnicas”) in order to apply this Law. Such technical standards include, standards regarding the investment funds permitted transactions, standards related to the disclosure of information, etc.

 

Financial Regulation in Guatemala

 

Decree 16 of 2002 sets forth the scope of the activities of Banco de Guatemala in its capacity as Central Bank of the country, establishing as its fundamental purpose contributing to the creation and maintenance of the most favorable conditions for an orderly development of the national economy, for which it shall facilitate the monetary, foreign exchange and credit conditions that promote stability in general prices.

 

Pursuant to Decree 16 of 2002, the Guatemalan Central Bank’s main objectives are to (i) be the national currency issuer, (ii) assure the effective functioning of the national payments system, (iii) assure an adequate liquidity level in the banking system, (iv) receive in deposit bank reserve requirements and statutory deposits, (v) manage international reserves. 

 

Furthermore, Decree 16 of 2002 regulates the activities of the Monetary Board as governing body of the Central Bank and the Guatemalan financial system. Pursuant to Decree 16 of 2002, the Monetary Board has the following attributions with respect to the Guatemalan financial system: (i) determine and assess the monetary, currency exchange and credit policies of the country; (ii) ensure liquidity and solvency of the national banking system; (iii) regulate aspects related to bank reserves and statutory deposits; (iv) regulate the Banking Clearing House Chamber; (v) authorize the investment policy of international monetary reserves; (vi) establish the minimum reserves required in order to strengthen the Central Bank´s net worth; (vii) issue regulations with respect to the financial system and financial activities, and; (viii) approve any provisions or rules submitted for its consideration by the Superintendency of Banks or by the Central Bank, as applicable.

 

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The Superintendency of Banks is created and regulated by Decree 18 of 2002. The Decree establishes the scope of the Superintendency´s regulatory and supervisory activities within the financial system. Thus, the Superintendency of Banks is in charge of the supervision of entities such as the Central Bank, banks, financial corporations, credit institutions, bond entities, insurance entities, warehouse deposit companies, currency exchange offices, financial groups and holding companies of financial groups, and other entities as mentioned by law.

 

Pursuant to Decree 18 of 2002, the Superintendency of Banks, in order to achieve its purpose, shall exercise the following functions:

 

a)Supervise financial entities so they can maintain adequate liquidity and solvency levels that enable them to timely and fully perform their obligations, and to assess and properly manage their risks
b)Issue instructions intended to remediate any deficiencies or irregularities found in the activities of financial entities.
c)Impose any applicable penalties and fines to financial institutions in accordance to applicable the laws and regulations.
d)Supervise and inspect with the broadest attributions all sources and systems of information of the supervised financial entities, including, but not limited to, accounting records, reports, contracts, documents and any other information the Superintendence deems necessary.
e)Require information on any of the financial entities´ activities, acts, trust operations and financial condition, either individually, or where appropriate, in a consolidated manner.
f)Perform its supervision activities on a consolidated basis.
g)Assess risk policies, procedures, standards and systems of financial entities, and in general terms, ensure that they have integral risk management processes.
h)Ensure overall and uniform compliance with the accounting standards, in compliance with the regulations issued for such purposes by the Monetary Board.
i)Ensure compliance with the regulations issued by the Monetary Board requiring financial entities to provide sufficient, trustworthy and timely information to the public on their activities and their financial situation, individually, and where applicable, in a consolidated manner.
j)Publish sufficient, trustworthy and timely information on the financial situation of the financial entities subject to its supervision, either individually or in a consolidated manner.

 

The following are some of the main considerations taken into account by the Superintendency of Banks in determining compliance with applicable regulations:

 

a)Minimum Reserve Requirements: Banking institutions are subject to a minimum reserve requirement of 14.6% over the deposits received by the institution, which must be kept in the form of immediately available deposits with the Guatemalan Central Bank. To verify compliance with the regulation, banking institutions must provide the Superintendence of Banks with a daily report detailing the minimum reserve requirement.
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b)Loan Loss Reserves: In accordance with limitations specified by the Banks and Financial Groups Law and regulations issued by the Monetary Board, banking institutions, financial service entities, offshore entities and other financial institutions must carry out quarterly delinquency assessments of their credit and record reserves based on estimates of non-recoverability. Banking institutions and financial corporations must provide to the Superintendence of Banks monthly reports concerning outstanding credits in effect and movements and appraisals of credit portfolios in accordance with criteria specified by the Monetary Board. Additionally, the Superintendence of Banks carries out on-site reviews in which it evaluates payment ability and payment fulfillment of debtors and requests the institutions to record that necessary reserves be based on the non-payment risk.
c)Capital Requirements: As specified in regulations issued by the Monetary Board, banking institutions in Guatemala must have a minimum capital adequacy ratio (risk-weighted assets to equity) of 10%, which is consistent with the Basel I guidelines. Banks must submit a weekly report to the Superintendence of Banks for monitoring compliance with this requirement.
d)Related Party Transactions: In its on-site reviews the Superintendence of Banks verifies that financial institutions are in compliance with Monetary Board regulations limiting transactions between related parties. Related parties may transact business with one another provided they do so in accordance with their normal standards of business.

 

In addition, when a bank has a deficit in its regulatory capital (deficiencia patrimonial), it must immediately report it to the Superintendence of Banks. The Monetary Board will immediately order the suspension of operations of a bank that has suspended payment of its obligations and has a deficit in regulatory capital that exceeds 50% of equity, or if it has not submitted to the Superintendence of Banks a recovery plan, or if such plan has been rejected or has not been complied with. In such a case, the Monetary Board will name an Assets and Liabilities Exclusion Board which will be responsible for suspending the obligations of the entity and closing its operations. If, after suspension of operations, the Board of Assets and Liabilities Exclusion reports to the Monetary Board that dissolution is inevitable, the Monetary Board must then instruct the Superintendence of Banks to request a judicial declaration of bankruptcy. Once bankruptcy proceedings commence, the Savings Protection Fund participates as the entity in charge of the recovery of depositor funds.

 

The Law for Banks and Financial Groups provides within a regularization plan, and if deemed convenient, at the discretion of the Monetary Board, limiting profit sharing for the shareholders of a bank as well as the possibility of incorporating a member to the Board of Directors.

 

Decree 19 of 2002 regulates the creation, organization, merging, activities, operations, functioning, suspension of operations and winding up of banks and financial entities, as well as the establishment and closure of branches and representation offices of foreign banks in Guatemala.

 

Decree 19 of 2002 also establishes that the members of the board of directors and general managers of the above-mentioned entities shall be held civilly, administrative and criminally accountable for the performance of their duties and, therefore, will respond unlimitedly with their personal assets with respect to liability for fines, damages and other monetary sanctions, directors and general managers are subject to potentially unlimited personal liability.

 

This decree also allows financial entities to form financial groups or conglomerates under the common control of a holding entity or to designate one of the financial entities of the group as its holding company. The identification as a financial group does not entail that the financial group becomes a separate legal entity, rather, the purpose of such identification is to allow the Superintendency of Banks to perform its supervision tasks on a consolidated basis.

 

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Other Regulations in Guatemala

 

Decree 94 of 2000 permits and regulates the use, transfer and payment in foreign currencies, as well as the use of foreign currency accounts and deposits within the Guatemalan financial system. Corporations and other entities that wish to offer securities denominated in foreign currencies must obtain prior authorization from the Monetary Board.

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Law (Ley Contra el Lavado de Dinero u Otros Activos) was enacted to prevent and control money laundering in connection with criminal activities. Regulations issued by the Superintendency of Banks in accordance with this law went into effect on April 26, 2002. Among other things, the law and regulations created the Financial Intelligence Unit within the Superintendence of Banks under the name of Special Verification Intendence (Intendencia de Verificación Especial – IVE). The Special Verification Intendence has been developing a national network for the prevention, control and surveillance of money-laundering activities. Penalties for non-compliance with anti-money laundering laws and regulations, which are set forth in the Superintendence of Banks Resolution 43-2002, include fines or jail time for bank directors or employees and the suspension or cancellation of a financial institution’s license. 

 

In August 2005, Guatemala’s Congress approved Decree No. 58-2005 which contains the Law to Prevent and Repress Terrorism Financing. This law is based on the requirements and recommendations of the United Nation’s International Convention for the suppression of Terrorism Financing, the UN’s 1373 Resolution from the Security Council and the FATF 9 Special Recommendations. Approval of the Law to Prevent and Repress Terrorism Financing places Guatemala as the first country in Central America and second in Latin America to have specific legislation concerning terrorist financing. The law provides penalties such as seizure of assets, imprisonment or imposition of fines to any director, officer, stockholder or owner of financial entities found guilty of violating it.

 

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C.       ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

The following are the subsidiaries of Bancolombia: 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Investment in legal liquidation process. 

 

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The following is a list of subsidiaries of Bancolombia as of December 31, 2017:

 

SUBSIDIARIES

 

Entity Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
Business Shareholding
Directly and
Indirectly
Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria Colombia Trust 98.81%
Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Corporación Financiera Colombia Investment banking 100.00%
Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa Colombia Securities brokerage 100.00%
Renting Colombia S.A.S. (Before Renting Colombia S.A.) Colombia Operating leasing 100.00%
Transportempo S.A.S. Colombia Transportation 100.00%
Valores Simesa S.A. Colombia Investments 68.57%
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. Colombia Investments 99.94%
BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S. Colombia Real estate broker 100.00%
FCP Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario. Colombia Real estate broker 63.47%
Fideicomiso "Lote Abelardo Castro". Colombia Mercantil trust 68.23%
Bancolombia Panamá S.A. Panama Banking 100.00%
Sistemas de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa Panama Investments 100.00%
Banagrícola S.A. Panama Holding 99.16%
Banistmo S.A. Panama Banking 100.00%
Banistmo Investment Corporation S.A. Panama Trust 100.00%
Financomer S.A. Panama Financial services 100.00%
Leasing Banistmo S.A. Panama Leasing 100.00%
Valores Banistmo S.A. Panama Purchase and sale of securities 100.00%
Suvalor Panamá Fondos de Inversión S.A. Panama Holding 100.00%
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Largo Plazo S.A. Panama Collective investment fund 100.00%
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Corto Plazo S.A. Panama Collective investment fund 100.00%
Banistmo Capital Markets Group Inc. (non-operational stage) Panama Purchase and sale of securities 100.00%
Van Dyke Overseas Corp. (non-operational stage) Panama Real estate broker 100.00%
Inmobiliaria Bickford S.A. (non-operational stage) Panama Real estate broker 100.00%
Williamsburg International Corp. (non-operational stage) Panama Real estate broker 100.00%
Anavi Investment Corporation S.A. (non-operational stage) Panama Real estate broker 100.00%
Desarrollo de Oriente S.A. (non-operational stage) Panama Real estate broker 100.00%
Steens Enterpresies S.A. (non-operational stage) Panama Portfolio holder 100.00%
Ordway Holdings S.A. (non-operational stage) Panama Real estate broker 100.00%
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. Panama Holding 60.00%
Banco Agrícola S.A. El Salvador Banking 97.36%
Arrendadora Financiera S.A. Arfinsa El Salvador Leasing 97.37%
Credibac S.A. de C.V. El Salvador Credit card services 97.36%
Valores Banagrícola S.A. de C.V. El Salvador Securities brokerage 98.89%
Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola S.A IFBA El Salvador Investments 98.89%
Gestora de Fondos de Inversión Banagricola S.A. El Salvador Administers investment funds 98.89%
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. (classified as assets held for sale) Peru Operating leasing 100.00%
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo - Renting Perú (In liquidation) Peru Operating leasing 100.00%
Capital Investments SAFI S.A. (classified as assets held for sale) Peru Trust 100.00%
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria (classified as assets held for sale) Peru Trust 98.81%
       
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Entity Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
Business Shareholding
Directly and
Indirectly
Leasing Perú S.A. (In liquidation) Peru Leasing 100.00%
Banagrícola Guatemala S.A. Guatemala Outsourcing 99.16%
Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A. Guatemala Banking 60.00%
Seguros Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A. Guatemala Insurance company 59.17%
Financiera Agromercantil S.A. Guatemala Financial services 60.00%
Agrovalores S.A. Guatemala Securities brokerage 60.00%
Arrendadora Agromercantil S.A. Guatemala Operating Leasing 60.00%
Agencia de Seguros y Fianzas Agromercantil S.A. Guatemala Insurance company 60.00%
Asistencia y Ajustes S.A. Guatemala Services 60.00%
Serproba S.A. Guatemala Maintenance and remodelling services 60.00%
Servicios de Formalización S.A. Guatemala Loans formalization 60.00%
Conserjeria, Mantenimiento y Mensajería S.A. Guatemala Maintenance services 60.00%
Media Plus S.A. Guatemala Advertising and marketing 60.00%
Mercom Bank Ltd. Barbados Banking 60.00%
New Alma Enterprises Ltd. Bahamas investments 60.00%
Bancolombia Puerto Rico Internacional Inc. Puerto Rico Banking 100.00%
Bancolombia Caymán S.A. Cayman Islands Banking 100.00%
Bagrícola Costa Rica S.A. Costa Rica Outsourcing 99.16%

 

D.PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank owned COP 3,127 billion in premises and equipment (including assets that are part of our operating leasing business) COP 1,641 billion correspond to land and buildings, of which approximately 95.88% are used for administrative offices and branches in 55 municipalities in Colombia, 25 municipalities in El Salvador, 9 municipalities in Guatemala and 4 municipalities in Panama. Likewise, COP 783 billion correspond to computer equipment, of which 12.06% relate to the central computer and servers of the Bank and the rest relate to personal computers, ATMs, telecommunications equipment and other equipment. Additionally, COP 5 billion correspond to constructions in progress.

 

In addition to its own branches, the Bank occupies 957 rented offices.

 

The following table illustrates the carrying amounts of premises and equipment for each country as of December 31, 2017:

 

Country (1) Amount
In millions of COP
Colombia 2,445,791
Costa Rica 80
El Salvador 277,976
Guatemala 165,804
Panamá 237,366
Puerto Rico 388
Total 3,127,405

 

 
(1)As of December 31, 2017, the Bank has premises and equipment classified as held for sale amounting to 109,469, related with its Peruvian operations.

 

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The Bank does not have any liens on its property.

 

E.SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION

 

The following information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements as well as Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. This information has been prepared based on the Bank’s financial records, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and the related interpretations issued by the IFRIC.

 

The consolidated selected statistical information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes the selected statistical information of Bancolombia and its Subsidiaries, without reflecting any pro-forma calculation of the effect of the acquisition of the majority ownership of Grupo Agromercantil, while consolidated selected statistical information as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, as applicable, corresponds to the Bank, including all Subsidiaries as to which Bancolombia acquired control as a result of the 2015 acquisition of additional shares of Grupo Agromercantil. Prior to January 1, 2014, our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Colombian Banking GAAP. 

 

E.1.DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY; INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

 

Average balances for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 have been calculated as the arithmetic average of the last 13 monthly IFRS balances.

 

In addition, the interest rate subtotals are based on the weighted average of domestic and foreign assets and liabilities.

 

Average statement of financial position

 

The following tables show for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively: (i) average balances for all of the Bank’s assets and liabilities; (ii) interest earned and interest paid amounts; and (iii) average nominal interest rates/yield for the Bank’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

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  Average statement of financial position and Income from Interest-Earning Assets for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31,(1)
  2017 2016 2015
  Average
Balance
Interest
income

earned
Average
Yield / Rate
Average
Balance
Interest
income

earned
Average
Yield /

Rate

Average

Balance

Interest
income

earned
Average
Yield / Rate
  In millions of COP, except percentages
ASSETS                  
Interest-earning assets                  
Funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell                  
Domestic activities 1,164,612  57,071 4.9% 1,434,974 119,889 8.4% 1,180,507 74,237 6.3%
Foreign activities 2,196,602  504 0.0% 1,905,163 41,113 2.2% 1,594,096 20,752 1.3%
Total 3,361,214  57,575 1.7% 3,340,137 161,002 4.8% 2,774,603 94,989 3.4%
Debt investments (2)                  
Domestic activities 9,057,238 612,076 6.8% 7,114,398 481,316 6.8% 7,929,171 253,161 3.2%
Foreign activities 5,390,576 247,655 4.6% 5,364,736 262,644 4.9% 3,684,896 113,608 3.1%
Total 14,447,814 859,731 6.0% 12,479,134 743,960 6.0% 11,614,067 366,769 3.2%
Interest income on loans and financial leases (3)                  
Domestic activities 94,870,082 12,122,572 12.8% 87,289,606 11,494,684 13.2% 79,835,468 8,739,998 10.9%
Foreign activities 55,631,821  3,851,013 6.9% 57,291,045 3,815,489 6.7% 45,190,581 2,521,782 5.6%
Total 150,501,903 15,973,585 10.6% 144,580,651 15,310,173 10.6% 125,026,049 11,261,780 9.0%
Total interest-earning assets                  
Domestic activities 105,091,932 12,791,719 12.2% 95,838,978 12,095,889 12.6% 88,945,146 9,067,396 10.2%
Foreign activities 63,218,999  4,099,172 6.5% 64,560,944 4,119,246 6.4% 50,469,573 2,656,142 5.3%
Total 168,310,931 16,890,891 10.0% 160,399,922 16,215,135 10.1% 139,414,719 11,723,538 8.4%
Total non-interest-earning assets                  
Domestic activities 16,254,108 - - 15,656,149 - - 10,050,646 - -
Foreign activities (4) 16,347,218 - - 17,411,162 - - 15,383,212 - -
Total 32,601,326 - - 33,067,311 - - 25,433,858 - -
Total interest and non-interest earnings assets                  
Domestic activities 121,346,040 12,791,719 10.5% 111,495,127 12,095,889 10.8% 98,995,792 9,067,396 9.2%
Foreign activities (4) 79,566,217  4,099,172 5.2% 81,972,106 4,119,246 5.0% 65,852,785 2,656,142 4.0%
Total (5) 200,912,257 16,890,891 8.4% 193,467,233 16,215,135 8.4% 164,848,577 11,723,538 7.1%
                       

 

(1)The Bank average total assets and total liabilities and stockholder's equity were calculated considering the last 13 monthly IFRS balances.
(2)Tax-exempt income of tax-exempt investment securities has not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis because the effect of such calculation would not be material.
(3)Includes performing loans only.
(4)The percentage of total average assets attributable to foreign activities was 39.6%, 42.4% and 39.9% respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
(5)As of December 31, 2016, and 2015 the Bank´s total average assets includes the assets of the discontinued operations of Tuya S.A., as it was not practicable to exclude such assets when calculating monthly balances and the resulting annual averages. The difference between the line “total” in the table above and the line “Total interest and valuation” is due to the fact that the Bank’s Consolidated Statement of Income includes interest and valuation related to debt securities investments and derivatives.

 

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  Average statement of financial position and Interest Paid on Interest-Bearing Liabilities for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, (1)
  2017 2016 2015
  Average
Balance
Interest paid Average Yield /
Rate (2)
Average
 Balance
Interest paid Average
Yield /
Rate (2)
Average
Balance
Interest paid Average
Yield / Rate
  In millions of COP, except percentages
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
Interest-bearing liabilities:                  
Checking deposits                  
Domestic activities 10,319,409 14,234 0.1% 10,960,605 15,175 0.1% 11,034,571 17,778 0.2%
Foreign activities 10,173,663 36,579 0.4% 10,511,089 42,473 0.4% 7,538,081 16,060 0.2%
Total 20,493,072 50,813 0.2% 21,471,694 57,648 0.3% 18,572,652 33,838 0.2%
Savings deposits                  
Domestic activities 38,111,789 1,064,435 2.8% 33,763,375 866,387 2.6% 30,937,835 528,806 1.7%
Foreign activities 12,277,933 200,781 1.6% 12,653,306 192,413 1.5% 9,837,665 142,111 1.4%
Total 50,389,722 1,265,216 2.5% 46,416,681 1,058,800 2.3% 40,775,500 670,917 1.6%
Time deposits                  
Domestic activities 30,666,059 2,182,011 7.1% 27,813,915 2,128,861 7.7% 23,284,367 1,322,738 5.7%
Foreign activities 24,242,926 781,276 3.2% 23,375,945 720,532 3.1% 18,944,955 443,488 2.3%
Total 54,908,985 2,963,287 5.4% 51,189,860 2,849,393 5.6% 42,229,322 1,766,226 4.2%
Funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase                  
Domestic activities 4,109,470  175,911 4.3% 2,514,533 130,912 5.2% 2,795,234 128,858 4.6%
Foreign activities 845,370  5,056 0.6% 529,575 6,492 1.2% 450,720 3,327 0.7%
Total 4,954,840  180,967 3.7% 3,044,108 137,404 4.5% 3,245,954 132,185 4.1%
Borrowings from development and other domestic banks (2)                  
Domestic activities 5,066,726  391,449 7.7% 5,228,949 232,899 4.5% 4,603,982 130,156 2.8%
Foreign activities 683,451  34,300 5.0% 598,092 17,232 2.9% 270,205 7,475 2.8%
Total 5,750,177  425,749 7.4% 5,827,041 250,131 4.3% 4,874,187 137,631 2.8%
Interbank borrowings(2)(3)                  
Domestic activities - - 0.0% - - 0.0% - - 0.0%
Foreign activities 10,779,261 278,107 2.6% 14,004,249 307,178 2.2% 10,502,220 183,555 1.7%
Total 10,779,261 278,107 2.6% 14,004,249 307,178 2.2% 10,502,220 183,555 1.7%
Long-term debt                  
Domestic activities 5,803,401 476,080 8.2% 5,885,689 613,321 10.4% 5,907,501 495,168 8.4%
Foreign activities 13,435,824 714,920 5.3% 13,556,293 738,827 5.5% 10,735,079 580,314 5.4%
Total 19,239,225 1,191,000 6.2% 19,441,982 1,352,148 7.0% 16,642,580 1,075,482 6.5%
Total interest-bearing liabilities                  
Domestic activities 94,076,854  4,304,120 4.6% 86,167,066 3,987,555 4.6% 78,563,490 2,623,504 3.3%
Foreign activities 72,438,428  2,051,019 2.8% 75,228,549 2,025,147 2.7% 58,278,925 1,376,330 2.4%
Total 166,515,282  6,355,139 3.8% 161,395,615 6,012,702 3.7% 136,842,415 3,999,834 2.9%
Total non-interest bearing liabilities                  
Domestic activities 8,965,995 - - 8,541,148 - - 5,744,793 - -
Foreign activities (4) 2,387,904 - - 2,657,346 - - 3,366,523 - -
Total 11,353,899 - - 11,198,494 - - 9,111,316 - -
Stockholders' equity                  
Domestic activities 18,743,416 - - 15,715,483 - - 15,512,136 - -
Foreign activities 4,299,659 - - 5,157,640 - - 3,344,666 - -
Total 23,043,075 - - 20,873,123 - - 18,856,802 - -
Total interest and non-interest bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity (4)                  
                                 

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  Average statement of financial position and Interest Paid on Interest-Bearing Liabilities for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, (1)
  2017 2016 2015
  Average
Balance
Interest paid Average Yield /
Rate (2)
Average
Balance
Interest paid Average
Yield /
Rate (2)
Average
Balance
Interest paid Average
Yield / Rate
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Domestic activities 121,786,265  4,304,120 3.5% 110,423,697 3,987,555 3.6% 99,820,419 2,623,504 2.6%
Foreign activities (4) 79,125,991  2,051,019 2.6% 83,043,535 2,025,147 2.4% 64,990,114 1,376,330 2.1%
Total (5) 200,912,256  6,355,139 3.2% 193,467,232 6,012,702 3.1% 164,810,533 3,999,834 2.4%
                                 

(1)The Bank average of total assets and total liabilities and stockholder's equity were calculated considering the last 13 monthly IFRS balances.
(2)Includes both short-term and long-term borrowings.
(3)Includes borrowings from banks located outside Colombia.
(4)The percentage of total average liabilities attributable to foreign activities was 42.1%, 45.1% and 42.2% respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
(5)As of December 31, 2016, and 2015 the Bank's total average liabilities and stockholder's equity includes the liabilities and stockholder's equity of the discontinued operation.

 

CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSES—VOLUME AND RATE ANALYSIS

 

The following table allocates, for domestic and foreign activities, changes in the Bank’s net interest income to changes in average volume, changes in nominal rates and the net variance caused by changes in both average volume and nominal rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016; and the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Volume and rate variances have been calculated based on movements in average balances over the period and changes in nominal interest rates on average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. Net changes attributable to changes in both volume and interest rate have been allocated to the change due to changes in volume.

 

 

December 31, 2017- December 31, 2016

Increase (Decrease) due to changes in:

December 31, 2016- December 31, 2015

Increase (Decrease) due to changes in:

Volume Rate Net Change Volume Rate Net Change
  In millions of COP
Interest-earning assets            
Funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell            
Domestic activities  (19,665)  (43,153)  (62,818) 16,002 24,392 40,394
Foreign activities  7,427  (48,036)  (40,609) 4,049 13,648 17,697
Total  (12,238)  (91,189)  (103,427) 20,051 38,040 58,091
Investment securities (1)            
Domestic activities  131,294  (534)  130,760 (26,014) 283,277 257,263
Foreign activities  1,272  (16,261)  (14,989) 51,791 66,795 118,586
Total  132,566  (16,795)  115,771 25,777 350,072 375,849
Loans and financial leases            
Domestic activities  953,302  (325,414)  627,888 816,043 1,773,092 2,589,135
Foreign activities  (98,435)  133,959  35,524 675,245 487,836 1,163,081
Total  854,867  (191,455)  663,412 1,491,288 2,260,928 3,752,216
Total interest-earning assets            
Domestic activities 1,064,931 (369,101) 695,830 806,031 2,080,761 2,886,792
Foreign activities (89,736) 69,662 (20,074) 731,085 568,279 1,299,364
                       

 

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December 31, 2017- December 31, 2016
Increase (Decrease) due to changes in:

December 31, 2016- December 31, 2015
Increase (Decrease) due to changes in:

 

Volume

Rate

Net Change

Volume

Rate

Net Change

 

In millions of COP

Total 975,195 (299,439) 675,756 1,537,116 2,649,040 4,186,156
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
Checking deposits            
Domestic activities  (884)  (57)  (941) (119) (2,501) (2,620)
Foreign activities  (1,329)  (4,565)  (5,894) 6,334 14,400 20,734
Total  (2,213)  (4,622)  (6,835) 6,215 11,899 18,114
Savings deposits            
Domestic activities  117,432  80,616  198,048 48,296 265,076 313,372
Foreign activities  (5,429)  13,797  8,368 40,674 7,486 48,160
Total  112,003  94,413  206,416 88,970 272,562 361,532
Time deposits            
Domestic activities  169,358  (116,208)  53,150 257,315 459,434 716,749
Foreign activities  27,270  33,474  60,744 103,726 140,465 244,191
Total  196,628  (82,734)  113,894 361,041 599,899 960,940
Funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase            
Domestic activities  62,524  (17,525)  44,999 (12,940) 16,668 3,728
Foreign activities  (10,181)  8,745  (1,436) 582 2,198 2,780
Total  52,343  (8,780)  43,563 (12,358) 18,866 6,508
Borrowings from development and other domestic banks            
Domestic activities  (6,991)  165,541  158,550 17,668 74,907 92,575
Foreign activities  2,753  14,315  17,068 9,071 310 9,381
Total  (4,238)  179,856  175,618 26,739 75,217 101,956
Interbank borrowings            
Domestic activities - -  -    - - -
Foreign activities  (123,845)  94,774  (29,071) 61,208 46,807 108,015
Total (123,845) 94,774 (29,071) 61,208 46,807 108,015
Long-term debt            
Domestic-activities  (8,462)  (128,779)  (137,241) (1,828) 120,426 118,598
Foreign-activities  (6,523)  (17,384)  (23,907) 152,508 4,755 157,263
Total  (14,985)  (146,163)  (161,148) 150,680 125,181 275,861
Total interest-bearing liabilities            
Domestic-activities 332,977 (16,412) 316,565 308,392 934,010 1,242,402
Foreign-activities (117,284) 143,156 25,872 374,103 216,421 590,524
Total 215,693 126,744 342,437 682,495 1,150,431 1,832,926

 

 

 

(1)Tax-exempt income of tax-exempt investment securities has not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis because the effect of such calculation would not be material.
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INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS — NET INTEREST MARGIN AND SPREAD

 

The following table presents the levels of average interest-earning assets and net interest income of the Bank and illustrates the comparative net interest margin and interest spread obtained for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

  Interest-Earning Assets-Yield For the Fiscal
Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Total average interest-earning assets      
Domestic activities 105,091,932 95,838,978 88,945,146
Foreign activities 63,218,999 64,560,944 50,469,573
Total 168,310,931 160,399,922 139,414,719
Net interest income (1)      
Domestic activities  8,487,599 8,108,334 6,443,892
Foreign activities  2,048,153 2,094,099 1,279,812
Total  10,535,752 10,202,433 7,723,704
Average yield on interest-earning assets      
Domestic activities 12.17% 12.62% 10.19%
Foreign activities 6.48% 6.38% 5.26%
Total 10.04% 10.11% 8.41%
Net interest margin (2)      
Domestic activities 8.08% 8.46% 7.24%
Foreign activities 3.24% 3.24% 2.54%
Total 6.26% 6.36% 5.54%
Interest spread (3)      
Domestic activities 7.60% 7.99% 6.86%
Foreign activities 3.65% 3.69% 2.90%
Total 6.22% 6.38% 5.49%

 

 

(1)Net interest income is loan interest income less interest expense and includes interest earned on investments.
(2)Net interest margin is net interest income divided by total average interest-earning assets.
(3)Interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate accrued on interest-bearing liabilities.

 

E.2.INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

 

The Bank acquires and holds investment securities, including fixed income debt and equity securities, for liquidity and other strategic purposes, or when it is required by law.

 

International Financial Reporting Standard 9 (IFRS 9) requires investments to be classified as either amortized cost or fair value. The classification is based on: (a) the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets, and (b) the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. Accordingly, an investment is classified and measured as amortized cost if: (i) the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and (ii) the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

 

Indicators that the financial asset is impaired include historical performance data, particular characteristics of the borrower, fair value of collateral, the borrower’s debt to other entities, macroeconomic factors and financial information, a significant financial difficulty of the customers, or if they are likely to declare bankruptcy or financial restructuring, or if there is a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments.

 

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For purposes of measurement and recognition of impairment in subsidiaries, affiliates, associates and joint ventures in separated financial statements, the controlled companies apply the impairment test in accordance with IAS 36 once indicators of impairment from IAS 39 are identified.

 

As of December 31, 2017, Bancolombia’s debt securities investment portfolio had a carrying value of COP 14,859 billion.

 

The following table sets forth the carrying value of the Bank‘s investments in Colombian Government and foreign Governments and corporate securities and certain other financial investments as of the dates indicated (1).

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 (2) 2016 (2) 2015 (2)
  In millions of COP
Foreign currency-denominated      
Securities issued by foreign Governments 3,522,849 3,413,867 4,443,307
Securities issued or secured by other financial entities 641,305 615,299 905,171
Securities issued or secured by Colombian Government 69,602 263,275 188,618
Securities issued or secured by the El Salvador Central Bank - - 43,913
Securities issued or secured by Government entities 26,377 12,376 9,997
Corporate bonds 1,000,794 480,713 531,044
Subtotal 5,260,927 4,785,530 6,122,050
Peso-denominated      
Securities issued or secured by other financial entities 636,902 666,592 838,769
Securities issued or secured by the Colombian Government 6,946,510 4,640,877 4,644,051
Securities issued or secured by Government entities 1,936,215 1,532,312 1,475,055
Corporate bonds 78,869 47,170 33,218
Subtotal (3) 9,598,496 6,886,951 6,991,093
Total 14,859,423 11,672,481 13,113,143

 

(1)For further information, see Note 5 “Financial assets investments and derivatives” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)Includes debt securities only. Net investments in equity securities were COP 1,517,830 COP 1,388,172 million and COP 1,164,681 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(3)As of December 31, 2015, Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. a discontinued operation, had debt securities amounting to COP 30,271 million, which were classified in 'Securities issued or secured by Government entities' item.

 

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Bancolombia held securities issued by foreign Governments in the following amounts:

 

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As of December 31, Issuer

Investment Amount–Book

Value - (In millions of COP)

Investment Amount–Book Value
(thousands of U.S. dollars)(1)
2017 Republic of Guatemala 1,462,363 490,068
  Republic of Panama 958,553 321,231
  U.S. Treasury 701,551 235,104
  Republic of Mexico 22,095 7,404
  Republic of Costa Rica 87,800 29,424
  Republic of El Salvador 290,487 97,348
2016 Republic of Guatemala 1,428,338 476,000
  Republic of Panama 818,988 272,931
  U.S. Treasury 319,967 106,630
  Republic of Mexico 197,162 65,705
  Republic of Costa Rica 47,575 15,855
  Republic of El Salvador 569,479 189,781
  Republic of Brazil 32,358 10,784
2015 Republic of Guatemala 1,670,390 530,372
  Republic of Panama 923,470 293,214
  U.S. Treasury 523,707 166,284
  Republic of Mexico 479,304 152,186
  Republic of Costa Rica 123,196 39,117
  Republic of El Salvador 688,522 218,615
  Republic of Brazil 34,718 11,023

 

(1)These amounts have been translated at the rate of COP 2,984.00 per USD 1.00 at December 31, 2017, COP 3,000.71 per USD 1.00 at December 31, 2016 and COP 3,149.47 per USD 1.00 at December 31, 2015, which corresponds to the Representative Market Rate calculated on December 31, the last business day of the year.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank’s peso-denominated debt securities portfolio amounted to COP 9,598 billion, reflecting a 39.37% increase compared to December 31, 2016 because a surge in positions of Securities issued or secured by the Colombian Government and Government entities. Peso-denominated debt securities issued by the Colombian government represented 72.37% of the Bank’s peso-denominated debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017.

 

Also, as of December 31, 2017, Bancolombia’s portfolio of securities issued by foreign governments amounted to COP 3,522 billion, a 3.19% increase compared to December 31, 2016 as a consequence of a rise in the Bank’s position in U.S. Treasury, Costa Rica and U.S. Guatemala.

 

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INVESTMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO MATURITY

 

The following table summarizes the maturities and weighted average nominal yields of the Bank’s investment securities as of December 31, 2017:

 

As of December 31, 2017 (1)
  Maturity less than
1 year
Maturity between 1
and 5 years
Maturity between 5
and 10 Years
Maturity more than
10 years
Total
  Balance Yield %(1) Balance Yield %(1) Balance Yield %(1) Balance Yield %(1) Balance Yield %(1)
In millions of COP, except yields

Securities issued or secured by:

Foreign currency.-denominated (2):

                   
Foreign Governments 1,204,584 3.29% 1,744,373 2.34% 483,413 2.19% 90,479 0.32% 3,522,849 2.59%
Other financial entities 204,770 3.06% 213,885 3.38% 17,624 3.43% 205,027 - 641,306 2.20%
Colombian Government - - 42,016 4.33% 27,585 3.30% - - 69,601 3.92%
Other Government entities - - 24,137 3.94% 2,241 7.59% - - 26,378 4.25%
Corporate bonds 28,020 2.55% 177,116 5.52% 732,182 4.73% 63,476 5.13% 1,000,794 4.83%
Subtotal 1,437,374 3.24% 2,201,527 2.75% 1,263,045 3.71% 358,982 0.99% 5,260,928 2.99%
Securities issued or secured by Peso-denominated (2)                    
Other financial entities 69,739 6.96% 288,219 7.46% 247,966 10.68% 30,977 9.42% 636,901 8.75%
Colombian Government 2,163,682 5.17% 4,429,393 5.29% 247,311 5.89% 100,764 6.62% 6,941,150 5.30%
Other Government entities 1,920,497 2.83% 14,825 6.89% 892 10.28% - - 1,936,214 2.87%
Corporate bonds 33,903 6.40% 24,960 6.27% 10,206 7.50% 9,800 8.24% 78,869 6.73%
Subtotal 4,187,821 4.14% 4,757,397 5.44% 506,375 8.27% 141,541 7.34% 9,593,134 5.05%
Securities issued or secured by UVR-denominated (2)                    
Colombian Government - - 5,361 3.12% - - - - 5,361 3.12%
Subtotal - - 5,361 3.12% - - - - 5,361 3.12%
Total (COP) 5,625,195   6,964,285   1,769,420   500,523   14,859,423  
                         

 

(1) Yield was calculated using the internal rate of return (IRR) as of December 31, 2017.

(2) Yields on tax-exempt obligations have not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis because the effect of such calculation would not be material.

 

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As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had the following investments in securities of issuers that exceeded 10% of the Bank‘s equity:

 

    As of December 31,
    2017
Securities issued or secured by: Issuer Book Value Fair value
    In millions of COP
Colombian Government Ministry of Finance 7,016,112 7,016,112
Total   7,016,112 7,016,112

 

E.3.LOAN PORTFOLIO

 

Types of Loans

 

The following table shows the Bank’s loan portfolio classified into corporate, retail (including small and medium enterprise loans), financial leases and mortgage loans:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Domestic        
Corporate (1)        
Trade financing 3,806,417 3,479,077 3,380,106 2,896,799
Loans funded by development banks 1,738,950 1,861,669 1,306,888 703,152
Working capital loans 43,087,893 41,432,921 42,632,934 36,157,009
Credit cards 105,505 65,852 54,694 47,197
Overdrafts 151,804 121,555 126,888 67,060
Total corporate 48,890,569 46,961,074 47,501,510 39,871,217
Retail (1)        
Credit cards 5,085,713 4,277,498 3,629,539 4,831,945
Personal loans 10,967,770 8,552,243 7,104,076 6,568,264
Vehicle loans 2,533,815 2,553,815 2,517,925 2,477,992
Overdrafts 223,981 226,575 203,439 210,283
Loans funded by development banks 957,577 1,033,879 884,490 783,610
Trade financing 537,205 404,481 372,339 424,596
Working capital loans 15,344,502 14,342,558 13,078,764 11,909,314
Total retail 35,650,563 31,391,049 27,790,572 27,206,004
Financial Leases 21,728,901 20,685,823 19,898,665 17,197,752
Mortgage 10,987,580 10,170,163 8,712,892 7,353,372
Total loans and leases 117,257,613 109,208,109 103,903,639 91,628,345
Allowance for loans and advances and lease losses (7,305,563) (5,529,506) (4,312,564) (4,028,866)
Total domestic loans, net 109,952,050 103,678,603 99,591,075 87,599,479
Foreign        
Corporate (1)        
Trade financing 16,414,186 15,474,410 15,192,611 6,248,364
Loans funded by development banks 7,731 9,375 12,576 6,162
Working capital loans 7,669,064 8,409,213 8,793,603 6,188,503
Credit cards 52,020 38,596 25,748 9,978
Overdrafts 7,135 9,232 6,661 7,140
Total corporate 24,150,136 23,940,826 24,031,199 12,460,147
Retail (1)        
Credit cards 1,651,333 1,582,942 1,429,351 746,691
Personal loans 6,348,860 6,242,800 6,106,241 4,134,873
Vehicle loans 477,900 595,399 637,047 373,478
Overdrafts 68,610 64,085 74,492 53,213
Loans funded by development banks 66,320 77,284 66,149 41,242
Trade financing 345,433 312,542 242,403 128,668
Working capital loans 57,211 79,710 71,316 45,246
Total retail 9,015,667 8,954,762 8,626,999 5,523,411
Financial Leases 520,050 658,100 652,911 367,477
Mortgage 9,524,628 8,985,689 8,405,891 5,194,273

 

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  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Total loans and leases 43,210,481 42,539,377 41,717,000 23,545,308
Allowance for loans and advances and lease losses (917,540) (1,092,405) (936,191) (760,391)
Total foreign loans, net 42,292,941 41,446,972 40,780,809 22,784,917
Total Foreign and Domestic Loans 152,244,991 145,125,575 140,371,884 110,384,396

 

 

(1)Corporate loans in this table are lower than the balances presented in Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements as Commercial loans in COP 15,956,536 and COP 15,357,808, as of 31 December 2017 and 2016, respectively. These amounts are presented as Retail loans in this table. Similarly, Retail loans also include the amounts presented in Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements as Small Business Loans for COP 1,063,580 and COP 1,062,724 and Consumer loans for COP 27,646,114 and COP 23,925,279 as of 31 December 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

This difference in presentation is because loans are aggregated for marketing and selling purposes in a different way than they are aggregated for risk management purposes. Types of loans in this section follow the marketing and selling aggregation, whereas Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements follows risk management aggregation.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank’s total loan portfolio amounted to COP 160,468 billion, up 5.75% as compared to COP 151,747 billion in 2016. The moderate growth in loan volume during 2017 is explained by the macroeconomic conditions presented during the year, especially in the first half. For further discussion of some of these trends, please see Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-D. Trend information".

 

As of December 31, 2017, corporate loans amounted to COP 73,041 billion, or 45.52% of loans, and increased 3.02% from COP 70,902 billion at the end 2016. Such change is the result of the net effect between an increase in disbursements and prepayments made by corporate borrowers who refinanced debt using the capital markets.

 

As of December 31, 2017, retail loans totaled COP 44,666 billion, or 27.83% of total loans, of which COP 17,317 billion were personal loans (10.79% of total loans). Retail loans increased 17.04% over the year as a result of the downward trend in interest rates which led to an increase in household borrowing.

 

Total corporate and retail loans amounted to COP 117,707 billion at December 31, 2017. These loan categories correspond to the portfolio categories described in the consolidated financial statements as commercial, consumer and small business loans portfolio, which amounted to COP 88,997 billion, COP 27,646 billion and COP 1,064 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2017. The difference between the two presentations is mainly explained by the allocation of credit cards, working capital loans and overdrafts.  These products are considered as corporate loans from the salesforce’s point of view, but are considered as part of one of the three different portfolios for purposes of the impairment assessment.

 

Financial leases totaled COP 22,249 billion as of December 31, 2017, up 4.24% from COP 21,344 billion in 2016.

 

As of December 31, 2017, mortgage loans totaled COP 20,512 billion and increased 7.08% over the year. This growth is explained by the slowdown in housing prices which means that a lower rate of housing prices increased, accompanied by the downward trend in interest rates during 2017. 

 

Borrowing Relationships

 

As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Bank’s 25 largest credit exposures, on a consolidated basis, represented approximately 8.88% of the loan portfolio of the Bank and no single exposure represented more than 2% of the loan book. In addition, 100% of those loans were corporate loans.

 

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Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans

 

The following table shows the maturities of the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

 

  Maturity of one
year or less
Maturity of one
to five years
Maturity of more
than five years
Total
  In millions of COP
Domestic loans and financial leases        
Corporate        
Trade financing 3,597,785 130,587 78,045 3,806,417
Loans funded by development banks 7,870 383,700 1,347,380 1,738,950
Working capital loans 10,391,593 15,169,995 17,526,305 43,087,893
Credit cards 43,178 30,684 31,643 105,505
Overdrafts 151,804 - - 151,804
Total corporate 14,192,230 15,714,966 18,983,373 48,890,569
Retail        
Credit cards 427,398 2,502,554 2,155,761 5,085,713
Personal loans 246,843 8,828,029 1,892,898 10,967,770
Vehicle loans 60,782 1,852,228 620,805 2,533,815
Overdrafts 223,981 - - 223,981
Loans funded by development banks 86,436 544,538 326,603 957,577
Trade financing 532,205 594 4,406 537,205
Working capital loans 3,754,254 8,623,773 2,966,475 15,344,502
Total retail 5,331,899 22,351,716 7,966,948 35,650,563
Financial leases 3,087,015 5,824,546 12,817,340 21,728,901
Mortgage 44,464 383,561 10,559,555 10,987,580
Total domestic loans and financial leases 22,655,608 44,274,789 50,327,216 117,257,613
Foreign loans and financial leases:        
Corporate        
Trade financing 5,131,223 6,893,516 4,389,447 16,414,186
Loans funded by development banks 90 1,926 5,715 7,731
Working capital loans 2,795,106 1,975,275 2,898,683 7,669,064
Credit cards 58 42,949 9,013 52,020
Overdrafts 7,135 - - 7,135
Total corporate 7,933,612 8,913,666 7,302,858 24,150,136
Retail        
Credit cards 375,626 1,066,992 208,715 1,651,333
Personal loans 234,245 2,030,934 4,083,681 6,348,860
Vehicle loans 7,914 462,162 7,824 477,900
Overdrafts 68,554 56 - 68,610
Loans funded by development banks 207 13,739 52,374 66,320
Trade financing 78,862 110,011 156,560 345,433
Working capital loans 44,239 5,986 6,986 57,211
Total retail 809,647 3,689,880 4,516,140 9,015,667
Financial leases 14,329 420,218 85,503 520,050
Mortgage 5,638 154,746 9,364,244 9,524,628
Total foreign loans and financial leases 8,763,226 13,178,510 21,268,745 43,210,481
Total loans 31,418,834 57,453,299 71,595,961 160,468,094

 

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In general, the term of a loan will depend on the type of guarantee or collateral, the credit history of the borrower and the purpose of the loan. As of December 31, 2017, 55.38% of the Bank’s loan portfolio has a maturity of five years or less.

 

Loans interest rate sensitivity

 

The following table shows the interest rate sensitivity of the Bank’s loan portfolio due after one year and within one year or less as of December 31, 2017:

 

  As of December 31, 2017
  In millions of COP
Loans with term of 1 year or more:  
Variable Rate  
Domestic-denominated 67,246,540
Foreign-denominated 21,247,403
Total 88,493,943
Fixed Rate  
Domestic-denominated 27,355,465
Foreign-denominated 13,199,852
Total 40,555,317
Loans with term of less than 1 year:  
Domestic-denominated 22,655,608
Foreign-denominated 8,763,226
Total 31,418,834
Total loans 160,468,094

 

Loans by Economic Activity

 

The following table summarizes the Bank’s loan portfolio, for the periods indicated, by the principal activity of the borrower using the primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 % 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Domestic                
Agricultural 3,533,671 3.0% 3,360,479 3.1% 4,330,757 4.2% 4,030,994 4.4%
Mining products and oil 909,127 0.8% 1,670,126 1.5% 1,791,910 1.7% 2,559,701 2.8%
Food, beverage and tobacco 5,640,910 4.8% 4,992,305 4.6% 5,141,738 5.0% 4,148,724 4.5%
Chemical production 3,341,248 2.9% 3,184,196 2.9% 2,871,547 2.8% 3,028,095 3.3%
Government 3,780,686 3.2% 3,426,089 3.1% 3,131,339 3.0% 2,030,749 2.2%
Construction 15,464,605 13.2% 14,122,163 12.9% 14,577,061 14.0% 11,515,240 12.6%
Trade and tourism 17,115,018 14.6% 15,953,310 14.6% 14,934,712 14.4% 13,380,359 14.6%
Transportation and communications 8,307,712 7.1% 7,484,105 6.9% 8,189,789 7.9% 5,200,661 5.7%
Public services 5,180,634 4.4% 5,013,469 4.6% 4,881,297 4.7% 4,832,527 5.3%
Consumer services 31,367,376 26.7% 28,673,632 26.3% 22,439,817 21.6% 21,109,019 23.0%

 

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  As of December 31,
  2017 % 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Commercial services 16,248,665 13.9% 15,186,857 13.9% 15,956,430 15.3% 14,299,832 15.6%
Other industrial and manufacturing products 6,367,961 5.4% 6,141,378 5.6% 5,657,242 5.4% 5,492,444 6.0%
Total domestic loans   117,257,613 100.0% 109,208,109 100.0% 103,903,639 100.0% 91,628,345 100.0%
Foreign                
Agricultural 2,171,525 5.0% 2,210,219 5.2% 1,942,147 4.7% 752,267 3.2%
Mining products and oil 65,991 0.2% 96,463 0.3% 355,825 0.9% 501,236 2.1%
Food, beverage and tobacco 808,493 1.9% 556,798 1.3% 330,038 0.8% 323,446 1.4%
Chemical production 172,763 0.4% 218,010 0.5% 331,651 0.8% 109,137 0.5%
Government 151,879 0.3% 204,429 0.5% 668,463 1.6% 309,947 1.3%
Construction 5,164,321 12.0% 4,496,434 10.6% 5,424,291 13.0% 3,609,264 15.3%
Trade and tourism 6,520,546 15.1% 6,056,928 14.2% 5,833,248 14.0% 3,362,533 14.3%
Transportation and communications 602,962 1.4% 740,379 1.7% 1,588,048 3.8% 716,974 3.1%
Public services 2,472,215 5.7% 4,626,201 10.9% 4,807,362 11.5% 2,757,506 11.7%
Consumer services 16,719,168 38.7% 13,116,938 30.8% 12,634,026 30.2% 8,580,530 36.4%
Commercial services 3,993,836 9.2% 5,753,166 13.5% 3,049,918 7.3% 56,333 0.2%
Other industrial and manufacturing products 4,366,782 10.1% 4,463,412 10.5% 4,751,983 11.4% 2,466,135 10.5%
Total foreign loans 43,210,481 100.0% 42,539,377 100.0% 41,717,000 100.0% 23,545,308 100.0%
Total Foreign and Domestic Loans 160,468,094 100.0% 151,747,486 100.0% 145,620,639 100.0% 115,173,653 100.0%

 

Credit Categories

 

For the purpose of credit risk evaluation, loans and financial lease contracts are classified in accordance with the regulations of the SFC. For further details please see Note 31 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, section b. Credit Quality Analysis - Loans and Financial Leases.

 

The following table shows the Bank’s loan portfolio by type of loan for the relevant periods:

 

  Loan Portfolio by Type of Loan As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Commercial 88,997,241 86,259,708 85,892,752 65,473,755
Consumer 27,646,114 23,925,279 21,170,615 18,927,154
Small Business 1,063,580 1,062,724 886,913 659,870
Financial Leases 22,248,951 21,343,923 20,551,576 17,565,229
Mortgage 20,512,208 19,155,852 17,118,783 12,547,645
Total loans and financial leases 160,468,094 151,747,486 145,620,639 115,173,653
Total allowance for loans and advances and lease losses (8,223,103) (6,621,911) (5,248,755) (4,789,257)
Total loans and advances to customers and financial institutions, net 152,244,991 145,125,575 140,371,884 110,384,396

 

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Risk categories

 

The SFC provides the following minimum risk classifications, according to the financial situation of the borrower or the past-due days of the obligation. For further details please see Note 31 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, section b. Credit Quality Analysis - Loans and Financial Leases.

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 % 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %
  In millions of COP, except percentages
“A” Normal Risk 140,558,163 87.6% 136,471,216 89.9% 131,999,143 90.6% 105,475,511 91.6%
“B” Acceptable Risk 9,189,969 5.7% 7,319,360 4.8% 7,682,616 5.3% 4,978,602 4.3%
“C” Appreciable Risk 3,844,704 2.4% 3,582,671 2.4% 2,438,541 1.7% 1,865,897 1.6%
“D” Significant Risk 4,456,958 2.8% 2,499,271 1.7% 1,821,582 1.3% 1,504,125 1.3%
“E” Unrecoverable Risk 2,418,300 1.5% 1,874,968 1.2% 1,678,757 1.1% 1,349,518 1.2%
Total loans and financial leases 160,468,094 100.0% 151,747,486 100.0% 145,620,639 100.0% 115,173,653 100.0%
Loans classified as “C”, “D” and “E” as a percentage of total loans 6.68%   5.24%   4.08%   4.10%  

 

The following table illustrates Bancolombia’s past-due loan portfolio by type of loan:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 % 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Domestic                
Corporate                
Trade financing 15,851 0.3% 4,059 0.1% 24,733 0.7% 464 0.0%
Loans funded by development banks 40,757 0.6% - 0.0% 3,567 0.1% 4,264 0.2%
Working capital loans 1,429,617 24.0% 579,989 15.2% 613,922 17.0% 461,505 16.9%
Credit cards 726 0.0% 750 0.0% 1,167 0.0% 1,795 0.1%
Overdrafts 4,239 0.1% 2,090 0.1% 1,339 0.0% 3,509 0.1%
Total corporate 1,491,190 25.0% 586,888 15.4% 644,728 17.8% 471,537 17.3%
Retail                
Credit cards 432,669 7.3% 238,975 6.3% 231,865 6.4% 343,521 12.6%
Personal loans 543,061 9.1% 370,686 9.7% 265,802 7.4% 239,261 8.7%
Vehicle loans 203,476 3.4% 201,852 5.3% 133,846 3.7% 144,213 5.3%
Overdrafts 34,718 0.6% 29,404 0.8% 24,994 0.7% 29,418 1.1%
Loans funded by
development banks
53,633 0.9% 49,331 1.3% 30,119 0.8% 40,132 1.5%
Trade financing 7,646 0.1% 2,347 0.1% 1,759 0.1% 1,198 0.0%
Working capital loans 1,411,725 23.7% 954,934 25.1% 755,713 21.0% 702,065 25.6%
Total retail 2,686,928 45.1% 1,847,529 48.6% 1,444,098 40.1% 1,499,808 54.8%
Financial Leases 754,965 12.8% 620,686 16.3% 936,382 26.0% 259,048 9.4%
Mortgage 1,020,323 17.1% 750,164 19.7% 582,010 16.1% 507,588 18.5%
Total domestic past due loans 5,953,406 100.0% 3,805,267 100.0% 3,607,218 100.0% 2,737,981 100.0%
Foreign                
Corporate                
Trade financing 313,381 18.6% 261,943 16.6% 301,674 22.7% 97,646 12.6%
Loans funded by development banks - 0.0% - 0.0% 291 0.0% - 0.0%
Working capital loans 118,740 7.1% 72,341 4.6% 99,330 7.5% 75,205 9.7%
Credit cards 1,339 0.1% 748 0.0% 1,316 0.1% 170 0.0%
Overdrafts 163 0.0% - 0.0% 149 0.0% 36 0.0%
Total Corporate 433,623 25.8% 335,032 21.2% 402,760 30.3% 173,057 22.3%
Retail                
Credit cards 112,331 6.7% 107,791 6.9% 79,573 6.0% 37,427 4.9%

 

 88 

 

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 % 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Personal loans 281,690 16.8% 341,619 21.6% 277,596 20.9% 203,487 26.4%
Vehicle loans 51,892 3.1% 46,586 3.0% 41,015 3.1% 22,638 2.9%
Overdrafts 2,018 0.1% 1,112 0.1% 2,755 0.2% 1,773 0.2%
Loans funded by
development banks
1,939 0.1% 96 0.0% 2,792 0.2% 1,249 0.2%
Trade financing 29,623 1.8% 26,518 1.7% 11,639 0.9% 7,184 0.9%
Working capital loans 9,089 0.5% 32,868 2.1% 4,912 0.4% 4,132 0.5%
Total retail 488,582 29.1% 556,590 35.3% 420,282 31.7% 277,890 36.0%
Financial Leases 13,824 0.8% 27,620 1.7% 23,381 1.8% 9,892 1.4%
Mortgage 740,763 44.3% 659,524 41.8% 480,469 36.2% 311,389 40.3%
Total foreign past due loans 1,676,792 100.0% 1,578,766 100.0% 1,326,892 100.0% 772,228 100.0%
Total Foreign and Domestic past due loans 7,630,198 100.0% 5,384,033 100.0% 4,934,110 100.0% 3,510,209 100.0%

 

Policies for the granting and review of credit

 

The Bank’s credit standards and policies aim to achieve a high level of credit quality in the Bank’s loan portfolio, efficiency in the processing of loans and the specific assignment of responsibilities for credit risk. For further details please see Note 31 of Consolidated Financial Statements, section a. Credit Risk Management - Loans and Financial Leases.

 

E.4.SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LOANS AND ADVANCES AND LEASE LOSSES

 

The Bank records an allowance for loans and advances and lease losses in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. For further details regarding the regulation and methodologies for the calculation of such allowances please see Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the allowance for loans and advances and lease losses:

 

  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Balance at beginning of period 6,621,911 5,248,755 4,789,257 4,473,562
Domestic 5,529,506 4,254,754 4,028,866 3,766,387
Foreign 1,092,405 994,001 760,391 707,175
Domestic Discontinued Operations (1) - - (282,098) -
Allowance for loan of PA Leasing - 27,825 - -
Domestic - 27,825 - -
Provisions for loan losses, net 3,879,559 2,930,239 1,884,859 1,308,825
Domestic 3,413,963 2,415,771 1,642,914 1,236,594
Foreign 465,596 514,468 241,945 72,231
Charge-offs (2,275,300) (1,533,202) (1,422,055) (1,178,748)
Domestic (1,637,906) (1,168,844) (1,134,928) (974,115)
Foreign (637,394) (364,358) (287,127) (204,633)
Effect of difference in exchange rate (3,067) (51,706) 278,792 185,618
Foreign (3,067) (51,706) 278,792 185,618
Balance at end of year 8,223,103 6,621,911 5,248,755 4,789,257
Domestic 7,305,563 5,529,506 4,254,754 4,028,866
           

 

 89 

 

 

  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Foreign 917,540 1,092,405 994,001 760,391

 

 

(1) As of December 31, 2015, Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. is considered a discontinued operation.

 

Recoveries of written-off loans are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and are not included in provisions for loan losses.

 

The following table sets forth the allocation of the Bank’s allowance for loans and advances and lease losses by type of loan using the classification of the SFC:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Commercial loans 4,514,180 3,499,791 2,694,965 2,360,488
Consumer loans 2,291,829 1,791,123 1,321,281 1,479,460
Small business loans 140,591 110,015 80,586 76,560
Financial leases 631,402 567,046 579,151 415,766
Mortgage 645,101 653,936 572,772 456,983
Total allowance for loans and advances and lease losses 8,223,103 6,621,911 5,248,755 4,789,257

 

The following table sets forth the allocation of the Bank‘s allowance for loans and advances and lease losses by type of loan:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 % 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Domestic                
Corporate                
Trade financing 109,258 1.5% 54,372 1.0% 35,387 0.8% 14,759 0.4%
Loans funded by development banks 63,502 0.9% 49,008 0.9% 23,552 0.5% 5,772 0.1%
Working capital loans 2,288,997 31.3% 1,713,735 31.0% 1,183,378 27.4% 1,006,493 25.0%
Credit cards 1,591 0.0% 1,596 0.0% 2,218 0.1% 1,995 0.1%
Overdrafts 4,321 0.1% 3,226 0.1% 3,318 0.1% 5,759 0.1%
Total corporate 2,467,669 33.8% 1,821,937 33.0% 1,247,853 28.9% 1,034,778 25.7%
Retail                
Credit cards 630,358 8.6% 482,278 8.7% 343,057 8.0% 589,702 14.6%
Personal loans 805,327 11.0% 595,253 10.8% 441,225 10.2% 422,649 10.5%
Vehicle loans 260,747 3.6% 242,230 4.4% 180,408 4.2% 224,481 5.6%
Overdrafts 36,693 0.5% 30,544 0.5% 27,668 0.6% 36,345 0.9%
Loans funded by development banks 58,470 0.8% 49,038 0.9% 38,274 0.9% 39,235 1.0%
Trade financing 22,766 0.3% 9,606 0.2% 13,531 0.3% 12,972 0.3%
Working capital loans 1,863,844 25.5% 1,316,302 23.8% 1,084,698 25.2% 969,557 24.1%
Total retail 3,678,205 50.4% 2,725,251 49.3% 2,128,861 49.4% 2,294,941 57.0%
Financial leases 617,266 8.4% 546,710 9.8% 553,317 12.8% 388,115 9.6%
Mortgage 542,423 7.4% 435,608 7.9% 382,533 8.9% 311,032 7.7%
Total domestic allowance for loans and advances and lease losses 7,305,563 100.0% 5,529,506 100.0% 4,312,564 100.0% 4,028,866 100.0%
Foreign                
Corporate                
Trade financing 167,081 18.2% 242,490 22.2% 82,777 8.8% 83,306 10.9%
Loans funded by development banks 566 0.1% 329 0.0% 568 0.1% 175 0.0%
Working capital loans 148,415 16.2% 149,392 13.7% 256,244 27.4% 227,915 30.0%
Credit cards 2,026 0.2% 1,253 0.1% 838 0.1% 361 0.1%
Overdrafts 351 0.0% 635 0.1% 656 0.1% 548 0.1%
Total corporate 318,439 34.7% 394,099 36.1% 341,083 36.5% 312,305 41.1%
Retail                
Credit cards 111,269 12.1% 101,066 9.3% 66,582 7.1% 42,433 5.6%
Personal loans 327,210 35.7% 316,387 29.0% 277,094 29.6% 221,627 29.2%
Vehicle loans 18,927 2.1% 20,058 1.8% 14,076 1.5% 12,533 1.7%
Overdrafts 8,982 1.0% 7,884 0.7% 10,780 1.1% 8,237 1.1%
Loans funded by development banks 2,582 0.3% 2,932 0.3% 2,731 0.3% 1,514 0.2%
Trade financing 8,303 0.9% 5,598 0.5% 3,450 0.4% 2,728 0.4%
Working capital loans 5,014 0.6% 5,717 0.5% 5,305 0.6% 4,867 0.6%
Total retail 482,287 52.6% 459,642 42.1% 380,018 40.6% 293,939 38.8%
Financial leases 14,136 1.5% 20,336 1.9% 24,848 2.6% 8,217 1.0%
Mortgage 102,678 11.2% 218,328 19.9% 190,242 20.3% 145,930 19.1%
Total foreign allowance for loans and advances and lease losses 917,540 100.0% 1,092,405 100.0% 936,191 100.0% 760,391 100.0%
Total foreign and domestic allowance for loans and advances and lease losses 8,223,103 100.0% 6,621,911 100.0% 5,248,755 100.0% 4,789,257 100.0%

 

 

 90 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, allowances for loans and financial lease losses amounted to COP 8,223 billion (5.12% of total loans), up 24.18% as compared to COP 6,622 billion (4.36% of total loans) at the end of 2016.

 

Coverage, measured by the ratio of allowances for loans and advances and lease losses to past-due loans (overdue 30 or more days; excluding accrued interest), was 107.52% at December 31, 2017, down from 125.90% at December 31, 2016. The decrease in the coverage ratio is mainly explained by the lower macroeconomic dynamics that affected the consumer and SME portfolio and the materialization of credit events in the Infrastructure and Mass Transport Systems sectors in Colombia.

 

CHARGE-OFFS

 

The following table shows the allocation of the Bank’s charge-offs of domestic and foreign loans by type of loan as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Domestic        
Trade financing 1,036 734 1,220 12,452
Loans funded by development banks 5,804 12,335 23,852 10,078
Working capital loans 903,241 447,673 457,097 279,701
Credit cards 266,312 214,800 145,350 325,475
Personal loans 203,852 285,462 209,211 197,973
Vehicle loans 149,964 100,224 81,140 79,527
Overdrafts 14,344 16,050 13,947 10,276
Mortgage and other 17,308 15,823 167,718 13,818
Financial leases 76,045 75,743 35,393 44,815
Total domestic charge-offs 1,637,906 1,168,844 1,134,928 974,115
Foreign        
Trade financing 186,140 1,028 - 72
Loans funded by development banks 94 - - -
Working capital loans 20,308 20,038 28,317 33,170
Credit cards 125,919 55,836 37,938 40,640
Personal loans 268,622 259,434 198,283 113,685

 

 91 

 

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  In millions of COP
Vehicle loans 13,815 14,471 9,968 5,211
Overdrafts 410 270 726 3,743
Mortgage and other 20,369 8,796 11,761 8,112
Financial leases 1,717 4,485 134 -
Total foreign charge-offs 637,394 364,358 287,127 204,633
Total Foreign and Domestic charge-offs 2,275,300 1,533,202 1,422,055 1,178,748

 

The ratio of charge-offs to average outstanding loans for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
Ratio of charge-offs to average outstanding loans 1.51% 1.03% 1.14% 1.19%

 

The Bank charges off loans that are classified as “unrecoverable”. For further details please see Note 2 of Consolidated Financial Statements, section 7.6.1 “Written-Off loan portfolio balances and related allowances”.

 

All write-offs must be approved by the Board of Directors, regardless of the amount to be written-off. Even if a loan is written off, management remains responsible for decisions in respect of the loan, and neither the Bank nor its Subsidiaries are released from their obligation to pursue recovery as appropriate.

 

POTENTIAL PROBLEM LOANS

 

In order to carefully monitor the credit risk associated with clients, the Bank has established a committee that meets periodically to identify current situations or anticipate future situations that might generate a possible deterioration in the client’s ability to pay. In general, the clients are placed on this watch list when they could face difficulties in the future in the repayment of their obligations with the Bank but who have had a good record of payment behavior. The reasons for placing a client on the watch list could relate to financial weakness factors specific to the client, or to factors such as the general level of economic activity, or any other external or internal events that could affect the client’s business.

 

As of December 31, 2017, loans included in the watch list amounted to COP 11,895 billion. The increase from COP 9,824 billion as of December 31, 2016, was driven by the addition to the watch list of significant Corporate and SMEs clients that were classified principally in Level 1 - Low Risk. During 2017, risk level 4 was created for nonperforming clients without any financial, operational or commercial viability, where the objective is to obtain the highest possible portfolio recovery by judicial means, in order to reduce or end the commercial relationship given their inability to pay.

 

Watch List December 31 2017
Million COP
Risk Level                                     Amount            %                    Allowance
Level 1 - Low Risk 4,938,711 2% 114,361
Level 2 - Medium Risk 1,641,169 5% 81,796
Level 3 - High Risk 3,806,554 33% 1,264,077
Level 4 - High Risk 1,509,014 76% 1,150,212
Total 11,895,448 22% 2,610,447

 

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IMPAIRED LOANS

 

A credit is considered as an impaired loan when there is an objective evidence of impairment that has an effect on the cash flow of the loan. Additionally, this category includes loans that have been restructured because of financial difficulties of the debtor, and for that reason, the Bank must grant a concession to the debtor, that it would not otherwise consider ("Trouble Debt Restructuring loans" - TDRs).

 

Under IFRS, all credits are accounting in an accrual status, although they are classified as “impaired loans”.

 

The following table presents the recorded investment for impaired loans:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014
  Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total
In millions of COP                        
Commercial                        
Corporate 3,957,150  758,029 4,715,179  3,001,953  1,104,935  4,106,888 1,468,122 401,920 1,870,042 1,245,373 185,292 1,430,665
SME  2,081,996  291,015  2,373,011  1,499,054  138,604  1,637,658 1,114,816 128,125 1,242,941 997,605 75,695 1,073,300
Others  804,266  214,645  1,018,911  894,642  151,274  1,045,916 661,481 187,413 848,894 677,435 100,199 777,634
Total Commercial  6,843,412 1,263,689  8,107,101  5,395,649  1,394,813  6,790,462 3,244,419 717,458 3,961,877 2,920,413 361,186 3,281,599
Consumer                        
Credit card 486,736  182,356  669,092  308,158  177,073  485,231 554,725 392,490 947,215 168,562 206,879 375,441
Vehicle loans  286,865  16,287  303,152  244,618  19,567  264,185 201,456 9,886 211,342 160,021 67,019 227,040
Payroll loan  144,491  238,685  383,176  127,866  469,494  597,360 118,015 24,002 142,017 100,626 130,885 231,511
Others  661,521  334,643  996,164  371,018  103,617  474,635 223,080 138,428 361,508 196,045 111,766 307,811
Total Consumer  1,579,613  771,971  2,351,584  1,051,660  769,751  1,821,411 1,097,276 564,806 1,662,082 625,254 516,549 1,141,803
Residential Mortgage                        
Vis (1) 172,273  61,365  233,638  156,747  54,439  211,186 136,628 305 136,933 130,188 342 130,530
No Vis  474,560  407,588  882,148  356,181  647,694  1,003,875 291,128 571,248 862,376 239,177 357,879 597,056
Total residential mortgage  646,833  468,953  1,115,786  512,928  702,133  1,215,061 427,756 571,553 999,309 369,365 358,221 727,586
Small Business Loans 101,955 33,050 135,005 81,769 22,705 104,474 58,875 1,365 60,240 52,660 57,581 110,241
Financial leases 1,712,023 11,319 1,723,342 1,237,165 34,061 1,271,226 865,412 12,547 877,959 289,926 2,629 292,555
Total 10,883,836 2,548,982 13,432,818 8,279,171 2,923,463 11,202,634 5,693,738 1,867,729 7,561,467 4,257,618 1,296,166 5,553,784

 

 

(1)VIS refers in Spanish to “Vivienda de Interés Social”, a term used to describe residential mortgages granted by financial institutions in amounts that are less than 135 legal minimum monthly salaries in Colombia (as of December 31, 2017 COP 100).

 

The following table shows the TDRs classified into foreign and domestic loans, the gross interest income that would have been recorded in the period ended if the loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination and the amount of interest income on those loans that were included in net income for the period:

 

 93 

 

  

  2017 2016 2015
  In millions of COP
  Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total
Interest income recognized in net income for the period.

 

464,723

 

415,354 880,077 490,536 333,519 824,055 471,226 116,355 587,581
The gross interest income that would have been recorded in the period that ended if the loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination, if held for part of the period. 477,708 467,915 945,623 511,828 382,116 893,944 472,862 117,148 590,010

 

CROSS-BORDER OUTSTANDING LOANS AND INVESTMENTS

 

As of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, total cross-border outstanding loans and investments amounted to approximately USD 16,309 million, USD 15,966 million, USD 16,082 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, total outstanding loans to borrowers in foreign countries amounted to USD 14,666 million, and total investments were USD 1,643 million. As of December 31, 2017, total cross-border outstanding loans and investments represented 23.87% of total assets.

 

The Bank had no cross-border outstanding acceptances, interes-earning deposits with other banks or any other monetary assets denominated in pesos or other non-local currencies, in which the total exceeded 1% of consolidated total assets at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

The following table presents information with respect to the Bank’s cross-border outstanding loans and investments at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
  thousands of U.S. dollars
Governments and official institutions          
Guatemala USD 490,068 USD 476,000 USD 529,834
Panama   371,729   340,631   373,540
United States   235,104   106,630   166,284
El Salvador   97,348   189,781   233,096
Costa Rica   29,424   15,855   39,117
Mexico   7,404   65,705   152,186
Brazil   -   10,784   11,023
Banks and other financial institutions            
Guatemala USD 163,347 USD 58,647 USD 26,786
Panama   110,535   112,430   216,788
Costa Rica   39,315   34,416   30,119
Peru   15,263   10,095   13,281
El Salvador   11,648   26,836   43,766
Chile   10,482   14,286   14,951
Venezuela   7,885   22,120   30,164
Brazil   4,775   4,702   7,705

 

 94 

 

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
  thousands of U.S. dollars
United States   3,031   11,069   10,002
Cayman Islands   2,877   -   -
Honduras   2,546   7,485   751
Mexico   -   -   3,041
Commercial and industrial loans            
Panama USD 3,270,293 USD 3,183,641 USD 3,138,755
Guatemala   2,164,020   2,009,213   2,941,396
El Salvador   837,985   889,980   563,534
Peru   199,766   284,576   420,341
Costa Rica   174,863   162,028   249,819
Nicaragua   69,921   55,251   8,917
United States   68,805   127,321   260,041
Dominican Republic   67,196   104,444   100,035
Honduras   32,834   72,602   87,036
Belize   15,232   16,426   -
Chile   14,101   18,997   41,192
Uruguay   2,458   -   10,768
Mexico   734   21,369   3,636
Brazil   215   3,784   13,002
Ecuador   125   49,178   56,545
Puerto Rico   7   151,223   100,474
British Virgin Island   -   13,837   15,234
Guyana   -   3,604   4,906
Republic of China   -   3,167   -
U.S. Virgin Island   -   -   27,835
Barbados   -   -   4,021
Others   2,134   6,869   1,243
Other loans            
Panama USD 4,262,289 USD 3,896,328 USD 3,319,118
El Salvador   2,274,746   2,177,723   2,471,002
Guatemala   952,949   883,186   115,215
Costa Rica   96,141   164,760   79,351
United States   92,668   61,001   32,617
Spain   39,492   10,939   14,249
Canada   8,937   3,686   2,989
England   7,835   3,953   5,501
Australia   7,600   3,832   1,010
Mexico   5,194   6,827   1,770
Brazil   4,995   2,783   8,333
Nicaragua   4,498   13,286   18,523
France   3,324   2,128   -
Venezuela   3,321   2,564   2,429
Chile   2,965   2,662   5,468
Peru   2,133   15,500   44,947
Ecuador   2,041   2,746   1,218
Argentina   1,772   5,072   -
Italy   1,692   1,438   -
Honduras   1,531   2,087   -
Germany   1,148   1,527   -
Belgium and Luxembourg   381   2,640   3,203
Bolivia   252   1,900   -
Uruguay   151   4,236   -

 

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  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
  thousands of U.S. dollars
Others   7,250   8,586   3,811
Total Cross-Border Outstanding Loans and Investments USD 16,308,775 USD 15,966,372 USD 16,081,918

 

E.5.DEPOSITS

 

The following table shows the composition of the Bank’s deposits for 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015(1)
  In millions of COP
Non-interest bearing deposits:      
Checking deposits 16,284,742 16,189,259 16,823,024
Other deposits 1,676,399 1,813,922 1,627,981
Total 17,961,141 18,003,181 18,451,005
Interest bearing deposits:      
Checking deposits 5,780,905 5,253,743 6,823,554
Time deposits 53,961,586 52,673,385 48,713,789
Savings deposits 54,255,583 48,693,702 47,813,680
Total 113,998,074 106,620,830 103,351,023
Total deposits 131,959,215 124,624,011 121,802,028

____________________________________________

(1) Includes deposits amounting to COP 1,266,305 million held by Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A., which deposits are considered as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2015.

 

The following table shows the time deposits held by the Bank as of December 31, 2017, classified by amount and maturity:

 

  At December 31, 2017
  Peso -
Denominated
Foreign Exchange-
Denominated
Total
  In millions of COP
Time deposits higher than USD 100,000      
Up to 3 months 5,012,846 5,602,380 10,615,226
From 3 to 6 months 3,088,626 3,598,854 6,687,480
From 6 to 12 months 4,837,340 5,190,394 10,027,734
More than 12 months 10,654,180 6,361,545 17,015,725
Time deposits higher than USD 100,000(1) 23,592,992 20,753,173 44,346,165
Time deposits less than USD 100,000 (1) 6,427,919 3,187,502 9,615,421
Total 30,020,911 23,940,675 53,961,586

 

 

(1)Approximately COP 298 million at the Representative Market Rate as of December 31, 2017.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the time deposits greater than USD 100,000 collected by foreign subsidiaries amounted to COP 20,148,071 million.

 

For a description of the average amount and the average rate paid for deposits, see “Item 4. Information on the Company – E. Selected Statistical Information – E.1. Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential”.

 

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E.6.RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

 

The following table presents certain selected financial ratios of the Bank for the periods indicated:

 

Return on equity and assets (1) Year
Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
  In percentages
Net income as a percentage of:      
Average total assets (2) (3) (4) 1.30 1.49 1.53
Return on average stockholders‘ equity attributable to the owners of the parent company 11.99 14.52 13.62
Average equity (5) 11.95 14.16 13.84
Dividends declared per share as a percentage of consolidated net income per share (6) 36.69 31.25 32.46
Average stockholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets 11.47 10.79 11.44
Return on interest-earning assets (7) 10.04 10.11 8.41

 

 

(1)The Bank´s average total assets and stockholder's equity were calculated considering the last 13 monthly IFRS balances.
(2)As of December 31, 2016, and 2015 the Bank’s average total assets were calculated considering the assets of the discontinued operation.
(3)The difference between the figures disclosed as assets and liabilities in Consolidated Statements and the table above is due to the off-setting of deferred tax assets and deferred tax libilities in accordance with IAS 12. See further information in Note 11. Income tax.
(4)Defined as net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company divided by the average total assets
(5)Defined as net income divided by the average stockholders’ equity
(6)Dividends are paid based on unconsolidated earnings. Net income per share is calculated using the average number of common and preference shares outstanding during the year.
(7)Defined as total interest earned divided by average interest-earning assets

 

E.7.SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the short-term borrowings by the Bank for the periods indicated:

 

  As of December 31, (1)
  2017   2016 2015
  Amount Rate (2)   Amount Rate (2) Amount Rate (2)
In millions of COP, except percentages
End of period 7,612,323   4.87%   9,951,438   2.95%   11,129,652   1.68%
Weighted average during period 9,289,645   3.99%   10,122,682   2.90%   8,527,033   2.20%
Maximum amount of borrowing at any month end 10,513,614 (3)     11,067,435 (4)     11,129,652 (5) -
Interest paid during the year 370,353       293,348       187,185   -

 

 

(1)Short-term borrowings with other financial institutions with remaining maturity less than one year. For further information see Note 16 Borrowings with other financial institutions to the Financial Statements.
(2)Corresponds to the ratio of interest paid to short-term borrowings.
(3)The amount corresponds to the end of August.
(4)The amount corresponds to the end of February.
(5)The amount corresponds to the end of December.
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ITEM 4 A.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, there are no unresolved comments from SEC staff regarding the Bank’s periodic reports required to be filed under the Exchange Act of 19

 

ITEM 5.OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

A.OPERATING RESULTS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 6 “Selected Financial Data” of this Annual Report and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto included in this Annual Report. 

 

The following discussion includes information regarding future financial performance and plans, targets, aspirations, expectations, and objectives of management, which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is possible that the Bank’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements because of a number of risks and uncertainties. In addition, please refer to the discussion in Item 3. “Key Information – D. Risk Factors” for a description of risks and uncertainties affecting our business and financial results. 

 

IMPACT OF ECONOMIC AND MONETARY POLICIES ON BANCOLOMBIA’S RESULTS

 

Bancolombia’s results of operations are affected by macroeconomic factors principally in Colombia, but also in the other countries in where the Bank operates. The most important variables include GDP growth, interest rates, inflation and exchange rates, principally the representative market rate. The following discussion summarizes the trends of these measures in Colombia in 2017.

 

Economic activity

 

Colombia’s real GDP growth was 1.8% in 2017, lower than the 2.0% reached in 2016. The reduction in the pace of growth is mainly explained by the slow-down in gross capital formation from the private sector and a sluggish growth in consumption and government spending.

 

The behavior of key GDP components in 2017 compared with 2016 was as follows: investment increased 0.1%, consumption increased 2.2%, imports increased 0.2% and exports decreased 0.6%. In 2017, gross capital formation represented 23.4% of GDP, household consumption represented 62.9%, government consumption 19.1%, exports 14.8% and imports 20.1%.

 

The sectors that led growth during the year were agriculture (4.9% increase) and financial services (3.8% increase).

 

In summary, during 2017, the Colombian economy continued with the process of deceleration that started in 2015. This lower economic dynamism was characterized by the moderation of internal demand, especially consumer demand and government spending, and a considerable decrease in net exports.

 

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Interest Rates

 

As of December 31, 2017, following steady rate cuts totaling a 275 basis points cut during the year, the Colombian Central Bank’s benchmark interest rate stood at 4.75%. These rate reductions reflect an attempt to stimulate growth in a slower-paced economy. Interest rates have continued to decline in 2018, with the benchmark rate at 4.50% as of the date of this Annual Report.

 

The Central Bank aims to maintain long term inflation rates within the long-term targeted range (between 2% and 4%). The Central Bank may continue to reduce interest rates in order to promote economic activity, credit expansion and consumption.

 

Inflation

 

The year-end inflation rate for 2017 was 4.09%, lower than the 5.75% recorded for 2016. The components that led inflation in 2017 were recreation (7.69% increase), education (7.41% increase) and communications (6.43% increase).

 

Inflation in January 2017 was 5.47%, 147 basis points above the upper limit of the inflation target range of the Central Bank (2% - 4%). However, this metric decreased in the subsequent months, when inflation started to moderate. Inflation thus far in 2018 continues on this downward trajectory and as of February 28, 2018, the annual inflation rate was 3.37%.

 

Exchange rate

 

The Colombian Peso appreciated 0.56% versus the U.S. dollar during 2017, compared to an appreciation of 4.72% 2016.

 

The appreciation of the Colombian Peso was explained by a reduction in the current account deficit and some increase in oil prices, and an effective absorption by the Colombian economy of external shocks, such as that caused by the U.S. presidential elections.

 

Outlook

 

Future prospects for the Colombian financial sector in general, and for Bancolombia in particular, are expected to depend on the factors listed below:

 

Favorable factors for the Colombian economy – medium-term Unfavorable factors for the Colombian economy – medium term

Benefits derived from interest rate cuts aimed at promoting faster economic growth.

 

Declining inflationary pressures with the necessary fiscal adjustments.

 

Stronger local capital markets, with little exposure to “toxic assets” and with low currency mismatches.

 

Underdeveloped infrastructure that continues to constrain growth.

 

Oil and gas dependent export activity.

 

Despite successful efforts to diversify export markets, continued concentration in specific export destinations, particularly the United States (which could change as a result of the new U.S. administration).

 

 

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Favorable factors for the Colombian economy – medium-term Unfavorable factors for the Colombian economy – medium term

Better prospects for growth in the near term, derived from improving macroeconomic conditions.

 

A well-capitalized banking system.

 

Well-developed supervision and regulation of the financial system.

 

Adequate international reserves compared to the level of short-term debt.

Exchange rate volatility and depreciation that directly impacts inflation and economic growth.

 

Large current account deficit and fiscal pressures.

 

Introduction of additional tax reform measures due to fiscal burden in the near term.

 

High tax environment for Colombian corporate sector compared to other countries in the region

 

Uncertainties regarding the future post-conflict.

 

Higher unemployment and household indebtedness.

 

Political fragmentation and instabilitiy before presidential and congressional elections taking place in 2018.

 

GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE CHANGES IN RESULTS FOR 2017 VERSUS 2016

 

Summary

 

During 2017, Bancolombia continued to benefit from its strong competitive position and full-service financial model, including the diversity of its leading franchises. For the year 2017, net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company totaled COP 2,615 billion (COP 2,718 per share, including both common and preferred shares, and USD 3.64 per ADR), which represents a decrease of 8.74% as compared to COP 2,865 billion of net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company for the fiscal year 2016.

 

Bancolombia’s average return on stockholders’ equity for 2017 was 11.99%, down from 14.52% in 2016.

 

The net interest and valuation income after provisions for loans, financial leases and off-balance sheet credit instruments margin from continuing operations increased significantly in 2017 and stood at 6.07% for the year, up from 5.96% in 2016.

 

Credit impairment charges on loans and financial leases, net of recoveries, totaled COP 3,462 billion for 2017, up 26.75% from COP 2,731 billion in 2016. The higher amount of provisions was the result specific defaults of large corporate clients as well as generalized loan deterioration in the consumer and SME loan books, especially during the second half of the year.

 

Loans and advances to customers and financial Institutions leases grew 5.75% during the year. This performance was driven primarily by consumer loans and mortgages. The total loan book denominated in COP grew 11.89% while USD- denominated loans declined 4.43% for the year.

 

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Allowance for loans, advances and lease losses represented 4.83% of total loans and 107.52% of past-due loans (excluding accrued interest) at the end of 2017 compared with 4.17% of total loans and 125.90% of past-due loans (excluding accrued interest) in December 31, 2016.

 

Despite the decline in the ratio, the bank expects that this coverage will provide solid protection in a potential downside scenario in which loan quality continues to deteriorate. Capital adequacy was 14.18% (Tier 1 ratio of 10.15%), higher than the 13.26% (Tier 1 ratio of 9.02%) reported at the end of 2016, principally as a result of the issuance of USD 750 million of Tier 2 subordinated debt in September 2017.

 

Deposits by customers increased 5.89% during 2017, while the ratio of net loans to deposits was 115.4% at the end of the year, down from 116.5% in December 31, 2015.

 

Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off-balance sheet credit instruments

 

For 2017, net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments, before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments, totaled COP 10,453 billion, up 7.81% from COP 9,696 billion in 2016. This performance is the result of growth in the Colombian loan portfolio during the year, as well as increasing interest margins. During 2017, the Central Bank cut its reference rate from 7.50% to 4.75% in response to lower inflation and weak economic growth. In line with this trend, the Bank’s borrowings costs decreased during 2017 due to efforts to bring down the cost of time deposits and borrowings from financial institutions.

 

Margin on loans and financial leases decreased as a result of interest rate cuts and lower yields on new originations. The weighted average nominal interest rate on loans and financial leases ended at 10.5% in 2017 down from 10.6% in 2016. Nonetheless, interest income, which is the sum of interest on loans, financial leases, overnight funds and interest and valuation income from investment securities, totaled COP 16,686 billion in 2017, up 5.95% as compared to COP 15,749 billion in 2016 as a result of higher loan volumes.

 

Interest on investment securities, which includes, among other items, the interest paid or accrued on debt securities and mark-to-market valuation adjustments, totaled COP 685 billion in 2017, 3.14% lower than 2016.

 

Net interest and valuation income after provisions for loans, financial leases and off-balance sheet credit instruments margin from continuing operations expanded 11 basis points from 5.96% to 6.07% during the year due to the growth in consumer loans, which grew faster than corporate loans, and bear interest at a higher rate.

 

Bancolombia was very active in the deposits markets to secure the necessary funding. Interest rates declined during the second half of the year, releasing pressure from the cost of deposits. Interest rate cuts tend to put pressure on margins because of the asset-sensitive nature of the Bank’s balance sheet. During the latter part of 2017, management’s goal has been to reduce the asset-sensitivity of the balance sheet in order to avoid further pressures on margins given the potelntial of further reductions in the Central Bank’s rate in the first half of 2018.

 

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Interest expenses totaled COP 6,233 billion in 2017, up 2.97% as compared to COP 6,053 billion in 2016. The increase in interest expenses is explained by the increase in volumes of deposits. Overall, the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 3.7% in 2017 stable compared to 2016. 

 

Net Fees and Commissions

 

For the year 2017, total net fees and commissions totaled COP 2,504 billion, up 7.99% as compared to COP 2,319 billion in 2016. This variation was driven primarily a better performance of commission from banking services, credit and debit cards fees, and bancassurance, all of which increased due to a higher number of transactions and trust activities, which increased due to an increase in the assets under management. 

 

Consumers had a significant increase in the tax burden during 2017; as a result, consumption capacity suffered and financial services posted a sluggish trend during the year. Nevertheless, the strategies designed by the Bank to promote the utilization of financial services, such as electronic payments, asset management and mutual funds, permited to increase the volumes of transations and the revenues. 

 

 In particular, the Bank actively sought to promote and increase credit and debit card transactions through strategic initiatives with retailers as well as commercial incentives. This strategy involved advertising campaigns as well as enhanced use of reward and loyalty schemes relating to the use of Bancolombia-issued credit cards.

 

In the corporate side, the efforts have been focused in the middle and small market, mainly, comprenhensive banking, cash management serkices and electronic plataforms for treasury management, the pace of growth in this segments has a high correlation to GDP and as a result, its growth was moderate in 2017.

The following table lists the main revenue-producing fees for the years 2017 and 2016 along with the corresponding year-to-year variations:

 

Main Fees and Commissions Income

 

  Year Growth
  2017 2016 2017-2016
  In millions of COP
Credit and debit card fees 1,164,380 1,092,919 71,461 6.54%
Banking services 885,512 816,839 68,673 8.41%
Bancassurance 408,248 336,692 71,556 21.25%
Trust 359,651 294,499 65,152 22.12%
Collections 228,580 229,940 (1,360) (0.59%)
Acceptances and guarantees 55,365 55,724 (359) (0.64%)
Checks 48,010 51,974 (3,964) (7.63%)
Brokerage 20,618 23,431 (2,813) (12.01%)
Others 416,543 383,217 33,326 8.70%
Fees and commissions income 3,586,907 3,285,235 301,672 9.18%

 

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Fees and commissions expenses

 

  Year Growth
  2017 2016 2017-2016
  In millions of COP
Banking services (396,264) (354,640) (41,624) 11.74%
Call center and website (291,602) (260,006) (31,596) 12.15%
Others (394,848) (351,625) (42,223) 12.29%
Fees and other service expenses (1,082,714) (966,271) (116,443) 12.05%
Total fees and income from services, net 2,504,193 2,318,964 185,229 7.99%

 

Other Operating Income

 

For 2017, total other operating income was COP 1,632 billion, 9.77% higher than the COP 1,487 billion in 2016.

 

The variation in this line item is explained by the significant improvement in net foreign exchange, which recorded COP 294 billion in 2017, 122.29% higher than the COP 132 billion reported in 2016. This increase resulted from a positive net impact of variations in the U.S-denominated assets and liabilities, as well as, a sale of U.S-denominated assets.

 

Revenues from operating leases totaled COP 564 billion in 2017, an increase of 14.26% compared to 2016. Such increase is due to higher volumes of operations and delivered assets under leasing.

 

Additionally, in 2017 the bank recorded an income of COP 86 billion related to the reversal of acruals of taxes, as a result of the fiscal reform of 2016.

 

Operating expenses

 

For 2017, operating expenses totaled COP 7,227 billion, up 3.56% as compared to COP 6,979 billion in 2016.

 

Salaries and employee benefits totaled COP 2,792 billion in 2017, down 0.60% as compared to 2016. This performance was primarily driven by the reduction in headcount and the reduction in bonus payments.

 

Other administrative and general expenses totaled COP 2,980 billion in 2017, up 12.39% as compared to 2016 driven by the automation and optimization of processes, which required IT investments in robotics as well as consulting services expenses.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses totaled COP 479 billion in 2017, decreasing by 7.52% as compared to COP 518 billion in 2016.

 

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The following table summarizes the principal components of Bancolombia’s operating expenses for the last three fiscal years:

 

  For the years ended
December 31,
Growth
  2017 2016 2017-2016
  In millions of COP
Operating expenses        
Salaries and employee benefits 2,792,015 2,808,931 (16,916) (0.60%)
Other administrative and general expenses 2,979,863 2,651,334 328,529 12.39%
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden 727,661 741,184 (13,523) (1.82%)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization 478,883 517,809 (38,926) (7.52%)
Other expenses 249,023 259,792 (10,769) (4.15%)
Total operating expenses 7,227,445 6,979,050 248,395 3.56%

 

Provision Charges and Credit Quality

 

For the year 2017, credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases (net of recoveries) totaled COP 3,462 billion (or 2.22% of average loans), which represents an increase of 26.75% as compared to COP 2,731 billion (or 1.84% of average loans) in 2016. The significant increase in the level of provisions was driven by the formation of new past due loans and the deterioration of specific corporate clients, as well as the consumer segment and SMEs loans. The deterioration in consumer and SMEs segments was explained by higher inflation levels during 2016 and the slow growth of the economy during 2017.

 

Net loan charge-offs totaled COP 2,275 billion in 2017, up 48.40% from the 1,533 billion in 2016. Past-due loans amounted to COP 7,630 billion as of December 31, 2017, up 41.72% as compared to COP 5,384 billion as of December 31, 2016.

 

The delinquencies ratio (loans overdue more than 30 days divided by total loans) reached 4.49% as of December 31, 2017, up from 3.31% as of December 31, 2016. The uptick in delinquency occurred in the corporate segment due to specific clients that defaulted and in the consumer segment and SMEs explained by the slow performance of the economy.

 

Income Tax Expenses

 

Income tax expense for the fiscal year 2017 totaled COP 1,239 billion, up 5.25% from COP 1,177 billion in 2016. The effective tax rate for 2017 was 31.02%.

 

The increase in the effective income tax rate in 2017 was due to the fact that during 2016, there was a tax reversion in the provision of the income tax after the income statement was finalized, meaning that there was certainty about the payable taxes based on the income generated during the fiscal period.. The effective tax rate for 2016 was 29.66%. 

 

Additionally, during 2017, there was a reversion for the compensation of fiscal credits and the tax reform approved in December 2016, which had an impact on deferred taxes because statutory tax rates were lower from those previously estimated.

 

For further details please see Note 11 of Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE CHANGES IN RESULTS FOR 2016 VERSUS 2015

 

Summary

 

During 2016, Bancolombia continued to benefit from its strong competitive position and full-service financial model, including the diversity of its leading franchises. For the year 2016, net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company totaled COP 2,865 billion (COP 2,979 per share, USD 3.97 per ADR), which represents an increase of 14% as compared to COP 2,519 billion of net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company for the fiscal year 2015.

 

Bancolombia’s return on average stockholders’ equity for 2016 was 14.52%, up from 13.62% in 2015.

 

The net interest and valuation income after provisions for loans, financial leases and off-balance sheet credit instruments margin from continuing operations increased significantly in 2016 and stood at 5.96% for the year, up from 5.25% in 2015.

 

Credit impairment charges, on loans and financial leases, net of recoveries, totaled COP 2,731 billion for 2015, up 63.04% from COP 1,675 billion. The higher amount of provisions was the result of generalized loan deterioration in the consumer and SME loan books, especially during the second half of the year. Most of the provisions regarding Conalvías (the major infrastructure company that filed for bankruptcy) had already been accounted for in 2015.

 

Loans and advances to customers and financial Institutions leases grew 4% during the year. This performance was driven primarily by mortgage demand from individuals and corporate loans. The total loan book in Colombia grew 10% while the loan growth in USD- denominated loans was 0% for the year.

 

Allowance for loans and advances and lease losses represented 4.2% of total loans and 126% of past-due loans at the end of 2016 compared with 3.4% of total loans and 115% of past-due loans in December 31, 2015. The bank expects that this higher coverage ratio will provide solid protection in a potential downside scenario in which loan quality continues to deteriorate. Capital adequacy was 13.3% (Tier 1 ratio of 9.02%), higher than the 12.5% (Tier 1 ratio of 7.51%) reported at the end of 2015.

 

Deposits by customers increased 2% during 2016, while the ratio of net loans to deposits (including borrowings from commercial banks) was 101.11% at the end of the year, up slightly from 99.19% in December 31, 2015.

 

Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments

 

For 2016, net margin and valuation income on financial instruments, before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments, totaled COP 9,696 billion, up 34.1% from COP 7,232 billion in 2015. This performance is the result of growth in the Colombia loan portfolio during the year as well as increasing interest margins. During 2016, the Central Bank increased its reference rate from 5.75% to 7.50% in response to higher inflation, decreasing money supply and a substantial reduction in liquidity in the economy. Although interest rates on the Bank’s borrowings increased during 2016, and despite more difficult macroeconomic conditions in Colombia, the Bank was able to control its funding costs, in a manner that protected spreads.

 

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Interest on loans and financial leases reflected an increase in the rates on loans in 2016. The weighted average nominal interest rate on loans and financial leases ended at 10.6% in 2016 up from 9.0% in December 31, 2015. As a result, interest income, which is the sum of interest on loans, financial leases, overnight funds and interest and valuation income from investment securities, totaled COP 15,749 billion in 2016, up 40% as compared to COP 11,270 billion in 2015.

 

Interest on investment securities, which includes, among other items, the interest paid or accrued on debt securities and mark-to-market valuation adjustments, totaled COP 707 billion in 2016, up 134% as compared to 2015. Investment securities gained value throughout the year due to a pronounced rally during the middle of the year, specifically of Colombian government debt (TES bonds) as investors sought the higher rates offered.

 

The net interest and valuation income after provisions for loans, financial leases and off-balance sheet credit instruments margin from continuing operations expanded 71 basis points from 5.25% to 5.96% during the year due to the faster repricing of assets than liabilities, while funding costs were kept relatively stable. Bancolombia was very active in the deposits markets to secure the necessary funding. Interest rates rose during the second half of the year. Increasing interest rates tend to lead to an improved net interest margin, because of the asset-sensitive nature of the Bank’s balance sheet. Management’s outlook going forward is more neutral as rates begin to come down (benchmark rates have decreased by 50 basis points so far in 2017) and the Bank aims to keep interest spreads stable in 2017.

 

Regarding interest expenses, interest incurred on liabilities totaled COP 6,053 billion in 2015, up 50% as compared to COP 4,038 billion in 2015. The increase in interest expenses is explained by the increase in volumes of deposits and bonds, as well as a higher cost on each type of funding source. Overall, the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased to 3.7% in 2016 from 2.9% in 2015. 

 

Net Fees and Commissions

 

For the year 2016, total net fees and commissions totaled COP 2,319 billion, up 16% as compared to COP 1,993 billion in 2015. This increase was driven primarily by increases in the performance of commission from banking services, credit and debit cards fees, collections and payments fees, bancassurance, and trust activities which presented a higher number of transactions. In particular, the Bank actively sought to promote and increase credit and debit card transactions through strategic initiatives with retailers as well as commercial incentives. This strategy involved advertisements campaigns, alliances and discounts at merchants if Bancolombia’s credit cards were used as method of payment, more reward and loyalty points with certain credit cards issued by Bancolombia, etc.

 

The following table lists the main revenue-producing fees for the years 2016 and 2015 along with the corresponding year-to-year variations:

 

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Main Fees and Commissions Income (and Expense)

 

  Year Growth
  2016 2015 2016-2015
  In millions of COP
Credit and debit card fees 1,092,919 1,015,253 77,666 7.65%
Banking services 816,839 630,616 186,223 29.53%
Bancassurance 336,692 260,224 76,468 29.39%
Trust 294,499 265,215 29,284 11.04%
Payments and Collections 229,940 203,772 26,168 12.84%
Acceptances and Guarantees 55,724 44,539 11,185 25.11%
Checks 51,974 55,861 (3,887) (6.96%)
Brokerage 23,431 23,453 (22) (0.09%)
Others 383,217 291,624 91,593 31.41%
Fees and commissions income 3,285,235 2,790,557 494,678 17.73%
           

 Fees and commissions expenses

 

  Year Growth
  2016 2015 2016-2015
  In millions of COP
Banking services (354,640) (298,415) (56,225) 18.84%
Call Center and Website (260,006) (254,769) (5,237) 2.06%
Others (351,625) (244,329) (107,296) 43.91%
Fees and commissions expenses (966,271) (797,513) (168,758) 21.16%
Total fees and commissions income, net 2,318,964 1,993,044 325,920 16.35%

 

The sale of Compañia de Financiamiento Tuya S.A took place on October 31, 2016. The amounts recognized until that date are presented in the line “Net income from discontinued operations” of the Statement of Income. The Net fees and income from services attributable to this company for the periods shown were as follows:

 

  Year Growth
  2016 2015 2016-2015
  In millions of COP
Fees and commissions income 361,988 388,306 (26,318) (6.78%)
Fees and commissions expenses (117,795) (152,500) 34,705 22.76%
Total fees and commissions income, net (1) 244,193 235,806 8,387 (3.56%)

 

 

(1)See note 30 to the Bank’s Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Other Operating Income

 

For 2016, total other operating income was COP 1,487 billion, 8% higher than the COP 1,373 billion in 2015.

 

The variation in this line item is explained by the significant improvement in net foreign exchange, which recorded COP 132 billion in 2016, 184% higher than the COP (158) billion reported in 2015. The 5% appreciation of the Colombian Peso against the U.S. Dollar during 2016 caused the foreign exchange gains and gains on forward contracts in foreign currency to have opposite variations compared to what occurred in 2015.

 

Operating expenses

 

For 2016, operating expenses totaled COP 6,979 billion, up 18% as compared to COP 5,898 billion in 2015.

 

Salaries and employee benefits totaled COP 2,809 billion in 2016, up 25% as compared to 2015. This performance was primarily driven by the combined effect of the consolidation of GAH (which accounted for 7% of the growth in operating expenses), wage increments during 2016, and bonus payments. In December, Bancolombia recorded the annual bonuses paid to employees whenever the return on equity exceeds cost of capital as determined by the bank’s compensation policies.

 

Other administrative and general expenses totaled COP 2,651 billion in 2016, up 18% as compared to 2015 driven by increased taxes other than income tax. The impact of GAH is the primary explanation for the uptick in this expense line. Depreciation and amortization expenses totaled COP 518 billion in 2016, increasing by 8% as compared to COP 477 billion in 2015. This increase was driven by the growth in the operating lease business of Bancolombia.

 

The following table summarizes the principal components of Bancolombia’s operating expenses for the last three fiscal years:

 

  For the years ended
December 31,
Growth
  2016 2015 (1) 2016-2015
  In millions of COP
Operating expenses        
Salaries and employee benefits 2,808,931 2,255,391 553,540 24.54%
Other administrative and general expenses 2,651,334 2,237,598 413,736 18.49%
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden 741,184 675,387 65,797 9.74%
Impairment, depreciation and amortization 517,809 477,285 40,524 8.49%
Other expenses 259,792 252,626 7,166 2.84%
Total operating expenses 6,979,050 5,898,287 1,080,763 18.32%

 

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2015, Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. as a discontinued operation had operating expenses amounting to COP 219,532 million.

 

Provision Charges and Credit Quality

 

For the year 2016, credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases (net of recoveries) totaled COP 2,731 billion (or 1.8% of average loans), which represents an increase of 63% as compared to COP 1,675 billion (or 1.3% of average loans) in 2015. The obvious increase in the level of provisions was driven by the formation of new past due loans and deterioration of consumer and SME loans. Moreover, lower and middle income individuals began to default on loans as unemployment began to go up and household indebtedness reached higher than expected levels.

 

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Net loan charge-offs totaled COP 1,533 billion in 2016, up 7.8% from the 1,422 billion in 2015. Past-due loans amounted to COP 5,384 billion in 2016, up 9.12% as compared to COP 4,934 billion in 2015.

 

The delinquencies ratio (loans overdue more than 30 days divided by total loans) reached 3.31% as of December 31, 2016, up from 2.98% at December 31, 2015. The uptick in delinquency occurred primarily in the consumer segment during the second half of the year and as a consequence the bank tightened the underwriting standards of certain segments (lower income individuals and SMEs).

 

Income Tax Expenses

 

Income tax expense for the fiscal year 2016 totaled COP 1,177 billion, up 81% from COP 649 billion in 2015. Income tax increased significantly, due to the impact the peso’s appreciation had on fiscal accounting on a consolidated level. The tax rate volatility caused by fluctuations in exchange rates will be eliminated in 2017 due to the new tax reform approved and passed by Congress on December 30, 2016.

 

RESULTS BY SEGMENT

 

The Bank manages its business through 9 main operating segments: Banking Colombia, Banking El Salvador, Banking Panama, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, Off Shore and All Other.

 

In 2016, Bancolombia included “Banking Guatemala” as new segment because of the acquisition of additional 20% of Banco Agromercantil and its subsidiaries by Bancolombia Panama on December 30, 2015.

 

Also in 2016, Bancolombia eliminated the “Leasing” segment as a result of the merger between Leasing Bancolombia S.A. and Bancolombia S.A. on September 30. As a result of this merger the “Leasing” segment disappeared and the “Banking Colombia” and “All other” segments changed their composition. The data for the “Banking Colombia” and “All other” segments for 2015 was restated in order to be on a comparable basis to the segment information for 2016 and 2017.

 

In 2015, Bancolombia eliminated the “Insurance” segment as a result of the sale of the insurance operation in Banistmo S.A. to Suramericana S.A. on February 23.

 

Banking Colombia: This segment provides retail and corporate banking products and services to individuals, companies and national and local governments in Colombia. The Bank’s strategy in Colombia is to grow with these clients based on value added and long-term relationships. In order to offer specialized services to individuals and small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), the Bank´s retail sales force targets the clients classified as: Personal, Private, Entrepreneurs, Foreign Residents and SMEs. The Bank´s corporate and government sales force targets and specializes in companies with more than COP 16,000 million in revenue in nine economic sectors: Agribusiness, Commerce, Manufacturing of Supplies and Materials, Media, Financial Services, Non-Financial Services, Construction, Government and Natural Resources.

 

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This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities, liquidity and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in Colombia.

 

Compañia de financiamiento Tuya S.A. was discontinued in the year ending as of December 31, 2016. The segment information presented below does not include any amounts for that discontinued operation, which is described in more detail in note 30, discontinued operations, of the notes to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 Change
2017-2016
Change
2016-2015
  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 12,984,301 11,586,785 8,992,368 12.06% 28.85%
Interest income on loans and financial leases 12,576,159 11,196,951 8,785,739 12.32% 27.44%
Total debt investments 602,304 464,504 249,459 29.67% 86.20%
Derivatives (54,156) (10,197) 50,362 (431.10%) (120.25%)
Total liquidity operations (140,006) (64,473) (93,192) 117.15% (30.82%)
Interest expenses (4,791,976) (4,542,701) (3,192,822) 5.49% 42.28%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 8,192,325 7,044,084 5,799,546 16.30% 21.46%
Total credit impairment charges, net (3,196,065) (1,797,848) (1,509,519) 77.77% 19.10%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 4,996,260 5,246,236 4,290,027 (4.76%) 22.29%
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (59,884) (65,915) (68,915) (9.15%) (4.35%)
Total fees and commission income, net 1,588,246 1,269,298 1,347,999 25.13% (5.84%)
Other operating income (1) 673,850 603,860 483,556 11.59% 24.88%
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees (53,141) (264,715) (40,115) (79.93%) 559.89%
Total operating income, net 7,145,331 6,788,764 6,012,552 5.25% 12.91%
Operating expenses (2) (4,717,591) (4,150,984) (3,836,019) 13.65% 8.21%

 

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  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 Change
2017-2016
Change
2016-2015
  In millions of COP
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (147,034) (147,261) (247,446) (0.15%) (40.49%)
Total operating expenses (4,864,625) (4,298,245) (4,083,465) 13.18% 5.26%
Profit before tax 2,280,706 2,490,519 1,929,087 (8.42%) 29.10%
Segment assets 130,417,688 122,595,540 116,827,269 6.38% 4.94%
Segment liabilities (121,432,832) (114,845,318) (110,507,654) 5.74% 3.93%

 

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for Banking Colombia decreased by 8.42% to COP 2,281 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased 12.06% to COP 12,984 billion. This growth resulted from an expansion of the net interest margin and valuation on financial instruments and from higher volumes of peso-denominated loans. Interest income from consumer loans grew by 30.33%, Leasing by 8.24%, mortgages by 3.40% and commercial by 0.86%. Demand for consumer loans was mainly driven by high-income individuals.

 

Total credit impairment charges net, increased by 77.77% to COP 3,196 billion. This increase resulted from specific defaults related to a few corporate clients, as well as some deterioration in the SMEs and consumer segments.

 

Total fees and commission net, increased by 25.13% to COP 1,588 billion, due to the better performance of credit and debit cards, bancassurance business and banking services.

 

Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees, decreased by 79.93% to COP 53 billion, due to a lower net income generation from equity investments. The reduction in dividends was also due to the 2016 sale of Tuya and Renting Colombia to Banca de Inversion Bancolombia, as a result of which dividends from those companies were not received by this segment during 2017.

 

Other operating income increased 11.59% during 2017 because of gains from the sale of premises and equipment and some assets held for sale.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 13.18% to COP 4,865 billion, due to increases in severance packages because of the reduction in the headcount during 2017, as well as, the automation and optimization of processes, which required IT investments in robotics and consulting services expenses. 

 

Assets attributable to Banking Colombia grew by 6.92% during the year, mainly driven by growth in loans, financial assets investments, and interbank deposits.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for Banking Colombia increased by 29.10% to COP 2,491 billion.

 

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Total interest and valuation increased 28.85% to COP 11,587 billion. This strong growth resulted from an expansion of the net interest margin and valuation on financial instruments and from higher volumes of peso-denominated loans. Interest income from corporate loans grew by 39.70%, mortgages by 20.21% and consumer loans by 2.93%. Demand for commercial loans was mainly driven by large corporate loans, and rediscount and factoring operations.

 

Total credit impairment charges net, increased by 19.10% to COP 1,798 billion. This increase resulted from specific defaults related to a few corporate clients, as well as some deterioration in the consumer segment.

 

Total fees and commission net, decreased by 5.84% to COP 1,269 billion, due to the exclusion of the fee income and fee expenses of TUYA. In addition, some of the commissions from banking services were transfered to a Joint Venture with First Data, and therefore, the commisions for banking Colombia declined during 2016. The benefits of this Joint venture were reflected thought the valuation of the equity investment by equity method.

 

Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees, increased by 559.89% to COP 265 billion, due to a higher net income generation from some equity investments. During 2016, some associates did not appropriat earnings and therefore did not distribute dividends.

 

Other operating income increased 24.88% during 2016 because of gains from the sale of premises and equipment and some assets held for sale.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 5.26% to COP 4,298 billion, due to increases in labor costs as well as bonuses.

 

Assets attributable to Banking Colombia grew by 4.94% during the year, mainly driven by growth in cash and an increase in investments and interbank deposits, as well as by the incorporation of assets previously held by Leasing Bancolombia.

 

Banking El Salvador through Banco Agrícola S.A.: This segment provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, companies and national and local governments in El Salvador. Banking El Salvador also includes operations of the following subsidiaries: Arrendadora Financiera S.A., Credibac S.A. de C.V., Valores and Banagricola S.A. de C.V.

 

This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities in El Salvador, liquidity management activities and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in El Salvador.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 882,806 901,757 728,582 (2.10%) 23.77%
Interest income on loans and financial leases 830,050 844,687 706,582 (1.73%) 19.55%
Total debt investments 31,582 48,264 19,747 (34.56%) 144.41%
Derivatives - - - 0.00% 0.00%
Total liquidity operations 21,174 8,806 2,253 140.45% 290.86%
Interest expenses (256,994) (252,011) (187,743) 1.98% 34.23%

 

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  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 625,812 649,746 540,839 (3.68%) 20.14%
Total credit impairment charges, net (110,018) (55,985) (26,933) 96.51% 107.87%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 515,794 593,761 513,906 (13.13%) 15.54%
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (963) (3,054) (8,475) (68.47%) (63.96%)
Total fees and commission income, net 170,834 158,262 140,398 7.94% 12.72%
Other operating income (1) (6,405) 1,302 24 (591.94%) 5325.00%
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees 324 711 1,716 (54.43%) (58.57%)
Total operating income, net 679,584 750,982 647,569 (9.51%) 15.97%
Operating expenses (2) (383,002) (390,309) (330,362) (1.87%) 18.15%
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (34,671) (50,323) (27,761) (31.10%) 81.27%
Total operating expenses (417,673) (440,632) (358,123) (5.21%) 23.04%
Profit before tax 261,911 310,350 289,446 (15.61%) 7.22%
Segment assets 12,987,250 12,978,212 13,094,026 0.07% (0.88%)
Segment liabilities (11,248,123) (11,226,682) (11,119,166) 0.19% 0.97%

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for Banking El Salvador decreased by 15.61% to COP 262 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation decreased by 2.10% to COP 883 billion, mainly explained by the reduction in revenues from government securities, which posted a significant decline in value during the year, and lower contribution of commercial loans, which decreased due to weak demand from corporate clients.

 

Total credit impairment charges, net were COP 110 billion, increasing by 96.51% from the level in 2016, due to a deterioration in financial leases of certain corporate clients.

 

Total fees and commissions, net increased by 7.94% to COP 171 billion mainly due to a grow in fees from banking services, acceptances, guarantees and Standby letters of credits and trust products.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 5.21% to COP 418 billion, mainly explained efforts to control personnel and administrative expenses.

 

Assets attributable to Banking El Salvador did not change materially during the year.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for Banking El Salvador increased by 7.22% to COP 310 billion.

 

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Total interest and valuation increased by 23.77% to COP 902 billion, due to a growth in the loan portfolio mainly in consumer and commercial loans, as well as higher revenues from interest received on debt investments.  Interest income from commercial loans grew by 17.98% and consumer loans by 33.93%. Income from debt investments increased by 46.77%.

 

Total credit impairment charges, net were COP 56 billion, increasing by 107.87% from the level in 2015. Credit impairment charges in 2015 were abnormally low due to the reversion of provisions. Charges in 2016 reflected increases in the reserves for loans in the consumer and mortgage segment.

 

Total fees and commissions, net increased by 12.72% to COP 158 billion mainly due to fees from banking services, which include acceptances, guarantees and Standby letters of credits, check remittances and trust products.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 23.04% to COP 441 billion, mainly explained by the increase in personnel, administrative and general expenses. Also, the appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Colombian Peso during 2016 contributed to the increase. Assets attributable to Banking El Salvador decreased by 0.88% during the year.

 

Banking Panama: This segment provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals and companies in Panama through the Banistmo operation. This segment includes all the operations of Banistmo and its subsidiaries as they are managed and monitored by the chief operating decision maker on a consolidated basis.

 

This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities, liquidity and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in Panama.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 1,495,446 1,399,852 1,119,540 6.83% 25.04%
Interest income on loans and financial leases 1,374,398 1,284,986 1,041,780 6.96% 23.35%
Total debt investments 93,154 94,284 64,466 (1.20%) 46.25%
Derivatives 438 3,274 2,704 (86.62%) 21.08%
Total liquidity operations 27,456 17,308 10,590 58.63% 63.44%
Interest expenses (523,312) (457,611) (363,373) 14.36% 25.93%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 972,134 942,241 756,167 3.17% 24.61%
Total credit impairment charges, net (46,468) (367,781) (82,344) (87.37%) 346.64%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 925,666 574,460 673,823 61.14% (14.75%)
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (26,837) (20,600) (6,098) 30.28% 237.82%
Total fees and commission income, net 205,645 180,286 136,372 14.07% 32.20%
Other operating income (1) 7,784 18,828 104,448 (58.66%) (81.97%)
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees 7,038 4,692 69,127 50.00% (93.21%)

 

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  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total operating income, net 1,119,296 757,666 977,672 47.73% (22.50%)
Operating expenses (2) (569,219) (589,535) (606,582) (3.45%) (2.81%)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (55,197) (62,459) (49,590) (11.63%) 25.95%
Total operating expenses (624,416) (651,994) (656,172) (4.23%) (0.64%)
Profit before tax 494,880 105,672 321,500 368.32% (67.13%)
Segment assets 28,055,391 27,195,988 27,895,156 3.16% (2.51%)
Segment liabilities (24,014,188) (23,401,132) (24,055,881) 2.62% (2.72%)

 

 
(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for Banking Panama increased by 368.32% to COP 495 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 6.83% to COP 1,495 billion, due to a growth in the loan portfolio mainly in commercial loans and mortgages, as well as an increase in leasing, overnight and market funds and debt investments. Interest income from commercial loans grew 10.15%, mortgages 5.72% and leasing 16.60%.

 

Total credit impairment charges, net were COP 46 billion, compared with COP 368 billion for 2016. This decrease is explain mainly by the improvement in the loan collection processes in Banistmo as well as the reversal of allowances of certain past due loans.

 

Total fees and commission, net increased by 14.07% to COP 206 billion due to higher commissions from banking services, check remittances and trust products.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 4.23% to COP 624 billion, mainly due to the reduction of the headcount by 7.54% during 2017.

 

Assets attributable to Banking Panama increased by 3.16% during the year.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for Banking Panama decreased by 67.13% to COP 106 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 25.04% to COP 1,400 billion, due to a growth in the loan portfolio mainly in consumer loans and mortgages, as well as an increase in leasing, overnight and market funds and debt investments. Interest income from commercial loans grew 18.64%, consumer loans 23.14%, mortgages 30.63% and leasing 69.10%.

 

Total credit impairment charges, net were COP 368 billion, compared with COP 82 billion for 2015. This increase is explain mainly by deterioration in some commercial clients and consumer loans.

 

Total fees and commission, net increased by 32.20% to COP 180 billion due to higher commissions from banking services and trust products.

 

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Total operating expenses decreased by 0.64% to COP 652 billion, mainly due to tighter control on the growth in expenses during the year.

 

Assets attributable to Banking Panama decreased by 2.51% during the year.

 

Banking Guatemala: This segment provides retail and commercial banking and insurance products and services to individuals, companies and national and local governments in Guatemala. Banking Guatemala also includes operations of the following subsidiaries: Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A., Mercom Bank Ltd., Seguros Agromercantil S.A., Financiera Agromercantil S.A., Agrovalores S.A., and Tarjeta Agromercantil S.A.

 

This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities, liquidity and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in Guatemala.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016

Change

2017-2016

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 865,038 869,329 (0.49%)
Interest income on loans and financial leases 767,986 763,031 0.65%
Total debt investments 100,193 96,081 4.28%
Derivatives - 5,323 (100.00%)
Total liquidity operations (3,141) 4,894 (164.18%)
Interest expenses (348,726) (348,219) 0.15%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 516,312 521,110 (0.92%)
Total credit impairment charges, net (125,877) (127,839) (1.53%)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 390,435 393,271 (0.72%)
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (972) 701 (238.66%)
Total fees and commission income, net 101,565 58,745 72.89%

 

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  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016

Change

2017-2016

  In millions of COP
Other operating income (1) 54,246 55,942 (3.03%)
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees 608 779 (21.95%)
Total operating income, net 545,882 509,438 7.15%
Operating expenses (2) (343,646) (323,001) 6.39%
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (101,392) (112,429) (9.82%)
Total operating expenses (445,038) (435,430) 2.21%
Profit before tax 100,844 74,008 36.26%
Segment assets 12,163,561 11,765,670 3.38%
Segment liabilities (10,593,967) (10,462,755) 1.25%

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for Banking Guatemala increased by 36.26% to COP 101 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation decreased by 0.49% to COP 865 billion due to a slow growth in the loan portfolio, mainly in consumer loans coupled with a compression in the margins. Interest income from commercial loans grew by 1.90% and mortgages by 5.29%.

 

Total credit impairment charges, net were COP 126 billion, decreasing by 1.53% from the level in 2016. This decrease is explained mainly by the reversion of provisions attributable to past due loans that became performing over the year.

 

Total fees and commission, net increased by 72.89% to COP 102 billion due to higher commissions from banking services and credit and debit cards.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 2.21% to COP 445 billion.

 

Assets attributable to Banking Guatemala increased by 3.38% during the year.

 

Analysis of 2016

 

During 2016, assets of the Banking Guatemala segment grew at a moderate pace, mainly explained by the origination of new loans. The expansion of the loan portfolio permitted growth of the net interest income. 

 

Fees declined slightly due to lower demand for financial services, while operating expenses experienced an increase during the year. As a result of these factors, net income of the segment declined during 2016. 

 

Trust: This segment provides trust and asset management services to clients in Colombia and Peru through Fiduciaria Bancolombia and FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria. The main products offered by this segment include money market accounts, mutual and pension funds, private equity funds, payment trust, custody services, and corporate trust.

 

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Investment in FiduPerú S.A. is classified as asset held for sale in Statement of Financial Position. For further information, see note 12 Assets held for sale and inventories.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 794 827 626 (3.99%) 32.11%
Interest income on loans and financial leases - - - 0.00% 0.00%
Total debt investments 193 283 185 (31.80%) 52.97%
Derivatives - - - 0.00% 0.00%
Total liquidity operations 601 544 441 10.48% 23.36%
Interest expenses (102) (20) (367) 410.00% (94.55%)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 692 807 259 (14.25%) 211.58%
Total credit impairment charges, net (549) (164) (3,204) 234.76% (94.88%)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 143 643 (2,945) (77.76%) (121.83%)
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (33,024) (22,893) (21,833) 44.25% 4.86%
Total fees and commission income, net 283,666 238,745 218,190 18.82% 9.42%
Other operating income (1) 13,560 13,500 16,507 0.44% (18.22%)
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees 18,249 16,873 13,573 8.16% 24.31%
Total operating income, net 282,594 246,868 223,492 14.47% 10.46%
Operating expenses (2) (113,482) (87,951) (85,918) 29.03% 2.37%
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (540) (612) (466) (11.76%) 31.33%
Total operating expenses (114,022) (88,563) (86,384) 28.75% 2.52%
Profit before tax 168,572 158,305 137,108 6.49% 15.46%
Segment assets 81,928 124,472 154,485 (34.18%) (19.43%)
Segment liabilities (76,856) (71,591) (76,749) 7.35% (6.72%)

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for the Trust segment increased by 6.49% to COP 169 billion.

 

Total fees and commission, net increased by 18.82% to COP 284 billion driven by higher volume of transactions, repricing strategy for some products and higher value of assets under management and corporate trust fees.

 

Assets attributable to the Trust segment decreased by 34.18% during the year to COP 82 billion, due to a reduction in investments in debt and equity securities.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for the Trust segment increased by 15.46% to COP 158 billion.

 

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Total fees and commission, net increased by 9.42% to COP 239 billion driven by higher value of assets under management and corporate trust fees.

 

Assets attributable to the Trust segment decreased by 19.43% during the year to COP 124 billion, mainly driven by the decrease in debt investments issued by foreign issuers and cash, as well as, lower valuations of equity investments.

 

Investment Banking: This segment provides corporate and project finance advisory, underwriting, capital markets services and private equity management through Banca de Inversión Bancolombia. Its customers include private and publicly held corporations as well as Government institutions.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 94 136 287 (30.88%) (52.61%)
Interest income on loans and financial leases - - - 0.00% 0.00%
Total debt investments 94 136 287 (30.88%) (52.61%)
Derivatives - - - 0.00% 0.00%
Total liquidity operations - - - 0.00% 0.00%
Interest expenses - - (236) 0.00% (100.00%)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 94 136 51 (30.88%) 166.67%
Total credit impairment charges, net 466 (423) 127 (210.17%) (433.07%)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 560 (287) 178 (295.12%) (261.24%)
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank 16,209 12,891 2,355 25.74% 447.39%
Total fees and commission income, net 28,695 19,821 29,327 44.77% (32.41%)
Other operating income(1) 1,886 2,285 2,080 (17.46%) 9.86%
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees (70,114) 202,062 40,018 (134.70%) 404.93%
Joint venture impairment (2) (173,339)     0.00% 0.00%
Total operating income, net (196,103) 236,772 73,958 (182.82%) 220.14%
Operating expenses (3) (34,100) (26,662) (22,635) 27.90% 17.79%
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (133) (93) (93) 43.01% 0.00%
Total operating expenses (34,233) (26,755) (22,728) 27.95% 17.72%
Profit before tax (230,336) 210,017 51,230 (209.67%) 309.95%
Segment assets 223,730 215,281 128,301 (3.92%) 67.79%
Segment liabilities (48,191) (119,090) (24,886) (59.53%) 378.54%

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes imparment recognition in joint venture Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.For more information see Note 7 Investments in associates and joint ventures.
(3)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

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Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for the Investment Banking segment decreased to COP (230) billion from COP 210 billion in 2016. The decrease is mainly explain by the impairment of the TUYA operation by COP 173 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation decreased by 30.88% to COP 94 million, due to lower investments valuation in debt investments.

 

Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees, decreased to COP (70) billion from COP 202 billion in 2016, largely due to elimination of intercompanies transactions, as well as, lower generation of net income from some associates.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 27.95% to COP 34 billion, due to higher cost related to severance packages in personal expenses.

 

Assets attributable to Investment Banking increased by 3.92% to COP 224 billion.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for the Investment Banking segment increased to COP 210 billion from COP 51 billion in 2015.

 

Total interest and valuation decreased by 52.61% to COP 136 million, due to lower investments valuation in debt investments.

 

Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees, increased to COP 202 billion from COP 40 billion in 2015, due to higher valuations of financial instruments, higher profits in equity investments, and higher dividends received from associates due to higher generation of profits in those associates.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 17.72% to COP 27 billion, due to higher personal expenses mainly salaries and incentive compensation plan.

 

Assets attributable to Investment Banking increased by 67.79% to COP 215 billion due to the acquisition of the 50% of the stocks of TUYA S.A. from Bancolombia S.A.

 

Brokerage: This segment provides brokerage, investment advisory and private banking services to individuals and institutions through Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa. It sells and distributes equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds and structured products.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 8,916 17,160 21,157 (48.04%) (18.89%)
Interest income on loans and financial leases - - - 0.00% 0.00%
Total debt investments 15,147 18,094 14,999 (16.29%) 20.63%
Derivatives (7,661) (2,113) 5,161 262.57% (140.94%)
Total liquidity operations 1,430 1,179 997 21.29% 18.25%

 

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  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Interest expenses (72) (33) (652) 118.18% (94.94%)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 8,844 17,127 20,505 (48.36%) (16.47%)
Total credit impairment charges, net (147) (25) (177) 488.00% (85.88%)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 8,697 17,102 20,328 (49.15%) (15.87%)
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank 53,075 38,677 31,734 37.23% 21.88%
Total fees and commission income, net 96,703 80,060 78,124 20.79% 2.48%
Other operating income (1) (11,647) (9,923) (6,325) 17.37% 56.89%
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees 12,278 32,567 (1,473) (62.30%) (2310.93%)
Total operating income, net 159,106 158,483 122,388 0.39% 29.49%
Operating expenses (2) (101,255) (110,317) (111,255) (8.21%) (0.84%)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (1,398) (1,980) (1,274) (29.39%) 55.42%
Total operating expenses (102,653) (112,297) (112,529) (8.59%) (0.21%)
Profit before tax 56,453 46,186 9,859 22.23% 368.47%
Segment assets 194,959 136,471 224,020 42.86% (39.08%)
Segment liabilities (56,786) (51,937) (50,314) 9.34% 3.23%

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for the Brokerage segment increased by 22.23% to COP 56 billion from COP 46 billion in 2016.

 

Total interest and valuation decreased by 48.04% to COP 9 billion, due to losses in operations relating to debt investments and repos.

 

Total fees and commission, net increased by 20.79% to COP 97 billion, due to higher volume and repricing strategy of fees related to distribution and intermediation of securities, trust products, investment banking and asset management.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 8.59% to COP 103 billion, mainly due to tighter control on expenses during the year.

 

Assets attributable to the Brokerage segment increased by 42.86% during the year.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for the Brokerage segment increased to COP 46 billion from COP 10 billion in 2015.

 

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Total interest and valuation decreased by 18.89% to COP 17 billion, due to losses in operations relating to futures contracts over securities.

 

Total fees and commission, net which are the most important component of revenues, increased by 2.48% to COP 80 billion, due to higher fees related to distribution and intermediation of securities, trust products and asset management.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 0.21% to COP 112 billion, mainly due to tighter control on expenses during the year.

 

Assets attributable to the Brokerage segment decreased by 39.08% during the year, mainly driven by the sale of Valores Bancolombia Panama to Banistmo S.A. (Banking Panama segment).

 

Off Shore: This segment provides a complete line of offshore banking services to Colombian and foreign customers through Bancolombia Panamá S.A., Bancolombia Caymán S.A., and Bancolombia Puerto Rico International, Inc. It offers loans to private sector companies, trade financing, leases financing and financing for industrial projects, as well as a complete portfolio of cash management products, such as checking accounts, international collections and payments. Through these subsidiaries, the Bank also offers investment opportunities in U.S. dollars, savings and checking accounts, time deposits, and investment funds to its high net worth clients and private banking customers.

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 444,649 442,107 291,249 0.57% 51.80%
Interest income on loans and financial leases 412,418 431,381 310,077 (4.40%) 39.12%
Total debt investments 16,329 16,205 15,502 0.77% 4.53%
Derivatives 6,085 (7) (26,392) (87028.57%) (99.97%)
Total liquidity operations 9,817 (5,472) (7,938) (279.40%) (31.07%)
Interest expenses (226,304) (252,030) (215,592) (10.21%) 16.90%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 218,345 190,077 75,657 14.87% 151.24%
Total credit impairment charges, net 6,541 (52,294) (49,830) (112.51%) 4.94%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 224,886 137,783 25,827 63.22% 433.48%

 

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  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank 101,327 99,914 95,495 1.41% 4.63%
Total fees and commission income, net 16,270 27,502 32,325 (40.84%) (14.92%)
Other operating income (1) 5,280 15,961 16,281 (66.92%) (1.97%)
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees (239,328) (269,096) (141,261) (11.06%) 90.50%
Total operating income, net 108,435 12,064 28,667 798.83% (57.92%)
Operating expenses (2) (56,593) (60,688) (73,425) (6.75%) (17.35%)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (967) (972) (17,254) (0.51%) (94.37%)
Total operating expenses (57,560) (61,660) (90,679) (6.65%) (32.00%)
Profit before tax 50,875 (49,596) (62,012) (202.58%) (20.02%)
Segment assets 9,329,498 10,847,782 11,667,606 (14.00%) (7.03%9
Segment liabilities (10,636,804) (12,251,502) (14,608,981) (13.18%) (16.14%)

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for the Off Shore segment increased to COP 51 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 0.57% to COP 445 billion, driven by higher revenues from overnight and market funds.

 

Total credit impairment charges, net were COP 6 billion, decreasing by 112.51%. This decrease is mainly explained by the recovery of provision taken in previous years.

 

Total fees and commission, net decreased by 40.84% to COP 16 billion mainly due to more expensive banking services in Bancolombia Panama.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 6.65% to COP 58 billion, mainly due to tighter control on expenses during the year.

 

Assets attributable to the Off Shore segment decreased by 14.00% to COP 9,329 billion.

 

The jurisdictions where operations of the Off Shore segment are conducted have no corporate income taxes.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for the Off Shore segment decreased by 20.02% to COP 50 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 51.80% to COP 442 billion, driven by higher revenues from commercial loans and leasing operations due to higher pricing of loans, as well as higher revenues from debt investments due to higher market interest rates. Interest income from commercial loans grew 42.39% and leasing 25.09%.

 

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Total fees and commission, net decreased by 14.92% to COP 28 billion mainly due to more expensive banking services in Bancolombia Panama.

 

Other operating income decreased by 1.97% to COP 16 billion, due to losses in forwards COP/USD and other currencies.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 32.00% to COP 62 billion, due to tighter control over expenses during the year. 

 

Assets attributable to the Off Shore segment decreased by 7.03% to COP 10,848 billion, as a result of the sale of debt securities of foreign and local issuers and; lower mark to market valuations on interest rates swaps.

 

The jurisdictions where operations of the Off Shore segment are conducted have no corporate income taxes.

 

All Other: This segment provides financial and operational leases activities, including cross-border and international leasing services to clients in Colombia, Central America, Mexico and Brazil. Bancolombia offers these services mainly through the following Subsidiaries: Renting Colombia S.A.S., Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C., Transportempo S.A.S. and Capital Investment Safi S.A. This segment also includes results from small operation of particular investment vehicles of Bancolombia: Valores Simesa S.A., BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S., Inversiones CFNS S.A.S., Sistema de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa, Banagrícola S.A., Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola and others.

 

The investments in Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. and Capital Investment Safi S.A. are classified as Assets held for sale in the Statement of Financial Position. For further information, see note 12 “Assets held for sale and inventories.”

 

  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 10,201 30,299 112,858 (66.33%) (73.15%)
Interest income on loans and financial leases 13,000 25,819 109,062 (49.65%) (76.33%)
Total debt investments 735 3,145 1,425 (76.63%) 120.70%
Derivatives (289) (1,030) - (71.94%) 0.00%
Total liquidity operations (3,245) 2,365 2,371 (237.21%) (0.25%)
Interest expenses (85,928) (99,991) (77,156) (14.06%) 29.60%
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments (75,727) (69,692) 35,702 8.66% (295.20%)
Total credit impairment charges, net 1,696 871 (3,219) 94.72% (127.06%)

 

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  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015

Change

2017-2016

Change

2016-2015

  In millions of COP
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments (74,031) (68,821) 32,483 7.57% (311.87%)
Revenues (expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (48,931) (39,721) (24,263) 23.19% 63.71%
Total fees and commission income, net 12,569 13,724 10,334 (8.42%) 32.80%
Other operating income (1) 874,126 874,978 772,959 (0.10%) 13.20%
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees (61,156) (175,595) (159,583) (65.17%) 10.03%
Total operating income, net 702,577 604,565 631,930 16.21% -4.33%
Operating expenses (2) (430,212) (400,243) (354,811) 7.49% 12.80%
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (137,377) (137,672) (133,401) (0.21%) 3.20%
Total operating expenses (567,589) (537,915) (488,212) 5.52% 10.18%
Profit before tax 134,988 66,650 143,718 102.53% (53.62%)
Segment assets 4,773,601 4,600,424 5,203,576 3.76% (11.59%)
Segment liabilities (1,440,368) (1,494,960) (1,581,716) (3.65%) (5.48%)

 

(1)Includes derivatives, net foreign exchange, operating leases and gains on sale of assets.  
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

Analysis of 2017 versus 2016

 

In 2017, profit before taxes for All Other increased by 102.53% to COP 135 billion.

 

Other operating income, was stable during the year reaching COP 874 billion in 2017 compared to COP 875 billion in 2016. The smaill increase was due to the growth in operating leases by 11.66% and gains on sale of subsidiaries by 45.97%.

 

Assets attributable to All Other increased by 3.76% to COP 4,774 billion.

 

Analysis of 2016 versus 2015

 

In 2016, profit before taxes for All Other decreased by 53.62% to COP 67 billion.

 

Other operating income, which is the most significant revenue line, increased by 13.20% to COP 875 billion, driven by the growth in revenues from services and translation adjustment of the equity investment portfolio.

 

Assets attributable to All Other decreased by 11.59% to COP 4,600 billion, due to a decrease in debt and equity investments

 

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B.LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

B.1.LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING

 

Liquidity Management

 

The Asset and Liability Management Committee, or ALCO, sets the main policies of liquidity and funding for the Bank in accordance with the Bank’s desired statement of financial position structure.

 

The Bank uses a variety of funding sources to generate liquidity, taking into consideration market conditions, interest rates, liquidity needs and the desired maturity profile of funding instruments. Consequently, policies are designed to achieve an optimal match between assets and liabilities profile regarding maturities, interest rates and currency exposure.

 

One of the Bank’s main strategies is to maintain a solid liquidity position; thus, the Risk Committee has established a minimum amount of liquid assets, based on calculations of maximum expected withdrawals of deposits, disbursements and other obligations in order to guarantee the proper operation of banking activities and protect capital. The ALCO has delegated the short-term liquidity assessment task to the Liquidity Committee, which sets strategies and policies regarding liquidity.

 

Stress tests scenarios are simulated periodically to assess the Bank´s ability to raise funds under adverse market conditions. In addition, the Bank has defined a contingency liquidity plan that allows the organization to raise funds under stressed market scenarios.

 

Liquid Assets

 

During 2017, the Bank maintained a solid liquidity position. As mentioned above, the Bank seeks the optimum level of liquid assets to assure not only the proper operation under normal conditions but also to operate under stress market scenarios.

 

The following table shows the composition of the liquid assets in the last two years:

 

Liquid Assets(1) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
High quality Liquid Assets    
Cash 14,793,855 15,821,823
High quality  liquid securities 7,963,343 7,844,716
Other Liquid Assets    
Other securities 1,617,158 2,557,679
Total Liquid Assets 24,374,356 26,224,218

  

 

(1)Liquid assets accepted by the Central Bank for its monetary expansion and contraction operations. Liquid assets are adjusted by a haircut. The following are considered liquid assets: cash, repos held for trading and investments held for trading in listed shares in Colombia’s stock exchange, in investment funds units or in other trading debt securities.

High-quality liquid assets are comprised of cash and securities that are eligible collateral for purposes of repurchase transactions, in addition to those liquid assets that the Central Bank receives for its monetary expansion and contraction. 

 

The Bank measures liquid assets on a daily basis and compares this result to an objective target set by the Risk Committee Under this rule, daily liquid assets must be equal to or higher than this target. In the event the limit is not reached, there is a five-day period to increase liquidity levels.

 

Cash is important to guarantee branch and ATM operations. The Bank’s expansion across the Colombian territory requires considerable levels of cash; however, cash levels are daily monitored in order to minimize opportunity costs. Additionally, cash is taken into account in the mandatory bank reserve established by the Central Bank.

 

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Securities that comprise liquid assets are reviewed by the ALCO in light of the Bank’s liquidity objective. Even though available for sale and held to maturity debt securities cannot be sold, they can be pledged as collateral in repurchase agreements. Some of them are mandatory investments that can be posted to the Central Bank as collateral.

 

SFC requires financial entities to have liquid assets greater than the contractual liquidity accumulative one-month gap. This contractual gap reflects the maturity of the current positions of assets and liabilities and does not reflect projections of future operations. The maturity of the loan portfolio for this purpose is affected by the historical default indicator and the maturity of deposits is modeled according to the regulation.

 

The Bank’s management believes that the current level of liquidity is adequate and will seek to maintain its solid deposit base and the access to alternative sources of funding such as borrowings from domestic and international development and commercial banks, repurchase agreements, bond issuances, overnight funds and Central Bank funds, considering market conditions, interest rates and the desired maturity profile of liabilities.

 

Funding Structure

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank’s liabilities reached COP 179,478 billion, a 3.28% increase compared to December 31, 2016. Liabilities denominated in Colombian Pesos increased by 8.77 percentage points, and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars liabilities decreased by 3.67 percentage points. This change is principally the result of the increase in COP denominated saving accounts, time deposits and repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing, and a decrease in USD denominated borrowings from financial institutions, offset by a decline in COP denominated debt securities and increases in USD denominated checking accounts, interbank deposits and debt securities in issue.

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Total funding    
Peso-denominated 105,532,426 97,019,386
Dollar-denominated. 73,946,235 76,764,678
Total Liabilities 179,478,661 173,784,064

 

In 2017, the Bank experienced a growth in deposits which reached COP 131,959 billion at year-end, an increase of COP 7,335 billion, or 5.89% compared to the level at December 31, 2016. COP denominated deposits increased by 8.68%, explained mainly by the rise in COP denominated time deposits and saving accounts, while USD denominated deposits increased by 1.26% as a result of the rise in USD denominated checking accounts and time deposits. The ratio of deposits to total assets was 64.72%, increasing by 1.22% percentage points compared to 2016.

 

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  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
  In millions of COP
Total Deposits 131,959,215 124,624,011

 

 

The following table sets forth checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits as a percentage of the Bank’s total liabilities for the years 2017 and 2016.

 

  2017 2016
Checking deposits 12.3% 12.4%
Time deposits 30.0% 30.4%
Savings deposits 30.2% 28.0%
Other deposits 0.9% 1.0%
Percentage of Total Liabilities 73.4% 71.8%

 

The Bank’s principal sources of funding are deposits, which are mainly composed of checking accounts, time deposits and savings accounts.

 

Deposits as a percentage of the Bank’s total liabilities in 2017 were 73.4%, increasing from 71.8% of total liabilities at year-end 2016.

 

The ratio of net loans to deposits (including borrowing from commercial banks) was 104.43% at the end of 2017, increasing from 101.11% as compared to 2016. This change is primarily explained by the increase in loans and advances to customers which rose from COP 151,747 billion in 2016 to COP 160,468 billion and the decrease in borrowings from other financial institutions which declined from COP 18,905 billion to COP 13,822 billion in 2017. The bank relied on alternative sources of funding to a greater extent during 2017; COP-denominated repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing rose from COP 1,686 billion to COP 3,210 billion, and USD-denominated debt securities in issue increased from COP 13,206 billion to COP 14,661 billion.

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
Net Loans to Deposits 104.43% 101.11%

 

The Bank funds its operations in part with borrowings from financial institutions which amounted to COP 5,139 billion at the end of 2017, as compared to COP 4,921 billion at the end of 2016. Management believes these borrowings represent a good quality source of funding provided mainly by governmental entities in order to promote lending activities within specific sectors of the Colombian economy. 

 

In addition to the main sources of funding described above, the Bank uses borrowings from other financial institutions and debt securities. 

 

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Debt securities in issue

 

In 2017, Bancolombia and Banistmo issued notes in amounts of USD 750 million and USD 500 million respectively.   

 

As of December 31, 2017, the total outstanding aggregate principal amount of bonds issued by the Bank was COP 19,648 billion.

 

The following table shows the Bank´s debt securities in issue maturity profile:

 

  2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 and thereafter Total
  In millions of COP
Debt securities in issue 2,132,242 1,692,912 2,146,107 3,554,641 5,140,866 4,981,946 19,648,714

 

The following table sets forth the components of the Bank’s liabilities for the years 2017 and 2016:

 

  As of December
  2017 % of total
funding
2016 % of total
funding
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Checking accounts        
Peso-denominated 11,562,956 6.4% 11,407,661 6.6%
Dollar-denominated 10,502,691 5.9% 10,035,341 5.8%
Total 22,065,647 12.3% 21,443,002 12.4%
Time deposits        
Peso-denominated 30,020,911 16.7% 28,940,030 16.7%
Dollar-denominated 23,940,675 13.3% 23,733,355 13.7%
Total 53,961,586 30.0% 52,673,385 30.4%
Savings accounts        
Peso-denominated 41,975,168 23.4% 36,354,465 20.9%
Dollar-denominated 12,280,415 6.8% 12,339,237 7.1%
Total 54,255,583 30.2% 48,693,702 28.0%
Other deposits        
Peso-denominated 818,387 0.4% 932,945 0.5%
Dollar-denominated 858,012 0.5% 880,977 0.5%
Total 1,676,399 0.9% 1,813,922 1.0%
Interbank Deposits        
Peso-denominated 91,322 0.1% 12,597 0.0%
Dollar-denominated 993,269 0.6% 329,259 0.2%
Total 1,084,591 0.7% 341,856 0.2%
Derivate financial instrument-Liabilities        
Peso-denominated 937,950 0.5% 1,283,481 0.7%
Dollar-denominated 7,903 0.0% 28,969 0.0%
Total 945,853 0.5% 1,312,450 0.7%
Borrowings from other financial institutions (1)        
Peso-denominated 5,139,129 2.9% 4,921,950 2.8%
Dollar-denominated 8,683,023 4.8% 13,983,893 8.0%
Total 13,822,152 7.7% 18,905,843 10.8%
Debt securities in issue        
Peso-denominated 4,987,702 2.8% 5,498,303 3.2%

 

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  As of December
  2017 % of total
funding
2016 % of total
funding
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Dollar-denominated 14,661,012 8.2% 13,206,506 7.6%
Total 19,648,714 11.0% 18,704,809 10.8%
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing        
Peso-denominated 3,210,674 1.8% 1,686,316 1.0%
Dollar-denominated 25,454 0.0% 237,694 0.1%
Total 3,236,128 1.8% 1,924,010 1.1%
Other liabilities        
Peso-denominated 6,788,227 3.8% 5,981,638 3.5%
Dollar-denominated 1,993,781 1.1% 1,989,447 1.1%
Total 8,782,008 4.9% 7,971,085 4.6%
Total funding        
Peso-denominated 105,532,426 58.8% 97,019,386 55.9%
Dollar-denominated 73,946,235 41.2% 76,764,678 44.1%
Total Liabilities 179,478,661 100.0% 173,784,064 100.0%

 

 

(1) Includes borrowings from commercial banks and other non-financial entities.

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

The following table shows net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net cash (used in) provided by investing activities and net cash (used in) provided by financing activities, for the years ended December 31,2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

  2017 2016 2015
    In millions of COP  
Operating activities 2,939,588 3,601,418 1,856,726
Investing activities (1,908,080) (1,027,627) 141,985
Financing activities (3,620,909) (343,839) (231,474)
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents (2,589,401) 2,229,952 1,767,237

 

Operating Activities

 

In 2017, operating activities resulted in positive net cash as a result of the increase in deposits by customers to COP 8,236 billion and the COP 15,347 billion of interest received. The increase in loans and advances to customers and financial institutions was COP 11,266 billion, compared with COP 10,853 billion and COP 15,036 billion in 2016 and 2015 respectively.  The interest paid was COP 5,578 billion of cash in 2017, COP 5,229 billion in 2016 and COP 3,771 billion in 2015. The value of investment securities recognized at fair value through profit and losses decreased by COP 1,599 billion in 2017, while in 2016 and 2015 it increased by COP 1,485 billion and COP 1,729 billion respectively. 

 

Net income has been positive; COP 2,754 billion, COP 2,954 billion and COP 2,608 billion for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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Investing Activities

 

In 2017, 2016 and 2015, investing activities used cash. Purchases of debt securities at amortized cost used COP 3,122 billion in 2017, COP 2,077 billion in 2016 and COP 1,768 billion in 2015; and the purchases of premises and equipment and investment properties used COP 1,132 billion in 2017, compared with COP 1,082 used in 2016 and COP 961 billion used in 2015.  Proceeds from maturities of debt securities at amortized cost provided COP 2,167 billion in 2017, COP 2,365 in 2016 and COP 1,713 in 2015. 

 

Investing activities related to equity securities and interests in associates and joint ventures used net cash of COP 298 billion and COP 434 billion during 2017 and 2016 respectively, while in 2015 provided net cash of COP 219 billion.

 

Investing activities related to purchases and sales of premises and equipment and investment properties used net cash of COP 563 billion, compared with COP 530 billion used during 2016, and COP 672 billion in 2015.

 

Financing Activities

 

Financing activities required cash during 2017. Proceeds from borrowings from other financial institutions provided COP 12,190 billion in 2017, COP 13,594 billion in 2016 and COP 13,533 billion in 2015. The placement of debt securities in issue provided COP 3,013 billion in 2017, COP 3,039 in 2016 and COP 2,452 in 2015. The repayment of borrowings used COP 17,042 billion in 2017, compared with COP 13,744 used in 2016 and COP 13,132 used in 2015; and the payments of debt securities in issue used COP 1,969 billion during 2017, COP 3,099 billion during 2016 and COP 1,372 during 2015. Cash was also used to pay dividends to stockholders in the amount of COP 1,126 billion, while in 2016 and 2015 this amount was COP 840 billion and COP 785 billion, respectively. 

 

The increase in repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing provided COP 1,313 billion, compared with the COP 706 billion provided in 2016 and the COP 898 billion used in 2015.

 

Capital Adequacy

 

The Bank and its subsidiaries comply with the capital adequacy requirements in their respective countries of operation.

 

Stockholders’ equity attributable to the owners of the parent company amounted to COP 23,112 billion at December 31, 2017, up 8.68% from COP 21,268 billion at December 31, 2016. This increase reflects the net effect of dividend payments, earnings during the year 2017 and all the other transactions that directly affect the stockholders’ equity attributable to the owners of the parent company.

 

The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio on a consolidated basis was 14.18% as of December 31, 2017, up from 13.26% in 2016. This increase is the result of the appropiation of earnings in 2017, after giving effect to the payment of dividends which enhanced the Tier 1 position of the bank, as well as the issuance of hybrid bonds that replaced old subordinated instruments and enhanced the Tier 2 ratio. 

 

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The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio exceeded the requirements of the Colombian government and the SFC by 518 basis points. The basic capital ratio (Tier 1) was 10.15% and the tangible capital ratio, which is equal to the ratio of the difference between equity and goodwill and intangible assets to tangible assets, was 8.22% at the end of 2017. For a full description of our capital adequacy requirements, please see Item 4. “Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8 –Supervision and Regulation”.

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Bank’s consolidated capital adequacy as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

  As of December 31,
2017
As of December 31,
2016
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Long-term senior indebtedness 12,662,987 12,031,505
Subscribed capital 480,914 480,914
Legal reserve 17,157,521 14,719,576
Non-controlling interest 1,146,355 1,040,521
Financial statements translation adjustment 3,437,175 2,994,508
Less:    
Long-term investments (185,579) (185,579)
Intangibles assets acquired after August 23, 2012 (4,003,643) (4,007,543)
Primary capital (Tier I) 18,032,743 15,042,397
Subordinated bonds (1) 4,747,727 6,673,304
Hybrid bonds (1) 2,238,000 -
Other comprenhensive income related to investments at fair value (12,434) (12,434)
Non-controlling interest 170,231 168,876
Legal reserve (3) - 239,702
Computed secondary capital (Tier II) 7,143,524 7,069,448
Technical Capital (2) 25,176,267 22,111,845
Capital Ratios    
Primary capital to risk-weighted assets (Tier I) 10.15% 9.02%
Secondary capital to risk-weighted assets (Tier II) 4.03% 4.24%
Risk-weighted assets including market risk 177,600,261 166,781,426
Technical capital to risk-weighted assets (4) 14.18% 13.26%

 

 

(1)For further information see Note 17. Debt securities in issue.
(2)Technical capital is the sum of basic and additional capital.
(3)Pursuant to Decree 2336 of 1995, a reserve was established until 2016 for profits related to the valuation of investmentes held for trading purposes by the Bank.
(4)Capital adequacy is technical capital divided by risk weighted assets.

 

B.2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TREASURY ACTIVITIES

 

The Bank’s treasury division is in charge of the trading desks in Colombia, Banistmo, Banco Agrícola, Bancolombia Panamá, Bancolombia Caymán, Bancolombia Puerto Rico, and Grupo Agromercantil. It is responsible for the execution of all transactions in domestic and foreign currencies legally authorized in Colombia and all the countries where the Bank has a presence. These include derivative transactions, purchase and sale of fixed income securities and indexed securities, repurchase or resale transactions, short sales, temporary securities transfers, simultaneous transactions and transactions on the foreign exchange market.

 

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The Bank monitors treasury division activities through policies regarding the management of liquidity, market, legal, credit and operational risks. Such policies are monitored by the Vice-President of Risk Management. With the aim to control market and liquidity risks, the Bank sets limits intended to keep its exposure levels and losses within certain ranges determined by the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Bank’s investment policies do not include restrictions regarding the maturity of the securities held in the portfolio, except for those related to the liquidity portfolio and over the counter (“OTC”) derivatives transactions held by Bancolombia and Banistmo. 

 

Before taking any additional positions, the Bank’s treasury division also verifies, with respect to investments in domestic and in foreign currencies, the availability of funds for investment and each investment’s compatibility with the Bank’s liquidity structure.

 

As further described in Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk”, the market risk stated in the treasury book is measured using methodologies of value at risk (VaR), and the position limits are based on the results of these methodologies. The Bank has defined VaR limits for Bancolombia, Valores Bancolombia, Banistmo, Banco Agrícola and Bancolombia Panamá, Bancolombia Caymán and Bancolombia Puerto Rico, that follow a hierarchical structure, which avoids the concentration of market risk in certain groups of assets and also takes advantage of portfolio diversification. In addition to VaR limits, the Bank uses stop loss advisories to inform senior management when losses are close to certain established thresholds in the trading book. Moreover, for the options portfolio in Bancolombia, the Bank has set limits based on the sensitivity of the portfolio to the underlying volatility, underlying foreign currency and interest rates.

 

As part of its operations, the Bank holds cash and cash equivalents primarily in Colombian pesos, U.S. dollars and Guatemalan quetzals. These positions, as well as any other currency position, are determined by the treasury division in connection with the Bank’s currency risk assessment and management. Specifically, the Bank’s exposure to foreign currency risk primarily arises from changes in the U.S. dollar/COP exchange rate. The exposure to currency risk is managed by the Bank’s treasury division. The Bank uses VaR calculations to limit the exposure to foreign currency risk of its balance sheet in Bancolombia and Valores Bancolombia. In Banistmo the foreign currency risk limits are based on the net position in each currency. These limits are supervised on a daily basis by the Bank’s Market Risk Management Office. The Bank’s treasury division manages a derivative portfolio in Bancolombia and Banistmo which includes forward agreements in foreign currency with the purpose, among others, of hedging its overall currency exposure.

 

B.3.COMMITMENT FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

 

See Item 4. “Information on the Company - A. History and Development of the Company – Capital Acquisitions and Divestitures”.

 

C.RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.

 

Not Applicable

 

D.TREND INFORMATION

 

During 2017, net interest and valuation income grew 0.38% as credit volume growth slowed compared to 2016. Total credit impairment charges, net increased significantly over the past year. Future levels of loan volumes, interest margins and cost of credit will be key drivers of the Bank’s performance. The following is a brief discussion of recent trends with regard to those three elements.

 

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Loan Volume Performance

 

Gross loans and financial leases (i.e., before allowance for loans and financial lease losses) increased 5.75% during 2017.

 

2017 a year of moderation for the Colombian economy. The dynamics of loan growth are reflected in Colombia, where the loan portfolio grew 8.77%. During 2017, commercial loans grew 3.17%, consumer loans grew 15.55%, mortgages increased 7.08%, and Small Business Loans expanded 0.08%.

 

Economic growth in El Salvador was slow in 2017. Banco Agrícola’s loan book expanded only 0.29%, as there was weak demand from corporates and individuals due to the weaker macroeconomic conditions in the country. This slow growth generated a negative effect in the Bank’s overall book.

 

Credit demand in Banistmo was moderate and the loan book grew 2.76%. This was due to the slowdown in economic growth over the last year.

 

Loan growth in Guatemala was the highest in Central America, totaling 5.09% for 2017. Guatemala is Central America’s largest country, and provides a favorable growth environment.

 

Foreign-denominated loans increased 1.58% during 2017. Corporations in Colombia demanded less dollar funding in a weaker economic environment, but this was offset by credit demand in Panamá and Guatemala, which contributed to a net expansion of the dollar denominated portfolio.

 

Credit demand is expected to increase in 2018 as the Colombian economy recovers and grows at a faster pace. Corporate credit, in particular, is forecasted to pick up in the second half of 2018, as companies should start conducting more capital investment programs and consumers recover from 2017 increase in value added taxes.

 

Net Interest Margin and Valuation

 

The majority of the Bank’s loan book has a variable rate (80% of loans have a maturity of more than one year and earn interest at variable rates) and the re-pricing pace of our assets tends to be faster than that of our liabilities. The decrease in the bank’s cost of funding during the year contributed to the stabilization of the Bank’s net interest margins, in an environment of interest rate cuts. Similarly, the faster growth in consumer loans and the good performance of investments, contributed to a mild increase in margins. As a result, the net interest and valuation income after provisions for loans, financial leases and off-balance sheet credit instruments margin from continuing operations increased from 5.96% in 2016 to 6.07% in 2017.

 

The bank’s strategy during the year was to support the net interest margin and valuation on financial instruments by optimizing the cost of funding. For this purpose, the bank has focused on increasing the proportion of average demand deposits (savings and checking accounts); reducing the cost of long term debt by rolling over the bonds; and finally, reducing the duration and cost of the Certificates of Deposits in Colombia.

 

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More liquidity, a more favorable deposit mix (one with a greater proportion of demand deposits) and consistent increases in the interest rates in the U.S. economy point towards improving net interest margins in 2018 in the Bank’s dollar denominated loan portfolio, whereas the net interest margin in the peso denominated loan book is expected to contract as a result of recent and additional likely upcoming cuts in the Central Bank´s reference rate.

 

Cost of credit

 

For the year 2017, the cost of credit was 2.22% of average loans, which represents an increase when compared to the 1.84% and 1.3% shown in 2016 and 2015, respectively. This credit cost increase was explained by deterioration of certain corporate clients, new past due loans in small and medium enterprise exposures and to some extent deterioration of the consumer portfolio. Cost of risk is expected to decline slightly during 2018, with a similar amount of provisions in nominal terms.

 

E.OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The following are the off-balance sheet arrangements in which the Bank is involved: standby letters of credit, letters of credit and bank guarantees.

 

Letters of credit and bank guarantees are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The Bank typically has recourse to recover from the customer any amounts paid under these guarantees. In addition, the Bank may hold cash or other highly liquid collateral to support these guarantees. We include these guarantees in our impairment loss allowance assessment with other forms of credit exposure amounting to COP 6,854 million, COP (87,442) million and COP (7,421) million, for the years ended as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Those off-balance sheet arrangements are required to be considered into the total solvency ratio computation. As of December 31, 2017, the total Bank’s technical capital ratio was 14.18%, exceeding the requirements of the Colombian government and the SFC by 518 basis points. In the event the off-balance sheet arrangements were not considered in the computation, the total ratio would be boosted by approximately 108 basis points.

 

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the fees and other income related to Guarantees and Standby letters of credits amounted to COP 55,365 million, COP 55,724 million and COP 44,539 million, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, outstanding letters of credits and bank guarantees issued by the Bank totaled COP 6,926,496 million and COP 6,609,254 million, respectively. Additionally, the Banks is not involved in any interest retained and other indebtedness related to those instruments besides the credit risk aforementioned.

 

The table below summarizes all guarantees issued by the Bank as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The total amount outstanding represents maximum potential amount (notional amounts) that could be lost under the guarantees if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from collateral held or pledged. Such amounts greatly exceed anticipated losses.

 

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Unused credit lines amounted to COP 13,656,721 million and COP 9,404,528 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Off-balance
Sheet
Arrangements
Expire within one year
at December 31,
Expire after one year
at December 31,

Total amount
outstanding

at December 31,

Maximum potential
amount of future losses
at December 31,
2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
  In millions of COP
Bank guarantees and letters of credit 5,337,298 4,863,596 1,589,198 1,745,658 6,926,496 6,609,254 6,926,496 6,609,254
Total 5,337,298 4,863,596 1,589,198 1,745,658 6,926,496 6,609,254 6,926,496 6,609,254

 

For more information on standby letters of credit and bank guarantees, please see Note 20, “Provisions and Contingent Liabilities” and Note 24.3, “Fees and Commissions” to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F.TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table shows the Bank´s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017:

 

Contractual Obligations Total Less than
1 year
1-3
years
3-5
years
More than
5 years
  In millions of COP
Time deposits (1) 53,961,586 36,307,864 10,579,471 5,404,748 1,669,503
Debt securities in issue 19,648,714 2,132,242 3,839,019 8,695,507 4,981,946
Borrowings from other financial institutions 13,822,152 7,614,591 1,173,504 2,217,420 2,816,637
Derivative financial liabilities 945,853 292,911 328,935 120,349 203,658
Post-employment benefit plans 786,130 71,154 136,601 162,650 415,725
Operating Lease Obligations 7,171 3,389 3,782 - -
Total 89,171,606 46,422,151 16,061,312 16,600,674 10,087,469

 

 

(1) Savings and checking accounts and other deposits do not have a specific maturity date and therefore are excluded from this table.

 

The amounts shown in the table include interest costs on debt. The Bank does not have any uncertain tax positions to report.

 

Our liabilities recognized on the consolidated statement of financial position as Deposits by customers other than time deposits, Interbank deposits, Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing, Preferred shares and Other liabilities are not presented in the table above. Refer to Notes 14, 15 and 19 to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on these liabilities.

 

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G.CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the Bank's management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the recognized amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

Judgments or changes in assumptions are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates if assumptions and conditions change.

 

The critical accounting policies that the Bank uses in preparing its consolidated financial statements are detailed below:

 

1.Impairment testing of CGU including goodwill:

 

The Bank tests goodwill recognized upon business combinations for impairment at least annually. The impairment test for goodwill involves estimates and significant judgments, including the identification of cash generating units and the allocation of goodwill based on the expectations of which the Bank will benefit from the acquisition. The fair value of the acquired companies is sensitive to changes in the valuation models assumptions. Adverse changes in any of the factors underlying these assumptions could lead the Bank to record a goodwill impairment charge. Management believes that the assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and supportable in the existing market environment and commensurate with the risk profile of the assets valued. See Note 8, for further information related to carrying amount, valuation methodologies, key assumptions and the allocation of goodwill.

 

2.Deferred tax:

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded on deductible or levied temporary differences originating between tax and accounting bases, taking into account the valid tax rules applicable in each country where the Bank has operations. Due to the changing conditions of the political, social and economic environment, the constant amendments to tax legislation and the permanent changes in the tax principles, determining the tax bases for the deferred tax involves difficult judgments to estimate future gains, offsets or tax deductions.

 

The determination of the deferred tax is considered a crucial accounting policy, since its determination involves future estimations of gains that may be affected by changes in economic, social and political conditions, and tax authorities.

 

For more information relating to the nature of deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized by the Bank, please see Note 11.

 

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3.Provisions and contingent liabilities:

 

The Bank is subject to contingent liabilities, including those arising from judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings and tax and other claims arising from the conduct of the Bank’s business activities. These contingencies are evaluated based on management’s best estimates and provisions are established for legal and other claims by assessing the likelihood of the loss actually occurring as probable, possible or remote. Provisions are recorded when all the information available indicates that it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation before the statement of financial position date and the amounts may be reasonably estimated. The Bank engages internal and external experts in assessing probability and in estimating any amounts involved.

 

Throughout the life of a contingency, the Bank may learn of additional information that can affect assessments regarding probability or the estimates of amounts involved; changes in these assessments can lead to changes in recorded provisions.

 

The Bank considers the estimates used to determine the provisions for contingent liabilities are critical estimates because the probability of their occurrence and the amounts that the Bank may be required to pay are based on the Bank’s judgment and its internal and external experts, which will not necessarily coincide with the future outcome of the proceedings. For further information regarding legal proceedings and contingencies and its carrying amounts. See Note 20.

 

4.Impairment for credit risk:

 

Determining the allowance for loan losses requires a significant amount of management judgment and estimates in, among others, identifying impaired loans, determining customers’ ability to pay and estimating the fair value of underlying collateral or the expected future cash flows to be received. The Bank assesses if an asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and if impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a 'loss event') and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

 

The estimates are considered as critical accounting judgments because: (i) they are highly susceptible to change from period to period as the assumptions about future default rates and valuation of potential losses relating to impaired loans and advances are based on recent performance experience, and (ii) any significant difference between the Bank’s estimated losses (as reflected in the provisions) and actual losses would require the Bank to record provisions which, if significantly different, could have a material impact on its future financial condition and results of operations. The Bank’s assumptions about estimated losses are based on past performance, past customer behavior, the credit quality of recent underwritten business and general economic conditions, which are not necessarily an indication of future losses.

 

5.Fair value of financial assets and liabilities:

 

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Bank’s statement of financial position include debt and equity securities and derivatives classified at fair value through profit or loss and equity securities which the Bank has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income changes in its fair value.

 

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To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, IFRS 13 Fair value measurement specifies different levels of inputs that may be used to measure the fair value of financial instruments. In accordance with this standard, financial instruments are classified as follows:

 

Level 1: Assets and liabilities are classified as Level 1 if there are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. An active market is one in which transactions occur with sufficient volume and frequency to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Instruments are valued by reference to unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets where the quoted price is readily available, and the price represents actual and regularly occurring market transactions.

 

Level 2: Assets and liabilities are classified as Level 2 if in the absence of a market price for a specific financial instrument, its fair value is estimated using models whose input data are observable for recent transactions of identical or similar instruments.

 

Level 3: Assets and liabilities are classified as level 3 if unobservable input data were used in the measurement of fair value that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of these assets or liabilities.

 

All transfers between the aforementioned levels are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period

 

The measurement of the fair value of financial instruments generally involves a higher degree of complexity and requires the application of judgments especially when the models use unobservable inputs (level 3) based on the assumptions that would be used in the market to determinate the price for assets or liabilities.

 

For further details, as carrying amount and sensitivity disclosures, please see Note 29 “Fair value of assets and liabilities”.

 

For the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 there have been no significant changes in estimates and judgements made at end-year other than those indicated in financial statements.

 

6.Measurement of Employee benefits:

 

The measurement of post-employment benefit obligations and long-term employee benefits carries a wide variety of premises and it is dependent upon a series of assumptions of future events. The projected unit credit method is used to determine the present value of the obligation for the defined benefits and its associated cost. Future measurements of obligations may differ to those presented in the financial statements, among others, due to changes in economic and demographic assumptions and significant events. For further information, see Note 18.

 

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7.Consolidation of structured entities:

 

Structured entity (SE) is an entity that has been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity, such as when any voting rights relate to administrative tasks only and the relevant activities are directed by means of contractual arrangements.

 

To determine whether the Bank controls and consequently consolidates an entity that has been designed as a SE, the Bank assesses the design and the purpose of the entity. It is also considered whether the Bank, or another involved party with power over the relevant activities, is acting as a principal in its own right or as an agent on behalf of others.

 

Whenever there is a change in the substance of the relationship with the SE the Bank performs a re-assessment of control to determine if consolidation is applicable.

 

The total assets of unconsolidated SE in which the Bank had an interest at the reporting date and its maximum exposure to loss in relation to those interests is presented in Note 23 unconsolidated structured entities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

New accounting standards are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2018. Although earlier application is permitted, we have not early adopted the new or amended standards in preparing these consolidated financial statements. Of the new standards only IFRS 9 and IFRS 16 are expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements in the period of initial application.

 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: In July 2014 the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 that completed the replacement project of IAS 39 –Financial instruments recognition, classification and measurement. IFRS 9 mainly introduces new criteria for classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets and liabilities, impairment requirements related to expected loss accounting and hedge accounting. The effective application of the final version of this IFRS will commence on January 1, 2018. 

 

• Classification and measurement: IFRS 9 establishes the categories amortized cost, fair value through profit or loss and fair value with changes in other comprehensive income to classify financial assets, based on the entity's business model for managing such assets and the characteristics of the flows that they grant. The last category has been introduced for individual simple debt instruments and equity instruments for which the entity irrevocably designates its variations in other comprehensive income from the initial recognition.

 

The classification of financial liabilities and their subsequent measurement has remained unchanged in relation to IAS 39, except for those liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss for which it is stipulated how to account for the changes in the credit risk in other comprehensive income.

 

The Bank has early adopted IFRS 9 as issued in November 2013, which includes only Fair value through profit or loss and amortized cost as measurement categories attributable to financial assets, based on the business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics. In addition, the Bank has adopted the option to make an irrevocable election at initial recognition for particular investments in equity instruments and present subsequent changes in fair value in other comprehensive income.

 

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The following table summarizes the main items of the Bank's balance sheet representing financial assets and their classification under IFRS 9, 2013 and indicates the expected classifications once the Bank is applying IFRS 9, 2014:

 

  Current Classification before January 1,
2018 with IFRS 9, 2013
Classification after January 1, 2018 with
adoption of IFRS 9, 2014
Assets AC* FVPL** FVOCI*** CA* FVPL** FVOCI***
Cash and cash equivalents   X     X  
Credit portfolio and financial leasing X     X    
Debt securities X X   X X X
Equity investments   X     X  
Investments in associates and joint ventures at fair value     X     X

 

*AC = Amortized cost

**FVPL = Fair value with changes in results

***FVOCI= Fair value with changes in other comprehensive results.

 

·Impairment: IFRS 9 makes significant changes in the assessment of the impairment of the value of financial instruments and therefore their associated risk, going from an incurred loss model to one of expected credit loss. This new regulation also proposes the definition of a model that identifies a Significant Increase in Credit Risk (SICR) in an instrument prior to the identification of objective evidence of impairment (EOD) and for which a loss, the life time of the asset should be measured.

 

In this regard, the Bank established quantitative and qualitative criteria through which it is possible to identify significant increases in the credit risk of an instrument.

 

The impairment-related requirements apply for financial assets measured at amortized cost and fair value with changes in OCI (FVOCI), whose business model is intended to receive contractual and / or sale flows (as for lease accounts receivable, loan commitments and financial guarantees).

 

The Bank, in accordance with IFRS 9, estimates the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) based on the present value of the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows of the instrument, estimated through collective methodologies or individual analysis. The ECL amount will be updated on each presentation date to reflect changes in the portfolio's credit risk since the initial recognition.

 

The necessary adaptations to IFRS 9 were made through a methodological implementation plan, including the changes required in its provision calculation model, in order to comply with the expected impairment and loss requirements established by the international standard. For this purpose, new processes and procedures were created, impairment policies were updated and a control environment aligned with the SOX requirements was designed.

 

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Impairment measurements were made through collective and individual evaluation models, with sufficient sophistication required for each portfolio. Collective models include parameters of probability of default at 12 months, life time probability of default, loss given default and exposure at default with the inclusion of the prospective criteria. The individual analysis methodology is applied in significant exposures and includes the evaluation of weighted loss scenarios, taking into account the macroeconomic expectations and the particular conditions of each debtor.

 

·Hedge accounting: These requirements align hedge accounting more closely with risk management, establish a more principle-based approach to hedge accounting and address inconsistencies and weaknesses in the hedge accounting model in IAS 39. Entities have been provided with an accounting policy option between applying the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9 or continuing with the application of the existing hedge accounting requirements of IAS 39 for all hedge accounting, as the project on macro hedge accounting has not yet been completed. In consequence, the Bank opted for continuing the application of IAS 39 requirements for hedge accounting.

 

·Impact of IFRS 9 transition: The impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 is recognized in the initial equity as of January 1, 2018 and was estimated based on calculations made in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017; as a result an increase was observed in the Bank’s allowance, which ranged between COP 470 billion and COP 730 billion. This estimate could vary mainly due to:

·Estimates of ECL models (Expected Credit Loss) are being refined.
·The Bank is finalizing the tests and evaluations of the controls of the new systems and processes.

 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: On May 28, 2014, the IASB published IFRS 15, which sets forth the principles of presentation of useful financial information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of the income and cash flows generated from the contracts of an entity with its clients. IFRS 15 establishes that an entity recognizes revenue from ordinary activities so they can represent the transfer of goods or services committed with customers in exchange for an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such assets or services. IFRS 15 replaces IAS 11 - Construction contracts, IAS 18 - Income from ordinary activities, as well as related interpretations. This rule is effective for the period beginning on January 1, 2018, allowing its early application. It is expected that a significant proportion of Bank revenues will be outside the scope of IFRS 15, since most of the revenue comes from the operation of financial instruments.

 

In the process of implementing IFRS 15, the Bank reviewed existing contractual arrangements with clients, in order to establish the impacts on the separation of the components included in them. For this purpose, the following activities were carried out:

 

·Evaluation of promised services in contracts, identifying performance obligations.

 

·Evaluation of the performance obligations of each contract and whether there are impacts for compliance with the new standard.

 

·Analysis of concessions, incentives, bonuses, price adjustments clauses, penalties, discounts and refunds or similar elements contained in the agreements made.

 

·Identification of possible variable compensations included in the contracts and determination as to whether the recognition of the same is being carried out appropriately.

 

·Analysis of loyalty programs with customers and packages (product grouping) and whether they have impacts for compliance with the new standard.

 

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·Identification and determination of internal post-implementation controls to ensure compliance with accounting and disclosure requirements based on new products and services that are developed within the Bank to meet the financial needs of its customers.

 

At the date of initial application, the Bank evaluated the contracts and commitments established with clients, identifying compliance with the five steps established in IFRS 15 and evaluating the impact on recognition within their Financial Statements, as follows:

 

1.Identification of the contract with the customer: the parties' rights, payment conditions, evaluation of the commercial basis, characteristics of the compensations were identified and it was evaluated if there were modifications or combinations that applied.

 

2.Identification of the contract obligations: The Bank evaluated the commitments included in the entity's contracts to identify when the customer makes use of the service and whether the obligations are identifiable separately.

 

3.Price Setting: The characteristics of the amounts to which the agreed services were exchanged were reviewed in the Bank's contracts, in order to estimate the effect of the variable consideration in kind, or others payable to the customer.

 

4.Price Distribution: In the evaluation of prices to the Bank's contracts, it was found that these are designated individually to the services provided by the entity, even in the products where there are commitments packaged.

 

5.Satisfaction of the Obligations: The obligations established in contracts with customers are satisfied when the control of the service is transferred to the customer and the recognition is performed as established in IFRS 15 over time or at a given time, given the above, the Bank does not have a significant impact in the recognition of the income since the recognition is done as indicated in the standard.

 

The Bank has evaluated and updated its internal controls over financial reporting in regards to the identification of contracts. In particular, it assessed the characteristics of performance obligations to ensure that the recognition of income is adequately carried out in light of the standard.

 

In carrying out the above activities, it was identified that there are no impacts that generate changes to income recognition for the Bank given that current accounting procedures are in accordance with the IFRS 15 requirements. Therefore, there is no financial effect as a result of the implementation of the new standard, The Bank is adjusting the disclosures to comply with the requirements of IFRS 15.

 

IFRS 16, Leases: In January, 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 to replace IAS 17. Accounting for finance leases will remain substantially the same. Operating leases will be brought on balance sheet through the recognition of assets representing the contractual rights of use and liabilities will be recognized for the contractual payments. Applying that model, a lessee is required to recognize:

 

(a)Assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and

 

(b)Depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the statement of income.

 

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Management is evaluating the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 on the Bank, in its financial position statement and disclosures. The Bank expects to apply this standard when it become effective on January 1, 2019.

 

To date, an inventory of active contracts has been made in order to determine which will impact the implementation of the standard and then quantify such impact. Likewise, the most optimum technological alternative is being evaluated to enable the administration of the information and ensure proper registration according to the requirements of the standard.

 

For further information about the Bank´s accounting policies read Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Significant Accounting Policies”.

 

ITEM 6.DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

A.DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

 

The following persons acted as directors and senior managers of the Bank:

 

Directors

 

David Emilio Bojanini García was born in 1956. Mr. Bojanini holds a degree in industrial engineering from Universidad de los Andes and an MBA with emphasis on actuary from University of Michigan. He has held several positions in the private sector such as CEO of Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantías Protección S.A. from 1991 to 2006, and Gerente Actuaría in Suramericana de Seguros S.A. where he worked for 11 years. He has been CEO of Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A. since 2006. Mr. Bojanini is a member of the following boards of directors: Grupo Nutresa S.A., Bancolombia S.A., Grupo Argos S.A., Suramericana S.A. and SURA Asset Management S.A.

 

Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas was born in 1958. Mr. Pérez holds a law degree from Universidad de Medellín and a post-graduate degree in insurance from Swiss Re, Zurich and a CEO management program certificate from the Kellogg School of Management. He is CEO of Suramericana S.A. and has held different management positions at Compañía Suramericana de Seguros S.A. since 1981, such as Vice President of Corporate Businesses and Vice President of Insurance and Capitalization.

 

Hernando José Gómez Restrepo was born in 1957. Mr. Gómez holds a cum laude degree in economics from Universidad de los Andes. He is a PhD candidate in economics and holds a Master’s in philosophy and arts and a post-graduate degree in currency, banking and international economics from Yale University. Mr. Gómez has been a Professor at Universidad de los Andes and INALDE Business School, and an Assistant Professor at Yale University. He has held the position of member of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank, CEO of Consejo Privado de Competitividad, Chief of the Colombian Government Negotiation Team for the Free Trade Agreement with the United States of America, the National Planning Director of Colombia, among other positions. Mr. Gómez is an independent member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since his appointment in 2013.

 

Roberto Steiner Sampedro was born in 1959. Mr. Steiner holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the Universidad de los Andes and is a PhD candidate from Columbia University. Mr. Steiner has held several positions at the Central Bank, such as Director of the Economic´s Research Department. He has also served as Deputy Director and Executive Director at Fedesarrollo, Director of the Economic Development Studies Center at the Universidad de los Andes. He is currently a Research Associate at Fedesarrollo. Mr. Steiner has been a Professor at Universidad de los Andes, Columbia University, Universidad Javeriana and Universidad Nacional as well as Visiting Scholar at the IMF and at Lehigh University. He has been a consultant for the IDB, the World Bank, the IMF and the ECLAC.

 

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Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarría was born in 1958. Mr. Restrepo holds a bachelor's degree in industrial management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He has held several positions in the Marmon Group of Chicago, and was also a part of the Leadership Rotational Program in Chicago at the Rego Company (Production planning and industrial engineering), Hammond Organ Company (accountability) and Marmom Keystone (sales). He began in Crystal S.A.S as International Vice President, then he became an Executive Vice President until 2003, and since 2004 he has acted as CEO.

 

Arturo Condo Tamayo was born in 1967. Mr. Condo has a PhD in business strategy and competitiveness from Harvard Business School, and holds degree in Electric Engineering from Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral Ecuador. He also obtained a Master’s degree in business administration from INCAE. Mr. Condo is a professor and held the position of principal of INCAE Business School between 2007 and 2015. Previously, he was the dean of masters, the Dean of Research and Development and Director of the Centro Latinoamericano para la Competitividad y el Desarrollo Sostenible (CLACDS). He is currently a consultant in companies located in Latin America and Asia in strategic planning and competitiveness strategy. He has also been consultant of multilateral organizations as Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank. He is the CEO of Keyword Centroamérica, a strategic information company he created in 2014.

 

Andrés Felipe Mejía Cardona was born in 1962. Mr. Mejía is an economist from Michigan University. He holds certificates in strategic planning from Barcelona University, senior management from Universidad de los Andes and Expro program in business administration from Centrum Bevordering Import Ontw.Landn, in Rotterdam. He has been the CEO of MU Mecanicos Unidos S.A.S since 1983.

 

For additional information regarding the Board of Directors and its functions, see Item 10 “Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Board of Directors”.

 

Senior Management

 

Juan Carlos Mora Uribe was born in 1965. He has been the CEO of Bancolombia since May 2016. Prior to his appointment as CEO of Bancolombia, he was the Corporate Innovation and Digital Transformation Vice President since 2015. He holds a B.A degree from Universidad Eafit and an M.B.A degree from Babson College. Mr. Mora has experience in diverse areas of corporate finance and investment banking and was Vice President of Operations of Corporación Financiera Nacional y Suramericana S.A. in 2004. Most recently, Mr. Mora performed the role of Vice President of Risk in 2005, and then he was appointed as Chief Corporate Services Officer until 2015.

 

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Jaime Alberto Velasquez Botero was born in 1960. He has been the Vice President of Strategy and Finance of Bancolombia since April 2012. Previously, he held the position of Vice President of Finance of Bancolombia from 1997 to 2012. From 1989 through 1997, he held several managerial positions in the Economic Department and Investor Relations Department of the Bank. Previously, he worked at C.I. Banacol from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Velásquez holds an economics degree from Universidad de Antioquia.

 

Rodrigo Prieto Uribe was born in 1973. He was appointed as Vice President of Risk Management in March 2011. Mr. Prieto has worked at Bancolombia holding several positions at different departments of Bancolombia such as analyst, manager of risk administration, planning manager and manager of Capital allocation and risk quantification. Most recently he was the director of planning and projects. He has also been a professor at several universities including Universidad EAFIT, Escuela de Ingenieria de Antioquia and Universidad de los Andes. Mr. Prieto is a civil engineer and has a Master’s degree in economics from Universidad de los Andes and a Master’s degree in finance from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. 

 

Jaime Alberto Villegas Gutierrez was born in 1965. He has been the Vice President of Corporate Services since 2016. He holds an industrial engineering degree from Universidad de los Andes and a graduate degree in finance from the same University. He has worked in the financial, operations and technology department of financial institutions such as Standard Chartered Bank, in Colombia, Peru, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

 

Mauricio Rosillo Rojas was born in 1969. He has been the Legal Vice President of Bancolombia since December 2008. Mr. Rosillo holds a law degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, obtained holds degree in financial law from Universidad de Los Andes, and a Master’s degree in commercial and economic law from the University of Georgia. Mr. Rosillo has held several positions in the public and private sectors, including secretary general of Fedeleasing, Interim Colombian Superintendent of Cooperatives (“Superintendente de Economia Solidaria (encargado)”), director of financial regulation of the Colombian Ministry of Finance, supervisor of the securities market of the Colombian Securities Exchange and president of AMV.

 

Carmenza Henao Tisnes was born in 1960. She was appointed Vice President of Internal Audit in April 2011. Mrs. Henao has worked at Bancolombia in several positions at different departments of Bancolombia such as analyst and manager of audit technology. Most recently she was the Audit National Manager of Bancolombia branches. She has also been a professor at various universities including Universidad EAFIT, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Universidad de Medellin and Universidad San Buenaventura. Mrs. Henao is a system engineer and holds a degree in Finance from Universidad EAFIT.

 

Maria Cristina Arrastia Uribe was born in 1965. She has been the Vice President of Retail and SMEs Banking since October 2015. Mrs. Arrastia is a Business Administrator graduated from Eafit University in Medellin. She has performed various roles in Bancolombia, such as Sub-Manager of the trading desk, and Regional Manager of the Corporate Banking of Antioquia. Between 1998 and 2009 she was appointed as Regional Manager for Personal and SME Banking in Antioquia. In 2009 she was appointed as General Manager of Sufi until 2011 when she was appointed to the position of Vice President of Consumer and Housing Credit.

 

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Gonzalo Toro Bridge was born in 1960. He has been Vice President of Corporate Banking of Bancolombia since 2003. From 1988 to 1994, he was the Assistant to the Vice Presidency of Corporate and International Banking and from 1994 to 2003 he was the Vice President of Corporate and International Banking. Mr. Toro holds a B.A. degree from Universidad EAFIT and a certificate of attendance from the advanced management program for overseas bankers of the University of Pennsylvania.

 

Enrique Gonzalez Bacci was born in 1965. He has been the Vice President of Human Resources since 2015. He holds a law degree from the Universidad Externado de Colombia and holds a degree in business law from the same university. He has taken the Advanced Program in Human Resource Management from the Anderson School at UCLA, and also holds certifications in geopolitics from Universidad EAFIT and a Top Management Program from Universidad de los Andes. In several occasions, he has participated as technical counselor before the International Labour Organization’s International Labour Conference. His career at Grupo Bancolombia started at Conavi and later at BIC – today Bancolombia – holding different positions within the human resources department. 

 

Gabriel Di Lelle was born in 1968. Gabriel Di Lelle received an industrial engineering degree from Universidad Catolica de Argentina and a Master’s degree in business administration and finance from Universidad CEMA (Argentina). He joined Grupo Bancolombia after leading for several years IBM’s specialized consulting unit on digital transformation for financial institutions — Spanish South America region. 

 

There are no family relationships between the directors and senior management of Bancolombia listed above.

 

No arrangements or understandings have been made by major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others pursuant to which any of the above directors or members of senior management were selected.

 

The Corporate Governance Code of Bancolombia provides an age limit requirement of 65 years regarding retirement for senior management.

 

B.COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

In 2017 the Bank paid each director a fee of approximately COP 6.21 million per month for sitting on the Board, and another fee of approximately COP 6.21 million for attending each session of the committees.

 

The directors received no other compensation or benefits. There is no stock option plan for directors. Consistent with Colombian law, the Bank does not publish information regarding the compensation of the Bank’s individual officers. The Bank’s stockholders may request that information during the period preceding the annual general stockholders’ meeting. The aggregate amount of remuneration paid by the Bank and consolidated subsidiaries to all directors, alternate directors and senior management during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 was COP 77.69 billion. Additionally, the bank has established a retirement bonus for senior management, and at the end of 2017 the provision to this effect was COP 34.17 billion. In 2017, no bonus was paid to any senior managers who retired during the year.

 

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The Bank´s senior managers (including the Bank´s CEO) are paid, in addition to a fixed compensation, a variable compensation to be approved by the shareholders at the General Meeting.

 

The Board of Directors approves the salary increases for corporate vice presidents and authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to readjust the salary of the remaining employees.

 

The Bank has established an incentive compensation plan that awards bonuses annually or semi-annually to its employees.  In determining the amount of any bonuses, the Bank takes into consideration the overall return on equity of the Bank and its executives’ achievement of established goals. Bonuses are paid in cash and stock. The stock component represents shares of Bancolombia, which are purchased in the secondary market and are vested after three years.  

 

The Bank paid a total of COP 1,852 billion for salaries of personnel employed directly by the Bank and senior management of its affiliates. Such amount includes the sum of approximately COP 133.40 billion spent in connection with the incentive compensation plan in Colombia.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had provisioned 100% of its actuarial obligation corresponding to retirement pension’s payable by the Bank, which amounted to COP 125.47 billion, in accordance with Decree 2496 of December 23, 2015.

 

C.BOARD PRACTICES

 

The following table reflects the composition of the Board of Directors as of December 31, 2017.

 

Name Elected to the Board Term Expires
David Bojanini García 2006 2018
Roberto Ricardo Steiner Sampedro 2014 2018
Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas (1) 2004 2018
Hernando José Gómez Restrepo 2013 2018
Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarría 2016 2018
Arturo Condo Tamayo 2016 2018
Andrés Felipe Mejía Cardona 2016 2018

 

 

(2)Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas had previously served as the Bank’s Director during the period 1990-1994.

 

Messrs. Hernando José Gómez Restrepo, Roberto Ricardo Steiner Sampedro, Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarría, Arturo Condo Tamayo and Andres Felipe Mejía Cardona act as independent directors in accordance with the Bank’s by-laws and other applicable laws. Consequently, the majority of the Board of Directors is composed of independent directors.

 

Neither the Bank nor its Subsidiaries have any type of agreement with the Bank’s directors providing for benefits upon termination of their term.

 

The following are the current terms of office and the period during which the members of senior management have acted as such in Bancolombia. There are no defined expiration terms. The members of senior management can be removed by a decision of the Board of Directors.

 

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Name Period Served
President  
Juan Carlos Mora Uribe Since 2016
Vice Presidents  
Jaime Alberto Velásquez Botero Since 1997
Mauricio Rosillo Rojas Since 2008
Maria Cristina Arrastia Uribe Since 2015
Gonzalo Toro Bridge Since 2003
Jaime Alberto Villegas Gutierrez Since 2016
Rodrigo Prieto Uribe Since 2011
Carmenza Henao Tisnes Since 2011
Enrique Gonzalez Bacci Since 2015
Gabriel Di Lelle Since 2016

 

For further information about the Bank’s corporate governance practices please see Item 16. “Reserved – B. Corporate Governance and Code of Ethics.”

 

Audit Committee

 

Our Board of Directors, in compliance with Colombian banking regulations, maintains an Audit Committee that is currently comprised of three members. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Hernando José Gómez Restrepo, Andrés Felipe Mejia Cardona and Arturo Condo Tamayo. The Shareholders General Meeting reelected them for a period of two years on March 14, 2018. Each of them serve as independent member of the Board of Directors.

 

Pursuant to the applicable U.S. regulations for foreign private issuers, Mr. Hernando José Gómez Restrepo serves as the financial expert of the Audit Committee. In addition, the Committee has an independent advisor, expert in financial reporting and auditing matters who provides advice to the Committee on such matters.

 

For a broader description of the experience and qualifications of Messrs. Gomez Restrepo, Mejia Cardona, and Condo Tamayo, see Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees—A. Directors and Senior Management.

 

Further, the Internal Audit of Bancolombia and the compliance officer report to the Audit Committee. Likewise, Bancolombia has an ethics committee that reports to the Audit Committee and supports it in the supervision of compliance with provisions contained in the Code of Ethics, as well as determination of necessary actions for assuring knowledge, release, and strengthening of the highest ethical behavior standards of Bancolombia and resolution of conflicts under its competence.

 

This Committee has a charter approved by the Board of Directors that establishes its composition, organization, objectives, duties, responsibilities and extension of its activities. The main purpose of this Committee is to support the Board of Directors by overseeing the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal controls established by senior management. Other specific responsibilities of the Committee include: (i) overseeing the integrity of the financial statements, financial reporting process and systems of internal accounting and financial controls; (ii) proposing to the Board of Directors and the Shareholder´s General Meeting external auditors candidates and evaluating their qualifications and independence; (iii) reviewing with management and the external auditors the annual and interim financial statements and reporting the results to the Board of Directors; (iv) approving the annual internal audit plan and its modifications; (v) approving the annual budget, overseeing the activities and evaluating the performance of Internal Audit, who reports directly to the audit committee; (vi) receiving and reviewing reports issued by internal and external auditors; (vii) evaluating the design and implementation of programs and controls aimed to prevent, detect and adequately manage risks related to internal fraud and misconduct; and (vii) being informed about relevant frauds and misconduct cases related to the Bank´s employees.

 

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The Committee meets and reports to the Board of Directors at least monthly, and must present an annual report of its activities at the General Stockholders’ Meeting. The Committee met 19 times during 2017.

 

The shareholders at the General Meeting establish the remuneration of the members of the Audit Committee.

 

Designation, Compensation and Development Committee

 

This committee is composed of three (3) members of the Board of Directors elected by it. The Vice President of Human Resourses of the Bank acts as secretary of this committee.

 

The designation, compensation and development committee determines the policies and provisions for the hiring, remuneration, compensation, and development of management and key personnel of the Bank. Likewise, it continuously surveys the goals of the different compensation programs with regard to the performance of the officers, and it assesses the efficacy of such programs.

 

The duties of the designation, compensation and development committee are: (i) defining the administration policies of human resources, establishing the selection, evaluation, compensation, and development processes for top management, determining their goals; (ii) determining the objective criteria under which the Bank hires its principal officers; (iii) proposing objective criteria under which the Bank hires senior management and designs succession plans; (iv) determining the criteria for the performance evaluation of senior management; and (v) issuing recommendations for the Board of Directors concerning appointments and compensation of the president and senior management.

 

The members of the designation, compensation and development committee are Gonzalo Perez Rojas, Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarria and Andres Felipe Mejia Cardona.

 

Good Governance Committee

 

The Good Governance Committee consists of at least three (3) members of the Board of Directors, two of them being an independent member. Bancolombia’s President attends this committee on a permanent basis.

 

The Good Governance Committee has internal regulation to govern aspects such as composition and guests to the meetings, competences, and responsibilities of the Committee and its internal regulations. 

 

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The main purpose of this Committee is to assist Bancolombia’s Board of Directors in overseeing compliance with the Corporate Governance measures and review any potential change to such measures.

 

This Committee shall also support the Board of Directors in cases related to the implementation of succession policies of the Board of Directors and its remuneration.

 

This Committee furnishes reports on the activities performed by the Bank’s Board of Directors, and approves a yearly report on Corporate Governance, to be submitted before the Shareholders General Meeting.

 

The members of the Good Governance Committee are David Bojanini García, Roberto Ricardo Steiner and Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarria.

 

Risk Committee

 

Bancolombia’s Risk Committee consists of three (3) members of the Board of Directors, of which at least two must be independent directors. 

 

The main purpose of this Committee is to serve as a support for approval, follow-up, and control of policies, guidelines, and strategies for risk management. In addition, this Committee supports the Bank’s Board of Directors in aspects such as knowledge and understanding of the risks assumed by the Bank, including its subsidiaries, and the funds required to administer such risks.

 

The Risk Committee has a charter approved by the Board of Directors which establishes its composition, organization, objectives, duties, responsibilities and extension of its activities. The stockholders at the General Meeting establish the remuneration of the members of the Risk Committee. The Risk Committee must meet at least quarterly and met a total of 13 times during 2017.

 

The members of the Risk Committee are David Bojanini Garcia, Roberto Steiner Sampedro and Hernando Jose Gomez Restrepo.

 

D.EMPLOYEES

 

The following table sets forth the number of employees of the Bank for the last three fiscal years:

 

As of December 31 Total number of employees employed by
Bancolombia
Number of employees employed by
Bancolombia S.A.
2017 31,061 19,987
2016 34,567 20,440
2015 34,390 19,544

 

As of December 31 2017, Bancolombia and its consolidated subsidiaries had 31,061 employees, of which 19,987 were employed directly by the Bank. Of the 19,987 employees directly contracted by the Bank, 12,503 are operations personnel and 7,484 are management employees. Of the 19,987 employees, approximately 22.49% are located in the Bogotá Region, 11.01% in the South Region, 13.60% in the Antioquia Region, 31.43% in the Medellin headquarters, 11.73% in the Central Region and 9.73% in the Caribbean Region. During 2017, the Bank employed an average of 226 employees per month through temporary personnel service companies.

 

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Of the employees directly employed by Bancolombia, approximately 27.50% are part of a labor union called Sintrabancol, 15.75% are members of an industry union called Uneb, 1.91% belong to an industry labor union called Sintraenfi, 0.11% belong to an industry labor union called Uprofin, 0.16% belong to an industry labor union called USF and 0.30% belong to an industry labor union called Aceb. A collective bargaining agreement was reached with Uneb and Sintrabancol in October, 2017. The agreement has been in effect since November 1, 2017 and is set to expire on October 31, 2020. This agreement applies to approximately 12,827 employees regardless of whether they are members of a union or not and it extends to operating personnel employed by the subsidiaries Banca de Inversión Bancolombia, Valores Bancolombia, and Fiduciaria Bancolombia. Sintranefi, the labor union composed of approximately 382 employees, did not take part in the collective bargaining agreement. Sintraenfi also submitted a list of petitions on October 31, 2016 without reaching an agreement in the stage of direct settlement. The 14th of December of 2016, Sintraenfi has requested the intervention of an arbitral tribunal to solve this pending petition. In the meantime, the terms of the agreement reached with UNEB and Sintrabancol apply as well to the members of the Sintraenfi union.

 

With the execution of this agreement, the Bank, Uneb and Sintrabancol continue to work on the consolidation of long-term labor relationships based on mutual trust and respect.

 

The most important economic aspects of the Agreement are:

 

1. A pay increase of 7.0% for the first year. For the second year, the increase will be equal to the variation in the Colombian consumer price index (“IPC”), as certified by the Colombian statistical bureau (“DANE”) for the period between November 2018 and October 2019, plus 230 basis points. For the third year, the increase will be equal to the variation in the Colombian consumer price index (“IPC”), as certified by the Colombian statistical bureau (“DANE”) for the period between November 2019 and October 2020, plus 250 basis points.

 

For the salary increases corresponding to the second and the third year in which the current collective bargaining agreement is in place, the Bank will apply whichever is greatest between the variation of the national Consumer Price Index (IPC) for the twelve months ended on October 31 and December 31 of the year in question. The same criteria will be applied for the subsidies and benefits associated to salary increases.

 

2. Improved benefits, such as: increased amounts to the first home loans, improved health insurance coverage, transportation and food assistance, and an increase in tuition assistance and tuition loan.

 

Providing welfare conditions and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of the bank employees and their basic family group are fundamental guidelines of the Agreement. In line with these guidelines, housing loans are a priority in the portfolio of employee benefits. After four years of tenure, employees can access conventional housing loans.

 

In our Organization we see our employees as integral beings, for this reason we declare a strategy of a healthy and sustainable organization, which permits us to prioritize our action under 3 fundamental premises: Health, Labor Employment Security and Welfare of our employees and their families. We deliver different tools which contribute to increase the awareness for the care, minimize the risks and propitiate a balance between the employee’s work and personal life. All of these tools can be evidenced in activities such as:

 

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Health:

 

·Periodical medical evaluations

·Executive medical checks

·Health prevention and promotion programs

·Accompaniment to employees with special health conditions.

 

Labor Employment Security:

 

·Evacuation drills, emergency prevention plan

·Awareness and training of the employees on issues of emergency care and generating awareness to act in situations that put people’s health and safety at risk.

 

Welfare:

 

·Activities with the family: corporate day where the children share with their parents on a working day

·Activities which allow to highlight the talent of the employees and integrate the different regions of the country and increase the pride for their Organization

·Recognition activities for the work and high performance of the employees.

·Sport, recreational, cultural and vocational activities

 

E.SHARE OWNERSHIP

 

The following directors and members of the senior management owned common shares in Bancolombia as of December 31, 2017: David Bojanini García, Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas and Gonzalo Toro Bridge.

 

The following directors and members of senior management owned preferred shares in Bancolombia as of December 31, 2017: Roberto Ricardo Steiner Sampedro and Gonzalo Toro Bridge.

 

None of the directors and members of senior management’s shareholdings, individually or in the aggregate, exceed 1% of Bancolombia’s outstanding common shares, preferred shares or a combination of both classes of shares.

 

As of December 31, 2017, there are no stock options to acquire any of Bancolombia’s outstanding common shares or preferred shares or share-based payment to any employee.

 

ITEM 7.MAJOR STOCKHOLDERs AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A.MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS

 

In accordance with the Bank’s by-laws, there are two classes of stock authorized and outstanding: common shares and preferred shares. Each common share entitles its holder to one vote at meetings of the Bank’s stockholders, and there are no differences in the voting rights conferred by any of the common shares. Under the Bank’s by-laws and Colombian corporate law, holders of preferred shares (and consequently, holders of ADRs) have no voting rights in respect of preferred shares, other than in limited circumstances as described in “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Description of Share Rights, Preferences and Restrictions – Voting Rights – Preferred Shares”.

 

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The following table sets forth, solely for purposes of United States securities laws, certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Bancolombia’s capital stock by each person known to Bancolombia to own beneficially more than 5% of each class of Bancolombia’s outstanding capital stock as of March 31, 2018. A beneficial owner includes anyone who has the power to receive the economic benefit of ownership of the securities.

 

 

Name

 

Common Shares

 

Preferred
Shares

% Ownership of
Common
Shares(1)
% Ownership of
Preferred
Shares(1)
% Ownership of
Total Shares(1)
Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A (2) 235,148,823 - 46.13% 0.00% 24.45%
ADR Program - 199,701,912 0.00% 44.17% 20.76%
Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Protección 22,354,945 54,364,650 4.39% 12.02% 7.98%
Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Porvenir Moderado 55,786,448 33,358,087 10.94% 7.38% 9.27%

 

(1)Common shares have one vote per share; preferred shares have limited voting rights under certain circumstances specified in the by-laws of Bancolombia filed as Exhibit 1 to this Annual Report.

 

(2)Represents ownership of Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A. directly and through its subsidiaries: Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana Panamá S.A., Inversiones y Construcciones Estrategicas S.A., CIA. Suramericana de Seguros de Vida S.A., Cia. Suramericana de Seguros S.A., Suratep.

 

As of March 31, 2018, a total of 509,704,584 common shares and 452,122,416 preferred shares were registered in the Bank’s stockholder registry in the name of 36,088 stockholders. A total of 199,701,912 representing 44.17% of preferred shares were part of the ADR Program and were held by 34 record holders registered in The Bank of New York Mellon’s registered stockholder list. Given that some of the preferred shares and ADSs are held by nominees, the number of record holders may not be representative of the number of beneficial owners.

 

During the past year, the Bank’s ADR program changed its percentage ownership of the Bank, decreasing from 24.59% as of March 31, 2017 to 20.76% by the end of March 2018. In addition, Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Protección, a Colombian private pension fund manager, held its percentage of ownership constant at 7.98% as of March 31, 2018, compared to the same period a year ago. Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Porvenir Moderado, a Colombian private pension fund manager, decreased its percentage ownership to 9.27% as of March 31, 2018 compared to 9.29% as of March 31, 2017.

 

There are no significant changes in the percentage ownership held by major shareholders during the past three years.

 

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There are no arrangements known to the Bank, which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the company.

 

To the extent known to the Bank, and in accordance with Colombian law, Bancolombia is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other entity or person.

 

B.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Bank’s Corporate Governance Code provides that, in any event, any transaction regarding Bancolombia’s shares that is carried out by any officer, director or manager may not be executed for speculative purposes, which would be presumed if the following three conditions were met: (a) if suspiciously short lapses of time exist between the purchase and the sale of shares; (b) if situations arise proving to be exceptionally favorable for the Bank; and (c) if significant profits are obtained from this transaction.

 

All transactions that the Bank enters into with its directors, officers and senior executives are subject to the limitations and conditions set forth by the applicable law governing the prevention, handling and resolution of conflicts of interest.

 

Over time, Bancolombia has granted loans and engaged in other transactions with related parties. Such loans were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and required collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability, and do not present any additional unfavorable terms for the Company.

 

Bancolombia, on a non-consolidated basis, had a total amount of COP 1,566,212 million in loans outstanding to related parties as of February 28, 2018. The principal amounts outstanding as of February 28, 2018 included in this amount are:

 

 

Entity

Amount outstanding Accrued Interest Average Interest rate
  In millions of COP, except percentages
Renting Colombia S.A. 632,909 1,157 6.56%
Grupo De Inversiones Suramericana S.A. 423,024 1,081 6.64%
FCP Fondo Inmobiliario Colombia 350,436 1,681 7.93%

 

For additional information regarding the Bank’s related party transactions, please see Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

C.INTEREST OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 8.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A.1.CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-185.

 

A.2.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Bank is involved in normal collection proceedings and restructuring proceedings with respect to certain borrowers as well as other legal proceedings. For further information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,”Provisions and Contingent Liabilities”.

 

A.3.DIVIDEND POLICY

 

The declaration, amount and payment of dividends are based on Bancolombia’s unconsolidated earnings. Dividends must be approved at the ordinary annual shareholders’ meeting upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors. Under the Colombian Commercial Code, after payment of income taxes and appropriation of legal and other reserves, and after setting off losses from prior fiscal years, Bancolombia must distribute to its stockholders at least 50% of its annual net income or 70% of its annual net income if the total amount of reserves exceeds its outstanding capital. Such dividend distribution must be made to all stockholders, in cash or in issued stock of Bancolombia, as may be determined by the stockholders, and within a year from the date of the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting in which the dividend was declared. According to Colombian law, the minimum dividend per share may be waived by an affirmative vote of the holders of 78% of the voting shares present at the stockholders’ meeting.

 

The annual net profits of Bancolombia must be applied as follows: (i) first, an amount equal to 10% of Bancolombia’s net profits to a legal reserve until such reserve is equal to at least 50% of the Bank’s paid-in capital; (ii) second, to the payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares (for more information, see Item 10. "Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association”); and (iii) third, as may be determined in the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote.

 

The following table sets forth the annual cash dividends paid on each common share and each preferred share during the periods indicated:

 

Dividends declared with respect to net
income earned in:
Cashdividends
per share (1)(2)
Cash dividends
per share (1)(3)
  (COP) (U.S. dollars)
2017 1,020 0.367
2016 950 0.329
2015 888 0.267
2014 830 0.319
2013 776 0.394

 

 

(1)Includes common shares and preferred shares.
(2)Cash dividends for 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were paid in quarterly installments.
(3)Amounts have been translated from pesos at the Representative Market Rate in effect at the end of the month in which the dividends were declared (March).

 

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B.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

 

There have not been any significant changes since the date of the annual Consolidated Financial Statements included in this document.

 

ITEM 9.THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

A.OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS

 

Bancolombia’s ADRs, each representing four preferred shares, have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) since 1995, where they are traded under the symbol “CIB”. Bancolombia’s preferred shares are also listed on the Colombian Securities Exchange. 

 

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low market prices and share trading volume for the preferred shares on the Colombian Securities Exchange. The table also sets forth the reported high and low market prices and the trading volume of the ADRs on the NYSE for the periods indicated:

 

  Colombian Securities Exchange  New York Stock Exchange
  COP Per Preferred Share USD per ADS Trading Volume
(Number of ADSs)
  High Low High Low
Year Ending          
December 31, 2017 30,120 29,919 48.34 36.18 91,610,600
December 31, 2016 30,200 20,700 42.20 25.12 92,864,900
December 31, 2015 28,880 20,080 48.56 23.69 111,797,200
December 31, 2014 31,300 22,000 66.78 42.50 104,278,406
December 31, 2013 31,460 23,380 70.62 47.59 63,665,433
December 31, 2012 30,600 24,220 69.50 53.78 100,220,776
December 31, 2011 31,100 25,160 69.87 53.56 83,520,522

 

 

Source: NYSENet (Composite Index), Yahoo Finance, and Colombian Securities Exchange. 

 

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Colombian Securities Exchange New York Stock Exchange
  COP Per Preferred
Share
Trading Volume
(Number of Shares)
USD per ADS Trading Volume
(Number of ADSs)
  High Low High Low
  (in nominal pesos)      
         
2018            
First Quarter 32,680 29,280 39,977,461 46.71 40.83 17,716,200
2017            
First Quarter 29,140 26,840 35,321,489 40.48 36.18 18,464,800
Second Quarter 34,280 28,000 36,670,165 46.98 38.88 24,164,500
Third Quarter 35,320 31,900 36,832,747 48.34 42.48 23,358,500
Fourth Quarter 34,200 28,180 52,357,476 46.17 36.99 25,883,900
2016            
First Quarter 26,800 20,700 48,443,358 34.31 25.12 20,403,900
Second Quarter 28,500 25,140 43,374,259 39.31 32.50 26,911,800
Third Quarter 30,200 25,320 52,822,136 42.20 33.51 20,905,100
Fourth Quarter 29,140 25,640 45,667,336 39.15 32.49 24,644,100
2015            
First quarter 28,880 23,800 44,059,256 48.07 36.65 32,658,000
Second quarter 27,920 25,500 31,944,253 46.51 39.31 21,519,900
Third quarter 28,000 24,100 35,368,754 41.88 29.90 22,562,300
Fourth quarter 28,000 20,300 48,224,705 39.23 24.04 35,057,000

 

 

Source: NYSENet (Composite Index), Yahoo Finance, and Colombian Securities Exchange.

 

  Colombian Securities Exchange New York Stock Exchange
  COP Per Preferred Share USD per ADS Trading Volume (Number of ADSs)
  High Low High Low
Month          
March 2018 31,580 29,280 44.00 41.44 7,190,000
February 2018 32,660 30,180 46.71 42.18 5,491,700
January 2018 32,680 29,900 46.54 40.83 5,034,500

 

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  Colombian Securities Exchange New York Stock Exchange
  COP Per Preferred Share USD per ADS Trading Volume (Number of ADSs)
  High Low High Low
           
Month          
March 2017 29,140 27,100 40.48 36.18 7,216,400
February 2017 27,840 26,840 39.02 37.35 5,178,400
January 2017 28,380 27,120 38.39 37.21 6,070,000
Month          
March 2016 26,980 24,500 34.56 29.85 8,765,600
February 2016 25,200 23,600 30.42 27.51 6,232,600
January 2016 24,000 20,460 29.54 24.69 5,405,700

 

 

Source: NYSENet (Composite Index), Yahoo Finance, and Colombian SecuritiesExchange.

 

ADRs evidencing ADSs are issuable by The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Depositary”), as Depositary, pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 1995, entered into by Bancolombia, the Depositary, the owners of ADRs from time to time and the owners and beneficial owners from time to time of ADRs, pursuant to which the ADSs are issued (as amended, the “Deposit Agreement”). The Deposit Agreement was amended and restated on January 14, 2008. Copies of the Deposit Agreement are available for inspection at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, currently located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, and at the office of Fiduciaria Bancolombia, as agent of the Depositary, currently located at Carrera 48, No. 26 - 85, Medellin, Colombia or Calle 30A No. 6-38, Bogotá, Colombia. The Depositary’s principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286.

 

On September 30, 1998, Bancolombia filed a registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to register ADSs evidenced by ADRs, each representing four preferred shares, issued in connection with the merger between BIC and Banco de Colombia for resale by the holders into the U.S. public market from time to time. On January 24, 2005, the Board determined to deregister the unsold ADSs registered under the registration statement on Form F-3. On March 14, 2005, Bancolombia filed an amendment to the registration statement deregistering the remaining unsold ADSs. On August 8, 2005, Bancolombia filed, through the Depositary, a registration statement on Form F-6 registering 50,000,000 ADSs evidenced by ADRs in connection with the Conavi/Corfinsura merger. On May 14, 2007, Bancolombia filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to register an indeterminate amount of debt securities, preferred shares and rights to subscribe for preferred shares in connection with the subsequent offerings which took place in the second and third quarter of 2007. On January 14, 2008, by filing the Form F-6 with the SEC, Bancolombia increased the amount of its ADR program up to 400,000,000 American Depositary Shares, and registered some amendments to the Depositary Agreement of ADSs between Bancolombia and The Bank of New York Mellon. On July 13, 2010, Bancolombia filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to register an indeterminate amount of debt securities, preferred shares, American Depositary Shares representing preferred shares and rights to subscribe for preferred shares in connection with the subsequent offering of subordinated debt securities which took place on July 19, 2010. On February 6, 2012, Bancolombia priced a public offer of 63,999,997 preferred shares without voting rights, which represented an aggregate amount of approximately COP 1,680 billion. On March 3, 2014, Bancolombia priced a public offer of 110,000,000 preferred shares without voting rights, which represented an aggregate amount of approximately COP 2,656 billion.

 

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On May 2, 2016, Bancolombia filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to register an indeterminate amount of debt securities, preferred shares and rights to subscribe for preferred shares.

 

B.PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

Not applicable.

 

C.MARKETS

 

The Colombian SecuritiesExchange is the principal non-U.S. trading market for the preferred shares and the sole market for the common shares. As of December 31, 2017, the market capitalization for Bancolombia’s preferred shares based on the closing price in the Colombian SecuritiesExchange was COP 13.528 billion (Bancolombia’s total market capitalization, which includes the common and preferred shares, was COP 28.808 billion or USD 9.65 billion as of the same date).

 

There are no official market makers or independent specialists on the Colombian SecuritiesExchange to ensure market liquidity and, therefore, orders to buy or sell in excess of corresponding orders to sell or buy will not be executed. The aggregate equity market capitalization of the Colombian SecuritiesExchange, as of December 31, 2017, was COP 363,844 billion (USD 122.439 billion), with 82 companies listed as of that date.

 

D.SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

 

Not applicable.

 

E.DILUTION

 

Not applicable.

 

F.EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A.SHARE CAPITAL

 

Not applicable.

 

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B.MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

 

Set forth below is certain information concerning the Bank’s capital stock and a brief summary of certain significant provisions of the Bank’s bylaws and Colombian corporate law. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Bank’s bylaws (an English translation of which is attached as Exhibit 1 to this Annual Report) and to Colombian corporate law.

 

Bancolombia’s Corporate Purpose

 

Pursuant to Article 4 of its bylaws, Bancolombia’s corporate purpose consists of all kinds of banking operations, business, acts and services. Subject to applicable law, Bancolombia may carry out all the activities and investments authorized to banks. Bancolombia is also authorized to participate in the capital stock of other companies, subject to any restrictions imposed by applicable law.

 

Board of Directors

 

Pursuant to the bylaws of Bancolombia, the Board of Directors has the power to authorize the execution of any agreement, within the corporate purpose of Bancolombia, and to adopt the necessary measures in order for the Bank to accomplish its purpose.

 

The activity of the Board of Directors, is specially focused on defining general policies and strategic objectives, as well as supervising all actions taken to achieve the objectives in a permanent search for the shareholders’ interest and the Bank’s sustainability and growth. Specific functions of the Board of Directors have been established in the Bank’s bylaws.

 

With respect to business operations, the Board of Directors has the power to review and approve the main projects, the risk policy and management, strategic planning, and the commercial and financial performance. The Board of Directors promotes the integrity of the accounting, information, corporate government, internal control, risks, and financial consumer service systems, among others.

 

Board of Directors´ meetings are held at least once a month; however, when special circumstances occur, extraordinary meetings may be held when convened according to provisions set forth in the company’s bylaws.

 

As of the date of filing of this Annual Report, Bancolombia’s board of directors is composed of seven directors, elected for a two-year term, with no alternate directors. For additional information regarding Bancolombia’s current directors please see Item 6.A, “Directors and Senior Management”.

 

After being designated, all of the members of the Board of Directors require an authorization from the SFC. The SFC assesses whether the director has an adequate profile for the position according to the requirements under Colombian Law.

 

According to Decree 3923 of 2006, the election of independent directors must be in a separate ballot from the ballot to elect the rest of directors, unless the reaching of the minimum number of independent directors required by law or by the by-laws is assured, or when there is only one list that includes the minimum number of required independent directors.

 

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According to Colombian law, 25% of the members of the board of directors must be independent. An “independent director” is a director who is NOT: (i) an employee or director of the issuer or any of its parent or subsidiary companies, including all those persons acting in said capacity during the year immediately preceding that in which they were appointed, except in the case of an independent member of the board of directors being re-elected; (ii) shareholders, who either directly or by virtue of an agreement direct, guide or control the majority of the entity’s voting rights or who determine the majority composition of the administration, the board of directors or other corporate bodies of this same entity; (iii) a partner or employee of any association or firm that provides advisory or consultancy services to the issuer or to companies who belong to the same economic group to which the issuer in question belongs, in the event that income obtained from such services represent for said association or firm twenty percent (20%) or more of its total operating income; (iv) an employee or director of a foundation, association or institution that receives significant donations from the issue. (the term “significant donations” is quantified as being twenty percent (20%) or more of the total amount of donations received by the respective institution); (v) an administrator of any entity on whose board of directors a legal representative of the issuer participates; and (vi) any person who receives from the issuer any kind of remuneration different from fees as a member of the board of directors, of the audit committee or any other committee set up by the board of directors. In addition to the independence criteria set forth by Colombian law, the election of an independent member of Bancolombia’s Board of Directors must be in compliance with provisions set forth by the NYSE standards.

 

Elections are made under a proportional representation voting system. Under that system: (i) each holder of common shares is entitled at the annual general shareholders’ meeting to nominate for election one or more directors; (ii) each nomination of one or more directors constitutes a group for the purposes of the election; (iii) each group of nominees must be listed in the order of preference for nominees in that group to be elected; (iv) once all groups have been nominated, holders of common shares may cast one vote for each common share held in favor of a particular group of nominees. Votes may not be cast for particular nominees in a group; they may be cast only for the entire group; (v) the total number of votes casted in the election is divided by the number of directors to be elected. The resulting quotient is the quota of votes necessary to elect particular directors. For each time that the number of votes cast for a group of nominees is divisible by the quota of votes, one nominee from that group is elected, in the order of the list of that group; and (vi) when no group has enough remaining votes to satisfy the quota of votes necessary to elect a director, any remaining board seat or seats are filled by electing the highest remaining nominee from the group with the highest number of remaining votes cast until all available seats have been filled.

 

The directors of Bancolombia must abstain from participating, directly or through an intermediary, on their own behalf or on behalf of a third party, in activities that may compete against the Bank or in conflict-of-interest transactions that may generate a conflict of interest situation, unless the general shareholders meeting expressly authorizes such transactions. For such purposes, the directors shall provide the shareholders’ meeting with all the relevant information necessary for the shareholders to reach a decision. If the director is a shareholder, his or her vote shall be excluded from the respective decision process. In any case, the general shareholders meeting could only grant its authorization if the act does not adversely affect Bancolombia’s interests.

 

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In the general annual shareholders meeting the shareholders are responsible for determining, the compensation of the members of the board of directors.

 

Description of Share Rights, Preferences and Restrictions

 

Bancolombia’s bylaws provide for an authorized capital stock of COP 700 billion divided into 1,400,000,000 shares of a par value of COP 500 each, which must belong to one of the following classes: (i) common shares, (ii) privileged shares; and (iii) shares with preferred dividend and no voting rights (“preferred shares”). Pursuant to Article 8 of the bylaws, all shares issued shall have the same nominal value.

 

As of December 31, 2017, Bancolombia had 509,704,584 common shares and 452,122,416 preferred shares outstanding and a shareholders’ equity of COP 23,113 billion divided into 961,827,000 shares.

 

Voting Rights

 

Common Shares

 

The holders of common shares are entitled to vote on the basis of one vote per share on any matter subject to approval at a general shareholders’ meeting. These general meetings may be ordinary meetings or extraordinary meetings.

 

Ordinary general shareholder’s meetings occur at least once a year but no later than three months after the end of the prior fiscal year, for the following purposes: (i) to consider the approval of Bancolombia’s annual report, including the financial statements for the preceding fiscal year; (ii) to review the annual report prepared by the external auditor; (iii) to determine the compensation for the members of the board of directors, and the external auditor (the external auditor compensation is determine every two years) (iv) to elect directors, the external auditor and the client representative (defensor del consumidor financiero). The client representative’s primary duty is to solve the individual complaints submitted by clients and users and serve as their spokesman, the directors and the external auditor (each for a two-year term); and (v) to determine the dividend policy and the allocation of profits, if any, of the preceding fiscal year, as well as any retained earnings from previous fiscal years.

 

Extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings may take place when duly called for a specified purpose or purposes, or, without prior notice, when holders representing all outstanding shares entitled to vote on the issues presented are present at the meeting.

 

Quorum for both ordinary and extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings to be convened at first call requires the presence of two or more shareholders representing at least half plus one of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the relevant meeting. If a quorum is not present, a subsequent meeting is called at which the presence of one or more holders of shares entitled to vote at the relevant meeting constitutes a quorum, regardless of the number of shares represented. General shareholders’ meetings may be called by the board of directors, the CEO or the external auditor of Bancolombia. In addition, two or more shareholders representing at least 20% of the outstanding shares have the right to request that a general meeting be convened. Notice of ordinary meetings and extraordinary meetings convened to approve fiscal year-end financial statements, the reduction of the outstanding capital, the merger, spin-off or sale of more than 25% of the assets, liabilities and contracts, must be published in one newspaper of wide circulation at Bancolombia’s principal place of business at least 30 calendar days prior to such meeting. Notice of other extraordinary meetings, must be published in one newspaper of wide circulation at Bancolombia’s principal place of business at least 15 calendar days prior to such meeting listing the matters to be addressed at such meeting.

 

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Except when Colombian law or Bancolombia’s bylaws require a special majority, action may be taken at a general shareholder’s meeting by the vote of two or more shareholders representing a majority of common shares present. Pursuant to Colombian law and/or Bancolombia’s bylaws, special majorities are required to adopt the following corporate actions: (i) a favorable vote of at least 70% of the shares represented at a general shareholders’ meeting is required to approve the issuance of shares without preemptive rights available for shareholders; (ii) a favorable vote of at least 78% of the holders of represented common shares to decide not to distribute as dividend at least 50% of the annual net profits of any given fiscal year; (iii) a favorable vote of at least 80% of the holders of represented common shares and 80% of the holders of outstanding preferred shares to approve the payment of the dividend in shares; and (iv) a favorable vote of at least 70.00% of the holders of common shares and of outstanding preferred shares to effect a decision to impair the conditions or rights established for such preferred shares, or a decision to convert those preferred shares into common shares.

 

If the Superintendency of Finance determines that any amendment to the bylaws fails to comply with Colombian law, it may demand that the relevant provisions be modified accordingly. Under these circumstances, Bancolombia will be obligated to comply in a timely manner.

 

Preferred Shares

 

The holders of preferred shares are not entitled to receive notice of, attend to or vote at any general shareholders’ meeting except as described below.

 

The holders of preferred shares will be entitled to vote on the basis of one vote per share at any shareholders’ meeting, whenever a shareholders vote is required on the following matters, in addition to those indicated above: (i) when voting the anticipated dissolution, merger or transformation of the corporation or change of its corporate purpose. (ii) when the preferred dividend has not been fully paid during two consecutive annual terms. In this event, holders of such shares shall retain their voting rights until the corresponding dividends have been fully paid to them. (iii) if at the end of a fiscal period, the Bank’s profits are not enough to pay the minimum dividend and the Superintendency of Finance, by its own decision or upon petition of holders of at least ten percent (10%) of preferred shares, determines that benefits were concealed or shareholders were misled with regard to benefits received from the Bank by the Bank’s directors or officers decreasing the profits to be distributed, the Superintendency of Finance may resolve that holders of preferred shares should participate with speaking and voting rights at the general shareholders’ meeting, in the terms established by law. (iv) when the registration of shares at the Colombian SecuritiesExchange or at the Superintendency of Finance, is suspended or canceled. In this event, voting rights shall be maintained until the irregularities that resulted in such cancellation or suspension are resolved. (v) when voting amendments that could impair the preferred shares’ rights, or the conversion of the preferred shares to common shares, a favorable vote of a minimum of seventy percent (70%) of the subscribe capital stock, including the favorable vote of a minimum of seventy percent (70%) of the preferred shares, is required.

 

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Bancolombia must cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of preferred shares are entitled to vote to be mailed to each record holder of preferred shares. Each notice must include a statement stating: (i) the date of the meeting; (ii) a description of any resolution to be proposed for adoption at the meeting on which the holders of preferred shares are entitled to vote; and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies.

 

Dividends

 

Common Shares

 

Once the unconsolidated Financial Statements are approved by the general shareholders meeting, the appropriation for the payment of taxes of the corresponding taxable year has been made, and the transfers to the reserves have been performed, then they can determine the allocation of distributable profits, if any, of the preceding year.

 

Under the Colombian Commercial Code, a company must distribute at least 50% of its annual net profits to all shareholders, payable in cash, or as determined by the shareholders, within a period of one year following the date on which the shareholders determine the dividends. If the total amount segregated in all reserves of a company exceeds its outstanding capital, this percentage is increased to 70%. The minimum common stock dividend requirement of 50% or 70%, as the case may be, may be waived by a favorable vote of the holders of 78% of a company’s common stock present at the meeting.

 

Under Colombian law and Bancolombia’s bylaws annual net profits are to be applied as follows: (i) first, an amount equivalent to 10% of net profits is segregated to build a legal reserve until that reserve is equal to at least 50% of Bancolombia’s paid-in capital; (ii) second, payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares; and (iii) third, allocation of the net profits is determined by the holders of a majority of the common shares entitled to vote on the recommendation of the board of directors and the President and may, subject to further reserves required by the by-laws, be distributed as dividends. Under the Bank’s bylaws, the dividends payable to the holders of common shares cannot exceed the dividends payable to holders of the preferred shares. Bancolombia’s bylaws requires to maintain a reserve fund equal to 50% of paid-in capital. All common shares that are fully paid in and outstanding at the time a dividend or other distribution is declared are entitled to share equally in that dividend or other distribution. Common shares that are only partially-paid participate in a dividend or distribution in the same proportion than the shares that have been fully paid in at the time of the dividend or distribution.

 

The general shareholders’ meeting may allocate a portion of the profits to welfare, education or civic services, or to support economic organizations of the Bank’s employees.

 

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Preferred Shares

 

Holders of preferred shares are entitled to receive dividends based on the net profits of the preceding fiscal year, after deducting losses affecting the capital and once the amount that shall be legally set apart for the legal reserve has been deducted, but before creating or accruing for any other reserve, of a non-cummulative minimum preferred dividend equal to one percent (1%) yearly of the subscription price of the preferred share, provided this dividend is higher than the dividend assigned to common shares. If this is not the case, the dividend shall be increased to an amount that is equal to the per share dividend on the common shares. The dividend received by holders of common shares may not be higher than the dividend assigned to preferred shares.

 

Payment of the preferred dividend shall be made at the time and in the manner established in the general shareholders’ meeting and with the priority indicated by Colombian law.

 

In the event that the holders of preferred shares have not received the minimum dividend for a period in excess of two consecutive fiscal years, they will acquire certain voting rights. See Item 10. “Aditional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Description of Share Rights, Preferences and Restrictions – Voting Rights – Preferred Shares”.

 

General Considerations Relating to Dividends

 

The dividend periods may be different from the periods covered by the statement of financial position. In the general shareholders’ meeting, shareholders will determine such dividend periods, the effective date, the system and the place for payment of dividends.

 

Dividends declared on the common shares and the preferred shares will be payable to the record holders of those shares, as they are recorded on Bancolombia’s stock registry, on the appropriate record dates as determined in the general shareholders’ meeting.

 

Any dividend in shares payable by Bancolombia will be paid in common shares to the holders of common shares and in preferred shares to the holders of preferred shares. Nonetheless, Shareholders at the general shareholders’ meeting may authorize the payment in common shares to all shareholders.

 

Any dividend in shares requires the approval of 80% or more of the shares present at a shareholders’ meeting, which will include 80% or more of the outstanding preferred shares. In the event that such voting majority is not obtained, shareholders may individually elect to receive a stock dividend or a cash dividend.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

Bancolombia will be dissolved if certain events take place, including the following: (i) its term of existence, as stated in the by-laws, expires without being extended by the shareholders prior to its expiration date; (ii) losses cause the decrease of its shareholders’ equity below 50% of its outstanding capital stock, unless one or more of the corrective measures described in the Colombian Commercial Code are adopted by the shareholders within six months; (iii) by decision at the general shareholders’ meeting;and (iv) in certain other events expressly provided by law and in the by-laws.

 

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Upon dissolution, a liquidator must be appointed by the general shareholders’ meeting to wind up its affairs. In addition, the Superintendency of Finance has the power to take over the operations and assets of a bank and proceed to its liquidation under certain circumstances and in the manner prescribed in the Estatuto Orgánico del Sistema Financiero, Decree 663 of 1993. For more information see Item 4. “Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8. Supervision and Regulation – Bankruptcy Considerations”.

 

Preemptive Rights and Other Anti-Dilution Provisions

 

Under the Bank’s bylaws, the holders of common shares determine in their meeting the amount of authorized capital stock, and the board of directors has the power to (a) order the issuance and regulate the terms of subscription of common shares up to the total amount of authorized capital stock and (b) regulate the issuance of shares with rights to a preferential dividend but without the right to vote, when expressly delegated at the general shareholders’ meeting. The issuance of preferred shares must always be first approved at the general shareholders’ meeting, which shall determine the nature and extent of any privileges, according to the bylaws and Colombian law.

 

The Bank’s bylaws and Colombian law require that, whenever the Bank issues new shares of any outstanding class, it must offer the holders of each class of shares the right to purchase a number of shares of such class sufficient to maintain their existing percentage ownership of the aggregate capital stock of the Bank. These rights are called preemptive rights. See Item 3. “Key Information – D. Risk Factors – Preemptive rights may not be available to holders of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) evidencing ADSs”.

 

Shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders may suspend preemptive rights with respect to a particular capital increase by a favorable vote of at least 70% of the shares represented at the meeting. Preemptive rights must be exercised within the period stated in the share placement terms of the increase, which cannot be shorter than 15 business days following the publication of the notice of the public offer of that capital increase. From the date of the notice of the share placement terms, preemptive rights may be transferred separately from the corresponding shares.

 

The Superintendency of Finance will authorize decreases in the outstanding capital stock decided by the holders of common shares only if: (i) Bancolombia has no liabilities; (ii) Bancolombia’s creditors consent in writing; or (iii) the outstanding capital stock remaining after the reduction represents at least twice the amount of Bancolombia’s liabilities.

 

Limits on Purchases and Sales of Capital Stock by Related Parties

 

Pursuant to the Colombian Commerce Code, the members of the Bank’s board of directors and certain of our principal executive officers may not, directly or undirectly, buy or sell shares of our capital stock while they hold their positions, except when dealing with nonspeculative operations and in that case they need to obtain the prior authorization of the board of directors passed with the vote of two-thirds of its members (excluding, in the case of transactions by a director, such director’s vote) or when deemed relevant by the Board of Directors of the Bank with the authorization of the Shareholders Meeting the affirmative vote of the ordinary majority foreseen in the bylaws, excluding the vote of the petitioner.

 

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No Redemption

 

Colombian law prohibits Bancolombia from repurchasing shares of its capital stock, including the preferred shares.

 

Limitations on the Rights to Hold Securities

 

There are no limitations in our by-laws or Colombian law on the rights of Colombian residents or foreign investors to own the shares of the Bank, or on the right to hold or exercise voting rights with respect to those shares.

 

Restrictions on Change of Control Mergers, Acquisitions or Corporate Restructuring of the Company

 

Under Colombian law and our bylaws, the general shareholders’ meeting has full and exclusive authority to approve any corporate restructuring including, mergers, acquisitions or spin-offs upon authorization by the Colombian Superintendency of Finance.

 

Ownership Threshold Requiring Public Disclosure

 

We must disclose to the Superintendency of Finance at the end of each fiscal quarter the names of the shareholders of our company, indicating at least, the twenty five shareholders with the highest number of shares.

 

Colombian securities regulations set forth the obligation to disclose any material event or relevant fact. Any transfer of shares equal or greater than 5% of our capital stock or any person acquiring a percentage of shares that would make him the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our capital stock, is a material event, and therefore, must be disclosed to the Superintendency of Finance.

 

Changes in the Capital of the Company

 

There are no conditions in our by-laws governing changes in our capital stock that are more stringent than those required under Colombian law.

 

C.MATERIAL CONTRACTS

 

Bancolombia has not entered into any contract, other than those entered in the ordinary course of business or that are not considered to be material, to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party, for the two years immediately preceding the date of this Annual Report.

 

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D.EXCHANGE CONTROLS

 

The Central Bank has consistently made foreign currency available to Colombian private sector entities to meet their foreign currency obligations. Nevertheless, in the event of shortages, foreign currency may not be available to private sector companies and the amounts needed by the Bank to service foreign currency obligations may not be purchased in the open market without substantial additional costs.

 

The Foreign Exchange Statute, Law 9 of 1991, outlines the Colombian foreign exchange regime which relates to matters such as imports and exports of goods, foreign indebtedness, and guarantees in foreign currencies, among others. Additionally, Decree 1068 of 2015, as amended, sets forth an International Investments Regime which provides for rules applicable to foreign residents who invest in the Colombian securities markets and undertake other types of investments, prescribes registration with the Central Bank of certain foreign exchange transactions, and specifies procedures pursuant to which certain types of foreign investments are to be authorized and administered. Both, the Foreign Exchange Statute and the International Investments Regime are regulated by External Resolution No. 8 of 2000 and External Regulating Circular DCIN 83 of 2006, both as amended, of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank.

 

 Under Colombian law and the Bank’s by-laws, foreign investors receive the same treatment as Colombian citizens with respect to ownership and the voting rights of ADSs and preferred shares. For a detailed discussion of ownership restrictions see Item 4. “Information on the Company - B. Business Overview - B.8. Supervision and Regulation – Ownership and Management Restrictions”.

 

E.TAXATION

 

Colombian Taxation

 

For purposes of Colombian taxation, an individual is considered as a resident if he or she meets any of the following conditions:

 

·Continuous or discontinuous presence in Colombia for more than 183 calendar days including entry and departure days from the country, within any period of 365 consecutive calendar days, provided that, when the continuous or discontinuous presence in the country is exercised in more than one fiscal year, the individual would be considered as a resident in the second fiscal year.

 

·Those persons working for the Colombian Foreign Service or those serving the Colombian Foreign Service and which, by virtue of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, are exempt from taxation on all or part of their income and occasional earnings in the country in which they are serving during the respective tax year or period.

 

·Is a Colombian citizen and during the applicable fiscal year:

 

a)The spouse or permanent life partner, or underage dependent children, are residents in Colombia for tax purposes; or,

 

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b)50% or more of their income has a Colombian source; or,

 

c)50% or more of their assets are managed in Colombia; or,

 

d)50% or more of their assets are held or deemed to be held in Colombia; or,

 

e)The Colombian taxation authority has requested evidence of the foreign residency status, and it is not provided by the individual; or
   
f)Had fiscal residence in a tax haven jurisdiction as defined by Colombian regulations.

 

Colombian citizens are not considered a tax resident if they meet any of the above conditions and fulfill at least one of the following:

 

a)50% or more of their annual income has its source in the jurisdiction in which they are domiciled; or,

 

b)50% or more of their assets are located in the jurisdiction where they are domiciled.

 

Entities:

 

·For purposes of Colombian taxation, a legal entity is a resident of Colombia if its principal office is located in Colombia. For this purpose, the principal office means the place where material commercial and management decisions are made.

 

·Companies and entities that comply with any of the following conditions are also considered to be nationals for tax purposes:

 

a)Primary domicile in Colombia; or

 

b)Incorporated in Colombia, in accordance with Colombian laws.

 

Foreign companies, foreign investment funds, and individuals that are not Colombian residents are not required by law to file an income tax return in Colombia when their income has been previously subject to withholding tax, provided that such income results from payments of dividends, capital gains or labor related income.

 

Pursuant to the International Investments Regime (see Item 10. “Additional Information – D. Exchange Controls”), the preferred shares deposited under the Deposit Agreement constitute a Foreign Institutional Capital Investment Fund (the “Fund”). Under Article 18-1 of the Fiscal Statute, modified by the Law 1607 of 2012, profits of the Fund, excluding dividends, are subject to withholding tax. The applicable taxation rate is 14%, provided that the Depositary is not located in a tax haven, in which case, the applicable taxation rate is 25%. The withholding is 25% in the case of dividends if they relate to untaxed company earnings.

 

If the Depositary sells, or otherwise negotiates, the preemptive rights it would be entitled to in the event of a new issue of shares (see Item 3. “Key Information - D. Risk Factors-Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the ADSs”), the profits obtained from said sale will not be subject to income in Colombia provided that said disposal does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of the respective company, during a same taxable year. Regulations applicable to the taxation of dividends, other than those in the International Investment Regime, were modified under Law 1819 of 2016, as follows:

 

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A dividend tax was created, which will be collected by at-source withholdings at the time they are paid out. This new tax applies to dividends distributed based on earnings obtained starting in the 2017 tax year.

 

·The rates for non-residents of Colombia are:

 

a)5.00% if the distributed dividends relate to earnings taxed at the parent company (notwithstanding the application of any double taxation treaty signed by Colombia).

 

b)35.00% if the distributed dividends relate to earnings not taxed at the parent company. A further 5% will be applied to the difference to be distributed (for a total of 38.25%). The above is notwithstanding the application of double taxation treaties signed by Colombia.

 

·The rates for residents of Colombia are:

 

a)The at-source withholding rate for domestic companies continues to be 20% when the dividends are distributed against taxed earnings.

 

b)The tax will be as follows for natural persons:

 

-Between 0%, 5% and 10% if the dividends are distributed against earnings taxed at the parent company.

 

-35% if the dividends are distributed against earnings not taxed at the parent company. A further 5% will be applied to the difference to be distributed (for a total of 38.25%).

 

·Preferred shares

 

Preferred shares will have the same treatment as financial liabilities for the issuer's tax purposes. The treatment will be the same as financial assets for the holder. This treatment will not be applicable to listed shares that do not comply with the rest of the requirements established by Article 33-3 of the Tax Statute.

 

Other Tax Considerations

 

As of the date of this report, there is no income tax treaty and no inheritance or gift tax treaty in effect between Colombia and the United States.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation Considerations

 

This section describes the material United States federal income tax consequences generally applicable to a U.S. holder (as defined below) of owning preferred shares or ADSs. It applies to you only if you hold your preferred shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including:

 

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·a dealer in securities,
·a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings,
·a tax-exempt organization,
·a life insurance company,
·a person liable for alternative minimum tax,
·a person that actually or constructively owns 10.00% or more of the combined voting power of our voting stock or of the total value of our stock,
·a person that holds preferred shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction,
·a person that purchases or sells preferred shares or ADSs as part of a wash sale for tax purposes, or
·a person whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.

 

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. There is currently no comprehensive income tax treaty between the United States and Colombia. In addition, this section is based in part upon the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

 

If a partnership holds the preferred shares or ADSs, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the preferred shares or ADSs should consult its tax advisor with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment of an investment in the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

You are a U.S. holder if you are a beneficial owner of preferred shares or ADSs and you are:

 

·a citizen or resident of the United States,

 

·a domestic corporation,

 

·an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

 

In general, and taking into account the earlier assumptions, for United States federal income tax purposes, if you hold ADRs evidencing ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the preferred shares represented by those ADRs. Exchanges of preferred shares for ADRs, and ADRs for preferred shares generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax.

 

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Taxation of Dividends and Distributions

 

Under the United States federal income tax laws, and subject to the passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) rules discussed below, the gross amount of any dividend we pay out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) is subject to United States federal income taxation. If you are a non-corporate U.S. holder, dividends paid to you that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to you at preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided that you hold the preferred shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or, if the dividend is attributable to a period or periods aggregating over 366 days, provided that you hold the preferred shares or ADSs for more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before the ex-dividend date) and meet other holding period requirements. Dividends we pay with respect to the ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income provided that, in the year that you receive the dividend, the ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. The Bank believes that its ADSs, which are listed on the NYSE, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States; however, there can be no assurance that the Bank’s ADSs will continue to be readily tradable on an established securities market. Because the preferred shares are not listed on any United States securities market, it is unclear whether dividends we pay with respect to the preferred shares will also be qualified dividend income. If dividends we pay with respect to our preferred shares are not qualified dividend income, then the U.S. dollar amount of such dividends received by a U.S. holder (including dividends received by a non-corporate U.S. holder) will be subject to taxation at ordinary income tax rates.

 

You must include any Colombian tax withheld from the dividend payment in this gross amount even though you do not in fact receive it. The dividend is taxable to you when you, in the case of preferred shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, receive the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from other United States corporations. The amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the Colombian Peso payments made, determined at the spot Colombian Peso / U.S. dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date you include the dividend payment in income to the date you convert the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in the preferred shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain. However, we do not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, you should expect to generally treat distributions with respect to preferred shares or ADSs as dividends.

 

Subject to certain limitations, the Colombian tax withheld and paid over to Colombia will be creditable or deductible against your United States federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to preferential rates. To the extent a refund of the tax withheld is available to you under Colombian law, the amount of tax withheld that is refundable will not be eligible for credit against your United States federal income tax liability. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex, and U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the creditability of foreign taxes in their particular circumstances.

 

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For foreign tax credit purposes, dividends will be income from sources outside the United States and will generally be “passive” income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to you.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, if you sell or otherwise dispose of your preferred shares or ADSs, you will recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount that you realize and your tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in your preferred shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the property is held for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

 

PFIC Rules

 

We believe that preferred shares and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If we were to be treated as a PFIC, unless you elect to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to your preferred shares or ADSs, the following rules would apply. With certain exceptions, your preferred shares or ADSs would be treated as stock in a PFIC if we were a PFIC at any time during your holding period in your preferred shares or ADSs.

 

Any “excess distributions,” which would include any distributions during a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by you in respect of the preferred shares or ADSs during the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, your holding period for the preferred shares or ADSs, and any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of your preferred shares or ADSs would be allocated ratably over your holding period for the preferred shares or ADSs and would generally be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. Any gain recognized would not be treated as capital gain.

 

If you own preferred shares or ADSs in a PFIC that are treated as marketable stock, you may make a mark-to-market election. If you make this election, you will not be subject to the PFIC rules described above. Instead, in general, you will include as ordinary income each year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of your preferred shares or ADSs at the end of the taxable year over your adjusted basis in your preferred shares or ADSs. These amounts of ordinary income will not be eligible for the favorable tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains. You will also be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of your preferred shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). Your basis in the preferred shares or ADSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts.

 

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In addition, notwithstanding any election you make with regard to the preferred shares or ADSs, dividends that you receive from us would not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead would be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

 

Medicare Tax

 

A U.S. holder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, is subject to a 3.8% tax (the “Medicare tax”) on the lesser of (1) the U.S. holder’s “net investment income” (or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust) for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals is between USD 125,000 and USD 250,000, depending on the individual’s circumstances). A holder’s net investment income generally includes its dividend income and its net gains from the disposition of preferred shares or ADSs, unless such dividend income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). If you are an individual, estate or trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets

 

Owners of “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of USD 50,000 (and in some circumstances, a higher threshold) may be required to file an information report with respect to such assets with their tax returns. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following, but only if they are held for investment and not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities issued by non-United States persons (including the preferred shares and ADSs), (ii) financial instruments and contracts that have non-United States issuers or counterparties, and (iii) interests in foreign entities. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this reporting requirement to their ownership of the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

FATCA Withholding

 

Under FATCA, a 30% withholding tax will be imposed on certain payments to certain non-U.S. financial institutions that fail to comply with information reporting requirements or certification requirements in respect of their direct and indirect United States shareholders and/or United States accountholders. To avoid becoming subject to the 30% withholding tax on payments to them, we and other non-U.S. financial institutions may be required to report information to the IRS regarding the holders of preferred shares or ADSs and to withhold on a portion of payments under the preferred shares or ADSs to certain holders that fail to comply with the relevant information reporting requirements (or hold preferred shares or ADSs directly or indirectly through certain non-compliant intermediaries).  However, such withholding will not apply to payments made before January 1, 2019. The rules for the implementation of this legislation have not yet been fully finalized, so it is impossible to determine at this time what impact, if any, this legislation will have on holders of the preferred shares and ADSs.

 

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FATCA is particularly complex and its application is uncertain at this time. The above description is based in part on regulations, the intergovernmental agreement between the United States and Colombia and official guidance, which are subject to change, and the provisions described above may be implemented in a materially different form.  Holders of preferred shares or ADSs should consult their own tax advisors regarding how these rules may apply to their investment in the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

F.DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

G.STATEMENT BY EXPERTS

 

Not applicable.

 

H.DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

 

Bancolombia files reports and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may read and copy any document that Bancolombia files at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Some of the Bank’s SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

I.SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Introduction

 

The following section describes the market risks to which Bancolombia is exposed and the tools and methodology used to measure these risks as of December 31, 2017. Bancolombia faces market risk as a consequence of its lending, trading and investments businesses. Market risk represents the potential loss due to adverse changes in market prices of financial instruments as a result of movements in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and other risk factors, such as sovereign risk. 

 

Bancolombia’s risk management strategy, called the Integrated Risk Management Strategy, is based on principles set by international bodies and by Colombian regulations, and is guided by Bancolombia’s corporate strategy. The main objective of the Integrated Risk Management Strategy is to identify measure, coordinate, monitor, report and propose policies for market and liquidity risks of the Bank, which in turn serve to facilitate the efficient administration of Bancolombia’s assets and liabilities. Bancolombia’s board of directors and senior management have formalized the policies, procedures, strategies and rules of action for market risk administration in its “Market Risk Manual”. This manual defines the roles and responsibilities within each subdivision of the Bank and their interaction to ensure adequate market risk administration.

 

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The Bank’s Market Risks Management Office is responsible for: (a) identifying, measuring, monitoring, analyzing and controlling the market risk inherent in the Bank’s businesses, (b) analyzing the Bank’s exposure under stress scenarios and confirming compliance with Bancolombia’s risk management policies, (c) analyzing the methodologies for valuation of the market value securities and financial instruments design by the official price vendor, (d) reporting to senior management and the board of directors any violation of Bancolombia’s risk management policies, (e) reporting to the senior management on a daily basis the levels of market risk associated with the trading instruments recorded in its treasury book (the “Treasury Book”), and (f) proposing policies to the board of directors and to senior management that ensure the maintenance of predetermined risk levels. The Bank has also implemented an approval process for new products across each of its subdivisions. This process is designed to ensure that every subdivision is prepared to incorporate the new product into their procedures, that every risk is considered before the product is incorporated and that approval is obtained from the board of directors before the new product can be sold.

 

The Bank’s assets include both trading and non-trading instruments. Trading instruments are recorded in the Treasury Book and include fixed income securities and derivatives, foreign exchange (FX) and bond futures, and over-the-counter plain vanilla and exotic derivatives. Trading in derivatives includes forward contracts in foreign currency operations, plain vanilla options and asian options on U.S. dollar/COP currency, foreign exchange swaps and interest rate swaps. Non-trading instruments are recorded in the Bank’s banking book (the “Banking Book”), which includes primarily loans, time deposits, checking accounts and savings accounts.

 

The Bank uses a value at risk (“VaR”) calculation to limit its exposure to the market risk of its Treasury Book. The board of directors is responsible for establishing the maximum VaR based on its assessment of the appropriate level of risk for Bancolombia. The Risks Committee is responsible for establishing the maximum VaR by type of investment (e.g., fixed income in public debt) and by type of risk (e.g., currency risk). These limits are supervised on a daily basis by the Market Risk Management Office.

 

For managing the interest rate risk from banking activities, the Bank analyzes the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. In addition, the foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the Banking Book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

Trading Instruments Market Risk Measurement

 

The Bank currently measures the Treasury Book exposure to market risk (including over-the-counter derivatives positions) as well as the currency risk exposure of the Banking Book, which is provided to the Treasury Division, using a VaR methodology established in accordance with “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, issued by the Superintendency of Finance.

 

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The VaR methodology established by “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular” is based on the model recommended by the Amendment to the Capital Accord to Incorporate Market Risks of Basel Committee of 2005, which focuses on the Treasury Book and excludes investments measure under amortized cost which are not being given as collateral and any other investment that comprises the Banking Book, such as non-trading positions. In addition, the methodology aggregate all risks by the use of correlations, through an allocation system based on defined zones and bands, affected by given sensitivity factors.

 

The total market risk for the Bank is calculated by the arithmetical aggregation of the VaR calculated for each subsidiary. The aggregated VaR is reflected in the Bank’s Capital Adequacy (Solvency) ratio, in accordance with Decree 1771 of 2012.

 

For purposes of VaR calculations, a risk exposure category is any market variable that is able to influence potential changes in the portfolio value. Taking into account a given risk exposure, the VaR model assesses the maximum loss not exceeded at a specified confidence level over a given period of time. The fluctuations in the portfolio’s VaR depend on volatility, modified duration and positions changes relating to the different instruments that are subject to market risk.

 

The relevant risk exposure categories for which VaR is computed by Bancolombia according to the “Chapter XXI, appendix 1 of the Basic Accounting Circular” are: (i) interest rate risks relating to local currency, foreign currency and UVR; (ii) currency risk; (iii) stock price risk; and (iv) fund risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk (Treasury Book):

 

The interest rate risk is the probability of decrease in the market value of the position due to fluctuations in market interest rates. Bancolombia calculates the interest rate risk for positions in local currency, foreign currency and UVR separately; in accordance with Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular issued by the Superintendency of Finance. The calculation of the interest rate risk begins by determining the net position in each instrument and estimating its sensitivity by multiplying its net present value (“NPV”) by its “modified duration” and by the interest rate’s estimated fluctuation (as defined by the Superintendency of Finance). The interest rate’s fluctuations are established by the Superintendency of Finance according to historical market performance, as shown in the following table:

 

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Figure 1. Interest Risk – Sensitivity by Bands and Zones

 

 

Zone

Band Modified Duration Interest rate fluctuations (basis points)
Low High Pesos URV USD
Zone 1 1 0 0.08 274 274 100
2 0.08 0.25 268 274 100
3 0.25 0.5 259 274 100
4 0.5 1 233 274 100
Zone 2 5 1 1.9 222 250 90
6 1.9 2.8 222 250 80
7 2.8 3.6 211 220 75
Zone 3 8 3.6 4.3 211 220 75
9 4.3 5.7 172 200 70
10 5.7 7.3 162 170 65
11 7.3 9.3 162 170 60
12 9.3 10.6 162 170 60
13 10.6 12 162 170 60
14 12 20 162 170 60
15 20 - 162 170 60

 

Once the sensitivity factor is calculated for each position, the modified duration is then used to classify each position within its corresponding band. A net sensitivity is then calculated for each band, by determining the difference between the sum of all long-positions and the sum of all short-positions. Then a net position is calculated for each zone (which consists of a series of bands) determined by the Superintendency of Finance. The final step is to make adjustments within each band, across bands and within each zone, which results in a final number that is the interest rate risk VaR by currency. Each adjustment is performed following the guidelines established by the Superintendency of Finance.

 

The Bank’s exposure to interest risk primarily arises from investments in Colombian government’s treasury bonds (TES) and another securities issued by the Colombian government.

 

The interest rate risk VaR increased from COP 252 billion on December 31, 2016 to COP 284 billion on December 31, 2017, due to the rise in the position in Colombian government’s treasury bonds (TES) in the liquidity portfolio. During the year 2017, the average interest rate risk VaR was COP 290 billion, the maximum value COP 304 billion, and the minimum value COP 270 billion.

 

Currency (Treasury and Banking Book), Equity (Treasury Book) and Fund Risk (Treasury Book):

 

The VaR model uses a sensitivity factor to calculate the probability of loss due to fluctuations in the price of stocks, funds and currencies in which the Bank maintains a position. As previously indicated, the methodology used in this Annual Report to measure such risk consists of computing VaR, which is derived by multiplying the position by the maximum probable variation in the price of such positions (“Dp”). The Dp is determined by the Superintendency of Finance, as shown in the following table:

 

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Figure 2. Sensitivity Factor for Currency Risks, Equity Risks and Fund Risks

 

USD 12.49%
Euro 11.00%
Other currencies 13.02%
Funds 14.70%
Stock Price 14.70%

 

Update of currency risk exposure sensitivity factors (Dollar EEUU 5.5% to 12.49%, Euro 6% to 11% and other currencies 8% to 13.02%).

 

The Circular External 027 of 2017 issued by the SFC, increased currency sensitivity factors since December 1st, 2017.

 

The currency risk VaR increase from COP 247 billion as of December 31, 2016 to COP 559 billion as of December 31, 2017 due to the rise of the 27.39% in the net position in U.S. dollars in Bancolombia and the increase in currency sensitivity factors. Between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, the average currency risk VaR was COP 488 billion, the maximum value COP 884 billion, and the minimum value COP 330 billion; and additionally by the increase sensitivity factors.

 

The equity risk VaR increased from COP 61 billion as of December 31, 2016 to COP 71 billion as of December 31, 2017 due to the surge in the brokerage firm’s trading position and the increase in the market value of the Bank’s equity positions. Between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, the average equity VaR was COP 77 billion, the maximum value COP 84 billion, and the minimum value COP 71 billion.

 

The fund risk, which arises from investment in mutual funds, increased from COP 161 billion as of December 31, 2016 to COP 173 billion as of December 31, 2017. Between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, the average fund risk VaR was COP 156 billion, the maximum value COP 174 billion, and the minimum value COP 35 billion.

 

As mentioned above the Bank uses the regulatory VaR model to measure its exposure to market risk, in accordance with “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, issued by the Superintendency of Finance. The interest rate’s fluctuations and the sensitivity factors for equity and fund risk used in the model are established by the Superintendency of Finance according to historical market performance, and have not changed since March 2011.

 

Total Market Risk VaR

 

The total market risk VaR is calculated as the algebraic sum of the interest rate risk, the currency risk, the stock price risk and the fund risk.

 

The total market risk VaR, rose 51%, going from COP 721 billion in December 31, 2016 to COP 1,086 billion as of December 31, 2017, due mainly to increase in the currency risk mentioned above.

 

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Assumptions and Limitations of VaR Models: Although VaR models represent a recognized tool for risk management, they have inherent limitations, including reliance on historical data that may not be indicative of future market conditions or trading patterns. Accordingly, VaR models should not be viewed as predictive of future results. The Bank may incur in losses that could be materially in excess of the amounts indicated by the models on a particular trading day or over a period of time, and there have been instances when results have fallen outside the values generated by the Bank’s VaR models. A VaR model does not calculate the greatest possible loss. The results of these models and analysis thereof are subject to the reasonable judgment of the Bank’s risk management personnel.

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s consolidated VaR for trading instruments at the end of December 2016 and December 2017.

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
  In millions of COP
Interest Rate Risk VaR  283,548  251,904
Currency Risk VaR  559,362  247,047
Equity Risk VaR  70,758  61,120
Fund Risk VaR  173,236  161,225
Total VaR  1,086,904  721,296

 

 

Includes Grupo Agromercantil’s market risk exposure at a 100%

 

Between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, the average Total VaR was COP 1,011 billion, the maximum value COP 1,407 billion, and the minimum value COP 877 billion. 

 

Non-Trading Instruments Market Risk Measurement

 

The Banking Book’s relevant risk exposure is interest rate risk, which is the probability of unexpected changes in net interest income as a result of a change in market interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect Bancolombia’s earnings as a result of timing differences on the repricing of the assets and liabilities. The Bank manages the interest rate risk arising from banking activities in non-trading instruments by analyzing the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. The foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the Banking Book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

Interest Risk Exposure (Banking Book)

 

The Bank has performed a sensitivity analysis of market risk sensitive instruments estimating the impact on the net interest income of each position in the Banking Book, using a repricing model and assuming positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points (bps).

 

The table 1 provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate sensitivity for the statement of financial position items comprising the Banking Book:

 

Table 1. Sensitivity to Interest Rate Risk of the Banking Book

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate risk sensitivity in local currency (COP) at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

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Interest Rate Risk
  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
  In millions of COP
Assets sensitivity 100 bps  $ 692,001 $ 614,268
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps  $ 361,428 $ 366.262
Net interest income sensitivity 100 bps $ 330,573  $ 248,006

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate risk sensitivity in foreign currency (USD) at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Interest Rate Risk
  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
  In thousands of US dollars
Assets sensitivity 100 bps USD 75,670 USD 78,173
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps USD 60,229 USD 71,401
Net interest income sensitivity 100 bps USD 15,441 USD 6,772

 

A positive net sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of assets than of liabilities and implies that a rise in interest rates will positively affect the Bank´s net interest income. A negative sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of liabilities than of assets and implies that a rise in interest rates will negatively affect the Bank´s net interest income. In the event of a decrease in interest rates, the impacts on net interest income would be opposite to those described above.

 

Total Exposure:

 

As of December 31, 2017, the net interest income sensitivity in local currency for the banking book instruments, entered into for other than trading purposes with positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points was COP 330,573. The change in the net interest income sensitivity between 2017 and 2016 is due to the growth in floating rate loans.

 

On the other hand, the net interest income sensitivity in foreign currency, assuming the same parallel shift of 100 basis points, was USD 15 at December 31, 2017, compared with USD 7 at December 31, 2016. The increase in net interest income between 2017 and 2016 is due to the reduction in interbank borrowings.

 

Assumptions and Limitations:

 

Net interest income sensitivity analysis is based on the repricing model and consider the following key assumptions: (a) does not consider prepayments, new operations, defaults, etc., (b); the fixed rate instruments sensitivity, includes the amounts with maturity lower than one year and assumes these will be disbursed at market interest rates and (c) changes in interest rate occur immediately and parallel in the yield curves from assets and liabilities for different maturities.

 

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Structural Equity Risk Exposure (Banking Book)

 

Bancolombia’s investment banking affiliate, in its role of financial corporation, has, directly and through its affiliated companies, structural equity investments. These positions are maintained mostly in energy and financial sectors. The market value of those investments increased by 28.84% during the year, as a consequence of the rise of a fraction in the investments of financial sector, going from COP 113 billion as of December 31, 2016 to COP 146 billion as of December 31, 2017.

 

The structural equity positions are exposed to market risk. Sensitivity calculations are made for those positions:

 

  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
  In millions of COP
Market Value 146,667  113,835
Delta 14.7% 14.7%
Sensitivity  21,560 16,734

 

A negative impact of 14.7%, apply to the market value, produces a decrease of COP 21 billion on the structural equity investments market value, going from COP 146 billion to COP 125 billion.

 

ITEM 12.DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

D.American Depositary Shares

 

D.3.Fees and charges applicable to holders of American Depositary Receipts

 

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

The following are the fees charged by the depositary:

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay: For:
USD 5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)

• Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property.

• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates.

Registration or transfer fees • Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares.
Expenses of the depositary

• Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement).

• Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Taxes and other Governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or share underlying a ADSs, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes. • As necessary.

 

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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay: For:

Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities. • As necessary.

 

D.4.i.FEES INCURRED IN PAST ANNUAL PERIOD

 

From January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, the depositary reimbursed Bancolombia USD 550,000 for expenses related to the administration and maintenance of the ADR facility, investor relations activities, annual listing fees and any other ADR program-related expenses incurred by Bancolombia directly associated with the Bank’s preferred share ADR program. In addition, Fiduciaria Bancolombia, a subsidiary of the Bank, received COP 458 million from The Bank of New York Mellon during the same period in connection with its role as local custodian of the depositary bank.

 

D.4.ii.FEES TO BE PAID IN THE FUTURE

 

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse the Bank for expenses incurred that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADS program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. In certain instances, the depositary has agreed to provide additional payments to the Company based on any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse the Company, but the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors.

 

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 13.DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

There has not been any default, arrearage or delinquency neither in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking or purchase fund installment, nor in any payment relating to indebtedness or dividends by the Bank or any of its subsidiaries.

 

ITEM 14.MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

There has not been any modification to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds.

 

ITEM 15.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, the Bank’s management identified a material weakness in the controls related to the estimation of impairment for individually significant impaired commercial loans. Specifically, the review controls over the key judgments and information used in measuring impairment were not designed effectively and did not operate effectively. Consequently, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Management did not identify any other deficiencies that had a material adverse effect on the effectiveness of the Company’s controls and procedures.

 

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Bank's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Bank’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

The Bank's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: 

 

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Bank;

 

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Bank are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Bank's management and directors; and

 

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Bank's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

  

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework version). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Bank's internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of 31 December 2017 due to the existence of a material weakness in the internal controls as described above. Notwithstanding the material weakness described above, based on the additional analysis and other procedures performed, we believe the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are fairly presented in all material respects, in conformity with IFRS. 

 

The effectiveness of the Bank's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche Ltda., an independent registered public accounting firm, which report is included on page F-1 of this annual report and expresses an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

 

In addition, there were no changes in Bank´s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect the Bank´s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Remediation plan

 

Management has made significant progress in the remediation of this material weakness through the following activities:

 

Implementing controls to assure the completeness of the inputs and accuracy of the assumptions used to estimate loan losses from individually significant impaired commercial loans.

 

Defining procedures required to ensure sufficient detailed documentation to support the assumptions made for the estimation.

 

Providing additional training regarding Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements to key personal in charge of loan losses estimation process.

 

Increasing the monitoring of activities during the year of the controls related to this process.

 

Management believes the foregoing efforts, once fully implemented, will effectively remediate the material weakness.

 

The Bank may take additional measures or modify the remediation plan described above as part of the ongoing improvement process.

 

ITEM 16.RESERVED

 

A.AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

The board of directors of Bancolombia appointed Hernando Jose Gomez Restrepo as the audit committee financial expert in accordance with SEC rules and regulations.

 

Our audit committee financial expert, along with the other members of our audit committee, is considered to be independent according to applicable NYSE criteria.

 

Mr. Gomez has served as the Bank’s audit committee financial expert since April 2016. There is no business relationship between him and the Bank, except for standard personal banking services. Further, there is no fee arrangement between Mr. Gomez and the Bank, except in connection with his capacity as a member of the Bank’s board of directors and as a member of the audit committee. Mr. Gomez is considered an independent director under Colombian law and the Bank’s Corporate Governance Code, as well as under NYSE’s director independence standards. For more information regarding our audit committee, see Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees— C. Board Practices—Audit Committee”.

 

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B.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND CODE OF ETHICS

 

Bancolombia has adopted a Code of Ethics and a Corporate Governance Code, both of which apply to all employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, as well as to the directors of the Bank.

 

English translations of the Ethics Code and the Corporate Governance Code are posted at Bancolombia’s website at www.grupobancolombia.com.co. The Spanish versions of these codes will prevail for all legal purposes.

 

The Bank also has a phone line called the “ethics line” (línea ética) which is available for anonymous reporting of any evidence of improper conduct.

 

Under the NYSE’s Corporate Governance Standards, Bancolombia, as a listed foreign private issuer, must disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards. See Item 16. “G Corporate Governance”.

 

C.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Audit Fees

 

The aggregate fees billed under the caption audit fees for professional services rendered to Bancolombia for the audit of its financial statements and for services that are normally provided to Bancolombia, in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements totaled COP 16,978 and COP 14,781 million by Deloitte & Touche Ltda for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

In 2017 and 2016, Bancolombia paid no other audit related fees.

 

Tax Fees

 

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Bancolombia did not contract professional services related with tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning rendered by Deloitte & Touche Ltda.

 

All Other Fees

 

In 2017 and 2016, Bancolombia paid no other fees to Deloitte & Touche Ltda.

 

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Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The Bank’s audit committee´s charters includes the following pre-approval policies and procedures:

 

In those events in which additional services are required to be provided by the external auditors, such services must be previously approved by the audit committee. Whenever this approval is not obtained at a meeting held by the audit committee, the approval will be obtained through the Legal Vice Presidency, who will be responsible for soliciting the consent from each of the audit committee members. The approval will be obtained with the favorable vote of the majority of its members.

 

Every request of approval of additional services must be adequately supported, including complete and effective information regarding the characteristics of the service that will be provided by the external auditors.

 

During 2017, there were no services approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c) (7) (i) (C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

D.EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

There are no exceptions from the listing standards for audit committees.

 

E.PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

There have not been any purchases by Bancolombia or any affiliated purchaser (as defined in 17CFR240.10b-18(a) (3)) of shares or any other units of any class of equity securities issued by Bancolombia.

 

Colombian law prohibits the repurchase of shares issued by entities supervised by the SFC. Therefore, neither Bancolombia nor any of its Subsidiaries that are under supervision of such Superintendency may repurchase securities issued by them.

 

F.CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

 

On February 19, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a proposal for Price Waterhouse Coopers PwC Ltda. (PWC) to be appointed as the independent registered public accounting firm of Bancolombia S.A., and its consolidated subsidiaries, beginning on the fiscal year ended in December 31, 2018. Such proposal was adopted with the favourable opinion of the Bank’s Audit Committee. Moreover, this appointment, and the dismissal of Deloitte and Touche Ltda. (Deloitte) as the former registered public accounting, was approved by the Shareholders General Meeting held on March 14, 2018.

 

The report of Deloitte on our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

Deloitte’s audit report dated April 29, 2018, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, expressed an adverse opinion related to the following material weakness: controls relating the estimation of impairment for individually significant impaired commercial loans were not designed effectively and did not operate effectively. 

 

In connection with the audit of the Bank’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there have been no disagreements with Deloitte on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure or reportable events (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).

 

We have provided Deloitte with a copy of this Item 16F and have requested and received from Deloitte a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not Deloitte agrees with the above statements. A copy of the letter from Deloitte is attached as Exhibit 15.3 to this annual report. 

 

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Further in the two years prior to December 31, 2017 or in any subsequent interim period, Bancolombia has not consulted with PWC regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Bancolombia, and either a report was provided to Bancolombia or oral advice was provided that PWC concluded was an important factor considered by Bancolombia in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement as that term is used in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F or a reportable event as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F.

 

G.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Bancolombia, as a listed company that qualifies as a foreign private issuer under the NYSE listing standards in accordance with the NYSE corporate governance rules, is permitted to follow home-country practice in some circumstances in lieu of the provisions of the corporate governance rules contained in Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual that are applicable to U.S. companies. The Bank follows corporate governance practices applicable to Colombian companies and those described in the Bank’s Corporate Governance Code, which in turn follows Colombian corporate governance rules. An English translation of the Corporate Governance Code is available at Bancolombia’s website at www.grupobancolombia.com.co. The Spanish prevails for all legal purposes.

 

In Colombia, a series of laws and regulations set forth corporate governance requirements. External Circular 029 of 2014, issued by the SFC, contains the corporate governance standards to be followed by companies issuing securities that may be purchased by Colombian pension funds, and determines that entities under supervision of the SFC, when making investment decisions, must take into account the recommendations established by the “Country Code” (Código País) and the corporate governance standards followed by the entities who are beneficiaries of the investment.

 

Additionally, Law 964 of 2005 established mandatory corporate governance requirements for all issuers whose securities are publicly traded in the Colombian market, and Decree 2555 of 2010 regulates the information disclosure requirements for the Colombian securities market SIMEV (Sistema Integral de Información del Mercado de Valores). Bancolombia’s corporate governance standards comply with these legal requirements and Bancolombia has implemented additional corporate governance measures pursuant to regional recommendations including the OECD White Paper on Corporate Governance for Latin America and the Andean Development Corporation’s (CAF) Corporate Governance Code.

 

The following is a summary of the significant differences between the corporate governance practices followed by Bancolombia and those applicable to domestic issuers under the NYSE listing standards:

 

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·Independence of Directors. Under NYSE corporate governance rules, a majority of a U.S. company’s board of directors must be composed of independent directors. Regarding Colombian legislation, Law 964 of 2005 requires that at least 25% of the members of the Bank’s board of directors are independent directors, and Decree 3923 of 2006 regulates their election. Additionally, Colombian law requires that all directors exercise independent judgment under all circumstances. Bancolombia’s Corporate Governance Code includes a provision stating that directors shall exercise independent judgment and requires that Bancolombia’s management recommend to its shareholders lists of director nominees of which at least 25% are independent directors. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank’s board of directors included a majority of independent members (5 members of 7). For the independence test applicable to directors of Bancolombia, see Item 10. “Additional Information. – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Board of Directors”.

 

·Non-Executive Director Meetings. Pursuant to the NYSE listing standards, non-executive directors of U.S. listed companies must meet on a regular basis without management present. There is no prohibition under Colombian regulations for officers to be members of the board of directors; however, it is customary for Colombian companies to maintain separation between the directors and management. Bancolombia’s board of directors does not include any management members; however, the CEO attends the monthly meetings of the Bank’s board of directors, and members of senior management may attend the meetings of the board of directors and committees to guarantee an adequate flow of information between employees, management and directors; in both cases, the CEO and members of senior management are not allowed to vote. In accordance with Law 964 of 2005 and the Bank’s by-laws, no executive officer can be elected as chairman of the Bank’s board of directors.

 

·Committees of the Board of Directors. Under NYSE listing standards, all U.S. companies listed on the NYSE must have an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating/corporate governance committee and all members of such committees must be independent. In each case, the independence of directors must be established pursuant to highly detailed rules enacted by the NYSE and, in the case of the audit committee, the NYSE and the SEC. The Bank’s board of directors has a Designation, Compensation and Development Committee, a Corporate Governance Committee, a Risk Committee and an Audit Committee, each of which is composed exclusively of directors. For a description of the Designation, Compensation and Development Committee, Corporate Governance Committee, Audit Committee and Risk Committee, see Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees – C. Board Practices”.

 

·Stockholders’ Approval of Dividends. While NYSE corporate governance standards do not require listed companies to have stockholders approve or declare dividends, in accordance with the Colombian Code of Commerce, all dividends must be approved by Bancolombia’s stockholders.

 

H.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 17.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

See Item 18.

 

ITEM 18.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-185.

 

ITEM 19.EXHIBITS

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report.

 

1.1 English translation of the corporate by-laws (estatutos sociales) of the registrant, as amended on October 30, 2015.(1)
2.1 Deposit Agreement entered into between Bancolombia and The Bank of New York, as amended and restated on January 14, 2008.(2)
2.2 Instruments defining the rights of the holders of long-term debt issued by Bancolombia S.A. and its subsidiaries.
  The Bank agrees to furnish to the SEC upon request, copies of the instruments, including indentures, defining the rights of the holders of our long-term debt and of our subsidiaries’ long-term debt.
7.1 Selected Ratios’ Calculation.
8.1 List of Subsidiaries.
12.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 29, 2018.
12.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 29, 2018.
13.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 29, 2018.
13.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 29, 2018.
15.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche Ltda.
15.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltda.
15.3 Letter from Deloitte and Touche Ltda. regarding Item 16F.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

   

(1)Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001 – 32535) filed on April 22, 2016.
(2)Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement in Form F-6, filed by Bancolombia on January 14, 2008

 

SIGNATURE

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

BANCOLOMBIA S.A.

 

/s/ JAIME ALBERTO VELASQUEZ BOTERO
Name: Jaime Alberto Velasquez Botero
Title: Vice President, Strategy and Finance

 

Date: April 29, 2018

 

 191 

 

Deloitte & Touche Ltda.

Calle 16 sur No. 43A – 49 Piso 9 - 10

Nit. 860.005.813-4

Medellín

Colombia

Tel: +57 (4) 313 8899

Fax: +57 (4) 313 9343

www.deloitte.com/co  

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Bancolombia S.A.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of BANCOLOMBIA S.A. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flow for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the related notes (collectively referred as to the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 29, 2018, expressed an adverse opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting because of a material weakness.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risk. Such procedures included examining, on test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche Ltda.

Medellin, Colombia

April 29, 2018

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.

 

 

Deloitte se refiere a una o más de las firmas miembro de Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), una compañía privada del Reino Unido limitada por garantía (“DTTL”), su red de firmas miembro,y a sus entidades relacionadas. DTTL y cada una de sus firmas miembro son entidades legalmente separadas e independientes. DTTL (también denominada “Deloitte Global”) no presta servicios a clientes. Una descripción detallada de la estructura legal de Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited y sus firmas miembro puede verse en el sitio web http://www.deloitte.com/about.

 

© 2016. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

  F-1 

 

 

Deloitte & Touche Ltda.

Calle 16 sur No. 43A – 49 Piso 9 - 10

Nit. 860.005.813-4

Medellín

Colombia

Tel: +57 (4) 313 8899

Fax: +57 (4) 313 9343

www.deloitte.com/co  

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Bancolombia S.A.

 

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of BANCOLOMBIA S.A. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness identified below on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, of the Company and our report dated April 29, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Deloitte se refiere a una o más de las firmas miembro de Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), una compañía privada del Reino Unido limitada por garantía (“DTTL”), su red de firmas miembro,y a sus entidades relacionadas. DTTL y cada una de sus firmas miembro son entidades legalmente separadas e independientes. DTTL (también denominada “Deloitte Global”) no presta servicios a clientes. Una descripción detallada de la estructura legal de Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited y sus firmas miembro puede verse en el sitio web http://www.deloitte.com/about.

 

© 2016. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

  F-2 

 

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detected misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Material Weakness

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management's assessment: controls relating the estimation of impairment for individually significant impaired commercial loans were not designed effectively and did not operate effectively. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, of the Company, and this report does not affect our report on such financial statements.

 

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche Ltda.

Medellin, Colombia

April 29, 2018

 

  F-3 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bancolombia S. A.

  

In our opinion, the consolidated statement of income, of comprehensive income, of changes in equity and of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Bancolombia S. A. for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

  

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltda.

Bogotá, Colombia

April 22, 2016

 

  F-4 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos)

 

  Note December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents 4 18,165,644 20,460,245
Financial assets Investments 5.1 16,377,253 13,060,653
Derivative financial instruments 5.2 1,134,372 1,677,970
Financial assets investments and derivative financial instruments   17,511,625 14,738,623
Loans and advances to customers and financial Institutions   160,468,094 151,747,486
Allowance for loans and advances and lease losses   (8,223,103) (6,621,911)
Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions, net 6 152,244,991 145,125,575
Assets held for sale and inventories, net 12 377,003 273,187
Investment in associates and joint ventures 7 1,565,059 1,298,246
Investment property 10 1,657,409 1,581,689
Premises and equipment, net 9 3,127,405 3,115,697
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 8 6,631,424 6,694,037
Deferred tax, net 11.3.3 148,614 222,862
Other assets, net 13 2,479,037 2,750,883
TOTAL ASSETS   203,908,211 196,261,044
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
LIABILITIES      
Deposits by customers 14 131,959,215 124,624,011
Interbank deposits 15 1,084,591 341,856
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing 15 3,236,128 1,924,010
Liabilities relating to assets held for sale 12 102,976 -
Derivative financial instruments 5.2 945,853 1,312,450
Borrowings from other financial institutions 16 13,822,152 18,905,843
Debt securities in issue 17 19,648,714 18,704,809
Preferred shares   582,985 581,972
Current tax   161,966 124,802
Deferred tax, net 11.3.3 1,440,198 1,325,354
Employees benefit plans 18 697,401 650,802
Other liabilities 19 5,796,482 5,288,155
TOTAL LIABILITIES   179,478,661 173,784,064
EQUITY      
Share capital 21 480,914 480,914
Additional paid-in-capital   4,857,454 4,857,454
Appropriated reserves 22 9,045,155 7,472,409
Retained earnings   6,183,182 6,380,657
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax   2,546,259 2,076,149
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE OWNERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY   23,112,964 21,267,583
Non-controlling interest   1,316,586 1,209,397
TOTAL EQUITY   24,429,550 22,476,980
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   203,908,211 196,261,044

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  F-5 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos, except EPS)

 

  Note 2017 2016 2015
Interest on loans and financial leases        
Commercial   8,027,598 7,952,627 5,487,993
Consumer   3,822,743 3,069,124 2,333,173
Small business loans   237,266 236,979 188,438
Mortgage   1,831,716 1,767,761 1,396,002
Leasing   2,054,262 1,993,851 1,547,634
Interest income on loans and financial leases   15,973,585 15,020,342 10,953,240
Interest income on overnight and market funds   26,779 20,968 14,564
Interest and valuation on investments   24.1 685,313 707,495 301,840
Total interest and valuation   16,685,677 15,748,805 11,269,644
Interest expenses 24.2 (6,232,986) (6,053,100) (4,037,941)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments   10,452,691 9,695,705 7,231,703
Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases, net 6 (3,468,699) (2,643,710) (1,667,680)
Credit impairment recoveries (charges) on off balance sheet credit instruments   6,854 (87,442) (7,421)
Total credit impairment charges, net   (3,461,845) (2,731,152) (1,675,101)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments   6,990,846 6,964,553 5,556,602
Fees and commission income 24.3 3,586,907 3,285,235 2,790,557
Fees and commission expenses 24.3 (1,082,714) (966,271) (797,513)
Total fees and commission, net 24.3 2,504,193 2,318,964 1,993,044
Other operating income 24.4 1,632,346 1,487,123 1,372,702
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees 24.5 266,170 176,692 211,574
Impairment charges on joint venture 7 (173,339) - -
Total operating income, net   11,220,216 10,947,332 9,133,922
Operating expenses        
Salaries and employee benefits   (2,792,015) (2,808,931) (2,255,391)
Other administrative and general expenses 25.1 (2,979,863) (2,651,334) (2,237,598)
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden   (727,661) (741,184) (675,387)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization 25.2 (478,883) (517,809) (477,285)
Other expenses   (249,023) (259,792) (252,626)
Total operating expenses   (7,227,445) (6,979,050) (5,898,287)
Profit before tax   3,992,771 3,968,282 3,235,635
Income tax 11.3.6 (1,238,598) (1,176,832) (649,250)
Profit for the year from continuing operations   2,754,173 2,791,450 2,586,385
Net income from discontinued operations 30, 11.3.6 - 163,497 22,513
Net income   2,754,173 2,954,947 2,608,898
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company   2,615,000 2,865,328 2,518,890
Non-controlling interest   139,173 89,619 90,008
Basic and Diluted earnings per share to common shareholders 26 2,780 3,040 2,680
From continuing operations   2,780 2,870 2,656
From discontinued operations   - 170 24

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  F-6 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos)

 

  Note 2017 2016 2015
Net income   2,754,173 2,954,947 2,608,898
Other comprehensive income/(loss) that will not be reclassified to net income        
Remeasurement (loss)/income related to defined benefit liability   3,753 626 (59,434)
Related tax   (3,725) (10,966) 9,312
Net of tax amount 11.2 28 (10,340) (50,122)
Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI):        
Gain on investments transferred to retained earnings upon disposal (1)   - (42,414) -
Transfer within equity upon merger of equity investments(2)   (38,420) - -
Unrealized gain   67,515 250,690 128,271
Related tax   9,789 24,341 9,052
Net of tax amount 11.2, 5.1 38,884 232,617 137,323
Total other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to net income, net of tax   38,912 222,277 87,201
Other comprehensive profit that may be reclassified to net income        
Foreign currency translation adjustments:        
Exchange differences arising on translating the foreign operations   412,878 (672,684) 3,091,491
Gain or loss on net investment hedge in foreign operations   36,762 327,272 (1,665,422)
Gain reclassified to statement of income on acquisition of a foreign operation (3)   - - (18,394)
Related tax   (6,895) - -
Net of tax amount 11.2 442,745 (345,412) 1,407,675
Net (loss)/gain on cash flow hedges (4)   - (12,112) 6,378
Net of tax amount   - (12,112) 6,378
Unrealized (loss) on investments in associates and joint ventures using equity method 7 (11,547) (1,718) (23,781)
Net of tax amount   (11,547) (1,718) (23,781)
Total other comprehensive gains/(loss) that may be reclassified to net income, net of tax   431,198 (359,242) 1,390,272
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax   470,110 (136,965) 1,477,473
Total comprehensive income attributable to:   3,224,283 2,817,982 4,086,371
Equity holders of the Parent Company   3,085,110 2,728,363 3,996,363
Non-controlling interests   139,173 89,619 90,008

 

(1)On May 31, 2016, the Bank completed the process for the sale of all of its minority stake in Cifin S.A. This sale, involved various financial institutions as sellers, including Bancolombia S.A., and TransUnion Netherlands II B.V., as buyer.

(2)Likewise, during 2017, the Bank transferred from OCI to retained earnings the amount of COP 38,420 mainly due to the merger between Bolsa de Valores de Colombia BVC and Deceval. The Bank held equity investments of both issuers designated as at FVTOCI.

(3)On December 30, 2015 the Bank acquired an additional 20% equity interest of the Grupo Agromercantil Holding (GAH) from BAM Financial Corporation, obtaining control. This item corresponds to the reclassification of the respective currency traslation adjustment in the GAH investment as an associate as of December 31, 2015. See Note 8 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net.

(4)In 2016 the Bank's subsidiary, Banistmo, discontinued cash flow hedge accounting. For further information see Note 5.2. Derivatives Financial Instruments.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  F-7 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos, except per share amounts)

 

  Attributable to owners of Parent Company    
      Accumulated other comprehensive income      
                       
                  Attributable    
  Share   Appropiated   Investments       To owners Non-  
  Capital Additional Reserves Translation At fair value   Employee Retained Of Parent Controlling Total
  (Note 21) Paid in capital (Note 22) adjustment Through OCI Associates Benefits earnings Company interest equity
Balance as of January 1, 2017 480,914 4,857,454 7,472,409 1,807,644 340,629 8,522 (80,646) 6,380,657 21,267,583 1,209,397 22,476,980
Dividend payment corresponding to 509,704,584 common shares and 452,122,416 preferred shares without voting rights, subscribed and paid as of December 31, 2016, at a rate of COP 950 per share. - - - - - - - (856,419) (856,419) - (856,419)
Legal reserve movements - - 1,914,464 - - - - (1,914,464) - - -
Release of reserves by law - - (421,730) - - - - - (421,730) - (421,730)
Increase of reserves by law - - 77,398 - - - - (77,398) - - -
Sale of financial instruments - - - - (38,420) - - 38,420 - - -
Non-controlling interest - - - - - - - - - (31,984) (31,984)
Other reserves(1) - - 2,614 - - - - (2,614) - - -
Net income - - - - - - - 2,615,000 2,615,000 139,173 2,754,173
Other comprehensive income - - - 442,745 77,304 (11,547) 28 - 508,530 - 508,530
Balance as of December 31, 2017 480,914 4,857,454 9,045,155 2,250,389 379,513 (3,025) (80.618) 6,183,182 23,112,964 1,316,586 24,429,550

 

(1)       This item corresponds to the dynamic reserves of Banistmo S.A.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  F-8 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos, except per share amounts)

 

  Attributable to owners of Parent Company    
        Accumulated other comprehensive income        
                 
                    Attributable    
  Share   Appropiated   Investments Cash flow       To owners Non-  
  Capital Additional Reserves Translation At fair value Hedge Employee Retained Of Parent Controlling Total
  (Note 21) Paid in capital (Note 22) adjustment Through OCI Reserve  Associates Benefits earnings Company interest equity
Balance as of January 1, 2016 480,914 4,857,454 5,877,379 2,153,056 108,012 12,112 10,240 (70,306) 5,850,588 19,279,449 1,128,470 20,407,919
Dividend payment corresponding to 509,704,584 common shares and 452,122,416 preferred shares without voting rights, subscribed and paid as of December 31, 2015, at a rate of COP 888 per share. - - - - - - - - (796,517) (796,517) - (796,517)
Legal reserve movements - - 1,554,425 - - - - - (1,554,425) - - -
Release of reserves by law - - (377,471) - - - - - 377,471 - - -
Increase of reserves by law - - 421,730 - - - - - (421,730) - - -
Gains on investments written off - - - - (42,414) - - - 42,414 - - -
Non-controlling interest - - - - - - - - - - (8,692) (8,692)
Other reserves (1) - - (3,654) - - - - - 3,654 - - -
Net income - - - - - - - - 2,865,328 2,865,328 89,619 2,954,947
Other comprehensive income - - - (345,412) 275,031 (12,112) (1,718) (10,340) 13,874 (80,677) - (80,677)
Balance as of December 31, 2016 480,914 4,857,454 7,472,409 1,807,644 340,629 - 8,522 (80,646) 6,380,657 21,267,583 1,209,397 22,476,980

 

(1)This item corresponds to the dynamic reserves of Banistmo S.A.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  F-9 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos, except per share amounts)

 

  Attributable to owners of Parent Company    
        Accumulated  other comprehensive income        
                         
                    Attributable    
  Share   Appropiated   Investments Cash flow       To owners Non-  
  Capital Additional Reserves Translation At fair value Hedge   Employee Retained Of Parent Controlling Total
  (Note 21) Paid in capital (Note 22) adjustment Through OCI Reserve Associates Benefits earnings Company interest equity
Balance as of January 1, 2015 480,914 4,857,454 5,130,861 745,381 (29,311) 5,734 34,021 (20,184) 5,667,037 16,871,907 494,573 17,366,480
Dividend payment corresponding to 509,704,584 common shares and 452,122,416 preferred shares without voting rights, subscribed and paid as of December 31, 2014, at a rate of COP 830 per share. - - - - - - - - (798,316) (798,316) - (798,316)
Legal reserve movements - - 308,442 - - - - - (308,442) - - -
Release of reserves by law - - (288,386) - - - - - 288,386 - - -
Increase of reserves by law - - 377,470 - - - - - (377,470) - - -
Non-controlling interest (1) - -   - - - - -   - 543,889 543,889
Other movements (2) - - 348,992 - - - - - (348,992) -    

Recognition of

GAH´s gross put

obligation(3)

- - - - - - - - (368,776) (368,776) - (368,776)
Net income - - - - - - - - 2,097,161 2,097,161 90,008 2,187,169
Other comprehensive income - - - 1,407,675 137,323 6,378 (23,781) (50,122) - 1,477,473 - 1,477,473
Balance as of December 31, 2015 480,914 4,857,454 5,877,379 2,153,056 108,012 12,112 10,240 (70,306) 5,850,588 19,279,449 1,128,470 20,407,919

 

(1)The increase in the category of non-controlling interest is due to the inclusion of GAH in the consolidated financial statements, see Note 8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
(2)This item includes appropriation of profits at the end of the first semester of the Bank’s subsidiaries that have prepared semi-annual financial statements.
(3)Due to contractual terms, the non-controlling interest of GAH is entitled to sell its interest to the Bank. See Note 8. Goodwill and Intagible Assets, net.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  F-10 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos)

 

  2017   2016   2015
Net income 2,754,173   2,954,947   2,608,898
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization 433,033   482,902   481,558
Equity method (253,602)   (60,254)   (122,477)
Deferred tax expense 193,568   457,611   296,535
Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases 3,879,559   3,248,517   2,190,333
Credit impairment charges (recovery) on off balance sheet credit instruments (6,854)   92,453   26,254
Gain on sales on assets held for sale and inventories (40,600)   (60,294)   (8,453)
Gains on sale of mortgage loans and other assets -   -   (2,247)
Valuation gain on investment securities (736,075)   (721,984)   (478,387)
(Gain) loss on sale of investment in subsidiary 2,700   (260,279)   18,643
Valuation (gain) losses on derivative contracts 39,750   (159,422)   (558,972)
Wealth tax (expenses) 51,220   146,931   162,302
Income tax (expenses) 1,045,030   821,796   351,648
Other non-cash ítems 202,829   (1,170)   (45,408)
Net interest (9,919,699)   (9,389,915)   (7,140,043)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:          
Decrease in derivative financial instruments 135,595   263,966   64,456
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 338,211   263,871   (680,752)
Increase in loans and advances to customers and financial institutions (11,266,789)   (10,853,224)   (15,036,979)
Increase in other assets (23,083)   (47,200)   (465,403)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable (629,990)   445,570   (359,628)
Increase in other liabilities 189,655   263,729   535,817
Increase in deposits by customers 8,456,681   5,117,996   9,797,802
Decrease in estimated liabilities and provisions (16,608)   (56,741)   (7,842)
Net changes in investment securities recognized at fair value through profit or loss (1,599,641)   1,485,514   1,729,280
Proceeds from sales of assets held for sale 331,645   272,830   185,777
Wealth tax paid (51,220)   (146,931)   (162,302)
Income tax paid (199,127)   (192,045)   (159,795)
Dividend received 80,651   90,569   192,911
Interest received 15,347,265   14,370,840   12,214,438
Interest paid (5,798,689)   (5,229,165)   (3,771,238)
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,939,588   3,601,418   1,856,726
Cash flows from investment activities:          
Purchases of debt securities at amortized cost (3,122,872)   (2,077,078)   (1,768,079)
Proceeds from maturities of debt securities at amortized cost 2,167,450   2,365,976   1,713,200
Purchase of Grupo Agromercantil Holding, net of cash acquired -   -   783,803
Purchases of equity instruments and interests in associates and joint ventures (305,650)   (487,782)   (9,602)
Proceeds from equity instruments and interests in associates and joint ventures 7,479   53,488   229,488
Restitution of associates' capital contributions 2,495   -   -
Purchases of premises and equipment and investment properties (1,132,015)   (1,082,522)   (961,827)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment and investment properties 568,744   552,471   289,721
Net cash outflow from sales of investments in subsidiaries -   (219,218) (1) (248)
Net cash outflow from liquidation of investments in subsidiaries (1,534) (2) (93)   -
Purchase of other long-term assets (92,177)   (132,869)   (134,471)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (1,908,080)   (1,027,627)   141,985
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing 1,313,442   706,341   (898,652)
Proceeds from borrowings from other financial institutions 12,190,496   13,594,292   13,533,749
Repayment of borrowings from other financial institutions (17,042,665)   (13,744,676)   (13,132,534)
Placement of debt securities in issue (3) 3,013,426   3,039,485   2,452,213
Payment of debt securities in issue (1,969,399)   (3,099,039)   (1,372,837)
Redemption of preferred shares by Banistmo -   -   (28,081)
Dividends paid (1,126,209)   (840,242)   (785,332)
Net cash used in financing activities (4) (3,620,909)   (343,839)   (231,474)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 294,800   (575,284)   3,571,557
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (2,589,401)   2,229,952   1,767,237
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 20,460,245   18,805,577   13,466,783
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 18,165,644   20,460,245   18,805,577

 

(1)Corresponds to the net amount of cash received from the sale of Compañía de Financiamiento TUYA S.A. amounting to COP 9,517 and the balance of cash and cash equivalents held by the company at the transaction date amounting to COP 228,735.
(2)Corresponds to the net amount of cash received from the liquidation of Leasing Perú S.A. and Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo - Renting Perú amounting to COP 16,838 and COP 3,757, respectively, and the balance of cash and cash equivalents held by the companies at the transaction date amounting to COP 17,903 and COP 4,226, respectively.
(3)The issuance costs paid by Bancolombia S.A. amounted to USD 15,535. For further information see Note 17. Debt securities in issue.
(4)For further information about the conciliation of the balances of liabilities from financing activities, see Note 28. Liabilities from financing activities.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Group entered into non-cash operating and investing activities related with restructured loans and returned goods that were transferred to foreclosed assets and inventories amounting to COP 331,057, COP 487,122 and COP 185,042, respectively which are not reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  F-11 

 

 

NOTE 1. REPORTING ENTITY

 

Bancolombia S.A., hereinafter the Parent Company, is a credit establishment, listed in the Colombia Stock Exchange (BVC) and, as well as in New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), since 1981 and 1995, respectively. The Parent Company's main location is in Medellin (Colombia), main address Carrera 48 # 26-85, Avenida Los Industriales, was originally constituted under the name Colombian Industrial Bank (BIC) according to public deed number 388, date January 24, 1945, from the First Notary's Office of Medellin, authorized by the Superintendence of Finance of Colombia (“SFC”). On April 3, 1998, by means of public deed No. 633, BIC merged with Bank of Colombia S.A., and the resulting organization of that merger was named Bancolombia S.A.

 

Bancolombia S.A.’s business purpose is to carry out all operations, transactions, acts and services inherent to the Banking business through banking establishments that carry its name and according to all applicable legislation. The Parent Company may own interests in other corporations, wherever authorized by law, according to all terms and requirements, limits or conditions established therein.

 

The Parent Company and its subsidiaries (on consolidated basis referred to as the “Bank”) include the following operating segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment banking, Brokerage, Off Shore and Others. The activities carried out by each operating segment of the Bank are described in Note 3, Operating segments.

 

The duration of the Parent Company contemplated in the bylaws is until December 8, 2044, but it can be dissolved or renewed before the conclusion of that period. The operating license was authorized definitively by the SFC according to Resolution number 3140 on September 24, 1993.

 

Through public deed number 1,124 of September 30, 2016, from the fourthteenth Notary’s Office of Medellin, duly registered in the Camara de Comercio de Medellín, a merger was completed between the Parent Company (absorbing entity) and Leasing Bancolombia S.A. (absorbed entity). As a result of the merger, the Parent Company became the holder of all the rights and obligations of Leasing Bancolombia S.A. and continues to offer its clients the portfolio of leasing products and services under the brand "Leasing Bancolombia, una marca Bancolombia".

 

The Bank has 31,061 employees, and operates through 1,153 offices, 10,349 banking Correspondents and 590 Mobile service spots in Colombian territory.

 

The Bank also has an agency in Panama City, Panama, and representative offices in Peru and Guatemala.

 

  F-12 

 

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

A.Basis for preparation

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Bank are prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (hereinafter, IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (hereinafter, IASB), as well as the interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (hereinafter, IFRIC).

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of accounting estimates which, by definition, will seldom equal the actual results. Therefore, the estimates and assumptions are constantly reviewed, recognizing the revision in the same period if it affects the reviewed period; or in the reviewed period and future periods if it affects all the current and future periods.

 

Assets and liabilities are measured at cost or amortized cost, except for some financial assets and liabilities and investment properties that are measured at fair value.  Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value comprise those classified as assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, equity investments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and derivative instruments. Likewise the carrying value of assets and liabilities recognized that are designated as hedged items in a fair value hedge, is adjusted for changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk.

 

The consolidated financial statements are stated in Colombian pesos and its figures are stated in millions, except earnings per share, diluted earning per share and the market exchange rate, which are stated in Colombian pesos, while other currencies (dollars, euro, pounds, etc.) are stated in thousands.

 

The Parent Company’s financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with “Normas de Contabilidad e Información Financiera” (NCIF) applicable to separated financial statements, are those that serve as the basis for the distribution of dividends and other appropriations by the stockholders.

 

A.Presentation of financial statements

 

The Bank presents the consolidated statement of financial position ordered by liquidity and the consolidated statement of income is prepared based on the nature of expenses. Revenues and expenses are not offset, unless such compensation is permitted or required by any accounting standard or interpretation, and are described in the Bank's policies.

 

The statement of comprehensive income presents net income and items of other comprehensive income classified by nature and grouped into those that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss and those that will be reclassified when specific conditions are met. The Bank discloses the amount of income tax relating to each item of OCI.

 

  F-13 

 

 

The consolidated statement of cash flows was prepared using the indirect method, whereby net income is adjusted for the effects of transactions of a non-cash nature, changes during the period in operating assets and liabilities, and items of income or expense associated with investing or financing cash flows.

 

B.Consolidation

 

1.Subsidiaries

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Bancolombia S.A. and its subsidiaries as of and for the periods ended on December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Parent Company consolidates the financial results of the entities on which it exerts control.

 

In accordance with IFRS 10, a subsidiary is an organization controlled by any of the companies that comprise The Bank, as long as it has:

 

·Power over the investee that give it the ability to direct their relevant activities that significantly affect its performance.
·Exposure or rights to variable returns for its involvement with the investee.
·Ability to use its power over the investee to affect the investor return amounts.

 

The Parent Company has the following subsidiaries making up the Bank´s organizational structure, which is currently registered as a corporate group:

 

ENTITY JURISDICTION
OF
INCORPORATION
BUSINESS PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2017
PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2016
PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2015
Leasing Bancolombia S.A compañía de financiamiento (1) Colombia Leasing - - 100.00%
Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria Colombia Trust 98.81% 98.81% 98.81%
Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Corporación Financiera Colombia Investment banking 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa Colombia Securities brokerage 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. (2) Colombia Financial services - - 99.99%
Renting Colombia S.A.S (Before Renting Colombia S.A.) Colombia Operating leasing 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Transportempo S.A.S. Colombia Transportation 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Valores Simesa S.A. Colombia Investments 68.57% 68.57% 68.57%
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. Colombia Investments 99.94% 99.94% 99.94%
BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S. Colombia Real estate broker 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Vivayco S.A.S. (3) Colombia Portfolio Purchase - - 74.95%
FCP Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario. Colombia Real estate broker 63.47% 62.55% 50.21%
Patrimonio Autonomo Cartera LBC. (4) Colombia Loan management - - 100.00%
Prosicol S.A.S. (5) Colombia Pre-operating stage - 68.57% 68.57%
Fideicomiso "Lote Abelardo Castro". Colombia Mercantil trust 68.23% 68.23% 68.23%

 

  F-14 

 

 

ENTITY JURISDICTION
OF
INCORPORATION
BUSINESS PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2017
PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2016
PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2015
Bancolombia Panamá S.A. Panama Banking 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Valores Bancolombia Panamá S.A. (6) Panama Securities brokerage - - 100.00%
Sistemas de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa Panama Investments 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Banagrícola S.A. Panama Holding 99.16% 99.16% 99.16%
Banistmo S.A. Panama Banking 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Banistmo Investment Corporation S.A. Panama Trust 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Financomer S.A. Panama Financial services 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Leasing Banistmo S.A. Panama Leasing 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Valores Banistmo S.A. Panama Purchase and sale of securities 100.00% 100.00% -
Suvalor Panamá Fondos de Inversión S.A.(6) Panama Holding 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Largo Plazo S.A.(6) Panama Collective investment fund 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Corto Plazo S.A.(6) Panama Collective investment fund 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Financiera Flash S.A. (7) Panama Financial services - - 100.00%
Grupo Financomer S.A. (7) Panama Financial services - - 100.00%
Securities Banistmo S.A. (8) Panama Purchase and sale of securities - - 100.00%
Banistmo Asset Management Inc. (9) Panama Purchase and sale of securities - 100.00% 100.00%
Banistmo Capital Markets Group Inc. (10) Panama Purchase and sale of securities 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Van Dyke Overseas Corp. (10) Panama Real estate broker 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Inmobiliaria Bickford S.A. (10) Panama Real estate broker 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Williamsburg International Corp. (10) Panama Real estate broker 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Anavi Investment Corporation S.A. (10) Panama Real estate broker 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Desarrollo de Oriente S.A. (10) Panama Real estate broker 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Steens Enterpresies S.A. (10) Panama Portfolio holder 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Ordway Holdings S.A. (10) Panama Real estate broker 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. Panama Holding 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Banco Agrícola S.A. El Salvador Banking 97.36% 97.36% 97.36%
Arrendadora Financiera S.A. Arfinsa El Salvador Leasing 97.37% 97.36% 97.36%
Credibac S.A. de C.V. El Salvador Credit card services 97.36% 97.36% 97.36%
Valores Banagrícola S.A. de C.V. El Salvador Securities brokerage 98.89% 98.89% 98.89%
Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola S.A. IFBA El Salvador Investments 98.89% 98.89% 98.89%

 

  F-15 

 

 

ENTITY JURISDICTION
OF
INCORPORATION
BUSINESS PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2017
PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2016
PROPORTION OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST AND
VOTING POWER
HELD BY THE
BANK 2015
Gestora de Fondos de Inversión Banagricola S.A. El Salvador Administers investment funds 98.89% 98.89% -
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.(11) Peru Operating leasing 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo - Renting Perú (12) Peru Operating leasing 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Capital Investments SAFI S.A.(11) Peru Trust 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria(11) Peru Trust 98.81% 98.81% 98.81%
Leasing Perú S.A. (12) Peru Leasing 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Banagrícola Guatemala S.A. Guatemala Outsourcing 99.16% 99.16% 99.16%
Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A. Guatemala Banking 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Seguros Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A. Guatemala Insurance company 59.17% 59.17% 59.17%
Financiera Agromercantil S.A. Guatemala Financial services 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Agrovalores S.A. Guatemala Securities brokerage 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Tarjeta Agromercantil S.A. (13) Guatemala Credit Card - 60.00% 60.00%
Arrendadora Agromercantil S.A. Guatemala Operating Leasing 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Agencia de Seguros y Fianzas Agromercantil S.A. Guatemala Insurance company 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Asistencia y Ajustes S.A. Guatemala Services 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Serproba S.A. Guatemala Maintenance and remodelling services 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Servicios de Formalización S.A. Guatemala Loans formalization 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Conserjeria, Mantenimiento y Mensajería S.A. Guatemala Maintenance services 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Media Plus S.A. Guatemala Advertising and marketing 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Mercom Bank Ltd. Barbados Banking 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
New Alma Enterprises Ltd. Bahamas Investments 60.00% 60.00% 60.00%
Bancolombia Puerto Rico Internacional Inc. Puerto Rico Banking 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Bancolombia Caymán S.A. Cayman Islands Banking 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Bagrícola Costa Rica S.A. Costa Rica Outsourcing 99.16% 99.16% 99.16%

 

(1)Investment absorbed by Bancolombia S.A. Corp during 2016.
(2)During 2016, the Bank sold 50% of the shares of the Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.to Grupo Exito, therefore it became a joint business of Grupo Bancolombia. See Note 7: 'Investments in associates and Joint Ventures'.
(3)Investment liquidated by Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. during 2016.
(4)Investment liquidated as result of fusion of Bancolombia S.A. and Leasing Bancolombia during 2016.
(5)Investment sold by Valores Simesa S.A. during 2017.
(6)Investment initially acquired by Banistmo S.A. and subsequently merged with Valores Banistmo S.A during 2016.
(7)Investment absorbed by Financomer S.A. during 2016.
(8)Investment absorbed by Valores Banistmo S.A. during 2016.
(9)Investment absorbed by Banistmo Capital Markets Group, Inc. during 2017.
(10)Investments in non-operational stage.
(11)Investment classified as assets held for sale. See Note 12. Assets held for sale and Inventories.
(12)Investment in legal liquidation process.
(13)Investment liquidates by Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. during 2017.

 

  F-16 

 

 

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with the Bank’s accounting policies.

 

All intragroup assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Bank are eliminated in full on consolidation.

 

Non-controlling interests in controlled entities are presented in equity separately from the Parent Company stockholders equity. When the Bank loses control over a subsidiary, any residual interest remaining on the Bank’s balances is measured at fair value; gains or losses arising from this measurement are recognized in net income

 

There are restrictions on the ability of the Parent Company to obtain distributions of capital, due to the regulatory requirements of its subsidiaries in Panama. Banistmo and Bancolombia Panama have net assets before intercompany eliminations amounting to COP 6,872,171 and COP 6,360,729 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

The loans and financial leases granted by those subsidiaries are subject to prudential regulation in Panama issued by the Panamanian Superintency of Banks to maintain minimum reserves as a countercyclical capital buffer. For the years ended at December 31, 2017 and 2016, the reserves recognized amounted to COP 616,814 and COP 523,376. These requirements restrict the ability of the aforementioned subsidiaries to make remittances of dividends to Bancolombia S.A., the ultimate parent, except in the event of liquidation.

 

2.Transactions between entities under common control:

 

Combination of entities under common control, ie transactions in which all the combining entities are under the control of the Bank both before and after the combination, and that control is not transitory, are outside the scope of the IFRS 3- Business combinations. Currently, there is no specific guidance for these transactions under IFRS, therefore, as permitted by IAS 8, the Bank has developed an accounting policy considering pronouncement of other standard-setting bodies. The assets and liabilities recognized as a result of transactions between entities under common control are recognized at the carrying value of the acquiree’s financial statements. The Bank presents the net assets received prospectively from the date of the transfer.

 

3.Investments in associates and joint ventures.

 

An associate is an entity over which the Bank has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies.

 

A joint venture is an entity that the Bank controls jointly with other participants, where the parties maintain a contractual agreement that establishes joint control over the relevant activities of the entity (which only exists when decisions about those activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control) and the parties have rights to the net assets of the joint arrangement.

 

  F-17 

 

 

At the acquisition date, the excess of the acquisition cost of the associate or joint venture shares exceeding the Bank´s share of the net fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment and it is not amortized. The requirements of IAS 39 are applied to determine whether it is necessary to recognize any impairment loss with respect to the Bank’s investment in an associate or a joint venture. When necessary, the entire carrying amount of the investment (including goodwill) is tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets as a single asset. Impairment losses are recognized in net income and are calculated as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate or joint venture, using the higher value between its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal, and their carrying value.

 

The results and assets and liabilities of associates or joint ventures are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting, except when the investment, or a portion thereof, is classified as held for sale, in which case it is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 5. When an investment in an associate or joint venture is held by, or is held indirectly through, an entity that is a venture capital organization, or a mutual fund, unit trust or similar entities, and such investment is measured at fair value through profit or loss in that entity, the Bank may elect to measure investments in those associates and joint ventures at fair value through profit or loss in the consolidated financial statements. This election is applied on an investment by investment basis.

 

Under the equity method, the investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted thereafter to recongnize the Bank’s share of the profits or loss and other comprehensive income of the associate or join venture. When the Bank's share of losses of an associate or joint venture exceeds the Bank's interest in that associate or joint venture (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Bank's net investment in the associate or joint venture), the Bank discontinues recognizing its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognized only to the extent that the Bank has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

 

When the equity method is applicable, adjustments are considered in order to adopt uniform accounting policies of the associate or joint venture with the Bank. The portion that corresponds to the Bank for changes in the investee´s other comprehensive income items is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and gains or losses of the associate or joint venture are recognized in the consolidated statement of income as “Dividends received and share of profits of equity method investees”, in accordance with the Bank's participation. Gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Bank and its associate or joint venture are recognized in the Bank´s consolidated financial statements only to the extent of unrelated investor´s interest in the associate or joint venture. The equity method is applied from the acquisition date until the significant influence or joint control over the entity is lost.

 

The unrealized gain or loss of an associate or joint venture is presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, net of tax. Changes in the investment´s participation recognized directly in equity and other comprehensive income of the associate or joint venture are considered in the consolidated statement of equity and consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

The dividends received in cash from the associate or joint venture reduce the investment carrying value.

 

When the significant influence on the associate or the joint venture is lost, the Bank measures and recognizes any residual investment that remained at its fair value. The difference between the associate or joint venture carrying value (taking into account the relevant items of other comprehensive income), the fair value of the retained residual investment and any proceeds from disposing of a part interest in the associate or joint venture, is recognized in net income. The currency translation adjustments recognized in equity are reclassified to net income at the moment of disposal.

 

  F-18 

 

 

4.Joint operations

 

A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement.

 

The Bank recognizes and measures assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in relation to its interest in the arrangements in accordance with the IFRSs applicable for the particular assets, liabilities revenues and expenses.

 

If the Bank acquires an interest in a joint operation in which the activity constitutes a business, as defined in IFRS 3 Business Combinations or when an existing business is contributed to the joint operation on its formation by one of the parties that participate in the joint operation, The Bank will apply all of the principles on business combinations accounting in IFRS 3. In this case the Bank recognizes goodwill in the event that consideration transferred exceeds the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. At least once per year goodwill is tested for impairment.

 

When the Bank transacts with a joint operation in which the Parent Company or its subsidiaries is a joint operator (such as a sale or contribution of assets), the Bank is considered to be conducting the transaction with the other parties to the joint operation, and gains and losses resulting from the transactions are recognized in the Bank’s consolidated financial statements only to the extent of other parties’ interests in the joint operation.

 

When the Bank transacts with a joint operation in which the Parent Company or its subsidiaries is a joint operator (such as a purchase of assets), the Bank does not recognize its share of the gains and losses until it resells those assets to a third party.

 

5.Funds administration

 

The Bank manages assets held in mutual funds and other forms of investment. Assets managed by the Bank’s subsidiaries and owned by third parties are not included in the consolidated financial statements unless control exists as structured entities.

 

The Bank consolidates the following funds:

 

Name Country % of ownership
interest held by
the Bank, 2017
% of ownership
interest held by
the Bank, 2016
% of ownership
interest held by
the Bank, 2015
Assets managed
December
2017
December
2016
FCP Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario Colombia 63.47% 62.55% 50.21% 2,698,224 2,009,382
Fideicomiso “lote Abelardo Castro” Colombia 68.23% 68.23% 99.50% 10,343 10,172
Suvalor Panamá Fondo de Inversión Panamá 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 224 225
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo Renting Perú Perú 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% - 31

 

For all the aforementioned funds, the Bank has participated in the design of the structured entity, establishes operating and financial decisions of the funds and it is exposed to variable returns such as dividends or returns paid in quarterly installments.

 

The commissions earned by the management of funds that are not consolidated are included in the statement of income as “Fees and commission income”.

 

  F-19 

 

 

6.Non-controlling interest

 

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are presented separately within the Bank’s equity. Similarly net income and other comprehensive income are also attributed to non-controlling interest and equity holders of the Parent Company. The amount of non-controlling interest may be initially measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The option for recognition is made on a investment by investment basis.

 

Any purchase or sale of shares in subsidiaries that does not imply a loss or gain of control is directly recognized in equity.

 

6.1. Significant non-controlling interest

 

FCP Colombia Inmobiliario

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the portion of the non-controlling interest in the FCP Colombia Inmobiliario was 36.53% and 37.45% respectively, reason for which is considered as a significant non-controlling interest for the Bank and its subsidiaries. The principal place of business of FCP Colombia Inmobiliario is Bogotá (Colombia).

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no dividends declared by this subsidiary. In contrast, there were returns paid in quarterly installments due to the nature of its business, which mainly comprises long- term investment in real state, considered as low-risk portfolio.

 

The following table summarizes the assets, liabilities, net assets, net income and cash flows as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, related to the FCP Colombia Inmobiliario:

 

  December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
December 31,
2015
  In millions of COP
Assets 2,698,224 2,009,382 1,550,219
Liabilities 1,048,867 655,315 661,973
Net assets 1,649,357 1,354,067 888,247
Condensed statement of income      
Income      
Valuation of investment properties 81,816 52,543 94,810
Valuation of  trust rights 53,143 12,903 9,302
Rents 135,135 120,811 104,379
Profits of equity method investees 144,146 - -
Other income 4,493 2,616 19,318
Total Income 418,733 188,873 227,809
Expenses      
Interest on loans 68,900 67,558 52,451
Trust fees 322 9,004 8,819
Other expenses 86,270 49,078 36,936
Total Expenses 155,492 125,640 98,206
Net Income 263,241 63,233 129,603

 

Condensed cash flow

     
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (394) (372) (82)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities - - -
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 409 375 82
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3 - -
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 18 3 -

 

  F-20 

 

 

The information above is the amount before inter-company eliminations.

 

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the profit allocated to non-controlling interest amounted to COP 96,179, COP 23,701 and COP 69,074, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the accumulated non-controlling interest of the FCP Colombia Inmobiliario amounted to COP 602,548, COP 507,115 and COP 442,314, respectively.

 

Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A.

 

On December 30, 2015 the Bank Acquired 60.00% of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. (GAH). As of December 30, 2016, the portion of ownership in GAH by the non controlling interest was 40.00%, reason for which is considered as a significant non-controlling interest for the Bank and its subsidiaries. Guatemala is the principal place of business of GAH and its subsidiaries.

 

The following table summarizes the assets, liabilities, net assets, net income and cash flows as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 of Grupo Agromercantil Holding.

 

  December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
December 31,
2015
In millions of COP
Assets 12,191,869 11,795,358 12,137,258
Liabilities 10,847,895 10,477,427 10,792,953
Equity 1,343,974 1,317,931 1,344,305
Condensed statement of income
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 389,463 393,972  -
Total fees and commission, net 101,565 58,745 -
Other operating income 54,246 55,942 -
Dividends received and equity method 608 779 -
Total operating income, net 545,882 509,438 -
Operating expenses (445,038) (435,430) -
Income tax (21,546) (11,197) -
Net income 79,298 62,811 -
Condensed cash flow
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities 192,850 (136,878) -
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (1,427) (4,157) -
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (87,103) (77,684) -
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,098,861 1,359,176 -
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 1,203,181  1,140,457 -
Other comprehensive income      
Investments  at fair  value  through OCI 2,241 3,682 -
Translation adjustment 15,758 (64,195) (537,196)
Others (3,042) 6,959 -
Total other comprehensive income 14,957 (53,554) (537,196)

 

  F-21 

 

 

For the year 2017, 2016 and 2015, the dividends received from Grupo Agromercantil amounted to COP 39,482, COP 46,416 and COP 33,403, respectively.

 

C.Use of estimates and judgments

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the Bank's management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the recognized amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

Judgments or changes in assumptions are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates if assumptions and conditions change.

 

The significant accounting policies that the Bank uses in preparing its consolidated financial statements are detailed below:

 

1.Impairment testing of CGU including goodwill:

 

The Bank tests goodwill recognized upon business combinations for impairment at least annually. The impairment test for goodwill involves estimates and significant judgments, including the identification of cash generating units and the allocation of goodwill based on the expectations of which the Bank will benefit from the acquisition. The fair value of the acquired companies is sensitive to changes in the valuation models assumptions. Adverse changes in any of the factors underlying these assumptions could lead the Bank to record a goodwill impairment charge. Management believes that the assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and supportable in the existing market environment and commensurate with the risk profile of the assets valued. See Note 8, for further information related to carrying amount, valuation methodologies, key assumptions and the allocation of goodwill.

 

2.Deferred tax:

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded on deductible or levied temporary differences originating between tax and accounting bases, taking into account the valid tax rules applicable in each country where The Bank has operations. Due to the changing conditions of the political, social and economic environment, the constant amendments to tax legislation and the permanent changes in the tax principles, determining the tax bases for the deferred tax involves difficult judgments to estimate future gains, offsets or tax deductions.

 

  F-22 

 

 

The determination of the deferred tax is considered a crucial accounting policy, since its determination involves future estimations of gains that may be affected by changes in economic, social and political conditions, and tax authorities.

 

For more information relating to the nature of deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized by The Bank, please see Note 11.

 

3.Provisions and contingent liabilities:

 

The Bank is subject to contingent liabilities, including those arising from judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings and tax and other claims arising from the conduct of the Bank’s business activities. These contingencies are evaluated based on management’s best estimates and provisions are established for legal and other claims by assessing the likelihood of the loss actually occurring as probable, possible or remote. Provisions are recorded when all the information available indicates that it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation before the statement of financial position date and the amounts may be reasonably estimated. The Bank engages internal and external experts in assessing probability and in estimating any amounts involved.

 

Throughout the life of a contingency, the Bank may learn of additional information that can affect assessments regarding probability or the estimates of amounts involved; changes in these assessments can lead to changes in recorded provisions.

 

The Bank considers the estimates used to determine the provisions for contingent liabilities are critical estimates because the probability of their occurrence and the amounts that the Bank may be required to pay are based on the Bank’s judgment and its internal and external experts, which will not necessarily coincide with the future outcome of the proceedings. For further information regarding legal proceedings and contingencies and its carrying amounts. See Note 20.

 

4.Impairment for credit risk:

 

Determining the allowance for loan losses requires a significant amount of management judgment and estimates in, among others, identifying impaired loans, determining customers’ ability to pay and estimating the fair value of underlying collateral or the expected future cash flows to be received. The Bank assesses if an asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and if impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a 'loss event') and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

 

The estimates are considered as critical accounting judgments because: (i) they are highly susceptible to change from period to period as the assumptions about future default rates and valuation of potential losses relating to impaired loans and advances are based on recent performance experience, and (ii) any significant difference between the Bank’s estimated losses (as reflected in the provisions) and actual losses would require the Bank to record provisions which, if significantly different, could have a material impact on its future financial condition and results of operations. The Bank’s assumptions about estimated losses are based on past performance, past customer behavior, the credit quality of recent underwritten business and general economic conditions, which are not necessarily an indication of future losses. (see section Risk Management).

 

  F-23 

 

  

5.Fair value of financial assets and liabilities:

 

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Bank’s statement of financial position include debt and equity securities and derivatives classified at fair value through profit or loss and equity securities which the Bank has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income changes in its fair value.

 

To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, IFRS 13 Fair value measurement specifies different levels of inputs that may be used to measure the fair value of financial instruments. In accordance with this standard, financial instruments are classified as follows:

 

Level 1: Assets and liabilities are classified as Level 1 if there are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. An active market is one in which transactions occur with sufficient volume and frequency to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Instruments are valued by reference to unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets where the quoted price is readily available, and the price represents actual and regularly occurring market transactions.

 

Level 2: Assets and liabilities are classified as Level 2 if In the absence of a market price for a specific financial instrument, its fair value is estimated using models whose input data are observable for recent transactions of identical or similar instruments.

 

Level 3: Assets and liabilities are classified as level 3 if unobservable input data were used in the measurement of fair value that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of these assets or liabilities.

 

All transfers between the aforementioned levels are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period

 

The measurement of the fair value of financial instruments generally involves a higher degree of complexity and requires the application of judgments especially when the models use unobservable inputs (level 3) based on the assumptions that would be used in the market to determinate the price for assets or liabilities.

 

For further details, as carrying amount and sensitivity disclosures, please see Note 29 ‘Fair value of assets and liabilities’.

 

  F-24 

 

 

For the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 there have been no significant changes in estimates and judgements made at end-year other than those indicated in financial statements.

 

6.Measurement of Employee benefits:

 

The measurement of post-employment benefit obligations and long-term employee benefits carries a wide variety of premises and it is dependent upon a series of assumptions of future events. The projected unit credit method is used to determine the present value of the obligation for the defined benefits and its associated cost. Future measurements of obligations may differ to those presented in the financial statements, among others, due to changes in economic and demographic assumptions and significant events. For further information, see Note 18.

 

7.Consolidation of structured entities:

 

Structured entity (SE) is an entity that has been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity, such as when any voting rights relate to administrative tasks only and the relevant activities are directed by means of contractual arrangements.

 

To determine whether the Bank controls and consequently consolidates an entity that has been designed as a SE, the Bank assesses the design and the purpose of the entity. It is also considered whether the Bank, or another involved party with power over the relevant activities, is acting as a principal in its own right or as an agent on behalf of others.

 

Whenever there is a change in the substance of the relationship with the SE the Bank performs a re-assessment of control to determine if consolidation is applicable.

 

The total assets of unconsolidated SE in which the Bank had an interest at the reporting date and its maximum exposure to loss in relation to those interests is presented in Note 23 unconsolidated structured entities.

 

D.Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

1.Accounting Pronouncements Applicable in 2017

 

During 2017, the following standards have been adopted by the Bank without having a significant impact:

 

Amendment to IAS 7: Cash flows' statement - Breakdown Initiative: The amendment requires entities to present a breakdown of changes in liabilities arising from financing activities in order to improve the information provided to users of financial information. The effective date for this amendment is January 1, 2017 with prospective application, although early adoption is allowed.

 

Management evaluated the impact of the amendment and made the necessary adjustments in its processes to make the adequate presentation of the information in the Financial Statements of Cash Flow and its accompanying notes according to the requirement of the financial liabilities breakdown in financing activities. See note 28 liabilities from financial activities'.

 

  F-25 

 

 

Amendment to IAS 12 Tax income: The amendment to paragraph 29 and the addition of paragraphs 27 A and 29 A of the IAS 12, refer to the requirements and procedure for the recognition of deferred tax assets; indicating that when the taxable amount of temporary differences associated with the same tax authority is insufficient, deferred tax assets shall only be recognized provided the following assumptions are fulfilled:

 

a)Each of the entities that form The Bank assess that there is sufficient tax gain, related to the same tax authority and in the same period in which deductible temporary differences are reverted (or in the periods in which tax loss, coming from a deferred tax asset, may be offset with previous or later gain), to assess if there will be sufficient tax gain (income) in future periods.

b)When each of the entities that form The Bank has the possibility to use opportunities of tax planning to create tax gain (income) in future periods.

 

Said amendments and their impact were independently assessed in the separate financial statements according to the tax and financial projections and their effect was reflected in each of the separate financial statements. The effective date for this amendment is January 1, 2017 with prospective application, although early adoption is allowed

 

Annual improvements to IFRS Cycle 2014-2016:

 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities: It clarifies the scope of the disclosure requirements contained in the standard, specifying that they apply to all holdings in other entities whether classified as held for sale, held for distribution to owners or as discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS 5, other than those contained in paragraphs B10 to B16 of the standard, which contain requirements related to summarized financial information on subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. This amendment applies for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 with retrospective application.

 

None of these amendments to standards had a material effect on the Banks's financial statements.

 

2.Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Applicable in Future Periods

 

Annual improvements to IFRS Cycle 2014-2016:

 

IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards: Deleted the short-term exemptions for entities that adopt IFRS for the first time, because they have now served their intended purpose. This amendment applies for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

No impact is estimated in the Group's financial statements as a result of this amendment.

 

IAS 28 Investments in associates and joint ventures: When an investment in an associate or joint venture is held by an entity that is a venture capital organization, or another qualifying entity, the entity may choose to measure that investment at fair value through profit or loss, the amendment clarifies that the alternative is available for each investment in an associate or joint venture on an investment by investment basis, at the initial appreciation. This option is applied individually to each investment in an associate or joint venture held directly by the entity, or indirectly through subsidiaries. The choice also applies to the entity reporting that it is not an investment entity and that it has an associate or joint venture that is an investment entity because it allows it to retain the fair value measurements used by that associate or joint venture that is an investment entity when applying the equity method. This choice is also made separately in the initial recognition for each investment in an associated or joint business which is an investment entity. This amendment applies for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with retrospective application

 

  F-26 

 

 

Managment is evaluating the impact of the modification in the Bank´s statement of financial position and disclosures.

 

Annual improvements to IFRS Cycle 2015-2017:

 

Amendments to IFRS 3 Business combination: The amendments to IFRS 3 clarify that when an entity obtains control of a business that is a joint operation, it remeasures previously held interests in that business.

 

Managment is evaluating the impact of the modification in the Bank´s statement of financial position and disclosures.

 

Amendments to IFRS 11 Join Arrangements: The amendments to IFRS 11 clarify that when an entity obtains joint control of a business that is a joint operation, the entity does not remeasure previously held interests in that business.

 

Managment is evaluating the impact of the modification in the Bank´s statement of financial position and disclosures.

 

Amendments to IAS 12 Income taxes: The amendments to IAS 12 clarify the recognition of the tax effects for dividends as defined in IFRS 9, when a liability is recognized for payment of the dividend. The tax effects of dividends are linked more directly to past transactions or events that generate distributable profits than to distributions to owners. Therefore, an entity shall recognise the income tax consequences of dividends in profit or loss, other comprehensive income or equity according to where the entity originally recognised those past transactions or events.

 

Management is evaluating the impact of the changes that the amendment of IAS 12 has on the Group, in its statement of financial position and disclosures.

 

According to IASB, these amendments apply for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Earlier application is permitted

 

Amendments to IAS 23 Borrowing Costs: The amendments clarify that if any specific borrowing remains outstanding after the related asset is ready for its intended use or sale, that borrowing becomes part of the funds that an entity borrows generally when calculating the capitalisation rate on general borrowings.

 

No impact is estimated in the Group's financial statements as a result of this amendment.

 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: In July 2014 the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 that completed the replacement project of IAS 39 –Financial instruments. Classification and measurement mainly introducing new criteria for classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets and liabilities, impairment requirements related to expected loss accounting and hedge accounting. The effective application of the final version of this IFRS will be from January 1, 2018.

 

• Classification and measurement: IFRS 9 establishes the categories amortized cost, fair value through profit or loss and fair value with changes in other comprehensive income to classify financial assets, based on the entity's business model to manage such assets and the characteristic of the flows that they grant. The last category has been introduced for individual simple debt instruments and equity instruments for which the entity irrevocably designates its variations in other comprehensive income from the initial recognition.

 

  F-27 

 

 

The classification of financial liabilities and their subsequent measurement has remained unchanged in relation to IAS 39, except for those liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss for which it is stipulated how to account for the changes in the credit risk in other comprehensive income.

 

The Bank has early adopted IFRS 9 as issued in November 2013, which includes only Fair value through profit or loss and amortized cost as measurement categories attributable to financial assets, based on the business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics; In addition, the option to make an irrevocable election at initial recognition for particular investments in equity instruments to present subsequent changes in fair value in other comprehensive income.

 

The following table summarizes the main items of the Bank's balance sheet representing financial assets and their classification under IFRS 9, 2013 and indicates the expected classifications once the Bank is applying IFRS 9, 2014:

 

  Current Classification before January 1,
2018 with IFRS 9, 2013
Classification after January 1, 2018 with
adoption of IFRS 9, 2014
Assets AC* FVPL** FVOCI*** CA* FVPL** FVOCI***
Cash and cash equivalents   X     X  
Credit portfolio and financial leasing X     X    
Debt securities X X   X X X
Equity investments   X     X  
Investments in associates and joint ventures at fair value     X     X

 

*AC = Amortized cost

**FVPL = Fair value with changes in results

***FVOCI= Fair value with changes in other comprehensive results.

 

·Impairment: IFRS 9 makes significant changes in the assessment of the impairment of the value of financial instruments and therefore their associated risk, going from an incurred loss model to one of expected credit loss. This new regulation also proposes the definition of a model that identifies a Significant Increase in Credit Risk (SICR) in an instrument prior to the identification of objective evidence of impairment (EOD) and for which a loss, the life time of the asset should be measured.

 

In this regard, Grupo Bancolombia established the quantitative and qualitative criteria through which it is possible to identify significant increases in the credit risk of an instrument.

 

The impairment-related requirements apply for financial assets measured at amortized cost and fair value with changes in OCI (FVOCI), whose business model is intended to receive contractual and / or sale flows (as for lease accounts receivable, loan commitments and financial guarantees).

 

The Bank, in accordance with IFRS 9, estimates the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) based on the present value of the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows of the instrument, estimated through collective methodologies or individual analysis. The ECL amount will be updated on each presentation date to reflect changes in the portfolio's credit risk since the initial recognition.

 

  F-28 

 

 

Through the methodological implementation plan, the necessary adaptations to IFRS 9 were made, including the changes required in its provision calculation model, in order to comply with the expected impairment and loss requirements established by the international standard. For this, new processes and procedures were created, impairment policies were updated and a control environment aligned with the SOX requirements was designed.

 

Impairment measurements were made through collective and individual evaluation models, with sufficient sophistication required for each portfolio. Collective models include parameters of probability of default at 12 months, life time probability of default, loss given default and exposure at default with the inclusion of the prospective criteria. The individual analysis methodology is applied in significant exposures and includes the evaluation of weighted loss scenarios, taking into account the macroeconomic expectations and the particular conditions of each debtor.

 

·Impact of IFRS 9 transition: The impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 is recognized in the initial equity as of January 1, 2018 and was estimated based on calculations made in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017; as a result an increase was observed in the Bank’s allowance, which ranged between COP 470 billion and COP 730 billion. This estimate could vary mainly due to:

·Estimates of ECL models (Expected Credit Loss) are being refined.
·The Bank is finalizing the tests and evaluations of the controls of the new systems and processes.

 

·Hedge accounting: These requirements align hedge accounting more closely with risk management, establish a more principle-based approach to hedge accounting and address inconsistencies and weaknesses in the hedge accounting model in IAS 39. Entities have been provided with an accounting policy option between applying the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9 or continuing with the application of the existing hedge accounting requirements of IAS 39 for all hedge accounting, as the project on macro hedge accounting has not yet been completed. In consequence, the Bank opted for continuing the application of IAS 39 requirements for hedge accounting.

 

·Impact of IFRS 9 transition - Liabilities: The Bank expects a low impact corresponding to the remeasurement of the modified financial liabilities that did not result in derecognition, due to the clarification of the IASB contained in the amendment of IFRS 9 - Characteristics of early cancellation with negative compensation.

 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: On May 28, 2014, the IASB published IFRS 15, which sets forth the principles of presentation of useful financial information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of the income and cash flows generated from the contracts of an entity with its clients. IFRS 15 establishes that an entity recognizes revenue from ordinary activities so they can represent the transfer of goods or services committed with customers in exchange for an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such assets or services. IFRS 15 replaces IAS 11 - Construction contracts, IAS 18 - Income from ordinary activities, as well as related interpretations. This rule is effective for the period beginning on January 1, 2018, allowing its early application. It is expected that a significant proportion of Bancolombia Bank revenues will be outside the scope of IFRS 15, since most of the revenue comes from the operation of financial instruments.

 

In the process of implementing IFRS 15 in the Bancolombia Bank, the contracts agreed with clients were reviewed, in order to establish the impacts on the separation of the components included in them. For this purpose, the following activities were carried out:

 

·Evaluation of promised services in contracts, identifying performance obligations.

 

  F-29 

 

 

·Evaluation of the performance obligations of each contract and whether there are impacts for compliance with the new standard.
·Analysis of concessions, incentives, bonuses, price adjustments clauses, penalties, discounts and refunds or similar elements contained in the agreements made.
·Identification of possible variable compensations included in the contracts and determination as to whether the recognition of the same is being carried out appropriately.
·Analysis of loyalty programs with customers and packages (product grouping) and whether they have impacts for compliance with the new standard.
·Identification and determination of internal post-implementation controls to ensure compliance with accounting and disclosure requirements based on new products and services that are developed within the Bank to meet the financial needs of its customers.

 

At the date of initial application, the Bank evaluated the contracts and commitments established with clients, identifying compliance with the five steps established in IFRS 15 and evaluating the impact on recognition within their Financial Statements, as follows:

 

1.Identification of the contract with the customer: the parties' rights, payment conditions, evaluation of the commercial basis, characteristics of the compensations were identified and it was evaluated if there were modifications or combinations that applied.

2.Identification of the contract obligations: The Bank evaluated the commitments included in the entity's contracts to identify when the customer makes use of the service and whether the obligations are identifiable separately.

3.Price Setting: The characteristics of the amounts to which the agreed services were exchanged were reviewed in the Bank's contracts, in order to estimate the effect of the variable consideration in kind, or others payable to the customer.

4.Price Distribution: In the evaluation of prices to the Bank's contracts, it was found that these are designated individually to the services provided by the entity, even in the products where there are commitments packaged.

5.Satisfaction of the Obligations: The obligations established in contracts with customers are satisfied when the control of the service is transferred to the customer and the recognition is performed as established in IFRS 15 over time or at a given time, given the above, the Bank does not have a significant impact in the recognition of the income since the recognition is done as indicated in the standard.

 

The Bank has evaluated and updated its internal controls over financial reporting in regards to the identification of contracts, in particular, assessed the characteristics of performance obligations to ensure that the recognition of income is adequately carried out in light of the standard.

 

In carrying out the above activities, it was identified that there are no impacts that generate changes to the recognition of income for the Bancolombia Bank given that the accounting procedures are in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 15 and therefore, there is no financial effect by the implementation of the new standard, the adjustments to the information disclosures will be made as established in the regulatory framework IFRS15.

 

IFRS 16, Leases: In January, 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 to replace IAS 17. Accounting for finance leases will remain substantially the same. Operating leases will be brought on balance sheet through the recognition of assets representing the contractual rights of use and liabilities will be recognized for the contractual payments. Applying that model, a lessee is required to recognize:

 

  F-30 

 

 

(a) Assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and

(b) Depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the statement of income.

 

Management is evaluating the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 on the Bank, in its financial position statement and disclosures. The Bank expectes to apply this standard when it become effective on January 1, 2019.

 

To date, the inventory of active contracts has been made in order to determine which will impact the implementation of the standard and then quantify it. Likewise, the most optimum technological alternative is being evaluated to enable the administration of the information and ensure proper registration according to the requirements of the standard

 

IFRS 17, Insurance: In May 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 17 to replace IFRS 4. Accounting for insurance contracts requires entities to separate specified embedded derivatives, investment components and performance obligations are distinguished from the insurance contracts to separately recognize, present and disclose insurance revenues, insurance service expenses and the insurance financial income or expense. However, a simplified measurement method is allowed to measure the quantity related to the remaining service by allocating the premium during the coverage period.

 

This IFRS is mandatory for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021. Advance application is allowed. Management has assessed the impact of the adoption of IFRS 17 on the Bank's financial statements and disclosures, without identifying a material effect on its current financial position or disclosures.

 

Amendments to IAS 40 - Investment Property: IASB clarifies when a change of use occurs that may lead to the transfer of a property to or from investment property. Change of use occurs when the property meets, or meets no longer, the definition of investment property and there is evidence of change of use. In isolation, a change in management's intentions to use a property does not provide evidence of a change of use. This amendment is effective as of January 1, 2018, allowing early adoption.

 

The Bank evaluated the proposed amendment in the standard by determining that the events described therein regarding changes in the use of Investment Property have not taken place in the Bank and its subsidiaries, therefore, the new requirements in IAS 40 will be applied prospectively for new operations as of January 1, 2018, at the moment that transfers of properties with these characteristics are done.

 

IFRIC 22 Transactions in Foreign Currency and Advance Payments: This interpretation is issued to determine the exchange rate to be used for the recognition of income from ordinary activities when an entity has received an anticipated consideration in foreign currency. The date of the transaction to determine the exchange rate to be used in the initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income is the date on which an entity initially recognizes the non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising from payment or collection of the anticipated consideration. This interpretation is effective as of January 1, 2018, allowing early adoption.

 

  F-31 

 

 

Management assessed the impact of the Bank's interpretation on its financial statements and disclosures by modifying the accounting recognition of administrative payments whose change does not generate a material impact. The Bank's other accounting procedures do not show any impact since advances made in foreign currency comply with the guidelines of IFRIC 22.

 

IFRIC 23 uncertainty over income tax treatments: This interpretation has the object of reducing the diversity there is in the recognition and calculation of a tax liability or an asset when there is uncertainty about tax treatment.

 

This applies to all accounting aspects of the income tax when there is uncertainty regarding the treatment of an element, including the tax gain or loss, the assets and liabilities tax bases, tax loss and credit and tax rates. This interpretation shall become enforceable for the annual periods commencing as of January 1, 2019.

 

The Bank shall reflect the effect of an uncertain tax position in regard to the income tax, when it will be concluded that it is unlikely that the tax authority accepts an uncertain tax treatment and, therefore, it will likely pay amounts relating to the uncertain tax treatment.

 

E.Significant Accounting Policies

 

The significant accounting policies that the Bank uses in preparing its consolidated financial statements are detailed below:

 

1.Functional and presentation currency

 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Bank’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Colombian pesos, which is the functional currency for the Parent Company, and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. All transactions and balances in other currency than pesos are considered as foreign currency.

 

2.Transactions and balances in foreign currency

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at period end exchange rates are generally recognized in net income. They are deferred in equity if they relate to qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net investment in a foreign operation.

 

Non-monetary items that are measured at cost are held at the exchange rate of transaction date, while those which are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. When a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in other comprehensive income, any exchange component of that gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income. Conversely, when a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in net income, any exchange component of that gain or loss shall be recognized in net income.

 

3.Foreign subsidiaries

 

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the Bank´s presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

  F-32 

 

 

·     assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position

·     income and expenses for each statement of income and statement of other comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates, and

·     all resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income in Translation adjustment reserve.

 

As part of the consolidation process, exchange differences arising from debt securities in issue and the portion of other financial instruments designated as hedges of foreign operations that are determined to be an effective hedge, are recognized in other comprehensive income in Translation adjustment reserve. When a foreign operation is sold or any debt securities in issue forming part of the net investment are repaid, the associated exchange differences are reclassified to net income, as part of the gain or loss on sale.

 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing exchange rate.

 

The table below sets forth the exchange rate used by the Bank and its subsidiaries to convert statement of financial position accounts and transactions in U.S. dollar into Colombian pesos:

 

 

December 31, 2017

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Closing exchange rate 2,984.00 3,000.71 3,149.47
Average rate for the period ended at 2,951.21 3,053.20 2,746.55

 

4.Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Bank considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash and balances at central bank, interbank assets and reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending that have original maturities since its acquisition date up to 90 days, as shown in Note 4.

 

5.Security deposits.

 

Security deposits are assets pledged as collateral that correspond to cash guarantees made by the Bank to other financial institutions. The carrying amount is increased when a margin call is issued or when it is necessary to increase the trading quota; conversely, it is decreased when the aim is to lower that quota. The security deposits are recognized as other assets in the consolidated statement of financial position at the amount paid in favor of the counterpart and this assets are not subjet to interest recognition.

 

6.Business combinations and goodwill

 

Business combinations are those transactions where an acquirer obtains control of a business (e.g. an acquisition or merger).

 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as follows: a) Identifiable acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in the acquisition are recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition; b) Acquisition costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received; c) and goodwill is recognized as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Bank (If any).

 

  F-33 

 

 

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the value of any non-controlled interest and, when applicable, the fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree, over the net fair value of the acquired assets, liabilities or contingent liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

 

For each business combination, at the date of acquisition, the Bank measures the non-controlling interest by the proportional share of the identifiable assets acquired, as well as liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed by the acquired company, or by their fair value.

 

Any contingent consideration in a business combination is classified as a liability or as equity and is recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition, the liability is remeasured at subsequent reporting dates in accordance with IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, and the consideration classified as equity is not remeasured at subsequent reporting dates and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

 

The goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at the date of acquisition, to the Bank's cash-generating units (or group of cash generating units) which are expected to benefit from the combination, regardless of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units or group of units.

 

For business combinations achieved in stages, any previous equity interest held by the Bank in the acquiree is remeasured at its fair value at the date of acquisition and any resulting gain (or loss) is reported in the consolidated statement of income or other comprehensive income, as appropriate. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income that must be recycle through net income in relation with such investments are reclassified to the consolidated statement of income, as if such investment had been sold. When the associate has other comprehensive income, which is not reclassified to profit or loss, the amounts are not reclassified when the investment is sold.

 

When the Bank enters into a option contract to acquire totally o partially the amount of shares in a subsidiary held by non-controlling interest, that entitles the non-controlling interest to sell its interest in the subsidiary to the Bank, the Bank analyzes whether the ownership risks and rewards remain with the non-controlling interest or have been transferred to the Bank. The non-controlling interest is recognized to the extent the risks and rewards of ownership of those shares remain with them. Irrespective of whether the non-controlling interest is recognized, a financial liability is recorded for the present value of the redemption amount. Subsequent changes to the liability are recognized in net income. The Bank will reclassify the liability to equity if the put option expires unexercised.

 

7.Financial instruments

 

A financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.

 

7.1.Recognition of financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized in the statement of financial position when the Bank becomes a party of the contractual provisions of the instrument. This includes conventional purchases and sales, which are those purchases and sales of financial assets that require the delivery of assets within the time frame established by regulation or convention in the marketplace. The Bank uses settlement date accounting for regular way contracts when recording financial asset transactions.

 

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7.2.Offsetting of financial instruments

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are reported on a net basis on the statement of financial position if and only if (i) there is currently a legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amounts and (ii) there is intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The Bank does not offset income and expenses, unless required or permitted by an IFRS.

 

7.3.Fair value

 

The fair value of all financial assets and liabilities is determined at the statement of financial position date, for recognition or disclosure in the notes to the financial statements.

 

To determine fair value, characteristics of the asset or liability are taken into account in the same way that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date; at estimating, is taken into consideration:

 

-Based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities to which the Bank can access at the measurement date (level 1).

-Based on inputs of valuation methodologies commonly used by the market participants, these inputs are other than quoted prices included with in level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; considering inputs as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities like interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatilities and credit spreads, and market-corroborated inputs (level 2).

-Based on internal valuation techniques of discounted cash flow and other valuation methodologies, using unobservable inputs estimated by the Bank for the assets or liabilities, in the absence of observable inputs (level 3).

 

The accounting judgments used in determining fair value related to matters such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. The changes in estimates related to these factors could affect the recognized fair value of the financial instruments.

 

In Note 29 Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities analysis is provided of the fair values of financial instruments and non-financial assets and liabilities, including further details about the measurement of fair value.

 

7.4.Financial assets

 

At initial recognition, the Bank measures financial assets at fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset that is not measured at fair value through profit or loss, the transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets. Financial assets are then classified considering their subsequent measurement at fair value or amortized cost, respectively, on the basis of the business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument. In addition, for particular investments in equity instruments, in accordance with IFRS 9 (2013), the Bank made the irrevocable election to present subsequent changes in fair value in other comprehensive income.

 

7.4.1 Money market operations

 

Interbank assets and interbank deposits

 

These are funds that the Bank lends to other financial institutions or borrows from the Central Bank and other financial institutions. The transactions in an asset position with maturity of up to ninety days are measured at fair value and classified as cash equivalents. The operations in an asset position with maturity greater than ninety days and all the operations in a liability position are measured at amortized cost and presented as “Other assets” or “interbank deposits”, respectively.

 

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Repurchase agreements and other similar secured transactions

 

·Asset Position

 

Asset position refers to transactions accounted for as collateralized lending in which the Bank purchases securities with an agreement to resell them back to the seller at a stated price plus interest at a specified date, not exceeding one year. Repos in asset position are initially recognized at the consideration paid and they are subsequently measured at amortized cost. The difference between the purchase value and resale price is recorded in net interest income and accrued over the life of the agreement using the effective interest rate method.

 

·Liability Position

 

Liability position refers to transactions accounted for as collateralized borrowing in which the Bank sells debt securities with an agreement to repurchase them back from the buyer at a stated price plus interest at a specified date, not exceeding one year.

 

The securities sold under those agreements are not derecognized from the statement of financial position when the Bank substantially retains all of the risks and rewards of the securities. However, the securities are disclosed as pledged assets. The amounts received are initially recognized, at fair value, as a financial liability and subsequently measured at amortized cost. The difference between the sale value and the repurchase value is treated as interest expense and accrued over the life of the agreement by the effective interest rate method.

 

7.4.2 Debt and equity securities

 

Securities at amortized cost

 

Debt securities are classified at amortized cost only if the asset is maintained within a business model whose objective is to hold it in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the security give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding; Its interest income is recognized using the effective interest rate method.

 

The effective interest method is a method used to calculate the amortized cost of an asset and to assign the income or cost in interest during the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the discount rate at which the present value of future estimated cash payments or those received through the expected life of the financial instrument, or, when appropriate, in a shorter time frame, are equal to the net carrying value at the beginning. To calculate the effective interest rate, the Bank estimates cash flows considering all the contractual terms of the financial instrument, including transaction costs and premiums granted minus commissions and discounts, but without considering future credit losses.

 

Securities at fair value through profit or loss

 

These are equity securities and debt securities that are not subsequently measured at amortized cost. The difference between the current fair value and the immediately preceding fair value of the respective security is recorded as a higher or lower value of the asset, affecting the statement of income.

 

7.4.3 Equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

The Bank has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income, subsequent changes in fair value of some equity instruments that are not held for trading; dividends from this type of instrument are recognized in net income only when the entity’s right to receive payment of the dividend is established.

 

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7.4.4 Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions, leases and other receivables

 

These are financial assets that consist primarily of corporate loans, personal loans (including mainly consumer finance and overdrafts), residential mortgage loans and financial leases. The Bank established that loans, advances to customers and other receivables are held within a business model whose objective is to hold them in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. They are initially measured at fair value, plus transaction costs and origination fees that are directly attributable to the acquisition. They are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

 

7.4.5 Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost

 

At the end of every period, the Bank assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets measured at amortized cost are impaired; impairment is recognized as a result of one or more events that occurred, after the initial recognition of the financial asset, where the loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

 

Indicators that the financial asset is impaired include historical performance data, particular characteristics of the borrower, fair value of collateral, the borrower’s debt to other entities, macroeconomic factors and financial information, a significant financial difficulty of the borrower, whether the borrower will likely to declare bankruptcy or financial restructuring, or any breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments.

 

7.4.5.1 Impairment of loans

 

The Bank individually reviews impaired loans superior to five billion Colombian pesos (USD 1.5 million for foreign subsidiaries), analyzing the debt profile of each debtor, the guarantees granted and information on the credit behavior in the sector. Financial assets are considered significant when, based on current or past information and events, it is likely that the entity will not be able to recover the amounts described in the original contract, including the interests and commissions agreed upon in the contract. When a significant financial asset has been identified as impaired, the amount of the loss is measured as the balance due minus the current net value of the estimated future cash flows. To estimate these flows, basic projected hypotheses are used based on qualitative analysis and backed up by information obtained from the Special Client Administration Committee as well as approvals made with Commerce Managers. When it is determined that a fundamental source of credit collection is a guarantee, the amount of loss is estimated as the balance due minus the fair value of the guarantee minus the estimated selling costs.

 

For credits that are not considered individually significant and for the portfolio of individually significant credits that are not considered impaired, a collective evaluation is carried out. Portfolios of financial assets with similar characteristics are grouped, using statistical techniques based on the analysis of historical losses to determine an estimated percentage of losses that have been incurred by those assets on the balance date. The percentages of historical losses used in the process are updated to incorporate the most recent data of the current economic conditions, the performance trends by industry or region, or the concentration of obligations in each portfolio of financial assets by segment, and any other relevant information that may affect the provision of loss estimate for financial assets.

 

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The financial assets are removed from the balance from the provision when they are considered non-recoverable. The recoveries of financial assets previously discounted are recorded as an increase in the provision.

 

Quantification of the losses incurred takes into account three fundamental factors: exposure at default, the probability of default and the loss caused by default:

 

·Exposure at default: It is understood as the exposed balance of assets to the current capital balance, interest and accounts receivable. In the case of products whose nature is revolving and that have an available quota that is susceptible to be used in its entirety according to loan contracts subscribed with clients, this parameter indicates over-use which can be incurred in the event of client default.

 

·Probability of default (PD): This is the probability that the debtor fails to fulfill their obligations of capital and/or interest payment over a period of twelve months. This is linked to the rating/scoring of each debtor/operation.

 

A hybrid model is used to estimate the probabilities of defaulting based on a through-the-cycle defaulting probability model, and then these probabilities are changed using the following parameters:

 

The LIP (Loss identification Period) parameter changes the probability of defaulting to losses incurred. LIP is the time between the moment of an event that causes a loss and the moment when that loss becomes significant on an individual level. The analysis of LIPs is made based on homogeneous risk portfolios.

 

Macroeconomic adjustment: this parameter converts the through-the-cycle (TTC) defaulting probability model into a point-in-time (PIT) model, using an adjustment that reflects the effect of the current conditions. Given that defaulting probability is estimated using a database that contains precedents of historical losses in a complete economic cycle, the macroeconomic adjustment allows suppression of effects from the conditions of the historical period that no longer exist.

 

In the specific case of doubtful assets, the allocated probability of default is 100%. The classification of an asset as “doubtful” is made because of a non-payment of 90 days or more (180 days for the Banistmo mortgage portfolio), as well as in cases that there is no non-payment, but where there are doubts about the solvency of the debtor.

 

·Loss given default (LGD): This is defined as the economic impairment in which the entity would incur in the event of any instance of default. This depends mainly upon the characteristics of the debtor and upon the valuation of guarantees or collateral associated with the operation.

 

Once a debt or collection of debts is classed as impaired, the interest revenues are still accounted for using the applicable rate of interest for the discount for future cashflows in order to measure loss due to depreciation.

 

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7.4.6 Restructured financial assets

 

Loan restructuring is an alternative to achieve a proper collection management. It must be understood as a resource of atypical use to standardize the behavior of a portfolio, using a new contractual agreement between the parties. Such agreement aims to modify the originally established conditions in order to allow the proper attention to the loan in the light of the real or potential impairment in the debtor’s payment ability. The loan restructuring is implemented through amendments to the contractual terms, rates and payment terms. In any case, at the restructuring time, all the collateral must be preserved and if possible, the Bank’s position should be improved by obtaining new guarantees or guarantors that support the obligations.

 

In the restructuring, real and personal property can be received as foreclosed assets to cancel partially the obligations. Likewise, the Bank can grant discounts on interest or other related receivables. If necessary, the discount can be applied to loan principal, either because the guarantees or payment sources do not have coverage on total loan or because the agreement does not permit full recovery of the total balance. The terms are reviewed in each negotiation to determine if the client should continue in the portfolio and if so, the terms to restore the business relationship after a certain time.

 

If as a result of restructuring, the financial asset is derecognized, costs and fees are recognized in net income, as well the difference between the value in the balance sheet and the consideration received. In the case in which the modified financial asset is not derecognized, the costs and fees are deferred and will be amortized by the remaining life of the modified asset.

 

Before the commencement of the restructuring process, the Bank should perform an analysis of the debtor’s projected cash flow in order to evaluate the capacity to pay the proposed plan. Restructuring loans are classified as follows:

 

Private Agreement

 

These are restructuring based on agreement with the client resulting from, after negotiations between the two parties, without any legal special scheme adopted by the debtor.

 

Regulated by the law agreements

 

These are restructuring that result from legal bankruptcy and insolvency procedures or corporate restructuring agreements acquired by the client.

 

7.4.7 Leasing

 

7.4.7.1 The Bank as lessee

 

The assets taken for lease under financial leases are recognized at the lower of the fair value of the leased assets and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Such assets are recognized as premises and equipment in the statement of financial position.

 

The assets leased under financial leases are depreciated throughout their life using the straight line method. However, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Bank will obtain the property at the end of the lease term, the asset is depreciated throughout its life or the lease term, whichever is shorter. The lease payments are divided between interest and debt reduction. The finance charges are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.

 

The payments for operating leases are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the lease as expenses in the statement of income during the lease term. Lease incentives received are recognized as an integral part of the total lease expenses over the term of the lease.

 

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7.4.7.2 The Bank as lessor

 

The lease agreements entered into by the Bank are classified at the initial recognition as financial or operating leases.

 

The Bank classifies a lease as a financial lease when according to the agreement substantially, all the inherent risks and benefits are transferred to the lessee and are recognized as the sum of the minimum payments to be received and any unguaranteed residual value discounted at the lease interest rate is recorded as part of the loan. Otherwise, the lease is classified as an operating lease, which is classified in the statement of financial position as premises and equipment. The initial direct costs incurred in the negotiation of an operating lease are added to the carrying value of the leased assets and recorded as a cost during the lease term on the same basis as the lease income. The contingent rents of the leases are recorded as income in the period in which they are obtained.

 

Among the risks transferred are the possibilities of losses through underutilization, technological obsolescence, decrease in profitability or changes in the economic environment. Among the benefits derived from the use are the expectation of profit over the economic life of the asset and eventually, the appreciation of its residual value or realization of the asset.

 

The following are indications of transfer of risk and rewards of ownership to the lessee:

 

·The agreement indicates that the lessee has the option to purchase the asset at a price that is expected to be equal to or less than 10.00% of the fair value of the asset upon termination of the lease.

·The term of the lease covers most of the economic life of the asset when the minimum lease term represents 75.00% or more of the economic life of the leased asset.

·At the inception of the lease, the present value of the minimum lease payments amounts to at least 90.00% of the fair value of the leased asset.

·The leased assets are of such a specialized nature that only the lessee has the possibility of using them without making significant modifications.

 

If during the lease term, the lessor and the lessee decide to modify the initial conditions, and the agreed changes result in a different classification, then the modified agreement will be considered a new lease with new clauses that will lead to the classification of a financial or operating lease, as appropriate.

 

7.5. Financial liabilities

 

At initial recognition, the Bank measures its financial liabilities at fair value. The transaction costs that are directly attributable to the financial liability are deducted from its fair value if the instruments are subsequently recognized at amortized cost, or will be recognized in the statement of income if the liabilities are measured at fair value. .

 

Derivative liabilities are measured at fair value through profit and loss and the gains or losses of those liabilities are recognized in the statement of income for subsequent measurements. Non-derivative financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate. Interest expenses are recognized in the statement of income unless it is a financial liability designated as at fair value through profit or loss, for which is required to present the effects of changes in the liability’s credit risk in other comprehensive income.

 

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7.5.1 Compound instruments

 

Compound financial instruments that comprise both a liability and equity component must be separated and accounted for separately. Therefore, for initial measurement, the liability component is the fair value of a similar liability which doesn´t have an equity component (determined by discounting future cash flows using the market rate at the date of the issuance). The difference between the fair value of the liability component and the fair value of the compound financial instrument considered as a whole is the residual value assigned to the equity component. Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a compound financial instrument is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The equity component of a compound financial instrument is not re-measured subsequent to initial recognition. The liability component corresponds to the preferred dividend related to 1% of the subscription price, which is the payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares for each period in accordance with the Bank’s bylaws.

 

7.5.2 Financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments

 

In order to meet the needs of its customers, the Bank issues financial standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and loan commitments. Loan commitments are those agreements under which the bank has an irrevocable obligation to grant the loan. The financial guarantee contracts issued by the Bank are contracts that require the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due to accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt instrument.

 

Both financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments are initially recognized as liability at fair value, which is normally the fee received, adjusted for the directly attributable transaction costs incurred. Such contracts are measured at the higher between the provision amount measured according to IAS 37 -Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets and the amount initially recognized less, when proceeds, the accumulated amortization recognized according IAS 18 - Revenues

 

Income derived from guarantees is recognized as fees and commission income in the statement of income over the term of the contract.

 

7.6 Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Bank has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership or in which the Bank neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.

 

On derecognition of a financial asset, the difference between: (a) the carrying amount (measured at the date of derecognition) and (b) the consideration received (including any new asset obtained less any new liability assumed) is recognized in net income.

 

In transactions in which the Bank neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a financial asset, the Bank continues to recognize the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement, determined by the extent to which it is exposed to changes in the value of the transferred financial asset.

 

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A financial liability is removed from the statement of financial position when it is extinguished, that is when the obligation is discharged, cancelled or expired.

 

Debt exchange

 

The Bank assesses whether the instruments subject to exchange are substantially different from each other, considering qualitative aspects such as currencies, terms, rates, conditions of subordination, regulatory framework, among others; and quantitative, in which is evaluated whether the present value of discounted cash flows under the conditions of the new instruments (including any commission paid net of any commission received) and using the original effective interest rate to calculate the discount, is at least 10 percent different from the discounted present value of the cash flows that still remain of the original financial liability.

 

When it is concluded that the instruments subject to debt exchange are not substantially different, the transaction is recognized as a modification of the debt. In this case, incremental costs and commissions adjust the carrying amount of the liability and are amortized over the remaining life of the modified liability, in accordance with its subsequent measurement at Amortized Cost. In debt exchanges that are considered substantially different, the financial instrument is derecognized and a new financial liability is recognized.

 

7.6.1 Written-Off loan portfolio balances and related allowances

 

Loans are written off when the Bank concludes there is no a realistic expectation of recovery of the principal and receivables balances from a client or third party. In general, this characteristic will be fulfilled when the following delinquency conditions are present:

 

Type

Length of delinquency

Consumer 180 days, 450 for vehicles in BAM, 720 for loans with mortgage guarantee in Banco Agricola
Commercial 360 days
Small Business Loan 180 days, 720 for loans with guarantee in Banistmo
Mortgage 1.620 days. For Banistmo and Banco Agrícola from 720 days. BAM 1440 days.

  

Among the reasons underlying the portfolio's non-recoverability are the estimated recovery time of the obligation and the probable recovery percentage given the existence or lack of collaterals. When default conditions are present, it is initially necessary to evaluate whether the collaterals that support the loan generate a reasonable expectation of recovery; if so, the necessary steps are taken to realize of the collateral prior to writing-off; in cases where the collateral net fair value indicates that there are no reasonable expectations of recovery, loans are written-off. In most mortgage loan cases, there is still a high probability of recovery after the delinquency.

 

7.7. Derivatives financial instruments

 

A financial derivative is an instrument whose value changes in response to changes in a variable such as an interest rate, exchange rate, the price of a financial instrument, a credit rating or a credit index. This instrument requires no initial investment or it is smaller than would be required for other financial instruments with a similar response to changes in market conditions, and it is generally settled at a future date.

 

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The Bank carries out derivative transactions to facilitate the business of clients related to the management of their market and credit risk; managing the exposure in its own position to changes in interest rates and risks in exchange rates; or to obtain benefits from changes in valuations experienced by these instruments in the market. Derivatives are recognized and measured at fair value through profit or loss, unless such derivatives are designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges or in a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. In those cases, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recognized in other comprehensive income

 

7.7.1 Hedge accounting

 

Fair value hedges are used by the Bank, through its Panamanian subsidiary, Banistmo, to protect against changes in the fair value of investment securities that are attributable to interest rate variability. Cash flow hedges are used mainly to reduce the variability in cash flows of deposits issued by Banistmo caused by interest rate changes. When the hedging relationship is considered to be highly effective, the changes in value of the hedging derivative are accounted for according to their classification as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges and hedges of net investment in foreign operations, as set in the paragraph below.

 

The Bank assesses at the inception of the hedge and on a monthly basis during the life of the instrument, whether the hedge used in the transaction is expected to be highly effective (prospective effectiveness), and considers the actual effectiveness of the hedge on an ongoing basis (retrospective effectiveness). The Bank discontinues the hedge accounting when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or if hedge designation is revoked. When hedge accounting for a fair value hedge is terminated the previous adjustments related to the changes in fair value of the hedged item are subsequently recorded in the consolidated statement of income in the same manner as other components of the carrying amount of that asset.

 

Before the establishment of the hedge accounting, The Bank documents the relationship between hedged items and hedging instruments, as well as its risk management objectives and hedging strategies, which are approved by the Risk Management Committee as the body designated by the Board of Directors.

 

Hedge relationships, are classified and accounted for in the following way:

 

–             Fair value hedges: are designated to protect against the exposure to changes in the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments.

 

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments in fair value hedges are recorded in the statement of income as interest and valuation on investments. The change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk is uncluded as part of the carrying value of the hedged item, and it is also recognized in the aforementioned item of statement of income.

 

For fair value hedges that are related to items accounted for at amortized cost, the adjustments to the carrying value are amortized through the statement of income during the remaining term until their expiry. The amortization of the effective interest rate will be able to begin as long as there is an adjustment to the carrying value of the hedged item, but it will have to begin at the latest when the hedged item is no longer adjusted by changes to its fair value attributable to the risk that is being hedged. The amortization of the adjustments to the carrying value is based on the effective interest rate recalculated on the starting date of the amortization. If the hedged item is derecognized, the non-amortized fair value is recognized immediately in the statement of income. If the hedge instrument expires or it is sold, terminated or exercised, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the Bank discontinues prospectively the hedge accounting. For the items hedged at amortized cost, the difference between the carrying value of the item hedged at the completion of the hedge and the nominal value are amortized using the effective rate method during the time surplus of the original terms of the hedge. If the hedged item is derecognized, the remaining value to amortize is recognized immediately in the statement of income.

 

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When an unrecognized firm commitment is designated as a hedged item, the subsequent cumulative change in the fair value of the firm commitment attributable to the hedged risk is recognized as an asset or liability with corresponding gain or loss recognized in net income.

 

–             Cash flow hedges: are used mainly to manage the exposition to variability related to the cash flow attributable of a specific risk associated with an asset or liability recognized on statement of financial position or to a highly probable forecast transaction.

 

The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in the statement of income.

 

If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, without replacement or rollover into another hedging instrument, or if its hedging designation is revoked, any accumulated gain or loss previously recognized in OCI remains in OCI, until the planned operation or the firm commitment affects the result.

 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Bank revokes the hedging relationship, when the hedging isntrument expires or is sold, terminated, or excercised, or when no longer quilifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised in other comprehensive income when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in net income. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss acumulated in equity is recognised inmediately in net income.

 

–             Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation: In accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ and IFRIC 16 ‘Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation’, the Bank has decided to apply the hedge accounting of the foreign currency risk arising from its net investment in Banistmo, designating as a hedging instrument certain debt securities issued by the Parent Company. Considering the hedge accounting relationship, in the case of the net investment, the gain or loss derived from the foreign exchange differences related to the debt securities that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income, as well as the currency translation adjustment of the Banistmo operation into the presentation currency as required by IAS 21 as detailed in F.2. ‘Functional and presentation currency’.

 

  F-44 

 

 

8. Premises and equipment and depreciation

 

Premises and equipment include tangible items that are held for use, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and are expected to be used for more than one period.

 

Items of premises and equipment are expressed at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The depreciable amount is the cost of an asset less its residual value. The estimated useful lives for each asset group are:

 

Asset group

Useful life range

Buildings 10 to 75 years
Furniture and fixtures 5 to 20 years
Computer equipment 3 to 20 years
Equipment and machinery 3 to 40 years
Vehicles 3 to 6 years

 

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. When there is a significant change, the depreciation and the charge to the statement of income are adjusted based on the new estimation.

 

Assets classified as premises and equipment are subject to impairment tests when events or circumstances occur indicating that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable

 

An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount and is recognized in the statement of income as ‘ impairment, depreciation and amortization’.

 

When the carrying value exceeds the recoverable value, the carrying value is adjusted to its recoverable value, modifying the future charges for depreciation, according to its new remaining useful life.

 

In a similar way, when indications exist that the value of an asset has been recovered, reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in net income and consequently the future charges for the asset’s depreciation are adjusted. In any case, the reversal of the impairment loss of assets cannot increase its carrying value above the amount that it would have if impairment losses in previous periods had not been recognized.

 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the smallest identifiable group that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). The evaluation can be carried out at individual asset level when the fair value less the cost of sale can be reliably determined and the value in use is estimated to be close to its fair value less costs to sell and fair value less costs to sell can be determined

 

Maintenance expenses of the premises and equipment are recognized as an expense in the period in which they are incurred and are registered in the consolidated statement of income as administrative and general expenses.

 

  F-45 

 

 

Gains and losses in the sale of premises and equipment are registered in the consolidated statement of income as other operating income or other expenses.

 

9. Investment properties

 

Land and buildings that the Bank holds to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both rather than for their use in the supply of services or sale in the ordinary course of business are recognized as investment properties.

 

The investment properties are measured initially at cost, including the transaction costs. The carrying value includes the cost of replacement or substitution of a part of an investment property at the time in which the cost is incurred, if the cost meets the recognition criteria; and it excludes the daily maintenance costs of the investment property which are included in the statement of income as “Other expenses”.

 

After the initial recognition, the investment properties are measured at fair value which reflects the market conditions at the statement of financial position date. The gains and losses that arise from changes in the fair values of investment properties are included in the statement of income as ‘Other operating income’.

 

The investment properties are derecognized, either at the moment of their disposal, or when they are permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefits are expected. The difference between the net disposal proceeds of the investment properties and the carrying value is recognized in net income in the period the disposal occurs.

 

Transfers to or from the investment properties are only made when there is a change in its use. For a transfer from an investment property to premises and equipment, the cost taken into account for its subsequent accounting is the fair value at the time of the change in use. If a premises and equipment becomes an investment property, it will be accounted for at its fair value.

 

10. Intangible assets

 

An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset with no physical appearance. Separately acquired intangible assets are measured initially at their cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in business combinations is their fair value at the date of acquisition. After the initial recognition, the intangible assets are accounted for at cost less any accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment loss. The costs of internally generated intangible assets, excluding the costs from development that meet the recognition criteria, are not capitalized and the expense is reflected in the statement of income as it is incurred.

 

The useful lives of intangible assets are determined as finite or indefinite. The intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The Bank assesses its intangible assets in order to identify whether any indications of impairment exist, as well as possible reversal of previous impairment losses. The amortization period and the amortization method for intangible assets with a finite useful life are reviewed at least at the close of each period. The expected changes in the useful life or in the pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits of the asset are accounted for when changing the period or amortization method, as appropriate, and they are treated as changes in the accounting estimates. The amortization expense of intangible assets with finite useful lives is recognized in the statement of income. The useful lives of the intangible assets with finite life ranges between 1 and 10 years.

 

  F-46 

 

 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization, but are periodically tested in order to identify any impairment, either individually or at the cash-generating unit level. The assessment of the indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine if it continues being valid. In the event that the assessment were not valid, the change from indefinite useful life to finite useful life is recognized prospectively.

 

The gain or loss that arises when an intangible asset is derecognized are measured as the difference between the disposal value and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognized in the statement of income.

 

The Bank’s intangible assets comprise mainly intangibles of finite useful life: licenses, software and computer applications, client relationships and the legal stability agreement signed with the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (See note 19 Income tax), customer relationships and patents. Intangibles of indefinite useful life comprise Goodwill.

 

10.1 Research and development costs

 

The research costs are recorded as expenses as they are incurred. Costs directly related to the development of a stand-alone project are recognized as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:

 

·It is technical feasible of to complete the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale;
·Management intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;
·There is an ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
·It can be demonstrated how the asset will generate probable future economic benefits;
·Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset are available; and
·The expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be reliably measured.

 

In the statement of financial position, the related capitalized costs are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Costs are capitalized during the application development stage and amortized on a straight line basis since the beginning of the production stage over the period of expected future economic benefits. During the development period, the asset is subjected to annual impairment tests to determine if impairment indications exists. The research and development costs that do not qualify for capitalization are recorded as expenses in the income of the period.

 

11.Inventories

 

The inventories of returned property are those assets that come from an early termination of a lease (returned property s) or those upon which the lease has already concluded (premises and equipment), which are expected to be sold in the normal course of business. These are controlled by the Bank and are expected to generate future economic benefits.

 

The inventory of returned property is recognized as an asset from the date in which the Bank assumes the risks and benefits of the inventories. The cost of it can be reliably measured and it is probable that it will generate future economic benefits.

 

The inventories of returned property are valued using the specific identification method and their costs include the carrying value at the time the asset is returned.

 

  F-47 

 

 

The carrying value of returned property is measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value (NRV). The net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less its estimated costs to make the sale. The adjustment in the carrying value to reflect the NVR, is recognized in the statement of income of the period in which the goods are returned. The value of any reversion that comes from an increase in the NVR in which the increase occurs is recognized as a lower expense in the period.

 

Other new inventories are measured initially at acquisition cost which comprises the sum of the purchase price, the import costs (if applicable), the non-recoverable taxes paid, the storage, the transport costs, and other attributable or necessary costs for their acquisition, less discounts, reductions or similar items. Those inventories do not include selling costs.

 

The Bank must review the NRV of its inventories, at least annually or whenever necessary by market conditions. Any write-down adjustment must be recognized directly in the statement of income.

 

12.Assets held for sale and discontinued operations

 

A non-current asset or a disposal group of assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying value will be recovered through a sale transaction, rather than through continuing use. These assets or groups of assets are shown separately in the statement of financial position at the lower of their carrying value and their fair value less costs to sell and they are not depreciated nor amortized from the date of their classification.

 

The held for sale condition is met if the assets or group of assets are available, in their current condition, for immediate sale and the sale transaction is highly probable and is expected to be completed within the year following the date of classification.

 

The Bank perform the measurement of the assets held for sale at the statement of financial position date. However these assets are evaluated quarterly if exist impairment indicators that imply review of the carrying value recorded in the accounts. If those indications are identified, impairment losses are recognized for the difference between the carrying and recoverable amount of an asset as ‘Impairment, depreciation and amortization’ in the statement of income.

 

A discontinued operation is a component of an entity that has been disposed of, or is classified as held for sale and, represents a separate major line of business or a geographical area of operations, is part of a single coordinated and individual plan to dispose a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

 

Income and expenses coming from a discontinued operation must be disclosed separately from those coming from continued operations, in a single item after the income tax, in the consolidated statement of income of the current period and comparatively with previous period even though the Bank retains a non-controlling interest in the subsidiary after the sale.

 

13.Impairment of non-financial assets, cash-generating units and goodwill

 

The Bank evaluates whether there is any indication that on a stand-alone basis, cash-generating units are impaired at the end of each period. If some indication of impairment does exist, the Bank estimates the recoverable amount of the assets and the loss by impairment. Regardless of whether impairment indicators exist, goodwill must be tested annually for impairment.

 

  F-48 

 

 

If an asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from the rest of the assets or group of assets, the recoverable amount is determined by the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

 

A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

 

The amount of impairment losses recognized in net income during the period are included in the Statement of income as “Impairment, depreciation and amortization”

 

14.Other assets

 

The bank presents as other assets, among other things, (a) the expenses paid in advance incurred in the development of its business, in order to receive future services, which are amortized during the period in which services are received or the costs or expenses are recorded and (b) foreclosed assets that do not comply with what is required to be recognized as assets held for sale and that there are no plans to use it in the supply of services or for administrative purposes.

 

Foreclosed assets are initially recognized at the lower of net amount of the charge-off financial assets and net realizable value of the foreclosed asset (the net realizable value will be the estimated selling price of the asset or its awarding value, less the estimated costs necessary to carry out its sale), pending the obtaining of a plan for its commercialization. For this group of assets, it is evidence of impairment that they remain in the statement of financial position for a period greater than one year from their reception date without obtaining a buyer, despite permanently seeking their realization, even adjusting their selling price.

 

Foreclosed assets are subsequently assessed to determine whether an impairment lost must be recognized. In the case of arising events that are beyond the control of the Bank and that make remote the realization of these assets, they are identified as "non-tradable" and a completely impairment is carried out

 

15.Employee benefits

 

15.1 Short term benefits

 

The Bank grants to its employee’s short term benefits such as bonuses, salaries, accrued performance costs and social security that are expected to be wholly settled within 12 months. Expenses related to these benefits are recognized over the period in which the employees provide the services to which the payments relate.

 

15.2 Other long term employee benefits

 

The Bank grants to its employees seniority bonuses as long term employee benefits whose payment is not expected within the 12 months following the end of the annual period in which the employees have rendered their services. These benefits are projected up to the date of payment and are discounted through the Projected Unit Credit method. The cost of long term employee benefits is allocated across the period from the time the employee was hired the Bank and the expected date of obtaining the benefit.

 

15.3 Pensions and other post-employment benefits

 

Defined contribution plans

 

  F-49 

 

 

The Bank pays contribution monthly to pension funds, due to legal requirements and it will have no legal obligation to pay further contributions.

 

The Bank recognizes contributions in the statement of income. Any contributions unpaid at the statement of financial position date are included as a liability.

 

Defined benefit plans

 

They are post-employment benefit plans in which the Bank has the legal or implicit obligation to take responsibility for the payments of benefits that have agreed. The Bank makes an actuarial valuation on the base of the projected unit credit method and a risk-free rate which reflects current market assessments of the time value of money in each country.

 

16.Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets

 

Provisions are recorded when the Bank has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

 

Provisions are determined by the management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period and it is discounted using a risk-free rate which reflects current market assessments of the time value of money in each country, treasury bonds (TES)1 for Colombia. The corresponding expense of any provision is recorded in the statement of income, net of all expected reimbursement. The increase of the provision due to the time value of money is recognized as a financial expense.

 

The amounts recognized in the statement of income, correspond mainly to:

 

Provisions for loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts; and

Provisions for legal proceedings, classified as probable to be decided against the Bank.

 

Possible obligations that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events, not wholly within the control of the Bank, or a present obligation that arise from past events but are not recognized because it is not probable, that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligations or the amount of the obligations cannot be measured with sufficient reliability are not recognized in the financial statement but instead are disclosed as contingent liabilities, unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote, in which case no disclosure is required.

 

Possible assets that arise from past events whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events, not wholly within the control of the Bank, are not recognized in the financial statement; instead are disclosed as contingent assets where an inflow of economic benefits is probable. When the realization of income is virtually certain, then the related asset is not a contingent asset and its recognition is appropriate.

 

 

1 It refers to the interest rate of treasury bonds (TES), representative of the nation's public debt.

 

  F-50 

 

 

17.Customer loyalty program

 

The Bank maintains a credit card loyalty program to provide incentives to its customers. The program allows customers to purchase goods and services, based on the exchange of awards points, which are awarded based on purchases using the Bank's credit cards and the fulfillment of certain conditions established in such program. Points redemption for prizes is carried out by a third party. According to IFRIC 13, the expenses of the Bank's commitments with its clients arising from this program are recognized as a lower value of the fee and other service income, considering the total number of points that can be redeemed over the accumulated prizes and taking into account the probability of redemptions.

 

18.Revenue recognition

 

Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits flow to the Bank and that the revenue can be measured reliably.

 

18.1.Interest income and expenses

 

For all financial instruments measured at amortized cost, interest income and interest expenses are recognized using the effective interest rate. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts future estimated cash flows payments through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying value of the financial liability or asset. The computation takes into account all the contractual conditions of the financial instrument (for example, prepayment options) and includes incremental fees or expenses that are directly attributed to the instrument and are an integral part of the Effective Interest Rate (EIR), but not future credit losses.

 

For debt securities at fair value, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the statement of income as ‘Interest and valuation on investments’

 

18.2.Fees and commission income

 

The Bancolombia Group charges fees for the services it provides to its customers. Fee income can be divided into the following three categories:

 

Income from fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate of a financial instrument: 

Commissions for loan commitments that have a high probability of being used are deferred (together with any incremental cost) via the effective interest rate once the loan is granted (in accordance with section 18.1). If the commitment expires and no loan is made, the fee is recognized as income at the time of termination.

 

The opening fees received for the issuance of a financial liability measured at amortized cost are included in the effective interest rate of the financial instrument and its recognition as income is generated during the estimated life of the asset.

 

Commissions obtained from the services that are provided during a certain period of time: 

Fees accrued for the transference of services during a period of time. The payments include income from commissions and asset management, custody and other administration and advisory commissions. In loan commitments when it is not possible to demonstrate the probability that a loan will be used, the opening fees of the loan are recognized in income statement during the commitment period on a straight line basis.

 

Fee and commission recognized on the performance of a significant act: 

Fees arising from the negotiation or participation in the negotiation of a transaction for a third party, such as the acquisition of shares or other securities or the purchase or sale of businesses, are recognized at the closing of the underlying transaction. Commissions or fee components that are linked to a specified performance are recognized after the corresponding criteria are met.

 

  F-51 

 

 

18.3.Dividend revenue

 

For the investments that are not associates or joint ventures, dividends are recognized when the right to payment of the Bank is established, which is generally when the stockholders declares the dividend. These are included in the statement of income as Dividends received and share of profits of equity method investees.

 

18.4.Total operating income, net

 

The income derived from commercial operations (trading) includes all profits and losses from variations in the fair value and revenue or expenses for related interests from financial liabilities or assets. This includes any ineffectiveness registered in the hedging transactions.

 

19.Income tax

 

The Bank recognizes, when appropriate, deferred tax assets and liabilities by the future estimate of tax effects attributable to differences between book values of assets, liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the tax rate that, in accordance with the valid tax laws in each country where The Bank has operations, must be applied in the year in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are realized or settled. The future effects of changes in tax laws or tax rates are recognized in the deferred taxes as from the date of publication of the law providing for such changes.

 

Tax bases for deferred tax must be calculated by factoring in the definition of IAS 12 and the value of the assets and liabilities that will be realized or settled in the future according to the valid tax laws of each of the countries where the Bank has operations.

 

Deferred tax liabilities due to deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiary and associated entities or shares in joint ventures, are recognized except when the Bank is able to control the period in which the deductible temporary difference is reverted. Furthermore, it is likely that it will not be reverted in the foreseeable future.

 

Deferred tax assets, identified with temporary differences, are only recognized if it is considered likely that The Bank is going to have sufficient taxable income in the future that allow it to be recovered.

 

Tax credit from fiscal losses and surplus amounts from the presumptive income on the net income are recognized as a deferred asset, provided that it is likely that The Bank is going to generate future net income to allow their offset.

 

The deferred tax is recorded as debit or credit according to the result of each of the companies that form The Bank and for the purpose of disclosure on the Statement of Financial Position it is disclosed as net.

 

The income tax expense is recognized on the consolidated income statement under the heading Income Tax, except when referring to amounts directly recognized in the OCI (Other Comprehensive Income).

 

Regulatory changes in tax laws and in tax rates are recognized in the consolidated income statement under the Income Tax heading in the period when such rule becomes enforceable. Interest and fines are recognized on the consolidated income statement under the overhead and administrative expenses heading.

 

  F-52 

 

 

The Bank periodically assesses the tax positions adopted in tax returns and according to the results of the tax audits held by the control entity determines possible tax eventualities provided it has a present obligation and it is likely that The Bank must part with economic resources to cancel the obligation, for which purpose there must be a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation. The recorded sums are based on the estimated fair amount that is expected to cover the amount expected to be paid in the future.

 

Revisions of tax returns must be documented, as well as any uncertain tax positions that are taken in them.

 

Transfer prices policy

 

The Bank recognizes operations with economic links applying the Arm's Length Principle. These operations are documented and reported to the tax administration.

 

20.Operating segments

 

Operating segments are defined as components of the Bank for which separate financial information is available that is regularly used by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance.

 

The Bank manages and measures the performance of its operations through the operating segments using the same accounting policies described in the summary of significant accounting policies described in Note 2.

 

21.Earnings per share

 

The basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

 

To calculate diluted earnings per share, the net income attributable to ordinary equity holders, and the weighted average number of outsanding shares is adjusted by the dilutive effects inherent to potential ordinary shares.

 

22.Paid-in capital

 

Corresponds to the greater amount paid by the shareholders on the nominal value of the share.

 

NOTE 3. OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

Operating segments are defined as components of an entity about which separate financial information is available and that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (CODM) in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The segment information has been prepared following the Bank’s accounting policies as described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2 Significant accounting policies and has been presented consistently with the internal reports provided to the CODM.

 

  F-53 

 

 

The CODM uses a variety of information and key financial data on a segment basis to assess the performance and make decision regarding the investment and allocation of resources, such as:

 

·Net interest margin (Net margin on financial instruments divided by average interest-earning assets).
·Return on average total assets (Net income divided by average total assets).
·Return on average stockholders’ equity.
·Efficiency ratio (Operating expenses as a percentage of interest, fees, services and other operating income).
·Asset Quality and loans coverage ratios.

 

The Bank includes the following segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, Off Shore and All other segments. The factors used to identify the Bank’s reportable segments are the nature of the products and services provided by the subsidiaries and the geographical locations where the subsidiaries are domiciled, in line with the CODM’s operating decisions related to the results of each segment.

 

The Bank’s operating segments are comprised as follows:

 

·Banking Colombia

 

This segment provides retail and corporate banking products and services to individuals, companies and national and local governments in Colombia. The Bank’s strategy in Colombia is to grow with these clients based on value added and long-term relationships. In order to offer specialized services to individuals and small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), the Bank´s retail sales force targets the clients classified as: Personal, Private, Entrepreneurs, Foreign Residents and SMEs. The Bank´s corporate and government sales force targets and specializes in companies with more than COP 16,000 million in revenue in nine economic sectors: Agribusiness, Commerce, Manufacturing of Supplies and Materials, Media, Financial Services, Non-Financial Services, Construction, Government and Natural Resources.

 

Tuya S.A. was discontinued in the year ending as of December 31, 2016. The segment information reported on the next pages does not include any amounts for that discontinued operation, which is described in more detail in note 30 discounted operations

 

This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities, liquidity and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in Colombia.

 

·Banking Panama

 

This segment provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals and companies in Panama through the Banistmo operation. This segment includes all the operations of Banistmo and its subsidiaries, which are managed and monitored by the CODM on a consolidated basis.

 

This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities, liquidity and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in Panama.

 

  F-54 

 

 

·Banking El Salvador

 

This segment provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, companies and national and local governments in El Salvador through Banco Agrícola S.A. Banking El Salvador also includes operations of the following subsidiaries: Arrendadora Financiera S.A., Credibac S.A. de CV, Valores Banagricola S.A. de C.V.

 

This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities, liquidity and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in El Salvador.

 

·Banking Guatemala

 

This segment provides retail and commercial banking and insurance products and services to individuals, companies and national and local governments in Guatemala through Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A. Banking Guatemala also includes operations of the following subsidiaries: Mercom Bank Ltd., Seguros Agromercantil S.A., Financiera Agromercantil S.A., Agrovalores S.A., Tarjeta Agromercantil S.A.

 

This segment is also responsible for the management of the Bank’s proprietary trading activities, liquidity and distribution of treasury products and services to its client base in Guatemala.

 

·Trust

 

This segment provides trust and asset management services to clients in Colombia and Peru through Fiduciaria Bancolombia and FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria. The main products offered by this segment include money market accounts, mutual and pension funds, private equity funds, payment trust, custody services, and corporate trust.

 

Investment in FiduPerú S.A. is classified as Asset held for sale in Statement of Financial Position. For further information, see note 12 Assets held for sale and inventories.

 

·Investment banking

 

This segment provides corporate and project finance advisory, underwriting, capital markets services and private equity management through Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Its customers include private and publicly-held corporations as well as government institutions.

 

  F-55 

 

 

·Brokerage

 

This segment provides brokerage, investment advisory and private banking services to individuals and institutions through Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa. It sells and distributes equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds and structured products.

 

·Off Shore

 

This segment provides a complete line of offshore banking services to Colombian and foreign customers through Bancolombia Panamá S.A., Bancolombia Caymán S.A., and Bancolombia Puerto Rico International, Inc. It offers loans to private sector companies, trade financing, leases financing and financing for industrial projects, as well as a complete portfolio of cash management products, such as checking accounts, international collections and payments. Through these subsidiaries, the Bank also offers investment opportunities in U.S. dollars, savings and checking accounts, time deposits, and investment funds to its high net worth clients and private banking customers.

 

·All other segments

 

This segment provides financial and operational leases activities, including cross-border and international leasing services to clients in Colombia, Central America, Mexico and Brazil. Bancolombia offers these services mainly through the following Subsidiaries: Renting Colombia S.A.S., Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C., Transportempo S.A.S. and Capital Investment Safi S.A. This segment also includes results from small operation of particular investment vehicles of Bancolombia: Valores Simesa S.A., BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S., Inversiones CFNS S.A.S., Sistema de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa, Banagrícola S.A., Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola and others.

 

The investment in Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. and Capital Investment Safi S.A. are classified as Asset held for sale in Statement of Financial Position. For further information, see note 12 Assets held for sale and inventories.

 

  F-56 

 

 

Financial performance by operating segment:

 

The CODM reviews the performance of the Bank using the following financial information by operating segment:

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2017
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking El
Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Trust Investment
banking(1)
Brokerage Off shore All other
segments
Total before
eliminations
Adjustments for
consolidation(2)
Total after
eliminations
  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 12,984,301 1,495,446 882,806 865,038 794 94 8,916 444,649 10,201 16,692,245 (6,568) 16,685,677
Interest income on loans and financial leases 12,576,159 1,374,398 830,050 767,986 - - - 412,418 13,000 15,974,011 (426) 15,973,585
Total Debt investments 602,304 93,154 31,582 100,193 193 94 15,147 16,329 735 859,731 - 859,731
Derivatives (54,156) 438 - - - - (7,661) 6,085 (289) (55,583) (6,084) (61,667)
Total liquidity operations (140,006) 27,456 21,174 (3,141) 601 - 1,430 9,817 (3,245) (85,914) (58) (85,972)
Interest expenses (4,791,976) (523,312) (256,994) (348,726) (102) - (72) (226,304) (85,928) (6,233,414) 428 (6,232,986)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 8,192,325 972,134 625,812 516,312 692 94 8,844 218,345 (75,727) 10,458,831 (6,140) 10,452,691
Total credit impairment charges, net (3,196,065) (46,468) (110,018) (125,877) (549) 466 (147) 6,541 1,696 (3,470,421) 8,576 (3,461,845)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 4,996,260 925,666 515,794 390,435 143 560 8,697 224,886 (74,031) 6,988,410 2,436 6,990,846
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (59,884) (26,837) (963) (972) (33,024) 16,209 53,075 101,327 (48,931) - - -
Total fees and commission income, net 1,588,246 205,645 170,834 101,565 283,666 28,695 96,703 16,270 12,569 2,504,193 - 2,504,193
Other operating income 673,850 7,784 (6,405) 54,246 13,560 1,886 (11,647) 5,280 874,126 1,612,680 19,666 1,632,346
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees (53,141) 7,038 324 608 18,249 (70,114) 12,278 (239,328) (61,156) (385,242) 651,412 266,170
Joint venture impairment - - - - - (173,339) - - - (173,339) - (173,339)
Total operating income, net 7,145,331 1,119,296 679,584 545,882 282,594 (196,103) 159,106 108,435 702,577 10,546,702 673,514 11,220,216
Operating expenses (3) (4,717,591) (569,219) (383,002) (343,646) (113,482) (34,100) (101,255) (56,593) (430,212) (6,749,100) 538 (6,748,562)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (147,034) (55,197) (34,671) (101,392) (540) (133) (1,398) (967) (137,377) (478,709) (174) (478,883)
Total operating expenses (4,864,625) (624,416) (417,673) (445,038) (114,022) (34,233) (102,653) (57,560) (567,589) (7,227,809) 364 (7,227,445)
Profit before tax 2,280,706 494,880 261,911 100,844 168,572 (230,336) 56,453 50,875 134,988 3,318,893 673,878 3,992,771

 

(1)Includes imparment recognition in joint venture Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.For more information see Note 7 Investments in associates and joint ventures
(2)Includes provisions, dividends, gains on sales and non-controlling interest and reclassification according to the analysis process used by the CODM.
(3)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

  F-57 

 

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking El
Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Trust Investment
banking
Brokerage Off shore All other
segments
Total before
eliminations
Adjustments for
consolidation(1)
Total after
eliminations
  In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 11,586,785 1,399,852 901,757 869,329 827 136 17,160 442,107 30,299 15,248,252 500,553 15,748,805
Interest income on loans and financial leases 11,196,951 1,284,986 844,687 763,031 - - - 431,381 25,819 14,546,855 473,487 15,020,342
Total Debt investments 464,504 94,284 48,264 96,081 283 136 18,094 16,205 3,145 740,996 1,718 742,714
Derivatives (10,197) 3,274 - 5,323 - - (2,113) (7) (1,030) (4,750) - (4,750)
Total liquidity operations (64,473) 17,308 8,806 4,894 544 - 1,179 (5,472) 2,365 (34,849) 25,348 (9,501)
Interest expenses (4,542,701) (457,611) (252,011) (348,219) (20) - (33) (252,030) (99,991) (5,952,616) (100,484) (6,053,100)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 7,044,084 942,241 649,746 521,110 807 136 17,127 190,077 (69,692) 9,295,636 400,069 9,695,705
Total credit impairment charges, net (1,797,848) (367,781) (55,985) (127,839) (164) (423) (25) (52,294) 871 (2,401,488) (329,664) (2,731,152)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 5,246,236 574,460 593,761 393,271 643 (287) 17,102 137,783 (68,821) 6,894,148 70,405 6,964,553
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (65,915) (20,600) (3,054) 701 (22,893) 12,891 38,677 99,914 (39,721) - - -
Total fees and commission income, net 1,269,298 180,286 158,262 58,745 238,745 19,821 80,060 27,502 13,724 2,046,443 272,521 2,318,964
Other operating income 603,860 18,828 1,302 55,942 13,500 2,285 (9,923) 15,961 874,978 1,576,733 (89,610) 1,487,123
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees (264,715) 4,692 711 779 16,873 202,062 32,567 (269,096) (175,595) (451,722) 628,414 176,692
Total operating income, net 6,788,764 757,666 750,982 509,438 246,868 236,772 158,483 12,064 604,565 10,065,602 881,730 10,947,332
Operating expenses (2) (4,150,984) (589,535) (390,309) (323,001) (87,951) (26,662) (110,317) (60,688) (400,243) (6,139,690) (321,551) (6,461,241)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization (147,261) (62,459) (50,323) (112,429) (612) (93) (1,980) (972) (137,672) (513,801) (4,008) (517,809)
Total operating expenses (4,298,245) (651,994) (440,632) (435,430) (88,563) (26,755) (112,297) (61,660) (537,915) (6,653,491) (325,559) (6,979,050)
Profit before tax 2,490,519 105,672 310,350 74,008 158,305 210,017 46,186 (49,596) 66,650 3,412,111 556,171 3,968,282

 

(1)Includes provisions, dividends, gains on sales and non-controlling interest and reclassification according to the analysis process used by the CODM.
(2)Includes staff costs, other administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.

 

  F-58 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking El
Salvador
Trust Investment
banking
Brokerage Off shore All other
segments
Total before
eliminations
Adjustments for
consolidation(1)
Total after
eliminations
In millions of COP
Total interest and valuation 8,992,368 1,119,540 728,582 626 287 21,157 291,249 112,858 11,266,667 2,977 11,269,644
Interest income on loans and financial leases 8,785,739 1,041,780 706,582 - - - 310,077 109,062 10,953,240 - 10,953,240
Total Debt investments 249,459 64,466 19,747 185 287 14,999 15,502 1,425 366,070 - 366,070
Derivatives 50,362 2,704 - - - 5,161 (26,392) - 31,835 - 31,835
Total liquidity operations (93,192) 10,590 2,253 441 - 997 (7,938) 2,371 (84,478) 2,977 (81,501)
Interest expenses (3,192,822) (363,373) (187,743) (367) (236) (652) (215,592) (77,156) (4,037,941) - (4,037,941)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments before impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 5,799,546 756,167 540,839 259 51 20,505 75,657 35,702 7,228,726 2,977 7,231,703
Total credit impairment charges, net (1,509,519) (82,344) (26,933) (3,204) 127 (177) (49,830) (3,219) (1,675,099) (2) (1,675,101)
Net interest margin and valuation income on financial instruments after impairment on loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments 4,290,027 673,823 513,906 (2,945) 178 20,328 25,827 32,483 5,553,627 2,975 5,556,602
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank (68,915) (6,098) (8,475) (21,833) 2,355 31,734 95,495 (24,263) - - -
Total fees and commission income, net 1,347,999 136,372 140,398 218,190 29,327 78,124 32,325 10,334 1,993,069 (25) 1,993,044
Other operating income 483,556 104,448 24 16,507 2,080 (6,325) 16,281 772,959 1,389,530 (16,828) 1,372,702
Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees (40,115) 69,127 1,716 13,573 40,018 (1,473) (141,261) (159,583) (217,998) 429,572 211,574
Total operating income, net 6,012,552 977,672 647,569 223,492 73,958 122,388 28,667 631,930 8,718,228 415,694 9,133,922
Operating expenses (2) (3,836,019) (606,582) (330,362) (85,918) (22,635) (111,255) (73,425) (354,811) (5,421,007) 5 (5,421,002)
Impairment, depreciation and amortization(3) (247,446) (49,590) (27,761) (466) (93) (1,274) (17,254) (133,401) (477,285) - (477,285)
Total operating expenses (4,083,465) (656,172) (358,123) (86,384) (22,728) (112,529) (90,679) (488,212) (5,898,292) 5 (5,898,287)
Profit before tax 1,929,087 321,500 289,446 137,108 51,230 9,859 (62,012) 143,718 2,819,936 415,699 3,235,635

 

(1)Includes provisions, dividends, gains on sales and non-controlling interest and reclassification according to the analysis process used by the CODM.
(2)Includes staff costs, administration and general expenses, contributions and other tax burdens and others.
(3)The Bank inadvertently inverted the label of the amounts reported for Operating Expenses and Depreciation and Amortization in 2015. There was no impact in total operating expenses or profit before tax.

 

  F-59 

 

 

The following table presents financial information of the total assets and liabilities by operating segment:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking El
Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Trust Investment
banking
 Brokerage  Off shore All other
segments
Total before
eliminations
Adjustments for
consolidation
Total after
eliminations
Total assets 142,207,844 28,119,504 12,978,363 12,191,869 493,078 1,423,883 283,171 16,503,973 8,767,762  222,969,447 (19,061,236) 203,908,211
Total liabilities  (125,534,492) (25,040,470) (11,318,266) (10,847,895) (80,904) (48,192) (56,789) (12,284,687) (2,300,511)  (187,512,206) 8,033,545 (179,478,661)
                         
For the year ended December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking El
Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Trust Investment
banking
Brokerage  Off shore All other
segments
Total before
eliminations
Adjustments for
consolidation
Total after
eliminations
Total assets 133,756,071 27,224,292 12,967,451 11,795,358 412,350 1,462,616 289,563 18,169,041 8,392,706 214,469,448 (18,208,404) 196,261,044
Total liabilities (117,840,080) (24,525,160) (11,278,967) (10,477,427) (74,729) (119,090) (51,937) (14,462,907) (2,145,663) (180,975,960) 7,191,896 (173,784,064)

 

  F-60 

 

 

The following table presents financial information of the investments in associates and joint ventures by operating segment:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017(1)
  Banking
Colombia
Banking El
Salvador
Trust Investment
 banking
All other
segments
Total
In millions of COP
Investments in associates and joint ventures 305,187 10,532 226,761 248,156 774,423 1,565,059
Equity method 45,976 316 34,921 21,724 150,665 253,602

 

(1)As of December 31, 2017, Banking Panama, Banking Guatemala, Brokerage and off shore did not have investments in associates and joint ventures.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016(1)
  Banking
Colombia
Banking El
Salvador
Trust Investment
banking
All other
segments
Total
In millions of COP
Investments in associates and joint ventures 284,516 9,888 208,963 361,079 433,800 1,298,246
Equity method 34,425 702 26,128 (3,923) 2,922 60,254

 

(1)As of December 31, 2016, Banking Panama, Banking Guatemala, Brokerage and off shore did not have investments in associates and joint ventures.

 

For additional information related to investment in associates and joint ventures, see Note 7 Investments in associates and joint ventures.

 

The following table presents material non-cash items other than depreciation and amortization by segment:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panamá
Banking
El
Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Trust Investment
Banking
Brokerage Off
shore
All other
segments
Total
In millions of COP
Restructured loans that were transferred to foreclosed assets 163,274 39,486 16,191 7,157 - - - - 24,030 250,138
Provisions 3,422,531 165,651 162,877 138,297 548 (467) 147 (4,449) (5,576) 3,879,559

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panamá
Banking El
Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Trust Investment
Banking
Brokerage Off
shore
All other
segments
Total
In millions of COP
Restructured loans that were transferred to foreclosed assets 130,892 44,484 35,466 95,891 - - - - 97,452 404,185
Provisions 2,130,261 381,531 104,864 127,370 164 423 (34) 48,977 5,565 2,799,121

 

  F-61 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015
  Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking El
Salvador
Trust Off shore All other
segments
Total
In millions of COP
Restructured loans that were transferred to foreclosed assets 97,456 8,102 18,819  -     -    60,665 185,042
Provisions 1,921,873 114,425 65,037 3,241 67,347 8,536 2,180,459

 

Information about products and services

 

The Bank does not report revenues from external customers for each product and service or each group of similar products and services, because the information is not available and the cost to develop it is excessive.

 

Geographic information

 

The following summarizes the Bank’s total interest and valuation and long-lived assets attributable to Colombia and other foreign countries based on the country where the interest and valuation was originated:

 

  As of December 31,
Geographic
information
2017 2016 2015
Interest and
valuation
Long-lived
assets(1)
Interest and
valuation
Long-lived
assets (1)
Interest and
valuation
  In millions of COP
Colombia 13,108,005 4,353,782 11,695,937 4,180,137 9,335,345
Panama 1,986,741 297,832 1,898,058 414,451 1,470,692
Puerto Rico 68,556 388 56,519 551 43,672
Peru(2) 658 115,840 15,753 112,209 19,810
El Salvador 883,538 280,562 902,371 397,065 729,258
Costa Rica - 80 - 99 -
Guatemala 866,049 166,662 870,283 259,072 -
Total 16,913,547 5,215,146 15,438,921 5,363,584 11,598,777
Eliminations and translation adjustment (220,667) 5,999,471 309,884 6,075,268 (329,133)
Total, net 16,692,880 11,214,617 15,748,805 11,438,852 11,269,644

 

(1)Included foreclosed assets presented within other assets in the statement of financial position, premises and equipment, Investment property and goodwill.
(2)Investments in FiduPerú, Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. and Capital Investment Safi S.A. are classified as Asset held for sale in Statement of Financial Position. For further information, see Note 12 Assets held for sale and inventories

 

  F-62 

 

 

NOTE 4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flow and the consolidated statement of financial position, the following assets are considered as cash and cash equivalents:

 

  December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
In millions of COP
Cash and balances at central bank    
Cash 5,099,252 5,501,532
Due from central banks (1) 6,567,030 5,503,911
Due from other private financial entities 3,541,644 4,908,886
Checks on hold 141,370 102,525
Remittances of domestic negotiated checks in transit 173,827 200,053
Total cash and due from banks 15,523,123 16,216,907
Money market transactions:    
Interbank assets 1,761,460 1,606,506
Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured loans 881,061 2,636,832
Total money market transactions: 2,642,521 4,243,338
Total cash and cash equivalents 18,165,644 20,460,245

 

(1)       According to External Resolution Number 005 of 2008 issued by the Colombian Central Bank, the Parent Company must maintain the equivalent of 4,50% of its customer’s deposits with a maturity term less than 18 months as a legal banking reserve, represented in deposits at the Central Bank or as cash in hand. In addition, according to Resolusion Number 177 of 2002 issued by the Guatemalian Monetary Board, Grupo Agromercantil Holding trhough its subsidiaria Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala must maintain the equivalent of 14.60% of its customer’s deposits dayly balances as a legal banking reserve, represented in unrestricted deposits at the Bank of Guatemala. For its part, according to the norm of the banks Number 3-06 of 2000 issued by the Financial System Superintendency of El Salvador, Banco Agrícola must mantain an equivalent amount between 1.00% and 25.00% of its deposits and debt securities in issue average dayly balances as a liquidity reserve, represented in unrestricted deposits or debt securities issued by El Salvador Central Bank. Finally, according to Agreement 004 of 2008 issued by the Banks Superintendency of Panama, Bancolombia Panamá S.A. and Banistmo S.A., must mantain the equivalent of 30.00% of their deposits with a maturity term less than 180 days as a liquidity reserve, represented in liquid assets as deposit accounts, interbank borrowings, sovereign bonds, among others.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there is restricted cash amounting to COP 192,036 and COP 171,561, respectively, included in other assets on the statement of financial position, which represents margin deposits pledged as collateral for derivative contracts traded through clearing houses.

 

As of December 31, 2017, cash and cash equivalents held by FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria, Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C and Capital Investment SAFI S.A. amounting to COP 12,951, COP 6,092 and COP 29, respectively, were classified as assets held for sale. For further information see Note 12. Assets held for sale and inventories.

 

  F-63 

 

 

NOTE 5. FINANCIAL ASSETS INVESTMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

 

5.1 Financial assets investments

 

The Bank’s securities portfolios at fair value and at amortized cost are listed below, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

The detail of the carrying value of the debt securities is as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Debt securities Measurement methodology Total carrying
value
Fair value through
profit or loss
Amortized cost
In millions of COP
Securities issued by the Colombian Government 7,003,147 12,965 7,016,112
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 2,471,994 1,050,855 3,522,849
Securities issued by Government entities 36,038 1,926,554 1,962,592
Securities issued by other financial institutions 1,052,776 225,431 1,278,207
Corporate Bonds (1) 137,900 941,763 1,079,663
Total debt securities 10,701,855 4,157,568 14,859,423
Total equity securities     1,517,830
Total financial assets invesments     16,377,253

 

(1)Debt securities classified as Corporate Bonds, increased by 104.75% between December 31, 2017 and 2016 due to the purchase of Alternegy S.A. bonds by Banistmo on December 21 of 2017, which have a carrying value of COP 446,047. Banistmo acted as joint arranger with Banco General and underwriters of the bonds issued by Alternergy for an amount of up to US$320 million.

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Debt securities Measurement methodology Total carrying
value
Fair value through
profit or loss
Amortized cost
In millions of COP
Securities issued by the Colombian Government 4,904,152 - 4,904,152
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 2,429,192 984,675 3,413,867
Securities issued by Government entities 11,904 1,532,784 1,544,688
Securities issued by other financial institutions 1,080,368 201,523 1,281,891
Corporate Bonds 111,946 415,937 527,883
Total debt securities 8,537,562 3,134,919 11,672,481
Total equity securities     1,388,172
Total financial assets invesments     13,060,653

 

  F-64 

 

 

The following tables set forth the debt securities portfolio by maturity:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Less than 1
year
Between 1
and 3
years
Between 3
and 5
years
Greater
than 5
years
Total
In millions of COP
Securities at fair value through profit or loss
Securities issued by the Colombian Government 2,163,682 3,299,116 1,164,689 375,660 7,003,147
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 962,640 408,586 736,105 364,663 2,471,994
Securities issued by Government entities 11,134 14,825 6,946 3,133 36,038
Securities issued by other financial institutions 157,434 250,395 143,353 501,594 1,052,776
Corporate bonds 35,255 16,027 21,419 65,199 137,900
Subtotal 3,330,145 3,988,949 2,072,512 1,310,249 10,701,855
Securities at amortized cost
Securities issued by  the Colombia Government - 12,965 - - 12,965
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 241,944 184,454 415,229 209,228 1,050,855
Securities issued by Government entities 1,909,363 17,191 - - 1,926,554
Securities issued by other financial institutions 117,075 68,166 40,190 - 225,431
Corporate bonds 26,668 15,945 148,684 750,466 941,763
Subtotal 2,295,050 298,721 604,103 959,694 4,157,568
Total debt securities 5,625,195 4,287,670 2,676,615 2,269,943 14,859,423

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Less than 1
year
Between 1
and 3
years
Between 3
and 5
years
Greater
than 5
years
Total
In millions of COP
Securities at fair value through profit or loss
Securities issued by the Colombian Government 1,719,326 1,883,790 981,208 319,828 4,904,152
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 925,499 532,628 192,947 778,118 2,429,192
Securities issued by Government entities 77 2,704 5,193 3,930 11,904
Securities issued by other financial institutions 172,571 135,157 87,153 685,487 1,080,368
Corporate bonds 15,818 8,069 15,968 72,091 111,946
Subtotal 2,833,291 2,562,348 1,282,469 1,859,454 8,537,562
Securities at amortized cost
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 103,889 105,032 507,817 267,937 984,675
Securities issued by Government entities 1,523,571 9,213 - - 1,532,784
Securities issued by other financial institutions 57,623 113,150 - 30,750 201,523
Corporate bonds - 70,464 - 345,473 415,937
Subtotal 1,685,083 297,859 507,817 644,160 3,134,919
Total debt securities 4,518,374 2,860,207 1,790,286 2,503,614 11,672,481
         

For further information related to disclosures of the fair value of securities, please see Note 29 Fair value of assets and liabilities.

 

  F-65 

 

 

The following table shows the fair value of equity securities:

 

Equity securities Carrying amount
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Total of securities at fair value through profit or loss 988,455 895,425
Total of securities at fair value through OCI 529,375 492,747
Total equity securities 1,517,830 1,388,172

 

The investment securities held by Capital Investment SAFI S.A. y FiduPerú S.A. were considered as assets held for sale at 2017, amounting to COP 1,345 y COP 1,141 respectively. In 2016, those investment securities are mesured at fair value through profit or loss. For further information, see Note 12 Assets held for sale and inventories.

 

The Bank has recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income COP 38,884 in 2017, COP 232,617 in 2016 and COP 137,323 in 2015 related to equity securities and trust funds at fair value through OCI. See consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

Equity securities that have been designated to be measured at fair value through OCI are considered strategic for the Bank and, thus, there is no intention to sell them in the foreseeable future and that is the main reason for using this presentation alternative.

 

The following table details the equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income analyzed by listing status:

 

Equity securities Carrying amount
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Securities at fair value through OCI:    
Equity securities listed in Colombia (1) 76,178 17,479
Equity securities listed elsewhere 5,766 10,732
Equity securities unlisted 447,431 464,536
Total equity securities at fair value through OCI 529,375 492,747

 

(1)Equity securities measured at fair value through other comprenhensive income (OCI) and listed in Colombia, increased between December 31, 2017 and 2016 due to the merger between Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (listed company) and Deceval (unlisted). The new investment in Bolsa de Valores de Colombia is classified as listed in Colombia.

 

During 2017 and 2016 no impairment loss was recognized on equity securities. Dividends received from equity investments at fair value through OCI held as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to COP 11,951, COP 9,317 and COP 9,605, respectively. See Note 24.5 Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees

 

Equity investments do not have a specific maturity date; therefore, they are not included in the maturity detail.

 

  F-66 

 

 

The detail of the securities pledged as collateral as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Pledged financial assets Term Security pledged Carrying
amount
In millions of COP
Investments pledged as collateral in repo operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Greater twelve months TES - Fixed rate 1,744,736
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Between six and twelve months TES - Fixed rate 877,673
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in repo operations 2,622,409
Investments pledged as collateral in derivative operations  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Greater twelve months TES - Fixed rate 78,688
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Between six and twelve months TES - Fixed rate 40,247
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in derivative operations 118,935
Total securities pledged as collateral 2,741,344

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Pledged financial assets Term Security pledged Carrying
amount
In millions of COP
Investments pledged as collateral in repo operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Greater 12 months TES-Fixed rate 783,688
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Between 3 and 6 months TES-Fixed rate 63,102
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Between 6 and 12 months TES-Fixed rate 3,212
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Less than 3 months TES-Fixed rate 68,648
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in repo operations 918,650
Investments pledged as collateral in derivative operations  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Greater 12 months TES-Fixed rate 147,221
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Between 3 and 6 months TES- Fixed rate 22,037
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Between 6 and 12 months TES-Fixed rate 2,263
Securities issued by the Colombian Government Less than 3 months TES-Fixed rate 47,285
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in derivative operations 218,806
Total securities pledged as collateral 1,137,456

 

5.2 Derivative financial instruments

 

The Bank derivative activities do not give rise to significant open positions in portfolios of derivatives. The Bank enters into derivative transactions to facilitate customer business, for hedging purposes and arbitrage activities, such as forwards, options or swaps where the underlying are exchange rates, interest rates and securities.

 

A swap agreement is a contract between two parties to exchange cash flows based on specified underlying notional amounts, assets and/or indices. Financial futures and forward settlement contracts are agreements to buy or sell a quantity of a financial instrument (including another derivative financial instrument), index, currency or commodity at a predetermined rate or price during a period or at a date in the future. Futures and option contracts are standardized agreements for future delivery, traded on exchanges that typically act as a platform.

 

  F-67 

 

 

For further information related to the objectives, policies and processes for managing the Bank’s risk, please see Note 31 Risk Management.

 

The following table sets forth for the Bank’s derivatives by type of risk as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Derivatives December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In Millions of COP
Forwards
Assets    
Foreign exchange contracts 172,310 313,566
Equity contracts 372 3,425
Subtotal Assets 172,682 316,991
Liabilities    
Foreign exchange contracts (142,976) (323,923)
Equity contracts (4,470) (3,110)
Subtotal Liabilities (147,446) (327,033)
Total Forwards 25,236 (10,042)
Swaps    
Assets    
Foreign exchange contracts 672,558 1,127,474
Interest rate contracts 274,137 186,208
Subtotal Assets 946,695 1,313,682
Liabilities    
Foreign exchange contracts (505,823) (749,082)
Interest rate contracts (275,641) (192,344)
Subtotal Liabilities (781,464) (941,426)
Total Swaps 165,231 372,256
Options    
Assets    
Foreign exchange contracts 14,995 47,297
Subtotal Assets 14,995 47,297
Liabilities    
Foreign exchange contracts (16,943) (42,961)
Subtotal Liabilities (16,943) (42,961)
Total Options (1,948) 4,336
Futures    
Liabilities    
Equity contracts - (1,030)
Subtotal Liabilities - (1,030)
Total Futures - (1,030)
Derivative Assets 1,134,372 1,677,970
Derivative Liabilities (945,853) (1,312,450)
Total, net 188,519 365,520

 

  F-68 

 

 

The table below present the notional amounts of the derivatives contracts as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Derivatives December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In Millions of COP
Forwards
Assets    
Foreign exchange contracts 11,618,005 14,466,226
Equity contracts 1,010,557 696,348
Subtotal Assets 12,628,562 15,162,574
Liabilities    
Foreign exchange contracts (10,276,967) (13,637,335)
Equity contracts (1,796,020) (676,226)
Subtotal Liabilities (12,072,987) (14,313,561)
Total Forwards 555,575 849,013
Swaps    
Assets    
Foreign exchange contracts 6,188,880 6,021,266
Interest rate contracts 16,315,701 15,109,435
Subtotal Assets 22,504,581 21,130,701
Liabilities    
Foreign exchange contracts (4,163,466) (3,614,135)
Interest rate contracts (15,850,149) (13,249,703)
Subtotal Liabilities (20,013,615) (16,863,838)
Total Swaps 2,490,966 4,266,863
Options    
Assets    
Foreign exchange contracts 697,346 1,186,605
Subtotal Assets 697,346 1,186,605
Liabilities    
Foreign exchange contracts (682,197) (1,171,719)
Subtotal Liabilities (682,197) (1,171,719)
Total Options 15,149 14,886
Futures    
Assets    
Foreign exchange contracts 3,772,283 3,078,756
Equity contracts 175,500 316,000
Subtotal Assets 3,947,783 3,394,756
Liabilities    
Equity contracts - (117,235)
Subtotal Liabilities - (117,235)
Total Futures 3,947,783 3,277,521
Derivative Assets 39,778,272 40,874,636
Derivative Liabilities (32,768,799) (32,466,353)
Total, net 7,009,473 8,408,283

 

  F-69 

 

 

The following table sets forth the remaining contractual life of the derivative portfolio:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Forwards Swaps Options Futures Total
In millions of COP
Assets 172,682 946,695 14,995 - 1,134,372
Up to 1 year 170,299 240,690 14,229 - 425,218
From 1 to 3 years 2,383 339,934 766 - 343,083
Over 3 years - 366,071 - - 366,071
Liabilities (147,446) (781,464) (16,943) - (945,853)
Up to 1 year (141,326) (135,749) (15,836) - (292,911)
From 1 to 3 years (6,120) (321,708) (1,107) - (328,935)
Over 3 years - (324,007) - - (324,007)
Total 25,236 165,231 (1,948) - 188,519

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Forwards Swaps Options Futures Total
In millions of COP
Assets 316,991 1,313,682 47,297 - 1,677,970
Up to 1 year 309,036 490,848 44,478 - 844,362
From 1 to 3 years 7,900 444,120 2,819 - 454,839
Over 3 years 55 378,714 - - 378,769
Liabilities (327,033) (941,426) (42,961) (1,030) (1,312,450)
Up to 1 year (311,382) (167,025) (40,686) (1,030) (520,123)
From 1 to 3 years (15,623) (431,814) (2,275) - (449,712)
Over 3 years (28) (342,587) - - (342,615)
Total (10,042) 372,256 4,336 (1,030) 365,520

 

Collateral for derivatives

 

The table below presents the cash collateral amounts posted under derivatives contracts as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Collateral 264,700 343,334

 

Hedge accounting

 

The Bank, through Banistmo, has entered into derivatives to manage its interest risk. Those derivatives are designated as hedging instruments to protect the Bank against changes in the fair value of Banistmo´s position in debt securities issued by the Panamanian Government (fair value hedge). In order to protect against interest risk due to changes in cash flows related to Banitmo’s portfolio of floating-rate deposits (cash flow hedge), Banistmo entered into cash flow hedge contracts until March 2016, when the hedging relationship was discontinued. The hedge effectiveness assessment is performed on a monthly basis consistently throughout the hedging relationship. For fair value hedges, the changes in value of the hedging derivative, as well as the changes in value of the related hedged item concerning to the risk hedged, are reflected in the statement of income in the line “Interest and valuation on investments”.

 

  F-70 

 

 

Fair value hedging

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Banistmo has designated 12 and 8 asset derivative contracts (Interest rate swaps), respectively, as fair value hedging instruments with maturity dates ranging from September 2019 to December 2027.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Banistmo has designated 5 and 6 liability derivative contracts (Interest rate swaps), respectively, as fair value hedging instruments with maturity dates ranging from September 2019 to April 2026. The notional amount and the fair value of those instruments are as follows:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 In millions of COP
Notional amount   304,159 305,862
Fair value (1,769) (5,170)

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 In thousands of USD
Notional amount   101,930 101,930
Fair value (593) (1,723)

 

All fair value hedging instruments are included in the line “Derivative financial instruments” in the statement of financial position.

 

The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of the hedged item recognized in the statement of financial position as ‘Financial assets investments’, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 In millions of COP
Notional amount   304,159 305,862
Fair value  341,229 340,511

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In thousands of USD
Notional amount   101,930 101,930
Fair value 114,353  113,477

 

The amount of hedge ineffectiveness of fair value hedges amounted to COP 3,094 COP 2,779 and COP (3,110) for the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

  F-71 

 

 

The change in fair value of the hedging instrument used as the basis for recognising hedge ineffectiveness for the period ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounting to COP 2,614 and COP 3,493, respectively

 

Cash flow hedging

 

As of December 31, 2016 the Bank had reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income the net amount of COP (12,112) arising from the settlement of the derivative contract swap interest rate designated as cash flow hedge. As of December 31, 2015 the Bank had reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income the net amount of COP 6,378 in connection with the effective portion of the cash flow hedges.

 

Banistmo entered into cash flow hedge contracts until March 2016. The Bank has not carried out new cash flow hedge operations.

 

Net foreign investment

 

Exchange differences relating to the translation of the results and net assets of Banistmo operations from its functional currency (dollar) to the Bank's presentation currency (Colombian pesos) are recognized directly in other comprehensive income by the Parent Company. Gains and losses on debt securities in issue which were designated as hedging instruments for hedges of net investments in foreign operations are included in the foreign currency translation reserve. The adjustment recognized in other comprehensive income amounted to COP 36,762, COP 327,272 and COP (1,665,422), for the years ended at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Offsetting of derivatives

 

The Bank enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting agreements or similar agreements with substantially all of the Bank’s derivative counterparties. Where legally enforceable, and depending on the Bank’s intention, these master netting agreements give the Bank, in the event of default by the counterparty, the right to liquidate securities and cash equivalents held as collateral and to offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty.

 

The table below presents derivative instruments subject to enforceable master netting agreements and other similar agreements but not offset in the statement of financial position as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 by derivative and by risk:

 

  F-72 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Derivatives Assets Derivatives Liabilities
In millions of COP
Over-the-counter
Foreign exchange contracts
Swaps 672,558 (505,823)
Forwards 172,310 (142,976)
Options 14,995 (16,943)
Interest rate contracts    
Swaps 274,137 (275,641)
Equity contracts    
Forwards 372 (4,470)
Gross derivative assets/liabilities 1,134,372 (945,853)
Offsetting of derivatives - -
Derivative financial instruments in statement of financial position 1,134,372 (945,853)
Master netting agreements (894,863) 945,853
Cash collateral received/paid (239,509) -
Total derivative financial instruments assetss/ liabilities - -

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Derivatives Assets Derivatives Liabilities
In millions of COP
Over-the-counter
Foreign exchange contracts
Swaps 1,127,474 (749,082)
Forwards 313,566 (323,923)
Options 47,297 (42,961)
Interest rate contracts    
Swaps 186,208 (192,344)
Equity contracts    
Forwards 3,425 (3,110)
Futures - (1,030)
Gross derivative assets/liabilities 1,677,970 (1,312,450)
Offsetting of derivatives - -
Derivative financial instruments in statement of financial position 1,677,970 (1,312,450)
Master netting agreements (1,221,565) 1,312,450
Cash collateral received/paid (343,334) -
Total derivative financial instruments assetss/ liabilities 113,071 -

 

For further information about offsetting of other financial assets and liabilities see Note 15 Interbank deposits and repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing.

 

  F-73 

 

 

NOTE 6. LOANS AND ADVANCES TO CUSTOMERS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, NET

 

Loans and financial leasing operating portfolio

 

The following is the composition of the loans and financial leasing operations portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Composition December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
In millions of COP
Commercial (1) 88,997,241 86,259,708
Consumer 27,646,114 23,925,279
Mortgage 20,512,208 19,155,852
Financial Leases 22,248,951 21,343,923
Small Business Loans 1,063,580 1,062,724
Total gross loans and Financial Leases 160,468,094 151,747,486
Total allowance (8,223,103) (6,621,911)
Total Net Loans and financial leases 152,244,991 145,125,575

 

(1)Includes loans to financial institutions amounting to COP 7,862,401 and COP 6,217,825 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

For more details on the composition of the loans and financial leasing operations portfolio, see Note 31 Risk Management.

 

Allowance for loans losses

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the allowance for loans and advances and lease losses as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Concept Commercial Consumer Mortgage Financial
Leases
Small
business
loans
Total
In millions of COP
 +Balance at beginning of period 3,499,791 1,791,123 653,936 567,046 110,015 6,621,911
 + Provisions for loan losses (1) 3,594,310 2,310,518 284,392 276,687 119,690 6,585,597
 - Charges-off (792,145) (1,302,630) (37,677) (77,762) (65,086) (2,275,300)
 - Recoveries (1) (1,783,649) (510,684) (253,578) (133,986) (24,141) (2,706,038)
 +/- Translation adjustment (4,127) 3,502 (1,972) (583) 113 (3,067)
 = Balance at end of year 4,514,180 2,291,829 645,101 631,402 140,591 8,223,103

 

(1)The provision for loan losses, net COP 3,879,559 differs from the COP 3,468,699 presents in the line “Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases, net” of the Consolidated Statement of Income, in the amount of COP 410,860 due to the recovery of charged-off loans.

 

  F-74 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Concept Commercial Consumer Mortgage Financial
Leases
Small
business
loans
Total
In millions of COP
 +Balance at beginning of period 2,694,965 1,321,281 572,772 579,151 80,586 5,248,755
+Allowance for loan of PA Leasing - - - 27,825 - 27,825
 + Provisions for loan losses (1) 2,684,559 1,922,315 225,291 221,694 95,272 5,149,131
 - Charges-off (489,573) (902,400) (24,619) (74,900) (41,710) (1,533,202)
 - Recoveries (1) (1,379,288) (525,510) (109,912) (180,537) (23,645) (2,218,892)
 +/- Translation adjustment (10,872) (24,563) (9,596) (6,187) (488) (51,706)
 = Balance at end of year 3,499,791 1,791,123 653,936 567,046 110,015 6,621,911

 

(1)The provision for loan losses, net COP 2,930,239 differs from the COP 2,643,710 presents in the line “Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases, net” of the Consolidated Statement of Income, in the amount of COP 286,529 due to the recovery of charged-off loans.

 

The sale of Compañia de Financiamiento Tuya S.A took place on October 31, 2016. The amounts recognized until that date are presented in the line “Net income from discontinued operations” of the Statement of Income, the following table is the movement associated with this company:

 

Concept December 31, 2016
 +Balance at beginning of period 351,375
 + Provisions for loan losses (*) 465,947
 - Charges-off (228,757)
 - Recoveries (*) (147,668)
 = Balance at end of year 440,897

 

(*)The provision for loan losses net of COP 318,279 differs from the COP 323,290 presented in “Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases, net" in note 30. Discontinued operations, in the amount of COP 5,011 due to provision on off balance sheet credit exposures that is accounted for as a liability under IAS 37.

 

As of December 31, 2015

 

Concept Commercial Consumer Mortgage Financial
Leases
Small
business
loans
Total
In millions of COP
 +Balance at beginning of period 2,360,488 1,479,460 456,983 415,766 76,560 4,789,257
- Discontinued operations(1) - (282,098) - - - (282,098)
 + Provisions for loan losses (2) 2,671,337 697,282 145,663 498,092 47,880 4,060,254
 - Charges-off (711,257) (629,628) (12,765) (31,723) (36,682) (1,422,055)
 - Recoveries(2) (1,709,293) (64,340) (63,632) (328,183) (9,947) (2,175,395)
 +/- Translation adjustment 83,690 120,605 46,523 25,199 2,775 278,792
 = Balance at end of year 2,694,965 1,321,281 572,772 579,151 80,586 5,248,755

 

(1)As of December 31, 2015, Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. was considered as a discontinued operation, see Note 30 Discontinued Operation. In October 2016, this sale was completed.
(2)The provision for loan losses, net COP 1,884,859 differs from the COP 1,667,680 presented in the line “Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases, net” of the Consolidated Statement of Income in the amount of COP 217,179 due to the recovery of charged-off loans.

 

  F-75 

 

 

The changes in the allowance for loan losses for Tuya as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

Concept December 31, 2015
 +Balance at beginning of period 282,098
 + Provisions for loan losses (*) 446,614
 - Charges-off (236,196)
 - Recoveries (*) (141,141)
 = Balance at end of year 351,375

 

(*)The provision for loan losses net of COP 305,473 differs from the COP 324,309 presented in “Credit impairment charges on loans and advances and financial leases, net” in note 30 discontinued operations, in the amount of COP 18,836 due to the expense of the contingent component of credit cards.

 

Leasing operations:

 

Finance leases - lessor

 

The Bank has subscribed lease agreements as lessor. These leases arrangements involve machinery and equipment, computer equipment, automobile and furniture and fixtures and their terms range between one and twenty years, as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Period Gross investment in finance lease
receivable
Present value of
minimum payments
In millions of COP
Within 1 year 759,852 526,604
Over 1 year, but less than 5 years 7,842,992 6,188,894
Over 5 years 22,212,438 15,533,453
Total gross investment in finance lease receivable/ present value of minimum payments 30,815,282 22,248,951
Less: Future financial income (1) (8,566,331) -
Present value of payments receivable 22,248,951 22,248,951
Minimum non-collectable payments impairment (447,361) (447,361)
Total 21,801,590 21,801,590

 

(1)Future financial income: Total Gross Investment - Total Present Value of minimum payments

 

  F-76 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Period Gross investment in finance lease
receivable
Present value of
minimum payments
In millions of COP
Within 1 year 835,177 570,504
Over 1 year, but less than 5 years 8,597,818 6,667,322
Over 5 years 20,699,269 14,106,097
Total gross investment in finance lease receivable/ present value of minimum payments 30,132,264 21,343,923
Less: Future financial income (1) (8,788,341) -
Present value of payments receivable 21,343,923 21,343,923
Minimum non-collectable payments impairment (518,992) (518,992)
Total 20,824,931 20,824,931

 

(1)Future financial income: Total Gross Investment - Total Present Value of minimum payments

 

Unsecured residual value (*)

 

The following table sets the unsecured residual values by type of asset as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Type of asset December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Automobile 26,841 4,264
Technology 20,921 19,061
Machinery and equipment 8,627 41,244
Furniture and fixtures 62 45
Total 56,451 64,614

 

(*)The unsecured residual value is the part of the residual value of the leased asset, whose realization is not secured or is secured by a third party related to the lessor.

 

Operating leases - lessor

 

Certain of the Bank’s subsidiaries leases assets to third parties under non-cancelable leases arrangements. Assets provided through operating leases are recorded as property, plant and equipment. The terms established for these agreements range from one to ten years.

 

The following table presents the information of minimum payments by lease to be received:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Within 1 year 110,993 140,883
Over 1 year, but less than 5 years 960,037 823,035
Over 5 years 154,996 138,769
Total 1,226,026 1,102,687

 

NOTE 7. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

 

The following table presents information regarding the Bank’s investments in associates and joint ventures:

 

Composition December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Investments in associates (1) 1,327,610 940,364
Investments in Joint ventures 237,449 357,882
Total 1,565,059 1,298,246

 

(1)As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount includes investments in associates at fair value for COP 757,886 and COP 434,318, respectively and investments in associates at equity value COP 569,724 and COP 506,046 respectively. See note 29 Fair value of assets and liabilities.

 

  F-77 

 

 

The following are the investments in associates that the Bank holds as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Investments in Associates
Company Name Main activity Country % of
Ownership
interest
Included in
earnings (1)
Total OCI (2) OCI (Equity
method) (3)
OCI
(CTA)(4)
Carrying
amount
In millions of COP
PA Viva Malls Development and operation of commercial spaces Colombia 49.00% (5) 144,146 - - - 757,886
Protección S.A. Administration of pension funds and severances Colombia 20.58% 72,576 12,465 1,236 - 471,312
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos* Mortgage portfolio securities Colombia 26.98% 3,305 (1,389) (768) - 35,346
Redeban Multicolor S.A.* Network data transmission services Colombia 20.36% 1,906 (651) - - 17,951
Internacional Ejecutiva de Aviación S.A.S. * Aircraft and aircraft travel Colombia 33.33% 1,071 209 - - 10,707
Concesiones CCFC S.A. Construction of public works through an awarding system Colombia 25.50% 6,756 (756) (3) - 9,383
ACH Colombia S.A. * Electronic transfer services Colombia 19.94% 3,109 (952) - - 7,338
Reintegra S.A.S. * Collections and recovery of portfolio Colombia 46.00% 1,471 1,742 (1,754) - 7,155
Servicio Salvadoreño de Protección, S. A. de C.V. * Custodial services and transfer of monetary types El Salvador 24.40% 418 (727) 238 153 6,219
Servicios Financieros, S.A. de C.V. * Processing of financial transactions and electronic payment methods El Salvador 46.72% (226) 9 - (5) 3,302
ACH de El Salvador, S. A. de C.V. * Electronic transfer services El Salvador 24.40% 123 6 - (1) 1,011
Panamerican Pharmaceutical Holding Inc.(6) * Advisory services, consultation, representation, agent for individuals or company Panama 21.00% (1,171) (1,417) 196 (67) -
Avefarma S.A.S(6)* Manufacture and distribution of glass packing for pharmaceutical products Colombia 21.00% 6,307 (11,704) (10,831) - -
Glassfarma Tech S.A.S (6)  * Manufacturing, elaboration and commercialization of packages and pharmaceutical products Colombia 21.00% (458) 127 139 - -
Net investments in associates 239,333 (3,038) (11,547)(7) 80 1,327,610

 

(1)Corresponds to the income recognized as equity method in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2017. See note 24.5 Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees
(2)Corresponds to the accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017.
(3)Corresponds to the other comprehensive income recognized as equity method for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(4)Corresponds to the other comprehensive income recognized as Cumulative Translation Adjustment of Foreign Currency (CTA) for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(5)As of December 31, 2017 the increses of ownership interest is related to capital contributions during the year 2017
(6)As of December 31, 2017 the Bank classified the investment in Avefarma S.A.S., Glassfarma Tech S.A.S and Panamerican Pharmaceutical Holding inc as "assets held for sale", due to the fact that the management has currently been implementing a plan to sell these assets. See note 12 assets held for sale and inventories.
(7)See Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive income.

 

(*)For the purposes of applying the equity method of accounting, financial statements at November 30, 2017 have been used, except for Redeban Multicolor S.A., for which we use the financial statements ended at October 31, 2017. However, the Bank does not consider that appropriate adjustments have to be made since no significant transactions took place between that date and December 31, 2017.

 

  F-78 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Investments in Associates
Company Name Main activity Country % of
Ownership
interest
Included in
earnings (1)
Total OCI (2) OCI (Equity
method) (3)
OCI
(CTA)(4)
Carrying
amount
In millions of COP
Protección S.A.* Administration of pension funds and severances Colombia 20.58% 54,304 11,229 725 - 434,318
PA Viva Malls (5) Development and operation of commercial spaces Colombia 30.68% - - - - 388,595
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos* Mortgage portfolio securities Colombia 26.98% 2,619 (621) 11 - 35,930
Redeban Multicolor S.A.* Network data transmission services Colombia 20.36% 319 (651) (49) - 17,006
Avefarma S.A.S* Manufacture and distribution of glass packing for pharmaceutical products Colombia 21.00% (2,378) (873) (1,202) - 12,079
Panamerican Pharmaceutical Holding Inc.* Advisory services, consultation, representation, agent for individuals or company Panama 21.00% (1,196) (1,613) (1,863) 2,934 9,820
Internacional Ejecutiva de Aviación S.A.S.* Aircraft and aircraft travel Colombia 33.33% 1,038 209 209 - 9,636
Reintegra S.A.S.* Collections and recovery of portfolio Colombia 46.00% (1,309) 3,496 805 - 8,604
ACH Colombia S.A.* Electronic transfer services Colombia 19.94% 3,129 (952) (878) - 6,223
Concesiones CCFC S.A.* Construction of public works through an awarding system Colombia 25.50% 6,606 (753) (4) - 5,742
Servicio Salvadoreño de Protección, S. A. de C.V.* Custodial services and transfer of monetary types El Salvador 24.40% 436 (965) 957 13 5,448
Servicios Financieros, S.A. de C.V.* Processing of financial transactions and electronic payment methods El Salvador 46.72% 56 9 (93) 62 3,550
Glassfarma Tech S.A.S* Manufacturing, elaboration and commercialization of packages and pharmaceutical products Colombia 21.00% 425 (12) (348) - 2,522
ACH de El Salvador, S. A. de C.V.* Electronic transfer services El Salvador 24.40% 210 6 (58) 20 891
Multiactivos S.A. (6) Securitization of non-mortgage assets Colombia - 183 - 70 - -
Concesiones Urbanas S.A. (winding up) (7) Construction of civil engineering projects Colombia - (141) - - - -
Net investments in associates 64,301 8,509 (1,718)(8) 3,029 940,364

 

(1)Corresponds to the income recognized as equity method in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. See note 24.5 Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees
(2)Corresponds to the accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2016.
(3)Corresponds to the other comprehensive income recognized as equity method for the year ended December 31, 2016.
(4)Corresponds to the other comprehensive income recognized as Cumulative Translation Adjustment of Foreign Currency (CTA) for the year ended December 31, 2016.
(5)PA Viva Malls, an investment in an associate of Fondo inmobiliario Colombia Inmobiliario which contributed COP 388,595 in December 2016 to participate in 49% of the company. In partnership with Grupo Éxito, which owns 51%, the company's corporate purpose will be the development and management of real estate.
(6)On October 19, 2016 Multiactivos S.A was wound up.
(7)On November 23, 2016 Concesiones Urbanas S.A was wound up.
(8)See Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive income

 

(*)For the purposes of applying the equity method of accounting, financial statements at November 30, 2016 have been used, due to the fact that no more recent financial information was available. However, the Bank does not consider that appropriate adjustments have to be made since no significant transactions took place between that date and December 31, 2016.

 

  F-79 

 

 

The following is additional information regarding the Bank’s most significant associates as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Company Name Assets Liabilities Income from
ordinary
activities
Profits (loss) Dividends
In millions of COP
PA Viva Malls(1) 1,262,837 29,499 380,612 235,647 35,278
Protección S.A.(2) 2,125,552 663,326 1,227,139 343,345 36,825
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos 614,032 487,073 35,714 8,161 3,121

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Company Name Assets Liabilities Income from
ordinary
activities
Profits (loss) Dividends
In millions of COP
Protección S.A.(2) 1,901,016 618,573 1,115,206 226,554 34,163
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos 500,950 371,827 34,185 8,019 3,873

 

(1)The difference between the net assets of P.A. Viva Malls multiplied by the Bank’s percentage of ownership which amounted to COP 604,336 for the year ended at December 31, 2017 and the carrying amount of the Bank’s interest in the associate, represents an adjustment amounted to COP 153,550 related to contractual terms with respect to the recognition of benefits.
(2)The difference between the net assets of Protección S.A. multiplied by the Bank’s percentage of ownership which amounted to COP 300,926 and COP 263,927 for the years ended at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively and the carrying amount of the Bank’s interest in the associate; represents the goodwill recognized by the Bank amounting to COP 170,434.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there are no restrictions on the ability of the associates to transfer funds to the Bank in the form of cash dividends.

 

The following are the Joint ventures that the Bank holds as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

December 31, 2017

 

Company Name Main activity Country % of
Ownership
interest

Included
in
earnings

(1)

Total
OCI (2)
OCI
(Equity
method) (3)
Carrying
amount
In millions of COP
Compañía de financiamiento Tuya S.A (4) Financing  company Colombia 50.00% 20,778 - - 225,548
Puntos Colombia S.A.S (5) Administration of the  customers loyalty Colombia 50.00% (1,787) - - 7,213
Servicios de Aceptación S.A Network data transmission services Colombia 50.00% 1,663 - - 4,688
Fideicomiso Ruta del Sol - compartimento A(6) Investment in infrastructure projects Colombia 50.00% (6,385) 13 - -
Net investments in joint ventures   14,269 13 - 237,449

 

(1)Corresponds to the income recognized as equity method in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2017. See note 24.5 Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees
(2)Corresponds to the accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017.
(3)Corresponds to the other comprehensive income recognized as equity method for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(4)On December 2017, given the continued impairment of the consumer loans portfolio of the company during 2017, the Bank management performed a valuation, to establish the fair value of the Compañía de Financiamiento TUYA S.A.As a result of the valuation, the fair value of the investment was lower than the book value, for this, the Bank recorded an impairment in the statement of income for COP 173,339. See note 29 Fair value for assets and liabilities.
(5)In June 2017, Banca de Inversión Bancolombia formed a joint venture with Grupo Éxito. The purpose of the company is the developing and administration of customer.
(6)Given the losses of Fideicomiso Ruta del Sol - compartimento A for the year 2017, the recognition of the equity method resulting in a reduction of the total book value of the investment.

 

  F-80 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Company Name Main activity Country % of
Ownership
interest

Included
in
earnings

(1)

Total
OCI (2)
OCI
(Equity
method) (3)
Carrying
amount
In millions of COP
Compañía de financiamiento Tuya S.A (4) Financing  company Colombia 50% (7,801) - - 348,480
Fideicomiso Ruta del Sol - compartimento A Investment in infrastructure projects Colombia 50% 778 13 - 6,376
Servicios de Aceptación S.A (5) Network data transmission services Colombia 50% 2,976 - - 3,026
Net investments in joint ventures   (4,047) 13 - 357,882

 

(1)Corresponds to the income recognized as equity method in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. See note 24.5 Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees
(2)Corresponds to the accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2016.
(3)Corresponds to the other comprehensive income recognized as equity method for the year ended December 31, 2016.
(4)On October 30, 2016 the Bank sold 50% of Compañía de Financiemiento TUYA S.A. The table above presents the recognition of the Equity Method after loss of control. The difference between the net assets of Tuya multiplied by the Bank’s percentage of ownership which amounted to COP 22,550 for the year ended at December 31, 2017 and the carrying amount of the Bank’s interest in the associate, represents the goodwill recognized by the Bank amounting to COP 275,930.
(5)In June 2016. Joint venture with First Data was created with the purpose of generating an alliance that promotes the business of using credit and debit cards in commercial establishments.

 

The following is complementary information regarding the Bank’s most significant joint ventures as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

December 31, 2017

 

Company Name Assets Liabilities Income from
ordinary activities
Profits (loss) Dividends
In millons of COP
Compañía de financiamiento TUYA S.A. 2,571,106 2,293,239 1,344,712 41,556 371

 

December 31, 2016

 

Company Name Assets Liabilities Income from
ordinary activities
Profits (loss) Dividends
In millons of COP
Compañía de financiamiento TUYA S.A. 2,474,730 2,329,631 1,153,155 (13,257) -

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank recorded a contingent liability COP 12,342 regarding its interest in Fideicomiso Ruta del Sol - Compartimiento A.

 

As of December 31, 2015 the Bank has recognized COP 122,477 as equity method in the statement of income, COP 23,781 as other comprehensive income from equity method and COP 1,514 as other comprehensive income from currency translation adjustment. Additionally, during 2015, the Bank received dividends amounting to COP 30,320 from its significant associates.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there are no restrictions on the ability of the joint ventures to transfer funds to the Bank in the Form of cash dividends.

 

  F-81 

 

 

NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Intangibles assets and goodwill are as follows:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Intangible assets 535,465 563,942
Goodwill 6,095,959 6,130,095
Total 6,631,424 6,694,037

 

8.1. Intangible assets

 

The following table sets forth the Bank's intangible assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, including the reconciliation of initial and final balances of the cost and accrued amortization:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Cost Trademarks Licenses,
software and
computer
applications
Client
relationships
Total
In millions of COP
Balance at January 1, 2017 17,741 503,094 324,495 845,330
Acquisitions - 70,681 - 70,681
Write off   - (24,296) - (24,296)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (99) (1,798) (1,807) (3,704)
Balance at December 31, 2017 17,642 547,681 322,688 888,011

 

Amortization Trademarks Licenses,
software and
computer
applications
Client
relationships
Total
In millions of COP
Balance at January 1, 2017 (2,533) (204,296) (74,559) (281,388)
Write off - 44,690 - 44,690
Amortization expense (2,493) (50,673) (63,586) (116,752)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (14) 1,008 (90) 904
Balance at December 31, 2017 (5,040) (209,271) (138,235) (352,546)
         
Intangible assets at December 31,  2017, net 12,602 338,410 184,453 535,465

 

  F-82 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Cost Trademarks Licenses,
software and
computer
applications
Client
relationships
Total
In millions of COP
Balance at January 1, 2016 18,620 1,032,334 340,582 1,391,536
Acquisitions - 122,729 - 122,729
Write off  (1) - (636,826) - (636,826)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (879) (15,143) (16,087) (32,109)
Balance at December 31, 2016 17,741 503,094 324,495 845,330

 

1.In 2016, the Parent Company noticed that some licenses, software and computer applications amounting to COP 549,191 were recognized on the balance sheet even though their useful life were completely amortized and the Bank did not use them for several years. This amount has been written off.

 

Amortization Trademarks Licenses,
software and
computer
applications
Client
relationships
Total
In millions of COP
Balance at January 1, 2016 - (783,950) - (783,950)
Write off - 641,989 - 641,989
Amortization expense (2,578) (71,540) (75,658) (149,776)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 45 9,205 1,099 10,349
Balance at December 31, 2016 (2,533) (204,296) (74,559) (281,388)
         
Intangible assets at December 31,  2016, net 15,208 298,798 249,936 563,942

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank does not have intangible assets with restricted ownership, intangible assets pledged as collateral or contractual agreements for the acquisition of this class of assets.

 

Research and development costs related to software development

 

During the period ending at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Bank incurred in costs that are directly related to software development amounted to COP 422, COP 16,715 and COP 8,344. These costs were incurred during the analysis and design of particular solutions in connection with the updating and replacement of the mortgage core factoring and the implementation of SQL Reporting Services. The expenses were recorded mainly as fees paid in the line ‘Other administrative and general expenses’ of the consolidated statement of income.

 

Intangibles which did not meet the criteria to be recognized as assets

 

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Bank has recognized in the statement of income the amount of COP 23,180, COP 16,217 and 3,583, related to expenditures which were not recognized as intangible assets. These expenses were not recorded as assets due to the lack of characterists to be reliably identifiable, and those assets do not support critical processes to be recognized as intangible assets.

 

  F-83 

 

 

8.2 Goodwill

 

The following table sets forth an analysis of the activity in the goodwill account:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
 Balance at beginning of the year, net 6,130,095 6,484,669
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate (34,136) (354,574)
Balance at end of the year, net 6,095,959 6,130,095

 

The Bank tests goodwill recognized as a result of business combinations for impairment at least annually using a process that begins with an estimation of the recoverable amount of a group of cash-generation units equal to the operating segment. Recoverable amount is determined by management by reference to market value, if available, by pricing models, or with the assistance of a valuation specialist. Determination of recoverable amount requires management to make assumptions and use estimates to forecast cash flow for periods that are beyond the normal requirements of management reporting; the assessment of the appropriate discount rate; estimation of the recoverable amount of cash-generation units; and the valuation of the separable assets of each business whose goodwill is being reviewed. The key assumptions used by management in determining the recoverable amount are:

 

Operating segment Goodwill 2017 Valuation
Methodology
Key
Assumptions
Discount
Rate (real)
Growth
rate (real)
Banking El Salvador COP    842,126

Discounted
cash flow

5 years plan 12.30% 3.40%
Banking Panama COP  4,557,380 Discounted
cash flow
5 years plan 8.90% 6.70%
Banking Guatemala COP    696,453 Discounted
cash flow
5 years plan 11.30% 5.30%

 

In 2017 and 2016, the Bank tested the aforementioned goodwill for impairment purposes at operating segment levels: Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador and Banking Guatemala. Each operating segment represent a group of cash generating units. Evaluating the goodwill impairment at an operating segment level ensure the alignment with the approach used by the CODM to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess its performance.

 

Sensitivity analysis:

 

In order to assess the impact of changes in certain significant inputs as the discount rate and the growth rate in the operating segments’ recoverable amount, the Bank made a sensitivity analysis of these inputs through the definition of alternative scenarios with their future evolution. The tables below present the estimated recoverable amount of each operating segment obtained as a result of sensitivity analysis:

 

  F-84 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Banking Panama

 

Growth rate Discount rate
9.15% 8.90% 8.65%
6.70% COP 9,750,408 COP 10,939,812 COP 12,435,319
       
Discount rate Growth rate
6.45% 6.70% 6.95%
8.90% COP 10,161,356 COP 10,939,812  COP 11,917,875

 

Banking El Salvador

 

Growth rate Discount rate
12.55% 12.30% 12,05%
3.40% COP 2,520,931 COP 2,588,656 COP 2,660,269
       
Discount rate Growth rate
3.15% 3.40% 3.65%
12.30% COP 2,564,330 COP 2,588,656 COP 2,614,375

 

Banking Guatemala

 

Growth rate Discount rate
11.55% 11.30% 11.05%
5.30% COP 2,239,238 COP 2,339,936 COP 2,449,482
       
Discount rate Growth rate
5.05% 5.30% 5.55%
11.30% COP 2,295,042 COP 2,339,936 COP 2,388,737

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Banking Panama

 

Growth rate Discount rate
9.75% 9.50% 9.25%
6.60% COP 8,690,384 COP 9,444,020 COP 10,339,834
       
Discount rate Growth rate
6.35% 6.60% 6.85%
9.50% COP 8,950,634 COP 9,444,020  COP 10,030,497

 

  F-85 

 

 

Banking El Salvador

 

Growth rate Discount rate
12.45% 12.20% 11.95%
3.40% COP 2,736,320 COP 2,803,464 COP 2,874,488
       
Discount rate Growth rate
3.15% 3.40% 3.65%
12.20% COP 2,774,994 COP 2,803,464 COP 2,833,601

 

Banking Guatemala

 

Growth rate Discount rate
11.85% 11.60% 11.35%
5.30% COP 2,096,380 COP 2,187,604 COP 2,286,466
       
Discount rate Growth rate
5.05% 5.30% 5.55%
11.60% COP 2,150,867 COP 2,187,604 COP 2,227,376

 

The Bank considers goodwill as an asset with indefinite useful life.

 

8.3 Agromercantil Group Holding (GAH) acquisition

 

On December 18, 2012, Bancolombia Panama S.A. (a subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A.) and BAM Financial Corporation (BFC), entered into a stock purchase agreement, pursuant to which Bancolombia Panama agreed to purchase from BFC a 40% stake in the capital stock of the Panamanian company Grupo Agromercantil Holding (GAH).

 

On October 1, 2013, after obtaining the required regulatory authorizations Bancolombia Panama acquired 40% of the common stock of GAH. The consideration paid by Bancolombia was USD 217,000 in cash. Likewise, the agreement set forth a series of call options held by Bancolombia Panama and put options held by BFC, with which after 5 years since that date Bancolombia Panama had the right to buy and BFC the obligation to sell, the number of voting shares required to hold 51% of the total share capital of GAH, on the other hand, during 5 years since the effective date, BFC had the right to sell and Bancolombia Panama the obligation to buy, any number of voting shares; however, the option never could be for a number of shares that would result in a 50%/50% of ownership over GAH as of October 2013.

 

In September 2015, the Share Purchase Agreement aforementioned was modified, BFC agreed to sell 40,540,000 common shares of Grupo Agromercantil (equivalent to 20% of the subscribed and paid capital) to Bancolombia Panama. The consideration paid in cash by Bancolombia Panama was USD 151,500.

 

The acquisition achieved in stages of GAH and its subsidiaries was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with IFRS 3. Accordingly, the Bank remeasured its previously held equity interest in GAH at its acquisition-date fair value and recognized the resulting gain or loss considering any other comprehensive income previously recorded related to currency translation adjustment and equity method adjustment. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. All acquired loans were also recorded at fair value. Goodwill of USD 233,396 (COP 735,073) was calculated as the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired, and the related deferred tax amounts of USD 28,954 (COP 91,191).

 

  F-86 

 

 

NOTE 9. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 the premises and equipment consisted of the following:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Premises and
equipment
Balance at
January 1,
2017
Roll - forward Balance at
December
31, 2017
Acquisitions Expenses
depreciation
Disposals Assets
classified
as held for
sale
Subsidiary
liquidation
Effect of
changes
in foreign
exchange
rate
In millions of COP
Land                
 Cost 334,499 4,050 - (904) - - (283) 337,362
Construction in progress                
 Cost 32,883 48,849 - (76,066) - - (537) 5,129
Buildings                  
 Cost 1,185,296 130,766 - (27,041) - (5,973) 21,491 1,304,539
 Accumulated depreciation (259,400) - (29,451) 3,449 - - 284 (285,118)
Furniture and fixtures                
 Cost 572,699 40,187 - (12,647) (111) (37) 1,184 601,275
 Accumulated   depreciation (300,731) - (39,912) 9,317 95 30 (2,853) (334,054)
Computer equipment                
 Cost 717,464 100,939 - (29,301) (6,025) (39) (562) 782,476
 Accumulated depreciation (477,339) - (73,772) 46,358 5,740 18 1,019 (497,976)
Vehicles                
 Cost 1,461,628 650,232 - (305,457) (318,880) (32,845) (43,969) 1,410,709
 Accumulated depreciation (387,491) (2,866) (144,159) 14,022 113,100 15,740 20,378 (371,276)
Airplane                
 Cost 60,614 - - (59,614) - - (1,000) -
 Accumulated depreciation (6,227) - (356) 6,480 - - 103 -
Ongoing Imports                
 Cost 1,929 6,472 - (4,744) - - (155) 3,502
Leasehold improvements                
 Cost 248,358 61,284 - (7,812) - - (4,330) 297,500
 Accumulated depreciation (68,485) - (28,631) (29,723) - - 176 (126,663)
Total premises and equipment - cost 4,615,370 1,042,779 - (523,586) (325,016) (38,894) (28,161) 4,742,492
Total premises and equipment - accumulated depreciation (1,499,673) (2,866) (316,281) 49,903 118,935 15,788 19,107 (1,615,087)
Total premises and equipment, net 3,115,697 1,039,913 (316,281) (473,683) (206,081) (23,106) (9,054) 3,127,405

 

  F-87 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Premises and
equipment
Balance at
January 1,
2016
Roll - forward Balance at
December
31, 2016
Acquisitions Transfers Expenses -
depreciation
Disposals   Assets
classified
as held for
sale
Effect of
changes
in foreign
exchange
rate
In millions of COP
Land                  
 Cost 355,907 - - - (8,692)   - (12,716) 334,499
Construction in progress                  
 Cost 61,322 34,428 - - (59,873) (1) (766) (2,228) 32,883
Buildings                    
 Cost 1,185,109 88,506 - - (43,997)   (24,293) (20,029) 1,185,296
 Accumulated depreciation (269,316) (54) - (31,007) 16,942   13,569 10,466 (259,400)
Furniture and fixtures                  
 Cost 531,176 74,117 2,029 - (19,962)   - (14,661) 572,699
 Accumulated   depreciation (270,193) (1,243) (866) (43,150) 7,176   - 7,545 (300,731)
Computer equipment                  
 Cost 761,961 92,723 2,348 - (120,241)   (3,309) (16,018) 717,464
 Accumulated depreciation (484,520) (1,338) (606) (89,771) 83,763   2,864 12,269 (477,339)
Vehicles                  
 Cost 1,240,211 682,070 146 - (278,175)   (185,937) 3,313 1,461,628
 Accumulated depreciation (342,606) (134) (20) (141,290) 9,889   89,872 (3,202) (387,491)
Airplane                  
 Cost 63,619 - - - -   - (3,005) 60,614
 Accumulated depreciation (4,126) - - (2,336) -   - 235 (6,227)
Ongoing Imports                  
 Cost 21,192 59,777 - - (54,598)   - (24,442) 1,929
Leasehold improvements                  
 Cost 283,666 23,055 - - (43,640)   - (14,723) 248,358
 Accumulated depreciation (81,136) - - (21,704) 31,598   - 2,757 (68,485)
Total premises and equipment - cost 4,504,163 1,054,676 4,523 - (629,178)   (214,305) (104,509) 4,615,370
Total premises and equipment - accumulated depreciation (1,451,897) (2,769) (1,492) (329,258) 149,368   106,305 30,070 (1,499,673)
Total premises and equipment, net 3,052,266 1,051,907 3,031 (329,258) (479,810)   (108,000) (74,439) 3,115,697

 

(1)The amount corresponds to the activation of elements in the Banco Agricola’s headquater construction.

 

  F-88 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no contractual commitments for the purchase of premises and equipment, or premises and equipment pledged as collateral.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the assessment made by the Bank indicates there is no evidence of impairment of its premises and equipment.

 

NOTE 10. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

 

The table below sets forth the reconciliation between the initial balance account and the balance at the end of the period, at fair value:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Balance at the beginning of the year 1,581,689 1,505,046
Acquisitions 92,102 29,034
Sales/Write-offs (71,955) (72,682)
Classified to Assets held for sale - (29,008)
Gains on valuation (1) 55,573 149,299
Balance at the end of the period(2) 1,657,409 1,581,689

 

(1)See note 24.4. Other operating income.
(2)Between December 31, 2016 and 2017 there were no transfers in and out of Level 3 fair value hierarchy related with investment properties. See Note 29 Fair value of assets and liabilities.

 

The valuation adjustments recorded by the Bank's related to its investment properties are detailed below:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Type of asset Balance at the
beginning of
the year
Appraisals Net increase
(decrease) in
investment properties
Adjusted fair value at
the end of the year (1)
In millions of COP
Buildings 1,355,717 49,721 7,847 1,413,285
Lands 225,972 5,852 12,300 244,124
Total 1,581,689 55,573 20,147 1,657,409

 

  F-89 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Type of asset Balance at the
beginning of
the year
Appraisals Net increase
(decrease) in
investment
properties
Classified to
assets held for
sale
Adjusted fair value
at the end of the
year (1)
In millions of COP
Buildings 1,275,566 52,543 27,608 - 1,355,717
Lands 229,480 96,756 (71,256) (29,008) 225,972
Total 1,505,046 149,299 (43,648) (29,008) 1,581,689

 

(1)Corresponds to the change in the commercial estimate of real estate due to the change in the consumer price index (IPC).

 

Amounts recognized in the statement of income for the period.

 

The table sets forth the main income recorded by the Bank related to its investment properties:

 

    December
31, 2017
December
31, 2016
December
31, 2015
    In millions of COP
Income from rentals   77,964 66,838 89,389
Operating expenses due to:        
Investment properties that generated income through rentals   21,012 21,254 11,693
Investment properties that did not generate income through rentals   2,295 2,495 2,539

 

Currently, there are no restrictions on the use or income derived from the buildings or lands that the Bank has as investment property.

 

The fair value of the Bank’s investment properties for the year ending at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, has been recorded according to the assessment made by independent external consulting companies that have the appropriate capacity and experience in performing those assessments. The appraisers are either approved by the Property Market Auctions of Colombia or foreign appraisers, who are required to provide a second signature by a Colombia appraiser accredited by the Property Market Auctions.

 

Fair value appraisals are carried out in accordance with IFRS 13. The reports made by the external consulting company contain the description of the valuation methodologies used, and key assumptions such as: discount rates, calculation of applied expenses and income approach, among others. The fair value of the investment properties is based on the comparative market approach, which reflects the prices of recent transactions with similar characteristics. Upon determining the fair value of these investment properties, the greater and best use of these investment properties is their present use. For further information about measurements techniques and inputs used by consulting companies, please see Note 29 Fair Value of assets and liabilities.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank does not have investment properties held under financial leases.

 

NOTE 11. INCOME TAX

 

The income tax is recognized in each country where the Bank has operations, in accordance with the tax regulations in force in each of the jurisdictions.

 

  F-90 

 

 

The deferred tax asset and liability is recognized based on the temporary differences arising from the future estimate of tax and accounting effects attributable to differences between assets and liabilities in the Financial Statements and its tax base.

 

In order to adequately comply with tax obligations on a timely basis, the Bank constantly analyzes and interprets current tax legislation that is applicable to its operations.

 

11.1.Components recognized in the Income Statement for the period:

 

  December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
December 31,
2015
  In millions of COP
Current tax  
Fiscal year 1,041,454 813,355 346,556
Previous fiscal years 3,967 2,519 6,159
Total current tax 1,045,421 815,874 352,715
Deferred tax      
Fiscal year 193,177 360,958 296,535
Total deferred tax 193,177 360,958 296,535
Total tax 1,238,598 1,176,832 649,250

 

11.2.Components recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)

 

December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
  Amount before
taxes
Expenses or
(income) per tax
Net taxes
Remeasurement loss related to defined benefit liability 3,753 (3,725) 28
Net profit (loss) by financial instruments measured at fair value 29,095 9,789 38,884
Gain or loss on net investment hedge in foreign operations 449,640 (6,895) 442,745
Net 482,488 (831) 481,657

 

See Other Comprehensive Income

 

December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
  Amount before
taxes
Expenses or
(income) per tax
Net taxes
Remeasurement loss related to defined benefit liability 626 (10,966) (10,340)
Net profit (loss) by financial instruments measured at fair value 208,276 24,341 232,617
Net 208,902 13,375 222,277

 

See Other Comprehensive Income

 

December 31, 2015
In millions of COP
  Amount before
taxes
Expenses or
(income) per tax
Net taxes
Remeasurement loss related to defined benefit liability (59,434) 9,312 (50,122)
Net profit (loss) by financial instruments measured at fair value 128,271 9,052 137,323
Net 68,837 18,364 87,201

 

See Other Comprehensive Income

 

  F-91 

 

 

11.3.Other disclosures

 

11.3.1.Explanation of applicable rates

 

The following are nominal rates of the income tax in each of the countries where the Bank has operations that are subject to income tax:

 

Companies domiciled in Colombia

 

Income tax and the income tax for equality (CREE) were applied at the following rates for 2016 and 2017 in accordance with Law No. 1739 of 2014 and Law No. 1819 of 2016:

 

  2017 2016 2015
Income 34% 25% 25%
CREE 0% 9% 9%
Surcharge 6% 6% 5%
Total 40% 40% 39%

 

Companies domiciled in other countries

 

    2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 As from 2020
Companies from Peru Income 30% 28% 29.5% 29.5% 29.5% 29.5%
Companies from Panama Income 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25%
Companies from El Salvador Income 30% 30% 30% 30% 30% 30%
Companies from Guatemala Income 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25%

 

11.3.2.Amount of temporary differences in subsidiaries, branches, associates on which no charged deferred tax has been recognized

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Temporary differences    
Local Subsidiaries  (1,043,724) (234,975)
Foreign Subsidiaries  (4,533,672) (4,547,623)

 

In accordance with IAS 12, no deferred tax was recognized due to the fact that management are able to control the future time when those differences are reverted, and that this is not expected to take place in the foreseeable future.

 

  F-92 

 

 

11.3.3.Temporary differences to December 31, 2017

 

The net deferred tax assets and liabilities by company disclosed in the Statement of Financial:

 

  December 31,
2017
December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
December 31,
2016
In millions of COP
Company Deferred tax
asset
Deferred tax
liability
Deferred tax
asset
Deferred tax
liability
Arrendadora Financiera S.A. 299 - - (87)
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. - - 370 -
Bagrícola Costa Rica S.A. 56 - 68 -
Grupo Agromercantil Holding - (29,924) - (38,622)
Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. - (26,432) - (99,504)
Banco Agrícola S.A. 46,328 - 43,594 -
Bancolombia S.A. - (1,368,062) - (1,152,726)
Banistmo S.A. y Filiales 96,533 - 166,421 -
BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S. - (5) - (10)
Fideicomiso “Lote Abelardo Castro” - (188) - (171)
Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A. 1,808 - 6,483 -
FiduPerú S.A Sociedad Fiduciaria - - 165 -
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. - (700) - (1,042)

Renting Colombia S.A.S.

- (5,466) - (19,753)
Transportempo S.A.S 509 - 285 -
Valores Banagricola S.A. 10 - - -
Valores Bancolombia S.A. 3,071 - 5,476 -
Valores Simesa S.A. - (9,421) - (13,439)
Net Deferred Tax by Company 148,614 (1,440,198) 222,862 (1,325,354)
Net Deferred Tax   (1,291,584)   (1,102,492)

 

11.3.4.Assets and Liabilities deferred tax without netting per company

 

Deferred tax
summary in
Balance accounts
December 31,
2016
With effects on the
statement of income
and Foreign
currency translation
adjustments
With OCI
effects
Eliminations Reclassifications December 31,
2017
In millions of COP
Deferred tax asset 757,874  (167,907)  15,021  (3,122)  999  602,865
Deferred tax liability (1,860,366)  (7,014)  (14,190)  (15,939)  3,060 (1,894,449)
Net deferred tax (1,102,492)   (174,921)  831  (19,061)  4,059 (1,291,584)

 

  F-93 

 

 

The deferred tax disclosed in section 11.1 corresponds to deferred tax assets and liabilities without eliminations in the amount of COP 174,921, plus eliminations in the amount of COP 19,061, less the difference for foreign currency translation adjustments that is contained in the movement of balance sheet accounts of COP (805).

 

With effects on the statement of income

 

  December 31, 2016 Realization Increase December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
Deferred tax asset:        
Premises and equipment 19,721 7,258 8,690 21,153
Employee benefits 152,070 9,252 18,706 161,524
Municipal tax liabilities 16,385 16,385 - -
Impairment evaluation 252,181 285,854 238,583 204,910
Offset of tax credits 31,394 200 37,269 68,463
Financial obligations 59,967 9,176 1,072 51,863
Investment valuation 6,846 6,846 81 81
Foreclosed Assets 118.894 119,177 283 -
Other deductions 71.792 37,179 16,613 51,226
Total deferred tax asset 729,250 491,327 321,297 559,220
         
  December 31, 2016 Realization Increase December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
Deferred tax liability:        
Premises and equipment (230,202) 29,875 33,223 (233,550)
Leasing re-expression (279,733) - 175,877 (455,610)
Impairment evaluation (225,635) 221,704 2,481 (6,412)
Equity securities valuation (153,886) 73,171 40,495 (121,210)
Derivatives valuation (124,737) 68,011 - (56,726)
Goodwill (587,094) 20,434 192,228 (758,888)
Foreclosed Assets (25,160) 6,733 29,082 (47,509)
Other deductions (138,235) 63,114 29,549 (104,670)
Total deferred tax liability (1,764,682) 483,042 502,935 (1,784,575)

 

Impact on Other Comprehensive Income

 

  December 31, 2016 Realization Increase December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
Deferred tax asset        
Employee benefits 28,624  1,958 10,084 36,750
Investment hedge in foreign operations - - 6,895 6,895
Total deferred tax asset 28,624  1,958 16,979 43,645
         
  December 31, 2016 Realization Increase December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
Deferred tax liability        
Employee benefits - 150 4,551 (4,401)
Debt securities valuation (39) 39 41 (41)
Investment valuation  (95,645) 6 9,793  (105,432)
Total deferred tax liability (95,684) 195 14,385 (109,874)

 

  F-94 

 

 

In accordance with the financial projections, we expect to generate enough net income in the future to compensate for items registered as deductible deferred tax. These estimates are based on financial projections that were prepared taking into account the information of Grupo Bancolombia's economic research about the economic environment expected over the next five years. The main indicators on which the models are based are GDP growth, portfolio growth and interest rates. In addition to these elements, the company's long-term strategy is also taken into consideration.

 

11.3.5.Future consequences of dividends from local subsidiaries

 

According to the historical behavior of dividends and current tax regulations, they would not be taxed in the event that the Parent Company receives dividends from its local subsidiaries.

 

11.3.6.Conciliation of the effective tax rate

 

Conciliation of the tax rate December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
December 31,
2015
In millions of COP
Accounting earnings 3,992,771 3,968,282 3,235,635
Tax applicable to the nominal rate 1,597,108 1,587,313 1,261,898
Non-deductible expenses for determining taxable profit (loss) 356,350 255,435 290,291
Accounting and not fiscal expenses (income) for determining taxable profit (loss) (179,605) (217,056) (822,513)
Differences in tax bases 341,828 (348,985) (149,502)
Tax and not accounting expenses (income) for determining taxable profit (loss) (23,844) 23,381 352,543
Revenues from ordinary activities exempt from taxation (181,406) (121,917) (172,466)
Income from ordinary activities not constituting income or occasional earnings from taxation (130,272) (111,027) (66,459)
Other fiscal deductions (184,620) (107,083) (168.970)
Repayments on commercial credit (233,004) - -
Surplus of tax depreciation (177,936) (20,323) (2,083)
Foreign profits taxed at other rates (218,785) 72,144 99,398
Other effects of the tax rate from reconciling accounting earnings and tax expenses (income) 272,784 164,950 27,113
Total Tax 1,238,598 1,176,832 649,250

 

Discontinued operations

 

  December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
In millions of COP
Earnings before taxes 266,072 21,446
Total income and CREE taxes (2,961) 21,635
Total deferred tax (99,614) (22,702)
Total tax (102,575) (1,067)
Net profit of discontinued operations 163,497 22,513

 

* For 2017 no operations were discontinued.

 

  F-95 

 

 

11.4.Potential consequences on the payment of dividends

 

If the Parent Company, or any of its subsidiaries, distributes dividends, these would be subject to the tax regulations of each of the countries where they are enacted.

 

11.5.Tax contingent liabilities and assets

 

Having analyzed the fiscal positions adopted in the declarations subject to review by the fiscal authority, Grupo Bancolombia believes it to be necessary to continue to recognize the uncertain position for the tax year of 2014 for the financial statements as of December 31, 2017.

 

11.6.Fiscal credits

 

The following is the detail of the Tax loss carryforward and excesses of presumptive income on net income in the group entities, which have not been used up to December 31, 2017.

 

Base Tax deferred asset recognized
In millions of COP
 207,395 68,463

 

11.7.Tax regulations applicable to current and deferred taxes for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017.

 

11.7.1.Companies domiciled in Colombia

 

Current tax

 

a)Starting from the tax year of 2017, current tax is calculated based on the accounting information provided under the framework of the technical accounting regulations currently in force in Colombia and established by Decree No. 2420 of 2015 and its subsequent amendments. Up until the tax year of 2016, current tax was calculated based on the accounting information prepared in accordance with the standards provided under Decree No. 2649 and 2650 of 1993, the technical standards established by the Financial Superintendence of Colombia; consequently, taxes are calculated using a combination of bases depending on the year of the transaction.

 

b)Occasional earnings are handled separately from ordinary income and taxed at a rate of 10%.

 

c)The basis for calculating ordinary income tax cannot be less than three point five percent (3.5%) of liquid assets on the last day of the previous fiscal year.

 

Wealth tax

 

In its statement of financial position, Grupo Bancolombia recognized the payment of the wealth tax contributions corresponding to the current tax year of 2017, in accordance with the Law No. 1739 of 2014.

 

11.7.2.Companies domiciled in other countries

 

Current tax is calculated based on the accounting information provided by the current technical accounting frameworks in each of the jurisdictions where Grupo Bancolombia operates.

 

  F-96 

 

 

11.7.3.Deferred Tax

 

Deferred tax as of December 31, 2017 was calculated based on the applicable fiscal regulations in every country where Grupo Bancolombia operates, using tax rates that apply to the tax years in which they expect to realize their assets and settle their liabilities.

 

NOTE 12. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND INVENTORIES

 

The breakdown of inventories and assets held for sale of the Bank is as follows:

 

Assets held for sale and inventories December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Inventories, net 164,516 140,137
Assets held for sale 212,487 133,050
Total inventories and assets held for sale, net 377,003 273,187

 

12.1 Inventories

 

Due to the nature of the financial services provided by some subsidiaries of the Bank, when assets provided through operating or financial leases to third parties that do not exercise the purchase option or do not have a purchase option, once the agreement expires those assets are recorded as inventories, considering that in the course of the ordinary activities performed by such subsidiaries, those assets are routinely sold.

 

The Bank's inventories at December 31, 2017 and 2016, are summarized as follows:

 

Inventories December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Lands and buildings 117,339 90,166
Vehicles 45,741 50,843
Machinery 16,252 11,045
Total inventory cost 179,332 152,054
Impairment (14,816) (11,917)
Total inventories, net 164,516 140,137

 

Impairment is recognized based on market price fluctuation due to the fact that the fair value is determined by the offering price less cost to sell.

 

There are no inventories pledged as collateral for liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

12.2 Assets held for sale

 

The assets recognized by the Bank as assets held for sale correspond to machinery, equipment, motor vehicles, technology, and investment property, among others that have been received as foreclosed assets.

 

The Bank's assets held for sale have a current plan to sale, which contains the details of the selling price allocation and the advertising and marketing plan of the assets. Furthermore, the plan specifies the conditions to proceed with the selling process, consisting of an offer made by the customer and then, the Management's approval to perform the sale.

 

  F-97 

 

 

The total balance of assets held for sale, by operating segment, are detailed below:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Assets held for sale Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking
El Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Others
Segment
Total
In millions of COP
Machinery and equipment 8,099 3,362 - 39 - 11,500
 Cost 8,972 3,422 - 39 - 12,433
 Impairment (873) (60) - - - (933)
Real estate for residential purposes 8,346 12,257 2,586 665 - 23,854
 Cost 8,431 12,859 2,645 885 - 24,820
Impairment (85) (602) (59) (220) - (966)
Real estate different from residential properties 295 952 - 155 - 1,402
 Cost 295 952 - 178 24 1,449
Impairment - - - (23) (24) (47)
Investments held for sale - - - - 18,413 18,413
 Cost (1) - - - - 18,413 18,413
Impairment - - - - - -
Assets related to Investments held for sale - - - - 157,318 157,318
 Cost (2) - - - - 157,318 157,318
Impairment - - - - - -
Total assets held for sale 16,740 16,571 2,586 859 175,731 212,487

 

1.In December 2017, the administration launched the execution of a sale plan for the investments associated with Avefarma S.A.S, Glassfarma Tech S.A.S. and Panamerican Pharmaceutical Holding Inc., for this reason the investments are presented as "non-current assets held for sale". According to the sales plan, the sale is expected to occur before the end of year 2018.
2.These assets corresponded to Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.; Capital Investments SAFI S.A. and FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria.

 

For the companies Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.; Capital Investments SAFI S.A. and FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria, the Bank has the intention to sell them. Therefore the Bank expects that their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. As a result, these companies are disclosed in the Statement of Financial Position as assets held for sale. The sale is highly probable and those companies are available for immediate sale subject only to customary terms for sale. In this regard, Bank is managing all the necessary authorizations to carry out the sale such as the approval of the Peruvian Superintendence of Banking and Insurance.

 

  F-98 

 

 

The breakdown of the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale is as follows:

 

  December 31, 2017
In millons of COP
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents 19,072
Financial assets investment 2,486
Premises and equipment, net 109,469
Prepaid expenses 101
Tax receivables 8,028
Deferred tax 1,103
Assets held for sale 4,691
Other assets 12,368
Total assets 157,318
Liabilities  
Borrowings from other financial institutions 90,109
Tax liabilities 611
Deferred tax liabilities 4,908
Other liabilities 7,348
Total liabilities 102,976

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Assets held for sale Banking
Colombia
Banking
Panama
Banking
El Salvador
Banking
Guatemala
Others
Segment
Total
In millions of COP
Machinery and equipment 3,726 2,361 - 24 3,355 9,466
 Cost 3,871 2,671 - 26 3,355 9,923
 Impairment (145) (310) - (2) - (457)
Real estate for residential purposes 3,862 15,036 1,096 677 - 20,671
 Cost 4,031 15,160 1,114 825 - 21,130
Impairment (169) (124) (18) (148) - (459)
Real estate different from residential properties 28,587 2,093 - 185 72,048 102,913
 Cost 29,861 2,093 - 185 72,048 104,187
Impairment (1,274) - - - -    (1,274)
Total assets held for sale 36,175 19,490 1,096 886 75,403 133,050

 

Assets held for sale had an impairment amounting COP 1,946 and COP 2,190 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The aforementioned impairment was mainly due to observable transactions with a sale price below the carrying value of assets less the estimated costs to sell.

 

  F-99 

 

 

NOTE 13. OTHER ASSETS

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Bank’s other assets consist of:

 

Other Assets December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Tax advance 480,523 581,152
Marketable and non-marketable for sale assets 328,877 337,243
Other receivables (1) 291,235 480,255
Prepaid expenses 287,550 310,759
Advances to asset purchases 251,561 94,150
Assets pledged as collateral 192,036 171,561
Receivables related to abandoned accounts (2) 147,228 110,944
Interbank Borrowings not classified as cash equivalents 125,963 159,398
Receivable Sales of goods and service 117,540 137,248
Commission receivables 97,710 72,002
Commission for letters of credit 72,927 94,835
Balance in credit card clearning house 66,788 63,018
Operating leases 38,653 39,150
Debtors 10,510 18,911
Taxes receivable 7,199 4,474
Interest receivable 1,128 8,794
Others 33,370 100,838
Total other assets 2,550,798 2,784,732
Allowance others (71,761) (33,849)
Total other assets, net 2,479,037 2,750,883

 

(1)As of December 31, 2017 corresponds to conciliatory items on correspondent banks and mortgage-backed securities´ interest; for December 2016, mainly comprised of insurance claims and cash short and over.
(2)The item corresponds to receivables related to the application of the Colombian Law 1777 of February 1, 2016, which establishes that entities holding accounts deemed abandoned must transfer the related amounts to a fund constituted and regulated by the Icetex (Governmental entity responsible for promoting high quality education in Colombia).

 

  F-100 

 

 

NOTE 14. DEPOSITS FROM COSTUMERS

 

The detail of the deposits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

Deposits December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Saving accounts 54,255,583 48,693,702
Time deposits 53,961,586 52,673,385
Checking accounts 22,065,647 21,443,002
Other deposits 1,676,399 1,813,922
Total 131,959,215 124,624,011

 

  F-101 

 

 

The following table details the time deposits (‘CDT’) issued by the Bank:

 

CDT Effective interest rate December 31, 2017
Modality Minimum Maximum Carrying value Fair value
In millions of  COP
Less than 6 Months 0.10% 6.96% 7,536,280 7,535,719
Equal to 6 months and less than 12 months 0.20% 8.03% 5,711,157 5,718,827
Equal to 12 months and less than 18 months 0.20% 9.03% 8,062,290 8,146,366
Equal to or greater than 18 months 0.01% 18.29% 32,651,859 33,381,189
Total 53,961,586 54,782,101

 

CDT Effective interest rate December 31, 2016
Modality Minimum Maximum Carrying value Fair value
In millions of  COP
Less than 6 Months 0.01% 8.86% 10,495,536 10,458,936
Equal to 6 months and less than 12 months 0.20% 9.63% 7,612,216 7,629,195
Equal to 12 months and less than 18 months 0.01% 10.01% 5,345,522 5,391,407
Equal to or greater than 18 months 0.01% 18.29% 29,220,111 29,666,246
Total 52,673,385 53,145,784

 

The detail of CDT’s issued by the Bank by maturity is as follows:

 

December 31, 2017
Period Carrying value Fair value
In millions of COP
Less than one year 36,416,439 36,701,555
1 to 3 years 10,525,956 10,727,828
3 to 5 years 5,367,765 5,592,750
More than 5 years 1,651,426 1,759,968
Total 53,961,586 54,782,101

 

December 31, 2016
Period Carrying value Fair value
In millions of COP
Less than one year 34,442,445 34,626,003
1 to 3 years 10,698,266 10,815,760
3 to 5 years 5,401,074 5,505,403
More than 5 years 2,131,600 2,198,618
Total 52,673,385 53,145,784

 

  F-102 

 

 

NOTE 15. INTERBANK DEPOSITS AND REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER SIMILAR SECURED BORROWING

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the money market operations recognized as liabilities in the statement of financial position:

 

Interbank and repurchase agreements and other similar secured
borrowing
December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
In millions of COP
Interbank Deposits    
Interbank liabilities 1,084,591 341,856
Total interbank 1,084,591 341,856
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing    
Short selling operations 607,536 880,705
Temporary transfer of securities 2,628,592 918,470
Repurchase agreements - 124,835
Total Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing (1) 3,236,128 1,924,010
Total money market transactions 4,320,719 2,265,866

 

(1)Total repo liabilities have maturities of less than 30 days.

 

Offsetting of Repurchase and Resale Agreements

 

For the Bank and its Colombian subsidiaries, substantially all of repurchase and resale activities are transacted under legally enforceable repurchase agreements that give the Bank, in the event of default by the counterparty, the right to liquidate securities held with the same counterparty. However, the local law for certain jurisdictions outside of Colombia is unclear to determine the enforceability of offsetting rights.

 

The Bank does not offset repurchase and resale transactions with the same counterparty on the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

The table below presents repurchases and resale transactions included in the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Assets /
liabilities
gross
Amounts offset
 in the
statement of
financial
position
Net balance
presented in the
statement of
financial position
Financial
instruments
as collaterals
Assets /
liabilities
net
In millions of COP
Securities purchased under resale agreements(1) 881,061 - 881,061 (881,061) -
Securities sold under repurchase agreements (3,236,128) - (3,236,128) 3,236,128 -
Total repurchase and resale agreements (2,355,067) - (2,355,067) 2,355,067 -

 

(1)The amount includes those presented as cash and cash equivalents and those presented as other assets.

 

  F-103 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Assets /
liabilities
gross
Amounts
offset in the
statement of
financial
position
Net balance
presented in the
statement of
financial position
Financial
instruments
as collaterals
Assets /
liabilities
net
In millions of COP
Securities purchased under resale agreements(1) 2,643,707 - 2,643,707 (2,643,707) -
Securities sold under repurchase agreements (1,924,010) - (1,924,010) 1,924,010 -
Total repurchase and resale agreements 719,697 - 719,697 (719,697) -

 

(1)The amount includes those presented as cash and cash equivalents and those presented as other assets.

 

For further information about offsetting of other financial assets and liabilities see Note 5 Financial assets investments and derivatives.

 

NOTE 16. BORROWINGS FROM OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the composition of the borrowings from other financial institutions measured at amortized cost is the following:

 

Borrowings from other financial institutions December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Obligations granted by domestic banks 5,863,702 5,616,934
Obligations granted by foreign banks (1) 7,958,450 13,288,909
Total 13,822,152 18,905,843

 

(1)The Bank has recognized a financial liability with BAM Financial Corporation (BFC) amounting to USD 243.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and USD 251.5 million as of December 31, 2016, due to its obligation to pay cash in future to purchase the non-controlling shares of Grupo Agromercantil Holding. The Bank will reclassify the liability to equity if the put expires unexercised. For further information see Note 8.3. Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding (GAH).

 

Obligations granted by domestic banks

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Financial entity Rate Maximum Rate Minimum December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial (Findeter) 11.30% 1.05% 2,587,598
Banco De Comercio Exterior De Colombia (Bancoldex) 10.86% 1.76% 1,528,435
Fondo Para El Financiamiento Del Sector Agropecuario (Finagro) 14.90% 1.05% 728,558
Other private financial entities 8.89% 0.07% 1,019,111
Total     5,863,702

 

  F-104 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Financial entity Rate Maximum Rate Minimum December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial (Findeter) 12.77% 1.29% 2,404,521
Banco De Comercio Exterior De Colombia (Bancoldex) 12.48% 0.06% 1,591,035
Fondo Para El Financiamiento Del Sector Agropecuario (Finagro) 12.38% 1.39% 642,775
Other private financial entities 11.86% 2.28% 978,603
Total     5,616,934

  

The maturities of financial obligations with domestic banks as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, are the following:

 

Domestic December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Amount expected to be settled:    
More than twelve months after the reporting period 5,288,364 5,234,565
No more than twelve months after the reporting period 575,338 382,369
Total 5,863,702 5,616,934

 

Obligations granted by foreign banks

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Financial entity Rate Maximum Rate Minimum December 31, 2017
In millions of COP
Financing with correspondent banks 5.66% 1.48% 7,341,713
Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF) 3.84% 1.85% 311,730
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) 4.10% 1.90% 269,946
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) 3.96% 3.96% 35,061
Total     7,958,450

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Financial entity Rate Maximum Rate Minimum December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Financing with correspondent banks 9.71% 0.88% 12,129,817
Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF) 4.04% 2.67% 745,086
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) 3.83% 1.24% 278,392
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) 3.96% 1.54% 135,614
Total     13,288,909

 

  F-105 

 

 

The maturities of the financial obligations with foreign entities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are the following:

 

Foreign December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Amount expected to be settled:
No more than twelve months after the reporting period 7,037,043 9,559,568
More than twelve months after the reporting period 921,407 3,729,341
Total 7,958,450 13,288,909

 

NOTE 17. DEBT SECURITIES IN ISSUE

 

Duly authorized by the authority in each country bonds have been issued as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Issuer Currency Face value Balance Rate Range
Bancolombia S.A. Local COP 5,162,515 5,247,501 5.59%-IPC(1)  +7%
Bancolombia S.A. Foreign USD 3,242,405 9,532,927 1.90%-6.31%
Banco Agrícola S.A. Foreign USD 547,000 1,622,238 5.36%-7.99%
Bancolombia Panamá S.A. Foreign USD 260,310 784,567 1.90%-2.90%
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. Foreign USD 302,264 910,270 0.25%-7.25%
Banismo S.A. y filiales Foreign USD 519,300 1,551,211 2.65%-3.65%
Total       19,648,714  

 

(1)Consumer price index.

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Issuer Currency Face value Balance Rate Range
Bancolombia S.A. Local COP 5,458,619 5,562,900 5.49%-IPC(1) + 6.9%
Bancolombia S.A. Foreign USD 3,246,970 9,814,915 5.54%-7.84%
Banco Agrícola S.A. Foreign USD 530,000 1,581,348 4.25%-6.75%
Bancolombia Panamá S.A. Foreign USD 272,282 826,069 1.30%-2.65%
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. Foreign USD 302,272 919,577 0.25%-7.25%
Total       18,704,809  

 

(1)Consumer price index.

 

  F-106 

 

 

The breakdown of the Bank securities in issue by maturity is as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Issuer

Less than

a year

1 to 3 years 3 to 5 years more than 5 years Total amortized cost
In millions of COP
Local currency          
Subordinated bonds (1) - - 163,778 2,410,209 2,573,987
Ordinary bonds - - 802 2,672,712 2,673,514
Foreign currency        
Subordinated bonds (1) - - - 6,156,094 6,156,094
Ordinary bonds 535,020 758,879 44,740 6,906,480 8,245,119
Total 535,020 758,879 209,320 18,145,495 19,648,714

  

(1)The subordinated bonds, in the event of default of the Bank, will be subordinated to the claims of depositors and all other creditors of the issuer, other than creditors whose claims rank equally with, or are junior to, the claims of the holders of the subordinated liabilities.

  

As of December 31, 2016

 

Issuer Less than
a year
1 to 3 years 3 to 5 years more than 5
years
Total amortized
cost
In millions of COP
Local currency          
Subordinated bonds (1) - - 495,614 1,875,068 2,370,682
Ordinary bonds - 13 390,016 2,802,189 3,192,218
Foreign currency          
Subordinated bonds (1) 6,816 - 912,760 6,807,909 7,727,485
Ordinary bonds 826,069 - 970,751 3,617,604 5,414,424
Total 832,885 13 2,769,141 15,102,770 18,704,809 

 

(1)The subordinated bonds, in the event of default of the Bank, will be subordinated to the claims of depositors and all other creditors of the issuer, other than creditors whose claims rank equally with, or are junior to, the claims of the holders of the subordinated liabilities.

 

The following is a schedule of the debt securities in issue by maturity:

 

Issuer December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Amount expected to be settled:    
No more than twelve months after the reporting period 2,352,801 2,018,995
More than twelve months after the reporting period 17,295,913 16,685,814
Total 19,648,714 18,704,809

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no covenants linked to the aforementioned securities in issue, nor were any of these instruments past due by the Bank in relation to its financial obligations.

 

Issuance of Banistmo Bonds

 

On September 12, 2017 Banistmo issued international bonds with a rate of 3.65% for a total amount of USD 500,000 due in 2022. The bonds were sold at a price of 99.778% with an initial return of 3.73%.

 

  F-107 

 

 

The carrying amount recognized was USD 519,842.

 

Subordinated Notes Offering

 

On October 18, 2017, the Bank priced the public offering of USD 750,000 in aggregate principal amount of its Subordinated Notes due October 18, 2027.

 

The Notes have a 10-year maturity, an optional redemption right on the fifth year and a coupon of 4.875%, payable semi-annually on April 18 and October 18 of each year, beginning on April 18, 2018.

 

In connection with the Notes Offering, the Bank acquired USD 360,912 of its Notes due 2020 and USD 321,152 of its Notes due 2022, issued on July 26, 2010 and September 4, 2012, respectively, through a private exchange followed by a Dealer Intermediated Tender Offer.

 

During the transaction, the Bank maintained a third party financial entity as a principal, which was responsible for the execution of the transfer and the exchange. In this regard the Bank has recognized as non-extinguishment the modification of the debt securities in issue corresponding to a portion of the Notes due 2020 and Notes due 2022, then the fees associated with the modified debt instrument amounted to USD 4,303 and, along with the unamortized premium or discount amounted to USD 11,233, were amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the remaining term of the replacement or modified debt instrument using the interest method.

 

Green Bonds Offering

 

On December 5, 2016, Bancolombia S.A. completed the offering of ordinary bonds in an aggregate principal amount of COP 350,000 with a term of 7 years and a rate of IBR + 2.20% monthly (30/360). The bonds are referred to as Green Bonds because the proceeds from the offering will be used to finance sustainability projects to combat the climate changes, associated with renewable energies and sustainable constructions.

 

For information related with the disclosures of fair value of the debt securities in issued, see Note 29 fair value of assets and liabilities.

 

NOTE 18. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

The following table shows liabilities relating to post-employment benefit plans:

 

Post-employment and long-term benefit plans December 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
In millions of COP
Defined benefit pension plan 131,589 129,931
Severance obligation 38,041 51,289
Retirement Pension Premium Plan and Senior Management Pension Plan Premium 119,526 105,158
Other long term benefits 408,245 364,424
Post-employment and long-term benefit plans 697,401 650,802

 

  F-108 

 

 

Short-term employment benefit plans recognized in the statement of financial position in the line “other liabilities” consist of the following:

 

 Other employment benefit plans Diecember 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
In millions of COP
Current severance obligation(1) 106,334 104,352
Other bonuses and short-term benefits 336,285 336,018
Other employment benefit plans 442,619 440,370

 

(1)See severance obligation

 

These benefits include all types of payments that the Bank provides to its employees. The recognition of liabilities related to post-employment and long-term employee benefit plans is based on actuarial computations which involve judgments and assumptions made by management (with the assistance of actuaries) related to the future macroeconomic and employee demographic factors, among others, which will not necessarily coincide with the future outcome of such factors.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the amount recognized through Profit and Losses, due to benefit employee plans' current service cost and interest cost, was COP 114,808; on the other hand, COP 52,895 was recognized through other comprehensive income as a result of the net actuarial gain or loss due to change in assumptions, demographic experience and foreign currency translation effect.

 

Bonuses and short-term benefits

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amounts of COP 336,285 and COP 336,018, respectively, were recognized by the Bank as bonuses related to private agreements in connection with the employees' variable compensation.

 

Post-employment benefits

 

Defined benefit pension plan

 

Colombia

 

Under Colombian law, employee pension obligations are managed as a defined contribution plan since 1990. The Bank’s legal retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 relates to retired employees who rendered services to the Bank before the current regulations took effect. Under this unfunded plan, benefits are based on length of service and level of compensation. As of December 2017, 673 participants were covered by this plan, and as of December 2016, 693 participants.

 

For purposes of the projected assessment of the pension plan obligation, in the absence of a deep market of high quality corporate debt, the sovereign bond curve of the Colombian Government is used, with maturity similar to the residual life of the obligation of the projected benefit. The net cost of pensions is accounted for in the statement of income as “salaries and employee benefits”, and includes the interest costs and cost of current service.

 

  F-109 

 

 

Unfunded defined benefit pension plan of the Parent Company 2017 2016
In millions of COP
Present value of the obligation as of January 1 123,282 120,543
Interest cost 8,117 8,998
Benefits paid (11,553) (11,114)
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to changes in demographic assumptions 2,216 514
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to plan experience 3,418 4,341
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31 125,480 123,282

 

Panama

 

The pension plan for Banistmo and its subsidiaries provides defined benefits based on average salary paid during the most recent 120 months before retirement and years of service of certain employees entitled to receive the benefits. The pension benefit vests after 10 years of service. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were 62 participants (31 participants with deferred benefits and 31 participants receiving benefits), and 64 participants covered by the Plan (2 active participants, 31 participants with deferred benefits and 31 participants receiving benefits) respectively:

 

Funded defined benefit pension plan of Banistmo 2017 2016
In millions of COP
Present value of the obligation as of January 1 6,649 6,688
Interest cost 198 230
Actuarial (gain)/loss - experience 68 446
Actuarial (gain)/loss - financial assumptions 61 190
Benefits paid from plan assets (825) (584)
Foreign currency translation effect (42) (321)
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31 6,109 6,649

 

Severance obligation

 

Colombia

 

Under Colombian labor regulations, employees hired before 1990 are entitled to receive one month’s salary for each year of service. This benefit accumulates and is paid to the employees upon their termination or retirement from the Bank, calculated based on the employees’ last salary base; however, employees may request advances against this benefit at any time. In 1990, the Colombian government revised its labor regulations for new employees to permit companies, subject to the approval of the employees, to transfer this severance obligation annually to private pension funds (this scheme of employee benefits is known as the current severance obligation). The Bank’s severance obligations relate to employees hired before 1990.

 

As of December 2017 and 2016, 572 and 707 participants respectively, were covered by this plan.

 

  F-110 

 

 

The balances recognized in the statement of financial position are listed below:

 

Defined benefit severance obligation plan 2017 2016
In millions of COP
Present value of the obligation as of January 1 51,289 52,209
Current cost of service 2,562 2,144
Interest cost 3,419 4,020
Benefits paid (11,298) (10,233)
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to assumption changes and plan experience (7,931) 3,149
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31 38,041 51,289
Current severance regimen 106,334 104,352
Total 144,375 155,641

 

Retirement Pension Premium Plan and Senior Management Pension Plan Premium

 

Colombia

 

Under Colombian labor regulations, employers and employees are entitled to negotiate compensation, other than the retirement benefit prescribed by law, by means of private agreements. The Bank’s employees participating in defined contribution plans are entitled to receive, on their retirement date, a one-time payment at the time based on the salary of the employee at their retirement date.

 

On the other hand, the Bank has established a retirement benefit plan for its senior management executives. Under this plan, the executives are entitled to receive a one-off payment on their retirement date based on the number of years of service to the organization.

 

El Salvador

 

By means of Decree 592 of 2013, under Salvadorian labor regulations, employees are entitled to receive 15 days of salary for each year of service. This benefit is payable upon retirement, resignation, unjustified dismissal, death and disability. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were 2,940 and 2,899 participants respectively, covered by the plan.

 

Additionally, employees of Banco Agrícola and its subsidiaries that were 50 years of age (45 for females) as of March 31, 2005 are entitled through a private agreement to receive one month of salary per year of service, net of the benefit established under Legislative Decree 592 in case of termination due to voluntary retirement. As of December 31, 2017 there were not participants, and 2016, there was 1 participant covered by the plan.

 

Guatemala

 

Grupo Agromercantil Holding has established a retirement pension plan for its employees. Under this plan, the employees are entitled to receive a lifetime payment of 50% of their monthly nominal wage, if they are 70 years old and have 30 years of service, or if they are 65 years old and have 40 years of service. On the other hand, the employees are entitled to receive a lifetime payment of 70% of their monthly nominal wage, if they are 70 years old and have 40 years of service, or they are 65 years old and have 45 years of service.

 

  F-111 

 

 

The annual change of the present value of the obligations of defined benefit plans is as follows:

 

Retirement Pension Premium Plan and Senior Management Pension Plan Premium 2017 2016
In millions of COP
Present value of the obligation as of January 1 105,158 95,331
Current service cost 7,294 10,597
Interest cost 6,881 7,211
Benefits paid (1,224) (14,933)

First time application effect of IAS 19 to new defined benefit obligation

of Transportempo at December 31, 2017(1)

237 -
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to assumption changes and plan experience 1,195 7,093
Foreign currency translation effect (15) (141)
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31 119,526 105,158

 

(1)Pursuant to a private agreement reached between Transportempo and its employees, the Bank’s subsidiary has decided to recognize a new employee benefit plan based on the employees’ seniority and their current salary at the moment when the service is vested.

 

Other long term benefits

 

In addition to legal benefits and the aforementioned post-employment benefits, the Bank grants to its employees other benefits based on the employees’ seniority. For the periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the reconciliation of the other long term benefits is set below:

 

Other long term benefits 2017 2016
In millions of COP
Present value of the obligation as of January 1 364,424  271,651
Current service cost 37,433 29,190
Interest cost 26,329 18,940
Benefits paid (38,671) (39,092)
Unfunded benefit obligation assumed for GAH at December 31, 2017 (1) 340 -

First time application effect of IAS 19 to new defined benefit obligation

of Renting at December 31, 2017( 2)

614 -
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to assumption changes and plan experience 16,893 84,247(3)
Foreign currency translation effect 883 (512)
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31 408,245 364,424

 

(1)Former employees have been incorporated again in the Company’s payroll due to the private agreement reached between Comamesa (a Guatemalan subsidiary of GAH) and Serviva (security supplier).
(2)Pursuant to a private agreement reached between Renting and its employees, the Bank’s subsidiary has decided to recognize a new employee benefit plan based on the employees’ seniority and their current salary at the moment when the service is vested.
(3)As a result of the acquisition of control of Grupo Agromercantil Holding in 2015, the Bank assumed the obligations related to the termination indemnity plan of Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala, Consejería, Mantenimiento y Mensajería, Seguros Agromercantil (subsidiaries of Grupo Agromercantil Holding).

 

Plan Assets - Panama

 

The Bank, through its subsidiary Banistmo, has established a plan with assets to secure benefits promised by Banistmo to the employees entitled to receive the Pension Plan under the terms described above and to comply with Panama labor code, which specify the terms for securing the payments to be made in the event of an employee’s termination (voluntary or involuntary) or upon retirement (termination indemnity plan).

 

  F-112 

 

 

Banistmo’s pension and post-retirement plan assets consider investments in fixed-term deposits and cash and due from banks, in order to reduce the investment risk. The plan assets are managed by a trustee (third party). Likewise, the assets allocation is periodically reviewed by Banistmo and, when necessary, adjusted according to the investment strategy. The plan's investment assets are measured at fair value using significant, unobservable market data and, therefore, are classified as Level 3.

 

The expected return on assets assumption represents the long term rate of return based on analysis of historical returns, historical asset class volatilities and the fund’s past experience.

 

The components of the periodic net cost of the plans previously mentioned and the total of charges (credits) recognized in the consolidated statement of income are as follows:

 

Banistmo asset plan December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Employee pension plan 4,765     5,565
Total 4,765 5,565

 

The following table details the change in plan assets:

 

  2017 2016
In millions of COP
Fair value of assets as of January 1 5,565 6,087
Interest income on plan assets 123 209
Return on plan assets greater/(less) than discount rate (58) 130
Benefits paid (825) (584)
Foreign currency translation effect (40) (277)
Fair value assets as of December 31 4,765 5,565

 

Defined contribution plans

 

The expense recognized in the line “Salaries and employee benefits” of the consolidated statement of income for defined contribution plans, for current severance regimen and pension benefits, is as follows:

 

Defined contribution plans 2017 2016
In millions of COP
Pension   171,713 159,525
Current severance regimen   79,246 74,816
Total   250,959 234,341

 

  F-113 

 

 

The economic assumptions used in the determination of the present value of the defined benefit plans, in nominal terms, are as follows:

 

Colombia

 

Main projected assumptions December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Discount rate  6.60% 6.90%
Rate of wage increase 7.00% 9.00%
Projected inflation 4.00% 6.50%

 

Bancolombia Panama

 

Main projected assumptions December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Discount rate  3.00% 3.10%
Rate of wage increase 3.00% 3.00%
Projected inflation 2.00% 2.00%

 

Banistmo

 

Main projected assumptions December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Discount rate  3.00% 3.10%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 2.10% 6.00%
Rate of wage increase 3.00% 3.00%

 

El Salvador

 

Main projected assumptions December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Discount rate  3.60% 5.10%
Rate of wage increase 2.50% 3.00%
Projected inflation 1.50% 2.00%

 

Guatemala

 

Main projected assumptions December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Discount rate  8.20% 8.20%
Rate of wage increase 5.00% 5.03%
Projected inflation 4.00% 4.00%

 

In 2017, the assumption of mortality used in the preparation of the assessment of the estimated liabilities is based on tables RP-2000, CSO-80 and RV-08, which reflect average ages of mortality from 32-75 years. The rate used to discount the obligation of the defined benefit plan to reflect the duration of the labor liabilities as of December 2017 corresponds to the yield of sovereign bonds of each country where the plan is established, either Colombia, Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador, as applicable, since the market transactions of these countries involving corporate bonds of high quality have no high levels of activity. The assumption of the rate of inflation is based on the long term projection of the Central Bank of Colombia, Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador.

 

  F-114 

 

 

The nature of the risks related to the obligations aforementioned are summarized below:

 

Investment risk The present value of the obligation for the defined benefits plan is calculated using a discount rate determined with reference to high quality sovereign yields of each country. Currently, the plan includes investment in financial instruments that are not vulnerable to market risks
Interest rate risks A reduction of the bond interest rates will increase the obligation of the plan
Longevity risk The present value of the obligation of the defined benefit plan is calculated with reference to the highest estimate of the mortality of participants during their time of employment. An increase in the life expectancy of the participants will increase the plan obligation
Salary risk The present value of the obligation of the benefit plan is calculated with reference to the future salaries of the participants. As such, an increase in the participants' wages will increase the obligation of the plan

 

Estimated payment of future benefits

 

The payments of benefits, which reflect future service rendered, are considered to be paid as follows:

 

Years Pension Benefits Other benefits
In millions of COP
2018 12,604 58,550
2019 12,672 55,384
2020 12,698 55,847
2021 12,649 65,396
2022 12,507 72,098
2023 to 2027 58,148 357,577

 

Sensitivity analysis

 

Defined Benefit Obligations (DBO) was calculated using the Projected Unit Credit method. Obligations and expenses will change in the future as a result of future changes in the methods of projection and assumption, participant information, plan provisions and regulations, or as resulting from future gains and losses.

 

Pension plan Bancolombia

 

Assumption Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 7.10% 0.50% increase (4,542)
Discount rate 6.10% 0.50% decrease 4,864
Salary increases 3.90% 0.50% increase 5,280
Salary increases 2.90% 0.50% decrease (4,964)
Mortality Table RV-08 ("Valid Rentiers”") One year increase in life expectancy 5,085

 

  F-115 

 

 

Retirement Pension Premium Plan

 

Assumption Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 7.10% 0.50% increase (4,854)
Discount rate 6.10% 0.50% decrease 5,348
Salary increases 6.40% 0.50% increase 5,390
Salary increases 5.40% 0.50% decrease (4,935)

 

Severance obligation

 

Assumption Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 7.10% 0.50% increase (980)
Discount rate 6.10% 0.50% decrease 1,023
Salary increases 6.40% 0.50% increase 2,228
Salary increases 5.40% 0.50% decrease (2,156)

 

Senior Management Pension Plan Premium

 

Assumption Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 7.10% 0.50% increase (987)
Discount rate 6.10% 0.50% decrease 1,040
Salary increases 6.40% 0.50% increase 1,331
Salary increases 5.40% 0.50% decrease (1,246)

 

Pension Plan Banistmo

 

Assumption Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 3.50% 0.50% increase (269)
Discount rate 2.50% 0.50% decrease 357
Mortality Table RP-2000 One year increase in life expectancy 207

 

Other long term benefits

 

Colombia

 

Assumption Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 7.10% 0.50% increase (11,179)
Discount rate 6.10% 0.50% decrease 11,938
Salary increases 6.40% 0.50% increase 11,961
Salary increases 5.40% 0.50% decrease (11,303)

 

  F-116 

 

 

El Salvador

 

 Assumption

Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 4.10% 0.50% increase (661)
Discount rate 3.10% 0.50% decrease 720
Salary increases 3.00% 0.50% increase 121
Salary increases 2.00% 0.50% decrease (157)

 

Guatemala

 

Assumption Value (Increase/Decrease) Effect on DBO
In millions of COP
Discount rate 8.70% 0.50% increase (1,775)
Discount rate 7.70% 0.50% decrease 2,011
Salary increases 5.50% 0.50% increase 1,398
Salary increases 4.50% 0.50% decrease (1,267)
Mortality Table RP-2000 (M&F) One year increase in life expectancy 593

 

NOTE 19. OTHER LIABILITIES

 

Other liabilities consist of the following:

 

Other liabilities December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Payables 1,838,806 1,281,907
Suppliers 1,254,484 1,289,495
Advances (1) 393,007 442,567
Collection services 377,288 316,016
Security contributions 356,498 329,098
Employee benefits and bonuses (2) 319,073 277,635
Salaries and other labor obligations 266,944 322,010
Deferred interests 203,681 149,360
Advances in leasing operations and loans 171,421 133,603
Provisions (3) 84,294 107,813
Dividends (4) 16,182 228,004
Other (5) 514,804 410,647
Total 5,796,482 5,288,155

 

1.For the year 2017 and 2016 advances includes the amount received by the Bank in balances related to insurance operations amounting to COP 54,967 and COP 47,549, respectively, balances held by court order amounting to COP 50,152 and COP 52,205, respectively, gain on derivatives first day valuation amounting to COP 39,706 and COP 51,271, respectively and excess cash amounting to COP 9,012 and COP 12,584, respectively. Additionally, the line includes balances of credit cards charges pending to be applied amounting to COP 10,116 and COP 12,580
2.For further information related to other employee benefit plans, see Note 18 "Employees benefit plans".
3.See Note 20 "Provisions and contingents liabilities".
4.The decrease is due to the fact that the payment of dividends approved at the ordinary annual shareholders' meeting for the year 2016 was fulfilled before December 31,2017 and for year 2016 , corresponds to the last payment of dividends approved at the ordinary annual shareholders' meeting held in 2015.
5.Includes an income tax provision amounting to COP 353,338 related with a potential exposure for the fiscal year 2014, out of which there were unrecognized tax benefits amounting to COP 201,554 in income tax liabilities related to tax positions. The 2014 income tax return has been subject to review from the tax authority since April 23, 2015.

 

  F-117 

 

 

NOTE 20. PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

20.1 Provisions

 

The following tables show the detail of the provisions:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Judicial
proceedings
Administrative
proceedings
Financial
guarantees
Total
In millions of COP
Initial balance at January 1, 2017 29,135 1,312 77,366 107,813
Additions recognized in the year 23,396 302 55,539 79,237
Provisions used during the period (10,623) - - (10,623)
Provisions reversed during the period (11,504) - (80,615) (92,119)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (90) - - (90)
Effect of discounted cash flows 98 (22) - 76
Final balance at December 31, 2017 30,412 1,592 52,290 84,294

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Judicial
proceedings
Administrative
proceedings
Financial
guarantees
Total
In millions of COP
Initial balance at January 1, 2016 19,147 336 52,720 72,203
Additions recognized in the year 17,000 1,032 71,564 89,596
Provisions used during the period (3,444) (56) - (3,500)
Provisions reversed during the period (3,512) - (46,918) (50,430)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (243) - - (243)
Effect of discounted cash flows 187 - - 187
Final balance at December 31, 2016 29,135 1,312 77,366 107,813

 

Judicial proceedings

 

The judicial provisions refer to pending legal proceedings on employment matters, ordinary lawsuits, class actions suits, civil actions within criminal prosecutions and executive proceedings against the Bank. In the opinion of management, after receiving pertinent legal advice, the payments that will be made by these processes will not generate significant losses in addition to the provisions recognized as of December 31, 2017, the Bank does not expect to obtain any kind of reimbursement from judicial proceedings raised against it and, therefore, has not recognized any assets for that purpose.

 

Administrative proceedings

 

The constituted provisions correspond to proceedings related to equity tax for the year 2011.

 

  F-118 

 

 

Financial guarantees

 

In order to meet the needs of its customers, the Bank issues financial standby letters of credit and bank guarantees. These are commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party and are mainly issued to guarantee agreements established between parties from the energy sector, private sector and public procurement contracts. The Bank expects most of those guarantees provided to expire before they are used.

 

The events or circumstances that would require the Bank to perform under a guarantee are determined by the type of guarantee:

 

Guarantees for the energy sector

 

The Bank shall be responsible before the guarantee’s beneficiary in the following situations:

 

Breach of the contract signed by the guaranteed entity.

Lack of energy supply due to a low availability from the generating company (the guaranteed entity).

 

Guarantees for public procurement

 

The amount guaranteed should be reimbursed by the Bank to the beneficiary of the guarantee which is a Government entity, in case the contractor breaches the agreed terms or its legal obligations.

 

Commitment issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer from the private sector

 

The amount guaranteed should be reimbursed to the beneficiary of the guarantee in case of breach of agreed covenants by the customer guaranteed or upon its financial insolvency.

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

Maturity Financial Guarantees
In millions of COP
Guarantees under 1 month 960,268
Guarantees greater than 1 month and up to 3 months 1,230,687
Guarantees greater than 3 months and up to 1 year 2,946,250
Guarantees greater than 1 year and up to 3 years 1,224,061
Guarantees greater than 3 year and up to 5 years 149,238
Guarantees greater than 5 years 191,139
Total 6,701,643

 

  F-119 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

Maturity Financial Guarantees
In millions of COP
Guarantees under 1 month 635,033
Guarantees greater than 1 month and up to 3 months 959,385
Guarantees greater than 3 months and up to 1 year 3,007,832
Guarantees greater than 1 year and up to 3 years 1,228,289
Guarantees greater than 3 year and up to 5 years 367,298
Guarantees greater than 5 years 146,167
Total 6,344,004

 

The total amount outstanding is the maximum potential payments which represent a “worse-case scenario”, and do not reflect expected results.

 

20.2 Contingent liabilities

 

The contingencies higher than USD 5,000 against the Bank, with significant importance to be disclose in notes to the financial statements as of December 31, 2017 are presented below:

 

Bancolombia

 

Constitutional public interest action claim by Carlos Julio Aguilar and others

 

This constitutional public interest action was filed by the plaintiff arguing that the restructuring of financial obligations by Departamento del Valle and the performance plan executed, allegedly violates the collective rights to public administration’s morality and the protection of the public funds of Departamento del Valle. The claim seeks USD 10,123.

 

This process merged to the constitutional public interest action filed by Carlos Aponte and, as of December 31, 2017, is in its taking of evidence stage pending for an expert opinion and no provisions have been made.

 

Administrative Claim by the Municipality of Chía (with Bancolombia S.A. entailed as joint litigant)

 

The finance of the waste water treatment plant PTAR Chía I Delicias Sur, was structured through a commercial lease between Bancolombia and the Municipality of Chía. The plaintiff filed suit against GEHS Global Environment and Health Solutions de Colombia, claiming for a declaration of contractual breach and damages. As the claim is related to the commercial lease, the Bank was entailed to the claim as joint litigant of the defending party. The claim seeks USD 6,173.

 

Revocatory Action claim by Interbolsa S.A.

 

The plaintiff claims the revocation of a payment received by Bancolombia form Interbolsa S.A. regarding an obligation owed to Bancolombia. The claim seeks USD 4,692.

 

  F-120 

 

 

Banitsmo

 

Ordinary claim filed by Melenao Mora and Said Diaz against Banistmo

 

The plaintiff claims the payment of costs and damages resulting from a criminal proceeding filed by Banistmo against Melenao Mora for alleged criminal acts (issuance of credit lines to enterprises where Melenao Mora and Said Diaz figured as legal representative). The claim seeks U.S. 20,000. As of December 31, 2017 the claim is in taking of evidence stage. Our external counsel has labeled this contingency as remote.

 

Ordinary claim filed by Deniss Rafael Perez Perozo and others.

 

Promotara Terramar (a HSBC client) received USD 299,858 in payments through Visa Gift Cards issued by U.S Bank, as partial payment for two apartments in Panama City.

 

The Credit Card Securities and Fraud Prevention department of the HSBC bank detected an irregular activity promoted by Promotara Terramar.

 

Therefore, pursuant to the Business Establishments Affiliate Agreement, HSBC held from Promotara Terramar´s accounts USD 286,900; nevertheless, after further investigations the money was refunded. The plaintiff claims a compensation payment of over USD 5,000,000. As of December 31, 2017, the process is suspended and pending of taking of evidence stage. Our external counsel has labeled this contingency as remote.

 

Banco Agromercantil

 

Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria

 

The Superintendency Of Tax Administration of Guatemala (Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria de Guatemala) filed a claim against Banco Agromercantil in order to obtain an adjustment with respect to Banco Agromercantil´s income tax for the year 2014. The claim seeks USD 13,000. The bank was notified of the confirmation of the adjustments requested by the Superintendency. The bank filed an appeal action against the decision.

 

ARRENDADORA FINANCIERA S.A. ARFINSA FILIAL DE BANCO AGRÍCOLA

 

Corporación de Alimentos S.A. de CV

 

The plaintiffs claim damages derived from funds wrongfully delivered to third parties that were not entitled to receiving said funds. The claim seeks U.S 6,454. As of December 31, 2017 the process is in its taking of evidence stage. Our external counsel has labeled this contingency as remote.

 

NOTE 21. CAPITAL

 

The subscribed and paid-in capital is the following:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Authorized shares 1,400,000,000 1,400,000,000
Subscribed and paid-in shares:    
Ordinary shares with a nominal value of COP 500 pesos 509,704,584 509,704,584
Preferred shares with dividend without voting rights with nominal value of  COP 500 pesos 452,122,416 452,122,416
Total shares 961,827,000 961,827,000
Subscribed and paid capital (nominal value) $                   480,914 $                 480,914

 

  F-121 

 

 

Dividends declared

 

The declaration, amount and payment of dividends are based on Bancolombia S.A’s unconsolidated net income. Dividends must be approved at the ordinary annual shareholders’ meeting upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors. Under the Colombian Commercial Code, after payment of income taxes and appropriation of legal and other reserves, and after setting off losses from prior fiscal years, Bancolombia must distribute to its stockholders at least 50.00% of its annual net income or 70.00% of its annual net income if the total amount of reserves exceeds its outstanding capital, unless such minimum percentages are waived by an affirmative vote of the holders of 78.00% of the shares present at the stockholders’ meeting. Such dividend distribution must be made to all stockholders, in cash or in issued stock of Bancolombia, as may be determined by the stockholders, and within a year from the date of the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting in which the dividend was declared.

 

The payment of dividends must be made in cash during the next year since the date when the Annual Meeting takes place and for all the stockholder's. If the payment is made in the Bank's own equity securities instead of cash, that situation has to be approved by the 80.00% of the subscribed common shareholders and the 80.00% of the subscribed preferred shares.

 

The annual net profits of Bancolombia must be applied as follows: (i) first, an amount equal to 10.00% of Bancolombia’s net profits to a legal reserve until such reserve is equal to at least 50.00% of the Bank’s paid-in capital; (ii) second, to the payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares; and (iii) third, as may be determined in the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote.

 

Dividends declared with
respect to net income
earned in:
Cash dividends per
share (Stated in
COP)
2017 1,020
2016 950
2015 888
2014 830
2013 776
2012 754

 

Preferred shares

 

Holders of preferred shares are entitled to receive dividends based on the profits of the preceding fiscal year, after deducting losses affecting the capital and once the amount that shall be legally set apart for the legal reserve has been deducted, but before creating or accruing for any other reserve, of a minimum preferred dividend equal to one per cent (1.00%) yearly of the subscription price of the preferred share, provided this dividend is higher than the dividend assigned to common shares, if this is not the case, the dividend shall be increased to an amount that is equal to the per share dividend on the common shares. The dividend received by holders of common shares may not be higher than the dividend assigned to preferred shares.

 

  F-122 

 

 

Payment of the preferred dividend shall be made at the time and in the manner established in the general shareholders’ meeting and with the priority indicated by Colombian law.

 

Any stock dividend payable in common shares requires the approval of 80.00% or more of the shares present at a shareholders’ meeting, which will include 80.00% or more of the outstanding preferred shares. In the event that none of the holders of preferred shares is present at such meeting, a stock dividend may only be paid to the holders of common shares that approve such a payment.

 

 

NOTE 22. APPROPRIATED RESERVES

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 the appropriated retained earnings consist of the following:

 

Concept December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  
In millions of COP
Appropriation of net income (1) 8,709,922                                  6,871,092  
For Fiscal provisions (3)                      196,318                551,341 (2)
Others                      138,915                   49,976  
Total Appropiated reserves                   9,045,155                                   7,472,409  

 

(1)The legal reserve fulfills two objetives: to increase and maintain the company's capital and to absorb economic losses. Based on the aforementioned, this amount shall not be distributed in dividends to the stockholders.
(2)Pursuant to Decree 2336 of 1995, a reserve was established until 2016 for profits related to the valuation of investmentes held for trading purposes by the Bank.
(3)Pursuant to Article 130 of Tax Statute, a non-distributable reserve to the shareholders must be established for the 70% of the diference between the accounting and the tax depreciation, when the tax depreciation is greater than the accounting depreciation.

 

NOTE 23. UNCONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITIES

 

Nature and risks associated with the Bank’s interests in unconsolidated structured entities

 

The term "unconsolidated structured entities" refers to all structured entities that are not controlled by the Bank. The Bank manages transactions with unconsolidated structured entities in the normal course of business to facilitate customer transactions and for specific investment opportunities.

 

The table below shows the total assets of unconsolidated structured entities in which the Bank had an interest at the reporting date and its maximum exposure to loss in relation to those interests.

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Securitisations The Bank’s
managed funds
Total
In millions of COP
Total assets of the entities 2,110,967 120,320,401 122,431,368
The Bank’s interest-assets  
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 252,881 - 252,881
Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income 187,471 - 187,471
Loans and advances to customers - 3,626,152 3,626,152
Total assets in relation to The Bank’s interests in the unconsolidated structured entities 440,352 3,626,152 4,066,504
The Bank’s maximum exposure 440,352 3,626,152 4,066,504

 

  F-123 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Securitisations The Bank’s
managed funds
Total
In millions of COP
Total assets of the entities 1,621,035 111,580,219 113,201,254
The Bank’s interest-assets  
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 295,536 - 295,536
Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income 196,131 - 196,131
Loans and advances to customers - 3,125,459 3,125,459
Total assets in relation to The Bank’s interests in the unconsolidated structured entities 491,667 3,125,459 3,617,126
The Bank’s maximum exposure 491,667 3,125,459 3,617,126

 

The Bank invests in asset-backed securities issued by securitization entities for which underlying assets are mortgages originated by financial institutions. The Bank does not have a significant exposure to sub-prime securities. The asset-backed securities are denominated in local market TIPS and accounted for as investment at fair value through profit or loss. These asset-backed securities have different maturities and are generally classified by credit ratings. The Bank does not expect significant changes in those ratings. Also, the Bank retain beneficial interests in the form of servicing fees on the securitized mortgages.

 

Revenues generated by the Bank´s asset management business, are derived from the following type of business lines: related trusts, mutual funds sold to individuals, corporate trusts, escrow accounts, private equity funds, and delegated tailor-made mandates from third parties. Generally, the revenues correspond to the fees received from the management of resources that are invested in several instruments, management of properties and premises related to real estate projects in progress.

 

Likewise, fees from management of resources pledged by clients in order to guarantee commitments and obligations with third parties. Finally, fees from management of resources of government agencies and entities.

 

On the other hand, there is no an additional exposure to loss, such as funding commitments with regards to the Bank’s involvement with those entities.

 

  F-124 

 

 

NOTE 24. OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING EXPENSES

 

24.1 Interest and valuation on investment

 

The following table sets forth the detail of interest and valuation on financial asset instruments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

   2017  2016  2015
  In millions of COP
Debt investments, net 159,890 163,311 71,091
Net gains from investment activities at fair value through income statement      
Debt investments 699,841 579,403 294,979
Derivatives (61,667) (4,750) 31,835
Spot transactions 3,517 (22,831) (48,961)
Repos (116,268) (7,638) (50,081)
Others - - 2,977
Total net gains from investment activities at fair value through profit and loss 525,423 544,184 230,749
Total Interest on investment securities 685,313 707,495 301,840

 

24.2. Interest expenses

 

The following table sets forth the detail of interest on financial liability instruments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

   2017  2016  2015
  In millions of COP
Deposits (4,279,316) (3,878,528) (2,415,187)
Debt securities in issue (1,191,000) (1,335,192) (1,057,748)
Financial borrowings (672,472) (723,385) (454,326)
Preferred shares (58,714) (58,714) (58,714)
Borrowings from other financial institutions (15,860) (6,345) (6,836)
Other interest (15,624) (50,936) (45,130)
Interest expenses (6,232,986) (6,053,100) (4,037,941)

 

Net interest income includes interest earned on loans, ‘repos’ and investments less interest beared on deposits by customers, debt securities in issued, borrowing from other financial institutions and ‘repos’. At December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, net interest income amounted to COP 10,639,007 COP 10,202,433 and COP 7,723,704, respectively.

  

  F-125 

 

 

24.3 Fees and commissions

 

The following table sets forth the detail of fees and other services, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

Fees and other service income:

 

Fees and commissions income 2017 2016 2015
In millions of COP  
Credit and debit card fees 1,164,380 1,092,919 1,015,253
Banking services 885,512 816,839 630,616
Bancassurance 408,248 336,692 260,224
Trust 359,651 294,499 265,215
Collections 228,580 229,940 203,772
Acceptances and guarantees 55,365 55,724 44,539
Checks 48,010 51,974 55,861
Brokerage 20,618 23,431 23,453
Others 416,543 383,217 291,624
Fees and commissions income 3,586,907 3,285,235 2,790,557

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya, as a discontinued operation, had fees and commissions income amounting to COP 388,306. For further information see Note 30. Discontinued operations.

 

Fees and other service expenses

 

Fees and commissions expenses 2017 2016 2015
In millions of COP
Banking services (396,264) (354,640) (298,415)
Call center and website (291,602) (260,006) (190,110)
Others (394,848) (351,625) (308,988)
Fees and commissions expenses (1,082,714) (966,271) (797,513)

 

Total fees and commissions income, net 2,504,193 2,318,964 1,993,044

 

As of December 31, 2015 Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya, as a discontinued operation, had a balance of fees and commissions expenses amounting to COP 152,500. For further information see Note 30. Discontinued operations.

 

  F-126 

 

 

24.4 Other operating income

 

The following table sets forth the detail of other operating income net for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

Other operating income 2017 2016 2015
In millions of COP
Operating leases 563,861 493,486 448,754
Net foreign exchange 294,068 132,292 (157,933)
Services 164,150 167,914 165,737
Other reversals 140,012 37,767 8,110
Investment property valuation 55,573 149,299 150,176
Insurance (1) 49,640 49,679 -
Gains on sale of assets 40,600 60,282 8,408
Derivatives foreign exchange contracts 21,917 164,172 527,137
Penalties for failure to contract 19,881 14,634 14,963
Hedging (3,678) (5,985) (20,509)
Others 286,322 223,583 227,859
Total Other operating income 1,632,346 1,487,123 1,372,702

 

(1)Corresponds to income from Seguros Agromercantil insurance operations. See Note 8: Goodwill and Intangible assets, net.

 

24.5 Dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees

 

The following table sets forth the detail of dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

  2017 2016 2015
  In millions of COP
Dividends (1) 32,248 39,785 23,833
Equity investments(2) (19,680) 77,799 95,595
Equity method(3) 253,602 60,254 122,477
Gains (Losses) on sale of Discontinued Operations - (1,146) (30,331)
Total dividends received, and share of profits of equity method investees 266,170 176,692 211,574

 

(1)Dividends received from equity investments at fair value through profit or loss as of 31, December of 2017, 2016 and 2015 amount COP 20,297, COP 30,468 and COP 14,228, respectively. Dividends from equity investments at fair value through OCI amount COP 11,951, COP 9,317 and 9,605, respectively.
(2)As of December 31, 2017 there is a lost in equity investments due to decrease of fair value in portfolio measured at fair value through profit or loss held by Banagricola S.A.
(3)For further information, see note 7 investments in associates and joint ventures

 

  F-127 

 

 

NOTE 25. OPERATING EXPENSES

 

25.1. Other administrative and general expenses

 

The detail for administrative and general expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

Other administrative and  general expenses 2017 2016 2015
  In millions of COP
 Maintenance and repairs 530,284 448,017 356,655
 Others fees 427,517 411,521 256,852
 Insurance 303,501 286,384 244,274
 Leasing 244,956 246,445 218,394
 Transport 158,561 154,220 138,084
 Disputes, fines and sanctions (1) 139,146 52,441 58,821
 Frauds and claims (2) 134,087 72,860 81,836
 Data processing 130,125 101,347 46,536
 Advertising 127,142 120,046 113,821
 Public services 107,727 114,840 94,295
 Cleaning and security services 92,359 93,336 65,867
 Communications 67,201 61,943 55,003
 Contributions and affiliations 60,320 59,406 50,709
 Properties improvements and installation 59,121 55,307 58,141
 Useful and stationery 58,145 61,699 42,232
 Travel expenses 38,037 37,112 34,998
 Production and supply cards 32,975 29,532 15,509
 Trust 25,901 13,176 10,637
 Legal and financial consultant 25,855 29,435 18,785
 Real estate management 21,817 19,262 18,428
 Board of directors and audit fee 20,450 20,926 19,223
 Donations 17,048 18,338 13,031
 Storage services 16,162 14,157 14,918
 Activities Joint Operations 9,650 8,805 3,988
 Public relations 5,912 5,101 3,270
 Legal expenses   4,112 7,232 22,923
 Temporary services 3,907 5,897 4,078
 Others 117,845 102,549 176,290
Total other administrative and general expenses 2,979,863 2,651,334 2,237,598
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden (3) 727,661 741,184 675,387

 

(1)The increase in disputes, fines and sanctions during the year 2017 is caused by the recognition of an income tax provision related with a potential exposure for the fiscal year 2014, out of which there were unrecognized tax benefits amounting to COP 201,554 in income tax liabilities related to tax positions. The 2014 income tax return has been subject to review from the tax authority since April 23, 2015.

(2)The increase in frauds and claims during the year 2017 is mainly explained for a higher operational risk in virtual transactions and transactions with credit and debit cards.

(3)See note 11 Income taxes.

 

  F-128 

 

 

25.2. Impairment, depreciation and amortization

 

The detail for Impairment, depreciation and amortization for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

Impairment, depreciation and amortization 2017 2016 2015
  In millions of COP
 Impairment of the other assets (1) 45,850 38,775 16,797
 Depreciation of premises and equipment 316,281 329,258 306,689
 Amortization of intangible assets 116,752 149,776 153,799
 Total impairment, depreciation and amortization 478,883 517,809 477,285

 

(1)The detail of the impairment of other assets net by operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is presented in the table below:

 

  2017 2016 2015
  In millions of COP
 Banking Colombia 33,661 15,078 22,255
 Banking Panamá 5,495 1,934 (2,303)
 Banking El Salvador 3,363 19,705 (3,253)
 Banking Guatemala 1,939 2,118 -
 All other segments 1,418 - 98
 Off Shore (26) (60) -
Total 45,850 38,775 16,797

 

  F-129 

 

 

NOTE 26. EARNING PER SHARE (‘EPS’)

 

Basic EPS is calculated by reducing the income from continuing operations by the amount of dividends declared in the current period for each class of stock and by the contractual amount of dividends that must be paid for the current period, considering the allocation of remaining earnings to common stock and participating securities to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. EPS is determined by dividing the total earnings allocated to each security by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

 

Diluted EPS assumes the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The Bank has no dilutive potential common shares as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

The following table summarizes information related to the computation of basic EPS for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions of pesos, except per share data):

 

  2017 2016 2015
Income from continuing operations before attribution of non-controlling interests 2,754,173 2,791,450 2,586,385
Less: Non-controlling interests from continuing operations 139,173 89,619 90,008
Net income from continuing operations 2,615,000 2,701,831 2,496,377
Income from operations and disposals of discontinued operations, net of taxes - 163,497 22,513
Less: Non-controlling interests from discontinuing operations - - -
Net income attributable to the controlling interest 2,615,000 2,865,328 2,518,890
Less: Preferred dividends declared 370,983 342,825 316,548
Less: Allocation of undistributed earnings to preferred stockholders 827,126 972,955 836,383
Continuing operations 827,126 896,100 825,800
Discontinued operations - 76,855 10,583
Net income allocated to common shareholders for basic and diluted EPS 1,416,891 1,549,548 1,365,959
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in basic EPS calculation (In millions) 510 510 510
Basic and Diluted earnings per share to common shareholders 2,780 3,040 2,680
From continuing operations 2,780 2,870 2,656
From discontinuing operations - 170 24

 

  F-130 

 

 

NOTE 27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Framework under IFRS

 

IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures requires that an entity discloses:

 

(a)Transactions with its related parties; and
(b)Relationships between a parent and its subsidiaries irrespective of whether there have been transactions between them.

 

Under IAS 24, an entity must disclose transactions with its related parties, outstanding balances, including commitments, recognized in the consolidated and separate financial statements of a parent or investors with joint control of, or significant influence over, an investee presented in accordance with IFRS 10.

 

Under this standard parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions, or one other party controls both. This definition applies to the Bank in the cases below:

 

·Stockholders with ownership interest higher than 20% of the Bank’s capital:
Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A.
Fondo Bancolombia ADR Program.

 

·Members of Board of Directors and Senior Management, understood as the president and corporate Vice-presidents, as well as their close relatives and the companies in which they have a participation of 50% or more.

 

·Associates and joint ventures for which the Bank provides commercial banking services and deposits. For these purposes all companies that have been included companies in which the Bank has significant influence (in all cases, the Bank has between 20% and 50% share of capital).

 

In addition, and in accordance with External Circular 067 of 2001 issued by the Financial Superintendence of Colombia, the Bank should disclose as transactions with related parties, the transactions with shareholders that have interest equal or higher than 10% of the Bank’s capital.

 

The Parent Company provides banking and financial services to its related parties in order to satisfy their liquidity needs, and except for the intercompany merger agreement described above, these transactions are conducted on similar terms to third-party transactions and are not individually material.

 

  F-131 

 

 

Between the Parent Company and its related parties, during the periods ending at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no:

 

Loans that for its contractual terms do not represent a lending transaction.
Loans with interest rates different to those that are ordinarily paid or charged to third parties in similar conditions of term, risk, etc.
No guarantees, pledges or commitments have been given or received in respect of the aforementioned transactions.

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Stockholders with
an interest equal
or higher than
10% of the Bank’s
capital
Directors and
senior
management
Associates
and joint
venture
 
In millions of COP  
   
Assets        
Investments 1,855,511  
Loans and advances to customers and financial entities, net 423,706 17,342 124,592  
Assets held for sale and inventories 18,413 (1)
Other assets 2 127,022 (2)
Total assets 423,706 17,344 2,125,538  
         
Liabilities        
Deposits 363,335 4,363 163,932  
Other liabilities 3 92  
Total liabilities 363,335 4,366 164,024  
         
Income        
Interest and other operating income 6,989 419 11,224  
Dividends 48,403  
Others 51,613  
Net income 6,989 419 111,240  
         
Expenses           
Interests and other operating expenses 5,603 269 20,139  
Fees - 1,109 19  
Others - 53 29,431  
Total expenses 5,603 1,431 49,589  

 

(1)Investment classified as held for sale. See Note 12. Assets held for sale and Inventories.
(2)This ítem includes portfolio purchase operation held between Bancolombia S.A. and Titularizadora Colombiana.

 

  F-132 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Stockholders
with an interest
equal or higher
than 10% of the
Bank’s capital
Directors and
senior
management
Associates and
joint venture (1)
In millions of COP
 
Assets      
Investments - - 1,688,543
Loans and advances to customers and financial entities, net 246,245 15,709 36,262
Other assets - 389 64,078
Total assets 246,245 16,098 1,788,883
       
Liabilities      
Deposits 145,266 3,750 230,176
Other liabilities - - 31,941
Total Liabilities 145,266 3,750 262,117
       
Income      
Interest and other operating income 8,951 931 6,089
Dividends - - 49,627
Others - - 51,586
Net income 8,951 931 107,302
       
Expenses      
Interests and other operating expenses 430 767 13,912
Fees - 1,001 5
Others - - 37,370
Total expenses 430 1,768 51,287

 

(1)This ítem includes operations held between Bancolombia S.A. and Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. since November 1, 2016 when the Bank lost control of Tuya S.A. Furthermore, the item includes operations held between Bancolombia S.A. and Sociedad Servicios de Aceptación S.A.S. since June, 2016, when that company was set up.

 

  F-133 

 

 

As of December 31, 2015

 

  Stockholders
with an interest
equal or higher
than 10% of the
Bank’s capital
Directors and
senior
management
Associates and
joint venture
In millions of COP
 
Income      
Interest and other operating income - 1,389 22,588
Dividends - - 45,736
Others - - 14
Net income - 1,389 68,338
       
Expenses      
Interests and other operating expenses 16 23 4,879
Fees - 792 -
Others - - 1,006
Total expenses 16 815 5,885

 

During the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Bank paid fees to the directors COP 1,109, COP 1,001 and COP 792, respectively, as compensation for attending meetings of Board and Support Committee. The Payments to senior management in the same periods were COP 14,320, COP 12,956 and COP 55,175, respectively, for short-term benefits, COP 922, COP 589 and COP 191 for long-term benefits and in 2017 and 2016, other payments for post-employment benefits were COP 460 and COP 13,994, respectively. In 2015 the Bank did not pay post-employment benefits.

 

The Parent company, which is also the ultimate parent company, is Bancolombia S.A. Transactions between companies included in consolidation Note 2.C and the Parent company meet the definition of related party transactions, and were eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial Conglomerate Operations

 

In 2017, the Financial Conglomerates Law - Law 870 of September 21, was issued in Colombia, this law defines the scope of the supervision and regulation of financial conglomerates in Colombia. In accordance with the law, the conformation of financial conglomerates includes entities under share control and entities under subordination due to significant influence of a financial holding company, a modality that is materialized when the shareholding structure of the entity substracts the rights to vote of certain shareholders.

 

As a consequence of the definition of subordination under significant influence, the Bank, despite not having the status of subordinate, nor being under the share control of Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana (Grupo Sura), will be part of the financial conglomerate that has Grupo Sura as a financial holding.

 

  F-134 

 

 

This definition of Financial Conglomerate under the terms of Law 870, has no effects on tax, accounting, labor or other provisions. Therefore, the definition of control included in the Colombian law (Law 222 of 1995) and the framework of IFRS 10 for purposes of its application in Colombia, were not modified.

 

Due to the fact that the Bank belongs to the conglomerate and as a complement to the disclosures established by NIC 24, Bancolombia includes, as it follows, the operations carried out in 2017 on the related party chart of the Grupo Sura conglomerate.

 

 

  December 31, 2017
In millons of COP
 
Assets  
Investments 376,171
Loans and advances to customers and financial entities, net 191,278
Other assets 8
Total assets 567,457
   
Liabilities  
Deposits 1,015,523
Other liabilities 1,882
Total liabilities 1,017,405
   
Income  
Interest and other operating income 488,190
Dividends 15,021
Net income  503,211
   
Expenses   
Interests and other operating expenses 32,568
Fees 4
Others 4,788
Total expenses 37,360

 

In 2016, through public deed number 1,124, a merger between the Parent Company (absorbing entity) and Leasing Bancolombia S.A. (absorbed entity) was completed, with the objective of taking advantage of synergies and complementarities between the two entities, seeking greater efficiencies and delivering a better value proposition to clients. As a result of the merger, Bancolombia became the holder of all the rights and obligations of Leasing Bancolombia and continues to offer its clients the portfolio of leasing products and services.

 

As a result of the merger, on September 30, 2016, the Parent company recognized in its statement of financial position the assets and liabilities at their carrying value in Leasing Bancolombia’s financial statements, including the portfolio loans and financial leasing contracts amounting to COP 15,186,102, cash and cash equivalents amounting to COP 295,852 and other assets amounting to COP 1,097,058. On the other hand, the Parent company assumed liabilities in deposits from customers amounting to COP 8,944,845, debt securities in issued amounting to COP 2,387,940 and other liabilities amounting to COP 3,117,115.

 

  F-135 

 

 

NOTE 28. LIABILITIES FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

The following table presents the conciliation of the balances of liabilities from financing activities as of December 31, 2017:

 

  Balance as
of January
1, 2017
Cash flows Non-cash changes Balance as of
December
31, 2017
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
Interests
accrued
Other movements
Liabilities from financing activities              
In millions of COP
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing 1,924,010 1,313,442 (1,324) - -   3,236,128
Borrowings from other financial institutions (1) 18,905,843 (5,883,247) (177,290) 1,075,716 (98,870) (2) 13,822,152
Debt securities in issue (1) 18,704,809 (40,069) (73,652) 1,056,024 1,602   19,648,714
Preferred shares (3) 581,972 (57,701) - - 58,714   582,985
Total liabilities from financing activities 40,116,634 (4,667,575) (252,266) 2,131,740 (38,554)   37,289,979

 

(1)The cash flows disclosed in this table related with Borrowings from other financial institutions and debt securities in issue include the interests paid during the year amounting to COP 1,031,078 and COP 1,084,096, respectively, which are classified as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flow.
(2)The amount of COP (98,870) is mainly comprised by the reclassification of liabilities relating to assets held for sale.
(3)The cash flow amounting to COP 57,701 corresponds to the minimum dividend paid to the preferred shares' holders and is included in the line "dividends paid" of the consolidated statement of cash flow, which includes the divideds paid during the year to both preferred and common shares holders.

 

  F-136 

 

 

NOTE 29. FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

The following table presents the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Carrying
amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
amount
Fair
Value
In millions of COP
Assets        
Debt securities at fair value 10,701,855 10,701,855 8,537,562 8,537,562
Debt securities at amortized cost 4,157,568 4,131,688 3,134,919 3,115,477
Equity securities at fair value  1,517,830  1,517,830 1,388,172 1,388,172
Derivative financial instruments  1,134,372  1,134,372 1,677,970 1,677,970
Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions, net (1) 152,244,991 149,162,071 145,125,575 141,595,210
Investment property 1,657,409 1,657,409 1,581,689 1,581,689
Invesments in associates and joint ventures 757,886 757,886 388,595 388,595
Equity securities - Assets held for sale  2,486 2,486 - -
Total 172,174,397 169,065,597 161,834,482 158,284,675
Liabilities        
Deposits by customers 131,959,215 132,779,730 124,624,011 125,096,410
Interbank deposits 1,084,591 1,084,591  341,856  341,856
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing 3,236,128 3,236,128  1,924,010  1,924,010
Derivative financial instruments 945,853 945,853  1,312,450  1,312,450
Borrowings from other financial institutions 13,822,152 13,822,152  18,905,843  18,905,843
Preferred shares 582,985 662,999  581,972  565,676
Debt securities in issue 19,648,714 20,756,154  18,704,809  19,071,085
Total 171,279,638 173,287,607 166,394,951 167,217,330

 

(1)The amount of COP 140,398,685 disclosed as the fair value of the line “Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions, net” in the Bank’s annual report in 2016 has been changed for COP 141,595,210 due to the correction of errors in gathering and processing data from which the loans portfolio’s fair value disclosure is prepared.

 

·Fair value hierarchy

 

IFRS 13 establishes a fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable, that reflects the significance of inputs adopted in the measurement process. In accordance with IFRS the financial instruments are classified as follows:

 

Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability being measured take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. Level 2 generally includes: (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, that is, markets in which there are few transactions for the asset or liability.

 

  F-137 

 

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category generally includes certain retained residual interests in securitizations, asset-backed securities (ABS) and highly structured or long-term derivative contracts where independent pricing information was not able to be obtained for a significant portion of the underlying assets.

 

• Valuation process for fair value measurements

 

The valuation to fair value prices is performed using prices, methodologies and inputs provided by the official pricing services provider (Infovalmer) to the Bank. All methodologies and procedures developed by the pricing services provider are supervised by the Financial Superintendence of Colombia, which has not objected to them.

 

On a daily basis, the Financial Operations Officer verifies the valuation of investments, and the Proprietary Trading Desk’s Risk Management area reports the results of the portfolio’s valuation.

 

Fair value measurement

 

Assets

 

a. Debt securities

 

The Bank assigns price to those debt investments, using the prices provided by the official pricing services provider (Infovalmer) and assigns the appropriate level according to the procedure described above, (Hierarchy of fair value section). For securities not traded or over-the-counter such as certain bonds issued by other financial institutions, the Bank generally determines fair value utilizing internal valuation and standard techniques. These techniques include determination of expected future cash flows which are discounted using curves of the applicable currencies and the Colombian consumer price index (interest rate in this case), modified by the credit risk and liquidity risk. The interest rate is generally computed using observable market data and reference yield curves derived from quoted interest in appropriate time bandings, which match the timings of the cash flows and maturities of the instruments. 

 

  F-138 

 

 

b. Equity securities

 

The Bank performs the market price valuation of their investments in variable income using the prices provided by the official pricing services provider (Infovalmer) and classifies those investments according to the procedure described above. (Hierarchy of fair value section). Likewise, the fair value of unlisted equity securities is based on an assessment of each individual investment using methodologies that include publicly-traded comparables derived by multiplying a key performance metric (e.g., earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of the portfolio company by the relevant valuation multiple observed for comparable companies, acquisition comparables, and if necessary considered, are subject to appropriate discounts for lack of liquidity or marketability. Interests in investment funds, trusts and collective portfolios are valued using the investment unit value determined by the fund management company. For investment funds where the underlying assets are investment properties, the investment unit value depends on the investment properties value, determined as described in verbatim “i. Investment property”.

 

c. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Bank holds positions in standardized derivatives, such as futures over local stocks, over specific TES references and over the TRM. These instruments are valuated according to the information provided by Infovalmer, which perfectly matches the information provided by the Clearing and Settlement House.

 

Additionally, the Bank holds positions in OTC derivatives, which in the absence of prices, are valued using the inputs and methodologies provided by the pricing services provider.

 

The key inputs depend upon the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instrument and include interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates, the spot price of the underlying volatility, credit curves and correlation of such inputs.

 

d. Credit valuation adjustment

 

The Bank measures the effects of the credit risk of its counterparties and its own creditworthiness in determining fair value of the swap, option and forward derivatives.

 

Counterparty credit-risk adjustments are applied to derivatives when the Bank’s position is a derivative asset and the Bank’s credit risk is incorporated when the position is a derivative liability. The Bank attempts to mitigate credit risk to third parties which are international banks by entering into master netting agreements.

 

When assessing the impact of credit exposure, only the net counterparty exposure is considered at risk, due to the offsetting of certain same-counterparty positions and the application of cash and other collateral.

 

  F-139 

 

 

The Bank generally calculates the asset’s credit risk adjustment for derivatives transacted with international financial institutions by incorporating indicative credit related pricing that is generally observable in the market (“CDS”). The credit-risk adjustment for derivatives transacted with non-public counterparties is calculated by incorporating unobservable credit data derived from internal credit qualifications to the financial institutions and corporate companies located in Colombia. The Bank also considers its own creditworthiness when determining the fair value of an instrument, including OTC derivative instruments if the Bank believes market participants would take that into account when transacting the respective instrument. The approach to measuring the impact of the Bank’s credit risk on an instrument transacted with international financial institutions is done using the asset swap curve calculated for subordinated bonds issued by the Bank in foreign currency. For derivatives transacted with local financial institutions, the Bank calculates the credit risk adjustment by incorporating credit risk data provided by rating agencies and released in the Colombian financial market.

 

e. Impaired loans measured at fair value

 

The Bank measured certain impaired loans based on the fair value of the associated collateral less costs to sell. The fair values were determined as follows using external and internal valuation techniques or third party experts, depending on the type of underlying asset.

 

For vehicles under leasing arrangements, the Bank uses an internal valuation model based on price curves for each type of vehicle. Such curves show the expected price of the vehicle at different points in time based on the initial price and projection of economic variables such as inflation, devaluation and customs. The prices modelled in the curves are compared every six months with market information for the same or similar vehicles and in the case of significant deviation; the curve is adjusted to reflect the market conditions.

 

Other vehicles are measured using matrix pricing from a third party. This matrix is used by most of the market participants and is updated monthly. The matrix is developed from values provided by several price providers for identical or similar vehicles and considers brand, characteristics of the vehicles, and manufacturing date among other variables to determine the prices.

 

For real estate properties, a third-party qualified appraiser is used. The methodologies vary depending on the date of the last appraisal available for the property (The appraisal is estimated based on either of three approaches: cost, sale comparison and income approach).

 

f. Assets held for sale measured at fair value less cost of sale

 

The Bank measured certain impaired foreclosed assets and premises and equipment held for sale based on fair value less costs to sell. The fair values were determined using external and internal valuation techniques, depending on the type of underlying asset. Those assets are comprised mainly by real estate properties for which the appraisal is conducted by experts considering factors such as the location, type and characteristics of the property, size, physical conditions and expected selling costs, among others. Likewise, in some cases the fair value is estimated considering comparable prices or promises of sale and offering prices from auctions process. 

 

  F-140 

 

 

g. Mortgage-backed securities (“TIPS”) and Asset-Backed securities

 

The Bank invests in asset-backed securities for which underlying assets are mortgages and earnings under contracts issued by financial institutions and corporations, respectively. The Bank does not have a significant exposure to sub-prime securities. The asset-backed securities are denominated in local market TIPS and are classified as fair value through profit or loss. These asset-backed securities have different maturities and are generally classified by credit ratings.

 

Fair values were estimated using discounted cash flows models where the main key economic assumptions used are estimates of prepayment rates and resultant weighted average lives of the securitized mortgage portfolio, probability of default and interest rate curves. These items are classified as Level 2 and level 3.

 

h. Investments in associates and joint ventures measured at fair value

 

The Bank recognizes its investment in PA Viva Malls as an associated at fair value. The estimated amount is provided by fund manager as the variation of the units according to the units owned by the Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario. The associate’s assets are comprised of investment properties which are measured using the following techniques: comparable prices, discounted cash flows, replacement cost and direct capitalization. For further information about techniques methodologies and inputs used by the external party see “Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements”.

 

i. Investment property

 

The Bank’s investment property are valued by external experts, who use valuation techniques based on comparable prices, direct capitalization, discounted cash flows and replacement costs.

 

  F-141 

 

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

The following table presents for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Bank’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Financial Assets
Type of instrument December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
In millions of COP
Investment securities
Debt securities
Securities issued by the Colombian Government 6,013,860 989,287 - 7,003,147 4,400,952 503,200 - 4,904,152
Securities issued or secured by Government entities 9,186 26,852 - 36,038 3,163 8,741 - 11,904
Securities issued by other financial institutions 177,531 578,196 297,049 1,052,776 146,025 529,244 405,099 1,080,368
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 1,196,963 1,275,031 - 2,471,994 1,044,629 1,384,563 - 2,429,192
Corporate bonds 33,800 100,982 3,118 137,900 19,614 77,403 14,929 111,946
Total Debt securities 7,431,340 2,970,348 300,167 10,701,855 5,614,383 2,503,151 420,028 8,537,562
Equity securities 145,250 28,976 1,343,604 1,517,830 189,363 20,131 1,178,678 1,388,172
Total equity securities 145,250 28,976 1,343,604 1,517,830 189,363 20,131 1,178,678 1,388,172
Derivative financial instruments
Forwards
Foreign exchange contracts - 78,189 94,121 172,310 - 187,682 125,884 313,566
Equity contracts - 357 15 372 - 2,816 609 3,425
Total forwards - 78,546 94,136 172,682 - 190,498 126,493 316,991
Swaps
Foreign exchange contracts - 482,330 190,228 672,558 - 856,742 270,732 1,127,474
Interest rate contracts 8,171 220,027 45,939 274,137 4,497 158,342 23,369 186,208
Total swaps 8,171 702,357 236,167 946,695 4,497 1,015,084 294,101 1,313,682
Options
Foreign exchange contracts - 746 14,249 14,995 - 5,633 41,664 47,297
Total options - 746 14,249 14,995 - 5,633 41,664 47,297
Total derivative financial instruments 8,171 781,649 344,552 1,134,372 4,497 1,211,215 462,258 1,677,970
Investment properties
Buildings - - 1,413,285 1,413,285 - - 1,355,717 1,355,717
Lands - - 244,124 244,124 - - 225,972 225,972
Total investment properties - - 1,657,409 1,657,409 - - 1,581,689 1,581,689
Investment in associates
PA Viva Malls - - 757,886 757,886 - - 388,595 388,595
Total investment in associates and joint ventures - - 757,886 757,886 - - 388,595 388,595
Equity securities - Assets held for sale                
Assets held for sale - - 2,486 2,486 - - - -
Total Equity securities - Assets held for sale - - 2,486 2,486 - - - -
Total 7,584,761 3,780,973 4,406,104 15,771,838 5,808,243 3,734,497 4,031,248 13,573,988

 

  F-142 

 

 

Financial liabilities
Type of instrument December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
In millions of COP
Derivative financial instruments  
Forwards  
Foreign exchange contracts - (122,424) (20,552) (142,976) - (304,756) (19,167) (323,923)
Equity contracts - (3,955) (515) (4,470) - (2,838) (272) (3,110)
Total forwards - (126,379) (21,067) (147,446) - (307,594) (19,439) (327,033)
Swaps  
Foreign exchange contracts - (459,789) (46,034) (505,823) - (708,354) (40,728) (749,082)
Interest rate contracts (9,347) (252,660) (13,634) (275,641) (7,828) (178,743) (5,773) (192,344)
Total swaps (9,347) (712,449) (59,668) (781,464) (7,828) (887,097) (46,501) (941,426)
Options  
Foreign exchange contracts - (16,943) - (16,943) - (42,961) - (42,961)
Total options - (16,943) - (16,943) - (42,961) - (42,961)
Futures                
Equity contracts - - - - (1,030) - - (1,030)
Total futures - - - - (1,030) - - (1,030)
Total derivative financial instruments (9,347) (855,771) (80,735) (945,853) (8,858) (1,237,652) (65,940) (1,312,450)
Total (9,347) (855,771) (80,735) (945,853) (8,858) (1,237,652) (65,940) (1,312,450)

 

  F-143 

 

 

Fair value of assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in the Statement of Financial Position

 

The following table presents for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Bank’s assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which the fair value is disclosed at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Assets
Type of instrument December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
In millions of COP
Debt securities  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government - 12,967 - 12,967 - - - -
Securities issued or secured by Government entities 17,204 528,395 1,350,175 1,895,774 9,336 344,200 1,154,372 1,507,908
Securities issued by other financial institutions 194,606 21,871 12,007 228,484 172,125 15,421 18,033 205,579
Securities issued by Foreign Governments 748,060 302,795 - 1,050,855 822,598 162,626 - 985,224
Corporate bonds 231,601 49,694 662,313 943,608 199,331 - 217,435 416,766
Total – Debt securities 1,191,471 915,722 2,024,495 4,131,688 1,203,390 522,247 1,389,840 3,115,477
Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions, net (1)  - - 149,162,071 149,162,071 - - 141,595,210 141,595,210
Total 1,191,471 915,722 151,186,566 153,293,759 1,203,390 522,247 142,985,050 144,710,687

 

(1)The amount of COP 140,398,685 disclosed as the fair value of the line “Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions, net” in the Bank’s annual report in 2016 has been changed for COP 141,595,210 due to the correction of errors in gathering and processing data from which the loans portfolio’s fair value disclosure is prepared.

 

                 
Liabilities
Type of instruments December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Fair value hierarchy Total fair
value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
In millions of COP
Deposits by customers - (30,440,868) (102,338,862) (132,779,730) - (20,534,986) (104,561,424) (125,096,410)
Interbank deposits - - (1,084,591) (1,084,591) - - (341,856) (341,856)
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing - - (3,236,128) (3,236,128) - - (1,924,010) (1,924,010)
Borrowings from other financial institutions - - (13,822,152) (13,822,152) - - (18,905,843) (18,905,843)
Preferred shares - - (662,999) (662,999) - - (565,676) (565,676)
Debt securities in issue (8,999,118) (9,534,766) (2,222,270) (20,756,154) (7,068,228) (10,228,190) (1,774,667) (19,071,085)
Total (8,999,118) (39,975,634) (123,367,002) (172,341,754) (7,068,228) (30,763,176) (128,073,476) (165,904,880)

 

  F-144 

 

 

IFRS requires entities to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the statement of financial position, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Certain categories of assets and liabilities, however, are not eligible for fair value accounting. The financial instruments below are not recorded at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis:

 

Short-term financial instruments

 

Short-term financial instruments are valued at their carrying amounts included in the consolidated statement of financial position, which are reasonable estimates of fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments. This approach was used for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, customers’ acceptances, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest payable and bank acceptances outstanding.

 

Deposits from customers

 

The fair value of time deposits was estimated based on the discounted value of cash flows using the appropriate discount rate for the applicable maturity. Fair value of deposits with no contractual maturities represents the amount payable on demand as of the statement of financial position date.

 

Interbank deposits and repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowings

 

Short-term interbank borrowings and repurchase agreements have been valued at their carrying amounts because of their relatively short-term nature. Long-term and domestic development bank borrowings have also been valued at their carrying amount because they bear interest at variable rates.

 

Borrowings from other financial institutions

 

The fair value of borrowings from other financial institutions were determined using discounted cash flow models. The cash flows projection of capital and interest was made according to the contractual terms, considering capital amortization and interest bearing. Subsequently, the cash flows was discounted using reference curves formed by the weighted average of the Bank’s deposit rates.

 

Debt securities in issue

 

The fair value of debt securities in issue, comprised of bonds issued by Bancolombia S.A. and its subsidiaries, was estimated substantially based on quoted market prices. The fair value of certain bonds which do not have a public trading market, were determined based on the discounted value of cash flows using the rates currently offered for bonds of similar remaining maturities and the Bank’s creditworthiness.

 

  F-145 

 

 

Preferred shares

 

In the valuation of the liability component of preferred shares related to the minimum dividend of 1% of the subscription price, the Bank uses the Gordon model to price the obligation, taking into account its own credit risk, which is measured using the market spread based on observable inputs such as quoted prices of sovereign debt. The Gordon Model is commonly used to determine the intrinsic value of a stock based on a future series of dividends that are estimated by the Bank and grow at a constant rate considering the Bank’s own perspectives of the payout ratio.

 

Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions

 

Estimating the fair value of loans and advances to customers is considered an area of considerable uncertainty as there is no observable market. The loan portfolio is stratified into tranches and loans segments suchs as commercial, small business loans, mortgage and consumer. The fair value of loans and advances to customers and financial institutions is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology, considering each credit’s principal and interest projected cash flows to the maturity date. Subsequently, the projected cash flows are discounted using reference curves according to the type of loan and its maturity date.

 

Items Measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis

 

The Bank measured certain foreclosed assets held for sale based on fair value less costs to sell. The fair values were determined using external and internal valuation techniques or third party experts, depending on the type of underlying asset. The following breakdown sets forth the fair value hierarchy of those assets classified by type:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair-value hierarchy Total fair
Value
Fair-value hierarchy Total fair
Value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
In millions of COP
Machinery and equipment - - 11,500 11,500 - - 9,466 9,466
Real estate for residential purposes - - 23,854 23,854 - - 20,671 20,671
Real estate different from residential properties - - 1,402 1,402 - - 102,913 102,913
Collateralized loans - - 5,417,875 5,417,875 - - 1,543,513 1,543,513
Total - - 5,454,631 5,454,631 - - 1,676,563 1,676,563

 

  F-146 

 

 

Investment in Associates – TUYA

 

As mentioned in Note 7. Investments in associates and joint ventures, during 2017 the Bank has recognized an impairment on TUYA. The valuation of TUYA SA was made through an exercise of comparable multiples, using the price / book value multiple as reference. A list of comparable companies that have a similar economic activity to the company valued was taken. Taking into account that several of the comparable companies are in a different geography, adjustments were made to the multiple to reflect this situation. The most sensitive assumptions used by the Bank in determining the fair value of Tuya were the valuation trading multiple and the discount rate used. The valuation trading multiple was 1.29x and it was computed using a lineal regression model, the Tuya’s expected return rate used by the expert was 12.13%

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair-value hierarchy Total fair
Value
Fair-value hierarchy Total fair
Value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
In millions of COP
Investment in Associates - TUYA - - 225,548 225,548 - - - -
Total - - 225,548 225,548 - - - -

 

  F-147 

 

 

Changes in Level 3 Fair-Value Category

 

The table below presents reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2017 and 2016:

 

As of December 31, 2017

 

  Balance,
January 1,
2017
Included in
earnings
OCI Purchases /
reclassifications
Settlement Prepaids Transfers in to
Level 3
Transfers out of
Level 3
Balance,
December 31,
2017
In millions of COP
Debt securities at fair value                  
Securities issued or secured by other financial entities 405,099 (70,416) - 52,316 (58,999) - - (30,951) 297,049
Corporate bonds 14,929 (4,211) - 5,999 (10,869) (72) - (2,658) 3,118
Total   420,028 (74,627) - 58,315 (69,868) (72) - (33,609) 300,167
Derivative financial instruments                  
Foreign exchange contracts 378,385 353 - 231,260 (378,053) - 103 (36) 232,012
Interest rate contracts 17,596 - - 34,067 (17,596) - (1,762) - 32,305
Equity contracts 337 - - (500) (337) - - - (500)
Total   396,318 353 - 264,827 (395,986) - (1,659) (36) 263,817
Equity securities                  
Equity securities 1,178,678 107,848 26,736 116,743 (41,948) - 6,950 (51,403) 1,343,604
Total 1,178,678 107,848 26,736 116,743 (41,948) - 6,950 (51,403) 1,343,604
Investment in associates                  
PA Viva Malls 388,595 108,868 - 262,918 (2,495) - - - 757,886
Total 388,595 108,868 - 262,918 (2,495) - - - 757,886
Equity securities -  Assets held for sale                  
Assets held for sale - - - 1,345 - - 1,141 - 2,486
Total - - - 1,345 - - 1,141 - 2,486

 

  F-148 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

  Balance,
January 1,
2016
Included in
earnings
OCI Purchases Settlement Prepaids Transfers in to
Level 3
Transfers out of
Level 3
Balance,
December 31,
2016
In millions of COP
Debt securities at fair value                  
Securities issued or secured by other financial entities 629,994 (64,739) - 77,263 (239,769) - 2,350 - 405,099
Other investments 10,065 9,160 - 62 (6,954) - 2,596 - 14,929
Total    640,059  (55,579) -  77,325  (246,723)  -  4,946  -  420,028
Derivative financial instruments                  
Foreign exchange contracts  726,609  (22,727) -  125,632  (495,525) -  21,267  23,129  378,385
Interest rate contracts  9,319  (3,170) -  5,014  (1,858) -  6,004  2,287  17,596
Equity contracts  -     -    -  337  -    -  -     -  337
Total  735,928  (25,897) -  130,983  (497,383)  -  27,271  25,416  396,318
Equity securities                  
Equity securities  978,751  (75,573)  46,035   282,604  (53,139) - - -   1,178,678
Total  978,751  (75,573)  46,035   282,604  (53,139) - - -   1,178,678
Investment in associates                  
PA Viva Malls - - - 388,595 - - - - 388,595
Total - - - 388,595 - - - - 388,595

 

  F-149 

 

 

Level 3 Fair Value Rollforward

 

The following were the significant Level 3 transfers for the period December 31, 2016 to 2017:

 

Transfer of COP 30,951 in 2017 from Level 3 to Level 2 Securities issued or secured by other financial entities. A change was observed in the marking days for the margin methodology. In 2016, these securities have an updated margin for a period exceeding 365 days, and for 2017, these were less than 365 days, therefore the actual level is 2.

 

Transfers of COP 51,403 in 2017 from level 3 to level 1 equity securities, are mainly explained by the change in the fair value level of Deceval, since the valuation underlying asset as of December 31, 2017 equals the quoted price of Bolsa de Valores de Colombia at the end of the year, due to the merger between both companies in 2017.

 

The transfer of COP 23,129 in 2016 from Level 3 to Level 2 foreing exchange contracts, primarily linked to an increase in their market liquidity and the observability of prices.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, unrealized gains and losses on debt securities were COP 73,505 and COP 55,191; Equity Securities COP 116,051 and COP 75,347 respectively.

 

Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the Fair Value Hierarchy

 

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank transferred securities amounting to COP 2,700 Securities issued or secured by Colombian Government, from Level 1 to Level 2 primarily, because such securities decreased their liquidity and were traded more frequently to comprise an active market.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Bank transferred securities amounting to COP 5,647 securities issued by other financial institutions and COP 9,510 related to corporative bonds, respectively, from Level 2 to Level 1 primarily, because such securities increased their liquidity and were traded more frequently to comprise an active market.

 

All transfers are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period.

 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 

The fair value of financial instruments are, in certain circumstances, measured using valuation techniques that incorporate assumptions that are not evidenced by prices from observable market transactions in the same instrument and are not based on observable market data. Changing one or more of the inputs to the valuation models to reasonably possible alternative assumptions would change the fair values and therefore a valuation adjustment would be recognized in profit or loss. Favorable and unfavorable changes are determined on the basis of changes in the value of the instrument as a result of varying the levels of the unobservable input as described in the table below. The following table sets forth information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Bank’s material categories of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities and the sensitivity of these fair values to reasonably possible alternative assumptions.

 

  F-150 

 

 

As of December 31,2017

 

Financial instrument Fair Value Valuation
technique
Significant
unobservable
input
Range of
inputs
Weighted
average
Sensitivity
100
basis point
increase
Sensitivity
100
basis point
decrease
Amounts in millions of COP
Debt securities
Securities issued by other financial institutions
TIPS 236,236 Discounted cash flow Yield 0.43% to 10.35% 0.63% 225,867 235,382

Liquidity risk

Premium

0% to 10.35% 4.48% 226,007 235,228

Prepayment

Speed

n/a n/a 231,087 230,152
Other bonds 41,776 Discounted cash flow Yield (0.11%) to 0.76% 0.81% 35,305 38,282
Securitizations 10,919 Discounted cash flow Yield 2.24% to (3.43%) (1.19%) 10,825 11,014
Time deposit 8,118 Discounted cash flow Yield 1.77% to 1.86% 1.81% 8,056 8,184
Securities issued by other financial institutions 297,049            
Corporate bonds 3,118 Discounted cash flow Yield (0.11%) to 0.76% 0.81% 3,292 2,985
Total debt securities 300,167            
Equity securities              
Equity securities 1,343,604 Price-based Price n/a n/a n/a n/a
Derivative financial instruments              
Options 14,249 Black-Scholes Recovery rate 0.06% to 23.75% 4.99% 14,142 14,280
Forward 73,069 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0% to 16.54% 2.41% 72,886 73,263
Swaps 176,499 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0% to 21.31% 1.95% 170,701 182,343
Investment in associates              
P.A Viva Malls 757,886 Price-based Price n/a n/a n/a n/a
Equity securities -  Assets held for sale              
Assets held for sale 2,486 Price-based Price n/a n/a n/a n/a

 

  F-151 

 

 

As of December 31,2016

 

Financial instrument Fair Value Valuation
technique
Significant
unobservable
input
Range
of inputs
Weighted
average
Sensitivity
100
basis point
increase
Sensitivity
100
basis point
decrease
Amounts in millions of COP
Debt securities
Securities issued by other financial institutions
TIPS 22,651 Discounted cash flow Yield (0.23%) to 0.76% 0.32% 22,484 22,807

Liquidity risk

Premium

0% to 10.35% 9.58% 22,377 22,687

Prepayment

Speed

n/a n/a 22,557 22,509
Other bonds 75,862 Discounted cash flow Yield 0.75% to 1.20% 2.14% 68,621 73,182
Debt securities 2,350 Discounted cash flow Yield (0.12%) (0.12%) 2,297 2,388
Asset-backed securities 16,895 Discounted cash flow Yield (0.12%) 1.65% 16,766 17,056
Securities issued by other financial institutions 117,758            
Corporate bonds 14,929 Discounted cash flow Yield (0.24%) (0.24%) 3,448 2,124
Total  debt securities 132,687            
Equity securities              
Equity securities 1,178,678 Price-based Price n/a n/a n/a n/a
Derivative fiancial instruments              
Options 41,496 Black-Scholes Recovery rate 25.00% 25.00% 41,668 41,661
Forward 106,921 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0% to 20.05% 5.01% 106,759 107,346
Swaps 201,185 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0% to 23.44% 5.86% 200,098 202,279
Investment in associates              
P.A Viva Malls 388,595 Price-based Price n/a n/a n/a n/a

 

  F-152 

 

 

The following table sets forth information about valuation techniques used in the measurement of the fair value investment properties of the Bank, the significant unobservable inputs and the respective sensivity:

 

Methodology Valuation
technique
Significant unobservable
input
Description of sensitivity

Sales Comparison Approach - SCA

 

The fair value assessment is based on the examination of prices at which similar properties in the same area recently sold.  Since no two properties are identical the measurement valuation must take into account adjustments for the differences between the sold properties and those held by the Bank to earn rentals or for capital appreciation. 

Comparable Prices

The weighted average rates used in the capitalization methodology for revenues for 2016 are:

• Direct capitalization: initial rate 8.30%

• Discounted cash flow: discount rate: 11.46%, terminal rate: 8.76%.

 

The same weighted rates as December 31 2017 were:

 

• Direct capitalization: initial rate 8.12%

• Discounted cash flow: discount rate: 11.36%, terminal rate: 8.55%.

 

The ratio between monthly gross income and real estate value (rental rate) considering the differences in placements and individual factors between properties and in a weighted way is 0.75% for 2017 and 0.77% for 2016.

An increase (Light, normal, considerable, significant) in the capitalization rate used would generate a decrease (significant, light, normal, considerable) in the fair value of the asset, and vice versa.

 

An increase (Light, normal, considerable, significant) in the leases used in the valuation would generate a (significant, light, considerable) increase in the fair value of the asset, and vice versa.

Income Approach

 

Used to estimate the fair value of the property by taking future net cash flows and discounting them at the capitalization rate. 

 

Direct Capitalization

Discounted Cash Flows

Cost approach

 

Used to estimate the fair value of the property considering the cost to replace or build a property at the same or equal conditions of the asset to be measured, deducting the accumulated depreciation charge and adding-up the amount of the land. 

Replacement cost

 

There has been no change to the valuation technique during the year for each asset.  

 

NOTE 30. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

Compañía de financiamiento Tuya S.A is a private entity oriented to offer lines of credit directed to individuals, corporate credit cards, vehicle loan and payroll loans among others, as a result of which Tuya has achieved a significant market share position in the consumer loan market in Colombia.

 

On October 31, 2016 Bancolombia S.A, announced that, after obtaining all the required regulatory approvals, the sale agreement announced in a press release on July 1, 2015, pursuant to which Bancolombia S.A (“Bancolombia”), the Fondo de Empleados of Grupo Bancolombia - FEBANC and Fundacion Bancolombia, (together, the “Sellers”), transferred to Almacenes Éxito S.A (“Almacenes Exito”) and Almacenes Éxito Inversiones S.A.S (together, the “Buyers”) 50% of the shares of Compañia de Financiamiento Tuya S.A (“Tuya”), entered into effect. The total purchase price of the transaction was COP 79,017.

 

  F-153 

 

 

As a result of this transaction:

 

1.Tuya is jointly controlled by the strategic partners since October 30, 2016. 

 

2.Tuya’s shares formerly owned by the Bank will now be owned by Bancolombia S.A. and its subsidiaries Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Corporación Financiera and BIBA Inmobiliaria SAS.

 

3.Tuya’s assets and liabilities were derecognized at their carrying amounts at October 31, 2016, which is considered the date when the Bank’s control was lost. Likewise the Bank recognized the fair value of the non-controlling interest in Tuya amounting to COP 343,108 as a joint venture. The fair value of the consideration received amounted to COP 79,017 and as a result of this transaction the Bank recognized an income by COP 263,770 (associated with the remeasurement of the fair value) in the statement of income in the line “Income from discontinued operations”, and the related occasional earning tax amounted to COP 659 and the deferred income tax amounted to COP 99,614.

 

Analysis of the results of discontinued operations:

 

Results of operations as of October 31, 2016 and as of December 31, 2015, recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income as Net income from discontinued operations, are the following:

 

  Ten months
ended October
31, 2016
Year ended
December 31,
2015
In millons of COP
Interest income on loans 408,233 403,382
Overnight and market funds 320 53
Interest and valuation on investment 1,246 698
Total interest and valuation 409,799   404,133
Interest expense (106,110) (74,919)
Net margin on financial instruments 303,689 329,214
Credit impairment charges on loans, net (323,290) (324,309)
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases (19,601) 4,905
Fees and other service income, net 244,193 235,806
Other operating income 1,365 267
Total income, net 225,957   240,978
Total operating expenses (221,310) (219,532)
Profit before tax 4,647 21,446
Income tax (2,961) 1,067
Net income from discontinued operations 1,686 22,513

 

  F-154 

 

 

Assets classified as held for sale

 

At December 31, 2015 Compañía de financiamiento Tuya was composed of assets and liabilities as presented below:

 

  December 31, 2015
In millions of COP
Assets  
Cash and balances at central bank 207,963
Financial assets investments  31,265
Loans and advances to customers 1,831,773
Allowance for loan and lease losses (351,375)
Intangible assets 2,267
Premises and equipment 5,746
Prepayments 724
Tax receivables  11,152
Deferred tax  32,726
Other assets  48,738
Total Assets 1,820,979
Liabilities  
Deposit from customers 1,266,305
Borrowings from other financial institutions 378
Debt securities in issue 150,032
Currrent Tax 1,535
Deferred tax liabilities  28,503
Other liabilities 158,380
Total liabilities 1,605,133
Net assets classified as held for sale 215,846

 

Cash flow from discontinued operations

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015 Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. had the following cash flows:

 

  2015
In millions of COP
Cash flows provided by operating activities:  
Net Income 22,508
Total net income adjustments 308,945
Net changes of assets and liabilities (243,153)
Net cash provided by operating activities 88,300
Cash flows provided by (used in)  investing activities:  
Net cash provided by (used in)  investing activities 12,259
Cash flows used in financing activities:  
Net cash used in financing activities (42,823)
Net increased in cash 57,736
Cash at the beginning of the year 150,225
Cash at the end of the year 207,961

 

  F-155 

 

 

NOTE 31. RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Bank’s comprehensive risk management is developed in compliance with current regulations and internal standards as defined by the Board of Directors, in relation to market, credit/ counterparty, liquidity and operational risk.

 

The Board of Directors reviews and approves the resources, structure and processes of the Bank associated with risk management, and the development of its supervisory functions has the support of the Risk Committee in charge of the approval, monitoring and control of policies, methodologies, tools, guidelines and strategies for the identification, measurement, control and mitigation of risks.

 

The Risk Corporate Vicepresidency professionals manage the different risks inherent to the activities undertaken in the fulfillment of their responsibilities. 

 

31.1 Credit risk

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk of an economic loss to the Bank due to a non-fulfillment of financial obligations by a customer or counterparty, and arises principally from the decline on borrower´s creditworthiness or changes in the business climate.

 

The information below contains the maximum exposure to credit risk:

 

December 31, 2017

 

  Maximum exposure Collateral Net exposure
  In millions of COP
Loans and Advances 160,468,094 (71,122,738) 89,345,356
   Commercial 88,997,241 (42,593,800) 46,403,441
   Consumer 27,646,114 (5,915,201) 21,730,913
   Mortgage 20,512,208 (18,991,957) 1,520,251
   Small Business Loans 1,063,580 (652,227) 411,353
   Financial Leases 22,248,951 (2,969,553) 19,279,398
Off-Balance Sheet Exposures 22,360,075 - 22,360,075
    Financial Guarantees 6,701,643 - 6,701,643
   Loan Commitments 15,658,432 - 15,658,432
Other Financial Instruments (1) 16,837,677 (2,867,247) 13,970,430
Debt Securities 14,859,423 (2,741,345) 12,118,078
Derivatives 457,940 (125,902) 332,038
Equity Securities(2) 1,520,314 - 1,520,314
Total 199,665,846 (73,989,985) 125,675,861

 

  F-156 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

  Maximum exposure Collateral Net exposure
  In millions of COP
Loans and Financial Leases 151,747,486 (68,627,160) 83,120,326
   Commercial 86,259,708 (28,801,285) 57,458,423
   Consumer 23,925,279 (5,917,791) 18,007,488
   Mortgage 19,155,852 (18,193,999) 961,853
   Small Business Loans 1,062,724 (296,816) 765,908
   Financial Leases 21,343,923 (15,417,269) 5,926,654
Off-Balance Sheet Exposures 15,499,545 - 15,499,545
   Financial Guarantees 6,344,004 - 6,344,004
   Loan Commitments 9,155,541 - 9,155,541
Other Financial Instruments (1) 13,900,216 (1,384,764) 12,515,452
Debt Securities 11,705,563 (1,137,457) 10,568,106
Derivatives 779,829 (247,307) 532,522
Equity Securities 1,414,824 - 1,414,824
Total 181,147,247 (70,011,924) 111,135,323

 

(1)Collateral Held (-) and Collateral Pledged (+).
(2)Includes investments classified as “assets held for sale”. See Note 12 Assets held for sale and inventories, net.

 

Maximum exposure to credit risk of the loans and advances refers to the carrying amount at the end of the period. It does not take into account any collateral received or any other credit risk mitigates.

 

Maximum exposure to credit risk of financial guarantees corresponds to the total amount guaranteed at the end of the period. This amount represents the worst case scenario and does not reflect the expected results.

 

Maximum exposure to derivatives refers to the fair value at the end of the period, without considering any guarantee received or any other credit risk mitigates.

 

Maximum exposure to credit risk of debt securities and equity securities refers to the carrying amount at the end of the period without considering any guarantee received.

 

a.Credit Risk Management - Loans and Advances

 

Risk management during the credit life cycle is developed through the fulfillment of the policies, procedures and methodologies stipulated in the Credit Risk Administration System, in accordance with the strategy approved by the Board of Directors for monitoring and controlling credit risk.

 

The Credit Risk Administration System also contains the general criteria to evaluate, classify, measure and mitigate credit risk. In addition, the credit risk department has developed methodologies and manuals that specify the policies and procedures for different products and segments managed by the Bank.

 

  F-157 

 

 

To maintain credit quality and manage the risk arising from its lending activities, the Bank has established general loan policies, including the following:

 

·Credit exposure limits: It contains guidelines with regards to the establishment of credit exposure limits.  It is set in fulfillment of legal requirements and according to Bancolombia internal guidelines.

 

·Origination policies: These policies aim to acquire ample and sufficient knowledge of the characteristics of potential borrowers and to select them properly. The riskiness of the borrowers is determined using credit rating models. These models use information such the character, reputation and credit history of the borrower, the type of business the borrower engages in, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, and information received from the credit risk bureaus. The credit risk rating system is also used in determining the allowance for loans and advances and lease losses.

 

Loan applications, depending on their amount, are presented for approval at the level of management authority required.

 

·Collaterals policies: For the purpose of mitigating risk associated with non-fulfillment of obligations agreed upon by the borrower, the Bank has established policies for the valuation of collateral received as well as for the determination of the maximum loan amount that can be granted against the value of the collateral.

 

·Allowance policies: the objective of this policy is to fulfil legal requirements and the Bank’s business policies. In addition, this policy is meant to provide the guidelines to perform client’s status analysis and take the necessary actions in order to mitigate credit risk the Bank is exposed to.

 

·Monitoring policies: Contains various monitoring procedures, portfolio reports and policies for the purpose of overseeing, in an adequate and timely manner, the evolution of credit risk. These procedures include a continuous process of classification and reassessment of credit operations and they maintain consistency with the policies implemented for granting loans.

 

·Portfolio recovery policies: Through the definition of these policies, the organization aims to establish those mechanisms that allow it to anticipate the action to be taken in the event of possible delays and minimize the impact resulting from non-fulfillment of payment or delays by the borrower. Additionally, the aspects established in this policy delimit what the organization has defined as collection management and that make it possible to obtain information to improve the origination policies and the allowances for loans and advances and lease losses models.

 

Management of credit risk is carried out in all of the credit life cycle. These processes are defined in the following way:

 

·Origination: Knowing the borrower, payment capacity analysis, payment behavior and credit approval and structure.

 

·Monitoring: Knowing the borrower’s situation during the life of the credit.

 

·Recovery: Collection management during the different stages of the same credit.

 

In order to withstand the credit origination processes, the Bank develops scoring and rating models based on statistical information or criteria from experts, which differentiate the risk levels of potential borrowers in order to support the decision making process.

 

  F-158 

 

 

The Risk Corporate Vice Presidency is in charge of defining and documenting the specific characteristics of the models being utilized, as well as the parameters, variables to use in each case and the cut-off points that are applied per situation in the process of issuing credit. On an annual basis at the minimum, the Risk Corporate Vice Presidency must perform backtesting1 of the scoring and rating models used in the granting process in order to evaluate their effectiveness. Additionally, on a periodically basis, the entire credit portfolio will be rated taking into account the established internal models for the purpose of evaluating the credit risk of each borrower and constitute the required allowance for loans and advances and lease losses.

 

In addition to the evaluation and qualification of the portfolio, the monthly allowance for loans and advances and lease losses serves to measure the present condition of the portfolio, the methodologies used for its calculation serve as a tool to evaluate risk, be it in a collective or individual manner. Collective evaluation of the portfolio applies the following parameters for measuring risk: probability of default (PD), loss given default (LGD) and exposure at default (EAD).

 

The individual risk analysis is applied to impaired borrowers with significant loan carrying amount larger than COP 5.000 million (USD 1.5 million for foreign subsidiaries); the evaluation relies on the borrower’s projected cash flows. The basic projection assumptions are based on a qualitative analysis and are supported by the AEC2 committee information and takes account the consultation with the Commercial Managers. In the case where the loan is considered collateral-dependent, an allowance for loans and advances and lease losses is provided when the fair value of collateral is lower than the book value.

 

Annual backtesting must be performed on the allowances for loans and advances and lease losses models for the purpose of maintaining suitable hedge levels in accordance with the Bank’s risk appetite.

The Bank is continuously monitoring the concentration of the risk groups, as well as carrying out a daily control of the exposure to different economic groups, evaluating the legal limits of indebtedness in order to fulfill the norms established about the concentration limits.

 

The Bank performs international references determined by the rankings of external risks that allow the analysis of concentration levels in different geographic areas. On the other hand, at the legal level, the Bank is governed by the concepts and methodologies established by the external norms regarding the construction, administration and control of the concentration of economic groups.

 

The following classifications are established for the analysis of concentration:

 

·By country: based on the country that the loans were originated.

 

·By sector: done according to the sectorial sub-segmentation defined by the Bank based mainly on the code CIIU3.

 

·By categories: refers to the portfolio categories of each agreement (commercial, financial leases, consumer loans, small business loans and mortgages).

 

·By economic group: according to the characteristics of economic groups as established by regulations.

 

·By maturity: consistent with the remaining term to loan maturity.

 

·By past due days: this concentration evaluates loans that are more than one month overdue.

 

 

1Statistical procedures used to validate the quality and accuracy of a model, through the comparison of actual results and risk measures generated by the models.
2AEC: “Administración Especial de Clientes”. It’s a committee that meets periodically to identify current situations or anticipate future situations that might generate a possible deterioration in the client’s.

3CIIU: International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities.

 

  F-159 

 

 

b.Credit Quality Analysis - Loans and Financial Leases

 

Rating System for Credit Risk Management

 

Its principal aim is to determine the risk profile of the borrower, which is obtained through a rating.

 

The rating for corporate loans is assigned principally based on the analysis of the interrelation of both qualitative and quantitative elements that can affect the fulfillment of the financial commitments acquired by a borrower. They take information on the financial statements, profit and loss statement, historical payment behavior both with the Bank and with other entities, and qualitative information on variables that are not explicit in the financial statements. The rating model is applied at the origination of the loan and is updated by a central qualification office to undertake a periodical evaluation of the loan portfolio, during the months of May and November each year.

 

In the case of a retail customer, granting and behavior scoring models are used in order to identify the level of risk associated with the borrower. These models include information as personal details, financial information, historical behavior, the total number of credit products and external information from credit bureaus.

 

As the subsidiaries have their own internal rating models, for purposes of assessing the consolidated credit risk in a homogeneous bases, the Bank has established the following categories of risk in order to classify borrowers according to their payment behavior:

 

Category Description
A- Normal Risk Loans and advances in this category are appropriately serviced. The borrower’s financial statements or its projected cash flows, as well as all other credit information available to the Bank, reflect adequate paying capacity. 
B- Acceptable Risk Loans and advances in this category are acceptably serviced and guaranty protected, but there are weaknesses in the payment capacity of the borrower which may potentially affect, on a temporary or permanent basis, the borrower’s ability to pay or its projected cash flows, to the extent that, if not timely corrected, would affect the normal servicing of the loans and advances.
C- Appreciable Risk Loans and advances in this category represent insufficiencies in the borrower’s paying capacity or in the projected cash flow, which may compromise the normal servicing of the loans and advances.
D- Significant Risk Loans and advances in this category have the same deficiencies as loans in category C, but to a larger extent; consequently, the probability of collection is highly doubtful.
E- Unrecoverable Loans and advances in this category are deemed uncollectible.

 

Description of Loans and Financial Leases

 

In order to evaluate and manage credit risk, the credits and financial leasing operations have been classified as:

 

  F-160 

 

 

·Commercial and Financial Leases:

 

Loans granted to individuals or companies in order to carry out organized economic activities and are not classified as small business loans.

 

The borrower of this portfolio is mainly made up of companies, segmented in homogenous groups that are constituted according to size, annual sales or main activity. The following variables are part of this classification:

 

Segment Incomes/Sales
Business Companies with annual sales > = COP 20,000 M and < COP 45,000 M except for Banco Agrícola, which places borrowers with annual sales >= USD 1M and < USD 25 M and their main activity is in El Salvador.
Business Construction Constructors who dedicate themselves professionally to the construction of buildings to be sold as their main activity, with annual sales >= COP 20,000 M and <= COP 45,000 M or with more than three projects.
Corporate Construction Constructors who dedicate themselves to the construction of buildings to be sold as their main activity, with annual sales > COP 45,000 M or more than five projects
Corporate Companies with annual sales >= COP 45,000 M., Banistmo places borrowers with annual sales >to USD 10 M in this classification and Banco Agrícola places borrowers with annual sales >= USD 25 M and their main activity is in El Salvador.
Institutional Financing Financial sector institutions.
Government Municipalities, districts, departments with their respective decentralized organizations and entities at the national level.
SME Annual sales < COP 20,000 M, with a classification between small, medium, large and plus except for Banistmo which place companies that do not surpass USD 10 M in annual sales in this classification.

 

·Consumer:

 

Loans and advances, regardless of amount, granted to individuals for the purchase of consumer goods or to pay for non-commercial or business services.

 

These loans are classified as follows:

 

Classification
Vehicles Credits granted for the acquisition of vehicles. The vehicle financed is used as collateral for the loan.
Credit cards Rolling credit limits for the acquisition of consumer goods, utilized by means of a plastic card.
Payroll loans It is a credit line attached to an authorized individual payroll amount.
Others loans Loans granted for the acquisition of consumer goods other than vehicles and Payroll loans Credit cards are not included in this segment.

 

The counterparty of this portfolio is mainly made up of individuals, segmented in homogenous groups, which are formed according to their size, which is calculated by their monthly income.

 

·Mortgage:

 

These are loans, regardless of amount, granted to individuals for the purchase of a new or used house, commercial real estate or to build a home. These loans include loans denominated in local units or local currency that are guaranteed by a senior mortgage on the property and that are financed with a total repayment term of 5 to 30 years.

 

  F-161 

 

 

The counterparty of the mortgage loan is mainly made up of individuals segmented in homogenous groups, which are formed according to their size, which is calculated by their monthly income.

 

·Small Business Loans:

 

These are issued for the purpose of encouraging the activities of small business and most comply with the segmentation conditions.

 

The borrower of this portfolio is mainly made up of individuals, segmented in homogenous groups, which are formed according to their commercial size, which is calculated by their monthly income.

 

Analysis of the behavior and impairment of the loan portfolio and financial lease operations

 

As of December 31, 2017, bank’s total loan portfolio shows a moderate growth, explained mainly by Bancolombia and Banistmo. The disbursements presented an increase of 13.00% compared to the previous year, equivalent to an increase of 5.75% of the portfolio valued in pesos. The events that are worth to highlight in 2017 were: lower macroeconomic dynamics in Colombia and Panamá, in addition to credit impairments in Colombian sectors as natural resources, infrastructure, massive transport systems and the SME segment, triggering a direct impact on the portfolio, evidenced in all credit lines. The previous described events led to an increase in the 30-day past due loan ratio (consolidated), from 3.31% in 2016 to 4.49% for 2017.

 

·Commercial loans and finance lease amounted to COP 111,250 billion, which represented an increase of 3.39% with respect to 2016. Its 30-day past due loan ratio was 3.39%, explained mainly by credit impairments of certain corporate clients with significant credit exposure, in addition to the generalized credit deterioration of the SME segment in Colombia.

 

·Consumer loans stood at COP 27,650 billion, which represented an increase of 15.55% with respect to 2016. Its 30-day past due loan ratio was 5.88%.

 

·Mortgage loans came to COP 20,510 billion, which represented an increase of 7.08% with respect to 2016. Its 30-day past due loan ratio was 7.92%.

 

·Microcredit portfolio ended at COP 1,060 billion, which represented an increase of 0.08% with respect to 2016. Its 30-day past due loan ratio was 12.86%.

 

·In order to monitor credit risk associated with clients, Grupo Bancolombia has established regular meetings conducted by a committee to identify events that can lead to a reduction in borrowers’ ability to pay. Generally, clients with good credit behavior could be included in the watch list in case of detecting any event that can lead to future financial difficulties to repay their loans; for instance, internal factors as the economic activity, financial weakness, impacts of macroeconomic conditions, changes in corporate governance and other situations that could affect clients’ business. The amount and allowance of clients included in the described watch list, as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 is shown below.

 

During 2017, risk level 4 was created for nonperforming clients without any financial, operational or commercial viability, where the objective is to obtain the highest possible portfolio recovery by judicial means, in order to reduce or end the commercial relationship given their inability to pay.

 

Watch List December 31 2017
Million COP
Risk Level                                     Amount            %                    Allowance
Level 1 - Low Risk 4,938,711 2.00% 114,361
Level 2 - Medium Risk 1,641,169 5.00% 81,796
Level 3 - High Risk 3,806,554 33.00% 1,264,077
Level 4 - High Risk 1,509,014 76.00% 1,150,212
Total 11,895,448 22.00% 2,610,447

  

Watch List December 31 2016
Million COP
Risk Level Amount % Allowance
Level 1 – Low Risk        3,738,353 3.00%            124,139
Level 2 – Medium Risk        1,623,733 3.00%              46,627
Level 3 and 4 – High Risk        4,461,571 30.00% 1,316,480
Total        9,823,657 15.00%        1,487,246

  

Loans and Financial Leases Collateral

 

The Bank obtains collateral for loans and leases in order to mitigate credit risk by foreclosing the collateral when the borrower cannot fully repaid the loan or lease. Collateral is considered in the determination of the allowance for loans and advances and lease losses when it complies with the following conditions:

 

·Their fair value is enough to cover the exposure of the obligation and was established according to technical and objective criteria.

 

·The entity is granted a preference or an improved right to obtain the payment of the obligation, becoming an effective collateral.

 

·Its performance is reasonably possible.

 

·They are a payment source that sufficiently attends to the credit as per the requirement of the Bank.

 

·When the borrower is a government entity, the collateral has to have a pledge certificate issued by the appropriate authority.

 

The Bank has defined the criteria for the collateral enforceability, which are established according to the classification of loan portfolio. Besides, the Bank has set guidelines to value collaterals and the frequency of such valuations, as well as those guidelines related to the legalization, registry and maintenance of the collateral. Likewise, the Bank has defined the criteria for insurability, custody and the necessary procedures for their cancellation.

 

The update of the fair value of mortgages and vehicles collaterals for the loan portfolio is made between one and three years of agreement with the policy. The methodology used to estimate the fair value of the properties is applied by external and independent entities. Updating the fair value of the vehicles is done through guides and valid values commonly used as reference to set the value of a vehicle. The fair value of real state and vehicles are classified in levels 2 and 3 depending on the observability and significance of the inputs used in the valuation techniques according to the hierarchy established by IFRS 13.

 

  F-162 

 

 

The following table shows loans and financial leases, classified in commercial, consumer, mortgage, financial leases and small business loans, and disaggregated by type of collateral:

 

December 31, 2017
Amount Covered by Collateral
In Millions of  COP
Nature of the Collateral Commercial Consumer Mortgage Financial
Leasing
Small Business Total
Real Estate and Residential 19,529,154 1,572,455 18,959,433 - 273,248 40,334,290
Goods Given in Real Estate Leasing 7,725,197 - - 2,392,075 - 10,117,272
Goods Given in Leasing Other Than Real Estate 5,124,246 112,724 - 577,447 - 5,814,417
Stand by Letters of Credit 455,793 - - - - 455,793
Security Deposits 779,008 300,730 - - 56,588 1,136,326
Guarantee Fund 2,583,354 147 - - 301,045 2,884,546
Sovereign of the Nation 12,710 - - - - 12,710
Collection Rights 3,220,882 41,597 - - 1,119 3,263,598
Other Collateral (Pledges) 3,163,456 3,887,548 32,524 31 20,227 7,103,786
Without Guarantee (Uncovered Balance) 46,403,441 21,730,913 1,520,251 19,279,398 411,353 89,345,356
Total loans and financial leases 88,997,241 27,646,114 20,512,208 22,248,951 1,063,580 160,468,094

 

December 31, 2016
Amount Covered by Collateral
In Millions of  COP
Nature of the Collateral Commercial Consumer Mortgage Financial
Leasing
Small Business Total
Real Estate and Residential 18,359,267 1,493,231 17,862,248 - 215,889 37,930,635
Goods Given in Real Estate Leasing - - - 9,231,286 - 9,231,286
Goods Given in Leasing Other Than Real Estate - - - 6,185,983 - 6,185,983
Stand  by Letters of Credit 206,453 - - - - 206,453
Security Deposits 1,015,605 280,543 - - 59,029 1,355,177
Guarantee Fund 2,542,666 53 308,532 - 348 2,851,599
Sovereign of the Nation 25,421 - - - - 25,421
Collection Rights 2,896,981 35,816 - - 1,230 2,934,027
Other Collateral (Pledges) 3,754,892 4,108,148 23,219 - 20,320 7,906,579
Without Guarantee (Uncovered Balance) 57,458,423 18,007,488 961,853 5,926,654 765,908 83,120,326
Total loans and financial leases 86,259,708 23,925,279 19,155,852 21,343,923 1,062,724 151,747,486

 

Foreclosed assets and other credit mitigants

 

Assets received in lieu of payment (foreclosed assets) are recognized on the statement of financial position when current possession of the asset takes place.

 

  F-163 

 

 

Foreclosed assets represented by immovable or movable property are received based on a commercial valuation. Foreclosed assets such as equity securities and other financial assets, are received based on market value.

 

During 2017 and 2016, foreclosed assets received amounted to COP 331,057 and COP 487,122, respectively.

 

The Bank classifies foreclosed assets after acknowledgment of the exchange operation according to the intention of use, as follows:

 

·Non-current assets held for sale.
·Other marketable assets.
·Other non-marketable assets.
·Financial instruments (investments).
·Inventories.
·Premises and equipment.

 

The enforcement of collaterals classified as non-current assets held for sale are those expected to be sold in the following 12 months. When there are market restrictions that do not allow their realization in less than 12 months and this period is extended, retroactive depreciation must be charged to results and the asset value will be reduced by the depreciation value.

 

c.Risk Concentration – Loans and Advances

 

The analysis of credit risk concentration is done by monitoring the portfolio by groups such as: maturity loan, past due loan, loan categories and loan by sector and risk country, as shown here:

 

·Loans concentration by category

 

The composition of the credit portfolio in commercial, consumer, mortgage, financial leases and small business loans categories are as follows:

 

Composition December 31 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Commercial 88,997,241 86,259,708
Corporate 58,661,267 55,862,353
SME 17,184,059 16,521,808
Others 13,151,915 13,875,547
Consumer 27,646,114 23,925,279
Credit card 6,255,277 7,784,658
Vehicle 2,915,705 3,058,653
Payroll loans 6,970,783 5,080,660
Others 11,504,349 8,001,308
Mortgage 20,512,208 19,155,852
VIS1 5,491,926 5,017,520
Non- VIS 15,020,282 14,138,332
Financial Leases 22,248,951 21,343,923
Small Business Loan 1,063,580 1,062,724
Loans and advances to customers and financial institutions 160,468,094 151,747,486
Allowance for loans and advances and lease losses (8,223,103) (6,621,911)
Total net loan and financial leases 152,244,991 145,125,575

 

 

1 VIS: Social Interest Homes, corresponds to mortgage loans granted by the financial institutions of amounts less than 135 SMMLV.

 

  F-164 

 

 

·Concentration of loan by maturity

 

The following table shows the ranges of maturity, understood as the remaining term for the completion of the contract of loans and financial leases:

 

December 31, 2017
Maturity Less Than 1
Year
Between 1
and 3 Years
Between 3
and 5 Years
Greater Than 5
Years
Total
In millions of COP
Commercial 26,641,770 19,583,956 13,561,261 29,210,254 88,997,241
Corporate 17,054,923 11,588,101 8,533,725 21,484,518 58,661,267
SME 5,568,251 5,684,612 2,973,761 2,957,435 17,184,059
Others 4,018,596 2,311,243 2,053,775 4,768,301 13,151,915
Consumer 1,393,022 4,826,773 12,035,699 9,390,620 27,646,114
Credit card 761,294 1,104,571 2,384,220 2,005,192 6,255,277
Vehicle 67,118 718,610 1,499,980 629,997 2,915,705
Payroll loans 52,087 692,079 1,325,911 4,900,706 6,970,783
Others 512,523 2,311,513 6,825,588 1,854,725 11,504,349
Mortgage 50,102 148,851 389,456 19,923,799 20,512,208
VIS 12,238 40,182 93,917 5,345,589 5,491,926
Non-VIS 37,864 108,669 295,539 14,578,210 15,020,282
Financial Leases 3,101,344 2,698,394 3,546,370 12,902,843 22,248,951
Small business loans 232,596 479,646 182,893 168,445 1,063,580
Total gross loans and financial leases 31,418,834 27,737,620 29,715,679 71,595,961 160,468,094

 

December 31, 2016
Maturity Less Than 1
Year
Between 1
and 3 Years
Between 3
and 5 Years
Greater Than 5
Years
Total
In millions of COP
Commercial 18,011,992 22,458,578 13,494,101 32,295,037 86,259,708
Corporate 9,679,076 14,032,332 8,385,002 23,765,943 55,862,353
SME 4,549,984 5,711,371 3,145,824 3,114,629 16,521,808
Others 3,782,932 2,714,875 1,963,275 5,414,465 13,875,547
Consumer 692,986 4,873,973 9,713,953 8,644,367 23,925,279
Credit card 189,648 1,465,599 2,363,351 3,766,060 7,784,658
Vehicle 68,174 644,217 1,516,701 829,561 3,058,653
Payroll loans 46,849 589,925 1,314,077 3,129,809 5,080,660
Others 388,315 2,174,232 4,519,824 918,937 8,001,308
Mortgage 37,068 130,429 309,167 18,679,188 19,155,852
VIS 11,151 45,615 81,807 4,878,947 5,017,520
Non-VIS 25,917 84,814 227,360 13,800,241 14,138,332
Financial Leases 3,389,108 2,719,026 3,168,629 12,067,160 21,343,923
Small business loans 128,025 604,831 161,559 168,309 1,062,724
Total gross loans and financial leases 22,259,179 30,786,837 26,847,409 71,854,061 151,747,486

 

  F-165 

 

 

·Concentration by past due days

 

The following shows the loans according to past due days. A loan is considered past due if it is more than one month overdue (i.e. 31 days):

 

December 31, 2017
Past-due
Period 0 - 30 Days 31 - 90 Days 91 - 120 Days 121 - 360 Days More Than
360 Days
Total
  In millions of COP
Commercial 85,747,936 570,412 130,613 1,573,899 974,381 88,997,241
Consumer 25,942,380 764,098 236,509 584,789 118,338 27,646,114
Mortgage 18,751,121 752,336 140,188 396,227 472,336 20,512,208
Financial Leases 21,480,161 215,685 61,700 238,030 253,375 22,248,951
Small Business Loan 916,298 39,178 12,753 70,977 24,374 1,063,580
Total 152,837,896 2,341,709 581,763 2,863,922 1,842,804 160,468,094

 

December 31, 2016
Past-due
Period 0 - 30 Days 31 - 90 Days 91 - 120 Days 121 - 360 Days More Than
360 Days
Total
  In millions of COP
Commercial 84,353,343 361,110 116,876 857,622 570,757 86,259,708
Consumer 22,624,937 609,278 168,018 443,530 79,516 23,925,279
Mortgage 17,746,163 639,346 132,330 284,214 353,799 19,155,852
Financial Leases 20,695,617 149,214 25,238 160,557 313,297 21,343,923
Small Business Loan 943,393 42,941 11,639 46,382 18,369 1,062,724
Total 146,363,453 1,801,889 454,101 1,792,305 1,335,738 151,747,486

 

·Concentration of loans by economic sector

 

The following is the detail of the credit portfolio by main economic activity of the borrower:

 

December 31, 2017
Economic sector Loans and advances
Local Foreign Total
  In millions of COP
Agriculture 3,533,671 2,171,525 5,705,196
Petroleum and Mining Products 909,127 65,991 975,118
Food, Beverages and Tobacco 5,640,910 808,493 6,449,403
Chemical Production 3,341,248 172,763 3,514,011
Government 3,780,686 151,879 3,932,565
Construction 15,464,605 5,164,321 20,628,926
Commerce and Tourism 17,115,018 6,520,546 23,635,564
Transport and Communications 8,307,712 602,962 8,910,674
Public Services 5,180,634 2,472,215 7,652,849
Consumer Services 31,367,376 16,719,168 48,086,544
Commercial Services 16,248,665 3,993,836 20,242,501
Other Industries and Manufactured Products 6,367,961 4,366,782 10,734,743
Total 117,257,613 43,210,481 160,468,094

 

  F-166 

 

 

December 31, 2016
Economic sector Loans and advances
Local Foreign Total
  In millions of COP
Agriculture 3,360,479 2,210,219 5,570,698
Petroleum and Mining Products 1,670,126 96,463 1,766,589
Food, Beverages and Tobacco 4,992,305 556,798 5,549,103
Chemical Production 3,184,196 218,010 3,402,206
Government 3,426,089 204,429 3,630,518
Construction 14,122,163 4,496,434 18,618,597
Commerce and Tourism 15,953,310 6,056,928 22,010,238
Transport and Communications 7,484,105 740,379 8,224,484
Public Services 5,013,469 4,626,201 9,639,670
Consumer Services 28,673,632 13,116,938 41,790,570
Commercial Services 15,186,857 5,753,166 20,940,023
Other Industries and Manufactured Products 6,141,378 4,463,412 10,604,790
Total 109,208,109 42,539,377 151,747,486
         

·Credit concentration by country

 

The table below shows the concentration of the loans and advances by country. Loans are presented based on the country that they were originated:

 

December 31, 2017
Country Loans and advances % Participation Allowance for loans
and advances and
lease losses
% Participation
Colombia 112,862,226 70.30% 7,164,085 87.10%
Panama 28,722,853 17.90% 507,181 6.20%
El Salvador 9,120,415 5.70% 358,258 4.40%
Puerto Rico 847,767 0.50% 14,941 0.20%
Guatemala 8,902,627 5.50% 177,895 2.10%
Other countries 12,206 0.10% 743 0.00%
Total 160,468,094 100.00% 8,223,103 100.00%

 

December 31, 2016
Country Loans and advances % Participation Allowance for loans
and advances and
lease losses
% Participation
Colombia 102,011,845 67.22% 5,369,122 81.08%
Panama 31,216,172 20.57% 783,883 11.84%
El Salvador 8,879,815 5.85% 345,364 5.22%
Puerto Rico 1,220,689 0.80% 10,218 0.15%
Peru 140,114 0.09% 9,958 0.15%
Guatemala 8,265,518 5.45% 102,772 1.55%
Other countries 13,333 0.02% 594 0.01%
Total 151,747,486 100.00% 6,621,911 100.00%

 

  F-167 

 

 

·Credit concentration by economic group

  

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, concentration of the 20 largest economic groups amounted to COP 19.2 billion and COP 17.3 billion, respectively. This exposure corresponds to all credit active operations of these groups.

 

d.Credit quality – Loans and Advances

 

The following table shows information about current, past due and impaired loans:

 

December 31 2017
Risk Category Current loans
without
impairment
Past due loan
without
impairment
Current loans
that are
impaired
Past due and
impaired loans
Total
  In millions of COP
A- Normal Risk 139,543,463 224,259 783,333 7,108 140,558,163
B- Acceptable Risk 5,986,958 1,265,787 1,848,716 88,508 9,189,969
C- Appreciable Risk 9,770 715 2,932,948 901,271 3,844,704
D- Significant Risk - - 1,167,928 3,289,030 4,456,958
E- Unrecoverable Risk 52 - 564,728 1,853,520 2,418,300
Total 145,540,243 1,490,761 7,297,653 6,139,437 160,468,094

 

December 31, 2016
Risk Category Current loans
without
impairment
Past due loan
without
impairment
Current loans
that are
impaired
Past due and
impaired loans
Total
  In millions of COP
A- Normal Risk 134,686,374 183,232 1,590,500 11,110 136,471,216
B- Acceptable Risk 4,810,882 861,347 1,574,761 72,370 7,319,360
C- Appreciable Risk - - 2,603,480 979,191 3,582,671
D- Significant Risk 1,247 - 696,641 1,801,383 2,499,271
E- Unrecoverable Risk - - 532,715 1,342,253 1,874,968
Total 139,498,503 1,044,579 6,998,097 4,206,307 151,747,486

 

In order to determine the loans and advances impairment the Bank considers the economic conditions and performance of the borrower’s industry, the analysis of payments behavior, events that could negatively affect the borrower’s ability to pay, among others.

 

Impairment is determined either by a collective or individual evaluation according to the amount and characteristics of the loan.

 

  F-168 

 

 

If the evaluation is collective, the impairment is determined in accordance with the variables PD, LGD and EAD.

 

All impaired loans with a carrying amount equal or larger than COP 5,000 million are individually assessed (USD 1.5 million for foreign subsidiaries). The allowance for loans and advances and lease losses for significant impaired loans are assessed based on the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate or on the fair value of collateral in the case where the loan is considered collateral-dependent. An allowance for loans and advances and lease losses is provided when discounted future cash flows or the fair value of collateral is lower than the book value.

 

The table below shows impaired loans and advances according to their type of evaluation:

 

December 31, 2017
  Individual Evaluation Collective Evaluation
  Carrying Amount Allowance Carrying Amount Allowance
  In millions of COP
Commercial 4,544,324 2,059,356 3,546,504 1,782,385
Consumer 10,839 10,839 2,337,640 1,403,499
Mortgage - - 1,115,785 489,414
Financial Leases 641,228 298,947 1,105,208 202,940
Small Business Loan - - 135,562 99,798
Total 5,196,391 2,369,142 8,240,699 3,978,036

 

December 31, 2016
  Individual Evaluation Collective Evaluation
  Carrying Amount Allowance Carrying Amount Allowance
  In millions of COP
Commercial 4,547,366 1,767,139 2,245,077 1,121,557
Consumer 4,586 1,153 1,820,092 1,025,668
Mortgage - - 1,215,061 474,479
Financial Leases 454,477 265,920 815,043 144,318
Small Business Loan - - 102,702 73,594
Total 5,006,429 2,034,212 6,197,975 2,839,616

 

A one-percent increase or decrease in PD or LGD and in the cash flows for impaired loans represents an increase of approximately COP 88,725 million in the allowance for loans and advances and lease losses or in a recovery of COP 117,661 million respectively (sensitivity analysis doesn’t includes collateral dependent loans). These sensitivity analyses do not represent management’s expectations of a decline in risk ratings or an increase in loss rates, however is provided as a hypothetical scenario to assess the sensitivity of the allowance for loans and advances and lease losses to changes in key inputs. The Bank believes the risk ratings and loss severities currently in use are appropriate and represent management’s expectations about the credit risk inherent in its loan portfolio.

 

  F-169 

 

 

The following table shows the past due loans and advances without impairment:

 

December 31, 2017
  Current Loan Past Due Loan
Period 0 - 30 Days 31 – 90
Days
91 – 120
Days
121 – 360
Days
More Than
360 Days
Total
  In millions of COP
Commercial 80,724,673 181,441 135 163 1 80,906,413
Consumer 24,987,248 310,329 57 1 - 25,297,635
Mortgage 18,529,421 654,945 118,175 93,882 - 19,396,423
Financial Leases 20,396,114 106,099 231 - 71 20,502,515
Small Business Loan 902,787 25,231 - - - 928,018
Total 145,540,243 1,278,045 118,598 94,046 72 147,031,004

 

December 31, 2016
  Current Loan Past Due Loan
Period 0 - 30 Days 31 – 90
Days
91 – 120
Days
121 – 360
Days
More Than
360 Days
Total
  In millions of COP
Commercial 79,287,627 178,350 - 1,287 1 79,467,265
Consumer 21,809,911 290,549 5 133 3 22,100,601
Mortgage 17,485,525 368,574 50,410 36,282 - 17,940,791
Financial Leases 19,880,982 89,573 395 2,557 100,896 20,074,403
Small Business Loan 930,432 29,590 - - - 960,022
Total 139,394,477 956,636 50,810 40,259 100,900 140,543,082

 

e.Credit Risk Management – Other Financial Instruments:

 

Each one of the positions that make up the portfolio complies with the policies and limits that seek to diminish credit risk exposure. Those policies are, among others:

 

·Term Limits: Each borrower is evaluated by the Credit Committee, in which the result of the authorized model for this type of borrower is reviewed (quantitative and qualitative variables), which allows the Credit Committee to establish the maximum term for which the Bank wishes to have exposure.

 

·Credit Limits: Limits approved under the model and with authorization from the Risk Committee, as well as the exposure, are monitored in line or batch, in such a way that the presentation of excesses is mitigated.

 

·Counterparty Limits: These limits, derived from the credit limits or from allocation models and are verified by the Front Office prior to the close of operations.

 

·Master Agreement: These bilateral agreements describe the handling of operations between the counterparties in accordance with good international practices and that limit the legal and financial risk under the occurrence of events of default (failure to pay or delivery). Mitigation mechanisms, procedures to be carried out in the case of this events of default, special conditions by type of operation and that are applied to OTC derivatives, Repos and other securities financing transactions, are all agreed upon.

 

·Margin Agreements: For OTC derivatives operations and other securities financing transactions, agreements that regulate the administration of guarantees, haircuts, adjustment periods, minimum transfer amounts, etc., and that limit risk for a period of time (one day, one week, etc.), are established for counterparties involved in the operation.

 

  F-170 

 

 

·Counterparty Alerts: There are financial, qualitative and market indicators that allow the Bank to establish damages to the credit quality of an issuer or counterparty.

 

f.Credit Quality Analysis - Other Financial Instruments:

 

In order to evaluate the credit quality of a counterparty or issuer (to determine a risk level or profile), the Bank relies on two rating systems: an external one and an internal one, both of which allow to identify a degree of risk differentiated by segment and country and to apply the policies that have been established for issuers or counterparties with different levels of risk, in order to limit the impact on liquidity and/or the income statement of the Bank.

 

External credit rating system is divided by the type of rating applied to each instrument or counterparty; in this way the geographic location, the term and the type of instrument allow the assignment of a rating according to the methodology that each examining agency uses.

 

Internal credit rating system: The “ratings or risk profiles” scale is created with a range of levels that go from low exposure to high exposure (this can be reported in numerical or alphanumerical scales), where the rating model is sustained by the implementation and analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables at sector level, which according to the relative analysis of each variable, determine credit quality; in this way the internal credit rating system aims to establish adequate margin in decision-making regarding the management of financial instruments.

 

Credit Quality Analysis of the Group

 

  Debt Securities Equity Derivatives1
  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk
Low Risk 12,475,888 9,134,939 780,870 792,323 349,375 765,355
Medium Risk 1,842,454 1,695,848 - 11,111 181 94
High Risk 336,054 647,709 10,939 602 1,679 1,640
Without  Rating 205,027 227,067 728,504 610,788 106,705 12,741
Total 14,859,423 11,705,563 1,520,313 1,414,824 457,940 779,830

 

1For derivatives transactions counterparty risk is disclosed as long as the valuation is positive. Therefore, the value described here differs from the book value.

 

In accordance with the criteria and considerations specified in the internal rating allocation and external credit rating systems methodologies, the following schemes of relation can be established, according to credit quality given to each one of the qualification scales:

 

Low Risk: All investment grade positions (from AAA to BBB-), as well as those issuers that according to the information available (financial statements, relevant information, external ratings, CDS, among others.) reflect adequate credit quality.

 

Medium Risk: All speculative grade positions (from BB+ to BB-), as well as those issuers that according to the available information (Financial statements, relevant information, external qualifications, CDS, among others) reflect weaknesses that could affect their financial situation in the medium term.

 

  F-171 

 

 

High Risk: All positions of speculative grade (from B+ to D), as well as those issuers that according to the information available (Financial statements, relevant information, external qualifications, CDS, among others) reflect a high probability of default of financial obligations or that already have failed to fulfill them.

 

·Financial credit quality of other financial instruments that are not in default nor impaired in value

 

Debt Securities: 100% of the debt securities are not in default.

Equity Securities: The positions do not represent significant risks.

Derivatives: 99.95% of the credit exposure does not present incidences of material default. The remaining percentage corresponds to default events at the end of the period.

 

·Maximum exposure level to the credit risk given for:

 

  Maximum Exposure Collateral * Net Exposure
  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk
Debt Securities 14,859,423 11,705,563 (2,741,345) (1,137,457)  12,118,078 10,568,106 
Derivatives ** 457,940 779,829 (125,902) (247,307) 332,038 532,522 
Equity 1,520,313 1,414,824 - - 1,520,313 1,414,824 
Total 16,837,676 13,900,216 (2,867,247) (1,384,764) 13,970,429 12,515,452 

 

See Notes on this table:

 

* Collateral Held (-) and Collateral Pledged (+)

 

** Exposure in Derivatives with base in MTM (only positive values), netting by counterparty is applied

* Debt Securities Book value 100%

* Equity Instruments:

-Shares:100%
-Investment funds: Book value 100%

 

·Analysis of the maturity of other financial instruments that past due but not impaired

 

Debt Securities: Portfolio does not present past due nor impaired assets.
Equity securities: Portfolio does not present impaired assets
Derivatives: The past due assets are not material.

 

·The information corresponding to the individual evaluation of impairment at the end of the period for other financial instruments, is detailed as follows:

 

Debt Securities

 

  Exposure Impairment Final Exposure
  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk
Fair Value 10,701,855 8,538,974 - - 10,701,855 8,538,974
Amortized Cost 4,158,766 3,166,589 1,198 - 4,157,568 3,166,589
Total 14,860,621 11,705,563  1,198 - 14,859,423 11,705,563

 

  F-172 

 

 

Equity

 

  Exposure Impairment Final Exposure
  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk
Fair Value through profit or loss 990,788 895,425 - - 990,788 895,425
Fair Value through OCI 529,525 519,399 - - 529,525 519,399
Total 1,520,313 1,414,824 - - 1,520,313 1,414,824

 

Collateral- other financial instruments:

 

Level of collateral: Respect to the type of asset or operation, a collateral level is determined according to the policies defined for each product and the market where the operation is carried out.

 

Assets held as collateral in organized markets: The only assets that can be received as collateral are those defined by the central counterparties, the stock market where the operation is negotiated, those assets that are settled separately in different contracts or documents, which can be managed by each organization and must comply with the investment policies defined by the Bank, taking into account the credit limit for each type of asset or operation received or delivered, which collateral received are the best credit quality and liquidity.

 

Assets received as bilateral collateral between counterparties: The collateral accepted in international OTC derivative operations is agreed on bilaterally in the Credit Support Annex (CSA)1 and with fulfillment in cash in dollars and managed by ClearStream. This company acts on behalf of Bancolombia for making international margin calls and providing a better management of the collateral.

 

Collateral adjustments for margin agreements: The adjustments will be determined by the criteria applied by both the external and internal regulations in effect, and at the same time, mitigation standards are maintained so that the operation fulfills the liquidity and solidity criteria for settlement. Among the main characteristics by product or market, we have:

 

With respect to the derivative operations, these are carried out daily, with threshold levels of zero for the majority of counterparties, which reduces the exposure to a term that does not exceed 10 days, according to Basel.

 

For buy-sell backs, repos and other securities financing transactions, daily monitoring is done in order to establish the need to adjust the collateral in such a way that these are applied in as little time as possible, according to the contracts or market conditions.

  

 

1 A Credit Support Annex (CSA) provides credit protection by setting forth the rules governing the mutual posting of collateral. CSAs are used in documenting collateral arrangements between two parties that trade privately negotiated (over-the-counter) derivative securities. The trade is documented under a standard contract called a master agreement, developed by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA).

  F-173 

 

 

For all international counterparties, margin agreements that limit exposure to the maximum and with a daily adjustment period are celebrated. These margin agreements are celebrated under ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association)1 and GMRA (Global Master Repurchase Agreement)2 both for OTC derivatives and securities financing transactions.

  

For every local counterparty, the local framework agreement is signed (agreement developed by the industry) and the mitigating actions to apply in each operation are agreed upon, whether for margin agreements, re-couponing, early termination, among others.

 

For repos, buy-sell backs and other securities financing transactions, these are agreed upon by organized markets that in general implicate complying with haircut or additional collateral rules.

 

The central counterparty carries out daily control and monitoring processes in order to comply with the rules imposed by these organizations in such a way that we are always making daily adjustments at the demanded collateral level.

 

g.Concentration of the credit risk - other financial instruments:

 

According to the regulations, the Bank must control on a daily basis the risk of positions of the Bank’s companies with the same issuer or counterparty stands, below the legal limits.

 

By the same way, the positions of the Bank are verified respect of the authorized risk levels in each country in order to guarantee the alerts and positions limits, that are considered outside of the Bank risk appetite.

 

h.Risk exposure by economic sector and risk country:

 

  Debt Securities Equity Derivatives3
  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk          
Sector Concentration            
      Corporate 3,020,087 2,148,173 1,340,844 1,193,132 95,138 187,171
      Financial 1,054,303 979,201 91,904 186,123 317,232 545,990
      Government 10,785,033 8,578,189 - - - -
      Funds e ETF - - 87,565 35,569 45,570 46,668
Total 14,859,423 11,705,563 1,520,313 1,414,824 457,940 779,829
Concentration by Location
      North America 710,592 344,173 8,658 - 130,303 294,317
      Latam 12,643,832 11,352,383 1,494,750 1,407,845 294,237 369,401
      Europe - 9,007 - 6,979 33,400 55,572
      Others (Includes Funds and ETF) 1,504,999 - 16,905 - - 60,539
Total 14,859,423 11,705,563 1,520,313 1,414,824 457,940 779,829

 

 

1 ISDA: is a trade organization of participants in the market for which has created a standardized contract (the ISDA Master Agreement) to enter into derivatives transactions.

2 GMRA: It is a model legal agreement designed for parties transacting repos and is published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), which is the body representing the  bond and repo markets in Europe.

3 For derivatives transactions counterparty risk is revealed as long as the valuation is positive. Therefore, the value described here differs from the book value.

 

  F-174 

 

 

At the moment, the Bank’s positions are not in excess of the concentration limit, according to the applicable laws.

 

31.2 Market risk

 

Market risk refers to the risk of losses in the Bank’s treasury book due to changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign-exchange rates and other indicators whose values are set in a public market. It also refers to the probability of unexpected changes in net interest income and equity economic value as a result of a change in market interest rates.

 

Market risk stems from the following activities at the Bank:

 

a)Trading: includes purchase - sale and positioning mainly in fixed income securities, equities, currencies and derivatives, as well as the financial services provided to customers, such as brokerage. Trading instruments are recorded in the treasury book and are managed by the Treasury Division which is also responsible for the aggregated management of exchange rate exposures arising from the banking book and treasury book.

 

b)Balance sheet management: refers to the assets and liabilities management, due to mismatches in maturities and repricing of them. The Assets Liability Management Division is responsible for the balance sheet management, preserving the stability of the financial margin and the equity economic value, maintaining adequate levels of liquidity and solvency. Non-trading instruments are recorded in the Bank’s banking book (the “Banking Book”), which includes primarily loans, time deposits, checking accounts and savings accounts.

 

In the Bank, the market risks are identified, measured, monitored, controlled and reported in order to support the decision-taking process for their mitigation, and to create greater shareholder value added.

 

The guidelines, policies and methodologies for market risks management are approved by the Board of Directors, thus guaranteeing the congruence and consistency in the risk appetite among subsidiaries. Each country has a local Market and Liquidity Risk Management Office that applies at an individual level the principles of the Bank´s Market Risks Management Strategy. The Board of Directors and senior management have formalized the policies, procedures, strategies and rules of action for market risk administration in its “Market Risk Manual”. This manual defines the roles and responsibilities within each subdivision of the Bank and their interaction to ensure adequate market risk administration.

 

The Bank´s Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office, responsible for monitoring and permanently controlling compliance with the limits established, is set up with clear independence from the trading and businesses units, ensuring enforcement authority. This independent control function is complemented by regular reviews conducted by the Internal Audit.

 

The Bank’s Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office is responsible for: (a) identifying, measuring, monitoring, analysing and controlling the market risk inherent in the Bank’s businesses: (b) analysing the Bank’s exposure under stress scenarios and confirming compliance with the Bank’s risk management policies: (c) designing the methodologies for valuation of the market value of certain securities and financial instruments: (d) reporting to senior management and the Board of Directors any violation of the Bank’s risk management policies: (e) reporting to the senior management on a daily basis the levels of market risk associated with the trading instruments recorded in its treasury book, and (f) proposing policies to the Board of Directors and to senior management that ensure the maintenance of predetermined risk levels. The Bank has also implemented an approval process for new products across each of its subdivisions. This process is designed to ensure that each subdivision is prepared to incorporate the new product into its procedures, that every risk is considered before the product is incorporated and that approval is obtained from the Board of Directors before the new product can be sold.

 

  F-175 

 

 

Market risks arising from trading instruments are measured at the Bank using two different Value at Risk (VaR) methodologies: the standard methodology required by the Superintendence of Finance (SFC), and the internal methodology of historical simulation. The standard methodology is established by “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, based on the model recommended by the Amendment to the Capital Accord to Incorporate Market Risks of Basel Committee of 2005. The internal methodology of historical simulation uses a confidence level of 99%, a holding period of 10 days, and a time frame of one year or at least 250 days from the reference date of the VaR calculation is used, obtained from the reference date of calculating the VaR. The standard methodology is used to report the market risk exposure to the Financial Superintendency and is also used to measure the capital requirements for the Bank, therefore the analysis below is based on information obtain from this model.

 

The Bank’s VaR limits structure for trading activities, is sufficiently granular to conduct an effective control of the various types of market risk factors on which an exposure is held. It ensures that the market risk is not concentrated in certain asset classes and maximizes the portfolio diversification effect. These limits are defined by companies, products or by risk takers. The majority of the limits are based on the maximum VaR values to which a certain portfolio can be exposed, nevertheless, loss triggers, stop loss and sensitivity warning levels are also set, especially in the derivatives portfolios. The limits are approved by the Board of Directors, and set based on factors such as tolerance for losses, capital resources and market´s complexity and volatility. They are monitored daily, and their excesses or violations are reported to the Board of Directors and the Risk Committee.

 

Additional measurements like stress tests are done, to identify extreme unusual situations that could cause severe losses. Stress simulations include historical events and hypothetical scenarios. Back testing or model validation technics through comparison of predicted and actual loss level are applied on a regular basis to analyse and contrast the accuracy of the VaR calculation methodology in order to confirm its reliability, and make adjustments to the models if necessary.

 

Within the control and monitoring processes of market risks, reports are elaborated on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. They include an analysis of the most relevant risk measures and allow for monitoring the exposure levels to market risks and to the legal and internal limits established for each one of the levels of the Bank. These reports are taken as an input for the decision-taking process in the different Committees and management of the Bank.

 

Market Risk Management

 

The following section describes the market risks to which the Bank is exposed and the tools and methodologies used to measure these risks as of December 31st, 2017. The Bank faces market risk as a consequence of its lending, trading and investments businesses.

 

  F-176 

 

 

The Bank uses a value at risk (“VaR”) calculation to limit its exposure to the market risk of its Treasury Book. The board of directors is responsible for establishing the maximum VaR based on its assessment of the appropriate level of risk for Bancolombia. The Risks Committee is responsible for establishing the maximum VaR by type of investment (e.g., fixed income in public debt) and by type of risk (e.g., currency risk). These limits are supervised on a daily basis by the Market Risk Management Office. 

 

For managing the interest rate risk from banking activities, the Bank analyses the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. In addition, the foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the banking book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

a.Measurement of market risk of trading instruments

 

The Bank currently measures the treasury book exposure to market risk (including over-the-counter derivatives positions) as well as the currency risk exposure of the banking book, which is provided to the Treasury Division, using a VaR methodology established in accordance with “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, issued by the SFC.

 

The VaR methodology established by “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular” is based on the model recommended by the Amendment to the Capital Accord to Incorporate Market Risks of Basel Committee of 2005, which focuses on the treasury book and excludes investments classified as amortized cost which are not being given as collateral and any other investment that comprises the banking book, such as non-trading positions. In addition, the methodology aggregate all risks by the use of correlations, through an allocation system based on defined zones and bands, affected by given sensitivity factors.

 

The total market risk for the Bank is calculated by the arithmetical aggregation of the VaR calculated for each subsidiary. The aggregated VaR is reflected in the Bank’s Capital Adequacy (Solvency) ratio, in accordance with Decree 1771 of 2012.

 

For purposes of VaR calculations, a risk exposure category is any market variable that is able to influence potential changes in the portfolio value. Taking into account a given risk exposure, the VaR model assesses the maximum loss not exceeded, over a given period of time. The fluctuations in the portfolio’s VaR depend on volatility, modified duration and positions changes relating to the different instruments that are subject to market risk.

 

The relevant risk exposure categories for which VaR is computed by the Bank according to “Chapter XXI, Appendix 1 of the Basic Accounting Circular” are: (i) interest rate risks relating to local currency, foreign currency and UVR; (ii) currency risk; (iii) stock price risk; and (iv) fund risk.

 

·Interest Rate Risk (Treasury Book)

 

The interest rate risk is the probability of decrease in the market value of the position due to fluctuations in market interest rates. The Bank calculates the interest rate risk for positions in local currency, foreign currency and UVR separately; in accordance with Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular issued by the SFC.

 

  F-177 

 

 

In the first instance, the interest rate risk exposure is determined by the sensitivity calculation for the net position of each instrument. This sensitivity is calculated as the net value market product, its corresponding modified duration and the estimated variation of interest rates. The possible variations in the interest rates are established by the SFC according to the historical behavior of these variables in the markets, and they are a function of the duration and currency, as seen in the following table.

 

Zone Band Modified Duration Changes in Interest Rates (pbs)
Lower Limit Upper Limit Legal
Currency
UVR Foreign Currency
Zone 1 1 0 0.08 274 274 100
2 0.08 0.25 268 274 100
3 0.25 0.5 259 274 100
4 0.5 1 233 274 100
Zone 2 5 1 1.9 222 250 90
6 1.9 2.8 222 250 80
7 2.8 3.6 211 220 75
Zone 3 8 3.6 4.3 211 220 75
9 4.3 5.7 172 200 70
10 5.7 7.3 162 170 65
11 7.3 9.3 162 170 60
12 9.3 10.6 162 170 60
13 10.6 12 162 170 60
14 12 20 162 170 60
15 20   162 170 60

 

Once the sensitivity factor is calculated for each position, the modified duration is then used to classify each position within its corresponding band. A net sensitivity is then calculated for each band, by determining the difference between the sum of all long-positions and the sum of all short-positions. Then a net position is calculated for each zone (which consists of a series of bands) determined by the SFC. The final step is to make adjustments within each band, across bands and within each zone, which results in a final number that is the interest rate risk VaR by currency. Each adjustment is performed following the guidelines established by the SFC.

 

The Bank’s exposure to interest risk primarily arises from investments in Colombian government’s treasury bonds (TES).

 

  F-178 

 

 

·Currency (Treasury and Banking Book), Equity (Treasury Book) and Fund (Treasury Book) Risk

 

The VaR model uses a sensitivity factor to calculate the probability of loss due to fluctuations in the price of stocks, funds and currencies in which the Bank maintains a position. As previously indicated, the methodology used in these financial statements to measure such risk consists of computing VaR, which is derived by multiplying the position by the maximum probable variation in the price of such positions (“∆p”). The (“∆p”) is determined by the SFC, as shown in the following table:

 

Currency

Sensitivity Factor(1)

United States Dollar

12.49%

Euro

11.00%

Other currencies

13.02%

Equity and Fund Risk 14.70%

 

(1)Update of currency risk exposure sensitivity factors (Dollar EEUU 5.5% to 12.49%, Euro 6% to 11.00% and other currencies 8% to 13.02%).

 

The SFC according to historical market performance establishes the interest rate’s fluctuations and the sensitivity factors for currency, equity and fund risk used in the model.

 

The Circular External 027 of 2017, issued by the SFC, increased currency sensitivity factors since December 1st, 2017

 

·Total Market Risk VaR

 

The total market risk VaR is calculated as the algebraic sum of the interest rate risk, the currency risk, the stock price risk and the fund risk, which are calculated as the algebraic sum of the Parent Company and each of its subsidiaries’ exposure to these risks.

 

The total market risk VaR, had a 51.00% surge going from COP 721 billion in December 31st, 2016 to COP 1,086 billion as of December 31st, 2017, due mainly to increase in the exposure to currency risk, as a consequence of an increase of the 27.39% in the net position in US. dollars in Bancolombia.

 

The following table presents the total change on market risk and every risk factor.

 

December 2017
In millions of COP
Factor December 31 Average Maximum Minimum
Interest Rate 283,548 289,811 303,876 269,572
Exchange Rate 559,362 488,395 883,924 330,108
Share Price 70,758 76,632 84,059 70,758
Collective Portfolios 173,236 156,335 174,373 34,558
Total Value at Risk 1,086,904 1,011,173 1,406,154 877,348

 

  F-179 

 

 

December 2016 (1)
In millions of COP
Factor December 31 Average Maximum Minimum
Interest Rate 251,904 266,447 308,534 238,625
Exchange Rate 247,047 331,528 393,365 247,047
Share Price 61,120 61,811 76,438 55,264
Collective Portfolios 161,225 55,149 161,225 36,808
Total Value at Risk 721,296 714,935 827,564 627,812

 

(1)An update is presented in the amount official about Total Market Risk (VaR) calculated for the period ended at December 31st, 2016; it according to a change in the exposure of factor of Collective portfolios in Bancolombia.

 

·Assumptions and Limitations of VaR Models

 

Although VaR models represent a recognized tool for risk management, they have inherent limitations, including reliance on historical data that may not be indicative of future market conditions or trading patterns. Accordingly, VaR models should not be viewed as predictive of future results. The Bank may incur losses that could be materially in excess of the amounts indicated by the models on a particular trading day or over a period of time, and there have been instances when results have fallen outside the values generated by the Bank’s VaR models. A VaR model does not calculate the greatest possible loss. The results of these models and analysis thereof are subject to the reasonable judgment of the Bank’s risk management personnel.

 

b. Non-trading instruments market risk measurement

 

The banking book’s relevant risk exposure is interest rate risk, which is the probability of unexpected changes in net interest income as a result of a change in market interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect the Bank’s earnings because of timing differences on the reprising of the assets and liabilities. The Bank manages the interest rate risk arising from banking activities in non-trading instruments by analyzing the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. The foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the banking book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

·Interest Risk Exposure (Banking Book)

 

The Bank has performed a sensitivity analysis of market risk sensitive instruments estimating the impact on the net interest income of each position in the Banking Book, using a repricing model and assuming positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points (bps).

 

The table 1 provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate sensitivity for the statement of financial position items comprising the Banking Book.

 

  F-180 

 

 

Table 1. Sensitivity to Interest Rate Risk of the Banking Book

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate risk sensitivity in local currency (COP) at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of COP
Assets sensitivity 100 bps 692,001 614,268
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps 361,428 366,262
Net interest income sensitivity100 bps 330,573 248,006

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate risk sensitivity in foreign currency (US dollars) at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
In millions of USD
Assets sensitivity 100 bps 76 78
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps 60 71
Net interest income sensitivity100 bps 16 7

 

A positive net sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of assets than of liabilities and implies that a rise in interest rates will positively affect the Bank´s net interest income. A negative sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of liabilities than of assets and implies that a rise in interest rates will negatively affect the Bank´s net interest income. In the event of a decrease in interest rates, the impacts on net interest income would be opposite to those described above.

 

Total Exposure:

 

As of December 31, 2017, the net interest income sensitivity in local currency for the banking book instruments, entered into for other than trading purposes with positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points was COP 330,573. The change in the net interest income sensitivity between 2017 and 2016 is due to the increase in the sensitivity of loans due their growth.

 

On the other hand, the net interest income sensitivity in foreign currency, assuming the same parallel shift of 100 basis points, was USD 15 at December 31, 2017, compared with USD 7 at December 31, 2016. The increase in net interest income sensitivity due to interest rate risk between 2017 and 2016 occurred due to the reduction in the sensitivity of the interbank borrowings, because of the decrease in their position.

 

Assumptions and limitations:

 

Net interest income sensitivity analysis is based on the repricing model and consider the following key assumptions: (a) does not consider prepayments, new operations, defaults, etc., (b); the fixed rate instruments sensitivity, includes the amounts with maturity lower than one year and assumes these will be disbursed at market interest rates and (c) changes in interest rate occur immediately and parallel in the yield curves from assets and liabilities for different maturities.

 

  F-181 

 

 

·Structural equity risk exposure (Banking Book)

 

Bancolombia’s investment banking affiliate, in its role of financial corporation, holds, directly and through its affiliated companies, structural equity investments. These positions are maintained mostly in energy and financial sector. The market value of those investments increased by 29.00% during the year, to COP146 billion as of December 31, 2017 from COP114 billion as of December 31, 2016, because of the increase in the market value of the investments in the financial sector.

 

The structural equity positions are exposed to equity price risk. Sensitivity calculations are made for those positions:

 

Table 2. Share Price Sensitivity

 

    December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016
Fair Value   146,667   113,835
Delta   14.70%   14.70%
Sensitivity   21,560   16,734

 

A negative impact of 14.70%, applied to the market value, produces a decrease of COP 21 billion on the structural equity investments market value, which would decrease from COP 146 billion to COP125 billion.

 

31.3 Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is defined as the inability of a financial firm to meet its debt obligations without incurring unacceptably large losses. Thus, funding liquidity risk is the risk that a firm will not be able to meet its current and future cash flow and collateral needs, both expected and unexpected, without materially affecting its daily operations or overall financial condition. The Bank is sensitive to funding liquidity risk since debt maturity transformation is one of its key business areas.

 

At the Bank, liquidity prevails over any objective of growth or revenue. Managing liquidity has always been a fundamental pillar of its business strategy, together with capital, in supporting its balance sheet strength.

 

The Bank’s liquidity management model promotes the autonomy of subsidiaries, which must be self-sufficient in their structural funding. Each subsidiary is responsible for meeting the liquidity needs of its current and future activity, within a framework of management coordination at the Bank level. The metrics used to control liquidity risk are developed based on common and homogeneous concepts, but analysis and adaptation are made by each subsidiary.

 

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In line with best governance practices, the Bank has established a clear division of function between executing liquidity management, responsibility of the Asset and Liability Division, and their monitoring and control, responsibility of the Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office.

 

The different authorities of senior management define the policies and guidelines for managing liquidity risk. These authorities are the Board of Directors, the Risk Committee, and senior management of the Parent Company, which set the risk appetite and define the financial strategy. The ALCO committees (asset and liability committee) define the objective positioning of liquidity and the strategies that ensure the funding needs derived from businesses. The ALM division (Asset and liability management) and the Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office support the mentioned committees, which elaborate analysis and management proposals, and control compliance with the limits established.

 

Liquidity Risks Management Office is responsible for proposing the minimum amount of the liquidity reserve, the policies of the liquidity portfolio, defining premises and metrics in order to model the behaviour of the cash flows, proposing and monitoring liquidity limits in line with the Bank's risk appetite, simulating stress scenarios, evaluating and reporting the risks inherent to new products and operations; and submitting the reports required by the internal authorities for decision-making, as well as by regulators. All of the above activities are verified and evaluated by the Internal Audit.

 

The measures to control liquidity risk include maintaining a portfolio of high liquid assets, and the definition of triggers and liquidity limits, which enable evaluating the level of exposure of each one of the entities in a proactive way.

 

The methodologies used to control liquidity risk include the liquidity gaps and stress scenarios. The liquidity gaps measure the mismatches of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet position´s cash flows, separately for local currency and foreign currency. Regulatory metrics are also applied, in which the contractual maturities are used; and internal models in which the cash flows are adjusted by different ratios, to reflect a more accurate behaviour.

 

Each subsidiary creates their liquidity gap according to the characteristics of their business and they tackle them through the different financing resources they have available. The recurrence of the businesses that are going to be financed, the stability of the financing sources, and the ability of the assets to become liquid are the fundamental factors that are taken into account in the definition of this metric. In practice, and given the different behaviours of a same item in the Bank’s subsidiaries, there are common standards and methodologies to homogenize the construction of liquidity risk profiles for each unit so they can be presented in a comparable way to the Bank's Senior Management.

 

Periodically, a validation of the policies, limits, processes, methodologies and tools to evaluate liquidity risk exposure is performet, in order to establish its pertinence and functionality, and to carry out the necessary adjustments. The Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office elaborate reports daily, weekly and monthly basis in order to monitor the exposure levels and the limits and triggers set up, and to support the decision-making process.

 

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Each subsidiary has its own liquidity contingency plan, which is tested annually. These contingency plans procure the optimization of different funding sources, including obtaining additional funding from the Parent Company.

 

Liquidity risk management

 

The Bank’s Board of Directors sets the strategy for managing liquidity risk and delegates responsibility for oversight of the implementation of this policy to ALCO committee that approves the Bank’s liquidity policies and procedures. The Treasury Division manages the Bank’s liquidity position on a day-to-day basis and reviews daily reports covering the liquidity position. A summary report, including any exceptions and remedial action taken, is submitted regularly to Risk Committee and ALCO committees.

 

a.Liquidity risk exposure:

 

In order to estimate liquidity risk, the Bank measure a liquidity coverage ratio to ensure holding liquid assets sufficient to cover potential net cash outflows over 30 day. This indicator allows the Bank to meet liquidity coverage for the next month. The liquidity coverage ratio is presented as follows:

 

Liquidity Coverage Ratio   December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Net cash outflows into 30 days* 5,122,512 6,726,831
Liquid Assets 24,374,356 26,224,217
Liquidity coverage ratio 475.83% 389.85%

 

*Net cash outflows into 30 days: (Interbank borrowings, Financial assets investments, Loans and advances to customers, Derivative financial instruments), minus 30 days contractual maturities of liabilities. Demand deposit Time deposits, Interbank deposits Borrowings from other financial institutions Debt securities, Derivative financial instruments.

 

b.Liquid Assets

 

One of the main guidelines of the Bank is to maintain a solid liquidity position, therefore, the ALCO Committee, has established a minimum level of liquid assets, based on the funding needs of each subsidiary, to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Bank’s reputation.

 

The following table shows the liquid assets held by Bank´s:

 

Liquid Assets(1) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
High quality liquid assets*    
     Cash 14,793,855 15,821,823
     High quality  liquid securities 7,963,343 7,844,716
Other Liquid Assets    
     Other securities** 1,617,158 2,557,679
Total Liquid Assets 24,374,356 26,224,218

 

(1)Feature possesses the high liquidity available in all cases, and those liquid assets received by the Central Bank for its operations expansion and monetary contraction. Liquid assets are adjusted by a haircut. The following are considered as liquid assets: cash, repos held for trading and investments held for trading in listed shares in Colombia’s stock exchange, in investment funds units or in other trading debt securities.

 

*High-quality liquid assets: cash  and shares that are eligible to be reportable or repo operations, in addition to those liquid assets that the Central Bank receives for its monetary expansion and contraction operations described in paragraph 3.1.1 of the Foreign Regulatory Circular DODM-142 of the Bank of the Republic.

 

**Other Securities: Securities issued by financial and corporate entities.

 

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c.Contractual maturities of financial assets

 

The tables below set out the remaining contractual maturities of principal and interest balances of the Group’s financial assets:

 

Contractual maturities of financial assets December 31, 2017

 

Financial Assets 0 - 1 Year 1- 3 Years 3- 5 Years More than 5 years
Cash and balances with central bank 15,542,195 - - -
Interbank borrowings - Repurchase agreements 2,805,467 - - -
Financial assets investments 6,706,487 5,258,546 3,107,856 1,931,710
Loans and advances to customers 54,997,084 50,519,957 29,659,278 50,569,611
Derivative financial instruments 804,392 176,490 405,710 233,762
Total  financial assets 80,855,625 55,954,993 33,172,844 52,735,083

 

Contractual maturities of financial assets December 31, 2016

 

Financial Assets 0 - 1 Year 1- 3 Years 3- 5 Years More than 5 years
Cash and balances with central bank 16,216,907 - - -
Interbank borrowings - Repurchase agreements 4,475,341 - - -
Financial assets investments 5,438,351 3,805,890 2,025,553 2,016,014
Loans and advances to customers 55,098,988 48,180,287 27,881,140 49,141,494
Derivative financial instruments 1,437,057 274,065 202,543 533,265
Total  financial assets 82,666,644 52,260,242 30,109,236 51,690,773

 

d.Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

 

The tables below set out the remaining contractual maturities of principal and interest balances of the Bank’s financial liabilities:

 

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities December 31, 2017

 

Financial Liabilities 0 - 1 Year 1- 3 Years 3- 5 Years More than 5 years
Demand deposit from customers 77,997,629 - - -
Time deposits from customers 37,755,690 12,085,796 6,053,016 2,134,245
Interbank deposits-Repurchase agreements 3,861,258 524,880 - -
Borrowings from other financial institutions 8,709,585 2,824,456 1,379,194 1,961,015
Debt securities in issue 3,210,313 5,676,708 8,460,302 8,050,023
Derivative financial instruments 670,817 117,485 383,380 229,804
Total financial liabilities  132,205,292  21,229,325  16,275,892  12,375,087

 

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Contractual maturities of financial liabilities December 31, 2016

 

Financial Liabilities 0 - 1 Year 1- 3 Years 3- 5 Years More than 5 years
Demand deposit from customers 70,136,704 - - -
Time deposits from customers 36,297,356 12,465,672 6,362,963 2,778,373
Interbank deposits - Repurchase agreements 2,295,020 - - -
Borrowings from other financial institutions 11,436,389 3,990,970 5,813,910 1,829,142
Debt securities in issue 2,965,927 4,626,491 8,380,097 9,083,988
Derivative financial instruments 1,072,980 194,556 165,462 528,894
Total financial liabilities 124,204,376 21,277,689 20,722,432 14,220,397

 

The expected cash flows for some financial assets and liabilities may vary significantly from their contractual maturity. The main differences are the following:

 

·The demand deposits historically have maintained a tendency to remain stable.

 

·The mortgages loans, in spite of having contractual maturity between 15 and 20 years, its average life is less than these terms.

 

e.Financial guarantees

 

The tables below set out the remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s financial guarantees

 

December 31, 2017 0 - 1 Year 1- 3 Years 3- 5 Years More than 5 years
Financial guarantees  5,137,205  1,224,061  149,238  191,139

 

December 31, 2016 0 - 1 Year 1- 3 Years 3- 5 Years More than 5 years
Financial guarantees 4,602,250 1,228,289 367,298 146,167

 

31.4 Capital management

 

In order to cover future unexpected losses and be prepared against economic crisis, the Bank is engaged with an active capital management role. To this end, one of the main Director of Financial Control´s responsibility, is to monitor constantly the capital adequacy allocation and suggest the appropriate measures before crisis take place.

 

Exercises such as stress testing assessment and Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), are run for internal and external purposes and reported to the Board of Directors and senior levels to ensure all risks are managed according to our risk appetite, policies and regulation.

 

Simultaneously, senior management is engaged in maintaining a balance between an adequate capital allocation and our shareholders value proposal compliance. In doing so, upcoming investment plans will be funded by capital markets and operational flows without causing negative results among our shareholders´ interests.

 

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In accordance with the Capital Adequacy Requirements explained above (see Supervision and Regulation ITEM4 B8), financial institutions in Colombia are required to achieve a minimum solvency ratio (Basic Solvency Risk Index, Tier 1) above 4.5%, and a total solvency risk index (Tier 2) greater than or equal to 9.0%.

 

 

 

In spite of the above, the management has directed its efforts towards the equity strengthening as shown in table below.

 

  As of
December 31, 2017 December 31 2016
  In millions of COP
Regulatory Capital and Capital Adequacy Ratios    
Basic Ordinary Equity 22,221,965 19,235,519
Deductions Basic Ordinary Equity (4,189,222) (4,193,122)
Total Basic Ordinary Equity 18,032,743 15,042,397
Additional Equity 7,143,524 7,069,448
Total Regulatory Capital 25,176,267 22,111,845
Capital Ratios    
Primary capital to risk-weighted assets (Tier I) 10.15% 9.02%
Secondary capital to risk-weighted assets (Tier II) 4.03% 4.24%
Technical capital to risk-weighted assets 14.18% 13.26%

 

NOTE 32. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on April 23, 2018.

 

On March 14, 2018 the General stockholders meeting approved the Board of Directors’ profit distribution proposal and declared a dividend equal to COP 1,020 per share to be paid in quarterly instalment payments.

 

The Bank has evaluated subsequent events as at December 31, 2017, and determined that is not necessary to add further information.

 

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