This annual report summarizes ABN AMRO's performance in 2005. Some key points:
- ABN AMRO achieved strong results in 2005, with a 13.4% increase in net profit attributable to shareholders, driven by organic growth across consumer and commercial client businesses.
- The bank will propose a dividend of EUR 1.10 per share for 2005, an increase of 10 euro cents from 2004.
- ABN AMRO reorganized into five regional client business units, three global product units, two global client units, and a services unit to better coordinate and capture synergies across the bank in serving its mid-market strategy.
This annual report summarizes ABN AMRO's performance in 2005. Some key points:
- ABN AMRO achieved strong results in 2005, with a 13.4% increase in net profit attributable to shareholders, driven by organic growth across consumer and commercial client businesses.
- The bank will propose a dividend of EUR 1.10 per share for 2005, an increase of 10 euro cents from 2004.
- ABN AMRO reorganized into five regional client business units, three global product units, two global client units, and a services unit to better coordinate and capture synergies across the bank in serving its mid-market strategy.
This annual report summarizes ABN AMRO's performance in 2005. Some key points:
- ABN AMRO achieved strong results in 2005, with a 13.4% increase in net profit attributable to shareholders, driven by organic growth across consumer and commercial client businesses.
- The bank will propose a dividend of EUR 1.10 per share for 2005, an increase of 10 euro cents from 2004.
- ABN AMRO reorganized into five regional client business units, three global product units, two global client units, and a services unit to better coordinate and capture synergies across the bank in serving its mid-market strategy.
This annual report summarizes ABN AMRO's performance in 2005. Some key points:
- ABN AMRO achieved strong results in 2005, with a 13.4% increase in net profit attributable to shareholders, driven by organic growth across consumer and commercial client businesses.
- The bank will propose a dividend of EUR 1.10 per share for 2005, an increase of 10 euro cents from 2004.
- ABN AMRO reorganized into five regional client business units, three global product units, two global client units, and a services unit to better coordinate and capture synergies across the bank in serving its mid-market strategy.
ABN AMRO is a prominent international bank with European roots dating back to 1824 has over 3,500 branches in almost 60 countries and territories, a staff of about 97,000 full-time equivalents worldwide and total assets of EUR 881 billion as of year-end 2005 is listed on Euronext (Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris) and the New York Stock Exchange. Our business strategy is built on five elements: 1 Creating value for our clients by offering high-quality financial solutions that best meet their current needs and long-term goals 2 Focusing on: - consumer and commercial clients in our local markets in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia and globally on: - selected multinational corporations and financial institutions - private clients 3 Leveraging our advantages in products and people to benefit all our clients 4 Sharing expertise and operational excellence across the Group 5 Creating fuel for growth by allocating capital and talent according to the principles of Managing for Value, our value-based management model. We aim for sustainable growth to benefit all our stakeholders: our clients, our shareholders, our employees, and society at large. In pursuing this goal we are guided by our Corporate Values (integrity, teamwork, respect and professionalism) and Business Principles. Acting with integrity is at the heart of our organisation: by complying in each of the markets in which we operate with the relevant laws and regulations, the bank safeguards its reputation and its licence to operate. Meeting the highest compliance standards is seen as the basis for true competitive advantage. Therefore ABN AMRO strives to serve as the benchmark for the financial industry. We implement our strategy through a number of Business Units (BUs). Each of these units is responsible for managing a specific region, a distinct client segment or a product segment. Our BUs also share expertise and operational excellence, seek opportunities for standardisation, and exploit new market solutions to provide clients with even better products and services. These BUs are (as of 1 January 2006): Five regional Client BUs: the Netherlands, Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. These BUs serve almost 20 million consumer and commercial clients worldwide. ABN AMRO is one of the worlds leading players in these segments Two global Client BUs: The BU Private Clients provides private banking services to wealthy individuals and families and has EUR 131 billion assets under administration as of year-end 2005. The BU Global Clients serves a select group of multinational clients Profile Three global Product BUs: Global Markets, Transaction Banking and Asset Management - Global Markets transacts and develops products for all our client segments - Transaction Banking is our product organisation covering all payments and trade in the bank for our consumer and commercial clients - Asset Management, which is one of the worlds leading asset managers, operates from over 20 locations worldwide and, as of year-end 2005, manages EUR 176 billion worth of assets for private investors and institutional clients. To provide all our clients with even better products and services, we have created a cross-BU Consumer Client Segment and a cross-BU Commercial Client Segment. These segments focus on aligning the Client BUs with the Product BUs, sharing best practices and exchanging winning formulas across the Group in order to deliver high-quality solutions to our client bases across the world. Our relationship-based approach and our unique combination of clients, products and geographical markets have enabled us to build a strong competitive advantage in the mid-market segments, which represent our sweet spot. We aim to increase this advantage on a continuing basis, both by growing our mid-market client base and improving our product capabilities. grand cru haute couture skyscraper forest In November 2005 ABN AMRO presented a new global brand campaign, aiming to bring the banks tag line Making more possible to life. The campaign shows the potential of what everyday objects can become (see inside cover). For this Annual Report we created a spin-off of this campaign, showing the potential of our long term views and the things that we believe in. Potential 2 Chairmans letter 4
ABN AMRO snapshot 8 Figures at a glance 8 2005 diary 10
Core businesses 41 Consumer & Commercial Clients 42 BU Netherlands 43 BU North America 45 BU Brazil 50 BU New Growth Markets 52 BU Bouwfonds 55 Wholesale Clients 59 BU Private Equity 62 BU Private Clients 64 BU Asset Management 67
Financial statements 109 Accounting policies 112 Consolidated financial statements 128 Notes to the consolidated financial statements 133 Major subsidiaries and participating interests 205 Company financial statements 209 Notes to the company financial statements 214
Other information 217 Auditors report 218 Stipulations of the articles of association with respect to profit appropriation 218 Stipulations of the articles of association of Holding and trust office with respect to shares and voting rights 219 Proposed profit appropriation 220 Subsequent events 220 Comparison of the corporate government regulations based upon the Dutch corporate governance code and the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOXA) 221 ABN AMRO Holding N.V. 225 Curricula vitae 226 Organisation of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. 227 European Staff Council 228 Dutch Central Works Council 229 Glossary 230 Abbreviations 233 Publications 236
Contents 4 Dear Shareholder, On behalf of the Managing Board, I am writing you about our performance in 2005. We achieved strong results during the year, driven by strong organic growth in all our consumer and commercial client businesses. This organic growth reflects the benefits of our continuing focus on the strong local relationships we have with our mid-market clients, supported by our high-quality global product capabilities. These factors, in combination with stable provisions and a lower effective tax rate, enabled us to report a highly satisfactory increase of 13.4% in net profit attributable to our shareholders. In addition, we will propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders a full year dividend of EUR 1.10 per ordinary share for 2005, which is an increase of 10 euro cents compared with 2004. The improvement in our performance is all the more satisfying as it means we more than made up for the loss of income from LeasePlan, a non-core but very profitable asset that we sold in 2004. It is also a good indication that our mid- market strategy is now firmly established and delivering results. In terms of the goals we announced for the period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008, we are making progress towards reaching our objectives of an average return on equity (ROE) of 20% and a top five total return to shareholders (TRS) position in our peer group of 20 banks by the end of 2008. We reported an average ROE for 2005 of 23.5%. While we finished in seventh place in the 2002-2005 cycle, for the TRS cycle 2005-2008 we were in 12th place at the end of 2005. Nevertheless, we know there is much more untapped potential across the bank. The realignment of our organisational structure with our mid-market strategy, as announced on 14 October 2005, was really the next logical step. We have created the Group Business Committee (GBC) in order to drive coordination across the Client and Product Business Units (BUs) as well as the segments and Services, and to realise the available synergies. The GBC coordinates on an operational level while the Managing Board retains full responsibility for setting the Groups strategy and for managing its performance. This realignment created five regional Client BUs, three Product BUs, two global Client BUs and a Services organisation. It also led to the unbundling of Wholesale Clients (WCS). By opening up our WCS organisation, we are able to make our high quality WCS products available to all our mid-market customers in every region, which should lead to strong organic revenue growth in the coming years. To support this ambition, the Managing Board is very happy that it has been joined from 1 January 2006 by three new colleagues: Huibert Boumeester, Piero Overmars and Ron Teerlink. Their presence on the Managing Board will help us to optimise the execution of our mid-market strategy in the coming years and to capitalise on the capabilities available across the bank to better serve all our clients. Chairmans letter 5 We will do everything within our control to reach our ambitious goals in the coming years, but not at the expense of integrity. The Managing Board is fully committed to the banks Corporate Values and preserving the banks integrity and reputation. By complying with the relevant laws and regulations in each of the markets in which we operate, the bank safeguards its reputation, its licence to operate, and its ability to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. We believe that meeting the highest compliance standards is the basis for true competitive advantage. We therefore strive to serve as the benchmark for the financial industry. The process of the acquisition of Banca Antonveneta clearly demonstrated our commitment to this high standard. Unfortunately we faced some difficult compliance issues during the year and learned the hard way that being fully committed to compliance, in combination with our Values and Business Principles, is in itself not enough. Since ABN AMRO signed a Written Agreement with the US bank regulators in 2004, it has been working actively with external experts to fully review the compliance area and to start implementing best-in-class compliance standards in all jurisdictions in which it operates. Bank regulators in the US and the Netherlands were continuously informed about these actions. A complete review of the causes of the shortcomings in the internal supervision of the activities of the US dollar clearing centre in New York was undertaken, as well as disciplinary actions against employees involved. We have also introduced a comprehensive training programme across the bank, based on the Basel principles (these principles describe the compliance activities that Boards and compliance functions of banks must safeguard and implement), including various training programmes for all staff to instil a compliance mindset even more deeply and ensure the required compliance skills. In December 2005, ABN AMRO agreed to a Cease and Desist Order with the Nederlandsche Bank and US regulators. This involved an agreement to pay an aggregate penalty of USD 75 million and a voluntary endowment of USD 5 million in connection with deficiencies in the US dollar clearing centre of our New York branch and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance procedures, specifically in relation to certain US dollar payments originated by our branch in Dubai. Based on these Orders, ABN AMRO will have to further improve its oversight and compliance programmes. The right way forward is to accept full responsibility, take corrective action, and embed a pro-active culture of compliance and full reporting to the regulators. This is what we have done and will continue to do. For ABN AMRO, nothing short of the highest standards of compliance is acceptable. The year 2006 will be another important one for ABN AMRO, with the integration of Banca Antonveneta and the realisation of the planned cost synergies. We will work hard, in close collaboration with our new Italian Chairmans letter 6 colleagues, to realise the great opportunity to bring innovation and improved service to our new clients in Italy. We have a history of managing businesses across cultures and regions and we have proven many times that we can add new businesses without losing the strong ties they have with their local communities and while continuing to keep their strong heritage. This is of particular importance to our mid-market customers. At the same time, we firmly believe that we will deliver on our commitment to create value for our shareholders. Banca Antonveneta is a very good example of the execution of our mid-market strategy, as it means we can enlarge our presence in the mid- market of both the consumer and commercial segments. With the new structure in place since 1 January, the focus in 2006 will be on organic growth and disciplined cost and capital management, as well as on implementing improvements in our oversight and compliance programmes based on the Cease and Desist Order from the Nederlandsche Bank and the US regulators. The Managing Board has therefore defined its priorities as organic revenue growth and the realisation of the synergies from the integration of Banca Antonveneta once the acquisition is completed, as well as a continued focus on realising cost synergies through the execution of the Group Shared Services programme, further improving the returns from our former wholesale banking activities, strict capital discipline across the Group and implementing best-in-class compliance standards in all jurisdictions in which we operate. The year 2005 has been a period of investment, which resulted in significant cost growth. We expect the underlying rate of growth in expenses to be much lower in 2006, which will lead to a further improvement in the efficiency ratio. In line with our strict capital discipline, we will buy back EUR 600 million in From left to right: Tom de Swaan, Huibert Boumeester, Dolf Collee, Joost Kuiper, Rijkman Groenink, Piero Overmars, Wilco Jiskoot, Hugh Scott-Barrett, Ron Teerlink. Chairmans letter 7 shares during the first half of 2006, as previously announced, and we remain committed to starting the neutralisation of the stock dividend with effect from the 2006 interim dividend. We will also continue to review our activities with a view to more disposals of non-core assets, such as Kereskedelmi s Hitelbank and the property finance and development activities of Bouwfonds. Successful execution of these management priorities will create room for additional share buy-backs in the second half of 2006. The realisation of these priorities will be facilitated by reaping the benefits of our new organisational structure and governance, which are now aligned with our mid-market strategy, and by working as one team across the bank in short: One Bank. No Boundaries. Yours faithfully, Rijkman Groenink Chairman of the Managing Board Amsterdam, 23 March 2006 Chairmans letter 8 Figures at a glance C&CC: 59' vCS: 27' PE: 2' PC: 6' A: 4' CF: 2' 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2001 13,334 2002 13,230 2003 13,793 2004 19,793 2004 17,130 2005 19,827 These figures have been prepared in conformity with general accepted accounting principles in the Netherlands. Operating result (in millions of euros) Operating income (in millions of euros) 3,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 2001 5,063 2002 5,132 2003 6,203 2004 6,106 2004 3,373 2005 6,310 Operating income 2005 per BU (in %) Operating result 2005 per BU (in%) C&CC: 69' vCS: 10' PE: 5' PC: 5' A: 3' CF: 3' Provisioning as a % of average risk-weighted assets (RWA)
Average RWA (in billions of euros) 163 193 212 231 255 279 257 232 239 239 260 Provisioning (in millions of euros) 569 547 941 653 617 1,426 1,695 1,274 653 616 648 Provisioning as a % of average RWA 0.35 0.28 0.44 0.28 0.24 0.51 0.66 0.55 0.27 0.26 0.25
350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.10 0 1997 1993 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2004 2005 Average RWA (in billions of euros, l.s.) Provisioning as a % of average RWA (r.s.) ABN AMRO snapshot 9 Return on equity (in %) Profit for the year (in millions of euros) These figures have been prepared in conformity with general accepted accounting principles in the Netherlands. 6,000 4,500 3,000 1,500 0 2001 2,615 2002 2,415 2003 3,415 2004 4,330 2004 3,940 2005 4,443 40 30 20 10 0 2001 27.3 2002 20.1 2003 27.7 2004 30.3 2004 29.7 2005 23.5 Earnings per share (in euros) Market capitalisation (in billions of euros) 4 3 2 1 0 2001 1.53 2002 1.39 2003 1.94 2004 2.45 2004 2.33 2005 2.43 40 30 20 10 0 2001 23.6 2002 25.5 2003 31.2 2004 33.3 2004 33.3 2005 42.3 Balance sheet
(in billion of euros) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2004 2005
Total assets 597.4 556.0 560.4 608.6 727.5 881.0 Shareholders equity 12.1 11.1 13.0 15.0 14.8 22.2 Group capital 34.3 30.4 31.8 33.0 33.2 43.2 Average risk-weighted assets 279.0 257.0 232.0 239.0 239.0 260.0
Number of employees
2004 2005
Number of employees (headcount) 99,414 98,080
Netherlands (%) 29% 27% Other countries (%) 71% 73%
Full-time (%) 82% 82% Part-time (%) 18% 18%
ABN AMRO snapshot 10 January Offering of Pacific Life Funding Retail Notes through our European Direct Access Notes platform February Introduction of first-ever global tag line: Making more possible ABN AMRO welcomes its two millionth internet customer in the Netherlands Announcement that Standard Federal will be rebranded as LaSalle Bank March Acquisition of Bank Corluy strengthens our position in private banking in Belgium Announcement that the Bouwfonds mortgage franchise will be merged with the mortgage activities in the Netherlands ABN AMRO announces plans to launch an offer for Banca Antonveneta April Closing of successful share issue, generating EUR 2.52 billion for the acquisition of Banca Antonveneta Announcement of the sale of our exclusive Dutch private bank Nachenius, Tjeenk & Co. N.V. to BNP Paribas Private Bank General Meeting of Shareholders appoints Rob van den Bergh and Anthony Ruys as members of our Supervisory Board and discharges Maarten van Veen and Wim Dik, who retire May Bank of Italy approves ABN AMROs offer for Banca Antonveneta June Sale of ABN AMRO Trust and Management Service Companies to Equity Trust Sale and leaseback of our London office, 250 Bishopsgate July Inception of the Compliance Oversight Committee of the Supervisory Board August Launch of the Netherlands first-ever structured covered bond programme ABN AMRO in Brazil establishes a bancassurance partnership with Tokio Marine Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., and also sells Real Seguros to the same company September Agreement signed to acquire a controlling stake in Banca Antonveneta ABN AMRO awarded sustainable market leader in European banking sector for third successive year in Dow Jones Sustainability Index October ABN AMRO Asset Management introduces new concept for Socially Responsible Investment Group structure to be aligned more closely to realise potential for profitable growth November We are awarded the Henri Sijthoff prize for best Dutch Annual Report 2004 Transparency Benchmark 2005 award for most transparent organisation in the Netherlands in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility reporting Lead management of Europes largest-ever securitisation of EUR 22 billion with Shield 1 Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders appoints three new members to the Managing Board: Huibert Boumeester, Piero Overmars and Ron Teerlink December ABN AMRO agrees to a civil penalty of USD 75 million and a voluntary endowment of USD 5 million in connection with deficiencies in the USD Clearing Center at its New York branch and compliance procedures of the Office of Foreign Assets Control Announcement of the intended sale of our 40% stake in Kereskedelmi s Hitelbank (Hungary) to KBC Bank (Belgium) Announcement that the process of divesting Bouwfonds will start in first quarter 2006 ABN AMRO sets up Foundation investing EUR 5 million per year in poverty alleviation 2005 Diary ABN AMRO snapshot 11 ABN AMRO is an international bank with European roots. We focus on local consumer and commercial banking relationships, strongly supported by a global network and an extensive product suite. Our business mix gives us a competitive edge in our chosen markets and client segments. We aim to maximise value for our clients, while maximising value for our shareholders as the ultimate proof of, and condition for, our success. Our strategy for growing and strengthening the business is built on five elements: 1 Creating value for our clients by offering high-quality financial solutions which best meet their current needs and long-term goals 2 Focusing on: consumer and commercial clients in our local markets in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia, and globally on: selected multinational corporations and financial institutions private clients 3 Leveraging our advantages in products and people to the benefit of all our clients 4 Sharing expertise and operational excellence across the Group 5 Creating fuel for growth by allocating capital and talent according to the principles of Managing for Value, our value-based management model. We aim to achieve sustainable growth which will benefit all our stakeholders including our clients, our shareholders, our employees, and society at large. We discuss our approach to sustainability in the section on sustainable development, starting on page 39, as well as in our Sustainability Report, which is published alongside this Annual Report. Our ability to build sustainable relationships, both internally and externally, is crucial to our ability to achieve sustainable profitable growth. The Managing Board is fully committed to the banks Corporate Values and to preserving the banks integrity and reputation. By complying with the relevant laws and regulations in each of the markets in which it operates, the bank safeguards its reputation, its licence to operate, and its ability to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. Meeting the highest compliance standards is seen as the basis for true competitive advantage. It is ABN AMROs ambition to be the benchmark for compliance for the financial industry. Client focus Our clients are the prime beneficiaries of our relationship-based approach carried out through our various Business Units (BUs). This Group-wide, client-led strategy enables us to create value for a comprehensive spectrum of clients. In terms of consumer clients, these range from the mass retail consumer segment to the very high net-worth private clients segment, while our commercial clients range from a large number of small businesses to a small number of large multinationals. All these client groups are core to our strategy. However, the strategic advantage brought by our particular combination of clients, products and geographical markets is at its greatest in the mid-market segments which we serve mainly through our five regional Client BUs Netherlands, Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. In terms of consumer clients the mid-market segment includes the mass affluent segment in our regional Client BUs as well as most clients within our BU Private Clients. In terms of commercial clients the mid-market segment includes a Group strategy As an international bank with European roots, ABN AMRO focuses on local consumer and commercial banking relationships, supported by a global network and extensive product suite. Our strategy is designed to achieve sustainable profitable growth which will benefit all our stakeholders including clients, shareholders, employees, and society at large. The strategic advantage brought by our particular combination of clients, products and geographical markets is at its greatest in the mid- market client segment, our so-called sweet spot. We restructured our organisation from 1 January 2006 to further align it with our mid-market strategy, and to leverage the benefits of being one bank more effectively across the Group. Group strategy 12 Sweet spot Private Clients/ Mass Afuent Mid Market/ Financial Institutions Top Private Clients Multi- National Corporations Mass Retail Consumer Commercial Small Business Product innovation Product innovation Provider of scale Feeder channel Provider of scale Feeder channel Sweet spot significant number of medium-to-large companies and financial institutions served through our regional Client BUs. These clients typically require a local banking relationship, an extensive and competitive product suite, an international network, efficient delivery, and, for corporates, sector knowledge. With our range of businesses and capabilities, we are one of the few banks in the world that can deliver on all of these requirements, in many cases uniquely so. Our range of activities sustains our competitive edge with these clients. For example, we choose to offer all our banking products and services to our selected multinational clients and top-end private clients, because in order to remain successful with these client groups, we need to invest continuously in product quality and innovation. By using the resulting product enhancement and innovation to benefit our mid-market clients, we sustain our often unique market position in being able to meet the requirements of these mid-market clients. At the same time, our participation in the mass market consumer segment helps to cover the costs of investing in the required infrastructure, such as office branches and IT, while also serving as a feeder pipeline of future mid-market clients. Our growth strategy is to build on ABN AMROs strong position with mid-market clients, and to exploit opportunities to provide clients in this segment with high- quality and innovative products and services from across the Group. We constantly strive to capitalise on our international product range and network to the benefit of all our mid-market clients, often using local brands and local client intimacy. This approach is underpinned by our global branding concept, under which we display the green and yellow ABN AMRO shield next to strong local brand names in combination with the Making more possible tag line we introduced in February 2005. Examples of this include LaSalle Bank in the US Midwest and Banco Real in Brazil. We aim to build further on our already strong strategic positioning by winning more clients in our chosen markets and client segments, and by making carefully targeted investments to improve our product capabilities. In terms of new markets, our BU Europe and BU Asia are successfully exploiting the attractive opportunities that are opening up in several emerging markets, with a strong focus for BU Asia on Greater China (the Peoples Republic of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) and on India. Group strategy 13 Capitalising on our one bank advantage As an additional step to reinforce our commitment to the consumer and commercial mid-market clients, and to leverage the benefits of being one bank more effectively by sharing expertise and operational excellence across the Group, we replaced our previous Strategic Business Unit-based structure with a new structure from 1 January 2006. This new structure is comprised of: seven Client BUs three Product BUs two cross-BU segments Services Group Functions. The seven Client BUs consist of five regional BUs (Netherlands, Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia) and two global BUs, Private Clients and Global Clients, the latter serving a select group of multinational corporations. The three Product BUs (Global Markets, Transaction Banking and Asset Management) support the Client BUs by developing and delivering products for all our clients globally with a primary focus on the mid-market segment. The BUs are bound together on a global basis through a cross-BU Consumer Client Segment and a cross-BU Commercial Client Segment. The role of these segments includes driving the application of winning formulas across our various geographies, and working with the BUs Asset Management, Transaction Banking and Global Markets to deliver high-quality solutions to our various client bases. We will also continue to build on the initial success of Services. This organisation will maintain its existing focus on identifying and exploiting potential for higher operational efficiency through further consolidation and standardisation across all our operations. Services will also continue to investigate and implement new market solutions, with the aim of ensuring that all our BUs get the support services and flexibility they need in order to provide clients with even better products and services delivered in the most efficient way, at an optimal level of operational risk. Group Functions is comprised of centres of expertise delivering value-added support and services across the Group in areas including, among others, Risk, Finance, Audit, Legal, Compliance, Human Resources, Europe North America Latin America Asia Private Clients Global Clients Netherlands Consumer Client Segment Commercial Client Segment Local Products Local Products Local Products Local Products Local Products Local Products M&A ECM Global Markets Transaction Banking Asset Management Services Group Functions New group organisation structure Group strategy 14 Communications, Investor Relations and Corporate Development. The new structure will create new demands on the governance of the Group, so we have adapted the Groups governance model accordingly. As well as increasing the size of the Managing Board to eight members and reallocating some of their responsibilities, we created a Group Business Committee (GBC) to drive coordination across the Group. The GBC will be made up of the five Managing Board members with line-of-business responsibility and the Senior Executive Vice Presidents (SEVPs) managing the various BUs. Focusing on our core activities In order to focus our Group more effectively on our core strengths, we continued our disposal programme in 2005 by selling off a number of non-core activities. In the Netherlands we completed the disposal of private bank Nachenius, Tjeenk & Co. In Brazil we effected the sale of 100% of property and casualty insurer Real Seguros and 50% of life insurance and pension company Real Vida e Previdncia, in both cases to Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co, with which we entered into an exclusive bancassurance partnership in Brazil. During the year we also completed the sale of ABN AMRO Trust and Management Service Companies. In line with this continuing focus on our core strengths, we have gone on to announce our intention to sell our international banking activities in Curacao to FirstCaribbean Bank and our 40% stake in Kereskedelmi s Hitelbank (Hungary) to KBC Bank (Belgium), and to start the process of selling Bouwfonds in the first quarter of 2006. As part of Services drive to create value across the Group, ABN AMRO initiated a major IT programme in 2005. This includes a five-year outsourcing contract under which IBM will oversee IT infrastructure services for the bank worldwide, contracts with Infosys and Tata Consulting Services (TCS) to provide application support and enhancements to the bank, and preferred vendor agreements with Accenture, IBM, Infosys, Patni and TCS for application development. At the same time we continued to make targeted investments aimed at strengthening our core business and our positioning in the markets in which we operate. In 2005, ABN AMRO laid the foundations for the acquisition of Banca Antonveneta, before taking a majority stake in January 2006. Banca Antonveneta is a banking group with a strong presence in Italys wealthy north-eastern region, and represents an ideal platform on which to expand our presence in the mid- market segment. In Belgium we acquired Bank Corluy, thereby reinforcing the already strong position of our Private Clients business in Europe. In the Netherlands, ABN AMRO acquired the remaining shares in Bouwfonds, thereby gaining full legal control of Bouwfonds, in addition to the full economic ownership acquired in 2000. BU Netherlands subsequently announced the merger of its mortgage activities with the Bouwfonds mortgage company, thus creating the third- largest mortgage business in the Netherlands. Capital adequacy We strive continuously to optimise the ratio of our tier 1 capital and our risk-weighted assets (RWA) in order to ensure we maintain our AA credit-rating. The minimum (regulatory) tier 1 ratio required is 4%, compared to our medium-term target tier 1 ratio of 8.5%. Our tier 1 ratio rose from 7.03% at the end of 2001 to 10.62% at the end of 2005. Over the same period we also increased our so-called core tier 1 ratio, which excludes preference shares, from 4.47% to 8.47%. Our medium-term target for this ratio is 6.5%. The consolidation of Banca Antonveneta into our Group figures will reduce our capital Group strategy 15 ratios, but we remain committed to restoring our tier 1 ratio and core tier 1 ratio, which excludes preference shares, to 8% and 6% respectively well before the end of 2006. This will be achieved through disciplined capital management, including a possible reduction in RWA, and potentially also via further disposals of non-core assets. Looking ahead, ABN AMRO is strategically positioning itself to capitalise on the Capital Requirements Directive implementing the Basel II Accord in the European Union. We are doing this by using an Advanced Internal Ratings Based basis for credit risk, and an Advanced Measurement Approaches basis for operational risk. This approach is discussed further in the section Basel II. Targets for the next performance cycle 2005-2008 Our continuing commitment to disciplined capital management will be underpinned by our target of achieving an average return on equity of 20% per annum over the four-year performance cycle to the end of 2008, as well as our ambition to be in the top five of our self- selected peer group in terms of total return to shareholders at the end of 2008. Managing for Value We have implemented Managing for Value (MfV) throughout our organisation. MfV is our instrument for allocating resources to where they earn the best long-term economic profit and for measuring the results. We will continue to build on the successes MfV has brought us, allowing us to create further fuel for growth by optimally allocating key resources (both capital and talent) to those businesses which generate the highest economic value. Managing Board priorities 2006 With the new structure in place since 1 January, the focus in 2006 will be on organic growth and disciplined cost and capital management, as well as on implementing improvements in our oversight and compliance programmes based on the Cease and Desist Order from the Nederlandsche Bank and the US regulators. The Managing Board has therefore defined its priorities as organic revenue growth and the realisation of the synergies from the integration of Banca Antonveneta once the acquisition is completed, as well as a continued focus on realising cost synergies through the execution of the Group Shared Services programme, further improving the returns from our former wholesale banking activities, strict capital discipline across the Group and implementing best-in-class compliance standards in all jurisdictions in which we operate. Group strategy core market 17 Our financial results for 2005 were influenced by various incidental items, each with an individual impact of more than EUR 35 million on net operating profit. As a result, the published figure for our net operating profit in 2005 does not fully reflect the underlying trends in our business. These incidental items and their impact on the results are listed in the table on the next page. Business in brief Key figures 2005
(in millions of euros) Group results Underlying results
Acquiring Banca Antonveneta will give ABN AMRO a national presence in Italy, an attractive market with strong growth opportunities. The purchase is very much in line with our strategy, as Banca Antonvenetas client base fits well with the segments the bank is focusing on: the mass-affluent and commercial mid-market segment. Business in brief 18 Furthermore, the comparison with the previous year is made more complicated by the fact that our operating expenses for 2004 were impacted to the tune of EUR 967 million by restructuring charges and the buying-off of the profit-sharing arrangements under the Dutch collective labour agreement. The resulting impact on net operating profit for 2004 was EUR 655 million. These underlying results have therefore been reported in the table above, and the analysis which follows is adjusted for these items. Operating income ABN AMROs total operating income in 2005 increased by 14.4% to EUR 19,603 million, driven by strong organic growth in all our consumer and commercial client businesses. The increase in operating income in the BUs was driven by the following factors: Nearly all BUs in Consumer & Commercial Clients recorded double-digit organic growth in operating income. Brazil: strong growth in the retail loan portfolio Netherlands: good growth in consumer loans and savings, together with a high level of mortgage prepayment penalties North America: an increase in commercial banking revenue, and lower hedging costs related to the available-for-sale portfolio Bouwfonds: further growth in residential mortgage and property finance revenues New Growth Markets: continuing strong growth, particularly in Asia, driven by the success of the credit card business and the Van Gogh Preferred Banking activities. Wholesale Clients: strong performances from Fixed Income, Futures and FX, especially in structured derivatives. Operating expenses The 12.2% increase in operating expenses should be seen against the background of the 14.4% growth in operating income, and was partially due to foreign exchange fluctuations and incidental items (not adjusted). Expenses in all BUs increased due to higher expenditure on compliance, with total expenditure on compliance in 2005 rising to EUR 186 million. Other specific factors contributing to higher operating expenses included: Brazil: the strengthening of the Brazilian real and the new collective labour agreements in 2004 and 2005 Incidental items
(in millions of euros) Impact on
Operating Operating Operating Profit for income expenses result the year
Gain from sale Real Seguros 229 229 196 Gain from sale Nachenius, Tjeenk & Co 38 38 38 Gain from sale Bishopsgate office 43 43 39 Release healhtcare benefit provision (392) 392 268 Holiday provision 56 (56) (40) US regulatory penalty 67 (67) (67) Provision for balance sheet adjustments (86) (86) (60) Release of tax provisions 100
Total 224 (269) 493 474
Business in brief 19 Netherlands: the new collective labour agreement, and especially the new flexible bonus scheme that replaced the profit- sharing arrangement bought off New Growth Markets: continuing investment in the Asian operations, including branch openings and marketing campaigns North America: increases in staff costs, higher bonus accruals, ongoing investment in business development, and higher IT expenses on the back of several large projects such as Basel II. Operating result The operating result rose by 20.2% to EUR 5,817 million, mainly driven by Consumer & Commercial Clients and Wholesale Clients. The biggest growth driver within Consumers & Commercial Clients was BU Brazil, thanks to strong growth in its loan portfolio. The Groups efficiency ratio improved from 71.7% to 70.3%; all BUs contributed to this improvement, with the exception of BU Private Equity and BU Bouwfonds. Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions increased by EUR 32 million to EUR 648 million. Wholesale Clients and BU North America benefited from an improvement in the quality of their credit portfolios as well as from releases and recoveries. However, these positive effects were more than offset by increases in the provisions made by BU Brazil, BU Netherlands and Group Functions. The rise in provisions at BU Netherlands is a reflection of the relatively slow pace of economic growth in the Netherlands and strong expansion in our consumer finance portfolio. Effective tax rate The effective tax rate for the Group declined from 25.5% in 2004 to 23.2% in 2005. This was mainly the result of lower effective tax rates at Group Functions and BU Private Equity. Business in brief 20 The financial results for 2005 show that ABN AMRO continued to make significant progress during the year. The operating result increased strongly, driven by substantial organic revenue growth in the Business Units (BUs) Brazil, Netherlands, North America, New Growth Markets and Bouwfonds. Operating expenses also grew, but to a lesser extent. A much-improved performance from Wholesale Clients (WCS) contributed to the rise in performance as well. On the back of on average stable provisions and a lower effective tax rate, the net profit attributable to our shareholders increased by 13.4% to EUR 4,382 million or EUR 2.43 per share. We congratulate management and staff on this good performance. Financial statements and proposed dividend This Annual Report includes the financial statements, which were audited by Ernst & Young and subsequently signed by the Managing Board and the Supervisory Board. We propose to shareholders that they adopt the 2005 financial statements and discharge the Managing Board and Supervisory Board in respect of their management and supervision respectively. Upon adoption of the financial statements and the profit appropriation, ordinary shareholders will receive a dividend of EUR 1.10 per ordinary share of EUR 0.56, each with a stock dividend option. An interim dividend of EUR 0.50 has already been declared, leaving a final dividend of EUR 0.60 per ordinary share. Composition of the Supervisory Board Mr van den Bergh and Mr Ruys were appointed to the Supervisory Board for a term of four years with effect from 28 April 2005, the date of our 2005 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Mr van Veen and Mr Dik stepped down as members of the Supervisory Board on that same date. Mr Loudon and Mr Burgmans will retire from the Supervisory Board with effect from 27 April 2006. Mr Loudon will step down from the Supervisory Board, having reached the maximum total term of membership of 12 years. Since 1996 Mr Loudon has acted as Chairman of our Board. His enormous experience in corporate life, the wisdom he has shown in dealing with difficult situations and the pleasant and effective way he has chaired both our full Board and the Nomination & Compensation Committee will be greatly missed. Mr Burgmans, who is to periodically resign in 2006, has not put himself up for re-election. Throughout his eight-year tenure Mr Burgmans has contributed greatly to the discussions in the Supervisory Board and his views and advice have been highly valued. He has also played an active role in both the Nomination & Compensation and Compliance Oversight Committees. We regret his decision not to stand for re-election. Mr Martinez will periodically resign but is standing for re-election. If he is re-elected, the intention is that Mr Martinez will succeed Mr Loudon as chairman of the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board has nominated Mr Kramer and Mr Randa for appointment by the shareholders as new members of the Board, also with effect from 27 April 2006. Both gentlemen have enjoyed distinguished business careers both internationally and in their native countries. Mr Kramer is a Dutch national and made his career as a Civil Engineer. Until the end of 2005 he was Supervisory Board Supervisory Board 21 President and Chief Executive Officer of Fugro N.V., Consulting Engineers. He holds various other directorships and is a former member of the Advisory Council of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. Mr Kramer is expected to bring his wide international business experience to our Board. Mr Randa is of Austrian nationality and has been in banking for most of his successful career. Until last year he was a member of the Board of Managing Directors of Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Currently he is an Executive Vice President of Magna International Inc, Toronto. Mr Randa brings with him broad expertise in commercial banking as well as specific experience in cost management and M&A. We are confident that Mr Kramer and Mr Randa will both be highly valuable additions to our Board. Curriculum vitae for both gentlemen can be found on page 226 of this Annual Report. For a list of all names and key data of all Supervisory Board members, please refer to page 225 or to the website, www.abnamro.com. The nominations and appointments were in accordance with the existing membership profile, which also can be found on the above website of ABN AMRO. The Central Works Council was informed of the vacancies and the proposed nominations. As a result of these changes, the size of the Board will remain at 12 members, of whom six are non-Dutch and of various nationalities spanning three continents. Management changes at ABN AMRO With a view towards the realisation of the banks financial goals for the period 2005-2008 the Managing Board has, in consultation with the Supervisory Board, reviewed the organisation of the Group and decided to implement a number of further adjustments in order to align the organisation more fully with the strategy. The new Group structure creates increased business accountabilities. In order to address these effectively and create a clear distinction between functional and line of business roles on the Managing Board, it was decided to increase the size of the Managing Board to eight. At the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 24 November 2005, three new members nominated by the Supervisory Board, Mr Boumeester, Mr Overmars and Mr Teerlink, were appointed. As a result of these appointments and organisational adjustments, the responsibilities of the members of the Managing Board are now as follows: Rijkman Groenink Chairman of the Managing Board, Group Audit, Group Compliance & Legal, Group Human Resources Wilco Jiskoot BU Netherlands, BU Global Clients, BU Asset Management Tom de Swaan (will retire on 1 May 2006) Chief Financial Officer (until 1 January 2006), reporting financial results 2005, Group Risk Management Joost Kuiper BU North America, Chairman Group Business Committee Dolf Collee BU Europe, BU Private Clients, Consumer Client Segment, Banca Antonveneta Hugh Scott-Barrett Chief Financial Officer (from 1 January 2006), Group Finance, Investor Relations, Supervisory Board 22 Group Communications, Chairman Resource Allocation and Performance Management Committee (RAPMC) Huibert Boumeester Chief Risk Officer, Group Risk Management, Corporate Development Piero Overmars BU Asia, BU Global Markets, Commercial Client Segment Ron Teerlink BU Latin America, BU Transaction Banking, Services, European Union Affairs & Market Infrastructure. At the Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) level this organisational adjustment resulted in a number of changes in responsibilities. Page 227 of this report shows the main elements of the new structure and the positions of the respective SEVPs. The Managing Board consulted the Supervisory Board on the SEVP appointment as from 1 January 2006 of Carin Gorter (Group Compliance & Legal), Sarah Russell (BU Asset Management), Jeroen Drost (BU Asia) and as from 1 April 2006 Gary Page (BU Global Markets). As a result of these appointments, organisational changes and retirements, the number of SEVPs decreased by 4 to 20. Full Board activities The Supervisory Board met on eight occasions during the period under review. All meetings were plenary sessions with the full Managing Board. Two of these plenary meetings were preceded by meetings of the Supervisory Board alone. In accordance with best practice provision III.1.5 of the Dutch corporate governance code, we hereby report that both Mr Scaroni and Mr Burgmans have not been able to attend three of the eight meetings of the Supervisory Board. In all instances external circumstances made it impossible for both gentlemen to attend. It is common practice within the Supervisory Board to consider absence from three Supervisory Board meetings in a year as constituting frequent absence. During the meetings without the Managing Board, the Supervisory Board evaluated its own composition and performance, the functioning of its members and the functioning (including the remuneration) of the Managing Board and its members. The Chairman prepared the agenda for meetings of the Supervisory Board with the assistance of the Chairman of the Managing Board. Regular agenda items included aspects of the corporate strategy including acquisitions and divestments, compliance and regulatory issues, financial performance, credit and other risks, performance contracts, corporate governance and the organisational structure, human resources policy, customer and services strategies. The financial performance of the bank was extensively discussed at the Supervisory Board meetings preceding the publication of quarterly or (semi-) annual results. Relevant executives and internal and external auditors participated in these discussions. These meetings were preceded by meetings of the Audit Committee, which advised the full Supervisory Board on the approval of the financial results. Comprehensive information provided by the Managing Board and reviewed by the Audit Committee with the assistance of internal and external auditors gave the Supervisory Board a good picture of the banks risks, results, capital and liquidity position, both absolutely and relative to agreed targets and the banks chosen peer group. Supervisory Board 23 The creation in 2005 of a Compliance Oversight Committee illustrates the increased importance of the Compliance function in the bank. This committee of the Supervisory Board is responsible for supervising the banks compliance organisation, activities and risk profile, and advises the full Supervisory Board on its supervision activities. As previously, the three Supervisory Board committees reported their deliberations and findings to the full Board for further discussion. During a special briefing session in January 2005, the Supervisory Board was extensively informed about the International Financial Reporting Standards and their impact on the financial reporting of ABN AMRO. At its regular January meeting the Supervisory Board reviewed and approved the Group Performance Contract for 2005 as well as the Group Strategic Agenda. At its February meeting, the Board received an overview of the Groups real estate lending and development activities from the head of Group Risk Management. During an extraordinary meeting of the Board in March, the bid for Banca Antonveneta was extensively discussed and then approved. At its May meeting the Supervisory Board reviewed in depth two reports, one commissioned by the Supervisory Board and one by the Managing Board, in connection with deficiencies found in the USD clearing centre at the New York branch in 2004 and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance procedures, specifically in relation to certain US dollar payments originated by our branch in Dubai in previous years. In connection with the deficiencies that had been found, an extensive remedial action plan was presented and approved by the Supervisory Board. The Group strategy was reviewed in depth during a special session in July and the items submitted were approved. At an extraordinary meeting of the Board, in early October, the proposed adjustments to the banks organisational structure and the proposal to nominate three new Managing Board members were reviewed and approved. In advance of its regular meeting later in October, the Supervisory Board met alone to discuss a letter received from the Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) reviewing the Managing Board actions in connection with the New York clearing operations and Dubai transactions issues. Considering the energetic approach taken by the Managing Board to remedying the deficiencies, the Supervisory Board concluded that no further actions or sanctions from the Supervisory Board were called for in addition to the repayment of parts of the bonuses received by the members of the Managing Board for 2004. In December the Supervisory Board was informed and received copies of Orders from DNB, the US Federal Reserve Board and other US regulators in connection with the New York clearing operations deficiencies and OFAC compliance procedures. The Order from the US Federal Reserve Board and other US regulators partly substitutes for the Written Agreement with US regulators which was signed in July 2004 and terminated on 19 December 2005. It further instructs the bank to continue to implement improvements in its oversight and compliance programmes, imposing at the same time a tight reporting schedule. The Orders included an aggregate civil money penalty charge of USD 75 million and a USD 5 million voluntary endowment to the Illinois Bank Examiners Education Foundation. The Compliance Oversight Committee will continue to supervise the execution of the Orders by the Managing Board and the implementation of all necessary steps in order for the bank to be compliant with these Orders. The Supervisory Board fully supports the banks desire to implement best-in-class compliance standards. Supervisory Board 24 In addition to its own yearly evaluation, the Supervisory Board commissioned in 2005 an external board review as to its own functioning, the findings and conclusions of which were presented at the January 2006 meeting of the Supervisory Board. Later that month the external board review was extensively discussed and follow-up measures were taken, which should improve the effectiveness of the Supervisory Board. Audit Committee The Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board is appointed by the Supervisory Board from among its members. The Audit Committee consists of at least four members. The Audit Committee is currently chaired by Lord Sharman of Redlynch, who assumed this position on 28 October 2005, taking over from Mr Martinez upon his appointment as Chairman of the Compliance Oversight Committee. Mr Martinez remains a member of the Audit Committee. The Chairman of the Compliance Oversight Committee for that matter has a standing invitation to attend the meeting of the Audit Committee. The other two members of the Audit Committee are Mr Pratini de Moraes and Mr Olijslager, who replaced Mr van Veen and Mr Dik upon their respective retirements from the Supervisory Board on 28 April 2005. The members collectively have adequate accounting and financial management expertise to understand the companys business, financial statements and risk profile. In addition, the Supervisory Board has determined that both Mr Martinez and Lord Sharman of Redlynch possess the relevant expertise in financial administration and accounting for listed companies or other large companies. The terms of reference of the Audit Committee are set out in the Rules Governing the Supervisory Boards Principles and Best Practices. These are available via our website at www.abnamro.com. During 2005, the Audit Committee met with the Chairman of the Managing Board and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on five occasions. In addition, the Audit Committee met separately with the banks internal and external auditors. The Audit Committee reviewed, discussed, and advised the Supervisory Board on, the annual and interim financial statements, the Annual Report, the long-form external auditors report, the internal auditors management letter including the Managing Boards related comments and the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These topics were discussed in the presence of internal and external auditors and senior representatives from Group Finance. Ernst & Young reported on its independence to the Audit Committee. Ernst & Young has reviewed its engagements with ABN AMRO and confirmed to the Audit Committee that these have not impaired Ernst & Youngs ability to act as independent auditors of ABN AMRO. In the presence of senior representatives from Group Risk Management, the Audit Committee also reviewed and discussed the overall risk profile (including credit risk, market risk, country risk and operational risk), the quality of the loan portfolio and the banks large exposures and provisioning for loan losses. Litigation to which ABN AMRO is (potentially) a party was also covered during several meetings, in the presence of the Head of Group Legal. In the beginning of 2005, the Audit Committee was also responsible for reviewing the banks compliance organisation and activities. This responsibility ended in July 2005, when the Compliance Oversight Committee was created. In 2005, Group Audits reporting lines were changed. The Head of Group Audit now has Supervisory Board 25 dual reporting lines to the Chairman of the Managing Board and the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee reviewed, discussed and approved the Group Audit Charter which lays down these new reporting lines. The Audit Committee discussed the operational and internal control aspects covered by Group Audit in their audit. Furthermore, the Audit Committee reviewed and approved the audit plan prepared by Group Audit, as well as staff matters including training and recruitment. The Audit Committee met with the Head of Group Audit after each committee meeting in private sessions as well. In 2005, the Audit Committee reviewed its pre-approval policy for audit services by the external auditor. Following this review, the Audit Committee pre-approved the nature and the budget for audit, audit-related and non-audit services, in line with this policy. No reports were filed during 2005 under the companys Whistleblowing policy. The policy was reviewed in 2005, and responsibility for its monitoring and execution transferred to the Compliance Oversight Committee. Nomination & Compensation Committee The membership of the Nomination & Compensation (N&C) Committee changed in 2005. Mr Martinez joined the Committee in May 2005, replacing Mr van Veen who left the Supervisory Board and thus the N&C Committee as he had reached the age limit of 70. The members of the Committee as of May 2005 are Mr Loudon (Chairman), Mr Burgmans, Mrs Maas-de Brouwer and Mr Martinez. The SEVP in charge of Group HR acts as secretary to the meetings. During 2005, the Committee prepared several proposals for consideration by the Supervisory Board, including the extension of the Managing Board as a consequence of the new structure. The Chairman of the Managing Board was invited to the Committees meetings to discuss relevant issues, such as the Managing Boards composition and compensation. The N&C Committee met four times in 2005. As in previous years it was assisted by an external remuneration advisor Towers Perrin, which provides the Committee with market- related information and professional advice on commonly-applied reward elements, best practices and expected developments. These services to the N&C Committee are provided under a separate arrangement from Towers Perrins other consultancy services for ABN AMRO. Basic reward philosophy Two principles guide the compensation policy applied to Managing Board members. First, the package must be competitive so that the bank can recruit both internally and externally and retain expert and experienced Managing Board members. Secondly, there must be a strong emphasis on actual performance against demanding short and longer-term targets. In 2004, the N&C Committee reviewed the Managing Board reward package using these principles, focusing particularly on the share-based arrangements and the balance between the various components of the package. The Committee was concerned about two aspects of the remuneration arrangements. One of its concerns was the effectiveness of the option plan. Developments in the external market indicated that the use of stock options was decreasing very fast, reflecting the fact that stock options can produce unwarranted gains in rising markets but have no motivation or retention value in flat or falling markets. The second concern involved Supervisory Board 26 the balance of the package for the Managing Board and the issue of whether it puts too much emphasis on the longer-term elements of reward. 2005 reward package It was decided that from 2005 onwards, stock options would no longer be included in the Managing Board package. For the 2005 reward package some re-balancing to the package was also proposed in order to give greater weight to those performance measures over which Managing Board members have more direct control. This resulted in a reward package for 2005 with an approximately equal weight on each of the three main direct elements of reward: salary, bonus and the expected value of long-term incentive awards. Base salary is compatible with the European peer group and also in line with the salary structure for the whole Top Executive Group. The cash bonus is expressed as a percentage of base salary and based on stretching performance criteria for the relevant year, set within the framework of the long- term financial targets of the Group. As from 2005 the long-term reward elements consist of the Performance Share Plan, with a direct link to the stretching long-term financial targets of the Group, and the Share Investment & Matching Plan. The proposal to change the package was approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders in April 2005 and implemented with retrospective effect from 1 January 2005. The review of performance delivery against the stated objectives for 2005 took place in the N&C Committees meeting on 30 January 2006. The performance of the Managing Board members was measured against pre-set quantitative objectives for the 2005 performance year. Quantitative objectives set for the Group in 2005 are Economic Profit, Efficiency Ratio, Return on Equity and Tier 1 Capital. For the BUs, revenue growth is also taken into account. For the Chairman of the Managing Board, the CFO and the Chief Operating Officer this assessment was based 100% on Group quantitative results. For the three members with business unit responsibility the weighting was 75% for Group and 25% for BU performance. The N&C Committee decided to set the bonuses on the basis of the achievement of the quantitative objectives for all Managing Board members, including the Chairman, at 115% of annual base salary, taking into account the substantial performance above target. The discussion with respect to the achievement of the individually-set qualitative objectives did not give the Committee a reason to adjust the bonus result on an individual basis since the qualitative targets were also amply met by all individual Managing Board members. The bonuses were approved by the Supervisory Board. Details of the 2005 reward packages are included in the financial statements (note 42, starting on page 187). Future reward package In 2005 the N&C Committee reviewed the structure of the remuneration package in the light of the Managing Board compensation policy principles outlined above and the practices observed among our major competitors. These are defined as other major Dutch companies and other European- parented banks. As a result of this review, the N&C Committee believes that, going forward, and with effect from the 2006 year, it is necessary to increase the annual bonus opportunity to bring it more into line with our competitors aiming at mid-market level. The N&C Committee therefore proposes to increase the bonus percentage for on target performance on the basis of quantitative criteria from the current 100% of annual salary to 150%, and to increase the maximum bonus from 125% to 200%. The N&C Committee retains the option of adjusting the bonus outcome for an individual within a band of plus Supervisory Board 27 or minus 20% of base salary in the light of its assessment of the qualitative criteria that have been set. The proposal with regard to the reward package will be discussed in the General Meeting of Shareholders on 27 April 2006. Subject to approval from shareholders, the intention is that this proposed amendment will become effective in 2006. Managing Board contracts The Dutch corporate governance code (the Code) took effect on 1 January 2004. Among other governance issues, the Code affects the employment relationship and reward packages for Managing Board members. The appointment of the three new members to the Managing Board as from 1 January 2006 is in line with the best practice provision II.1.1 of the corporate governance code, as the new members of the Managing Board have been appointed for a maximum period of four years and may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years at a time. The new members underlying employment contracts, which are SEVP employment contracts, continue. However, all entitlements under these contracts have been suspended during membership of the Managing Board, and replaced by another employment contract applicable to Managing Board members. The decision to continue the underlying employment contracts has implications for the application of best practice provision II.2.7 of the Dutch corporate governance code. ABN AMRO departs from the earlier interpretation that for new members of the Managing Board a redundancy clause would be adopted reflecting provision II.2.7 in principle. ABN AMRO will not include such a clause in the contracts of new Managing Board members who are already employed by ABN AMRO, and shall apply the best practice provision as follows: in the event of termination of the Managing Board membership, the suspended employment contract will be reinstated. If it is deemed necessary to terminate that contract in the future, this will happen in accordance with Dutch labour law. Succession Planning During the year, the N&C Committee and Supervisory Board discussed the subject of Managing Board succession planning. In October 2005 ABN AMROs new structure was announced. The governance model was adjusted to reflect the new structure, leading to an increase in the number of Managing Board members and changes in their areas of responsibility. The N&C Committee and subsequently the Supervisory Board discussed this issue and agreed to the new appointments. The appointments of the three new Managing Board members, Mr Boumeester, Mr Overmars and Mr Teerlink, were approved by DNB and by the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 24 November 2005, and became effective from 1 January 2006. On 1 May 2006 one of the current members of the Managing Board, Mr de Swaan, CFO, will retire, taking the Managing Board down to eight members. The N&C Committee will continue to examine the composition of the Managing Board, its future replacement needs and the development of the talent pipeline of potential new Managing Board members. Compliance Oversight Committee The Compliance Oversight Committee was established as a new Supervisory Board Committee in 2005 and held its inaugural meeting on 28 July of that year. The Compliance Oversight Committee consists of Supervisory Board 28 at least three members, each of whom is a member of the Supervisory Board. The Compliance Oversight Committee currently has three members: Mr Martinez (Chairman), Mr Burgmans and Mrs Maas-de Brouwer. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has a standing invitation to attend the meetings of the Compliance Oversight Committee. The meetings of the committee are, upon invitation, attended by the Chairman of the Managing Board and the Heads of Group Audit and Group Compliance. The Compliance Oversight Committee met twice in 2005 and had in both cases private sessions with the Head of Group Compliance. As from 2006, the Committee will meet at least five times a year. The Charter for the Compliance Oversight Committee is set out in the Rules Governing the Supervisory Boards Principles and Best Practices, which can be accessed via our website at www.abnamro. com. The members of the Compliance Oversight Committee bring together the necessary collective expertise in the relevant legislation and regulations as well as in the banks internal risk management and control systems to enable them to oversee the banks compliance obligations, compliance controls and compliance risk profile. During its meetings in 2005, the Compliance Oversight Committee discussed its Charter and meetings schedule. It also discussed the organisational changes in Group Compliance, as well as its budget. Specific attention was paid to ABN AMROs relationships with relevant supervisors and to the progress the bank has made in its remedial action plans following the Written Agreement with the US regulators. Furthermore, the Compliance Oversight Committee discussed the disciplinary review process against (former) ABN AMRO employees for breaches of compliance policies. Contacts with Dutch Central Works Council In accordance with the covenant concluded in 2003 with the Dutch Central Works Council (CWC), the Supervisory Board members responsible for Dutch affairs in relation to the CWC, Mr Dik, Mrs Groenman and Mr Olijslager, attended by rotation three meetings of the CWC. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board also had a constructive meeting with representatives of the CWC on the composition of the Supervisory Board and on the nomination of two new members. The intention is to organise another joint meeting in 2006 attended by the Supervisory Board, the Managing Board and the CWC. Amsterdam, 23 March 2006 Supervisory Board Supervisory Board 29 Corporate governance at ABN AMRO is defined by the way the bank organises and conducts the relationship between the Managing Board, the Supervisory Board and its stakeholders. For ABN AMRO, good corporate governance is critical to our ability to realise our strategic goal of creating sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders including our clients, our shareholders, our employees and society at large. In order to achieve good corporate governance, we organise the company in a way that promotes entrepreneurship by the Managing Board under the supervision of the Supervisory Board. Integrity and transparency are key elements in ABN AMROs system of corporate governance, as they are in our business as a whole. The Dutch corporate governance code The Dutch corporate governance code (the Code) took effect on 1 January 2004. The Corporate Governance Supplement for 2005, in which we report on our compliance with the Code, will be published on our corporate website. We are pleased to confirm that ABN AMRO and, where relevant, the Trust Office (as defined further) applies or shall apply the principles and the 109 (applicable) best practice provisions of the Code, with the exception of the following best practice provisions: II.1.1, II.2.7, III.5.11 and IV.1.1. It remains our belief that it is in the best interest of ABN AMRO and its various stakeholders to apply different best practices in these specific areas. For the most part, our explanations for this have remained materially unchanged, but they are repeated below for the purpose of clarity. Furthermore as set out below ABN AMRO has applied best practice provision III.6.3. Best practice provision II.1.1 states that a managing board member is appointed for a maximum period of four years and that a member may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years at a time. The current members of ABN AMROs Managing Board, with the exception of Mr Boumeester, Mr Overmars and Mr Teerlink, have been appointed for an indefinite period in accordance with the applicable statutory obligations at the time of their appointment. ABN AMRO applies the Codes best practice provision if and when new members of the Managing Board are appointed. The appointment of the three new members to the Managing Board as from 1 January 2006 is in line with the Codes best practice provision, as the proposed new members of the Managing Board have been appointed for a maximum period of four years and may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years at a time. Best practice provision II.2.7 states that the maximum remuneration in the event of dismissal is one years salary (the fixed remuneration component). If the maximum of one years salary would be manifestly unreasonable for a managing board member who is dismissed during his first term of office, this board member shall be eligible for a severance payment not exceeding twice the annual salary. The employment contracts for the current members of the Managing Board (as employed on 1 January 2004) will remain unchanged. The Supervisory Board intends to interpret the redundancy scheme as stated in the employment contracts of the current members of the Managing Board in accordance with this best practice provision. For members of the Managing Board, a contractual redundancy clause will be adopted reflecting this provision in principle. Corporate governance Effective corporate governance is critical to ABN AMROs goal of achieving long-term value for all of our stakeholders. Our approach to corporate governance ensures that the bank operates with maximum transparency and integrity, and that the controls and oversight necessary for effective risk management and compliance are in place and functioning well. The bank applies the principles and best practice of the Dutch corporate governance code except in a small number of specific instances, where the bank believes that the interests of its stakeholders are best served by the application of other best practices. Corporate governance 30 ABN AMRO will not include such a contractual redundancy clause in the contracts of the Managing Board members who already are employed by ABN AMRO. For such members the existing employment contract will be continued, although all entitlements under the contract will be suspended during the period of the Managing Board membership. In the event of a termination of the Managing Board membership the suspended employment contract shall revive and if in the future a termination of that contract would deem to be necessary, this will happen in accordance with applicable labour law. Best practice provision III.5.11 states that the remuneration committee shall not be chaired by the chairman of the supervisory board or by a former member of the management board of the company, or by a supervisory board member who is a member of the managing board of another listed company. As stated under best practice provision III.5.1, ABN AMROs Supervisory Board has a combined remuneration and selection/ appointment committee, entitled the Nomination and Compensation Committee. As ABN AMRO attaches great value to the coordinating role of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, especially in respect of the selection and nomination process of Supervisory Board and Managing Board members, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board will continue to chair the Nomination and Compensation Committee. Best practice provision IIII.6 states that any conflict of interest or apparent conflict of interest between the company and supervisory board members shall be avoided. This principle has been elaborated in best practice provisions III.6.1 to III.6.7. Pursuant to best practice provision III.6.3, we report that Rothschild has been acting as one of our advisors in our acquisition of Banca Antonveneta. As Mr De Rothschild is a member of our Supervisory Board but also serves in a number of managing and supervisory capacities at various Rothschild companies, our hiring of Rothschild as advisor may have constituted a conflict of interest within the scope of best practice provision III.6.1. Although we do not believe this conflict of interest to be of material importance (as referred to in best practice provision III.6.3) either to us or to Mr De Rothschild, we hereby disclose it and confirm that best practice provisions III.6.1 to III.6.3 have been complied with in respect of it. Best practice provision IV.1.1 states that the general meeting of shareholders of a company not having a statutory two-tier status (structuurregime) may pass a resolution to cancel the binding nature of a nomination for the appointment of a member of the managing board or of the supervisory board, and/or a resolution to dismiss a member of the managing board or of the supervisory board by an absolute majority of the votes cast. It may be provided that this majority should represent a given proportion of the issued capital, which proportion may not exceed one third. If the given proportion of the capital is not represented at the meeting, but an absolute majority of the votes cast is in favour of a resolution to cancel the binding nature of a nomination, or to dismiss a board member, a new meeting may be convened at which the resolution may be passed by an absolute majority of the votes cast, regardless of the proportion of the capital represented at the meeting. ABN AMRO does not have a statutory two-tier status (structuurregime). The Supervisory Board of ABN AMRO has decided, for the time being, to make non-binding nominations for the appointment of its members and for the appointment of members of the Managing Board. This means that the appointment of a candidate for the Supervisory Board or the Managing Board if made on the basis of a non-binding nomination requires an absolute majority in the General Meeting of Corporate governance 31 Shareholders, in which case ABN AMRO applies this best practice provision. If a candidate for the Supervisory Board or the Managing Board is proposed on the basis of a binding nomination, in accordance with its Articles of Association the binding nature of the nomination can be set aside by the General Meeting of Shareholders passing a resolution with at least a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing more than half of the economic value of the capital. Candidates that have been nominated by the shareholders require a similar majority in order to be appointed. This means that in the event that the Supervisory Board would decide in the future to make binding nominations (or a binding nomination) or in the event of a nomination by shareholders, ABN AMRO would not apply this best practice provision. ABN AMRO applies the procedure set out in its Articles of Association for the dismissal of members of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board. This procedure applies to situations in which (i) the Supervisory Board submits a proposal to the General Meeting of Shareholders to dismiss a member of the Managing Board or Supervisory Board, or (ii) the proposal to dismiss a member of the Managing or Supervisory Board is submitted at the initiative of shareholders. The first of these situations requires an absolute majority of the General Meeting of Shareholders, and in this case ABN AMRO applies this best practice provision. In the event of the second situation arising, ABN AMRO also wishes to follow the procedures laid down in its Articles of Association, and therefore to apply the requirement of a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing more than half of the economic value of the capital. ABN AMRO places great importance on the delivery of long-term shareholder value, so maintaining continuity in the management of the company is critical. For this reason, ABN AMRO will continue to apply the procedure with regard to the nominations for the appointment and dismissal of Supervisory Board and Managing Board members. US corporate governance As an SEC-registered company with a listing on the NYSE, ABN AMRO is subject to US securities laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and certain corporate governance rules imposed by the NYSE. Following the introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we established a Disclosure Committee which formalised the roles, tasks and disciplines that were already in place for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of information disclosed to the market. A further requirement of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, under Section 404, is that management must report annually on the adequacy of the design and effectiveness of the companys internal control structure and procedures for providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the financial statements. We will provide this report for the first time in 2007 covering the year ending 31 December 2006. For further information about our compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, please see the section on page 97. Shareholders influence ABN AMRO Holding and ABN AMRO Bank are both public companies with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. Under an amendment made to its articles of association on 9 June 2005, ABN AMRO Bank has changed from applying the full large company regime (volledig structuurregime) to applying the large company regime in its mitigated form (verzwakt structuurregime). This means that the Managing Board of ABN AMRO Bank, like its Supervisory Board, is appointed by its shareholder, ABN AMRO Holding. The (depositary receipts of) preference shares are not listed and are administered by a trust office, Stichting Administratiekantoor Preferente Financieringsaandelen ABN AMRO Corporate governance 32 Holding (the Trust Office). The voting rights on the preference shares, although formally held by the Trust Office, are exercised in practice by the depositary receipt holders, as voting proxies will be issued to the depositary receipt holders by the Trust Office under all circumstances. The Trust Office will not exercise its voting rights. The voting rights will be calculated on the basis of the equity participation of the (depositary receipts of) preference shares in proportion to the value of the ordinary shares. Voting rights on preference shares granted to a depositary receipt holder by proxy will correspond to the amount of depositary receipts held by the depositary receipt holder, in relation to the stock price of the ordinary shares on Euronext Amsterdam at the close of the last trading day in the month preceding the calling of the shareholders meeting. The Trust Office holds preference shares representing 100% of the total preference share capital on the basis of nominal issued share capital outstanding on 31 December 2005. The actual voting power that can be exercised on the (depositary receipts of) preference shares is approximately 1.8% of our total issued capital, based on the closing share price as at 31 December 2005. The Act containing amendments to Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, which passed into law in 2004, gives shareholders broader powers. ABN AMRO Holdings Articles of Association were amended in 2003 and 2005 to include the right for shareholders representing at least 1% of the economic value of the share capital, or a block of shares representing a market value of at least EUR 50,000,000, to request that additional items be included on the agenda of the shareholders meeting. One consequence of shareholders increasing influence is that the shareholders of ABN AMRO Holding are entitled to approve decisions made by the Managing Board that would lead to an important change in the identity or character of the company or business and to approve the remuneration policy of the Managing Board. Supervisory Board Candidates recommended for appointment or reappointment to the Supervisory Board should meet the criteria of the membership profile, which is set out in the Rules Governing the Supervisory Boards Principles and Best Practices of ABN AMRO Holding. In order to ensure the Supervisory Boards independence, we apply the criteria of independence as set out in the Code. For more information about the Supervisory Boards independence criteria, see our website at www.abnamro.com. Supervisory Board members may not represent particular interests. If an interest of a member of the Supervisory Board conflicts with that of the company, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board should be notified. Details of the Supervisory Boards remuneration package can be found in the notes to the financial statements (note 42, starting on page 187). With effect from 29 April 2005 the Supervisory Board of ABN AMRO has twelve members. Supervisory Board members are appointed for a term of four years and may be re-appointed thereafter, serving a maximum of twelve years, while taking into account the age limit of 70. As described in the report of the Supervisory Board, the twelve-year criterion led to a new nomination to replace Mr Loudon. A Chairman and a Vice Chairman are appointed by the board from among its members. The Supervisory Board also appoints, again from among its members, the Audit Committee of at least four members, the Nomination & Compensation Committee of at least three members and the Compliance Oversight Committee of at least three members. The committee members are appointed until further notice. The Rules Governing the Corporate governance 33 Supervisory Boards Principles and Best Practices of ABN AMRO Holding have been revised as a result of the overall reassessment of ABN AMRO Holdings corporate governance structure on the basis of the Dutch corporate governance code. The Rules are available on our website, together with the detailed curriculum vitae of the Supervisory Boards members. A curriculum vitae for each new member of the Supervisory Board is also included in ABN AMRO Holdings Annual Report published in the year in which he or she is appointed. The Managing and Supervisory Boards of ABN AMRO Holding and ABN AMRO Bank have the same membership. Audit Committee The Audit Committee reviews, and advises the Supervisory Board on, the quarterly statements, the annual report and annual financial statements, and the internal and external auditors management letters. It regularly reviews the overall risk profile, the quality of the loan portfolio and the banks large exposures. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the consistency of ABN AMROs accounting policies, the internal audit function, the Group Audit Charter, and the internal control procedures and mechanisms. The Audit Committee also reviews our risk management policy, and reports concerning litigation and acquisitions. In accordance with the Group Audit Charter, the Head of Group Audit has a direct reporting line to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Auditor independence is a particularly prominent issue for the Audit Committee. The Committee formally evaluates the independence of the external auditor, the measures used to control the quality of the external auditors work, and the annual audit budget. The Audit Committees policy on auditor independence governs the appointment, compensation and oversight of the external auditor. The external audit firm will be appointed or reappointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders for a period of five years on the advice of the Supervisory Board. To ensure its independence, the Auditor Independence Policy prohibits the external auditor from providing certain non- audit services to ABN AMRO. The Audit Committee is responsible for pre- approving audit, audit-related and permitted non-audit services provided by the external auditor. In exercising its pre-approval authority, the Audit Committee considers whether the proposed services are consistent with the continued independence of the external auditor. Both the Auditor Independence Policy and the Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy for External Audit Firm Services are accessible via ABN AMROs corporate website. Nomination & Compensation Committee The tasks and responsibilities of the Nomination & Compensation (N&C) Committee can be divided into tasks related to nomination and compensation. The Committees nomination responsibilities include preparing the selection and nomination of members of the Supervisory and Managing Boards by preparing and periodically reviewing the succession plans of these Boards on the basis of agreed profiles. Also the granting of the title of SEVP to eligible persons is discussed in the N&C Committee on behalf of the Supervisory Board. The Management Development programmes for Top Executives are discussed, and where relevant the Committee informs the Supervisory Board. Furthermore the Committee acts on reward and performance issues. Standards and criteria for performance are defined, and on that basis the performance of the members of both Boards is reviewed periodically. The framework, concept and content of compensation and benefits, pension schemes and other relevant schemes are Corporate governance 34 discussed and decided by the Committee. Resolutions concerning the remuneration policies for the Managing Board are submitted to the Supervisory Board and are to be adopted by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Committee prepares a report annually on the remuneration and implementation of these policies in the relevant financial year. Compliance Oversight Committee The Compliance Oversight Committees role is to supervise the banks compliance organisation, activities and risk profile. More specifically, the committee is responsible for supervising and monitoring and advising the Managing Board on the effects of internal risk management and control systems relating to compliance. These duties include supervising the enforcement of the relevant legislation and regulations, and overseeing the effect of codes of conduct. The Compliance Oversight Committee is also responsible along with the full Supervisory Board for setting the right tone from the top by communicating the importance of compliance to the Managing Board and the bank as a whole, and by overseeing the Managing Boards communications to the bank about the importance of compliance. The Compliance Oversight Committee discusses the banks compliance risk profile on a regular basis. In addition, the committee reviews the compliance plan developed by the Compliance Policy Committee and approved by the Managing Board, and monitors its implementation. The committee is also responsible for supervising the functioning of Group Compliance, and, in particular, for ensuring that Group Compliance is appropriately staffed, compensated, resourced, and supported by other units of the bank. The Head of Group Compliance has a direct reporting line to the Chairman of the Compliance Oversight Committee. One of the Compliance Oversight Committees specific duties, subject to the ultimate decision of the Supervisory Board, is to take charge of any remedial actions and/or disciplinary proceedings against members of the Managing Board for breaches of compliance policies, and to provide oversight of any disciplinary processes against other company employees for breaches of compliance policies. Managing Board The members of the Managing Board collectively manage the company and are responsible for its performance. The members are appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders on the nomination of the Supervisory Board. If the Supervisory Board nominates two or more candidates for a vacant seat, the nomination list is binding. However, the General Meeting of Shareholders may resolve that such a list is not binding by a vote of at least two-thirds of the votes, which must represent half of the economic value of the issued capital. Such a majority vote is also required to appoint a Managing Board member other than in accordance with the binding or non-binding nomination of the Supervisory Board. The members of the Managing Board are accountable both collectively and individually for all decisions taken by the Managing Board. The Chairman of the Managing Board leads the Board in its overall management of the company to achieve its performance goals and ambitions. The Chairman is the main point of liaison with the Supervisory Board. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the financial affairs of the company, and the Chief Risk Officer has responsibility for supervising and ensuring risk management and operational risk control. Alongside their overall corporate responsibilities, the members of the Managing Board have specific responsibilities for one or more Business Units, Group Functions or Services. Corporate governance 35 The management of the BUs, Group Functions and Services is delegated to Management Teams. These Management Teams consist of one or more SEVPs and Executive Vice Presidents. A broader leadership team, the Group Business Committee (GBC), is responsible for the leadership of initiatives developed by cross-BU Client Segments, Regional BUs, Product BUs and Services to grow the value of the Group. The GBC consists of five Managing Board members who are responsible for the BUs, and eight SEVPs. More information on corporate governance can be found on our website at www.abnamro.com. Corporate governance sweet spot 37 Compliance Compliance has become crucial to our ability to navigate our way through an increasingly complex business environment. It is important that we comply in all circumstances with the laws and regulations of each market in which we operate. On 1 January 2005, Group Compliance adopted a new global structure covering all ABN AMROs operations and subsidiaries worldwide. 2005 also saw the creation of a new Supervisory Board Committee called the Compliance Oversight Committee, together with the launch of a Group-wide mindset programme around compliance, a new transaction filtering process and a revised Client Acceptance & Anti-Money Laundering Policy. The compliance function within the bank is the independent oversight on behalf of senior management of those core processes and related policies and procedures that seek to ensure the bank is in conformity with industry- specific laws and regulations in both letter and spirit, thereby maintaining the banks reputation. This includes but is not limited to sanctions, monitoring of compliance standards, client acceptance and anti-money laundering, good citizenship, and the protection of clients against the banks position. This last responsibility manifests itself in areas such as personal account dealing, conflicts of interest and Chinese walls. The Managing Board is fully committed to the banks Corporate Values and to preserving the banks integrity and reputation. By complying in each of the markets in which it operates with the relevant laws and regulations including the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering and regulations set by the Nederlandsche Bank, Federal Reserve Bank, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) the bank safeguards its reputation, its licence to operate, and its ability to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. Global governance The Compliance Policy Committee (CPC) is the governing body responsible for the global co-ordination of compliance. Led by the Chairman of the Managing Board, the committee makes decisions on key compliance activities and provides broad oversight of Group Compliance. Members of the CPC include the Chief Financial Officer and the heads of Group Compliance & Legal, Group Legal, Group Risk Management, Group Audit and Group Human Resources, and representatives of all businesses. During 2005, a new Supervisory Board Committee called the Compliance Oversight Committee was formed. The creation of the Compliance Oversight Committee demonstrates that compliance warrants continuous attention by the Supervisory Board, and that the bank works actively to resolve any compliance issues that are identified. In the new structure, the Head of Group Compliance reports to both the Chairman of the Managing Board and the Chairman of the Compliance Oversight Committee. Group Compliance tasks In accordance with the recommendations and standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the mandate of Group Compliance is to: identify risks and regulations relevant to the banks activities design policies and procedures to minimise regulatory and reputation risk advise, train and provide reports to senior management with regard to regulations and compliance with these regulations promote effective compliance and ensure or oversee follow-up actions in the event of non-compliance manage regulatory inquiries and incidents. Key initiatives In 2005 Group Compliance developed and began executing a remedial action plan, of which the main initiatives are highlighted below. The Orders received in December 2005 ABN AMROs strategy is firmly set: focusing on our sweet spot, the consumer and commercial mid-market clients and fully leveraging the benefits of being one bank. The essence of the organisational changes that took effect at the beginning of 2006 is that we now are organised around our sweet spot. Compliance 38 will be reflected in our mandatory planning during the course of 2006. Strengthening the Compliance organisation In 2005, the total number of FTEs within Group Compliance rose to around 800 worldwide, thus ensuring that the Compliance department can carry out its global responsibilities effectively. Mindset programme: Our values in action: acting with integrity In April 2005, we launched the Our values in action: acting with integrity programme to increase awareness and build on the global compliance mindset throughout the bank. The main messages include managements position as role models and each staff members individual responsibility for compliance. The programme involves newsletters, posters and messages, as well as special training and policy updates to support employees with day-to-day compliance issues. Client Acceptance & Anti-Money Laundering (CAAML) The revised CAAML Policy was implemented worldwide on 1 September 2005, taking into account the principles of the Wolfsberg Group, of which ABN AMRO is a member. To ensure compliance with the policy, mandatory Group-wide training for staff on CAAML was implemented through computer-based training and regional workshops. In addition to CAAML training, a CAAML Advisory team for technical support and Quality Assurance Programme was established. A bank-wide Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee was formed in 2005. Among other duties, this Committee will be responsible for advising on the CAAML Policy and reviewing instances of suspicious activity that are referred to it. Transaction filtering and monitoring During 2005, ABN AMRO has continued to enhance its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance programme across the branch network in order to meet its legal and regulatory compliance obligations and to ensure robust systems and controls for each part of its CAAML policy. Enhancements were focused on automating existing client acceptance and monitoring processes. EU Market Abuse Directive The EU Market Abuse Directive, which has the objective of regulating market manipulation and insider trading, was successfully implemented and embedded into the working practices of ABN AMRO in 2005. Compliance officers across Europe worked together to ensure a one bank approach while delivering educational and communication tools on the topic, including comprehensive computer- based training on market abuse. Other compliance-related communications focused on the responsibilities of senior management to ensure compliance with the Directive. The banks systems and controls for identifying and monitoring incidences of market abuse were also reviewed, assessed, and where appropriate reconfigured to ensure that they complied with the new Directive. In particular, several policies restricting the flow of confidential information within the bank were tightened, ensuring that the standard of integrity within ABN AMRO remains high. Group Security Group Security contributes to a sound and secure environment across ABN AMRO by developing global policies and standards for physical security and financial crime, supporting commercial and strategic decisions, and investigating serious security and compliance breaches. It provides a security framework and related services that enable the business to take ownership of its security responsibility. Compliance 39 Sustainable development To create sustainable value for all our stakeholders, we run our business responsibly. This means behaving with integrity and openness, and taking environmental, social and ethical issues into account. This approach helps us to build and sustain the trust that underpins our licence to operate, and enables us to be a valued business partner for our clients. In 2005 we intensified our sustainability- related activities by focusing on providing responsible financial services, building employee engagement, protecting our assets, being accountable and transparent, minimising our direct impact and supporting local communities. Making a commitment Our main objective in all we do is to create sustainable value for our clients, employees and shareholders. To help us achieve this, we run our business responsibly meaning with integrity and openness. We also consider the interests of other stakeholders in society, by taking environmental, social and ethical issues and the effect on future generations into account. We recognise that our role of allocating capital between various activities brings a duty of responsible conduct and engagement. Our licence to operate depends on the trust of clients, employees, shareholders, governments, supervisors and society at large. Integrity and transparency form the bedrock of this trust. And active engagement with our stakeholders is a rich source of information and understanding, which enables us to be a well-informed and valued business partner for our clients. Continuing our sustainable journey We live in challenging times. Natural disasters, energy constraints, climate change, poverty and demographic change are shaping our social and business environment. These forces create both challenges and opportunities for us and our clients and offer advantage to those that recognise trends early and draw practical conclusions about their consequences. Our recent focus has been on embedding sustainable development into our organisation by including it in our credit decisions and product offerings. Our efforts and progress in this area have been widely recognised, but our commitment to sustainability inevitably raises dilemmas for us. While we do not have all the answers, we will not avoid the difficult questions that arise. Accelerating and integrating the sustainable development business agenda During 2005 we continued to investigate the value case for sustainable development at ABN AMRO and found that sustainability adds value to our organisation in several ways: Providing responsible financial services: Like us, our customers face todays global problems, and sustainability allows us to deepen our relationships with them. ABN AMRO is perceived as a partner offering holistic advisory services including sustainable development expertise, and as an innovator in new products and services based on sustainable development, such as Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) fund management and carbon trading. We are also opening up opportunities to foster sustainable development in Emerging Markets through techniques such as micro- finance, as well as providing a well-informed perspective on the risks in these markets Employee engagement: Sustainability strengthens ABN AMROs ability to attract, motivate and retain staff, by making the people who work for us feel proud, motivated and loyal. It also helps us attract and keep the best talent Protecting our assets: Sustainability is an integral part of ABN AMROs risk management. It has helped us improve our foresight and insight into our overall exposure, and increase our knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our clients in their industries Being accountable and transparent: These qualities help build our brand around trust, character, integrity and credibility. We often have to balance and reconcile conflicting interests, and we are open about these dilemmas. Transparency has also Sustainable development 40 strengthened our emotional connection with our stakeholders, and helped us create attractive offerings in ethical and socially responsible investment Minimising impact from business operations: As a major occupier of real estate, we want to minimise the environmental impact of our facilities. As well as benefiting the environment, sustainability helps us save money by reducing energy consumption. Our staff are equally keen to contribute to a cleaner environment, so we increase employee engagement through our energy reduction activities and by using energy from green sources. We also engage continually with our suppliers over social and environmental issues Supporting local communities: As a good corporate citizen ABN AMRO wants to act responsibly towards its customers, employees and the world at large. We are an integral part of the communities we serve, and want to help these communities thrive and develop. We invest in communities through financial donations, in-kind contributions and employee involvement. We established the ABN AMRO Foundation in 2005. In line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goal no. 1, its aim is to eradicate poverty and tackle other related issues. It focuses on supporting and stimulating entrepreneurship in poor regions, thereby helping to foster sustainable livelihoods. The Foundation receives an annual grant from ABN AMRO of EUR 5 million. Stepping up our efforts The Managing Board has decided to intensify and accelerate our sustainable development efforts by integrating the sustainable development business agenda more closely into all our activities. You can find out more in our 2005 Sustainability Report, published alongside this 2005 Annual Report, or at www.abnamro.com. Sustainable development core businesses 42 Consumer & Commercial Clients serves almost 20 million consumer clients, small to medium-sized enterprises and corporate clients, and has an especially strong position in the mass affluent consumer and mid-sized commercial segments. It operates principally in the Netherlands, the US Midwest and Brazil, which are the markets where we have a leading local franchise operated through local staff. Consumer & Commercial Clients also includes our consumer and commercial banking activities in new growth markets in Asia and Europe, as well as Bouwfonds, our property development and financing subsidiary. Across Consumer & Commercial Clients, we are pursuing several knowledge-sharing initiatives to realise synergies. These will enable us to focus even more strongly on our customers, particularly in areas where we already have a competitive advantage. These are: on the commercial side on small to medium-sized enterprises and corporate clients on the consumer side on the mass affluent segment. We will be offering these types of clients a wide range of financial services, enabling us to build and expand long-term relationships with them. Consumer & Commercial Clients Key figures Consumer & Commercial Clients
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 8,094 6,895 Net fee and commission income 1,866 1,749 Net trading income 225 150 Results from financial transactions 50 (249) Share of result in equity accounted investments 145 87 Other operating income 1,340 1,047
Operating income 11,720 9,679
Operating expenses 7,391 6,809
Operating result 4,329 2,870
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 754 585
Operating profit before tax 3,575 2,285
Income tax expense 1,023 677
Net operating profit 2,552 1,608
Discontinued operations (net) 0 239
Profit for the year 2,552 1,847
Total assets 260,041 217,524 Risk-weighted assets 161,141 145,775
Full-time equivalent staff 68,554 70,193 Number of branches and offices 3,366 3,293
1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J Consumer & Commercial Clients (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 43 BU Netherlands ABN AMRO is one of the leading banks in the Netherlands, with a total of almost five million consumer, small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) and corporate clients. In 2005, BU Netherlands (BU NLs) market-leading products and services and seamless multi-channel service model enabled it to make continuing progress towards its aspiration of being the primary bank for all its customers. Client satisfaction, operating income and profit for the year all showed healthy increases, despite the subdued economic conditions in the Netherlands. Looking forward, BU NL will continue to focus on strengthening and deepening its client relationships, especially among its key target groups affluent clients and small to medium-sized enterprises. As of 31 December 2005 BU NL served 4.6 million consumer clients, over 360,000 small to medium-sized enterprise clients and around 5,600 corporate clients. The size and diversity of this client base puts ABN AMRO at the forefront of the banking industry in the Netherlands. The bank services its clients through a network of 555 bankshops, 79 advisory branches and five dedicated corporate client units. Furthermore, BU NL operates 1,561 ATMs, four integrated call centres, and internet and mobile channels. Strategy, products and services BU NLs aspiration is to become the primary bank for all its customers by delivering a service that makes a difference and is always personal, through every channel. In line with ABN AMROs mid-market strategy, BU NLs key competitive advantage lies with affluent individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises. BU NL is a fully-integrated consumer and commercial bank offering a full range of financial services and products. Alongside its own product capabilities, BU NL actively uses product knowledge from the banks other BUs, for example through the Regional Treasury Desks that make Wholesale Clients product knowledge available to BU NLs commercial clients. In additition we offer insurance products manufactured by our joint venture with Delta Lloyd. Key figures BU Netherlands
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 2,785 2,508 Net fee and commission income 668 631 Net trading income 54 36 Share of result in equity accounted investments 14 32 Other operating income 163 82
Operating income 3,684 3,289
Operating expenses 2,675 2,790
Operating result 1,009 499
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 277 173
Operating profit before tax 732 326
Income tax expense 223 96
Profit for the year 509 230
Total assets 95,272 86,602 Risk-weighted assets 47,279 55,523
Full-time equivalent staff 18,989 19,846 Number of branches and offices 639 662
1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU Netherlands (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 44 Through its integrated multi-channel service model, BU NL provides clients with a full range of financial services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2005, we continued to upgrade our services and enable customers to access them more easily. As a result, client satisfaction with our internet banking defined as those clients rating their satisfaction at 8 or more out of 10 is now at an all-time high of 73%. The number of internet clients increased by 24% in 2005 and the percentage of payments conducted via the internet continued to rise. As a further recognition of the quality of our multi-channel service model we won the 2005 National Call Centre Award. The continuing rise in the number of clients using our direct channels reduces the time that staff in the branches spend on selling standardised products. In 2005, our branches were open on Saturdays and during late night shopping hours. The growing success of BU NLs strategy and service model is also reflected in our overall client satisfaction rates. The proportion of clients who are very satisfied with BU NLs services, rating us at 8 or more out of 10, rose by 8% in 2005. BU NL will continue to work hard to improve client satisfaction still further. Results in 2005 BU NLs profit for the year increased by 21.8% to EUR 509 million in 2005, adjusted for the restructuring charge related to Group Shared Services in 2004 (EUR 287 million in operating expenses, EUR 188 million in profit for the year). The following figures have been adjusted for this charge. The increase was mainly a result of a rise in operating income. Operating income grew by 12.0% to EUR 3,684 million, mainly due to increased volumes of loans. This growth in volumes reflected improved levels of client satisfaction driven by better service and product offerings. The rise in client satisfaction was especially strong among mid-market consumer and commercial clients. BU NLs operating income was also enhanced by an increase in mortgage prepayment penalties, reflecting the high levels of mortgage re-financing in the Netherlands. Almost all other loan products reported double-digit volume growth, as a result of growing market share and an increase in client appetite for these products. The EUR 37 million increase in net fee and commission income was broadly based, although commission on securities grew particularly strongly in the improved stock market climate. Net trading income increased by 50.0% to EUR 54 million, mainly due to higher income from derivatives sales. This reflects the success of the regional treasury desks, which combine BU NLs strong mid- market corporate client relationships with the product expertise of WCS. The rise in other operating income is explained by the transfer of Stater from BU NGM to BU NL on 1 January 2005. Operating expenses increased by 6.9% to EUR 2,675 million mainly due to the transfer of Stater, higher commercial expenses and costs arising from Sarbanes Oxley, Basel II and Compliance. Additional costs arose from compensating staff on the termination of profit-sharing arrangements. It was agreed that staff would be compensated in 2005 and 2006 for a total of 3.5 years profit sharing. The compensation for 2005 was taken as a one-off charge at the end of 2004 (in Group Functions). The costs related to the buy-off in 2006 were accrued over 2005. Provisioning increased by EUR 104 million to EUR 277 million, mainly in the SME and consumer loan portfolios. This was a reflection of the relatively weak economic environment in the Netherlands, the increase in the total volume of loans and the faster-than-average expansion of our consumer finance portfolio. Provisioning for the mortgage portfolio remained relatively stable. Core businesses 45 Staff numbers decreased by 857 full-time equivalents, mainly due to the outsourcing of IT services, and the transfer of transaction services and facility management services to other BUs. These reductions were partly offset by increases arising from the transfer of Stater to BU NL. Initiatives for 2006 The alignment of the Groups structure with its mid-market strategy will have a positive effect on BU NL. The entire Dutch market will now be served on the basis of a single coherent market approach. The local focus on client relationships remains central, but the new BU NL will be able to differentiate itself even further by better leveraging ABN AMROs international network and product capabilities. Looking forward, we will continue to focus on strengthening and deepening our client relationships. We are confident we will achieve this, as we continue to upgrade our offerings to our target client groups, thereby encouraging them to use ABN AMRO as their primary bank. BU NLs improved organisational model, consisting of Value Center Consumer and Value Center Commercial, has become operational as from 1 January 2006. This adjustment brings major benefits, enabling us to sharpen our market focus and increase the number of client-facing staff to improve still further the advisory capabilities in our branches. There has been no disruption for our clients the service concept, contact points and branch locations have remained unchanged. From 1 January 2006, Bouwfonds mortgage activities have been transferred to BU NL, centralising all Dutch mortgage activities in BU NL. BU North America ABN AMRO is one of the largest foreign banks in the United States (US). The core of BU North America (BU NA) is LaSalle Bank, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. BU NA reaches beyond the Midwest through an expanding network of regional commercial lending offices and a mortgage business that operates nationwide. In 2005, BU NA achieved an increase in operating income and profit for the year. It aims to continue to increase its market share in 2006 by building employee and client engagement and expanding its geographic network. Operating under the name LaSalle Bank, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, BU NA serves approximately 3.5 million individuals, small businesses, mid-market companies, larger corporates, institutions and municipalities. We offer a broad range of ABN AMRO introduces Preferred Banking: personal banking affluent segment Affluent clients want a consistently excellent personal banking experience, anytime and anywhere they need it. Preferred Banking is our new way to deliver this. These clients are more affluent and have more complex financial needs than the average consumer client. So every affluent client now has his or her own Preferred Banker to assist with every financial need, question or wish. We created Preferred Banking by taking ABN AMROs successful Van Gogh Preferred Banking service in Europe, Asia and Brazil and adjusting it to suit the Netherlands market. It is both personal and special, and is based on service, accessibility, expertise and transparency. In the Netherlands, the dedicated bankers role is embedded across a broad range of channels, with clients benefiting from services including direct email and internet contact with their own Preferred Banker, annual financial and investment overviews, a 24x7 call centre service, and Preferred Banking lounges in bank branches. Preferred Bankings success has driven a sharp increase in revenues and client satisfaction, and has attracted over 54,000 new clients within a year. We will continue to develop the concept in 2006, introducing new elements including online financial planning, new investment forms and a special introductory package for new clients. We will also build new Financial Centres with Preferred Banking lounges, and a special Preferred Banking lounge at Schiphol Airport. Core businesses 46 investment, commercial and retail banking products and services through more than 400 branches and 1,600 ATMs in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. As ABN AMRO focuses increasingly on its sweet spot mass affluent consumers and commercial mid-market clients BU NA aims to continue to achieve strong returns for the Group, by empowering our employees to provide the highest level of service to these customers. While rooted in the US Midwest, BU NA reaches further through an expanding network of 18 regional commercial banking offices across the country. The Mortgage business provides a strong presence across the US, doing businesses in all 50 states through an extensive broker network and the mortgage.com website. Ranked by deposits, ABN AMRO is the second- largest bank in the Chicago area and the largest in Michigan. Collectively, we are the 13th largest bank in the US with assets exceeding USD 110 billion, and are now the 20th largest in terms of deposits. ABN AMRO is the third largest foreign-owned institution in the United States in terms of assets and deposits. Strategy, products and services A key element of BU NAs mission is to be the premier relationship-driven bank based in the US Midwest. To enable us to achieve this objective, we maintain a varied portfolio of businesses designed to meet the sophisticated and changing needs of consumer and commercial clients. These businesses include Commercial Banking, Specialty Banking and Personal Financial Services. In addition to these three businesses, we operate nationwide mortgage activities through our Mortgage Group. The Commercial Banking group now serves more than 10,000 public and private sector customers via the Midwest branch network, as well as a network of 18 regional offices, focusing on providing mid-market Key figures BU North America
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 2,269 2,227 Net fee and commission income 643 610 Net trading income 94 100 Results from financial transactions 43 (261) Other operating income 434 499
Operating income 3,483 3,175
Operating expenses 2,236 2,086
Operating result 1,247 1,089
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 21 143
Operating profit before tax 1,226 946
Income tax expense 355 274
Profit for the year 871 672
Total assets 90,021 73,340 Risk-weighted assets 66,743 53,825
Full-time equivalent staff 16,044 17,159 Number of branches and offices 434 428
1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU North America (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 47 companies with a total commercial banking solution including lending, expertise in specialised industries, treasury management, trust and asset management services. The ongoing deepening and expansion of our relationships with existing customers continue to drive the consistently strong long-term performance of this business. The Specialty Banking business includes corporate capital markets, commercial real estate and asset-based lending. In 2005, USD 4.5 billion in real estate loans were sold. BU NA is the fifth largest asset-based lender in the US and ranks sixth in middle market syndicated deals nationwide. Our asset-based lending group has enjoyed much recent success in closing cross-border and large syndicated deals. Specialty Banking business is expanding its presence in more than 20 states across the country. BU NA also operates US-wide businesses engaged in the residential mortgage industry, broker dealer services, equipment financing and leasing. ABN AMRO is one of the 15 largest mortgage loan originators and ten largest mortgage servicers in the US. Results in 2005 Please note that all figures described are at constant exchange rates in order to facilitate comparison. On average, the US dollar appreciated by 0.8% against the euro in 2005. BU NAs profit for the year increased by 21.9% to EUR 871 million in 2005, adjusted for the restructuring charge related to Group Shared Services in 2004 (EUR 61 million in operating expenses, EUR 40 million in profit for the year). The following figures have been adjusted for this charge. Operating income grew by 8.7%, driven by higher commercial banking revenues and lower hedging costs related to the available- for-sale (AFS) portfolio. The operating income of the commercial banking business increased by 9.6% on the back of loan growth and higher non- interest income. The operating income of the retail banking business increased by 4.4%, primarily due to higher commission income. Net interest income increased by 1.0% due to solid growth in commercial loans and higher deposit spreads. These more than offset the impact of the flattening yield curve and margin pressure in commercial lending. Non-interest income benefited from lower hedging costs related to the AFS portfolio shown under results from financial transactions which more than made up for the 8.3% decline in Helping clients enhance cash flows BU NA strives to enhance its services on a continuing basis in line with client needs. For example, clients are actively involved in the development of treasury management and electronic banking products, such as CashPro, BU NAs premier online banking service designed to simplify critical treasury management activities. BU NAs latest CashPro service has been developed on the basis of in- depth client research. This highlighted the market need for an efficient and automated tool to simplify the time-consuming and sometimes tedious cash-positioning process. Because most clients currently use Excel for cash positioning, BU NA partnered with Microsoft to develop CashPro Accelerate SM, an innovative solution that enables clients to save time, minimise errors and increase control. Mr M. Greenough from Little Caesars comments: CashPro Accelerate has substantially reduced the amount of time required to calculate our total cash position. It has also provided us with a standard reporting format across all our operating units. This commitment to meeting client needs earned CashPro high honours for cash management service internet applications. According to independent market analysis, LaSalle continues to provide clients with a comprehensive best-in-class platform offering robust functionality. Core businesses synergy 49 mortgage banking revenues booked in other operating income. Revenues from mortgage banking decreased by 8.3% to USD 267 million, representing 6.1% of BU NAs operating income. The fall in total mortgage income was primarily due to a 58.9% decrease in origination income, resulting from a contraction in refinancing activity and the market shift to non- conforming products. The revenues from mortgage servicing, including hedging results, increased by 23.5% to USD 221 million on a servicing portfolio of USD 206 billion. Operating expenses increased by 8.9% due to increases in staff costs, bonus accruals, business development expenses and professional fees. Operating expenses were impacted by incidental costs of USD 77 million in the last quarter. Provisioning fell from 25 basis points of average RWA to 3 basis points. This decrease was due to lower gross provisioning levels as well as recoveries, reflecting the high credit quality of the loan portfolio. A settlement of USD 16.85 million, in connection with the Federal Housing Administration insurance certifications, has been reached between ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc. and the US Department of Justice, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. This settlement was provisioned for in 2004, and therefore had no impact on the results for 2005. Initiatives for 2006 In 2006, as a result of the alignment of the Groups structure with its mid-market strategy, BU NA will leverage its relationship-driven business model to provide high-quality services and products to a number of large corporates and financial institutions formerly served by WCS. BU NA will continue its drive to build our employees engagement in the banks strategy and success, thereby enabling us to create closer client relationships, provide better advice and in turn increase clients engagement with us. For example, within Personal Financial Services, our new collaborative sales and service delivery model continues to generate positive financial and intangible results. We are also emphasising important governance and compliance issues across the organisation through regular communication and education. We will strive to increase market share in 2006, by building strong relationships with new clients and potentially by expanding our geographic network. Client intimacy is a key driver of our success, and its importance will be evident through ongoing enhancements across all our businesses. In 2006, BU NA will work even closer with other BUs to maximise the value of the offerings and capture global synergies, particularly across the international services groups. Joint teams formed in 2005, including product managers and relationship managers from across ABN AMRO, will continue to work together to make this objective a reality. Knowledge sharing, trust and collaboration across organisational boundaries are crucial for providing our clients with the highest possible quality of service and creating value for the banks stakeholders. Working together and sharing a common vision makes ABN AMRO worth more than the sum of its parts. Core businesses 50 BU Brazil BU Brazil aims to be one of the most efficient and valued banks amongst the top four privately-owned banks in the Brazilian market, and seeks to grow its business by focusing on clients. It is also widely recognised as a leader in fostering sustainability. BU Brazil had a very good year in 2005, capitalising in full on the favourable scenario in the Brazilian economy. Lending, both to individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), rose strongly, helping to drive operating income up by 13.4%. Tight cost control kept the rise in operating expenses below the general rate of inflation, and contributed to a strong rise in profit for the year. Initiatives in 2006 will aim to optimise BU Brazils operating platform by continuing the segmented approach to the mid-market consumer and commercial clients who make up the banks sweet spot. ABN AMRO has been present in Brazil since 1917. However in 1998, with the acquisition of Banco Real, Bandepe and Paraiban, the bank took a major step towards becoming one of the leading players in Brazilian retail and commercial banking. In October 2003, with the acquisition of Banco Sudameris, ABN AMRO consolidated its position in the top tier of Brazilian privately-owned retail and commercial banks. Today, BU Brazil operates as a universal bank offering financial services on a nationwide basis through 2,106 stand-alone and in-company branches, 6,230 points-of-sale and 8,370 ATMs. With a presence in all state capitals and major Brazilian urban centres, BU Brazil serviced around ten million clients in the country as of December 2005. Strategy, products and services BU Brazils core strategy is to grow its business by focusing on clients. We seek to increase our clients satisfaction on a continuous basis by meeting their day-to-day and long-term development needs, through fully-fledged retail, corporate and investment banking products and services. BU Brazil aims to be one of the most efficient and valued banks amongst the top four privately-owned banks in the Brazilian market, and offers a segmented client service approach both to individuals and companies. Van Gogh preferred banking services are offered to our Key figures BU Brazil
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 2,164 1,507 Net fee and commission income 352 317 Net trading income 52 (1) Share of result in equity accounted investments 37 10 Other operating income 370 151
Operating income 2,975 1,984
Operating expenses 1,730 1,297
Operating result 1,245 687
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 363 219
Operating profit before tax 882 468
Income tax expense 238 167
Profit for the year 644 301
Total assets 23,663 13,987 Risk-weighted assets 14,742 9,271
Full-time equivalent staff 25,912 26,800 Number of branches and offices 2,106 2,057
1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU Brazil (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 51 mass affluent clients on a nationwide basis and provide an international identity and a key element of aspiration in our retail banking strategy. In 2005, ABN AMRO implemented a new segmented servicing approach for corporate banking. This was designed to enhance our focus and efficiency, enabling us to deliver a seamless product offer for multinational corporations and capitalising on our large mid-market commercial client base, now served by our specialised regional and middle market relationship management teams and using a single product platform. This has allowed us to capture business opportunities in the current economic cycle and increase our share of our clients banking business. ABN AMRO is also a major player in the Brazilian consumer finance business, with our Aymor franchise holding more than 14,000 dealer relationships for the distribution of vehicle financing and other consumer goods financing nationwide. In 2005, in line with the Group-wide strategy of focusing on its core areas of competitive advantage, BU Brazil effected the 100% sale of property and casualty insurer Real Seguros and 50% of life insurance and pension company Real Vida e Previdncia. The buyer in both cases was Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd, with which we also entered into an exclusive bancassurance partnership in Brazil. ABN AMRO is also widely recognised as a pioneer and leader in the development of sustainable bank-society relationships in Brazil. We have long regarded profitability as going hand-in-hand with social responsibility. Our recognition of the importance of ethical principles in conducting business has now developed into a strong overall commitment to society and the environment. Results in 2005 All figures are calculated at constant exchange rates in order to facilitate comparison. On average, the Brazilian real appreciated 22.6% against the euro in 2005. BU Brazils results were influenced by the sale of Real Seguros in 2005 (EUR 229 million in operating income, EUR 196 million in profit for the year). The following figures have been adjusted for this sale. Profit for the year increased by 35.2%. Operating income rose by 13.4%, mainly resulting from an increase in the retail loan portfolio. Lending to households increased by 35.1%, accounting for 53.8% of the portfolio. This was driven by strong growth in personal loans and overdrafts. Lending to SMEs grew by 27.3% on the back of increased account receivables financing and working capital needs. Embracing diversity Our 2005 engagement surveys showed BU Brazil to have the highest employee engagement rate in the Brazilian market, with 91% of our employees declaring themselves to be engaged in their work, and 98% declaring that they were proud to work in the organisation. In 2005 BU Brazil was also recognised for the fourth year in a row as one of The Best Workplaces in Brazil in a survey led by Guia Exame, a national business publication. In the same survey we were ranked as the fifth Best Workplace for Women. On the same theme, BU Brazil was ranked for the second consecutive year by the Great Place to Work Institute as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Work in Latin America. BU Brazil has been consistently recognised for delivering a differentiated client service, and has earned the Excellence in Client Servicing Modern Consumer award in the retail bank category. Similarly, Banco Hoje a national banking publication has named us Best Client Servicer for the second year on the run. ABN AMROs commitment to embracing diversity was also recognised when we were awarded the Camellia Flower Freedom Award promoted by the Outcast Population Articulation Center. Core businesses 52 Operating income from consumer finance activities was down by 6.8%, with the 7.2% growth in net interest income being more than offset by a decrease in net fee and commission income. While the focus for 2004 was on rationalisation and introducing improvements to credit scoring and collection procedures, the focus in 2005 shifted back successfully to growing the loan portfolio. This resulted in 34.9% growth in new loans production, as well as higher commissions being paid. Average spreads continued their downward trend, reflecting the competitive consumer finance environment. Operating expenses increased by 9.5%, driven by increases in staff costs as a result of the new collective labour agreement, an increase in bonus accruals, new marketing and current account acquisition campaigns, the appreciation of the Brazilian real and a number of incidental expenses in the last quarter of 2005. Adjusted for these incidentals, the expenses reflect ongoing cost control as well as synergy benefits related to the integration of Banco Sudameris. Provisioning increased to 303 basis points of average RWA, compared with 257 basis points in 2004. This increase reflects the retail loan portfolios strong growth. Operating profit before tax increased by 14.9% as a result of robust revenue growth and active cost management. Given the volatility experienced in the tax line as a result of the hedge impact, operating profit before tax is a good point of reference for measuring BU Brazils performance. The effective tax rate fell by 4.3 percentage points to 31.4%, mainly as the result of a tax credit in the fourth quarter. The further appreciation of the Brazilian real against the US dollar in 2005 led to a hedge-related tax charge of EUR 39 million, compared with EUR 24 million in 2004. Initiatives for 2006 Our 2006 initiatives will aim to optimise our operating platform through a segmented approach to financial services. We will support and service individuals, entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized business owners, and hand-in-hand with these key elements of economic growth we will contribute to Brazils development and the sustainability of ABN AMROs businesses. Taken together, the client groups who are serviced out of our national retail network represent the sweet spot for ABN AMROs business in Brazil. Our Aymor consumer finance franchise plans to maintain its leading position in vehicle financing, expanding new brand/dealer relationships and elongating financing terms at the same time as incrementing its acquisition finance activities for other goods. Our consumer finance customer base will also provide an excellent cross-selling platform for our retail business. Following the alignment of the Groups structure with its mid-market strategy as of 1 January 2006, BU Brazil is managed and reported as the core of BU Latin America, which also includes ABN AMROs activities elsewhere in Latin America such as in Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Mexico. BU New Growth Markets BU New Growth Markets (BU NGM) provides a growing range of banking services for consumers in countries ranging from the Asia Pacific region, via the Middle East, to Europe a geographical footprint that includes large, fast-expanding and profitable markets such as India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Taiwan and Hong Kong. In 2005, BU NGM focused on realising the expanding opportunities in the consumer mid-market segment in Asia, by servicing the mass affluent segment with specially-targeted banking products and services. During the year BU NGM achieved strong growth in Core businesses 53 operating income and profit for the year, thanks partly to the continuing success of its credit card and Van Gogh Preferred Banking offerings in Asia. In 2005, BU NGM continued to support the Group strategy by refining its market approach and organisational structure. The main changes included the transfer of our mortgage-related activities in Europe to BU Netherlands, which was effected via our subsidiary Stater an end-to-end services provider in the European mortgage market as part of the Group-wide consolidation of these activities into one BU. Additionally, the consumer banking activities in Kazakhstan, previously conducted under the auspices of Wholesale Clients, were transferred to BU NGM. As well as boosting top-line revenue growth by over 40% (adjusted for the transfer of Stater), these changes will increase the transparency of our fast-growing operation in Asia and enable us to exploit synergies and pursue new opportunities in consumer banking. Strategy, products and services BU NGMs strategy focuses on exploiting the expanding opportunities in the consumer mid-market segment in Asia. Our widespread regional presence from the Middle East to Asia Pacific includes large, fast-growing and profitable markets such as India, the UAE, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Further attractive factors in these markets include growth of around 9% a year in consumer mid-market clients spending on personal financial services, continuing deregulation, a relatively small number of well-established incumbent players, and a growing and increasingly knowledgeable population of mass affluent consumers. We also have a 40% stake in Saudi Hollandi Bank, to which we provide management services and know-how in consumer products. A good example of this Key figures BU New Growth Markets
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 363 237 Net fee and commission income 193 173 Net trading income 25 15 Results from financial transactions 6 6 Share of result in equity accounted investments 73 44 Other operating income 47 84
Operating income 707 559
Operating expenses 369 346
Operating result 338 213
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 67 41
Operating profit before tax 271 172
Income tax expense 58 33
Net operating profit 213 139
Discontinued operations (net) 0 239
Profit for the year 213 378
Total assets 7,753 5,344 Risk-weighted assets 6,461 4,403
Full-time equivalent staff 5,599 4,616 Number of branches and offices 143 112
1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU New Growth Markets (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 54 knowledge-sharing can be seen in the successful roll-out of the preferred banking concept in Saudi Arabia. Our strategic emphasis in Asia and Central and Eastern Europe is on servicing the mass affluent segment with specially-targeted banking products and services. By opening new branches we have increased our geographical footprint. In Asia, our key offerings include credit cards and our highly- rated Van Gogh Preferred Banking (a relationship banking approach for mass affluent clients serviced through a dedicated point of contact), together with related products such as consumer finance especially in India and savings and deposit accounts. As a result of this strategy, BU NGM has almost 2.8 million clients in Asia of which some 40,000 make use of our Van Gogh Preferred Banking services. Our credit card offering, with some 2.4 million cards in force, is well established in India, UAE and Taiwan and has received a positive response in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Pakistan and Singapore. Our Belgium-based International Diamond & Jewellery Group, with local units in several countries, is a leading and successful financier of the diamond and jewellery trade, with more than 2,000 client relationships worldwide. This group reports under BU Private Clients as from 1 January 2006. Results in 2005 As from 1 January 2005, the interest of 60% in the Stater mortgage administration business, which was previously reported under BU NGM, was transferred to BU NL. In 2004, the impact was EUR 74 million on operating income and EUR 72 million on operating expenses. Profit for the year increased significantly by 53.2% to EUR 213 million with a very strong contribution from Asia due to the continued success of the credit card business and the Van Gogh Preferred Banking activities. Operating income increased by 26.5% to EUR 707 million, despite the transfer of Stater to BU NL. Adjusted for the transfer, the increase was 45.8%, largely due to continued strong growth in Asia. Income from the activities in Asia increased by 41.0% due to the success of the credit card business and the Van Gogh Preferred Banking activities. The number of credit cards in Asia increased by 48% to 2.4 million and the number of customers in Asia increased by 36% to 2.8 million. The contribution from our participation in Saudi Hollandi Bank increased by 63.6%, reflecting a strong market position in a booming economy. Net interest income was the main driver of the increase in operating income. Net interest income increased by 53.2% to EUR 363 million, reflecting the increase in credit card lending, consumer finance, savings accounts and a year-to-date reclassification from commission income to net interest income in the second quarter of 2005. Operating expenses increased by 6.6% to EUR 369 million. Adjusted for Stater, Placement of USD 100 million of equity funds in India national record In 2005, the consumer bank set a new national record in India by placing approximately USD 100 million in equity funds within a single month a record for one-month collections by any distributor in India for equity funds. Additionally, the total number of purchase applications relating to this transaction, at 13,540, set a new internal record for investment services in India, as a result of record subscriptions from all branches and client segments covered by the consumer bank. ABN AMRO Investment Services business won the CEO award in 2005, and is one of the largest distributors of equity mutual funds in India. Core businesses 55 operating expenses increased by 34.7% due to continued investments in the various businesses in Asia, such as the launch of new products, opening of new branches and intensive marketing campaigns. In 2005, 14 branches were opened, bringing the total in Asia to 67, of which 23 are located in India. The total number of FTEs in Asia increased by 35% to 5,224. Provisioning increased from EUR 41 million to EUR 67 million, reflecting the growth in the loan portfolio and higher credit card outstandings. Income from discontinued operations in 2004 relates to the contribution of Bank of Asia, the interest in which was sold in 2004. Initiatives for 2006 As from 1 January 2006, the activities of BU NGM have been largely moved into BU Asia, and a small number transferred to BU Europe. Management will continue to pursue consumer banking opportunities in Asia, concentrating on organic expansion of our business in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE. During 2006, new branches are planned in India and Pakistan to help us win new clients. We will also continue our sales drive in credit cards in Pakistan, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Acquisitions may play a part in enabling us to achieve our ambition of becoming one of the leading consumer banks in Asia. BU Bouwfonds In 2005 BU Bouwfonds (Bouwfonds) consolidated its leadership in the Netherlands commercial and residential real estate development markets, and continued its expansion in other European markets. A further increase in the number of homes sold both in the Netherlands and in France, continued growth in property finance and buoyant sales of new residential mortgages and refinancings, drove a strong rise in operating income and profit for the year. As from 1 January 2006, Bouwfonds residential mortgages activities have been transferred to BU Netherlands (BU NL). As a result of further alignment with the mid-market strategy, ABN AMRO started the process of selling Bouwfonds in the first quarter of 2006. Bouwfonds is the Netherlands largest real estate project developer in terms of volume of homes sold. It is also a property financing company with international reach, and a major provider of residential mortgages. Strategy, products and services Bouwfonds strategy is to remain the leading real estate developer in the Netherlands residential and commercial property markets, and to expand selectively in residential and commercial property development elsewhere in Europe. A cornerstone of Bouwfonds strategy is its ability to leverage its real estate expertise in its property financing activities, the growth of which should be supported by further international expansion in Europe and North America. The company intends to exploit the same real estate expertise to grow its real estate-related asset management products and services for private and institutional investors, both in the Netherlands and other markets. Bouwfonds primary real estate development activity is developing owner-occupied homes, in which it is the Netherlands market leader with sales of over 8,300 homes in 2005. It also sold 2,700 homes in France and 600 in Germany. In the Netherlands, the focus of Bouwfonds portfolio is gradually shifting from large-scale greenfield developments to inner city, mixed-use projects. Bouwfonds also has a leading position in the Netherlands in commercial real estate development. In late 2004 it strengthened its position in this market by acquiring the specialised commercial developer MAB, best known for mixed-use inner city projects and innovative retail concepts in the Netherlands and other European countries. Core businesses 56 In real estate financing, Bouwfonds provides finance to Dutch project developers both at home and abroad, and to property investors in the Netherlands. It also offers lease financing of corporate real estate in the Netherlands. In asset management, Bouwfonds offers real estate-based investment products to institutional and private investors. In residential mortgages, Bouwfonds distributes its products through independent intermediaries and under third-party labels via insurance companies and chains of intermediaries. Direct sales are restricted to the internet mortgage product, MoneYou. Dutch intermediaries consistently award Bouwfonds first or second prize as the best mortgage supplier. As from 1 January 2006, this activity has been transferred to BU NL. Results in 2005 Profit for the year improved by 18.4% to EUR 315 million, reflecting an overall improvement in operational performance. Operating income improved by 29.6% to EUR 871 million as Bouwfonds continued its strong performance, driven by good results in all its businesses. Net interest income increased by 23.3% to EUR 513 million, driven by further growth in its residential mortgage portfolio and property finance activities, as well as by an increase in mortgage prepayment penalties. Other operating income rose 39.1% to EUR 331 million, mainly reflecting higher income from residential property development and the acquisition of MAB. In the Netherlands, the market for residential property remained favourable due to the low interest-rate environment. As a result, the number of homes sold and under construction was higher, leading to improved results. This improvement was partly offset by lower income from commercial property development, reflecting the low level of new projects in the Dutch office market. Operating expenses were up 31.4% to EUR 381 million, mainly due to higher staff costs related to the organic expansion of the business, as well as the acquisitions of MAB Key figures BU Bouwfonds
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 513 416 Net fee and commission income 10 18 Share of result in equity accounted investments 17 0 Other operating income 331 238
Operating income 871 672
Operating expenses 381 290
Operating result 490 382
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 26 9
Operating profit before tax 464 373
Income tax expense 149 107
Profit for the year 315 266
Total assets 43,332 38,251 Risk-weighted assets 25,916 22,753
Full-time equivalent staff 2,010 1,772 Number of branches and offices 44 34
1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU Bouwfonds (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 57 and the Staal Bankiers portfolio in the second half of 2004. Provisioning rose by EUR 17 million to EUR 26 million as a result of provisions in the non-domestic mortgage portfolio. Initiatives for 2006 As from 1 January 2006, Bouwfonds activities are reported under BU NL. In 2006 several steps will be taken to grow Bouwfonds international business in a number of European countries. In France, Bouwfonds intends to expand its real estate development business by opening new offices in several cities, and to start a French branch for its property financing activity. In other European countries, Bouwfonds will start residential projects in partnerships with local developers, and develop and finance commercial projects for Dutch and foreign clients. In asset management, it will continue to acquire a variety of portfolios for private and institutional clients. Bouwfonds residential mortgage business was transferred to BU NL in January 2006. Following this transfer, Bouwfonds is a European real estate developer, financier and asset manager with total assets of approximately EUR 13 billion and profit for the year of EUR 139 million as of year end 2005. As a result of further alignment with the mid-market strategy, ABN AMRO started the process of selling Bouwfonds in the first quarter of 2006. Fore more information, please see the Annual Report of Bouwfonds or visit www.bouwfonds.com. Bouwfonds partner in landmark transaction Vendex KBB stores In December 2005 Bouwfonds acted as co-financier and via its joint venture in IEF Capital as co-arranger and co-structurer in the purchase of 73 department stores put up for sale by a consortium of venture capitalists. The portfolio consisted of 5 De Bijenkorf stores, 7 V&D stores and 61 Hema stores, representing a total of over six million square feet of retail space. The stores have now been leased back to Vendex KBB on long term leases, and the rental income will serve as the basis for inflation coverage offered to Dutch pension funds. Bouwfonds will continue to manage the portfolio. This sale and leaseback transaction was one of the biggest European property deals of the year, and Bouwfonds won the mandate against competition from more than 20 bidders, primarily from the Netherlands and the UK. Core businesses skipper 59 The WCS product platform ranged from advisory, capital markets and financing to transaction banking, all with a global reach. The pooling of three elements our understanding of our clients objectives, our deep product expertise and the banks global reach differentiated us from our competitors. During 2005, WCS focused on improving the leverage of its extensive global footprint with operations in over 50 countries and large hubs in Amsterdam, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, New York, Singapore and Sydney. Strategy, products and services WCS developed innovative products for sophisticated multinational clients which are also offered to the Groups target segment of mid-market clients and financial institutions. To achieve this, WCS worked closely with other parts of the Group, as evidenced for instance by an integrated distribution platform with the BU North America and the private investor products offered through the Consumer & Commercial Clients BUs. WCS grouped its product delivery activities into Fixed Income, Futures and FX (FIFF), Key figures Wholesale Clients
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 1,061 1,599 Net fee and commission income 1,718 1,728 Net trading income 2,363 1,138 Results from financial transactions 96 41 Share of result in equity accounted investments 2 83 Other operating income 101 113
Operating income 5,341 4,702
Operating expenses 4,699 4,783
Operating result 642 (81)
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions (241) (8)
Operating profit before tax 883 (73)
Income tax expense 178 (72)
Net operating profit 705 (1)
Discontinued operations (net) 0 1
Profit for the year 705 0
Total assets 525,203 428,214 Risk-weighted assets 77,019 72,777
Full-time equivalent staff 16,488 17,366 Number of branches and offices 189 190
Wholesale Clients (WCS), incorporating ABN AMROs corporate and investment banking operations, performed well during 2005, growing both operating income and profit for the year. WCS served the needs of a select group of multinational clients requiring specialist sector knowledge and sophisticated products. As from 1 January 2006, the activities of WCS have been moved into new BUs. 1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J Wholesale Clients (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Wholesale Clients ABN AMRO has entered two boats in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006, forming one team in the biggest and most challenging round-the-world sailing competion. In November 2005 the race started in Vigo, Spain. After 30,000 nautical miles, the boats will end the last leg and finish the race in Gothenburg, Sweden in July 2006. Core businesses 60 Commercial Banking and Equities & Investment Banking. FIFF offered our clients integrated solutions to allow them to manage their risk exposures and optimise their portfolio returns. These product offerings were backed by strong research and a global presence, enabling WCS to target its clients in every continent. WCSs commitment to its clients was reflected in a large number of annual industry awards that recognised its leading-class capabilities in risk management and product innovation on behalf of our targeted mid-market clients and chosen multinationals. WCS invested significantly in building up its derivatives business during 2005. We established a Structured Derivatives unit that focused on delivering a step change in revenues through the development of innovative structured products. Its product expertise spanned all derivatives asset classes from equities to FX and fixed income. Structured Derivatives continues to act as an incubator for new products that can be standardised into traded products to be sold through the global trading platform. This knowledge transfer model innovative products for sophisticated clients leading to new products for mid-market clients and financial institutions is fully aligned with the Group strategy. Commercial Banking included traditional debt financing, conduit, cash management and trade financing services. These products focus on the core needs of our mid-market client set. Working capital solutions involving conduit securitisations of receivables and transaction banking products are important foundations for many of our client relationships. In 2005 ABN AMRO was awarded Best Online Trade Finance Bank for the fourth year running by Trade Finance Magazine and the Trade Finance Lead Technology Award by Euromoney, confirming our market leading trade finance service to clients. Equities & Investment Banking included cash Equities, Equity Derivatives, Equity Capital Markets (our joint venture with Rothschild was ranked first for pan-European primary access in 2005 by Extel), Fixed Income Capital Markets, and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). In Equities, we remain one of the leading houses in Europe including the United Kingdom where we also offer corporate broking through our subsidiary Hoare Govett, the Netherlands, and the Nordic region, with a growing presence in our other chosen markets. In 2005 Extel ranked WCS third in pan-European equity and equity-linked sales, and third in pan-European Equity market strategy. WCSs client coverage has also been aligned with the current Group strategy. The Global Clients client coverage function focused on a select group of multinational clients requiring specialist sector knowledge and sophisticated products. Results in 2005 WCSs profit for the year increased by 160.1% to EUR 705 million in 2005, adjusted for the restructuring charge related to WCS and Group Shared Services in 2004 (EUR 381 million in operating expenses, EUR 271 million in net operating profit). The following figures have been adjusted for this charge. Operating income increased by 13.6% to EUR 5,341 million, largely driven by strong revenue growth in FIFF, notably in structured derivatives. Underlying operating income in Commercial Banking (adjusted for the sale of the professional brokerage and domestic custody businesses in 2004) increased due to Core businesses 61 growth in transaction banking and loan portfolio revenues. The growth in loan portfolio income was, however, partly offset by declining margins in North America and Asia. FIFF operating income rose mainly due to growth in structured derivative product revenues. The Derivatives Step Change programme, introduced at the start of the year, resulted in revenue growth of over 150%. Equities & Investment Banking operating income also increased. Equity brokerage revenues were stable, with higher volumes being offset by lower margins. However, the implementation of an integrated cash and derivatives product and sales platform resulted in an increase in Equity revenues. Revenues from M&A and Fixed Income Capital Markets increased in the second half on the back of a strong pipeline built up during the year. The revenue items net interest income, net trading income and results from financial transactions should be viewed jointly, as income in the UK has been reclassified between these revenue lines. Operating expenses increased by 6.7% to EUR 4,699 million, primarily driven by higher bonus accruals and indirect costs, on the back of higher IT expenses driven by several large projects including Basel II and Compliance. Provisioning declined by EUR 233 million to a net release of EUR 241 million driven by substantial releases in the telecom and energy portfolios. Risk-weighted assets (RWA) increased by EUR 4.2 billion between 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005 as the foreign currency impact of EUR 6.4 billion more than offset the decline in RWA. Initiatives for 2006 Following the alignment of the Groups structure with its mid-market strategy as from 1 January 2006, the activities of WCS have been moved into new BUs. The Global Clients client coverage function, M&A and Equity Capital Markets activities now form BU Global Clients. The Commercial Banking client coverage function has moved to the regional BUs to improve ABN AMROs mid-market coverage. By opening up WCS to the Group we believe we are better equipped to service the Groups commercial clients and service them in a more efficient way. The new BU Global Markets serves as a product platform, developing and delivering products for all ABN AMRO clients. Strategic initiatives started in 2005 will be carried forward by the new BUs into 2006 to continue building profitability. Largest Equity Capital Markets deal in Asia Two Korean technology and telecom deals in the summer of 2005, involving equity issues worth a combined USD 3.2 billion, catapulted ABN AMRO into the top tier of the Korean capital markets rankings and reinforced the banks position as a leading player in Asia. Taken together, the LG.Philips LCD and SK Telecom deals, which were led by ABN AMRO Rothschild, represented more than 50% of total transaction volume in the Korean equity capital markets in the year to July 2005. The LG.Philips LCD transaction a USD 2.2 billion follow-on offering of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and ordinary shares was by far the largest Equity Capital Markets (ECM) deal ABN AMRO Rothschild had ever completed in Asia. Within two weeks of completing it, ABN AMRO Rothschild acted as joint global coordinator and joint bookrunner on a USD 1 billion offering of SK Telecom ADRs, the largest ECM telecom transaction in Asia (ex-Japan) in 2005, and the fourth largest Korean deal since 2001. The deals demonstrated the power of ABN AMROs global network, which enables the bank to compete with rivals in both the Asian and US markets. Competition from the US was fierce as both transactions involved issues of ADRs, but the bank performed very strongly, attracting huge investor demand in both transactions. Core businesses 62 The business model of BU Private Equity involves buying equity stakes in unlisted companies over which it can establish influence or control, and then managing these shareholdings for a number of years with a view to selling them at a profit. BU Private Equity runs two separate lines of business Buy-Out Investments and Corporate Investments. Strategy, products and services In the past three years, BU Private Equity has developed and implemented major improvements to its business and operational model. It has changed its investment focus from taking minority shareholdings in small to medium-sized early and later stage companies, to obtaining full control of mature mid-sized companies. At the same time, the BU has substantially reduced its geographical footprint by closing its operations in East Asia, the US, Latin America and several East European countries. This refocusing resulted in the BUs headcount falling by 55% in the past three years and investments becoming concentrated in the Netherlands, UK, France, the Nordic countries, Italy, Spain and Australia/New Zealand. Also, its average new investment size is now sub- stantially larger, and its number of investments under management is continuing to reduce. The growth in the Buy-Out Investments portfolio is fully funded from capital released and gains realised from ongoing exits in the Corporate Investment portfolio. The Buy-Out Investment business manages controlling interests held by ABN AMRO and third-party investors in mid-sized European and Australian buy-outs. The Corporate Investment business manages a portfolio of mostly non-controlling shareholdings in small to medium-sized Dutch companies, and in Key figures BU Private Equity
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 5 (32) Net fee and commission income 0 8 Net trading income 7 4 Results from financial transactions 431 660 Other operating income 7 (24)
Operating income 450 616
Operating expenses 130 115
Operating result 320 501
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 34 16
Operating profit before tax 286 485
Income tax expense (45) 22
Profit for the year 331 463
Total assets 7,293 4,770 Risk-weighted assets 3,028 1,988
Full-time equivalent staff 109 115 Number of branches and offices 9 9
BU Private Equity BU Private Equity invests in unlisted companies, both on ABN AMROs own account and for third-party investors. In the past three years, the BU has changed its investment focus from taking minority shareholdings in small to medium-sized early and later stage companies, to obtaining full control of mature mid-sized companies. This refocusing saw BU Private Equitys investment portfolio in European and Australian mid-sized buy-outs rise by around 30% during 2005, while its investments under management in early-stage Dutch companies remained flat. 1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU Private Equity (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 63 venture capital and early stage companies in the life sciences, information technology and media/telecom sectors. As of 31 December 2005, the total investment portfolio under management by BU Private Equity was valued at EUR 2.7 billion. Of this amount, EUR 2.5 billion was capital invested by ABN AMRO, while the remainder consisted of investments by third parties. Results in 2005 During 2005, the value of the Buy-Out Investments portfolio at fair market value increased from EUR 1.3 billion to EUR 1.7 billion, reflecting its aim of achieving a significant increase in Buy-Out Investments portfolio under management over the next few years. While the number of Corporate Investments decreased, the fair market value remained stable at EUR 0.6 billion, due to favourable share price developments in Corporate Investments listed portfolio. Profit for the year decreased by 28.5% to EUR 331 million. Operating income decreased by 26.9% to EUR 450 million, driven primarily by a normal level of exits from portfolio companies. Operating expenses increased by 13.0% to EUR 130 million. Provisioning increased from EUR 16 million to EUR 34 million due to a provision taken in the UK portfolio. Income tax expense decreased by EUR 67 million due to a tax release. Initiatives for 2006 Given the focus on majority shareholdings in mid-sized companies, the Buy-Out business of BU Private Equity is to be reorganised as a semi- independent subsidiary of the bank, with greater independence in its operations and decision- making. Consequently AA Capital Holding B.V. has been established to hold the shares in the operational subsidiaries and branches of the Buy-Out business in seven countries. Because we now obtain shareholder control in our portfolio companies, we have more influence over their value-enhancing strategies and initiatives. The BU is currently taking steps to improve its investment managers ability to identify and initiate such strategies and initiatives at the portfolio company level. Shareholder control also enables us to obtain more detailed information on portfolio companies financial and operational performance. To help us capture and report such data, and to improve our in-house portfolio administration, accounting and reporting functions, the BU is currently replacing several existing stand-alone systems with a fully-integrated web-based system. Value Creation in Private Equity In April 2002 ABN AMRO invested EUR 14.4 million in Puzzler Media, a leading UK publisher of puzzle magazines with a 50% share of the market. We saw the opportunity to invest in an excellent niche business that had strong brands and an experienced management team but also needed a supportive partner to move to the next stage of its development. Puzzler Media has been transformed over the past three years into the worlds largest puzzle content provider with annual sales of GBP 17 million, publishing more than 40 titles. Under our ownership the company successfully invested in new media opportunities with significant growth prospects, launched in the Australian market and took full advantage of the popularity of SUDOKU puzzles, which have taken the world by storm. Puzzler launched its own Sudoku magazine and is able to offer the puzzles for syndication through its exclusive publishing and syndication deal with Nikoli, the creators of the puzzle. In 2005 we initiated a competitive auction to realise our investment in Puzzler and this culminated in a sale to John Leng & Co, a subsidiary of the publishing group DC Thomson. We completed the deal in December 2005, generating a total gain of EUR 54.75 million representing an overall money multiple of 4.8 times the cost of our investment and an internal rate of return of 58%. Core businesses 64 BU PC targets the offering of private banking services to wealthy individuals and families with investable assets of EUR 1 million or more. We are one of the top ten private banks worldwide and the fifth biggest in Europe in terms of assets under administration (AuA), with year-end AuA in 2005 of EUR 131 billion, up from EUR 115 billion in 2004. In the past few years, we have built up our onshore private banking network in continental Europe through strong organic growth in the Netherlands and France, and through the acquisitions of Delbrck Bethmann Maffei in Germany and Bank Corluy in Belgium, strengthening our leading positions in these countries. These acquisitions will be followed up by organic growth, driven by additional ongoing investment in front-office activities. To build on our leadership position in France, BU PC is in the process of creating Banque de Neuflize OBC through a merger of Banque de Neuflize and Banque OBC. The merged business encompasses a new service proposition, more efficient and higher quality support functions, and a commercial banking business aimed at family-owned businesses as a feeder channel for private clients. Our operations in Latin America and the Middle East will benefit from increased investment in people and products to take advantage of these regions strong growth prospects. This will be supplemented by investment in our Swiss operations to cater to the needs of Latin American and Middle Eastern clients booked in Switzerland, as well as clients from other regions. Key figures BU Private Clients
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 480 416 Net fee and commission income 594 544 Net trading income 42 45 Results from financial transactions 8 1 Share of result in equity accounted investments 1 14 Other operating income 100 59
Operating income 1,225 1,079
Operating expenses 891 844
Operating result 334 235
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 6 0
Operating profit before tax 328 235
Income tax expense 73 66
Profit for the year 255 169
Total assets 16,973 15,355 Risk-weighted assets 7,231 6,816
Full-time equivalent staff 4,009 3,960 Number of branches and offices 84 82
BU Private Clients BU Private Clients (BU PC) is one of the top ten private banks worldwide and the fifth biggest in Europe in terms of assets under administration. It targets the offering of private banking services to wealthy individuals and families with investable assets of EUR 1 million or more. During 2005 BU PC continued to build its network and improve its performance through a combination of organic growth and targeted acquisitions, including the purchase of Bank Corluy in Belgium. The year saw BU PC achieve an excellent financial performance, with higher operating income and profit for the year, and a healthy rise in assets under administration. 1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU Private Clients (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 65 Strategy, products and services Client satisfaction is key to our success, and our clients vary greatly in their needs. Consequently, we have built a segmented private banking offering based on well-defined services tailored specifically to the requirements of our client segments and their sources of wealth. The scope and depth of our services vary in line with the size and complexity of the individual clients needs. Among other elements, our offerings include comprehensive tailor-made services at the top end and a relationship manager-based advisory model. BU PCs products are based on an open architecture model, under which clients are offered the best available products regardless of provider. In Asia, BU PC continued its organic growth strategy with ambitious AuA growth targets for the coming four-year period. These targets will be achieved primarily by augmenting the workforce and exploiting our product potential in the region. Our European private banking strategy is differentiated by our ability to nourish local brands while giving them the support of a strong international institution. We seek to maintain clients strong confidence in their local brands while capitalising on the resources and solidity of the Group as a whole. BU PC has achieved impressive results from the Client Engagement Model and best practices that we first implemented in the Netherlands, and that we are now transferring to other markets. The model aims to align clients various business partners within ABN AMRO, and between our internal processes and the individual client and/or client groups requirements. Results in 2005 BU PCs profit for the year increased by 20.5% to EUR 247 million in 2005, supported by a very strong performance in the Netherlands and improved performance in Germany. This result has been adjusted for the sale of Nachenius, Tjeenk & Co. in 2005 (EUR 38 million in operating income and profit for the year), a charge related to the merger of Banque Neuflize and OBC in France in 2005 (EUR 45 million in operating expenses, EUR 30 million in profit for the year) and a restructuring charge related to Group Shared Services in 2004 (EUR 56 million in operating expenses, EUR 36 million in profit for the year). The acquisition and integration of Bank Corluy In March 2005 ABN AMRO announced the acquisition of Bank Corluy. The rationale for this acquisition included the strong fit of Bank Corluys clients with our sweet spot in the mid-market client segment, our product capabilities and our strengthening position in the Belgian private banking arena. The integration process is now well under way and will allow us to achieve economies of scale through the use of a common IT platform. It will also enable us to accelerate the growth of the business by exploiting the combined product palette and Corluy brand name, thereby capitalising on local familiarity supplemented by the sense of strength communicated by the ABN AMRO shield. We are drawing on our previous experiences in Germany to ensure a successful integration. With this in mind, we have created twelve teams consisting of people from both banks to assess the different areas considered vital to the integration. The teams are responsible for assessing the current situation and coming up with recommendations to the management. This teamwork is supported by proactive, two-way communication with the whole organisation to ensure the support of all involved parties. Employees enthusiastic response to initiatives such as these has been reflected in a high level of staff retention and widespread commitment to helping make the integration process a success. Clients have also reacted positively, a fact reflected by a continuing inflow of money, low attrition rates and healthy attendance at various client events. Core businesses 66 The figures below have been adjusted for these events. Mainly due to a very strong performance in the Netherlands and a significantly improved performance in Germany, operating income increased by 13.5% to EUR 1,225 million. When adjusted for the one-off gain on the sale of Nachenius, Tjeenk & Co., operating income increased by 10.0%. Operating expenses increased by 7.4% to EUR 846 million, partly due to higher costs in the Netherlands. Expenses in Germany showed a decrease, reflecting cost synergies from the successful integration of Delbrck Bethmann Maffei. Assets under Administration increased from EUR 115 billion at the end of December 2004 to EUR 131 billion at the end of December 2005, reflecting an increase in net new assets and higher net asset values due to improved financial markets. The asset mix changed slightly to 70% in securities (from 67% at the end of 2004) and 30% in cash (from 33% at the end of 2004). Initiatives for 2006 In BU PC, Europe and Asia are at the heart of our growth strategy, and client engagement will continue to be key to our future growth. In 2006 we will build on this basic approach by stepping up our use of our Client Engagement Model, further strengthening our sales force and enhancing the key drivers of employee engagement. We will also launch a drive to exploit synergies with other BUs across ABN AMRO in areas such as client migration between different ABN AMRO products and services, product development and distribution, and possibly through highly- targeted acquisitions in important European markets. In cooperation with BU Latin America, we will continue to grow our Private Clients Brazil activities and client base. Core businesses 67 BU AM is ABN AMROs global asset management business and manages EUR 176.2 billion in specialist mandates and mutual funds. BU AM operates in more than 20 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia. The global portfolio management centres are concentrated in six locations worldwide Amsterdam, Atlanta, Chicago, Hong Kong, London and Singapore. BU AM offers investment products in all major regions and asset classes, using mainly an active investment style. The investment philosophy is characterised by an internationally coordinated investment process and well-monitored risk management. BU AMs products are distributed directly to institutional clients such as central banks, pension funds, insurance companies and leading charities. The funds for private investors are distributed through ABN AMROs consumer and private banking arms, as well as via third-party distributors such as banks and insurance companies. The institutional client business represents just over half of the assets BU AM manages. Retail and third party client accounts for a further 30%, and the remainder is in discretionary portfolios that are managed for BU Private Clients. Strategy, products and services During 2005 we streamlined our product development processes and invested in improving our client research. We remain fully committed to putting client focus at the heart of every decision we make. In order to achieve greater efficiency, we have also combined many of our product capabilities into single offerings in Luxembourg. We focus our regional offerings on specific territories and limit our presence to those markets where we have meaningful market share and competitive advantage. As a result of this tighter geographical focus, we sold our 401k business (pensions activities) in the BU Asset Management Key figures BU Asset Management
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income 6 4 Net fee and commission income 596 535 Net trading income 14 9 Results from financial transactions 55 10 Share of result in equity accounted investments 18 2 Other operating income 23 34
Operating income 712 594
Operating expenses 501 443
Operating result 211 151
Income tax expense 40 46
Profit for the year 171 105
Total assets 1,199 954 Risk-weighted assets 823 1,182
Full-time equivalent staff 1,655 1,919 Number of branches and offices 33 31
BU Asset Management (BU AM), ABN AMROs global asset management business, has continued to strengthen its position in its target markets and client groups through clear client focus and rising efficiency. Operating income rose because of a mix of market and currency factors and sales efforts. This higher operating income, combined with continued control of costs, resulted in a significant improvement in both operating result and the efficiency ratio during the year. An increased focus on those markets with the greatest potential drove a number of strategic divestments and acquisitions, positioning the business for future growth. Continuing investment to extend BU AMs leadership in Socially Responsible Investment was a further feature of the year. 1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J BU Asset Management (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Core businesses 68 United States at the end of 2004, and our Kazakhstan operation in 2005. We also completed the sale of ABN AMRO Trust and Management Service Companies. The sale of the bank and asset management activities in Curaao to FirstCarribean Bank was completed at the end of January 2006. Artemis Investment Management Ltd., our UK-based specialist in active investment products for retail investors and institutional portfolios, has shown a good performance over recent years. Given this positive trajectory and future outlook, BU AM took the opportunity to further increase its majority shareholding in Artemis Investment Management Ltd. from 58% to 71%, in line with the agreements at the time of the original acquisition. During the year, we also introduced a new concept for Socially Responsible Investment (SRI). We are already the market leader in SRI in Brazil and Sweden, and will now roll out our successful concept further throughout Europe. Results in 2005 BU AMs profit for the year in 2005 grew by 74.7% to EUR 145 million, adjusted for the sale of the Trust business (EUR 17 million in operating income and profit for the year) and of the operation in Kazakhstan (EUR 13 million in operating income, EUR 9 million in profit for the year) in 2005, as well as the sale of the Czech Pension Funds (EUR 12 million in operating income and profit for the year) and of the 401k business in the US (EUR 16 million in operating income, EUR 10 million in profit for the year) in 2004. The following figures have been adjusted for these events. Operating income increased by 20.5% to EUR 682 million. The growth in net fee and commission income is related to the improved asset mix of high-performance products and to higher fee levels on existing products. Assets under Management (AuM) also increased due to improved performance of mandates and funds and improved capital markets conditions in 2005. Results from financial transactions increased due to positive returns on seed capital. Other operating income increased in line with divestments arising from the strict focus on the core business. Overall, this result reflects BU AMs high- performance focus, the profitable growth in asset management products, and the way in which products have been tailored closely to client requirements. AMs client-driven approach and its expertise in developing alternative asset products have enabled it to grow in this attractive segment by targeting more attractive, better priced products, rather than concentrating principally on AuM. Operating expenses increased by 13.1% to EUR 501 million, mainly driven by higher performance-related remuneration, professional fees related to divestment processes, an increase in commercial activities and an incidental impairment Innovative offering addresses rising demand BU AM has been capitalising on the growing demand for structured products in several areas of the market. Both in Europe and North America, life-insurance companies are responding to the ageing of the population by supplying solutions geared to these new demographics. Such solutions include BU AMs unique lifecycle products, which are innovatively structured to offer maturity dates as far off as 2054. In the institutional segment, we are also rolling out new liability-driven structured investment solutions in a number of markets. These solutions, which perfectly fit the shift from schemes based on defined benefits to those based on defined contributions, are designed to offer clients protection against interest-rate movements. At the same time, our ability to provide liability-driven investment solutions is winning advisory mandates from large pension funds. Hedging interest-rate risk is a relatively new area for pension funds, and BU AM provides numerous solutions to help them comply with new regulations requiring measurement of liabilities on a mark-to-market basis. Core businesses 69 charge taken for software and commercial contracts. The tax rate decreased due to the high level of tax-exempt gains. Initiatives for 2006 We will remain committed to our private, retail and institutional clients, and will continue to operate on a global basis while delivering a high quality of service to clients via our local operations. In expanding our business we remain focused primarily on organic growth, although we will consider bolt-on acquisitions where appropriate. In 2006 we will continue to build our position in selected markets to capitalise on our global presence. This involves focusing our resources on markets that have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the solid growth of our business, such as the United States, the Netherlands, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Greater China (the Peoples Republic of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan), France and India. In Italy we will continue to work on the integration of Banca Antonveneta. On the SRI front, we plan to launch several new sustainability funds over the next two years, not only in the current key sustainable investment markets of Sweden and Brazil, but also in France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. We will also focus more on our multi-manager capabilities and our structured products, many of which are perceived as being technologically advanced. Our product strategy will remain focused around meeting specific client needs and providing innovative solutions. We remain committed to the investment styles that reflect the capabilities currently embedded in our business, but will continue to add other styles where they will enable us to meet more fully the requirements of various types of clients. Core businesses dialogue 71 Transaction Banking is a global ABN AMRO product business unit, formed in 2005, incorporating cash management, trade services and cards for all of the banks client segments, across all regions. The business had an excellent year in 2005, achieving significant growth in all client groups, with particularly strong momentum in the consumer segment in Brazil and other growth markets. Transaction Banking results are reported in the different BUs described in the previous section. Strategy, products and services We provide services in almost 60 countries and handle billions of transactions a year. Our business is well diversified, servicing mid- market and global companies, financial institutions, consumers and private clients, with large client bases across all these segments. We offer our products through all the countries in the ABN AMRO network. Within each of the major categories of cash management, trade and cards we have a broad array of products, many of which are tailored to local requirements. Our core payments products are used in domestic markets by commercial and consumer clients. We have substantial local transaction banking activities in the Netherlands, Brazil and the US. Our acquisition of Banca Antonveneta in Italy provides us with a second major base in Europe, including a large domestic transaction banking presence. We are using experience gained in these markets to build domestic scale in key growth markets such as India, Turkey and Greater China (the Peoples Republic of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan). These high-growth markets offer excellent opportunities to provide payment transactions for their increasingly affluent consumers. Our knowledge of developed markets enables us to tackle some of the inefficiencies of domestic payment systems and assist both local companies and foreign subsidiaries operating in these increasingly sophisticated countries. Innovation is a principal driver of success in transaction banking. With this in mind, ABN AMROs enterprise-wide approach is designed to facilitate sharing of knowledge and best practices, both across different client segments and between countries. A recent example of this transfer of ideas involves the global internet banking platform, Access Online. This portal was first developed for the multinational market, but has now been redesigned for mid-market clients. It provides direct online access to a suite of banking products that help to improve the efficiency of a companys working capital. Technological innovation is critical in transaction banking and our online delivery channels continued to win awards during 2005, with, for example, our trade portal recognised for innovative supply chain solutions and our US cash management portal gaining industry accolades. The financial services industry is highly regulated and transaction banking is no exception, with new regulatory requirements demanding continual investment in processes and technology. These new regulatory requirements can also offer opportunities for Transaction Banking Transaction Banking is a global payments products and services business, servicing all ABN AMROs client segments in every region. Transaction Banking is employing the experience gained in its established markets to build scale in key developing and growth markets. It is achieving growing success among mid-market commercial clients and in providing outsourced trade, cash management and payment services to other banks. We believe in building an open and inclusive dialogue with all our stakeholders on the issues and challenges ahead. This creates opportunities to come up with new and better solutions, and create better mutual understanding. Transaction Banking 72 Transaction Banking. The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), for example, is a European Union initiative to create a domestic payments market across the 12-nation eurozone. The introduction of SEPA by 2008 creates the potential for ABN AMRO to generate new revenues by offering payments products across the eurozone and attracting processing volume from other banks. Many regional and local institutions find the costs of increasing regulation and the changing demands of commercial and consumer clients too high, and see a partnership approach to transaction banking as the only viable option. As a result, we have been successful with outsourced trade solutions for partner banks in North America, Asia and Europe, and this remains a key strategic initiative. The newer market of outsourced cash management and payment services is also gaining momentum, spurred on by the advent of SEPA. Initiatives for 2006 Transaction banking involves people, processes and technology, and our partner banks value our expertise. ABN AMRO is one of the top global players in this market, having the necessary scale, network and track record of innovation. We predict strong growth in outsourced solutions for financial institutions in 2006 and beyond, and during 2005 we invested in senior advisers and product managers to build our impetus and expand the range of solutions we can offer. A key initiative for 2006 is to leverage the ABN AMRO network to capture a larger share of cross-border payment flows, which are forecast to continue to increase in the next decade. We already work with our global clients to help them manage the flow of funds and goods as they extend their businesses worldwide, and we have developed a wide range of award-winning products to meet their needs. Now our strategic focus is increasingly turning to the commercial segment. As well as serving the domestic cash management requirements of companies in this segment, we are also using our cross-border products to help them expand successfully into international markets. Making more possible every day Transaction banking products and solutions provide entry points for clients into the bank and involve an ongoing often daily relationship with ABN AMRO. This means Transaction Banking is providing core banking or anchor products that are critical to the banks efforts to cross-sell additional products and services. So it is particularly important that our sales and distribution processes, fulfilment and implementation, daily transactions and ongoing customer service all meet or exceed client expectations, every day, in every one of our operating centres. Our many external awards reflect our leading market positions and our clients view that ABN AMROs transaction banking products are delivering on this promise. Transaction Banking 73 GSS which became part of Services at the start of 2006 manages the delivery of internal support services across the BUs within ABN AMRO globally. Its portfolio of initiatives includes IT, Real Estate and Facilities Management and Offshoring. Efficiency improvements resulting from GSS-led programmes will realise net annual savings for the Group of at least EUR 600 million for 2007 and EUR 750 million from 2008 onwards. Strategy, products and services During 2005, GSS made good progress in developing and executing the banks shared services agenda. Initiatives launched by GSS will provide ABN AMRO with fuel for growth by managing and improving long-term cost and service levels. Short-term cost cutting is not the aim. Instead, GSS focuses on improving service quality, increasing efficiency, optimising operational risk and increasing agility. Portfolio of Initiatives GSS is implementing a portfolio of initiatives designed to enhance external and internal client satisfaction and performance across the BUs. This portfolio includes the following: Creating a New Technology Organisation The GSS IT programme aims to optimise the provision of Group-wide technology services. It involves in-house consolidation, partial outsourcing and multi-vendor offshoring. The programme is supported by a New Technology Organisation designed to facilitate best practice and agility. In 2005, GSS signed global service agreements valued at approximately EUR 1.8 billion over a five-year period with five vendors. These agreements include IT infrastructure (provided by IBM) and application support and enhancements (provided by Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)). Five preferred suppliers were also appointed for application development: Accenture, IBM, Infosys, Patni and TCS. All these agreements utilise the best available technology and build on the experience gained to date. The global service agreements for infrastructure have come into effect in ten countries, including the Netherlands, United States and Brazil. Transition to other countries and transformation of infrastructure services will follow over a 24-month period. Other IT initiatives during the year focused on enhancing telecommunications and market data services. GSS signed a contract with KPN Telecom for global managed mobile services in 17 countries. Also, a five-year contract spanning an initial 25 countries was signed with Avaya, utilising internet technology to standardise fixed telephony services. Optimising the Property Portfolio Group Real Estate & Facilities Management (GREFM) identifies, co-ordinates and implements best practice across the ABN AMRO-occupied property portfolio. GREFM improves BU property performance through approaches including workspace efficiency initiatives, disposing of surplus space and improving facilities management. Several surplus space and space efficiency programmes have been implemented in collaboration with the BUs. In addition GSS has completed the sale and leaseback transaction of the building in London at 250 Bishopsgate. Group Shared Services Group Shared Services (GSS) oversees and develops internal support services across ABN AMRO worldwide. GSSs initiatives contribute to the banks growth in its target areas. Its portfolio of ongoing initiatives include the GSS IT programme, which in 2005 involved the creation of new service agreements and a New Technology Organisation, optimising the Group-wide property portfolio, helping the BUs identify and exploit opportunities to cut costs and improve services through offshoring, and improving procurement. As from 1 January 2006, GSS has been included in the Services organisation of ABN AMRO, which encompasses all the banks service units. Group Shared Services 74 Sustainability programmes have been introduced with the aim of reducing energy consumption and CO 2 emissions. Building on our Offshoring expertise GSS made significant progress in offshoring in 2005. All offshoring programmes are on track and several new pilot programmes are underway. Feedback from the BUs shows that ABN AMRO Central Enterprise Services (ACES) has successfully improved quality, service levels and productivity. ACES adds agility to the banks operations through its flexible and rapidly expanding workforce in India, now 3,000 FTEs strong. ACES took steps to enhance its internal operating model and support continued growth. It is certified under ISO 9001 and the British Standards 7799 on Information Security, and runs extensive quality programmes which help to drive continuous improvement in service levels. Implementing better Procurement capabilities To ensure the bank is receiving value for money, Global Procurement applies a structured review to money spent with third parties. A number of best practice procurement solutions have been implemented, including a global system for managing sourcing and contracting in the major markets, and resourcing desks to control spend on third party resources. Initiatives for 2006 As from 1 January 2006, GSS has been included in the Services organisation of ABN AMRO, which encompasses all the banks service units. A key focus will be working towards delivering a single, integrated operations platform for the bank. This will build on the experience and success of the European Payments Centre in 2005. Other planned initiatives for 2006 include: the New Technology organisation will focus on transforming technology services across the bank GREFM will continue to achieve cost reductions through space efficiency, surplus space elimination and facilities management programmes the Offshoring Centre of Expertise, in conjunction with ACES, will continue planned activities and pilot programmes and look for new opportunities throughout the bank Procurement will further develop its sourcing expertise with third party suppliers to help develop detailed and efficient spending plans for all areas within the bank. External Awards for GSS ABN AMRO received the Best Initiative Award for Shared Services from Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Magazine, the leading Dutch financial magazine, in May 2005. The GSS initiative was praised for the courage it shows and the inspiration that it should represent for the whole financial services industry GSS Operations won the Risk Waters Best Back Office Operational Risk Reduction Programme Award in 2005 for the second year running. The award recognises the contributions that individuals and firms make to the development of operational risk discipline within the financial services industry At the seventh annual FSmetrics Awards, GSS Operations Securities won awards for Best Broker Dealer Overall Operational Performance in Fixed Income and Best Broker Dealer Confirmation Performance. The awards were based on a vote by a selection of the largest institutional investors, including some of our key clients, and were judged against ABN AMROs Tier 1 and 2 peer group. Group Shared Services 75 GF provides guidance on ABN AMROs corporate strategy and supports the implementation of the strategy in accordance with our Managing for Value methodology, Corporate Values and Business Principles. By aligning and uniting functions across ABN AMROs BUs and geographical territories, GF also facilitates Group-wide sharing of best practices, innovation and positioning to public authorities, and binds the company together in both an operational and cultural sense. Strategy, products and services GF aims to be a centre of excellence, exploring value-creating opportunities, providing capabilities and helping BUs meet their objectives, while balancing the interests of the BUs with those of the bank as a whole. In so doing, GF promotes our global brand name and the combined strength of the Group as one bank. This translates into three roles: Governance: GF enables the company to exist as a single entity and is responsible for corporate governance. It is in charge of compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, including compiling and reporting consolidated financial statements Influencing and making policy: GF adds value by assisting in the execution of the Managing Boards strategic guidance. It designs, implements and monitors the standards and policies within which the BUs work. It also monitors performance targets and progress towards reaching them, and provides expert advice and assistance in key areas Service provision: GF facilitates and exploits cross-BU synergies by providing support Group Functions Group Functions (GF) provides guidance and support on corporate strategy, undertaking three key roles overseeing corporate governance, helping the Managing Board put the banks strategy into effect, and facilitating cross- BU synergies. It also oversees a wide variety of Group-wide activities, ranging from corporate development to audit, and from risk management to EU affairs. Areas that GF will focus on in 2006 include compliance with Sarbanes- Oxley Section 404 and Basel II, and implementing a standardised methodology for risk assessment in the Compliance function. Key figures Group Functions
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Net interest income (305) (3) Net fee and commission income (28) 1 Net trading income (32) (36) Results from financial transactions 607 472 Share of result in equity accounted investments 114 20 Other operating income 23 6
Operating income 379 460
Operating expenses (95) 263
Operating result 474 197
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 95 23
Operating profit before tax 379 174
Income tax expense (50) 25
Net operating profit 429 149
Discontinued operations (net) 0 1,207
Profit for the year 429 1,356
Total assets 70,095 60,637 Risk-weighted assets 8,612 3,084
Full-time equivalent staff 6,020 3,867
1J ZJ JJ +J 5J cJ /J oJ 9J J Group Functions (as % of Group operating profit before tax) Group Functions 76 services in defined business areas for the Group, in close cooperation with the BUs. In 2005, the activities listed below have been grouped into Group Functions. Following this reorganisation, GF is now being managed in a more integrated way across the different businesses of the Group, and its links to the business are being strengthened progressively through a greater focus on internal client satisfaction. GF carries out the following activities: Group Compliance: manages regulatory affairs and the independent Compliance function across the bank Group Legal: sets policies for legal risk management, renders internal legal services, including litigation Group Finance: is responsible for supporting the decision-making of the Managing Board and the Resource Allocation and Performance Management Committee; sets and maintains accounting policies and standards; is responsible for the strategic, management, and financial control functions within ABN AMRO; is responsible for the coordination, policy setting and execution of capital management, asset and liability management and market, interest and liquidity management of the Group as well as economic research; monitors the overall financial position; prepares internal and external financial reporting Group Audit: assesses and advises on the adequacy of internal controls through independent audits Corporate Development: provides support to the Managing Board on the development of Group strategy, including identification, analysis and execution of mergers and acquisitions, as well as the composition of the portfolio of Group businesses from a strategic perspective Group Communications: manages corporate communications, press relations and sponsorships, and the ABN AMRO brand Investor Relations: provides our window to the investment community; ensures transparent communication to investors and serves as their point of contact; increases internal awareness of our investors perception and valuation of the Groups strategy, activities and results Group Risk Management: the Group-wide risk organisation is built on two pillars: an empowered Risk function in the regions, in combination with a strong central Group Risk Management function focusing on policy, portfolio management, and risk appetite. This structure is supported by Group-wide risk monitoring, control and reporting functions Group Human Resources: advises the Managing Board on people aspects of the strategy; advises on and supports corporate policy in executive development and leadership development; and develops frameworks and guidelines on important HR areas for global use by all BUs, including a bank-wide centralised HR framework European Union Affairs & Market Infrastructures: represents ABN AMROs interests through the EU and The Hague Liaison Offices, and links market infrastructures developments in the payments and securities industry with the internal strategy development. In addition, GF oversees the financial performance of our activities in other countries, including Capitalia (7.7% stake) and Banca Antonveneta (76.0% stake) in Italy, and Kereskedelmi s Hitelbank (40% stake) in Hungary. Our interest in Banca Antonveneta was increased in stages through successive share purchases from 12.7% at the beginning of 2005 to 55.8% as at 2 January 2006 and 76.0% as at 16 March 2006. As from 1 January 2006, the results of Banca Antonveneta will be reported under BU Europe. Group Functions 77 Results in 2005 GFs results include those of Group Shared Services. GFs net operating profit of EUR 149 million in 2004 was strongly impacted by the buy-off of compensation of staff for the termination of profit-sharing agreements in the Netherlands (EUR 177 million in operating expenses and EUR 117 million in profit for the year), as agreed in the new collective labour agreement. Adjusted for this charge, the net operating profit increased by 61.3% to EUR 429 million in 2005. The figures below have been adjusted for this charge. Operating income decreased by 17.6% to EUR 379 million, mainly due to lower US dollar profit hedge results (booked in net interest income) and a provision for balance sheet adjustments, offsetting higher results from our stakes in Italy. Operating expenses decreased by EUR 181 million, mainly due to the release of the post-retirement healthcare benefit provision (EUR 392 million gross, EUR 268 million net), more than offsetting the cost of the US regulatory fine (EUR 67 million gross, EUR 67 million net) and a provision for compensation for holidays not taken by staff (EUR 56 million gross, EUR 40 million net). Provisioning increased by EUR 72 million, due mainly to the incurred but not identified (IBNI) loan loss provision. Income tax expense declined substantially in 2005, due mainly to releases of tax provisions in the fourth quarter. Income from discontinued operations in 2004 represented the net profit of LeasePlan Corporation, which we sold in 2004. Initiatives for 2006 The strategic agenda for 2006 aims to capitalise on the initiatives started in 2005: ensuring regulatory compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, section 404, following the postponement by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2005 of the effective date to 31 December 2006 continuing the preparations for the reporting and risk management implications of the Basel II requirements implementation in certain significant ABN AMRO countries of the Management Information System infrastructure we have developed further development and implementation of standardised risk assessment methodology, systems and quality control procedures within the Compliance function. Group Functions 78 For us to realise our strategy, all our clients must receive excellent service from highly- motivated and engaged staff. To achieve these goals, we need to maintain high standards in recruiting, developing and retaining talent. Engaged staff means more than satisfied staff, since it signifies that they are committed to playing an active role in achieving our objectives and building our future with us. In 2005, for the first time, we measured the engagement of our staff across the globe in all business units. In each of the previous two years we had surveyed parts of the bank, with our 2004 Employee Engagement Survey covering about 26,000 employees and achieving a 66% response rate. In 2005 we sent out questionnaires to 97,000 employees, and achieved an excellent global response rate of 75% a reflection of the commitment our people feel. Their responses enable us to measure the engagement of all staff and compare different geographies and BUs. Compared to the rest of the financial services sector we do better than our peers in nearly all categories, and we also pass the test when compared to the norm for High Performance companies across all industries. Looking at our previous surveys, it is clear that we have improved in many fields. The 2005 survey indicated that our staff really value leadership. This is already a high-priority topic, and will continue to be. In 2004 we launched a Leadership Review of our top executives to develop their leadership effectiveness still further. This process creates opportunities to improve our top peoples leadership skills, enabling them to engage their staff more fully. The 2004 launch focused on our top 150 executives, and in 2005 it was rolled out to the next layer and to people identified as potential future top executives. This initiative will be opened up to other senior staff as well in 2006. All participants in the Leadership Review agree specific development objectives to improve their leadership effectiveness. To help them set these objectives we offer them a three-day leadership workshop, Leading Through Others. In 2006 all our top executives will again participate in the Leadership Review, in which their leadership effectiveness will be measured and tracked, and new objectives identified. For our middle management layers the existing leadership programmes were intensified in 2005, and this will continue in 2006. These programmes are designed to address the different leadership issues people encounter during the various phases of their management careers. Aimed at identified high performers with high potential, our talent management programmes stimulate an integrated approach across our BUs and help our succession planning, supporting a broad diversity of career tracks. People are supported to steer their career either towards a generic managerial track and then leadership and strategic responsibilities, or alternatively up a path towards specialisation. We provide coaching programmes and mentoring to help them make the right choices. At the same time, separate mentoring and other initiatives have further raised the awareness of diversity and inclusion issues. This increased focus led to the launch of global and local initiatives, including global conferences for women in senior leadership positions and training programmes on inter-cultural awareness and leadership & diversity. Human Resources Our goal in Human Resources (HR) is to engage and motivate all our people to play an active role in achieving our objectives. For the first time this year we measured staff engagement across all our BUs worldwide, creating the basis for several initiatives. Additional actions included the roll-out of an expanded Leadership Review to build and widen our leadership skills, compliance-related performance objectives for top executives, mid-year reviews within our People & Organisational (P&O) Capability Reviews, and voluntary integrity screening. Several major HR issues were successfully addressed during the year, including a further upgrade to our peoples learning opportunities and the outsourcing of IT service delivery in ten countries, with nearly 2,000 employees transferring to suppliers. Human Resources 79 In 2005 HR developed a new global strategy and moved forward to contribute greater synergy and added value to the business. Important features during the year included making knowledge more accessible via e- learning and communities of practice, attaining a higher level of professionalism in our graduate programmes, and achieving a strong pay-off from the coaching conducted by our (senior) management. As mentioned elsewhere in this report, it is very important for us to have high awareness of compliance issues across the bank. All top executives have agreed a compliance-related performance objective for the current year, alongside their personal and leadership development, staff development and business objectives. During 2005, our current top executives also volunteered to participate in Integrity Sensitive Position (ISP) screening something which has been compulsory for all newly-appointed top executives since July 2004, under rules introduced by the Nederlandsche Bank. To enhance our Performance Management processes, we added an additional mid-year review to our P&O Capability Reviews. This will help our BUs measure their mid-year results and, where necessary, adjust their annual plans to achieve their objectives. The P&O Capability Reviews enable a dialogue between each BU and the Managing Board to identify the right combination of skills, knowledge, behaviour and values (including compliance) to meet its performance objectives. HR has actively supported and enabled recruitment and selection of many new employees, as well as overseeing international reward issues, performance management, training and development, and talent management processes. At the same time it has been instrumental in major change processes, such as the outsourcing of IT Service Delivery that was successfully finalised in ten countries in November 2005. This enabled nearly 2,000 employees to continue their professional careers by transferring to suppliers. The benefits of the outsourcing include enabling the bank to concentrate on its core business and revitalising our IT service delivery, while also harnessing existing talent and skills. The quality, timeliness and consistent effectiveness of IT service delivery are managed by the New Technology Organisation, a department that liaises closely with our external service providers. Human Resources affiliations 81 Please note that various disclosures included in the risk management section of previous Annual Reports are included in the financial statements under note 38 Financial risk management and use of derivatives starting on page 170. Framework We consider a comprehensive risk management framework to be one of our core competencies, and approach risk in a prudent way aligned with our long-term strategy. We put this approach into effect through professional risk functions that are independent from the commercial lines of our business. Our risk framework combines centralised policy-setting with broad oversight, supported by decentralised risk execution and risk monitoring. Our risk management processes are designed to identify and analyse risks at an early stage, to set and monitor prudent limits, and to help us face a volatile and rapidly changing business environment. Each of the banks departments must analyse the risks involved in the transactions it originates, verifying that these risks are compatible with their assigned limits, and ensuring that they are properly managed. Organisational structure Our Managing Board establishes our strategic risk philosophy and policies under the oversight of the Supervisory Board, whose duties include regular monitoring of risks in the banks portfolio. Responsibility for the overall implementation of the risk policy lies with the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Chief Financial Officer, both of whom are members of the Managing Board. Risks are managed through two principal directorates Group Risk Management (GRM) and Group Asset and Liability Management (GALM): GRM is responsible for the management of credit, country, market, operational and reputational risk GALM is responsible for protecting our earnings and capital position against adverse interest rate and currency movements in the non-trading portfolios, for liquidity management, and for managing our (longer-term) debt issuance profile. Group Risk Management The Group Risk Committee (GRC), whose voting members are drawn from GRM and the business, is the most senior committee on policy and exposure approval for credit, country and market risk. In general, policy and credit portfolio issues are handled in Group Risk Committee meetings dedicated to policy. The most senior committee handling operational risk is the Group Operational Risk Management Committee. The risk organisations of the regional BUs have a local focus and are overseen by GRM. Regional chief risk officers have dual reporting lines into the BU Head and the Head of GRM. Market risk and operational risk are separate functions within GRM. The chart over the page shows the overall structure of our risk management organisation. Group Asset and Liability Management In order to manage our balance sheet effectively, we have established an Asset and Risk management Managing our risk / reward profile effectively is one of our core competencies. We have dedicated professional risk management functions that operate independently of the commercial lines of our business, providing broad oversight across all activities and markets. Our risk management policies and activities are designed to identify and analyse risks as early as possible, so we can learn and evolve continuously in a volatile and rapidly-changing business environment in order to optimise risk-adjusted return. One of the core responsibilities of the Group Asset and Liability Committee (Group ALCO) is to manage the sensitivity of the banks net interest revenue to changes in market interest rates. The net interest revenue is the banks most important source of revenue. By understanding our clients needs and dreams and ensuring their expectations are exceeded by the solutions the bank delivers, we build lasting relationships. Relationships for this generation and those to come. Risk management 82 Supervise all Business Units Assets and Liability Committees Set the overall risk limit per Business Unit and per currency for interest rate (earnings at risk & market value) and liquidity risk Set overall Value-at-Risk limits for market risk, the allocation of which is the responsibility of the Group Risk Committee Manage the consolidated liquidity and interest rate position of the bank Manage our capital structure Set standards and policy for transfer pricing and inter Business Unit transactions Manage the corporate investment portfolio Hedge invested capital and profits in foreign currency throughout the bank Maintain of own credit curve via strategic debt issuance Supervisory Board Oversee risk management Regularly monitor risk of bank portfolio Managing Board Establish strategic risk philosophy, policies and risk appetite Chief Risk Officer Chief Financial Officer Group Risk Management Credit risk Market risk Operational risk Country risk Reputational risk Group Asset and Liability Management Interest rate risk Currency risk Liquidity risk Capital management Group Risk Committee Group Asset and Liability Committee Determine the risk policies, procedures and methodologies for measuring and monitoring risk, including reputational risk issues Set delegated authorities for lower committees and authorised individuals, within Group Risk Management, Regional BUs, Global Clients, Private Clients and Asset Management Approve credit, market and operational risk associated with new products Approve risk on transactions whose value exceeds the authority delegated to lower committees Approve structured finance, complex products and tax related transactions Conduct a quarterly review of the adequacy of provisions on the credit portfolio Oversee our overall credit portfolio and risk profile Risk Management Functions within Group Risk Management and the Business Units Risk Management Functions within Group Asset and Liability Management and the Business Units Approve interest rate limits under the overall approval provided by Group ALCO Monitor utilisation against interest rate and liquidity limits Steer actions to manage the exposures of the balance sheet Review net interest income and forecasts Approve key policies including transfer pricing Track funding mix and other key liquidity ratios Approve of new products Oversee all credit, market and regulatory matters and ensure compliance with local laws Approve risk transactions with delegated authority and advise on credits which exceed such limits Support the banks trading operations by monitoring and ensuring effective market risk exposure management Implement, review and control policies on all risk portfolios Manage individual problem credits and monitor the distressed assets portfolio within our risk parameters Set provisions for loan losses within delegated authority Approve consumer product and small and medium enterprise lending programmes within delegated authority Establish and maintain operational risk control discipline Ensure compliance with our Corporate Values and Business Principles Risk management 83 Liability Committee (ALCO). Its structure mirrors that of our organisation, with Group ALCO and ALCOs at the level of the BUs to manage the Asset and Liability Management processes in their specific areas of interest. The members of Group ALCO are drawn from the business, as well as from the Finance and Risk functions. GALM focuses on increasing capital velocity throughout the Group, reducing capital costs, monitoring and improving the liquidity of assets, and providing for the re-allocation of capital whenever this is required by strategic decisions. Risk measurement Economic Capital ABN AMRO uses its internally-developed models to estimate economic capital as a uniform risk measure across the bank. Economic capital models are primarily designed to provide a warning system for severe risks that are outside the risks that are statistically expected to occur in the banks ordinary business. Economic capital is an estimate of the amount of capital that the bank should possess in order to be able to sustain larger than expected losses with a certain level of certainty. As with any other statistical methodology, economic capital provides an estimate for management and its primary advantage is to signal risk over time and help management follow trends. Like all estimations and statistical methods, economic capital has its limitations. In anticipation of the implementation of Basel II (see Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview Supervision and Regulation New Capital Adequacy Framework (Basel II)), we are in the process of refining and further developing our economic capital methodology. As a result, investors should be aware that our economic capital may change both due to changes in the underlying risks and due to improvements in our methodology for measuring risks. We also use economic capital for internal capital allocation decisions, to support risk/ reward decisions at various levels within the organisation and for performance management. We estimate economic capital for each of the primary risks underlying our business: credit risk (including country risk and private equity), market risk (including interest rate risk), operational risk and business risk. We are active in many locations worldwide and are involved in many different business activities. This diversification, as well as the diversification between different risk types, is taken into account in calculating economic capital. The contribution of each risk type to ABN AMROs total economic capital is shown in the graph below. Economic capital for market risk and interest rate risk is volatile when compared to economic capital for other risk types. At the end of 2005, economic capital for market and interest rate risk was relatively low. A comparison of ABN AMROs economic capital with that of other firms is unlikely to be meaningful, because a wide variety of definitions, model coverage and underlying Contribution of each risk type to economic capital (total EUR 16 billion) Credil risk including counlry risk: 69' arkel and inleresl rale risk: 3' Operalional risk: 16' Business risk: 12' Risk management 84 assumptions are used. In general, economic capital is designed to cover all major risks, but it should be noted that some risks are not quantifiable. Furthermore, perceptions of risk evolve over time. Value-at-Risk To manage market risk, we use Value-at-Risk (VaR) models and other control measures such as sensitivity stress tests and stress test scenarios. For further information see note 38 Financial risk management and use of derivatives. The effectiveness of VaR can be assessed through a technique known as back-testing, which involves determining the number of days on which the losses were bigger than the estimated VaRs for those days. At a 99% confidence level, the statistical expectation is that on one out of every 100 trading days a loss exceeding the VaR for such a day occurs. The back-testing is performed both on the actual profit and loss (P&L) and on a hypothetical P&L, which measures a P&L net of commissions, origination fees and intra-day trading. The results of this back-testing on the actual and the hypothetical P&Ls are reported to the Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) on a quarterly basis. Back-testing is an essential instrument for the ex-post validation of our internal VaR model. The back-testing result depicted in the graph above shows that the hypothetical financial result has not exceeded the calculated VaR during 2005. This is due to the conservative nature of our VaR relative to the hypothetical P&L. Jan Feb ar Apr ay June July Aug Sepl Ocl ov Dec 40 30 20 10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 30 w e e k123456789 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 6 3 7 3 8 3 9 4 0 4 1 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 6 4 7 4 8 4 9 5 0 5 1 5 2 Value at risk Profit Loss Value-at-Risk versus hypothetical Profit & Loss for trading portfolios for 2005 (in millions of euros) Risk management 85 Earnings-at-Risk Earnings-at-risk is the sensitivity of earnings over a defined time horizon (e.g. 6, 12, or 24 months) under a number of predefined yield curve scenarios. Details in respect of earnings-at-risk have been included in note 38 Financial risk management and use of derivatives. Credit risk We define credit risk as the risk that a counterparty or an issuer may fail to fulfil its obligations to us, or that an issuers credit quality may deteriorate. This covers actual payment defaults as well as losses in value resulting from an increased probability of payment default. We use a number of statistical methods to measure, monitor and manage the banks credit risk. ABN AMRO has developed a multi-factor risk-adjusted return on capital (RAROC) model to calculate economic capital for credit risk. For the economic capital calculations, country risk is included in credit risk. Furthermore, credit risk incorporates the risk of decreases in the value of the private equity portfolio. We apply the following principles in managing our commercial and consumer credits: approval of credit risk exposure is independent of the business originators all commercial activities which commit us to engage in risk-sensitive transactions require prior approval by committees or authorised individuals (the four-eyes principle) our Managing Board delegates authority regarding credit risk management to GRM within Group Functions, and then further down to the BUs within their delegated authority levels, the BUs are responsible for managing all business activities credit and trading facilities, once granted are properly documented and monitored we apply Know Your Client ensuring familiarity with our clients backgrounds with regard to the financing of their activities and transactions. Management of commercial clients Authorities for credit decisions involving commercial clients are based on two measures: Global One Obligor Exposure: a combination of all direct and contingent credit limits to a given relationship globally Uniform Counterparty Rating (UCR) and Loss Given Default (LGD) classifications (see below), both of which are also used as building blocks for economic capital calculations. Credit Rating System, Uniform Counterparty Rating, Loss Given Default classification We have an internal rating system which we apply globally for commercial credits. It consists of two types of ratings: a Uniform Counterparty Rating (UCR) and a Loss Given Default (LGD) Classification. The UCR reflects the estimated probability that the counterparty will default, while the LGD classification reflects the level of loss that the bank would expect to suffer on a facility if the counterparty were to default. Both ratings are key inputs for measuring and managing credit risk. The UCR and LGD classification are assigned by risk officers or risk committees working independently of the commercial departments. The UCR scale is applied globally to all our non- retail exposure. The scale is comprised of fourteen non-default grades and three default grades. The non-default grades can be benchmarked to those of external ratings agencies. A number of rating tools have been developed to support our assignment and Risk management 86 Benchmark ratings of Rating Agencies
UCR Description S&P / Fitch Moodys
1 Prime AAA / AA Aaa / Aa3
2+ Very strong A+ A1
2 Strong A A2
2 Relatively strong A A3
3+ Very acceptable BBB+ Baa1
3 Acceptable BBB Baa2
3 Relatively acceptable BBB Baa3
4+ Very sufficient watch BB+ Ba1
4 Sufficient watch BB Ba2
4 Relatively sufficient watch BB Ba3
5+ Somewhat weak B+ B1
5 Weak B B2
5 Very weak special attention B B3
6+ Sub-standard special attention CCC+ / C Caa1 / C
6 Default n.a. n.a.
7 Default (partially) provisioned n.a. n.a.
8 Default Stopped trading and/or in liquidation n.a. n.a.
review of UCRs. These rating tools quantify the relative impact of various risk factors and make rating decisions transparent. Rating tools are now available for all our major loan portfolios. We use rating tools tailored to specific markets to reflect the underlying risk drivers. The LGD classification is determined for each facility on the basis of seniority, collateral and an assessment of the prevailing legal environment. LGD classification policies are tailored to reflect specific (local) markets and types of counterparties and products. Loss data on defaulted credits are aggregated and stored in a database to validate and improve the LGD classification and the underlying policies. Management of programme lending Our credit to consumers and standardised lending to certain small to medium-sized enterprises is managed as programme lending, which is approved under a product programme format and managed on a portfolio basis. To qualify for a programme lending approach, the BU prepares an application to offer a certain credit product. The application has to specify the target customers or customer segment and must contain standard risk acceptance criteria for evaluating individual transactions. The application must also demonstrate that the portfolios performance will be predictable in terms of yield, delinquency and write-offs. Tracking and reporting mechanisms must be able to identify trends in the portfolios performance early on, and to make timely adjustments where appropriate. Decision authority is based on the proposed peak portfolio outstanding for a certain product offering. Under an approved product programme, the authority to approve individual credit transactions is delegated to authorised individuals. Credit initiation, account maintenance and collections decisions are based on objective eligibility criteria, other guidelines or credit scores. BUs use both internally-developed and vendor-supplied scorecards. Portfolio performance databases are maintained to Risk management 87 Breakdown of total loans and receivables customers by BU in 2005
(Billions of euros) Total BU BU BU Bouw- NGM WCS Other Total 2005 NL NA Brazil fonds 2004
Total 380.2 91.1 53.5 12.9 39.7 6.7 167.6 8.7 320.0
facilitate portfolio control, and detailed information is available at the level of the BUs to enable segmentation of portfolios. GRM keeps information at a product portfolio level to facilitate monitoring. Loan portfolio and its composition In 2005, Consumer & Commercial Clients (C&CC) continued to hold the majority (54%) of total loans outstanding, approximately EUR 204 billion. Wholesale Clients held 44% and the remaining 2% was held by BU Private Clients, BU Asset Management and other Group businesses. C&CCs predominance within ABN AMROs total loans reflects the size of its operations in the banks key markets of the Netherlands, the US Midwest and Brazil. Consumer & Commercial Clients loan portfolio BU Netherlands (BU NL) continues to make up the banks largest asset base, accounting for 45% of total loans outstanding, followed by BU North America (BU NA) with 26%. Commercial portfolios C&CCs commercial portfolios, which consist of loans to corporate entities, accounted for 41% of total C&CCs loans in 2005. Key points include: The commercial portfolio of BU NL increased by EUR 3.9 billion (15%) over the year In North America, C&CCs commercial activities remain primarily in the US Midwest. The commercial loan portfolio grew with EUR 7.3 billion (25%). Commercial real estate and middle-market lending remain important activities for the bank BU Brazils commercial portfolio saw strong growth of EUR 2.2 billion (64%) due to economic recovery The BU New Growth Markets (NGM) commercial loan portfolio increased by EUR 0.8 billion (40%) The commercial portfolio of Bouwfonds showed a growth of EUR 1.0 billion (13%). Consumer portfolios The consumer portfolio of C&CC, which consists of loans to private individuals, continued to make up a dominant part of the business in 2005, accounting for 57% of total loans. 80% of the consumer loans were covered by mortgages. Key points include: In BU NL, the portfolio grew by EUR 2.8 billion (5%) In BU NA, the consumer loan portfolio grew by EUR 5.4 billion (57%) BU Brazils consumer portfolio consists mainly of car finance and personal loans. The loan portfolio grew by EUR 2.7 billion (68%) The BU NGM consumer portfolio increased by EUR 1.1 billion (39 %) The Bouwfonds consumer portfolio increased by EUR 3.6 billion (13%). Risk management 88 Wholesale Clients loan portfolio The Wholesale Clients private sector loan portfolio increased by EUR 12.4 billion (25%). This portfolio focuses mainly on OECD countries. Provisioning policies ABN AMRO has developed specific provisioning policies in respect of the various loan classes of business in which the bank engages. These policies are kept under constant review and adjusted to reflect, among other things, the banks actual loss experience, developments in credit risk modelling techniques and changes in legislation in the various jurisdictions in which the bank operates. We will now describe these policies in more detail for the different loan portfolios. For all portfolios, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the loan and the present value of estimated future cash flows, including cash flows from foreclosures if the loan is collateralised, discounted at the original effective interest rate of the loan. If a group of loans is collectively evaluated for impairment, future cash flows are estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows and historical experience for assets with similar credit characteristics. Corporate and commercial loans At least once a year, the banks dedicated credit committees or its authorised individuals will review the status of its corporate and commercial clients to whom it grants credits. Additionally, the banks credit officers continually monitor the quality of loans. Should the quality of a loan or the borrowers financial strength deteriorate to the extent that doubts arise over the borrowers ability to repay the loan, management of the relationship is transferred to the Financial Restructuring & Recovery (FR&R) units. After making an assessment, FR&R determines the amount, if any, of the specific provision that should be made, after taking into account the value of collateral. At the close of each quarterly reporting period, the Group Risk Committee reviews specific provisions on the portfolio to ensure their adequacy. Consumer loan products The bank offers a wide range of consumer loan products and programmes such as personal loans, home mortgages, credit cards and home improvement loans. Provisioning for these products is carried out on a portfolio basis. A specific provision for each product is determined by the portfolios size and the banks loss experience. Mortgage servicing portfolio and mortgage repurchases in the US To make full use of economies of scale, the bank originates mortgage loans through brokers, its branch network, a national call centre and the internet. The bank sells the majority of such loans to investors but retains servicing rights. Credit risk is transferred to the investors but if operational deficiencies occur such as documentation errors or title issues, investors require the bank to repurchase affected loans. The bank maintains an operational reserve to cover this risk. Doubtful and non-performing loans Loans are classified as doubtful (UCR 6, 7 and 8 for corporate loans) as soon as there is doubt about the borrowers lack of ability to meet its payment obligations to the bank in accordance with the original contractual terms. Where deemed necessary an allowance for loan losses (impairment loss) is determined on a per item or portfolio basis. Any loan that bears an impairment loss on principal or interest is defined as non- performing. Risk management 89 The volume of non-performing loans decreased by EUR 601 million, reflecting the improved quality of the credit portfolio. The ratio of non-performing loans to private sector loans developed favourably. Finally the ratio of allowances for loan losses to private sector loans also changed slightly, reflecting the higher quality of the credit portfolio. Provisioning for loan losses went up by EUR 32 million to EUR 648 million. In particular, WCS and the BU NA benefited from an improvement in the quality of the credit portfolio as well as from releases and recoveries. Provisioning in C&CC increased by EUR 169 million (29%) due to increases in the BU NL and BU Brazil, partly offset by continuing low levels of provisioning in the BU NA. Provisioning by each BU in C&CC was as follows: BU NL: provisioning for loan losses increased by EUR 104 million to EUR 277 million, mainly in the SME and consumer loan portfolio. This was a reflection of the relatively weak economic environment in the Netherlands, growth in total loan volume and the change in business mix as a result of the higher than average growth in our consumer finance portfolio. Provisioning for the mortgage portfolio remained relatively stable BU NA: provisioning fell from EUR 143 million to EUR 21 million. This decrease was due to lower gross provisioning levels as well as recoveries, reflecting the high credit quality of the loan portfolio BU Brazil: provisioning increased by EUR 144 million to EUR 363 million. This increase reflected the strong growth in the retail loan portfolio and the appreciation of the Brazilian real BU NGM: provisioning increased by EUR 26 million to EUR 67 million, reflecting the growth in the loan portfolio and higher credit card outstandings Bouwfonds: provisioning went up by EUR 17 million to EUR 26 million as a result of the non-Dutch mortgage portfolio. In WCS, provisioning declined by EUR 233 million to a net release of EUR 241 million driven by substantial releases in the telecom and energy sectors. In BU Private Equity, provisioning increased from EUR 16 million to EUR 34 million due to a provision taken in the UK portfolio. In Group Functions, provisioning increased by EUR 72 million, mainly due to the incurred but not identified (IBNI) loan loss allowance. The IBNI loan loss allowance is based on the quarterly review of the quantity and the composition of the Groups overall loan Specific provisioning by BU net additions
(in millions of euros) Total 2005 C&CC WCS Other Total 2004
Provisioning 648 754 (241) 135 616 Specific provisioning to average RWA (bps) 25 46 (29) 91 26
Non-performing loans
2005 2004
Total non-performing loans (in millions of euros) 4,736 5,337 Non-performing loans to private sector loans (gross, in %) 1.72 2.28 Allowances for loan losses to private sector loans (gross, in %) 1.09 1.36
Risk management 90 portfolio and the resulting incurred but not identified loss. Country risk As part of the overall mandate of GRM to address risk concentrations, we manage country risk in emerging markets on a portfolio basis. The clear identification, measurement and quantification of the country risk the bank takes are crucial for the continued deployment of capital into emerging markets in a sustainable and profitable way. The ultimate purpose of the country risk policy is to build a strong platform to allow for the effective management of country concentration risk. The policy framework is evolving in line with the overall adaptation to Basel II, for which we are participating actively in the specific project on country risk policy, which is led by DNB. The main tools we currently utilise are country risk quantification, cross border limits and sovereign limits. Country risk quantification We currently utilise an internally-developed cross-border VaR model in order to quantify and manage the amount of cross border limits and exposure at portfolio, regional and country levels under parameters approved by the Managing Board. In line with the gradual adoption of a Basel II-compatible country risk policy, we are currently working towards full harmonisation and integration with the economic capital framework, and therefore expect a migration during 2006 from cross-border VaR to country event risk in our economic capital calculations. Cross-border risk Cross-border risk is defined as the risk that funds in foreign currencies cannot be transferred out of a country as a result of the actions of the authorities in the country, or because the transfer is impeded by other events, such as civil war or embargo. Cross-border risk exposures
(in billions of euros for year ended Total cross-border exposure Of which not mitigated 1
31 December) 2005 2004 2003 2005 2004 2003
Latin America 8.8 6.7 6.2 5.0 3.8 2.6 Asia 12.7 10.3 7.7 10.0 6.1 4.8 Eastern Europe 7.5 4.3 3.6 6.9 3.0 2.3 Middle East and Africa 6.2 5.2 3.1 4.9 3.6 2.2
Total 35.2 26.5 20.6 26.8 16.5 11.9
1 Mitigated exposures commonly include transactions covered by credit default swaps, political risk insurance, cash deposits or securities placed offshore, specific guarantees, ringfenced funding or any other mitigation instruments available in the market. Sovereign risk exposures
(in billions of euros for year ended Total sovereign exposure Of which foreign currency 1
31 December) 2005 2004 2003 2005 2004 2003
Latin America 9.3 6.3 6.6 1.3 0.8 0.7 Asia 4.2 3.4 3.7 0.4 0.4 0.3 Eastern Europe 2.8 1.9 1.7 1.5 0.5 0.4 Middle East and Africa 1.4 0.6 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.6
Total 17.7 12.2 13.0 3.9 2.2 2.0
1 Part of which also booked under cross border limits. Risk management 91 The measurement of cross-border risk exposure covers all on and off balance sheet assets that might be directly affected by a cross-border risk event. Our total cross-border risk exposure in 2005 rose by EUR 9 billion from 2004, primarily due to significant increases in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Sovereign risk Sovereign risk is defined as the counterparty and issuer (credit) risk on a sovereign entity, irrespective of the currency involved. Sovereign entities include central governments, central banks or entities guaranteed by central governments or central banks (but excluding local governments). Our sovereign risk exposure increased in 2005 mainly as a result of the appreciation of the Brazilian real and more intense usage of sovereign-related instruments in our trading and derivatives activities in Asia and Eastern Europe. Operational risk Framework and governance structure Operational risk is the risk of losses resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, human behaviour and systems or from external events. This risk includes operational risk events such as IT problems, shortcomings in the organisational structure, missing or inadequate internal controls, human errors, fraud, and external threats. ABN AMRO has instituted a Group Operational Risk Policy and a Group Risk Framework, which between them outline tasks and responsibilities at each level of the organisation. The Group Operational Risk Management (ORM) Committee is responsible for establishing Group policies and standards on ORM and oversees the ORM activities throughout ABN AMRO, including preparations to qualify for Advanced Measurement Approaches (AMA) under Basel II. The Group ORM Committee is chaired by ABN AMROs CRO, and is composed of the COOs and CROs of each BU and the senior managers from the relevant Group Functions. The guiding principle in ORM is that management at all levels in the organisation is responsible for directing and managing operational risks. ORM managers are assigned throughout the bank to assist line management in fulfilling this responsibility. ORM programmes and tools Line management needs information to enable it to identify and analyse operational risks, implement mitigating measures and determine the effectiveness of these mitigating measures. ABN AMRO has implemented, or is in the process of implementing, a number of programmes and tools to support line management. These include: Risk Self-Assessment (RSA) A structured approach, which helps line management to identify and assess risks and take mitigating actions for risks which are identified as unacceptable. Risks are assessed with the assistance of facilitators, who are usually ORM staff Corporate Loss Database (CLD) A database that allows for the systematic registration of operational risk losses. It is mandatory for all BUs to report losses above the EUR 5,000 threshold into the CLD. This tool assists the senior management in their analysis of operational risks. The use of internal loss data is one of the qualifying criteria for AMA under Basel II, and will form the basis for calculating economic capital and regulatory capital in future External Loss Data ABN AMRO is a founding member of Operational Risk eXchange, an international data consortium set up in 2003. External loss data is used to perform benchmark analyses and, in the future, will also be Risk management 92 used to perform scenario and stress analyses Other Risk Approval Process A comprehensive approval process that includes an explicit assessment of the operational, legal and reputation risks inherent in all new business proposals. The process includes sign-off by relevant parties and approval by an appropriate committee Key Risk Indicators An approach used to indicate possible changes in the operational risk profile. Key risk indicators allow for a trend analysis over time and trigger actions if required Key Operational Risk Control A framework that provides clear descriptions of the typical key risks and the required controls for a set of defined standard processes. These descriptions contribute to improved risk awareness and provide input for the RSA. In 2001 ABN AMRO established an economic capital methodology for operational risk, based on a percentage of risk-weighted assets with a deduction for the proper implementation of operational risk programmes. In 2005 this was replaced by an economic capital methodology which is more closely aligned to the future AMA approach and relies to a significant extent on internal loss data. Market risk We define market risk as the risk that movements in financial market prices will change the value of the banks trading portfolios. ABN AMRO is exposed to market risk through its trading activities, which are carried out both for customers and on a proprietary basis. For trading related to customer facilitation the bank warehouses market risks, while for proprietary trading the bank actively positions itself in the financial markets. In any trading activity, risk arises both from open (unhedged) positions and from imperfect correlation between market positions that are intended to offset one another. Effective and efficient management and use of our exposure to market risk is essential, for both the competitiveness and profitability of the bank. There are several major types of market risk including interest rate, foreign exchange, equity price, commodity price, credit spread, volatility risks and correlation risks. Each has identifiable risk factors and associated risk measures. So we quantify market risk exposure by identifying relevant risk factors and calculating appropriate risk measures. These measures are then used to set market risk limits, to run scenario and sensitivity analyses, as inputs to various risk measurement models (such as Value-at-Risk) and to calculate market risk economic capital. Market Risk Management governance structure The overall objective of the Market Risk Management (MRM) group is to avoid unexpected losses due to market risk and to optimise the use of market risk capital. MRM ensures that the authority delegated by the Group ALCO and GRC with regard to market risk resulting from the banks trading activities is exercised effectively, and that exposures are efficiently monitored and managed. Furthermore, MRM limits and monitors the potential impact of specific pre-defined market movements on the profit and loss of trading positions. MRM also measures and reports market risk and interest rate risk of ALCO portfolios. Interest rate risk (non-trading) One of the core responsibilities of Group Asset and Liability Management is to manage the sensitivity of the banks net interest revenue to changes in market interest rates. Group ALCO sets limits to ensure that the potential adverse impact of market Risk management 93 movements on earnings is closely controlled. For interest rate risk of the banking book, refer to note 38 Financial risk management and use of derivatives. Currency risk (non-trading) Currency risk relates to the risk that our net investments in non-euro operations change in value through adverse effects of currency movements. Details in respect of managing of currency risk are included in note 38 Financial risk management and use of derivatives. Liquidity risk We define liquidity risk as the current or prospective risk to earnings and capital arising from a banks inability to meet its liabilities when they become due without incurring unacceptable losses. In 2005 ABN AMRO launched the first Dutch Covered Bond (CB) under its newly- established EUR 25 billion Covered Bond Programme. This programme helps the Group to manage more effectively its debt maturity profile, credit curve and long-term liquidity position, while also bringing greater diversification to its global investor base. In the absence of a specific covered bond act, the programme replicates the typical characteristics of CB issued under a legal framework. The CBs are issued by the Group and guaranteed by a special, bankruptcy remote entity, the Group Covered Bond Company (CBC). The Group assigns the collateral assets to the CBC. The pool is dynamic, consisting of euro- denominated Dutch prime residential mortgages. The structure is unique since it combines the robustness of Structured Covered Bonds (SCBs) and at the same time avoids complex cash flow mechanisms, making it more transparent for investors and less cumbersome for the issuer. It is also the first SCB programme that allows MTN issues. As part of our liquidity management, we have securitised part of our Dutch home mortgage portfolio and retained most of the notes issued by the securitisation vehicles. As a result, the Group has transformed loans that are not eligible as collateral for the DNB, into eligible assets, resulting in a direct improvement of some EUR 8 billion to our liquidity. Unlike the US Federal Reserve Board, the DNB does not directly accept mortgages as collateral. The securitisation does not have an impact on our solvency or on the balance sheet presentation of the underlying securitised mortgages. If and when required, these notes can be sold in the market. For further details on liquidity risk we refer to note 38 Financial risk management and use of derivatives. Risk management 94 Regulatory capital In 2005, shareholders equity was up by more than 48%, reflecting a range of factors including retained earnings and private placements. There were modest increases in minority interests and subordinated capital. ABN AMRO continued to meet comfortably the minimum regulatory requirements in terms of capital adequacy, and the total capital base rose by over 32% during the year. Group capital at year-end 2005 was EUR 43.2 billion, an increase of EUR 10.0 billion or 30.0% compared with 2004. Shareholders equity The EUR 7.4 billion or 50% increase in shareholders equity was mainly due to retained earnings, private placements, exercise of staff options and share-based payments, offset by translation changes on treasury investments in operations abroad and the change in special components. Of the 2005 net profit, EUR 2.3 billion was retained and added to reserves. A private placement in April equalled EUR 2.5 billion and a second one in June EUR 202 million. The exercise of staff options added EUR 34 million to equity. Share-based payments increased equity by EUR 87 million. Exchange rate differences increased reserves by EUR 1,080 million, of which EUR 659 million was caused by the appreciation of the Brazilian real. Special equity components relating to the investment portfolio decreased equity by EUR 405 million. The number of ordinary shares outstanding rose by 208.7 million to 1,877.9 million, of which 61.6 million were related to stock dividends issued at an average price of EUR 18.97. The 2004 final dividend resulted in 66.3% of shareholders choosing the stock dividend, for which 32.3 million shares were issued at EUR 18.50 each. After the 2005 interim dividend was declared, 61.7% of shareholders chose stock dividend, leading to 29.2 million shares being issued at EUR 19.50 each. In April 135.0 million shares were issued at EUR 18.65 each, and in June 10.3 million additional shares were issued at EUR 19.66 each. Staff options exercised resulted in 1.9 million additional shares, issued from the repurchased shares at an average price of EUR 18.05. Minority interests A combination of factors caused a rise of EUR 194 million in minority interests during 2005. Cumulative exchange rate changes increased the total value of minority interests by EUR 133 million, of which EUR 68 million related to elements of tier 1 capital. In October redemption took place of USD 100 million preference shares ABN AMRO North America 1995-2005, of which USD 40.5 million had been repurchased earlier. Subordinated liabilities Subordinated capital rose by EUR 2.4 billion to EUR 19.1 billion. In 2005 issuances totalled EUR 2.8 billion, including EUR 1.5 billion lower tier-2 Floating Rate Notes due 2015; USD 1.5 billion lower tier-2 Floating Rate Notes due 2015, callable as of 2010; USD 136 million lower tier-2 Floating Rate Notes due 2015; EUR 70 million lower tier-2 Floating Rate Medium Term Notes due 2015; and EUR 15 million lower tier-2 Fixed Medium Term Notes 6% Notes due 2020. Redemptions totalled EUR 1.7 billion, including a call of EUR 500 million Floating Rate Notes 2000-2010, and partial redemption of USD 40 million of Non- Bullet Floating Rate Notes Sudameris 1999- 2009 and USD 1 billion 7.25% notes 1995- 2005. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates increased total subordinated liabilities by EUR 1.2 billion. The lower volume of repurchased subordinated loans of EUR 132 million increased subordinated liabilities. Premiums and hedging increased the carrying value of subordinated loans by EUR 188 million. Required capital and ratios ABN AMRO applies capital adequacy ratios based on Bank for International Settlements Regulatory capital 95 (BIS) guidelines and Dutch central bank directives. These ratios compare our banks capital with its assets and off-balance sheet exposure, weighted according to the relative risk involved. Capital is also set aside for market risk associated with our banks trading activities. The minimum tier 1 ratio is 4% and the minimum total capital ratio 8%. ABN AMRO comfortably meets these minimum standards with a tier 1 ratio of 10.62%, of which the core tier 1 ratio is 8.47%, and with a BIS total capital ratio of 13.14%. The total capital base went up by 32.2% to EUR 33.9 billion at 31 December 2005. Risk- weighted assets amounted to EUR 257.9 billion at 31 December 2005, an increase of EUR 26.2 billion from the end of the previous year. Securitisation programmes in 2005 increased by EUR 39.9 billion to a total of EUR 65.5 billion. Regulatory capital 96 On 26 June 2004 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision endorsed the publication of the International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards: a Revised Framework, also named Basel II. The Capital Requirements Directive (CRD), representing the translation of Basel II to EU legislation, was approved by the European Parliament on 28 September 2005. The adoption of the CRD by the EU institutions in autumn 2005 means that the way is now clear, in the EU, for the implementation of the directive into national law, with a published compliance deadline of 1 January 2008 for banks adopting the most advanced approaches. Basel II allows for several different approaches to implementation of the Basel II requirements for Credit, Market and Operational Risk, ranging from the simple standardised approaches to more complex advanced approaches. ABN AMRO aims to implement in principle the advanced approaches, for all risk types, at the earliest opportunity. In September 2005 the Dutch regulator, the DNB, announced a shift from the planned advanced two-year parallel run start date, to a reduced one-year parallel run (originally planned to start on 1 January 2006, but now scheduled to commence on 1 January 2007). This shift in dates has had no impact on ABN AMROs preparations to meet the compliance date of 1 January 2008. The approval of the CRD in Europe is in contrast to the picture in the US, where the timeframe for acceptance of Basel II local stipulations remains unclear. The US regulators recently announced a further delay in the implementation timeline, and the published compliance date of 1 January 2009 in the US is now one year later than in Europe. Despite a number of uncertainties that are still at play in the regulatory environment, ABN AMRO is very well positioned to meet its Basel II goals on time. Basel II From 1 January 2008, compliance with the Basel II framework will become a requirement for financial institutions in the European Union (EU) adopting the advanced approaches. Despite a number of uncertainties surrounding the regulatory environment, we remain well on course to achieve advanced status under the regulations by this deadline. The challenge of divergent compliance dates The divergence in the implementation dates between ABN AMROs home regulator, the Nederlandsche Bank, and its host regulators, such as the US regulatory authorities, leads to a number of issues when implementing Basel II globally. Not only does this affect implementation costs, as banks with a global footprint such as ABN AMRO have to run parallel implementation streams to meet different timelines, but the delay also places additional workload on home and host supervisors. Furthermore, the divergence is not limited to implementation dates. Divergent interpretations of Basel II are a further factor adding to the uncertainty over how to ensure a level playing field in both the EU marketplace and non-EU jurisdictions. Basel II 97 The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Our listing on the New York Stock Exchange means we are required to comply with US regulations including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We fully honour both the spirit and the letter of this legislation, and we have strengthened our ability to comply by creating a Disclosure Committee which formalises the roles, tasks and disciplines that were already in place. Of the various Sections of this Act, Section 302 requires management to certify the disclosure controls and procedures and the internal financial controls. Section 404 of the Act requires management to report annually on the adequacy of the companys internal control over financial reporting. ABN AMRO is a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered company with a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This means we are subject to US securities laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOXA) and certain corporate governance rules of the NYSE. The integrity of management, auditors and employees is at the heart of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Act and the rules require listed companies to have an audit committee composed of independent directors. They also promote auditor independence by prohibiting auditors from providing certain non-audit services while conducting audits for the company. ABN AMROs oversight and corporate governance practices fully honour the spirit and requirements of the reforms introduced by the various Sections of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Following the introduction of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act, ABN AMRO has created a Disclosure Committee which formalises the roles, tasks and disciplines that were already in place for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of information disclosed to the market. The members of the Disclosure Committee include the Head of Group Financial Accounting (Chairman), the Head of Group Legal, the Head of Investor Relations, the Head of Group Audit, the Head of Group Risk Management and, as needed, persons from other parts of the company. With regard to financial reporting we have to date complied with Sarbanes-Oxley Sections 302 and 906 which require, among other things, that: 1 The financial statements and other financial information included in the Form-20F present fairly in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company in compliance with the SEC rules 2 Responsibility exists towards establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures, and that an evaluation of the effectiveness of these controls has been performed as of year end 3 Disclosure is made to the Groups auditors and Audit Committee, based upon an evaluation of the internal controls over financial reporting, about all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design and operation and fraud involving management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting. Under Section 404 management must evaluate and report annually on the adequacy of the design and effectiveness of the companys internal control over financial reporting. This report will include: a statement of managements responsibilities for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting a statement identifying the framework used by management to evaluate the effectiveness of the companys internal control over financial reporting managements assessment of the effectiveness of the companys internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each financial year, including a statement as to whether or not internal control over financial reporting is effective a statement that the registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in the annual report has issued an attestation report on managements assessment of the registrants control over financial reporting. As ABN AMRO is a foreign accelerated filer in combination with having a financial year The Sarbanes-Oxley Act 98 ending on 31 December, we will for the first time provide this report with the Form - 20F over 2006. ABN AMRO established in 2003 a Group-wide SOXA Project governed by a single Steering Committee made up of senior managers from both the BUs and Group Functions. ABN AMRO agrees with the SEC that the assessment of internal control over financial reporting will be more effective if it focuses on controls related to those processes and classes of transactions for financial statement accounts and disclosures that are most likely to have a material impact on the companys financial statements. While defining the accounts, disclosures, processes and controls in scope for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, a risk-based approach was taken into consideration. In line with the recommendation of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, ABN AMRO has chosen the internal control framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Treadway Commission (COSO) for evaluating the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As from the beginning ABN AMRO has striven to obtain a good balance between all the five components of internal control as identified by the COSO. On a quarterly basis, a report on the status of progress towards compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 is provided to and discussed with the Audit Committee, and with the Chief Financial Officer and the Chairman of the Managing Board. Since the start of the project frequent dialogues have also been taking place with the companys auditor. The intention of the dialogue with the various parties is to monitor ABN AMROs progress to compliance regarding the internal controls and the financial reports upon which investors rely. Members of the Supervisory Board, Managing Board, BU Management Teams and other senior managers at ABN AMRO are actively involved and are dedicating the resources necessary to ensure compliance with the various Sarbanes-Oxley Sections. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act shareholder information 100 Prior-year figures have been restated for comparison purposes. 1 Adjusted for shares repurchased to cover staff options granted. 2 Based on the average number of ordinary shares outstanding. 3 Where necessary, adjusted for increases in share capital. 4 Income statement figures have been translated at the average dollar rate and balance sheet figures at the year-end dollar rate.
2005 8 2005 8 2004 8
(USD) 4
Income statement (in millions of euros) Net interest income 9,341 11,559 8,879 Total non-interest income 10,486 12,976 8,251 Total operating income 19,827 24,534 17,130 Operating expenses 13,517 16,726 13,257 Provisioning 648 802 616 Operating profit before tax 5,662 7,006 3,257 Profit for the year (IFRS) 4,443 5,498 3,940 Net profit 4,382 5,422 3,865 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 4,382 5,422 3,865 Dividends 2,050 2,537 1,663
Balance sheet (in billions) Shareholders equity 7 22.2 26.3 14.8 Group capital 7 43.2 51.1 33.2 Due to customers and issued debt securities 487.7 577.2 402.6 Loans and receivables - customers 380.2 450.0 320.0 Total assets 880.8 1,042.4 727.5 Credit related contingent liabilities and committed credit facilities 187.0 221.3 191.5 Risk-weighted assets 257.9 305.2 231.6
Ordinary share figures 1 Number of shares outstanding (in millions) 1,877.9 1,669.2 Average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 1,804.1 1,657.6 Net earnings per share (in euros) 2, 5 2.43 3.01 2.33 Fully diluted net earnings per share (in euros) 2, 5 2.42 2.99 2.33 Dividend per share (in euros, rounded) 3 1.10 1.34 1.00 Payout ratio (dividend / net profit) 6 45.3 42.9 Net asset value per share (year-end, in euros) 3, 7 11.83 14.00 8.88
Ratios (in %) Return on equity 7 23.5 29.7 BIS tier 1 ratio 10.62 8.46 BIS total capital ratio 13.14 11.06 Efficiency ratio 68.2 77.4
Number of employees (headcount) Netherlands 26,942 28,751 Other countries 71,138 70,663
Number of branches and offices Netherlands 655 680 Other countries 2,902 2,818
Number of countries and territories where present 58 58
ABN AMRO from 1997 Shareholder information 101 5 2002, including special items. Excluding, net earnings per share amounted to EUR 1.52 and fully diluted net earnings per share amounted to EUR 1.51. 6 2002, including special items. Excluding, the payout ratio is 59.2. 7 Based on the directive of the Council for Annual Reporting at 1 January 2003 and under IFRS excluding the special component of equity with respect to cash flow hedges and available for sale securites. 8 International Financial Reporting Standards.
These figures have been prepared in conformity with general accepted accounting principles in the Netherlands. Shareholder information 102 ABN AMRO Shares Stock exchange listings At 31 December 2005 the ordinary shares of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. were listed on the stock exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, London and New York. With effect from 17 March 2006, the ordinary shares were delisted from the London Stock Exchange. On the New York Stock Exchange the shares are available in the form of American Depositary Shares represented by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), each ADR representing one ordinary share. On 31 December 2005, 61,459,721 ADRs were outstanding, compared to 52,630,453 at year- end 2004. The depositary receipts for the financing preference shares are not listed. The (formerly convertible) preference shares are listed on the Euronext Amsterdam. In connection with the listing of its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange, ABN AMRO also publishes an annual report that satisfies the rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This 20-F report is published on our website. Development of share capital In 2005, the number of ordinary shares outstanding increased by 208.7 million from 1,669.2 million to 1,877.9 million. This increase was the result of dividend payments in stock (61.6 million shares), the exercise of staff options (1.9 million shares) and issue of 145.2 million new shares. The time-weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding amounted to 1,804.1million (2004: 1,657.6 million). In calculating the time-weighted average, new shares are counted on a pro rata basis from the date of issue. The number of convertible financing preference shares remained unchanged at 1,369,815,864, each with a nominal value of EUR 0.56. Conversion of these shares into ordinary shares may take place in certain conditions (for details please refer to our website). The number of (formerly convertible) preference shares remained unchanged at 44,988. Staff options carry entitlement to the numbers of ordinary shares stated in the table. Exercisable staff options could increase the number of ordinary shares by 26.9 million or 1.4% of the number of ordinary shares outstanding at 31 December 2005. Jan Feb ar Apr ay June July Aug Sepl Ocl ov Dec 25 20 15 10 AB AFO Holding .V. SC European Banking ndex AEX Share price movements January 2005 December 2005 (in euros) (MSCI and AEX indices restated on the basis of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. ordinary share price on 31 December 2004) Shareholder information 103 Rights at 31 December 2005
(in thousands of shares) Staff Average options exercise price (in euros)
Earnings per share 1 2.43 2.33 Fully diluted earnings per share 2.42 2.33 Payout ratio in % 2 45.3 42.9 Dividend per share 1.10 1.00 Dividend yield in % (year-end) 5.0 5.1 Net asset value per share (year-end) 11.83 8.88 Price / earnings ratio (year-end) 9.1 8.4 Price / net asset value in % (year-end) 186.7 219.5
1 Based on the average number of ordinary outstanding and adjusted for increases in share capital 2 Ratio of dividend to net earnings per share Issued shares at 31 December 2005
(in euros)
1,909,738,427 ordinary shares of EUR 0.56 1,069,453,519.12 1,369,815,864 convertible financing preference shares of EUR 0.56 767,096,883.84 44,988 (formerly convertible) preference shares of EUR 2.24 100,773.12
Shareholder information 104 Dividend policy Both the interim dividend and the final dividend have been made available, at the shareholders option, either wholly in cash or wholly in ordinary shares chargeable to the share premium account. The period for submitting instructions concerning final dividend payment options will not commence until the closing of the business day after the day of the General Meeting of Shareholders. If shareholders opt for stock dividend, the dividend coupons must be delivered to the ABN AMRO Exchange Agent together with the instructions. Consequently there will be no official listing of, and trading in, stock dividend coupons. In the long term, the intention is to maintain the dividend pay-out ratio at 45% to 50% of net attributable profit. Looking forward, our reported results will be more volatile under IFRS, but we will strive to at least maintain a stable dividend, with the aim of increasing it over time to reflect improved underlying earnings. As a result of the improved capital position, ABN AMRO has decided to resume the neutralisation of the stock dividend as per the interim dividend of 2006. Depositary receipts for preference shares At year-end 2005, 1,369.8 million depositary receipts for convertible financing preference shares of EUR 0.56 face value each were outstanding. Holders of convertible financing preference shares receive an annual cash dividend of EUR 0.02604 per share, representing 4.65% of the face value of EUR 0.56. The dividend percentage on the Dividends on ordinary shares
Entirely or shares as % of face value New shares Payout in (x 1,000) ratio cash
Shareholder information 105 convertible financing preference shares and depositary receipts for convertible financing preference shares has been fixed at 4.65%, as of 30 September 2004. As from 1 January 2011, and every ten years thereafter, the dividend percentage will be adjusted in line with the arithmetic mean of the 10-year euro- denominated interest rate swaps, plus a surcharge of not less than 25 nor more than 100 basis points, depending on the prevailing market conditions. On 31 December 2005, 44,988 (formerly convertible) preference shares of EUR 2.24 face value each were outstanding. These shares qualify for an annual cash dividend of EUR 0.95, which represents 3.3231% of the paid-up amount on issue (EUR 28.58815), as of 1 January 2004. As from 1 January 2014, and every ten years thereafter, the dividend percentage will be adjusted in line with the redemption yield on Dutch government bonds with an original or remaining term to maturity of nine to ten years, plus an increment or less a reduction of no more than 100 basis points. Geographical concentration of ABN AMRO ordinary shares The ordinary shares are generally issued in registered form, which are nearly all held by Euroclear Netherlands, the Dutch central depository institution. Apart from the filings under the disclosure of major holding in the listed company act, no information is available on the ownership of shares. A study conducted in December 2005 into the ownership of shares in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. identified 72% of the companys ordinary shares. Of the 72% identified, Market capitalisation
Market capitalisation as % of capitalised value of all listed Dutch ordinary shares 7.9% 8.2%
Daily ordinary share turnover in 2005
(in thousands) Euronext NYSE (ADRs) Amsterdam
High 55,590.6 1,108.9 Low 1,914.3 117.5 Average 9,005.3 280.6
Daily preference share turnover on Euronext Amsterdam in 2005
(in thousands) (Formerly convertible) preference shares
High 4.0 Low Average 0.1
Shareholder information 106 institutional investors hold 86% and retail investors hold 14%. 35% of the identified shares are hold in the Netherlands, 65% outside the Netherlands. The geographical concentration of the shares held by institutional investors is depicted below. Geographical concentration worldwide Major shareholders The institutions listed in the table reported the following holdings of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. shares under the Disclosure of Major Holdings in Listed Companies Act. The interests are shown as a percentage of the total number of ordinary shares and depositary receipts for preference shares issued at year-end 2005. Depositary receipts for financing preference shares are issued by Stichting Administratiekantoor Preferente Financieringsaandelen ABN AMRO Holding, which held 100% of the outstanding financing preference shares at year-end 2005. Credit ratings
Long-term Short-term
Moodys Aa3 P-1 Standard & Poors AA A-1+ FitchIBCA AA F1+
Disclosure of major shareholders
Number of Percentage of Number of Percentage of ordinary shares ordinary shares depositary depositary receipts of receipts of preference shares 1 preference shares 1
1 Other than the Trust Office, the holders of preference shares listed in the table above hold depositary receipts entitling them to the economic benefits of the preference shares. The preference shares represented by these depositary receipts are held by the Trust Office. 2 In 2005 Fortis Utrecht N.V. decreased its ownership to 0.55% of the total outstanding amount of ordinary shares from its prior ownership of 0.58%. Ownership of the total outstanding amount of preference shares remained unchanged at 16.85%. 3 In 2005, Delta Lloyd Leven decreased its ownership to 0.84% of the total outstanding amount of ordinary shares from its prior ownership of 0.86%. Ownership of the total outstanding amount of preference shares remained unchanged at 17.48%. 4 In 2005, ING Groep N.V. decreased its ownership to 6.52% of the total outstanding amount of ordinary shares from its prior ownership of 6.57%. Ownership of the total outstanding amount of preference shares remained unchanged at 21.29%. 5 In 2005, Eureko B.V. acquired ownership of 0.08% of the total outstanding amount of ordinary shares. Eureko B.V. also acquired ownership of 12.12% of the total outstanding amount of preference shares. 6 In 2005, De Zonnewijser decreased its ownership to 0.00% of the total outstanding amount of ordinary shares from its prior ownership of 0.01%. Ownership of the total outstanding amount of preference shares remained unchanged at 15.02%. orlh Anerica: 17.6' elherlands: 14.9' Uniled Kingdon: 3.6' Belgiun: 2.1' Luxenbourg: 0.4' Swilzerland: 2.3' Cernany: 7.4' France: 3.3' Olher: 4.3' Shareholder information 107 Peer group ABN AMRO Our corporate measures of success are total return to shareholders (TRS) and average return on equity. Our TRS is measured against those of 20 competitors that have been established as our peer group, the members of which are listed below. Our target is to be in the top five of our peer group at the end of every four-year cycle. At the end of the 2002-2005 cycle, our peer group position was 7 and on 31 December 2005 our peer group position was 12 in the 2005- 2008 cycle. You can find a TRS graph showing our relative performance at www.abnamro.com. Barclays plc BBVA BNP Paribas Grupo Santander Citigroup Credit Suisse Group Deutsche Bank HSBC Holdings plc HVB Group ING Group JPMorgan Chase KeyCorp Lloyds TSB Group plc Merrill Lynch Morgan Stanley National City Nordea Socit Gnrale Group UBS Wells Fargo Financial calendar 2006
31 January Announcement of 2005 full year results
31 March Publication of Annual Report 2005 and 20-F. Publication of Sustainability Report
26 April First quarter results release 2006
26 April Ex dividend quotation (ADRs)
27 April General meeting of shareholders
28 April Record date (ADRs)
1 May 16 May Dividend election period (ADRs)
2 May Ex dividend quotation (the Netherlands)
2 May 18 May Dividend election period (the Netherlands)
23 May Determination of stock price (the Netherlands) based on weighted average of share price on 19, 22 and 23 May
23 May Stock portion announced (the Netherlands and ADRs)
29 May Payment date (the Netherlands)
6 June Payment date (ADRs)
31 July Second quarter results release 2006
30 October Third quarter results release 2006
Indices The ABN AMRO Holding N.V. ordinary share is included in the following key indices: AEX S&P Euro Index DJ Euro Stoxx 50 Index DJ Sustainability Indexes MSCI Euro Index FTSE Eurotop 100 FTSE Eurotop 300 FTSE4Good Index Shareholder information 108 Investor Relations tel : +31 20 6287 835 fax: +31 20 6287 837 e-mail: investorrelations@nl.abnamro.com website: www.abnamro.com/investorrelations Financial calendar 2007
8 February Announcement of 2006 full year results
30 March Publication of Annual Report 2006 and 20-F
26 April Announcement of 2007 first quarter results
26 April General Meeting of Shareholders
30 July Announcement of 2007 second quarter results
25 October Announcement of 2007 third quarter results
Consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2005 129
Consolidated statement of changes in equity in 2005 130
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for 2005 131
Consolidated cash flow statement for 2005 132
Notes to the consolidated financial statements 133
Company financial statements
Accounting policies 209
Company income statement for 2005 212
Company balance sheet at 31 December 2005 (before profit appropriation) 212
Company statement of changes in equity in 2005 213
Notes to the company balance sheet and income statement 214
Contents Financial statements 2005 112 ABN AMRO Holding N.V. is the parent company of the ABN AMRO consolidated group of companies (referred to as the Group or ABN AMRO) and is domiciled in the Netherlands. The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2005 incorporate figures of the parent, its controlled entities and interests in associates. The Group provides a broad range of financial services on a worldwide basis, including consumer, commercial and investment banking. Statement of compliance The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and do not utilise the portfolio hedging carve out permitted by the EU. Accordingly, the accounting policies applied by the Group also comply fully with IFRS. IFRS standards and interpretations are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and comprise International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC). Since ordinary shares in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the form of American Depositary Receipts, ABN AMRO also publishes an annual report on Form 20-F that conforms to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) applicable to foreign registrants. The Form 20-F includes a reconciliation of equity and profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company to the comparable amounts using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP). Basis of preparation and first time application The financial statements are presented in euros, which is the presentation currency of the Group, rounded to the nearest million. The financial statements are prepared on a mixed model valuation basis. Fair value is used for derivative financial instruments, financial assets and liabilities held for trading or designated as measured at fair value through income and available-for-sale assets. Other financial assets (including Loans and Receivables) and liabilities are valued at amortised cost. The carrying value of amortised cost assets and liabilities included in a fair value hedge relationship is adjusted with respect to fair value changes resulting from the hedged risk. Non-financial assets and liabilities are generally stated at historical cost. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of judgement and estimates that affect the recognition and valuation of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on managements best knowledge of current events and actions, the actual results may differ ultimately from these estimates. The key areas requiring an application of judgement and estimation include the assessment of risk and rewards and other relevant criteria when determining whether or not to derecognise a financial asset or when to consolidate a special purpose entity, the determination of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities, the amount and timing of future cash flows on impaired loans, the outcome of any litigation and the assumptions underlying the determination of long term employee benefit liabilities and other provisions. The Group has applied the accounting policies set out herein from its transition to IFRS at 1 January 2004. For all periods up to and including the year ended 31 December 2004, ABN AMRO prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the Netherlands (Dutch GAAP). From Accounting policies Financial statements 2005 113 1 January 2005, ABN AMRO is required to prepare its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and effective for ABN AMROs reporting for the year ended 31 December 2005. Transition to IFRS incorporates the impact of applying all IFRS statements to our assets (such as loans and property), liabilities (such as pensions) and open contracts (such as derivatives and leases) at 1 January 2004. In many respects the change to IFRS has been a gradual process for Dutch companies, due to the inclusion of many IFRS standards within Dutch GAAP. However, IAS 39 Financial Instruments, which is the main IFRS standard impacting banks, was not incorporated into Dutch GAAP. This standard, which extends the use of fair values and sets out specific rules of the application of hedge accounting, causes a number of the transition differences. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Group has elected to utilise certain transitional provisions within IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards which offer certain practical exemptions from the normal rule of applying IFRS retrospectively. The following exemptions were used to establish the Groups opening IFRS equity: no restatement of business combinations that took place prior to 1 January 2004 the full cumulative actuarial loss on retirement benefit plans is recognised in equity at 1 January 2004 the cumulative translation account in equity for foreign operations is set to zero at 1 January 2004 IFRS 2 Share-based Payment is only applied to unvested awards that were issued after 7 November 2002 the IAS 39 requirement to defer gains and losses on the initial recognition of a financial asset or liability, not determined by reference to observable market data, was applied to all transactions entered into after 25 October 2002 consistent with US GAAP requirements certain financial assets and liabilities were designated to be held at fair value through income on transition. Items elected to fair value through income on transition include non-controlling investments of a Private Equity nature, mortgages originated and held for sale by our North America business, unit-linked investments held for the account of insurance policy holders and certain structured liabilities. The Group has adopted the Amendment to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: The Fair Value Option with effect from 1 January 2004, ahead of its mandatory date. Additionally, the Group elected to apply IFRS 5 Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations at 1 January 2004 ahead of its mandatory effective date. See note 47 for further details of the transition to IFRS. Basis of consolidation Subsidiaries and acquisitions Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by the Group. Control is deemed to exist when the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an enterprise so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are presently exercisable or convertible are taken into account when assessing whether control exists. The Group sponsors the formation of entities, including certain special purpose entities, which may or may not be directly owned, for the purpose of asset securitisation transactions and other narrow and well-defined objectives. Particularly in the case of securitisations these entities may acquire assets from other Group companies. Some of these entities are bankruptcy-remote entities whose assets are not available to meet the claims of creditors of the Group or any of its subsidiaries. Such entities are consolidated in the Groups Financial Statements when the substance of the relationship between the Group and the Financial statements 2005 114 entity indicates that control is held by the Group. The financial statements of subsidiaries and special purpose entities are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases. Equity attributable to minority interests is shown separately in the consolidated balance sheet as part of total equity and current period profit or loss attributable to minority interests are presented as an attribution of profit for the year. IFRS 3 Business combinations was adopted for all business combinations that took place after 1 January 2004. Goodwill on acquisitions prior to this date was charged against equity. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given up, shares issued or liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisition, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the Groups share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets (including certain contingent liabilities) acquired is recorded as goodwill. In a step acquisition, where control is obtained in stages, all assets and liabilities of the acquired subsidiary, excluding goodwill, are adjusted to their fair values at the date of the latest share acquisition transaction. Fair value adjustments relating to existing holdings are recorded directly in equity. As a consequence of measuring all the acquired assets and liabilities at fair value, minority interests are calculated by reference to these fair values. Investments held with significant influence Associates are those enterprises in which the Group has significant influence (this is generally demonstrated when the Group holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights), but not control, over the operating and financial policies. If significant influence is held in a venture capital investment the equity investment is designated to be held at fair value with changes through income. Other investments in which significant influence is held, including the Groups strategic investments, are accounted for using the Net equity method and presented as Equity accounted investments. Under this method the investment is initially recorded at cost and subsequently increased (or decreased) for post acquisition net income (or loss), other movements impacting the equity of the investee and any adjustments required for impairment. When the Groups share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the investment, the carrying amount is reduced to zero, including any other unsecured receivables, and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the investee. Jointly controlled entities Jointly controlled entities are those enterprises over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. The consolidated financial statements include the Groups proportionate share of these enterprises assets, liabilities, income and expenses on a line-by-line basis, from the date on which joint control commences until the date on which joint control ceases. Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations Non-current assets and/or businesses are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction planned to occur within 12 months, rather than through continuing use. Held for sale assets are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell and are classified separately from other assets in the balance sheet. Assets and liabilities of a business held for sale are separately presented. Financial statements 2005 115 The results of discontinued operations (if significant and representing a separate major line of business or a geographical area of operation) are presented in the income statement as a single amount comprising the net profit and/or net loss of the discontinued operation and the after tax gain or loss realised on disposal. Comparative income statement data is re-presented if in the current period an activity qualifies as discontinuing and qualifies for separate presentation. Private equity Investments of a private equity nature controlled by the Group are consolidated. All other investments of a private equity nature are designated at fair value through income. Transactions eliminated on consolidation Intra-group balances and transactions, and any related unrealised gains, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with associates and jointly controlled entities are eliminated to the extent of the Groups interest in the enterprise. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment in the asset transferred. Currency translation differences The financial performance of the Groups foreign operations (conducted through branches, subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures) is reported using the currency (functional currency) that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to that entity. Transactions in a currency that differs from the functional currency of the transacting entity are translated into the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate at transaction date. Accruals and deferrals are translated using the foreign exchange rate on the last day of the month to which the results relate. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non- monetary assets and liabilities accounted for at cost, if denominated in foreign currency, are translated at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at the date of initial recognition. Translation differences on monetary financial assets and liabilities, whether measured at amortised cost or fair value, are included in foreign exchange gains and losses in income. Translation differences on non-monetary items (such as equities) held at fair value through income are also reported through income and, for those classified as available- for-sale, directly in equity within Net unrealised gains and losses on available-for- sale assets. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and purchase accounting adjustments, are translated to the Groups presentation currency, the euro, at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to euro at the rates prevailing at the end of the month. Currency translation differences arising on these translations are recognised directly in equity (currency translation account). Exchange differences recorded in equity, arising after transition to IFRS on 1 January 2004, are included in the income statement on disposal or partial disposal of the operation. Fiduciary activities The Group commonly acts as trustee and in other fiduciary capacities that entail either the holding or placing of assets on behalf of individuals, trusts or other institutions. These assets are not assets of the Group and are therefore not included in these financial statements. Income statement Interest income and expenses Interest income and expense is recognised in the income statement using the effective interest rate method. The application of this method includes the amortisation of any discount or premium or other differences, including transaction costs and qualifying fees and commissions, between the initial Financial statements 2005 116 carrying amount of an interest-bearing instrument and its amount at maturity calculated on an effective interest rate basis. This item also includes interest income and expense in relation to trading balances. Fee and commission income Fees and commissions are recognised as follows: fees and commissions generated as an integral part of negotiating and arranging a funding transaction with customers, such as the issuance of loans are included in the calculation of the effective interest rate and are included in interest income and expense fees and commissions generated for transactions or one-off acts are recognised when the transaction or act is completed fees and commissions dependent on the outcome of a particular event or contingent upon performance are only recognised when the relevant criteria have been met service fees are typically recognised on a straight-line basis over the service contract period. Portfolio and other management advisory and service fees are recognised based on the applicable service contracts asset management fees related to investment funds are also recognised over the period the service is provided. This principle is also applied to the recognition of income from wealth management, financial planning and custody services that are provided over an extended period. Net trading income Net trading income includes gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value and disposal of financial assets and liabilities held for trading and includes dividends received from trading instruments. Interest income or expenses on trading assets or liabilities are included within interest income or expense. Results from financial transactions Results from financial transactions include gains and losses on the sale of non-trading financial assets and liabilities, ineffectiveness of certain hedging programmes, fair value changes relating to assets and liabilities designated at fair value through income and changes in the value of any related derivatives. Dividend income from non-trading equity investments is recognised when entitlement is established. Other operating income Development property income is first recognised when the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably; after which contract income and expenses are recognised in the income statement in proportion to the stage of completion of the contract. The stage of completion is assessed by reference to the phases of work performed. An expected loss on a contract is recognised immediately in the income statement. Rental income from investment property is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives granted are recognised as an integral part of the total rental income. Income from insurance activities is presented net of direct costs and provisions required for the insured risk. Earnings per share Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company from continuing and discontinuing operations by the average number of shares in issuance during the year. Fully diluted earnings per share is calculated taking into account all dilutive instruments, including options and employee share plans, in issuance at the balance sheet date. Segment reporting Business segments are the primary reporting segments and are grouped by the nature of risks and rewards assessed by reference to product and service characteristics. Geographical segments are grouped based on a combination of proximity, relationships between operations and economic and currency similarities. Geographical data is presented according to the location of the transacting Group entity. Financial statements 2005 117 Financial assets and liabilities Measurement classifications The Group classifies its financial assets and liabilities into the following measurement (valuation) categories: Financial instruments held for trading are those that the Group holds primarily for the purpose of short-term profit-taking. These include shares, interest earning securities, derivative contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments, and liabilities from short sales of financial instruments. Derivatives are financial instruments that require little or no initial net investment, with future settlements dependent on a reference benchmark index, rate or price (such as interest rates or equity prices). Changes in expected future cash flows in response to changes in the underlying benchmark determine the fair value of derivatives. All derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are taken to income, except where a designation as a cash flow hedge or net investment hedge is made (see hedging below). Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted on an active market. They generally arise when the Group provides money or services directly to a customer with no intention of trading or selling the loan. Loans originated with the intention to sell are classified within other assets and designated at fair value through income. Held-to-maturity assets are non-derivative financial assets quoted on an active market with fixed or determinable payments (i.e. debt instruments) and a fixed maturity that the Group has the intention and ability to hold to maturity. Designated at fair value through income are financial assets and financial liabilities that the Group upon initial recognition (or on transition to IFRS on 1 January 2004) designates to be measured at fair value with changes reported in income. Such a designation is done if: the host instrument includes an embedded derivative that would otherwise require separation. This applies to certain structured notes issued with hybrid features. Fair value measurement also helps to achieve offset against changes in the value of derivatives and other fair value positions used to economically hedge these notes the designation eliminates or significantly reduce a measurement inconsistency that would otherwise arise. In this regard unit- linked investments held for the account and risk of policyholders and the related obligation to policyholders are designated at fair value with changes through income it relates to a portfolio of financial assets and/or liabilities that are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis. This is applied to equity investments of a private equity nature and mortgages that are originated and held-for-sale by our business in North America. Available-for-sale assets include interest earning assets that have either been designated as available-for-sale or do not fit into one of the categories described above. Equity investments held without significant influence, which are not held for trading or elected to fair value through income are classified as available-for-sale. Non-trading financial liabilities that are not designated at fair value through income are measured at amortised cost. Recognition and derecognition Traded instruments are recognised on trade date, defined as the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the underlying instrument. Where settlement terms are non- standard the commitment is accounted for as a derivative between trade and settlement date. Loans and receivables are recognised when they are acquired or funded by the Group and derecognised when settled. Issued debt is recognised when issued and deposits are recognised when the cash is deposited with the Group. Other financial Financial statements 2005 118 assets and liabilities, including derivatives, are recognised in the balance sheet when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the asset or liability. Financial assets are generally derecognised when the Group loses control or the ability to obtain benefits over the contractual rights that comprise that asset. This occurs when the rights are realised, expire or are fully transferred. If a servicing function is retained, which is profitable, a servicing asset is recognised. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligations specified in the contract are discharged, cancelled or expire. Financial instruments continue to be recognised in the balance sheet, and a liability recognised for the proceeds of any related funding transaction, unless a fully proportional share of all or specifically identified cash flows are transferable to the lender without material delay and the lenders claim is limited to those cash flows, in which case that proportion of the asset is derecognised; or substantially all the risks and returns and control associated with the financial instruments have been transferred in which case the assets are derecognised in full. The Group derecognises financial liabilities when settled or if the Group repurchases its own debt. The difference between the former carrying amount and the consideration paid is included in results on financial transactions in income. Any subsequent resale is treated as a new issuance. The Group securitises various consumer and commercial financial assets. This process generally necessitates a sale of these assets to a special purpose entity (SPE), which in turn issues securities to investors. The Groups interests in securitised assets may be retained in the form of senior or subordinated tranches, issued guarantees, interest-only strips or other residual interests, together referred to as retained interest. In many cases these retained interests are significant, such that the SPE is consolidated, and the securitised assets continue to be recognised in the consolidated balance sheet. Measurement All trading instruments and financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value are measured at fair value, with transaction costs related to the purchase taken to income directly. All derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value with changes recorded through income unless the derivative qualifies for cash flow hedging accounting. Available-for-sale assets are held at fair value with unrealised gains and losses recognised directly in equity, net of applicable taxes. Premiums, discounts and qualifying transaction costs of interest earning available-for-sale assets are amortised to income on an effective interest rate basis. When available-for-sale assets are sold, collected or impaired the cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to results from financial transactions in income. All other financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at cost including directly attributable incremental transaction costs. They are subsequently valued at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Through use of the effective interest rate method, premiums and discounts, including qualifying transaction costs, included in the carrying amount of the related instrument are amortised over the period to maturity or expected prepayment on the basis of the instruments original effective interest rate. When available, fair values are obtained from quoted market prices in liquid markets. Where no active market exists, or quoted prices are unobtainable, the fair value is estimated using a variety of valuation techniques including discounted cash flow and other pricing models. Inputs to pricing models are generally taken from reliable external data sources. The models used are validated prior to the use for financial Financial statements 2005 119 reporting by qualified staff independent of the initial selection or creation of the model. Where inputs cannot be reliably sourced from external providers, the initial recognition value of a financial asset or liability is taken to be the settled value at trade inception. The initial change in fair value indicated by the valuation technique is then released to income at appropriate points over the life of the instrument (typically taking account of the ability to obtain reliable external data, the passage of time and the use of offsetting transactions). Where discounted cash flow techniques are used, estimated future cash flows are based on managements best estimates and the discount rate applied is a market-related rate at the balance sheet date for an instrument with similar terms and conditions. Fair values include appropriate adjustments to reflect the credit quality of the instrument. Professional securities transactions Securities borrowing and securities lending transactions are generally entered into on a collateralised basis, with securities usually advanced or received as collateral. The transfer of the securities themselves is not reflected on the balance sheet unless the risks and rewards of ownership are also transferred. If cash is advanced or received, securities borrowing and lending activities are recorded at the amount of cash advanced (included in loans and receivables) or received (due to banks or customers). The market value of the securities borrowed and lent is monitored on a daily basis, and the collateral levels are adjusted in accordance with the underlying transactions. Fees and interest received or paid are recognised on an effective interest basis and recorded as interest income or interest expense. Sale and repurchase transactions involve purchases (sales) of investments with agreements to resell (repurchase) substantially identical investments at a certain date in the future at a fixed price. Investments purchased subject to commitments to resell them at future dates are not recognised. The amounts paid are recognised in loans and receivables to either banks or customers. The receivables are shown as collateralised by the underlying security. Investments sold under repurchase agreements continue to be recognised in the balance sheet. The proceeds from the sale of the investments are reported as liabilities to either banks or customers. The difference between the sale and repurchase price is recognised over the period of the transaction and recorded as interest income or interest expense. Netting and collateral The Group enters into master netting arrangements with counterparties wherever possible, and when appropriate, obtains collateral. If the Group has the right on the grounds of either legal or contractual provisions and the intention to settle financial assets and liabilities net or simultaneously, these are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet. Due to differences in the timing of actual cash flows, derivatives with positive and negative fair values are generally not netted, even if they are held with the same counterparty. Hedge accounting The Group uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rate, foreign currency and credit risks, including exposures arising from forecast transactions. The Group applies fair value, cash flow or net investment hedging to qualifying transactions that are documented as such at inception. The hedged item can be an asset, liability, highly probable forecasted transaction or net investment in a foreign operation that (a) exposes the entity to risk of changes in fair value or future cash flows and (b) is designated as being hedged. The risk being hedged (the hedged risk) is typically changes in interest rates or foreign currency rates. The Group also enters into credit risk derivatives (sometimes referred to as credit default swaps) for managing portfolio credit risk. However these are generally not included in hedge accounting relationships Financial statements 2005 120 due to difficulties in demonstrating that the relationship will be highly effective. Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group formally assesses whether the derivatives used in its hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, by assessing and measuring, whether changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item are offset by the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedging instrument, within the range 80% to 125%. Hedge ineffectiveness represents the amount by which the changes in the fair value of the derivative differ from changes in the fair value of the hedged item in a fair value hedge, or the amount by which the changes in the fair value of the derivative are in excess of the fair value change of the expected cash flow in a cash flow hedge. Hedge ineffectiveness and gains and losses on components of a derivative that are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness are recorded directly in income. The Group discontinues hedge accounting when the hedge relationship has ceased to be effective or is no longer expected to be effective, or when the derivative or hedged item is sold or otherwise terminated. Fair value hedges Where a derivative financial instrument hedges the exposure to changes in the fair value of recognised or committed assets or liabilities, the hedged item is adjusted in relation to the risk being hedged. Gains or losses on remeasurement of both the hedging instrument and the hedged item are recognised in the income statement, typically within results from financial transactions. For hedges of mortgage service rights any hedging ineffectiveness is recorded in other income. When a fair value hedge of interest rate risk is terminated, any fair value adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged asset or liability is amortised to income over the original designated hedging period or taken directly to income if the hedged item is sold, settled or impaired. Cash flow hedges When a derivative financial instrument hedges the exposure to variability in the cash flows from recognised assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions, the effective part of any gain or loss on remeasurement of the hedging instrument is recognised directly in equity. When a cash flow hedging instrument or hedge relationship is terminated but the hedged transaction is still expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity remains in equity. The cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement at the time when the hedged transaction affects net profit or loss and included in the same line item as the hedged transaction. In the exceptional case that the hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is recognised in the income statement immediately. Hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation The Group uses foreign derivatives and currency borrowings to hedge various net investments in foreign operations. For such hedges, currency translation differences arising on translation of these instruments to euro are recognised directly in the currency translation account in equity, insofar as they are effective. Impairment of financial assets The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a portfolio of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or portfolio of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are recognised 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 and prior to the balance sheet date (a loss event) and that event adversely impacts Financial statements 2005 121 estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or the portfolio. Loans and receivables An indication that a loan may be impaired is obtained through the Groups credit review processes, which include monitoring customer payments and other performance criteria. The Group first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists for loans (including any related facilities and guarantees) that are individually significant, and individually or collectively for loans that are not individually significant. If the Group determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed loan, it includes the asset in a portfolio of loans with similar credit risk characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. Loans that are individually impaired are not included in a collective assessment of impairment. Indications that there is a measurable decrease in estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of loans, although the decrease cannot yet be identified with the individual loans in the portfolio, include adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio and national or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults in the portfolio. The amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the loans carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loans original effective interest rate. The amount of the loss is recognised using an allowance account and the amount of the loss is included in the income statement line loan impairment and other credit risk provisions. The calculation of the present value of the estimated future cash flows of a collateralised financial asset reflects the cash flows that are likely to result from foreclosure less costs for obtaining and selling the collateral. Future cash flows of a group of loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment are estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the loans in the portfolio and historical loss experience for loans with credit risk characteristics similar to those in the group. Historical loss experience is adjusted on the basis of current observable data to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not affect the historical data and to remove the effects of conditions in the historical data that do not currently exist. The methodology and assumptions used for estimating future cash flows are reviewed regularly to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual loss experience. The impact of changes in estimates and recoveries is recorded in the income statement line loan impairment and other credit risk provisions. Following impairment, interest income is recognised using the original effective rate of interest. When a loan is deemed no longer collectible, it is written off against the related allowance for loan impairment. Such loans are written off after all the necessary procedures have been completed and the amount of the loss has been determined. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the income statement line loan impairment and other credit risk provisions. Assets acquired in exchange for loans to achieve an orderly realisation are reflected in the balance sheet as a disposal of the loan and an acquisition of a new asset, initially booked at fair value. Other financial assets In the case of equity instruments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is also considered in determining whether impairment exists. Where such evidence exists, the cumulative net loss that has been previously recognised directly in equity is removed from equity and recognised in the income statement within results on financial transactions. Financial statements 2005 122 Held to maturity and available-for-sale debt investments are assessed and any impairment is measured on an individual basis, consistent with the methodology applied to loan and receivables. Property and equipment Own use assets Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any amount for impairment. If an item of property and equipment is comprised of several major components with different useful lives, each component is accounted for separately. Additions and subsequent expenditures are capitalised only to the extent that they enhance the future economic benefits expected to be derived from the asset. Expenditure incurred to replace a component of an asset is separately capitalised and the replaced component is written off. Other subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefit of the item of property and equipment. All other expenditure, including maintenance, is recognised in the income statement as incurred. When an item of property and equipment is retired or disposed, the difference between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds net of costs is recognised in other operating income. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of items of property and equipment, and major components that are accounted for separately. The Group generally uses the following estimated useful lives: Land not depreciated Buildings 25 to 50 years Equipment 5 to 12 years Computer installations 2 to 5 years Software, presented as an intangible asset, is amortised over 3-7 years. Depreciation rates and residual values are reviewed at least annually to take into account any change in circumstances. Capitalised leasehold improvements are depreciated in a manner that takes into account the term and renewal conditions of the related lease. Development property The majority of the Groups development and construction activities are undertaken for immediate sale or as part of a pre-agreed contractual arrangement. Property developed under a pre-agreed contractual arrangement is stated at cost plus profit recognisable to date less a provision for any foreseeable losses and less progress billings. Cost includes all expenditure related directly to specific projects and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred in the Groups contract activities based on normal operating capacity. The specific components of development property are accounted for as follows. Building and development sites are carried at cost including allocated interest and additional expenses for purchasing the site and making them ready for development. No interest is allocated to land which has not been zoned for a particular purpose, if there is no certainty that the land will be built on. Any provision deemed necessary for expected losses on sale is deducted from the carrying value of the site. Work in progress relates to commercial property projects, as well as to unsold residential property under construction or preparation. Work in progress is carried at the costs incurred plus allocated interest and net of any provisions as required. Progress instalments invoiced to buyers and principals are deducted from work in progress. The profit and loss is recognised in accordance with the percentage of completion method. Until sold, commercial and residential developments are carried at cost of production net of any required provisions. If a decision is taken to retain an unsold property it is classified as investment property. Investment property Investment property is carried at fair value based on current market prices for similar properties in the same location and Financial statements 2005 123 condition. Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair value is recognised in profit and loss. Rental income from investment property is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, with lease incentives granted recognised as an integral part of the rental income. Leasing As lessee: most of the leases that the Group has entered into are classified as operating leases (including property rental). The total payments made under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense. When it is anticipated that an operating lease will be terminated or vacated before the lease period has expired, the lesser of any penalty payments required and the remaining payments due once vacated (less sub-leasing income) is recognised as an expense. As lessor: assets subject to operational leases are included in property and equipment. The asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over its useful life to its estimated residual value. Leases where the Group transfers substantially all the risks and rewards resulting from ownership of an asset to the lessee are classified as finance leases. A receivable at an amount equal to the present value of the lease payments, using the implicit interest rate, including any guaranteed residual value, is recognised. Finance lease receivables are included in loans and receivables to customers. Intangible assets Goodwill Goodwill is capitalised and represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Groups share of the acquired entitys net identifiable assets at the date of acquisition. For the purpose of calculating goodwill, the fair values of acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are determined by reference to market values or by discounting expected future cash flows to present value. Any change in the assessed fair value of acquired assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition identified within one year following the acquisition are corrected against goodwill. Any revisions identified after one year are recorded in income. Goodwill on the acquisition of equity accounted investments is included in the carrying amount of the investment. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity, including equity accounted investments, are determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the entity including related goodwill and any translation differences recorded in equity. Software Costs that are directly associated with identifiable and unique software products that are controlled by the Group, and likely to generate future economic benefits exceeding these costs, are recognised as intangible assets. Direct costs include staff costs of the software development team. Expenditure that enhances or extends the performance of computer software programs beyond their original specifications is recognised as a capital improvement and added to the original cost of the software. Software is amortised over 3-7 years. Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are recognised as an expense as incurred. Mortgage servicing rights Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) represent the right to a stream of fee-based cash flows and an obligation to perform specified mortgage servicing activities. MSRs are initially recorded at fair value and amortised over the estimated future net servicing income stream of the underlying mortgages. The duration of the income stream relating to these servicing rights is dependent on the pre-payment behaviour of the customer, which is influenced by a number of factors including interest rate expectations. MSR assets are subject to hedging under a fair value hedge programme designed to limit Financial statements 2005 124 the Groups exposure to changes in the fair value of the MSR. The change in the fair value of the hedged MSRs and the change in the fair value of the hedging derivatives are included as part of mortgage banking income within other income. Other intangible assets Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any adjustment for impairment losses. Other intangible assets are comprised of separately identifiable items arising from acquisition of subsidiaries, such as customer relationships, and certain purchased trademarks and similar items. Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the intangible asset. Impairment of property and equipment and intangible assets Property and equipment and intangibles are assessed at each balance sheet date or more frequently, to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the assets are subject to an impairment review. Regardless of any indications of potential impairment, the carrying amount of goodwill is subject to a detailed impairment review at least annually. An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset that generates largely independent cash flows or the cash-generating unit to which it belongs exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its net selling price and value in use. To calculate value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market rates and the risks specific to the asset. When conducting impairment reviews, particularly for goodwill, cash-generating units are the lowest level at which management monitors the return on investment on assets. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement as a component of depreciation and amortisation expense. An impairment loss with respect to goodwill is not reversible. Other impairment losses are reversed only to the extent that the assets carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had previously been recognised. Pension and other post-retirement benefits For employees in the Netherlands and the majority of staff employed outside the Netherlands, pension or other retirement plans have been established in accordance with the regulations and practices of the countries in question. Separate pension funds or third parties administer most of these plans. The plans include both defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans. Defined contribution plans In the case of defined contribution plans, contributions are charged directly to the income statement in the year to which they relate. Defined benefit plans The net obligations under defined benefit plans are regarded as the Groups own commitments regardless of whether these are administered by a pension fund or in some other manner. The net obligation of each plan is determined as the difference between the benefit obligations and the plan assets. Defined benefit plan pension commitments are calculated in accordance with the projected unit credit method of actuarial cost allocation. Under this method, the present value of pension commitments is determined on the basis of the number of active years of service up to the balance sheet date and the estimated employee salary at the time of the expected retirement date, and is discounted using the market rate of interest on high-quality corporate bonds. The plan assets are measured at fair value. Pension costs for the year are established at the beginning of the year based on the expected service and interest costs and the expected return on the plan assets, plus the impact of any current period curtailments or Financial statements 2005 125 plan changes. Differences between the expected and the actual return on plan assets, as well as actuarial gains and losses, are only recognised as income or expense when the net cumulative unrecognised actuarial gains and losses at the end of the previous reporting year exceed 10% of the greater of the commitments under the plan and the fair value of the related plan assets. The part that exceeds 10% is recognised in income over the expected remaining years of service of the employees participating in the plans. Differences between the pension costs determined in this way and the contributions payable are accounted for as provisions or prepayments. Commitments relating to early retirement of employees are treated as pension commitments. When the benefits of a plan are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to past service by employees is recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. To the extent that the benefits vest immediately, the past service cost is recognised immediately in the income statement. Other post-retirement benefits The Groups net obligation with respect to long-term service benefits and post- retirement healthcare is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using the projected unit credit method. It is then discounted to its present value and the fair value of any related assets is deducted. Share-based payments to employees The Group engages in equity and cash settled share-based payment transactions in respect of services received from certain of its employees. The cost of the services received is measured by reference to the fair value of the shares or share options granted on the date of the grant. The cost related to the shares or share options granted is recognised in the income statement over the period that the services of the employees are received, which is the vesting period, with a corresponding credit in equity for equity settled schemes and a credit in liabilities for cash settled schemes. The fair value of the options granted is determined using option pricing models, which take into account the exercise price of the option, the current share price, the risk free interest rate, the volatility of the ABN AMRO share price over the life of the option and the terms and conditions of the grant. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of shares or share options included in the measurement of the cost of employee services, so that ultimately the amount cumulatively recognised in the income statement shall reflect the number of shares or share options that eventually vest. Where vesting conditions are related to market conditions, the charges for the services received are recognised regardless of whether or not the market related vesting condition is met, provided that the non- market vesting conditions are met. Provisions A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. If the effect of time value is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market rates and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. A provision for restructuring is recognised when an obligation exists. An obligation exists when the Group has approved a detailed plan and has raised a valid expectation in those affected by the plan by starting to implement the plan or by announcing its main features. Future operating costs are not provided for. Provisions for insurance risks are determined by actuarial methods, which include the use Financial statements 2005 126 of statistics, interest rate data and settlement costs expectations. Other liabilities Obligations to policyholders, whose return is dependent on the return of unit linked investments recognised in the balance sheet, are measured at fair value with changes through income. Income taxes current and deferred Income tax payable on profits, based on the applicable tax law in each jurisdiction, is recognised as an expense in the period in which profits arise. The future tax benefit of income tax losses available for carry forward is recognised as an asset when it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses can be utilised. Deferred tax is recognised for qualifying temporary differences. Temporary differences represent the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The most significant temporary differences arise from the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities including derivative contracts, allowances for loan impairment, provisions for pensions and business combinations. The following differences are not provided for: capitalised goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and associates, to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future and the timing of such reversals is controlled by the Group. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred and current tax assets and liabilities are only offset when they arise in the same tax reporting group and where there is both the legal right and the intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and liability simultaneously. Issued debt and equity securities Issued debt securities are recorded on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest rate method, unless they are of a hybrid/structured nature and designated to be held at fair value through income. Issued financial instruments or their components are classified as liabilities where the substance of the contractual arrangement results in the Group having a present obligation to either deliver cash or another financial asset or to satisfy the obligation other than by the exchange of a fixed number of equity shares. Preference shares that carry a non-discretionary coupon or are redeemable on a specific date or at the option of the holder are classified as liabilities. The dividends and fees on preference shares classified as a liability are recognised as interest expense. Issued financial instruments, or their components, are classified as equity when they do not qualify as a liability and represent a residual interest in the assets of the Group. Preference share capital is classified as equity if it is non-redeemable and any dividends are discretionary. The components of issued financial instruments that contain both liability and equity elements are accounted for separately with the equity component being assigned the residual amount after deducting from the instruments initial value the fair value of the liability component. Dividends on ordinary shares and preference shares classified as equity are recognised as a distribution of equity in the period in which they are approved by shareholders. Share capital Incremental external costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are Financial statements 2005 127 deducted from equity net of any related income taxes. When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including incremental directly attributable costs net of income taxes, is recognised as a change in equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is added to shareholders equity. Other equity components Currency translation account The currency translation account is comprised of all currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations net of the translation impact on liabilities or foreign exchange derivatives held to hedge the Groups net investment. These currency differences are included in income on disposal or partial disposal of the operation. Cash flow hedging reserve The cash flow hedging reserve is comprised of the effective portion of the cumulative change in the fair value of cash flow hedging derivatives, net of taxes, where the hedged transaction has not yet occurred. Net unrealised gains and losses on available-for-sale assets In this component, gains and losses arising from a change in the fair value of available- for-sale assets are recognised, net of taxes. When the relevant assets are sold, impaired or otherwise disposed of, the related cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement. Collectively, the cash flow hedging reserve and the available-for-sale reserve are sometimes referred to as special components of equity. Cash flow statement Cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the cash flow statement include cash in hand, deposits available on demand with central banks and net credit balances on current accounts with other banks. The cash flow statement, based on the indirect method of calculation, gives details of the source of cash and cash equivalents which became available during the year and the application of these cash and cash equivalents over the course of the year. The cash flows are analysed into cash flows from operations, including banking activities, investment activities and financing activities. Movements in loans and receivables and inter-bank deposits are included in the cash flow from operating activities. Investment activities are comprised of acquisitions, sales and redemptions in respect of financial investments, as well as investments in and sales of subsidiaries and associates, property and equipment. The issuing of shares and the borrowing and repayment of long-term funds are treated as financing activities. Movements due to currency translation differences as well as the effects of the consolidation of acquisitions, where of material significance, are eliminated from the cash flow figures. Financial statements 2005 128 Consolidated income statement for 2005
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Interest income 30,528 25,334 Interest expense 21,467 16,538
Net interest income 2 9,061 8,796
Fee and commission income 5,627 5,265 Fee and commission expense 881 700
Net fee and commission income 3 4,746 4,565
Net trading income 4 2,621 1,309 Results from financial transactions 5 1,282 908 Share of result in equity accounted investments 19 280 206 Other operating income 6 1,588 1,235 Income of consolidated private equity holdings 40 3,637 2,616
Operating income 23,215 19,635
Personnel expenses 7 7,531 7,818 General and administrative expenses 8 5,812 5,038 Depreciation and amortisation 9 1,021 1,235 Goods and materials of consolidated private equity holdings 40 2,519 1,665
Operating expenses 16,883 15,756
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 18 648 616
Total expenses 17,531 16,372
Operating profit before tax 5,684 3,263 Income tax expense 11 1,241 770
Profit from continuing operations 4,443 2,493
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax 45 1,447
Profit for the year 4,443 3,940
Attributable to: Shareholders of the parent company 4,382 3,865 Minority interests 61 75
Earnings per share attributable to the shareholders of the parent company (in euros) 12 From continuing operations Basic 2.43 1.46 Diluted 2.42 1.46 From continuing and discontinued operations Basic 2.43 2.33 Diluted 2.42 2.33
Numbers stated against items refer to the notes. Financial statements 2005 129 Consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2005
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Assets Cash and balances at central banks 13 16,657 17,896 Financial assets held for trading 14 202,055 167,035 Financial investments 15 123,774 102,948 Loans and receivables banks 16 108,635 83,858 Loans and receivables customers 17 380,248 320,022 Equity accounted investments 19 2,993 1,428 Property and equipment 20 8,110 7,173 Goodwill and other intangible assets 21 5,168 3,143 Accrued income and prepaid expenses 7,614 5,740 Other assets 22 25,550 18,211
Total assets 880,804 727,454
Liabilities Financial liabilities held for trading 14 148,588 129,506 Due to banks 23 167,821 133,529 Due to customers 24 317,083 281,379 Issued debt securities 25 170,619 121,232 Provisions 26 6,411 6,933 Accrued expenses and deferred income 8,335 8,074 Other liabilities 28 18,723 13,562
Equity Share capital 1,069 954 Share premium 5,269 2,604 Retained earnings 15,237 11,580 Treasury shares (600) (632) Net gains / (losses) not recognised in the income statement 1,246 309
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company 22,221 14,815 Equity attributable to minority interests 1,931 1,737
Numbers stated against items refer to the notes. Financial statements 2005 130 Consolidated statement of changes in equity in 2005
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Share capital Balance at 1 January 954 919 Issuance of shares 82 Exercised options and warrants 2 Dividends paid in shares 33 33
Balance at 31 December 1,069 954
Share premium Balance at 1 January 2,604 2,549 Issuance of shares 2,611 Options and conversion rights exercised 48 Share-based payments 87 40 Dividends paid in shares (33) (33)
Balance at 31 December 5,269 2,604
Retained earnings Balance at 1 January 11,580 8,469 Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company 4,382 3,865 Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent company (659) (694) Other (66) (60)
Balance at 31 December 15,237 11,580
Treasury shares Balance at 1 January (632) (119) Net purchase / sale of treasury shares 32 (513)
Balance at 31 December (600) (632)
Equity settled own share derivatives Balance at 1 January (106) Change in market value and settlements 106
Balance at 31 December
Net gains / (losses) not recognised in the income statement Currency translation account Balance at 1 January (238) Transfer to income statement relating to disposed subsidiaries (20) 2 Currency translation differences 1,100 (240)
Subtotal Balance at 31 December 842 (238)
Net unrealised gains / (losses) on available-for-sale assets Balance at 1 January 830 572 Net unrealised gains / (losses) on available-for-sale assets 717 509 Net losses / (gains) reclassified to the income statement (348) (251)
Subtotal Balance at 31 December 1,199 830
Cash flow hedging reserve Balance at 1 January (283) (165) Net unrealised gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges (386) 106 Net losses / (gains) reclassified to the income statement (126) (224)
Subtotal Balance at 31 December (795) (283)
Net gains / (losses) not recognised in the income statement at 31 December 1,246 309
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company at 31 December 22,221 14,815
Minority interest Balance at 1 January 1,737 1,301 Additions 202 367 Reductions (49) Acquisitions / disposals (136) (30) Profit attributable to minority interests 61 75 Currency translation differences 133 33 Other movements (17) (9)
Equity attributable to minority interests at 31 December 1,931 1,737
Total equity at 31 December 24,152 16,552
Financial statements 2005 131 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for 2005
(in millions of euro) 2005 2004
Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company 4,382 3,865 Gains / (losses) not recognised in income: Currency translation differences 1,100 (240) Available-for-sale assets 717 509 Cash flow hedges (386) 106
1,431 375
Unrealised (gains) / losses from prior periods recognised in income: Currency translation differences relating to disposed subsidiaries (20) 2 Available-for-sale assets (348) (251) From cash flow hedging reserve (126) (224)
(494) (473)
Comprehensive income for the year 5,319 3,767
The statement of comprehensive income for the year presents all movements in equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company other than changes in issued share capital and distributions to shareholders. Financial statements 2005 132 Consolidated cash flow statement for 2005
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Operating activities Profit from continuing operations 4,443 2,493 Adjustments for significant non-cash items included in income Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 1,021 1,235 Loan impairment losses 648 616 Share of result in equity accounted investments (280) (206) Movements in operating assets and liabilities Movements in operating assets (140,923) (107,875) Movements in operating liabilities 116,252 87,424 Other adjustments Dividends received from equity accounted investments 63 59
Cash flows from operating activities (18,776) (16,254)
Investing activities Acquisition of investments (142,423) (78,760) Sales and redemption of investments 129,811 76,338 Acquisition of property and equipment (2,037) (1,973) Sales of property and equipment 1,064 1,131 Acquisition of intangibles (excluding goodwill and MSRs) (431) (339) Sales of intangibles (excluding goodwill and MSRs) 9 50 Acquisition of subsidiaries and equity accounted investments (1,716) (278) Disposal of subsidiaries and equity accounted investments 538 153
Cash flows from investing activities (15,185) (3,678)
Financing activities Issuance of subordinated liabilities 2,975 2,203 Repayment of subordinated liabilities (1,682) (2,708) Issuance of other long-term funding 36,782 25,894 Repayment of other long-term funding (8,919) (7,771) Proceeds from the issue of shares 2,491 0 Net (decrease) / increase in treasury shares 32 (513) Other 92 334 Dividends paid (659) (694)
Cash flows from financing activities 31,112 16,745
Cash flow from discontinued operations 2,733
Movement in cash and cash equivalents (2,849) (454)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 8,603 9,016 Currency translation differences 289 41
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 35 6,043 8,603
Financial statements 2005 133 Notes to the consolidated financial statements (unless otherwise stated, all amounts are in millions of euros) 1 Segment reporting Segment information is presented in respect of the Groups business and geographical segments. The primary format, business segments, is consistent with the Groups management and internal reporting structure applicable in the financial year. Measurement of segment assets and liabilities and segment income and results is based on the Groups accounting policies. Segment income, results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Transactions between segments are conducted at arms length. Capital expenditure represents expenditures during the period to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for a period exceeding one year, such as own-use property and equipment and software. Business segments The business segments of the Group are: Consumer & Commercial Clients (C&CC) Consumer & Commercial Clients serves consumer clients and small to medium-sized enterprises. It has an especially strong position in the mass affluent consumer and mid-sized commercial segments and operates principally in the Netherlands, North America and Brazil where we have leading local franchises. Consumer & Commercial Clients further includes our consumer and commercial banking activities in New Growth Markets and Bouwfonds, our property development and financing subsidiary. New Growth Markets include, among others, our consumer banking activities in India, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Wholesale Clients (WCS) Wholesale Clients is a corporate and investment bank operating worldwide. Wholesale Clients offers clients a wide-ranging product and services platform, including advisory, capital markets, financing and transaction banking in over 50 countries. Wholesale Clients is able to offer our clients local advisors with access to global market-leading expertise. Wholesale Clients global capital markets operations are principally based in Amsterdam, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, New York, Singapore and Sydney. Private Clients (PC) Private Clients offers private banking services to wealthy individuals and families with investable assets of EUR 1 million or more. Private Clients uses an open architecture model, where clients are offered the best available products regardless of provider, an approach geared to delivering the highest possible returns to each of our clients. Private Clients is among the top ten private banks worldwide and is the fifth largest private bank in Europe in terms of assets under management. Financial statements 2005 134 Asset Management (AM) Our asset management business operates in more than 20 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Global portfolio management centres are located in six cities: Amsterdam, Atlanta, Chicago, Hong Kong, London and Singapore. Asset Management offers investment products in all major regions and asset classes, using an active investment style. Its investment philosophy is characterised by an internationally coordinated investment process and well-monitored risk management. Asset Managements products for institutional clients such as central banks, pension funds, insurance companies and leading charities are distributed directly. Funds for private investors are distributed through our consumer and private banking arms, as well as via third party distributors. Asset Managements institutional client business represents slightly more than half of the assets managed. Retail and third party clients account for a further 30%, and the remainder of the assets managed are in discretionary portfolios managed for Private Clients. Private Equity (PE) Private Equity primarily invests in unlisted companies, both on ABN AMROs own account and for third-party investors. During 2005, Private Equitys investment portfolio in European and Australian mid-sized buy-outs rose by around 25%, while its investments under management in early-stage Dutch companies decreased. Both changes reflected the current refocusing of strategic objectives. The business model of Private Equity involves buying equity stakes in companies over which it can establish influence or control, and then managing these shareholdings for a number of years with a view to selling them at a profit. Group Functions/Group Shared Services (GF / GSS) Group Functions and Group Shared Services perform services for the Group that have been centralised and / or are shared across the Group. Group Functions includes Group Asset and Liability Management, which manages an investment and derivatives portfolio in order to manage the liquidity and interest rate risk of the Group. Group Functions also holds the Groups strategic investments and records any related profits or losses. Inter-segment elimations are also included in this segment. Financial statements 2005 135 Business segment information 2005
Total C&CC WCS PC AM PE GF /GSS Group
Net interest income external 8,636 669 (739) (11) (96) 602 9,061 Net interest income other segments (542) 320 1,219 17 (107) (907) Net commission income external 1,813 1,765 565 590 9 4 4,746 Net commission income other segments 53 (47) 29 6 (9) (32) Net trading income 225 2,363 42 14 9 (32) 2,621 Result from financial transactions 50 142 8 55 420 607 1,282 Result in equity accounted investments 145 2 1 18 114 280 Other operating income 1,340 101 100 23 1 23 1,588 Net sales revenue private equity holdings 128 3,509 3,637
Total operating income 11,720 5,443 1,225 712 3,736 379 23,215
Total operating expenses 7,391 4,803 891 501 3,392 (95) 16,883
Profit for the year 2,552 705 255 171 331 429 4,443
Other information at 31 December 2005 Total assets 260,041 525,203 16,973 1,199 7,293 70,095 880,804 Total liabilities 222,567 529,876 50,261 1,136 4,530 48,282 856,652 Capital expenditure 594 331 26 41 190 84 1,266
Bouw- Total NL NA Brazil NGM fonds C&CC
Net interest income external 2,638 2,553 2,146 389 910 8,636 Net interest income other segments 147 (284) 18 (26) (397) (542) Net commission income external 626 635 350 192 10 1,813 Net commission income other segments 42 8 2 1 53 Net trading income 54 94 52 25 225 Result from financial transactions 43 6 1 50 Results in equity accounted investments 14 4 37 73 17 145 Other operating income 163 430 370 47 330 1,340 Net sales private equity holdings
Total operating income 3,684 3,483 2,975 707 871 11,720
Total operating expenses 2,675 2,236 1,730 369 381 7,391
Operating profit before taxes 732 1,226 882 271 464 3,575
Income tax expense 223 355 238 58 149 1,023
Profit from continuing operations 509 871 644 213 315 2,552
Discontinued operations
Profit for the year 509 871 644 213 315 2,552
Other information at 31 December 2005 Total assets 95,272 90,021 23,663 7,753 43,332 260,041 Total liabilities 98,009 77,126 16,984 5,651 24,797 222,567 Capital expenditure 262 154 143 25 10 594
Financial statements 2005 136 Business segment information 2004
Total C&CC WCS PC AM PE GF /GSS Group
Net interest income external 7,900 841 (472) (13) (82) 622 8,796 Net interest income other segments (1,005) 758 888 17 (33) (625) Net commission income external 1,697 1,806 521 531 8 2 4,565 Net commission income other segments 52 (78) 23 4 (1) Net trading income 150 1,138 45 9 3 (36) 1,309 Result from financial transactions (249) 41 1 10 633 472 908 Result in equity accounted investments 87 83 14 2 20 206 Other operating income 1,047 113 59 34 (24) 6 1,235 Net sales revenue private equity holdings 2,616 2,616
Total operating income 9,679 4,702 1,079 594 3,121 460 19,635
Total operating expenses 6,809 4,783 844 443 2,614 263 15,756
Other information at 31 December 2004 Total assets 217,524 428,214 15,355 954 4,770 60,637 727,454 Total liabilities 194,531 431,966 45,307 1,113 2,843 35,142 710,902 Capital expenditure 710 290 48 6 83 15 1,152
Bouw- Total NL NA Brazil NGM fonds C&CC
Net interest income external 2,482 2,820 1,601 237 760 7,900 Net interest income other segments 26 (593) (94) (344) (1,005) Net commission income external 592 602 313 172 18 1,697 Net commission income other segments 39 8 4 1 52 Net trading income 36 100 (1) 15 150 Result from financial transactions 1 (261) 2 6 3 (249) Results in equity accounted investments 32 1 10 44 87 Other operating income 81 498 149 84 235 1,047 Net sales private equity holdings
Total operating income 3,289 3,175 1,984 559 672 9,679
Total operating expenses 2,790 2,086 1,297 346 290 6,809
Operating profit before taxes 326 946 468 172 373 2,285
Income tax expense 96 274 167 33 107 677
Profit from continuing operations 230 672 301 139 266 1,608
Discontinued operations 239 239
Profit for the year 230 672 301 378 266 1,847
Other information at 31 December 2004 Total assets 86,602 73,340 13,987 5,344 38,251 217,524 Total liabilities 86,825 64,075 11,942 3,584 28,105 194,531 Capital expenditure 340 238 109 12 11 710
Financial statements 2005 137 Geographical segments The Group operates principally in the Netherlands, Europe, and North and Latin America. The geographical analysis presented below is based on the location of the Group entity in which the transactions are recorded.
2005 2004
Operating Total Capital Operating Total Capital income assets expenditure income assets expenditure
Netherlands 9,760 285,073 577 8,903 267,222 473 Europe 4,672 332,922 153 2,324 254,562 122 North America 4,287 167,128 314 4,905 133,592 391 Latin America 3,271 28,420 145 2,305 18,274 113 Asia Pacific 1,225 67,261 77 1,198 53,804 53
Total 23,215 880,804 1,266 19,635 727,454 1,152
2 Net interest income
2005 2004
Interest income from: Cash and balances at central banks 348 218 Financial assets held for trading 1,559 1,389 Financial investments 5,198 4,190 Loans and receivables banks 2,666 2,083 Loans and receivables customers 20,757 17,454
Subtotal 30,528 25,334
Interest expense from: Financial liabilities held for trading 1,054 976 Due to banks 5,455 4,298 Due to customers 9,749 7,374 Issued debt securities 4,212 2,797 Subordinated liabilities 997 1,093
Subtotal 21,467 16,538
Total 9,061 8,796
Financial statements 2005 138 3 Net fee and commission income
2005 2004
Fee and commission income Securities brokerage fees 1,560 1,548 Payment and transaction services fees 1,576 1,449 Asset management and trust fees 1,153 1,041 Fees generated on financing arrangements 180 158 Advisory fees 336 311 Insurance related commissions 177 162 Guarantee fees 218 160 Other fees and commissions 427 436
Subtotal 5,627 5,265
Fee and commission expense Securities brokerage expense 321 281 Payment and transaction services expense 165 125 Asset management and trust expense 127 126 Other fee and commission expense 268 168
Interest income and expense on trading positions are included in interest income and expense. 5 Results from financial transactions
2005 2004
Net gain from the disposal of available-for-sale debt securities 431 179 Net gain from the sale of available-for-sale equity investments 55 154 Dividend on available-for-sale equity investments 54 48 Net gain on other equity investments 514 694 Hedging ineffectiveness 39 (112) Other 189 (55)
Total 1,282 908
The net gain on other equity investments includes gains and losses arising on investments held at fair value and the result on the sale of consolidated holdings of a private equity nature. Financial statements 2005 139 6 Other operating income
2005 2004
Mortgage banking activities (North America) 208 234 Property development 330 235 Insurance activities 198 226 Leasing activities 60 63 Result on the disposal of operating activities and equity accounted investments 347 187 Other 445 290
Total 1,588 1,235
Mortgage banking activity income can be analysed as follows:
2005 2004
Net origination and sale income 30 83 Loan servicing income and related fees 485 484 Amortisation of mortgage servicing rights (net of derivative income) (214) (243) Net servicing hedge gains / (losses) (93) (90)
Total 208 234
The predominant business practice of our North America mortgage banking business is the origination and subsequent sale of fixed-rate consumer mortgage loans to US government- sponsored entities. In most cases a servicing role is retained. Insurance income can be analysed as follows:
2005 2004
Premium income 1,238 1,303 Investment income 406 300 Provision for insured risk (1,446) (1,377)
Salaries (including bonuses and allowances) 5,915 5,602 Social security expenses 740 620 Pension and post-retirement healthcare costs 11 390 Share-based payment expenses 61 4 Temporary staff costs 247 222 Termination payments 175 191 Restructuring related costs 10 42 502 Other employee costs 340 287
Total 7,531 7,818
Average number of employees (fte): Banking activities Netherlands 27,995 28,671 Banking activities foreign countries 69,528 69,469 Consolidated private equity holdings 40 22,201 17,938
Total 119,724 116,078
Included in pension and post-retirement healthcare costs in 2005 is a release of the healthcare provision. 8 General and administrative expenses
2005 2004
Professional fees 1,111 809 Information technology expenses 930 829 Property costs 766 731 Staff related expenses (including training) 184 153 Travel and transport 312 268 Stationary and printing expense 121 117 Communication and information 477 470 Commercial expenses 571 424 Expenses of consolidated private equity holdings 352 284 Restructuring related costs 10 (9) 179 Sundry expenses 997 774
Total 5,812 5,038
Financial statements 2005 141 9 Depreciation and amortisation
2005 2004
Property depreciation 148 156 Equipment depreciation 543 519 Software amortisation 279 280 Impairment losses on goodwill of private equity investments 19 124 Impairment losses on property and equipment 9 38 Impairment of property and equipment from restructuring 10 4 109 Other 19 9
Total 1,021 1,235
This item includes EUR 133 million (2004: EUR 151 million) of depreciation, amortisation and impairments charged by consolidated private equity holdings (see note 40). 10 Restructuring costs The following table summarises the Groups restructuring costs as included in the relevant cost categories.
2005 2004
Personnel related costs 42 502 Other administrative expenses (9) 179 Impairment of property and equipment 4 109
Total 37 790
The 2005 charge mainly relates to operations in France. The charge of 2004 relates to Wholesale Clients initiatives and Group Shared Services initiatives for Information Technology and Human Resources. 11 Income tax expense Recognised in the income statement
2005 2004
Current tax expense Current year 1,106 1,186 Under / (over) provided in prior years (87) (30)
Subtotal 1,019 1,156
Deferred tax expense Origination and reversal of timing differences 257 (373) Reduction in tax rate (35) (13)
Subtotal 222 (386)
Total 1,241 770
Financial statements 2005 142 The effective tax rate on the Groups profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the basic tax rate of the Netherlands. The difference can be explained as follows:
(in percentages points) 2005 2004
Dutch tax rate 31.5 34.5 Effect of tax rate in foreign countries (5.0) (4.2) Effect of previously unrecognised tax losses utilised (0.8) (0.0) Effect of tax-exempt income in the Netherlands (1.2) (3.7) Other (2.7) (3.0)
Effective tax rate on operating profit 21.8 23.6
Recognised directly in equity
(benefits) / charges 2005 2004
Relating to currency translation (198) 51 Relating to cash flow hedges (235) (54) Relating to available-for-sale assets 169 118
Total (264) 115
12 Earnings per share The calculations for basic and diluted earnings per share are presented in the following table.
2005 2004
Profit for the year attributable to shareholders of the parent company 4,382 3,865 Profit from continuing operations attributable to shareholders of the parent company 4,382 2,418 Profit from discontinued operations attributable to shareholders of the parent company 1,447
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (in millions) 1,804.1 1,657.6 Dilutive effect of staff options (in millions) 5.2 3.1 Performance share plan (in millions) 2.9 1.0
Diluted number of ordinary shares (in millions) 1,812.2 1,661.7
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in euros) 2.43 2.33 Fully diluted earnings per ordinary share (in euros) 2.42 2.33
Basic earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations (in euros) 2.43 1.46 Fully diluted earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations (in euros) 2.42 1.46
Basic earnings per ordinary share from discontinued operations (in euros) 0.87 Fully diluted earnings per ordinary share from discontinued operations (in euros) 0.87
Financial statements 2005 143 13 Cash and balances at central banks This item includes cash on hand and deposits with central banks in countries in which the bank has a presence.
2005 2004
Cash on hand 1,590 1,204 Balances at central bank 15,067 16,692
Total 16,657 17,896
14 Financial assets and liabilities held for trading
2005 2004
Financial assets held for trading Interest-earning securities: Dutch government 2,520 552 US treasury and US government agencies 7,843 5,759 Other OECD governments 37,855 28,409 Other interest-earning securities 13,789 17,114
Financial liabilities held for trading Short positions in financial assets 52,060 39,059 Derivative financial instruments 96,528 90,447
Total 148,588 129,506
Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments and changes in fair value of other trading instruments are recognised in net trading income. Interest income and expense from debt and other fixed-income instruments are recognised in net interest income. Financial statements 2005 144 Trading portfolio derivative financial instruments
Total 7,557,949 105,372 96,528 5,228,470 96,792 90,447
For an analysis of the market and liquidity risks involved, please refer to note 38. Financial statements 2005 145 15 Financial investments
2005 2004
Interest-earning securities: available-for-sale Dutch government 2,781 2,172 US treasury and US government 6,618 8,070 Other OECD governments 51,760 47,238 Mortgage-backed securities 12,100 14,758 Other interest-earning securities 39,918 19,930
Subtotal 113,177 92,168
Interest-earning securities: held-to-maturity Dutch government 2,136 2,176 US treasury and US government 22 45 Other OECD governments 3,660 4,421 Mortgage-backed securities 36 26 Other interest-earning securities 718 1,002
Subtotal 6,572 7,670
Total 119,749 99,838
Equity investments Available-for-sale 2,337 1,610 Designated at fair value through income 1,688 1,500
Subtotal 4,025 3,110
Total 123,774 102,948
Other interest-earning securities include investments in covered bonds. Interest income from debt and other fixed-income instruments is recognised using the effective interest method in interest income. Dividend income from other non-fixed-income instruments is recognised in results from financial transactions. 16 Loans and receivables banks This item is comprised of amounts due from or deposited with banking institutions.
2005 2004
Current accounts 5,479 3,958 Time deposits placed 11,613 11,672 Professional securities transactions 31 87,281 64,375 Loans to banks 4,279 3,856
Subtotal 108,652 83,861
Allowances for impairment 18 (17) (3)
Total 108,635 83,858
Financial statements 2005 146 17 Loans and receivables customers This item is comprised of amounts receivable, mainly regarding loans and mortgages balances with non-bank customers.
2005 2004
Public sector 7,461 6,059 Commercial 152,411 127,044 Consumer 122,708 107,124 Professional securities transactions 31 74,724 59,269 Multi-seller conduits 25,931 23,700
Subtotal 383,235 323,196
Allowances for impairment 18 (2,987) (3,174)
Total 380,248 320,022
The amount receivable held by multi-seller conduits is typically collateralised by a pool of customer receivables in excess of the amount advanced, such that credit risk is very low (see note 38). The risk management disclosures section on credit risk (see note 38) contains information about the concentration of credit risk by business sector and geographical location, as well as a breakdown of the amounts by type of collateral. 18 Loan impairment charges and allowances
2005 2004
Balance at 1 January 3,177 4,307 Loan impairment charges: New impairment allowances 1,428 1,259 Reversal of impairment allowances no longer required (550) (464) Recoveries of amounts previously written off (236) (170) Other credit related charges 6 (9)
Total loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 648 616
Amount recorded in interest income from unwinding of discounting (32) (40) Currency translation differences 208 (83) Amounts written off (1,070) (1,236) Disposals of businesses (465) Reserve for unearned interest accrued on impaired loans 73 78
Balance at 31 December 3,004 3,177
All loans are assessed for potential impairment either individually and / or on a portfolio basis. The allowance for impairment is apportioned as follows:
Financial statements 2005 147 Loan provisioning-commercial loans The Group reviews the status of credit facilities issued to commercial clients at least once during the year. Additionally, credit officers continually monitor the quality of the credit, the client and the adherence to contractual conditions. Should the quality of a loan or the borrowers financial position deteriorate to the extent that doubts arise over the borrowers ability to meet their contractual obligations, management of the relationship is transferred to the Financial Restructuring and Recovery function. After making an assessment, Financial Restructuring and Recovery determines the amount, if any, of the specific allowance that should be made, after taking into account the value of collateral. We partly or fully release specific allowance when the debt is repaid or expected future cash flows improve due to positive changes in economic or financial circumstances. Commercial loans are not written off in whole or in part until it is clear that a further partial recovery can be ruled out. Loan provisioning-consumer loan products The bank offers a wide range of consumer loan products and programmes such as personal loans, home mortgages, credit cards and home improvement loans. Provisioning for these products is carried out on a portfolio basis, with a specific provision for each product being determined by the portfolios size and loss experience. Our consumer loan portfolio policy states that, in general, when interest or principal on a consumer loan is 90 days or more past due, such loans are classified as non-performing. Provisions for a given portfolio may be released where there is improvement in the quality of the portfolio. For consumer loans, our write-off rules are time-based and vary by type of product. For example, unsecured facilities, such as credit cards and personal loans, are generally written off at 180 days past due and cash-backed and debt and/or equity-backed facilities are generally written off at 90 days past due. Allowance for incurred but not identified losses In addition to impairment allowances calculated on a specific or portfolio basis, the Group also maintains an allowance to cover undetected impairments expected to exist within loans due to changes in economic conditions and delays in obtaining information that indicate that losses exist at the balance sheet date. Financial statements 2005 148 19 Equity accounted investments
2005 2004
Banking institutions 2,885 1,257 Other activities 108 171
Total 2,993 1,428
Balance at 1 January 1,428 1,443 Movements: Purchases 1,554 6 Sales / reclassifications (265) (108) Share in results of equity accounted investments 280 206 Dividends received from equity accounted investments (63) (59) Currency translation differences 31 (13) Other 28 (47)
Balance at 31 December 2,993 1,428
Purchases in 2005 include our increased stake in Banca Antonveneta (see note 44). During 2005 our investment in Kereskedelmi s Hitelbank Rt. has been reclassified to available-for- sale assets upon the loss of significant influence. Included in the Groups cash flow hedging and available-for-sale reserve is EUR 95 million of unrealised gains relating to equity accounted investments. Investments with a book value of EUR 2,345 million (2004: EUR 738 million) that are traded on a recognised stock exchange had a combined market value of EUR 3,399 million (2004: EUR 1,379 million) Amounts receivable from and payable to equity accounted investments included in the various balance sheet items totalled:
2005 2004
Loans and receivables banks 1,151 6 Loans and receivables customers 495 134 Due to banks 138 171 Due to customers 246 279
The principal equity accounted investments of the Group on an aggregated basis (not adjusted for the Groups proportionate interest) have the following balance sheet and income statements totals:
2005 2004
Total assets 192,927 196,001 Total liabilities 180,577 185,449 Total operating income 8,887 8,751 Profit before tax 1,524 834
Financial statements 2005 149 20 Property and equipment The book value of property and equipment in 2005 and 2004 changed as follows:
The Group leases equipment under a number of finance lease agreements. At 31 December 2005 the net carrying amount of leased equipment included in property and equipment was EUR 23 million (2004: EUR 22 million). Financial statements 2005 150 The Group also leases out various assets under operating leases. Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are as follows:
2005 2004
Less than one year 27 18 Between one and five years 100 137 More than five years 30 40
157 195
During the year ended 31 December 2005, EUR 60 million (2004: EUR 64 million) was recognised as rental income in the income statement and EUR 51 million (2004: EUR 50 million) in respect of directly related expenses. Development property Included in other property is development property relating to Bouwfonds consisting of land and construction in progress for a total amount of EUR 2,113 million (2004: EUR 1,879 million). Investment property Other property includes investment property within Bouwfonds for an amount of EUR 463 million (2004: EUR 336 million). The gross rental income on investment property equals EUR 33 million (2004: EUR 23 million) and the direct operating expenses are EUR 4 million (2004: EUR 2 million). Impairment losses in other property mainly relates to development property of Bouwfonds. 21 Goodwill and other intangible assets
2005 2004
Private equity goodwill 2,128 877 Other goodwill 198 67 Software 758 602 Other intangibles 99 93
Subtotal 3,183 1,639
Mortgage servicing rights 1,985 1,504
Total 5,168 3,143
Financial statements 2005 151 The book value of goodwill and other intangibles, excluding mortgage servicing rights, changed as follows:
Private Other Software Other Total equity goodwill intangibles goodwill
Financial statements 2005 152 At the end of December 2005 and 2004 the book value of MSRs was lower than fair value, so no impairment adjustments are required. The fair value of MSRs at 31 December 2005 amounted to EUR 2,258 million (2004: EUR 1,724 million). The valuation of MSRs, because of the inherent uncertainties involved, requires judgement. Economic factors considered in estimating the fair value of MSRs include interest rates, discount rates, prepayment speeds, geographic characteristics, servicing costs and ancillary income. Mortgage loan prepayment rates are revised monthly, and are derived from a third-party model. In addition, management uses valuations by various third-party brokers to compare its valuation assessments with market data. 22 Other assets
2005 2004
Deferred tax assets 29 2,682 2,956 Current tax assets 337 579 Derivatives assets used for hedging 36 3,213 2,292 Mortgages originated for-sale 4,311 3,124 Unit-linked investments held for policyholder accounts 3,624 2,964 Pension assets 27 119 74 Other assets of consolidated private equity holdings, including inventories 1,531 1,156 Sundry assets and other receivables 9,733 5,066
Total 25,550 18,211
Mortgages originated-for-sale and unit-linked investments held for policyholders are designated at fair value with changes through income. Mortgages originated for-sale are originated by our mortgage banking business in North America. Sundry assets include insurance related deposits and other short-term receivables. The 2005 amount also includes EUR 2,100 million relating to unsettled purchases of Banca Antonveneta shares. 23 Due to banks This item is comprised of amounts due to banking institutions, including central banks and multilateral development banks.
2005 2004
Professional securities transactions 31 71,231 56,351 Current accounts 23,573 18,378 Time deposits 63,836 50,944 Advances from Federal Home Loan banks 7,239 6,215 Other 1,942 1,641
Total 167,821 133,529
This balance includes EUR 19,932 million (2004: EUR 16,986 million) with central banks. Financial statements 2005 153 24 Due to customers This item comprises amounts due to non-banking customers.
2005 2004
Consumer current accounts 21,502 19,817 Commercial current accounts 67,133 61,637 Consumer savings accounts 84,166 74,256 Commercial deposit accounts 87,099 73,466 Professional securities transactions 31 48,982 44,782 Other 8,201 7,421
Total 317,083 281,379
25 Issued debt securities
2005 2004
Effective Effective rate % rate%
Bonds and notes issued 3.2 90,050 3.0 61,485 Certificates of deposit and commercial paper 2.9 51,873 2.1 32,326 Cash notes, savings certificates and bank certificates 4.2 2,657 3.3 3,721
Subtotal 144,580 97,532
Commercial paper issued by multi-seller conduits 3.4 26,039 3.0 23,700
Total 170,619 121,232
Bonds are issued in the capital markets with a focus on the Euro market and are denominated mostly in euro and US dollars. The commercial paper programmes are issued globally with the majority issued in the United States and Europe. The other debt securities are instruments used in markets in which ABN AMRO is active and are usually denominated in local currencies. Of the total amount, EUR 60 billion (2004: EUR 30 billion) are variable interest bearing securities. EUR 16.5 billion (2004: EUR 7.6 billion) of issued debt of a fixed rate nature has been designated in fair value hedge relationships. Currency
2005 2004
EUR 77,660 76,577 USD 75,243 33,476 Other 17,716 11,179
Total 170,619 121,232
Included in the balance above are various structured liabilities that have been designated at fair value through income due to the inclusion of embedded derivative features. These liabilities had a fair value at 31 December 2005 of EUR 2,815 million (2004: EUR 2,337 million) and an amortised cost value of EUR 2,882 million (2004: EUR 2,331 million). Financial statements 2005 154 Maturity analysis
2005 2004
Within one year 102,368 66,239 After one and within two years 11,770 9,016 After two and within three years 7,175 9,053 After three and within four years 7,521 5,334 After four and within five years 8,082 7,405 After five years 33,703 24,185
Total 170,619 121,232
26 Provisions
2005 2004
Provision for pension commitments 27 942 1,218 Provision for contributions to post-retirement healthcare 27 101 524 Other staff provision 459 448 Insurance fund liabilities 3,169 3,111 Restructuring provision 501 752 Other provisions 1,239 880
Total 6,411 6,933
The other staff provisions refer in particular to occupational disability and other benefits, except early retirement benefits, payable to non-active employees. Provisions created for staff benefit schemes due to restructuring are accounted for as restructuring provision. Insurance fund liabilities include the actuarial reserves and the premium and claims reserves of the Groups insurance companies.
Other staff Restructuring Other provisions provisions
Balance at 1 January 2005 448 752 880 Movements: Additions from income statement 316 33 513 Expenses charged to provisions (320) (298) (289) Acquisitions / disposals 28 Currency translation differences 15 14 107
Balance at 31 December 2005 459 501 1,239
Other staff Restructuring Other provisions provisions
Balance at 1 January 2004 357 181 814 Movements: Additions from income statement 332 681 265 Expenses charged to provisions (256) (109) (219) Acquisitions / disposals (6) (45) Currency translation differences (9) (1) 3 Other 30 62
Balance at 31 December 2004 448 752 880
Financial statements 2005 155 The change in 2004 relates to Wholesale Clients initiatives and Group Shared Services initiatives for Information Technology and Human Resources. The majority of savings are expected to materialise in 2007. Insurance Fund Liabilities movement are as follows:
2005 2004
Balance at 1 January 3,111 2,640 Premium carried from income statement 294 603 Claims paid (14) (255) Interest 34 33 Acquisitions / disposals (637) Changes in estimates and other movements 97 93 Currency translation differences 284 (3)
Balance at 31 December 3,169 3,111
27 Pension and other post-retirement employee benefits Pension costs and contributions for post-retirement healthcare borne by the Group are included in personnel expenses and are shown in the following table:
Pension Healthcare
2005 2004 2005 2004
Service cost 320 306 24 18 Interest cost 510 506 39 32 Expected return on plan assets (585) (566) (5) (3) Net amortisation of net actuarial (gain) / loss 1 9 Net amortisation of prior-service cost 1 (Gain) / loss on curtailment or settlements (11) 19 (453) (1)
Defined benefit plans 236 265 (386) 46
Defined contribution plans 161 79
Total costs 397 344 (386) 46
Liability for defined benefit obligations The Group makes contributions to 58 defined benefit plans that provide pension benefits for employees upon retirement. The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are as follows:
Pension Healthcare
2005 2004 2005 2004
Present value of funded obligations 12,316 10,644 88 106 Present value of unfunded obligations 87 71 51 654 Less fair value of plan assets 10,212 8,754 63 46
Present value of net obligations 2,191 1,961 76 714
Unrecognised prior year service cost (10) Unrecognised actuarial (losses) / gains (1,400) (861) 25 (190) Unrecognised assets 42 44
Net recognised liability for defined benefit obligations 823 1,144 101 524
Included in the net recognised liability for pension is a pension asset of EUR 119 million (2004: EUR 74 million). Financial statements 2005 156 Movements in the net liability / asset recognised in the balance sheet are as follows:
Pension Healthcare
2005 2004 2005 2004
Net liability at 1 January 1,144 1,399 524 503 Acquisition / disposals (1) 48 18 Contributions paid (572) (573) (56) (17) Expense recognised in the income statement 236 265 (386) 46 Currency translation differences 16 5 19 (26)
Net liability at 31 December 823 1,144 101 524
Explanation of the asset and liability The following tables summarise the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of the main pension plans and other employee benefit plans. Movements in projected benefit obligations:
Balance at 1 January 8,754 7,988 46 44 Actual return on plan assets 984 629 2 5 Employee contributions / refunds 15 14 Employers contribution 572 573 9 17 Benefits paid (298) (285) (3) (2) Acquisitions / disposals (133) (18) Currency translation differences 195 (19) 9 Recognised settlement / curtailment (10) Other (13)
Balance at 31 December 10,212 8,754 63 46
Financial statements 2005 157 The weighted averages of the main actuarial assumptions used to determine the value of the provisions for pension obligations and contributions to health insurance as at 31 December were as follows:
2005 2004
Pensions Discount rate 4.3% 4.7% Expected increment in salaries 2.4% 2.6% Expected return on investments 6.2% 7.0% Healthcare Discount rate 7.8% 5.2% Average rise in the costs of healthcare 9.5% 6.8%
The expected return on investments regarding pension obligations is weighted on the basis of the fair value of these investments. The average rise in cost of healthcare is weighted on the basis of the healthcare cost of 2005. All other assumptions are weighted on the basis of the defined benefit plan obligations. For the pension plans the target and actual allocation of the plan assets are as follows: Allocation of plan assets
Target allocation Actual allocation Actual allocation 2005 2005 2004
Plan asset category Equity securities 49.1% 52.8% 47.7% Issued debt securities 50.7% 45.3% 50.2% Real estate 0.0% 0.1% 0.2% Other 0.2% 1.8% 1.9%
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Plan assets for 2005 and 2004 do not include investments in ordinary shares, debt issued or property occupied by the Group. Forecast of pension benefits payments
2006 318 2007 330 2008 340 2009 355 2010 363 Years after 2010 2,185
The Groups expected contribution to be paid to defined pension schemes in 2006 is EUR 598 million. Financial statements 2005 158 28 Other liabilities
2005 2004
Deferred tax liabilities 29 2,471 2,457 Current tax liabilities 1,032 1,612 Derivatives liabilities used for hedging 36 4,712 3,311 Liability to unit-linked policyholders 3,624 2,964 Other liabilities of consolidated private equity holdings 768 575 Sundry liabilities and other payables 6,116 2,643
Total 18,723 13,562
29 Deferred tax assets and liabilities Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following items:
Unrecognised deferred tax assets Deferred tax assets that have not been recognised in respect of carry forward losses amount to EUR 252 million (2004: EUR 202 million). Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits from them. Financial statements 2005 159 Expiration of carry-forward losses At 31 December 2005 carry-forward losses expire as follows:
2006 448 2007 435 2008 645 2009 101 2010 181 Years after 2010 1,158
Total 2,968
Tax exposure to distributable reserves ABN AMRO considers approximately EUR 2.1 billion in distributable invested equity of foreign operations to be permanently invested. If retained earnings were to be distributed, no foreign income taxes would have to be paid. The estimated impact of foreign withholding tax is EUR 9 million (2004: EUR 223 million). 30 Subordinated liabilities Issued liabilities qualify as subordinated debt if claims by the holders are subordinated to all other current and future liabilities of, respectively, ABN AMRO Holding N.V, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and other Group companies. These liabilities qualify as capital, taking into account remaining maturities, for the purpose of determining the consolidated capital adequacy ratio for the Dutch central bank. The maturity profile of subordinated liabilities is as follows:
2005 2004
Within one year 1,156 1,086 After one and within two years 1,452 1,115 After two and within three years 704 1,364 After three and within four years 1,550 668 After four and within five years 1,395 1,546 After five years 12,815 10,908
Total 19,072 16,687
The average interest rate on subordinated liabilities was 5.4% (2004: 5.6%). Subordinated liabilities as at 31 December 2005 denominated in euros amounted to EUR 9,240 million (2004: EUR 8,866 million) and in US dollars an amount of EUR 9,745 million (2004: EUR 7,731 million). EUR 5,703 million (2004: EUR 2,952 million) is of a variable interest rate nature. Financial statements 2005 160 The following table analyses the subordinated liabilities by issuer: Breakdown of debt raised by entity
2005 2004
ABN AMRO Holding N.V. financing preference shares 768 768 ABN AMRO Bank N.V. 13,051 10,598 Other Group companies 5,253 5,321
Total 19,072 16,687
Total subordinated liabilities include EUR 5,261 million (2004: EUR 4,657 million) which qualify as tier 1 capital for capital adequacy purposes. 31 Professional securities transactions Professional security transactions include balances relating to reverse repurchase activities, cash collateral on securities borrowed and security settlement accounts. The Group minimises credit risk associated with these activities by monitoring counterparty credit exposure and collateral values on a daily basis and requiring additional collateral to be deposited with or returned to the Group when deemed necessary.
Under reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and other collateralised arrangements, the Group obtains securities on terms which permit it to repledge or resell the securities to others.
2005 2004
Securities received under reverse repurchase and / or securities borrowing arrangements which can be repledged or resold 66,676 63,618 Of the above amount, the amount that has either been repledged or otherwise transferred to others in connection with the Groups financing activities or to satisfy its commitments under short sale transactions 27,329 42,169
Financial statements 2005 161 32 Securitisations and assets pledged as security Details of the carrying amounts of assets pledged as collateral are as follows:
2005 2004
Cash and balances at central banks 10,737 7,367 Financial investments 12,074 15,945 Loans and receivables customers 32,656 32,326
Total 55,467 55,638
These assets have been pledged in respect of the following liabilities and contingent liabilities:
2005 2004
Due to banks 17,782 15,889 Due to customers 4,266 3,940 Issued debt securities 21,440 15,550
Total 43,488 35,379
Securitisation Sale transactions Included in the above pledged assets is an amount of EUR 6,290 million (2004: EUR 7,786 million) sold to SPEs in which the Group has the majority of the risks and rewards. Thus the assets continue to be recognised on consolidation. Synthetic transactions In addition the Group has synthetic securitisations for an amount of EUR 59,255 million (2004: EUR 17,826 million). Through a synthetic securitisation the Group is able to buy protection without actual transference of any assets to a SPE. In general, the Group as the owner of the assets, buys protection to transfer the credit risk of a portfolio of assets to another entity that sells the protection. Although the credit risk of the portfolio is transferred, actual ownership of the portfolio of assets remains with the Group. Credit default swaps In addition to the transactions mentioned above, the Group also uses credit default swaps to reduce credit risk for parts of the loan portfolio by selling these risks directly to the capital markets. At 31 December 2005 the Group has bought credit protection for an amount of EUR 30,352 million (2004: EUR 13,661 million). Derecognition Though the Group has sold a part of its loan portfolio in North America, it still holds legal title to some of these loans. In most cases these loans are also serviced by the Group. The bank also services loans originated by other institutions. The following table states the total outstandings at 31 December 2005. Transaction type
2005 2004
Legal title to loans sold 136 954 Loans serviced for third parties 160,654 139,763
Financial statements 2005 162 33 Commitments and contingent liabilities Loan and banking commitments At any time the Group has outstanding commitments to extend credit. These commitments take the form of approved loans, overdraft facilities and credit card limits. Outstanding loan commitments have a commitment period that does not extend beyond the normal underwriting and settlement period of one to three months. The Group provides financial guarantees and letters of credit to guarantee the performance of customers to third parties. These transactions have fixed limits and generally extend for a period of up to five years. Expirations are not concentrated in any particular period. The Group also provides guarantees by acting as a settlement agent in securities borrowing and lending transactions. The contractual amounts of commitments and contingent liabilities are set out by category in the following table. The amounts stated in the table for commitments assume that amounts are fully advanced. The amounts reflected in the table for guarantees and letters of credit represent the maximum accounting loss that would be recognised at the balance sheet date if the relevant contract parties completely failed to perform as contracted.
2005 2004
Committed credit facilities 141,010 145,009 Contingent liabilities with respect to guarantees granted 41,536 42,399 Contingent liabilities with respect to irrevocable letters of credit 4,485 4,066
Many of the contingent liabilities and commitments will expire without being advanced in whole or in part. This means that the amounts stated do not represent expected future cash flows. Additionally, guarantees and letters of credit are supported by varying levels of collateral. Aside from the items stated above, non-quantified guarantees have been given for the banks securities custody operations, for interbank bodies and institutions and for participating interests. Collective guarantee schemes are applicable to Group companies in various countries. Furthermore, statements of liability have been issued for a number of Group companies. Capital expenditure and commitments For 2006, capital expenditure is forecast at EUR 1.3 billion, of which the Group is already committed to an amount of EUR 243 million. These commitments are expected to be settled in the following financial year. Financial statements 2005 163 Leases as lessee Operating lease rentals are payable as follows:
Less than one year 255 Between one and five years 614 More than five years 912
1,781
During 2005, EUR 303 million (2004: EUR 339 million) of operating lease expense and EUR 48 million (2004: EUR 12 million) of sublease income was recognised in income. Other contingencies Legal proceedings have been initiated against the Group in a number of jurisdictions, but on the basis of information currently available, and having taken legal counsel, the Group is of the opinion that the outcome of these proceedings net of any related insurance claims is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position and the consolidated profit of the Group. 34 Asset management The Group provides asset management services to individuals, trusts, retirement benefit plans and other institutions. These services involve holding and managing assets or investing received funds in various financial investments at the direction of the customer. The Group receives fee income for providing these services. Trust assets are not assets of the Group and are not recognised in the consolidated balance sheet. The Group is not exposed to any credit risk relating to such placements, as it does not guarantee these investments. At 31 December 2005 the total assets managed by the Group on behalf of customers were EUR 176.2 billion (2004: EUR 160.7 billion). 35 Cash flow statement
2005 2004
Determination of cash and cash equivalents: Cash and balances at central banks 16,657 17,896 Loans and receivables banks 5,455 3,954 Due to banks (16,069) (13,247)
Cash and cash equivalents 6,043 8,603
Financial statements 2005 164 The following table analyses movements resulting from acquisitions and disposals:
2005 2004
Amounts paid / received in cash and cash equivalents on acquisitions / disposals of subsidiaries 366 (173) Net movement in assets and liabilities: Financial assets held for trading (131) Financial investments (112) Loans and receivables banks (866) Loans and receivables customers 186 (4) Property and equipment 396 108 Other assets 1,109 366
Total assets 582 470
Due to banks 1,514 281 Due to customers (812) 108 Issued debt securities 21 Accruals and deferred income 57 56 Subordinated liabilities 45 56 Other liabilities (192) (96)
Total liabilities 612 426
Cash flows from operating activities include: Interest received 29,388 25,154 Interest paid 21,456 16,659 Dividends received 158 170 Income taxes paid (1,056) (511)
The cash flows from discontinued operations represents operating cash flows of EUR 207 million and investing cash flows of EUR 2,526. 36 Hedge accounting The Group enters into various derivative instrument transactions to hedge risks on assets, liabilities, net investments and forecasted cash flows. The accounting treatment of the hedged item and the hedging derivative is dependent on whether the hedge relationship qualifies for hedge accounting. Qualifying hedges may be designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges. During 2005 and 2004 there were no transactions that failed the hedge accounting criteria due to ineffectiveness exceeding the relevant limits. The fair value changes of derivative transactions used to hedge against economic risk exposures that do not qualify for hedge accounting, or for which it is not cost beneficial to apply hedge accounting, are recognised directly through income. Financial statements 2005 165 Derivatives designated and accounted for as hedging instruments Fair value hedges The Groups fair value hedges principally consist of interest rate swaps, interest rate options and cross currency interest rate swaps that are used to protect against changes in the fair value of fixed-rate assets, noteably available-for-sale securities and MSRs, and liabilities due to changes in market interest rates. For qualifying fair values hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and in the fair value of the hedged item for the risk being hedged are recognised in the income statement. Cash flow hedges of variable rate assets and liabilities The Group is exposed to variability in future interest cash flows for assets and liabilities with variable interest rates or which are expected to be refunded or reinvested in the future. The amounts and timing of cash flows are projected for each portfolio of financial assets and liabilities, taking the contractual terms, estimated prepayments and potential defaults into consideration. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the hedge instrument is recorded in the cash flow hedge reserve and recognised in the income when the hedged item occurs. The ineffective portions of designated cash flow hedges are recorded in income immediately. If the hedge relationship is terminated, then the change in fair value of the derivative recorded in the hedge reserve is recognised when the cash flows that were hedged occur, consistent with the original hedge strategy. Gains and losses on derivatives reclassified from the cash flow hedge reserve to income are included in net interest income. The Groups main cash flow hedge programmes are operated by Group Asset and Liability management and our business in North America. Hedges of net investments in foreign operations As explained in note 38, the Group limits its exposure to investments in foreign operations by hedging its net investment in its foreign operations with forward foreign exchange contracts in the currency of the foreign operations or a closely correlated currency to mitigate foreign exchange risk. For qualifying net investment hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in the currency translation differences reserve within equity. Hedges not qualifying for hedge accounting Derivatives that are entered into for risk management purposes but are not designated for hedge accounting are fair valued through income. Due to difficulties in satisfying the IFRS hedging criteria, this includes a number of credit derivatives used to hedge credit risk. Financial statements 2005 166 Overview of the fair value of hedging derivatives
Cash flow hedges Details of gains and losses during the year on cash flow hedges that have been recognised directly in equity or transferred from equity to income are set out in the statement of changes in equity. The amount recognised in the cash flow hedging reserve at 31 December 2005, relates to cash flows expected to occur within three months to approximately ten years of the balance sheet date, with the main portion expected to occur within five years. Accordingly this amount, unless impacted by rate changes, will be recognised in income through fixed coupon payments of the derivative or by amortisation over a period of approximately five years. Financial statements 2005 167 37 Fair value information Determination of fair values Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arms length transaction. Market prices or market rates are used to determine fair value where an active market exists (such as a recognised stock exchange), as it is the best evidence of the fair value of a financial instrument. Market prices are not, however, available for all financial assets and liabilities held and issued by the Group. Where no active market price or rate is available, fair values are estimated using present value or other valuation techniques, using inputs based on market conditions existing at the balance sheet dates. Valuation techniques are generally applied to OTC derivatives, unlisted trading portfolio assets and liabilities, and unlisted financial investments (including private equity investments). The most frequently applied pricing models and valuation techniques include forward pricing and swap models using present value calculations, option models such as the Black and Scholes model, and credit models such as default rate models or credit spread models. The values derived from applying these techniques can be significantly affected by the choice of valuation model used and the underlying assumptions made concerning factors such as the amounts and timing of future cash flows, discount rates, volatility, and credit risk. The following methods and significant assumptions have been applied in determining the fair values of financial instruments carried at fair value: a assets and liabilities held for trading are measured at fair value by reference to quoted market prices when available. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated on the basis of pricing models, or other recognised valuation techniques b financial investments classified as available for sale (interest-earning securities and equities) are measured at fair value by reference to quoted market prices when available. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated on the basis of pricing models or other recognised valuation techniques. Unrealised gains and losses, excluding impairment, are recorded in Shareholders equity until an asset is sold, collected or otherwise disposed of c in general private equity investments fair values cannot be obtained directly from quoted market prices, or by using valuation techniques supported by observable market prices or rates. The fair value is estimated indirectly using valuation techniques or models for which the inputs are reasonable assumptions, based on market conditions. Valuation techniques applied are in accordance with EVCA (European Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Association) guidelines. Financial statements 2005 168 The following table presents the valuation methods used to determine fair values of financial instruments carried at fair value:
Valuation techniques
Quoted Market Non-market Total market price observable observable
Financial assets Financial assets held for trading 97,026 103,683 1,346 202,055 Available-for-sale interest earning securities 113,177 113,177 Available-for-sale equities 1,016 391 930 2,337 Equities designated at fair value through income 445 1,243 1,688 Other assets derivatives held for hedging 3,213 3,213 Other assets unit-linked investments 3,624 3,624 Other assets mortgages originated-for-sale 4,311 4,311
Total assets at fair value 215,288 111,598 3,519 330,405
Financial liabilities Financial liabilities held for trading 52,410 95,570 608 148,588 Issued debt 2,815 2,815 Other liabilities unit-linked liability 3,624 3,624 Other liabilities derivatives held for hedging 4,712 4,712
Total liabilities at fair value 56,034 103,097 608 159,739
Sensitivity of fair values Included in the fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value on the balance sheet are those estimated in full or in part using valuation techniques based on assumptions that are not supported by observable market prices or rates. The models used in these situations undergo an internal validation process before they are certified for use. Any related model valuation uncertainty is quantified, and deducted from the fair values produced by the models. Management believes the resulting estimated fair values recorded in the balance sheet and the changes in fair values recorded in the income statement are reasonable, and are the most appropriate values at the balance sheet date. The potential effect of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions as inputs to valuation models, relying on non market-observable inputs, has been estimated as a reduction of approximately EUR 150 million using less favourable assumptions, and an increase of approximately EUR 175 million using more favourable assumptions. The total amount of the change in fair value estimated using a valuation technique that was recognised in the profit and loss account for the year 2005 amounts to EUR 1,354 million (2004: EUR 1,111 million). Assets and Liabilities elected at fair value The Group has elected to fair value non-controlling private equity investments, mortgages originated-for-sale and certain structured notes. The changes in fair value recognised in income on these assets and liabilities was a gain of EUR 401 million. Changes in the fair value of liabilities do not include any amount arising from changes in the Groups own credit risk. Financial statements 2005 169 Financial assets and liabilities not carried at fair value The following methods and significant assumptions have been applied in determining the fair values of financial instrument carried at cost: a the carrying amount of assets maturing within 12 months is assumed to approximate their fair value b the fair value of demand deposits and savings accounts (included in due to customers) with no specific maturity is assumed to be the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date c the fair value of variable rate financial instruments is assumed to be approximated by their carrying amounts and, in the case of loans, does not, therefore, reflect changes in their credit quality, as the impact of credit risk is recognised separately by deducting the allowances for credit losses from both carrying amounts and fair values d the fair value of fixed-rate loans and mortgages carried at amortised cost is estimated by comparing market interest rates when the loans were granted with current market rates offered on similar loans. Changes in the credit quality of loans within the portfolio are not taken into account in determining gross fair values, as the impact of credit risk is recognised separately by deducting the amounts of the allowances for credit losses from both carrying amounts and fair values. The following table compares the carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities measured at cost to estimated fair values:
2005 2004
Carrying Fair Difference Carrying Fair Difference amount value amount value
Financial liabilities Due to banks 167,821 168,469 (648) 133,529 133,940 (411) Due to customers 317,083 317,714 (631) 281,379 282,266 (887) Issued debt securities 170,619 173,086 (2,467) 121,232 122,583 (1,351) Subordinated liabilities 19,072 19,551 (479) 16,687 17,333 (646)
Total 674,595 678,820 (4,225) 552,827 556,122 (3,295)
Financial statements 2005 170 38 Financial risk management and use of derivatives This section provides details of the Groups financial risk management objectives and policies and describes the methods used by management to control risk. In addition this note includes a discussion of the extent to which financial instruments are used, the associated risks and the business purpose served. Financial risk management and control Risks of financial instruments The most important types of risk associated with financial instruments to which the Group is exposed are: credit risk market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk, equity price risk and commodity risk of the trading book) interest rate risk (non-trading) currency risk (non-trading) liquidity risk. Below is a discussion of the various risks the Group is exposed to as a result of its activities and the approach taken to manage those risks. Credit risk Measurement and control The Group is subject to credit risk through its lending, trading, hedging and investing activities as well as in cases where it acts as an intermediary on behalf of customers or other third parties or issues guarantees. The Groups senior management is responsible for establishing the credit policies and the mechanisms, organisation and procedures required to analyse, manage and control credit risk. In this respect, counterparty limits are set and an internal system of credit ratings is applied. The Groups primary exposure to credit risk arises through its loans, credit facilities and guarantees issued. The Group is also exposed to credit risk on various other financial assets, including financial investments (interest earning securities), loans and receivables from banks, financial assets held for trading (interest earning securities and derivatives) and derivatives used for hedging. The risk that counterparties might default on their obligations is monitored on an ongoing basis. For each transaction the Group evaluates whether collateral or a master netting agreement is required to mitigate the credit risk. Financial statements 2005 171 Maximum credit exposure In the table below we have detailed the maximum credit exposure:
2005 2004
Derivative assets held for trading 105,372 96,792 Financial investments interest-earning securities 119,749 99,838 Loans and receivables banks 21,371 19,486 Loans and receivables customers 282,580 240,227 Professional securities transactions 162,005 123,644 Multi-seller conduits 25,931 23,700 Committed credit facilities 141,010 145,009 Credit related contingent liabilities 46,021 46,465
Total 904,039 795,161
The credit risk exposure on derivative assets held for trading is measured as the current positive replacement value plus the potential future changes in replacement value, taking into account master netting agreements with individual counterparties where they are enforceable in insolvency. For interest-earning securities the amortised cost is included to reflect to credit risk exposure. The credit risk on professional security transactions is limited as a result of the nature of these transactions. The loans and receivables due from multi- seller conduits bear limited credit risk as these are fully collateralised. Credit risk concentrations Concentrations of credit risk (whether on- or off-balance sheet) that arise from financial instruments exist for groups of counterparties when they have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be affected in a similar way by changes in economic or other conditions. As part of managing risk concentrations, country risk in emerging markets and sector risk are managed on a portfolio basis. Refer to the following tables for details of the credit risk concentrations on the customer portfolio. Financial statements 2005 172 Credit risk concentrations from loans and receivables customers:
Europe (excluding Netherlands) Public sector 1,454 19 1,826 30 Commercial 30,882 20 23,102 19 Consumer 1,539 1 1,365 1
Total 33,875 26,293
North America Public sector 735 10 792 13 Commercial 44,693 29 35,460 28 Consumer 15,218 13 9,716 9
Total 60,646 45,968
Latin America Public sector 596 8 82 1 Commercial 8,024 5 4,714 3 Consumer 7,270 6 4,246 4
Total 15,890 9,042
Asia Pacific Public sector 2,376 32 2,304 39 Commercial 12,630 9 9,980 8 Consumer 4,078 3 3,212 3
Total 19,084 15,496
Group Public sector 7,461 6,059 Commercial 152,411 127,044 Consumer 122,708 107,124
Total 282,580 240,227
Professional securities transactions 74,724 59,269 Multi-seller conduits 25,931 23,700
Total loans and receivables customers 383,235 323,196
1 Calculated as a percentage of Group totals for public, commercial and consumer sectors respectively. Financial statements 2005 173 Credit risk concentrations from credit facilities and guarantees issued:
Europe (excluding Netherlands) Credit related contingent liabilities 20,222 44 21,637 46 Committed credit facilities 28,400 20 25,877 18
Total 48,622 47,514
North America Credit related contingent liabilities 15,830 34 15,049 32 Committed credit facilities 78,660 55 68,215 47
Total 94,490 83,264
Latin America Credit related contingent liabilities 1,364 3 751 2 Committed credit facilities 5,214 4 3,197 2
Total 6,578 3,948
Asia Pacific Credit related contingent liabilities 4,411 10 4,095 9 Committed credit facilities 10,855 8 10,347 7
Total 15,266 14,442
Group Credit related contingent liabilities 46,021 46,465 Committed credit facilities 141,010 145,009
Total 187,031 191,474
1 Calculated as a percentage of Group totals for credit related contingent liabilities and committed credit facilities respectively. Total commercial loans and receivables by industry are presented in the table below:
2005 2004
% %
Agriculture, mining and energy 12,377 8 11,439 9 Manufacturing 27,758 18 24,060 19 Construction and real estate 30,860 20 22,516 18 Wholesale and retail trade 19,439 13 16,412 13 Transportation and communications 18,012 12 12,314 10 Financial services 15,873 10 19,800 15 Business services 10,233 7 10,284 8 Education, healthcare and other services 17,859 12 10,219 8
Total 152,411 127,044
The amounts stated in the tables represent the maximum accounting loss that would be recognised at the balance sheet date if counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted and any collateral or security proved to be of no value. So the amounts greatly exceed expected losses. Financial statements 2005 174 For a breakdown of counterparties for interest-earning securities in the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolio, please refer to note 15. The Group has no significant exposure in loans and receivables customers to any individual customer or counterparty. Collateral The Groups policy is to obtain collateral if and when required prior to the disbursement of approved loans. Guarantees and letters of credit are also subject to strict credit assessments before being provided. The transactions specify monetary limits to the Groups obligations. The extent of collateral held for guarantees and letters of credit is on average 20%. The following table details loans and receivables from commercial and consumer clients by type of collateral obtained.
2005 2004
Commercial customers Public authority guarantees 4,404 8,135 Mortgages 28,441 23,956 Securities 3,487 764 Bank guarantees 3,121 3,029 Other types of collateral 50,439 31,781 Unsecured 62,519 59,379
Total 152,411 127,044
Consumer customers Public authority guarantees 3 151 Mortgages 93,826 79,639 Securities 2,074 2,647 Bank guarantees 856 2,414 Other types of collateral 7,077 7,354 Unsecured 18,872 14,919
Total 122,708 107,124
Market risk of the trading book Exposures All trading instruments are subject to market risk. Market risk arises from open positions in interest rate, currency, equity and commodity products, all of which are exposed to general and specific market movements. The instruments are recognised at fair value, and all changes in market conditions directly affect net trading income. Measurement and control The Group applies a Value-at-Risk (VaR) methodology to estimate the market risk of positions held and the maximum losses expected, based upon a number of assumptions for various changes in market conditions. The Group uses VaR as its primary tool for the day-to-day monitoring of market risks. Group Asset and Liability Management (GALM) sets limits on the VaR that may be accepted. Other control measures used in the market risk management process include limits on net open positions, interest rate sensitivity per basis point, spread sensitivities, option parameters, position concentrations and position ageing. These non-statistical measures help us to monitor and control trading risks. Financial statements 2005 175 Value-at-Risk VaR is a methodology for assessing market risk exposure in a single number. VaR is a statistical measure that estimates potential losses, and is defined as the predicted worst- case loss that might be caused by changes in risk factors under normal circumstances, over a specified period of time and at a specific level of statistical confidence. The Group uses a proprietary VaR model that has been approved by the Dutch Central Bank. The VaR methodology adopted by the bank for its VaR calculation is Historical Simulation, using four years of equally weighted historical data. The VaR is calculated at a 99% confidence level for a one-day holding period, using relative changes in historical rates and prices. The positions captured by our VaR calculations include derivative and cash positions that are reported as assets and liabilities held for trading. The VaR is reported on a daily basis per trading portfolio, per product line and for the Group as a whole. It is reported daily to the senior management of the Business Units, Group Risk Management and the responsible members of the Managing Board. VaR per Risk Category (99% confidence level, one-day holding period)
(in millions of euros)
For the year ended 31 December 2005 For the year ended 31 December 2004
Mini Maxi- Average Year-end Mini- Maxi- Average Year-end mum mum mum mum
1 The maximum (and minimum) for each risk category occurred on different days and therefore have no direct relation to the maximum (and minimum) of the aggregate VaR. The aggregate VaR includes the diversification effect of imperfect or negative correlations between certain risk types. Therefore the aggregate VaR can be lower than the sum of the individual risk types on the same day (e.g. year- end). Stress testing Although the VaR represents a good estimate of potential losses under normal market circumstances, it fails to capture one-off events. The limitations of the VaR model mean that we must supplement it with other statistical tests. These include a series of stress tests scenarios and sensitivity stress tests that shed light on the hypothetical behaviour of our portfolio and the impact on our financial results under extreme market movements. Sensitivity stress tests and stress test scenarios have been developed internally to reflect specific characteristics of the banks portfolios and are performed on a daily basis for each trading portfolio and at several aggregation levels. They may be based upon parallel movements in a number of risk elements or in one risk element, upon actual historical scenarios or upon plausible future shocks. Financial statements 2005 176 Interest rate risk (non-trading) Measurement and control Several measures are used to monitor and limit non-trading interest rate risk. The methods employed include earnings simulation, duration and interest rate gap analysis. Limits are set on the earnings and market value sensitivity. Model-based scenario analysis is used to monitor the interest rate risk positions denominated in euros, Brazilian reals and US dollars to the extent that these positions are held in Europe, Brazil and the US, which relates to some 85% to 90% of the total exposure of the Group. Interest rate risk positions in other currencies and other countries are controlled by gap analysis and/or market value limits, as these positions are typically less complex. Net interest income is the sum of interest received less interest paid on large volumes of contracts and transactions, and numerous different products. Simulation models and estimation techniques are used to forecast the net interest income and to assess its sensitivity to movements in the shape and level of the yield curve. Assumptions about client behaviour play an important role in these calculations. This is particularly relevant for loans such as mortgages where the client has the option to repay before the scheduled maturity. On the liability side, the repricing characteristics of savings and deposits are based on estimates using historical data, since the rates attached to these products are not coupled to a specified market rate or maturity date. The bank uses a statistical approach for forecasting and sensitivity analyses because it is the method best suited to these products. Interest rate risk associated with our North America residential mortgage business in relation to mortgage servicing rights We sell or securitise most of the mortgage loans we originate in North America, and typically retain the rights to service residential mortgage loans sold. The bank recognises a mortgage servicing right (MSR) upon sale of the loan. MSRs represent the present value of the estimated future net servicing cash flows realised over the estimated life of the mortgage. Origination income and MSR values are sensitive to changes in interest rates. High or rising interest rates may lead to lower mortgage prepayments and a corresponding reduction in servicing amortisation costs and, therefore, an increase in servicing income. However, if interest rates are high or rising as in 2005 and 2004, residential mortgage loan demand may decline, leading to a fall in origination income. The Group employs various strategies to manage the risk to net mortgage revenue from all sources over time and to manage the risk to an immediate reduction in the fair value of its mortgage servicing rights within the risk parameters established by GALM. The main hedge instruments used for this risk are interest rate swaps and forward sales contracts. From time to time we employ other derivative instruments such as interest rate futures, caps, floors or purchased options. Occasionally cash instruments such as mortgage-backed securities are utilised as hedges for MSR assets. Interest rate sensitivity disclosure non-trading book For assessing interest rate risk in the banking books, GALM provides a set of measures the Earnings at Risk and Market Value Risk for the EUR, USD and BRL currencies and reports this to the Group Asset Liability Committee (Group ALCO). This set covers 85% to 90% of our net interest revenue in the non-trading book. The interest rate sensitivity of our trading books is measured under market risk. Financial statements 2005 177 The Earnings-at-Risk table shows the cumulative sensitivity of net interest income over a time horizon of 6, 12, and 24 months, and under a number of predefined scenarios. Sensitivity is defined as the percentage change in the interest income relative to a base case scenario. The base case scenario assumes continuation of the present yield curve environment. The Rates Rise and Rates Fall scenarios assume a gradual parallel shift of the yield curve during 12 months, after which the curve remains unchanged. In order to reflect the differences in yield curve across markets, the scenarios are currency-dependent. Due to the low interest environment the EUR rates fall scenario is 100 bp, whereas the rates rise scenario is 200 bp for both years presented. For USD, the 2005 scenarios reflect a gradual change of 200 bp upwards (2004: 200 bp) and 200 bp downwards (2004: 150 bp). The change in scenario is due to the low USD interest rates in 2004. For BRL, the rates rise scenario is 1,100 bp and the rates fall is 800 bp for both years presented. In all cases, the volume scenario assumes new business volume in line with the business forecast during the first year, and a constant balance sheet thereafter. For USD, other interest sensitive items such as mortgage servicing rights are included in this measure. The following table shows the cumulative % change in income over the relevant time horizon: Earnings-at-Risk
Rates Fall 6 months 1.1% (2.2%) 2.6% 1.8% (2.6%) 3.7% 1 year 1.3% (1.1%) 1.3% 1.7% 1.0% 3.4% 2 years (1.1%) (8.8%) (3.1%) (0.4%) (6.4%) 0.5%
The December 2004 data above covered a smaller portion of the balance sheet than December 2005. Therefore the absolute numbers for 2004 would not be comparable. Since relative numbers are scaled, the relative data for 2004 and 2005 can be compared. The Earnings-at-Risk table below gives the 2005 cumulative change in income over the relevant time horizon as absolute numbers using exchange rates at 31 December 2005. Earnings-at-Risk
(in millions of euros)
December 2005
Horizon EUR USD BRL
Rates Rise 6 months (30) (19) (55) 1 year (75) (30) (77) 2 years 35 12 179
Rates Fall 6 months 15 (20) 35 1 year 33 (21) 36 2 years (58) (343) (180)
Financial statements 2005 178 The Market Value Risk table shows the sensitivity of the market value of equity to changes in interest rates for the EUR, USD and BRL currencies. Market Value of Equity is defined as the calculated discounted value of assets in the banking book, minus calculated discounted value of liabilities, plus market value of derivatives and other interest sensitive items such as mortgage servicing rights for the US. Sensitivity is measured as the percentage value change due to an overnight shock. The magnitude of the shocks is equal to the changes used for earnings risk. Market Value Risk
Currency risk (non-trading) The Groups operating entities are required to manage any currency exposure arising on local transactions with funding in the same currency or to transfer the currency risk to the Group. Accordingly the Group is able to manage currency risk through its net investments in its non- euro operations. We apply various hedging strategies to our net investments in our non-euro operations, in order to manage and minimise any adverse effects from translating the relevant foreign currency into euro. Capital ratio hedge To protect our capital ratios (core tier 1, tier 1 and total capital as a portion of RWA) against adverse effects of the US dollar, our main foreign currency, the USD-sensitive part of our capital base has to be equal to the USD-sensitive part of our risk-weighted assets. On this basis there will be no material impact on our capital ratios, as the ratios are hedged against changes in the EUR/USD exchange rate. Capital hedge The capital ratio hedge strategy implies that a part of our capital has to be USD-sensitive to neutralise the USD sensitivity of our RWA. Hence a part of our equity is also exposed to EUR/USD fluctuations. Our investments in foreign operations in currencies other than the USD are hedged on a selective basis. We consider the use of hedging in cases where the expected currency loss is larger than the interest rate differential between the two currencies that represents the cost of the hedge. At December 2005 56% of our net investment in foreign operations was hedged leaving approximately EUR 5 billion unhedged including USD 1 billion and BRL 2 billion (USD and BRL stated in EUR amounts). The table shows the sensitivity of our capital to, respectively, a 10% appreciation and 10% depreciation in the euro against all foreign currencies.
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Euro appreciates 10% ( 559) (340) Euro depreciates 10% + 559 + 340
Financial statements 2005 179 Liquidity risk Measurement and control Liquidity risk arises in any banks general funding of its activities. For example, a bank may be unable to fund its portfolio of assets at appropriate maturities and rates, or may find itself unable to liquidate a position in a timely manner at a reasonable price. The Group holds capital to absorb unexpected losses, and manages liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet not only the known cash funding requirements, but also any unanticipated ones that may arise. At all times, the Group maintains what we believe to be adequate levels of liquidity on a Group-wide basis to meet deposit withdrawals, repay borrowings and fund new loans, even under stressed conditions. We manage liquidity on a daily basis in all the countries in which we operate. Each national market is unique in terms of the scope and depth of its financial markets, competitive environment, products and customer profile. Therefore local line management is responsible for managing our local liquidity requirements under the supervision of GALM on behalf of the Group ALCO. On a day-to-day basis our liquidity management depends on, among other things, the effective functioning of local and international financial markets. As this is not always the case, we have Group-wide contingency funding plans. These plans are put into effect in the event of a dramatic change in our normal business activities or in the stability of the local or international financial markets. The Group Strategic Funding Committee has full authority to manage such a crisis. As part of this liquidity management contingency planning, we continually assess potential trends, demands, commitments, events and uncertainties that could reasonably result in increases or decreases in our liquidity. More specifically, we consider the impact of these potential changes on our sources of short-term funding and long-term liquidity planning. As we have entered into committed credit facilities, our liquidity management process also involves assessing the potential effect of the contingencies inherent in these types of transactions on our normal sources of liquidity and finance. Financial statements 2005 180 Liquidity gap The following table provides an analysis that categorises the balance sheet of the Group into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining contractual periods to repayment. Maturity for the year ended 31 December 2005:
On < 1 year 1 year - 5 years Total demand < 5 years
Assets Cash and balances at central banks 16,657 16,657 Financial assets held for trading 1 202,055 202,055 Financial Investments 12,366 12,047 35,425 63,936 123,774 Loans and receivables banks 7,251 80,091 5,922 15,371 108,635 Loans and receivables customers 24,101 171,824 84,497 99,826 380,248 Other assets 1 3,213 21,268 4,341 20,613 49,435
Total 265,643 285,230 130,185 199,746 880,804
Liabilities Financial liabilities held for trading 1 148,588 148,588 Due to banks 30,905 117,150 8,349 11,417 167,821 Due to customers 147,846 138,630 14,481 16,126 317,083 Issued debt securities 1,495 100,873 34,548 33,703 170,619 Subordinated liabilities 1,156 5,101 12,815 19,072 Other liabilities 1 4,712 15,335 2,771 10,651 33,469
Total 333,546 373,144 65,250 84,712 856,652
Net liquidity gap (67,903) (87,914) 64,935 115,034 24,152
Maturity for the year ended 31 December 2004:
On < 1 year 1 year - 5 years Total demand < 5 years
Assets Cash and balances at central banks 17,896 17,896 Financial assets held for trading 1 167,035 167,035 Financial investments 18,722 33,132 51,094 102,948 Loans and receivables banks 5,575 64,695 4,075 9,513 83,858 Loans and receivables customers 19,821 150,960 66,404 82,837 320,022 Other assets 1 2,292 14,083 4,478 14,842 35,695
Total 212,619 248,460 108,089 158,286 727,454
Liabilities Financial liabilities held for trading 1 129,506 129,506 Due to banks 28,846 85,396 10,122 9,165 133,529 Due to customers 137,742 124,282 9,893 9,462 281,379 Issued debt securities 1,956 64,283 30,808 24,185 121,232 Subordinated liabilities 1,086 4,693 10,908 16,687 Other liabilities 1 3,311 11,887 2,729 10,642 28,569
Total 301,361 286,934 58,245 64,362 710,902
Net liquidity gap (88,742) (38,474) 49,844 93,924 16,552
1 Financial assets and liabilities held for trading and hedging derivatives are shown as on demand which management believes most accurately reflects the short term nature of the trading and derivative activities. Financial statements 2005 181 Use of derivatives Derivative instruments The Group uses derivative instruments (a) to provide risk management solutions to its clients, (b) to manage the Groups own exposure to various risks (including interest, currency and credit risks) and (c) for proprietary trading purposes. A derivative is a financial instrument that is settled at a future date and requires little or no initial net investment, and whose value varies in response to changes in the price of another financial instrument, an index or some other variable. The majority of derivative contracts are arranged as to amount (notional), tenor and price directly with the counterparty (over-the-counter). The remainder are standardised in terms of their amounts and settlement dates and are bought and sold in organised markets (exchange traded). The notional, or contractual, amount of a derivative represents the reference quantity of the underlying financial instrument on which the derivative contract is based. The value of the derivative contract is typically determined by applying a calculated price to this notional amount, and is the basis upon which changes in the value of the contract are measured. The notional amount provides an indication of the underlying volume of business transacted by the Group but does not provide any measure of risk, and is not included on the balance sheet. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value (or mark-to-market), shown in the balance sheet as separate totals of positive fair values (assets) and negative fair values (liabilities). Positive fair values represent the cost to the Group of replacing all transactions with a favourable fair value if all the counterparties of the Group were to fail to perform according to the terms of the contract, assuming transactions could be replaced instantaneously. Negative fair values represent the cost to the Groups counterparties of replacing all their transactions if the Group failed to meet its obligations. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments are recognised in trading income unless they qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. Positive and negative fair values on different transactions are only netted if the transactions are with the same counterparty and the cash flows will be settled on a net basis, and the Group has the legal right to offset separate transactions with that counterparty. Types of derivative instruments The most common types of derivatives used are as follows: Forwards are binding contracts to buy or sell financial instruments, most typically currency, on a future date at a specified price. Forward contracts are tailor-made agreements that are transacted between counterparties in the over-the-counter (OTC) market Futures are exchange traded agreements to buy or sell a standard quantity of specified grade or type of financial instrument, currency or commodity at a specified future date Commodity derivatives are contracts to buy or sell a non-financial item. They can be either exchange traded or OTC Financial statements 2005 182 Swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows on a specified notional amount for a predetermined period. Most swaps are traded OTC. The major types of swap transactions undertaken by the Group are as follows: Interest rate swap contracts typically the contractual exchange of fixed and floating rate interest payments in a single currency, based on a notional amount and a reference interest rate, most commonly LIBOR Cross currency swaps the exchange of interest payments based on two different currency principal balances and reference interest rates, and usually the exchange of principal amounts at the start and end of the contract Credit default swaps (CDSs) bilateral agreements under which one party (protection buyer) makes one or more payments to the other party (protection seller) in exchange for an undertaking by the seller to make a payment to the buyer following a specified credit event. CDSs may be on a single name (counterparty) or on a multiple (or basket) of names (counterparties). Settlement following a credit event may be a net cash amount, or cash in return for physical delivery of one or more obligations of the credit entity and is made regardless of whether the protection buyer has actually suffered a loss. After a credit event and settlement, the contract is terminated Total rate of return swaps give the total return receiver exposure to all of the cash flows and economic benefits and risks of an underlying asset, without having to own the asset, in exchange for a series of payments, often based on a reference interest rate, such as LIBOR. The total return payer has an equal and opposite position. A specific type of total return swap is an equity swap. Options are contractual agreements under which, typically, the seller (writer) grants the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, either to buy (call option) or to sell (put option) by or at a set date, a specified quantity of a financial instrument or commodity at a predetermined price. The purchaser pays a premium to the seller for this right. Options may be traded OTC or on a regulated exchange, and may be traded in the form of a security (warrant). Derivatives transacted for trading purposes Most of the Groups derivative transactions relate to sales and trading activities. Sales activities include the structuring and marketing of derivative products to customers to enable them to take, transfer, modify or reduce current or expected risks. Trading activities are entered into principally for the purpose of generating profits from short term fluctuations in price or margin, and include market-making, positioning and arbitrage activities: Market making involves quoting bid and offer prices to other market participants with the intention of generating income based on spread and volume Positioning means managing market risk positions with the expectation of profiting from favourable movements in prices, rates or indices Arbitrage activities involve identifying and profiting from price differentials between markets and products. Derivatives transacted for hedging purposes The Group enters into derivative transactions for the purposes of hedging assets, liabilities, forecast transactions, cash flows and credit exposures. The accounting treatment of hedge transactions varies according to the nature of the instrument hedged and whether the hedge qualifies for accounting purposes (see accounting policies). Financial statements 2005 183 The Group also enters into derivative transactions which provide economic hedges for credit risk exposures but do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment; for example, the Group uses CDSs as economic hedges for credit risk exposures in the loan and traded product portfolios, but cannot always apply hedge accounting to such positions. Risks of derivative instruments Derivative instruments are transacted in many trading portfolios, which generally include several types of instruments, not just derivatives. The market risk of derivatives is managed and controlled as an integral part of the market risk of these portfolios. The Groups approach to market risk is described in the market risk section of this footnote. Derivative instruments are transacted with many different counterparties, most of whom are also counterparties for other types of business. The credit risk of derivatives is managed and controlled in the context of the Groups overall credit exposure to each counterparty. The Groups approach to credit risk is described in the financial risk management part of this footnote. It should be noted that although the values shown on the balance sheet can be an important component of the Groups credit exposure, the positive replacement values for any one counterparty are rarely an adequate reflection of the Groups credit exposure on its derivatives business with that counterparty. This is because, on the one hand, replacement values can increase over time (potential future exposure), while on the other hand, exposure may be mitigated by entering into master netting agreements and bilateral collateral arrangements with counterparties. 39 Capital adequacy To monitor the adequacy of capital the Group uses ratios established by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). These ratios measure capital adequacy (minimum 8% as required by BIS) by comparing the Groups eligible capital with its balance sheet assets, off- balance sheet commitments and market and other risk positions at weighted amounts to reflect their relative risk. The market risk approach covers the general market risk and the risk of open positions in currencies and debt and equity securities. Assets are weighted according to broad categories of notional risk, being assigned a risk weighting according to the amount of capital deemed to be necessary to support them. Four categories of risk weights (0%, 20%, 50%, 100%) are applied; for example cash and money market instruments have a zero risk weighting which means that no capital is required to support the holding of these assets. Property and equipment carries a 100% risk weighting, meaning that it must be supported by capital equal to 8% of the carrying amount. Off-balance-sheet credit related commitments and derivative instruments are taken into account by applying different categories of conversion factors, which are designed to convert these items into balance sheet equivalents. The resulting equivalent amounts are then weighted for risk using the same percentages as for non-derivative assets. Tier 1 capital consists of shareholders equity and qualifying subordinated liabilities less goodwill and some intangible assets. Tier 2 capital represents additional qualifying subordinated liabilities, taking into account the remaining maturities. Core tier 1 capital is tier 1 capital excluding preference shares. Financial statements 2005 184 The Groups capital adequacy level was as follows:
Balance sheet / Risk weighted amount, unweighted amount including effect of contractual netting
2005 2004 2005 2004
Balance sheet assets (net of provisions): Cash and balances at central banks 16,657 17,896 432 263 Financial assets held for trading 202,055 167,035 548 375 Financial investments 123,774 102,948 11,620 9,124 Loans and receivables banks 108,635 83,858 4,992 4,525 Loans and receivables customers 380,248 320,022 151,496 142,665 Equity accounted investments 2,993 1,428 727 681 Property and equipment 8,110 7,173 6,638 6,515 Goodwill and other intangibles 5,168 3,143 4,437 2,191 Prepayment and accrued income 7,614 5,740 2,952 2,330 Other assets 25,550 18,211 8,893 5,587
Subtotal 880,804 727,454 192,735 174,256
Off-balance sheet positions and derivatives: Credit-related commitments and contingencies 187,031 191,474 48,017 39,172 Credit equivalents of derivatives 10,751 12,226 Insurance companies and other 339 1,095
Subtotal 59,107 52,493
Total credit risks 251,842 226,749 Market risk requirements 6,012 4,873
Total risk-weighted assets 257,854 231,622
The following table analyses actual capital and the minimum standard needed in order to comply with supervisory requirements.
2005 2004
Required Actual Required Actual
Total capital 20,628 33,874 18,530 25,618 Total capital ratio 8.0% 13.14% 8.0% 11.06% Tier 1 capital 10,314 27,382 9,265 19,592 Tier 1 capital ratio 4.0% 10.62% 4.0% 8.46% Core tier 1 21,828 14,641 Core tier 1 ratio 8.47% 6.32%
In determining the capital adequacy requirement, both existing and future credit risk is taken into account. To this end the current potential loss on derivatives, which is the fair value based on market conditions at balance sheet date, is increased by a percentage of the relevant notional amounts, depending on the nature and remaining term of the contract. This method takes into account the possible adverse development of the fair value during the remaining term of the contract. The following analysis shows the resulting credit equivalent, both unweighted and weighted for counterparty risk (mainly banks). The figures allow for the impact of netting transactions and other collateral. Financial statements 2005 185 Credit equivalent
145.2 144.4 Effect of contractual netting 97.4 88.9
Unweighted credit equivalent 47.8 55.5
Weighted credit equivalent 10.8 12.2
40 Private equity investments Private equity investments are either consolidated or held at fair value. Consolidated private equity holdings Investments of a private equity nature that are controlled by the Group are consolidated. Such holdings represent a wide range of non-banking activities. Personnel and other costs relating to production and manufacturing activities are presented within material expenses. The impact of consolidating on the income statement these investments is set out in the following table.
2005 2004
Income of consolidated private equity holdings 3,637 2,616 Other income included in operating income (242) (96)
Total operating income of consolidated private equity holdings 3,395 2,520
Goods and material expenses of consolidated private equity holdings 2,519 1,665 Included in personnel expenses 362 399 Included in administrative costs 352 284 Included in depreciation and amortisation 133 151
Operating profit before tax of consolidated private equity holdings 29 21
Goods and material expense includes personnel costs relating to manufacturing and production activities. The assets and liabilities of these consolidated holdings are included in the Group balance sheet. Given the non-banking nature of the underlying activities the main lines impacted are goodwill, property and equipment, other assets and issued debt securities. The total assets of these consolidated entities at 31 December 2005 were EUR 3,477 million (2004: EUR 2,393 million) excluding goodwill. Financial statements 2005 186 Unconsolidated private equity investments The private equity investments in which the Group does not have control are accounted for at fair value with change through income. Although control is not with the Group, in many cases the Group does hold significant influence, usually evidenced by an equity stake of between 20% and 50%. Significant influence is held in approximately 100 investments with a fair value of EUR 603 million at 31 December 2005, operating in various sectors including information technology, life sciences, media and telecommunications. 41 Joint ventures The Groups activities conducted through joint ventures include insurance, trust and property development activities. See note 49 for further details. The consolidated financial statements of the joint ventures include the following assets and liabilities, income and expenses of joint ventures, which represent the Groups proportionate share:
2005 2004
Assets Cash and balances at central banks 11 6 Financial investments 2,748 1,875 Loans and receivables banks and customers 925 965 Equity accounted investments 6 6 Property and equipment 1,011 827 Accrued income and prepaid expenses 58 54 Other assets 2,161 2,001
Total 6,920 5,734
Liabilities Financial liabilities held for trading 871 843 Due to customers 896 822 Issued debt securities 7 1 Accrued expenses and deferred income 23 15 Other liabilities 4,994 3,964
Total 6,791 5,645
2005 2004
Total operating income 150 118 Operating expenses 71 79
Operating profit 79 39
Income tax expense 21 8
Net profit 58 31
Financial statements 2005 187 42 Remuneration of Managing Board and Supervisory Board Remuneration policy The current compensation policy for the Managing Board was introduced in 2001. The main objective is to ensure that ABN AMRO is able to attract, retain and motivate its Top Executive Group. To achieve this, Managing Board remuneration has several elements which, as a package, make it comparable with the remuneration offered by relevant peers in the market. Peers are defined as other major Dutch companies and other European-parented banks. The compensation package for the Managing Board has the following elements: base salary performance bonus long-term incentives Performance Share Plan and Share Investment and Matching Plan. In addition there are a number of other benefits. Base salary A common base salary applies to all Managing Board members except the Chairman, to whom a 40% differential applies. In addition to the base salary, the non-Dutch Board member receives a market competitive allowance. Salaries are reviewed annually with adjustments taking effect from 1 January. Managing Board base salaries were adjusted in 2005 for the first time since 2001. The gross annual base salary for the Managing Board Members was adjusted from EUR 635,292 to EUR 650,000 and from EUR 889,410 to EUR 910,000 for the Chairman. Performance bonus The annual performance bonus for Managing Board members is based upon ABN AMROs quantitative and qualitative performance objectives at both the corporate and BU level. The objectives are set annually by the Nomination & Compensation Committee and endorsed by the Supervisory Board. Bonuses for the Chairman, the CFO and as of 2004 the COO are based on delivery against these corporate performance objectives. With effect from 2004, the bonus for board members responsible for a BU is based 75% on Group performance and 25% on BU performance. In 2005 objectives such as economic profit, cost / income ratio and tier 1 ratio were used to measure quantitative corporate and BU performance. In addition qualitative objectives are set such as increasing customer satisfaction and reaching strategic milestones. Bonus criteria are aligned with the banks long term objectives. Specific annual performance targets are not disclosed as they are considered competitively sensitive. If the quantitative performance objectives are fully met, the 2005 bonus will be 100% of base salary with an upper limit of 125%. The Nomination & Compensation Committee may, on the basis of their assessment of a Managing Board members individual performance against qualitative performance objectives, adjust the bonus outcome upwards or downwards within a range of plus or minus 20% of base salary. In 2004 the bonus percentage linked to on-target performance was between 60% and 75%. The 2005 performance bonuses for Managing Board members have been set at the newly- agreed 2005 bonus levels. The Committee assessed the 2005 performance against the set and realised quantitative objectives on the basis of the numbers provided by Group Finance. Financial statements 2005 188 The bonuses with respect to the 2005 performance year for all Managing Board members, including the Chairman of the Managing Board, are set at 115% of the 2005 annual base salary. The individual bonus awards are shown in the table on page 190. The 2004 bonuses as paid in 2005 and published in the 2004 Annual Report have been adjusted as the Managing Board members have agreed to pay a part of that bonus back to the bank. ABN AMRO Share Investment and Matching Plan In 2004 Shareholders approval was obtained to encourage executive share ownership. Under this plan, the Board members may defer a maximum of 25% of their annual salary into ABN AMRO Holding N.V. shares (Investment Shares). This amount must be funded from the net bonus outcome of the relevant performance year. If the net bonus outcome is insufficient to fund the full investment amount the participation will be withdrawn. At the end of a three-year vesting period the Investment Shares will be matched by the bank on the basis of one ABN AMRO share (Matching Share) for each Investment Share, provided that the Managing Board member remains employed within the ABN AMRO Group during the vesting period. The Investment Shares, together with the built-up dividends, will be released three years after deferral. The Matching Shares must be held for at least five years from vesting, with the possibility of selling some of the shares to settle the tax obligation. In 2005 with respect to the 2004 bonus all Managing Board members have participated in this plan, five of them for the maximum amount of 25% of base salary and one Managing Board Member for 12.5% of base salary. The total amount that was used to purchase Investment Shares was EUR 936,954 for all six Managing Board Members. With respect to the 2005 performance year, five members again participated for 25% of annual salary and one member for half of this amount. Share options Share options have been an integral part of ABN AMRO top executives compensation for several years. As of 2005 share options no longer form part of the long-term reward package for the Managing Board or for the Top Executive Group as a whole. The options granted in the years up to and including 2004 will remain in place. In 2005 no options expired. The options granted in 2002 vested on 25 February 2005 and will remain exercisable during the remainder of the ten-year option period, which runs until 25 February 2012. In 2006 no options will expire. The options granted in 2003 have vested on 24 February 2006, because the two performance conditions that were set for this award were met by the end of the three-year performance period in 2005. The Managing Board announced to the N&C Committee on 30 January 2006 their collective decision to limit the exercise of their options going forward exclusively to the first day of the first open period after vesting and/or expiration periods, or to earlier equivalent contractual dates in line with the plan rules, such as the date of retirement. Although this limits the theoretical value of the options, the Board believes the increase in transparency to the market outweighs this theoretical disadvantage. Financial statements 2005 189 Performance Share Plan The Performance Share Plan (PSP) was introduced in 2001 and forms an important though stretching part of the Managing Boards reward package. SEVPs are also eligible for a yearly grant under this plan. In 2005 Managing Board members received a conditional award of 60,000 shares and the Chairman 84,000 shares. The PSP grant in 2005 was based half on the relative TRS (total return to shareholders) performance and half on the average return on equity (ROE) achieved by the bank over the four-year performance period, defined as the year of grant and three subsequent years. The vesting schedule for the TRS-linked award is the same as in previous years. The full award will be paid if the TRS generated by the bank in the fourth year of the performance period is fifth out of 21 relative to the peer group. There will be a sliding scale ranging from no award if the bank is lower than tenth to 150% of the conditional award if the bank has progressed to the very top of the TRS rankings. The ROE linked part of the award was introduced in 2005. The pay-out of this part of the award will be linked to the average ROE target for the performance period using a sliding scale, with a threshold at 25% and a maximum award of 100%. Another condition is that the recipient must still be in service with the Group at the end of the performance period. The four-year performance cycle for the conditional shares as awarded in 2002 came to a close at the end of 2005, and ABN AMROs position in the peer group was seventh. This means that the conditional share award made in 2002 will result in an award representing 70% of the original awards of 70,000 shares for members and 98,000 shares for the Chairman. As a result, the members of the Managing Board received 49,000 ABN AMRO shares with a vesting date, 31 January 2006, and the Chairman 68,600 shares. This award is subject to taxation which was calculated on the basis of the number of shares times the share price. The Managing Board members collectively decided to sell, on the day of the grant of the award, a number of shares sufficient to settle the tax obligation with respect to the award. Pension The Managing Boards pensionable salary is 100% of annual base salary. Until 31 December 2005 the normal retirement age of the Managing Board members was 62. Since 1 January 2006 the plan has been changed in such a way that the normal retirement age is 65, based on average income (2.15% per year). It is possible to retire earlier. The ABN AMRO Pension Fund manages the pension plan. Specific benefits The Managing Boards compensation package also includes: the use of a company lease car with driver reimbursement of the cost of adequate security measures for their main private residence a 24-hour personal accident insurance policy with a fixed covered amount of EUR 1.8 million for members and EUR 2.5 million for the Chairman contributions towards private health insurance, according to the policies applicable to all other ABN AMRO employees in the Netherlands preferential rates on bank products such as mortgages and loans, according to the same policies which apply to all other ABN AMRO staff in the Netherlands. Financial statements 2005 190 The following table summarises total reward, ABN AMRO options and shares, and outstanding loans of the members of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board.
(in thousands of euros) Managing Board Supervisory Board
1 Number of shares / options. The following table summarises the salaries, other periodic rewards and bonuses of individual Managing Board members.
(in thousands of euros)
2005 2004
Base Other Bonus Share- Pension Base Other Bonus 4 Shared Pension salary periodic based costs 3 salary periodic based costs 3 pay- pay- pay- pay- ments 1 ments 2
1 Other periodic payments are comprised of contributions towards private health insurance and foreigner allowance. Mr Scott-Barrett received a foreigner allowance of EUR 464 in 2005 and 454 in 2004. 2 Share-based payments are calculated in accordance with IFRS 2 by recognising the fair value of the shares/options at grant date over the vesting period. 3 Pension costs exclusively comprise pension service cost and post-retirement service cost computed on the basis of IAS 19. 4 Part of the bonus amounts were paid back by all Managing Board members, resulting in a final bonus of EUR 480 for Mr Groenink, EUR 400 for the CFO Mr de Swaan, and EUR 450 for the four remaining members. The following tables reflect movements in the option holdings of the Managing Board as a whole and of individual Board members. The conditions governing the granting of options are included in note 43.
2005 2004
Options held Average Options held Average by Managing exercise price by Managing exercise price Board (in euros) Board (in euros)
1 Conditionally granted. 2 Vested on 25 February 2005. 3 Vested on 24 February 2006. The following table shows movements in shares conditionally awarded under the Performance Share Plan. For the years 2002 through 2004 the conditional award was based 100% on the banks ranking in the peer group (TRS ranking). For the year 2005, 50% of the award is on the TRS ranking and 50% on the average ROE target for the reference period. The number of shares conditionally awarded on the TRS ranking in the table below assumes a ranking of fifth in the peer group, in line with our ambition. The number of shares conditionally awarded on the ROE target assumes that we will achieve an average ROE above 20% per annum, our target for the performance cycle 2005-2008. Financial statements 2005 193 As a consequence of ABN AMRO ranking seventh in the peer group at the close of the performance cycle from 2002 to 2005, all members of the Managing Board received 70% of the conditionally awarded shares for that performance cycle at 31 January 2006. The average stock price at that date was EUR 22.78.
Type of Balance Granted Vested Expired / Balance Reference condition at forfeited at 31 period 1 January December
The following table reflects the number of matched shares the Managing Board will receive under the ABN AMRO Share Investment and Matching Plan at the end of the vesting period, provided the member of the Managing Board remains employed within ABN AMRO during the vesting period.
Balance at Granted Un- Expired / Balance at Vesting 1 January conditional cancelled 31 period December
1 Variable rate. The decrease in outstandings between 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005 is caused by repayments. The following table provides information on the remuneration of individual members of the Supervisory Board. The members of the Supervisory Board receive an equal remuneration of EUR 40,000 per annum. For the Vice Chairman this remuneration is EUR 45,000 and for the Chairman EUR 55,000 per annum. For the membership of the Audit Committee and the Nomination & Compensation Committee an additional allowance of EUR 7,500 per membership is applied on an annual basis. In addition to this remuneration every member also receives a general expenses allowance of EUR 1,500. This allowance is EUR 2,000 for the Vice Chairman and the Chairman. For members of the Committees mentioned above an additional expenses allowance of EUR 500 is applicable. Furthermore, for the Supervisory Board members who do not live in the Netherlands, there is a general allowance of EUR 5,000 per Supervisory Board meeting that such a member attends. Financial statements 2005 195 All amounts are based on a full year, but the actual payment depends on the period of membership during the year. Members of the Supervisory Board are not entitled to emoluments in the form of ABN AMRO shares or options on ABN AMRO shares. Remuneration of the Supervisory Board
(in thousands of euros) 2005 2004
A.A. Loudon 63 63 A.C. Martinez 1 56 48 A. Burgmans 48 48 Mrs L.S. Groenman 40 40 D.R.J. Baron de Rothschild 1 40 40 Mrs T.A. Maas-de Brouwer 48 48 M.V. Pratini de Moraes 1 45 40 P. Scaroni 1 40 40 Lord Sharman of Redlynch 1 48 48 A.A. Olijslager 45 27 R. van den Bergh 1 27 A. Ruys 27 W. Dik 2 16 48 M.C. van Veen 2 20 60
1 Excluding an attendance fee. 2 Messrs Dik and Van Veen resigned on 29 April 2005. ABN AMRO ordinary shares held by Supervisory Board members 1
2005 2004
A.A. Loudon 5,421 5,147 A. Burgmans 9,654 9,165 A.C. Martinez 2 3,000 3,000 M.V. Pratini de Moraes 2 5,384 5,384 A.A. Olijslager 3,221 3,221 R.F. van den Bergh 8,167 M.C. van Veen 3 1,256
Total 34,847 27,173
1 No financing preference shares were held by any Supervisory Board member. 2 ADRs. 3 Mr Van Veen resigned on 29 April 2005. Loans from ABN AMRO to Supervisory Board members The outstanding loans at 31 December 2005 amounts to EUR 2.1 million with an interest rate of 3.00% (2004: EUR 2.1 million 3.60%) and relates to Mr A. Burgmans. Financial statements 2005 196 Senior Executive Vice Presidents (SEVPs) Compensation 2005 The reward package for ABN AMROs SEVPs, the second level of Top Executives, was also introduced in 2001 and as with the Managing Board was primarily aimed at maximising total returns to our shareholders. The compensation for ABN AMRO SEVPs consists of the following core elements: Base salary. The base salaries are benchmarked against the relevant local markets. The current median base salary is EUR 396,000 Performance bonus. The annual performance bonus is linked to the respective markets within the various countries where we operate. The median bonus amount paid with respect to the 2005 performance year was EUR 1 million. Bonuses for individual SEVPs vary widely, again reflecting market and location. No absolute maximum level of bonus has been defined for SEVPs Long-term incentives such as the Performance Share Plan and the Share Investment and Matching Plan. Long-term incentives are set at a lower level than the applicable yearly grants to Managing Board members. SEVPs received an award under the Top Executive Performance Share Plan and are eligible to participate on a voluntary basis in the Share Investment & Matching Plan. All SEVPs receive identical grants. In addition, a number of benefits apply in relation to the respective markets and countries of residence. The total compensation for SEVPs in 2005 amounts to EUR 51 million (2004: EUR 42 million). 43 Share-based payments plans ABN AMRO grants long-term share-based incentive awards to members of the Managing Board, other top executives and key staff under a number of plans. With effect from 2005 share options no longer form part of the reward package of the top executives. The current plans for the Managing Board (Performance Share Plan and Share Investment and Matching Plan) are described in note 42. At a lower level, the Performance Share Plan is also applicable to the second tier of top executives, the SEVPs. Both the SEVPs and the third level of top executives, the EVPs and MDs, may defer a part of their bonus to the Share Investment and Matching Plan. Furthermore, there is a Restricted Share Plan for the EVPs/ MDs with performance conditions linked to the average return on equity in line with the Performance Share Plan of the Managing Board. All these plans are equity-settled. There is also a cash-settled Performance Share Plan for the EVPs/MDs for the performance cycle 2002-2005. Share-based compensation expense related to plans granted after 7 November 2002 totalled EUR 63 million in 2005 and EUR 58 million in 2004. Including the plans granted prior to 7 November 2002, for which the expense is calculated under our previous GAAP, total expense amounted to EUR 61 million (2004: EUR 4 million net of a release of EUR 58 million due to our final TRS-ranking in the performance cycle 2001-2004). The total carrying amount of liabilities arising from cash-settled share-based payments transactions amounted to EUR 22 million at 31 December 2005 (2004: EUR 18 million). Financial statements 2005 197 Option plans Key staff are granted options conditionally on ABN AMRO shares with an exercise price equal to the average share price at the date of grant. Options generally vest three years after grant if both the service conditions and the performance conditions (a minimum ROE target) have been achieved. The fair value of options granted is determined using a Lattice option pricing model. The following table shows the assumptions on which the calculation of the fair value of these options was based. The expected volatility was based on historical volatility. For the calculation of the fair value of the options granted to the Top Executives in 2004, the same assumptions were used. The expense recorded in 2005 regarding all options plans amounted to EUR 43 million (2004: EUR 36 million).
2005 2004
Grant date 16 February 2005 13 February 2004 Expiration date 16 February 2015 13 February 2014 Exercise price (in euros) 21.24 18.86 Share price on grant date (in euros) 21.24 18.86 Volatility 34% 35% Expected dividend yield 5.2% 4.7% Interest rate 3.7% 4.3% Fair value at grant date (in euros) 4.24 3.98
The following table shows an overview of options granted during the past two years:
2005 2004
Number of Average Number of Average options exercise price options exercise price (in thousands) (in euros) (in thousands) (in euros)
Balance at 1 January 63,050 18.94 59,149 19.30 Movements: Options granted to Managing Board members 576 18.86 Options granted to other Top Executives 6,175 18.86 Other options granted 7,939 21.24 8,254 18.76 Options forfeited (2,780) 18.29 (760) 18.03 Options exercised (1,868) 18.05 (3,160) 18.10 Options expired (4,072) 22.43 (7,184) 22.04
Balance at 31 December 62,269 19.06 63,050 18.94
Of which exercisable 26,873 20.96 19,599 21.96 Of which exercisable and in the money 17,413 20.01 1,551 17.95 Of which hedged 26,968 18.14 28,837 18.06
In 2005 and 2004, the price of options exercised ranged from EUR 17.46 to EUR 20.42, compared to an average share price of EUR 20.11 in 2005 and EUR 18.18 in 2004. If all exercisable rights were to be exercised, shareholders equity would increase by an amount of EUR 563 million (2004: EUR 430 million). Deliveries on options exercised in 2005 were made from share repurchases on the date of grant (1,868,242 shares; 2004: 497,512 shares) and from new shares issued on the exercise date (no shares; 2004: 2,662,183 shares). Financial statements 2005 198 The following tables further detail the options outstanding at 31 December 2005:
Outstanding Average Low/high (in thousands) exercise price exercise price (in euros) (in euros)
Out- Weighted- Weighted- Exercisable Weighted standing average average (in average (in exercise remaining thousands) exercise thousands) price (in contractual price (in euros) life (in years) euros)
Share plans For the calculation of the expense for the share plans, various models were used. The total expense in 2005 for plans granted after 7 November 2002 amounted to EUR 19 million (2004: EUR 22 million). The following table presents a summary of all shares conditionally granted to the Top Executives of ABN AMRO. For the number of shares granted on the TRS- ranking under the Performance Share Plan, a ranking of fifth in the peer group has been assumed.
(in thousands) 2005 2004
Balance at 1 January 3,688 4,741 Granted 2,892 1,797 Forfeited (283) (2,850) Vested (660)
Balance at 31 December 5,637 3,688
Financial statements 2005 199 44 Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries Acquisitions in 2005 and 2004 The following acquisitions were made in 2005 and 2004 and were accounted for using the purchase method:
% acquired Consider- Total assets Acquisition ation Date
Acquired companies 2005: Bank Corluy 100 50 121 27 April 2005 Private equity acquisitions 51-100 43 2,174 various 2004: Bethmann Maffei 100 110 812 30 January 2004 Private equity acquisitions 51-100 112 963 various
The acquisitions in 2005 contributed a net loss of EUR 7 million to the consolidated net profit for the year. Disposal in 2005 and 2004 During 2005 the Group disposed of the following activities: Real Seguros in Brazil which was transferred to a joint venture Nachenius, Tjeenk & Co. These operations contributed EUR 22 million to the consolidated net profit for the year ended 31 December 2004 and EUR 12 million in 2005. During 2004 the Group disposed of the following activities: LeasePlan Corporation Bank of Asia. Business combinations in 2006 On 2 January 2006 the Group entered into the business combination with Banca Antoniana Popolare Veneta (Banca Antonveneta) to increase its mid-market footprint, and to continue and accelerate the successful partnership that gives access to the large and attractive Italian banking market and to the high-quality customer base of Banca Antonveneta. During 2005 the Group increased its interest in Banca Antonveneta from 12.7% to 29.9%. On 2 January 2006 the Group further increased its interest in Banca Antonveneta from 29.9% to 55.8% following the purchase of 79.9 million shares in Banca Antonveneta from Banca Popolare Italiana (BPI). This increase has effectively given the Group a controlling interest in Banca Antonveneta as from 2 January 2006, the acquisition date of the business combination. The acquisition of the shares was performed in accordance with the agreement with BPI announced on 26 September 2005. The Group paid EUR 26.50 per share, representing a cash consideration of EUR 2.1 billion. Financial statements 2005 200 As a result of this increased interest in Banca Antonveneta, in accordance with the Italian law, the Group has launched a mandatory public offer for the remaining shares it does not already hold in Banca Antonveneta. On 26 February 2006 the Group published the offering document for the cash offer for all ordinary shares in Banca Antonveneta. The offering period started on 27 February 2006 and will end on 31 March 2006, as agreed with the Italian stock exchange Borsa Italiana. ABN AMRO will pay Banca Antonveneta shareholders a consideration of EUR 26.50 a share for each Banca Antonveneta ordinary share purchased through the offer, as already announced on 26 September 2005. Following further purchases of shares in the open market, as at 16 March 2006 ABN AMROs interest in Banca Antonveneta amounts to 76.0% of its outstanding share capital. Business combination achieved in stages The acquisition of Banca Antonveneta by the Group is being achieved in stages through successive share purchases. The Group has identified two stages in achieving this business combination. The first stage has ended with the announcement by the Group on 30 March 2005 of its intention to launch the cash offer for all ordinary shares of Banca Antonveneta. At that date the 12.7% holding of the Group in Banca Antonveneta was accounted for as an associate in accordance with the equity method. The adjustment to fair value of the 12.7% holding of the Group in Banca Antonveneta amounting to EUR 101 million following the fair valuation of assets and liabilities of Banca Antonveneta as per the acquisition date in accordance with the purchase method will be accounted for as a revaluation through shareholders equity. The second stage has started as of 1 April 2005 and will be completed by 31 March 2006, the end of the offering period. The Group has presumed that the fair values of assets and liabilities of Banca Antonveneta as at 2 January 2006 represent the fair values of assets and liabilities of Banca Antonveneta during the second stage of the acquisition between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006. The stable economic environment and specific business circumstances of Banca Antonveneta during the second stage of the acquisition have not had a material impact on the fair values of assets and liabilities of Banca Antonveneta during that period. The acquisition of Banca Antonveneta will be accounted for in accordance with the purchase method as described in IFRS 3 Business Combinations. The total purchase price to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Banca Antonveneta amounts to EUR 7.5 billion, including costs directly attributable to the combination of EUR 32 million. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired including newly identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisition and (contingent) liabilities assumed, using their fair values at the acquisition date and the resulting goodwill, is presented in the following table. Financial statements 2005 201 This allocation is based on provisional fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and may be adjusted during the period up to 31 December 2006 as more information is obtained about these fair values. The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Banca Antonveneta as at 2 January 2006 are:
Recognised on Carrying value acquisition by Banca Antonveneta the group
Intangible assets 1,238 848 Property and equipment 772 751 Financial assets 43,112 41,936 Deferred tax assets 958 736 All other assets 3,359 3,461
Total identifiable assets 49,439 47,732
Deferred tax liabilities 684 147 All other liabilities 45,463 44,487
Total identifiable liabilities 46,147 44,634
Total net assets 3,292 3,098
Purchase price (100%) 7,464 Net assets (3,292) Fair value adustment of 12.7% investment included in shareholders equity 101
Goodwill arising on acquisition of 100% outstanding shares 4,273
Newly identifiable intangible assets recognised upon acquisition As a result of the acquisition, the Group on a pre-tax basis will recognise newly identifiable intangible assets as follows:
Core deposit intangible assets 400 Core overdraft intangible assets 224 Other customer relationship intangible assets 325 Other intangible assets 245
Total 1,194
Financial statements 2005 202 The amortisation period for all newly identifiable intangible assets is on average approximately 8 years. The Group estimates that the total amortisation expense (pre-tax) related to the newly identifiable intangible assets will amount to EUR 174 million in each of the next three years up to and including 2008 and to EUR 142 million for each of the five years thereafter up to and including 2013. Goodwill Goodwill represents expected revenue and cost synergies from the business combination and the value of the workforce of Banca Antonveneta which cannot be recognised separately from goodwill. 45 Discontinued Operations The Group had no discontinued operations in 2005. During 2004 the Group disposed of LeasePlan Corporation and the Bank of Asia. The aggregated operating performance and disposal gain for these discontinued operations was as follows.
2004
Total operating income 736 Total expenses 519
Operating profit before tax 217 Gain recognised on disposal 1,275
Profit before tax from discontinued operations 1,492 Tax on operating profit 51 Tax on disposal gain (6)
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax 1,447
46 Related parties The Group has a related party relationship with associates (see notes 19 and 40), joint ventures (see note 41), pension funds (see note 27) and key management (see note 42). The Group enters into a number of banking transactions with related parties in the normal course of business. These include loans, deposits and foreign currency transactions. These transactions were carried out on commercial terms and at market rates except for employees. No allowances for loan losses have been recognised in respect of loans to related parties in 2005 and 2004. Financial statements 2005 203 47 First-time adoption of IFRS The impact of transition from Dutch GAAP to IFRS can be summarised as follows: Reconciliation of shareholders equity under Dutch GAAP to IFRS
1 January 31 December 2004 2004
Shareholders equity under Dutch GAAP 13,047 14,972 Release of fund for general banking risks 1,143 1,149 Reclassification of preference shares to subordinated liabilities (813) (767) Reversal of property revaluation (130) (87) Reclassification regarding Banco Real to subordinated liabilities (231) (231) Transition impacts Release of interest equalisation reserve relating to the investment portfolio 1,563 Derivatives and hedging (560) Fair value adjustments (160) Private Equity (consolidation and fair valuation) 56 Loan impairment provisioning (405) Property development (108) Differences at LeasePlan Corporation (148) Equity accounted investments (100) Employee benefit obligations (1,475) Other (355)
Total transition impact before taxation (1,692)
Taxation impact (577)
Total transition items (net of taxation) (1,115) (1,115)
Difference in 2004 profit (244)
Impact of gains and losses not recognised in income statement Available-for-sale reserve 489 818 Cash flow hedging reserve (165) (283) Dutch GAAP pension booking to equity not applicable under IFRS 479 Difference in currency translation account movement (40)
Other differences affecting IFRS and Dutch GAAP equity Equity settled derivatives on own shares (106) 16 Goodwill capitalisation under IFRS 46 Other 102
Total impact (928) (157)
Total shareholders equity under IFRS 12,119 14,815
Financial statements 2005 204 Reconciliation of 2004 net profit under Dutch GAAP to IFRS
2004
Net profit under Dutch GAAP 4,109 Dividends accrued on preference shares (43)
Net profit available to shareholders under Dutch GAAP 4,066
Reconciling items: Interest equalisation reserve amortisation relating to investment portfolio (454) Available-for-sale realisations and other (including hedging) (19) Mortgage banking activities (161) Fair value adjustments (230) Derivatives 11 Private Equity 129 Employee benefit obligations 89 Employee stock options (21) Differences in gain on sale of LeasePlan Corporation and Bank of Asia 224 Redemption costs relating to preference shares classified as interest cost under IFRS (42) Loan impairment provisioning 29 Other (39)
Total impact before taxation (484) Tax effect 283
Net profit impact (201)
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent company under IFRS 3,865
Under Dutch GAAP, total assets and total liabilities at 31 December 2004 were EUR 608,623 million and EUR 589,372 million respectively, compared to EUR 727,454 million and EUR 710,902 million under IFRS. In addition to differences in valuation and income recognition (transition difference) and equity / liability classification, the following changes impact the presentation of assets and liabilities: IFRS requires the consolidation of multi-seller conduits which impacted both total asset (loans and receivables customers) and total liabilities (due to customers) by EUR 23,700 million Under IFRS derivative netting can only be applied if, in addition to holding the right of set- off, we also have the intention to settle net. This intention criteria is seldom met due to small differences in the timing of cash flows between derivatives with the same counterparty and the use of gross settlement accounts with derivative exchanges. This increased total assets (financial assets held for trading) and total liabilities (financial liabilities held for trading) by approximately EUR 97 billion Consolidating controlled private equity investments had the impact of increasing total assets and total liabilities by EUR 2,393 million Under IFRS funding instruments totalling EUR 3,714 million that previously qualified as equity, reported in minority interest and preference shares, are now presented as subordinated liabilities. Financial statements 2005 205 Upon transition at 1 January 2004 the following assets and liabilities were designated to be held at fair value with changes through income: Non-controlling interests in private equity investments. These investments were previously valued at cost less any required provision for impairment and presented within shares with a book value of EUR 1,079 million at 1 January 2004. The adjustment required to bring these investments to fair value at 1 January 2004 was EUR 9 million. These interests are now reported within financial investments. Mortgages held-for-sale as part of our mortgage banking activities in North America. These mortgages were previously recorded at cost within loans to customer. Under IFRS these loans are now reported within other assets and had a fair value of EUR 4,209 million. This exceeded the cost amount by EUR 27 million, a sum which was largely offset by the requirement to fair value related hedging derivatives. 48 Subsequent events On 2 January 2006 the Group obtained a controlling stake in Banca Antonveneta. See note 44 for further details. 49 Major subsidiaries and participating interests (Unless otherwise stated, the banks interest is 100% or almost 100%, on 15 March 2006. Those major subsidiaries and participating interests that are not 100% consolidated but are accounted for under the equity method (a) or proportionally consolidated (b) are indicated separately). ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Amsterdam Netherlands AAGUS Financial Services Group N.V., Amersfoort (67%) AA Interfinance B.V., Amsterdam ABN AMRO Arbo Services B.V., Amsterdam ABN AMRO Asset Management Holding N.V., Amsterdam ABN AMRO Asset Management (Netherlands) B.V., Amsterdam ABN AMRO Assurantie Holding B.V., Zwolle ABN AMRO Bouwfonds Nederlandse Gemeenten N.V., Hoevelaken ABN AMRO Effecten Compagnie B.V., Amsterdam ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities B.V., Amsterdam (50%) (b) ABN AMRO Participaties B.V., Amsterdam ABN AMRO Projectontwikkeling B.V., Amersfoort ABN AMRO Ventures B.V., Amsterdam Amstel Lease Maatschappij N.V., Utrecht Delta Lloyd ABN AMRO Verzekeringen Holding B.V., Zwolle (49%) (a) Dishcovery Horeca Expl. Mij B.V., Amsterdam Hollandsche Bank-Unie N.V., Rotterdam IFN Group B.V., Rotterdam Solveon Incasso B.V., Utrecht Stater N.V., Hoevelaken Financial statements 2005 206 Outside the Netherlands Europe ABN AMRO Asset Management Holdings Ltd., London ABN AMRO Asset Management Ltd., London Artemis Investment Management Ltd., Edinburgh (71%) ABN AMRO Asset Management (Deutschland) GmbH, Frankfurt am Main ABN AMRO Bank A.O., Moscow ABN AMRO Bank (Deutschland) AG, Frankfurt am Main ABN AMRO Bank (Luxembourg) S.A., Luxembourg ABN AMRO Bank (Polska) S.A., Warsaw ABN AMRO Bank (Romania) S.A., Bucharest ABN AMRO Bank (Schweiz) A.G., Zurich ABN AMRO Capital Ltd., London ABN AMRO Corporate Finance Ltd., London ABN AMRO France S.A., Paris Banque de Neuflize, Paris Banque Odier Bungener Courvoisier, Paris ABN AMRO Fund Managers (Ireland) Ltd., Dublin ABN AMRO Futures Ltd., London ABN AMRO Infrastructure Capital Management Limited, London ABN AMRO International Financial Services Company, Dublin ABN AMRO Investment Funds S.A., Luxembourg ABN AMRO Stockbrokers (Ireland) Ltd., Dublin Alfred Berg Holding A/B, Stockholm Alfred Berg Asset Management Sweden A/B, Stockholm Antonveneta ABN AMRO Societa di Gestione del Risparmio SpA, Milan (45% ABN AMRO Bank N.V.; 55% Banca Antonveneta Group) (a) Aspis Internationaal MFMC, Athens (45%) (a) Banca Antonveneta SpA, Padova (76%) (a), 16 March 2006 Capitalia SpA, Roma (8%) (a) CM Capital Markets Holding S.A., Madrid (45%) (a) Delbrck Bethmann Maffei AG, Frankfurt am Main Hoare Govett Ltd., London Kereskedelmi s Hitelbank Rt., Budapest (40%) (a) North America ABN AMRO Asset Management Canada Ltd, Toronto ABN AMRO Capital Markets Canada Ltd., Toronto ABN AMRO Bank (Mexico) S.A., Mexico City ABN AMRO North America Holding Company, Chicago (holding company, voting right 100%, equity participation 92%) LaSalle Bank Corporation, Chicago LaSalle Bank N.A., Chicago LaSalle Financial Services, Inc., Chicago LaSalle National Leasing Corporation, Chicago LaSalle Business Credit, LLC., Chicago LaSalle Bank Midwest N.A., Troy ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., Chicago ABN AMRO Advisory, Inc., Chicago (81%) ABN AMRO Capital (USA) Inc., Chicago Financial statements 2005 207 ABN AMRO Incorporated, Chicago ABN AMRO Sage Corporation, Chicago ABN AMRO Rothschild LLC, New York (50%) (b) ABN AMRO Asset Management Holdings, Inc., Chicago ABN AMRO Asset Management (USA) LLC., Chicago ABN AMRO Asset Management Inc., Chicago ABN AMRO Investment Fund Services, Inc, Chicago Montag & Caldwell, Inc., Atlanta Middle East Saudi Hollandi Bank, Riyadh (40%) (a) Rest of Asia ABN AMRO Asia Ltd., Hong Kong ABN AMRO Asia Corporate Finance Ltd., Hong Kong ABN AMRO Asia Futures Ltd., Hong Kong ABN AMRO Asset Management (Asia) Ltd., Hong Kong ABN AMRO Asset Management (Japan) Ltd., Tokyo ABN AMRO Asset Management (India) Ltd., Mumbai (75%) ABN AMRO Bank Berhad, Kuala Lumpur ABN AMRO Bank (Kazakhstan) Ltd., Almaty (80%) ABN AMRO Bank N.B., Uzbekistan A.O., Tashkent (58%) ABN AMRO Bank (Philippines) Inc., Manilla ABN AMRO Central Enterprise Services Private Ltd., Mumbai ABN AMRO Securities (India) Private Ltd., Mumbai (75%) ABN AMRO Securities (Japan) Ltd., Tokyo PT ABN AMRO Finance Indonesia, Jakarta (70%) PT ABN AMRO Manajemen Investasi Indonesia, Jakarta (96%) Australia ABN AMRO Asset Management (Australia) Ltd., Sydney ABN AMRO Australia Ltd., Sydney ABN AMRO Asset Securitisation Australia Pty Ltd., Sydney ABN AMRO Corporate Finance Australia Ltd., Sydney ABN AMRO Equities Australia Ltd., Sydney ABN AMRO Securities Australia Ltd., Sydney ABN AMRO Equities Capital Markets Australia Ltd., Sydney ABN AMRO Capital Management (Australia) Pty Limited, Sydney New Zealand ABN AMRO New Zealand Ltd., Auckland ABN AMRO Equity Derivatives New Zealand Limited, Auckland Latin America and the Caribbean ABN AMRO Asset Management Argentina Sociedad Gerente de FCI S.A., Buenos Aires ABN AMRO Bank (Chile) S.A., Santiago de Chile ABN AMRO Bank (Colombia) S.A., Bogot ABN AMRO (Chile) Seguros Generales S.A., Santiago de Chile ABN AMRO (Chile) Seguros de Vida S.A., Santiago de Chile Financial statements 2005 208 ABN AMRO Brasil Participaes Financeiras S.A., So Paulo ABN AMRO Brasil Dois Participaes S.A., So Paulo Banco ABN AMRO Real S.A., So Paulo (89%) Banco de Pernambuco S.A., Recife Banco Sudameris Brasil S.A., So Paulo (85%) Sudameris Vida e Previdncia S.A., So Paulo ABN AMRO Asset Management DVTM S.A., So Paulo ABN AMRO Asset Management S.A., So Paulo Real Paraguaya de Seguros S.A., Asuncin Real Uruguaya de Seguros S.A., Montevideo For information on the investments of ABN AMRO Bouwfonds Nederlandse Gemeenten N.V., the reader is referred to the separate annual report published by this company. The list of participating interests under which statements of liability have been issued has been filed at the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce. Amsterdam, 23 March 2006 Supervisory Board A.A. Loudon A.C. Martinez A. Burgmans D.R.J. Baron de Rothschild Mrs L.S. Groenman Mrs T.A. Maas-de Brouwer M.V. Pratini de Moraes P. Scaroni Lord Sharman of Redlynch A.A. Olijslager R.F. van den Bergh A. Ruys Managing Board R.W.J. Groenink W.G. Jiskoot T. de Swaan J.Ch.L. Kuiper C.H.A. Collee H.Y. Scott-Barrett H.G. Boumeester P.S. Overmars R. Teerlink Financial statements 2005 209 Accounting policies The entity financial statements of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. have been prepared in accordance with the requirements in Title 9 Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. Starting 1 January 2005, the Group prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU. The accounting policies applied in the entity financial statements are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements. The valuation of participating interests in Group companies which are valued at net asset value determined on the basis of IFRS as adopted by the European Union. Reference is made to page 112. Changes in accounting policies In 2005, ABN AMRO Holding N.V. decided to adopt the same accounting policies for measurement and recognition in its entity financial statements as applied in the consolidated financial statements. ABN AMRO Holding N.V. decided to change the accounting principles as these policies improve the reporting for the entity financial statements and to have a single set of accounting policies for the subsidiaries. As a consequence, the profit for the year and the total shareholders equity in the entity accounts is the same as in the consolidated financial statements. The policies have been consistently applied in all years presented and comparative numbers have been amended. The adoption of these accounting policies in the consolidated financial statements resulted in changes in the recognition, measurement and classification of assets and liabilities and determination of results. The Group has made use of exemptions available under IFRS 1. Effective 1 January 2005, the Dutch legal requirements for certain reserves in shareholders equity were modified. Due to the changes in the law in combination with changes in the accounting policies, the composition of shareholders equity has changed. The changes recorded by ABN AMRO Holding N.V. relate mainly to the consequences of the adoption of IFRS on the subsidiaries of ABN AMRO Holding. Financial Statements ABN AMRO Holding NV (Parent Company) 2005 Financial statements 2005 210 The following table shows the impact of the changes in accounting policies of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. on shareholders equity as at 31 December 2004 and net profit for the year 2004. The impact is consistent with the impact of the transition from Dutch GAAP to IFRS as shown in the consolidated statements. Impact of changes in accounting policies on shareholdings equity
2004
Shareholders equity at 31 December 2004 before change in accounting policies 14,972 Release of fund for general banking risks 1,149 Reclassification of preference shares to subordinated liabilities (767) Reversal of property revaluation (87) Reclassification regarding Banco Real to subordinated liabilities (231)
Transition impacts Release of interest equalisation reserve relating to the investment portfolio 1,563 Derivatives and hedging (560) Fair value adjustments (160) Private equity (consolidation and fair valuation) 56 Loan impairment provisioning (405) Property development (108) Differences at LeasePlan Corporation (148) Equity accounted investments (100) Employee benefit obligations (1,475) Other transition impacts (355)
Total transition impact before taxation (1,692)
Taxation impact (577)
Total transition items (net of taxation) (1,115)
Difference in 2004 profit (244) Impact of gains and losses not recognised in income statement Available-for-sale reserve 818 Cash flow hedging reserve (283) Pension booking to equity not applicable under IFRS 479 Difference in currency translation account movement (40)
Other differences affecting IFRS and Dutch GAAP equity Equity settled derivatives on own shares 16 Goodwill capitalisation under IFRS 46 Other 102
Total impact (157)
Shareholders equity at 31 December after changes in accounting policies 14,815
Financial statements 2005 211 Impact of changes in accounting policies on net profit
2004
Net profit before changes in accounting policies 4,109 Dividends accrued on preference shares (43)
Net profit available to shareholders 4,066
Reconciling items: Interest equalisation reserve amortisation relating to investment portfolio (454) Available-for-sale realisations and other (including hedging) (19) Mortgage banking activities (161) Fair value adjustments (230) Derivatives 11 Private Equity 129 Employee benefit obligations 89 Employee stock options (21) Differences in gain on sale of LeasePlan Corporation and Bank of Asia 224 Redemption costs relating to preference shares classified as interest cost under IFRS (42) Loan impairment provisioning 29 Other (39)
Total impact before taxation (484)
Tax impact 283
Net profit impact (201)
Profit after changes in accounting policies 3,865
Participating interests in Group companies ABN AMRO Holding N.V. has one participation and is the sole shareholder of ABN AMRO BANK N.V, Amsterdam. Basis of preparation The financial statements are presented in millions of euros, which is the presentation currency of the Group entities. Financial statements 2005 212 Company income statement for 2005
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Profits of participating interests after taxes 4,398 3,948 Other profit after taxes (16) (83)
Net profit 4,382 3,865
Company balance sheet at 31 December 2005 (before profit appropriation)
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Assets Loans and receivables banks a 3,685 0 Interest-earning securities b 20 10 Participating interests in Group companies c 19,332 15,843 Accrued income and prepaid expenses d 4 0
Total assets 23,041 15,853
Liabilities Due to banks 0 240 Due to customers 20 20 Other liabilities e 32 10
52 270
Subordinated liabilities f 768 768
Total liabilities 820 1,038
Share capital 1,069 954 Share premium account 5,269 2,604 Other reserves 15,883 11.257
Shareholders equity g 22,221 14,815
Total equity and liabilities 23,041 15,853
Drawn up in accordance with section 2:402 of the Netherlands Civil Code. Letters stated against items refer to the notes. Financial statements 2005 213 Company statement of changes in equity in 2005
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Issued and paid up share capital Balance at 1 January 954 919 Issuance of shares 82 Exercised options and warrants 2 Dividends paid in shares 33 33
Balance at 31 December 1,069 954
Share premium Balance at 1 January 2,604 2,549 Issuance of shares 2,611 Options and conversion rights exercised 48 Share-based payments 87 40 Dividends paid in shares (33) (33)
Balance at 31 December 5,269 2,604
Other reserves and reserves prescribed by law Balance at 1 January 11,580 8,469 Profit for the year 4,382 3,865 Dividends paid (659) (694) Other (66) (60)
Balance at 31 December 15,237 11,580
Treasury shares Balance at 1 January (632) (119) Net purchase / sale of treasury shares 32 (513)
Balance at 31 December (600) (632)
Equity settled own share derivatives Balance at 1 January (106) Change in market value and settlements 106
Balance at 31 December
Net gains / (losses) not recognised in the income statement Currency translation account Balance at 1 January (238) Transfer to income statement relating to disposed subsidiaries (20) 2 Currency translation differences 1,100 (240)
Subtotal balance at 31 December 842 (238)
Net unrealised gains / (losses) on available-for-sale assets Balance at 1 January 830 572 Net unrealised gains / (losses) on available-for-sale assets 717 509 Net losses / (gains) reclassified to the income statement (348) (251)
Subtotal balance at 31 December 1,199 830
Cash flow hedging reserve Balance at 1 January (283) (165) Net unrealised gains / (losses) on the revaluation of cash flow hedges (386) (106) Net losses / (gains) reclassified to the income statement (126) (224)
Subtotal balance at 31 December (795) (283)
Net gains / (losses) not recognised in the income statement at 31 December 1,246 309
Total equity at 31 December 22,221 14,815
Financial statements 2005 214 Notes to the company balance sheet and income statement (all amounts are in millions of euros) a Loans and receivables banks This item includes loans and deposits to and other interbank relations with Group companies. The maturity of these loans and receivables is less than one year. b Interest-earning securities The amount included in this item represents securitised receivables, such as commercial paper.
2005 2004
Balance at 1 January 10 20 Purchases 89 100 Sales (79) (110)
Balance at 31 December 20 10
c Participating interests in Group companies Dividends payable by ABN AMRO Bank N.V to ABN AMRO Holding N.V. amounted to EUR 1,520 million (2004: EUR 1,751 million).
2005 2004
Balance at 1 January 15,843 12,535 Net profit for the year 4,398 3,948 Dividends received (1,751) (677) Currency translation differences 1,080 (238) Other movements (238) 275
Balance at 31 December 19,332 15,843
d Accrued income and prepaid expenses This item includes income and expenses recognised in the period under review, the actual receipt or payment of which falls in a different period. e Other liabilities This item includes those amounts which are not of an accrued or deferred nature or which cannot be classified with any other balance sheet item. Financial statements 2005 215 f Subordinated liabilities In 2004, as part of our revised corporate governance processes, the registered preference shares outstanding at the end of 2003 with a defence function were cancelled and new registered convertible financing preference shares were issued that perform no defence function. During 2005 the number of outstanding convertible financing preference shares (face value EUR 0.56) remained unchanged at 1,369,815,864. Also remained unchanged were the number of outstanding (formerly convertible) preference shares (face value EUR 2.24) at 44,988. The dividend on the financing preference shares has been fixed with effect from 1 October 2004 at 4.65% of the face value. This percentage will be adjusted on 1 January 2011 in the manner stipulated in the articles of association. Dividends on the financing (formerly convertible) preference shares rank above ordinary dividends for distribution and in the event of liquidation. The dividend on these preference shares, which were convertible until 31 October 2003, has been fixed at 1 January 2004 at EUR 0.95 per share per annum until the end of 2013. g Shareholders equity Shareholders equity
2005 2004
Share capital 1,069 954 Reserves 21,152 13,861
Total 22,221 14,815
Share capital
2005 2004
Movements in number of issued ordinary shares Balance at 1 January 1,702,888,861 1,643,220,517 New issue 145,278,482 Dividends paid in shares 61,571,084 59,668,344
Balance at 31 December 1,909,738,427 1,702,888,861
2005 2004
Movements in number of treasury shares Balance at 1 January 33,686,644 5,337,689 Use for options exercised (1,868,242) (497,512) Repurchase 28,846,467
Balance at 31 December 31,818,402 33,686,644
As at 31 December 2005, a total of 31,818,402 ordinary shares (book value: EUR 600 million) were repurchased in connection with the Performance Share Plan and future exercise of staff options. Financial statements 2005 216 Reserves
2005 2004
Share premium account 5,269 2,604 Non distributable reserve shares 10 10 Non distributable profit participations 542 270 Currency translation differences reserve 842 (238) Cash flow hedge reserve (795) (283) Available for sale assets reserve 1,199 830 Unrealised gains on financial instruments elected to fair value 381 260 Other reserves 13,704 10,408
Total reserves 21,152 13,861
The share premium account is mainly regarded as paid-up capital for tax purposes. Of total reserves EUR 3,104 million (2004: EUR 1,785 million) is not distributable. Guarantees ABN AMRO Holding N.V. guarantees all liabilities of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Remuneration Managing Board Reference is made to note 42 of the consolidated accounts. Amsterdam, 23 March 2006 Supervisory Board A.A. Loudon A.C. Martinez A. Burgmans D.R.J. Baron de Rothschild Mrs L.S. Groenman Mrs T.A. Maas-de Brouwer M.V. Pratini de Moraes P. Scaroni Lord Sharman of Redlynch A.A. Olijslager R.F. van den Bergh A. Ruys Managing Board R.W.J. Groenink W.G. Jiskoot T. de Swaan J.Ch.L. Kuiper C.H.A. Collee H.Y. Scott-Barrett H.G. Boumeester P.S. Overmars R. Teerlink other information Other information 218 Auditors report Introduction We have audited the financial statements of ABN AMRO Holding N.V., Amsterdam, for the year 2005 (as set out on pages 110 to 216). These financial statements consist of the consolidated financial statements and the company financial statements. These financial statements are the responsibility of the companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. Scope We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the Netherlands. 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. An audit also includes assessing 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Opinion with respect to the consolidated financial statements In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the company as at 31 December 2005 and of the result and the cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and comply with the financial reporting requirements included in Part 9 of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code as far as applicable. Furthermore we have established to the extent of our competence that the annual report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. Opinion with respect to the company financial statements In our opinion, the company financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the company as at 31 December 2005 and of the result for the year then ended in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the Netherlands and comply with the financial reporting requirements included in Part 9 of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code. Furthermore we have established to the extent of our competence that the annual report is consistent with the company financial statements. Amsterdam, 23 March 2006 for Ernst & Young Accountants V.C. Veger C.B. Boogaart Stipulations of the articles of association with respect to profit appropriation Profit is appropriated in accordance with article 37 of the articles of association. The main stipulations with respect to classes and series of shares currently in issue are as follows: 1 The holders of preference financing shares convertible into ordinary shares (preference shares) issued pursuant to the resolution passed by the extraordinary meeting of shareholders on 25 August 2004 will receive a dividend of EUR 0.02604 per share, representing 4.65% of the face value. As from 1 January 2011, and every ten years thereafter, the dividend percentage on the preference shares will be adjusted in line with the arithmetical average of the ten-year euro-denominated interest rate swap as published by Reuters on the relevant dividend calculation dates, plus an increment to be set by the Managing Board with the approval of the Supervisory Board. This increment will be of no less than 25 basis points and no more than one hundred basis Other information 219 points, depending on the market situation at that time (article 37.2.a.1. and a.2.). The holders of preference shares that were formerly convertible into ordinary shares (convertible shares) will receive a dividend of EUR 0.95 per share, representing 3.3231% of the amount paid on each share as of 1 January 2004. As from 1 January 2014, and every ten years thereafter, the dividend on the convertible shares will be adjusted in the manner described in the articles of association (article 37.2.a.4.). No profit distributions will be made to holders of preference shares or convertible shares in excess of the maximum levels defined above (article 37.2.a.6.). 2 From the profit remaining after these distributions, the Managing Board may decide to make appropriations to reserves, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board (article 37.2.b.). 3 The allocation of the amount remaining after these appropriations shall be determined by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Managing Board, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, shall make a proposal to that effect. A proposal to pay a dividend shall be dealt with as a separate item at the General Meeting of Shareholders (article 37.2.b.). ABN AMRO Holdings policy on reserves and dividends shall be determined and can be amended by the Supervisory Board, upon the proposal of the Managing Board. The adoption of and each subsequent amendment to the policy on reserves and dividends shall be discussed and accounted for at the General Meeting of Shareholders under a separate agenda item (article 37.2.c.). Notwithstanding the provisions of article 37.2.a.1 and a.2 referred to under 1 above, after 1 January 2011 the Managing Board may, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, resolve not to pay the dividend on the relevant Preference Shares in cash out of the profit, or to pay the dividend on the relevant preference shares out of a freely distributable reserve. In such cases the part of the profit not paid out shall be added to the general reserve. The Managing Board may only pass such a resolution if no dividend is to be paid on the ordinary shares in the relevant year, in accordance with the provisions of article 37.2.c. Subject to approval of the Supervisory Board, the Managing Board can make the dividend or interim dividend on the ordinary shares payable, at the discretion of the holders, either in cash or, provided it is authorised to issue shares, partly or wholly in the form of ordinary or preference shares in the companys capital or in a combination thereof, such combination to be determined by the Managing Board (article 37.3.). Stipulations of the articles of association of Holding and trust office with respect to shares and voting rights Each ordinary share of EUR 0.56 face value in the capital of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. entitles the holder to cast one vote. The preference shares have the same nominal value as the ordinary shares, at EUR 0.56 each. Each preference share is entitled to one vote. The convertible shares in the capital have a face value of EUR 2.24 and are entitled to four votes. Subject to certain exceptions provided for by law or in the articles of association, resolutions are passed by an absolute majority of the votes cast. All of the preference shares are held at the trust office Stichting Administratiekantoor Preferente Financieringsaandelen ABN AMRO Holding (the Trust Office), which acts as record owner, issuing depositary receipts evidencing ownership interests in preference shares to their beneficial owners. Contrary to the former structure, the voting rights on the preference shares, although formally held by the Trust Office, are exercised in practice by the depositary receipt holders, since voting proxies will be issued to the depositary receipt holders by the Trust Office under all circumstances. The Other information 220 Trust Office will, in principle, not exercise its voting rights. The depositary receipt holders voting rights will be calculated on the basis of the equity participation of the (depositary receipts of) preference shares in proportion to the value of the ordinary shares. Voting rights on preference shares granted to a depositary receipt holder by proxy will correspond to the amount of depositary receipts held by the depositary receipt holder in relation to the stock price of the ordinary shares at the close of the last trading day of the Euronext Amsterdam in the month preceding the calling of the shareholders meeting. Subject to certain exceptions, upon the issuance of ordinary shares and convertible shares, holders of ordinary shares have pre- emptive rights in proportion to their holdings. In the event of the dissolution and liquidation of ABN AMRO Holding N.V., the assets remaining after payment of all debts will be distributed (1) first, to the holders of preference shares and convertible shares on a pro rata basis, in an amount equal to all dividends accrued from the beginning of the most recent full financial year through the date of payment plus the face value of the preference shares or the amount paid in on the convertible shares respectively, and (2) second, to the holders of ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. Subsequent events On 25 February 2006 ABN AMRO published the offering document for the cash offer for all ordinary shares of Banca Antonveneta. ABN AMRO pays Banca Antonveneta shareholders a consideration of EUR 26.50 for each Banca Antonveneta ordinary share to be purchased through the offer. The offering period, as agreed with the Italian stock exchange Borsa Italiana, is from 27 February to 31 March 2006. Proposed profit appropriation Appropriation of net profit pursuant to article 37.2 and 37.3 of the articles of association
(in millions of euros) 2005 2004
Addition to reserves 2,332 2,200 Dividends on ordinary shares 2,050 1,665
4,382 3,865
Dividends on preference shares 36 43
Other information 221 Comparison of the corporate governance regulations based upon the Dutch corporate governance code and the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOXA) Overview of applicable regulations ABN AMRO action Equivalent Dutch best practice provisions 1 1 Auditor independence Prohibition of Certain Non-Audit Services (SOXA s201): The accounting firm that performs an audit of a companys financial statements is prohibited from performing certain non-audit services. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Policy on Auditor Independence (2). III.5.4 and V.2.2 Pre-approval of Services (SOXA s201-202): Pre-approval by the Audit Committee of the performance by the auditor of all audit and permissible non-audit services. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy for External Audit Firm Services (2). V.1.2 and V.2.2 Accountant Fees and Related Policies Disclosure (SOXA s202): Disclosure to investors of the Audit Committees pre-approval policies, and fees paid to, the auditor. These disclosures are made in ABN AMROs Annual Report filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission on Form 20-F (the Form 20-F) for 2004 (2). V.2.2 and V.2.3 Audit Partner Rotation (SOXA s203): The rotation of audit partners is required after a certain number of years. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Policy on Auditor Independence (2). III.5.4; V.2.2; and V.2.3 Auditor Reports to the Audit Committee (SOXA s204): The auditor must provide the Audit Committee with timely reports regarding critical accounting policies and practices used by the company, alternative treatments of financial information discussed with management including the auditors preferred treatment and other material communications between the auditor and management. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Policy on Auditor Independence (2). III.5.4; III.5.9; V.4.1; V.4.2 and V.4.3 Employment of Former Auditor Personnel (SOXA s206): An auditor is deemed not to be independent if certain senior executives of the company have been employed by the auditor and participated in the audit of the company in the year preceding the current audit. This restriction has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Policy on Auditor Independence (2). III.5.4; V.2.2 and V.2.3 Audit Partner Compensation (SOXA s203): Prohibition of an audit partner from receiving compensation based upon selling non-audit services to the audit client. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Policy on Auditor Independence (2). III.5.4; V.2.2 and V.2.3
1 The full text of the equivalent best practice provisions (and ABN AMROs compliance in respect thereof) can be found in the Corporate Governance Supplement which has been made available on our corporate website (www.abnamro.com). 2 The full text (or where applicable a synopsis) hereof can be found on our corporate website (www.abnamro.com). Other information 222 Overview of applicable regulations ABN AMRO action Equivalent Dutch best practice provisions 1 2 Audit Committee Auditor Oversight (SOXA s301): The Audit Committee must be given responsibility for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the auditor. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Rules Governing the Supervisory Boards Principles and Best Practices (2). III.5.4; III.5.5; III.5.8 and III.5.9 Audit Committee Independence (SOXA s301): All Audit Committee members must be independent. To be independent, audit committee members may not (other than in their capacity as a board or committee member): i) accept any consulting, advisory or compensatory fees; or ii) be affiliated with the company or any of its subsidiaries. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Rules Governing the Supervisory Boards Principles and Best Practices (2). III.2.2; III.5.1 and III.5.6 Whistleblower Procedures & Protections (SOXA s301; s806 and s1107): The Audit Committee must establish whistleblower procedures for: i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and audit matters; and ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. Companies are prohibited from discriminating against whistleblowers. The Managing Board and the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board approved a general Whistle Blowing Policy (2) which provides appropriate procedures and protections for all employees to report suspected malpractice, including a direct reporting line to the Audit Committee. II.1.6 Audit Committee Engagement of Advisors and Payment of their Expenses (SOXA s301): The Audit Committee must be given the authority to engage advisors as the committee determines necessary and the company must provide appropriate funding for their compensation. This requirement has been incorporated into ABN AMROs Rules Governing the Supervisory Boards Principles and Best Practices (2). III.1.9 and III.5.4 Audit Committee Financial Experts (SOXA s407): Companies must disclose whether the Audit Committee has at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert and whether or not the particular person is independent. These disclosures are made in the Form 20-F. III.5.2 and III.5.7
1 The full text of the equivalent best practice provisions (and ABN AMROs compliance in respect thereof) can be found in the Corporate Governance Supplement which has been made available on our corporate website (www.abnamro.com). 2 The full text (or where applicable a synopsis) hereof can be found on our corporate website (www.abnamro.com). Other information 223 Overview of applicable regulations ABN AMRO action Equivalent Dutch best practice provisions 1 3 CEO / CFO Certifications CEO/CFO 302 Certification: The Form 20-F must be accompanied by a certification from the CEO and CFO that: i) the financial information included in the Form 20-F fairly represents, in all material respects, the companys financial position, results of operations and cash flows; ii) that they are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure procedures and control, evaluated their effectiveness as of the end of the year and disclosed any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that materially effects such internal control; and iii) that they have disclosed all significant deficiencies and weaknesses in the design and operation of internal control over financial reporting as well as any related fraud on the part of management or other employees. The s906 and s302 certifications are provided in the Form-20F. II.1.3; II.1.4; II.1.5; III.1.8 and V.1.3 CEO/CFO 906 Certification (SOXA s906): The Form 20-F must be accompanied by a certification from the CEO and CFO that the report fully complies with reporting requirements and fairly represents, in all material respects, the companys financial position and results of operations. As Dutch credit institution we also have to maintain the Regulation on Organization and Control (ROC) which is based on the Act of the Supervision of the Credit System 1992. The principle of the ROC is that credit institutions are responsible for organising and controlling their business processes in such a way that their business is conducted in a controlled and sound manner. By meeting the requirements of both Section 302 and the ROC we are of the opinion that we are in this aspect in compliance with the Dutch corporate governance code.
1 The full text of the equivalent best practice provisions (and ABN AMROs compliance in respect thereof) can be found in the Corporate Governance Supplement which has been made available on our corporate website (www.abnamro.com). Other information 224 Overview of applicable regulations ABN AMRO action Equivalent Dutch best practice provisions 1 4 General corporate governance Prohibition of Loans to Directors & Executive Officers (SOXA s402): Companies are prohibited from making loans to directors and executive officers, with exceptions for companies that provide financial services in the ordinary course of their business. ABN AMRO extends loans to directors and executive officers in accordance with the exception given to financial institutions. II.2.8 and III.7.4 Management Assessment of Internal Controls (SOXA s404): Companies must include in their Form 20-F a report on the companys internal control over financial reporting which includes managements assessment of the effectiveness of the companys internal control over financial reporting. The auditor gives an attestation report on managements assessment. ABN AMRO will provide a report on managements assessment of internal control over financial reporting and the auditors attestation in the Form 20-F covering 2006. II.1.3; II.1.4; II.1.5; III.1.8; V.1.3 and V.4.3 Code of Ethics (SOXA s406): The company must disclose whether it has adopted a code of ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers. The standards of ethical conduct ABN AMRO expects from its employees, including the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, are found within ABN AMROs Business Principles (2) which constitutes a code of ethics for the purposes of SOXA. II.1.3
1 The full text of the equivalent best practice provisions (and ABN AMROs compliance in respect thereof) can be found in the Corporate Governance Supplement which has been made available on our corporate website (www.abnamro.com). 2 The full text (or where applicable a synopsis) hereof can be found on our corporate website (www.abnamro.com). Other information 225 A.A. Loudon (69) *@ 2006 Chairman Former Chairman of the Board of Management of AKZO Nobel N.V. A.C. Martinez (66) *#& 2006 Former Chairman and CEO of Sears Roebuck & Co. Inc. A. Burgmans (59) *&@ 2006 Non-Executive Chairman of Unilever plc and Unilever N.V. D.R.J. Baron de Rothschild (63) 2007 Senior Partner of Rothschild & Cie. Banque Mrs L.S. Groenman (65) 2007 Former Crown Member Sociaal- Economische Raad (SER) Mrs T.A. Maas-de Brouwer (59)*& 2008 President of HayVision Society M.V. Pratini de Moraes (66) # 2007 Former Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply for Brazil P. Scaroni (59) 2007 CEO of ENI S.p.A. Lord Sharman of Redlynch (63) # 2007 Former Chairman of KPMG International A.A. Olijslager (62) # 2008 Former Chairman of the Board of Management of Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods Holding N.V. R.F. van den Bergh (55) 2009 Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of VNU N.V. A. Ruys (58) 2009 Former Chairman of the Executive Board of Heineken N.V. The numbers against each name are the age (in brackets) and the year of periodical resignation. A curriculum vitae, including other important positions and nationality, is available at the companys office and on www.abnamro.com. * Member of the Nomination & Compensation Committee. # Member of the Audit Committee. & Member of the Compliance Oversight Committee. @ To retire from Supervisory Board with effect of 27 April 2006. Supervisory Board Managing Board R.W.J. Groenink (56) Chairman W.G. Jiskoot (55) T. de Swaan (60) J.Ch.L. Kuiper (58) C.H.A. Collee (53) H.Y. Scott-Barrett (47) H.G. Boumeester (46) P.S Overmars (41) R. Teerlink (45) Company Secretary H.W. Nagtglas Versteeg Advisory Council J. Aalberts President and CEO of Aalberts Industries N.V. M.P. Bakker Chairman of the Managing Board and CEO of TPG N.V. J. Bennink Chairman of the Executive Board of Royal Numico N.V. S.H.M. Brenninkmeijer Chairman of the Managing Board of COFRA Holding AG R.J.A. van der Bruggen Chairman of the Board of Management of Imtech N.V. R. van Gelder BA Chairman of the Management Board of Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. Ms N. McKinstry Chairman of the Executive Board of Wolters Kluwer N.V. A. Nhn Chairman of the Board of Management of Sara Lee DE International B.V. H.Th.E.M. Rottinghuis President and CEO of the Board of Directors of Pon Holdings B.V. J. Struik President and CEO of Struik Food Group N.V. P.J.J.M Swinkels CEO of Bavaria N.V. N.M. Wagenaar CEO of Getronics PinkRoccade N.V. L.M. van Wijk Vice President of the Board of Directors Air France-KLM ABN AMRO Holding N.V. Situation as at 23 March 2006 Other information 226 Education 1966 Master of Science Civil Engineering, Delft University of Technology 1968 Business Economics, Ring van Rotterdamse Repetitoren Employment 1966-1967 Design Engineer, Department of Maritime Construction, Dutch Government 1967-1968 Naval hydrographic officer, The Royal Dutch Navy 1968-1977 Project manager, Koninklijke Adriaan Volker Groep (today Koninklijke Volker Wessels Stevin N.V.) 1977-1983 Director, Broekhoven Baggermaatschappij Zeist (today part of Van Oord N.V.) 1983-2005 President and Chief Executive Officer, Fugro N.V. Other - Chairman of IRO - Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Koninklijke BAM Groep N.V. - Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Damen Shipyards Group - Member of the Supervisory Board of N.V. Bronwaterleiding Doorn - Member of the Supervisory Board of Energie Beheer Nederland B.V. - Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Technische Universiteit Delft - Member of the Supervisory Board of TNO - Member Monitoring Committee Corporate Governance Code - Member of the Board of Nederland Maritiem Land - Member of the Board of MARIS B.V. - Member of the Dutch National Committee World Petroleum Congresses - Member of the Board of Stichting Concertgebouw Fonds Curriculum vitae G.-J. Kramer Education 1966 Business Administration, WU Wien (University of Vienna) Employment 1967-1985 Several positions at Zentralparkasse und Kommerzialbank 1986-1988 Member of the Managing Board, Creditanstalt-Bankverein 1990 Chief Executive Officer, sterreichische Lnderbank AG 1991 Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Z-Lnderbank Bank Austria AG 1995-2003 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Managing Board, Bank Austria AG 2003-2005 Chief Operating Officer, Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG 2005 Executive Vice President Planning, Magda International Inc. Other - Member of the Generalrat der sterreichischen Nationalbank (Austrian central bank) - Chairman of the Board of B&C Privatstiftung - Chairman of the Board of Immobilien Privatstiftung Curriculum vitae G. Randa Curricula vitae Other information 227 Organisation of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Situation as at 23 March 2006 Rijkman Groenink (Chairman) Wilco Jiskoot Tom de Swaan (CFO until 1 January 2006) Joost Kuiper Dolf Collee Hugh Scott-Barrett (CFO as from 1 January 2006) Huibert Boumeester Piero Overmars Ron Teerlink Managing Board BU Netherlands Jan Peter Schmittmann BU Europe Lex Kloosterman BU Asia Jeroen Drost BU North America Norman Bobins BU Latin America Fabio Barbosa BU Private Clients Jos ter Avest BU Global Clients Alexandra Cook-Schaapveld BU Global Markets Gary Page (as from 1 April 2006) BU Transaction Banking Ann Cairns BU Asset Management Sarah Russell Services Ron Teerlink Group Functions Group Human Resources Hugh Scott-Barrett (interim) Group Finance Maurice Oostendorp Group Risk Management Head Group Risk Management David Cole Erwin Mahne (until 1 April 2006) Head of Risk Advisory and Group Sustainable Development Herman Mulder Group Compliance & Group Legal Carin Gorter Group Audit Peter Diekman Group Communications Robin Boon European Union Affairs and Market Infrastructure Gerard Hartsink Investor Relations Richard Bruens Corporate Development Alexander Pietruska Group Business Committee Joost Kuiper Wilco Jiskoot Dolf Collee Piero Overmars Ron Teerlink Fabio Barbosa Norm Bobins Lex Kloosterman Alexandra Cook-Schaapveld Jan Peter Schmittmann Ann Cairns Jeroen Drost Sarah Russell Client Segments Consumer Client Segment Dolf Collee Commercial Client Segment Piero Overmars Business Units, Services and Group Functions Other information 228 European Staff Council The European Staff Council (ESC) conducted extensive and intensive discussions with management during 2005, which was another year of significant change. The ESC was fully involved at an early stage in the development and implementation of the restructuring of Wholesale Clients, the outsourcing and offshoring of the remaining parts of the IT function, the new human resources model and many other initiatives. In its discussions with management, the ESC raised key concerns prevalent among staff. Many colleagues saw their jobs change or even disappear, provoking emotional responses among those involved. The ESC also made arrangements to help these employees move to another job. At the request of the ESC, the bank agreed with several IT vendors that they would expand their organisation in Europe and take on former ABN AMRO staff for this purpose. As a result, many tens of redundancies were avoided. Early in 2005, the ESC proposed joining forces with management in efforts to place even more emphasis than before on ongoing staff development. Thanks to this initiative, our colleagues will have more opportunities to improve their skills and competences. This will enhance their employability and reduce the risk of their becoming unemployed. In 2006 this initiative will be integrated into the SMART objectives of staff and managers. In 2005 there were eight plenary sessions one in London, one in Prague, one in Paris and five in Amsterdam. During these meetings, extensive and open discussions were held with several Managing Board members and other top executives about a wide variety of subjects. Important issues in 2005 included: restructuring of Wholesale Clients IT outsourcing and offshoring acquisition of Banca Antonveneta global HR Transformation Programme Group restructuring, as announced in October 2005 transparent rewards Private Clients organisation Compliance. The ESC appreciates the constructive and substantive dialogue it has enjoyed with management throughout the past year, as well as the positive manner in which management responded to suggestions and ideas and took on board feedback received from the ESC. Amsterdam, 31 December 2005 European Staff Council Other information 229 Dutch Central Works Council A new Central Works Council (CWC) took office in March 2005, with a tenure due to run until March 2008. It hit the ground running, pressing ahead with the development of a new role that differs from the one outlined in the Works Councils Act. In view of the many and rapid changes taking place across ABN AMRO, the CWC aims to act more than ever as the Managing Boards sparring partner as it implements its plans for the bank in the Netherlands. The first steps towards this new role took place in November 2004, with a series of management workshops on offshoring. In these workshops, the CWC discussed the success factors in complex change projects with the members of the Managing Board and the Supervisory Board. The themes debated included emotion, behaviour and rationality. This exercise led to a clearer definition of the CWCs own role. The CWC then drew up an ambitious long-term plan for developing its own vision and knowledge as a team to enable it to fulfil its envisaged new role. Early involvement in key changes within the bank, and appropriate handling of requests for advice, will be crucial to the CWCs ability to play this role in practice. In 2005 the CWC issued advice on: IT outsourcing and offshoring global HR Transformation Programme (will be finalised in 2006) the initiative for the integration / reorganisation of mortgage operations in the form of a new company (merger between mortgage companies of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bouwfonds) corporate governance, under the new group structure as published on 14 October 2005. In the field of corporate governance several appointments were announced, including those of Mr A. Ruys and Mr R.F. van den Bergh as new members of the Supervisory Board, as well as Mr H.G. Boumeester, Mr P. S. Overmars and Mr R. Teerlink as new members of the Managing Board. The CWC was informed in good time of these appointments. In addition, the CWC received several requests for advice or approval on various other subjects, including the reorganisation of two departments into the integrated Employability Centre. This change meant that ABN AMROs general employability policy became a major topic of discussion in 2005, and it can be expected to remain so in the near future. Alongside a number of formal and informal meetings with management, the CWC had two formal meetings with the chairman of the Managing Board to discuss the banks results and the position it aims to establish in the financial community. Several consultative meetings were attended by one or more members of the Supervisory Board. The Central Works Council greatly appreciates these meetings. In the context of the complex change processes taking place in the bank, the CWC is continuing to look in a targeted manner at the implementation of these changes and the accompanying arrangements. In doing so, it is focusing particularly on the interests of the staff and of the company itself, the feasibility of the proposed changes, and the way in which the bank communicates measures and initiatives it intends to take. In addition, in its capacity as an employee representative body, the CWC examines not only the direct social consequences of any changes, but also the underlying substance of the banks intentions. On behalf of all consultative bodies within ABN AMRO, the CWC expresses its appreciation for the mutual trust that continues to characterise its relations with management. We are confident that this trust will become an increasingly prominent characteristic of this relationship, and are committed to fulfilling our role and responsibility in this respect with both professionalism and drive. Amsterdam, 31 December 2005 Central Works Council Other information 230 Advanced Internal Ratings Based (AIRB) The highest and most detailed level of credit risk calculation for determining capital adequacy levels under Basel II, based on the use of internal models to assess risk. Advanced Management Approaches (AMA) The highest and most detailed level of operational risk calculation for determining capital adequacy levels under Basel II, based on the use of internal models to assess risk. Allowance for loan losses Balance sheet provision held against the total of non- performing loans. The allowance is increased by the annual provisions and decreased by write-downs (net of recoveries) on non-performing loans. Assets under Administration (AuA) All client assets managed by or deposited with a financial services firm for investment purposes, including wholesale client assets derived from custody, correspondent banking and/or working capital. Assets under Management (AuM) Assets, including investment funds and assets of private individuals and institutions, being professionally managed with the aim of realising an optimal investment result. Basis point (bp) One hundredth of 1 percentage point. Basel II The Basel II Framework offers a new set of standards for establishing minimum capital requirements for banks. It was prepared by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Set up in 1930 with its head office in Basel. Its principal tasks are to promote cooperation between central banks and to assist in international payments. The BIS also issues recommendations to banks and regulatory authorities in the fields of risk management, capital adequacy and the provision of information on financial derivatives. BIS Ratio Solvency ratio for banks, stating the minimum capital requirements related to risk- weighted assets, as defined by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Bookrunner Head of a securities syndicate responsible for arranging the subscription, allotment and after- market for all syndicate members. Capital adequacy Measure of a companys financial strength, often expressed in equity as a percentage of balance sheet total or for banks in the BIS ratio. Core tier 1 ratio The banks core capital, excluding preference shares, expressed as a percentage of total risk- weighted assets. Credit equivalent Sum of the costs of replacement transactions (when counterparties fail to fulfil their obligations) and the potential future credit risk, being reflected in a mark-up percentage on the principal of the contract. The mark-up percentage depends on the nature and remaining term of the contract. Credit rating Assessment of a credit rating agency expressed in a combination of letters and/or figures indicating the creditworthiness of a country, company or institution. Currency risk Price risk relating to exchange rate fluctuations. De Nederlandsche Bank N.V. (DNB) Dutch central bank. Derivatives Financial instruments whose value is derived from the price of one or several underlying assets (e.g. currencies, securities, indices, etc). Economic capital An estimate of the amount of capital that the bank should possess in order to be able to sustain larger than expected losses with a certain level of certainty. Economic profit Net profit after tax less risk- adjusted cost of capital. Economic value The value of future economic profits discounted to the present. Glossary Other information 231 GAAP Generally accepted accounting principles. Goodwill The difference between the purchase price of a participation and the fair value of the individual net assets and liabilities. Hedge Protecting a financial position by going either long or short, often using derivatives. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) IFRS, formerly known as International Accounting Standards, are drawn up and recommended by the International Accounting Standards Board. The European Union requires that IFRS be used by all exchange-listed companies in the EU starting from the financial year 2005. Interest rate risk Degree to which fluctuations in long and short-term interest rates have a negative influence on the banks result. Joint venture Cooperative venture between two or more separate legal entities. Loss Given Default (LGD) The amount that the bank expects to lose on an exposure to a counterparty at default. Managing for Value (MfV) Instrument ABN AMRO uses for maximising value. It allocates resources to where they earn the best long-term returns as measured by economic profit. Two relevant connected terms are economic profit and economic value. Market risk Risk relating to fluctuations in stock exchange prices, currency and/or interest rates. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Activities in the fields of mergers, acquisitions, privatisations, advisory services and organisation. Mid-market Client segment where ABN AMRO focuses strategically. The consumer mid-market consists of clients who require more than a basic banking package (mass affluent and private clients), but who are not yet in the small category of top- end private clients. The commercial mid-market ranges from mid-sized companies to a small number of large corporate clients and financial institutions. Mortgage Servicing Right (MSR) Right to a stream of cash flows and an obligation to perform specified residential mortgage servicing activities, which may also be purchased from third parties. Mortgage servicing activities include collecting principal, interest, and escrow payments from borrowers; making tax and insurance payments on behalf of the borrowers; monitoring delinquencies and executing foreclosure proceedings; and accounting for and remitting principal and interest payments to the investors. If servicing is retained at the time of loan sale, the MSRs are recognised as assets on our balance sheet. Net asset value per share Value of all the assets of a company less liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Non-performing loans Loans for which there is objective evidence that not all contractually agreed amounts will be collected and for which an allowance for loan losses is established. Notional amounts The value of the principal of the underlying financial derivatives contracts. Options (shares and currencies) Contractual right to buy (call option) or sell (put option) a specified amount of underlying shares or currency at a fixed price during a specified period or on a specified date. Other information 232 Preference share Share that receives a fixed rate of dividend prior to ordinary shares. Private banking Dedicated to the development and execution of the policy in relation to high net-worth clients and small to medium-sized institutional investors. Provision for loan losses Charge to income to cover possible loan losses on non- performing loans. Return on equity Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company divided by shareholders equity. Risk adjusted return on capital (RAROC) Risk adjusted return on capital, measured against economic capital. This a risk-adjusted profitability measurement, providing a consistent view of profitability across businesses. Risk-weighted assets Total assets and off-balance sheet items calculated on the basis of the risks relating to the various balance sheet items. Scenario analysis Method used to measure and manage the interest rate risk. For example, net interest revenue can be estimated by using various assumptions about future interest rate movements. Securitisation Restructuring credits in the form of marketable securities. Sweet spot A phrase ABN AMRO uses to refer to our mid-market client segment, where we have a strong competitive advantage. Structured finance Global activity aimed at the extension of credits in specialised product/market combinations, development and marketing of complex financial solutions, export financing of capital goods and large-scale project finance. Tier 1 ratio Core capital of the bank expressed as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets. Total return to shareholders (TRS) Share price movement plus dividend yield. Treasury Department responsible for all money market and currency operations. Trust business, trust services Assets are entrusted to a trustee who is responsible for the management of those assets. Uniform Credit Rating (UCR) The UCR is an obligor rating and refers to the probability of default by an obligor, i.e. the likelihood that a counterparty fails to pay interest and/or principal and/or other financial obligations to the bank. Value-at-Risk (VaR) The statistical analysis of historical market trends and volatilities to estimate the likelihood that a given portfolios losses will exceed a certain amount. Volatility Statistical measure for the degree to which items (market rates, interests) fluctuate over time. Whistleblowing policy ABN AMRO policy that provides all employees with channels and guidance for reporting suspected malpractice, such as fraud, insider trading or breach of client confidentiality. Other information 233 Abbreviations ACES ABN AMRO Central Enterprise Services Private Limited ADR American Depositary Receipt AFS Available for sale AIRB Advanced International Ratings Based basis for credit risk ALCO Asset and Liability Committee ALM Asset and Liability Management AM Asset Management AMA Advanced Measurement Approaches basis for operational risk ATM Automated Teller Machine AuA Assets under Administration AuM Assets under Management BIS Bank for International Settlement bp Basis point BRL Brazilian real BU Business Unit C&CC Consumer & Commercial Clients CAAML Client Acceptance & Anti-Money Laundering CB Covered bond CEO Chief Executive Officer CFO Chief Financial Officer COO Chief Operating Officer CPC Compliance Policy Committee CRD Capital Requirements Directive CRO Chief Risk Officer CWC Central Works Council DNB De Nederlandsche Bank N.V. (Dutch central bank) ECM Equity Capital Markets ESC European Staff Council EU European Union EUR Euro EVCA European Private Equity & Venture Capital Association FIFF Fixed Income, Futures and FX FTE Full time equivalent, a measurement of number of staff FX Foreign Exchange GALM Group Asset and Liability Management GBC Group Business Committee GBP Great Britain Pound GDP Gross Domestic Product GF Group Functions GRC Group Risk Committee GREFM Group Real Estate & Facilities Management GRM Group Risk Management GSS Group Shared Services HR Human Resources IASB International Accounting Standards Board IFRIC IASB International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards Other information 234 ISO International Organisation for Standardisation IT Information Technology LGD Loss Given Default M&A Mergers & Acquisitions MfV Managing for Value MRM Market Risk Management MSR Mortgage Servicing Right MTN Medium Term Note NA North America N&C Nomination & Compensation NGM New Growth Markets NL Netherlands NYSE New York Stock Exchange OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ORM Operational Risk Management OTC Over-the-Counter P&L Profit & Loss PC Private Clients PSP Performance Share Plan RAROC Risk adjusted return on capital ROE Return on equity RWA Risk-weighted assets SCB Structured covered bond SEC Securities and Exchange Commission SEPA Single Euro Payments Area SEVP Senior Executive Vice President SME Small to medium-sized enterprises SOXA Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 SRI Socially Responsible Investment SPE Special Purpose Entity TRS Total return to shareholders UAE United Arab Emirates UCR Uniform Counterparty Rating USD US dollar VaR Value-at-Risk WCS Wholesale Clients Other information 235 Safe Harbour Statement under the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Certain of the statements contained herein that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements as to future net profit and operating expenses, are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that are based on managements current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, (i) general economic conditions, (ii) performance of financial markets, (iii) interest rate levels, (iv) currency exchange rates, including the EUR/-USD exchange rate, (v) changes in laws and regulations, including monetary convergence and the European Monetary Union, (vi) changes in the policies of central banks and/or foreign governments, (vii) cost overruns and (viii) competitive factors, in each case on a global, regional and/or national basis. ABN AMRO does not undertake to update any statements of future expectations or other forward-looking statements contained herein. Other information 236 Publications Annual Report 2005 This report is also available in Dutch. Annual Report 2005 on Form 20-F This report is available in English only. Quarterly Results Releases These releases are available in Dutch and English. Sustainability Report This report is available in English, and in downloadable form in Dutch and Portuguese. Corporate Governance Supplement This report is available in downloadable form in Dutch and English. How to order reports The above mentioned publications can be downloaded from www.abnamro.com. Where available, printed copies can be ordered: on the internet at www.abnamro.com by phone: +31 20 628 7835 by e-mail: investorrelations@nl.abnamro.com. ABN AMRO Holding N.V. Gustav Mahlerlaan 10 1082 PP Amsterdam The Netherlands Mailing address: P.O. Box 283 1000 EA Amsterdam The Netherlands Telephone: + 31 20 628 93 93 + 31 20 629 91 11 Internet: www.abnamro.com ABN AMRO Holding N.V. has its registered office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and is entered in the Trade Register of the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce under no. 33220369. The bank consists of the listed company ABN AMRO Holding N.V., which conducts its business almost entirely through its wholly-owned subsidiary ABN AMRO Bank N.V. or this companys many subsidiaries. Acknowledgements Design: Eden Design & Communication, Amsterdam Editing: Rick Marsland, White Page Ltd., London Photography theme Potential: Reinier Gerritsen, Amsterdam Photo Managing Board, page 6: Ron Offermans, Amsterdam Printed by: Thieme Amsterdam bv, Amsterdam Production: ABN AMRO Group Communications This report is printed on Biotop3 19.0.3.06