Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F/A

 

 

(Amendment No. 1)

 

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

OR

 

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

For the fiscal year ended 31 December 2016

OR

 

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

OR

 

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

Commission file number 1-14642

 

 

ING GROEP N.V.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

The Netherlands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

ING Groep N.V.

Bijlmerplein 888

1102 MG Amsterdam

P.O. Box 1800, 1000 BV Amsterdam

The Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

Norman Tambach

Telephone: +31 20 576 6160

E-mail: Norman.Tambach@ing.com

Bijlmerplein 888

1102 MG Amsterdam

The Netherlands

(Name; Telephone, Email and Address of Company Contact Person)

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

 

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
American Depositary Shares, each representing one Ordinary Share		New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary Shares, nominal value EUR 0.01 per Ordinary Share*		New York Stock Exchange
6.20% ING Perpetual Debt Securities		New York Stock Exchange
6.125% ING Perpetual Debt Securities		New York Stock Exchange
6.375% ING Perpetual Debt Securities		New York Stock Exchange

 

*	Listed, not for trading or quotation purposes, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission

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

None

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

None

 

 

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

 

Ordinary Shares, nominal value EUR 0.01 per Ordinary Share			3,878,483,623

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

Yes  ☒            ☐  No

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

Yes  ☐            ☒  No

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

Yes  ☒            ☐  No

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

Yes  ☐            ☐  No

 

*	This requirement does not currently apply to the registrant.

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

Large accelerated filer  ☒                 Accelerated filer  ☐                Non-accelerated filer  ☐

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

 

U.S. GAAP  ☐		International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ☒		Other  ☐

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

☐  Item 17            Item 18  ☐

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

Yes  ☐            ☒  No

 

 

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 20-F/A (this “Amendment”) to the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed by ING Groep N.V. (“we”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2017 (the “Annual Report on Form 20-F”), is being filed solely to correct clerical errors, as a result of which (a) an inaccurate version of the report of KPMG Accountants N.V., omitting a paragraph and including typographical errors, was included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and (b) the report of Ernst & Young Accountants LLP included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F reflected errors in the date and addressees of the report as well as a typographical error.

This Amendment speaks as of the date of the initial filing of our Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is March 16, 2017. Other than as set forth above, this Amendment does not, nor does it purport to, amend, update or restate any other information or disclosure included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F or reflect any events that have occurred after March 16, 2017.

As required by Rule 12b-15 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are also filing or furnishing, as indicated therein, the certifications required under Section 302 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as exhibits to this Amendment.

 

Item 18.

Consolidated Financial Statements

Reference is made to pages F-1 to F-240 included herein.

 

Item 19.

Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

Exhibit 1.1		Amended and Restated Articles of Association of ING Groep N.V., dated 26 July 2016 (incorporated by reference to ING Groep N.V.’s Report on Form 6-K furnished on 6 January 2017)
Exhibit 2.1		Subordinated Indenture, dated 18 July 2002, between the Company and The Bank of New York, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of ING Groep N.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2002, File No. 1-14642 filed on 27 March 2003)
Exhibit 2.2		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated 28 October 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of ING Groep N.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2003, File No. 1-14642 filed on 30 March 2004)
Exhibit 2.3		Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated 26 September 2005, between the Company and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of ING Groep N.V.’s Report on Form 6-K filed on 23 September 2005)
Exhibit 2.4		Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated 13 June 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of ING Groep N.V.’s Report on Form 6-K filed on 12 June 2007)
Exhibit 2.5		First Supplemental Indenture between ING Groep N.V. and The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, as trustee, dated April 16, 2015, in respect of 6.000% Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Contingent Convertible Capital Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of ING Groep N.V.’s Report on Form 6-K filed on 16 April 2015)
Exhibit 2.6		Second Supplemental Indenture between ING Groep N.V. and The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, as trustee, dated April 16, 2015, in respect of 6.500% Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Contingent Convertible Capital Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of ING Groep N.V.’s Report on Form 6-K filed on 16 April 2015)

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Exhibit 7*		Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Exhibit 8*		List of Subsidiaries of ING Groep N.V.
Exhibit 12.1†		Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 12.2†		Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.1‡		Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.2‡		Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 15.1*		Consent of Ernst & Young Accountants
Exhibit 15.2*		Consent of KPMG Accountants

 

*	Previously filed

†	Filed herewith

‡	Furnished herewith

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SIGNATURE

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

Date: 20 March 2017

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Contents

 

Report of independent registered public accounting firm			F – 2
Consolidated statement of financial position			F – 4
Consolidated statement of profit or loss			F – 5
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income			F – 7
Consolidated statement of changes in equity			F – 8
Consolidated statement of cash flows			F – 11
Notes to the consolidated annual accounts			F – 14
Accounting policies for the consolidated annual accounts			F – 14
Risk management			F – 141
Capital management			F – 210
Supplemental information			F – 214
Glossary			F – 230

 

		F-1		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Report of independent registered

public accounting firm

 

 

To: the Supervisory Board and shareholders of ING Groep N.V.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of ING Groep N.V. and subsidiaries as of 31 December 2016, and the related consolidated statements of profit and loss, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of ING Groep N.V.’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ING Groep N.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2016, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We also have audited the adjustments described in Note 1a and 1b that were applied to the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively reflect the change in accounting for the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities and the changes in presentation of the consolidated financial statements and related notes. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements of ING Groep N.V. and subsidiaries other than with respect to the adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), ING Groep N.V.’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated 13 March 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ KPMG Accountants N.V.

Amstelveen, the Netherlands

13 March 2017

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-2

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Report of independent registered

public accounting firm

 

 

 

To: the Supervisory Board and shareholders of ING Groep N.V.

We have audited, before the effects of the adjustments described in 1a and 1b of note 2.1.1 “Notes to the accounting policies” that were applied to the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively reflect the change in accounting for offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities and the changes in presentation of the consolidated annual accounts and related notes, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of ING Groep N.V. and subsidiaries as of 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014, and the related consolidated profit or loss, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for the years then ended (the 2015 and 2014 financial statements before the effects of the adjustments described in 1a and 1b of note 2.1.1 “Notes to the accounting policies” that were applied to the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively reflect the change in accounting for offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities and the changes in presentation of the consolidated annual accounts and related notes are not presented herein). These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of ING Groep N.V.’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above, before the effects of the adjustments described in 1a and 1b of note 2.1.1 “Notes to the accounting policies” that were applied to the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively reflect the change in accounting for offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities and the changes in presentation of the consolidated annual accounts and related notes, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ING Groep N.V. and subsidiaries at 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the adjustments described in 1a and 1b of note 2.1.1 “Notes to the accounting policies” that were applied to the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively reflect the change in accounting for offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities and the changes in presentation of the consolidated annual accounts and related notes and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those adjustments were audited by KPMG Accountants N.V.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young Accountants LLP

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

29 February 2016

 

		F-3		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Consolidated statement of financial position

 

 

As at 31 December

 

in EUR million		2016				2015				2014
Assets
Cash and balances with central banks 2			18,144				21,458				12,233
Loans and advances to banks 3			28,858				29,988				37,119
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 4
– trading assets			114,504				131,467				136,959
– non-trading derivatives			2,490				3,347				4,384
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss			5,099				3,234				2,756
Investments 5
– available-for-sale			82,912				87,000				95,402
– held-to-maturity			8,751				7,826				2,239
Loans and advances to customers1 6			560,154				696,893				698,234
Investments in associates and joint ventures 7			1,141				962				953
Property and equipment 8			2,002				2,027				2,100
Intangible assets 9			1,484				1,567				1,655
Current tax assets			314				322				289
Deferred tax assets 36			1,641				1,783				2,389
Other assets 10			14,722				12,261				12,612
Assets held for sale 11							2,153				165,427
Total assets			842,216				1,002,288				1,174,751
Liabilities
Deposits from banks 12			31,964				33,813				29,999
Customer deposits1 13			522,908				664,210				669,672
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 14
– trading liabilities			83,167				88,807				97,091
– non-trading derivatives			3,541				4,257				6,040
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss			12,266				12,616				13,551
Current tax liabilities			546				590				450
Deferred tax liabilities 36			624				589				795
Provisions 15			2,028				964				1,017
Other liabilities 16			16,852				13,132				13,919
Debt securities in issue 17			103,234				121,289				126,352
Subordinated loans 18			17,223				16,411				18,158
Liabilities held for sale											142,106
Total liabilities			794,353				956,678				1,119,150
Equity 19
Share capital and share premium			16,989				16,982				16,971
Other reserves			5,897				5,759				11,213
Retained earnings			24,371				22,231				19,370
Shareholders’ equity (parent)			47,257				44,972				47,554
Non-controlling interests			606				638				8,047
Total equity			47,863				45,610				55,601
Total liabilities and equity			842,216				1,002,288				1,174,751

 

1

Loans and advances to customers and Customer deposits, as at 31 December 2015 and 2014, are adjusted as a result of a change in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies in 2016. Deferred tax assets and Deferred tax liabilities as at 31 December 2015 and 2014 are adjusted.

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ for information on Changes in presentation of the Consolidated annual accounts and related notes.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-4

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Consolidated statement of profit or loss

 

 

for the years ended 31 December

 

in EUR million		2016				2016				2015				2015				2014				2014
Continuing operations
Interest income			44,182								46,321								48,169
Interest expense			–30,941								–33,760								–35,865
Net interest income 20							13,241								12,561								12,304
Commission income			3,581								3,411								3,297
Commission expense			–1,148								–1,093								–1,004
Net commission income 21							2,433								2,318								2,293
Valuation results and net trading income 22							1,545								2,445								–49
Investment income 23							421								123								236
Share of result from associates and joint ventures 7							88								492								138
Result on disposal of group companies 24							1								2								195
Other income 25							173								66								97
Total income							17,902								18,007								15,214
Addition to loan loss provisions 6							974								1,347								1,594
Staff expenses 26							5,039								4,972								5,788
Other operating expenses 27							5,575								4,354								4,471
Total expenses							11,588								10,673								11,853
Result before tax from continuing operations							6,314								7,334								3,361
Taxation 36							1,705								1,924								859
Net result from continuing operations							4,609								5,410								2,502
Discontinued operations 28
Net result from discontinued operations															800								667
Net result from classification as discontinued operations															3								–470
Net result from disposal of discontinued operations							441								–879								–1,572
Total net result from discontinued operations							441								–76								–1,375
Net result (before non-controlling interests)							5,050								5,334								1,127
Net result attributable to Non-controlling interests							75								408								164
Net result attributable to Equityholders of the parent							4,975								4,926								963

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts.

Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ for information on Changes in presentation of the Consolidated annual accounts and related notes.

 

		F-5		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Consolidated statement of profit or loss - continued

 

 

 

in EUR million		2016				2015				2014
Net result attributable to Non-controlling interests
– from continuing operations			75				69				79
– from discontinued operations							339				85
			75				408				164
Net result attributable to Equityholders of the parent
– from continuing operations			4,534				5,341				2,423
– from discontinued operations			441				–415				–1,460
			4,975				4,926				963
in EUR		2016				2015				2014
Earnings per ordinary share 29
Basic earnings per ordinary share			1.28				1.28				0.06
Diluted earnings per ordinary share			1.28				1.27				0.06
Earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations 29
Basic earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations			1.17				1.39				0.44
Diluted earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations			1.17				1.38				0.43
Dividend per ordinary share 30			0.66				0.65				0.12

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts.

Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ for information on Changes in presentation of the Consolidated annual accounts and related notes.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-6

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Consolidated statement of

comprehensive income

 

 

for the years ended 31 December

 

in EUR million		2016				2015				2014
Net result (before non-controlling interests)			5,050				5,334				1,127
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to the statement of profit or loss:
Unrealised revaluations property in own use			5				35				–30
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset/liability 35			–65				24				–289
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to the statement of profit or loss:
Unrealised revaluations available-for-sale investments and other revaluations			61				–414				6,981
Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss			–146				–92				–139
Changes in cash flow hedge reserve			77				–724				2,394
Transfer to insurance liabilities/DAC							601				–2,146
Exchange rate differences			–254				1,697				2,374
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures and other income			–14				–5				43
Total comprehensive income			4,714				6,456				10,315
Comprehensive income attributable to:
Non-controlling interests							534				1,266
Equityholders of the parent			4,714				5,922				9,049
			4,714				6,456				10,315

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts.

Reference is made to Note 36 ‘Taxation’ for the disclosure on the income tax effects on each component of the other comprehensive income.

 

		F-7		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Consolidated statement of changes

in equity

 

 

 

in EUR million		Share capital and share premium				Other reserves				Retained earnings				Shareholders’ equity (parent)				Non- controlling interests				Total equity
Balance as at 1 January 2016			16,982				5,759				22,231				44,972				638				45,610
Unrealised revaluations available-for-sale investments and other revaluations							80								80				–19				61
Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss							–146								–146								–146
Changes in cash flow hedge reserve							111								111				–34				77
Unrealised revaluations property in own use							5								5								5
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset/liability 35							–65								–65								–65
Exchange rate differences							–232								–232				–22				–254
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures and other income							251				–265				–14								–14
Total amount recognised directly in other comprehensive income							4				–265				–261				–75				–336
Net result from continuing and discontinued operations							124				4,851				4,975				75				5,050
Total comprehensive income							128				4,586				4,714								4,714
Dividends 30											–2,521				–2,521				–32				–2,553
Changes in treasury shares							10								10								10
Employee stock option and share plans			7								75				82								82
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes
Balance as at 31 December 2016			16,989				5,897				24,371				47,257				606				47,863

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts.

Changes in individual Reserve components are presented in Note 19 ‘Equity’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-8

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Consolidated statement of changes in equity - continued

 

 

 

in EUR million		Share capital and share premium				Other reserves				Retained earnings				Shareholders’ equity (parent)				Non- controlling interests				Total equity
Balance as at 1 January 2015			16,971				11,213				19,370				47,554				8,047				55,601
Unrealised revaluations available-for-sale investments and other revaluations							–528								–528				114				–414
Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss							–94								–94				2				–92
Changes in cash flow hedge reserve							–715								–715				–9				–724
Unrealised revaluations property in own use							35								35								35
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset/liability 35							34								34				–10				24
Transfer to insurance liabilities/DAC							609								609				–8				601
Exchange rate differences and other1							1,662								1,662				35				1,697
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures							–7								–7				2				–5
Total amount recognised directly in other comprehensive income							996								996				126				1,122
Net result from continuing and discontinued operations							131				4,795				4,926				408				5,334
Total comprehensive income							1,127				4,795				5,922				534				6,456
Impact of partial divestment of NN Group							–1,499				–258				–1,757				3,030				1,273
Impact of deconsolidation of NN Group							–5,345								–5,345				–10,768				–16,113
Dividends 30											–1,393				–1,393				–118				–1,511
Coupon on Undated subordinated notes issued by NN Group											–19				–19				–15				–34
Changes in treasury shares							28								28								28
Employee stock option and share plans			11								105				116				1				117
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes							235				–369				–134				–73				–207
Balance as at 31 December 2015			16,982				5,759				22,231				44,972				638				45,610

 

1	Exchange rate differences and other include the transfer of Revaluation reserves to Other reserves due to the partial sale of NN Group in February 2015.

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts.

Changes in individual Reserve components are presented in Note 19 ‘Equity’.

 

		F-9		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Consolidated statement of changes in equity - continued

 

 

 

in EUR million		Share capital and share premium				Other reserves				Retained earnings				Shareholders’ equity (parent)				Non-voting equity securities				Non- controlling interests				Total equity
Balance as at 1 January 2014			16,959				1,242				24,074				42,275				1,500				5,913				49,688
Unrealised revaluations available-for-sale investments and other revaluations							5,503								5,503								1,478				6,981
Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss							–133								–133								–6				–139
Changes in cash flow hedge reserve							2,001								2,001								393				2,394
Unrealised revaluations property in own use							–30								–30												–30
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset/liability 35							–254								–254								–35				–289
Transfer to insurance liabilities/DAC							–1,428								–1,428								–718				–2,146
Exchange rate differences and other							2,384								2,384								–10				2,374
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures							–118				161				43												43
Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income							7,925				161				8,086								1,102				9,188
Net result from continuing and discontinued operations							83				880				963								164				1,127
Total comprehensive income							8,008				1,041				9,049								1,266				10,315
Impact of deconsolidation of Voya							87								87								–5,100				–5,013
Impact of IPO NN Group							–1,924				–1,327				–3,251								5,397				2,146
Repayment and premium on non-voting equity securities1											–750				–750				–1,500								–2,250
Dividends																							–44				–44
Impact of issuance Undated subordinated notes issued by NN Group																							986				986
Changes in treasury shares							–14								–14												–14
Employee stock option and share plans			12								87				99								13				112
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes							3,814				–3,755				59								–384				–325
Balance as at 31 December 2014			16,971				11,213				19,370				47,554				–				8,047				55,601

 

1

In 2014, ING Group made the final repayment on the core Tier 1 securities of EUR 1.025 billion to the Dutch State. Including the final payment, the total amount paid to the Dutch State was EUR 13.5 billion, which contained EUR 10 billion in principal and EUR 3.5 billion in interest and premiums and resulted in an annualised return of 12.7% for the Dutch State.

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts.

Changes in individual components are presented in Note 19 ‘Equity’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-10

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Table of Contents

Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

 

for the years ended 31 December

 

in EUR million

2016

2015

2014

Cash flows from operating activities

Result before tax1

6,753

7,403

2,231

Adjusted for:

– depreciation

536

634

692

– change in provisions for insurance and investment contracts

–1,499

–3,527

– addition to loan loss provisions

974

1,347

1,594

– other7

1,084

–1,310

2,363

Taxation paid

–1,603

–1,450

–1,073

Changes in:

– loans and advances to banks, not available on demand

–1,162

6,766

3,360

– trading assets

16,956

5,458

–23,676

– non-trading derivatives

1,812

–303

–3,022

– other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

–3,401

–256

–553

– loans and advances to customers2

–29,656

–23,030

–13,901

– other assets

–915

549

246

– deposits from banks, not payable on demand

–342

5,179

3,353

– customer deposits2

23,493

17,970

19,015

– trading liabilities

–5,634

–8,276

23,855

– other financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

–432

–1,582

–1,018

– provisions and other liabilities7

90

2,977

2,080

Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities

8,553

10,577

12,019

Cash flows from investing activities

Investments and advances:

– associates and joint ventures

–49

–40

–528

– available-for-sale investments

–27,003

–47,858

–85,799

– held-to-maturity investments

–1,731

–3,457

–315

– property and equipment

–351

–353

–375

– assets subject to operating leases

–64

–37

–34

– investments for risk of policyholders

–2,417

–20,598

– other investments

–288

–648

–6,831

Disposals and redemptions:

– group companies (including cash in company disposed)3

–6,926

–1,216

– associates and joint ventures4

1,071

1,175

2,505

– available-for-sale investments5

32,540

52,675

69,444

– held-to-maturity investments

630

1,219

1,172

– property and equipment

63

74

55

– assets subject to operating leases

12

17

3

– investments for risk of policyholders

7,566

28,003

– loans

1,295

3,201

1,167

– other investments

9

5

5,928

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities 31

6,134

4,196

–7,419

 

		F-11		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Consolidated statement of cash flows - continued

 

 

 

in EUR million				2016				2015				2014
Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities					8,553				10,577				12,019
Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities 31					6,134				4,196				–7,419
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from debt securities					106,174				139,424				143,628
Repayments of debt securities					–123,748				–147,337				–149,604
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated loans					2,070				3,159				4,211
Repayments of subordinated loans6					–1,042				–6,092				–3,367
Repayment and premium paid on non-voting equity securities													–2,250
Purchase/sale of treasury shares					10				34				–14
Proceeds from NN Group divestments and related transactions									1,040				2,733
Dividends paid 30					–2,521				–1,393
Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities					–19,057				–11,165				–4,663
Net cash flow					–4,370				3,608				–63
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year					20,379				17,113				17,180
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents					155				–342				–4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 32					16,164				20,379				17,113

 

1	Result before tax includes results from continuing operations of EUR 6,314 million (2015: EUR 7,334 million; 2014: EUR 3,361 million) as well as results from discontinued operations of EUR 439 million (2015: EUR 69 million; 2014: EUR –1,130 million).

2

Changes in cash flows of Loans and advances to customers and Customer deposits are not impacted by the change in accounting policies, as described in Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies in 2016, on the basis that the change in policy does not comprise a change in actual cash flows for the respective periods.

3

In 2015, Disposals and redemptions – group companies included EUR –7,975 million and EUR 997 million related to cash and cash equivalents of NN Group and proceeds from the sale of shares of NN Group resulting in loss of control at the end of May 2015 respectively. (2014: EUR 950 million proceeds from the sale of shares of Voya which resulted in loss of control in the first quarter of 2014).

4

Disposals and redemptions – associates and joint ventures includes EUR 1,016 million proceeds on the further sale of NN Group shares in January 2016 resulting in loss of significant influence over NN Group (2015: EUR 995 million proceeds on the further sale of NN Group shares in September 2015; 2014: EUR 1,940 million proceeds from the sale of Voya shares in September and November 2014).

5	Disposals and redemptions – available-for-sale investments includes EUR 1,375 million proceeds on the divestment of the remaining shareholding in NN Group in April 2016.

6	Included in Repayment of subordinated loans is a cash outflow of EUR 128 million related to the third and final tranche of mandatory exchangeable subordinated notes from the Anchor investors into NN Group ordinary shares in February 2016.

7	The defined contribution payment for pension plans was previously presented in ‘Adjusted for: other’ and is now presented in ‘provisions and other liabilities’. Comparatives have been adjusted accordingly.

As at 31 December 2016, Cash and cash equivalents includes cash and balances with central banks of EUR 18,144 million (2015: EUR 21,458 million; 2014: EUR 12,233 million). The decrease in cash and balances with central banks is as a result of the lowering of excess liquidity and negative interest rates. Reference is made to Note 32 ‘Cash and cash equivalents’.

Comparison of the Consolidated cash flow statements between 2016, 2015 and 2014 is impacted by NN Group. Included in the 2015 and 2014 cash flow statements respectively, are the NN Group cash flows for five months until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015 and NN Group cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2014, respectively.

References relate to the accompanying notes. These form an integral part of the Consolidated annual accounts.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-12

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Table of Contents

Consolidated statement of cash flows - continued

 

 

 

Interest and dividend received and paid
		2016				2015				2014
Interest received			44,470				46,884				51,301
Interest paid			–31,702				–34,306				–38,001
			12,768				12,578				13,300
Dividend received			123				116				61
Dividend paid			–2,521				–1,393				–

Interest received, interest paid and dividends received are included in operating activities in the cash flow statement. Dividend paid is included in financing activities in the cash flow statement.

 

		F-13		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements

 

 

amounts in millions of euros, unless stated otherwise

2.1. Notes to the Consolidated financial statement

2.1.1 Notes to the accounting policies

Reporting entity

ING Groep N.V. is a company domiciled in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Commercial Register of Amsterdam, number 33231073. These Consolidated annual accounts, as at and for the year ended 31 December 2016, comprise ING Groep N.V. (the Parent company) and its subsidiaries, together referred to as ING Group. ING Group is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering a wide range of retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 40 countries.

Authorisation of the Consolidated annual accounts

The ING Group Consolidated annual accounts, for the year ended 31 December 2016, were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Executive Board on 13 March 2017. The Executive Board may decide to amend the annual accounts as long as these are not adopted by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The General Meeting of Shareholders may decide not to adopt the annual accounts, but may not amend these.

Basis of preparation of the Consolidated annual accounts

ING Group prepares financial information in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board for purposes of reporting with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including financial information contained in this Annual report on Form 20-F. The term ‘IFRS-IASB’ is used to refer to International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, including the decisions ING Group made with regard to the options available under IFRS-IASB.

IFRS-IASB provides several options in accounting policies. The key areas in which IFRS-IASB allows accounting policy choices and the related ING accounting policy, are summarised as follows:

 

•

ING’s accounting policy for Real estate investments is fair value, with changes in fair value reflected immediately in the profit and loss account; and

 

•

ING’s accounting policy for Property for own use is fair value, with changes in fair value reflected in the revaluation reserve in equity (‘Other comprehensive income’). A net negative revaluation on individual properties is reflected immediately in the profit and loss account.

ING Group’s accounting policies under IFRS-IASB and its decision on the options available are included in the section ‘Principles of valuation and determination of results’ below. Except for the options included above, the principles in section ‘Principles of valuation and determination of results’ are IFRS-IASB and do not include other significant accounting policy choices made by ING. The accounting policies that are most significant to ING are included in section ‘Critical accounting policies’.

1 Accounting policies

a) Changes in accounting policies in 2016

ING Group has consistently applied its accounting policies to all periods presented in these Consolidated annual accounts. Other than the change in accounting policy related to ‘Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities’, as described below, there were no changes in accounting policies, effective from 1 January 2016, that materially impact ING Group.

Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities

IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ prescribes that a financial asset and a financial liability shall be offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off and in addition an ‘intention to settle on a net basis’ simultaneously (IAS 32.42). ING has both the legally enforceable right (by contract) to set off the amounts under notional cash pooling arrangement as well as the intention to settle on a net basis. IFRS is principle based and does not prescribe how the intention to settle on a net basis is evidenced.

In April 2016, an Agenda Rejection Notice (ARN) was published by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) on balance sheet offsetting of notional Cash Pooling products. The issue in the ARN relates to the question whether certain cash pooling arrangements would meet the requirements for offsetting under IAS 32. The IFRIC provided further clarification that the transfer of balances into a netting account should occur at the period end to demonstrate an intention to settle on a net basis.

As a result of the ARN, which is applicable from 6 April 2016, ING has changed its accounting policy and practice, and therefore as a result performs physical transfers of cash balances of certain clients subject to cash pooling arrangements into a single netting account on a period end basis to evidence the intention to settle net. This change in accounting policy is accounted for retrospectively. Comparative amounts are adjusted accordingly with further information as set out below.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-14

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Summary of impact of changes in accounting policies

The change in the accounting policy, as described above, has no impact on the Consolidated statements of profit or loss (including earnings and diluted earnings per ordinary share), statements of comprehensive income, statements of cash flows and the statements of changes in equity.

Comparative amounts in the Consolidated statements of financial position are impacted in the line items Loans and advances to customers, Total assets, Customer deposits and Total liabilities. These line items increase by EUR 163,464 million and EUR 185,801 million as at 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 respectively.

Reference is made to the Consolidated statement of financial position, Note 6 ‘Loans and advances to customers’, Note 13 ‘Customer deposits’, Note 34 ‘Information on geographical areas’, Note 37 ‘Fair value of assets and liabilities’, Note 39 ‘Assets by contractual maturities’, Note 40 ‘Liabilities by maturity’ and Note 43 ‘Offsetting financial assets and liabilities’.

b) Changes in presentation of the Consolidated annual accounts and related notes

Following further restructuring and deconsolidation of the insurance business in 2014 and 2015, ING Group revised its presentation of the Consolidated annual accounts to best present its core business and related results. Where relevant, comparative amounts are adjusted accordingly. The main changes in the presentation of the Consolidated annual accounts and related notes are as follows:

 

•

The primary statements and other terms used in these statements are renamed as follows:

 

•

The ‘Consolidated balance sheet’ is renamed to ‘Consolidated statement of financial position’;

 

•

The line item ‘Amounts due from banks’ is renamed to ‘Loans and advances to banks’:

 

•

The line item ‘Amounts due to banks’ is renamed to ‘Deposits from banks’;

 

•

The line item ‘Customer deposits and other funds on deposit’ is renamed to ‘Customer deposits’;

 

•

The line item ‘Minority interest’ is renamed to ‘Non-controlling interest’;

 

•

The ‘Consolidated profit and loss account’ is renamed to ‘Consolidated statement of profit or loss’; and

 

•

The naming of income and expense line items, specifically related to Interest and Commission, were simplified for further clarification.

 

•

The Consolidated statement of financial position is changed as follows:

 

•

The order of line items presented is changed to present assets, liabilities and equity in order of liquidity;

 

•

The line item ‘Real estate investments’ is now included in the line item ‘Other assets’ and renamed to ‘Investment properties’;

 

•

‘Current and deferred tax assets and–liabilities’ are now separately presented (previously included in the line items ‘Other assets and -liabilities’);

 

•

‘Provisions’, as previously included in the line item ‘Other liabilities’, are now separately presented;

 

•

The line item ‘Subordinated loans’ includes the line item ‘Other borrowed funds’ (previously separately presented);

 

•

The presentation of equity is changed to more granularly present the components of ‘Shareholder’s equity (parent)’; and

 

•

The asset line items Loans and advances to banks, Loans and advances to customers, and the liability line items Deposits from banks, Customer deposits, previously included amounts for Items to be settled. The Items to be settled amounts are now included in Other assets and Other liabilities respectively. On the basis of materiality, comparative amounts as at 31 December 2015 and 2014 have not been adjusted.

 

•

The Consolidated statement of profit or loss is changed as follows:

 

•

The order of line items presented is changed to present the components of ‘Total income’ more in line with the core business of ING;

 

•

Valuation results on non-trading derivatives and Net trading income have been combined into one line;

 

•

Interest income on trading portfolio has been split into two lines: ‘Interest income on trading derivatives’ and ‘Interest income on other trading portfolio’; and

 

•

Interest expense on trading liabilities has been split into two lines: ‘Interest expense on trading derivatives’ and ‘Interest expense on other trading portfolio’.

 

•

The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

•

The defined contribution payment for pension plans was previously presented in ‘Adjusted for: other’ and is now presented in ‘provisions and other liabilities’. Comparatives have been adjusted accordingly.

c) Changes in IFRS effective in 2016

ING Group has applied a number of interpretations and amendments to standards for the first time for the annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016. Apart from the accounting policy change described above, the implementation of these changes had an insignificant impact on the consolidated financial position, net result, other comprehensive income and related disclosures of ING Group. ING Group has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment which has been issued, but is not yet effective.

d) Upcoming changes in IFRS after 2016

Changes to IFRS effective in 2017

On 1 January 2017, amendments to IFRS become effective. The implementation of these amendments will have no significant impact on ING Group’s results or financial position.

 

		F-15		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The list of upcoming changes to IFRS, which are applicable for ING Group:

 

•

Amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’: Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised;

 

•

Amendments to IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows: Disclosure Initiative’; and

 

•

Annual improvement cycle 2014 – 2016

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ was issued by the IASB in July 2014. IFRS 9 will replace IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ and includes requirements for classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, impairment of financial assets, and hedge accounting. The new requirements become effective as of 1 January 2018. ING Group has decided to apply the classification, measurement and impairment requirements retrospectively by adjusting the opening balance sheet and opening equity at 1 January 2018, with no restatement of comparative periods. ING has also chosen not to early adopt changes introduced by IFRS 9 for financial liabilities where movements in own credit for financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss will be presented in other comprehensive income.

IFRS 9 Program governance and status

The structure of the IFRS 9 Program has been set-up based on the three pillars of the IFRS 9 standard: Classification and Measurement, Impairment, and Hedge Accounting. These central work streams consist of experts from Finance, Risk, Bank Treasury, Operations and the business. The IFRS 9 Technical Board consists of the heads of various Finance and Risk functions supporting the IFRS 9 Steering Committee by reviewing the interpretations of IFRS 9, the central guidance and instructions as prepared by the central work streams. The IFRS 9 Steering Committee is the key decision making body and consists of senior managers from Group Finance, Finance Operations, Retail Banking, Credit & Trading Risk, Risk Operations, Bank Treasury, Balance Sheet Risk Management, and Wholesale Banking Lending Services. In addition, an international IFRS 9 network has been created within ING to connect all countries with the central team to ensure consistency in implementation. The Management Banking Board and the Audit Committee are periodically updated about IFRS 9 and will be actively involved in future decisions.

The IFRS 9 Program is being implemented across functions, businesses and countries. The Group Accounting policies are being updated to align with IFRS 9. In 2017, parallel runs will be performed to ensure IFRS 9 readiness on 1 January 2018.

Classification and Measurement

IFRS 9 is built on a single classification and measurement approach for financial assets that reflects the business model in which they are managed and their cash flow characteristics. Financial assets are therefore classified in their entirety rather than being subject to complex bifurcation requirements.

Two criteria are used to determine how financial assets should be classified and measured at Amortised Cost, Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI) or Fair Value through Profit and Loss (FVPL):

 

1.	The Business Model assessment is performed to determine how a portfolio of financial instruments as a whole is managed in order to classify it as Hold to Collect, Hold to Collect & Sell or Other Business Model; and

 

2.	Contractual cash flow characteristics test is performed to determine whether the financial instruments give rise to cash flows that are analysed to check if they meet the Solely Payments of Principal and Interest (SPPI) test.

In 2016, the central team finalised a Business Model Blueprint based on the structure of the organisation and all the entities across the Group through discussions with various parties from the business, finance, and risk functions. The central team created and communicated the Business Model templates that were later tailored by local project teams to fit the local organisation as well as local business structure and product offering.

The central team also finalised an approach for performing the SPPI test and is in the process of performing a detailed analysis of the cash flow characteristics of our financial assets to detect whether they meet SPPI criteria. The SPPI test is performed on groups of assets that have a set of similar characteristics resulting in a homogenous population. Where testing is being performed at a local level, these local teams are trained and supported by the central team to ensure IFRS 9 is understood and implemented consistently across the Group.

The focus in 2017 will be finalising SPPI testing and formalising the governance to embed the changes brought by IFRS 9 into everyday business and financial reporting cycles to ensure ongoing compliance.

Impact

ING is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 9 on the classification and measurement of its financial assets. The classification and measurement of financial liabilities remains essentially the same as under IAS 39.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-16

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Impairment

The expected credit loss (ECL) model is more forward-looking, than the incurred loss model under IAS 39. The ECL estimates are required to be unbiased, probability-weighted, and should include supportable information about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. The ECL should reflect multiple macroeconomic scenarios and include the time value of money. The ECL model applies to all on-balance financial assets accounted for at amortised cost and FVOCI such as loans and debt securities, as well as off-balance items such as certain loan commitments, financial guarantees, and undrawn revolving credit facilities.

Three stage approach

ING Group will apply the IFRS 9 three stage approach to measure expected credit losses:

 

•

Stage 1: 12 month ECL – performing

Financial instruments that have not had a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition require, at initial recognition, a provision for ECL associated with the probability of default events occurring within the next 12 months (12 month ECL).

 

•

Stage 2: Lifetime ECL – under-performing

In the event of a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a provision is required for ECL resulting from all possible default events over the expected life of the financial instrument (Lifetime ECL).

 

•

Stage 3: Lifetime ECL – non-performing

Financial instruments that move into Stage 3 once credit impaired and purchases of credit impaired assets will require a Lifetime ECL provision.

Key concepts

ING Group aims to align the definition of credit impaired under IFRS 9 with the definition of default for prudential purposes and IAS 39 provisioning. ING Group considers a financial asset credit-impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of that financial asset have occurred.

ING Group established a framework for whether an asset has a significant increase in credit risk. Each asset will be assessed at the reporting date on the triggers for significant deterioration. ING Group intends to assess significant increase in credit risk using a delta in the lifetime default probability, forbearance status, watch list status, arrears and the more than 30 days past due backstop for stage 1 to stage 2 transfers. The stage allocation will be implemented in the central credit risk systems. In 2017 analyses on the movements between stages in both directions will be performed.

Measurement

The calculation of ECL will be based on ING Group’s expected loss models (PD, LGD, EAD) currently used for regulatory capital, economic capital and collective provisions in the current IAS 39 framework. The IFRS 9 ECL model builds on existing IRB models, removes embedded prudential conservatism (such as PD floors), and includes forward-looking point in time information based on macroeconomic indicators, such as unemployment rates and GDP growth. The expected loss parameters will be determined by using historical statistical relationships and macroeconomic predictions. For the small portfolios outside the IRB approach, existing framework for loan loss provisions will be applied to set the parameters to measure credit risk. The lifetime risk assessment will be based on historical observations enriched with forward looking information. The data series will be shorter compared to the assets under the IRB approach.

To measure ECL, ING Group applies a PD x EAD x LGD approach. For stage 1 assets a forward-looking approach on a 12 month horizon will be applied. For stage 2 assets a lifetime view on the underlying parameters is taken. The Lifetime Expected Loss (LEL) is the discounted sum of the portions of lifetime losses related to default events within each time window of 12 months. For stage three the PD equals 100% and the LGD and EAD represent a lifetime view of the characteristics of facilities that are in default.

In 2016, enhanced data was collected from all source systems around within ING and significant progress has been made in the central implementation of IFRS 9 concepts in the central credit risk system. Furthermore, ING Group’s asset portfolios are split into a number of sub-portfolios based on asset class and jurisdiction (e.g. mortgages in the Netherlands) in order to accurately measure ECL.

Impact

Based on the IFRS 9 ECL model a more volatile impairment charge is expected on the back of macroeconomic predictions. Financial assets with high risk long maturity profiles are expected to be subject to the biggest impact. A 12-month ECL will be recognized for all financial assets that have not had a significant increase in credit risk. IFRS 9 requires to calculate lifetime ECL for those assets with a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition but are not credit impaired at the reporting date (i.e. Stage 2). This category did not exist under IAS 39. These factors combined with off-balance sheet items also in scope of the ECL model will likely result in an increase in the total level of impairment allowances.

ING expects that any negative effect on equity may be partly offset by the release of expected loss elements currently included in the calculation of regulatory capital (i.e. the regulatory shortfall). As the impact cannot be quantified reliably as of 31 December 2016, ING intends to quantify the potential impact of IFRS 9 no later than in the Annual Report 2017.

 

		F-17		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Hedge Accounting

The IFRS 9 hedge accounting requirements aim to simplify general hedge accounting requirements. Furthermore, IFRS 9 aims to align hedge accounting more closely with risk management. All micro hedge accounting strategies as well as the macro cash flow hedge accounting are in scope of IFRS 9. Macro fair value hedging is not in scope of IFRS 9.

ING Group performed an assessment of the impact of the new hedge accounting requirements. Based on the outcome of this assessment, ING Group has made a decision to continue applying IAS 39 for hedge accounting including the application of the EU carve out as explicitly permitted by IFRS 9. ING Group will implement the revised hedge accounting disclosures as required by IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ as per 1 January 2018.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January. IFRS 15 introduces a Five-step approach for recognising revenue as and when the agreed performance obligations are satisfied. Agreed performance obligations are individual promises made to the customer that delivers benefit from the customers perspective. Revenue should either be recognised at a point-in-time or over-time depending on the service being delivered to the customer. The standard may be applied retrospectively, although transitional relief is available.. Fees related to the effective yield of the loan which is presented in Interest income and bank guarantee fees are not in the scope of IFRS 15. ING is currently assessing the revenue stream commission income but no significant impact is expected.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ the new accounting standard for leases. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and will replace IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and IFRIC 4 ‘Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease’. The new standard removes for lessee accounting, the distinction between operating or finance leases, resulting in all leases being treated as finance leases. All leases will be recognised on the statement of financial position with the optional exceptions for short-term leases with a lease term of less than 12 months and leases of low-value assets (for example mobile phones or laptops). A lessee is required to recognise a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. The main reason for this change is that this approach will result in a more comparable representation of a lessee’s assets and liabilities in relation to other companies and, together with enhanced disclosures, will provide greater transparency of a lessee’s financial leverage and capital employed. The standard permits a lessee to choose either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition approach. Furthermore the standard provides some practical options and exemptions to ease the costs of transition. Lessor accounting remains substantially unchanged. ING will adopt the standard at its effective date and is currently assessing the impact of this standard.

Reconciliation between IFRS-EU and IFRS-IASB

The published 2015 Annual Accounts of ING Group are prepared in accordance with IFRS-EU. IFRS-EU refers to International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (EU), including the decisions ING Group made with regard to the options available under IFRS as adopted by the EU. IFRS-EU differs from IFRS-IASB in respect of certain paragraphs in IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ regarding hedge accounting for portfolio hedges of interest rate risk.

Under IFRS-EU, ING Group applies fair value hedge accounting for portfolio hedges of interest rate risk (fair value macro hedges) in accordance with the EU carve out version of IAS 39. Under the EU IAS 39 carve-out, hedge accounting may be applied, in respect of fair value macro hedges, to core deposits and hedge ineffectiveness is only recognised when the revised estimate of the amount of cash flows in scheduled time buckets falls below the original designated amount of that bucket and is not recognised when the revised amount of cash flows in scheduled time buckets is more than the original designated amount. Under IFRS-IASB, hedge accounting for fair value macro hedges cannot be applied to core deposits and ineffectiveness arises whenever the revised estimate of the amount of cash flows in scheduled time buckets is either more or less than the original designated amount of that bucket.

This information is prepared by reversing the hedge accounting impacts that are applied under the EU ‘carve out’ version of IAS 39. Financial information under IFRS-IASB accordingly does not take account of the possibility that had ING Group applied IFRS-IASB as its primary accounting framework it might have applied alternative hedge strategies where those alternative hedge strategies could have qualified for IFRS-IASB compliant hedge accounting. These decisions could have resulted in different shareholders’ equity and net result amounts compared to those indicated in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

NN Group has fair value macro hedges for which ING Group applies fair value hedge accounting. As a result of this the impact sales of NN Group shares have on Equity and Result under IFRS-EU, differ from the impact these sales have on Equity and Result under IFRS-IASB. Other than for SEC reporting, ING Group intends to continue to prepare its Consolidated Annual Accounts under IFRS-EU.

A reconciliation between IFRS-EU and IFRS-IASB is included below.

Both IFRS-EU and IFRS-IASB differ in several areas from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-18

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Reconciliation shareholders’ equity under IFRS-EU and IFRS-IASB
		Total Equity
		2016				2015				2014
In accordance with IFRS-EU			49,793				47,832				51,344
Adjustment of the EU IAS 39 carve-out			–3,472				–3,883				–5,117
Tax effect of the adjustment			936				1,023				1,327
Effect of adjustment after tax			–2,536				–2,860				–3,790
Shareholders’ equity			47,257				44,972				47,554
Non-voting equity securities
Non-controlling interests			606				638				8,047
In accordance with IFRS-IASB Total Equity			47,863				45,610				55,601

 

Reconciliation net result under IFRS-EU and IFRS-IASB
		Net result
		2016				2015				2014
In accordance with IFRS-EU			4,651				4,010				1,251
Adjustment of the EU IAS 39 carve-out			411				1,205				–419
Tax effect of the adjustment			–87				–289				131
Effect of adjustment after tax			324				916				–288
In accordance with IFRS-IASB (attributable to the equityholders of the parent)			4,975				4,926				963
Non-controlling interests			75				408				164
In accordance with IFRS-IASB Total net result			5,050				5,334				1,127

e) Critical accounting policies

ING Group has identified the accounting policies that are most critical to its business operations and to the understanding of its results. These critical accounting policies are those which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, and relate to loan loss provisions, goodwill impairments, provisions, and the determination of the fair values of financial assets and liabilities. In each case, the determination of these items is fundamental to the financial condition and results of operations, and requires management to make complex judgements based on information and financial data that may change in future periods. As a result, determinations regarding these items involve the use of assumptions and subjective judgements as to future events and are subject to change, as the use of different assumptions or data could produce significantly different results. For a further discussion of the application of these accounting policies, reference is made to the applicable notes to the consolidated financial statements and the information in section f) ‘Principles of valuation and determination of results’.

Loan loss provisions

Loan loss provisions are recognised based on an incurred loss model. Considerable judgement is exercised in determining the extent of the loan loss provision (impairment) and is based on management’s evaluation of the risk in the portfolio, current economic conditions, loss experience in recent years and credit, industry, geographical, and concentration trends. Changes in such judgements and analyses may lead to changes in the loan loss provisions over time.

The identification of impairment and the determination of the recoverable amount are inherently uncertain processes involving various assumptions and factors including the financial condition of the counterparty, expected future cash flows, observable market prices, and expected net selling prices.

Future cash flows in a portfolio of financial assets that are collectively evaluated for impairment, are estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the assets in the portfolio and historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to those in the portfolio. Historical loss experience is adjusted on the basis of current observable data to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not affect the period on which the historical loss experience is based and to remove the effects of conditions in the historical period that do not exist currently. Current observable data may include changes in unemployment rates, property prices, and commodity prices. The methodology and assumptions used for estimating future cash flows are reviewed regularly to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual loss experience.

 

		F-19		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Goodwill impairment

ING assesses at each reporting period, whether there is an indication that an intangible asset may be impaired. Irrespective of whether there is an indication of impairment, intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, goodwill acquired in a business combination, and intangible assets not yet available for use, are tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to groups of CGUs (that is, the group of cash generating units or CGUs) for the purpose of impairment testing. These groups of CGUs represent the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the group of CGUs to the best estimate of the recoverable amount of that group of CGUs. The carrying value is determined as the IFRS net asset value including goodwill. The recoverable amount is estimated as the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. Several methodologies are applied to arrive at the best estimate of the recoverable amount. Impairment of goodwill, if applicable, is included in the statement of profit or loss in Other operating expenses.

The identification and measurement of impairment is an inherently uncertain process involving various assumptions and factors, including financial condition of the counterparty, expected future cash flows, statistical loss data, discount rates, observable market prices, etc. Estimates and assumptions are based on management’s judgement and other information available prior to the issuance of the financial statements. Significantly different results can occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known.

Provisions

A provision involves a present obligation arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits, however the timing or the amount is uncertain. Provisions are discounted when the effect of the time value of money is significant using a pre-tax discount rate. The recognition and measurement of provisions is an inherently uncertain process involving determining when a present obligation exists and estimates regarding amounts and timing of cash flows. Even in consultation with legal experts, the amount provisioned can remain sensitive to the assumptions used which may have a range of outcomes that is difficult to quantify.

Reorganisation provisions include employee termination benefits when the Group is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal, or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy.

A liability is recognised for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation, occurs. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the liability is recognised only upon reaching the specified minimum threshold.

Fair values of financial assets and liabilities

All the financial assets and liabilities are recognised initially at fair value, whereas financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading or designated at fair value through profit or loss and financial assets classified as available-for-sale are subsequently measured at fair value in financial statements.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It uses the assumptions that market participants would use and takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability that market participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities are based on unadjusted quoted market prices where available. Such quoted market prices are primarily obtained from exchange prices for listed financial instruments. Where an exchange price is not available, quoted prices in an active market may be obtained from independent market vendors, brokers, or market makers. In general, positions are valued at the bid price for a long position and at the offer price for a short position or are valued at the price within the bid-offer spread that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances. In some cases where positions are marked at mid-market prices, a fair value adjustment is calculated. When markets are less liquid there may be a range of prices for the same security from different price sources, selecting the most appropriate price requires judgement and could result in different estimates of fair value.

For certain financial assets and liabilities quoted market prices are not available. For these financial assets and liabilities, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques range from discounting of cash flows to various valuation models, where relevant pricing factors including the market price of underlying reference instruments, market parameters (volatilities, correlations and credit ratings) and customer behaviour are taken into account. ING maximises the use of market observable inputs and minimises the use of unobservable input in determining the fair value. It can be subjective dependent on the significance of the unobservable input to the overall valuation. All valuation techniques used are subject to internal review and approval. Most data used in these valuation techniques are validated on a daily basis.

When a group of financial assets and financial liabilities are managed on the basis of their net risk exposures, it measures the fair value of a group of financial assets and liabilities on net portfolio basis.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-20

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

To include credit risk in the fair value, ING applies both credit and debit valuation adjustments (CVA, DVA). Own issued debt and structured notes that are measured at fair value are adjusted for credit risk by means of a DVA. Additionally, derivatives valued at fair value are adjusted for credit risk by a CVA. The CVA is of a bilateral nature as both the credit risk on the counterparty as well as the credit risk on ING are included in the adjustment. All input data that is used in the determination of the CVA is based on market implied data. Additionally, wrong-way risk (when exposure to a counterparty is increasing and the credit quality of that counterparty deteriorates) and right-way risk (when exposure to a counterparty is increasing and the credit quality of that counterparty improves) are taken into account in the measurement of the valuation adjustment. ING applies an additional ‘funding valuation adjustment’ (FVA) based on the market price of funding liquidity and is applied to the uncollateralised derivatives.

Valuation techniques are subjective in nature and significant judgement is involved in establishing fair values for certain financial assets and liabilities. Valuation techniques involve various assumptions regarding pricing factors. The use of different valuation techniques and assumptions could produce significantly different estimates of fair value.

Price testing is performed to assess whether the process of valuation has led to an appropriate fair value of the position and to an appropriate reflection of these valuations in the statement of profit or loss. Price testing is performed to minimise the potential risks for economic losses due to incorrect or misused models.

Reference is made to Note 37 ‘Fair value of assets and liabilities’ and the section ‘Risk management – Market risk’, paragraph ‘Fair values of financial assets and liabilities’ for the basis of the determination of the fair value of financial instruments and related sensitivities.

f) Principles of valuation and determination of results

Consolidation

ING Group (the Group) comprises ING Groep N.V. (the Parent Company), ING Bank N.V. and all other subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements of ING Group comprise the accounts of ING Groep N.V. and all entities in which it either owns, directly or indirectly, more than half of the voting power or over which it has control of their operating and financial policies through situations including, but not limited to:

 

•

Ability to appoint or remove the majority of the board of directors;

 

•

Power to govern such policies under statute or agreement; and

 

•

Power over more than half of the voting rights through an agreement with other investors.

Control exists if ING Group is exposed to variable returns and having the ability to affect those returns through power over the investee.

A list of principal subsidiaries is included in Note 47 ‘Principal subsidiaries’.

A list containing the information referred to in Section 379 (1), Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code has been filed with the office of the Commercial Register of Amsterdam, in accordance with Section 379 (5), Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered in assessing whether the Group controls another entity.

For interests in investment vehicles, the existence of control is determined taking into account both ING Group’s financial interests for own risk and its role as investment manager.

The results of the operations and the net assets of subsidiaries are included in the statement of profit or loss and the statement of financial position from the date control is obtained until the date control is lost. On disposal, the difference between the sales proceeds, net of directly attributable transaction costs, and the net assets is included in net result.

A subsidiary which ING Group has agreed to sell but is still legally owned by ING Group may still be controlled by ING Group at the balance sheet date and therefore, still be included in the consolidation. Such a subsidiary may be presented as a held for sale disposal group if certain conditions are met.

All intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised surpluses and deficits on transactions between group companies are eliminated to the extent that there is no impairment. Where necessary, the accounting policies used by subsidiaries are changed to ensure consistency with group policies. In general, the reporting dates of subsidiaries are the same as the reporting date of ING Groep N.V.

 

		F-21		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

ING Groep N.V. and its Dutch group companies are subject to legal restrictions regarding the amount of dividends they can pay to their shareholders. The Dutch Civil Code contains the restriction that dividends can only be paid up to an amount equal to the excess of the company’s own funds over the sum of the paid-up capital and reserves required by law. Additionally, certain Group companies are subject to restrictions on the amount of funds they may transfer in the form of dividends, or otherwise, to the parent company.

Furthermore, in addition to the restrictions in respect of minimum capital requirements that are imposed by industry regulators in the countries in which the subsidiaries operate, other limitations exist in certain countries.

Use of estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements necessitates the use of estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and the amounts of the contingent liabilities at the balance sheet date, as well as reported income and expenses for the year. The actual outcome may differ from these estimates.

The process of setting assumptions is subject to internal control procedures and approvals, and takes into account internal and external studies, industry statistics, environmental factors and trends, and regulatory requirements.

Segment reporting

A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group, engaged in providing products or services, subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other segments monitored by management. A geographical area is a distinguishable component of the Group engaged in providing products or services within a particular economic environment that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of segments operating in other economic environments. The geographical analyses are based on the location of the office from which the transactions are originated.

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is ING Group’s presentation currency.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transactions. Exchange rate differences resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the statement of profit or loss, except when deferred in equity as part of qualifying cash flow hedges or qualifying net investment hedges.

Exchange rate differences on non-monetary items, measured at fair value through profit or loss, are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. Non-monetary items are retranslated at the date fair value is determined. Exchange rate differences on non-monetary items measured at fair value through the revaluation reserve are included in the revaluation reserve in equity.

Exchange rate differences in the statement of profit or loss are generally included in Valuation results and net trading income. Reference is made to Note 22 ‘Valuation results and net trading income’, which discloses the amounts included in the statement of profit or loss. Exchange rate differences relating to the disposal of available-for-sale debt and equity securities are considered to be an inherent part of the capital gains and losses recognised in Investment income. As mentioned below, in Group companies relating to the disposals of group companies, any exchange rate difference deferred in equity is recognised in the statement of profit or loss in Result on disposal of group companies. Reference is also made to Note 19 ‘Equity’, which discloses the amounts included in the statement of profit or loss.

Group companies

The results and financial positions of all group companies that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

•

Assets and liabilities included in each statement of financial position are translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position;

 

•

Income and expenses included in each statement of profit or loss are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions); and

 

•

All resulting exchange rate differences are recognised in a separate component of equity.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-22

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

On consolidation, exchange rate differences arising from the translation of a monetary item that forms part of the net investment in a foreign operation, and of borrowings and other instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are taken to shareholders’ equity. When a foreign operation is sold, the corresponding exchange rate differences are recognised in the statement of profit or loss as part of the gain or loss on sale.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date.

Recognition and derecognition of financial instruments

Recognition of financial assets

All purchases and sales of financial assets classified at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity and available-for-sale that require delivery within the time frame established by regulation or market convention (‘regular way’ purchases and sales) are recognised at trade date, which is the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Loans and receivables are recognised at settlement date, which is the date on which the Group receives or delivers the asset.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or where the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a financial asset, it derecognises the financial asset if it no longer has control over the asset.

Realised gains and losses on financial assets

For financial assets at amortised cost, realised gains and losses on investments are determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and (amortised) cost. For available-for-sale financial assets, the accumulated fair value adjustments in other comprehensive income are included in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is disposed. For equity securities, the cost is determined using a weighted average per portfolio. For debt securities, the cost is determined by specific identification.

Recognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are recognised on the date that the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Such contracts generally are not recognised unless one of the parties has performed or the contract is a derivative contract not exempted from the scope of IAS 39.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities removed from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability that has been extinguished and the consideration paid is recognised in profit or loss.

Classification of financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include equity securities, debt securities, derivatives, loans and receivable, and other, and comprise the following sub-categories: trading assets, non-trading derivatives, and financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss by management. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss comprise the following sub-categories: trading liabilities, non-trading derivatives, and other financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss by management. Trading liabilities include equity securities, debt securities, funds on deposit and derivatives.

A financial asset or financial liability is classified at fair value through profit or loss if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if designated by management as such. Management will make this designation only if this eliminates a measurement inconsistency or if the related assets and liabilities are managed on a fair value basis.

Transaction costs on initial recognition are expensed as incurred. Interest income and expense from financial instruments is classified at fair value through profit or loss is recognised in Interest income and Valuation results and net trading income in the statement of profit or loss, using the effective interest method.

Dividend income from equity instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss is generally recognised in Investment income in the statement of profit or loss when the dividend has been declared. For derivatives reference is made to the ‘Derivatives and hedge accounting’ section.

 

		F-23		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Investments

Investments (including loans quoted in active markets) are classified either as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale and are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. Investment debt securities and loans quoted in active markets with fixed maturity where management has both the intent and the ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity. Investment securities and actively traded loans intended to be held for an indefinite period of time, which may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or changes in interest rates, exchange rates or equity prices, are classified as available-for-sale financial assets.

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets include available-for-sale debt securities and available-for-sale equity securities. Available-for-sale financial assets are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. For available-for-sale debt securities, the difference between cost and redemption value is amortised. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method. Available-for-sale financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income from debt securities classified as available-for-sale is recognised in Interest income in the statement of profit or loss. Dividend income from equity instruments classified as available-for-sale is recognised in Investment income in the statement of profit or loss when the dividend has been declared. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value are recognised in equity and are recycled to the statement of profit or loss as Investment income when the asset is disposed. Investments in prepayment sensitive securities such as Interest-Only and Principal-Only strips are generally classified as available-for-sale.

Held-to-maturity investments

Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturity for which the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and which are designated by management as held-to-maturity assets are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, they are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any impairment losses. Interest income from debt securities classified as held-to-maturity is recognised in Interest income in the statement of profit or loss using the effective interest method. Held-to-maturity investments include only debt securities.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, they are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any impairment losses. Loans and receivables include Cash and balances with central banks, Loans and advances to banks, Loans and advances to customers, and Other assets and are reflected in these line items in the statement of financial position. Interest income from loans and receivables is recognised in Interest income in the statement of profit or loss using the effective interest method.

Credit risk management classification

Credit risk management disclosures are provided in the section ‘Risk management – Credit risk’ paragraph ‘Credit risk categories’. The relationship between credit risk classifications in that section and the consolidated statement of financial position classifications above is explained below:

 

•

Pre-settlement risk arises when a counterparty defaults on a transaction before settlement and ING Group has to replace the contract by a trade with another counterparty at the then prevailing (possibly unfavourable) market price. The pre-settlement risk classification mainly relates to the statement of financial position classification Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (trading assets and non-trading derivatives) and to securities financing;

 

•

Money market risk arises when ING Group places short term deposits with a counterparty in order to manage excess liquidity and among others relates to the statement of financial position classifications Loans and advances to banks and Loans and advances to customers;

 

•

Lending risk arises when ING Group grants a loan to a customer, or issues guarantees on behalf of a customer and mainly relates to the statement of financial position classification Loans and advances to customers and off-balance sheet items e.g. obligations under financial guarantees and letters of credit;

 

•

Investment risk comprises the credit default and migration risk that is associated with ING Group’s investment portfolio and mainly relates to the statement of financial position classification Investments (available-for-sale and held-to-maturity); and

 

•

Settlement risk arises when there is an exchange of value (funds, instruments or commodities) for the same or different value dates and receipt is not verified or expected until ING Group has paid or delivered its side of the trade. Settlement risk mainly relates to the risk arising on disposal of financial instruments that are classified in the statement of financial position as Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (trading assets and non-trading derivatives) and Investments (available-for-sale and held-to-maturity).

Maximum credit risk exposure

The maximum credit risk exposure for items in the statement of financial position is generally the carrying value for the relevant financial assets. For the off-balance sheet items the maximum credit exposure is the maximum amount that could be required to be paid. Reference is made to Note 44 ‘Contingent liabilities and commitments’ for these off-balance sheet items. Collateral received is not taken into account when determining the maximum credit risk exposure.

The manner in which ING Group manages credit risk and determines credit risk exposures for that purpose is explained in the section ‘Risk management – Credit risk’ paragraph ‘Credit Risk Appetite and Concentration Risk Framework’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-24

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost include the following sub-categories: preference shares classified as debt, debt securities in issue, subordinated loans, and deposits from banks and customer deposits.

Borrowings are recognised initially at their issue proceeds (fair value of consideration received) net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost; any difference between proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the redemption value is recognised in the statement of profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

If the Group purchases its own debt, it is removed from the statement of financial position, and the difference between the carrying amount of the liability and the consideration paid is included in the statement of profit or loss.

Financial guarantee contracts

Financial guarantee contracts are contracts that require the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payments when due, in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument. Such financial guarantees are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at the higher of the discounted best estimate of the obligation under the guarantee and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation to reflect revenue recognition principles.

Derivatives and hedge accounting

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently measured at fair value. Fair values are obtained from quoted market prices in active markets, including recent market transactions and valuation techniques (such as discounted cash flow models and option pricing models), as appropriate. All derivatives are carried as assets when their fair value is positive and as liabilities when their fair values are negative.

Certain derivatives embedded in other contracts are measured as separate derivatives when their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contract, the host contract is not carried at fair value through profit or loss, and if a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative. These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss. An assessment is carried out when the Group first becomes party to the contract. A reassessment is carried out only when there is a change in the terms of the contract that significantly modifies the expected cash flows.

The method of recognising the resulting fair value gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or firm commitments (fair value hedge), hedges of highly probable future cash flows attributable to a recognised asset or liability or a forecast transaction (cash flow hedge), or hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting is used for derivatives designated in this way provided certain criteria are met.

At the inception of the transaction ING Group documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, its risk management objective, together with the methods selected to assess hedge effectiveness. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.

Fair value hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in the statement of profit or loss, together with fair value adjustments to the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. If the hedge relationship no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the cumulative adjustment of the hedged item is, in the case of interest bearing instruments, amortised through the statement of profit or loss over the remaining term of the original hedge or recognised directly when the hedged item is derecognised. For non-interest bearing instruments, the cumulative adjustment of the hedged item is recognised in the statement of profit or loss only when the hedged item is derecognised.

Cash flow hedges

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recognised in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss. Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled to the statement of profit or loss in the periods in which the hedged item affects net result. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the statement of profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is transferred immediately to the statement of profit or loss.

 

		F-25		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Net investment hedges

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for in a similar way to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in equity and the gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss. Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the statement of profit or loss when the foreign operation is disposed.

Non-trading derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

Derivative instruments that are used by the Group as part of its risk management strategies, but which do not qualify for hedge accounting under ING Group’s accounting policies, are presented as non-trading derivatives. Non-trading derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in the fair value taken to the statement of profit or loss.

Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset, and the net amount reported, in the statement of financial position when the Group has a current legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and intends to either settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Offsetting is applied to certain interest rate swaps for which the services of a central clearing house are used. Offsetting is also applied to certain clients subject to cash pooling arrangements where the intention to settle net is demonstrated via a physical transfer of cash balances into a single netting account on a period end basis.

Repurchase transactions and reverse repurchase transactions

Securities sold subject to repurchase agreements (repos) are retained in the consolidated financial statements. The counterparty liability is included in Deposits from banks, Subordinated loans, Customer deposits, or Trading, as appropriate.

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repos) are recognised as Loans and advances to customers, Loans and advances to banks, or Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Trading assets, as appropriate. The difference between the sale and repurchase price is treated as interest and amortised over the life of the agreement using the effective interest method.

Impairments of financial assets at amortised cost

ING Group assesses periodically and at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, but before the balance sheet date, (a loss event) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. The following circumstances, among others, are considered objective evidence that a financial asset or group of assets is impaired:

 

•

The borrower has sought or has been placed in bankruptcy or similar protection and this leads to the avoidance of or delays in repayment of the financial asset;

 

•

The borrower has failed in the repayment of principal, interest, or fees and the payment failure has remained unsolved for a certain period;

 

•

The borrower has demonstrated significant financial difficulty, to the extent that it will have a negative impact on the expected future cash flows of the financial asset;

 

•

The credit obligation has been restructured for non-commercial reasons. ING Group has granted concessions, for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, the effect of which is a reduction in the expected future cash flows of the financial asset; and

 

•

Historical experience, updated for current events where necessary, provides evidence that a proportion of a group of assets is impaired although the related events that represent impairment triggers are not yet captured by the Group’s credit risk systems.

In certain circumstances ING grants borrowers postponement and/or reduction of loan principal and/or interest payments for a temporary period of time to maximise collection opportunities, and if possible, avoid default, foreclosure, or repossession. When such postponement and/or reduction of loan principal and/or interest payments is executed based on credit concerns it is also referred to as forbearance. In general, forbearance represents an impairment trigger under IFRS. In such cases, the net present value of the postponement and/or reduction of loan and/or interest payments is taken into account in the determination of the appropriate level of Loan loss provisioning as described below. If the forbearance results in a substantial modification of the terms of the loan, the original loan is derecognised and a new loan is recognised at its fair value at the modification date. The Group determines whether there has been a substantial modification using both quantitative and qualitative factors.

The Group does not consider events that may be expected to occur in the future as objective evidence, and consequently they are not used as a basis for concluding that a financial asset or group of assets is impaired.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-26

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

In determining the impairment, expected future cash flows are estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the assets in the portfolio and historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to those in the portfolio. Historical loss experience is adjusted on the basis of current observable data to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not affect the period on which the historical loss experience is based and to remove the effects of conditions in the historical period that do not currently exist. Losses expected as a result of future events, no matter how likely, are not recognised.

The Group first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists individually for financial assets that are individually significant, and then individually or collectively for financial assets that are not individually significant. If the Group determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in a group of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. Assets that are individually assessed for impairment and for which an impairment loss is or continues to be recognised are not included in a collective assessment of impairment.

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on an asset carried at amortised cost has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account (Loan loss provision) and the amount of the loss is recognised in the statement of profit or loss under Addition to loan loss provision. If the asset has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract.

For the purposes of a collective evaluation of impairment, financial assets are grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. Those characteristics are relevant to the estimation of future cash flows for groups of such assets by being indicative of the debtors’ ability to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the assets being evaluated. The collective evaluation of impairment includes the application of a loss emergence period to default probabilities (also referred to as loss identification period). The loss emergence period is a concept which recognises that there is a period of time between the emergence of impairment triggers and the point in time at which those events are captured by the Group’s credit risk systems. Accordingly, the application of the loss emergence period ensures that impairments that are incurred but not yet identified are adequately reflected in the Group’s loan loss provision. Although the loss emergence periods are inherently uncertain, the Group applies estimates to sub-portfolios (e.g. large corporations, small and medium size enterprises, and retail portfolios) that reflect factors such as the frequency with which customers in the sub-portfolio disclose credit risk sensitive information and the frequency with which they are subject to review by the Group’s account managers. Generally, the frequency increases in relation to the size of the borrower. Loss emergence periods are based on historical experience and are validated, and revised where necessary, through regular back-testing to ensure that they reflect recent experience and current events.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed by adjusting the provision. The amount of the reversal is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

When a loan is uncollectable, it is written off against the related loan loss provision. 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 recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

In most Retail portfolios, ING Bank has a write-off policy that requires 100% provision for all retail exposure after two years (three years for mortgages) following the last default date.

Impairments on other debt instruments (Loans and held-to-maturity investments) are part of the loan loss provision as described above.

Impairment of available for sale financial assets

At each balance sheet date, the Group assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. In the specific case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered in determining whether the assets are impaired. Significant and prolonged are interpreted on a case-by-case basis for specific equity securities; generally 25% and six months are used as triggers. If any objective evidence exists for available-for-sale debt and equity investments, the cumulative loss – measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in net result – is removed from equity and recognised in the statement of profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised on equity instruments can never be reversed. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in the statement of profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through the statement of profit or loss.

 

		F-27		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control. Significant influence generally results from a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights, but also is the ability to participate in the financial and operating policies through situations including, but not limited to one or more of the following:

 

•

Representation on the board of directors;

 

•

Participation in the policymaking process; and

 

•

Interchange of managerial personnel.

Joint ventures are entities over which the Group has joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control over an arrangement or entity, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. Joint control means that no party to the agreement is able to act unilaterally to control the activity of the entity. The parties to the agreement must act together to control the entity and therefore exercise the joint control.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are initially recognised at cost and subsequently accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

The Group’s investment in associates and joint ventures (net of any accumulated impairment loss) includes goodwill identified on acquisition. The Group’s share of its associates and joint ventures post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the statement of profit or loss, and its share of post-acquisition changes in reserves is recognised in equity. The cumulative post-acquisition changes are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate or joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the associate or joint venture, including any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates and joint ventures. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless they provide evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of associates and joint ventures have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. The reporting dates of all significant associates and joint ventures are consistent with the reporting date of the Group.

Property and equipment

Property in own use

Land and buildings held for own use are stated at fair value at the balance sheet date. Increases in the carrying amount arising on revaluation of land and buildings held for own use are credited to the revaluation reserve in shareholders’ equity. Decreases in the carrying amount that offset previous increases of the same asset are charged against the revaluation reserve directly in equity; all other decreases are charged to the statement of profit or loss. Increases that reverse a revaluation decrease on the same asset previously recognised in net result are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. Depreciation is recognised based on the fair value and the estimated useful life (in general 20–50 years). Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis. On disposal, the related revaluation reserve is transferred to retained earnings.

The fair values of land and buildings are based on regular appraisals by independent qualified valuers or internally, similar to appraisals of real estate investments. Subsequent expenditure is included in the asset’s carrying amount when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

Equipment

Equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. The cost of the assets is depreciated on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are generally as follows: for data processing equipment two to five years, and four to ten years for fixtures and fittings. Expenditure incurred on maintenance and repairs is recognised in the statement of profit or loss as incurred. Expenditure incurred on major improvements is capitalised and depreciated.

Disposals

The difference between the proceeds on disposal and net carrying value is recognised in the statement of profit or loss under Other income.

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. Borrowing costs are determined at the weighted average cost of capital of the project.

Leases

The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at inception date.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-28

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

ING Group as the lessee

The leases entered into by ING Group are primarily operating leases. The total payments made under operating leases are recognised in the statement of profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

When an operating lease is terminated before the lease period has expired, any penalty payment to be made to the lessor is recognised as an expense in the period in which termination takes place.

ING Group as the lessor

When assets are held subject to a finance lease, the present value of the lease payments is recognised as a receivable under Loans and advances to customers or Loans and advances to banks. The difference between the gross receivable and the present value of the receivable is unearned lease finance income. Lease income is recognised over the term of the lease using the net investment method (before tax), which reflects a constant periodic rate of return. When assets are held subject to an operating lease, the assets are included under Assets under operating leases.

Assets under operating leases

Assets leased out under operating leases in which ING Group is the lessor are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. The cost of the assets is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible assets

Acquisitions and goodwill

ING Group’s acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued in exchange for control of the acquiree. Goodwill, being the difference between the cost of the acquisition (including assumed debt) and the Group’s interest in the fair value of the acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities as at the date of acquisition, is capitalised as an intangible asset. Goodwill is only capitalised on acquisitions. The results of the operations of the acquired companies are included in the statement of profit or loss from the date control is obtained.

Where applicable, the consideration for the acquisition includes any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value. Contingent consideration arrangements classified as an asset or a liability, are subsequently measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration classified as equity, are not recognised.

Where a business combination is achieved in stages, ING Group’s previously held interests in the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity are remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date (i.e. the date ING Group obtains control) and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognised in the statement of profit or loss. Amounts arising from interests in the acquiree prior to the acquisition date that have previously been recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the statement of profit or loss, where such treatment would be appropriate if that interest were disposed of. Acquisition related costs are recognised in the statement of profit or loss as incurred and presented in the statement of profit or loss as Other operating expenses.

Until 2009, before IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ was revised, the accounting of previously held interests in the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity were not remeasured at the acquisition date and the acquisition related costs were considered to be part of the total consideration.

The initial accounting for the fair value of the net assets of the companies acquired during the year may be determined only provisionally as the determination of the fair value can be complex and the time between the acquisition and the preparation of the Annual Accounts can be limited. The initial accounting shall be completed within a year after acquisition. Adjustments to the fair value as at the date of acquisition of acquired assets and liabilities, that are identified within one year after acquisition are recognised as an adjustment to goodwill; any subsequent adjustment is recognised as income or expense. On disposal of group companies, the difference between the sale proceeds and carrying value (including goodwill) and the unrealised results (including the currency translation reserve in equity) is included in the statement of profit or loss.

Computer software

Computer software that has been purchased or generated internally for own use is stated at cost less amortisation and any impairment losses. Amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis over its useful life. This period will generally not exceed five years. Amortisation is included in Other operating expenses.

Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets are capitalised and amortised over their expected economic life, which is generally between three and ten years. Intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortised.

 

		F-29		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Taxation

Income tax on the result for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the statement of profit or loss but it is recognised directly in equity if the tax relates to items that are recognised directly in equity.

Deferred income tax

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Deferred tax assets are recognised where it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising from investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The tax effects of income tax losses available for carry forward are recognised as an asset where it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses can be utilised.

Deferred tax related to fair value remeasurement of available-for-sale investments and cash flow hedges, which are recognised directly in equity, is also recognised directly in equity and is subsequently recognised in the statement of profit or loss together with the deferred gain or loss.

Uncertain tax positions are assessed continually by ING Group and in case it is probable that there will be a cash outflow; a current tax liability is recognised.

Other assets

Investment property

Investment properties are recognised at fair value at the balance sheet date. Changes in the carrying amount resulting from revaluations are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. On disposal, the difference between the sale proceeds and carrying value is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

Property obtained from foreclosures

Property obtained from foreclosures is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price, less applicable variable selling expenses. Property obtained from foreclosures is included in Other assets - Property development and obtained from foreclosures.

Property development

Property developed and under development for which ING Group has the intention to sell the property after its completion is included in Other assets – Property development and obtained from foreclosures.

Property developed and under development for which ING Group has the intention to sell the property under development after its completion and where there is not yet a specifically negotiated contract is measured at direct construction cost incurred up to the balance sheet date, including borrowing costs incurred during construction and ING Group’s own directly attributable development and supervision expenses less any impairment losses. Profit is recognised using the completed contract method (on sale date of the property). Impairment is recognised if the estimated selling price, less applicable variable selling expenses is lower than carrying value.

Property under development for which ING Group has the intention to sell the property under development after its completion and where there is a specifically negotiated contract is valued using the percentage of completion method (pro rata profit recognition). The stage of completion is measured by reference to costs incurred to date as percentage of total estimated costs for each contract.

Property under development is stated at fair value (with changes in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss) if ING Group has the intention to recognise the property under development after completion as real estate investments.

Disposal groups held for sale and discontinued operations

Disposal groups (and groups of non-current assets) are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This is only the case when the sale is highly probable and the disposal group (or group of assets) is available for immediate sale in its present condition; management must be committed to the sale, which is expected to occur within one year from the date of classification as held for sale.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-30

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Upon classification as held for sale, the carrying amount of the disposal group (or group of assets) is compared to its fair value less cost to sell. If the fair value less cost to sell is lower than the carrying value, this expected loss is recognised through a reduction of the carrying value of any goodwill related to the disposal group and the carrying value of certain other non-current non-financial assets. Any excess of the expected loss over the reduction of the carrying amount of these relevant assets is not recognised upon classification as held for sale, but is recognised as part of the result on disposal if and when a divestment transaction occurs.

When a group of assets that is classified as held for sale represents a major line of business or geographical area the disposal group classifies as discontinued operations. Upon classification of a business as held for sale and discontinued operations the individual income and expenses are classified to Total net result from discontinued operations instead of being presented in the usual line items in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss. All comparative years in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss are restated and presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Furthermore, the individual assets and liabilities are presented in the Consolidated statement of financial position as Assets and liabilities held for sale and are no longer included in the usual line items in the Consolidated statement of financial position. Changes in assets and liabilities as a result of classification as held for sale are included in the notes in the line Changes in composition of the group and other changes.

Other liabilities

Defined benefit plans

The net defined benefit asset or liability recognised in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the fair value of the plan assets less the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.

Plan assets are measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. For determining the pension expense, the return on plan assets is determined using a high quality corporate bond rate identical to the discount rate used in determining the defined benefit obligation.

Changes in plan assets that effect Shareholders’ equity and/or Net result, include mainly:

 

•

return on plan assets using a high quality corporate bond rate at the start of the reporting period which are recognised as staff costs in the statement of profit or loss; and

 

•

remeasurements which are recognised in Other comprehensive income (equity).

The defined benefit obligation is calculated by internal and external actuaries through actuarial models and calculations using the projected unit credit method. This method considers expected future payments required to settle the obligation resulting from employee service in the current and prior periods, discounted using a high quality corporate bond rate. Inherent in these actuarial models are assumptions including discount rates, rates of increase in future salary and benefit levels, mortality rates, trend rates in health care costs, consumer price index and the expected level of indexation. The assumptions are based on available market data as well as management expectations and are updated regularly. The actuarial assumptions may differ significantly from the actual results due to changes in market conditions, economic and mortality trends, and other assumptions. Any changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the defined benefit plan obligation and future pension costs.

Changes in the defined benefit obligation that effects Shareholders’ equity and/or Net result, include mainly:

 

•

service cost which are recognised as staff costs in the statement of profit or loss;

 

•

interest expenses using a high quality corporate bond rate at the start of the period which are recognised as staff costs in the statement of profit or loss; and

 

•

remeasurements which are recognised in Other comprehensive income (equity).

Remeasurements recognised in other comprehensive income are not recycled to profit or loss. Any past service cost relating to a plan amendment is recognised in profit or loss in the period of the plan amendment. Gains and losses on curtailments and settlements are recognised in the statement of profit or loss when the curtailment or settlement occurs.

The recognition of a net defined benefit asset in the consolidated statement of financial position is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.

Defined contribution plans

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as staff expenses in the profit or loss when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available.

Other post-employment obligations

Some group companies provide post-employment healthcare and other benefits to certain employees and former employees. The entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment using an accounting methodology similar to that for defined benefit pension plans.

 

		F-31		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Income recognition

Interest

Interest income and expense are recognised in the statement of profit or loss using the effective interest method. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or a financial liability and of allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. When calculating the effective interest rate, the Group estimates cash flows considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument (for example, prepayment options) but does not consider future credit losses. The calculation includes all fees and points paid or received between parties to the contract that are an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and all other premiums or discounts. Once a financial asset or a group of similar financial assets has been written down as a result of an impairment loss, interest income is recognised using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss.

All interest income and expenses from trading positions and non-trading derivatives are classified as interest income and interest expenses in the statement of profit or loss. Changes in the ‘clean fair value’ are included in Valuation results and net trading income.

Fees and commissions

Fees and commissions are generally recognised as the service is provided. Loan commitment fees for loans that are likely to be drawn down are deferred (together with related direct costs) and recognised as an adjustment to the effective interest rate on the loan. Loan syndication fees are recognised as income when the syndication has been completed and the Group has retained no part of the loan package for itself or has retained a part at the same effective interest rate as the other participants. Commission and fees arising from negotiating, or participating in the negotiation of, a transaction for a third party – such as the arrangement of the acquisition of shares or other securities or the purchase or sale of businesses – are recognised on completion of the underlying transaction. Portfolio and other management advisory and service fees are recognised based on the applicable service contracts as the service is provided. Asset management fees related to investment funds and investment contract fees are recognised on a pro-rata basis over the period the service is provided. The same principle is applied for wealth management, financial planning and custody services that are continuously provided over an extended period of time. Fees received and paid between banks for payment services are classified as commission income and expenses.

Lease income

The proceeds from leasing out assets under operating leases are recognised on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease agreement. Lease payments received in respect of finance leases when ING Group is the lessor are divided into an interest component (recognised as interest income) and a repayment component.

Expense recognition

Expenses are recognised in the statement of profit or loss as incurred or when a decrease in future economic benefits related to a decrease in an asset or an increase in a liability has arisen that can be measured reliably.

Share-based payments

Share-based payment expenses are recognised as a staff expense over the vesting period. A corresponding increase in equity is recognised for equity-settled share-based payment transactions. A liability is recognised for cash-settled share-based payment transactions. The fair value of equity-settled share-based payment transactions are measured at the grant date and the fair value of cash-settled share-based payment transactions are measured at each balance sheet date. Rights granted will remain valid until the expiry date, even if the share based payment scheme is discontinued. The rights are subject to certain conditions, including a predetermined continuous period of service.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, the grant is recognised over the period necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the expense that it is intended to compensate. In such case, the grant is deducted from the related expense in the statement of profit or loss.

Earnings per ordinary share

Earnings per ordinary share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. In calculating the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding:

 

•

Own shares held by group companies are deducted from the total number of ordinary shares in issue;

 

•

The computation is based on daily averages; and

 

•

In case of exercised warrants, the exercise date is taken into consideration.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-32

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The non-voting equity securities are not ordinary shares, because their terms and conditions (especially with regard to coupons and voting rights) are significantly different. Therefore, the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period is not impacted by the non-voting equity securities.

Diluted earnings per share data are computed as if all convertible instruments outstanding at year-end were exercised at the beginning of the period. It is also assumed that ING Group uses the assumed proceeds thus received to buy its own shares against the average market price in the financial year. The net increase in the number of shares resulting from the exercise is added to the average number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share.

Share options with fixed or determinable terms are treated as options in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, even though they may be contingent on vesting. They are treated as outstanding on the grant date. Performance-based employee share options are treated as contingently issuable shares because their issue is contingent upon satisfying specified conditions in addition to the passage of time.

Statement of cash flows

The statement of cash flows is prepared in accordance with the indirect method, classifying cash flows as cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities. In the net cash flow from operating activities, the result before tax is adjusted for those items in the statement of profit or loss and changes in items per the statement of financial position, which do not result in actual cash flows during the year.

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, Cash and cash equivalents comprise balances with less than three months’ maturity from the date of acquisition, including cash and balances with central banks, treasury bills and other eligible bills, amounts due from other banks and deposits from banks. Investments qualify as a cash equivalent if they are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Cash flows arising from foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the date of the cash flows.

The net cash flow shown in respect of Loans and advances to customers relates only to transactions involving actual payments or receipts. The Addition to loan loss provision which is deducted from the item Loans and advances to customers in the statement of financial position has been adjusted accordingly from the result before tax and is shown separately in the statement of cash flows.

The difference between the net cash flow in accordance with the statement of cash flows and the change in Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position is due to exchange rate differences and is accounted for separately as part of the reconciliation of the net cash flow and the change in Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position.

g) Parent company accounts

The parent company accounts of ING Groep N.V. are prepared in accordance with the financial reporting requirements included in Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. In accordance with subsection 8 of section 362, Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, the recognition and measurement principles applied in the Parent company accounts are the same as those applied in the Consolidated annual accounts.

 

		F-33		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

2.1.2 Notes to the Consolidated statement of financial position

Assets

2 Cash and balances with central banks

 

Cash and balances with central banks
		2016				2015
Amounts held at central banks			16,408				19,753
Cash and bank balances			1,736				1,705
			18,144				21,458

In 2016, the decrease in Cash and balances with central banks is mainly as a result of the lowering of excess liquidity.

Amounts held at central banks reflect on demand balances.

Reference is made to Note 41 ‘Assets not freely disposable’ for restrictions on Cash balances with central banks.

3 Loans and advances to banks

 

Loans and advances to banks
		Netherlands								International								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Loans			10,381				11,549				18,483				17,497				28,864				29,046
Cash advances, overdrafts and other balances			3				531				2				425				5				956
			10,384				12,080				18,485				17,922				28,869				30,002
Loan loss provisions											–11				–14				–11				–14
			10,384				12,080				18,474				17,908				28,858				29,988

Loans include balances (mainly short-term deposits) with central banks amounting to EUR 2,880 million (2015: EUR 1,104 million).

As at 31 December 2016, Loans include receivables related to securities in reverse repurchase transactions amounting to EUR 2,992 million (2015: EUR 1,092 million) and receivables related to finance lease contracts amounting to EUR 88 million (2015: EUR 114 million). Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’ for information on securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions. Reference is made to Note 6 ‘Loans and advances to customers’ for information on finance lease receivables.

As at 31 December 2016, the non-subordinated receivables amount to EUR 28,790 million (2015: EUR 29,924 million) and the subordinated receivables amount to EUR 68 million (2015: EUR 64 million).

Reference is made to Note 41 ‘Assets not freely disposable’ for restrictions on Loans and advances to banks.

No individual loans and advances to banks has terms and conditions that significantly affect the amount, timing or certainty of consolidated cash flows of the Group. For details on significant concentrations, refer to the section ‘Risk management – Credit risk’ paragraph ‘Credit Risk Appetite and Concentration Risk Framework’.

4 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
		2016				2015
Trading assets			114,504				131,467
Non-trading derivatives			2,490				3,347
Designated as at fair value through profit or loss			5,099				3,234
			122,093				138,048

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-34

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’ for information on securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions.

Trading assets

 

Trading assets by type
		2016				2015
Equity securities			9,513				14,799
Debt securities			9,863				14,316
Derivatives			38,231				39,012
Loans and receivables			56,897				63,340
			114,504				131,467

In 2016, the decrease is mainly cause by lower market activities.

As at 31 December 2016, Trading assets include receivables of EUR 56,020 million (2015: EUR 62,221 million) with regard to reverse repurchase transactions.

Trading assets and trading liabilities include assets and liabilities that are classified under IFRS as Trading but are closely related to servicing the needs of the clients of ING Group. ING offers institutional and corporate clients and governments products that are traded on the financial markets. A significant part of the derivatives in the trading portfolio are related to servicing corporate clients in their risk management to hedge for example currency or interest rate exposures. In addition, ING provides its customers access to equity and debt markets for issuing their own equity or debt securities (securities underwriting). Although these are presented as Trading under IFRS, these are directly related to services to ING’s customers. Loans and receivables in the trading portfolio mainly relate to (reverse) repurchase agreements, which are comparable to collateralised lending. These products are used by ING as part of its own regular treasury activities, but also relate to the role that ING plays as intermediary between different professional customers. Trading assets and liabilities held for ING’s own risk are very limited. From a risk perspective, the gross amount of trading assets must be considered together with the gross amount of trading liabilities, which are presented separately on the statement of financial position. However, IFRS does not allow netting of these positions in the statement of financial position. Reference is made to Note 14 ‘Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss’ for information on trading liabilities.

Non-trading derivatives

 

Non-trading derivatives by type
		2016				2015
Derivatives used in
– fair value hedges			787				800
– cash flow hedges			438				917
– hedges of net investments in foreign operations			73				72
Other non-trading derivatives			1,192				1,558
			2,490				3,347

ING Group holds warrants for 35 million shares and 26 million shares in NN Group N.V. and Voya Financial Inc. respectively.

As at 31 December 2016, Other non-trading derivatives includes EUR 175 million (2015: EUR 103 million ) and EUR 19 million (2015: EUR 58 million) related to warrants on the shares of Voya Financial Inc. and NN Group N.V. respectively. Reference is made to Note 22 ‘Valuation results and net trading income’.

Other non-trading derivatives mainly includes interest rate swaps and foreign currency swaps for which no hedge accounting is applied.

 

		F-35		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Designated as at fair value through profit or loss

 

Designated as at fair value through profit or loss by type
		2016				2015
Equity securities			3				7
Debt securities			1,669				1,080
Loans and receivables			3,427				2,147
			5,099				3,234

Included in the Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss is a portfolio of loans and receivables which is economically hedged by credit derivatives. The hedges do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and the loans are recorded at fair value to avoid an accounting mismatch. The maximum credit exposure of the loans and receivables included in Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss approximates its carrying value. The cumulative change in fair value of the loans attributable to changes in credit risk is not significant.

The notional value of the related credit derivatives is EUR 260 million (2015: EUR 215 million). The change in fair value of the credit derivatives attributable to changes in credit risk since the loans were first designated, amounts to EUR –8 million (2015: EUR –9 million) and the change for the current year amounts to EUR 1 million (2015: nil).

The changes in fair value of the (designated) loans attributable to changes in credit risk have been calculated by determining the changes in credit spread implicit in the fair value of bonds issued by entities with similar credit characteristics.

As at 31 December 2016, Loans and receivables designated at fair value through profit or loss includes EUR 3,001 million (2015: EUR 1,766 million) with regard to reverse repurchase transactions.

5 Investments

 

Investments by type
		2016				2015
Available-for-sale
– equity securities - shares in third party managed structured entities			170				169
– equity securities - other			3,854				4,265
			4,024				4,434
– debt securities			78,888				82,566
			82,912				87,000
Held-to-maturity
– debt securities			8,751				7,826
			8,751				7,826
			91,663				94,826

Investments held-to-maturity increased by EUR 0.9 billion. The increase is attributable to a new investment in USD government bonds and bonds issued by financial institutions, offset by a decrease in covered bonds.

In June 2016, the VISA transaction closed. As a result of this transaction, the Available-for-sale equity securities amounting to EUR 163 million, comprising ordinary shares held in VISA Europe Limited, were derecognised. As part of the upfront consideration, ING received EUR 30 million preferred shares convertible into VISA Inc. class A ordinary shares. These preferred shares are classified as Available-for-sale equity securities. Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the merger between Equens SE (Equens) and Worldline was completed. The legal entity Equens ceased to exist and was renamed equensWorldline SE. ING Group previously held 15.42% in Equens at EUR 34.7 million. As a result of the merger, ING Group now holds a shareholding of 5.9% in the combined company at EUR 64.9 million. Reference is made to Note 23 ‘Investment income’ for further information on the results from the merger included in the statement of profit or loss.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-36

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

In October 2016 ING sold 2.5% of Kotak Mahindra Bank shares representing a carrying value of EUR 456 million.

Exposure to debt securities

ING Group’s exposure to debt securities is included in the following lines in the statement of financial position:

 

Debt securities 1
		2016				2015
Available-for-sale investments			78,888				82,566
Held-to-maturity investments			8,751				7,826
Loans and advances to customers			7,471				9,625
Loans and advances to banks			952				1,857
Available-for-sale investments and Assets at amortised cost			96,062				101,874
Trading assets			9,863				14,316
Designated as at fair value through profit or loss			1,669				1,080
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss			11,532				15,396
			107,594				117,270

ING Group’s total exposure to debt securities included in available-for-sale investments and assets at amortised cost of EUR 96,062 million (2015: EUR 101,874 million) is specified as follows by type of exposure:

 

Debt securities by type and line items per the statement of financial position - Available-for-sale investments and Assets at amortised cost
		Available-for-sale investments								Held-to-maturity investments								Loans and advances to customers								Loans and advances to banks								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Government bonds			41,985				46,104				6,688				5,500				858				874												49,531				52,478
Sub-sovereign, Supranationals and Agencies			20,484				20,337				1,613				1,619				267				297												22,364				22,253
Covered bonds			11,297				11,949				100				350				1,820				2,119				882				1,787				14,099				16,205
Corporate bonds			1,345				1,177												791				1,036												2,136				2,213
Financial institutions’ bonds			2,020				1,865												351				363				70				64				2,441				2,292
ABS portfolio			1,757				1,134				350				357				3,384				4,936								6				5,491				6,433
Bond portfolio			78,888				82,566				8,751				7,826				7,471				9,625				952				1,857				96,062				101,874

Sub-sovereign Supranationals and Agencies (SSA) comprise amongst others, multilateral development banks, regional governments, local authorities, and US agencies. Under certain conditions, SSA bonds may qualify as Level 1 High Quality Liquid Assets for the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR).

Approximately 97% (2015: 91%) of the exposure in the ABS portfolio is externally rated AAA up to and including A-.

Borrowed debt securities are not recognised in the statement of financial position and amount to nil (2015: nil).

Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’ for information on securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions.

 

		F-37		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments

 

Changes in available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments
		Available-for-sale equity securities								Available-for-sale debt securities								Held-to-maturity								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Opening balance			4,434				2,718				82,566				92,684				7,826				2,239				94,826				97,641
Additions			80				1,279				27,073				42,976				1,731				3,457				28,884				47,712
Amortisation											–144				–106				–87				–67				–231				–173
Transfers and reclassifications			–92												–3,499								3,499				–92
Changes in unrealised revaluations			363				743				–102				–1,595				–70				–72				191				–924
Impairments			–13				–117								–17												–13				–134
Disposals and redemptions			–682				–216				–30,483				–48,331				–630				–1,219				–31,795				–49,766
Exchange rate differences			–72				27				–16				469				–19				–11				–107				485
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes			6								–6				–15																–15
Closing balance			4,024				4,434				78,888				82,566				8,751				7,826				91,663				94,826

Reference is made to Note 23 ‘Investment income’ for details on Impairments.

In 2016 ‘Changes in the composition of the group and other changes’ includes the modification of an Available-for-sale debt security into newly issued shares.

Transfers and reclassifications of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments

 

Transfers and reclassifications of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments

Available-for-sale equity securities

Available-for-sale debt securities

Held-to-maturity

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

To/from held-to-maturity

–3,499

–3,499

To/from available-for-sale

3,499

3,499

To/from investment in associates and joint ventures

–82

–82

To/from other assets/other liabilities

–10

–10

–92

–

–

–3,499

–

3,499

–92

–

In 2015, EUR 3.5 billion of mainly Government bonds previously classified as Available-for-sale debt securities were classified as Held-to-maturity due to ING’s intent and ability to hold these bonds until maturity.

 

Available-for-sale equity securities - Listed and Unlisted
		2016				2015
Listed			3,539				3,804
Unlisted			485				630
			4,024				4,434

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-38

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

6 Loans and advances to customers

 

Loans and advances to customers by type
		Netherlands1,2								International2								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Loans to, or guaranteed by, public authorities1			27,746				30,912				18,634				18,214				46,380				49,126
Loans secured by mortgages2			124,001				125,199				191,123				179,510				315,124				304,709
Loans guaranteed by credit institutions1			201				4,795				944				191				1,145				4,986
Personal lending1			4,376				5,636				18,722				17,041				23,098				22,677
Asset backed securities											3,380				4,936				3,380				4,936
Corporate loans1,2			38,530				197,069				137,675				119,162				176,205				316,231
			194,854				363,611				370,478				339,054				565,332				702,665
Loan loss provisions			–2,349				–2,900				–2,829				–2,872				–5,178				–5,772
			192,505				360,711				367,649				336,182				560,154				696,893

 

1

The comparative amounts, as at 31 December 2015, are adjusted. Total Loans and advances to customers, as at 31 December 2015, increased by EUR 163.5 billion from EUR 533.4 billion to EUR 696.9 billion mostly as a result of an increase in Corporate loans by EUR 146.0 billion from EUR 170.2 billion to EUR 316.2 billion. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Change in accounting policies and Changes in presentation in 2016.

2	In 2016, Loans and advances to customers by type as at 31 December 2015 are adjusted. Certain Corporate Loans have been reclassified to Loans secured by mortgages.

The decrease in Loans and advances to customers compared to 2015 is primarily due to a change in accounting policies implemented in 2016. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies in 2016.

As at 31 December 2016, Loans and advances to customers includes receivables with regard to securities which have been acquired in reverse repurchase transactions amounting to EUR 47 million (2015: EUR 418 million).

Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’ for information on securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions.

 

Loans and advances to customers by subordination
		2016				2015
Non-subordinated1			558,857				695,596
Subordinated			1,297				1,297
			560,154				696,893

 

1

The comparative amounts, as at 31 December 2015, are adjusted as a result of a change in accounting policies and a reclassification for Items to be cleared. Total Loans and advances to customers, as at 31 December 2015, increased by EUR 163.5 billion from EUR 533.4 billion to EUR 696.9 billion. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Change in accounting policies and Changes in presentation in 2016.

No individual loan or advance has terms and conditions that significantly affect the amount, timing or certainty of the consolidated cash flows of the Group. For details on significant concentrations, refer to the section ‘Risk management – Credit risk’ paragraph Çredit Risk Appetite and Concentration Risk Framework’.

 

		F-39		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Loans and advances to customers and Loans and advances to banks include finance lease receivables and are detailed as follows:

 

Finance lease receivables
		2016				2015
Maturities of gross investment in finance lease receivables
– within 1 year			2,492				2,690
– more than 1 year but less than 5 years			6,282				6,004
– more than 5 years			3,114				3,672
			11,888				12,366
Unearned future finance income on finance leases			–1,254				–1,507
Net investment in finance leases			10,634				10,859
Maturities of net investment in finance lease receivables
– within 1 year			2,210				2,368
– more than 1 year but less than 5 years			5,635				5,246
– more than 5 years			2,789				3,245
			10,634				10,859
Included in Loans and advances to banks			88				114
Included in Loans and advances to customers			10,546				10,745
			10,634				10,859

The allowance for uncollectable finance lease receivables includes in the loan loss provisions an amount of EUR 282 million as at 31 December 2016 (2015: EUR 271 million).

No individual finance lease receivable has terms and conditions that significantly affect the amount, timing or certainty of the consolidated cash flows of the Group.

 

Loan loss provisions by type
		Netherlands								International								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Loans to, or guaranteed by, public authorities											7				2				7				2
Loans secured by mortgages			550				819				638				717				1,188				1,536
Loans guaranteed by credit institutions			2				1				12				15				14				16
Personal lending			122				177				620				712				742				889
Asset backed securities											2				2				2				2
Corporate loans and Credit Facilities			1,738				1,903				1,617				1,438				3,355				3,341
			2,412				2,900				2,896				2,886				5,308				5,786
The closing balance is included in
– Loans and advances to banks											11				14				11				14
– Loans and advances to customers			2,349				2,900				2,829				2,872				5,178				5,772
– Other provisions other			63								56								119
			2,412				2,900				2,896				2,886				5,308				5,786

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-40

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in loan loss provisions
		2016				2015
Opening balance			5,786				5,995
Write-offs			–1,494				–1,718
Recoveries			94				91
Increase in loan loss provisions			974				1,347
Exchange rate differences			–55				38
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes			3				33
Closing balance			5,308				5,786

The Increase in loan loss provisions is presented as Addition to loan loss provisions in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss.

7 Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

Investments in associates and joint ventures
2016		Interest held (%)				Fair value of listed investment				Balance sheet value				Total assets				Total liabilities				Total income				Total expenses
TMB Public Company Limited			30				729				861				21,439				19,275				685				489
Other investments in associates and joint ventures											280
											1,141

 

Investments in associates and joint ventures
2015		Interest held (%)				Fair value of listed investment				Balance sheet value				Total assets				Total liabilities				Total income				Total expenses
TMB Public Company Limited			30				801				732				20,956				19,074				630				419
Other investments in associates and joint ventures											230
											962

TMB Public Company Limited (TMB) is an associate in which ING Group holds a 30% ownership interest. TMB is a financial institution providing products and services to Wholesale, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Retail customers. TMB is domiciled in Bangkok, Thailand and is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

Other investments in associates and joint ventures are mainly investment property funds or vehicles operating predominantly in Europe.

ING Group does not hold any interests in Investments in Associates and joint ventures that are individually significant to ING Group. Other investments in associates and joint ventures represents a large number of associates and joint ventures with an individual statement of financial position value of less than EUR 50 million.

Significant influence for associates in which the interest held is below 20%, is based on the combination on ING Group’s financial interest and other arrangements, such as participation in the Board of Directors.

In general, the reporting dates of all significant associates and joint ventures are consistent with the reporting date of the Group. However, the reporting dates of certain associates and joint ventures can differ from the reporting date of the Group, but by no more than three months.

Accumulated impairments of EUR 48 million (2015: EUR 24 million) have been recognised. The values presented in the tables above could differ from the values presented in the individual annual accounts of the associates and joint ventures, due to the fact that the individual values have been brought in line with ING Group’s accounting principles. Where the listed fair value is lower than the statement of financial position value, an impairment review and an evaluation of the going concern basis has been performed.

 

		F-41		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The associates and joint ventures of ING are subject to legal and regulatory restrictions regarding the amount of dividends it can pay to ING. These restrictions are for example dependant on the laws in the country of incorporation for declaring dividends or as a result of minimum capital requirements that are imposed by industry regulators in the countries in which the associates and joint ventures operate. In addition, the associates and joint ventures also consider other factors in determining the appropriate levels of equity needed. These factors and limitations include, but are not limited to, rating agency and regulatory views, which can change over time.

 

Changes in Investments in associates and joint ventures
		2016				2015
Opening balance			962				953
Additions			49				24
Transfers to and from Investments/Other assets and liabilities			75				–10
Revaluations			38				5
Share of results			91				110
Dividends received			–37				–33
Disposals			–54				–125
Impairments			–3
Exchange rate differences			20				20
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes							18
Closing balance			1,141				962

Additions

In 2016 additions are mainly due to several smaller investments in associates.

Transfers to and From Investments/Other assets and liabilities

In 2016 transfers included EUR 82 million reclassification from Available-for-sale equity securities to associates and EUR –7 million reclassification from/to other assets and other liabilities.

Revaluations

In 2016, revaluations as presented in the table above of EUR 38 million includes, EUR 54 million relating to TMB, EUR 17 million relating to Equens SE, and EUR –31 million is due to other revaluations.

Share of results

In 2016, Share of results from associates and joint ventures of EUR 88 million as presented in the statement of profit or loss, includes:

 

•

Share of results, as presented in the table above of EUR 91 million mainly attributable to results of TMB amounting to EUR 68 million and a gain of EUR 21 million on disposal of shares held in VISA Europe Limited; and

 

•

Impairments of investments in associates and joint ventures of EUR –3 million.

In 2015, Share of results from associates and joint ventures of EUR 492 million as presented in the statement of profit or loss, included:

 

•

Share of results, as presented in the table above, of EUR 110 million mainly attributable to results of TMB amounting to EUR 75 million and gain on disposal of Ivy Retail SRL and Ontwikkelingscombinatie Overhoeks C.V. amounting to EUR 10 million and EUR 5 million respectively;

 

•

A net gain on Investments in associates held for sale of EUR 382 million, which comprised EUR 367 million from the merger of ING Vysya with Kotak and EUR 15 million on the sale of ING Nationale Nederlanden PTE Polska, S.A.; and

 

•

Impairments on investments in associates and joint ventures of nil.

Disposals

In 2016, Disposals of EUR 54 million is mainly attributable to the sale of Enterprise Center of EUR 40 million and capital repayment CBRE Asia Value Fund of EUR 10 million.

In 2015, Disposals of EUR 125 million was mainly attributable to sale of Ivy Retail SRL and Ontwikkelingscombinatie Overhoeks C.V. as referred to above.

Exchange rate differences

In 2016, Exchange rate differences includes EUR 20 million, of which 28 million relates to TMB and EUR –9 million relates to Appia Group (2015: EUR 11 million related to TMB).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-42

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

8 Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment by type
		2016				2015
Property in own use			881				982
Equipment			1,015				971
Assets under operating leases			106				74
			2,002				2,027

ING uses external valuers to value property in own use. All properties are typically appraised by external valuers once every five years.

 

Changes in property in own use
		2016				2015
Opening balance			982				1,020
Additions			9				10
Reclassifications
- Transfers to and from Investment properties			8				1
- Transfers to and from Other assets							4
			8				5
Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss for the year
- Depreciation			–15				–16
- Impairments			–64				–17
- Reversal of impairments			5				14
			–74				–19
Revaluations recognised in equity during the year			11				32
Disposals			–38				–60
Exchange rate differences			–17				–6
Closing balance			881				982
Gross carrying amount as at 31 December			1,656				1,823
Accumulated depreciation as at 31 December			–504				–635
Accumulated impairments as at 31 December			–271				–206
Net carrying value as at 31 December			881				982
Revaluation surplus
Opening balance			273				219
Revaluation in the year			–17				54
Closing balance			256				273

The cost or the purchase price amounted to EUR 1,400 million (2015: EUR 1,551 million). Cost or the purchase price less accumulated depreciation and impairments would have been EUR 625 million (2015: EUR 710 million) had property in own use been valued at cost instead of at fair value.

 

		F-43		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in equipment
		Data processing equipment								Fixtures and fittings and other equipment								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Opening balance			263				265				708				733				971				998
Additions			161				140				181				176				342				316
Disposals			–5				–6				–20				–7				–25				–13
Depreciation			–137				–125				–178				–186				–315				–311
Exchange rate differences			–5				–4				–5				–1				–10				–5
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes			46				–7				6				–7				52				–14
Closing balance			323				263				692				708				1,015				971
Gross carrying amount as at 31 December			1,274				1,092				2,432				2,482				3,706				3,574
Accumulated depreciation as at 31 December			–950				–828				–1,740				–1,774				–2,690				–2,602
Accumulated impairments as at 31 December			–1				–1												–1				–1
Net carrying value as at 31 December			323				263				692				708				1,015				971

9 Intangible assets

 

Changes in intangible assets
		Goodwill								Software								Other								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Opening balance			985				1,061				567				574				15				20				1,567				1,655
Additions											93				134												93				134
Capitalised expenses											195				122												195				122
Amortisation											–182				–265				–5				–5				–187				–270
Impairments											–45				–15												–45				–15
Exchange rate differences			–82				–70				–1												–1				–83				–71
Disposals											–9				–1												–9				–1
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes							–6				–47				18								1				–47				13
Closing balance			903				985				571				567				10				15				1,484				1,567
Gross carrying amount as at 31 December			903				985				1,756				1,706				29				29				2,688				2,720
Accumulated amortisation as at 31 December											–1,147				–1,128				–17				–12				–1,164				–1,140
Accumulated impairments as at 31 December											–38				–11				–2				–2				–40				–13
Net carrying value as at 31 December			903				985				571				567				10				15				1,484				1,567

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-44

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to groups of CGUs as follows:

 

Goodwill allocation to group of CGUs
		Method used for recoverable amount				Discount rate				Long term growth rate				Goodwill				Goodwill
Group of CGU’s														2016				2015
Retail Belgium			Values in use				8.64	%			0.45	%			50				50
Retail Germany			Values in use				7.74	%			0.45	%			349				349
Retail Growth Markets1, 2			Fair value less cost of disposal				12.48	%			3.19	%			375				427
Wholesale Banking2			Values in use				8.80	%			0.96	%			129				159
															903				985

 

1	As of 2016, the group of CGUs Retail Central Europe is renamed to Retail Growth and enhanced with Asian stakes to align with segment reporting. This change has no impact on goodwill allocated to this group of CGUs in 2016 and 2015.

2	Goodwill related to Growth Countries is allocated across two groups of CGUs EUR 375 million to Retail Growth and EUR 109 million to Wholesale Banking.

No goodwill impairment was recognised in 2016 (2015: nil). Changes in the goodwill per group of CGUs in 2016 is due to changes in currency exchange rates.

Goodwill impairment testing

Impairment reviews with respect to goodwill are performed at least annually and more frequently if events indicate that impairments may have occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the lowest level at which it is monitored for internal management purposes and is referred to as a Cash Generating Unit (CGU), or group of CGUs. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the group of CGUs (that is, the group of cash generating units or CGUs) to the best estimate of the recoverable amount of that group of CGUs. In compliance with IAS 36 ‘Impairment of assets’, the carrying value is determined on a basis that is consistent with the way in which the recoverable amount of the CGU is determined. The actual IFRS capital is the basis for allocation of carrying value to CGUs, adjusted for Retail/Wholesale split using a solvency allocation key which is based on the CGUs share of risk-weighted assets.

Methodology

Several methodologies are applied to arrive at the best estimate of the recoverable amount. In line with IFRS, the recoverable amount is determined as the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and Value in Use (VIU). Fair value less costs of disposal is based on observable share prices (Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy), observable Price-to-Book multiples of relevant peer banks (Level 2), or based on a discounted free cash flow model (Level 3). The VIU calculation is based on a Dividend Discount model using five year management approved plans. When estimating the VIU of a CGU, local conditions and requirements determine the capital requirements, discount rates, and terminal growth rates. These local conditions and requirements determine the ability to upstream excess capital and profits to ING Group. The discount rate calculation includes other inputs such as equity market premium, country risk premium, and long term inflation which are based on market sources and management’s judgement. The long term growth rate for EU-countries is based on long-term risk-free rate by reference to the yield of a composite index consisting of Euro generic government bonds, with a maturity of 30 years. For other countries, the growth rate includes long term inflation rate obtained from market sources.

The carrying value of the CGUs exceeds the recoverable amount for 2016 and 2015 and therefore no impairment is required.

Sensitivity of key assumptions

Key assumptions in the goodwill impairment test model are the Price to Book ratios, share price of listed subsidiaries and the local parameters for CET1, discount rate, and long term growth rates. The model was tested for sensitivity by changing the key parameters in the model to more conservative values. The sensitivity analysis did not trigger additional impairment considerations.

Software

Software, includes internally developed software amounting to EUR 395 million (2015: EUR 319 million).

As of 2016, the amortisation period for capitalised software is changed from three to five years. The change is applied prospectively. The change results in a lower charge to the statement of profit or loss for the year. The change has no significant impact on the statement of profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 2016 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the statement of profit or loss of ING Group in future years. Amortisation of software and other intangible assets is included in the statement of profit or loss in other operating expenses. Reference is made to Note 27 ‘Other operating expenses’.

 

		F-45		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

10 Other assets

 

Other assets by type
		2016				2015
Net defined benefit assets			609				643
Investment properties			65				77
Property development and obtained from foreclosures			184				212
Accrued interest and rents			5,588				6,228
Other accrued assets			884				717
Amounts to be settled			4,815				2,087
Other			2,577				2,297
			14,722				12,261

Disclosures in respect of Net defined benefit assets are provided in Note 35 ‘Pension and other post-employment benefits’.

Property development and obtained from foreclosures

 

Property development and obtained from foreclosures
		2016				2015
Property developed			109				141
Property obtained from foreclosures			75				71
			184				212
Gross carrying amount as at 31 December			469				531
Accumulated impairments as at 31 December			–285				–319
Net carrying value			184				212

Accrued interest and rents

As at 31 December 2016, the line item includes accrued interest of EUR 1,939 million (2015: EUR 2,290 million) on trading derivative assets and EUR 2,773 million (2015: EUR 2,895 million) on loans and available-for-sale bonds. Accrued interest on trading derivative assets should be considered together with accrued interest on trading derivative liabilities as included in Other liabilities. Reference is made to Note 16 ‘Other liabilities’. The remainder of the balance relates mainly to accrued interest on cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and other non-trading derivatives.

Other accrued assets

In 2016, Other accrued assets increased by EUR 167 million, mainly due to card transactions.

Amounts to be settled

Amounts to be settled are primarily transactions not settled at the balance sheet date. They are short term in nature and are expected to settle shortly after the balance sheet date. The increase in 2016 is partly attributable to the reclassification of Items to be settled in respect of securities transactions. Items to be settled in respect of securities transactions of nil, at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015: EUR 1,499 million), were previously reported under Loans and advances to customers and Loans and advances to banks. On the basis of materiality, comparative amounts as at 31 December 2015 have not been adjusted. Furthermore, the increased balance, as at 31 December 2016, is due to higher market activity compared to year end.

Other

Other assets - Other relates mainly to other receivables in the normal course of business.

11 Assets held for sale

As at 31 December 2015, Assets held for sale related to the investment of 25.75% in the associate NN Group which amounted to EUR 2,153 million.

During 2016, ING Group sold its remaining shares in NN Group resulting in a net profit of EUR 448 million which is recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the line ‘Net result from disposal of discontinued operations’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-46

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Reference is made to Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’ and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

 

		F-47		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Liabilities

12 Deposits from banks

Deposits from banks include non-subordinated debt from banks, except for amounts in the form of debt securities.

 

Deposits from banks by type
		Netherlands								International								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Non-interest bearing							1,304				449				1,063				449				2,367
Interest bearing			13,778				12,331				17,737				19,115				31,515				31,446
			13,778				13,635				18,186				20,178				31,964				33,813

In 2016, ING participated in the new targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTRO II) of EUR 10.7 billion and early redeemed the old TLTRO I tranches for EUR 8.7 billion.

The TLTRO aims to stimulate lending to the real economy in the Eurozone. The interest rate on the TLTRO’s is fixed over the life of each operation at the benchmark rate of the European Central Bank.

Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’ for information on securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions.

13 Customer deposits

 

Customer deposits
		2016				2015
Savings accounts			315,663				305,910
Credit balances on customer accounts1			173,230				316,717
Corporate deposits			32,687				40,244
Other			1,328				1,339
			522,908				664,210

 

1

The comparative amounts, as at 31 December 2015, are adjusted as a result of a change in accounting policies. Total Customer deposits, as at 31 December 2015, increased by EUR 163.5 billion from EUR 500.8 billion to EUR 664.2 billion as a result of an increase in Credit balances on customer accounts. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ - Change in accounting policies and presentation in 2016.

 

Customer deposits by type
		Netherlands1								International								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Non-interest bearing			13,536				12,360				16,911				13,367				30,447				25,727
Interest bearing1			151,446				310,950				341,015				327,533				492,461				638,483
			164,982				323,310				357,926				340,900				522,908				664,210

 

1

The comparative amounts, as at 31 December 2015, are adjusted as a result of a change in accounting policies. Total Customer deposits, as at 31 December 2015, increased by EUR 163.5 billion from EUR 500.8 billion to EUR 664.2 billion. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ - Change in accounting policies in 2016.

Savings accounts relate to the balances on savings accounts, savings books, savings deposits, and time deposits of personal customers. The interest payable on savings accounts, which is contractually added to the accounts, is also included.

Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’ for information on securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-48

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

14 Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
		2016				2015
Trading liabilities			83,167				88,807
Non-trading derivatives			3,541				4,257
Designated at fair value through profit or loss			12,266				12,616
			98,974				105,680

Trading liabilities

 

Trading liabilities by type
		2016				2015
Equity securities			1,975				3,773
Debt securities			4,146				5,342
Funds on deposit			37,753				38,789
Derivatives			39,293				40,903
			83,167				88,807

The decrease in the trading liabilities is mainly due to a reduction of short positions, expiring contracts, and changes in fair value resulting from market interest rates and exchange rates. Reference is made to Note 4 ‘Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’ for information on trading assets.

Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’ for information on securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions.

Non-trading derivatives

 

Non-trading derivatives by type
		2016				2015
Derivatives used in:
– fair value hedges			672				988
– cash flow hedges			671				1,167
– hedges of net investments in foreign operations			33				52
Other non-trading derivatives			2,165				2,050
			3,541				4,257

Other non-trading derivatives mainly includes interest rate swaps and foreign currency swaps for which no hedge accounting is applied.

Designated as at fair value through profit or loss

 

Designated as at fair value through profit or loss by type
		2016				2015
Debt securities			10,736				11,623
Funds entrusted			969				407
Subordinated liabilities			561				586
			12,266				12,616

In 2016, the change in the fair value of financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss attributable to changes in credit risk is EUR 50 million (2015: EUR –163 million) and EUR 170 million (2015: EUR 119 million) on a cumulative basis. This change has been determined as the amount of change in fair value of the financial liability that is not attributable to changes in market conditions that gave rise to market risk (i.e. mainly interest rate risk based on yield curves).

 

		F-49		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The amount that ING Group is contractually required to pay at maturity to the holders of financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss is EUR 11,720 million (2015: EUR 12,220 million).

15 Provisions

 

Provisions by type
		2016				2015
Reorganisation provisions			1,482				670
Other provisions			546				294
			2,028				964

Reorganisation provisions

 

Changes in reorganisation provisions
		2016				2015
Opening balance			670				728
Additions			1,202				180
Unused amounts reversed			–13				–15
Utilised			–365				–226
Exchange rate differences			–5				5
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes			–7				–2
Closing balance			1,482				670

In 2016, ING Group recognised an additional reorganisation provision of EUR 1,032 million, for the intended workforce reductions per the intended digital transformation programmes as announced on ING’s Investor Day on 3 October. The intended initiatives are expected to result in a reduction of ING’s workforce mainly in Belgium and the Netherlands during 2016 to 2021.

In 2015, Additions to reorganisation provisions was mainly attributable to existing reorganisation initiatives in Retail Netherlands and Belgium.

These initiatives are implemented over a period of several years and the estimate of the reorganisation provisions is inherently uncertain. The provision at the balance sheet date represents the best estimate of the expected redundancy costs and are expected to be sufficient to cover these costs.

Other provisions

 

Changes in other provisions
		Litigation								Other								Total
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Opening balance			187				190				107				99				294				289
Additions			235				105				120				8				355				113
Unused amounts reversed			–46				–81				–6				–24				–52				–105
Utilised			–28				–17				–19				–2				–47				–19
Exchange rate differences			–1				–2				–1				–1				–2				–3
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes			6				–8				–8				27				–2				19
Closing balance			353				187				193				107				546				294

In 2016, Other provisions – other changes include amounts related to Letters of Credit / Guarantees of EUR 119 million. In general, Other provisions are of a short-term nature. As at 31 December 2016, amounts expected to be settled within twelve months, amount to EUR 322 million. The amounts included in other provisions are based on best estimates with regard to amounts and timing of cash flows required to settle the obligation.

Included in Other provisions – Litigation in 2016 and 2015, is a provision related to floating interest rate derivatives that were sold in the Netherlands. Reference is made to Note 27 ‘Other operating expenses’ and Note 45 ‘Legal proceedings’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-50

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Included in Other provisions – Litigation in 2016, is a provision related to medical insurance plan damages for retired employees of ING Belgium. Reference is made to Note 27 ‘Other operating expenses’ and Note 45 ‘Legal proceedings’.

16 Other liabilities

 

Other liabilities by type
		2016				2015
Net defined benefit liability			521				498
Other post-employment benefits			87				98
Other staff-related liabilities			498				349
Other taxation and social security contributions			495				565
Accrued interest			4,394				5,156
Costs payable			2,242				1,874
Share-based payment plan liabilities			26				26
Amounts to be settled			6,391				2,390
Other			2,198				2,176
			16,852				13,132

Disclosures in respect of Net defined benefit liabilities are provided in Note 35 ‘Pension and other post-employment benefits’.

Other staff-related liabilities

Other staff-related liabilities includes vacation leave provisions, variable compensation provisions, jubilee provisions and disability/illness provisions.

Amounts to be settled

Amounts to be settled increased compared to 31 December 2015 as a result of reclassification of Items to be settled in respect of securities transactions. The items to be settled in respect of securities transactions of EUR 3,571 million, at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015: EUR 2,257 million), were previously reported under Customer deposits and Deposits from banks. On the basis of materiality, comparative amounts as at 31 December 2015, have not been adjusted. Furthermore, the remaining increase, as at 31 December 2016, is due to higher market activity compared to year end.

Other

Other liabilities – Other relates mainly to year-end accruals. Included in Other liabilities - Other, are accruals related to ING’s contributions to the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS) and the Single Resolution Fund (SRF).

 

		F-51		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

17 Debt securities in issue

Debt securities in issue relate to debentures and other issued debt securities with either fixed interest rates or interest rates based on floating interest rate levels, such as certificates of deposit and accepted bills issued by ING Group, except for subordinated items. Debt securities in issue do not include debt securities presented as Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. ING Group does not have debt securities that are issued on terms other than those available in the normal course of business. The maturities of the debt securities are as follows:

 

Debt securities in issue – maturities
		2016				2015
Fixed rate debt securities
Within 1 year			27,208				40,728
More than 1 year but less than 2 years			12,151				7,807
More than 2 years but less than 3 years			7,365				11,192
More than 3 years but less than 4 years			7,893				6,068
More than 4 years but less than 5 years			8,674				7,845
More than 5 years			14,716				20,415
Total fixed rate debt securities			78,007				94,055
Floating rate debt securities
Within 1 year			13,278				10,483
More than 1 year but less than 2 years			2,724				6,056
More than 2 years but less than 3 years			4,168				1,958
More than 3 years but less than 4 years			793				2,827
More than 4 years but less than 5 years			320				476
More than 5 years			3,944				5,434
Total floating rate debt securities			25,227				27,234
Total debt securities			103,234				121,289

In 2016, the decrease in Debt securities in issue of EUR 18.1 billion is mainly attributable to a decrease in long term maturity bonds of EUR 9.1 billion, a decrease of EUR 6.5 billion in certificates of deposit, decrease of EUR 2.9 billion covered bonds, decrease in other debt securities in issue EUR 2.1 billion, partially offset by an increase in commerical paper of EUR 2.5 billion.

As at 31 December 2016, ING Group has unused lines of credit available including the payment of commercial paper borrowings relating to debt securities in issue of EUR 12,015 million (2015: EUR 14,646 million).

18 Subordinated loans

 

Subordinated loans by group companies
		2016				2015
ING Groep N.V.			7,203				7,265
ING Group companies			10,020				9,146
			17,223				16,411

Subordinated loans issued by ING Groep N.V. have been issued to raise Tier 1 capital for ING Bank N.V. Under IFRS these bonds are classified as liabilities and for regulatory purposes, they are considered capital. Subordinated loans issued by ING Group companies comprise, for the most part, subordinated loans which are subordinated to all current and future liabilities of ING Bank N.V.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-52

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Changes in subordinated loans
		2016				2015
Opening balance			16,411				18,158
New issuances			2,070				3,159
Repayments			–1,252				–6,092
Exchange rate differences and other			–6				1,186
Closing balance			17,223				16,411

In April 2016, ING Bank N.V. issued EUR 1,000 million CRD IV-eligible Tier-2 instruments. The transaction had an issuer substitution option which gives ING the right to exchange these for subordinated Tier-2 notes issued by ING Groep N.V. ING has classified this instrument as a financial liability because of the contractual interest payments and fixed maturity date.

In November 2016, ING Groep N.V. issued USD 1,000 million securities that qualify as Additional Tier 1 capital under CRR/CRD IV. The issuance was in the form of 5 Year Callable USD denominated Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Contingent Convertible Securities, with coupon 6.875%. The securities are subject to full conversion into ordinary shares of ING Groep N.V. in the event that ING’s phased-in CET1 ratio would fall below 7%. ING has classified this instrument as a financial liability because ING is obliged to deliver cash or another financial asset, or to otherwise settle the instrument in such a way that it would be a financial liability (e.g. by delivering a variable number of shares) upon the occurrence of an uncertain future event (i.e. a trigger event) that is beyond the control of both the issuer and the holder.

In February, March, and September 2016 respectively, ING Groep N.V. redeemed the final tranche of subordinated loans from the Anchor investors (EUR 338 million), GBP 66 million 5.14% Bond and the USD 800 million 7.05% ING Perpetual Debt Securities.

The average interest rate on subordinated loans is 4.94% (2015: 4.89%). The interest expense during the year 2016 was EUR 816 million (2015: EUR 901 million).

For additional information, reference is made to the Parent company annual accounts, Note 5 ‘Subordinated loans’.

ING Groep N.V. - Anchor investors

Subordinated loans issued by ING Groep N.V. include subordinated notes issued by the Anchor investors amounting to nil (2015: EUR 337.5 million).

In 2014, EUR 1,125 million was received from three external investors (Asian-based investment firms RRJ Capital, Temasek and Sea Town Holdings International) in relation to the IPO of NN Group. This funding, which bears a 4% interest rate, was to be repaid in three tranches of NN Group shares. The number of shares in the repayment was variable, such that the fair value of the shares at repayment date equalled the notional repayment amount, taking into account a discount in the range of 1.5% to 3% of the market price.

In July 2014, a first tranche of EUR 450 million of the mandatorily exchangeable subordinated notes was exchanged into NN Group shares. In June 2015, a second tranche of EUR 337.5 million of the mandatorily exchangeable subordinated notes was exchanged into 13.6 million NN Group ordinary shares and comprised a non-cash transaction. In February 2016, the remaining tranche, of EUR 337.5 million, was mandatorily exchanged. For further information, reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

 

		F-53		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Equity

19 Equity

 

Total equity
		2016				2015				2014
Share capital and share premium
– Share capital			39				928				925
– Share premium			16,950				16,054				16,046
			16,989				16,982				16,971
Other reserves
– Revaluation reserve: Available-for-sale and other			3,830				3,896				6,838
– Revaluation reserve: Cash flow hedge			777				666				3,877
– Revaluation reserve: Property in own use			204				326				306
– Net defined benefit asset/liability remeasurement reserve			–371				–306				–504
– Currency translation reserve			–770				–538				–741
– Share of associates, joint ventures and other reserves			2,235				1,733				1,483
– Treasury shares			–8				–18				–46
			5,897				5,759				11,213
Retained earnings			24,371				22,231				19,370
Shareholders’ equity (parent)			47,257				44,972				47,554
Non-controlling interests			606				638				8,047
Total equity			47,863				45,610				55,601

Share capital and share premium

Share capital

 

Share capital
		Ordinary shares (par value EUR 0.01)
		Number x 1,000												Amount
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Authorised share capital			14,729,000				14,500,000				14,500,000				147				3,480				3,480
Unissued share capital			10,850,516				10,629,817				10,641,138				108				2,552				2,555
Issued share capital			3,878,484				3,870,183				3,858,862				39				928				925

 

Changes in issued share capital
		Ordinary shares (par value EUR 0.01)
		Number x 1,000				Amount
Issued share capital as at 1 January 2014			3,840,894				921
Issue of shares			17,968				4
Issued share capital as at 31 December 2014			3,858,862				925
Issue of shares			11,321				3
Issued share capital as at 31 December 2015			3,870,183				928
Issue of shares			8,301				2
Transfer to share premium							–891
Issued share capital as at 31 December 2016			3,878,484				39

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-54

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

In 2016, ING Groep N.V. issued 8.3 million depositary receipts for ordinary shares (converted into ordinary shares per 26 July 2016) (2015: 11.3 million and 2014: 18.0 million: depositary receipts for ordinary shares). These issues were made in order to fund obligations arising from share-based employee incentive programmes.

During the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, held on 25 April 2016, it was decided to reduce the par value per ordinary share from EUR 0.24 (2015 and 2014) to EUR 0.01. As a result of this, EUR 891 million is attributed to the Share premium. For further information, reference is made to the section ‘Depository receipts for ordinary shares’, below.

In 2016 and 2015 respectively, ING Groep N.V. issued USD 1,000 million and USD 2,250 million Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Contingent Convertible Capital Securities which can, in accordance with their terms and conditions, convert by operation of law into ordinary shares if the conditions to such conversion are fulfilled. As a result of this conversion, the issued share capital can increase by no more than 111 million and 250 million ordinary shares, respectively. Reference is made to Note 18 ‘Subordinated loans’ and to the Parent company annual accounts, Note 5 ‘Subordinated loans’.

Ordinary shares

All ordinary shares are in registered form. No share certificates have been issued. Ordinary shares may be transferred by means of a deed of transfer. A transfer of ordinary shares requires written acknowledgement by ING Groep N.V. Ordinary shares are listed on various stock exchanges. The par value of ordinary shares is EUR 0.01 as of 26 July 2016, the date of amendment of the Articles of Association of ING Groep N.V. (2015 and 2014: EUR 0.24). The authorised ordinary share capital of ING Groep N.V. currently consists of 14,729 million ordinary shares. As at 31 December 2016, 3,878 million ordinary shares were issued and fully paid.

Depositary receipts for ordinary shares

In 2016, ING Group proposed to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to amend the Articles of Association, which included the abolishment of the depositary receipt structure via Stichting Aandelen (ING Trust Office).

Following the adoption of the amendments to the Articles of Association, by the Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2016, the depositary receipt structure was abolished on 26 July 2016. As a result of the amendments to the Articles of Association, a holder of a depositary receipt became entitled to ordinary shares in ING in exchange for depositary receipts previously held.

The conversion of ING Groep N.V. depositary receipts for shares into ING Groep N.V. ordinary shares took place on 26 July 2016. On the same date, the related changes to the Articles of Association, including the reduction of the nominal value of the shares from EUR 0.24 to EUR 0.01, were implemented.

ING’s American Depositary Receipts (ADR’s), which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, remain in place. Similarly, the separate arrangement with the ING Continuity Foundation, regarding its call option to acquire preference shares in ING Group under certain circumstances, remains in place.

As per 26 July 2016, more than 99.9% of the issued ordinary shares were held by Stichting ING Aandelen (ING Trust Office). In exchange for these shares, ING Trust Office issued depositary receipts. These depositary receipts were listed on various stock exchanges. Depositary receipts could be exchanged upon request of the holders of depositary receipts for (non-listed) ordinary shares without any restriction, other than payment of an administrative fee of EUR 0.01 per depositary receipt with a minimum of EUR 25 per exchange transaction.

The holder of a depositary receipt was entitled to receive from ING Trust Office payment of dividends and distributions corresponding to the dividends and distributions received by ING Trust Office on an ordinary share.

Ordinary shares held by ING Group (Treasury shares)

As at 31 December 2016, 0.0 million ordinary shares (2015: 1.5 million and 2014: 4.3 million - depositary receipts for ordinary shares) of ING Groep N.V. with a par value of EUR 0.01 (2015 and 2014: EUR 0.24) are held by ING Groep N.V. or its subsidiaries. The obligations with regard to the existing stock option plan and the share plans will be funded either by cash or by newly issued shares at the discretion of ING Group.

 

		F-55		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Share premium

 

Share premium
		2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			16,054				16,046				16,038
Issue of shares			5				8				8
Transfer from issued share capital			891
Closing balance			16,950				16,054				16,046

The increase in share premium, as a result of the issue of ordinary shares, is related to share-based employee incentive programmes.

In 2016, the share premium increased by EUR 896 million, mainly as a result of a transfer from issued share capital as described above.

Other reserves

Revaluation reserve: Available-for-sale and other

 

Changes in revaluation reserve: Available-for-sale and other
		2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			3,896				6,838				3,344
Unrealised revaluations			80				1,188				7,656
Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss			–146				–94				–133
Transfer to insurance liabilities/DAC							–254				–2,658
Impact of deconsolidation of NN Group							–2,940
Impact of partial divestment of NN Group							–855
Impact of IPO NN Group											–874
Changes in composition of the group and other changes							13				–497
Closing balance			3,830				3,896				6,838

In 2016, the available-for-sale revaluation reserve decreased by EUR 154 million related to the release of previously recognised revaluation reserves, included in the line Unrealised revaluations in 2015, on shares held in VISA Europe Limited. Reference is made to Note 5 ‘Investments’, Note 37 ‘Fair value of assets and liabilities’ and Note 51 ‘Other events.

In 2015 and 2014, Transfer to insurance liabilities/DAC comprised the change in insurance liabilities related to NN Group and Voya, until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015 and the end of March 2014 respectively.

In 2014, Changes in composition of the group and other changes included EUR –502 million related to the deconsolidation of Voya. Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Revaluation reserve: Cash flow hedge

 

Changes in revaluation reserve: Cash flow hedge
		2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			666				3,877				1,879
Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss											–4
Changes in cash flow hedge reserve			111				–65				3,105
Impact of deconsolidation of NN Group							–2,507
Impact of partial divestment of NN Group							–649
Impact of IPO NN Group											–1,100
Changes in composition of the group and other changes							10				–3
Closing balance			777				666				3,877

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-56

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Revaluation reserve: Property in own use

 

Changes in revaluation reserve: Property in own use
		2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			326				306				334
Unrealised revaluations			5				38				–28
Impact of deconsolidation of NN Group							–9
Impact of partial divestment of NN Group							–3
Impact of IPO NN Group											–2
Changes in composition of the group and other changes			–127				–6				2
Closing balance			204				326				306

In 2016, the EUR –127 million is a transfer of revaluation reserve to retained earnings.

Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’, for further information on NN Group divestment transactions.

Net defined benefit asset/liability remeasurement reserve

Reference is made to Note 35 ‘Pension and other post-employment benefits’.

Currency translation reserve

 

Changes in currency translation reserve

2016

2015

2014

Opening balance

–538

–741

–2,161

Unrealised revaluations

–76

–263

–53

Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss

481

Impact of deconsolidation of NN Group

26

Impact of partial divestment of NN Group

8

Impact of IPO NN Group

52

Exchange rate differences

–156

432

940

Closing balance

–770

–538

–741

Unrealised revaluations relates to changes in the value of hedging instruments that are designated as net investment hedges.

In 2014, Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss related to the deconsolidation of Voya at the end of March 2014.

Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’, for further information on NN Group divestment transactions.

 

		F-57		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Share of associates, joint ventures and other reserves

 

Changes in share of associates, joint ventures and other reserves
		2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			1,733				1,483				1,644
Result for the year			124				131				83
Transfer to/from retained earnings			265								–161
Changes in composition of the group and other changes			113				119				–83
Closing balance			2,235				1,733				1,483

Treasury shares

 

Changes in treasury shares
		Amount												Number
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			–18				–46				–32				1,464,025				4,302,122				3,994,055
Purchased/sold			10				28				–6				–863,391				–2,810,775				351,252
Share-based payments																			–27,322				–43,185
Other											–8
Closing balance			–8				–18				–46				600,634				1,464,025				4,302,122

Retained earnings

 

Changes in retained earnings
		2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			22,231				19,370				24,074
Transfer to/from share of associates and joint ventures reserves			–265								161
Result for the year			4,851				4,795				880
Impact of partial divestment of NN Group							–258
Dividend			–2,521				–1,393
Coupon on Undated subordinated notes issued by NN Group							–19
Repurchase premium											–750
Impact of IPO NN Group											–1,327
Employee stock options and share plans			75				105				87
Changes in composition of the group and other changes							–369				–3,755
Closing balance			24,371				22,231				19,370

In 2016, a cash dividend of EUR 2,521 million was paid to the shareholders of ING Group.

In 2015, a cash dividend of EUR 1,393 million was paid to the shareholders of ING Group.

In 2015, the coupon on Undated subordinated notes issued by NN Group comprised coupon payments for the five months, until deconsolidation of NN Group at the end of May 2015.

In 2014, the repurchase premium of EUR 750 million was paid in relation to the repayment of the EUR 1,500 million non-voting equity securities to the Dutch State.

In 2014, Impact of IPO NN Group related to the IPO of NN Group in July 2014.

In 2014, Changes in composition of the group and other changes included a decrease of EUR 3,279 million in Retained earnings as result of the transfer of part of the Net defined benefit asset/liability remeasurement reserve due to the financial independence of the Dutch ING Pension Fund. Furthermore, Changes in composition of the group and other changes also included EUR 87 million related to the deconsolidation of Voya.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-58

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For further information, reference is made to Note 30 ‘Dividend per ordinary share’ and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Non-controlling interests

In 2015, Non-controlling interests decreased with EUR 7,434 million and was mainly related to the deconsolidation of NN Group. Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Ordinary shares - Restrictions with respect to dividend and repayment of capital

The following equity components cannot be freely distributed: Revaluation reserves (being Available for-sale and other, Cash flow hedge and Property in own use), Currency translation reserve, Share of associates and joint ventures reserve, and the part of the Retained earnings that relate to the former Stichting Regio Bank and the former Stichting Vakbondsspaarbank SPN.

As at 31 December 2016, an amount of EUR 1,325 million (2015: EUR 1,201 million; 2014: EUR 1,070 million) related to the former Stichting Regio Bank and the former Stichting Vakbondsspaarbank SPN is included.

ING Groep N.V. is subject to legal restrictions regarding the amount of dividends it can pay to the holders of its ordinary shares. Pursuant to the Dutch Civil Code, dividends can only be paid up to an amount equal to the excess of the company’s own funds over the sum of the paid-up capital, and reserves required by law.

Moreover, ING Groep N.V.’s ability to pay dividends is dependent on the dividend payment ability of its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. ING Groep N.V. is legally required to create a non-distributable reserve insofar as profits of its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are subject to dividend payment restrictions which apply to those subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures themselves. Such restrictions may among others be of a similar nature as the restrictions which apply to ING Groep N.V., including minimum capital requirements that are imposed by industry regulators in the countries in which the subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures operate, or other limitations which may exist in certain countries.

Legally distributable reserves, determined in accordance with the financial reporting requirements included in Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, from ING Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are as follows:

 

Legally distributable reserves
2016		ING Bank				Other				Total
Equity invested			41,004				171				41,175
Non-distributable reserves			7,310				69				7,379
Legally distributable reserves			33,694				102				33,796

 

Legally distributable reserves
2015		ING Bank				Other				Total
Equity invested			37,997				160				38,157
Non-distributable reserves			6,824								6,824
Legally distributable reserves			31,173				160				31,333

 

Legally distributable reserves
2014		ING Bank				NN Group				Other				Total
Equity invested			34,328				13,495				122				47,945
Non-distributable reserves			7,411				6,134								13,545
Legally distributable reserves			26,917				7,361				122				34,400

Furthermore there are restrictions to the ability of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures to distribute reserves to ING Groep N.V. as a result of minimum capital requirements that are imposed by industry regulators in the countries in which the subsidiaries operate.

 

		F-59		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Minimum capital requirements for ING Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are as follows:

 

Minimum capital requirements – subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures
2016		ING Bank				Other				Total
Equity invested			41,004				171				41,175
Total regulatory capital			54,362
Required minimum total regulatory capital*			30,664
			23,698				–				–

 

*	Requirement is based on Pillar I only.

 

Minimum capital requirements – subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures
2015		ING Bank				Other				Total
Equity invested			37,997				160				38,157
Total regulatory capital			51,052
Required minimum total regulatory capital*			29,243
			21,809				–				–

 

*	Requirement is based on Pillar I only.

 

Minimum capital requirements – subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures
2014		ING Bank				NN Group				Other				Total
Equity invested			34,328				13,495				122				47,945
Total regulatory capital			46,015				14,173
Required minimum total regulatory capital*			27,501				4,683
			18,514				9,490				–				–

 

*	Requirement is based on Pillar I only.

In addition to the legal and regulatory restrictions on distributing dividends from subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures to ING Groep N.V. there are various other considerations and limitations that are taken into account in determining the appropriate levels of equity in the Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. These considerations and limitations include, but are not restricted to, rating agency and regulatory views, which can change over time; it is not possible to disclose a reliable quantification of these limitations. Reference is also made to the ‘Capital Management’ section.

Without prejudice to the authority of the Executive Board to allocate profits to reserves and to the fact that the ordinary shares are the most junior securities issued by ING Groep N.V., no specific dividend payment restrictions with respect to ordinary shares exist.

Furthermore, ING Groep N.V. is subject to legal restrictions with respect to repayment of capital to holders of ordinary shares. Capital may be repaid to the holders of ordinary shares pursuant to an amendment of ING Groep N.V.’s Articles of Association whereby the ordinary shares are written down.

Pursuant to the Dutch Civil Code, capital may only be repaid if none of ING Groep N.V.’s creditors opposes such a repayment within two months following the announcement of a resolution to that effect.

Cumulative preference shares (not issued)

Pursuant to the Articles of Association of ING Groep N.V. the authorised cumulative preference share capital consists of 4.6 billion cumulative preference shares, of which none have been issued. The par value of these cumulative preference shares is EUR 0.01.

The cumulative preference shares rank before the ordinary shares in entitlement to dividend and to distributions upon liquidation of ING Groep N.V.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-60

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The dividend on the cumulative preference shares will be equal to a percentage, calculated on the amount compulsorily paid up or yet to be paid up. This percentage shall be equal to the average of the Euro OverNight Index Average (EONIA) as calculated by the European Central Bank during the financial year for which the distribution is made; this percentage being weighted on the basis of the number of days for which it applies, and increased by 2.5 percentage points.

If and to the extent that the profit available for distribution is not sufficient to pay the dividend referred to above in full, the shortfall will be made up from the reserves insofar as possible. If, and to the extent that, the dividend distribution cannot be made from the reserves, the profits earned in subsequent years shall first be used to make up the shortfall before any distribution may be made on shares of any other category.

ING Groep N.V.’s Articles of Association make provision for the cancellation of cumulative preference shares. Upon cancellation of cumulative preference shares and upon liquidation of ING Groep N.V., the amount paid up on the cumulative preference shares will be repaid together with the accrued dividend as well as any dividend shortfall in preceding years, insofar as this shortfall has not yet been made up.

Cumulative preference shares - Restrictions with respect to dividend and repayment of capital

ING Groep N.V. is subject to legal restrictions regarding the amount of dividends it can pay to the holders of its cumulative preference shares, when issued. Pursuant to the Dutch Civil Code, dividends can only be paid up to an amount equal to the excess of the company’s own funds over the sum of the paid-up capital, and reserves required by law.

Moreover, ING Groep N.V.’s ability to pay dividends is dependent on the dividend payment ability of its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. ING Groep N.V. is legally required to create a non-distributable reserve insofar as profits of its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are subject to dividend payment restrictions which apply to those subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures themselves. Such restrictions may among others be of a similar nature as the restrictions which apply to ING Groep N.V., including minimum capital requirements that are imposed by industry regulators in the countries in which the subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures operate, or other limitations which may exist in certain countries.

No specific dividend payment restrictions with respect to the cumulative preference shares exist.

Furthermore, ING Groep N.V. is subject to legal restrictions with respect to repayment of capital to holders of cumulative preference shares. Capital may be repaid to the holders of cumulative preference shares pursuant to (i) an amendment of ING Groep N.V.’s Articles of Association whereby the cumulative preference shares are written-down or (ii) a resolution to redeem and cancel the cumulative preference shares.

Pursuant to the Dutch Civil Code, capital may only be repaid if none of ING Groep N.V.’s creditors opposes such a repayment within two months following the announcement of a resolution to that effect.

 

		F-61		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated statement of profit or loss

20 Net interest income

 

Net interest income
		2016				2015				2014
Interest income on loans			18,407				19,185				20,131
Interest income on impaired loans			69				42				56
Negative interest on liabilities			175				64				6
Total interest income on loans			18,651				19,291				20,193
Interest income on available-for-sale securities			1,659				1,785				2,008
Interest income on held-to-maturity securities			97				101				83
Interest income on trading derivatives			16,081				17,130				17,476
Interest income on other trading portfolio			728				677				851
Interest income on non-trading derivatives (no hedge accounting)			623				788				1,520
Interest income on non-trading derivatives (hedge accounting)			6,213				6,394				5,977
Other interest income			130				155				61
Interest income			44,182				46,321				48,169
Interest expense on deposits from banks			283				302				338
Interest expense on customer deposits			3,160				4,177				5,361
Interest expense on debt securities			2,290				2,535				2,503
Interest expense on subordinated loans			816				901				1,185
Interest expense on trading derivatives			16,263				17,405				17,381
Interest expense on other trading portfolio			210				207				329
Interest expense on non-trading derivatives (no hedge accounting)			652				652				1,255
Interest expense on non-trading derivatives (hedge accounting)			6,720				7,181				7,123
Other interest expense			363				360				390
Negative interest on assets			184				40
Interest expense			30,941				33,760				35,865
Net interest income			13,241				12,561				12,304

In 2016, the increase in total average assets (with the cash pool balances still calculated on a net basis in order to provide consistent information), combined with an improvement of the net interest margin, lead to an increase of EUR 680 million in net interest income. The increase in total average assets was mainly attributable to an increase in customer lending, partly offset by a decline in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

In 2015, the increase in total average assets (excluding Assets held for sale), combined with a decline in the net interest margin lead to an increase of EUR 257 million in net interest income. The increase in total average assets (with the cash pool balances still calculated on a net basis) was partly attributable to an increase in customer lending.

In 2014, the decrease in total average assets, combined with an improvement in the net interest margin lead to an increase of EUR 603 million in net interest income. The decrease in total average assets (with the cash pool balances still calculated on a net basis) was partly attributable to the deconsolidation of ING Vysya and the additional transfers of assets of WestlandUtrecht Bank to NN Group. In 2016, total interest income and total interest expense for non-trading derivatives used in hedge accounting and items not valued at fair value through profit or loss amounts to EUR 26,652 million and EUR 13,498 million respectively (2015: EUR 27,682 million and EUR 15,207 million; 2014: EUR 28,270 million and EUR 16,569 million).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-62

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

21 Net commission income

 

Fee and commission income
		2016				2015				2014
Funds transfer			1,103				1,014				1,006
Securities business			497				570				538
Insurance broking			181				185				172
Asset management fees			91				74				158
Brokerage and advisory fees			477				436				370
Other			1,232				1,132				1,053
			3,581				3,411				3,297

Included in Other, are commission fees of EUR 202 million (2015: EUR 171 million; 2014: EUR 163 million) in respect of bank guarantees, commission fees of EUR 44 million (2015: EUR 30 million; 2014: EUR 23 million) in respect of underwriting syndication loans, structured finance fees of EUR 110 million (2015: EUR 87 million; 2014: EUR 89 million), and collective instruments distributed but not managed by ING of EUR 145 million (2015: EUR 145 million; 2014: EUR 19 million).

 

Fee and commission expenses
		2016				2015				2014
Funds transfer			403				385				355
Securities business			166				158				151
Insurance broking			8				18				14
Asset management fees			5				2				–10
Brokerage and advisory fees			166				140				87
Other			400				390				407
			1,148				1,093				1,004

22 Valuation results and net trading income

 

Valuation results and net trading income
		2016				2015				2014
Securities trading results			–369				1,352				673
Derivatives trading results			706				600				386
Change in fair value of derivatives relating to
– fair value hedges			–170				81				–140
– cash flow hedges (ineffective portion)			–16				31				35
– hedges of net investment in foreign entities (ineffective portion)
– other non-trading derivatives			2,103				830				–143
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities (hedged items)			244				–67				190
Valuation results on assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss (excluding trading)			–79				372				–583
Foreign exchange transactions results			–898				–820				–452
Other			24				66				–15
			1,545				2,445				–49

Securities trading results includes the results of market making in instruments such as government securities, equity securities, corporate debt securities, money-market instruments, and interest rate derivatives such as swaps, options, futures and forward contracts. Foreign exchange transactions results include gains and losses from spot and forward contracts, options, futures, and translated foreign currency assets and liabilities.

The portion of trading gains and losses relating to trading securities still held as at 31 December 2016 amounts to EUR –232 million (2015: EUR 147 million; 2014: EUR –18 million).

 

		F-63		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Net trading income relates to trading assets and trading liabilities which include assets and liabilities that are classified under IFRS as ‘Trading’ but are closely related to servicing the needs of the clients of ING. ING offers products that are traded on the financial markets to institutional clients, corporate client,s and governments. A significant part of the derivatives in the trading portfolio are related to servicing corporate clients in their risk management to hedge for example currency or interest rate exposures. In addition, ING provides its customers access to equity and debt markets for issuing their own equity or debt securities (securities underwriting). Although these are presented as Trading under IFRS, these are directly related to services to ING’s customers. Loans and receivables in the trading portfolio mainly relate to (reverse) repurchase agreements, which are comparable to collateralised borrowing (lending). These products are used by ING as part of its own regular treasury activities, but also relate to the role that ING plays as intermediary between different professional customers. Trading assets and liabilities held for ING’s own risk are very limited. From a risk perspective, the gross amount of trading assets must be considered together with the gross amount of trading liabilities, which are presented separately on the statement of financial position. However, IFRS does not allow netting of these positions in the statement of financial position. Reference is made to Note 4 ‘Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’ and Note 14 ‘Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss’ for information on trading liabilities.

The majority of the risks involved in security and currency trading is economically hedged with derivatives. The securities trading results are partly offset by results on these derivatives. The result of these derivatives is included in Derivatives trading results.

ING Group’s trading books are managed based on internal limits and comprise a mix of products with results which could be offset. The results are presented in various lines within the statement of profit or loss. Reference is made to Note 20 ‘Net interest income’ and Note 22 ‘Valuation results and net trading income’.

In 2016, Net trading income - Derivatives trading results includes EUR 36 million CVA/DVA adjustments on trading derivatives, compared with EUR 98 million CVA/DVA adjustment in 2015 (2014: EUR –205 million).

Valuation results and net trading income includes the fair value movements on derivatives (used for both hedge accounting and economically hedging exposures) as well as the changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities included in hedging relationships as hedged items. In addition, Valuation results and net trading income includes the results on assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss.

Included in the Valuation results and net trading income are the fair value movements on derivatives used to economically hedge exposures, but for which no hedge accounting is applied. The fair value movements on the derivatives are influenced by changes in the market conditions, such as stock prices, interest rates and currency exchange rates.

Valuation results and net trading income are reflected in the Consolidated statement of cash flows in the line ‘Result before tax - Adjusted for: other’.

The Valuation results on assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss includes fair value changes on certain issued debt securities. Valuation results on assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss were mainly due to changes in the fair value of financial liabilities driven by changes in market conditions and changes in own credit risk as disclosed in Note 14 ‘Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss’. Market conditions include in particular credit spread developments.

In 2016, Valuation results on assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss (excluding trading) includes fair value adjustments on own issued notes amounting to EUR –70 million (2015: EUR 404 million; 2014: EUR –632 million), of which DVA adjustment on own issued notes in 2016 amounted to EUR –50 million (2015: EUR 163 million; 2014: EUR –98 million).

In 2016, Valuation results and net trading income includes EUR 33 million related to warrants on the shares of Voya and NN Group (2015: EUR –19 million on Voya and NN Group; 2014: EUR 180 million on Voya). Reference is made to Note 4 ‘Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-64

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

23 Investment income

 

Investment income
		2016				2015				2014
Dividend income			87				63				36
Realised gains/losses on disposal of debt securities			107				123				142
Impairments of available-for-sale debt securities							–17
Reversal of impairments of available-for-sale debt securities											1
Realised gains/losses and impairments of debt securities			107				106				143
Realised gains/losses on disposal of equity securities			236				67				62
Impairments of available-for-sale equity securities			–13				–117				–14
Realised gains/losses and impairments of equity securities			223				–50				48
Income from and fair value gains/losses on investment properties			4				4				9
Investment income			421				123				236

In 2016, Dividend income includes EUR 16 million received as a result of the merger between Equens SE and Worldline. Reference is made to Note 5 ‘Investments’.

In 2016, Realised gains/losses on disposal of equity securities includes mainly EUR 163 million comprising the gain on disposal of the shares held in VISA Europe Limited. For further information on the disposal of shares held in VISA Europe Limited, reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Impairments and reversals of impairments on investments are presented within Investment income, which is part of Total income.

 

Impairments and reversals of impairment on investments per segment

Impairments

Reversal of impairments

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

Retail Belgium

–5

Wholesale Banking

–8

–129

–14

1

Corporate Line Banking

–5

–13

–134

–14

–

–

1

24 Result on disposal of group companies

 

Result on disposal of group companies
		2016				2015				2014
Baring Private Equity Partners			1				7
ING Lease UK							–5
ING Vysya											202
Other											–7
			1				2				195

In 2015, the Result on disposal of group companies included EUR 7 million realised deferred profits on divestments in prior periods related to Baring Private Equity Partners and a release of goodwill related to the disposal of the remaining portfolios of ING Lease (UK). Reference is made to Note 9 ‘Intangible assets’.

In 2016, 2015, and 2014 the result on divestments of NN Group and the divestment of Voya was not included above but included in Net result from disposal of discontinued operations. Reference is made to Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’, Note 46 ‘Consolidated companies and businesses acquired and divested’ and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

 

		F-65		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

In 2014, Result on disposal of group companies included EUR 202 million profit on the deconsolidation of ING Vysya. Reference is made to Note 7 ‘Investments in associates and joint ventures’, Note 33 ‘Segments’, Note 34 ‘Information on geographical areas’, Note 49 ‘Related parties’.

25 Other income

 

Other income
		2016				2015				2014
Net operating lease income			2				2				5
Income from investment property development projects			1				8
Other			170				56				92
			173				66				97

Net operating lease income comprises income of EUR 21 million (2015: EUR 19 million; 2014: EUR 23 million) and depreciation of EUR 19 million (2015: EUR 17 million; 2014: EUR 18 million).

In 2016, Other income – Other includes EUR 16 million related to the disposal of shares held in VISA Europe Limited. For further information on the VISA transaction, reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’. The remainder of the Other income - Other is made up of a number of small items, which are individually insignificant.

In 2015, Other income – Other was mainly impacted by positive results on the sale of loans and property, partly offset by non-recurring charges related to increased prepayments and renegotiations of mortgages.

26 Staff expenses

 

Staff expenses
		2016				2015				2014
Salaries			3,224				3,221				3,149
Pension costs and other staff-related benefit costs			344				275				1,218
Social security costs			512				514				514
Share-based compensation arrangements			75				76				60
External employees			636				634				623
Education			70				68				57
Other staff costs			178				184				167
			5,039				4,972				5,788

In 2015, there was a new collective labour agreement in the Netherlands resulting in reduced rights to future benefits. The impact of this was included in Pension and other staff-related benefits costs.

In 2014, a charge of EUR 871 million was recognised in Pensions costs related to the Dutch defined benefit plan settlement which resulted in the ING Pension Fund being financially independent from ING. Reference is made to Note 35 ‘Pension and other post-employment benefits’ for information on pensions.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-66

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Number of employees
		Netherlands												International												Total
		2016				20151				2014				2016				20151				2014				2016				20151				2014
Continuing operations - average number of employees at full time equivalent basis			13,660				14,586				15,209				38,283				38,134				40,736				51,943				52,720				55,945
Discontinued operations - average number of employees at full time equivalent basis							2,652				6,851								2,181				5,635								4,833				12,486
Total average number of employees at full time equivalent basis			13,660				17,238				22,060				38,283				40,315				46,371				51,943				57,553				68,431

 

1

The average number of employees includes, on an average basis, employees of the discontinued operations of NN Group. NN Group was deconsolidated from ING Group at the end of May 2015. Staff expenses, for the five months ended May 2015 was included in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss of ING Group in the line item Net result from discontinued operations. Reference is made to Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’.

The decrease in the number of employees in 2016, compared to 2015, is mainly as a result of the deconsolidation of NN Group at the end of May 2015 and reorganisations.

Share-based compensation arrangements include EUR 69 million (2015: EUR 63 million; 2014: EUR 57 million) relating to equity-settled share-based payment arrangements and EUR 6 million (2015: EUR 13 million; 2014: EUR 3 million) relating to cash-settled share-based payment arrangements.

Remuneration of senior management, Executive Board and Supervisory Board

Reference is made to Note 49 ‘Related parties’.

Stock option and share plans

ING Groep N.V. has granted option rights on ING Groep N.V. shares and conditional rights on shares to a number of senior executives (members of the Executive Board, general managers and other officers nominated by the Executive Board), and to a considerable number of employees of ING Group. The purpose of the option and share schemes, apart from promoting a lasting growth of ING Group, is to attract, retain and motivate senior executives and staff.

ING grants three types of share awards, deferred shares, performance shares, and upfront shares. The entitlement to the share awards is granted conditionally. If the participant remains in employment for an uninterrupted period between the grant date and the vesting date, the entitlement becomes unconditional. In addition to the employment condition, the performance shares contain a performance condition. The number of ING shares that would ultimately be granted at the end of a performance period is dependent on ING’s performance over that period. Upfront and deferred shares, with retention periods as soon as it becomes unconditional, were awarded to the Management Board members of ING Bank and NN Group (in periods prior to 2015), as well as identified staff. ING has the authority to apply a hold back to awarded but unvested shares and a claw-back to vested shares.

The information presented below on stock options and share plans on ING Groep N.V. shares includes personnel employed by entities that are presented as continuing operations as well as held for sale and discontinued operations.

In 2016, 61,532 share awards (2015: nil; 2014: nil) were granted to the members of the Executive Board of ING Groep N.V., 170,749 share awards (2015: 106,013; 2014: 206,650 including NN Group) were granted to the Management Board of ING Bank. To senior management and other employees 6,590,039 share awards (2015: 6,088,240; 2014: 6,814,308 including NN Group) were granted. In 2014, all outstanding ING Groep N.V. share awards held by the Management Board, senior management and other employees of NN Group N.V. were converted into awards on NN Group N.V. shares. The conversion was performed at an exchange factor such that the fair value of the outstanding awards was unchanged. The outstanding option awards on ING Groep N.V. shares which are fully vested, remained unchanged. As of 2014, new awards to the Management Board, senior management and other employees of NN Group are all based on NN Group N.V. shares.

Every year, the ING Group Executive Board decides whether the option and share schemes are to be continued and, if so, to what extent. In 2010, the Group Executive Board decided not to continue the option scheme as from 2011. The existing option schemes, up and until 2010, will be run off in the coming years.

 

		F-67		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The option rights are valid for a period of ten years. Option rights that are not exercised within this period, lapse. Option rights granted will remain valid until the expiry date, even if the option scheme is discontinued. The option rights are subject to certain conditions, including a pre-determined continuous period of service. The exercise prices of the options are the same as the quoted prices of ING Groep N.V. shares at the date on which the options are granted.

The obligations with regard to the existing stock option plan and the share plans will be funded either by cash or by newly issued shares at the discretion of ING Group.

 

Changes in option rights outstanding
		Options outstanding (in numbers)												Weighted average exercise price (in euros)
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			37,311,131				52,559,607				68,292,442				17.54				16.95				16.02
Exercised			–1,583,072				–3,251,420				–4,796,012				5.40				5.97				5.97
Forfeited			–244,959				–410,847				–610,095				16.89				18.05				15.91
Expired			–9,908,188				–11,586,209				–10,326,728				24.67				18.13				16.35
Closing balance			25,574,912				37,311,131				52,559,607				15.53				17.54				16.95

As per 31 December 2016, total options outstanding consists of 16,861,694 options (2015: 27,657,794; 2014: 41,685,852) relating to equity-settled share-based payment arrangements and 8,713,218 options (2015: 9,653,337; 2014: 10,873,755) relating to cash-settled share-based payment arrangements.

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for options exercised during 2016 is EUR 10.43 (2015: 13.62; 2014: EUR 10.60).

All option rights are vested

 

Summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable
		Options outstanding and exercisable as at 31 December												Weighted average remaining contractual life												Weighted average exercise price
Range of exercise price in euros		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
0.00 – 5.00			3,086,449				3,817,765				4,893,647				2.21				3.22				3.76				2.88				2.89				2.88
5.00 – 10.00			5,248,657				6,213,999				8,527,415				3.21				4.21				5.21				7.37				7.37				7.38
10.00 – 15.00			137,706				139,841				145,974				1.71				2.72				3.71				14.35				14.35				14.35
15.00 – 20.00			9,460,529				10,061,265				21,003,814				1.21				2.21				1.54				16.83				16.87				17.33
20.00 – 25.00			7,295,027				7,608,639				8,117,391				0.23				1.24				1.79				24.62				24.62				24.57
25.00 – 30.00			346,544				9,469,622				9,871,366				0.38				0.30				1.29				25.42				25.17				25.18
			25,574,912				37,311,131				52,559,607

All options outstanding are exercisable. As at 31 December 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable is EUR 64 million (2015: EUR 68 million; 2014: EUR 68 million).

Cash received from stock option exercises for the year ended 31 December 2016 is EUR 7 million (2015: EUR 16 million; 2014: EUR 24 million).

The fair value of options granted is recognised as an expense under staff expenses and is allocated over the vesting period of the options. The fair values of the option awards have been determined using a European Black Scholes formula. This model takes the risk free interest rate into account (2.02% to 4.62%), as well as the lifetime of the options granted (5 to 9 years), the exercise price, the current share price (EUR 2.90 – EUR 25.42), the expected volatility of the certificates of ING Groep N.V. shares (25% – 84%) and the expected dividend yield (0.94% to 8.99%). The source for implied volatilities used for the valuation of the stock options is ING’s trading system. The implied volatilities in this system are determined by ING’s traders and are based on market data implied volatilities not on historical volatilities.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-68

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in share awards
		Share awards (in numbers)												Weighted average grant date fair value (in euros)
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Opening balance			8,737,014				12,706,264				25,059,992				10.04				7.37				7.23
Granted			6,822,320				6,194,253				7,020,958				10.20				13.00				9.78
Performance effect			543,891				453,699				1,003,576				8.68				6.40				6.02
Vested			–7,569,972				–10,374,131				–19,444,374				9.65				8.38				8.01
Forfeited			–150,290				–243,071				–933,888				10.58				8.91				6.83
Closing balance			8,382,963				8,737,014				12,706,264				10.44				10.04				7.37

In July 2014, 2.8 million share awards of ING Group were converted in NN Group share awards, these are presented in the line Vested.

As at 31 December 2016, the share awards consists of 7,294,633 share awards (2015: 7,485,634; 2014: 11,282,373) relating to equity-settled share-based payment arrangements and 1,088,330 share awards (2015: 1,251,380; 2014: 1,423,891) relating to cash-settled share-based payment arrangements.

The fair value of share awards granted is recognised as an expense under staff expenses and is allocated over the vesting period of the share awards. As of 2015, ING Group no longer has share awards containing a market based performance condition. Previously, the fair values of share awards containing a market based performance condition have been determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based valuation model. The model takes into account the risk free interest rate, the current stock prices, expected volatilities and current dividend yields of the performance peer group used to determine ING’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) ranking.

As at 31 December 2016, total unrecognised compensation costs related to share awards amount to EUR 41 million (2015: EUR 45 million; 2014: EUR 36 million). These costs are expected to be recognised over a weighted average period of 1.4 years (2015: 1.4 years; 2014: 1.3 years).

27 Other operating expenses

 

Other operating expenses
		2016				2015				2014
Depreciation of property and equipment			330				327				326
Computer costs			740				753				705
Office expenses			580				618				620
Travel and accommodation expenses			169				166				140
Advertising and public relations			404				418				405
External advisory fees			320				246				212
Audit and non-audit services			19				18				18
Postal charges			48				56				59
Regulatory costs			845				620				712
Addition/(unused amounts reversed) of provision for reorganisations and relocations			1,189				165				469
Intangible amortisation and (reversals of) impairments			294				298				325
Other			637				669				480
			5,575				4,354				4,471

Other operating expenses include lease and sublease payments in respect of operating leases of EUR 310 million (2015: EUR 281 million; 2014: EUR 239 million) in which ING Group is the lessee. No individual operating lease has terms and conditions that significantly affect the amount, timing and certainty of the consolidated cash flows of the Group.

Audit and non-audit services

Audit and non-audit services include fees for services provided by the Group’s auditors.

 

		F-69		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Fees of Group’s auditors
		2016				20151				20141
Audit fees			15				16				16
Audit related fees			1				1				1
Tax fees							1				1
Total2			16				18				18

 

1	Total Group’s auditors fees for 2015, including charges related to NN Group until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015, amounted to EUR 24 million (2014: EUR 32 million).

2	The Group auditors did not provide any non-audit services except tax.

Fees as disclosed in the table above relate to the network of the Group’s auditors and are the amounts related to the respective years, i.e. on an accrual basis. The amounts exclude Group’s auditors fees for entities presented as held for sale and discontinued operations.

Regulatory costs

Regulatory costs represent contributions to the Deposit Guarantee Schemes (DGS), The Single Resolution Fund (SRF) and local bank taxes. As of 1 January 2016, the new ex-ante DGS in the Netherlands and the SRF came into effect resulting in increased Regulatory costs for the period. Included in Regulatory costs for 2016, are contributions to DGS of EUR 316 million (2015: EUR 233 million; 2014: EUR 159 million) mainly related to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Turkey and Spain and contributions to the SRF of EUR 176 million (2015: EUR 143 million related to National Resolution Funds; 2014: nil).

In 2016 local bank taxes increased by EUR 108 million from EUR 243 million to EUR 351 million mainly due to a new Polish bank tax and higher taxes in Belgium.

The nationalisation of SNS Reaal in 2013 had as a consequence, a one-time bank tax of EUR 1 billion to be paid by ING Bank and other Dutch banks. In accordance with the relevant legislation, the bank tax was charged in three equal instalments. For ING, this resulted in a charge of EUR 304 million in 2014.

Addition/(unused amounts reversed) of provision for reorganisations and relocations

Included in Addition/(unused amounts reversed) of provision for reorganisations and relocations in 2016, is an amount of EUR 1,032 million comprising a pre-tax redundancy provision for the intended workforce reductions related to the intended digital transformation programmes as announced on ING’s Investor Day on 3 October 2016. For further information on Addition/(unused amounts reversed) of provision for reorganisations and relocations, reference is made to the disclosure on the reorganisation provision in Note 15 ‘Provisions’.

Intangible amortisation and (reversals of) impairments

 

Intangible amortisation and (reversals of) impairments
		Impairment losses												Reversals of impairments												Total
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Property and equipment			65				17				43				–5				–14				–5				60				3				38
Property development			3				9				36																3				9				36
Software and other intangible assets			44				15				1																44				15				1
(Reversals of) other impairments			112				41				80				–5				–14				–5				107				27				75
Amortisation of software and other intangible assets																											187				271				250
																											294				298				325

As of 2016, the amortisation period for capitalised software is changed from three to five years. The change is applied prospectively. The change results in a lower charge to the statement of profit or loss. The change has no significant impact on the statement of profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 2016 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the statement of profit or loss of ING Group in future years. Reference is made to Note 9 ‘Intangible assets’.

In 2016, impairment losses on software and other intangible assets mainly include software that was impaired to its Value in Use, related to the announcements on ING’s Investor Day on 3 October 2016.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-70

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Other

Included in Other operating expenses – Other in 2016, is a net charge amounting to EUR 114 million ( 2015: EUR 76 million) for the provision recognised in relation to floating interest rate derivatives that were sold in the Netherlands. Also included in this line, is a charge related to the provision recognised for medical insurance plan damages for retired employees of ING Belgium. Reference is made to Note 15 ‘Provisions’ and Note 45 ‘Legal proceedings’.

28 Discontinued operations

Total net result from discontinued operations comprises the results from NN Group and Voya.

 

Total net result from discontinued operations
		2016				2015				2014
NN Group							800				529
Voya											138
Net result from discontinued operations							800				667
NN Group							3				–470
Net result from classification as discontinued operations							3				–470
NN Group			441				–1,202				–26
Voya							323				–1,546
Net result from disposal of discontinued operations1			441				–879				–1,572
NN Group			441				–399				33
Voya							323				–1,408
Total net result from discontinued operations (before non-controlling interests)			441				–76				–1,375

1 The tax effect on the result on disposal of discontinued operations in 2016 is EUR 2 million (2015: nil; 2014: EUR 114 million).

Net result from discontinued operations

Net result from discontinued operations comprises the total net result (after tax) of the businesses classified as discontinued operations and is presented separately in the statement of profit or loss.

In 2015, the statement of profit or loss of ING Group included, in the line ‘Net result from discontinued operations’, the net result of NN Group until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015 and a dividend of EUR 59 million received from NN Group.

In 2014, included in this line was the net result of NN Group and the net result of Voya until the deconsolidation at the end of March 2014.

For further information, reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

 

Net result from discontinued operations
		2016				20151				20142
Total income							6,824				14,254
Total expenses							5,879				13,456
Result before tax from discontinued operations			–				945				798
Taxation							145				131
Net result from discontinued operations			–				800				667

 

1

NN Group.

2	NN Group and Voya.

 

		F-71		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Net result from classification as discontinued operations

In 2015, Net result from classification as discontinued operations comprised the impact on the statement of profit or loss of the change in non-current non-financial assets of NN Group presented as assets and liabilities held for sale, prior to deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

In 2014, goodwill and certain other non-current non-financial assets of EUR 103 million and EUR 367 million respectively were written-off as the sale of NN Group was expected to be below the carrying value.

For further information, reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Net result from disposal of discontinued operations

In 2016, ING Group sold its remaining shares in NN Group resulting in a net profit of EUR 448 million which is recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the line ‘Net result from disposal of discontinued operations’. Also included in this line, are deferred losses related to former insurance activities.

In 2015, Net result from disposal of discontinued operations included mainly a profit of EUR 323 million on the sale of the last Voya shares in March 2015 to reduce ING Group’s stake in Voya from 18.9% (at 31 December 2014) to zero, a loss of EUR 1,224 million as a result of the further sale and deconsolidation of NN Group at the end of May 2015 and a loss of EUR 15 million on the further divestments of ING Group’s interest in NN Group in September 2015.

In 2014, Net result from disposal of discontinued operations mainly included the total net divestment loss of EUR –1,546 million on the further sale of Voya.

Reference is made to Note 46 ‘Consolidated companies and businesses acquired and divested’ and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Net cash flows from discontinued operations

The table below represents the net cash flows from businesses classified as discontinued operations, as included in the Consolidated statement of cash flows, until deconsolidation of the respective businesses:

 

Net cash flows from discontinued operations
		2016				20151				20142
Operating cash flow							–1,409				–4,006
Investing cash flow							2,619				1,295
Financing cash flow							526				3,834
Net cash flow			–				1,736				1,123

 

1

NN Group.

2	NN Group and Voya.

Proportional interest held and key information

The proportional interest held and key information on NN Group, until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015, are included in the tables below.

 

NN Group N.V. - Statement of profit or loss
2015		Interest held (%)				Total income from continuing operations				Total expenses from continuing operations				Net result from discontinued operations				Net result3				Non- controlling interests
NN Group - total 1			100.00				6,764				6,041				–				723				–
ING Group’s share 2			54.77																390				333

 

1	NN Group statement of profit or loss, until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

2	ING Group’s share of NN Group statement of profit or loss, until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

3	Net result, excluding NN Group’s non-controlling interest.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-72

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

NN Group N.V. - Comprehensive income
2015		Interest held (%)				Comprehensive income				Non- controlling interests
NN Group - total 1			100.00				1,718				–
ING Group’s share 2			54.77				941				777

 

1	NN Group’s comprehensive income, until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

2	ING Group’s share of NN Group comprehensive income, until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

 

NN Group N.V. - Statement of financial position
2014		Interest held (%)				Total assets				Total liabilities				Total equity				Non- controlling interests
NN Group - total			100.00				165,481				144,064				21,417				–
ING Group’s share			68.14												13,870				7,547

 

NN Group N.V. - Statement of profit or loss
2014		Interest held (%)				Total income from continuing operations				Total expenses from continuing operations				Net result from discontinued operations				Net result1				Non- controlling interests
NN Group - total			100.00				13,545				12,918				–16				611				–
ING Group’s share			68.14																416				195

 

1	Net result, excluding NN Group’s non-controlling interest.

 

NN Group N.V. - Comprehensive income
2014		Interest held (%)				Comprehensive income				Non- controlling interests
NN Group - total			100.00				5,698				–
ING Group’s share			68.14				3,883				1,815

In 2015 and 2014, Total income and Total expenses of NN Group, to which the non-controlling interest in NN Group related, were all presented in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss in the line ‘Net result from discontinued operations’.

As per 31 December 2014, Total assets and Total liabilities of NN Group as presented above, to which the minority interest in NN Group related, are all presented in the Consolidated statement of financial position in Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale, respectively.

 

		F-73		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

29 Earnings per ordinary share

 

Earnings per ordinary share
		Amount (in EUR million)												Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period (in millions)												Per ordinary share (in EUR)
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Net result			4,975				4,926				963				3,875.0				3,864.8				3,849.7
Attribution to non-voting equity securities1											–750
Basic earnings			4,975				4,926				213				3,875.0				3,864.8				3,849.7				1.28				1.28				0.06
Effect of dilutive instruments:
Stock option and share plans															3.5				5.5				6.3
															3.5				5.5				6.3
Diluted earnings			4,975				4,926				213				3,878.5				3,870.3				3,856.0				1.28				1.27				0.06

 

1

Until the repayment of the final tranche in November 2014, the ‘Attribution to non-voting equity securities’ represented the amount that would be payable on the non-voting equity securities if and when the entire net result for the period would be distributed as dividend. This amount was only included for the purpose of determining earnings per share under IFRS and did not represent a payment (neither actual nor proposed) to the holders of the non-voting equity securities.

Dilutive instruments

Diluted earnings per share is calculated as if the stock options and share plans outstanding at the end of the period had been exercised at the beginning of the period and assuming that the cash received from exercised stock options and share plans is used to buy own shares against the average market price during the period. The net increase in the number of shares resulting from exercising stock options and share plans is added to the average number of shares used for the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

In 2014, the potential conversion of the non-voting equity securities had an anti-dilutive effect on the earnings per share calculation (the diluted earnings per share becoming higher or less negative than the basic earnings per share). Therefore, the potential conversion was not taken into account in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 

Earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations
		Amount (in EUR million)												Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period (in millions)												Per ordinary share (in EUR)
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Basic earnings			4,975				4,926				213				3,875.0				3,864.8				3,849.7
Less: Total net result from discontinued operations			441				–415				–1,460
Basic earnings from continuing operations			4,534				5,341				1,673				3,875.0				3,864.8				3,849.7				1.17				1.39				0.44
Effect of dilutive instruments:
Stock option and share plans															3.5				5.5				6.3
															3.5				5.5				6.3
Diluted earnings from continuing operations			4,534				5,341				1,673				3,878.5				3,870.3				3,856.0				1.17				1.38				0.43

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-74

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Earnings per ordinary share from discontinued operations
		Amount (in EUR million)												Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period (in millions)												Per ordinary share (in EUR)
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Net result from discontinued operations							462				424
Net result from classification as discontinued operations							2				–320
Net result from disposal of discontinued operations			441				–879				–1,564
Total net result from discontinued operations			441				–415				–1,460				3,875.0				3,864.8				3,849.7
Basic earnings from discontinued operations			441				–415				–1,460				3,875.0				3,864.8				3,849.7				0.11				–0.11				–0.37
Effect of dilutive instruments:
Stock option and share plans															3.5				5.5				6.3
															3.5				5.5				6.3
Diluted earnings from discontinued operations			441				–415				–1,460				3,878.5				3,870.3				3,856.0				0.11				–0.11				–0.36

30 Dividend per ordinary share

 

Dividends to shareholders of the parent
		Per ordinary share (in EUR)				Total (in EUR million)
Dividends on ordinary shares:
In respect of 2014
– Final dividend, paid in cash in May 2015			0.12				464
In respect of 2015
– Interim dividend, paid in cash in August 2015			0.24				929
– Final dividend, paid in cash in May 2016			0.41				1,590
Total dividend in respect of 2015			0.65				2,519
In respect of 2016
– Interim dividend, paid in cash in August 2016			0.24				931
– Final dividend			0.42				1,629
Total dividend in respect of 2016			0.66				2,560

ING Groep N.V. is required to withhold tax of 15% on dividends paid.

No dividend was paid in 2014.

Notes to the consolidated statement of cash flows

31 Net cash flow from investing activities

Information on the impact of companies acquired or disposed is presented in Note 46 ‘Consolidated companies and businesses acquired and divested’.

 

		F-75		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

32 Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents
		2016				2015				2014
Treasury bills and other eligible bills			512				363				677
Deposits from banks/Loans and advances to banks			–2,492				–1,442				–2,036
Cash and balances with central banks			18,144				21,458				12,233
Cash and cash equivalents classified as Assets held for sale											6,239
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			16,164				20,379				17,113
Treasury bills and other eligible bills included in cash and cash equivalents
		2016				2015				2014
Treasury bills and other eligible bills included in trading assets			126				228				457
Treasury bills and other eligible bills included in available-for-sale investments			386				135				220
			512				363				677
Deposits from banks/Loans and advances to banks
		2016				2015				2014
Included in cash and cash equivalents:
– deposits from banks			–9,809				–10,312				–11,825
– loans and advances to banks			7,317				8,870				9,789
			–2,492				–1,442				–2,036
Not included in cash and cash equivalents:
– deposits from banks			–22,155				–23,501				–18,174
– loans and advances to banks			21,541				21,118				27,330
			–614				–2,383				9,156
Total as included in the statement of financial position:
– deposits from banks			–31,964				–33,813				–29,999
– loans and advances to banks			28,858				29,988				37,119
			–3,106				–3,825				7,120

Cash and cash equivalents includes deposits from banks and loans and advances to banks that are on demand.

Included in Cash and cash equivalents, are minimum mandatory reserve deposits to be held with various central banks. Reference is made to Note 41 ‘Assets not freely disposable’ for restrictions on Cash and balances with central banks.

ING Group’s risk management (including liquidity) is explained in the section ‘Risk management – Funding and liquidity risk’.

Segment reporting

33 Segments

a. General

ING Group’s segments are based on the internal reporting structures by lines of business.

The Executive Board of ING Group and the Management Board of ING Bank set the performance targets, approve and monitor the budgets prepared by the business lines. Business lines formulate strategic, commercial, and financial policy in conformity with the strategy and performance targets set by the Executive Board of ING Group and the Management Board of ING Bank.

Recognition and measurement of segment results are in line with the accounting policies as described in Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’. Corporate expenses are allocated to business lines based on time spent by head office personnel, the relative number of staff, or on the basis of income, expenses and/or assets of the segment.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-76

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The following table specifies the segments by line of business and the main sources of income of each of the segments:

 

Specification of the main sources of income of each of the segments by line of business
Segments of the Banking results by line of business		Main source of income
Retail Netherlands (Market Leaders)		Income from retail and private banking activities in the Netherlands, including the SME and mid-corporate segments. The main products offered are current and savings accounts, business lending, mortgages and other consumer lending in the Netherlands.
Retail Belgium (Market Leaders)		Income from retail and private banking activities in Belgium, including the SME and mid-corporate segments. The main products offered are similar to those in the Netherlands.
Retail Germany (Challengers and Growth Markets)		Income from retail and private banking activities in Germany. The main products offered are current and savings accounts, mortgages and other customer lending.
Retail Other (Challengers and Growth Markets)		Income from retail banking activities in the rest of the world, including the SME and mid-corporate segments in specific countries. The main products offered are similar to those in the Netherlands.
Wholesale Banking		Income from wholesale banking activities (a full range of products is offered from cash management to corporate finance), real estate and le ase.

As of 1 January 2016, Czech Republic, previously fully reported within Wholesale Banking is now segmented to both Retail and Wholesale Banking. The presentation of previously reported underlying profit or loss amounts has been adjusted to reflect this change.

The geographical segments for the Banking results are presented on page F-82.

 

Specification of geographical segments
Geographical segments		Main countries
Netherlands
Belgium		Including Luxembourg
Germany		Including Austria
Other Challengers		Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic and UK Legacy run-off portfolio
Growth Markets		Poland, Romania, Turkey and Asian bank stakes
Wholesale Banking Rest of World		UK, Americas, Asia and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe
Other		Corporate Line Banking and the run-off portfolio of Real Estate

ING Group evaluates the results of its banking segments using a financial performance measure called underlying result. Underlying result is used to monitor the performance of ING Group at a consolidated level and by segment. The Executive Board and Management Board of ING Bank consider this measure to be relevant to an understanding of the Group’s financial performance, because it allows investors to understand the primary method used by management to evaluate the Group’s operating performance and make decisions about allocating resources. In addition, ING Group believes that the presentation of underlying net result helps investors compare its segment performance on a meaningful basis by highlighting result before tax attributable to ongoing operations and the underlying profitability of the segment businesses. Underlying result is derived by excluding from IFRS the following: special items; the impact of divestments and Legacy Insurance.

Special items include items of income or expense that are significant and arise from events or transactions that are clearly distinct from the regular operating activities. Disclosures on comparative periods also reflect the impact of current period’s divestments. Legacy Insurance consists of the intercompany eliminations between ING Bank and NN Group until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015, the results from Insurance Other and the results from discontinued operations. Insurance Other reflects (former) insurance related activities that are not part of the discontinued operations.

In addition to the segments by business line as described above, ING Group reconciles the total segment results to the total result of Banking using Corporate Line Banking. The Corporate Line Banking is a reflection of capital management activities and certain expenses that are not allocated to the banking businesses. ING Group applies a system of capital charging for its banking operations in order to create a comparable basis for the results of business units globally, irrespective of the business units’ book equity and the currency they operate in.

 

		F-77		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Underlying result as presented below is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not a measure of financial performance under IFRS. Because underlying result is not determined in accordance with IFRS, underlying result as presented by ING may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of performance of other companies. The underlying result of ING’s segments is reconciled to the Net result as reported in the IFRS Consolidated statement of profit or loss below. The information presented in this note is in line with the information presented to the Executive Board and Management Board of ING Bank N.V.

This note does not provide information on the revenue specified to each product or service as this is not reported internally and is therefore not readily available.

b. ING Group

 

ING Group Total
2016		ING Bank N.V.				Other Banking1				Total Banking				Legacy Insurance				Total
Underlying income
– Net interest income			13,317				–76				13,241								13,241
– Net commission income			2,434								2,433								2,433
– Total investment and other income			2,174				21				2,196								2,196
Total underlying income			17,925				–56				17,869								17,869
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			9,445				11				9,456								9,456
– Additions to loan loss provision			974								974								974
Total underlying expenses			10,419				11				10,430								10,430
Underlying result before taxation			7,506				–67				7,439								7,439
Taxation			2,080				–17				2,064								2,064
Non-controlling interests			75								75								75
Underlying net result			5,350				–50				5,300								5,300
Divestments
Special items2			–799								–799								–799
Insurance Other3															33				33
Net result IFRS (continuing operations)			4,551				–50				4,501				33				4,534
Total net result from discontinued operations NN Group															441				441
Net result IFRS attributable to equity holder of the parent			4,551				–50				4,501				474				4,975

 

1	Comprises for the most part the funding charges of ING Groep N.V. (Holding).

2	Special items in 2016 primarily comprise restructuring charges and impairments related to the intended digital transformation programmes as announced on ING’s Investor Day on 3 October 2016.

3	Insurance Other comprises mainly the net result relating to warrants on the shares of Voya Financial and NN Group.

 

Reconciliation between Underlying and IFRS income, expenses and net result
2016		Income				Expenses				Taxation				Non- Controlling interests				Net result1
Underlying			17,869				10,430				2,064				75				5,300
Divestments
Special items2							1,157				–358								–799
Insurance Other			33																33
IFRS (continuing operations)			17,902				11,588				1,705				75				4,534
Total net result from discontinued operations																			441
Net result IFRS attributable to equity holder of the parent																			4,975

 

1	Net result, after tax and non-controlling interests.

2	Special items in 2016 primarily comprise restructuring charges and impairments related to the intended digital transformation programmes as announced on ING’s Investor Day on 3 October 2016.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-78

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For information on discontinued operations, reference is made to Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’.

 

ING Group Total
2015		ING Bank N.V.				Other Banking1				Total Banking				Legacy Insurance				Total
Underlying income
– Net interest income			12,744				–154				12,590								12,590
– Net commission income			2,320								2,320								2,320
– Total investment and other income			2,800				3				2,803								2,803
Total underlying income			17,864				–151				17,713								17,713
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			9,231				15				9,246								9,246
– Additions to loan loss provision			1,347								1,347								1,347
Total underlying expenses			10,578				15				10,593								10,593
Underlying result before taxation			7,286				–166				7,120								7,120
Taxation			1,988				–35				1,953								1,953
Non-controlling interests			72								72								72
Underlying net result			5,226				–131				5,095								5,095
Divestments2			367								367								367
Special items3			–58								–58								–58
Intercompany eliminations between ING Bank and NN Group4															–20				–20
Insurance Other5															–42				–42
Net result IFRS (continuing operations)			5,535				–131				5,404				–63				5,341
Total net result from discontinued operations NN Group															–738				–738
Total net result from discontinued operations Voya															323				323
Net result IFRS attributable to equity holder of the parent			5,535				–131				5,404				–477				4,926

 

1	Comprised for the most part the funding charges of ING Groep N.V. (Holding).

2	Divestments in 2015 reflected the result from the merger between ING Vysya and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

3	Special items in 2015 comprised additional charges related to previously announced restructuring programmes in Retail Netherlands.

4	Intercompany eliminations between ING Bank and NN Group, prior to deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

5	Insurance Other comprised mainly the net result relating to warrants on the shares of Voya Financial and NN Group.

 

Reconciliation between Underlying and IFRS income, expenses and net result

2015

Income

Expenses

Taxation

Non- Controlling interests

Net result1

Underlying

17,713

10,593

1,953

72

5,095

Divestments

367

367

Special items

77

–19

–58

Intercompany eliminations between ING Bank and NN Group

–28

–1

–7

–20

Insurance Other

–45

4

–5

–2

–42

IFRS (continuing operations)

18,007

10,673

1,924

69

5,341

Total net result from discontinued operations

–415

Net result IFRS attributable to equity holder of the parent

4,926

 

1	Net result, after tax and non-controlling interests.

For information on discontinued operations, reference is made to Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’.

 

		F-79		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

ING Group Total
2014		ING Bank N.V.				Other Banking1				Total Banking				Legacy Insurance				Total
Underlying income
– Net interest income			12,606				–230				12,376								12,376
– Net commission income			2,290								2,290								2,290
– Total investment and other income			228				56				285								285
Total underlying income			15,125				–175				14,951								14,951
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			8,965				14				8,979								8,979
– Additions to loan loss provision			1,594								1,594								1,594
Total underlying expenses			10,559				14				10,573								10,573
Underlying result before taxation			4,567				–189				4,378								4,378
Taxation			1,158				–50				1,108								1,108
Non-controlling interests			79								79								79
Underlying net result			3,329				–138				3,191								3,191
Divestments2			202								202								202
Special items3			–1,021								–1,021								–1,021
Intercompany eliminations between ING Bank and NN Group															–55				–55
Insurance Other4															107				107
Net result IFRS (continuing operations)			2,511				–138				2,373				52				2,423
Total net result from discontinued operations NN Group															11				11
Total net result from discontinued operations Voya															–1,471				–1,471
Net result IFRS attributable to equity holder of the parent			2,511				–138				2,373				–1,410				963

 

1	Comprised for the most part the funding charges of ING Groep N.V. (Holding).

2	Divestments in 2014 reflected the result on the deconsolidation of ING Vysya following changes to the governance structure.

3

Special items in 2014 included the impact (after tax) of the charges for making the Dutch Defined Benefit pension fund financially independent, the bank tax related to the SNS Reaal nationalisation and additional charges related to the restructuring programmes in Retail Netherlands announced before 2013.

4	Insurance Other comprised mainly the net result relating to warrants on the shares of Voya Financial and the net result on the sale of SulAmérica S.A.

 

Reconciliation between Underlying and IFRS income, expenses and net result
2014		Income				Expenses				Taxation				Non- Controlling interests				Net result1
Underlying			14,951				10,573				1,108				79				3,191
Divestments			202																202
Special items							1,259				–239								–1,021
Intercompany eliminations between ING Bank and NN Group			–70																–70
Insurance Other			132				21				–11								121
IFRS (continuing operations)			15,214				11,853				859				79				2,423
Total net result from discontinued operations																			–1,460
Net result IFRS attributable to equity holder of the parent																			963

 

1	Net result, after tax and non-controlling interests.

For information on discontinued operations, reference is made to Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-80

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

c. Banking activities

 

Segments Banking by line of business
2016		Retail Netherlands				Retail Belgium				Retail Germany				Retail Other				Wholesale Banking				Corporate Line Banking				Total Banking
Underlying income
– Net interest income			3,653				1,936				1,689				2,107				3,750				106				13,241
– Net commission income			546				385				183				320				1,003				–3				2,433
– Total investment and other income			237				253				51				432				1,266				–44				2,196
Total underlying income			4,436				2,573				1,923				2,859				6,019				59				17,869
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			2,560				1,438				886				1,723				2,572				278				9,456
– Additions to loan loss provision			171				175				–18				278				368								974
Total underlying expenses			2,731				1,613				868				2,001				2,940				278				10,430
Underlying result before taxation			1,705				961				1,055				858				3,079				–219				7,439
Taxation			422				306				315				178				840				2				2,064
Non-controlling interests							1				2				60				11								75
Underlying net result			1,282				653				738				620				2,227				–221				5,300
Divestments
Special items			–192				–418								–12				–149				–27				–799
Net result IFRS			1,090				235				738				608				2,078				–248				4,501

 

Segments Banking by line of business
2015		Retail Netherlands				Retail Belgium				Retail Germany				Retail Other1				Wholesale Banking1				Corporate Line Banking				Total Banking
Underlying income
– Net interest income			3,683				1,953				1,634				1,935				3,538				–153				12,590
– Net commission income			515				397				172				278				962				–4				2,320
– Total investment and other income			205				195				104				195				2,231				–127				2,803
Total underlying income			4,403				2,546				1,910				2,408				6,731				–285				17,713
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			2,475				1,532				842				1,594				2,559				245				9,246
– Additions to loan loss provision			433				169				57				210				478								1,347
Total underlying expenses			2,908				1,701				899				1,804				3,036				245				10,593
Underlying result before taxation			1,495				845				1,012				604				3,694				–530				7,120
Taxation			391				255				328				142				961				–125				1,953
Non-controlling interests							6				2				48				16								72
Underlying net result			1,104				583				681				414				2,717				–404				5,095
Divestments															367												367
Special items			–58																								–58
Net result IFRS			1,046				583				681				781				2,717				–404				5,404

 

1	Amounts are adjusted for comparison purposes. Czech Republic, previously fully reported within Wholesale Banking is now segmented to both Retail and Wholesale Banking.

 

		F-81		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Segments Banking by line of business
2014		Retail Netherlands				Retail Belgium				Retail Germany				Retail Other1				Wholesale Banking1				Corporate Line Banking				Total Banking
Underlying income
– Net interest income			3,778				1,998				1,500				1,832				3,508				–240				12,376
– Net commission income			464				376				143				331				979				–2				2,290
– Total investment and other income			87				243				–27				197				37				–253				285
Total underlying income			4,330				2,617				1,615				2,359				4,525				–496				14,951
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			2,678				1,524				773				1,496				2,392				116				8,979
– Additions to loan loss provision			714				142				72				165				500								1,594
Total underlying expenses			3,392				1,667				845				1,661				2,893				116				10,573
Underlying result before taxation			938				951				771				698				1,632				–611				4,378
Taxation			243				256				230				140				357				–117				1,108
Non-controlling interests							1				1				51				26								79
Underlying net result			694				693				540				508				1,250				–494				3,191
Divestments															202												202
Special items			–63																				–957				–1,021
Net result IFRS			631				693				540				710				1,250				–1,451				2,373

 

1	Amounts are adjusted for comparison purposes. Czech Republic, previously fully reported within Wholesale Banking is now segmented to both Retail and Wholesale Banking.

 

Geographical segments Banking
2016		Netherlands				Belgium				Germany				Other Challengers				Growth Markets				Wholesale Banking Rest of World				Other				Total Banking
Underlying income
– Net interest income			4,699				2,183				2,025				1,373				1,274				1,579				107				13,241
– Net commission income			779				482				241				171				309				452				–2				2,433
– Total investment and other income			967				462				–21				136				460				202				–12				2,196
Total underlying income			6,445				3,128				2,245				1,681				2,043				2,233				94				17,869
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			3,301				1,796				987				951				1,103				1,029				290				9,456
– Additions to loan loss provision			310				215				–13				120				240				103								974
Total underlying expenses			3,610				2,010				973				1,071				1,343				1,132				290				10,430
Underlying result before taxation			2,835				1,118				1,272				610				700				1,101				–197				7,439
Taxation			705				319				395				174				125				335				10				2,064
Non-controlling interests							1				2								71												75
Underlying net result			2,130				797				875				436				504				766				–207				5,300
Divestments
Special items			–268				–491								–13												–27				–799
Net result IFRS			1,863				306				875				423				504				766				–234				4,501

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-82

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Geographical segments Banking
2015		Netherlands				Belgium				Germany				Other Challengers1				Growth Markets				Wholesale Banking Rest of World1				Other				Total Banking
Underlying income
– Net interest income			4,677				2,287				1,812				1,268				1,147				1,551				–153				12,590
– Net commission income			754				497				215				156				267				435				–4				2,320
– Total investment and other income			1,428				402				83				14				330				580				–33				2,803
Total underlying income			6,861				3,185				2,109				1,439				1,743				2,566				–189				17,713
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			3,220				1,943				917				840				1,061				1,003				262				9,246
– Additions to loan loss provision			654				166				77				99				176				175								1,347
Total underlying expenses			3,875				2,109				994				938				1,237				1,178				262				10,593
Underlying result before taxation			2,985				1,075				1,115				501				506				1,387				–451				7,120
Taxation			779				304				370				172				79				367				–117				1,953
Non-controlling interests							6				2								64												72
Underlying net result			2,206				765				743				329				363				1,021				–334				5,094
Divestments																			367												367
Special items			–58																												–58
Net result IFRS			2,148				765				743				329				730				1,021				–334				5,404

 

1	Amounts are adjusted for comparison purposes. Czech Republic, previously fully reported within Wholesale Banking Rest of the World is now reported under Other Challengers.

 

Geographical segments Banking
2014		Netherlands				Belgium				Germany				Other Challengers1				Growth Markets				Wholesale Banking Rest of World1				Other				Total Banking
Underlying income
– Net interest income			4,699				2,447				1,616				1,158				1,072				1,625				–241				12,376
– Net commission income			730				464				171				148				333				447				–1				2,290
– Total investment and other income			20				34				–17				96				266				123				–238				285
Total underlying income			5,449				2,944				1,770				1,401				1,671				2,194				–479				14,951
Underlying expenditure
– Operating expenses			3,403				1,931				837				723				1,018				905				161				8,979
– Additions to loan loss provision			947				146				67				185				125				123								1,594
Total underlying expenses			4,350				2,078				904				908				1,143				1,028				161				10,573
Underlying result before taxation			1,098				867				866				493				528				1,166				–641				4,378
Taxation			272				191				266				141				96				275				–133				1,108
Non-controlling interests							2				1								77												79
Underlying net result			827				674				599				352				356				891				–508				3,191
Divestments															–2				204												202
Special items			–63																								–957				–1,021
Net result IFRS			764				674				599				350				560				891				–1,465				2,373

 

1	Amounts are adjusted for comparison purposes. Czech Republic, previously fully reported within Wholesale Banking Rest of the World is now reported under Other Challengers.

 

		F-83		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

IFRS statements of financial position by segment are not reported internally to, and not managed by, the chief operating decision maker.

34 Information on geographical areas

ING Group’s business lines operate in seven main geographical areas: the Netherlands, Belgium, Rest of Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia. A geographical area is a distinguishable component of the Group engaged in providing products or services within a particular economic environment that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of geographical areas operating in other economic environments. The geographical analyses are based on the location of the office from which the transactions are originated. The Netherlands is ING Group’s country of domicile.

The tables below provide additional information, for the years 2016 and 2015 respectively, on names of principal subsidiaries and branches, nature of main activities and average number of employees on a full time equivalent basis by country.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-84

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Additional information by country
2016
Geographical area		Country		Name of principal subsidiary		Main activity		Average number of employees at full time equivalent basis				Total Income				Total assets				Result before tax				Taxation
Netherlands		Netherlands		ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			13,660				6,367				292,255				1,941				493
Belgium		Belgium		ING België N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			9,348				3,057				131,431				457				109
		Luxembourg		ING Luxembourg S.A.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			793				274				10,783				138				32
Rest of Europe		Poland		ING Bank Slaski S.A.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			8,735				992				26,581				379				90
		Germany		ING DiBa A.G.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			4,341				2,117				134,902				1,187				377
		Romania		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			1,806				288				5,456				123				21
		Spain		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			1,116				498				23,309				197				51
		Italy		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			833				376				15,920				100				33
		UK		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			599				504				29,830				290				154
		France1		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			613				280				8,614				56				18
		Russia		ING Bank (Eurasia) Z.A.O.		Wholesale banking			276				118				2,008				69				7
		Czech Republic		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			220				77				3,653				40				8
		Hungary		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			152				37				1,358				–1				3
		Slovakia		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			400				14				715				3				1
		Ukraine		PJSC ING Bank Ukraine		Wholesale banking			111				59				622				47				7
		Austria		Branch of ING DiBa A.G.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			196				86				360				37				–4
		Bulgaria		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			76				9				274
		Ireland		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			42				53				1,910				54				7
		Portugal		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			11				14				642				10				3
		Switzerland		Branch of ING België N.V.		Wholesale banking			192				187				9,150				122				33
North America		Canada		Belgian Overseas Agencies Ltd.		Wholesale banking											1
		USA		ING Financial Holdings		Wholesale banking			519				732				42,571				377				110
Latin America		Brazil		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			70				43				2,097				13
		Colombia		ING Capital Colombia S.A.S.		Wholesale banking			2								1
		Mexico		ING Consulting, S.A. de C.V.		Wholesale banking			7				1				2				–1
Asia		China		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			72				36				2,049				7				–2
		Japan		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			33				36				3,702				22				9
		Singapore		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			502				194				25,780				22				5
		Hong Kong		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			106				80				5,964				40				7
		Philippines		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			423				17				402				4				–2
		South Korea		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			87				46				4,107				14				–1
		Taiwan		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			32				15				2,484				3				1
		Indonesia		PT ING Securities		Wholesale banking
				Indonesia					5				1				7
		Malaysia		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			5								3
		India		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking											2
		Turkey		ING Bank A.S.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			5,497				757				15,864				225				45
		United Arab Emirates		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			10								1				–2
Australia		Australia		ING Bank (Australia) Ltd.		Retail banking			1,053				505				36,691				309				90
Other		Mauritius		ING Mauritius		Investment management							32				715				32
Total									51,943				17,902				842,216				6,314				1,705

 

1	Public subsidies received, as defined in article 89 of the CRD IV, amounts to EUR 1 million (2015: EUR 3 million; 2014: EUR 2 million).

 

		F-85		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The UK has a high tax charge due to changes in tax law and prior year adjustments.

Russia, China, Philippines and South Korea all have lower tax charges due to prior year adjustments.

Austria has an inverse tax charge due to the recognition of a tax asset for previously unrecognised tax losses.

Brazil has a low tax charge due to the combination of relatively high exempt income with a decreased profit.

Mauritius has no tax charge as the partial sale of Kotak Mahindra Bank shares in September 2016 was tax exempt.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-86

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Additional information by country
2015
Geographical area		Country		Name of principal subsidiary		Main activity		Average number of employees at full time equivalent basis				Total Income				Total assets2,3				Result before tax				Taxation
Netherlands		Netherlands2,3		ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			14,586				6,427				468,505				2,060				678
Belgium		Belgium		ING België N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			9,645				3,091				130,916				1,109				329
		Luxembourg		ING Luxembourg S.A.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			774				298				9,331				166				35
Rest of Europe		Poland		ING Bank Slaski S.A.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			8,713				903				25,666				317				60
		Germany		ING DiBa A.G.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			4,052				2,000				126,171				1,044				353
		Romania		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			1,596				221				4,685				78				13
		Spain		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			1,076				423				24,457				144				52
		Italy		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			824				202				15,828				–87				–15
		UK		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			642				556				32,156				362				–19
		France1		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			625				256				7,489				67				23
		Russia		ING Bank (Eurasia) Z.A.O.		Wholesale banking			288				185				2,520				131				32
		Czech Republic		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			211				64				2,519				30				5
		Hungary		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			162				46				1,129				13				5
		Slovakia		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			265				13				573				8				2
		Ukraine		PJSC ING Bank Ukraine		Wholesale banking			120				46				616				27				5
		Austria		Branch of ING DiBa A.G.		Retail banking			169				93				321				51				9
		Bulgaria		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			76				10				267				–2
		Ireland		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			39				64				1,697				36				5
		Portugal		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			2				3				616				3				1
		Switzerland		Branch of ING België N.V.		Wholesale banking			177				187				6,927				105				30
North America		Canada		Belgian Overseas Agencies Ltd.		Wholesale banking
		USA		ING Financial Holdings		Wholesale banking			492				720				47,784				423				122
Latin America		Brazil		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			56				48				1,496				32				12
		Mexico		ING Consulting, S.A. de C.V.		Wholesale banking			8								1
Asia		China		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			59				39				1,551				16				10
		Japan		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			30				31				6,772				20				9
		Singapore		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			472				386				19,111				230				30
		Hong Kong		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			103				85				5,052				49				1
		Philippines		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			249				22				436				5				3
		South Korea		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			68				53				3,642				23				6
		Taiwan		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			34				23				1,744				12				1
		Indonesia		PT ING Securities Indonesia		Wholesale banking			5				1				7
		Malaysia		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			4								4
		India		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking											2
		Turkey		ING Bank A.S.		Wholesale banking/Retail banking			6,070				641				17,544				155				34
		United Arab Emirates		Branch of ING Bank N.V.		Wholesale banking			7												–1
Australia		Australia		ING Bank (Australia) Ltd.		Retail banking			1,021				490				33,507				328				92
Other		Mauritius		ING Mauritius		Investment management							380				1,186				380
Total									52,720				18,007				1,002,228				7,334				1,924

 

1	Public subsidies received, as defined in article 89 of the CRD IV, amounted to EUR 3 million in 2015.( 2014: EUR 2 million).

2	Included in Total assets – Netherlands, is EUR 2,153 million related to the Investment in associate held for sale, NN Group.

3	Total assets, as at 31 December 2015, is adjusted as a result of a change in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies in 2016.

 

		F-87		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The Netherlands has a high tax charge, partly due to the non-deductible Dutch bank tax and partly due to the recognition of a deferred tax liability regarding previously deducted (UK) branch losses.

The UK has a low tax charge due to the recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses carried forward.

Mauritius has no tax charge, due to an unrealised tax exempt result, following the merger of ING Vysya with Kotak in April 2015.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-88

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Additional notes to the Consolidated annual accounts

35 Pension and other post-employment benefits

ING Group maintains defined contribution and defined benefit plans. In 2016 and 2015, the defined benefit plans of the Group are mainly within the United Kingdom and Belgium.

Statement of financial position - Net defined benefit asset/liability

 

Summary of net defined benefit asset/liability
		2016				2015
Fair value of plan assets			3,337				3,141
Defined benefit obligation			3,249				2,996
Funded status (Net defined benefit asset/(liability))			88				145
Presented as:
– Other assets			609				643
– Other liabilities			–521				–498
			88				145

ING Group maintains defined benefit retirement plans in some countries. These plans provide benefits that are related to the remuneration and service of employees upon retirement. The benefits in some of these plans are subject to various forms of indexation. The indexation is, in some cases, at the discretion of management; in other cases it is dependent upon the sufficiency of plan assets.

Annual contributions are paid to the funds at a rate necessary to adequately finance the accrued liabilities of the plans calculated in accordance with local legal requirements. Plans in all countries comply with applicable local regulations governing investments and funding levels.

ING Group provides other post-employment employee benefits to certain employees and former employees. These are primarily post-employment healthcare benefits and discounts on ING products provided to employees and former employees.

The most recent (actuarial) valuations of the plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation were carried out as at 31 December 2016. The present value of the defined benefit obligation, and the related current service cost and past service cost, were determined using the projected unit credit method.

Changes in the fair value of plan assets for the period were as follows:

 

Changes in fair value of plan assets
		2016				2015
Opening balance			3,141				2,703
Interest income			87				93
Remeasurements: Return on plan assets excluding amounts included in interest income			467				333
Employer’s contribution			76				34
Participants contributions			2				13
Benefits paid			–137				–170
Exchange rate differences			–299				135
Closing balance			3,337				3,141

Other

The actual return on the plan assets amounts to EUR 554 million (2015: EUR 426 million).

No plan assets are expected to be returned to ING Group during 2017.

 

		F-89		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation and other post-employment benefits for the period were as follows:

 

Changes in defined benefit obligation and other post-employment benefits
		Defined benefit obligation								Other post-employment benefits
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Opening balance			2,996				2,790				98				101
Current service cost			32				34				–25				–7
Interest cost			79				84				3				1
Remeasurements: Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions			–17				–55				10				8
Remeasurements: Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions			498				218
Participants’ contributions			1				1								2
Benefits paid			–148				–175				–1				–2
Past service cost			2				–11
Effect of curtailment or settlement			–2				–3								–9
Exchange rate differences			–192				111				2				4
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes							2
Closing balance			3,249				2,996				87				98

Amounts recognised directly in Other comprehensive income (equity) were as follows:

 

Changes in the net defined benefit assets/liability remeasurement reserve
		2016				2015
Opening balance			–306				–515
Remeasurement of plan assets			467				–119
Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions			17				59
Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions			–498				86
Transfer to Other reserves							16
Taxation			–51				–18
Total Other comprehensive income movement for the year			–65				24
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes							185
Closing balance			–371				–306

The change in the remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset/liability in 2015 is mainly as a result of deconsolidation of NN Group and an increase in discount rates.

In 2016, EUR 467 million Remeasurement of plan assets and EUR -498 million Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions are mainly due to a decrease in discount rates.

The accumulated amount of remeasurements recognised directly in Other comprehensive income (equity) is EUR -483 million (EUR -371 million after tax) as at 31 December 2016 (2015: EUR -507 million, EUR -306 million after tax).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-90

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Information on plan assets and defined benefit obligation per country

The defined benefit obligation per country and the plan assets per country can be specified as follows:

 

Plan assets and defined benefit obligation per country
		Plan assets								Defined benefit obligation
		2016				2015				2016				2015
The Netherlands			414				373				576				516
United States			182				132				243				212
United Kingdom			1,983				1,906				1,377				1,265
Belgium			641				601				776				731
Other countries			117				129				277				272
			3,337				3,141				3,249				2,996

As at 31 December 2016 the various defined benefit plans did not hold any direct investments in ING Groep N.V. (2015: nil).

Determination of the net defined benefit asset/liability

The table provides the key assumptions used in the determination of the Net defined benefit asset/liability and the Other post- employment benefits.

 

Weighted averages of basic actuarial assumptions in annual % as at 31 December
		Net defined benefit asset/liability								Other post-employment benefits
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Discount rates			2.10				3.00				3.50				3.20
Mortality rates			0.90				0.80				0.70				0.80
Expected rates of salary increases (excluding promotion increases)			3.40				3.70
Indexation			2.50				2.60				2.00				2.00

The assumptions above are weighted by defined benefit obligations. The rates used for salary developments, interest discount factors, and other adjustments reflect country-specific conditions.

The discount rate is the weighted average of the discount rates that are applied in different regions where the Group has defined benefit pension plans. The discount rate is based on a methodology that uses market yields on high quality corporate bonds of the specific regions with durations matching the pension liabilities as key input. Market yields of high quality corporate bonds reflect the yield on corporate bonds with an AA rating for durations where such yields are available. An extrapolation is applied in order to determine the yield to the longer durations for which no AA-rated corporate bonds are available. As a result of the limited availability of long-duration AA-rated corporate bonds, extrapolation is an important element of the determination of the discount rate.

The discount rate is approximately 2.1% on 31 December 2016 (2015: 3.0%). The discount rate used by ING is based on AA-rated corporate bonds. Discussions were ongoing, both in the industry and at the IASB, on the definition of the discount rate for defined benefit pension liabilities and ING would reconsider the methodology for setting the discount rate if and when appropriate.

As at 31 December 2016, the actuarial assumption for Indexation for inflation is 2.5% (2015: 2.6%). The percentage for 2016 was mainly based on the expected inflation and the best estimate assumption for future indexation in the pension plans in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, and Germany.

Sensitivity analysis of key assumptions

The sensitivity analysis of the most significant assumptions has been determined based on changes of the assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period that are deemed reasonably possible.

The table discloses the financial impact on the defined benefit obligation if the weighted averages of each significant actuarial assumption would increase or decrease if all other assumptions were held constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and some changes of the assumptions may be correlated.

 

		F-91		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Sensitivity analysis – financial impact of changes in significant actuarial assumptions on the defined benefit obligation
		Financial impact of increase								Financial impact of decrease
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Discount rates – increase/decrease of 1%			–506				–451				662				554
Mortality – increase/decrease of 1 year			102				82				–103				–82
Expected rates of salary increases (excluding promotion increases) – increase/decrease of 0.25%			24				25				–23				–23
Indexation – increase/decrease 0.25%			79				75				–85				–74

Expected cash flows

Annual contributions are paid to the funds at a rate necessary to adequately finance the accrued liabilities of the plans calculated in accordance with local legal requirements. Plans in all countries comply with applicable local regulations governing investments and funding levels. ING Group’s subsidiaries should fund the cost of the entitlements expected to be earned on a yearly basis.

For 2017 the expected contributions to pension plans are EUR 71 million.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be made by the plan:

 

Benefit payments
		Defined benefit obligation				Other post- employment benefits
2017			102				4
2018			105				4
2019			108				4
2020			123				4
2021			128				4
Years 2022 – 2026			448				18

The average duration of the benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period is 17 years (2015: 17 years). This number can be subdivided into the duration related to:

 

•

active members: 16 years (2015: 15 years);

 

•

inactive members: 24 years (2015: 23 years); and

 

•

retired members: 13 years (2015: 13 years).

Statement of profit or loss – Pension and other staff-related benefit costs

 

Pension and other staff-related benefit costs
		Net defined benefit asset/liability												Other post-employment benefits												Other												Total
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Current service cost			32				34				36				–25				–7				–6				11				–8				20				18				19				50
Past service cost			2				–11				–3																												2				–11				–3
Net Interest cost			–8				–9				3				3				1				3				2				2				4				–3				–6				10
Effect of curtailment or settlement			–2				–3				871								–9												–52								–2				–64				871
Other																															13				–12								13				–12
Defined benefit plans			24				11				907				–22				–15				–3				13				–45				12				15				–49				916
Defined contribution plans																																							329				324				302
																																							344				275				1,218

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-92

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Defined benefit plans

In 2014, a charge of EUR 871 million was recognised in Effect of curtailment or settlement related to the Dutch defined benefit plan settlement which resulted in the ING Pension Fund being financially independent from ING.

Defined contribution plans

Most group companies sponsor defined contribution pension plans. The assets of all ING Group’s defined contribution plans are held in independently administered funds. Contributions are generally determined as a percentage of remuneration. For the defined contribution scheme in the Netherlands, the premium paid is also dependant on the interest rate developments and DNB’s methodology for determining the ultimate forward rate. These plans do not give rise to provisions in the statement of financial position, other than relating to short-term timing differences included in other assets/liabilities.

36 Taxation

Statement of financial position - Deferred tax

Deferred taxes are recognised on all temporary differences under the liability method using tax rates applicable in the jurisdictions in which ING Group is subject to taxation.

 

Changes in deferred tax

2016

Net liability (–) Net asset (+) 2015

Change through equity

Change through net result

Exchange rate differences

Changes in the composition of the group and other changes

Net liability (–) Net asset (+) 2016

Investments

–780

74

–82

–10

–1

–799

Investment properties

–2

–3

–5

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

739

–58

16

697

Depreciation

–46

13

–33

Cash flow hedges

–192

–51

4

1

–238

Pension and post-employment benefits

201

–20

–84

15

112

Other provisions

24

228

2

1

255

Receivables

441

120

9

570

Loans and advances to customers

788

–248

–7

–42

491

Unused tax losses carried forward

118

–34

–24

–3

57

Other

–97

–1

–32

40

–90

1,194

2

–180

45

–44

1,017

Presented in the statement of financial position as:

– deferred tax liabilities

–589

–624

– deferred tax assets

1,783

1,641

1,194

1,017

 

		F-93		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in deferred tax
2015		Net liability (–) Net asset (+) 2014				Change through equity				Change through net result				Exchange rate differences				Changes in the composition of the group and other changes				Net liability (–) Net asset (+) 2015
Investments			–1,064				111				152				3				18				–780
Investment properties			–2																				–2
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss			1,112								–373												739
Depreciation			–46								4				–4								–46
Cash flow hedges			–233				24								17								–192
Pension and post-employment benefits			213				–13				–5				6								201
Other provisions			42								–22				4								24
Receivables			258								180				3								441
Loans and advances to customers			1,173								–387				1								788
Unused tax losses carried forward			330								–215				3								118
Other			–189				–7				113				–2				–12				–97
			1,594				115				–553				31				6				1,194
Presented in the statement of financial position as:
– deferred tax liabilities			–795																				–589
– deferred tax assets			2,389																				1,783
			1,594																				1,194

 

Deferred tax in connection with unused tax losses carried forward
		2016				2015
Total unused tax losses carried forward			1,292				1,560
Unused tax losses carried forward not recognised as a deferred tax asset			973				969
Unused tax losses carried forward recognised as a deferred tax asset			319				591
Average tax rate			17.8	%			20.0	%
Deferred tax asset			57				118

The following tax losses carried forward and tax credits will expire as follows as at 31 December:

 

Total unused tax losses carried forward analysed by expiry terms
		No deferred tax asset recognised								Deferred tax asset recognised
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Within 1 year			2				41				2
More than 1 year but less than 5 years			383				190				56				7
More than 5 years but less than 10 years			30				118								1
More than 10 years but less than 20 years			18				34
Unlimited			540				586				261				583
			973				969				319				591

Deferred tax assets are recognised for temporary deductible differences, for tax losses carried forward and unused tax credits only to the extent that realisation of the related tax benefit is probable.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-94

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Breakdown of certain net deferred tax asset positions by jurisdiction
		2016				2015
Luxembourg							8
Netherlands							132
Italy			113				129
			113				269

The table above includes a breakdown of certain net deferred tax asset positions by jurisdiction for which the utilisation is dependent on future taxable profits whilst the related entities have incurred losses in either the current or the preceding year. In 2016, the aggregate amount for the most significant entities is EUR 113 million (2015: EUR 269 million).

Recognition is based on the fact that it is probable that the entity will have taxable profits and/or can utilise tax planning opportunities before expiration of the deferred tax assets. Changes in circumstances in future periods may adversely impact the assessment of the recoverability. The uncertainty of the recoverability is taken into account in establishing the deferred tax assets.

As at 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015, ING Group N.V. had no significant temporary differences associated with the parent company’s investments in subsidiaries as any economic benefit from those investments will not be taxable at parent company level.

Statement of profit or loss - Taxation

 

Taxation by type
		Netherlands												International												Total
		2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014				2016				2015				2014
Current taxation			150				–42				–58				1,375				1,413				1,099				1,525				1,371				1,041
Deferred taxation			343				694				–239				–163				–141				57				180				553				–182
			493				652				–297				1,212				1,272				1,156				1,705				1,924				859

The deferred tax charge in 2016 in the Netherlands has decreased and the current tax charge has increased as a result of the full utilisation of prior year tax losses.

 

Reconciliation of the weighted average statutory income tax rate to ING Group’s effective income tax rate
		2016				2015				2014
Result before tax from continuing operations			6,314				7,334				3,361
Weighted average statutory tax rate			27.1	%			26.9	%			29.2	%
Weighted average statutory tax amount			1,708				1,975				983
Participation exemption			–72				–34				–70
Other income not subject to tax			–123				–162				–169
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes			177				154				187
Impact on deferred tax from change in tax rates			–1				12				–2
Deferred tax benefit from previously unrecognised amounts			–18				54				38
Current tax benefit from previously unrecognised amounts			–22				–63				–58
Write-off/reversal of deferred tax assets			33				18				1
Adjustment to prior periods			23				–30				–51
Effective tax amount			1,705				1,924				859
Effective tax rate			27.0	%			26.2	%			25.6	%

The weighted average statutory tax rate in 2016 does not significantly differ compared to 2015.

The weighted average statutory tax rate in 2015 was lower compared to 2014. This was mainly caused by the increase in the result in 2015 in the Netherlands.

The effective tax rate in 2016 is 27.0%.

 

		F-95		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The effective tax rate in 2016 is almost equal to the weighted average statutory tax rate. This is mainly caused by the fact the non-taxable income and the recognition of tax benefits from previously unrecognised amounts are almost fully offset by non-deductible expenses, the write-off of deferred tax assets and the adjustments to prior periods.

The effective tax rate in 2015 was lower than the weighted average statutory tax rate. This was mainly caused by non-taxable income, the recognition of tax benefits from previously unrecognised amounts and prior year adjustments which were only partly offset by non-deductible items.

The effective tax rate in 2014 was lower than the weighted average statutory tax rate. This was mainly caused by non-taxable income, the recognition of tax benefits from previously unrecognised amounts and prior year adjustments which were only partly offset by non-deductible items.

Tax exempt income (participation exemption) mainly includes non-taxable income on divestments, tax exempt share in result from associates and joint ventures, and tax exempt gains on financial assets.

Equity - Other comprehensive income

 

Income tax related to components of other comprehensive income
		2016				2015				2014
Unrealised revaluations available-for-sale investments and other revaluations			17				111				–1,719
Realised gains/losses transferred to the statement of profit or loss (reclassifications from equity to profit or loss)			57				39				49
Changes in cash flow hedge reserve			–51				24				–910
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset/liability			–20				–13				137
Exchange rate differences and other							–46				644
Changes in composition of the group and other changes			–1
Total income tax related to components of other comprehensive income			2				115				–1,799

Tax Contingency

The contingent liability in connection with taxation in the Netherlands refers to a possible obligation arising from the deduction from Dutch taxable profit of losses incurred by ING Bank in the United Kingdom in previous years. The existence of this obligation will be confirmed only by the occurrence of future profits in the United Kingdom.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-96

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

37 Fair value of assets and liabilities

a) FinanciaI assets and liabilities

The following table presents the estimated fair values of ING Group’s financial assets and liabilities. Certain items per the statement of financial position are not included in the table, as they do not meet the definition of a financial asset or liability. The aggregation of the fair values presented below does not represent, and should not be construed as representing, the underlying value of ING Group.

 

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
		Estimated fair value								Statement of financial position value
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Financial assets
Cash and balances with central banks			18,144				21,458				18,144				21,458
Loans and advances to banks 1			28,940				30,132				28,858				29,988
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
– trading assets			114,504				131,467				114,504				131,467
– non-trading derivatives			2,490				3,347				2,490				3,347
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss			5,099				3,234				5,099				3,234
Investments
– available-for-sale			82,912				87,000				82,912				87,000
– held-to-maturity			8,809				7,855				8,751				7,826
Loans and advances to customers 1			578,596				711,771				560,154				696,893
Other assets 1,2			13,709				11,329				13,709				11,329
			853,203				1,007,593				834,621				992,542
Financial liabilities
Deposits from banks 1			32,352				34,334				31,964				33,813
Customer deposits 1			523,850				664,833				522,908				664,210
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
– trading liabilities			83,167				88,807				83,167				88,807
– non-trading derivatives			3,541				4,257				3,541				4,257
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss			12,266				12,616				12,266				12,616
Other liabilities 1,3			15,247				11,622				15,247				11,622
Debt securities in issue			103,559				121,770				103,234				121,289
Subordinated loans			17,253				16,267				17,223				16,411
			791,235				954,506				789,550				953,025

 

1	Loans and advances to customers and Customer deposits, as at 31 December 2015, are adjusted as a result of a changes in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies and Changes in presentation in 2016.

2	Other assets do not include, among others: net defined benefit asset.

3	Other liabilities do not include, among others: net defined benefit and related employee benefit liabilities, and other taxation and social security contributions.

Valuation Methods

The estimated fair values represent the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It is a market-based measurement, which is based on assumptions that market participants would use and takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability that market participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities are based on quoted prices in active market where available. When such quoted prices are not available, the fair value is determined by using valuation techniques.

ING uses unadjusted quotes where available. Unadjusted quoted prices are primarily obtained from exchange prices for listed financial instruments. Where an exchange price is not available, quoted market prices in active markets may be obtained from independent market vendors, brokers, or market makers. In general, positions are valued at the bid price for a long position and at the offer price for a short position or are valued at the price within the bid-offer spread that is most representative of fair value at the date of valuation.

For certain financial assets and liabilities quoted market prices are not available. For these financial assets and liabilities, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques range from discounting of cash flows to various valuation models, where relevant pricing factors including the market price of underlying reference instruments, market parameters (volatilities, correlations and credit ratings), and customer behaviour are taken into account. ING maximises the use of market observable inputs and minimises the use of unobservable input in determining the fair value. The fair value can be subjective dependent on the significance of the unobservable input to the overall valuation. All valuation techniques used are subject to internal review and approval. Most data used in these valuation techniques are validated on a daily basis.

 

		F-97		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

When a group of financial assets and financial liabilities are managed on the basis of their net risk exposures, it measures the fair value of a group of financial assets and liabilities on net portfolio basis.

Control framework

To determine whether the valuations based upon data inputs have led to an appropriate fair and prudent value, the process of independent price verification (‘IPV’) or price testing is applied. This is done to ensure the appropriate reflection of these valuations in balance sheet and the profit and loss accounts. IPV tests and confirms the reliability of the market data used in these valuations and can lead to adjustments in valuation where data is found to be unreliable. The IPV process is performed at least monthly or more frequently depending on the nature of the market or trading activity. Multiple data sources are used to the extent that such prices are available and taking into account cost-benefit ratio of retrieving such prices. Valuation differences between primary and secondary source data are assessed. When differences resulting from price testing exceed pre-approved thresholds, adjustments to the profit and loss shall be made. Differences and adjustments must be assessed individually, approved by the Local Parameter Committee, and reported back in the meeting minutes. In case a material difference in value is found through the IPV process, it must be fully understood what the underlying cause is for the difference, and if a systematic change is required (e.g. change of source). Pricing and price testing is applied at individual trade level and is organised at a desk level.

Valuation processes are governed by various governance bodies, which include Local Parameter Committees (LPC), Global Price Testing Committee (GP&IC), Market Data Committee (MDC), Trading Pricing Model Committee (TPMC) and others. All relevant committees meet on a quarterly basis or more frequent as required. Key valuation controls including product approval, IPV, valuation adjustments, and model use is monitored on a monthly basis

The Global Price Testing Committee is responsible for the use of appropriate models and inputs related to fair valued positions. It oversees the quality and coherence of valuation methodologies and processes. Local Parameter Committees monitor the appropriateness of (quoted) pricing, any other relevant market info, as well as that of pricing models themselves related to the fair valued positions to which they are applied. LPC executes valuation methodology and processes at a local level. Global Price Testing Committee oversees market data sources and market data set up / points used for official valuation of positions for fair value. Trading Pricing Model Committee approve and review all pricing models and methodologies for the calculation of market parameters.

Valuation Adjustments

Valuation adjustments are integral part of the fair value. They are included as part of the fair value to provide better estimation of market exit value on measurement date. ING applies various valuation adjustments including Bid-Offer adjustments, Credit Valuation Adjustments (CVA), Debt Valuation Adjustments (DVA), Model Risk Valuation Adjustments, Collateral Valuation Adjustment (CollVA) and Funding Valuation Adjustment (FVA). The combination of Credit Valuation adjustments is called Bilateral Valuation Adjustment (BVA).

 

•

Bid-Offer adjustments are required to adjust mid-market values to appropriate bid or offer value in order to best represent the exit value, and therefore fair value. It is applicable to financial assets and liabilities that are valued at mid-price initially. If financial assets or liabilities have been quoted at bid and offer price, then no Bid-Offer adjustment is necessary. In practice this adjustment accounts for the difference in valuation from mid to bid and mid to offer for long and short exposures respectively. In principle assets are valued at the bid prices and liabilities are valued at the offer price. For certain assets or liabilities, where market quoted price is not available, the price within the bid-offer spread that is most representative of fair value is used.

 

•

Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) is the valuation component for counterparty credit risk of the derivative contracts. It has bilateral nature, where both counterparty’s credit risk and ING own credit risks are taken into account. The calculation is based on the estimation of the expected exposure, counterparties’ risk of default, and taking into account the collateral agreements as well as netting agreements. The counterparties’ risk of default is measured by probability of default and expected loss given default, which is based on market information including credit default swap (CDS) spread. Where counterparty CDS spreads are not available, relevant proxy spreads are used. Additionally, wrong-way risk (when exposure to a counterparty is increasing and the credit quality of that counterparty deteriorates) and right-way risk (when exposure to a counterparty is increasing and the credit quality of that counterparty improves) are included in the adjustment.

 

•

ING applies Debt Valuation Adjustment (DVA) to own issued financial liabilities that are measured at fair value through profit or loss, if the credit risk component has not been included in the prices. In the DVA calculation, the default probability of the institution are estimated based on the ING Funding spread.

 

•

Model risk occurs in a valuation model when the model does not produce the correct valuation due to mis-specification, mis- application, or incorrect implemention of the model. Potential adjustments are determined during new product approval or model review process.

 

•

Collateral Valuation Adjustment (CollVA) is a derivative valuation adjustment capturing specific features of CSA (Credit Swap Annex) with a counterparty that the regular OIS (Overnight Index Swap) discounting framework does not capture. Non-standard CSA features may include deviations in relation to the currency in which ING posts or receives collateral, deviations in remuneration rate on collateral which may pay lower or higher rate than overnight rate or even no interest at all. Other deviations can be posting securities rather than cash as collateral.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-98

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

•

ING applies an additional ‘funding valuation adjustment’ (‘FVA’) to address the funding costs associated with the collateral funding asymmetry on uncollateralized or partially collateralized derivatives in the portfolio. This adjustment is based on the expected exposure profiles of the uncollateralized or partially collateralized OTC derivatives and market-based funding spreads.

The following methods and assumptions were used by ING Group to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments:

a.1) Financial assets

Cash and balances with central banks

The carrying amount of cash approximates its fair value.

Loans and advances to banks

The fair values of receivables from banks are generally based on quoted market prices or, if unquoted, on estimates based on discounting future cash flows using available market interest rates including appropriate spreads offered for receivables with similar characteristics, similar to Loans and advances to customers described below.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and Investments

Derivatives

Derivatives contracts can either be exchange-traded or over the counter (OTC). The fair value of exchange-traded derivatives is determined using quoted market prices in an active market and those derivatives are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For those instruments not actively traded, fair values are estimated based on valuation techniques. OTC derivatives and derivatives trading in an inactive market are valued using valuation techniques because quoted market prices in an active market are not available for such instruments. The valuation techniques and inputs depend on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instruments. The principal techniques used to value these instruments are based on discounted cash flows, Black-Scholes option models and Monte Carlo simulation. These valuation models calculate the present value of expected future cash flows, based on ‘no-arbitrage’ principles. These models are commonly used in the financial industry. Inputs to valuation models are determined from observable market data where possible. Certain inputs may not be observable in the market directly, but can be determined from observable prices via valuation model calibration procedures. The inputs used include prices available from exchanges, dealers, brokers or providers of pricing, yield curves, credit spreads, default rates, recovery rates, dividend rates, volatility of underlying interest rates, equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. These inputs are determined with reference to quoted prices, recently executed trades, independent market quotes and consensus data, where available.

For uncollateralised OTC derivatives, ING applies Credit Valuation Adjustment to correctly reflect the counterparty credit risk in the valuation. The technique for calculating CVA is based on Monte Carlo simulation and uses various input including counterparty credit spread, market interest rates, and market exchanges rates. The counterparty credit spreads are based on counterparty CDS spread where available. Otherwise, the indexed proxy CDS spreads are used.

Equity securities

The fair values of publicly traded equity securities are based on quoted market prices when available. Where no quoted market prices are available, fair value is determined based on quoted prices for similar securities or other valuation techniques.

The fair value of private equity is based on quoted market prices, if available. In the absence of quoted prices in an active market, fair value is estimated on the basis of an analysis of the investee’s financial position and results, risk profile, prospects, price, earnings comparisons and revenue multiples, and by reference to market valuations for similar entities quoted in an active market.

Debt securities

Fair values for debt securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. Quoted market prices may be obtained from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service, or regulatory service. The quoted prices from non-exchange sources are assessed to determine if they are tradable prices or consensus prices derived from in-house models utilising a variety of inputs. This distinction determines where it falls in the fair value hierarchy.

If quoted prices in an active market are not available, fair value is based on an analysis of available market inputs, which may include values obtained from one or more pricing services or by a valuation technique that discounts expected future cash flows using a market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads, maturity of the investment, and estimated prepayment rates where applicable.

Loans and receivables

Reference is made to Loans and advances to customers below.

 

		F-99		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Loans and advances to customers

For loans and advances that are repriced frequently and have had no significant changes in credit risk, carrying amounts represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The fair value of other loans is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using a discount rate that reflects credit risk, liquidity, and other current market conditions. The fair value of mortgage loans is estimated by taking into account prepayment behaviour. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for calculation purposes.

Other assets

The other assets are stated at their carrying value which is not significantly different from their fair value.

a.2) Financial liabilities

Deposits from banks

The fair values of payables to banks are generally based on quoted market prices or, if not available, on estimates based on discounting future cash flows using available market interest rates and credit spreads for payables to banks with similar characteristics.

Customer deposits

The carrying values of customer deposits with an immediate on demand features approximate their fair values. The fair values of deposits with fixed contractual terms have been estimated based on discounting future cash flows using the interest rates currently applicable to deposits of similar maturities.

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

The fair values of securities in the trading portfolio and other liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are based on quoted market prices, where available. For those securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated based on internal discounted cash flow valuation techniques using interest rates and credit spreads that apply to similar instruments. Reference is made to Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss above.

Other liabilities

The other liabilities are stated at their carrying value which is not significantly different from their fair value.

Debt securities in issue

The fair value of debt securities in issue is generally based on quoted market prices, or if not available, on estimated prices by discounting expected future cash flows using a current market interest rate and credit spreads applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity.

Subordinated loans

The fair value of publicly traded subordinated loans are based on quoted market prices when available. Where no quoted market prices are available, fair value of the subordinated loans is estimated using discounted cash flows based on interest rates and credit spreads that apply to similar instruments.

a.3) Fair value hierarchy

ING Group has categorised its financial instruments that are either measured in the statement of financial position at fair value or of which the fair value is disclosed, into a three level hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to (unadjusted) quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to valuation techniques supported by unobservable inputs. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels, depending upon whether fair values were determined based on (unadjusted) quoted prices in an active market (Level 1), valuation techniques with observable inputs (Level 2) or valuation techniques that incorporate inputs which are unobservable and which have a more than insignificant impact on the fair value of the instrument (Level 3). Financial assets in Level 3 include for example illiquid debt securities, complex derivatives, certain complex loans (for which current market information about similar assets to use as observable, corroborated data for all significant inputs into a valuation model is not available), and asset backed securities for which there is no active market and a wide dispersion in quoted prices.

Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs which are based on the Group’s own assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the market. Unobservable inputs may include volatility, correlation, spreads to discount rates, default rates and recovery rates, prepayment rates, and certain credit spreads. Transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels are recognised as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-100

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Level 1 - (Unadjusted) quoted prices in active markets

This category includes financial instruments whose fair value is determined directly by reference to (unadjusted) quoted prices in an active market that ING Group can access. A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer markets, brokered markets, or principal to principal markets. Those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Transfers out of Level 1 into Level 2 or Level 3 occur when ING Group establishes that markets are no longer active and therefore (unadjusted) quoted prices no longer provide reliable pricing information.

Level 2 - Valuation technique supported by observable inputs

This category includes financial instruments whose fair value is based on market observables other than (unadjusted) quoted prices. The fair value for financial instruments in this category can be determined by reference to quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, but for which the prices are modified based on other market observable external data or reference to quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. These prices can be obtained from a third party pricing service. ING analyses how the prices are derived and determines whether the prices are liquid tradable prices or model based consensus prices taking various data as inputs.

For financial instruments that do not have a reference price available, fair value is determined using a valuation technique (e.g. a model), where inputs in the model are taken from an active market or are observable, such as interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatilities, and credit spreads.

If certain inputs in the model are unobservable, the instrument is still classified in this category, provided that the impact of those unobservable inputs on the overall valuation is insignificant. The notion of significant is particularly relevant for the distinction between Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities. ING Group has chosen to align the definition of significant with the 90% confidence range as captured in the prudent value definition by EBA. Unobservable parameters are shifted down and upwards to reach this 90% confidence range. The same 90% confidence range is applied to model uncertainty. If the combined change in asset value resulting from the shift of the unobservable parameters and the model uncertainty exceeds the threshold, the asset is classified as Level 3. A value change below the threshold results in a Level 2 classification.

Valuation techniques used for Level 2 assets and liabilities range from discounting of cash flows to various industry standard valuation models such as option pricing model and Monte Carlo simulation model, where relevant pricing factors including the market price of underlying reference instruments, market parameters (volatilities, correlations and credit ratings) and customer behaviour are taken into account.

Level 3 - Valuation technique supported by unobservable inputs

This category includes financial instruments whose fair value is determined using a valuation technique (e.g. a model) for which more than an insignificant part of the inputs in terms of the overall valuation are not market observable. This category also includes financial assets and liabilities whose fair value is determined by reference to price quotes but for which the market is considered inactive. Level 3 Trading assets, Non-trading derivatives, Assets designated at fair value through profit or loss, and Level 3 Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial instruments with different characteristics and nature, which are valued on the basis of valuation techniques that feature one or more significant inputs that are unobservable. An instrument in its entirety is classified as Level 3 if a significant portion of the instrument’s fair value is driven by unobservable inputs. Unobservable in this context means that there is little or no current market data available from which to derive a price that an unrelated, informed buyer would purchase the asset or liability at.

 

		F-101		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Financial instruments at fair value

The fair values of the financial instruments were determined as follows:

 

Methods applied in determining fair values of financial assets and liabilities (carried at fair value)
2016		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Financial Assets
Trading assets			17,652				95,629				1,223				114,504
Non-trading derivatives			3				2,231				256				2,490
Financial assets designated as at fair value through profit or loss			502				4,141				456				5,099
Available-for-sale investments			76,238				6,153				521				82,912
			94,395				108,154				2,456				205,005
Financial liabilities
Trading liabilities			6,139				75,650				1,378				83,167
Non-trading derivatives							3,517				24				3,541
Financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss			1,348				10,795				123				12,266
			7,487				89,962				1,525				98,974

Main changes in fair value hierarchy in 2016

In 2016, the decrease in Level 2 financial assets and liabilities is mainly due to decreased (reverse) repo balances.

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

There were no changes in the valuation techniques during the year.

 

Methods applied in determining fair values of financial assets and liabilities (carried at fair value)
2015		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Financial Assets
Trading assets			27,126				103,195				1,146				131,467
Non-trading derivatives			4				3,175				168				3,347
Financial assets designated as at fair value through profit or loss			242				2,654				338				3,234
Available-for-sale investments			81,640				4,667				693				87,000
			109,012				113,691				2,345				225,048
Financial liabilities
Trading liabilities			9,037				78,531				1,239				88,807
Non-trading derivatives							4,256				1				4,257
Financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss			1,578				10,840				198				12,616
			10,615				93,627				1,438				105,680

Main changes in fair value hierarchy in 2015

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

In 2015, there were changes in the valuation techniques driven by current market conditions, with LIBOR being negative.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-102

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in Level 3 Financial assets
2016		Trading assets				Non-trading derivatives				Financial assets designated as at fair value through profit and loss				Available- for-sale investments				Total
Opening balance			1,146				168				338				693				2,345
Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the year			226				–34				76				200				468
Revaluation recognised in equity during the year															–144				–144
Purchase of assets			77				5				193				68				343
Sale of assets			–71				–4				–76				–183				–334
Maturity/settlement			–135												–9				–144
Reclassifications															–92				–92
Transfers into Level 3			21				62								5				88
Transfers out of Level 3			–43								–75								–118
Exchange rate differences			3												8				11
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes			–1				59								-25				33
Closing balance			1,223				256				456				521				2,456

In 2016, financial assets were transferred out of Level 3 on the basis that the valuation is not significantly impacted by unobservable inputs.

Included in Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the year, is EUR 163 million related to the release of revaluation reserves on shares held in VISA Europe Limited. For further information on the VISA transaction, reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

 

Changes in Level 3 Financial assets
2015		Trading assets				Non-trading derivatives				Financial assets designated as at fair value through profit and loss				Available- for-sale investments				Total
Opening balance			810				310				90				573				1,783
Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the year			146				–163				–55				30				–42
Revaluation recognised in equity during the year															171				171
Purchase of assets			356				4				467				125				952
Sale of assets			–76								–148				–209				–433
Maturity/settlement			–46				–1				–16				–5				–68
Transfers into Level 3			11																11
Transfers out of Level 3			–61																–61
Exchange rate differences			6				18								23				47
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes															–15				–15
Closing balance			1,146				168				338				693				2,345

In 2015, there were no significant transfers into or out of Level 3.

Included in Revaluation recognised in equity during the year, was an amount of EUR 154 million related to available-for-sale equity securities held in VISA Europe Limited. References is made to Note 5 ‘Investments’, Note 19 ‘Equity and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

 

		F-103		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Changes in Level 3 Financial liabilities
2016		Trading liabilities				Non-trading derivatives				Financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss				Total
Opening balance			1,239				1				198				1,438
Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the year			277				12				–3				286
Issue of liabilities			53				11				4				68
Early repayment of liabilities			–62				–11				–13				–86
Maturity/settlement			–62												–62
Transfers into Level 3			16				11								27
Transfers out of Level 3			–86								–63				–149
Exchange rate differences			6												6
Changes in the composition of the group and other changes			–3												–3
Closing balance			1,378				24				123				1,525

In 2016, financial liabilities were transferred out of Level 3 mainly due to the valuation not being significantly impacted by unobservable inputs.

 

Changes in Level 3 Financial liabilities
2015		Trading liabilities				Non-trading derivatives				Financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss				Total
Opening balance			997				16				323				1,336
Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the year			120				–15				–83				22
Issue of liabilities			244								121				365
Early repayment of liabilities			–54								–31				–85
Maturity/settlement			–24								–15				–39
Transfers into Level 3			12												12
Transfers out of Level 3			–65								–117				–182
Exchange rate differences			9												9
Closing balance			1,239				1				198				1,438

In 2015, financial liabilities of EUR 182 million were transferred out of Level 3 mainly due to the valuation not being significantly impacted by unobservable inputs.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-104

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the year (Level 3)
2016		Held at balance sheet date				Derecognised during the year				Total
Financial assets
Trading assets			226								226
Non-trading derivatives			–34								–34
Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss			76								76
Available-for-sale investments			–3				203				200
			265				203				468
Financial liabilities
Trading liabilities			277								277
Non-trading derivatives			12								12
Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss			–3								–3
			286				–				286

 

Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the year (Level 3)

2015

Held at balance sheet date

Derecognised during the year

Total

Financial assets

Trading assets

146

146

Non-trading derivatives

–163

–163

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

–55

–55

Available-for-sale investments

–34

64

30

–106

64

–42

Financial liabilities

Trading liabilities

120

120

Non-trading derivatives

–15

–15

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss

–83

–83

22

–

22

Recognition of unrealised gains and losses in Level 3

Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss relating to unrealised gains and losses during the year that relates to Level 3 assets and liabilities are included in the statement of profit or loss as follows:

 

•

Results on trading assets and trading liabilities are included in Valuation results and net trading income;

 

•

Non-trading derivatives are included in Valuation results and net trading income; and

 

•

Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss are included in Valuation results and net trading income - Valuation results on assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss (excluding trading).

Unrealised gains and losses that relate to Available-for-sale investments recognised in Other comprehensive income are included in the Revaluation reserve – Available-for-sale reserve and other.

Level 3 Financial assets and liabilities

Financial assets measured at fair value in the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2016 of EUR 205 billion includes an amount of EUR 2.5 billion (1.2%) which is classified as Level 3 (31 December 2015: EUR 2.3 billion, being 1.0%). Changes in Level 3 from 31 December 2015 to 31 December 2016 are disclosed above in the table Changes in Level 3 Financial assets.

Financial liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2016 of EUR 99 billion includes an amount of EUR 1.5 billion (1.5%) which is classified as Level 3 (31 December 2015: EUR 1.4 billion, being 1.3%). Changes in Level 3 from 31 December 2015 to 31 December 2016 are disclosed above in the table Changes in Level 3 Financial liabilities.

 

		F-105		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Financial assets and liabilities in Level 3 include both assets and liabilities for which the fair value was determined using valuation techniques that incorporate unobservable inputs and assets and liabilities for which the fair value was determined using quoted prices, but have been adjusted to reflect that the market was not actively trading at or around the balance sheet date. Unobservable inputs are inputs which are based on ING’s own assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Unobservable inputs may include volatility, correlation, spreads to discount rates, default rates and recovery rates, prepayment rates, and certain credit spreads. Valuation techniques that incorporate unobservable inputs are sensitive to the inputs used.

Of the total amount of financial assets classified as Level 3 as at 31 December 2016 of EUR 2.5 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 2.3 billion), an amount of EUR 1.0 billion (42%) (31 December 2015: EUR 0.9 billion, being 39%) is based on unadjusted quoted prices in inactive markets. As ING does not generally adjust quoted prices using its own inputs, there is no significant sensitivity to ING’s own unobservable inputs.

Furthermore, Level 3 financial assets includes approximately EUR 0.5 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 0.3 billion) which relates to financial assets that are part of structures that are designed to be fully neutral in terms of market risk. Such structures include various financial assets and liabilities for which the overall sensitivity to market risk is insignificant. Whereas the fair value of individual components of these structures may be determined using different techniques and the fair value of each of the components of these structures may be sensitive to unobservable inputs, the overall sensitivity is by design not significant.

The remaining EUR 1.0 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 1.1 billion) of the fair value classified in Level 3 financial assets is established using valuation techniques that incorporates certain inputs that are unobservable. This relates mainly to assets that are classified as Available-for-sale investments, for which changes in fair value are recognised in shareholders’ equity and do not directly impact profit or loss.

Of the total amount of financial liabilities classified as Level 3 as at 31 December 2016 of EUR 1.5 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 1.4 billion), an amount of EUR 0.9 billion (59%) (31 December 2015: EUR 0.7 billion, being 50%) is based on unadjusted quoted prices in inactive markets. As ING does not generally adjust quoted prices using its own inputs, there is no significant sensitivity to ING’s own unobservable inputs.

Furthermore, Level 3 financial liabilities includes approximately EUR 0.1 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 0.2 billion) which relates to financial liabilities that are part of structures that are designed to be fully neutral in terms of market risk. As explained above, the fair value of each of the components of these structures may be sensitive to unobservable inputs, but the overall sensitivity is by design not significant.

The remaining EUR 0.5 billion (31 December 2015: EUR 0.5 billion) of the fair value classified in Level 3 financial liabilities is established using valuation techniques that incorporates certain inputs that are unobservable.

The table below provides a summary of the valuation techniques, key unobservable inputs and the lower and upper range of such unobservable inputs, by type of Level 3 asset/liability. The lower and upper range mentioned in the overview represent the lowest and highest variance of the respective valuation input as actually used in the valuation of the different financial instruments. Amounts and percentages stated are unweighted. The range can vary from period to period subject to market movements and change in Level 3 position. Lower and upper bounds reflect the variability of Level 3 positions and their underlying valuation inputs in the portfolio, but do not adequately reflect their level of valuation uncertainty. For valuation uncertainty assessment, reference is made to section Sensitivity analysis of unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-106

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Valuation techniques and range of unobservable inputs (Level 3)
2016		Assets				Liabilities				Valuation techniques				Significant unobservable inputs		Lower range				Upper range
At fair value through profit or loss
Debt securities			180								Price based			Price (%)			0	%			122	%
											Net asset value			Price (%)			10	%			19	%
Equity securities			4								Price based			Price (%)			0	%			0	%
Loans and advances			326				3				Price based			Price (%)			60	%			101	%
											Present value techniques			Credit spread (bps)			130				150
Structured notes			6				125				Price based			Price (%)			52	%			111	%
											Net asset value			Price (%)			19	%			19	%
											Option pricing model			Equity volatility (%)			16	%			34	%
														Equity/Equity correlation			0.0				0.8
														Equity/FX correlation			–0.4				0.1
														Dividend yield (%)			1	%			5	%
														Interest rate volatility (%)			n.a				n.a
											Present value techniques			Implied correlation			0.7				0.7
Derivatives
– Rates			486				457				Option pricing model			Interest rate volatility (bps)			22				300
														Interest rate correlation			n.a				n.a.
														IR/INF correlation			0.5				0.5
											Present value techniques			Reset spread (%)			2	%			2	%
														Prepayment rate (%)			5	%			10	%
														Inflation rate (%)			2	%			4	%
– FX			642				688				Present value techniques			Inflation rate (%)			2	%			3	%
– Credit			33				43				Present value techniques			Credit spread (bps)			0				1,596
														Implied correlation			0.7				1.0
														Jump rate (%)			12	%			12	%
											Price based			Price (%)			99	%			99	%
– Equity			258				208				Option pricing model			Equity volatility (%)			0	%			140	%
														Equity/Equity correlation			–0.1				1.0
														Equity/FX correlation			–0.9				0.6
														Dividend yield (%)			0	%			13	%
– Other							1				Option pricing model			Commodity volatility (%)			13	%			55	%
														Com/Com correlation			0.0				0.9
														Com/FX correlation			–0.5				0.0
Available for sale
– Debt			55								Price based			Price (%)			0	%			99	%
											Present value techniques			Credit spread (bps)			339				400
														Weighted average life (yr)			1.6				3.2
– Equity			466								Discounted cash flow			Financial Statements			n.a				n.a
											Multiplier method			Observable market factors			n.a				n.a
											Comparable transactions						n.a				n.a
Total			2,456				1,525

 

		F-107		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Valuation techniques and range of unobservable inputs (Level 3)
2015		Assets				Liabilities				Valuation techniques		Significant unobservable inputs		Lower range				Upper range
At fair value through profit or loss
Debt securities			72							Price based		Price (%)			1	%			115	%
										Net asset value		Price (%)			15	%			33	%
Loans and advances			356				7			Price based		Price (%)			0	%			100	%
										Present value techniques		Credit spread (bps)			130				135
Structured notes							198			Price based		Price (%)			0	%			111	%
										Net asset value		Price (%)			33	%			33	%
										Option pricing model		Equity volatility (%)			10	%			109	%
												Equity/Equity correlation			0.6				0.9
												Equity/FX correlation			–0.5				0.3
												Dividend yield (%)			1	%			5	%
												Interest rate volatility (%)			n.a				n.a
										Present value techniques		Implied correlation			0.7				0.9
Derivatives
– Rates			480				602			Option pricing model		Interest rate volatility (bps)			21				93
												Interest rate correlation			0.9				0.9
												IR/INF correlation			0.5				0.5
										Present value techniques		Reset spread (%)			3	%			3	%
												Prepayment rate (%)			5	%			5	%
												Inflation rate (%)			2	%			4	%
– FX			412				359			Present value techniques		Inflation rate (%)			1	%			3	%
– Credit			42				50			Present value techniques		Credit spread (bps)			3				16,704
												Implied correlation			0.6				1.0
												Jump rate (%)			12	%			12	%
– Equity			289				222			Option pricing model		Equity volatility (%)			0	%			136	%
												Equity/Equity correlation			–0.1				1.0
												Equity/FX correlation			–1.0				1.0
												Dividend yield (%)			0	%			13	%
– Other			1							Option pricing model		Commodity volatility (%)			17	%			82	%
												Com/Com correlation			0.3				1.0
												Com/FX correlation			–0.8				0.6
Available for sale
– Debt			63							Price based		Price (%)			0	%			98	%
										Present value techniques		Credit spread (bps)			204				400
												Weighted average life (yr)			1.6				3.3
– Equity			630							Discounted cash flow		Financial Statements			n.a				n.a
										Multiplier method		Observable market factors			n.a				n.a
										Comparable transactions					n.a				n.a
Total			2,345				1,438

Non-listed equity investments

Level 3 equity securities mainly include corporate investments, fund investments, real estate positions, and other equity securities which are not traded in active markets. In the absence of an active market, fair values are estimated on the basis of the analysis of fund managers reports, company’s financial position, future prospects, and other factors, considering valuations of similar positions or by the reference to acquisition cost of the position. For equity securities best market practice will be applied using the most relevant valuation method.

All non-listed equity investments, including investments in private equity funds, are subject to a standard review framework which ensures that valuations reflect fair values.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-108

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Price

For securities where market prices are not available fair value is measured by comparison with observable pricing data from similar instruments. Prices of 0% are distressed to the point that no recovery is expected, while prices significantly in excess of 100% or par are expected to pay a good yield.

Credit spreads

Credit spread is the premium above a benchmark interest rate, typically LIBOR or relevant Treasury instrument, required by the market participant to accept a lower credit quality. Higher credit spreads indicate lower credit quality and a lower value of an asset.

Volatility

Volatility is a measure for variation of the price of a financial instrument or other valuation input over time. Volatility is one of the key inputs in option pricing models. Typically, the higher the volatility, the higher value of the option. Volatility varies by the underlying reference (equity, commodity, foreign currency and interest rates), by strike, and maturity of the option. The minimum level of volatility is 0% and there is no theoretical maximum.

Correlation

Correlation is a measure of dependence between two underlying references which is relevant for valuing derivatives and other instruments which have more than one underlying reference. For example, correlation between underlying equity names may be a relevant input parameter for basket equity option pricing models. High positive correlation (close to 1) indicates strong positive (statistical) relationship between underlyings, implying they typically move in the same direction. High negative correlation, on the other hand, implies that underlyings typically move in opposite directions.

Interest rates

Prepayment rate and reset spread are key inputs to mortgage linked prepayment swaps valuation. Prepayment rate is the estimated rate at which mortgage borrowers will repay their mortgages early, e.g. 5% per year. Reset spread is the future spread at which mortgages will re-price at interest rate reset dates.

Inflation rate is a key input to inflation linked instruments. Inflation linked instruments protect against price inflation and are denominated and indexed to investment units. Interest payments would be based on the inflation index and nominal rate in order to receive/pay the real rate of return. A rise in nominal coupon payments is a result of an increase in inflation expectations, real rates, or both. As markets for these inflation linked derivatives are illiquid, the valuation parameters become unobservable.

Dividend yield

Dividend yield is an important input for equity option pricing models showing how much dividends a company pays out each year relative to its share price. Dividend yields are generally expressed as an annualised percentage of share price.

Sensitivity analysis of unobservable inputs (Level 3)

Where the fair value of a financial instrument is determined using inputs which are unobservable and which have a more than insignificant impact on the fair value of the instrument, the actual value of those inputs at the balance date may be drawn from a range of reasonably possible alternatives. In line with market practice the upper and lower bounds of the range of alternative input values reflect a 90% level of valuation certainty. The actual levels chosen for the unobservable inputs in preparing the financial statements are consistent with the valuation methodology used for fair valued financial instruments.

If ING had used input values from the upper and lower bound of this range of reasonable possible alternative input values when valuing these instruments as of 31 December 2016, then the impact would have been higher or lower as indicated below. The purpose of this disclosure is to present the possible impact of a change of unobservable inputs in the fair value of financial instruments where unobservable inputs are significant to the valuation.

As ING has chosen to apply a 90% confidence level already for its IFRS valuation of fair valued financial instruments as of end of 2014, the downward valuation uncertainty has become immaterial, whereas the potential upward valuation uncertainty, reflecting a potential profit, has increased. Specifically for the AFS Debt positions the upward valuation uncertainty decreased.

For more detail on the valuation of fair valued instruments, refer to the section ‘Risk Management – Market risk’, paragraph ‘Fair values of financial assets and liabilities in this document’.

In practice valuation uncertainty is measured and managed per exposure to individual valuation inputs (i.e. risk factors) at portfolio level across different product categories. Where the disclosure looks at individual Level 3 inputs the actual valuation adjustments may also reflect the benefits of portfolio offsets.

 

		F-109		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Because of the approach taken, the valuation uncertainty in the table below is broken down by related risk class rather than by product.

In reality some valuation inputs are interrelated and it would be unlikely that all unobservable inputs would ever be simultaneously at the limits of their respective ranges of reasonably possible alternatives. Therefore it can be assumed that the estimates in the table below show a greater fair value uncertainty than the realistic position at year end assuming normal circumstances/normal markets.

Also, this disclosure does not attempt to indicate or predict future fair value movement. The numbers in isolation give limited information as in most cases these Level 3 assets and liabilities should be seen in combination with other instruments (for example as a hedge) that are classified as Level 2.

 

Sensitivity analysis of Level 3 instruments
2016		Positive fair value movements from using reasonable possible alternatives				Negative fair value movements from using reasonable possible alternatives
Fair value through profit or loss
Equity (equity derivatives, structured notes)			262
Interest rates (Rates derivatives, FX derivatives)			80
Credit (Debt securities, Loans, structured notes, credit derivatives)			33
Available-for-sale
Equity			8				14
Debt			2
			385				14
Sensitivity analysis of Level 3 instruments
2015		Positive fair value movements from using reasonable possible alternatives				Negative fair value movements from using reasonable possible alternatives
Fair value through profit or loss
Equity (equity derivatives, structured notes)			246
Interest rates (Rates derivatives, FX derivatives)			83
Credit (Debt securities, Loans, structured notes, credit derivatives)			39
Available-for-sale
Equity			9				14
Debt			15
			392				14

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-110

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Other financial instruments

The fair values of the financial instruments carried at amortised cost in the statement of financial position, but for which fair values are disclosed are determined as follows:

 

Methods applied in determining fair values of financial assets and liabilities (carried at amortised cost)
2016		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Financial assets
Loans and advances to banks			3,534				11,135				14,271				28,940
Held-to-maturity investments			6,983				1,749				77				8,809
Loans and advances to customers			5,121				21,611				551,864				578,596
			15,638				34,495				566,212				616,345
Financial liabilities
Deposits from banks1							14,447				8,096				22,543
Customer deposits1							5,876				58,872				64,748
Debt securities in issue			41,145				48,097				14,317				103,559
Subordinated loans			14,967				2,188				98				17,253
			56,112				70,608				81,383				208,103

 

1	Financial assets and liabilities that are on demand are excluded from the fair value hierarchy as their fair value approximates the carrying value.

 

Methods applied in determining fair values of financial assets and liabilities (carried at amortised cost)
2015		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Financial assets
Loans and advances to banks1			5,197				12,572				12,363				30,132
Held-to-maturity investments			5,739				1,951				165				7,855
Loans and advances to customers1			4,793				16,703				526,811				548,307
			15,729				31,226				539,339				586,294
Financial liabilities
Deposits from banks1,2							15,984				8,038				24,022
Customer deposits1,2							23,439				55,947				79,386
Debt securities in issue			56,768				51,443				13,559				121,770
Subordinated loans			15,737				183				347				16,267
			72,505				91,049				77,891				241,445

 

1	Loans and advances to customers and Customer deposits, as at 31 December 2015, are adjusted as a result of a changes in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies and Changes in presentation in 2016.

2	Financial assets and liabilities that are on demand are excluded from the fair value hierarchy as their fair value approximates the carrying value, comparative figures have been restated.

b) Non-financial assets and liabilities

ING Group’s non-financial assets comprise Investments in associates and joint ventures, Property in own use, and Investment properties as included in the Statement of financial position in the line items Investments in associates and joint ventures, Property and equipment, and Other assets respectively.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. For further information, reference is made to Note 7 ’Investments in associates and joint ventures’.

Other non-financial assets are recognised at fair value at the balance sheet date. For the methods and assumptions used by ING Group to estimate the fair value of these non-financial assets, reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’, sections ‘Property in own use’ and ‘Investment properties’.

As at 31 December 2016, the estimated fair value of Property in own use and Investment properties amounts to EUR 881.0 million (2015: 982 million) and EUR 65 million (2015: EUR 77 million) respectively and is categorised as Level 3 (2015: Level 3) of the fair value hierarchy on the basis of methods applied in determining the fair values.

 

		F-111		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss relating to unrealised gains and losses during the year that relate to Level 3 assets and liabilities are included in the statement of profit or loss as follows:

 

•

Impairments on Property in own use are included in Other operating expenses - Intangible amortisation and (reversals) of impairments; and

 

•

Changes in the fair value of Investment properties are included in Investment income.

Unrealised gains and losses on Property in own use are included in the Revaluation reserve – Property in own use reserve.

For amounts recognised in the Statement of profit or loss and other changes in non-financial assets during the year, reference is made to Note 8 ‘Property and equipment’ and Note 10 ‘Other assets’.

As at 31 December 2016, ING Group has no non-financial liabilities (2015: none).

38 Derivatives and hedge accounting

Use of derivatives and hedge accounting

As described in the sections ‘Risk management – Credit risk and Market risk’, ING Group uses derivatives (principally interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps) for economic hedging purposes in the management of its asset and liability portfolios and structural positions. The objective of economic hedging is to enter into positions with an opposite risk profile to an identified exposure to reduce that exposure. The objective of ING Group’s hedging activities is to optimise the overall cost to the Group of accessing debt capital markets and to mitigate the market risk which would otherwise arise from structural imbalances in the duration and other profiles of its assets and liabilities. In addition, hedging activities are undertaken to hedge against the interest rate risk in the mortgage offer period in relation to retail mortgages and to lock in the interest margin in relation to interest bearing assets and the related funding.

The accounting treatment of hedge transactions varies according to the nature of the instrument hedged and whether the hedge qualifies under the IFRS hedge accounting rules. Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS are classified and accounted for in accordance with the nature of the instrument hedged and the type of IFRS hedge model that is applicable. The three models applicable under IFRS are: fair value hedge accounting, cash flow hedge accounting, and net investment hedge accounting. These are described under the relevant headings below. The company’s detailed accounting policies for these three hedge models are set out in Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ in the section ‘Principles of valuation and determination of results’.

To qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS, strict criteria must be met. Certain hedges that are economically effective from a risk management perspective do not qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS. The fair value changes of derivatives relating to such non-qualifying hedges are taken to the statement of profit or loss. However, in certain cases, the Group mitigates the statement of profit or loss volatility by designating hedged assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. If hedge accounting is applied under IFRS, it is possible that during the hedge a hedge relationship no longer qualifies for hedge accounting and hedge accounting cannot be continued, even if the hedge remains economically effective. As a result, the volatility arising from undertaking economic hedging in the statement of profit or loss may be higher than would be expected from an economic point of view.

With respect to exchange rate and interest rate derivative contracts, the notional or contractual amount of these instruments is indicative of the nominal value of transactions outstanding at the balance sheet date; however they do not represent amounts at risk. ING Group uses credit derivatives to manage its exposure to credit risk, including total return swaps and credit default swaps, to sell or buy protection for credit risk exposures in the loan, investment, and trading portfolios. Hedge accounting is not applied in relation to credit derivatives.

Fair value hedge accounting

ING Group’s fair value hedges principally consist of interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps that are used to protect against changes in the fair value of fixed-rate instruments due to movements in market interest rates.

Gains and losses on derivatives designated under fair value hedge accounting are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. The effective portion of the fair value change on the hedged item is also recognised in the statement of profit or loss. As a result, only the net accounting ineffectiveness has an impact on the net result.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-112

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Statement of profit or loss – Valuation results and net trading income

 

Fair value changes on derivatives designated under fair value hedge accounting
		2016				2015
Change in fair value of derivatives			–170				81
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities (hedged items)			244				–67
Net accounting ineffectiveness recognised in the Statement of profit or loss			74				14

The fluctuation in balances between 2015 and 2016 relate to the volatility in interest rate movements.

Statement of financial position – Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

Fair values of outstanding derivatives designated under fair value hedge accounting
		2016				2015
Positive fair values outstanding (Non-trading derivative assets)			1,012				1,010
Negative fair values outstanding (Non-trading derivative liabilities)			–5,394				–2,411
			–4,382				–1,401

Cash flow hedge accounting

ING Group’s cash flow hedges principally consist of (forward) interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps that are used to protect against its exposure to variability in future interest cash flows on non-trading assets and liabilities that bear interest at variable rates or are expected to be refunded or reinvested in the future. The amounts and timing of future cash flows, representing both principal and interest flows, are projected for each portfolio of financial assets and liabilities, based on contractual terms and other relevant factors including estimates of prepayments and defaults. The aggregate principal balances and interest cash flows for the respective portfolios form the basis for identifying the notional amount subject to interest rate risk that is designated under cash flow hedge accounting.

Gains and losses on the effective portions of derivatives designated under cash flow hedge accounting are recognised in Shareholders’ equity. Interest cash flows on these derivatives are recognised in the statement of profit or loss in net interest income consistent with the manner in which the forecast cash flows affect net result. The gains and losses on ineffective portions of such derivatives are recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss.

Statement of changes in equity – Cash flow hedge reserve

 

Cash flow hedge reserve
		2016				2015
Effective portion of fair value changes on derivatives under cash flow hedges, after tax			111				–65
Cash flow hedge reserve as at 31 December, gross			1,015				859
Cash flow hedge reserve as at 31 December, after deferred tax			777				666

This cash flow hedge reserve will fluctuate with the fair value changes of the underlying derivatives and will be reflected in the statement of profit or loss under Interest income/expense over the remaining term of the underlying hedged items. The cash flow hedge reserve relates to a large number of derivatives and hedged items with varying maturities, up to 28 years, with the largest concentrations in the range of 3 to 4 years.

Statement of financial position – Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

Fair values of outstanding derivatives designated under cash flow hedge accounting
		2016				2015
Positive fair values outstanding (Non-trading derivative assets)			438				917
Negative fair values outstanding (Non-trading derivative liabilities)			–671				–1,167
			–233				–250

As at 31 December 2016, the fair value of outstanding non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments for cash flow hedge accounting purposes was EUR 0 million (2015: nil).

 

		F-113		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Statement of profit or loss – Net interest income

 

Net interest income on cash flow hedge derivatives
		2016				2015
Interest income on cash flow hedge derivatives			2,654				2,876
Interest expense on cash flow hedge derivatives			–2,181				–2,475
			473				401

Accounting ineffectiveness on derivatives designated under cash flow hedge accounting resulted in a loss of EUR 16 million (2015: EUR 31 million gain) which was recognised in the statement of profit or loss, in the line Valuation results and net trading income.

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations

ING Group’s net investment hedges principally consist of derivatives (including currency forwards and swaps) and non-derivative financial instruments such as foreign currency denominated funding that are used to protect against foreign currency exposures on foreign subsidiaries.

Gains and losses on the effective portions of derivatives designated under net investment hedge accounting are recognised in Shareholders’ equity. The balance in equity is recognised in the statement of profit or loss when the related foreign subsidiary is disposed. The gains and losses on ineffective portions are recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss.

Statement of financial position – Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

Fair values of outstanding derivatives designated under net investment hedge accounting
		2016				2015
Positive fair values outstanding (Non-trading derivative assets)			73				72
Negative fair values outstanding (Non-trading derivative liabilities)			–33				–52
			40				20

As at 31 December 2016, the fair value of outstanding non-derivatives designated under net investment hedge accounting was EUR 0 million (2015: EUR 1,288 million).

Accounting ineffectiveness recognised in the statement of profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 2016 on derivatives and non-derivatives designated under net investment hedge accounting was EUR 0 million (2015: nil).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-114

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

39 Assets by contractual maturity

Amounts presented in these tables by contractual maturity are the amounts as presented in the statement of financial position and are discounted cash flows. Reference is made to the section ‘Risk Management – Funding and liquidity risk’.

 

Assets by contractual maturity
2016		Less than 1 month 1				1-3 months				3-12 months				1-5 years				Over 5 years				Maturity not applicable				Total
Cash and balances with central banks			18,144																								18,144
Loans and advances to banks			14,638				4,373				5,414				3,779				654								28,858
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
– trading assets			47,218				19,236				13,722				16,967				17,361								114,504
– non-trading derivatives			28				29				85				793				1,555								2,490
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss			326				1,440				1,996				769				568								5,099
Investments
– available-for-sale			2,713				3,543				6,020				36,838				29,775				4,023				82,912
– held-to-maturity							166				2,374				3,360				2,851								8,751
Loans and advances to customers			56,151				17,187				42,515				162,805				281,496								560,154
Intangible assets											145				290								1,049				1,484
Other assets 2			10,580				1,671				2,721				855				850								16,677
Remaining assets (for which maturities are not applicable) 3																							3,143				3,143
Total assets			149,798				47,645				74,992				226,456				335,110				8,215				842,216

 

1	Includes assets on demand.

2	Includes Other assets and Current and Deferred tax assets as presented in the Consolidated statement of financial position.

3	Included in remaining assets for which maturities are not applicable are property and equipment, and investments in associates. Due to their nature remaining assets consist mainly of assets expected to be recovered after more than 12 months.

 

		F-115		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Assets by contractual maturity
2015		Less than 1 month 1				1-3 months				3-12 months				1-5 years				Over 5 years				Maturity not applicable				Total
Cash and balances with central banks			21,458																								21,458
Loans and advances to banks			16,228				4,141				5,152				3,502				965								29,988
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
– trading assets			53,181				19,042				17,244				19,845				22,155								131,467
– non-trading derivatives			7				63				253				787				2,237								3,347
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss			256				963				1,112				540				363								3,234
Investments
– available-for-sale			1,187				1,532				7,622				37,648				34,577				4,434				87,000
– held-to-maturity			1				249				12				5,456				2,108								7,826
Loans and advances to customers 2			219,782				14,457				37,665				153,002				271,987								696,893
Intangible assets											189				378								1,000				1,567
Other assets 3			8,071				1,802				2,714				337				1,442								14,366
Assets held for sale 4																							2,153				2,153
Remaining assets (for which maturities are not applicable) 5																							2,989				2,989
Total assets			320,171				42,249				71,963				221,495				335,834				10,576				1,002,288

 

1	Includes assets on demand.

2	Loans and advances to customers, as at 31 December 2015, is adjusted as a result of a changes in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies and Changes in presentation in 2016.

3	Includes Other assets and Current and Deferred tax assets as presented in the Consolidated statement of financial position.

4

Assets held for sale consist of the assets of the disposal groups classified as held for sale as disclosed in Note 11 ‘Assets held for sale’. For these assets, the underlying contractual maturities are no longer relevant for ING. For businesses for which a binding sale agreement exists, all related assets held for sale are classified in accordance with the agreed or expected closing date. For other businesses, for which no sale agreement exists, assets held for sale are included in ‘Maturity not applicable’.

5	Included in remaining assets for which maturities are not applicable are property and equipment, investment properties and investments in associates. Due to their nature remaining assets consist mainly of assets expected to be recovered after more than 12 months.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-116

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

40 Liabilities by maturity

The tables below include all financial liabilities by maturity based on contractual, undiscounted cash flows. Furthermore, the undiscounted future coupon interest on financial liabilities payable is included in a separate line and in the relevant maturity bucket. Derivative liabilities are included on a net basis if cash flows are settled net. For other derivative liabilities the contractual gross cash flow payable is included.

Non-financial liabilities are included based on a breakdown of the amounts per the statement of financial position, by expected maturity. Reference is made to the liquidity risk paragraph in the section ‘Risk Management – Funding and liquidity risk’ for a description on how liquidity risk is managed.

 

Liabilities by maturity
2016		Less than 1 month1				1-3 months				3-12 months				1-5 years				Over 5 years				Maturity not applicable				Adjustment2				Total
Deposits from banks			11,874				506				2,060				14,324				3,200												31,964
Customer deposits			476,373				16,521				20,698				6,720				2,583								13				522,908
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
– other trading liabilities			26,101				12,334				1,096				1,910				1,908								525				43,874
– trading derivatives			3,172				3,153				7,495				13,785				11,602								86				39,293
– non-trading derivatives			378				192				700				1,844				1,478								–1,051				3,541
– designated at fair value through profit or loss			381				505				1,627				4,485				5,170								98				12,266
Debt securities in issue			3,171				14,965				22,350				44,089				20,522								–1,863				103,234
Subordinated loans							1,043				749				2,010				5,985				7,204				232				17,223
Financial liabilities			521,450				49,219				56,775				89,167				52,448				7,204				–1,960				774,303
Other liabilities 3			10,403				1,943				4,428				2,201				1,075												20,050
Non-financial liabilities			10,403				1,943				4,428				2,201				1,075												20,050
Total liabilities			531,853				51,162				61,203				91,368				53,523				7,204				–1,960				794,353
Coupon interest due on financial liabilities			1,081				1,160				3,355				10,948				5,818												22,362

 

1	Includes liabilities on demand.

2

This column reconciles the contractual undiscounted cash flows on financial liabilities to the statement of financial position values. The adjustments mainly relate to the impact of discounting, and for derivatives, to the fact the contractual cash flows are presented on a gross basis (unless the cash flows are actually settled net).

3	Includes Other liabilities, Current and deferred tax liabilities, and Provisions as presented in the Consolidated statement of financial position.

 

		F-117		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Liabilities by maturity
2015		Less than 1 month1				1-3 months				3-12 months				1-5 years				Over 5 years				Maturity not applicable				Adjustment2				Total
Deposits from banks 3			14,840				1,094				2,370				11,021				4,488												33,813
Customer deposits 3			607,885				23,375				21,600				8,892				2,431								27				664,210
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
– other trading liabilities			35,168				6,806				800				1,645				2,703								782				47,904
– trading derivatives			2,471				2,580				7,983				16,314				17,232								–5,677				40,903
– non-trading derivatives			431				129				808				2,151				134								604				4,257
– designated at fair value through profit or loss			207				452				1,374				4,835				6,089								–341				12,616
Debt securities in issue			8,772				25,308				17,133				44,228				22,927								2,921				121,289
Subordinated loans											338				117				8,602				6,927				427				16,411
Financial liabilities			669,774				59,744				52,406				89,203				64,606				6,927				–1,257				941,403
Other liabilities 3,4			6,761				2,030				4,591				730				1,163												15,275
Liabilities held for sale
Non-financial liabilities			6,761				2,030				4,591				730				1,163				–				–				15,275
Total liabilities			676,535				61,774				56,997				89,933				65,769				6,927				–1,257				956,678
Coupon interest due on financial liabilities			3,033				1,482				4,595				13,892				8,798												31,800

 

1	Includes liabilities on demand.

2

This column reconciles the contractual undiscounted cash flows on financial liabilities to the statement of financial position values. The adjustments mainly relate to the impact of discounting, and for derivatives, to the fact the contractual cash flows are presented on a gross basis (unless the cash flows are actually settled net).

3	Customer deposits, as at 31 December 2015, is adjusted as a result of a changes in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ - Changes in accounting policies and Changes in presentation in 2016.

4	Includes Other liabilities, Current and deferred tax liabilities, and Provisions as presented in the Consolidated statement of financial position.

41 Assets not freely disposable

The assets not freely disposable consist primarily of Loans and advances to customers pledged to secure Debt securities in issue, deposits from De Nederlandsche Bank (the Dutch Central Bank) and other banks and serve to secure margin accounts and are used for other purposes required by law. The assets not freely disposable are as follows:

 

Assets not freely disposable
		2016				20151
Banks
– Cash and balances with central banks			1,353				1,899
– Loans and advances to banks			6,054				7,806
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss			447				550
Investments			825				726
Loans and advances to customers			70,457				74,506
Other assets			935				675
			80,071				86,162

 

1	Excludes assets classified as held for sale.

In some jurisdictions ING Bank N.V. has an obligation to maintain a reserve with central banks. As at 31 December 2016, the minimum mandatory reserve deposits with various central banks amount to EUR 9,055 million (2015: EUR 8,929 million).

Loans and advances to customers that have been pledged as collateral for Debt securities in issue and for liquidity purposes, amount in the Netherlands to EUR 49 billion (2015: EUR 53 billion), in Germany to EUR 12 billion (2015: EUR 13 billion), in Belgium EUR 5 billion (2015: EUR 5 billion), in Australia to EUR 2 billion (2015: EUR 3 billion) and in the United States to EUR 1 billion (2015: nil).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-118

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The table does not include assets relating to securities lending as well as sale and repurchase transactions. Reference is made to Note 42 ‘Transfer of financial assets’.

42 Transfer of financial assets

The majority of ING’s financial assets that have been transferred, but do not qualify for derecognition are debt instruments used in securities lending or sale and repurchase transactions. Reference is made to Note 48 ‘Structured entities’.

 

Transfer of financial assets not qualifying for derecognition

Securities lending

Sale and repurchase

2016

Equity

Debt

Equity

Debt

Transferred assets at carrying amount

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

1,428

4,106

8,965

Investments

2

1,427

Loans and advances to customers

25

Associated liabilities at carrying amount

Deposits from banks

n.a

n.a

Customer deposits

n.a

n.a

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

1,443

4,635

4,280

 

Transfer of financial assets not qualifying for derecognition

Securities lending

Sale and repurchase

2015

Equity

Debt

Equity

Debt

Transferred assets at carrying amount

Loans and advances to banks

18

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

4,339

7,892

Investments

2,502

Associated liabilities at carrying amount

Deposits from banks

n.a

n.a

Customer deposits

n.a

n.a

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

4,384

3,966

The tables above include the associated liabilities which are reported after offsetting, compared to the gross positions of the encumbered assets.

Included in the tables above, are the carrying amounts of transferred assets under repurchase agreements and securities lending that do not qualify for derecognition.

The tables above do not include assets transferred to consolidated securitisation entities as the related assets remain recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position.

43 Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

The following tables include information about rights to offset and the related arrangements. The amounts included consist of all recognised financial instruments that are presented net in the statement of financial position under the IFRS offsetting requirements (legal right to offset and intention to net settle) and amounts presented gross in the statement of financial position but subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar arrangement.

 

		F-119		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Financial assets subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements
																Related amounts not offset in the statement of financial position
2016				Gross amounts of recognised financial assets				Gross amounts of recognised financial liabilities offset in the statement of financial position				Net amounts of financial assets presented in the statement of financial position				Financial instruments				Cash and financial instruments received as collateral				Net amount
Statement of financial position line item		Financial instrument
Loans and advances to banks		Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar agreements			173				–95				78								78
		Other			3				–3
					176				–98				78				–				78				–
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Trading assets		Derivatives			28,511				–913				27,598				25,532				147				1,919
		Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar agreements			61,245				–19,413				41,832				36				41,555				241
					89,756				–20,326				69,430				25,568				41,702				2,160
Non-trading derivatives		Derivatives			57,384				–55,687				1,697				1,499				–5				203
					57,384				–55,687				1,697				1,499				–5				203
Loans and advances to customers		Other			191,453				–186,963				4,490								387				4,103
					191,453				–186,963				4,490				–				387				4,103
Other items where offsetting is applied in the statement of financial position					6,326				–5,846				480				15								465
Impact of enforceable master netting arrangements or similar arrangements 1		Derivatives															–7,300				4,743				2,557
					–				–				–				–7,300				4,743				2,557
Total financial assets					345,095				–268,920				76,175				19,782				46,905				9,488

 

1	The line ‘Impact of enforceable master netting agreements or similar arrangements’ contains derivative positions under the same master netting arrangements being presented in different statement of financial position line items.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-120

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Financial assets subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements
																Related amounts not offset in the statement of financial position
2015				Gross amounts of recognised financial assets				Gross amounts of recognised financial liabilities offset in the statement of financial position				Net amounts of financial assets presented in the statement of financial position				Financial instruments				Cash and financial instruments received as collateral				Net amount
Statement of financial position line item		Financial instrument
Loans and advances to banks		Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar agreements			151								151								151
		Other			3				–3
					154				–3				151				–				151				–
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Trading assets		Derivatives			28,362				–815				27,547				25,204				104				2,239
		Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar agreements			65,854				–22,569				43,285				242				42,597				446
					94,216				–23,384				70,832				25,446				42,701				2,685
Non-trading derivatives		Derivatives			70,226				–67,843				2,383				2,138				–3				248
					70,226				–67,843				2,383				2,138				–3				248
Loans and advances to customers 1		Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar agreements			74								74				74
		Other			172,530				–2,873				169,657				163,464				397				5,796
					172,604				–2,873				169,731				163,538				397				5,796
Other items where offsetting is applied in the statement of financial position					3,576				–3,477				99				4								95
Impact of enforceable master netting arrangements or similar arrangements 2		Derivatives															–7,104				3,791				3,313
					–				–				–				–7,104				3,791				3,313
Total financial assets					340,776				–97,580				243,196				184,022				47,037				12,137

 

1	Loans and advances to customers, as at 31 December 2015, is adjusted as a result of a change in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies in 2016.

2	The line ‘Impact of enforceable master netting agreements or similar arrangements’ contains derivative positions under the same master netting arrangements being presented in different statement of financial position line items.

 

		F-121		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Financial liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements
																Related amounts not offset in the statement of financial position
2016				Gross amounts of recognised financial liabilities				Gross amounts of recognised financial assets offset in the statement of financial position				Net amounts of financial liabilities presented in the statement of financial position				Financial instruments				Cash and financial instruments pledged as collateral				Net amount
Statement of financial position line item		Financial instrument
Deposits from banks		Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements			102				–95				7												7
		Other			23				–3				20												20
					125				–98				27				–				–				27
Customer deposits		Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements			36								36				36
		Corporate deposits			11,773				–8,595				3,178												3,178
		Other			189,496				–178,368				11,128												11,128
					201,305				–186,963				14,342				36				–				14,306
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Trading liabilities		Derivatives			30,102				–997				29,105				27,852				146				1,107
		Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements			46,695				–19,415				27,280				36				27,102				142
					76,797				–20,412				56,385				27,888				27,248				1,249
Non-trading derivatives		Derivatives			59,510				–56,975				2,535				2,343				–153				345
Other items where offsetting is applied in the statement of financial position					5,041				–4,472				569				28								541
Impact of enforceable master netting arrangements or similar arrangements 1		Derivatives															–10,513				8,047				2,466
					–				–				–				–10,513				8,047				2,466
Total financial liabilities					342,778				–268,920				73,858				19,782				35,142				18,934

 

1	The line ‘Impact of enforceable master netting agreements or similar arrangements’ contains derivative positions under the same master netting arrangements being presented in different statement of financial position line items.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-122

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Financial liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements
																Related amounts not offset in the statement of financial position
2015				Gross amounts of recognised financial liabilities				Gross amounts of recognised financial assets offset in the statement of financial position				Net amounts of financial liabilities presented in the statement of financial position				Financial instruments				Cash and financial instruments pledged as collateral				Net amount
Statement of financial position line item		Financial instrument
Deposits from banks		Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements			678								678								677				1
		Other			3				–3
					681				–3				678				–				677				1
Customer deposits 1		Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements			301								301				74				227
		Corporate deposits			14,761				–10,486				4,275												4,275
		Other			166,768				7,613				174,381				163,464								10,917
					181,830				–2,873				178,957				163,538				227				15,192
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Trading liabilities		Derivatives			31,317				–930				30,387				30,153				104				130
		Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements			53,508				–22,569				30,939				242				30,570				127
					84,825				–23,499				61,326				30,395				30,674				257
Non-trading derivatives		Derivatives			72,562				–69,031				3,531				3,307				–236				460
Other items where offsetting is applied in the statement of financial position					2,201				–2,174				27				25								2
Impact of enforceable master netting arrangements or similar arrangements 2		Derivatives															–13,231				7,457				5,774
		Other															–12								12
					–				–				–				–13,243				7,457				5,786
Total financial liabilities					342,099				–97,580				244,519				184,022				38,799				21,698

 

1	Customer deposits, as at 31 December 2015, is adjusted as a result of a change in accounting policies. Reference is made to Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ – Changes in accounting policies in 2016.

2	The line ‘Impact of enforceable master netting agreements or similar arrangements’ contains derivative positions under the same master netting arrangements being presented in different statement of financial position line items.

 

		F-123		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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44 Contingent liabilities and commitments

In the normal course of business, ING Group is party to activities where risks are not reflected in whole or in part in the consolidated financial statements. In response to the needs of its customers, the Group offers financial products related to loans. These products include traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments.

 

Contingent liabilities and commitments
2016		Less than 1 month				1-3 months				3-12 months				1-5 years				Over 5 years				Maturity not applicable				Total
Contingent liabilities in respect of
– discounted bills											1																1
– guarantees			18,536				677				965				1,167				3,526								24,871
– irrevocable letters of credit			6,583				5,973				824				154				12								13,546
– other			39																309								348
			25,158				6,650				1,790				1,321				3,847				–				38,766
Guarantees issued by ING Groep N.V.																			404								404
Irrevocable facilities			59,214				2,587				4,832				22,606				9,315								98,554
			84,372				9,237				6,622				23,927				13,566				–				137,724
Contingent liabilities and commitments
2015 1		Less than 1 month				1-3 months				3-12 months				1-5 years				Over 5 years				Maturity not applicable				Total
Contingent liabilities in respect of
– guarantees			16,813				494				465				1,121				3,736								22,629
– irrevocable letters of credit			7,447				2,065				1,393				251				6								11,162
– other			244																								244
			24,504				2,559				1,858				1,372				3,742				–				34,035
Guarantees issued by ING Groep N.V.																			436								436
Irrevocable facilities			49,133				1,458				6,407				36,255				5,125								98,378
			73,637				4,017				8,265				37,627				9,303				–				132,849

 

1	Excludes commitments and contingent liabilities related to assets classified as held for sale, being NN Group.

Guarantees relate both to credit and non-credit substitute guarantees. Credit substitute guarantees are guarantees given by ING Group in respect of credit granted to customers by a third party. Many of them are expected to expire without being drawn on and therefore do not necessarily represent future cash outflows. In addition to the items included in contingent liabilities, ING Group has issued guarantees as a participant in collective arrangements of national industry bodies and as a participant in government required collective guarantee schemes which apply in different countries.

Irrevocable letters of credit mainly secure payments to third parties for a customer’s foreign and domestic trade transactions in order to finance a shipment of goods. ING Group’s credit risk in these transactions is limited since these transactions are collateralised by the commodity shipped and are of a short duration.

Other contingent liabilities include acceptances of bills and are of a short-term nature. Other contingent liabilities also include contingent liabilities resulting from the operations of the Real Estate business including obligations under development and construction contracts. Furthermore other contingent liabilities include a contingent liability in connection with a possible Dutch tax obligation that relates to the deduction from Dutch taxable profit of losses incurred by ING Bank in the United Kingdom in previous years. The existence of this obligation will be confirmed only by the occurrence of future profits in the United Kingdom.

Reference is made to Parent company annual accounts – Notes to the parent company annual accounts, Note 13 ‘Other’ for further information on Guarantees issued by ING Groep N.V.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-124

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Irrevocable facilities mainly constitute unused portions of irrevocable credit facilities granted to corporate clients. Many of these facilities are for a fixed duration and bear interest at a floating rate. ING Group’s credit risk and interest rate risk in these transactions is limited. The unused portion of irrevocable credit facilities is partly secured by customers’ assets or counter-guarantees by the central governments and exempted bodies under the regulatory requirements. Irrevocable facilities also include commitments made to purchase securities to be issued by governments and private issuers.

Furthermore, ING Group leases assets from third parties under operating leases as lessee. The future rental commitments to be paid under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 

Future rental commitments for operating lease contracts
		2016				20151
2016							310
2017			307				160
2018			179				143
2019			151				122
2020			129				109
Years after 2020			476				404

 

1	Excludes future rental commitments related to businesses classified as held for sale.

45 Legal proceedings

ING Groep N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries are involved in governmental, regulatory, arbitration and legal proceedings and investigations in the Netherlands and in a number of foreign jurisdictions, including the U.S., involving claims by and against them which arise in the course of their businesses, including in connection with their activities as lenders, broker-dealers, underwriters, issuers of securities and investors and their position as employers and taxpayers. In certain of such proceedings, very large or indeterminate amounts are sought, including punitive and other damages. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of all pending or threatened governmental, regulatory, arbitration and legal proceedings and investigations, ING is of the opinion that some of the proceedings and investigations set out below may have or have in the recent past had a significant effect on the financial position, profitability or reputation of ING and/or ING and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Because of the geographic spread of its business, ING may be subject to tax audits, investigations and procedures in numerous jurisdictions at any point in time. Although ING believes that it has adequately provided for all its tax positions, the ultimate resolution of these audits, investigations and procedures may result in liabilities which are different from the amounts recognised. ING has also recently identified issues in connection with its US tax information reporting and withholding obligations in respect of prior periods. A review of such issues is ongoing, and at this time it is not possible to estimate any financial or other consequences thereof.

Proceedings in which ING is involved include complaints and lawsuits concerning the performance of certain interest sensitive products that were sold by a former subsidiary of ING in Mexico. Further, a complaint has been filed against ING Bank in January 2015 in the New York District Court by Alfredo and Gustavo Villoldo and the executor of their father’s estate (Villoldo). Villoldo holds two judgments against the Cuban government and other Cuban entities in the aggregate amount of USD 2.9 billion. Those judgments remain outstanding and uncollected. The complaint against ING Bank alleges that if ING Bank had complied with the applicable US sanction laws, Cuban assets would have been frozen by OFAC and available for execution and seizure by Villoldo. The complaint alleges that the acts set out in ING’s settlement with OFAC in 2012 constitute wire fraud, money laundering and fraudulent transfer and that Villoldo is therefore entitled to actual damages in the amount to be believed no less than USD 1.654 billion and treble damages of not less than USD 4.962 billion. In July 2015 the New York District Court dismissed all claims with prejudice. The Court of Appeals affirmed this judgment in April 2016. This judgement is now final.

In July 2016, investors in derivatives tied to the Singapore Interbank Offer Rate (SIBOR) filed a U.S. class action complaint in the New York District Court alleging that several banks, including ING, conspired to rig the prices of derivatives tied to SIBOR and the Singapore Swap Offer Rate (SOR). The lawsuit refers to investigations by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and other regulators, including the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), in relation to rigging prices of SIBOR and SOR-based derivatives. Currently, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the (potential) financial effect of this claim.

ING Bank Turkey has received various claims from (former) customers of legal predecessors of ING Bank Turkey. The claims are based on offshore accounts held with these banks, which banks were seized by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF) prior to the acquisition of ING Bank Turkey in 2007 from Oyak. SDIF has also filed various lawsuits against ING Bank Turkey to claim compensation from ING Bank Turkey, with respect to amounts paid out to offshore account holders so far. ING Bank N.V. has initiated an arbitration procedure against OYAK in which ING Bank seeks to be held harmless for these claims. At this moment it is not possible to assess the outcome of these procedures nor to provide an estimate of the (potential) financial effect of these claims.

 

		F-125		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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In January 2011, the Dutch Association of Stockholders (Vereniging van Effectenbezitters, ‘VEB’) issued a writ alleging that investors were misled by the prospectus that was issued with respect to the September 2007 rights issue of Fortis N.V. (now Ageas N.V.) against Ageas N.V., the underwriters of such rights issue, including ING Bank N.V., and former directors of Fortis N.V. According to the VEB the prospectus shows substantive incorrect and misleading information. The VEB stated that the impact and the risks of the sub-prime crisis for Fortis and Fortis’ liquidity position were reflected incorrectly in the prospectus. The VEB requested a declaratory decision stating that the summoned parties acted wrongfully and are therefore responsible for the damages suffered by the investors in Fortis. In March 2016, Ageas, VEB and certain other claimants announced that the claim in relation to Fortis has been settled. Ageas has agreed to pay €1.2 billion to investors as compensation, provided that the Amsterdam Court of Appeal declares the settlement to be binding. According to the settlement documentation, as filed by Ageas with the Court of Appeal in May 2016, the settlement agreement contains a third-party clause by which the banks will also be released from the claims made by VEB and certain other claimants, if the settlement becomes unconditional.

A number of retired employees of ING Belgium have initiated legal proceedings against ASCEL (a non-profit organisation established by ING Belgium that provided medical insurance coverage to current and retired employees till the beginning of 2015 via a subdivision of ASCEL: FMC) and ING Belgium following the decision to externalise this medical insurance coverage which resulted in an increase of premium. Following a summary proceedings in which the initial claim of the retired employees was rejected, proceedings at the Court of first instance have been initiated aiming to either uphold the former insurance coverage or reimburse the increase of premium. In a decision of September 2016, the Court has considered that FMC has validly been closed but that, as the medical coverage qualifies as an insurance contract not linked with the professional activity of the claimants, ING could not unilaterally terminate the agreement between FMC and the pensioners. The Court has yet to determine the amount of damages. The Court decision is subject to appeal. A provision has been taken.

ING is involved in several legal proceedings in the Netherlands with respect to interest rate derivatives that were sold to clients in connection with floating interest rate loans in order to hedge the interest rate risk of the loans. These proceedings are based on several legal grounds, depending on the facts and circumstances of each specific case, inter alia alleged breach of duty of care, insufficient information provided to the clients on the product and its risks and other elements related to the interest rate derivatives that were sold to clients. In some cases, the court has ruled in favour of the claimants and awarded damages, annulled the interest rate derivative or ordered repayment of certain amounts to the claimants. The total amounts that need to be repaid or compensated in some cases still need to be determined. ING may decide to appeal against adverse rulings. Although the outcome of the pending litigation and similar cases that may be brought in the future is uncertain, it is possible that the courts may ultimately rule in favour of the claimants in some or all of such cases. A provision has been taken. However, the aggregate financial impact of the current and future litigation could become material.

As requested by the AFM, ING has reviewed a significant part of the files of clients who bought interest rate derivatives. In December 2015, the AFM concluded that Dutch banks had to re-assess certain client files, potentially including derivative contracts that were terminated prior to April 2014 or other client files. As advised by the AFM, the Minister of Finance appointed a Committee of independent experts (the Committee) which has established a uniform recovery framework for Dutch SME clients with interest rate derivatives. ING has adopted this recovery framework and will reassess individual files against this framework. ING has taken an additional provision for the financial consequences of the recovery framework.

ING Bank is the subject of criminal investigations by Dutch authorities regarding various requirements related to the on-boarding of clients, money laundering and corrupt practices. ING Groep has also received related information requests from U.S. authorities. ING Groep and ING Bank are cooperating with such ongoing investigations and requests. It is currently not feasible to determine how the ongoing investigations and requests may be resolved or the timing of any such resolution, nor to estimate reliably the possible timing, scope or amounts of any resulting fines, penalties and/or other outcome, which could be significant.

46 Consolidated companies and business acquired and divested

Acquisitions

There were no significant acquisitions in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Divestments effective in 2016

There were no significant divestments of consolidated companies in 2016.

Other

For information on transactions related to ING Group’s shareholding in NN Group, reference is made to Note 11 ‘Assets held for sale’, Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’, Note 49 ‘Related parties’ and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-126

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Divestments effective in 2015

NN Group

A number of divestment transactions resulted in a further decrease in the ownership of ING Group in NN Group to 25.75% from 68.14% at 31 December 2014. NN Group was deconsolidated and accounted for as an Investment in associate held for sale. Reference is made to Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Other

For details on the transactions in 2015 with regard to ING’s interest in ING Vysya, reference is made to Note 7 ‘Investments in associates and joint ventures’, Note 49 ‘Related parties’.

Divestments effective in 2014

Asia - ING’s Taiwanese investment management business

In January 2014, ING agreed to sell ING Investment Management (IM) Taiwan, its Taiwanese asset management business, to Japan-based Nomura Asset Management in partnership with a group of investors. The transaction did not have a significant impact on ING Group results. The transaction closed on 18 April 2014.

Asia - Joint venture ING-BOB Life

In July 2013, the 50% interest in the Chinese insurance joint venture ING-BOB Life Insurance Company was agreed to be sold to BNP Paribas Cardif, the insurance arm of BNP Paribas. The transaction closed on 30 December 2014 and did not have a significant impact on the NN Group or ING Group results.

Voya

In 2014, ING Group reduced its’ stake in Voya from 56.5% at 31 December 2013 to 18.9% at 31 December 2014 through a number of transactions during the year. Voya was deconsolidated at the end of March 2014 and was accounted for as an available-for-sale investment held for sale as at 31 December 2014. Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

NN Group

Following the IPO of NN Group in July 2014, ING Group’s stake reduced to 68.14% . As from 30 September 2014, NN Group was presented as Assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations. Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

In addition to the above mentioned transactions, the interest in the joint venture ING Financial Services Private Limited was sold to Hathaway investments.

 

		F-127		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Most significant companies divested in 2015 and 2014¹

 

		2015				2014
		NN Group				Voya
General
Primary line of business			Insurance				Insurance
Sales proceeds
Cash proceeds 2			1,148				950
Investment retained in NN Group and Voya respectively 3			3,612				2,914
Sales proceeds			4,760				3,864
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents			9,238				1,901
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss			46,425				79,339
Available-for-sale investments			76,529				54,250
Loans and advances to customers			28,617				8,245
Reinsurance contracts			266				4,359
Intangible assets			177				727
Deferred acquisition costs			1,509				4,211
Miscellaneous other assets			6,204				2,667
Liabilities
Insurance and investment contracts			121,721				135,971
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss			2,105				2,280
Miscellaneous other liabilities			24,135				7,288
Net assets			21,004				10,160
% disposed 3			54.8	%			56.5	%
Net assets disposed			11,510				5,740
Loss on disposal 4,5			–1,185				–2,005

 

1	This table includes the disposal transactions that resulted in the loss of control of NN Group and Voya which took place in May 2015 and March 2014 respectively. Reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’ for the earlier and subsequent transactions related to NN Group and Voya.

2	Cash outflow/inflow on group companies in the cash flow statement included, in addition to the cash amounts in this table, also cash outflows/inflows on individually insignificant disposals.

3	IFRS required the derecognition of the subsidiary and the recognition of the respective retained investments in NN Group of 42.43% and Voya of 43.2% at the fair value on the date of disposal.

4	The loss on disposal only reflects the impact on the statement of profit or loss of the transaction that resulted in derecognition of the company and includes the sales proceeds, the net assets disposed, the expenses directly related to the disposal and the realisation of unrealised reserves.

5	The portion of the loss attributable to measuring the retained investment in NN Group and Voya at its fair value amounted to EUR –5,412 million and EUR –1,467 million respectively.

47 Principal subsidiaries, investments in associates and joint ventures

For the majority of ING’s principal subsidiaries, ING Bank N.V. has control because it either directly or indirectly owns more than half of the voting power. For subsidiaries in which the interest held is below 50%, control exists based on the combination of ING’s financial interest and its rights from other contractual arrangements which result in control over the operating and financial policies of the entity.

For each of the subsidiaries listed, the voting rights held equal the proportion of ownership interest and consolidation by ING is based on the majority of ownership.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-128

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For the principal investments in associates ING Group has significant influence but not control. Significant influence generally results from a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights, but also is the ability to participate in the financial and operating policies through situations including, but not limited to one or more of the following:

 

•

Representation on the board of directors;

 

•

Participation in the policymaking process; and

 

•

Interchange of managerial personnel.

The principal subsidiaries, investments in associates and joint ventures of ING Groep N.V. and their statutory place of incorporation or primary place of business are as follows:

 

Principal subsidiaries, investments in associates and joint ventures
						Proportion of ownership and interest held by the Group
						2016				2015
Subsidiary		Statutory place of Incorporation		Country of operation
ING Bank N.V.		Amsterdam		The Netherlands			100	%			100	%
Bank Mendes Gans N.V.		Amsterdam		The Netherlands			100	%			100	%
ING Lease (Nederland) B.V.		Amsterdam		The Netherlands			100	%			100	%
ING Corporate Investments B.V.		Amsterdam		The Netherlands			100	%			100	%
ING België N.V.		Brussels		Belgium			100	%			100	%
ING Luxembourg S.A.		Luxembourg City		Luxembourg			100	%			100	%
ING-DiBa AG		Frankfurt am Main		Germany			100	%			100	%
ING Bank Slaski S.A.		Katowice		Poland			75	%			75	%
ING Financial Holdings Corporation		Delaware		United States of America			100	%			100	%
ING Bank A.S.		Istanbul		Turkey			100	%			100	%
ING Bank (Australia) Ltd		Sydney		Australia			100	%			100	%
ING Bank (Eurasia) Joint stock company		Moscow		Russia			100	%			100	%
Investments in associates
TMB Public Company Limited		Bangkok		Thailand			30	%			30	%

48 Structured entities

ING Group’s activities involve transactions with various structured entities (SE) in the normal course of its business. A structured entity is an entity that has been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity, such as when any voting rights relate to administrative tasks only and the relevant activities are directed by means of contractual arrangements. ING Group’s involvement in these entities varies and includes both debt financing and equity financing of these entities as well as other relationships. Based on its accounting policies, as disclosed in the section ‘Principles of valuation and determination of results’ of these financial statements, ING establishes whether these involvements result in no significant influence, significant influence, joint control or control over the structured entity.

The structured entities over which ING can exercise control are consolidated. ING may provide support to these consolidated structured entities as and when appropriate. However, this is fully reflected in the consolidated financial statements of ING Group as all assets and liabilities of these entities are included and off-balance sheet commitments are disclosed.

ING’s activities involving structured entities are explained below in the following categories:

1 Consolidated ING originated Liquidity management securitisation programmes (Lions);

2 Consolidated ING originated Covered bond programme (CBC);

3 Consolidated ING sponsored Securitisation programme (Mont Blanc);

4 Unconsolidated Securitisation programme; and

5 Other structured entities.

 

		F-129		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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1. Consolidated ING originated Liquidity management securitisation programmes (Lions)

ING Group enters into liquidity management securitisation programmes in order to obtain funding and improve liquidity. Within the programme ING Group sells ING originated assets to a structured entity. The underlying exposures include residential mortgages in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Australia.

The structured entity issues securitised notes (traditional securitisations) which are eligible collateral for central bank liquidity purposes. In most programmes ING Group acts as investor of the securitised notes. ING Group continues to consolidate these structured entities if it is deemed to control the entities.

The structured entity issues securitisation notes in two tranches, one subordinated tranche and one senior tranche, rated AAA by a rating agency. The AAA tranche can subsequently be used by ING Group as collateral in the money market for secured borrowings.

ING Bank originated various securitisations with, at 31 December 2016, approximately EUR 77.0 billion (2015: EUR 78.5 billion) of AAA rated notes and subordinated notes, of which approximately EUR 7.2 billion (2015: EUR 7.4 billion) are held by third parties. The underlying exposures are residential mortgages and SME loans. Apart from the third party funding, these securitisations did not impact ING Bank’s consolidated statement of financial position and profit or loss.

In 2016, there are no non-controlling interests as part of the securitisation structured entities that are significant to ING Group. ING Group for the majority of the securitisation vehicles provides the funding for the entity except for EUR 7.2 billion (2015: EUR 7.4 billion) which are funded by third parties.

2. Consolidated ING originated Covered bond programme (CBC)

ING Group has entered into a covered bond programme. Under the covered bond programme ING issues bonds. The payment of interest and principal is guaranteed by an ING administered structured entity, Covered Bond Company B.V. (CBC). In order for CBC to fulfil its guarantee, ING legally transfers mainly Dutch mortgage loans originated by ING to CBC. Furthermore ING offers CBC protection against deterioration of the mortgage loans. CBC is consolidated by ING Group.

 

Covered bond programme
		Fair value pledged mortgage loans								Cash balance structured entity
		2016				2015				2016				2015
ING Covered Bond Company B.V. (‘CBC’)			43,931				43,684				39				754
			43,931				43,684				39				754

In general, the third-party investors in securities issued by the structured entity have recourse only to the assets of the entity and not to the assets of ING Group.

3. Consolidated ING sponsored Securitisation programme (Mont Blanc)

In the normal course of business, ING Group structures financing transactions for its clients by assisting them in obtaining sources of liquidity by selling (also referred to as ‘factoring’) the clients’ receivables or other financial assets to an ING sponsored SPE.

The transactions are funded by the ING Group administered multi seller Asset Backed Commercial Paper (ABCP) conduit Mont Blanc Capital Corporation (Mont Blanc), which funds itself in the ABCP market. Mont Blanc does not have non-controlling interests that are significant to ING Group. ING Group facilitates these transactions by providing structuring, accounting, funding and operations services.

The types of assets currently in Mont Blanc include trade receivables, consumer finance receivables, credit card receivables, motor vehicle loans, and residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS).

ING Group supports the commercial paper programmes by providing the SPE with short-term liquidity facilities. These liquidity facilities primarily cover temporary disruptions in the commercial paper market. Once drawn these facilities bear normal credit risk. A number of programmes are supported by granting structured liquidity facilities to the SPE, in which ING Group covers at least some of the credit risk incorporated in these programmes itself (in addition to normal liquidity facilities), and might suffer credit losses as a consequence. Furthermore, under a Programme Wide Credit Enhancement ING Group guarantees to a limited amount all remaining losses incorporated in the SPE to the commercial paper investors.

The liquidity facilities, including programme wide enhancements, provided to Mont Blanc are EUR 812.0 million (2015: EUR 1,072 million). The drawn liquidity amount is EUR 0.0 million as at 31 December 2016 (2015: EUR 276 million).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-130

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The normal non-structured standby liquidity facilities and the structured facilities are reported under irrevocable facilities. All facilities, which vary in risk profile, are granted to the SPE subject to normal ING Group credit and liquidity risk analysis procedures. The fees received for services provided and for facilities are charged subject to market conditions.

4. Unconsolidated Securitisation programme

In 2013 ING transferred financial assets (mortgages loans) for an amount of approximately EUR 2 billion to a newly established special purpose entity (SPE). The transaction resulted in full derecognition of the financial assets from ING’s statement of financial position. The derecognition did not have a significant impact on net result. Following this transfer ING continues to have two types of on-going involvement in the transferred assets: as counterparty to the SPE of a non-standard interest rate swap and as servicer of the transferred assets. ING has an option to unwind the transaction by redeeming all notes at their principal outstanding amount, in the unlikely event of changes in accounting and/or regulatory requirements that significantly impact the transaction. The fair value of the swap as at 31 December 2016 amounted to EUR –4.6 million (2015: EUR 1.3 million); fair value changes on this swap recognised in the statement of profit or loss in 2016 were EUR –5.9 million (2015: EUR –32.4 million). Fee income recognised in the statement of profit or loss in 2016 amounted to EUR 0.0 million (2015: nil).

5. Other structured entities

In the normal course of business, ING Group enters into transactions with structured entities as counterparty. Predominantly in its structured finance operations, ING can be instrumental in facilitating the creation of these structured entity counterparties. These entities are generally not included in the consolidated financial statements of ING Group, as ING facilitates these transactions as administrative agent by providing structuring, accounting, funding, lending, and operation services.

ING Bank offers various investment fund products to its clients. ING Bank does not invest in these investment funds for its own account nor acts as the fund manager.

49 Related parties

In the normal course of business, ING Group enters into various transactions with related parties. Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operating decisions. Related parties of ING Group include, among others, its subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures, key management personnel, and various defined benefit and contribution plans. Transactions between related parties include rendering or receiving of services, leases, transfers under finance arrangements and provisions of guarantees or collateral. There are no significant provisions for doubtful debts or individually significant bad debt expenses recognised on outstanding balances with related parties.

Subsidiaries

 

Transactions with ING Group’s main subsidiaries
		ING Bank N.V.								NN Group N.V.
		2016				2015				2016				2015 1
Assets			14,903				15,608
Liabilities			70				286
Income received			384				297								28
Expenses paid															8

 

1	Transactions with NN Group until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

Transactions between ING Groep N.V. and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation. Reference is made to Note 47 ‘Principal subsidiaries’ for a list of principal subsidiaries and their statutory place of incorporation.

In 2015, a number of divestment transactions reduced ING Group’s interest in NN Group, resulting in ING Group losing control over NN Group. NN Group was deconsolidated at the end of May 2015 and accounted for as an Investment in associate held for sale. For further information on transactions with NN Group, reference is made to Associates and joint ventures below and Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Assets from ING Bank N.V. mainly comprise long-term funding. Liabilities to ING Bank N.V. mainly comprise short-term deposits.

 

		F-131		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Associates and joint ventures

 

Transactions with ING Group’s main associates and joint ventures
		Associates								Joint ventures
		20161				20152				2016				2015
Assets			27				2,629				12				5
Liabilities			16				616				59
Off-balance sheet commitments			34				66				2
Income received			9				–199
Expenses paid			1

 

1	Includes transactions with NN Group until we lost significant influence in January 2016.

2	Includes transactions with ING Vysya until the merger with Kotak Mahindra Bank (‘Kotak’) in April 2015 and transactions with NN Group after deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

Assets, liabilities, commitments and income related to Associates and joint ventures result from transactions which are executed as part of the normal Banking business.

In January 2016, ING Group sold shares in NN Group and lost significant influence resulting in NN Group no longer being a related party of ING Group. Prior to this sale, since deconsolidation at the end of May 2015, NN Group was accounted for as an Investment in associate held for sale and transactions with ING Group were included as Associates in the table above.

In 2015, Assets to Associates included Subordinated loans receivable from NN Group N.V. and amounted to EUR 823 million.

In 2015, included in off-balance sheet commitments, is a EUR 63 million facility to NN Bank which allows NN Bank an unconditional right to draw down additional Tier 1 capital at prevailing market terms, until 31 December 2018.

For further information on the NN Group divestment transactions, reference is made to Note 51 ‘Other events’.

In April 2015, the merger between ING Vysya and Kotak was completed and the legal entity ING Vysya Bank ceased to exist. As a result of this transaction, ING holds a stake in the combined company, which operates under the Kotak brand. As of April 2015, ING Vysya was no longer a related party of ING Group. Reference is made to Note 7 ‘Investments in associates and joint ventures’.

Key management personnel compensation

Transactions with key management personnel (Executive Board, Management Board and Supervisory Board) and post-employment benefit plans are transactions with related parties. These transactions are disclosed in more detail as required by Part 9 Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code in the remuneration report included in the annual report. The relevant sections of the remuneration report therefore form part of the annual accounts. For post-employment benefit plans, reference is made to Note 35 ‘Pension and other postemployment benefits’.

In 2016 and 2015, three members of the Executive Board of ING Groep N.V. were also members of the Management Board Banking. The members of the Management Board Banking are considered to be key management personnel and their compensation is therefore included in the tables below.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-132

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Key management personnel compensation (Executive Board and Management Board)
2016 in EUR thousands		Executive Board of ING Groep N.V. 1				Management Board of ING Bank N.V. 1,2,3				Total
Fixed Compensation
– Base salary			4,070				4,111				8,181
– Collective fixed allowances 4			1,167				1,167				2,334
– Pension costs			78				108				186
– Severance benefits			–				918				918
Variable compensation
– Upfront cash			–				485				485
– Upfront shares			300				572				872
– Deferred cash			–				727				727
– Deferred shares			449				857				1,306
– Other			–				1,184				1,184
Total compensation			6,064				10,129				16,193

 

1	Includes their compensation earned in the capacity as Board members.

2	Excluding members that are also members of the Executive Board of ING Groep N.V.

3	In 2016, one new member joined and one member retired

4	The collective fixed allowances consist of two savings allowances applicable to employees in the Netherlands; an individual savings allowance of 3.5% and a collective savings allowance to compensate for loss of pension benefits with respect to salary in excess of EUR 101,519.

 

Key management personnel compensation (Executive Board and Management Board)
2015 in EUR thousands		Executive Board of ING Groep N.V. 1				Management Board of ING Bank N.V. 1,2,3				Total
Fixed Compensation
– Base salary			3,990				3,505				7,495
– Collective fixed allowances 4			1,115				1,045				2,160
– Pension costs			75				90				165
Variable compensation
– Upfront cash			–				390				390
– Upfront shares			254				466				720
– Deferred cash			–				585				585
– Deferred shares			382				698				1,080
– Other			–				830				830
Total compensation			5,816				7,609				13,425

 

1	Included their compensation earned in the capacity as Board members.

2	Excluded members that are also members of the Executive Board of ING Groep N.V.

3	In 2015, one new member joined.

4	The collective fixed allowances consisted of two savings allowances applicable to employees in the Netherlands; an individual savings allowance of 3.5% and a collective savings allowance to compensate for loss of pension benefits with respect to salary in excess of EUR 100,000.

 

Key management personnel compensation (Supervisory Board)
in EUR thousands		2016				2015
Total compensation			1,088				835

The table above shows the fixed remuneration, expense allowances and attendance fees for the Supervisory Board for 2016 and 2015.

 

		F-133		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Loans and advances to key management personnel
		Amount outstanding 31 December								Average interest rate1								Repayments
in EUR thousands		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Executive Board members			2,849				2,999				2.6	%			2.4	%			150				0
Management Board members of ING Bank N.V.			532				532				3.8	%			2.6	%			–				68
Supervisory Board members			–				–				–				–				–				–
Total			3,381				3,531												150				68

 

1	Dutch legislation changed in 2016. Employee mortgage interest rate discount is no longer deducted from the interest rate but compensated via base salary compensation.

 

Number of ING Groep N.V. shares and stock options to key management personnel
		ING Groep N.V. shares								Stock options on ING Groep N.V. shares
in numbers		2016				2015				2016				2015
Executive Board members			261,684				244,973				95,921				116,146
Management Board members of ING Bank N.V.			120,646				216,211				123,237				216,568
Supervisory Board members			172,734				172,734				226,864				319,848
Total number of shares and stock options			555,064				633,918				446,022				652,562

Key management personnel compensation is generally included in Staff expenses in the statement of profit or loss, except for key management personnel employed by entities that are presented as held for sale and discontinued operations in which case their compensation is included in the Total net result from discontinued operations.

For post-employment benefit plans, reference is made to Note 35 ‘Pension and other postemployment benefits’.

Remuneration of the Executive Board and Management Board Bank is recognised in the statement of profit or loss in Staff expenses as part of Total expenses. The total remuneration of the Executive Board and Management Board Bank as disclosed in the table above includes all variable remuneration related to the performance year 2016. Under IFRS, certain components of variable remuneration are not recognised in the statement of profit or loss directly, but are allocated over the vesting period of the award. The comparable amount recognised in Staff expenses in 2016 and included in Total expenses in 2016, relating to the fixed expenses of 2016 and the vesting of variable remuneration of earlier performance years, is EUR 16 million. Remuneration in respect of NN Group is reflected in Net result from discontinued operations and does not impact the Total expenses. Total compensation of the Supervisory- and Management Boards of NN Group, for the period until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015, amounted to EUR 3.0 million. These amounts are included in the 2015 statement of profit or loss of ING Group in the line item Net result from discontinued operations.

Relationship agreement and other agreements NN Group N.V.

In 2014, in connection with the initial public offering of NN Group N.V., ING Groep N.V. and NN Group N.V. entered into a Relationship Agreement. The Relationship Agreement contains certain arrangements regarding the continuing relationship between ING Groep N.V. and NN Group N.V. In addition, ING Groep N.V. entered into several other agreements with NN Group N.V. such as a transitional intellectual property license agreement, a joinder agreement, an equity administration agreement, an indemnification and allocation agreement and a Risk Management Programme (RMP) indemnity agreement. In addition, ING Groep N.V. and ING Bank N.V. entered into a Settlement Agreement and an Outsourcing Agreement with NN Re (Netherlands) N.V., a subsidiary of NN Group N.V.

Master claim agreement

In 2012, ING Groep N.V., Voya Financial Inc. (formerly ING U.S., Inc.) and ING Insurance Eurasia N.V. entered into a master claim agreement to a) allocate existing claims between these three parties and b) agree on criteria for how to allocate future claims between the three parties. The master claim agreement contains further details on claim handling, conduct of litigation and dispute resolution.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-134

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Indemnification and allocation agreement with NN Group N.V.

ING Groep N.V. and NN Group N.V. have entered into an indemnification and allocation agreement, in which ING Group has agreed to indemnify NN Group N.V. for certain liabilities that relate to the business of or control over certain (former) U.S. and Latin American subsidiaries of the Company in the period until 30 September 2013 or, if the relevant subsidiary was divested by NN Group N.V. after 30 September 2013, such later date of divestment. These liabilities mainly include contingent liabilities that may arise as a result of the initial public offering of Voya Financial Inc. (such as prospectus liability) and the sales of the Latin American businesses (such as claims under warranties and other buyer protection clauses).

Risk Management Programme (RMP) Agreement

The RMP Agreement has been in operation since 2003. RMP means the self-insured risk management program of ING Group encompassing professional liability, fidelity/crime, and employment practices liability exposures. Local insurance policies have been issued by a third party insurer to the subsidiaries of ING Groep N.V., which provide coverage for professional liability, fidelity/crime, and employment practices liability risks. The third party insurer has transferred 100% of the RMP liabilities to the reinsurer NN Re (Netherlands) N.V. In 2011, the RMP was split into the RMP Insurance (including the former subsidiaries Voya Financial, Inc. and the LatAm subsidiaries) and the RMP Bank. As of the initial public offering of NN Group N.V. has been responsible for administering the RMP Insurance, excluding Voya Financial, Inc. and the LatAm subsidiaries, for NN Group N.V. pursuant to the Relationship Agreement. The exposures with respect to and arising from the RMP Insurance, excluding Voya and the LatAm Entities, have stayed within NN Re (Netherlands) N.V. and have not be transferred to or taken over by ING Groep N.V.. As ING Groep N.V. has exposure, arising under the Indemnity Agreement agreed upon with the third party insurer, to certain claims under the RMP relating to NN Group Entities, ING Groep N.V. and NN Group N.V. have agreed to enter into this RMP Indemnity Agreement in respect of those claims.

Risk Management Programme (RMP) Settlement Agreement and Outsourcing Agreement

ING Groep N.V. and ING Bank N.V. and NN Re (Netherlands) N.V. have entered into an RMP Settlement Agreement which has a purpose to remove from the reinsurer its economic exposure to losses resulting from the RMP claims of the RMP Bank, Voya Financial, Inc. and the LatAm subsidiaries. The Reinsurer and ING Groep N.V. agreed on the Outsourcing Agreement to provide claims handling services in connection with the claims relating to the Voya Entities, the LatAm Entities and RMP Bank. The reinsurer and ING Groep N.V. have agreed that ING Bank N.V. handles the relevant claims on the terms set out in this RMP Settlement Agreement. The terms and conditions for this claims handling have been included in the Outsourcing Agreement.

50 The European Commission Restructuring Plan

ING’s Restructuring, which began in 2009, has come to an end with the sale of the company’s remaining stake in NN Group on 14 April 2016. Due to the restructuring ING’s has transformed from a diversified financial services company into a standalone, leading European bank.

ING’s Restructuring

2008 – 2016

In 2008 and 2009, as a consequence of the financial crisis, ING Group, like other major financial institutions in Europe, received state aid from the Dutch State. In order to receive approval from the European Commission (EC) for the Dutch State aid, ING Group together with the Dutch State were required in 2009 to develop and submit a restructuring plan to the EC that included the divestment of ING Group’s insurance and investment management businesses across the world. The sale of ING Direct USA was also included in the package of restructuring measures. This Restructuring Plan was initially approved by the EC in November 2009. Subsequently, the insurance and investment management businesses of ING Group were operationally separated from ING as of 31 December 2010 for the purpose of divesting it. The Restructuring Plan was amended and re-approved by the EC in 2012 and 2013.

In line with the Restructuring Plan, ING Group divested a number of businesses around the world from 2011 to 2013, including divestments of insurance and investment management businesses in the United States, Latin America and Asia/Pacific (other than Japan). ING Group had indicated in 2012 that the intended base case for divestment of its European insurance and investment management businesses was through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), while keeping all other options open. In November 2013, ING Group expanded the scope of this intended base case IPO with the inclusion of the Japan Life and Japan Closed Block VA businesses.

On the banking front, ING Direct USA was sold in 2012, meeting a key requirement of the EC Restructuring Plan.

In the course of the continued streamlining of the company’s business portfolio, ING also made other major divestments including ING Direct Canada (2012), ING Direct UK (2012) and ING Car Lease (2011).

In May 2013, ING listed its US insurance and investment management business, Voya Financial, on the New York Stock Exchange and divested 25% of its stake. Following a number of follow-on transactions, the remaining stake was sold by March 2015. Following this transaction, ING Group had effectively eliminated its core debt (group leverage), meeting one of our key commitments in the EC Restructuring Plan.

 

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In July 2014, NN Group, ING’s former European/Japanese insurance and investment management business, was listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. Through the listing, ING’s stake in NN Group was reduced to 68.1%. Through a series of follow-on transactions, ING reduced its shareholding to 25.8% by 30 June 2015. ING’s minority stake was deconsolidated in line with IFRS accounting rules. With the divestment of more than 50% of its stake in NN Group and its deconsolidation, ING achieved compliance with the EC divestment conditions before the committed deadline of year-end 2015. In addition, after the deconsolidation of NN Group, the restrictions on acquisitions and on price leadership from the original 2009 Restructuring Plan, and amended in a restructuring agreement with the EC in 2012, no longer applied.

ING announced the sale of its remaining 14.1% stake in NN Group on 14 April 2016, fulfilling the terms of the revised restructuring agreement with the EC as amended in 2012, whereby ING was required to fully divest its shareholding in NN Group before the end of 2016. In the course of 2016, the European Commission confirmed that ING’s Restructuring was completed.

State Aid

ING’s total State aid was repaid in a number of tranches between 2009 and 2014.

On 7 November 2014, ING made the final repayment. This was achieved six months ahead of the repayment schedule agreed with the European Commission in 2012. Total repayments on the aid amounted to EUR 13.5 billion, resulting in an annualised return of 12.7% for the Dutch State.

In 2009, ING agreed to transfer/sell a portfolio of US mortgage securities to the Dutch State. The unwinding of this facility, also known as the Illiquid Assets Back-up Facility (IABF), was completed in early 2014, when the Dutch State sold the remaining securities in the market. This generated a EUR 1.4 billion cash profit for the Dutch State.

Also, in 2009 ING issued Government Guaranteed Notes, which all have been redeemed in full and for which ING paid a total of EUR 0.4 billion in fees to the Dutch State.

The total gross financial benefit to the Dutch State for ING’s support was approximately EUR 5.3 billion.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-136

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51 Other events

NN Group

 

Summary of NN Group divestment transactions
Date		Interest % held before transaction				Portion of interest (change)				Interest % held after transaction				Price per share in EUR				Gross transaction value EUR millions				Impact on Shareholders’ equity				Impact on Non-controlling interest				Impact on Total equity				Impact on profit (+) or loss (-)
July 2014 1			100.00	%			–31.86	%			68.14	%			20.00				2,197				–3,251				5,397				2,146				–
February 2015 2			68.14	%			–13.56	%			54.58	%			24.00				1,240				–1,757				3,030				1,273				–
May 2015 3			54.58	%			0.19	%			54.77	%			26.16				–57				–				–				–				–
May 2015 4			54.77	%			–12.34	%			42.43	%			25.46				1,148				–5,345				–10,768				–16,113				–1,185
June 2015 5			42.43	%			–4.20	%			38.23	%			24.78				352				–				–				–				1
June 2015 6			38.23	%			–0.62	%			37.61	%			24.95				53				–				–				–				–
September 2015 6			37.61	%			–0.49	%			37.12	%			26.78				45				–				–				–				2
September 2015 7			37.12	%			–11.36	%			25.76	%			25.00				1,000				–				–				–				–17
January 2016 8,9			25.75	%			–9.53	%			16.22	%			31.00				1,030				–				–				–				522
February 2016 10			16.22	%			–2.13	%			14.09	%			30.34				210				–				–				–				–8
April 2016 11,9			14.08	%			–14.08	%			0	%			30.15				1,406				–				–				–				–66

 

1	Initial public offering (IPO).

2	Further divestment of NN Group.

3	Capital injection into NN Group.

4	Deconsolidation of NN Group; remaining investment in NN Group accounted for as an Investment in associate held for sale.

5	Second tranche exchange of subordinated notes: Anchor investors.

6	NN Group share repurchase.

7	Further divestment of NN Group in September 2015.

8	Loss of significant influence over NN Group.

9	The dilution of ING Group’s ownership in NN Group, to 25.75% and 14.08% respectively, was as a result of shares issued by NN Group as part of its internal stock options and share plans.

10	Final tranche exchange of subordinated notes: Anchor investors.

11	Divestment of remaining shareholding in NN Group.

July 2014 – Initial public offering (IPO)

On 2 July 2014, ING sold 77 million existing ordinary shares in the initial public offering of NN Group at EUR 20.00 per share. On 10 July 2014, the joint global coordinators, on behalf of the underwriters, exercised an over-allotment option to purchase 11.55 million of additional existing shares in NN Group at the same price. At the time of the IPO, a first tranche of EUR 450 million of the mandatorily exchangeable subordinated notes (the pre-IPO investments from the three Asian-based investment firms RRJ Capital, Temasek and SeaTown Holdings International) was exchanged into NN Group shares. The remaining two tranches (each for an aggregate amount of EUR 337.5 million) were mandatorily exchangeable into NN Group shares from 2015 onwards.

Total gross proceeds from the NN Group IPO, including the exchange of the first tranche of subordinated notes into NN Group shares and the over-allotment option, amounted to EUR 2.2 billion.

As a result of the above, ING’s ownership in NN Group declined from 100% to 68.14% in 2014. This transaction did not impact the statement of profit or loss of ING Group, as NN Group continued to be fully consolidated by ING Group. In 2014, the transactions had a negative impact on shareholders’ equity of ING Group of EUR 3,251 million. This amount included:

 

•

EUR 2,590 million, being the difference between the net proceeds of the IPO to ING and the IFRS carrying value of the stake in NN Group divested in the IPO (including the exercise of the over-allotment option) and

 

•

EUR 661 million, being the difference between the market value of the NN Group shares exchanged for the first tranche of the mandatorily exchangeable subordinated notes and the related IFRS carrying value.

 

		F-137		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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In September 2014, NN Group was classified as held for sale and discontinued operations. Upon classification, the carrying amount of the disposal group (or group of assets) was compared to NN Group’s fair value less cost to sell. The fair value less cost to sell was lower than the carrying value of the disposal group and as a result goodwill and certain other non-current non-financial assets totalling EUR 470 million were written-off in 2014 and recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the line Net result from classification as discontinued operations. As at 31 December 2014, the subsidiary NN Group was presented as Assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations.

February 2015 – Further divestment of NN Group

In February 2015, ING Group sold 52 million ordinary shares of NN Group. As part of the transaction, NN Group repurchased 8.3 million ordinary shares. The gross proceeds to ING Group from the offering, including the repurchase by NN Group, amounted to EUR 1.2 billion. The transaction reduced the ownership of ING in NN Group from 68.14% (at 31 December 2014) to 54.58%. The transaction did not impact the statement of profit or loss of ING Group as NN Group continued to be fully consolidated. The transaction had a negative impact of EUR 1,757 million on the shareholder’s equity of ING Group, being the difference between the net proceeds of the transaction and the IFRS carrying value per the transaction date of the equity stake sold.

May 2015 – Capital injection into NN Group

In May 2015, in order to fulfil its commitment to the European Commission (‘EC’), ING Group made a capital injection into NN Group by subscribing for newly issued shares for an aggregate amount of EUR 57 million. The transaction increased the ownership of ING in NN Group from 54.58% to 54.77%. As part of this transaction, ING provided a EUR 63 million facility to NN Bank which allows NN Bank an unconditional right to draw down additional Tier 1 capital at prevailing market terms, until 31 December 2018. With this provision of capital, ING Group fulfilled its commitment to the EC pertaining to the capitalisation of NN Bank, per the EC decision of 16 November 2012. These transactions had no material impact on the capital position of ING Group and no impact on the capital position of ING Bank.

May 2015 – Deconsolidation of NN Group

On 26 May 2015, ING Group announced a further sale of 45 million ordinary shares of NN Group. As part of the transaction, NN Group repurchased 5.9 million ordinary shares. The gross proceeds to ING Group from the offering, including the repurchase by NN Group, amounted to EUR 1.1 billion. This transaction reduced the ownership of ING in NN Group to 42.43%, resulting in ING Group losing control over NN Group. The share sale and deconsolidation of NN Group resulted in an after tax loss of EUR 1,185 million in 2015 and was recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the line ‘Net result from disposal of discontinued operations’. The transaction had a negative impact of EUR 6,569 million, including the aforementioned loss, on the shareholder’s equity of ING Group. The statement of profit or loss of ING Group included, in the line Net result from discontinued operations, the result of NN Group until deconsolidation at the end of May 2015.

With deconsolidation of NN Group, ING Group fulfilled its commitment to the EC pertaining to the divestment of NN Group, per the EC decision of 16 November 2012. The restrictions from this decision regarding acquisition and price leadership no longer applied to ING Group.

June 2015 – Second tranche exchange of subordinated notes: Anchor investors

On 10 June 2015, ING announced the exchange of the second tranche of EUR 337.5 million mandatorily exchangeable subordinated notes into 13.6 million NN Group ordinary shares. The exchange price was set at a 3% discount to the NN Group closing price on 4 June 2015, resulting in an exchange price of EUR 24.78 per share. Accrued interest on these notes of approximately EUR 14.6 million were settled in an additional 0.6 million NN Group ordinary shares as per the terms of the investment. The transaction was settled on 15 June 2015 and resulted in a further decrease of the ownership of ING in NN Group from 42.43% to 38.23%. The transaction did not have a material impact on the statement of profit or loss of ING Group. Reference is made to Note 18 ‘Subordinated loans’.

June 2015 – NN Group share repurchase

On 30 June 2015, NN Group repurchased 2.1 million ordinary shares from ING Group. This transaction reduced ING Group’s remaining interest in NN Group to 37.61%.

September 2015 – NN Group share repurchase

In September 2015, NN Group repurchased 1.7 million ordinary shares from ING Group. This transaction reduced ING’s remaining interest in NN Group to 37.12%.

September 2015 – Further divestment of NN Group

On 30 September 2015, ING Group sold 40 million ordinary shares of NN Group. As part of the transaction, NN Group repurchased 6 million ordinary shares. The gross proceeds to ING Group, including the repurchase by NN Group, amounted to EUR 1 billion. The transaction reduced ING’s interest in NN Group to 25.76%. The transaction resulted in a loss of EUR 17 million in 2015 and was recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the line Net result from disposal of discontinued operations. The transaction was settled on 5 October 2015.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-138

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As at 31 December 2015, ING Group no longer had nominees in the Supervisory Board of NN Group. As at 31 December 2015, the remaining interest in NN Group of 25.75% was recognised as an Investment in associate held for sale at EUR 2,153 million.

January 2016 – Loss of significant influence over NN Group

On 5 January 2016, ING sold a further 33 million ordinary shares of NN Group. As part of the transaction, NN Group repurchased 8 million ordinary shares. The gross proceeds to ING Group from the offering, including the repurchase by NN Group, amounted to EUR 1 billion. The transaction reduced the ownership of ING in NN Group from 25.75% (as at 31 December 2015) to 16.22%. As a result of the transaction, together with ING Group no longer having any nominees on NN Group’s Supervisory Board as of 14 December 2015, ING Group no longer had significant influence over NN Group and accounted for its remaining stake in NN Group as an available-for-sale investment. The sale transaction, together with the revaluation of the remaining stake, resulted in a net profit of EUR 522 million and is recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the line Net result from disposal of discontinued operations.

February 2016 – Final tranche exchange of subordinated notes: Anchor investors

On 2 February 2016, ING settled the exchange of the third and final tranche of EUR 337.5 million mandatory exchangeable subordinated notes which were issued in 2014 as part of the Anchor investment in NN Group. EUR 210 million of the notes were exchanged into 6.9 million NN Group ordinary shares with the three Anchor investors. EUR 128 million of notes were settled in cash with RRJ Capital. This transaction reduced ING’s remaining stake in NN Group from 16.22% to 14.09%. The transaction did not have a material impact on the shareholder’s equity or the statement of profit or loss of ING Group.

April 2016 – Divestment of remaining shareholding in NN Group

On 14 April 2016, ING Group sold its remaining shares in NN Group. The transaction involved the sale of 45.7 million ordinary shares of NN Group at gross proceeds of EUR 1,406 million and resulted in a net loss of EUR 66 million which is recognised in the statement of profit or loss, in the line Net result from disposal of discontinued operations.

Reference is made to Note 4 ‘Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’, Note 11 ‘Assets held for sale’, Note 19 ‘Equity’, Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’ and Note 49 ‘Related parties’.

Reference is made to Note 50 ‘The European Commission Restructuring Plan’ for an overview of ING’s restructuring.

In 2016, the combined profit related to the sale of NN Group shares amounted to EUR 448 million.

VISA

In 2015, VISA announced a definitive agreement for VISA Inc. to acquire VISA Europe. This announcement, together with letters received by ING Bank and its subsidiaries from VISA which detailed ING’s share in the transfer proceeds, provided the basis for reassessment of the fair value of shares held by ING Bank and its subsidiaries. The shares are recognised as Investment in available-for-sale equity securities. The fair value of the shares, EUR 154 million as at 31 December 2015, was determined by taking into account the upfront consideration, consisting of cash and preferred shares, the earn-out consideration and any uncertain factors that could affect the upfront and earn-out consideration. The increase in fair value of EUR 154 million was recognised in Equity in 2015. The transaction was subject to regulatory approvals.

Following an amendment to the agreement in April 2016, the transaction closed on 21 June 2016. The available-for-sale equity securities are derecognised from the statement of financial position with a corresponding release of the revaluation reserve recognised in Equity. The transaction resulted in a net profit of EUR 200 million and is recognised in the statement of profit or loss, in the line items Investment income, Share of results of associates and joint ventures and Other income. Reference is made to Note 5 ‘Investments’, Note 7 ‘Share of results of associates and joint ventures’, Note 19 ‘Equity’, Note 23 ‘Investment income’, Note 25 ‘Other income’ and Note 37 ‘Fair value of financial assets and liabilities’.

 

		F-139		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Voya

The table below provides a summary of the various Voya divestment transactions which occurred in 2013, 2014 and 2015:

 

Summary of Voya divestment transactions
Date		Interest% held before transaction				Portion of interest sold				Interest % held after transaction				Price per share in USD				Gross Sales proceeds EUR millions				Impact on Shareholders’ equity				Impact in Non-controlling interest				Impact on Total equity				Impact on profit (+) or loss (-)
May 2013			100.0	%			–28.8	%			71.2	%			19.50				1,061				–1,894				2,954				1,060				–
October 2013			71.2	%			–14.6	%			56.5	%			29.50				786				–632				1,394				762				–
March 20141			56.5	%			–13.3	%			43.2	%			35.23				950				87				–5,100				–5,013				–2,005
September 2014			43.2	%			–10.8	%			32.5	%			38.85				888				–				–				–				40
November 20142			32.5	%			–13.5	%			18.9	%			39.15				1,068				–				–				–				418
March 2015			18.9	%			–18.9	%			0	%			44.20				1,802				–77				–				–77				323

 

1	Deconsolidation of Voya; remaining investment in Voya accounted for as an Investment in associate held for sale at fair value of EUR 2,914 million.

2	Loss of significant influence over Voya; remaining investment accounted for as an available-for-sale equity investment held for sale.

In March 2015, ING Group sold 45.6 million ordinary shares of Voya. ING Group sold 32 million Voya shares in the public offering and in addition to this, ING Group sold 13.6 million shares to Voya. The gross proceeds to ING Group from the public offering and the concurrent repurchase by Voya amounted to EUR 1.8 billion (USD 2.0 billion).

The sale of the total 45.6 million shares from the combined transactions reduced ING Group’s stake in Voya from 18.9% (at 31 December 2014) to zero. The transactions resulted in a profit of EUR 323 million as was recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the line Net result from disposal of discontinued operations.

Reference is made to Note 4 ‘Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’ and Note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’.

52 Subsequent events

There are no subsequent events to report.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-140

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2.2.1 Risk management

amounts in millions of euros, unless stated otherwise

ING Group Risk Management

Taking measured risks is the core of ING Group’s business. As a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services, ING Group is exposed to a variety of risks. ING Group operates through a comprehensive risk management framework and integrates risk management in its daily business activities and strategic planning. This ensures the identification, measurement and control of risks at all levels of the organisation so that ING Group’s financial strength is safeguarded.

Risk management supports the Executive Board in formulating the risk appetite, strategies, policies, limits and provides a review, oversight and support function throughout ING Group on risk-related items. The main financial risks ING Group is exposed to are credit risk (including transfer risk), market risk (including interest rate, equity, real estate, credit spread, and foreign exchange risks), funding & liquidity risk and business risk. Furthermore, ING Group is also exposed to non-financial risks, e.g. operational and compliance risks. The way ING Group manages these risks on a day-to-day basis is described in this Risk Management section. The ‘Risk management’ section in the Integrated Annual Report is an integral part of the audited consolidated annual accounts.

In line with the Restructuring Plan agreed with the European Commission after the financial crisis, ING Group divested all its insurance and investment management businesses around the world. On 14 April 2016, ING Group announced the sale of its remaining 14.1% stake in NN Group and therefore fulfilling the terms of the European Commission restructuring agreement, whereby ING Group was required to fully divest its shareholding in NN Group before the end of 2016.

The ING Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is also the CRO of ING Bank. Therefore, he is responsible for the day-to-day Risk Management of the Group and the Bank. The remaining risk functions and processes that are specific for the Group function have been delegated to ING Bank.

ING Bank risk management

Introduction

The Risk Management section describes the key risks that arise from ING Bank’s business model. It explains how the risk management function is embedded within the organisation based on the ‘three lines of defence’. This includes front office as ‘first line of defence’, independent risk management as the ‘second line of defence’ and the internal audit function as the ‘third line of defence’. The key risks resulting from the bank’s business model are managed by dedicated and specific risk management departments that each covers its own area of expertise. ING Bank’s risk management disclosures provide qualitative and quantitative disclosures about credit, market, liquidity and funding, business and non-financial risks.

The risk management section is in line with the accounting standards relating to the nature and the extent of the risks as required by IFRS7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ as adopted by the European Union and covered by an opinion of the External Auditors as part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Navigation map

The index below enables the readers to track the main risk items through the various risk disclosures.

 

Risk management
		Subjects		Risk Management
These sections show ING’s approach to risk management.		Introduction to risk section		F-141
		Purpose and business model		F-143
		Risk governance		F-143
		Risk management function and risk culture		F-145
		Risk profile		F-147
		Risk appetite framework and stress testing		F-149
		Economic and Regulatory Capital		F-153
		Regulatory environment		F-153
		Top and emerging risks		F-154

 

		F-141		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Credit risk
		Subjects		Risk Management
Credit risk is the risk of potential loss due to default by ING Bank’s debtors (including bond issuers) or trading counterparties.		Governance and credit risk definitions		F-155
		Credit risk appetite and concentration risk framework		F-157
		Environmental and Social Risk Framework		F-159
		RWA comparison		F-160
		Credit risk capital and measurement (SA & AIRB)		F-160
		Credit risk tools		F-165
		Credit risk portfolio		F-166
		Credit risk mitigation		F-170
		Credit quality		F-177
		Securitisations		F-183
Market risk
		Subjects		Risk Management
Market risk is the risk of potential loss due to adverse movements in market variables.		Governance		F-184
		Economic Capital		F-184
		Market risk in banking books		F-185
		Market risk in trading books		F-192
Funding and liquidity risk
		Subjects		Risk Management
Funding and liquidity risk is the risk that ING Bank or one of its subsidiaries cannot meet the financial liabilities when they come due, at reasonable cost and in a timely manner.		Governance		F-199
		Management		F-200
		Funding and Liquidity profile		F-202
		Regulatory developments		F-203
Non-financial risk
		Subjects		Risk Management
Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss returning from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events.   Compliance risk is the risk of impairment of ING Bank’s integrity, leading to damage to ING’s reputation, legal or regulatory sanctions, or financial loss, as a result of failure (or perceived failure) to comply with applicable laws, regulations, ING Bank policies and minimum standards and the ING Values.		Governance Framework Operational risk and main developments Compliance risk and main developments Non-financial risk awareness		F-203 F-203 F-205 F-206 F-208
Business risk
		Subjects		Risk Management
Business risk is the exposure to value loss due to fluctuations in volumes, margins and costs, as well as customers’ behaviour risk.		Analysis business risk		F-209
		Governance		F-209

 

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Purpose and business model

The purpose of ING Bank’s risk management function is to support the ambition of ING Bank to be the primary bank for our customers, empowering the business through an integrated, state of the art, enterprise-wide risk management platform. The following principles support this purpose:

 

•

The risk management function is embedded in all levels of ING Bank’s organisation and is part of the daily business activities and strategic planning to have a sustainable competitive advantage;

 

•

Products and portfolios are structured, underwritten, priced, approved and managed properly and compliance with internal and external rules is monitored;

 

•

Delegated authorities are consistent with the overall Bank strategy and risk appetite; and

 

•

Transparent communication to internal and external stakeholders on risk management.

Risk governance

Effective risk management requires a firm-wide risk governance. ING Bank’s risk and control structure is based on the ‘three lines of defence’ governance model, whereby each line has a specific role and defined responsibilities in such a way that the execution of tasks is separated from the control of the same tasks. At the same time, they have to work closely together to identify, assess and mitigate risks. This governance framework ensures that risk is managed in line with the risk appetite as approved by the Management Board Bank (MBB) and the Supervisory Board (SB), and is cascaded throughout ING Bank.

The head of ING’s line of business and their delegates form the first line of defence and have primary accountability for the performance, operations, compliance and effective control of risks affecting their respective businesses. They originate loans, deposits and other products within applicable frameworks and limits, they know our customers well and are well-positioned to act in both the customers’ and ING’s best interest. The COO is responsible and accountable for proper security and controls on global applications and IT-platforms servicing the Bank.

The second line of defence consists of oversight functions with a major role for the risk management organisation headed by the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), the ultimate responsible officer. Risk Management at corporate level is responsible for (i) the development of overall policies and guidance, (ii) objectively challenge the execution, management and control processes and (iii) coordinate the reporting of risks and controls by the first line of defence. It also has an escalation/veto power in relation to business activities that are judged to present unacceptable risks to ING Bank.

The internal audit function forms the third line of defence. It provides an on-going independent (i.e. outside of the businesses and the risk organisation) and objective assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls of the first two lines, including financial and non-financial risk management.

The graph below illustrates the different key senior management level committees in place in the risk governance structure.

 

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Board level risk oversight

ING Bank has a two-tier board structure consisting of the Management Board Banking (MBB) and the Supervisory Board (SB); both tiers play an important role in managing and monitoring the risk management framework.

 

•

The SB is responsible for supervising the policy of the MBB, the general course of affairs of ING Bank and its business (including its financial policies and corporate structure). For risk management purposes the SB is assisted by two sub-committees:

 

•

The Audit Committee, which assists the SB in monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of ING Bank, in monitoring the compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and in monitoring the independence and performance of ING’s internal and external auditors; and

 

•

The Risk Committee, which assists and advises the SB in monitoring the risk profile of the company as well as the structure and operation of the internal risk management and control systems.

 

•

The MBB is responsible for managing risks associated with all activities of ING Bank. The MBB’s responsibilities include ensuring that internal risk management and control systems are effective and that ING Bank complies with relevant legislation and regulations. On a regular basis, the MBB reports on these issues and discusses the internal risk management and control systems with the SB. On a quarterly basis, the MBB reports on the Bank’s risk profile versus its risk appetite to the Risk Committee, explaining changes in the risk profile.

As a member of the MBB, the CRO ensures that risk management issues are heard and discussed at the highest level, thus establishing the appropriate tone at the top. The CRO steers a functional, independent risk organisation both at head-office and business-unit level, which supports the commercial departments in their decision-making, but at the same time has sufficient countervailing power to keep the risk profile within the risk tolerance. Every quarter, the CRO reports to the board committees on ING Bank’s risk appetite levels and on ING Bank’s risk profile. In addition, the CRO briefs the board committees on developments in internal and external risk related issues and ensures the board committees understand specific risk concepts.

 

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As part of the integration of risk management into the annual strategic planning process, the MBB annually issues a Planning Letter which provides the corporate strategic direction and addresses key risk issues. Based on the Planning Letter, the business lines and business units develop their business plans which align with the Bank’s strategic direction. The process includes a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the risks involved. As part of the process, strategic limits and risk appetite levels are explicitly discussed. Based on the business plans, the MBB formulates the Strategic Plan which is submitted to the SB for approval.

Executive level

The ING Bank Finance and Risk Committee (BF&RC) is a platform for the CRO and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), along with their respective direct reports, to coordinate issues that relate to both the finance and risk domains. On reporting level, BF&RC has the responsibility to coordinate finance and risk decisions that have an impact on internal and/or external reporting.

The key risk committees described below act within the overall risk policy and delegated authorities granted by the MBB:

 

•

Global Credit & Trading Policy Committee (GCTP), former Global Credit Committee Policy or GCC (P): Discusses and approves policies, methodologies and procedures related to credit, trading, country and reputation (ESR) risks within ING Bank. The GCTP meets on a monthly basis;

 

•

Global Credit Committee – Transaction Approval (GCC(TA)): Discusses and approves transactions which entail taking credit risk (including investment risk), country, legal and ESR risk. The GCC(TA) meets twice a week;

 

•

Asset and Liability Committee Bank (ALCO Bank): Discusses and approves on a monthly basis the overall risk profile of all ING Bank’s market risks that occur in its activities. ALCO Bank defines the policy regarding funding, liquidity, interest rate mismatch and solvency for ING Bank; and

 

•

Non-Financial Risk Committee Bank (NFRC Bank): Accountable for the design and maintenance of the Non-Financial Risk Management Framework including Operational Risk Management, Compliance and Legal policies, minimum standards, procedures and guidelines; the NFRC structure; development of tools, methods and key parameters (incl. major changes) for risk identification, measurement and monitoring/ reporting. The minimum frequency of the NFRC Bank is at least quarterly.

Regional and business unit level

The CRO is supported by regional and/or business unit CROs focussing on specific risks in the geographical and/or business areas of their responsibilities. ING Bank’s regional and/or business unit management have primary responsibility for the management of risks (credit, market, funding and liquidity, operational, legal and compliance risks) that arise in their daily operations. They are accountable for the implementation and execution of appropriate risk frameworks affecting their businesses to ensure compliance with procedures and processes at Corporate level. The implementation is adapted if necessary to local requirements.

The local (regional and BU) CRO is responsible for the analysis, control and management of risks across the whole value chain (from front to back office), based on which a robust control structure is maintained. The regional and business unit CROs report both to the ING Bank’s CRO and to the head of their regional area and business unit. This dual reporting system aims to ensure that the local risk management function is independent from the operating functions and that it is aligned with the corporate risk policies and goals.

Risk management function

Organisational structure

Based on the three lines of defence, an independent risk management function has oversight in all levels of ING Bank’s organisation. The CRO, a MBB member, bears primary overall responsibility for the risk management function and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The CRO is responsible for the management and control of risk on a consolidated level to ensure that ING Bank’s risk profile is consistent with its financial resources and the risk appetite. The CRO is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust organisational basis for the management of risk throughout the organisation.

The Global Risk Management function consists further of corporate risk departments headed by General Managers directly reporting to the CRO. The corporate risk departments support the CRO to set the Bank’s risk appetite, develop the corporate policies, rules and global procedures and infrastructures. The General Managers bear direct responsibility for risk (mitigating) decisions at Bank level. The General Managers and the CRO are responsible for the harmonisation and standardisation of risk management practices.

Over the past years, banks have been faced with regulatory and public pressure with regard to their risk management policies, processes and systems. New requirements and regulations have been introduced and implemented. To be able to effectively address these internal and external (market and regulatory) developments and challenges, ING Bank started to redesign the set-up of its risk-management organisation in 2015. This in order to better support the Bank’s Think Forward strategy and enhance the interconnection of the business units risk oversight responsibilities on one hand, and the global risk functions on the other hand.

In 2016, the position of Head of NFR cessed to exist resulting in a direct report of the Heads of Corporate Operational Risk Management (CORM) and Bank Compliance Risk Management (BCRM) to the CRO. ING Bank is looking at a new structure for the validation of Risk Models in a broader perspective. Setting up a new Model Risk Management function is of significant strategic importance to the Risk Organisation.

 

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The global Risk function is composed of the following departments: Credit & Trading Risk, Balance Sheet Risk, Corporate Operational Risk, Bank Compliance Risk and Risk Services. In addition, there is one staff department in place:

 

•

Risk & Capital Integration: a staff department that reports functionally to the CRO and is responsible for overarching risk topics as risk appetite, disclosures, recovery and resolution planning and stress testing as well as capital planning. Risk & Capital Integration reports directly to the Head of Capital Management.

The organisation chart below illustrates the current reporting lines within ING Bank global risk organisation:

 

As announced in October 2016, ING is accelerating its Think Forward strategy. Therefore, ING has introduced a number of initiatives to further improve the customer experience, further grow primary customers and lending, and increase efficiency. For Risk, it has initiated a Target Operating Model (TOM) programme to enable further convergence of our operations, which resulted in a new risk organisation to start on 1 March 2017.

Risk policies, procedures and standards

ING Bank has a framework of risk management policies, procedures and minimum standards in place to create consistency throughout the organisation, and to define requirements that are binding to all business units. The governance framework of the local business units aligns with ING Bank’s framework and meets local (regulatory) requirements. Senior management is responsible to ensure policies, procedures and standards are implemented and adhered to. Policies, procedures and standards are regularly reviewed and updated via the relevant risk committees to reflect changes in markets, products and practices.

Risk model governance and validation

Risk models are built according to the internal risk modelling methodology standards and model life cycle, in line with regulatory requirements. After thorough review and documentation of the model by the modelling and Model Validation (MV) departments, specific model risk committees for each risk type approve new models. After approval by the specific risk committee, and where necessary the regulator, a new risk model is implemented and entitled for usage. In addition, MV validates each model on a regular basis. Validation results and its capital impact are reported on a quarterly basis to senior management, the risk committee and to the supervisor.

An independent MV department is one of the cornerstones of ING Bank’s risk model governance. It consists of the process of determining that a model is appropriate for its intended use. It is an on-going process whereby the reliability of the model is verified at different stages during its lifecycle: at conception, before approval, periodically after implementation, and when significant changes to the model are made. The validation process contains a mix of developmental evidence, process verification and outcome analysis.

The MV department backtests all existing risk models. In addition to (i) evaluating the underlying model parameters, (ii) ensuring continued applicability of the models for the relevant portfolios, and (iii) discussing the model performance with front office and risk users of the models, MV also (iv) tests the observed performance of a model (and its components) with the predicted level. A model where the observed results deviate from the predicted results becomes a candidate for either re-calibration or re-development.

Risk culture

The risk management framework based on the three lines of defence governance model is effective when a sound and consistent risk culture is present throughout the whole organisation. The reputation and integrity of ING Bank’s organisation are considered key requirements to operate successfully in the financial world. It promotes awareness of collectively shared values, ideas and goals but also of potential threats and it ensures alignment of individual performance objectives with the short- and long-term strategy. By making ING’s risk responsibilities transparent within the different levels of the organisation and holding every employee accountable for his/her acts, the risk culture and awareness are embedded in the organisation. This leads to effective risk management.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-146

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Commonly seen as norms and traditions of behaviour of individuals and of groups within an organisation, risk culture determines the way in which employees identify, understand, discuss, and act on the risks the organisation is confronted with and the risks it takes. This is a continuous long-term commitment and journey. In this respect, The Orange Code has been set as a declaration of who we are. It describes what we can expect from each other when we turn up to work each day. A set of standards that we collectively value, strive to live up to, and invite others to measure us by.

The Orange Code is the sum of two parts, the ING Values and ING Behaviours, with integrity being an important principle. The ING Values (being honest, prudent and responsible) are designed to be non-negotiable promises we make to the world, principles we seek to stick to, no matter what. The ING Behaviours (take it on and make it happen, help others to be successful, and be always a step ahead) represent our way to differentiate ourselves. The Orange Code is embedded in commitments we make to each other and the standards by which we will measure each other’s performance.

To support the embedding of risk culture into the business practices, ING Bank has initiated different programmes and issued several guidelines. Risk awareness is to be alert on potential threats that can occur during day-to-day business, which can be specific to the sector, the region or the clients ING Bank is doing business with. Part of the training curriculum to increase risk awareness is the Promoting Integrity Programme (PIP), which is a long-term, global, educational and behavioural change programme supported by the MBB for all ING Bank employees. With the programme, ING Bank gains a sound risk culture and ensures that every employee in every part of the organisation understands how his/her actions and behaviour can help earn and retain customer and stakeholder trust. Recently, additional modules with current topics, were added to the programme, among others on integrity and cybersecurity. To enhance risk awareness, these topics are discussed between managers and employees through dialogue sessions that managers organise within their teams to create clear and consistent understanding. The endorsement from the executive level and the emphasis in the communication strengthen the culture.

In the Netherlands, employees of all financial institutions – and that includes ING Bank – are required to take the Banker’s Oath. This legal requirement came into force on 1 April 2015 as part of the joint approach from all banks, known as ‘Future-oriented Banking’. With the introduction of a social regulation, the revision of the Dutch Banking Code and the implementation of a banker’s oath (with the associated rules of conduct and disciplinary law), the banks want to show the society what they stand for and what they can be held accountable for, both as individual banks and the banking sector as a whole.

Lastly, ING Bank makes sure that the remuneration policy is properly aligned with its risk profile and the interests of all stakeholders. For more information on ING’s compensation and benefits policies and its relation to the risk taken, please refer to the “Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) Remuneration disclosure” published on the corporate website ing.com. https://www.ing.com/About-us/Annual-reporting-suite.htm

Risk profile

As a global financial institution with a strong European base offering banking services, ING Bank is exposed, to varying degrees of a variety of risks. The main financial risks ING Bank is exposed to can be divided into credit risk (including transfer risk), market risk (including interest rate, equity, real estate, credit spread, and foreign exchange risks), funding & liquidity risk and business risk. Furthermore, ING Bank is exposed to non-financial risks, e.g. operational and compliance risks.

Key risk categories

The table below presents the key risk categories (financial as well as non-financial risks) that are associated with ING Bank’s business activities.

 

 

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Financial risks:

 

•

Credit risk: the risk of potential loss due to default and/or credit rating deterioration by ING Bank’s debtors (including bond issuers) or trading counterparties;

 

•

Market risk: the risk of potential loss due to adverse movements in market variables. Market risks include interest rate, credit spread, equity, real estate and foreign exchange risks;

 

•

Funding and liquidity risk: the risk that ING Bank or one of its subsidiaries cannot meet its financial liabilities when they come due, at reasonable cost and in a timely manner. Liquidity risk can materialise both through trading and non-trading positions;

 

•

Business risk: the exposure to value loss due to fluctuations in volumes, margins and expenses, as well as customer behaviour risk. These fluctuations can occur because of internal, industry, or wider market factors. It is the risk inherent to strategy decisions and internal efficiency, and as such strategic risk is included in business risk.

Non-financial risks:

 

•

Operational risk: the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events. It includes reputational risk, as well as legal risk;

 

•

Compliance risk: the risk of impairment of ING Bank’s integrity as a result of failure (or perceived failure) to comply with applicable laws, regulations, ING Bank policies and minimum standards and the ING Values as part of the Orange Code.

The chart below provides, in EUR billion, high level information on the risks arising from the Bank’s business activities. The RWAs illustrate the relative size of the risks incurred in respect of each business from a regulatory perspective.

 

 

Risk cycle process

ING uses a step-by-step risk management approach to monitor, mitigate and manage its financial and non-financial risks. The approach consists of a cycle of five recurrent activities: risk identification, risk assessment, risk control, risk monitoring and risk reporting. In short, this implies: determine what the risks are, assess which of those risks can really do harm, take mitigating measures to control these risks, monitor the development of the risk and if measures taken are effective and report the findings to management at all relevant levels to enable them to take action when needed.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-148

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The recurrence is twofold. One: identification, assessment and review, and update of mitigating measures are done periodically. Two: the periodical monitoring exercise may indicate that new risks are arising, known risks are changing, assessed risk levels are changing, or control measures are not effective enough. Further analyses of these findings may result in renewed and more frequent risk identification, and/or assessment, and/or change of mitigating measures.

 

 

Risk identification

Risk identification is a joint effort of the commercial business and the risk management functions. Its goal is to detect potential new risks and determine changes in known risks. Regular risk identification is essential for both the effectiveness and efficiency of risk management. Potential risks that are not identified, will not be controlled and monitored and may lead to surprises later. Known risks may have changed over time and as a consequence the existing mitigating measures and monitoring may be inadequate or obsolete.

Risk identification is performed periodically. In case of material internal or external change, additional ad-hoc risk identification can be performed.

Risk assessment and control

Each identified risk is assessed to determine the importance, or risk level, of the risk for the ING Bank entity in scope. This enables the entity to decide which of the identified risks need control measures and how strict or tolerant these measures must be. Known risks are re-assessed to either confirm the risk level or detect change.

The importance of a risk is assessed based on the likelihood the risk materialises and the subsequent financial or reputational impact should the risk occur. Unlikely risks with a potentially high impact need to be controlled. For a risk that is likely to happen regularly, but is expected to have a modest financial impact, business management may decide to not mitigate and accept the consequences when it happens.

Risks can be controlled by mitigating measures that either lower the likelihood the risk occurs, or measures that lower the impact when they occur. The ultimate measure to lower risk is to stop the activity or service that causes the risk (risk avoidance). Risk controlling/mitigating measures are defined and maintained at both Bank wide and local level.

Monitoring and reporting

With the monitoring of the risk control measures, ING Bank continuously checks if they are executed, complied with, have the expected mitigating effects and follow the development of the risks and their risk levels. Adequate risk reporting provides senior and local management with the information they need to manage risk.

Risk Appetite Framework

ING uses an integrated risk management approach for its banking activities. The MBB uses the Risk Appetite Framework (RAF) to set both boundaries for the Medium Term Plan (MTP) budget process and to monitor and manage the actual risk profile in relation to the risk appetite.

 

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Process

The RAF is focused on setting the risk appetite at the consolidated level and across the different risk categories, and provides the principles for cascading this risk appetite down into the organisation. The RAF is approved by the SB on an annual basis, or more frequently if necessary based on their quarterly review in the MBB and SB. It is therefore essentially a top-down process, which bases itself on the ambition of the bank in terms of its risk profile and is a function of the capital and liquidity levels and ambitions, the regulatory environment and the economic context. The process is set up according to the following steps:

 

 

Step 1. Identify & assess ING’s key risks

Setting the RAF starts with a multi-dimensional step to identify & assess the risks ING is facing when executing its strategy. This step includes the following actions that are performed on an annual basis:

 

•

detect unidentified risks that are not yet controlled within ING Bank’s risk management function & assess their potential impact;

 

•

benchmark current risk framework versus regulatory developments;

 

•

re-assess known risks to confirm risk level or detect potential changes; and

 

•

reflect on the current set of Risk Appetite Statements.

This annual Risk Assessment serves as input when defining the global risk appetite which - in line with its business model and risk ambition - is currently formulated as follows: ING Bank has the ambition to be and remain a strong bank, able to address possible adverse events on its own strengths and resources.

In order to achieve this risk ambition, ING has the following targets:

 

•

Have a rating ambition which is in line with the strongest among its peer group;

 

•

Be able to restore the capital and liquidity position following a stress situation on its own strength;

 

•

Be in a position to meet current and forthcoming regulatory requirements and targets; and

 

•

Have a risk profile that compares favourably to its main banking peers.

Step 2. Set Risk Appetite Framework

Based on ING’s risk assessment and risk ambition, specific targets are set for both financial and non-financial risks:

Financial risk

For financial risks, ING expresses its risk appetite as a tolerance allowed to key ratios deviating from their target levels. Therefore, the high level risk ambition is translated into quantitative targets for solvency risk, funding & liquidity risk and for concentration risk.

The solvency risk appetite is closely aligned with capital management activities and policies. ING has determined tolerances for its risk-weighted solvency position (CET1 ratio), for non-risk-weighted solvency (leverage ratio) and for a more economic value based solvency (economic capital utilisation expressed via the Overall Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) Capital Requirement). These statements are complemented with a specific statement regarding profitability. The CET1 ratio and leverage solvency risk appetite statements as well as profitability statement are not only compared to the actual reported level, but also include the potential impact of a standardised and pre-determined 1-in-10-year stress event (i.e. at a 90% confidence level with a 1-year horizon). Based on this mild stress scenario, the impact on ING Bank’s earnings, revaluation reserve and risk-weighted assets (RWA) is calculated (these are labelled earnings-at-risk, revaluation reserve-at-risk and RWA-at-risk). These stressed figures are used as input for a two-year simulation which depicts the developments of ING’s solvency level versus its risk appetite.

 

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Funding and liquidity risk management has two dimensions: liquidity risk management focuses on having a sufficient buffer to cope with the short-term situation, funding risk management ensures long-term compliance with both internal and external targets. Managing funding and liquidity risk focuses both on ‘business as usual’ (based on the run-off profile to show the stickiness of deposits combined with the run-off of assets without new production) and on a stressed situation. For liquidity risk, we use the time to survive under specific scenario, while for funding risk we focus on having a stable funding profile.

The concentration risk appetite set at consolidated level are directly translated into corresponding limits in the underlying risk appetite statements for profitability risk, credit risk, market risk and funding & liquidity risk.

Non-financial risk

For non-financial risks, levels are set according to what ING is willing to tolerate in pursuit of the strategic objectives of the bank, to ensure that the organisation’s actual risk exposure is commensurate with its strategic objectives and that exposure moving beyond the tolerance risk levels is timely identified and acted upon.

ING measures and monitors its exposure to non-financial risk on an ongoing basis by assessing risks, analysing scenarios and mitigating actions as a result of audit and risk assessment findings. The aggregation of the assessed risk levels is expressed in an expected loss figure on non-financial risk, which is compared to the tolerance levels as captured in the NFR Risk Appetite Statements (RAS) based on a percentage of the operational income. The overall non-financial risk levels and tolerance breaches are periodically reported through the Non-Financial Risk Dashboard (NFRD). The NFRD consists of comprehensive and integrated NFR information on a quarterly basis. Changes in capital are monitored and reported in the NFRD as well. In case risk events cause ING to move towards or beyond the tolerance level, management is required to undertake action.

In particular to compliance risk: ING must meet its compliance obligations, seek to adhere to the spirit as well as to the letter of applicable laws and regulations, ING policies and minimum standards, the values and behaviours as defined in the Orange Code, and to act upon identified compliance breaches immediately and diligently.

Step 3. Cascade into statements per risk type and business unit

The risk appetite is translated per risk type, which is further cascaded down into the organisation to the lowest level .The risk appetite statements are then translated into dedicated underlying risk limits which are used for day-to-day monitoring and management of ING Bank’s risks.

For financial risks, a sequence of different risk appetite frameworks is implemented to address the most significant risks. This implies that a whole framework of credit risk limits is in place that monitors the overall quality of the ING Bank credit portfolio and that of all the underlying portfolios as well. In addition, specific concentration risk appetites are defined on product level, geographic level and (single name) counterparty level which are cascaded down into the organisation. The risk appetite for the trading book activities within Financial Markets is accompanied by a risk appetite framework for market risks in the banking books. For both types of market risk, limits at Bank level are translated into the organisation. The funding & liquidity risk appetite statements that are defined on ING Bank level are translated into the organisation, taking the funding & liquidity specific situation of each (solo) unit into account. The risk appetite for non-financial risk is cascaded to the divisions and business units through a set of quantitative and qualitative statements. The risk appetite at ING Bank level is applicable to all divisions and business units. The suite of risk appetite statements serves as input for the Medium Term Planning process as well as for the establishment of key performance indicators and targets for senior management.

Step 4. Monitor and manage underlying risk limits

In order to verify that it remains within the risk appetite framework as it is executing its budget, ING reports its risk positions vis-à-vis its limits on a regular basis towards senior management committees. The Risk and Capital Management Report reflecting the exposure of ING against the risk appetite targets is submitted quarterly to the MBB and to the (Risk Committee of the) SB.

Stress testing

Stress testing is an important risk management tool that provides input for strategic decisions and capital planning. The purpose of stress testing is to assess the impact of plausible but severe stress scenarios on ING’s capital and liquidity position. Stress test analyses provide insights in the vulnerabilities of certain portfolios, w.r.t. adverse macroeconomic circumstances, stressed financial markets and changes in the (geo)political climate.

 

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Types of stress tests

Within ING, different types of stress tests are performed. The most comprehensive type of stress tests are the firm-wide scenario analyses, which involve setting scenario assumptions for all the relevant macroeconomic and financial market variables in all countries relevant to ING. These assumptions usually follow a qualitative narrative that provides background to the scenario. In addition to firm-wide scenario analyses, ING executes scenario analyses for a specific country or portfolio. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses are performed, which focus on stressing one or more risk drivers; usually without an underlying scenario narrative. The 1-in-10-year stress scenario used in the risk appetite framework is an example of a sensitivity analysis. Finally, ING performs reverse stress tests, which aim to determine scenarios that could lead to a pre-defined severe adverse outcome.

Process

The stress testing process of ING consists of several stages, which are summarised in below diagram.

 

 

Step 1. Risk assessment & scenario selection

ING formally determines its main risks on an annual basis through the execution of a so called risk assessment. Senior management, business representatives and risk specialists are involved in this process which covers risks in the macroeconomic circumstances, political and regulatory developments as well as portfolio specific risks. Based on the risk assessment, scenarios are selected to be evaluated in the remainder of the year The results of the risk assessment and scenario selection are discussed and endorsed in the Stress Testing Steering Committee (STSC). All stakeholders are represented in the STSC, such as representatives of the different Corporate Risk departments, Capital Management, Finance and the Global Research organisation. The STSC submits the results of the risk assessment and scenario selection to the BF&RC for endorsement.

Step 2. Scenario parameter setting

After determination of the high level scenarios, further elaboration of them is necessary. Scope, assumptions and input parameters such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, interest rates and real estate price changes are defined for the countries involved in the exercise. The parameters are discussed and endorsed in the STSC and subsequently in the BF&RC.

Step 3. Data processing & proposal mitigating actions

When the scenario parameters have been finalised, the impact of the scenario on the solvency and liquidity position is determined. Based on the scenario values for the relevant macro-economic and financial market variables, the impact on amongst others P&L, revaluation reserves, RWA and liquidity buffers are calculated. These outcomes are subsequently used to calculate the evolution of relevant solvency and liquidity ratios, such as the common equity Tier-1 (CET1) capital ratio, the leverage ratio and the net liquidity position.

 

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As for the previous steps, the calculated impacts of the scenario are first discussed and endorsed in the STSC followed by the BF&RC. Depending on the outcomes of the stress test and the likelihood of the scenario, mitigating actions may be proposed. Approval of these mitigating actions takes place in the MBB.

Step 4. Execution of mitigating actions

After the MBB has approved the mitigating actions, they need to be executed. Mitigating actions may include, but are not limited to, sales or transfers of assets, reductions of risk limits, intensification of our contacts with regulators or other authorities.

Methodology

For the calculation of the impact of the scenarios on P&L, RWA, revaluation reserves, etc., detailed and comprehensive models are used. In these models, statistical analysis is combined with expert opinion to make sure that the results adequately reflect the scenario assumptions. The methodologies are granular and portfolio-specific and use different macro-economic and market variables as input variables. The stress testing models are subject to a thorough review by the Model Validation department.

Economic and Regulatory Capital

Economic Capital (EC) and Regulatory Capital (RC) are the main sources of capital allocation within ING Bank. Both of these capital metrics are used to determine the amount of capital that a transaction or business unit requires to support the economic and regulatory-based risks it faces. The concept of EC differs from RC in the sense that RC is the mandatory amount of capital that is defined under Pillar I while EC is the best estimate of Pillar II capital that ING Bank uses internally to manage its own risk. EC is a non-accounting measure that is inherently subject to dynamic changes and updated as a result of ING Bank’s portfolio mix and general market developments. ING Bank continuously recalibrates the underlying assumptions behind its economic capital model which may have an impact on the values of EC going forward.

EC is defined as the amount of capital that a transaction or business unit requires in order to support the economic risks it takes. In general, EC is measured as the unexpected loss above the expected loss at a given confidence level. This economic capital definition is in line with the net market value (or surplus) definition. The EC calculation is used as part of the CRR/CRD IV Pillar II Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) and the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) that is performed regularly by the supervisor.

The following fundamental principles and definitions have been established for the model:

 

•

ING Bank uses a one-sided confidence level of 99.95% and a one-year time horizon to calculate EC;

 

•

It is assumed that all currently known measurable sources of risk are included;

 

•

The best estimate risk assumptions are as objective as possible and based on proper analysis of statistical data.;

 

•

The EC calculation is based on fair value principles. Where complete and efficient markets exist, fair value is equal to market value;

 

•

The EC calculations reflect known embedded options and the influence of customer behaviour in banking products;

 

•

The EC calculations are on a before tax basis and do not consider the effect of regulatory accounting and solvency requirements on capital levels; and

 

•

The framework does not include any franchise value of the business, discretionary management intervention or future business volumes and margins.

Regulatory environment

After the turmoil in the financial markets and the subsequent need for governments to provide aid to financial institutions, financial institutions have been under more scrutiny from the public, supervisors and regulators. This has resulted in more stringent regulations intended to avoid future crises in the financial system and taxpayers’ aid in the future.

 

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Basel III revisions, CRR/CRD IV and upcoming regulations

On 23 November 2016, the European Commission published legislative proposals to amend and supplement certain provisions of the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD), the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR), the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) and the Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation (the SRM Regulation). The proposals are wide-ranging and may have significant effects on ING, including with regard to the total loss absorbing capacity (TLAC) or the minimum requirement own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) it must maintain. It is uncertain when the proposals will come into effect, and if so, whether that will be in their current form.

On Basel III revisions (Basel 3.5), several changes to the regulatory framework are being considered by regulators. These may have an impact on the strategy of ING, especially as they often amplify each other. The proposals and their potential impact are monitored via semi-annual monitoring exercises in which ING Bank participates. As a result of such monitoring exercises and ongoing discussions within the regulatory environment, revisions have been made to the original Basel III proposals as was the case with the revised Liquidity Coverage Ratio in January 2013 and the revised Net Stable Funding Ratio and Leverage Ratio in January 2014. In January 2017, the BCBS announced that it expected to complete finalisation of all revisions to the Basel III framework, including the calibration of an aggregate capital floors framework and a leverage ratio minimum requirement.

Principles for Effective Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting

In January 2013, the Basel Committee published Principles for Effective Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting (also known as BCBS239). BCBS239 consists of fourteen principles to strengthen a bank’s risk data aggregation and risk reporting practices. Collectively implementing these principles will enhance risk management and decision-making processes at banks. Banks indicated as G-SIBs – including ING Bank – were required to implement the principles by 2016.

The past years a dedicated team within the risk and finance functions, supported by the CFO and COO domain, has implemented BCBS239 across the key risk types. The implementation has covered all key BCBS239 principles, resulting in improvements across the data management and reporting chain. By incorporating the BCBS239 principles in ING’s internal control Framework, the principles have become a key driver of ING’s data aggregation and risk reporting practices. Also in today’s continuously changing environment, ING will ensure that key risk data aggregation and reporting practices remain aligned with the BCBS239 principles.

Top and emerging risks

The risks listed below are defined as material existing and emerging risks that may have a potentially significant impact on our financial position or our business model. They may have a material impact on the reputation of the company, introduce volatility in future results of operations or impact ING’s middle and long-term strategy including the ability to pay dividends, maintain appropriate levels of capital or meet capital and leverage ratio targets. An emerging risk is defined as a risk that has the potential to have a significant negative effect on our performance, but currently difficult to quantify the impact on the organisation than for other risk factors that are not identified as emerging risks.

The topics have emerged either as part of the annual Risk Assessment that is performed as part of the Stress Testing Framework or from the Risk Appetite Framework. The sequence in which the risks are presented below is not indicative of their likelihood of occurrence or the potential magnitude of their financial consequences.

During 2016, two changes to our top and emerging risks were made. ‘Climate change risk’ was added as a new emerging risk, reflecting the impact a deterioration of the climate may have for the reputation of ING. ‘Business lending Benelux’ was removed as the credit quality improved and the risk costs reduced following the gradual improvement of the economy. Further, ‘Impact of low interest rate environment’ moved into ‘Macroeconomic developments’.

Macroeconomic developments

In 2016, ING Bank’s operating environment was characterized by continuously challenging market conditions with amongst others the persistent low interest rates and geopolitical risks.

The sustained low interest rate environment in Europe, where central banks held their rates at very low and even negative levels in some countries, negatively impacted short-term as well as long-term market rates. The typical interest rate position at ING Bank is that the duration of the assets is slightly higher than the duration of the liabilities. Given this mismatch, decreasing interest rates are under normal circumstances favourable for the interest income of ING Bank: liabilities reprice more quickly than assets, and therefore the average interest rates paid on liabilities should adapt more quickly to lower market interest rates.

However, given the current unusual situation with persistent low interest rates, ING Bank actively manages its interest-rate risk exposure and successfully maintained the Net Interest Margin (NIM) on its core lending in 2016. On mortgages, ING is confronted with higher than expected prepayment rates because of the difference between the rates of the existing mortgage portfolio and the prevailing market rates. On savings, NII and NIM are decreasing due to a further decline in yields on assets, while room for further reduction of client rates on savings deposits has diminished.

 

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In June 2016, the United Kingdom’s intention to leave the European Union (‘Brexit’) was a major political and economic event that impacted sentiment. After the announcement, sovereign bond yields dropped as investors fled to safe haven assets due to increased uncertainty and the potential economic fall-out from Brexit. Therefore, the impact was primarily noticeable via a strong increase in volatility in a variety of asset classes, including currencies, equities and bonds. Although ING has activities in the UK through the Wholesale banking business line, no material asset quality deterioration following the Brexit referendum has appeared. But, as the terms of the exit are yet to be negotiated, ING will continuously monitor the developments.

Another element which can affect the real economy and gives rise to geopolitical risk is the instability in international relationships. In this perspective, ING Bank continued to carefully monitor the international developments.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime is a continuous threat to companies in general and to financial institutions specifically. Both the frequency and the intensity of attacks increase on a global scale. Threats from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), targeted attacks (also called Advanced Persistent Threats) and Ransomware intensify worldwide. ING Bank builds on its cybercrime resilience, further enhancing the control environment to protect, detect and respond to e-banking fraud, DDoS and targeted attacks. Additional controls continue to be embedded in the organisation as part of the overall internal control framework and are continuously re-assessed against existing and new threats. During 2016 ING did not experience any cyber incident that can be classified as material. ING provides continuous reporting on cyber incidents to the ECB.

ING Bank also works on strengthening its global cybercrime resilience including strong collaboration against cybercrime with the financial industry, law enforcement authorities, government (e.g. National Cyber Security Center) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Climate change risk

The climate is changing and that is an unparalleled challenge for our world. The causes and the solutions to these challenges are complex, but we realise that it is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere, in addition to natural climate variability. As a financial institution, we too have a responsibility and it may ultimately affect our results if our customers are affected.

In general, ING has an impact on the environment and society directly through the consumption of natural resources and its relationship with stakeholders, and indirectly through our financing. Therefore, climate change as a risk continues to intensify, looking at the public, regulatory and political concerns around its integration into the financial sector’s operations and strategy.

We can play a role in trying to find solutions. We have been climate neutral since 2007, adapting the organisation to the new world and taking effective measures to mitigate our impacts. We are aware that our greatest impact however, is through our financing portfolio. ING’s decision to end financing new coal fired power plants and coal mines, and continued reduction of our coal portfolio, demonstrates climate change risk is part of our ESR framework and applies to all financial products and services offered by ING.

Finally, we also participate in a number of climate change initiatives. For instance, we currently participate within the Financial Stability Board (FSB) Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which is developing voluntary, consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures for use by companies in providing information to stakeholders.

Credit risk

Introduction

Credit risk is the risk of loss from the default and/or credit rating deterioration of counterparties. Credit risks arise in ING Bank’s lending, financial market and investment activities. The credit risk section provides information on how ING Bank manages, measures and monitors credit risk and gives an insight into the ING Bank portfolio from a credit risk perspective.

Governance

Credit risk within ING Bank is part of the second line of defence (the front office being the first, internal audit the third) and is managed within the Credit & Trading Risk (C&TR) function. C&TR is responsible for reviewing and managing credit risk including environmental and social risk (ESR) for all types of counterparties. It consists of credit risk managers who are responsible for credit approvals and managing the specific credit risks in their portfolios and credit risk experts who provide support by means of credit risk systems, policies, models and reporting. To ensure the independence of the risk function, the C&TR general manager is functionally responsible for the global network of credit risk staff.

ING Bank’s credit risk strategy is to maintain an internationally diversified loan and bond portfolio, avoiding large risk concentrations. The emphasis is on managing business developments within the business lines by means of a top-down risk appetite framework, which sets concentration limits for countries, individual counterparties, counterparty groups and investment activities. The aim is to support relationship-banking activities, while maintaining internal risk/reward guidelines and controls.

 

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Credit analysis at portfolio level is monitored using metrics such as economic capital, regulatory capital, exposure at default (EAD), probability of default (PD) and loss given default (LGD). To ensure efficient use of ING Bank’s capital, the risk appetite is monitored and managed at portfolio level by risk and finance together. Credit analysis at transactional level focuses on the risk amount, tenor, structure of the facility and profile of the borrower. ING Bank’s credit risk managers make use of publicly available information, information provided by the counterparty, peer group comparisons, industry comparisons and quantitative techniques.

Within ING Bank, the ultimate approval authority for credit proposals resides with the MBB. The MBB has delegated authorities based on amounts, tenors and risk ratings to lower levels in the organisation. Transactions are approved via a dual signatory approval system that requires an individual sign-off from both front office and credit risk management. For larger and higher risk credits a committee structure exists whereby the credit risk chair takes the final decision with support of the respective committee members, thereby ensuring accountability. Retail business units have delegated authority to decide within policies and mandates approved by credit risk. Any decisions outside those policies or above the delegated mandate require a specific credit risk approval.

The credit risk role encompasses the following activities:

 

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Measuring, monitoring and managing credit risks in the Bank’s portfolio;

 

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Challenging and approving new and modified transactions and borrower reviews;

 

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Managing the levels of provisioning and risk costs, and advising on impairments; and

 

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Providing consistent credit risk policies, systems and tools to manage the credit lifecycle of all activities.

The following committees are in place to review and approve transactions and policies from a credit risk point of view:

 

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The Global Credit Committee for Transaction Approval (GCC(TA)) is mandated to approve transactions with credit risks.

 

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The Global Credit & Trading Committee Policy (GCTP) which is authorised to approve policies, methodologies and procedures related to credit, trading, country and reputation risks on a high level for ING Bank. GTCP consists of MBB members.

 

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The Credit & Trading Risk Committee (CTRC) is authorised to approve policies, methodologies and procedures related to credit & trading risk on more detailed and operational level (with the exception of issues which are mandated to GCTP) within ING Bank. CTRC consists of MT members of C&TR, Risk Services and Wholesale Banking Lending Services.

 

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The Models Development Committee (MDC) serves as a technical advisor to CTRC and is a planning body for future model development. The MDC has a delegated mandate to approve credit risk models which cover smaller portfolios.

 

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The ING Bank Provisioning Committee (IPC) is the approval authority for loan loss provisions (LLP) for all ING Bank entities.

Credit risk categories

Credit risk uses risk categories to differentiate between the different types of credit risk. All products within ING Bank are aggregated to one of the following risk categories:

 

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Pre-settlement (PS) risk: arises when a counterparty defaults on a transaction before settlement and ING Bank has to replace the contract by a trade with another counterparty at the then prevailing (possibly unfavourable) market price. The pre-settlement risk is the (potential or expected risk) cost of ING Bank replacing a trade in the market. This credit risk category is associated with dealing room products such as options, swaps, and securities financing transactions. Where there is a mutual exchange of value, the amount of credit risk outstanding is generally based on the replacement value (mark-to-market) plus a potential future volatility concept, using a 3-7 year historical time horizon and a 97.5% confidence level.

 

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Money market (MM) risk: arises when ING Bank places short-term deposits with a counterparty in order to manage excess liquidity. As such, money market deposits tend to be short-term in nature. In the event of a counterparty default, ING Bank may lose the deposit placed. Money market risk is measured as the accounting value of the deposit, excluding any accrued and unpaid interest or the effect of any impairment.

 

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Lending risk: arises when ING Bank grants a loan to a counterparty, or issues guarantees on behalf of a counterparty. This includes term loans, mortgages, revolving credits, overdrafts, guarantees, letters of credit, etc. The risk is measured as the accounting value of the financial obligation that the counterparty has to repay to ING Bank, excluding any accrued and unpaid interest, discount/premium amortisations or impairments.

 

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Investment risk: is the credit default and risk rating migration risk that is associated with ING Bank’s investments in bonds, commercial paper, securitisations, and other similar publicly traded securities. This can be viewed as the worst-case loss that ING Bank may incur as a result of holding a position in underlying securities whose Issuer’s credit quality deteriorates or defaults. All investments in the banking book are classified in the investment risk category. The primary purpose of ING Bank’s investments in the banking books is for liquidity management.

 

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Settlement risk: is the risk that arises when there is an exchange of value (funds or instruments) for the same value date or different value dates and receipt is not verified or expected until after ING has given irrevocable instructions to pay or has paid or delivered its side of the trade. The risk is that ING Bank delivers but does not receive delivery from its counterparty. ING manages settlement risk in the same way as other risks including a risk limit structure per borrower. Due to the short term nature (1 day), ING Bank does not hold provisions or capital for specific settlement risk. Although a relatively low risk, ING increasingly uses DVP (Delivery versus Payment) and FITO (First In Then Out) payment techniques to reduce settlement risk.

For the reconciliation between credit risk outstanding categories and financial assets we refer to the section ’Credit risk management classification’ as included in Note 1 ‘Accounting policies’.

 

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Credit Risk Appetite and Concentration Risk Framework

The credit risk appetite and concentration risk framework enables ING to prevent undesired high levels of credit risk and credit concentrations within various levels of the ING portfolio. Concentration risk is measured based on the credit risk exposure amount. Credit risk exposure is the total amount of outstanding plus the unused portion of commitments. It can be measured on various levels, such as customer, legal or economic one obligor group, product, portfolio, customer type, industry, and country. Where applicable a level is broken down from the consolidated ING Bank level to a local branch/unit level.

Credit risk appetite statements boundaries and concentration limits are set and reviewed on an annual basis. The bank-wide credit risk boundaries and concentration limits are approved by the Risk Committee of the Supervisory Board and GCTP, respectively.

 

Credit risk appetite statements

Credit risk appetite is the maximum level of credit risk ING Bank is willing to accept for growth and value creation. This credit risk appetite is linked to the overall Bank-wide risk appetite framework. The credit risk appetite is expressed in quantitative and qualitative measures. Having a credit risk appetite achieves:

 

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Clarity about the credit risks that ING Bank is prepared to assume, target setting and prudent risk management;

 

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Consistent communication to different stakeholders;

 

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Guidelines how to align reporting and monitoring tools with the organisational structure and strategy; and

 

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Alignment of business strategies and key performance indicators of business units with ING Bank’s credit risk appetite by means of the MTP.

Credit risk appetite is present across different levels within ING Bank, at portfolio level as well as transaction level. The various credit risk appetite components at portfolio and transaction level together result in the credit risk appetite framework.

Credit risk appetite statements are defined top-down across the credit risk categories (pre-settlement, money market, lending, investment), and connected to ING Bank high-level risk appetite across all risk types (solvency, credit, liquidity and funding, market, and non-financial risk). They consist of a set of high-level credit risk metrics: expected loss, economic capital, risk-weighted assets (RWA) and exposure at default. For each credit risk metric a boundary is set that is cascaded down and monitored on a monthly basis. The adherence to the boundaries and the pro-active approach to manage the portfolio within the risk appetite boundaries are part of the key performance indicators of the business line managers.

Country risk concentration

Country risk is the risk that arises due to events in a specific country (or group of countries). Country risk is the risk of loss for ING Bank associated with lending, pre-settlement, money market and investment transactions as a result of country risk events. A country risk event can be described as economic, financial and political shocks and transfer or exchange restrictions, affecting all counterparties in a specific country. The occurrence of a country risk event may cause all counterparties in a country to be unable to ensure timely payments, despite their willingness to meet their contractual debt obligations. As such, country risk is an additional factor to be taken into account in the credit approval process of individual customers, as the country risk event probability may impact the default probability of individual counterparties.

 

		F-157		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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For every country where ING has exposure, a country limit is set. Country limits are reviewed monthly and updated when needed. The country limit is a function of various factors including ING’s risk appetite for the country, amount of capital consumption, GDP of the country, internal rating, and amount of funds entrusted generated. In case the limit utilisation is above 90%, the respective credit risk manager is expected to take action to bring the utilisation below 90% or to submit to the relevant approval mandate holders a country limit review requesting a higher limit to accommodate the increasing exposure. In case of countries with elevated levels of geo-political or severe economic cycle risk the monitoring is performed on a more frequent basis with strict pipeline and exposure management to protect ING Bank from adverse impacts.

Single name and sector concentration

ING Bank has established a concentration risk framework in order to identify, measure and monitor concentrations at country, portfolio and/or counterparty level. It consists of:

 

•

Single name concentration: losses due to the unexpected default of a single counterparty. These single name concentrations are capped both at individual single name level and aggregated top-5 single name level. The LGD of a single name concentration is measured against a maximum LGD amount. Large Exposures monitoring and reporting is one of the components of the single name framework.

 

•

Sector concentration (systemic risk): substantial increase of the ING Bank risk profile (expressed in risk-weighted assets at risk) due to the joint deterioration of a group of correlated counterparty/transactions, sensitive to the same external (macro-economic) factor(s) related to their geographic location and exposure class.

Scenarios and stress tests

Stress testing evaluates ING Bank’s financial stability under severe but plausible stress scenarios and supports in decision-making that assures ING Bank remains a financially-healthy going concern even after a severe event occurs. In addition to the bank-wide stress test framework as described in the Risk Management - Risk profile section, the credit risk department performs stress tests on a monthly basis in order to continually assess the portfolio risks and concentrations. These monthly stress tests are consistent with the stress scenario as established in the ING Bank wide credit risk appetite framework. The monthly stress tests are reviewed in the Risk and Capital Integration team and potential management actions are proposed if necessary.

ING Bank performs periodical stress tests based on a standardised and pre-determined 1-in-10 year-stress event (i.e. at 90% confidence level and 1 year horizon) which is similar to the one applied in the solvency risk appetite. Based on this confidence level, a through the cycle rating migration for the entire portfolio is simulated. For this simulated portfolio, provisions, RWA and Economic Capital are recalculated to assess what the combined impact of such a year would be. The additional CRWA that ING should allocate in such an event is named CRWA-at-Risk.

Next to the periodical pre-determined stress test related to CRWA-at-Risk, credit risk performs ad-hoc stress tests based on severe but plausible scenarios. These stress tests can be for internal purposes or at the request of the regulators and are input for future Credit Risk Appetite setting. Stress testing is used as an additional safety net within credit risk. In addition to the Pillar I and Pillar II capital calculations, based on the results of various stress tests, ING Bank ensures that adequate levels of capital (and liquidity) are available to sustain such severe but plausible scenarios.

Product approvals

Across ING Bank a robust product approval and review process ensures effective management of risks associated with the introduction of new or modified products. It ensures that sound due diligence is performed by relevant stakeholders to ensure that all relevant risks (credit, operational, legal, etc.) are adequately mitigated in the Product Approval and Review Process (PARP).

Risk programs

Within ING Bank, risk programs are detailed analyses of defined products and/or industries that identify the major risk drivers and mitigants, the internal business mandate, and propose the minimum risk (including business) parameters – and potentially the maximum product and/or portfolio limit - to undertake that business. A risk program is always prepared by the front office responsible for the internal business mandate and requires an approval from an approval authority. Risk programs may carry various names and/or may have geographical and/or business limitations (e.g. local vs global).

Reference benchmarks

A reference benchmark is the maximum appetite for credit risk per legal one obligor group. It is expressed as a (benchmark) exposure at the concentration risk level, which corresponds to a (maximum) internal capital consumption for credit risk. It is used as a reference amount in the credit approval process and can be waived on the basis of proper arguments.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-158

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Credit approval process

The credit approval process ensures that individual transactions are assessed on a name-by-name basis. For each type of counterparty (corporates, banks/financial institutions, structured products clients) there is a dedicated process with credit risk managers specialised along the business lines of ING Bank. The credit approval process is supported by a risk rating system and exposure monitoring system. Ratings are used to indicate a counterparty’s creditworthiness translated into a probability of default and is used as input to determine the maximum risk appetite that ING Bank has for a given type of counterparty (reference benchmark). The determination of the delegated authority (the amount that can be approved at various levels of the organisation) is a function of the risk rating of the client and ING’s credit risk exposure on the client.

Given the nature of the retail business, roles and responsibilities of the local credit risk policy are delegated to the local retail credit risk management. However, the global head retail risk needs to be informed on all local retail risk policies so as to monitor that the local policies do not conflict with any C&TR policies. This framework serves to ensure more global alignment while preserving existing empowerment of local units. As such, approval authorities differ depending on the materiality of the deviation between the local policy and the global policy.

Environmental and Social Risk Framework

ING Bank makes a positive contribution to global economic growth and more sustainable development by promoting responsible lending and investment practices. The environmental and social risk (ESR) policy framework incorporates assessment tools that are used in ING’s mainstream processes and systems. It is therefore fully integrated into regular client and transaction reviews.

The ESR policy framework is reviewed every three years on the basis of significant changes identified in the sectors that are more vulnerable to environmental and social risks and impacts. In addition, environmental and social risks for all lending transactions are reviewed on a yearly basis following annual credit reviews. ESR transactions where funds will be used for asset based finance may require enhanced ESR due diligence e.g. application of the Equator Principles. Such enhanced ESR evaluation is also required for any high-risk transaction, such as those that impact indigenous people etc.

The snapshot of ING’s ESR Framework is as follows:

 

 

		F-159		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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The ESR policy framework is fully embedded in ING mainstream approval processes and requires involvement of the following areas globally:

Client Assessment:

 

•

Customer Domain Units (CDU): verify compliance with the applicable ESR policy. CDUs are responsible to assure that information in the Client ESR Assessment has been duly completed.

Transaction Assessment:

 

•

Front Office: departments that originate transactions and have direct contact with the client or project sponsors;

 

•

Risk Management: departments that provide control over front office activities and generally sign off on the environmental and social impacts for ‘Low Risk’ or ‘Medium Risk’ transactions;

 

•

Environmental and social risk department within risk management fully dedicated to assessing environmental and social impacts associated with ‘High Risk’ transactions. Negative advice from the ESR department can only be waived by ING’s highest credit committee or the Managing Board Banking (MBB). In practice such waivers are very exceptional.

ESR Policy Development and Governance:

 

•

MBB/Global Credit Committee: Ultimate approval authority for approving new and updated ESR policies.

As the risk assessment processes are decentralized each front-office team must be highly familiar with ING’s environmental and social framework. Hence, ING makes significant investment in internal training programs to help CDUs, front office and risk management staff in assessing the environmental and social risks. In 2016, 545 colleagues have been specifically trained on the ESR policy framework worldwide.

Credit risk capital and measurement

Credit risk capital

Regulatory capital is a law based prudent measure defined by regulators and serves as the minimum amount of common equity Tier-1, additional Tier-1 and Tier-2 capital required to absorb unexpected losses. Regulatory capital is the minimum amount of capital (based on 99.90% confidence level) that ING Bank must hold from a regulatory perspective as a cushion to be able to survive large unexpected losses.

RWA comparison

Comparison of RWA and risk weights across institutions is inherently challenging. Differences in RWA among banks have been classified by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in 3 categories:

 

1.	Risk based drivers that stem from the differences in underlying risk at the exposure/portfolio level and in business models/ strategies including asset class mix;

 

2.	Practice-based drivers including approaches to risk management and risk measurement; and

 

3.	Regulatory environment such as supervisory practices, implementing laws and regulations including national discretion and accounting standards.

Risk based drivers

ING Bank’s portfolio is dominated by secured lending especially in the areas of residential mortgages, leasing and commercial real estate. Secured lending tends to have a much lower LGD, given the collateral involved, which is a key driver of RWA calculation. Another important element of the ING business model is the focus on retail exposures collateralised by residential property. ING’s retail portfolio is mainly comprised of residential mortgages. The regulatory formula for this exposure class tends to result in lower RWA, all other factors being equal.

Practice based drivers

ING Bank has a conservative approach to troubled exposures. Non-performing exposures are recognized early based on unlikely to pay triggers. ING typically classifies default based on a borrower rating and not a facility rating which means that a customer will only have one PD (probability of default) regardless of the type(s) of transactions done with ING Bank. As a consequence, if one facility is in default, usually all facilities of the client are in default. Non-performing clients which were granted forbearance measures need to stay non-performing for a minimum of one year starting from the moment they are classified as forborne. Eligibility for a migration back to performing is possible only after this probation period of one year.

Regulatory environment

ING Bank’s primary supervising entity is the ECB, who is supported by many host supervisors. The ECB supervises adherence to the regulatory rules: the regulatory framework defined in CRR/CRDIV, European Bank Authority (EBA) standards and ECB guidance. The ECB requires all ‘significant changes’ in internal models (PD, LGD and EAD) and policies to be reviewed and approved by the ECB.

Comparing capital levels across banks is a challenging exercise because of different risk profiles, differences in risk based drivers, practice based drivers and regulatory environment (e.g. advanced internal rating based approach or the standardised approach). These factors have a substantial impact on the regulatory capital/RWA of a financial institution. ING Bank continues to work with industry groups and strives to adhere to the latest BCBS and EBA recommendations to improve the transparent reporting of our capital calculations.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-160

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Economic capital

Economic capital reflects ING Bank’s own view on credit risk, which allows it to be used in decision making processes at transaction level, counterparty level and (sub) portfolio levels. Credit risk and transfer risk capital are calculated on all portfolios which contain credit or transfer risk, including investment portfolios. Economic capital is the minimum amount of capital required to cover unexpected losses within a 99.95% confidence level and a 12 months’ time horizon. It is used throughout ING Bank in the decision making process (mainly wholesale banking), in risk adjusted counterparty and portfolio profitability measurement tools (wholesale and retail banking), in investment and divestment decisions, in the country risk framework and in concentration risk management such as risk appetite statements (RAS), single name concentration and the systemic risk reports (sector concentration report).

An important characteristic of the credit risk infrastructure and framework is that models are built for several purposes, including economic capital, regulatory capital and loan loss provision. These rating models are used throughout the ING Bank organisation which is compliant with the Basel Use Test requirement and ensures active feedback on the risk parameters by business units.

Economic capital is calculated using the economic values of rating models (PD, EAD and LGD). In line with regulatory requirements, so-called ‘significant changes’ to these rating models are communicated to the regulator for approval. Significant changes depend on the impact on credit RWA (Pillar I) or on the significance (size) of the model for the ING Bank portfolio.

Credit risk measurement

There are two ways to measure credit risk within ING Bank’s portfolio, depending on whether the exposure is booked under an ING office which is permitted by the ECB to use the advanced internal rating based (AIRB) approach, or if it falls under the standardised approach (SA).

Standardised approach

The standardised approach applies a fixed risk weight to each asset as dictated by the CRR, and is based on the exposure class to which the exposure is assigned. As such, the Standardised Approach is the least sophisticated of the regulatory capital methodologies and is not as sensitive as the risk-based approach. Where external rating agency ratings are available, they may be used as a substitute to using the fixed risk weightings assigned by the Financial Supervisory Authorities. Because the underlying obligors are relatively small for exposures treated under SA, the underlying obligors tend not to have external ratings.

Advanced internal rating based approach

There are five main elements that drive the determination of risk-weighted assets under the AIRB approach.

 

•

Probability of Default (PD): The first is the counterparty’s probability of default, which measures a counterparty’s creditworthiness in terms of likelihood to go into default. It attempts to measure the senior, unsecured standalone creditworthiness of an organisation without consideration of structural elements of the underlying transactions, such as collateral, pricing, or maturity. Each borrower has a rating which translates into a specific PD.

 

•

Exposure at Default (EAD): The second element is the counterparty’s exposure at default. EAD models are intended to estimate the outstanding amount or obligation at the moment of default in the future. Since the fact that a counterparty will go into default is not known, and the level of outstanding that may occur on that date is also not known, ING Bank uses a combination of statistical and hybrid models to estimate the EAD. With the exception of guarantees and letters of credit, the EAD is always equal to or higher than the associated credit risk outstanding, under the assumption that counterparties tend to absorb liquidity from available credit resources before financial problems become apparent to the counterparty’s creditors. The EAD is largely a function of the type of credit facility (revolving, overdraft, term) offered to the borrower.

 

•

Loss Given Default (LGD): The third element is the loss given default. LGD models are intended to estimate the amount ING Bank would lose from liquidating collateral pledged in association with a given loan or financial obligation, or alternatively, from liquidating the company as a whole as part of a workout process. LGD models are based on cover types, estimated recovery rates given orderly liquidation, and (in)direct cost of liquidation.

 

•

Maturity (M): The fourth element is the time to the maturity of the underlying financial obligation. Regulatory requirements (CRR/CRDIV) floor the maturity element at one year and cap it at five years.

 

•

Exposure Class: The fifth element is the exposure class (a regulatory prescribed grouping of a common obligor type or product type) which is a driver for the correlation factor. To calculate risk-weighted assets the default correlation between a transaction and all other transactions in the portfolio is taken into account. The correlation factor determines which portion of the standalone risk of a transaction is retained when the transaction is included in the portfolio and the portfolio diversification benefits are taken into consideration.

 

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The expected loss (EL) provides a measure of the value of the credit losses that ING Bank may reasonably expect to incur on its portfolio. In its basic form, the expected loss can be represented as:

EL = PD * EAD * LGD

Securitisations

ING Bank has implemented the AIRB approach for credit risk. As a consequence, ING Bank uses the rating based approach (RBA) for investments in tranches of asset-backed securities (ABS) and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) which have been rated by external rating agencies. Rating agencies which are used by ING Bank under the RBA include: Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s.

Under the RBA, the RWA are determined by multiplying the amount of the exposure by the appropriate regulatory risk weights, which depend on:

 

•

The external rating or an available inferred rating;

 

•

The seniority of the position; and

 

•

The granularity of the position.

ING Bank uses the internal assessment approach for the support facilities it provides to asset backed commercial paper (ABCP) conduit Mont Blanc Capital Corp., based on externally published rating agency methodologies.

Credit risk models

Within ING Bank internal Basel compliant models are used to determine the PD, EAD and LGD for regulatory and economic capital. Bank wide, ING Bank has implemented over 80 models, including various sub models that may be applicable for a specific portfolio. There are two main types of modelling which form the foundation of these PD, EAD and LGD models used throughout the Bank:

 

•

Statistical models are created where a large set of default or detailed loss data is available. They are characterised by a sufficient number of data points that facilitate meaningful statistical estimation of the model parameters. The model parameters are estimated with statistical techniques based on the data set available;

 

•

Hybrid models contain characteristics of statistical models combined with knowledge and experience of experts from both risk management and front office staff and literature from rating agencies, supervisors and academics. These models are especially appropriate for ‘Low Default Portfolios’, where limited historical defaults exist.

Next to the model choice, the definition of default is an important starting point for model building. ING Bank uses a framework that integrates elements of the regulatory definition of ‘Default’ and the loan loss provisioning indicators under IAS 39. The rationale is that several indicators are very close to the indications of an obligor’s ‘unlikeliness to pay’ under European regulation (CRR/CRDIV) and similar regulations. Integration of both frameworks further enhances ING Bank’s compliance with the CRR/CRDIV ‘use test’. Key differences between the parameters used for loan loss provisioning and regulatory capital calculations are that regulatory capital parameters are typically through the cycle while loan loss parameters are more point in time. Additionally, the LGD for regulatory capital calculations is based on a down-turn LGD and a Loss Emergence Period is applied on the 1 year Default Probability to obtain Incurred losses.

Pre-settlement measurement models

For regulatory capital the pre-settlement (PS) exposure is calculated using a marked to market (MtM) plus regulatory-based add-on. Depending on the location and relevant system capabilities, for internal capital purposes ING Bank uses one of the below mentioned methodologies to calculate its PS exposures:

 

•

MtM plus model based add-on approach: In this approach, the PS risk is calculated as the sum of the MtM of the trade and a model-based add-on. The MtM fluctuates through the life of the contract. The model-based add-on is product-specific, and takes into account the remaining time to maturity, profiling per time-buckets etc. Add-ons are updated with a frequency that takes into account major market changes. This methodology is used for pre-deal exposure assessment of all ING Bank financial markets products. Furthermore, it is used for post-deal risk calculations in the case of financial markets portfolios that do not justify the computational efforts and costs associated with implementation of a Scenario Simulation approach; and

 

•

Scenario Simulation approach (Monte Carlo approach): Scenario Simulation approach is the most complex of the methods for PS risk calculations. This approach takes into account daily market conditions, including correlations between the risk factors and portfolio benefits. This Monte Carlo approach is currently used in ING Bank for the largest volume of derivative products such as FX and interest rate derivatives.

ING recognises that the above approaches are insufficiently accurate for certain trading products such as highly structured or exotic derivative transactions. For the assessment of risk exposures of such complex products a bespoke calculation is made.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-162

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The figure below provides a high level summary of the application of model outcomes (PD, EAD and LGD).

 

Credit risk model governance

All PD, EAD and LGD models are built according to ING Bank’s internal credit risk modelling methodology standards and model life cycle. After thorough review of the documentation by the Model Development Committee (MDC) and Model Validation (MV), the Credit & Trading Risk Committee (CTRC) approves the models. For certain local models, the approval authority is delegated by the CTRC to the MDC. Each model has both a credit risk and a front office co-sponsor. Both the MDC and the CTRC have participation from credit risk officers as well as the front office to ensure maximum acceptance by the organisation. The capital impact from the implementation of approved models is reported to the ECB in a quarterly report. In addition, MV validates each model on an annual basis. During such periodical validation the model performance is analysed via amongst others back-testing and performance assessment. A five-grade colour footprint is assigned to each model during this periodical validation. If a model is considered insufficiently robust or if the back-testing indicates insufficient performance, then the model is re-calibrated or re-developed.

 

Credit risk rating process

In principle all risk ratings are based on a Risk Rating (PD) Model that complies with the minimum requirements detailed in the CRDIV, the ECB Supervisory Rules and EBA guidelines. This concerns all counterparty types and segments, including countries.

ING Bank’s PD rating models are based on a 1-22 scale (1=highest rating; 22=lowest rating) referred to as the ‘Master scale’, which roughly corresponds to the same rating grades that are assigned by external rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch. For example, an ING Bank rating of 1 corresponds to an S&P/Fitch rating of AAA and a Moody’s rating of Aaa; an ING Bank rating of 2 corresponds to an S&P/Fitch rating of AA+ and a Moody’s rating of Aa1, and so on.

The 22 grades are composed of the following categories:

 

•

Investment grade (Risk Rating 1-10);

 

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Non-investment grade (Risk Rating 11-17);

 

•

Sub-standard (Risk Rating 18-19); and

 

•

Non-performing (Risk Rating 20-22).

The three first categories (1-19) are risk ratings for performing loans. They are calculated in ING Bank IT systems with internally developed models based on data either manually or automatically fed. Under certain conditions, the outcome of a manually fed model can be challenged through a clearly defined rating appeal process. Risk ratings for non-performing individually significant loans (20-22) are set by the global or regional restructuring. For securitisation portfolios, the external ratings of the tranche in which ING Bank has invested are leading.

 

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Risk ratings assigned to counterparties are regularly, at least annually, reviewed, and the performance of the underlying models regularly monitored. Over 95% of ING Bank’s credit risks have been rated using one of the in-house developed PD rating models. Within the AIRB Portfolio, the level of Regulatory compliant ratings exceeds 99% coverage by exposure. Some of these models are global in nature, such as models for Large Corporates, Commercial Banks, Insurance Companies, Central Governments, Local Governments, Funds, Fund Managers, Project Finance and Leveraged Companies. While other models are more regional or country specific, such as PD models for Small Medium Enterprise (SME) companies in Central Europe, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, as well as residential mortgage and consumer loan models in the various retail markets.

Rating Models for retail counterparties are predominantly statistically driven and automated, such that ratings can be updated on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Models for SME companies, and larger corporates, institutions and banks are manually updated, and are individually monitored on at least an annual basis.

Exposure classes

The BCBS (Basel Committee) has developed the concept of ‘Exposure Classes’ which has been transposed into CRR/CRDIV. These are essentially groupings of credit risks associated with a common counterparty type, product type and/or cover type. For the AIRB Approach, most of the exposure classes have subcategories. ING Bank has applied the following definitions to determine Exposure Classes:

 

•

Sovereigns include Sovereign Government entities, Central Banks and recognised Local / Regional Authorities as well as Supranational Organisations;

 

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Institutions include Commercial Banks, non-Bank Financial Institutions, such as Funds and Fund Managers, and Insurance Companies, as well as local and regional government entities not classified as governments;

 

•

Corporates includes all legal entities, that are not considered to be Governments, Institutions or Retail Other;

 

•

Retail includes the following classes:

 

•

Retail – Secured by immovable property non-SME (hereafter Residential Mortgages) includes all retail loans which are covered by residential properties

 

•

Retail – Secured by immovable property SME (included in tables with Other Retail) includes all retail loans which are covered by commercial properties.

 

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Other Retail includes all other credit obligations related to Retail SMEs (such as partnerships and one-man businesses) and private individuals (such as consumer loans, car loans and credit cards). Under these exposure class definitions, it is possible for a private individual to be included under both residential mortgages and retail other.

 

•

Securitisations include securitisation programs for which ING Bank acts as an investor, sponsor or originator.

Models used for exposure classes

ING Bank has developed PD, EAD and LGD models for Wholesale Banking and Retail Banking portfolios. PD, EAD and LGD models are subject to CTRC (or in some delegated cases: MDC) approval and changes which significantly impact the results require approval from the regulator before implementation. By nature, the above described exposure classes have different, specific characteristics. To capture these specific characteristics and to have suitable valuations and analyses in place, credit risk department is continuously updating and developing models within each exposure class. In total, the credit risk department makes use of over 90 different internal models.

ING distinguishes four types of post default scenarios:

 

•

No Loss – Cure: the borrower pays all overdue amounts (to the extent ING Bank is legally entitled to) and the asset becomes non- defaulted again. ING Bank does not experience any loss in the process. The relationship is not terminated and the borrower returns back to performing;

 

•

No Loss – Exit without loss: ING Bank (or the borrower) liquidates collaterals and calls guarantees in order to recover the exposure or the borrower fully repays. Thereafter the relationship is terminated. ING Bank does not experience any loss in the process;

 

•

Loss – Exit with loss: ING Bank (or the borrower) liquidates collaterals and calls guarantees in order to recover the exposure. Thereafter the relationship is terminated. ING Bank suffers loss in the process; and

 

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Loss – Distressed Restructuring: ING Bank restructures the loan agreement so as to recover the exposure after allowing some discount. The relationship with the borrower continues after the restructuring. ING Bank suffers (some) loss in the process.

Changes in 2016 to credit risk models

Model changes were in 2016 partly driven by regulatory guidance and thereby resulted in a EUR 13 billion increase of RWA. This increase resulted from several changes in different portfolios. An RWA add-on for the SME portfolios in the Netherlands and Belgium was implemented through LGD model updates which increased RWA by EUR 6.1 billion. Further, RWA add-ons were implemented on Belgian mortgages and Small Business Finance (SBF) portfolios through model updates, which increased RWA by EUR 1.9 billion. The RWA impact of all these add-ons were reported as an ONCOA item in 2015. For the Project Finance and ING Direct Spain mortgages LGD models risk-weight multipliers were added, increasing RWA by EUR 4.0 billion and EUR 0.7 billion, respectively. Next to these model updates, the model approach for the Dutch healthcare portfolio changed from AIRB to SA which increased RWA by EUR 1.0 billion.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-164

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Credit risk tools

Credit risk policies

ING Bank’s credit risk policies provide for generic rules and roles and responsibilities that always prevail within the organisation. While allowance is given for discretionary variation to comply with local regulations, such variations must always comply with the content of a global ING Bank wide credit risk policy and approved by (local) credit risk. All credit risk policies are created according to the policy development standards and reviewed on a regular basis. Each policy has a credit risk sponsor and is created in close consultation with the various stakeholders within credit risk, front office and where applicable other corporate departments. All policies require approval by the Credit & Trading Risk Committee (CTRC) and where applicable by the Global Credit & Trading Policy Committee (GCTP).

Credit risk systems and data standards

The acceptance, maintenance, measurement, management and reporting of credit risks at all levels of ING Bank is accomplished through promotion of single, common credit risk data standards and the integration into common credit risk tools that support standardised and transparent credit risk practices. ING has chosen to develop the credit risk tools centrally. The philosophy is to re-use the same data for all purposes, in an integrated approach that overlaps the three key areas of ING Bank policy, the regulatory environment in which we operate, and the daily processes which are active throughout the group. Overlapping these three areas is the essential requirement to ensure data quality standards and discipline remains high.

The customer-centric data model conforms strongly to the three core business needs of ING Bank:

 

•

To transact efficiently with our counterparties;

 

•

To be compliant with our internal and external obligations; and

 

•

To monitor the risks we undertake.

The customer-centric approach ensures that ING Bank can react quickly to changing regulations, business needs and best practices in our dealings with our clients and prospects.

Data Governance and Data Quality

ING Bank recognises that information and the underlying data are assets that are key (together with people, processes and IT systems) to become the next generation digital bank. Cooperation and mutual agreement on global data management roles and responsibilities in ING are critical success factors to meet this objective. As such ING Bank has embraced multiple data management and governance initiatives triggered by internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Principles for Effective Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting). In the Credit Risk and Risk Services departments, these principles are embedded into the credit risk data management and enshrined within the Data Governance framework. The framework outlines roles and responsibilities relevant for the credit risk lifecycle and data quality assurance.

Credit risk data lifecycle

The credit risk data governance framework used by ING is based on the credit risk data lifecycle. The governance related to the data delivery and exchange is described in various data agreements between data users and data suppliers.

The scope of credit risk data is the data set determined and assigned for the Bank’s external and internal reporting requirements and credit risk modelling requirements. Principally, data can be categorised into one of the two following types:

 

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Atomic data: the lowest level of detail and provides the base data for all data transformations. The guiding principles are that each data element is only input once, and have a clear data owner and ‘home’ system or database which is leading throughout all uses of that data element. From the data ‘home’, the data may then be redistributed to other systems or databases that may require that data in an automated Straight through Processing (STP) method. Depending on the need, the data may be transferred in real time, near real time, daily, weekly or monthly.

 

•

Derived data: data derived from other data elements (atomic or derived) as a result of data transformations such as credit risk models, calculations and aggregation. Derived data is hosted in the central credit risk system (Vortex).

A key component of the credit risk data is that this data is continuously used throughout all the stages of the credit risk management cycle. By using and re-using data, there is, a continuous incentive for all data providers and users to assure up to standard data quality with regards to data delivery and data usage.

The credit risk data lifecycle describes the interlinked stages of the lifecycle from data definition to data usage as shown in the figure below:

 

 

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Data Definitions: this process step ensures that atomic and derived credit risk data terms have a single definition and definition owner throughout the organization. It also ensures that defined data is fit for the purpose it will be used for.

 

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Capture: ensures that atomic data is captured by business units and is available for exchange according to pre-agreed standards and specifications.

 

•

Exchange: ensures data exchange is executed as agreed between data owner and data user.

 

•

Processing & Calculation: processes delivered atomic data and uses it to calculate credit risk derived data. The outcome of this stage is used as input for credit risk data aggregation in for example risk reporting.

 

•

Data Usage: ensures data aggregation and usage fit for multiple purposes for example modelling, regulatory and statutory reporting. Ensures that data usage or distribution is according to agreed purpose and data confidentiality, protection, security and retention rules.

 

•

Data Quality Assurance: establishes data quality management with the primary focus how credit risk data quality is managed throughout the credit risk data lifecycle. It covers the data quality cycle, data quality criteria and relevant activities through the stages.

The data quality cycle consists of four stages: define, implement, monitor and improve. During the data definitions step, data quality rules are determined. Having set the definitions, local data quality rules are implemented in the source systems, and both successively and simultaneously, data quality rules are implemented in the central credit risk system. The next stage consists of data validations, monitoring and control activities performed early in the data exchange and after data processing and calculations stage. The last stage is the continuous improvement of data quality which can be split into two categories:

 

•

One off issues and re-occurring issues that are identified, prioritised and subject to solution;

 

•

The periodical review of the data quality rules and improvements based on lessons learned from solving issues, audits and best practices.

After the last stage, the data quality cycle resumes from the start, ultimately leading to up to standard credit risk data quality.

Credit risk portfolio

ING Bank’s credit exposure is mainly related to traditional lending to individuals and businesses followed by investments in bonds and securitised assets. Loans to individuals are mainly mortgage loans secured by residential property. Loans (including guarantees issued) to businesses are often collateralised, but can be unsecured based on internal analysis of the borrowers’ creditworthiness. Bonds in the investment portfolio are generally unsecured. Securitised assets such as mortgage backed securities and asset backed securities are secured by the pro rata portion of the underlying diversified pool of assets (commercial or residential mortgages, car loans and/or other assets) held by the security‘s issuer. The last major credit risk source involves pre-settlement exposures which arise from trading activities, including derivatives, repurchase transactions and securities lending/borrowing and foreign exchange transactions.

The portfolio breakdown of ING Bank per exposure class and per risk category, based on regulatory Exposure at Default (READ) is shown below. The figures shown in the Credit Risk section are including loans to Group, unless stated otherwise:

 

Exposure classes ING Bank portfolio per risk category, as % of total regulatory EAD
		Lending								Investment								Money Market								Pre-Settlement								Total								Total (ALL)
2016		AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB + SA
Sovereigns			2.2	%			0.0	%			7.9	%			0.1	%			1.7	%			0.2	%			0.2	%			0.0	%			12.0	%			0.3	%			12.3	%
Institutions			3.1	%			0.3	%			1.8	%			0.0	%			0.4	%			0.0	%			4.9	%			0.1	%			10.2	%			0.3	%			10.5	%
Corporate			32.8	%			1.4	%			0.4	%			0.0	%			0.1	%			0.0	%			1.7	%			0.0	%			35.0	%			1.5	%			36.5	%
Residential mortgages			33.4	%			0.9	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			33.4	%			0.9	%			34.3	%
Other retail			4.2	%			1.4	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			4.2	%			1.4	%			5.6	%
Securitisation			0.1	%			0.0	%			0.6	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.1	%			0.0	%			0.8	%			0.0	%			0.8	%
Total (ALL)			75.8	%			4.0	%			10.8	%			0.1	%			2.1	%			0.2	%			6.9	%			0.1	%			95.6	%			4.4	%			100.0	%

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-166

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Exposure classes ING Bank portfolio per risk category, as % of total regulatory EAD
		Lending								Investment								Money Market								Pre-Settlement								Total								Total (ALL)
2015		AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB				SA				AIRB + SA
Sovereigns			3.5	%			0.0	%			8.3	%			0.1	%			1.6	%			0.2	%			0.3	%			0.0	%			13.7	%			0.3	%			14.1	%
Institutions			4.1	%			0.4	%			2.2	%			0.0	%			0.3	%			0.0	%			5.6	%			0.1	%			12.3	%			0.5	%			12.8	%
Corporate			29.5	%			1.1	%			0.2	%			0.0	%			0.1	%			0.0	%			1.3	%			0.0	%			31.1	%			1.1	%			32.2	%
Residential mortgages			33.3	%			0.8	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			33.3	%			0.8	%			34.1	%
Other retail			4.5	%			1.3	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			4.5	%			1.3	%			5.8	%
Securitisation			0.2	%			0.0	%			0.8	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.1	%			0.0	%			1.0	%			0.0	%			1.0	%
Total (ALL)			75.1	%			3.6	%			11.5	%			0.1	%			2.0	%			0.3	%			7.3	%			0.1	%			95.9	%			4.1	%			100.0	%

The total ING Bank portfolio size increased by 1.0% to EUR 845 billion in terms of READ, which was driven by volume growth and FX changes. The increase related to FX changes was driven by the appreciation of the US Dollar and Australian Dollar against the Euro, and partly offset by the depreciation of the British Pound and Turkish Lira.

The total size of the residential mortgage portfolio grew which was mainly driven by Germany, Australia, Spain and Belgium, while the residential mortgage portfolio in the Netherlands decreased in size. The decrease was driven by the continued transfer of mortgages from WestlandUtrecht (WU) Bank to NN Bank, the run-off of the WU Bank mortgage book and mortgage prepayments.

A concentration increase in the exposure class corporates was mainly observed in the Wholesale Banking business lines: structured finance, corporate & financial institutions (C&FI) lending, trade finance services and real estate finance. This was driven by the implementation of the EU equivalence rule, which resulted in a shift from exposure class institutions to corporates, and by actual lending growth in these portfolios. The lower concentration in exposure class institutions was also driven by a decrease in covered bond investments and pre-settlement exposures. The EU equivalence rule applies to certain countries outside the EU that have supervisory and regulatory arrangements in place that are at least equivalent to those applied in the EU. Since 2016 the EU equivalence indicator, which determines the exposure class allocation and correlation, is based on the combination of country and customer type, while before it was only based on the country.

The lower concentration in sovereigns was caused by decreased deposits at central banks, nostros at the Japanese Central Bank and government bonds. The investment portfolio decreased in proportion as well as in absolute value and was observed in government bonds, covered bonds and securitisations (RMBS) in Germany, Italy and Spain. Along with fulfilling liquidity requirements the investment portfolio remains a source of supporting assets in Retail Challengers & Growth Markets with exposure primarily to European central governments and central banks. The shrinking securitisations portfolio within ING Bank comprised of Investor and sponsor securitisations.

Risk rating buckets per line of business and credit risk types

Risk rating buckets are defined based upon the quality of the exposures in terms of creditworthiness, varying from investment grade to non-performing loan expressed in S&P, Moody’s and Fitch equivalents.

 

Risk classes ING Bank portfolio per line of business, as % of total outstandings 1,2
				Wholesale Banking								Retail Benelux								Retail Challengers & Growth Markets								Corporate Line								Total ING Bank
Rating class				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
1		(AAA)			7.1	%			9.4	%			0.2	%			0.1	%			7.3	%			7.6	%			42.7	%			40.2	%			5.5	%			6.5	%
2-4		(AA)			11.9	%			10.0	%			5.7	%			5.3	%			16.1	%			16.9	%			0.3	%			0.4	%			11.0	%			10.3	%
5-7		(A)			18.9	%			22.1	%			4.2	%			4.4	%			15.0	%			15.5	%			3.9	%			11.9	%			13.4	%			14.8	%
8-10		(BBB)			27.0	%			25.1	%			34.5	%			31.0	%			32.7	%			35.0	%			7.5	%			6.3	%			30.5	%			29.3	%
11-13		(BB)			26.5	%			24.6	%			43.2	%			46.0	%			21.5	%			17.5	%			42.2	%			38.0	%			30.3	%			29.4	%
14-16		(B)			5.5	%			5.4	%			7.5	%			7.7	%			5.6	%			5.8	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			6.1	%			6.1	%
17-22		(CCC & NPL)			3.0	%			3.4	%			4.7	%			5.5	%			1.8	%			1.7	%			3.5	%			3.2	%			3.2	%			3.6	%
Total					100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%

 

1	Based on credit risk measurement contained in lending, pre-settlement, money market and investment activities.

2	Covered bonds are presented on the basis of the external credit rating of the issuer in question. Covered bond issues generally possess a better external credit rating than the issuer standalone, given structural features of such covered bonds.

The total ING Bank portfolio outstandings amounted to EUR 775 billion at the end of December 2016. The overall ING Bank exposure increase was concentrated in the BBB and BB rating classes. The risk rating distribution across business lines and credit risk types showed various shifts over the year.

 

		F-167		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Decreased central bank deposits and the country rating downgrade of Finland to AA+ were the drivers behind the decreased proportion of AAA-rated assets in Wholesale Banking and increased investment concentration in rating class AA. Additional concentration in the Wholesale Banking AA rating class was driven by increased exposures in US government bonds and positive rating migration of one US financial institution which shifted derivatives exposure from rating class A. Next to this, the concentration in the A rating bucket decreased due to lower lending exposures to the Japanese Central Bank and negative rating migration of one German financial institution to bucket BBB, which mainly impacted Wholesale Banking and Corporate Line.

Concentration in the BBB rating class in Retail Challengers & Growth Markets decreased due to reduced Italian government bond exposures, and the country rating downgrade of Turkey which shifted concentration to rating class BB across all risk categories. The risk profile for residential mortgages in Retail Benelux improved due to enhanced arrears management, stricter screening rules and forbearance clients reaching their 1-year minimum default period in the Netherlands. This led to a decreased concentration in the BB and CCC & NPL rating buckets and increased share for the BBB rated category. Additional decreased concentration in the 17-22 (CCC & NPL) bucket was due to write-offs combined with positive rating migration in the commercial property finance portfolio.

 

Risk classes ING Bank portfolio per credit risk type, as % of total outstandings 1
				Lending								Investment								Money Market								Pre-settlement								Total ING Bank
Rating class				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
1		(AAA)			1.9	%			3.0	%			28.3	%			27.9	%			14.5	%			13.3	%			3.4	%			2.4	%			5.5	%			6.5	%
2-4		(AA)			5.2	%			4.9	%			40.4	%			36.6	%			50.4	%			50.9	%			14.8	%			11.4	%			11.0	%			10.3	%
5-7		(A)			10.1	%			11.1	%			16.9	%			17.8	%			14.0	%			5.1	%			47.5	%			52.7	%			13.4	%			14.8	%
8-10		(BBB)			35.3	%			33.1	%			6.9	%			10.5	%			4.2	%			24.1	%			23.3	%			23.8	%			30.5	%			29.3	%
11-13		(BB)			36.0	%			35.6	%			7.2	%			6.8	%			15.4	%			6.0	%			9.1	%			7.8	%			30.3	%			29.4	%
14-16		(B)			7.5	%			7.8	%			0.2	%			0.1	%			1.5	%			0.0	%			1.5	%			1.1	%			6.1	%			6.1	%
17-22		(CCC & NPL)			4.0	%			4.5	%			0.1	%			0.3	%			0.0	%			0.6	%			0.4	%			0.8	%			3.2	%			3.6	%
Total					100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%

 

1	Based on credit risk measurement contained in lending, pre-settlement, money market and investment activities. The ratings reflect probabilities of default and do not take collateral into consideration.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-168

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Risk industry concentration

ING Bank uses a common industry classification methodology based on the NAICS system (North American Industry Classification System). This methodology has over 1,500 detailed industry descriptions, which are aggregated into 22 industry classes at the highest level. Certain countries require ING Bank to report locally based on other industry classification methodologies, which are generally derived from the NAICS classifications presented here. Residential mortgages are generally only extended to private individuals.

 

Risk concentration: ING Bank portfolio per economic sector, as % of total outstandings 1
		Wholesale Banking								Retail Benelux								Retail Challengers & Growth Markets								Corporate Line								Total ING Bank
Industry		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Private Individuals			0.0	%			0.1	%			73.4	%			74.0	%			68.8	%			62.9	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			39.5	%			39.4	%
Commercial Banks			14.8	%			14.3	%			0.2	%			0.3	%			6.5	%			7.8	%			56.4	%			54.6	%			8.8	%			8.8	%
Natural Resources			15.0	%			13.0	%			0.4	%			0.4	%			0.7	%			0.7	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			6.8	%			5.7	%
Central Governments			9.9	%			10.5	%			0.9	%			1.2	%			5.6	%			7.1	%			36.3	%			34.1	%			6.5	%			7.0	%
Real Estate			10.2	%			10.0	%			4.7	%			4.7	%			0.9	%			0.8	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			6.0	%			5.8	%
Non-Bank Financial Institutions			10.4	%			11.7	%			0.9	%			0.8	%			3.2	%			4.3	%			7.3	%			11.3	%			5.7	%			6.4	%
Transportation & Logistics			8.0	%			7.6	%			1.1	%			1.1	%			0.4	%			0.4	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			3.9	%			3.6	%
Lower Public Administration			1.2	%			0.9	%			2.8	%			2.4	%			5.6	%			7.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			2.8	%			3.0	%
Central Banks			5.1	%			8.4	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			1.6	%			1.6	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			2.7	%			4.0	%
Services			3.2	%			3.1	%			3.6	%			3.6	%			0.6	%			0.7	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			2.6	%			2.5	%
Food, Beverages & Personal Care			3.7	%			3.8	%			2.1	%			2.1	%			1.3	%			1.4	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			2.6	%			2.6	%
General Industries			3.4	%			3.3	%			1.5	%			1.5	%			1.5	%			1.7	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			2.3	%			2.3	%
Chemicals, Health & Pharmaceuticals			2.4	%			2.0	%			2.8	%			2.8	%			0.7	%			0.8	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			2.1	%			1.9	%
Other			12.7	%			11.3	%			5.5	%			5.0	%			2.6	%			2.8	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			7.7	%			7.0	%
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%

 

1	Based on the total amount of credit risk in the respective column using ING Bank’s internal credit risk measurement methodologies. Economic sectors below 2% are not shown separately but grouped in Other.

During 2016, the overall portfolio continued to expand, which caused shifts in the concentration per economic sector. ING Bank’s main concentration in Private Individuals was related to mortgage lending. Underlying, a decline in mortgage exposure in Retail Benelux was offset by growth in Retail Challengers & Growth Markets. The Central Banks concentration decreased mainly due to lower amount of deposits and the Central Governments concentration decreased due to reduced government bond exposures in Wholesale Banking and Retail Challengers & Growth Markets. Concentration in Natural Resources increased due to growth in structured finance exposure, but also due to the appreciation of the US Dollar. The risk concentration of Non-Bank Financial Institutions declined significantly in Wholesale Banking Belgium and Netherlands due to decreased exposures in interest rate derivatives, exchange traded equity products, nostros and covered bonds.

 

		F-169		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Country risk

The concentration increase in the portfolio was mainly observed in Germany, Americas, and Australia. The increase in Americas is explained by the continually positive structured finance business momentum. The portfolio growth was further strengthened by the expanded Australian and German mortgage and structured finance portfolios. The Netherlands showed a significant decrease in the Wholesale Banking portfolio due to lower central bank deposits. The decrease in the Netherlands retail portfolio was driven by the continued transfer of mortgages from WestlandUtrecht (WU) Bank to NN Bank, the run-off of the WU Bank mortgage book and mortgage prepayments.

 

Country risk exposures: ING Bank portfolio, by geographic area 1
		Wholesale Banking								Retail Benelux								Retail Challengers & Growth Markets								Corporate Line								Total ING Bank
Region		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Netherlands			14.2	%			16.5	%			65.5	%			67.4	%			0.5	%			0.5	%			50.6	%			56.5	%			25.7	%			27.6	%
Germany			5.4	%			4.9	%			0.2	%			0.2	%			44.4	%			43.7	%			0.1	%			4.4	%			13.3	%			13.2	%
Belgium			6.2	%			7.1	%			32.1	%			30.4	%			0.5	%			0.6	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			12.0	%			12.0	%
Rest of Europe ²			40.8	%			40.5	%			2.0	%			1.8	%			35.5	%			37.6	%			0.2	%			1.5	%			28.2	%			28.2	%
Americas			19.5	%			18.1	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			1.5	%			1.5	%			0.1	%			0.2	%			9.5	%			8.6	%
Asia/Pacific			11.6	%			11.2	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			0.2	%			48.8	%			37.1	%			6.0	%			5.6	%
Australia			1.3	%			0.9	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			17.5	%			15.9	%			0.2	%			0.3	%			4.8	%			4.4	%
Rest of World			1.0	%			0.8	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.5	%			0.4	%
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%

 

1	Geographic areas are based on country of residence, except for private individuals for which the geographic areas are based on the primary country of risk.

2	The top 5 exposures within Rest of Europe are to United Kingdom (4.1%), France (3.4%), Poland (3.3%), Spain (3.2%) and Italy (2.4%).

Credit risk mitigation

ING Bank’s lending and investment businesses are subject to credit risk. As such, the creditworthiness of our customers and investments is continually monitored for their ability to meet their financial obligations to ING Bank. In addition to determining the credit quality and creditworthiness of the customer, ING Bank uses various credit risk mitigation techniques and instruments to mitigate the credit risk associated with an exposure and to reduce the losses incurred subsequent to an event of default on an obligation a customer may have towards ING Bank. The most common terminology used in ING Bank for credit risk protection is ‘cover’. While a cover can be an important mitigant of credit risk and an alternative source of repayment, generally it is ING Bank’s practice to lend on the basis of the customer’s creditworthiness rather than exclusively relying on the value of the cover. Within ING Bank, there are two distinct forms of covers: assets and third party obligations.

Cover forms

Assets

The asset that has been pledged to ING Bank as collateral or security gives ING Bank the right to liquidate it in cases where the customer is unable to fulfil its financial obligation. As such, the proceeds can be applied towards full or partial compensation of the customer’s outstanding exposure. An asset can be tangible (such as cash, securities, receivables, inventory, plant & machinery and mortgages on real estate properties) or intangible (such as patents, trademarks, contract rights and licenses).

Third party obligation

Third Party Obligation, indemnification or undertaking (either by contract and/or by law) is a legally binding declaration by a third party that gives ING Bank the right to expect and claim from that third party to pay an amount, if the customer fails on its obligations to ING Bank. The most common examples are guarantees (such as parent guarantees and export credit insurances) and letters of comfort.

Cover valuation methodology

General guidelines for cover valuation are established to ensure consistency of the application within ING Bank. These general guidelines also require that the value of the cover needs to be monitored on a regular basis, in principle at least annually. Covers are revalued accordingly and whenever there is reason to believe that the market is subject to significant changes in conditions. The frequency of monitoring and revaluation depends on the type of covers.

The valuation method also depends on the type of covers. For asset collateral, the valuation sources can be the customer’s balance sheet (e.g. inventory, machinery, and equipment), nominal value (e.g. cash, receivables), market value (e.g. securities and commodities), independent valuer (commercial real estate) and market indices (residential real estate). For third party obligations, the valuation is based on the value which is attributed to the contract between ING Bank and that third party.

Cover values

This section provides insight on the type of covers and to which extent a loan is collateralised. The cover disclosures are presented by risk category: Lending, Investment, Money-Market and Pre-settlement. The cover amounts are presented by the most relevant collateral forms, being mortgages and financial collateral (cash and securities), and the most relevant third party obligation being guarantees. ING Bank obtains covers which are eligible for credit risk mitigation under CRR/CRDIV, as well as those that are not eligible.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-170

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The cover values are presented for the total portfolio of ING Bank. Covers of both AIRB and SA portfolios are presented in detail reflecting ING Bank’s complete portfolio. Next to that, detailed information is provided on the cover coverage for the performing and non-performing portfolio. The non-performing loan definition is explained in detail in the section ‘Credit Restructuring’. To increase the understanding of the reader on the nature of the collateralised loans, insight is given in the industry and geography breakdown of ING Bank’s portfolio as well. For comparability reasons with previous tables, outstandings are used to show ING Bank’s portfolio.

Exposures are categorised into different Value to Loan (VTL) buckets that give insight in the level of collateralisation of ING Bank’s portfolio. VTL is calculated as the cover value divided by the outstandings at the balance sheet date. The cover values are indexed and exclude any cost of liquidation. Covers can either be valid for all limits, sub-limits or a particular outstanding of a borrower, the latter being the most common. For the purpose of aggregation, the coverage of all outstanding is capped at 100%. Over-collateralisation is ignored in this overview. Each limit is subsequently assigned to one of the six defined VTL buckets: no cover, >0% to 25%, >25% to 50%, >50% to 75%, >75% to <100%, and ³ 100%. As the nature of the Pre-settlement portfolio determines that collateral is netted, these VTL buckets are not shown.

The first two tables give an overview of the collateralisation of the total portfolio of ING Bank.

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Total ING Bank - 2016 1,2
						Cover type																				Value to Loan
		Outstandings				Mortgages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/ CRDIV eligible				Guarantees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				Partially covered				Fully covered
Consumer Lending			304,448				486,156				3,494				391				25,846				34,839				5.6	%			14.3	%			80.1	%
Business Lending			310,395				128,578				17,004				89,204				98,559				132,672				33.6	%			28.1	%			38.3	%
Investment and Money Market			110,218				0				0				0				989				0				99.1	%			0.3	%			0.6	%
Total Lending, Investment and Money Market			725,061				614,734				20,498				89,595				125,395				167,511				31.8	%			18.1	%			50.1	%
Pre-settlement 3			50,003
Total Bank			775,065				614,734				20,498				89,595				125,395				167,511				31.8	%			18.1	%			50.1	%

 

1	Including loans to ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

3	More information on the credit risk mitigants of the Pre-settlement exposure can be found in the Pre-settlement section.

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Total ING Bank - 2015 1,2
						Cover type																				Value to Loan
		Outstandings				Mortgages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/ CRDIV eligible				Guarantees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				Partially covered				Fully covered
Consumer Lending			297,866				460,892				3,363				475				26,283				35,017				5.3	%			18.0	%			76.7	%
Business Lending			295,987				119,583				16,736				81,729				90,158				130,344				36.8	%			27.5	%			35.7	%
Investment and Money Market			114,116								6								3,113				35				97.5	%			1.2	%			1.3	%
Total Lending, Investment and Money Market			707,970				580,474				20,105				82,204				119,554				165,396				33.3	%			19.3	%			47.4	%
Pre-settlement 3			52,574
Total Bank			760,543				580,474				20,105				82,204				119,554				165,396				33.3	%			19.3	%			47.4	%

 

1	Including loans to ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

3	More information on the credit risk mitigants of the Pre-settlement exposure can be found in the Pre-settlement section.

Over the year, the collateralisation level of ING Bank’s total portfolio improved. Excluding the pre-settlement portfolio for which covers are netted to derive the outstandings at risk, 50.1% of the total ING Bank’s outstandings (from 47.4% as of 2015) were fully collateralised in 2016. Investments decreased in 2016 by EUR 5.3 billion, mainly in Italian government bonds and Spanish covered bonds and securitisations. Since investments traditionally do not require covers, the no covers ratio in this portfolio is close to 100%. However, 93% of the investment outstandings are investment grade. In the Lending portfolio, coverage within consumer lending increased influenced by an improvement in the house price index in the Netherlands. The risk profile of the Real Estate portfolio improved as well, which also positively contributed to the coverage.

The increase in business lending for cover Other CRR/CRDIV eligible was mainly situated in UK and America, while the increase in Guarantees was seen in structured finance and C&FI lending.

 

		F-171		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Consumer lending portfolio

The consumer lending portfolio comprises of residential mortgage loans (93.4% in 2016 versus 93.9% in 2015) and other consumer lending loans, which mainly comprise credit cards, term loans and revolvers to consumers. As a result, most of the collateral consists of mortgages. The mortgage values are maintained in ING Bank’s central database (Vortex) and in most cases external data is used to index the market value. On a quarterly basis, the mortgages value is updated in Vortex using the relevant house price index (the NVM Index in the Netherlands, Level Housing Index in Australia, Crif Real Estate Appraisal Company in Italy and Ministerio de Fomento in Spain).

A significant, but decreasing part of ING Bank’s residential mortgage portfolio related to mortgage loans provided in the Netherlands (43.2% in 2016 versus 45.8% in 2015), followed by other main markets such as Germany (23.9%), and Belgium (11.8%). Given the size of the Dutch mortgage portfolio, the valuation methodology employed to determine the cover values for the Dutch residential mortgages is provided below.

Dutch mortgages valuation

When a mortgage loan is granted in the Netherlands, the policy dictates maximum loan to market value (LTMV) for an existing property and for construction property financing of 102% (in 2015: 103%). In 2017 the LMTV will reduce further to 101% and will be 100% in 2018. The cover values are captured in the local systems which are subsequently fed into a central data system (Vortex). All valuations are performed by certified valuators that are registered at one of the ING Bank-accepted organisations. In addition, the valuator must be a member of the NVM (Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars – Dutch Association of Real Estate Agents), VBO (Vereniging Bemiddeling Onroerend Goed – Association of Real Estate Brokers), VastgoedPRO (Association of Real Estate Professionals) or NVR (Nederlandse Vereniging van Rentmeesters).

The below tables show the values of different covers and the VTL split between performing and non-performing loans.

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Consumer lending portfolio – 2016 1
						Cover type																				Value to Loan
		Outstandings				Mortgages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/CRD IV eligible				Guarantees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				> 0% –25%				>25% –50%				> 50% –75%				>75% – <100%				> 100%
Performing
Residential Mortgages (Private Individuals)			276,412				473,271				2,754				136				24,664				29,421				0.0	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			1.4	%			13.4	%			85.0	%
Residential Mortgages (SME)			4,439				6,911				62				70				145				827				0.0	%			0.4	%			0.4	%			1.3	%			8.6	%			89.3	%
Other Consumer Lending			19,448				1,599				647				167				761				3,939				83.6	%			0.3	%			0.2	%			0.3	%			1.0	%			14.6	%
Total Performing			300,299				481,781				3,463				373				25,570				34,187				5.4	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			1.3	%			12.5	%			80.6	%
Non-performing
Residential Mortgages (Private Individuals)			3,197				4,097				29				5				255				567				0.5	%			0.3	%			0.8	%			6.1	%			27.4	%			64.9	%
Residential Mortgages (SME)			176				265				1				10				10				25				0.8	%			0.3	%			1.1	%			2.1	%			13.4	%			82.3	%
Other Consumer Lending			776				13				1				3				11				60				94.1	%			0.4	%			0.2	%			0.3	%			1.1	%			3.9	%
Total Non-performing			4,149				4,375				31				18				276				652				18.0	%			0.3	%			0.7	%			4.8	%			21.9	%			54.3	%
Total Consumer Lending			304,448				486,156				3,494				391				25,846				34,839				5.6	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			1.4	%			12.7	%			80.1	%

 

1	Excluding intercompany positions.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-172

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Consumer lending portfolio – 2015 1
						Cover type																				Value to Loan
		Outstandings				Mortgages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/CRD IV eligible				Guarantees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				> 0% –25%				> 25% –50%				> 50% –75%				>75% – <100%				> 100%
Performing
Residential Mortgages (Private Individuals)			270,966				447,613				2,716				154				25,271				29,406				0.1	%			0.1	%			0.1	%			1.5	%			17.1	%			81.1	%
Residential Mortgages (SME)			4,230				6,522				49				98				164				752				0.0	%			0.6	%			0.6	%			1.5	%			8.5	%			88.8	%
Other Consumer Lending			17,357				1,332				554				201				418				4,110				84.9	%			0.3	%			0.2	%			0.3	%			1.0	%			13.3	%
Total Performing			292,553				455,467				3,319				453				25,853				34,268				5.1	%			0.1	%			0.2	%			1.4	%			16.0	%			77.2	%
Non-performing
Residential Mortgages (Private Individuals)			4,323				5,148				40				5				403				649				0.9	%			0.3	%			0.9	%			7.4	%			33.9	%			56.6	%
Residential Mortgages (SME)			187				274				2				12				13				33				0.4	%			0.2	%			1.1	%			1.5	%			16.1	%			80.7	%
Other Consumer Lending			803				3				2				5				14				67				93.8	%			0.3	%			0.3	%			0.4	%			1.4	%			3.8	%
Total Non-performing			5,313				5,425				44				22				430				749				14.9	%			0.3	%			0.8	%			6.2	%			28.4	%			49.4	%
Total Consumer Lending			297,866				460,892				3,363				475				26,283				35,017				5.3	%			0.1	%			0.2	%			1.5	%			16.2	%			76.7	%

 

1	Excluding intercompany positions.

The collateralisation of the consumer lending portfolio continued to improve over the year 2016. The rise in collateralisation levels was due to improved housing prices, seen over different mortgage markets, including the Netherlands as main market. In addition, due to stringent policies there has been a reduction in mortgages granted with low VTL’s (high loan-to-values).

House prices in the Netherlands continued to show an improvement in 2016. This helped to increase the total residential mortgages cover values whilst overall mortgage outstandings increased, mainly in Germany and Australia, where the coverage ratio is nearly 100%. As the Netherlands is the biggest market for mortgages for ING Bank, this also had a significant impact on the coverage quality of the portfolio. Mortgage portfolio in the Netherlands reduced in outstandings due to run-off and transfer of WestlandUtrecht Bank mortgages to NN Bank. NPLs have shown a big improvement, especially in the Netherlands.

The numbers shown are conservative as the savings pledged to the mortgage product, ‘Spaarhypotheek’ (or mortgage with external saving account) present in the Dutch mortgage portfolio are not taken into account in the table above. For the residential mortgages portfolio, the guarantees relate to mortgages covered by governmental insurers under the Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG) in the Netherlands. The NHG guarantees the repayment of a loan in case of a forced property sale.

Business lending portfolio

Business lending is an important business of ING Bank, accounting for 40.0% of ING Bank’s total outstandings. In line with our objective to give stakeholders insight into the portfolio, we present the business lending portfolio per Industry breakdown in accordance with the NAICS definition and per Region and main market. Business Lending presented in this section does not include Pre-settlement and Investment & Money Market exposures, which are separately exhibited in the next sections.

 

		F-173		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Business lending per economic sector

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Business lending portfolio – 2016 1,2
						Cover type																				Value to Loan
Industry		Out- standings				Mort- gages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/CRD IV eligible				Guaran- tees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				>0% –25%				>25% –50%				> 50% –75%				>75% – <100%				>100%
Natural Resources			50,402				3,810				3,399				19,543				20,014				23,022				22.2	%			8.7	%			15.3	%			15.1	%			15.5	%			23.2	%
Real Estate			45,974				72,471				1,685				1,166				7,610				8,534				5.7	%			1.5	%			1.4	%			4.8	%			12.5	%			74.1	%
Transportation & Logistics			28,168				3,336				405				22,486				9,125				8,475				19.0	%			3.7	%			3.2	%			5.6	%			14.6	%			53.9	%
Commercial Banks			22,025				336				220				1,622				1,732				1,039				86.7	%			1.9	%			1.3	%			0.7	%			1.4	%			8.0	%
Services			19,252				9,010				1,389				5,420				6,034				10,369				32.4	%			3.4	%			5.0	%			7.5	%			10.9	%			40.8	%
Food, Beverages & Personal Care			18,158				6,942				611				7,459				6,813				15,678				26.9	%			3.4	%			5.8	%			11.1	%			13.3	%			39.5	%
Non-Bank Financial Institutions			17,211				1,885				6,060				5,338				7,268				9,075				35.5	%			8.7	%			6.0	%			7.0	%			6.1	%			36.7	%
General Industries			17,082				4,988				278				5,852				6,658				11,781				31.5	%			3.8	%			7.3	%			6.8	%			9.6	%			41.0	%
Chemicals, Health & Pharmaceuticals			14,732				7,636				227				3,458				3,342				7,233				34.7	%			3.1	%			5.6	%			10.6	%			12.5	%			33.5	%
Utilities			13,160				1,359				1,167				3,309				4,306				7,354				40.9	%			5.8	%			2.9	%			3.4	%			6.1	%			40.9	%
Others ³			64,231				16,805				1,563				13,551				25,657				30,112				51.3	%			2.5	%			5.2	%			5.5	%			8.3	%			27.2	%
Total Business Lending			310,395				128,578				17,004				89,204				98,559				132,672				33.6	%			4.1	%			5.9	%			7.4	%			10.6	%			38.3	%
of which Total Non- performing			9,438				4,352				293				3,210				3,961				3,705				24.1	%			4.4	%			6.4	%			14.2	%			13.8	%			37.2	%

 

1	Including loans to ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

3	‘Others’ comprises industries with outstandings below EUR 13 billion.

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Business lending portfolio – 2015 1,2
						Cover type																				Value to Loan
Industry		Out- standings				Mort- gages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/CRD IV eligible				Guaran- tees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				>0% –25%				>25% –50%				> 50% –75%				>75% –<100%				>100%
Real Estate			43,129				66,819				1,602				1,080				7,072				6,550				6.8	%			1.1	%			2.0	%			6.8	%			17.8	%			65.5	%
Natural Resources			41,967				4,080				3,927				15,497				21,793				23,362				23.6	%			9.4	%			11.5	%			13.5	%			14.1	%			27.9	%
Transportation & Logistics			24,877				3,575				468				22,224				8,258				8,601				16.0	%			5.2	%			3.0	%			6.2	%			11.4	%			58.2	%
Commercial Banks			22,367				14				267				619				1,195				1,200				89.3	%			3.7	%			1.4	%			0.6	%			1.3	%			3.7	%
Central Banks			21,714				0				1				0				5				0				100.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%
Services			18,477				8,197				1,282				4,450				5,586				10,287				30.0	%			4.6	%			4.1	%			9.4	%			10.0	%			41.9	%
Non-Bank Financial Institutions			16,702				2,288				5,022				4,401				4,668				9,370				37.5	%			7.6	%			5.5	%			8.7	%			7.1	%			33.6	%
General Industries			16,661				4,673				671				6,211				5,432				11,913				31.5	%			3.4	%			8.1	%			10.7	%			10.2	%			36.1	%
Food, Beverages & Personal Care			16,458				6,239				550				6,909				7,177				18,213				26.9	%			4.5	%			7.0	%			11.6	%			11.5	%			38.5	%
Chemicals, Health & Pharmaceuticals			13,300				6,937				357				4,803				2,782				6,160				32.5	%			4.3	%			3.9	%			11.8	%			14.0	%			33.5	%
Others ³			60,335				16,761				2,589				15,535				26,190				34,688				40.5	%			5.8	%			4.0	%			6.6	%			9.4	%			33.7	%
Total Business Lending			295,987				119,583				16,736				81,729				90,158				130,344				36.8	%			4.8	%			4.7	%			7.7	%			10.3	%			35.7	%
of which Total Non- performing			9,841				5,171				287				2,993				3,521				4,180				24.2	%			2.9	%			8.1	%			15.8	%			16.2	%			32.8	%

 

1	Including loans to ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

3	‘Others’ comprises industries with outstandings below EUR 13 billion in 2015.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-174

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Total business lending outstandings increased by EUR 14.4 billion, of which EUR 1.2 billion was FX driven. Largest outstandings increase was seen in the industry Natural Resources (20.1%, mainly in the oil sector. The increase was driven by growth in structured finance trade and commodity financing and the appreciation of the US Dollar. Increases in outstandings were also observed in the lending portfolios of Transportation & Logistics (13.2%) and Real Estate (6.6%).

Similar to the retail lending portfolio, the risk profile of the business lending portfolio continued improving in 2016. Lower NPLs and increased levels of collateralisation contributed to this improvement. The cover values of Real Estate (traditionally a well collateralised sector) improved over 2016. New transactions were done on more conservative collateral terms and improved valuations in real estate markets further helped to boost the total coverage in Real Estate.

The coverage of the non-performing part improved and an overall decrease was seen in the non-performing outstandings. The majority of this was in the Real Estate industry while some increases were observed in Transportation & Logistics and the Telecom sectors.

Business lending per region

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Business lending portfolio – 2016 1,2
								Cover type																				Value to Loan
Region				Out- standings				Mort- gages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/CRD IV eligible				Guaran- tees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				>0% –25%				>25% –50%				> 50% –75%				>75% – <100%				>100%
Africa					2,533				14				158				922				2,142				645				17.5	%			10.7	%			5.2	%			10.8	%			22.6	%			33.2	%
America					40,096				5,484				4,416				21,080				10,090				21,611				35.8	%			4.8	%			4.8	%			6.7	%			12.6	%			35.3	%
Asia					39,455				1,087				1,395				12,182				17,381				9,643				37.2	%			7.2	%			10.1	%			7.9	%			9.9	%			27.7	%
Australia					5,394				3,603				11				947				885				769				24.3	%			9.4	%			5.6	%			1.0	%			8.2	%			51.5	%
		Belgium			44,815				30,807				1,655				6,287				18,249				27,038				28.7	%			2.2	%			2.9	%			4.2	%			7.2	%			54.8	%
Europe		Germany			8,777				1,587				300				688				1,402				3,191				51.8	%			2.7	%			2.5	%			5.2	%			1.1	%			36.7	%
		Netherlands			63,597				47,941				3,007				23,451				7,990				14,849				26.5	%			2.2	%			4.5	%			11.7	%			18.0	%			37.1	%
		Rest of Europe			105,728				38,055				6,062				23,647				40,420				54,926				37.2	%			4.3	%			7.2	%			6.6	%			8.0	%			36.7	%
Total Business Lending					310,395				128,578				17,004				89,204				98,559				132,672				33.6	%			4.1	%			5.9	%			7.4	%			10.7	%			38.3	%
of which Non-performing					9,438				4,352				293				3,210				3,961				3,705				24.1	%			4.4	%			6.4	%			14.2	%			13.8	%			37.1	%

 

1	Including loans to ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Business lending portfolio – 2015 1,2
								Cover type																				Value to Loan
Region				Out- standings				Mort- gages				Eligible Financial Collateral				Other CRR/CRD IV eligible				Guaran- tees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				No Cover				>0% –25%				>25% –50%				> 50% –75%				>75% – <100%				>100%
Africa					1,898				21				123				620				1,338				793				26.0	%			6.6	%			7.1	%			14.7	%			22.0	%			23.7	%
America					35,127				4,836				4,567				19,050				11,990				23,815				28.3	%			5.9	%			6.9	%			9.8	%			10.9	%			38.2	%
Asia					37,439				1,004				1,174				10,593				15,841				8,321				46.4	%			5.9	%			5.5	%			8.7	%			6.4	%			27.1	%
Australia					3,925				3,225				74				861				592				954				12.7	%			18.8	%			5.5	%			3.6	%			8.9	%			50.5	%
		Belgium			41,378				29,161				1,405				6,348				17,227				30,063				29.6	%			2.3	%			2.6	%			4.6	%			7.0	%			53.9	%
		Germany			8,365				1,651				314				602				1,273				2,535				55.9	%			1.7	%			1.7	%			4.3	%			2.6	%			33.8	%
Europe		Netherlands			71,146				45,085				3,092				24,330				6,865				14,251				35.8	%			2.3	%			3.3	%			10.7	%			17.9	%			30.0	%
		Rest of Europe			96,709				34,600				5,987				19,325				35,032				49,612				39.4	%			6.4	%			5.6	%			5.9	%			8.3	%			34.4	%
Total Business Lending					295,987				119,583				16,736				81,729				90,158				130,344				36.8	%			4.8	%			4.7	%			7.7	%			10.3	%			35.7	%
of which Non-performing					9,841				5,171				287				2,993				3,521				4,180				24.2	%			2.9	%			8.1	%			15.8	%			16.2	%			32.8	%

 

1	Including loans to ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

 

		F-175		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The two tables above provide the collateralisation of ING Bank’s business lending portfolio with a breakdown per geographical region or main market, which are defined based on the residence of the borrowers. The total increase in the business lending portfolio is in line with the increase in covers. This increase in collateralisation is observed in most regions and main countries. The large increase in America was mainly due to growth in the structured finance portfolio and the appreciated US Dollar.

The increase in Belgium was mainly due to growth in the C&FI Lending. The decrease in the Netherlands was due to a large decline in central bank deposits. As these deposits are not collateralised this decline had no influence on the total cover amounts. The increase in the Rest of Europe was mainly observed in the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Italy.

Investment and Money Market portfolio

 

Cover values including guarantees received - Investment and Money Market portfolio 1,2
				2016				Cover type												2015				Cover type
Region				Out- standings				Eligible Financial Collateral				Guaran- tees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible				Out- standings				Eligible Financial Collateral				Guaran- tees				Non CRR/ CRD IV eligible
Africa																					0
America					10,296								44								8,860				6				23				35
Asia					8,065																6,079
Australia					3,695																3,865
Europe		Belgium			9,282																9,677
		Germany			20,481																20,914
		Netherlands			11,586																11,295
		Rest of Europe			46,813								945								53,426								3,090
Total Investment and Money Market					110,218								989								114,116				6				3,113				35
of which Non-performing					10																171

 

1	Including loans to ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

A key characteristic of the investment and money market business is that typically little cover is given to support these exposures. 99.7% of Money Market and 99.0% of Investment exposure receives no covers. The guarantees listed under Rest of Europe comprised of cedulas and were booked in Spain. The decrease in the guarantees was related to the decreased outstandings in cedulas.

Pre-settlement portfolio

ING Bank uses various market pricing and measurement techniques to determine the amount of credit risk on pre-settlement activities. These techniques estimate ING Bank’s potential future exposure on individual and portfolios of trades. Master agreements and collateral agreements are frequently entered into to reduce these credit risks.

ING Bank matches trades with similar characteristics to determine their eligibility for offsetting. This offsetting effect is called ‘compensation’. Subsequently, ING Bank reduces the amount by any legal netting that may be permitted under various types of Master Agreements, such as ISDA Master Agreements, Global Master Repurchase Agreements (GMRA), Global Master Securities Lending Agreements (GMSLA), etc. Lastly, the amount is further reduced by any collateral that is held by ING Bank under Credit Support Annexes (CSAs) or other similar agreements.

The use of Central Clearing Parties (CCPs) is becoming more important for the derivatives business and as a consequence the credit risk is shifting from Counterparties to CCPs. In 2016, the notional Pre-Settlement exposure that was cleared via CCPs formed 55.5% of the total notional (51.2% in 2015).

As part of its securities financing business, ING Bank entities actively enter into agreements to sell and buy back marketable securities. These transactions can take many legal forms. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, buy/sell-back and sell/buyback agreements, and securities borrowing and lending agreements are the most common. As a general rule, the marketable securities that have been received under these transactions are eligible to be resold or re-pledged in other (similar) transactions. ING Bank is obliged to return equivalent securities in such cases.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-176

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The table below represents the different types of outstandings in 2016 and 2015.

 

•

The ‘Gross MtM before netting and collateral’ is the exposure calculated in accordance with the Current Exposure Method (CEM, which in the EU regulation is referred to as the Mark-to-Market method) without accounting for any netting or collateral benefit;

 

•

The ‘MtM after netting’ is the exposure, according to the CEM, taking into account the benefit of legally enforceable netting agreements (e.g. ISDAs), but without considering the benefit of margin collateral (e.g. CSAs);

 

•

The ‘MtM after netting and collateral’ is the exposure according to the CEM, taking into account both the benefit of netting and marginal collateral. In other words, the gap between the ‘MtM after netting’ and ‘MtM after netting and collateral’ is the liquid collateral (cash and securities); and

 

•

The outstandings column represents CEM exposure (MtM after netting and collateral) plus the Potential Future Exposure (PFE) at a 97.5% confidence level for derivatives and securities.

 

Pre-settlement portfolio 1,2
				2016																2015
Region				Gross MtM before netting and collateral				MtM after netting				MtM after netting and collateral				Outstandings				Gross MtM before netting and collateral				MtM after netting				MtM after netting and collateral				Outstandings
Africa					84				49				47				89				71				48				46				55
America					20,866				10,891				6,549				9,241				18,648				10,237				7,127				8,734
Asia					8,318				4,743				3,558				3,918				6,598				3,455				2,823				3,242
Australia					537				303				228				492				470				259				236				344
		Belgium			5,463				3,368				2,871				2,455				5,343				3,875				3,360				2,507
		Germany			5,300				2,757				1,842				3,479				7,216				3,783				2,486				5,038
Europe		Netherlands			9,146				5,859				3,741				4,848				10,256				5,842				4,385				5,138
		Rest of Europe			124,173				31,656				26,648				25,481				118,920				34,762				28,212				27,504
Total Pre-settlement					173,887				59,626				45,484				50,003				167,522				62,261				48,675				52,562
of which Non-performing					37				36				36				36				52				52				52				55

 

1	Including transactions with ING Group.

2	Excluding intercompany positions.

During 2016 the pre-settlement portfolio decreased when expressed in outstandings. The MtM before and after netting and collateral increases were observed, especially in Rest of Europe due to increases from exposures to commercial banks and to central clearing houses. Rest of Europe forms majority of the pre-settlement portfolio which was mainly concentrated in UK and where the portfolio consisted of mostly derivatives.

Credit quality

Following, the somewhat higher credit risk levels seen as a result of the financial crisis and economic downturn, the credit quality has been improving since 2014 and also continued the improving trend in 2016.

 

Credit risk categories

Regular

Watch List

Restructuring 1

Non-performing 1

Possible ratings

1–19

1–19

11–20

20-22

Typical ratings

1–14

15–17

18–20

20-22

Deterioration in risk

Not significant

Significant

Significant

Significant

Significant intervention

Not required

Not required

Required

Required

Includes impairments

No

No

Yes

Yes

Account Ownership

Front Office

Front Office

Front Office

Front Office

Credit Risk Management

Regular

Regular

Credit Restructuring

Credit Restructuring

Primary Manager

Front Office

Front Office

Credit Restructuring

Credit Restructuring

Accounting provisioning

IBNR

IBNR

IBNR/INSFA/ISFA

INSFA/ISFA

 

1	More information on the Restructuring and Non-performing categories can be found in the Credit restructuring section.

 

		F-177		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Credit quality: ING Bank portfolio, outstandings
		2016				2015
Neither past due nor non-performing			757,498				740,890
Consumer lending past due but performing (1–90 days)			3,970				4,328
Non-performing 1			13,597				15,325
Total			775,065				760,543

 

1	Based on lending and investment activities.

The total ING Bank portfolio increase was driven by both asset origination and FX movements. The credit quality of the ING Bank portfolio improved with lower past due and non-performing assets. Both developments were mainly observed in Dutch mortgages and the commercial property finance portfolio. The improvement in the past due but performing portfolio was largely driven by Retail Benelux resulting from better arrears management. The reduction in the non-performing portfolio was due to write-offs combined with positive rating migration to the performing portfolio and it was partly offset by an increase in non-performing loans in structured finance.

Past-due obligations

Retail Banking continuously measures its portfolio in terms of payment arrears. The retail portfolios are closely monitored on a monthly basis to determine if there are any significant changes in the level of arrears. The methodology is principally extended to loans to private individuals, such as residential mortgage loans, car loans, and other consumer loans. An obligation is considered ‘past-due’ if a payment of interest or principal is more than one day late. In practice, the first 5-7 days after an obligation becomes past due are frequently operational in nature for retail loans and small businesses portfolios. After this period, letters are sent to the obligor reminding the obligor of its (past due) payment obligations. If the arrears continue to exist, the obligor is transferred to a restructuring unit. The obligor is downgraded to risk rating 20 (non-performing) when the arrears exceed 90 days. The table below captures all past due exposures starting from day 1.

 

Aging analysis (past due but performing): ING Bank consumer lending portfolio, outstandings 1
		2016				2015
Past due for 1–30 days			3,368				3,593
Past due for 31–60 days			532				652
Past due for 61–90 days			70				83
Total			3,970				4,328

 

1	Based on consumer lending. The amount of past due but performing financial assets in respect of non-lending activities was not significant.

The improvement in past due obligations was mainly seen in Retail Benelux, underlying a solid base for ING’s primary market. The improved economy and revival of the housing market in the Netherlands were the main drivers. At the same time, local risk management actions targeted at lowering arrears and enhancing the early warning methodology clearly helped to improve the overall portfolio quality.

Wholesale Banking: for business loans (governments, institutions, corporates), ING Bank classifies the relevant obligors as non-performing when any of the below listed default triggers occurs:

 

•

Bankruptcy or financial reorganisation: The borrower has sought or has been placed (or is likely to seek or be placed) in bankruptcy or similar protection, where this would avoid or delay repayment of the financial asset;

 

•

The borrower has failed in the payment of principal or interest/fees and such payment failure has remained unresolved for the following period:

 

•

Corporates: more than 90 days; and

 

•

Financial Institutions and Governments: from day 1, however, a research period of 14 calendar days will be observed in order for ING Bank to establish whether the payment default was due to non-operational reasons (i.e. the deteriorated credit quality of the financial institution) or due to operational reasons. The latter does not trigger default.

 

•

ING Bank thinks the borrower is unlikely to pay: The borrower has evidenced significant financial difficulty, to the extent that it will have a negative impact on the future cash flows of the financial asset. The following events could be seen as examples of financial difficulty indicators:

 

(1)

The borrower (or 3rd party) has started insolvency proceedings.

 

(2)

NPL status of a group company/co-borrower.

 

(3)

Significant fraud (affecting the company’s ability to service its debt)

 

(4)

There is doubt as to the borrowers’ ability to generate stable and sufficient cash flows to service its debt.

 

(5)

Restructuring of debt includes a partial (debt waiver) or debt-equity conversion

 

•

ING Bank has granted concessions relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, the effect of which is a reduction in expected future cash flows of the financial asset below current carrying amount.

Wholesale Banking has an individual name approach, using Early Warnings indicators to signal possible future issues in debt service.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-178

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Credit restructuring

Global Credit Restructuring (GCR) is the dedicated and independent corporate department that deals with non-performing loans and loans that hold a reasonable probability that ING will end up with a loss, if no specific action is taken. GCR deals with accounts or portfolios requiring an active approach, which may include renegotiation of terms & conditions and business or financial restructuring. The loans are managed by GCR or by the regional restructuring units in the various regions and business units.

ING uses three distinct statuses in categorizing the management of clients with (perceived) deteriorating credit risk profile, i.e. there is doubt as to the performance and the collectability of the client’s contractual obligations:

 

•

Watch List: Usually, a client is first classified as Watch List when there are concerns of any (potential or material) deterioration in the credit risk profile that might affect the ability of the client to adhere to its debt service obligations or to refinance its existing loans. The Watch List status requires more than usual attention, increased monitoring and quarterly reviews. Some clients with a Watch List status may develop into a Restructuring status or even a Recovery status.

 

•

Restructuring: A client is classified as Restructuring when there are concerns about the client’s financial stability, credit worthiness and/or its ability to repay, but where the situation does not call for recalling or acceleration of facilities or liquidating the collateral. ING’s actions aim to maintain the going concern status of the client by:

 

•

Restoring the client’s financial stability;

 

•

Supporting the client’s turnaround;

 

•

Restoring the tension between debt and equity; and

 

•

Restructuring the debt to a sustainable situation.

 

•

Recovery: A client is classified as Recovery when ING and/or the client concludes that the client’s financial situation cannot be restored and a decision is made to end the (credit) relationship or even to enter into bankruptcy. ING will prefer an amicable exit, but will enforce and liquidate collateral or claim on the guarantees if deemed necessary.

Additionally, ING uses three distinct reporting signs in identifying exposures for clients facing financial difficulties with the notion of:

 

•

Forbearance: For clients facing financial difficulties, ING might enter into a forbearance agreement with these clients in order to ease the contractual debt service obligation. All ING Business Units/Lines are required to review the clients with Early Warning Signals, Watch List, Restructuring and Recovery classification, to determine whether Forbearance is applicable. For further details on forbearance we refer to the Forbearance section.

 

•

Default: For clients with non-performing loan(s) in accordance with the definition of the regulator (CRR/CRDIV; EBA; ECB); and

 

•

Impairment: For clients with impaired loan(s) in accordance with the definition of accounting (IFRS/IAS).

Watch List, Restructuring and Recovery are discussed at least on a quarterly basis between Front Office, respective Credit Risk Management executives and GCR, at which time it may be decided to change the status of an account from Watch List to Restructuring or Recovery or vice versa.

Non-performing loans

The ING Bank loan portfolio is under constant review. Loans with past due financial obligations of more than 90 days are reclassified as non-performing. For the commercial lending portfolios, there generally are reasons for declaring a loan non-performing prior to being 90 days past due. These include, but are not limited to, ING Bank’s assessment of the customer’s perceived inability to meet its financial obligations, or the customer filing for bankruptcy or bankruptcy protection.

The table below represents the economic sector breakdown of credit risk outstandings for loans and positions that have been classified as non-performing loans.

 

Non-performing Loans: ING Bank portfolio, outstandings by economic sector 1
		2016				2015
Private Individuals			4,382				5,580
Real Estate			1,808				2,562
Natural Resources			1,387				1,352
Transportation & Logistics			1,056				793
Builders & Contractors			955				1,037
General Industries			710				694
Food, Beverages & Personal Care			705				710
Services			689				796
Other			1,905				1,801
Total			13,597				15,325

 

1	Economic sectors not specified in above overview are grouped in Other.

 

		F-179		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The overall amount of NPLs decreased in 2016, mainly thanks to Private Individuals and improvements in the Real Estate sectors. The decrease in NPLs for the Private Individuals segment was mainly due to the improved credit quality in the Dutch mortgage portfolio as a result of the improved economic conditions in the Netherlands. The decline in NPLs in the Real Estate sector was observed in Wholesale Banking Netherlands and Spain/ Portugal Real Estate Finance and was driven by both cures and file resolutions or sales. The total decrease in the NPL portfolio outstandings was partly offset by an increase in Shipping Netherlands and UK (part of Transportation & Logistics).

Provisioning

Loan Loss Provisions (LLP) are calculated and accounted for in accordance with IFRS. LLP are reported for financial assets that are measured against amortised costs (loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments). There are three types of LLP:

 

•

Individually Significant Financial Asset (ISFA) provisions: when there is objective evidence that a financial asset is defaulted as result of one or more prescribed default trigger events. In such cases, ING assigns a risk rating 20, 21 or 22. Specific provisions are calculated if the exposure to a borrower exceeds the threshold amount. The threshold amount varies per business unit, but generally is EUR 1 million. Provisions are calculated based on discounted future cash flows under 1 or more likely scenarios to arrive at a best estimate of future recoveries. Provisions are made on a quarterly basis.

 

•

Individually Not Significant Financial Asset (INSFA) provisions: are made for non-performing loans (ratings 20-22), if the exposure to a borrower is below the threshold amount. A collective model based approach is taken to determine these provisions; and

 

•

Incurred But Not Recognised (IBNR) provisions: are made for the ‘performing’ loan portfolio as an estimate or proxy for the losses/defaults that may have already occurred in the portfolio. The PD time horizon used in the calculation of IBNR provisions refers to the period during which an asset is impaired (in default), but not yet recognised as such - due to lack of objective evidence – and the moment that objective evidence of impairment occurs and becomes available to ING (‘loss emergence period’).

ISFA, INSFA and IBNR provisions are reported and calculated by using common standards across ING Bank. In case there is objective evidence that one of the default triggers is applicable, ISFA or INSFA provisions are calculated. An analysis takes place on a quarterly basis in order to determine the appropriate level of LLP and Risk Costs. The ING Bank Provisioning Committee (IPC) discusses and approves the LLP for ING Bank, on the basis of proposals originating from ING Business Units.

At the end of 2016, ING Bank held specific (ISFA) and collective provisions (INSFA) of EUR 3,044 million and EUR 1,443 million, respectively (2015: EUR 3,331 million and EUR 1,686 million respectively), representing the difference between the amortised cost of the portfolio and the estimated recoverable amount discounted at the effective rate of interest. In addition, there is EUR 821 million (2015: EUR 769 million) in provisions (IBNR) against the performing portfolio.

 

Provisions: ING Bank portfolio 1,2
		Wholesale Banking								Retail Benelux								Retail Challengers & Growth Markets								Total ING Bank
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Opening Balance			2,371				2,259				2,199				2,529				1,216				1,207				5,786				5,995
Changes in the composition of the group			0				0				0				0				0				0				0				0
Write-offs			–625				–520				–681				–956				–188				–242				–1,494				–1,718
Recoveries			49				32				38				50				7				9				94				91
Increase/(decrease) in loan loss provision			367				478				347				602				260				267				974				1,347
Exchange rate or other movements			–15				122				–19				–26				–18				–25				–52				71
Closing Balance			2,147				2,371				1,884				2,199				1,277				1,216				5,308				5,786

 

1	At the end of 2016, the stock of provisions included provisions for amounts due from banks: EUR 11 million (2015: EUR 14 million).

2	Includes EUR 119 million provisions for contingent liabilities.

The favourable trend in risk costs continued over the year 2016. Compared to 2015-end, risk costs have trended down to 31 basis points (2015: 44 basis points) of average RWA which is below the through-the-cycle range of 40-45 basis points. The improving risk trend caused average quarterly risk costs to remain well below EUR 300 million, causing the total stock of provisions to decline from EUR 5.8 billion to EUR 5.3 billion.

Portfolios in Retail Benelux continued to improve, Wholesale Banking corporate lending was also relatively strong with a few incidental defaults. Challenges continued in industries like Oil & Gas, Shipping and Telecom while on the other hand, improved risk profiles were witnessed in other portfolios of the bank such as in residential mortgages and in commercial property finance. Encouraging signs in the Dutch housing market have helped to reduce the risk costs due to improved house prices and risk profiles. Risk costs in Turkey and Ukraine have trended downwards in 2016.

There was an improvement in the bank coverage ratio to 39.0% (2015: 38.5%) due to improved non-performing loan levels and a comparatively lesser decrease in stock provision level

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-180

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Large parts of the Investment portfolio are not accounted for at amortised costs (loans & receivables or held-to-maturity) and therefore out of scope for LLP. Instead, these assets are evaluated for impairment. The ING Bank Impairment Meeting is a quarterly process that reviews all assets that are subject to an IFRS-EU impairment test.

Forbearance

Forbearance occurs when a client is considered to be unable to meet its financial commitments under the contract due to financial difficulties and ING decides to grant concessions towards the client. Forborne exposures are exposures in respect of which forbearance measures have been granted. Forbearance measures can be either modifications to existing contractual terms and conditions or total or partial refinancing. Examples include reduction of loan principal and/or interest payments, extended payment terms, debt consolidations and deferral of foreclosures.

To identify forbearance, ING assesses clients with Early Warning Signals, Watch List, Restructuring, Default or Recovery status. ING Bank reviews the performance of forborne exposures at least quarterly, either on a case-by-case (business) or on a portfolio (retail) basis.

For corporate customers, ING Bank applies forbearance measures to support clients with fundamentally sound business models that are experiencing temporary difficulties. The aim is to maximise the repayment ability of the clients.

For ING Bank retail units, clear criteria have been established to determine whether a client is eligible for forbearance – generally as part of an automated process. Specific approval mandates are in place to approve the measures, as well as procedures to manage, monitor and report the forbearance activities.

Exposures with forbearance measures can be either performing (Risk Ratings 1-19) or non-performing (Risk Ratings 20-22). ING applies criteria to move forborne exposures from non-performing to performing as well as criteria to remove the forbearance status that are consistent with the corresponding EBA standards. An exposure is reported as forborne for a minimum of two years, plus a probation period observed for forborne exposures to move from non-performing back to performing.

ING Bank implemented its forbearance policy in 2014. In the course of 2016 based on a detailed re-assessment of the relevant standards set by EBA and subsequent regulatory guidance, ING Bank tightened the definitions under its forbearance policy. Key policy revisions that led to an increase in the scope of forbearance relate to the inclusion of concessions where the risk is significantly mitigated by the client and waivers or modifications of key financial covenants. As a result of these revisions in definition and scope, performing forborne exposure recognised by ING Bank increased significantly as measures taken (in previous periods) were now recognized as forbearance.

 

ING Bank: Summary Forborne assets 1
		2016																2015
Business Line		Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non- Performing				% of total portfolio				Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non- Performing				% of total portfolio
Wholesale Banking			7,776				3,978				3,799				2.7	%			3,655				881				2,774				1.4	%
Retail Banking			7,104				3,944				3,159				1.7	%			6,982				3,241				3,742				1.6	%
Total			14,880				7,922				6,958				2.1	%			10,637				4,122				6,516				1.5	%

 

1	Undrawn commitments are excluded.

ING Bank’s forborne assets increased by EUR 4.2 billion (40%) to EUR 14.9 billion per December 2016, mainly driven by Wholesale Banking.

 

		F-181		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Wholesale Banking

As per December 2016, Wholesale Banking forborne assets amounted to a total of EUR 7.8 billion, which represented 2.7% of the total Wholesale Banking portfolio.

 

Wholesale Banking: Forborne assets by Geographical Region 1
						2016												2015
Region						Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non-Performing				Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non-Performing
Europe			Netherlands				2,200				1,100				1,100				1,229				406				823
			Belgium				245				103				142				63				17				46
			Germany				41				13				28				5				5				0
			Rest of Europe				3,016				1,496				1,521				1,949				428				1,521
Africa							197				112				85				92				0				92
America							1,387				709				678				237				7				230
Asia							663				445				218				80				18				62
Australia							27				0				27
Total							7,776				3,978				3,799				3,655				881				2,774

 

1	Undrawn commitments are excluded.

 

Wholesale Banking: Forborne assets by Industry 1
		2016												2015
Industry		Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non-Performing				Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non-Performing
Natural Resources			2,385				1,232				1,152				960				26				934
Real Estate			1,775				1,015				759				1,327				383				944
Transportation & Logistics			1,319				685				634				208				55				153
Builders & Contractors			429				269				160				182				113				70
Services			414				198				216				213				125				88
General Industries			411				112				299				316				105				211
Utilities			259				58				201				186				2				184
Food, Beverages & Personal Care			207				141				66				68				37				32
Telecom			152				39				114				38				9				29
Media			120				39				81				27				9				18
Technology			108				87				22				3				3				0
Chemicals, Health & Pharmaceuticals			76				65				11				26				3				22
Other			121				38				84				101				11				89
Total			7,776				3,978				3,799				3,655				881				2,774

 

1	Undrawn commitments are excluded.

Wholesale Banking forborne assets were mainly concentrated in Natural Resources, Real Estate and Transportation & Logistics. Together they accounted for 70% (2015: 68%) of the total forborne assets and 67% (2015: 73%) of the total non-performing forborne assets.

Wholesale Banking forborne assets increased by EUR 4.1 billion compared to 2015. This was largely driven by the revision of the forbearance policy which resulted in increased forborne assets of EUR 3.1 billion, of which EUR 2.1 billion in the performing portfolio and EUR 1.0 billion in the non-performing portfolio. The main countries impacted were the Netherlands and the United States.

Excluding the policy revision, the forborne assets increased by EUR 1.0 billion mainly visible in Natural Resources (EUR 0.4 billion) and Transportation & Logistics (EUR 0.3 billion), driven by the respective Oil & Gas and Shipping portfolios. The non-performing portfolio in Natural Resources mainly decreased due to the bankruptcy of a large client. The performing Real Estate portfolio increased due to new inflow of clients, while the non-performing Real Estate portfolio mainly decreased due to repayments and write-offs.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-182

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Retail Banking

As per end of December, Retail Banking forborne assets amounted to a total of EUR 7.1 billion, which represented 1.7% of the total Retail Banking portfolio.

 

Retail Banking: Forborne assets by Geographical Region 1
						2016												2015
Region						Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non- Performing				Forborne assets				Of which: Performing				Of which: Non- Performing
Europe			Netherlands				4,301				2,395				1,906				4,262				1,719				2,543
			Belgium				1,139				418				721				1,096				412				684
			Germany				644				511				132				696				547				149
			Rest of Europe				651				335				317				527				259				269
Africa							1				0				1				1				0				1
America							3				0				2				2				0				1
Asia							1				0				1				1				0				1
Australia							364				285				79				397				304				94
Total							7,104				3,944				3,159				6,982				3,241				3,742

 

1	Undrawn commitments are excluded.

The main concentration of forborne assets was in the Netherlands with 61% of the total forborne assets (2015: 61%) and 60% of the non-performing forborne assets (2015: 68%). Retail Banking forborne assets only increased slightly by EUR 0.1 billion compared to 2015. The policy revision impacted the Retail Banking portfolio to a much lesser extent (increase of EUR 0.4 billion) and was primarily seen in the Dutch business portfolio.

Excluding the policy revision, the forborne assets decreased by EUR 0.3 billion. As the business lending portfolio remained stable, this decrease was attributable to the consumer portfolio and mainly driven by the Dutch residential mortgage portfolio. Additionally, a EUR 0.7 billion move of non-performing to performing forborne assets was observed in the Netherlands, due to clients reaching the one year probation period. Both were the result of a continued improved economic environment, visible by the increasing house prices and improved credit worthiness of our clients.

Securitisations

ING Bank primarily plays three roles in its exposure to securitisations programs which are:

ING Bank as Investor

ING Bank’s goal is to maintain a portfolio of high quality liquid assets that meets the regulatory requirements of CRR/CRD IV and the Delegated Act of October 2014 regarding liquidity. ING invests in high quality residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) and asset backed securities (ABS) keeping close track of the securitisation investment positions via monthly monitoring reports and weekly update calls. Additionally, ING may invest in securitisation positions in order to facilitate client business from its Global Capital Markets Unit

ING Bank as Originator

ING Bank occasionally originates own securitisation transactions for economic and regulatory capital purposes, as well as liquidity and funding purposes. Securitisations originated by a company may only be considered for balance sheet de-recognition when the requirements for significant credit risk transfer have been fulfilled. However, for a securitisation transaction to be recognised as for RWA reduction, risk transfer alone may be insufficient due to the increasing impact of the maturity mismatch formula. As a consequence, the RWA of the retained tranches for one of the transactions would be higher than the total RWA of the underlying pool before securitisation. In such cases the RWA calculation for the transaction is performed as if it was not securitised. ING Bank has done a very limited number of external transactions as originator.

ING Bank as Sponsor

In the normal course of business, ING Bank structures financing transactions for its clients by assisting them in obtaining sources of liquidity by selling the clients’ receivables or other financial assets to a special purpose vehicle (SPV). Senior positions in these transactions are often funded by the ING Bank administered multi-seller asset backed commercial paper (ABCP) conduit Mont Blanc Capital Corp. (rated A-1/P-1). Mont Blanc Capital Corp. funds itself externally in the ABCP markets. In its role as administrative agent, ING Bank facilitates these transactions by providing structuring, accounting, funding and operations services. ING Bank also provides support facilities (liquidity facilities) backing the transactions funded by the conduit. Mont Blanc is fully consolidated into the ING Bank financial accounts.

 

		F-183		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Market risk

Introduction

Market risk is the risk that movements in market variables, such as interest rates, equity prices, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads and real estate prices negatively impact the bank’s earnings, capital, market value or liquidity position. Market risk either arises through positions in banking books or trading books. The banking book positions are intended to be held in the long-term (or until maturity) or for the purpose of hedging other banking book positions. The trading book positions are typically held with a short-term trading intent or in order to hedge other positions in the trading book. This means that financial instruments in the trading books should be free of restrictions on their tradability. Policies and processes are in place to monitor inclusion of positions into either a trading or a banking book and transfer of risk from trading to banking book and vice versa.

ING Bank recognises the importance of sound market risk management and follows the approach to identify, assess, control and manage market risks. The approach consists of a cycle of five recurrent activities: risk identification, risk assessment, risk control, risk monitoring and risk reporting.

 

•

Risk identification is a joint effort of the 1st and 2nd line of defence (the ‘three lines of defence governance’ model is explained in the risk governance paragraph of the general risk management section). Its goal is to detect potential new risks and changes in known risks;

 

•

Identified risks are assessed to determine the importance of the risk for ING Bank and subsequently to identify the control measures needed;

 

•

Control measures used by ING Bank include policies, procedures, minimum standards, limit frameworks, buffers and stress tests;

 

•

An important element of risk management is to continuously check if the implemented risk controls are executed and complied with and monitor that the controls are effective; and

 

•

Results and findings are reported to the governing departments and approval bodies.

Governance

A governance framework has been established defining specific roles and responsibilities of business management, market risk management and internal approval bodies per activity.

Within ING Bank, the overall risk appetite is set by the Supervisory Board. Market risk falls under the supervision of the MBB and is delegated to the ALCO function, where ALCO Bank is the highest approval authority. ALCO Bank monitors adherence to the risk appetite for market risk and sets additional limits where appropriate. These limits are cascaded through the organisation through lower level ALCO’s. This ALCO structure within ING Bank facilitates top-down risk management, limit setting and the monitoring and control of market risk.

The Balance Sheet Risk (BSR) department and the Credit & Trading Risk (C&TR) department are the designated independent departments that are responsible for the design and execution of the bank’s market risk and counterparty credit risk management functions in support of the ALCO function. Balance Sheet Risk focuses on the market risks in the banking books, Capital Management department and the Bank Treasury department, whereas Credit & Trading Risk is responsible for counterparty credit risk and market risks resulting from the Financial Markets trading books. The organisational structure recognises that risk taking and risk management to a large extent occur at the regional/local level. Bottom-up reporting allows each management level to fully assess the market risk relevant at the respective levels.

BSR and C&TR are responsible for determining adequate policies and procedures for actively managing market risk in banking and trading books and for monitoring the compliance with these guidelines. An important element of the risk management function is the assessment of market risk in new products and businesses. Furthermore the two departments maintain an adequate limit framework in line with ING Bank’s Risk Appetite Framework. The businesses are responsible for adhering to limits that ultimately are approved by ALCO Bank. Limit excesses are reported to senior management on a timely basis and the business is required to take appropriate actions to reduce the risk position.

This market risk paragraph elaborates on the various elements of the risk management approach for:

 

•

Market risk economic capital for trading and banking books;

 

•

Market risks in the banking books; and

 

•

Market risks in the trading books.

Economic capital for market risk

Economic capital for market risk is the economic capital necessary to withstand unexpected value movements due to changes in market variables and model risk.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-184

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Model disclosure

Economic Capital for market risk is calculated for exposures both in trading portfolios and banking portfolios and includes interest rate risk, equity price risk, foreign exchange rate risk, real estate risk and model risks. Economic capital for market risk is calculated using internally developed methodologies with a 99.95% confidence interval and a horizon of one year.

For the trading books, the linear interest rate risk in the banking books and equity investments, the Value at Risk (VaR) is taken as a starting point for the economic capital calculations for market risk. The VaR is measured at a 99% confidence interval, a one day holding period and under the assumption of an expected value of zero.

To arrive at the economic capital for market risk, a simulation based model is used which includes scaling to the required confidence interval and holding period. In determining this scaling factor, several other factors are also taken into account like the occurrence of large market movements (events) and management interventions.

Embedded options, e.g. the prepayment option and offered rate option in mortgages in the banking books, result in non-linear interest rate risk in the banking books. The embedded options are economically hedged using a delta-hedging methodology, leaving the mortgage portfolio exposed to convexity and volatility risk. For the calculation of economic capital for this non-linear interest rate risk ING Bank performs a Monte Carlo simulation.

Real estate price risk includes the market risks in both the real estate investment and the development portfolio of ING Wholesale Banking. The economic capital for real estate price risk is calculated by stressing the underlying market variables.

While aggregating the different economic capital market risk figures for the different portfolios, diversification benefits (based on stressed correlations) are taken into account as it is not expected that all extreme market movements will appear at the same moment.

Market risk in banking books

ING Bank makes a distinction between trading and banking (non-trading) books. Positions in banking books originate from the market risks inherent in commercial products that are sold to clients, the Bank Treasury exposures and from the investment of own funds (core capital). Both the commercial products, and the products used to hedge market risk exposures in these products are intended to be held until maturity, or at least for the long-term.

 

		F-185		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Risk transfer

An important element of the management of market risks in the banking books is the process of risk transfer. In this process the interest rate, FX, funding and liquidity risks are transferred from the commercial books through matched funding to Bank Treasury, where it is centrally managed. The scheme below presents the transfer and management process of market risks in the banking books:

 

Risk measurement

The main concepts and metrics used for measuring market risk in the banking books are described below per risk type.

Interest rate risk in banking book

Interest rate risk in the banking books is defined as the exposure of a bank’s earnings, capital and market value to adverse movements in interest rates originated from positions in the banking books.

Governance

The management of interest rate risk follows the interest rate risk in the banking book framework as approved by ALCO Bank. This framework describes roles and responsibilities, risk metrics, and it defines the policies and procedures related to interest rate risk management. Furthermore, on an overall level, ALCO Bank sets the risk appetite for interest rate risk, which is translated into limits for interest rate risk metrics.

The ING Bank approach to interest rate risk management, as set forth in this framework, is centralisation of risks from commercial books (that capture the products sold to clients) to central interest rate risk books. This enables a clear demarcation between commercial business results and results on unhedged interest rate positions.

ING Bank distinguishes three types of activities that generate interest rate risk in the banking books:

 

•

Investment of own funds (by Capital Management)

 

•

Commercial business (e.g. retail business)

 

•

The strategic interest rate position (Bank Treasury)

Below the three activities are described in more detail:

Capital Management is responsible for managing the investment of own funds (core capital), more information can be found in the Capital Management section. Capital is invested for longer periods, targeting to maximise return, while keeping earnings stable.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-186

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

The commercial activities can result in linear interest rate risk, for example when re-pricing tenors of assets differ from those of liabilities. Also interest rate risk can arise from customer behaviour depending on the nature of the underlying product characteristics. Customer behaviour risk is defined as the potential future value loss due to deviations in the actual behaviour of clients versus the modelled behaviour towards the embedded options in commercial products. General sources of customer behaviour risk include the state of the economy, competition, changes in regulation, legislation and tax regime, and developments in the housing market. Since these risk factors cannot be (fully) mitigated, ING holds capital to be able to absorb possible losses as a result of changed customer behaviour.

From an interest rate risk perspective the commercial activities can typically be divided into three main product types: savings and demand deposits, mortgages and loans.

 

•

Savings and demand deposits are generally invested with the goal to hedge their value and minimize the sensitivity of the margin to market interest rates. Interest rate risk can arise when there is a lag between savings rate adjustments versus adjustments experienced through market rates.The interest rate risk is modelled based on the stability of the deposit and the pass through rate. This takes into account different elements, such as pricing strategies, volume developments and the level and shape of the yield curve. Savings volumes are typically assumed not to be sensitive to interest rate shocks.

 

•

Interests rate risk for mortgages arises through prepayment behaviour. Interest rate dependent prepayment behaviour is taken into account in the models. Next to dependence on interest rates, modelled prepayment may include other effects such as loan to value, seasonality and age of the loan. In addition, the interest sensitivity of embedded offered rate options is considered.

 

•

Loans are typically hedged from an interest rate risk perspective and consequently do not bear any material remaining interest rate risk as no interest rate dependent prepayment behaviour is observed.

The customer behaviour in relation to mortgages, loans, savings and demand deposits is modelled, based on extensive research. Per business unit and product type, exposures are typically segmented into different portfolios based on expected client behaviour. For each of the segments, model parameters for example for the pass through rate and customer behaviour are determined based on historical data and expert opinion. Models are typically back tested at least semi-annually and updated when deemed necessary. Model parameters and the resulting risk measures are approved by (local) ALCO.

Linear interest rate risk is transferred from the commercial business to the treasury books (Bank Treasury), if necessary using estimations of customer behaviour. The originating commercial business is ultimately responsible for estimating customer behaviour, leaving convexity risk and (unexpected) customer behaviour risk with the commercial business. Risk measurement and the risk transfer process take place on a monthly basis, but more often if deemed necessary, for instance in volatile markets.

The commercial business manages the convexity risk that is the result of products that contain embedded options, like mortgages. Here the convexity risk is defined as the optionality effects in the value due to interest rate changes, excluding the first-order effects. In some cases, convexity risk is transferred from the commercial books to treasury books using cap/floor contracts.

Bank Treasury manages the strategic interest rate position excluding capital investments. The main objective is to maximise the economic value of the book and to generate adequate and stable annual earnings within the risk appetite boundaries set by ALCO Bank.

Risk profile

In the following sections, the interest rate risk exposures in the banking books are presented. ING Bank uses risk measures based on both an earnings and a value perspective. Earnings Sensitivity (ES) is used to provide the earnings perspective and the Net Present Value (NPV)-at-Risk and Basis Point Value (BPV) figures provide the value perspective. Also corrective management actions are not taken into account in these figures.

For Earnings Sensitivity (ES) and Net Present Value (NPV)-at-Risk the downward interest rate scenario contains a floor of 0% on the interest rates, in line with regulatory guidelines. This means that interest rates will not drop below 0% when applying the decreasing rate scenario. In case interest rates were already below zero, they remain at that negative level under this scenario.

 

		F-187		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Earnings Sensitivity (ES)

Earnings sensitivity is modelled as described above and measures the impact of changing interest rates on (before tax) net interest income of the banking books, this excludes credit spread sensitivity. The Earnings Sensitivity figures in the tables below reflect an instantaneous interest rate shock of 1% and a time horizon of one year. The Earnings Sensitivity asymmetry between the downward floored scenario and a +100 bps shock is primarily caused by the applying the regulatory 0% floor in this scenario.

 

Earnings Sensitivity banking book per currency (instantaneous parallel shock)
		2016								2015
		downward floored scenario				+100 bps				downward floored scenario				+100 bps
By currency
Euro			–54				186				39				173
US Dollar			–14				19				–33				28
Other			8				19				–28				39
Total			–60				224				–22				240
Earnings Sensitivity banking books per business (instantaneous parallel shock)
		2016								2015
		downward floored scenario				+100 bps				downward floored scenario				+100 bps
By business
Wholesale Banking			–15				138				–2				165
Retail Banking Benelux			–73				–88				9				5
Retail Challengers & Growth Markets			20				58				30				–10
Corporate Line Banking			8				116				–59				80
Total			–60				224				–22				240

The Earnings sensitivity is mainly influenced by the sensitivity of savings to interest rate movements due to pass through rate differences between savings rates and investment yields and is partially offset by the sensitivity of mortgages. The investment of own funds only impacts the Earnings sensitivity marginally, as only a relatively small part has to be (re)invested within the 1-year horizon.

Year-on-year variance analysis

In line with previous year, the earnings with a one year horizon as per 2016 year end are relatively insensitive to rate changes, if compared to the net interest income. The earnings sensitivity for an upward shock has a positive impact. Positive earnings sensitivity implies that when rates increase, the positive impact on interest received on assets including hedging derivatives is larger than the negative impact of interest paid on liabilities. The change of the Earnings sensitivity for Retail Banking Benelux is mainly driven by changes to the savings model parameters as a result from changing customer behaviour. The Earnings sensitivity of the +100 bps scenario within Wholesale Banking is mainly the result of investments done by the Bank Treasury function, which is reported under Wholesale Banking. The change of the Earnings sensitivity within Corporate Line Banking is mainly driven by the investments of own funds which were not all re-invested long term.

Net Present Value (NPV) at Risk

NPV-at-Risk measures the impact of changing interest rates on value. For NPV-at-Risk calculations, an instantaneous shock of 1% is applied. The NPV-at-Risk asymmetry between the downward floored scenario and a +100 bps shock is primarily caused by the applying the regulatory 0% floor in this scenario.

The full value impact cannot be directly linked to the balance sheet or profit and loss account, as fair value movements in banking books are not necessarily reported through the profit and loss account or through equity. The value mutations are expected to materialise over time in the profit and loss account, if interest rates develop according to forward rates throughout the remaining maturity of the portfolio.

 

NPV-at-Risk banking books per currency (instantaneous parallel shock)

2016

2015

downward floored scenario

+100 bps

downward floored scenario

+100 bps

By currency

Euro

–55

–1,739

–583

–1,855

US Dollar

65

–62

–12

42

Other

51

–125

–58

36

Total

61

–1,926

–653

–1,777

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-188

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

NPV-at-Risk banking books per business (instantaneous parallel shock)

2016

2015

downward

downward

floored

floored

scenario

+100 bps

scenario

+100 bps

By business

Wholesale Banking

–157

–19

–76

53

Retail Banking Benelux

–224

–287

–159

–270

Retail Challengers & Growth Markets

328

–435

–640

–274

Corporate Line Banking

115

–1,186

222

–1,286

Total

61

–1,926

–653

–1,777

NPV-at-Risk banking books per accounting category (instantaneous parallel shock)

2016

2015

downward

downward

floored

floored

scenario

+100 bps

scenario

+100 bps

By accounting category

Loans and Receivables & Held to Maturity

114

248

–1,019

210

Available for Sale

115

–2,153

800

–2,248

Fair value through profit and loss

–168

–21

–434

261

Total

61

–1,926

–653

–1,777

The NPV-at-Risk is dominated by the interest rate sensitive long-term investments of own funds, as the equity itself is not modelled and hence is not presented as an offset for the investments of own funds. The value of these investments is impacted significantly if interest rates move up by 1%. The asymmetry between the NPV-at-Risk for a downward floored scenario and a +100 bps shock is primarily caused by the flooring of interest rates for this scenario. Due to applying this flooring, negative convexity impacts do not materialize significantly in the risk figures of the downward scenario.

Year-on-year variance analysis

NPV-at-Risk for the downward floored scenario changed by EUR 714 million during 2016. The sensitivity for the downward floored scenario has mainly changed as a result of lower rates and is additionally impacted by the regulatory requirement that interest rates on savings have to be floored at zero. NPV-at-Risk for the total +100 bps shock changed during 2016 showing an increase of EUR 149 million. The NPV-at-risk for the +100 bps shock of the Corporate Line decreased due to a lower duration of the long-term investments of own funds. The change in the NPV-at-Risk for the Retail Challengers & Growth Markets is due to changes made to the model as a result of changing customer behaviour.

Basis Point Value (BPV)

BPV measures the impact of a one basis point increase in interest rates on value. To a large extent the BPV and NPV-at-Risk reflect the same risk – the difference being that BPV does not reflect convexity risk, given the small shift in interest rates.

 

BPV banking books per currency
in EUR thousand		2016				2015
By currency
Euro			–13,043				–16,563
US Dollar			–550				424
Other			–1,303				357
Total			–14,896				–15,782

 

		F-189		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

BPV banking books per business
in EUR thousand		2016				2015
By business
Wholesale Banking			–246				277
Retail Banking Benelux			–345				–448
Retail Challengers & Growth Markets			–2,149				–2,417
Corporate Line			–12,156				–13,194
Total			–14,896				–15,782
BPV banking books per accounting category
in EUR thousand		2016				2015
By accounting category
Loans and Receivables & Held to Maturity			1,907				4,691
Available for Sale			–21,666				–22,798
Fair value through profit and loss			4,863				2,325
Total			–14,896				–15,782

In line with NPV-at-Risk, the bank’s overall BPV position is dominated by the long-term investment of own funds, as the present value of this position is significantly impacted if interest rates move up by one basis point.

Year-on-year variance analysis

The overall BPV decreased in 2016 by EUR 0.9 million. This mainly results from a lower duration of capital investments. The changes in BPV in Retail Banking Benelux and Retail Challengers and Growth Markets reflect volume and duration changes of originating assets and liabilities. Cash flow hedges were executed at the Bank Treasury function to mitigate these changes. The Bank Treasury function for Retail Challengers and Growth Markets is reported under Wholesale Banking business. Besides the change of the overall BPV exposure there is a change in the exposure per accounting category. This is mainly the result of increased volume of both savings and mortgages. This move was mitigated by cash flow hedges, which revaluate through equity, and the lower duration of capital investments.

Foreign exchange (FX) risk in banking books

FX exposures in banking books result from core banking business activities (business units doing business in other currencies than their base currency), foreign currency investments in subsidiaries (including realised net profit and loss) and strategic equity stakes in foreign currencies. The policy regarding these exposures is briefly explained below.

Governance – Core banking business

Every business unit hedges the FX risk resulting from core banking business activities into its base currency. Consequently, assets and liabilities are matched in terms of currency.

Governance – FX translation result

ING Bank’s strategy is to keep the target CET1 ratio within a certain range when FX rates fluctuate, whilst limiting the volatility in the profit and loss account. Therefore, hedges are only done to the extent that they can be hedge accounted for against equity. Taking this into account, the CET1 ratio hedge can be achieved by deliberately taking foreign currency positions equal to certain target positions, such that the target CET1 capital and risk-weighted assets are equally sensitive in relative terms to changing FX rates. A selection of emerging market currencies that meet specific requirements do not have a target position, but are allowed to remain open under the policy.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-190

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Risk profile – FX translation result

The following table presents the currency exposures in the banking books for the most important currencies for FX translation result. Positive figures indicate long positions in the respective currency. As a result of the strategy to hedge the CET1 ratio a net foreign currency exposure exists.

 

Net banking currency exposures banking books
		Foreign Investments								Hedges								Net exposures
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
US Dollar			2,852				2,869				280				65				3,133				2,935
Pound Sterling			701				992				–128				–179				573				812
Polish Zloty			1,927				1,881				–584				–854				1,344				1,027
Australian Dollar			3,856				3,662				–3,324				–3,329				532				332
Turkish Lira			2,066				2,186				–3				–3				2,063				2,183
Chinese Yuan			3,012				2,817				–161				–168				2,851				2,649
Korean Won			958				838				–779				–662				179				176
Indian Rupee			714				1,172				–				–				714				1,172
Brazilian Real			253				211				–				–				253				211
Russian Rouble			589				429				–224				–181				364				248
Other currency			2,863				2,615				–1,472				–1,385				1,391				1,230
Total			19,792				19,672				–6,396				–6,696				13,396				12,977

In order to measure the remaining sensitivity of the target CET1 ratio against FX rate fluctuations, the CET1 at Risk (cTaR) measure is used. It measures the drop in the CET1 ratio from the target when stressing a certain FX rate. A negative sign in the stress scenario thus indicates that a depreciation of the corresponding currency against the Euro will result in a drop of the CET1 ratio.

 

CET1 ratio sensitivity ING Bank
		cTaR								Stress Scenario
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Currency
US Dollar			0.18	%			0.13	%			15	%			15	%
Pound Sterling			0.01	%			0.01	%			15	%			–15	%
Polish Zloty			0.00	%			0.00	%			–15	%			15	%
Australian Dollar			0.00	%			0.00	%			20	%			20	%
Turkish Lira			0.07	%			0.07	%			–25	%			–25	%
Chinese Yuan			0.09	%			0.09	%			–15	%			–15	%
Korean Won			0.01	%			0.01	%			–15	%			–15	%
Indian Rupee			0.03	%			0.05	%			–20	%			–20	%
Brazilian Real			0.01	%			0.01	%			–25	%			–25	%
Russian Rouble			0.02	%			0.01	%			–20	%			–20	%

The US Dollar is the main currency in terms of Net Exposure as the risk-weighted assets position in US Dollar is most significant besides the Euro.

Year-on-year variance analysis

The INR Foreign Investments have decrease by EUR 458 million to EUR 714 million (vs 2015) as a result of sale of Kotak shares. The increase in US Dollar cTaR is mainly due to appreciation of the US Dollar and an increase in US Dollar RWA.

Equity price risk in banking books

Governance

ING Bank maintains a strategic portfolio with substantial equity exposure in its banking books. Local offices are responsible for the management of the equity investments positions. Market risk is responsible for monitoring and reporting the regulatory capital for Equity Investments on a monthly basis. Market risk acts independently from the management of the equity investments in monitoring and reporting of the equity investments risk.

 

		F-191		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Risk Profile

Equity price risk arises from the possibility that equity security prices will fluctuate, affecting the value of equity securities and other instruments whose value reacts similarly to a particular security, a defined basket of securities, or a securities index. ING Bank equity exposure mainly consists of the investments in associates and joint ventures of EUR 1,003 million (2015: EUR 842 million) and equity securities held in the available-for-sale (AFS) portfolio of EUR 4,024 million (2015: EUR 4,434 million). The value of equity securities held in the available-for-sale portfolio is directly linked to equity security prices with increases/decreases being recognised in the revaluation reserve, except in the case of impairment. Investments in associates and joint ventures are measured in accordance with the equity method of accounting and the balance sheet value and therefore not directly linked to equity security prices.

 

Equities Unrealised Gains and Losses in the AFS portfolio
		2016				2015
Gross unrealised gains			2,675				2,662
Gross unrealised losses			–19				–29
Total			2,656				2,633

Year-on-year variance analysis

During the year ended 31 December 2016 the revaluation reserve relating to equity securities held in the available-for-sale portfolio fluctuated between a month-end low amount of EUR 2,201 million (2015: EUR 1,931 million) and a high amount of EUR 2,787 million (2015: EUR 2,709 million). The AFS portfolio decreased from EUR 4.4 billion in 2015 to EUR 4.0 billion in 2016, mainly due to the derecognition of Visa Europe shares and the reduction of the stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank, partly offset by an increase in the value of the investment in Bank of Beijing.

Real Estate price risk in banking books

Real Estate price risk arises from the possibility that real estate prices fluctuate. This affects both the value of real estate assets and earnings related to real estate activities.

Governance

Real Estate is a run-off business consisting of Real Estate Development and Real Estate Investment Management activities which are being wound down by sale of assets, strict execution of contract maturity or through portfolio sales.

Risk profile

ING Bank has two main different categories of real estate exposure on its banking books: first, the own buildings ING Bank occupies, and second, development assets, which mostly consists of former Real Estate Development and Real Estate Investment Management activities. The total real estate exposure amounts to EUR 1.1 billion (excluding property from foreclosures and third party interest). ING Bank has EUR 0.1 billion recognised at fair value through profit and loss and EUR 1.0 billion is recognised at cost or revalued through equity (with impairments going through profit and loss). A split on the real estate exposure per continent and sector based on the risk management view is shown below.

 

Real Estate market risk exposure in banking books (by geographic area and sector type)
		2016				2015						2016				2015
Continent										Sector
Europe			968				1,136			Residential			104				115
Americas			36				45			Office			895				1,045
Australia			0				0			Retail			19				68
Asia			0				35			Industrial			18				16
Other			104				118			Other			72				91
Total			1,108				1,334			Total			1,108				1,334

Main exposure arises from office buildings in own use located in Netherlands and Belgium (EUR 0.7 billion), as well as retail and residential exposures in Europe (EUR 0.1 billion).

Year-on-year variance analysis

In total, real estate market risk exposure in the banking books decreased by EUR 0.2 billion mainly as a result of divestments. The remainder is due to impairments and fair value changes.

Market risk in trading books

Within the trading portfolios, positions are maintained in the professional financial markets. These positions are often a result of transactions with clients and may serve to benefit from short-term price movements.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-192

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Governance

The Financial Markets Risk Committee (FMRC) is the market risk committee that, within the risk appetite set by ALCO Bank, sets market risk limits both on an aggregated level and on a desk level, and approves new products. Credit & Trading Risk advises both the FMRC and ALCO Bank on the market risk appetite of trading activities.

With respect to the trading portfolios, Credit & Trading Risk focuses on the management of market risks of Wholesale Banking (mainly Financial Markets) as this is the only business line within ING Bank where trading activities take place. Trading activities include facilitation of client business and market making. Credit & Trading Risk is responsible for the development and implementation of trading risk policies and risk measurement methodologies, the reporting and monitoring of risk exposures against approved trading limits and the validation of pricing models. Credit & Trading Risk also reviews trading mandates and limits, and performs the gatekeeper role in the product review process. The management of trading market risk is performed at various organisational levels, from Credit & Trading Risk overall down to specific business areas and trading offices.

Fair values of financial assets and liabilities

ING Bank aligns the pricing sources it uses with the Fair Value Hierarchy. The best evidence of Fair value are published price quotations in active markets. Where quoted prices are not available, other pricing sources and valuation techniques are used to determine fair value.

Examples of other pricing sources can be independent market vendors, brokers or market makers, or recent transactions. The range of prices obtained from these pricing sources can diverge. The choice for one or the other pricing source can therefore result in different estimates of fair value. Selecting the most appropriate price within this range requires expertise and judgement. The selection of the pricing sources used is subject to internal approval and review in the Market Data Committee.

Valuation techniques range from discounting of cash flows to valuation models. Such models are based on relevant risk factors such as the market price of underlying reference instruments, market parameters (volatilities, correlations and credit ratings) and customer behaviour. Some of these price factors require assumptions which imply that valuation models are subjective by nature. Depending on what valuation technique is used and what assumptions are made, the obtained fair value can be different, hence the implied downward and/or upward uncertainty of the accounting value may vary. For a classification of fair valued exposure to products in accordance with their degree of valuation uncertainty, refer to the section ‘Financial instruments at fair value’ of Note 37 ‘Fair value of assets and liabilities’.

All valuation models used are subject to a model governance framework. Model governance refers to a set of policies and procedures that have to be strictly followed and that cover the complete lifecycle of a model, i.e. its development, validation, approval, implementation and maintenance. The pillars of model governance are independent validation and periodic review. Such a review aims to determine whether a model is still appropriate for its intended use. Where models are used for valuation, there can be uncertainty on the assumptions of the underlying models and/or parameters. In those cases where significant uncertainty on assumptions arises, a model risk valuation adjustment is applied.

In general, positions are valued taking the bid price for a long position and the offer price for a short position. In cases where positions are marked at mid-market prices, a fair value adjustment is calculated.

ING Bank has aligned existing fair valuation adjustments with the regulatory standards for fair valued instruments issued by EBA, hence where possible it follows a unified valuation framework which meets both IFRS and CRR requirements. This approach is supported by a bank-wide valuation policy framework. Detailed methodologies for fair valued instruments per product and degree of liquidity are available. These cover among others close out costs and mid-price uncertainty. Benefits of this framework and chosen approach are a significant increase in consistency and transparency of the fair valuation of financial instruments across different locations and books. For compliance with EBA regulatory standards an additional valuation adjustment through capital on the concentrated positions (the Concentration AVA) of EUR 21 million after tax is booked for ING Bank in 2016. On a quarterly basis all valuation adjustments are discussed in the Global Pricing and Impairment Committee (GP&IC). This committee oversees the valuation framework and Independent price verification.

 

		F-193		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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To include credit risk in the fair valuation, ING Bank applies both credit and debit valuation adjustments (hereafter referred to as respectively, CVA and DVA). Own issued debt and structured notes that are valued at fair value are adjusted for credit risk by means of an own credit adjustment. Additionally, derivatives valued at fair value are adjusted for credit risk by a credit valuation adjustment. This credit valuation adjustment is of a bilateral nature; both the credit risks on the counterparty as well as on ING Bank are included in the adjustment. All market data that is used in the determination of the CVA is based on market implied data. Additionally, wrong-way risk (when exposure to a counterparty is increasing and the credit quality of that counterparty decreases) and right way risk (when exposure to a counterparty is decreasing and the credit quality of that counterparty decreases) are included in the adjustment. ING Bank applies CVA also for pricing credit risk into new external trades with counterparties. Risk limits and controls are in place to monitor and anticipate CVA risk on a daily basis. The CVA is managed by global risk governance, where the risk limits and controls for CVA are managed and monitored on a global level. Our approach on CVA risk management is driven by increased control, cost efficiency and the global scope of CVA.

ING applies a Funding Valuation Adjustment (‘FVA’) to address the funding costs associated with the collateral funding asymmetry on uncollateralized or partially collateralized OTC derivatives in the portfolio. This adjustment is based on the expected exposure profiles of the uncollateralized or partially collateralized OTC derivatives and market-based funding spreads.

Credit & Trading Risk has the role to challenge the valuation and pricing sources used in the valuation models by the Front Office. Credit and Trading risk performs independent price verification to ensure that valuations are correct. The independent price verification and valuation adjustments are confirmed in the Local parameter committee. To ensure segregation of duties between Front Office and Credit & Trading Risk, the systems for pricing and price testing are secured in order to prevent unauthorised access.

Risk measurement

ING Bank uses a comprehensive set of methodologies and techniques to measure market risk in trading books.

Basel Committee/CRD IV

ING Bank follows the regulatory framework set out in the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR/CRD IV) for its regulatory capital calculations. The Basel Committee is performing a Fundamental Review of the Trading Book, which may have a significant impact on the Pillar I calculations. The final guidelines were published in January 2016 and full implementation is not expected before 2019.

Value at Risk

Credit & Trading Risk uses the historical simulation Value at Risk (VaR) methodology as its primary risk measure. The VaR for market risk quantifies, with a one-sided confidence level of 99%, the maximum overnight loss that could occur due to changes in risk factors (e.g. interest rates, equity prices, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads, implied volatilities) if positions remain unchanged for a time period of one day. Next to general market movements in these risk factors, VaR also takes into account market data movements for specific moves in e.g. the underlying issuer of securities. The impact of historical market movements on today’s portfolio is estimated, based on equally weighted observed market movements of the previous year. ING Bank uses VaR with a 1-day horizon for internal risk measurement, control and backtesting, and VaR with a 10-day horizon for determining regulatory capital.

Limitations

VaR has some limitations, such as the following: VaR uses historical data to forecast future price behaviour. Future price behaviour could differ substantially from past behaviour. Moreover, the use of a one-day holding period (or ten days for regulatory capital calculations) assumes that all positions in the portfolio can be liquidated or hedged in one day. In periods of illiquidity or market events, this assumption may not hold. Also, the use of 99% confidence level means that VaR does not take into account any losses that occur beyond this confidence level.

Backtesting

Backtesting is a technique for the ongoing monitoring of the plausibility of the VaR model in use. Although VaR models estimate potential future trading results, estimates are based on historical market data. In a backtest, the actual daily trading result (excluding fees and commissions) is compared with the 1-day VaR. In addition to using actual results for backtesting, ING Bank also uses hypothetical results, which measure results excluding the effect of intraday trading, fees and commissions. When the actual or hypothetical loss exceeds the VaR an ‘outlier’ occurs. Based on ING Bank’s one-sided confidence level of 99% an outlier is expected once in every 100 business days. In 2016 there were three occurrences where a hypothetical daily trading loss exceeded the daily consolidated VaR of ING Bank. The three outliers were caused by market movements for modelled risk factors. ING Bank reports the backtesting results on a quarterly basis to ECB.

Stressed VaR

The Stressed VaR (SVaR) is intended to replicate a VaR calculation that would be generated on the bank’s current portfolio with inputs calibrated to the historical data from a continuous 12-month period of significant financial stress relevant to the bank’s portfolio. To calculate SVaR, ING Bank uses the same model that is used for VaR (historical simulation). The historical data period used includes the height of the credit crisis around the fall of Lehman Brothers, and is reviewed regularly.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-194

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Incremental Risk Charge

With the Incremental Risk Charge (IRC) ING Bank calculates an estimate of the default and migration risks for unsecuritised credit products in the trading book over a one-year capital horizon, with a 99.9% confidence level. For the calculation of IRC ING Bank performs a Monte-Carlo simulation based on a Gaussian copula model. The rating change is simulated for all issuers over the different liquidity horizons (i.e. time required to liquidate the position or hedge all significant risks) within one year. The financial impact is then determined for the simulated migration to default, or for the simulated migration to a different rating category, based on LGD or credit spread changes, respectively.

The liquidity horizon has been set to the regulatory minimum of three months for all positions in scope. ING Bank reviews the liquidity horizons regularly based on a structured assessment of the time it takes to liquidate the positions in the trading portfolio.

ING Bank periodically assesses the compliance of the IRC model with the regulatory requirements by performing gap analyses, substantiating the modelling choices and quantifying the impact of alternative approaches.

Event Risk

Event Risk is a valuable risk management tool. Event Risk evaluates the bank’s financial stability under severe but plausible stress scenarios and assists in decision-making that assures the bank to remain a financially healthy going concern institution after a severe event occurs. In addition to the bank-wide stress test framework as described in the ING Bank risk profile section, Credit & Trading Risk performs separate stressed scenario tests to monitor market risks under extreme market conditions. Since VaR in general does not produce an estimate of the potential losses that can occur as a result of extreme market movements, ING Bank uses structured stressed scenario tests to calculate Event Risk for monitoring the market risk under these extreme conditions. Event Risk is based on historical as well as hypothetical extreme scenarios. The result is an estimate of the profit and loss caused by a potential event and its world-wide impact for ING Bank. The Event Risk number for the ING Bank trading activity is generated on a weekly basis. Like VaR, Event Risk is limited by ALCO Bank.

ING Bank’s Event Risk policy is based on a large set of possible stress scenarios per risk type (fixed income, equity, foreign exchange, credit and related derivative markets). For example, for equity products we assume both a crisis scenario (prices decreasing) as well as a bull scenario (prices increasing). Stress parameters are set per country. Scenarios are calculated based on events happening independently, jointly by region, or in all countries simultaneously. This way, for each risk type, a large set of scenarios is calculated. The worst scenarios per market are combined across markets by assessing both independent events per market, and worst events happening in all markets at the same time.

Other trading controls

VaR and Event Risk limits are the most important limits to control the trading portfolios. Additionally, limits have been set on SVaR and IRC. Furthermore, ING Bank uses a variety of other controls to supplement these limits. Position and sensitivity limits are used to prevent large concentrations in specific issuers, sectors or countries. In addition to this, other risk limits are set with respect to the activities in complex derivatives trading. The market risk of these products is controlled by product specific limits and constraints.

Risk profile

The following chart shows the development of the overnight VaR under a 99% confidence interval and a 1-day horizon versus daily trading profits and losses. The overnight VaR is presented for the ING Bank trading portfolio from 2012 to 2016.

 

		F-195		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Consolidated trading VaR ING Bank 2012 – 2016 ¹

 

 

1	CVA risk is not included in VaR.

In 2016 there were two cases with large positive trading results. The first large positive trading result was driven by a combination of position changes; the second large positive result was driven by volatile market moves on the day of Brexit.

The risk figures in the table below only relate to the trading books for which the internal model approach is applied.

 

1d VaR for Internal Model Approach trading Portfolios1
amounts in millions of euros		Minimum								Maximum								Average								Year end
		2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015				2016				2015
Interest rate			3				3				10				8				5				5				5				4
Equity and commodity			2				4				11				10				5				6				4				6
Foreign exchange			1				1				5				4				2				2				2				1
Credit spread			4				7				11				10				6				8				7				9
Diversification2																			–7				–9				–12				–6
Total VaR			5				8				22				17				11				12				6				14

 

1	CVA risk is not included in VaR.

 

2	The total VaR for the columns Minimum and Maximum cannot be calculated by taking the sum of the individual components since the observations for both the individual markets as well as total VaR may occur on different dates.

In 2016, the average VaR was at a similar level as last year, as notable also in different risk types. The VaR was volatile during the year driven by position changes. Position changes decreased VaR by the end of the year in a response to increased market volatility.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-196

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EU MR3: Internal Model Approach values for CAD2 trading portfolios
amounts in millions of euros				2016				2015
VaR (10 day 99%)
1		Maximum value			64				64
2		Average value			33				44
3		Minimum value			9				29
4		Period end			36				43
Stressed VaR (10 day 99%)
5		Maximum value			131				110
6		Average value			72				71
7		Minimum value			40				41
8		Period end			84				78
Incremental Risk Charge (99.9%)
9		Maximum value			292				482
10		Average value			207				380
11		Minimum value			120				249
12		Period end			120				267
Comprehensive Risk capital charge (99.9%)
13		Maximum value			n/a				n/a
14		Average value			n/a				n/a
15		Minimum value			n/a				n/a
16		Period end			n/a				n/a

Risk position changes were also reflected in the 10 day VaR and 10 day Stressed VaR statistics. Compared to 10 day VaR in 2015, in 2016 position changes led to lower average, the wider range between a maximum and a minimum and a lower 10 day VaR at year-end. For 10 day Stressed VaR the average was stable compared to the previous year, while maximum and year-end values increased. The overall decrease in IRC in 2016 was largely caused by decreased debt exposures to a number of sovereigns.

Regulatory capital

According to the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR/CRD IV), regulatory capital for trading portfolios can be calculated using the standardised approach or an internal model approach. ING Bank received regulatory approval to use an internal model to determine the regulatory capital for the market risk in all trading books of ING Bank. Market risk capital of CAD2 trading books is calculated according to the CRR, using internal VaR, Stressed VaR and Incremental Risk Charge models, where diversification is taken into account. On the other hand, market risk capital of CAD1 books is calculated using Standardised Approach with fixed risk weights. In 2016, capital calculations for all trading books are made under the Internal Model Approach. Mismatches in FX risk from the banking books are incorporated under the Standardised Approach. ING Bank does not have a Correlation Trading Portfolio or any other securitisations in the trading book.

Standardised Approach

 

EU MR1: Market risk under Standardised Approach
				2016								2015
amounts in EUR millions				RWA				Capital requirements				RWA				Capital requirements
Outright products
1		Interest rate risk (general and specific)
2		Equity risk (general and specific)
3		Foreign exchange risk			1,081				87				1,328				106
4		Commodity risk
Options
5		Simplified approach
6		Delta-plus method
7		Scenario approach
8		Securitisation (specific risk)
9		Total			1,081				87				1,328				106

 

		F-197		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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The Market risk regulatory capital under Standardized Approach is fully driven by the foreign exchange risk in the non-trading portfolio. The decrease in foreign exchange risk in 2016 mainly relates to the decrease in INR (Indian Rupee) currency exposure, caused by the sale of shares in Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Internal Model Approach

 

EU MR2-A: Market risk under Internal Model Approach
				2016								2015
amounts in EUR millions				RWA				Capital requirements				RWA				Capital requirements
1		VaR (higher of values a and b)			1,123				90				1,797				144
(a)		Previous day’s VaR (Article 365(1) (VaRt-1))			449				36				535				43
(b)		Average of the daily VaR (Article 365(1)) on each of the preceding sixty business days (VaRavg) x multiplication factor ((mc) in accordance with Article 366)			1,123				90				1,797				144
2		SVaR (higher of values a and b)			2,546				204				2,931				235
(a)		Latest SVaR (Article 365(2) (sVaRt-1))			1,054				84				969				78
(b)		Average of the SVaR (Article 365(2) during the preceding sixty business days (sVaRavg) x multiplication factor (ms) (Article 366)			2,546				204				2,931				235
3		Incremental risk charge – IRC (higher of values a and b)			1,910				153				3,579				286
(a)		Most recent IRC value (incremental default and migration risks section 3 calculated in accordance with Section 3 articles 370/371)			1,500				120				3,339				267
(b)		Average of the IRC number over the preceding 12 weeks			1,910				153				3,579				286
4		Comprehensive Risk Measure – CRM (higher of values a, b and c)
(a)		Most recent risk number for the correlation trading portfolio (article 377)
(b)		Average of the risk number for the correlation trading portfolio over the preceding 12-weeks
(c)		8 % of the own funds requirement in SA on most recent risk number for the correlation trading portfolio (Article 338(4))
5		Total			5,579				446				8,307				665

The decrease in market risk Regulatory Capital for Trading as of 2015 is mainly due to decrease in exposures to sovereign issuers and as a result a decrease in IRC, and a change in risk positions during 2016 that resulted in decreases in VaR and Stressed VaR. The main changes in risk positions throughout the year were in equity derivatives portfolio and CVA hedge portfolio. The CVA hedges are capitalized under market risk framework, while CVA is capitalized under credit risk framework according to Basel rules.

Sensitivities

As part of the risk monitoring framework, Credit & Trading Risk actively monitors the daily changes of sensitivities of our trading portfolios. The following tables show the five largest trading foreign exchange positions and interest rate and credit spread sensitivities. The credit spread sensitivities are furthermore split in different risk classes and sectors. Due to the nature of the trading portfolios, positions change from day to day.

 

Most important foreign exchange year-end trading positions
Deltacash amounts in EUR millions		2016						2015
Foreign exchange						Foreign exchange
US Dollar			201			US Dollar			160
Romanian New Leu			45			Romanian New Leu			57
Chinese Yuan			–40			Chinese Yuan			–42
South Korean Won			–22			South Korean Won			–46
Czech Koruna			21			Swiss Franc			18

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-198

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Most important interest rate and credit spread sensitivities at year-end
amounts in EUR thousands		2016						2015
Interest Rate (BPV1)						Interest Rate (BPV1)
Euro			–119			Euro			–414
South Korean Won			–44			South Korean Won			–52
Polish Zloty			–32			British Pound			45
Indian Rupee			–23			US Dollar			43
Romanian New Leu			22			Japanese Yen			18
Credit Spread (CSO12)						Credit Spread (CSO12)
United States			333			Netherlands			–289
Germany			173			Germany			–154
Belgium			74			Norway			–110
India			–38			United States			99
Poland			–38			Spain			–89

 

1	Basis Point Value (BPV) measures the impact on value of a 1 basis point increase in interest rates. The figures Include commodity risk in banking books.

2	Credit Spread Sensitivity (CS01) measures the impact on value of a 1 basis point increase in credit spreads. Exposures to supranational institutions are not assigned to a specific country.

 

Credit spread sensitivities per risk class and sector at year-end

2016

2015

amounts in EUR thousands

Corporate

Financial Institutions

Corporate

Financial Institutions

Credit Spread (CSO11)

Risk classes

1

(AAA)

–3

–48

0

–60

2–4

(AA)

–21

26

13

–108

5–7

(A)

13

–9

12

–207

8–10

(BBB)

–126

–154

–61

–180

11–13

(BB)

–104

–88

–88

–64

14–16

(B)

0

–9

–3

–2

17–22

(CCC and NPL)

–1

–2

–12

–11

Not rated

1

1

3

1

Total

–241

–283

–136

–631

 

1	Credit Spread Sensitivity (CS01) measures the impact on value of a 1 basis point increase in credit spreads.

According to the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR/CRD IV) ING Bank monitors and controls its large exposures, including exposures in the trading books. In the course of 2016 there were no exposures in the trading book exceeding the regulatory large exposure limits.

Funding and liquidity risk

Introduction

Funding and liquidity risk is the risk that ING Bank or one of its subsidiaries cannot meet its financial liabilities when they come due, at reasonable cost and in a timely manner. Liquidity risk can materialise both through trading and non-trading positions.

ING Bank incorporates funding and liquidity management in its business strategy. In order to optimise its funding and liquidity risk management, ING Bank has developed a funding and liquidity risk framework aimed at maximising liquidity access and minimising funding risks and costs. The main objective of ING’s funding and liquidity risk management is to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure safe and sound operations under normal market circumstances and in times of stress.

Governance

Within ING Bank, the MBB, staff departments from the CRO and CFO domain, Capital Management and Bank Treasury have oversight of and are responsible for managing funding and liquidity risk. The MBB defines the funding and liquidity strategy, target funding and liquidity position and the risk appetite based on recommendations from Bank Treasury, Capital Management, Balance Sheet Risk and Finance.

Liquidity risk management within ING Bank falls under the supervision of the ALCO function, with ALCO Bank as the highest approval authority overseeing the execution of the overall strategy set by the MBB.

 

		F-199		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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ALCO Bank determines the liquidity risk (limit) framework and appetite after which this is cascaded down in the organisation under the responsibility of the lower level ALCOs. ING Bank’s liquidity risk framework is based on the three lines of defence concept, whereby risk principles are implemented, monitored and controlled in conjunction with both first and second line functions within the Bank.

Bank Treasury is a 1st line of defence function. Its main funding and liquidity responsibilities are to manage ING’s funding gap and ING’s (regulatory) liquidity position. Bank Treasury is ING’s primary contact to the market for long and short term funding, with exception of capital transactions which are under the responsibility of the Capital Management function and the execution of some specific structured funding products which are executed by Financial Markets under a mandate that provides strict guidance around pricing, volumes, optionalities and tenors.

The 2nd line Balance Sheet Risk function is responsible for defining the governance with regard to funding and liquidity management and facilitates the decision making processes for ALCO Bank regarding this. Next to this, Balance Sheet Risk sets the standards for the funding and liquidity risk approach (identify, assess, control, monitor and report). Furthermore, it determines adequate policies and procedures for managing and monitoring liquidity risk and checks compliance with guidelines and limits.

Management

Framework

ING’s liquidity risk management framework incorporates all relevant risk principles with regard to the daily and on-going management of funding and liquidity risk. The framework contains the following key elements:

 

•

Liquidity risk appetite: This is set by ALCO Bank (which includes all MBB members) in line with ING’s complexity, business mix and liquidity risk profile. The risk appetite is reviewed on an annual basis and forms part of the input of business units in their medium term business plans. The defined risk appetite is allocated to the lower level ALCO’s;

 

•

Funding: The Bank Treasury function sets and updates the funding strategy and funding planning, taking into account diversification in sources and tenor of funding;

 

•

Intraday Liquidity Management: Bank Treasury actively manages its short term liquidity positions and risks to meet payment and settlement obligations on a timely basis under both normal and stressed conditions;

 

•

Collateral Position Management: Bank Treasury actively manages the liquidity risk of its collateral positions to meet ING’s collateral needs, and resources, under both normal and stressed conditions and in accordance with all internal and regulatory rules;

 

•

Liquidity buffers: ALCO Bank ensures that sufficient liquidity is maintained, in accordance with Bank- and regulatory rules and standards, including a buffer of unencumbered, high quality liquid assets, to withstand stress events, such as those involving the loss or impairment of both unsecured and secured funding sources;

 

•

Liquidity risk transfer and pricing: ALCO Bank sets and maintains a Funds Transfer Pricing (FTP) framework that optimises Bank-wide funding and liquidity risk management, whereby all business units must transfer their structural funding and liquidity risks to Bank Treasury whilst managing their own customer behaviour liquidity risk costs. Any negative carry resulting from necessity to keep a buffer of liquid assets as contingent liquidity is not captured in FTP, this negative carry is captured and allocated through a separate contingent liquidity charging (CLC) mechanism;

 

•

Stress testing: ALCO ensures that liquidity stress tests are planned, designed, conducted and reviewed, to identify sources of potential liquidity strain, to determine how these can and will be addressed and to ensure that current exposures remain within the established liquidity risk tolerance; and

 

•

Contingency Funding Plan: ALCO ensures the design, regular test and maintenance of formal Contingency Funding planning, setting out the strategies for addressing liquidity shortfalls in emergency situations, outlining procedures to manage these situations, establishing clear lines of responsibility, and articulating clear implementation and escalation procedures.

Liquidity risk appetite

ING’s liquidity risk appetite expresses the level of liquidity risk ING is willing to take in pursuit of its strategic objectives. The Liquidity Risk Appetite Statements (RAS) are aligned with the ING strategy and are allocated to the ING entities by way of limits, where needed per ING entity. ING’s Liquidity RAS is build up of three levels:

 

•

RAS Level 1 are considered in conjunction with each other for the purpose of steering the ING Bank liquidity positions as they differ in assumptions, horizon and scope. The level 1 risk appetite statements (i) assure compliance with regulatory requirements (LCR and NSFR) and (ii) set adequate buffers related to internally defined stress scenarios;

 

•

RAS Level 2 are additional principles that allow assessing different aspects of ING consolidated liquidity position and/or balance sheet (ratios). They can ultimately affect RAS Level 1, or they can be complementary to RAS Level 1 (where the differences lie in either the metrics, the assumption, the data source or both). The level 2 risk appetite statements focus on (i) ING Bank’s cash & collateral position, (ii) the asset encumbrance ratio, (iii) assure sufficient levels of funding diversification; and

 

•

RAS Level 3 are additional principles that allow assessing aspects of the consolidated liquidity position that concern certain parts of on- and off- balance sheet items, or represent a further specification of RAS Level 1 or Level 2.

This RAS hierarchy is applied consistently for all currencies and for USD for both the consolidated ING scope and ING Bank N.V. solo. Where relevant the RAS are cascaded down to specific regional and local levels.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-200

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Based on the above, ING Bank has defined the following funding and liquidity risk management risk appetite statements:

 

•

Home/host regulatory liquidity limits must be pro-actively complied with;

 

•

The time-to-survive in a funding stress situation must extend over defined period, depending on the level of stress applied;

 

•

Funding of longer-term assets and investments must be done by stable and longer-term liabilities;

 

•

Geographical dependencies with respect to intra-group funding are to be limited; and

 

•

Diversification must be in place of funding profile, across funds providers, instrument types, geographic markets, tenors and currencies.

Funding

In detailing the activities of the bank regarding utilisation of professional market funding sources, the following key principles apply:

 

•

Maintaining adequate market access in both normal and stressed but operable market conditions;

 

•

Managing risk by adhering to internally and externally imposed risk limits and balance sheet ratios; and

 

•

Optimising the cost of funding under the principles above.

With respect to funding sources, ING Bank manages its balance sheet prudently, whereby short-term funding is primarily utilised for funding short-term assets. The bank aims to fund longer term assets and investments by stable and longer term liabilities. Next to this, ING Bank monitors exposures in major currencies such as the USD. Monitoring and control of the USD funding is effectuated through a dedicated USD funding and liquidity risk framework.

ING Bank reviews its funding plan on at least a quarterly basis, assessing market developments and funding requirements.

Intraday liquidity management

The objective of managing intraday liquidity and its risks at ING is twofold: it is focused on preventing damage to the institution’s own liquidity position, and, in light of its role in global financial markets, ING also takes into account the potential damage to other parties which can arise through chain effects in payment and securities transactions. Intraday liquidity management is managed through the intraday risk appetite statement, by setting amongst others monitoring metrics and triggers on daily net negative liquidity positions and levels of payments outflows.

Collateral position management

The objective of the Collateral Management is to ascertain that ING Bank can meet collateral requirements for ING’s collateral needs. ING Bank maintains a liquidity buffer existing of cash, cash equivalents and other highly liquid unencumbered assets to facilitate this. Tactical (short term) management of the liquidity buffer is performed, by increasing or decreasing the liquidity coverage with collateral transformation by execution of repos, in order to meet internal and regulatory requirements. Reporting and analysis is performed, providing availability of collateral for emergency financing, its eligibility and its route to cash in an efficient manner.

Liquidity buffers

The liquidity buffer ING Bank holds can be seen as the short-term part of the counterbalancing capacity, i.e. the total of available sources and measures within ING to generate liquidity (including also stopping professional lending), and serves as a cushion for liquidity needs under normal and stressed conditions.

The size and composition of the Liquidity buffer depends on ING’s risk appetite and regulatory liquidity standards. In the buffer, only assets that are included that are ‘unencumbered’ and freely available for liquidity purposes. Bank Treasury ensures functional management of all liquidity buffers within ING Bank, both buffers at Bank level and buffers at local business unit level.

The liquidity buffer is held as an insurance against a range of stress scenarios, covering the additional need for liquidity that may arise over a defined short period of time under stress conditions. ING’s minimum standards for liquidity buffers are described below:

 

•

When local regulatory rules require so, local liquidity buffers can be established. Although locally established, these buffers must be centrally functionally managed by the Bank Treasury function;

 

•

The buffer must be aligned in relation to the contractual and expected expiry calendars and other expected or planned developments;

 

•

The size of the buffers is supported by estimates of liquidity needs performed under the Bank’s or business entity’s stress testing and be aligned with the liquidity risk appetite;

 

•

The liquidity buffer is composed of cash and core assets that are eligible for the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and/or highly marketable, which are not pledged to payment systems or clearing houses. For longer term buffer purposes, a broader set of liquid assets might be appropriate, subject to the Bank’s or entity’s ability to generate liquidity from them under stress, within the specified period of time; and

 

•

The location and size of liquidity buffers reflects the Bank’s or entity’s structure (e.g. legal and geographical) and business activities.

 

		F-201		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Liquidity risk transfer and pricing

Funds Transfer Pricing (FTP) is an internal measurement and allocation system that assigns a profit contribution to funds raised, lent, or invested. FTP is the pricing mechanism used within ING to transfer interest rate risk, basis risk and liquidity risk positions from commercial units to Bank Treasury. The FTP framework enables local ALCOs to set their local FTP levels and manage these risks for all internal transfers at local level. This means that these risks are transferred from the business to a separate Bank Treasury book where they can be monitored and managed more efficiently and effectively. Any negative carry resulting from necessity to keep a buffer of liquid assets as contingent liquidity is not captured in FTP. This negative carry is captured and allocated through a separate contingent liquidity charging (CLC) mechanism. The liquidity costs, benefits and risks are considered in the product pricing, design and offering and in the Product Approval and Review Process (PARP) or deal approval and other related processes for commercial products by the business units.

Stress testing

Stress testing allows ING to examine the effect of exceptional but plausible future events on the liquidity position of the bank and provides insight into which entities, business lines or portfolios are vulnerable to which type of risks and/or in which type of scenarios. Liquidity stress testing is an important tool in identifying, assessing, measuring and controlling funding and liquidity risks, providing a complementary and forward-looking perspective to other liquidity and funding risk management tools.

In line with SREP and EBA guidance, ING’s liquidity position is stress tested on a monthly basis under a particular scenario that is a mix between a market event and an ING specific event. The outcome of stress tests are evaluated and provide input to any follow-up on the need for additional contingency measures.

In addition to the bank-wide stress test framework as described in the ING Bank risk profile section, stress test reports are produced with respect to the funding and liquidity position on a regular basis. Some of these stress tests are regulatory driven, and others are based on internal scenarios. On a weekly basis ING reports an internal net liquidity position metric, this is reported on a consolidated (bank) level for the main entities and split in Euro and US Dollar. On a monthly basis ING Bank reports the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and a internally defined stress scenario related to the time-to-survive period. Additionally, on a quarterly basis, ING Bank reports a number of internally defined stress scenarios related to time-to-survive periods.

On ad-hoc basis ING Bank performs additional stress tests related to the funding and liquidity position. Overall, stress testing is an integral part of the liquidity and funding risk management framework and also serves as input for the contingency funding plan. From a currency perspective, stress tests are applied on Euro and US Dollar whilst other currencies are monitored. This aligns with the Basel III and CRR approach with regard to major currencies.

Contingency funding plan

In the contingency funding plan, contingency liquidity risk is addressed which specifically relates to the organisation and planning of liquidity management in time of stress. Within ING Bank, for contingency purposes, a dedicated crisis team – consisting of key MBB members and senior management representatives from e.g. Risk, Finance, Capital Management and Bank Treasury – is responsible for liquidity management in times of crisis. Throughout the organisation contingency funding plans are in place to enable senior management to act effectively and efficiently in times of crisis. The contingency funding plans are developed in line with the ING Recovery Plan and are tested on a regular basis, both centrally and at business unit level.

Funding and Liquidity profile

Funding sources

In 2016, ING Bank had readily access to a large variety of funding sources, both short term and long term. In the table below, the various funding sources are presented in the funding mix:

 

ING Bank Funding Mix
		2016				2015
Funding type
Retail deposits			51	%			48	%
Corporate & other deposits			21	%			22	%
Interbank (incl. central bank)			5	%			5	%
Lending/repurchase agreement			5	%			5	%
Public debt			16	%			18	%
Subordinated debt			2	%			2	%
Total			100	%			100	%

The funding mix remained well diversified. Retail deposits remained ING Bank’s primary sources of funds and slightly increased to 51% of the total funding mix per year end 2016. The Loan-to-Deposit ratio (excluding securities at amortised costs) increased from 1.04 per 2015 year-end to 1.06 per year end 2016.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-202

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Regulatory developments

Based on the Delegated Act on the LCR issued by the European Commission in October 2014, the EBA issued Implementing Technical Standards with regard to the reporting of the LCR as per 1 October 2015. The LCR is currently calculated and reported based on this Delegated Act and the corresponding Implementation Technical Standards. A Corrigendum for the LCR Delegated Act is in the making and is expected to be issued later in 2017.

The current implemented additional monitoring metrics will be extended with a maturity ladder template, which was out of scope in the initial implementation.

In November 2016, the EC has submitted a legislative proposal on NSFR to the European Parliament and Council. It is expected that the NSFR will come into force two years after its approval by the European Parliament and Council, with an indicative date of 2019. The NSFR ratio is currently reported on a quarterly basis based on BCBS and EBA guidance.

The European Commission proposal also contains guidance on disclosure. This means that disclosure requirements will come into force after the approval by the European Parliament and Council.

Non-Financial Risk

Introduction

The Non-Financial Risk (NFR) function encompasses the operational and compliance risk management functions. It ensures appropriate risk controls in these functional areas by implementing clear policies and minimum standards which are embedded in ING Bank business processes in all divisions. The necessary infrastructure is in place to enable management to track events and non-financial risk issues. A comprehensive system of internal controls that are reviewed and updated as necessary creates an environment of continuous improvement in managing non-financial risk.

ING Bank believes that fully embedding controls preserves and enhances the trust of its customers, staff and shareholders and is essential to build sustainable businesses. The Orange Code sets the foundation for the high ethical standards ING Bank expects from all its business activities. The Orange Code requires all staff to conduct themselves, not only within the spirit and letter of laws and regulations, but above all, with integrity, whilst being honest, prudent and responsible.

Governance

Non-Financial Risk Committees (NFRCs) and Management Teams (MTs) manage, measure and monitor operational and compliance risks. NFRCs exist at Bank level and at other relevant levels. They are chaired by the first line of defence and steer the risk management activities of the first and second lines of defence in their scope. Non-financial risk topics are an integral part of the agenda of regular MTs at all levels in the organisation. The Bank NFRC is the primary approval and oversight committee for non-financial risk matters.

The Head of Corporate Operational Risk Management (CORM) and the Chief Compliance Officer report to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and are jointly responsible for developing the framework of non-financial risk policies and standards within ING Bank and for monitoring the quality of non-financial risk management in the divisions.

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is the general manager of the Bank Compliance Risk Management department and the Head of the Compliance Risk Management function within the Bank. This is an independent function responsible for developing and establishing the Bank-wide policies and minimum standards for managing compliance risks. The CCO assists and supports the MBB in managing ING Bank’s compliance risks and control framework. The CCO is a permanent participant of the Risk Committee of the Supervisory Board and meets regularly with its Chairman.

The NFR function uses a layered functional approach within divisions to ensure systematic and consistent implementation of the framework of policies and minimum standards within ING Bank. To avoid potential conflicts of interests, it is imperative that staff in this function are independent and objective when advising business management on non-financial risk matters in their business unit or business line. To facilitate this, a strong functional reporting line to the next higher level within Operational Risk Management (ORM) and Compliance is in place. The functional reporting line has clear accountabilities with regard to objectives setting, remuneration, performance management and appointment of new staff as well as obligations to veto and escalate.

Framework

Non-financial risk is the risk of financial loss, legal or regulatory sanctions, or reputational damage due to inadequate or failing internal processes, people and systems; a failure to comply with laws, regulations and standards; or external events. ING Bank has a comprehensive framework for non-financial risks that supports and governs the process of identifying, measuring, mitigating, monitoring and reporting non-financial risks. It reflects the stages described in the Enterprise Risk Management model of COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission).

 

		F-203		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Processes are in place to identify key threats, vulnerabilities and the associated risks which might cause adverse events. Event identification is performed proactively and precedes a risk assessment. Different techniques for event identification exist within ING Bank, e.g. Risk & Control Self-Assessments, scenario analysis, external events inventories, internal events analyses (e.g. lessons learned based on information from event reporting), key risk indicators and threat scans.

Risk & Control Self-Assessment

Identification and assessment of non-financial risks inherent to ING Bank products, activities, people, processes and systems provide management with an understanding of the operational risk profile. Based on the identification and assessment, internal controls are designed for mitigation of risks to remain within the risk appetite.

Business Environment Assessment

The Business Environment Assessment (BEA) assesses all internal control factors and external factors that could influence the internal and external operating environment and may lead to unacceptable operational risk exposure.

Scenario analysis

Scenario analysis is a process used to consider the impact of rare, significant, yet plausible future events, taking into consideration alternative possible outcomes for those events, their severity and frequency. Input for scenario analysis includes the results of various internal and external assessments such as the BEA. Scenario analysis is an important component in the calculation of operational risk capital.

Internal events analyses

Analysis of internal non-financial loss data assists in identifying, quantifying, mitigating and monitoring operational risk exposure. It provides insight into causes and effectiveness of associated controls.

External events inventories

External non-financial loss data provides valuable information about the losses experienced by other businesses, and assists ING Bank to quantify its exposure to risk events that have not been experienced internally.

Business units and departments perform regular BEAs and Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) to identify and assess risks. These are conducted with involvement of the business and their ORM, Compliance and Legal departments. Based on the results of the risk assessment, response measures must be determined for the identified risks beyond the risk appetite. Risk response actions balance the expected cost for implementing these measures with the expected benefits regarding the risk reduction.

Risk response can be achieved through several combinations of mitigation strategies, for example reducing likelihood of occurrence, reducing impact, risk avoidance, risk acceptance or through the transfer of risk. Tracking takes place through ING Bank’s central risk management system.

The risk appetite (defined as the acceptable and authorised maximum level of risk) is set by the Bank NFRC. Adherence to this risk appetite is monitored quarterly through the NFR Dashboard which reports the key non-financial risk exposures. The NFR Dashboard provides management at country, divisional and bank level with an overview of key risks within the non-financial risk areas including compliance risks, information security risks, continuity risks, control risks, fraud and unauthorised activities risks and personal and physical security risks, enabling management to focus and set priorities.

The yearly objective setting process for both business management and NFR professionals aims to keep improving the management of non-financial risk throughout ING Bank to ensure that ING Bank stays in control of its current and future non-financial risks.

Advanced Measurement Approach (AMA)

ING Bank has an Operational Risk Capital model in place in which the risk profile is closely tailored to the internal risk profile of ING Bank and its divisions, by using scenario data for capturing severe risks and internal loss and RCSA data for capturing day-to-day risks. The business has a strong role in assessing scenario severities and the ORM function in validating the results. The internal data are combined with external loss data (ORX) in the AMA capital calculation. Since April 2013 ING is allowed to use its AMA model for regulatory supervision purposes. ING Bank reports the regulatory capital numbers on a quarterly basis. The AMA capital requirement per the end of 2016 amounts to EUR 3,242 million, compared to EUR 3,451 million per 2015 year-end.

Risk mitigations

ING Bank is currently not using any insurance or risk transfer mechanisms for the mitigation of risk in the context of the AMA capital calculation.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-204

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Operational risk

Definition

Operational risk is defined as the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events.

Risk categories

ING Bank categorises operational risks in a number of risk areas:

 

•

Information (Technology) risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to breaches of confidentiality, integrity or availability within business processes or information or lack of information quality;

 

•

Continuity risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to business disruptions (loss of people, processes, systems, data, premises);

 

•

Control risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to ineffective organisation structures and governance procedures (including unclear roles and responsibilities and inadequate reporting structure); monitoring and enforcement of risk mitigating measures; and risk culture;

 

•

Internal fraud risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to deliberate abuse of procedures, systems, assets, products and/or services of ING by employees (incl. temporary workers, third party contractors, internships and consultants) who intend to deceitfully or unlawfully benefit themselves or others;

 

•

External fraud risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to deliberate abuse of procedures, systems, assets, products and/or services of ING by external parties (clients, potential clients or other third parties, including vendors and outside agencies) who intend to deceitfully or unlawfully benefit themselves or others;

 

•

Unauthorised activity risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to employees performing outside the normal course of their business, intentionally giving unauthorised approvals or overstepping of their authority;

 

•

Personal and physical security risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to criminal and environmental threats that might endanger the security or safety of ING personnel at work, people in ING locations, ING assets or assets entrusted to ING, people at ING event locations, or might have an impact on ING organisation’s confidentiality, integrity or availability;

 

•

Processing risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to failed (transaction) processing (input, execution, output) or failing process management; and

 

•

Employment practice risk is the risk of financial loss, regulatory sanctions or reputational damage due to acts inconsistent with employment, health and/or safety laws, regulations or agreements, from payment of personal injury claims, or from diversity/discrimination events.

Operational risk includes the related risk of reputation loss, as well as legal risk but strategic risks are not included.

Reputational risk is defined as the potential that adverse publicity regarding ING Bank’s business practices and associations, whether accurate or not, will cause a loss of confidence in the integrity of ING Bank. Reputational risk is multidimensional and reflects the perception of other market participants, like customers, counterparties, shareholders, investors or regulators that can adversely affect ING Bank’s ability to maintain existing, or establish new, business relationships and continued access to sources of funding (e.g. through the interbank or securitisation markets).

Legal risk is defined as the risk related to (i) a failure (or perceived failure) to adhere to applicable laws, regulations and standards, (ii) contractual liabilities or contractual obligations that are defaulted or cannot be enforced as intended, or are enforced in an unexpected or adverse way, and (iii) liability (tort) towards third parties due to an act or omission contributable to ING Bank (potentially) resulting in impairment of ING Bank’s integrity, leading to damage to ING Bank’s reputation, legal or regulatory sanctions, or financial loss.

Given the heavy reliance on IT systems in financial institutions, controls that monitor the various aspects of IT risk, such as integrity and confidentiality, are embedded in ING Bank’s risk and control framework.

Main developments in 2016

Internal and external fraud

The risk of clients and ING Bank staff being targeted by fraudsters using social engineering techniques to execute payments is still increasing and CxO impersonation fraud (criminals investigate the senior management structure of an organisation and target key positions) remains a significant threat. Efforts are undertaken to mitigate the risk such as creating awareness for customers and staff. ING Bank stringently monitors both this type of fraud and new emerging fraud methodologies.

ING Bank continues working on strengthening its global fraud resilience and to strengthen its control environment as fraudsters turn their interest to the end-user. Exploring and combining automated fraud detection tools that can be used for monitoring or early detection of fraudulent incoming and outgoing payments remains important in fraud prevention. These are used to further enhance an effective set of organisational controls.

 

		F-205		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Cybercrime

Cybercrime is a continuous threat to companies in general and to financial institutions specifically. Both the frequency and the intensity of attacks increase on a global scale. Particularly threats from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), targeted attacks (also called Advanced Persistent Threats) and Ransomware intensify worldwide. ING Bank builds on its cybercrime resilience, further enhancing the control environment to protect, detect and respond to e-banking fraud, DDoS and targeted attacks. Additional controls continue to be embedded in the organisation as part of the overall internal control framework and are continuously re-assessed against existing and new threats. During 2016 ING did not experience any cyber incident that can be classified as material. ING provides continuous reporting on cyber incidents to the ECB.

ING Bank also works on strengthening its global cybercrime resilience including strong collaboration against cybercrime with the financial industry, law enforcement authorities, government (e.g. National Cyber Security Center) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Compliance risk

Definition

Compliance risk is defined as the risk of impairment of ING Bank’s integrity, leading to damage to ING’s reputation, legal or regulatory sanctions, or financial loss, due to a failure (or perceived failure) to comply with applicable laws, regulations and standards and the ING Values as part of the Orange Code. We aim to effectively manage compliance risks that could expose ING Bank to reputational damage, fines, civil and criminal penalties, payment of damages, court orders and suspension or revocation of licenses that would adversely impact our customers, staff, shareholders and other stakeholders.

The Bank Compliance Risk Management function established a compliance control framework in which controls are defined based on laws, regulations and standards that are part of the internal control framework of ING Bank applicable to non-financial risks. To support management in mitigating compliance risks, the Bank Compliance Risk Management function educates and supports the business in managing compliance risks related to e.g. money laundering, terrorist financing, sanction and export control compliance, conflicts of interests, mis-selling, corruption and protection of customers’ interests.

Risk categories

ING Bank categorises compliance risk into four conduct-related integrity risk areas:

 

•

Client conduct refers to the compliance risks arising from the relationship with or generated by the conduct of our clients and/or business partners, like money laundering or terrorist financing. Those risks are generally defined within ING Bank as Financial Economic Crimes (FEC);

 

•

Personal conduct refers to the compliance risks arising from the conduct of ING employees;

 

•

Financial Services conduct refers to the compliance risks arising from or generated by the conduct of ING Bank when developing, marketing and/or selling products and services to its clients;

 

•

Organisational conduct refers to the compliance risks arising from the way the Bank is organising itself to develop its activities. This category covers for instance the licences required to perform its regulated banking activities or the operating effectiveness of its information barriers.

The controls to mitigate the compliance risks associated with the above mentioned risk areas are designed and embedded in the ING business units. The effectiveness of the controls as designed is tested periodically, and senior management is aware about their responsibility to ensure their processes are compliant with applicable laws and regulations, ING Bank’s internal policies and the Orange Code.

In cases where an employee from ING Bank suspects a breach of external laws and regulations, internal policies and minimum standards and/or the Orange Code they are encouraged to (anonymously) speak up in line with the Whistleblower policy using the most appropriate channel, e.g. the (external) ethics line.

Financial Economic Crime (FEC) Policy and Minimum Standards

The ING Bank FEC Policy and Minimum Standards directly reflect relevant national and international laws, regulations and industry standards. The ING Bank FEC Policy is mandatory and applies to all ING banking entities, majority owned ING business, businesses under management control, staff departments, product lines and to all client engagements and transactions.

Management of ING Bank entities maintain local procedures aiming to enable them to comply with local laws, regulations and the ING Bank FEC Policy and Minimum Standards. Where local laws and regulations are more stringent, the local laws and regulations are applied. Likewise the FEC Policy and Minimum Standards prevail when the standards therein are stricter than stipulated in local laws and regulations and if not specifically forbidden (data privacy or bank secrecy).

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-206

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The ING Bank FEC Policy and Minimum Standards set the requirements for all ING Bank entities with respect to guard against any involvement in criminal activity, and to participate in international efforts to combat money laundering and the funding of terrorist and criminal activities. The requirements in the ING Bank FEC Policy cover minimum standards and controls related to: money laundering, terrorist financing, export trade controls, proliferation financing, sanctions (economic, financial and trade) and countries designated by ING Bank as Ultra High Risk Countries (UHRC). The effectiveness of those controls is reviewed periodically.

As a result of frequent evaluation of all businesses from economic, strategic and risk perspective ING Bank continues to believe that for business reasons doing business involving certain specified countries should be discontinued. In that respect, ING has a policy not to enter into new relationships with clients from these countries and processes remain in place to discontinue existing relationships involving these countries. At present these countries are North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Iran and Cuba. Each of these countries is subject to a variety of EU, US and/or other sanctions regimes. Iran, Sudan, and Syria are identified by the US as state sponsors of terrorism and are subject to U.S. economic sanctions and export controls.

ING Bank has a FEC control framework in place to mitigate the risks related to Financial Economic Crime.

Also in 2016, the Ukraine-related sanctions as imposed earlier by both the US and the EU remained in force. Those sanctions restrict amongst others the dealing in specific (financial) products with certain named parties. Management of ING Bank entities use their existing control framework to ensure compliance with these sanctions.

Main developments in 2016

Regulatory developments

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is resource-intensive and costly. Banks continue to be faced with new and increasingly onerous regulatory requirements, and we expect the scope and extent of regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate to generally increase further. ING is concerned that the lack of coordination among policy makers and the lack of clarity on future regulatory requirements is making it increasingly difficult to actively support the economies where we operate.

Regulation is becoming increasingly more extensive and complex. A recent example is the implementation of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), which like FATCA requires financial institutions to report detailed client-related information to the competent authorities. Customer due diligence (CDD) and transaction monitoring impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering (AML), terrorist financing, and fraud.

Despite our efforts to comply with applicable laws and regulations, there are a number of risks in areas where applicable regulations are unclear, subject to multiple interpretations or under development, are in conflict with each other, or where regulators revise their guidance or courts overturn previous rulings. Meeting all these requirements within the strict timelines that have been set poses a significant operational challenge for banks. Implementing the necessary processes and procedures to effectively comply has significant implications for IT systems and data, while people who have the necessary knowledge and skills are scarce.

User Access Management (UAM) is an important element of our control framework to mitigate unauthorized and / or inappropriate access to our data and information. The standards of controls on UAM are high and best practices illustrate that the trends are towards further increasing requirements. We have identified control deficiencies related to UAM and a central task force was formed to coordinate, assess, monitor and track remediation efforts that resulted in increased focus by the Executive Board, senior management and ING staff. In 2017, management will continue to enhance the internal controls, mitigation and monitoring the progress of mitigation and remediation.

Compliance Risk Culture Monitoring

The Bank Compliance Risk Management function enhanced its control framework by assessing the operation of soft controls in relation to compliance risks in addition to hard controls. The aim of Compliance risk culture monitoring is to assess the risks that might influence the conduct and risk culture, promoting the individual integrity of all employees and enhancing the overall culture that is led by integrity.

Market Abuse

Integrity and transparency in financial markets are essential for public and investor confidence. In light of revised Market Abuse European legislation that came into effect on 3 July 2016, ING Bank issued a new Market Abuse Policy and Minimum Standard to prevent insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information and market manipulation, including benchmark manipulation. A central project was established to support ING’s commitment in adhering to the revised market abuse European legislation and to create consistency throughout the organisation with respect to the roll out and implementation of the policy and minimum standard requirements.

 

		F-207		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Financial Economic Crime

The 4^th AML Directive as issued by the European Union has been incorporated into the update of the FEC Policy and Minimum Standards. The main changes in this Directive (compared to the 3^rd AML Directive) are related to: the establishment of an UBO register (at national level with the potential to share the information within the European Economic Area (EEA)) and a stronger approach towards the application of Due Diligence on ING’s customers. The final translation of the 4^th AML Directive into the laws and regulations of the EU member states is foreseen in Q2/2017. Various global programs have started in 2016 to enhance the Know Your Client process and the risk assessment of the clients’ files, as well as strengthening the requirements and activities relating to Client Activity Monitoring.

Regulator relationships

The Bank Compliance Risk Management function continued its policy of investing in pro-active relationship building with regulators in the jurisdictions where ING Bank operates, by striving for cooperation in identifying and mitigating compliance risks for ING Bank as well as seeking to contribute to the regulatory debate going forward.

Review processes for setting benchmark rates

ING Bank has reviewed its internal processes for contributing to setting various benchmark rates. Possible irregularities have been investigated and remedial actions have been taken. ING Bank is cooperating with information requests and/or investigations of regulators and other authorities concerning ING Bank’s contribution to setting various benchmark rates. It is at this moment not possible to assess whether ING Bank will be subject to monetary or other penalties, or the amount and nature thereof if they should arise.

Non-Financial Risk Awareness

Promoting Integrity Programme

The Promoting Integrity Programme was started in 2010 and is an innovative programme consisting of e-learning modules on key bank-wide topics that can be followed-up with dialogue sessions in which managers discuss the issues raised with their teams. The programme is sponsored by board members and senior managers and is created to ensure that every employee in every part of ING Bank understands how their actions and behaviour can help earn and retain customer and stakeholder trust. The modules consist of several case studies and real life examples which require staff to think about various aspects of the issue. In 2016 Cybersecurity was addressed, with a closer look at CxO fraud, the risks of malicious apps, innovation and vulnerability to cybercrime, how to secure our assets (including responsible disclosure) and identity theft.

Learning

An e-learning module for all ING Bank employees was launched to raise awareness of Market Abuse and its consequences, addressing new and stricter legislation that took effect in July 2016. It aimed at increasing knowledge of ING standards, regulatory obligations and market practice to prevent it, looking at aspects, such as insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information, market manipulation and how to guard against them. Also understanding the human element involved to remain alert and maintain high standards of integrity and adhering to the Orange Code values.

Global education and awareness in the form of e-learning modules, awareness sessions and material was provided on topics such as Fraud and Security, Conflicts of Interest, Financial Economic Crime (FEC) and an ORM Onboarding e-learning for staff new to Operational Risk Management worldwide. Similar to what was developed earlier for Compliance Risk Management, an ORM curriculum and learning path was launched in the ING Learning Centre that gives staff in Operational Risk Management worldwide an overview of available ORM and other relevant training, including recommended external trainings. For staff in the Netherlands an Insiders e-learning was developed. Furthermore, there were end of year campaigns for anti-bribery and anti-corruption to strengthen awareness.

Classroom sessions were delivered on general non-financial risk awareness for all lines of defence in the Netherlands and in other countries. This included training in introduction programmes for new staff and talent programmes. The international Training on Operational Risk was held for staff in ING Bank worldwide who are new to the ORM function. Compliance Risk Management held its mandatory international Compliance Officer Training programme for all new Compliance Officers in ING Bank worldwide and also held an advanced Compliance Officer Training for senior compliance officers in ING Bank worldwide. For Compliance and ORM staff, there were classroom trainings on Risk Assessment and Monitoring. Classroom trainings and workshops were held for risk officers involved in the areas of Information Risk and Business Continuity Risk to update and align these communities with regard to models, toolkits, internal standards and procedures.

In addition, regular global calls and webcasts were organised on various subjects to provide advice and clarification to non-financial risk staff and provide the opportunity to ask questions.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-208

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Business Risk

Introduction

Business Risk for ING Bank has been defined as the exposure to value loss due to fluctuations in volumes/margins, expenses as well as the impact of customer behaviour risk. It is the risk inherent to strategy decisions and internal efficiency. The calculation of business risk capital is done by calculation of two components that are combined to one business risk figure via the variance-covariance methodology:

 

1.

Expense risk covers the risk that expenses will deviate from the expected expenses over the horizon of the relevant activities. This risk primarily relates to the (in)flexibility to adjust expenses, when that is needed. Expense risk only concerns non-financial expenses (e.g. staff and IT expenses); financial expenses are not in scope; and

 

2.

Customer behaviour risk relates to clients behaving differently than expected and the effect that this behaviour can have on customer deposits and mortgage pre-payments. The customer behaviour risk is calculated by stressing the underlying assumptions in the models for behavioural assets and liabilities.

Governance and risk management

The governance and management of Business Risk differs from the risk types that have been described in the sections before. ING Bank has not developed explicit risk appetite statements regarding business risk nor has it set up a department that is responsible for managing this risk. The main reason is that the underlying risk types (expense risk, volume-margin risk, and customer behaviour risk) are mitigated and managed in a different way. Expense risk is monitored and managed via the financial performance of the bank and the local units, whereby the reported expense numbers are compared on a quarterly basis with the 2020 Ambition of having a cost/income ratio between 50% and 53%. Deviations from this ambition are monitored as part of the financial projections that are discussed continuously within different parts of the organisation. For customer behaviour risk, the management and monitoring of this risk is part of the day-to-day business of the Balance Sheet Risk department. As of January 2017, customer behaviour risk will be reported under market risk economic capital. For a more extensive explanation of the risk management practices for customer behaviour risk, please refer to the ‘Market Risk in Banking Books’ section.

 

		F-209		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

2.2.2 Capital management section

Objectives

ING Group Capital Management (Capital Management) is responsible for the adequate capitalisation of ING Group and ING Bank entities at all times in order to manage the risk associated with ING’s business activities. This involves not only the management, planning and allocation of capital within ING Group and ING Bank, but also the necessary capital market transactions, term (capital) funding and risk management transactions. ING takes an integrated approach to assess the adequacy of its capital position in relation to its risk profile and its operating environment. This implies taking into account the interests of its various stakeholders. Capital Management takes into account the metrics and requirements of regulators, rating agencies and internal risk based metrics such as the Risk Appetite Framework.

ING applies the following main capital definitions:

 

•

Common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and Total capital – Tier 1 capital is defined as shareholders’ equity plus Additional Tier 1 (hybrid) capital less regulatory adjustments. Common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total capital divided by risk-weighted assets equal the Common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total capital ratios respectively. Common equity Tier 1 capital is equal to Tier 1 capital excluding Additional Tier 1 (hybrid) capital;

 

•

Common equity Tier 1 Risk Appetite – the solvency risk appetite statement is not only compared to the actual reported level, but also includes the potential impact of a standardised and pre-determined 1-in-10-year stress event (i.e. at a 90% confidence level with a 1-year horizon) as described in the Risk Management section;

 

•

Overall Capital Requirement (OCR). The OCR means that ING’s own funds exceeds the sum of the total SREP capital requirement (wherein per risk type the maximum is taken of Regulatory and Economic Capital requirements), capital buffer requirements and macro-prudential requirements.

Developments

2016 was an important year for ING Group, as it further strengthened its capitalisation. The further regulatory capital strengthening reflects the sale of the remaining stake in NN Group as well as strong profitability. Although the regulatory environment remains uncertain, our capital position ensures we can continue to support our customers to realise their financial future.

In January 2016, ING sold 33 million ordinary shares of NN Group and subsequently exchanged the final tranche of EUR 337.5 million mandatory exchangeable subordinated notes in February 2016, which were issued in 2014 as part of the anchor investment in NN Group. These transactions reduced ING’s remaining stake in NN Group from 25.8% to 14.1%. In April 2016, ING sold its remaining 14.1% stake in NN Group. The divestment of NN Group is the final step of ING’s programme to divest all of its insurance and investment management businesses as part of the restructuring agreement with the European Commission. As a result of the sale of NN Group shares, NN Group is not an investment anymore and available Tier-1 instruments on-lent to NN Group do not longer need to be deducted of available Tier-1 capital. This had a positive impact on available Tier-1 capital of EUR 0.8 billion.

All net capital flows in 2016 related to the sale of insurance related activities are disclosed in Note 51 ‘Other events’

In March 2016 a GBP 66 million grandfathered additional Tier 1 security, which was fully on-lent to ING Bank, was redeemed by ING Group on its first call date. In April 2016, ING Bank NV issued EUR 1 billion CRD IV-eligible Tier-2 instruments. The transaction had an issuer substitution option which gives ING the right to exchange these for subordinated Tier-2 notes issued by ING Groep NV.

In September 2016, ING Group redeemed USD 800 million 7.05% grandfathered Perpetual Debt Securities which were on-lent to ING Bank NV.

In November 2016, ING Group issued USD 1,000 million contingent convertible Securities which qualify as Additional Tier-1 capital under CRD IV/CRR to strengthen ING’s capital base. The perpetual bond, which will be on-lent to ING Bank can be called by ING Group five years after issuance, has a coupon of 6.875%.

The transitional (phased-in) common equity Tier 1 requirement that ING Group had to meet on a consolidated basis in 2016 was set at 10.25%. This requirement is the sum of (i) 9.5% being the ECB’s decision on the 2015 Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP), including the capital conservation buffer, and (ii) 0.75% for the Systemic Risk Buffer (SRB) which has been set separately for Dutch systemic banks by the Dutch Central Bank. The fully-loaded SRB requirement is currently set at 3% for ING Group and phases in over four years, with a final implementation date of 1 January 2019. The impact from countercyclical buffer requirements was insignificant at the start of 2016.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-210

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

At year-end 2016, ING Group received the ECBs decision on the 2016 SREP. The common equity Tier 1 requirement for ING Group was set at 9.0% in 2017. This requirement consists of a 4.5% Pillar 1 requirement, a 1.75% Pillar 2 requirement, a 1.25% Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) and the 1.50% Systemic Risk Buffer (SRB) which has been set separately for Dutch systemic banks by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank). This excludes Pillar 2 guidance, which is not disclosed. The CCB and the SRB are scheduled to phase-in over the coming years to 2.5% and 3.0% respectively by 1 January 2019. Consequently, the fully-loaded Maximum Distributable Amount (MDA) trigger level is expected to rise from 9.0% in 2017 to 11.75% in 2019 and assumes a stable Pillar 2 requirement. In the event that ING Group breaches the MDA level it may face restrictions to pay dividends, coupons on AT1 instruments and bonuses. The impact from the Countercyclical Buffer (CCyB) is negligible at this stage.

With a 14.2% fully-loaded Group common equity Tier 1 ratio as at 31 December 2016, ING is in compliance with the current fully-loaded requirement of 11.75%. ING Group’s fully-loaded Tier 1 ratio (including grandfathered securities) was 16.6% at the end of 2016, while the total capital ratio (including grandfathered securities) increased to 19.7%.

To support orderly resolution, the BRRD requires banks to meet minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL). In addition, ING as a Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) needs to comply with the total loss absorption capacity (TLAC) proposal published by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) in November 2015.

Since 2012, ING has worked with the different resolution authorities to determine a resolution strategy and to identify potential impediments to resolution. Following an discussion throughout 2016, with the Single Resolution Board (SRB) and the national resolution authority, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), we concluded that ING Group should be our designated resolution entity. At the end of January 2017, the Single Resolution Board (SRB) has informed us that it supports the designation of ING Group as the point of entry. Henceforth, ING Group will be the issuing entity for all TLAC/ MREL eligible debt consisting of Additional Tier 1, Tier 2 and senior unsecured debt.

G-SIBs will be required to meet the TLAC requirement alongside the minimum regulatory requirements set out in the Basel III framework. Specifically, they will be required to meet a Minimum TLAC requirement of at least 16% of the resolution group’s risk-weighted assets (TLAC RWA Minimum) as from 1 January 2019 and at least 18% as from 1 January 2022. Minimum TLAC must also be at least 6% of the Basel III leverage ratio denominator (TLAC Leverage Ratio Exposure (LRE) Minimum) as from 1 January 2019, and at least 6.75% as from 1 January 2022. Buffer requirements will come on top of the RWA requirement but not on top of the leverage requirement. In addition, the Single Resolution Board has assumed full power as per 1 January 2016. The work plan for the SRB in 2016 focused on determining the preferred resolution strategy, the resolution entity and the required amount of Minimum Required Eligble Liabilities (MREL).

ING Bank continues to maintain a strong and high quality capital level, with a fully-loaded Common Equity Tier-1 ratio and a phased-in Common Equity Tier-1 ratio of 12.6%, thereby complying with CRR/CRD IV solvency requirements. Dividend from ING Bank to ING Group of EUR 1.3 billion was paid in November 2016. The fourth quarter 2016 profit of EUR 0.6 billion is not included in the regulatory capital per December 2016 as this was upstreamed as dividend to ING Group in February 2017. The sale of 2.5% of Kotak Mahindra Bank shares, which was settled in October 2016, had no material impact on ING’s capital ratios. The fully loaded and phased in Tier-1 ratios respectively increased from 13.9% to 14.7% and 13.4% to 14.4%, primarily reflecting developments in ING Bank’s common equity Tier 1 ratio. This was partly offset by the redemption of the USD 800 million 7.05% grandfathered Perpetual Debt Securities in September. In April 2016, ING Bank had issued EUR 1 billion of Tier 2 bonds with an issuer substitution option through exchange. Now that clarity has been provided on the preferred resolution strategy, ING intends to use the option to replace these ING Bank Tier 2 notes with ING Group Tier 2 notes at similar terms through exchange. The noteholders have agreed upfront to the terms and conditions to exchange their ING Bank Tier 2 notes for ING Group Tier 2. ING Bank’s fully-loaded Tier 1 ratio (including grandfathered securities) was 14.7% at the end of 2016, while the total capital ratio (including grandfathered securities) increased to 17.8%.

Dividend

ING Group’s dividend policy aims to pay a progressive dividend over time which will reflect considerations including expected future capital requirements, growth opportunities available to the Group, net earnings, and regulatory developments. The Executive Board proposes to pay a total cash dividend of EUR 2,560 million, or EUR 0.66 per ordinary share, over the financial year 2016. This is subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in May 2017. Taking into account the interim dividend of EUR 0.24 per ordinary share paid in August 2016, the final dividend will amount to EUR 0.42 per ordinary share and will be paid fully in cash. The total amount of EUR 1,629 million is fully covered by the remaining balance of ‘interim profits not included in CET1 capital’ at year-end 2016.

Policies

The activities of Capital Management are executed on the basis of established policies, guidelines and procedures. For the Capital Treasury there are additional policies and limits that guide the management of the balance sheets and the execution of capital market transactions.

 

		F-211		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

Processes for managing capital

In addition to measure capital adequacy, Capital Management also ensures that sufficient capital is available through setting targets and limits relevant to the above mentioned metrics for ING Group and ING Bank and ensuring adherence to the set limits and targets through planning and executing capital management transactions. The ongoing assessment and monitoring of capital adequacy is embedded in Capital Management’s capital planning process. Following the annual budgeting process, each year a capital plan is prepared for the Group as a whole and each of its material businesses. This plan is updated on a quarterly basis and it is assessed to what extent additional management actions are required. At all times maintaining sufficient financial flexibility should be preserved to meet important financial objectives. At the foundation of the capital plan are ING’s risk appetite statements that determine target setting. These constraints are being cascaded to the different businesses in line with our risk management strategy.

Important inputs to the capital planning and management process are provided by stress testing that is performed on a regular basis. These stress tests focus on topical issues and the sensitivity of the Group’s capital position to certain risks. These analyses provide input that help to steer strategic direction. Setting policies for recovery planning and resolution are a natural extension of ING’s capital management policies and follow ING’s risk management framework seamlessly.

Capital adequacy assessment

As at 1 January 2014, the CRR/CRD IV capital rules entered into force. The capital position table reflects own funds according to the Basel III rules as specified in the CRR/CRD IV. As CRD IV will be phased-in gradually until 2019, the table shows the CRD IV positions according to the 2019 end-state rules and the 2016 rules. This makes clear which items phase in directly and which phase in gradually in 2015. ING reports these metrics for ING Group and ING Bank. During 2016, ING Group and ING Bank were adequately capitalised.

 

ING Group capital position
		(fully-loaded)								(phased-in)
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Shareholders’ equity			47,257				44,972				47,257				44,972
Differences IFRS-IASB and IFRS-EU 1			2,536				2,860				2,536				2,860
– Deductions of significant investments in financial institutions			0				–1,389				0				–558
– Interim profit not included in CET1 capital 2			–1,629				–1,586				–1,629				–1,586
– Other adjustments			–3,596				–4,069				–3,698				–4,134
Regulatory adjustments			–5,225				–7,044				–5,327				–6,278
Available common equity Tier 1 capital			44,568				40,788				44,466				41,554
Additional Tier 1 securities 3			7,706				6,574				7,706				6,574
Regulatory adjustments additional Tier 1			0				0				–809				–1,716
Available Tier 1 capital			52,274				47,362				51,364				46,412
Supplementary capital Tier 2 bonds 4			9,488				8,570				9,488				8,570
Regulatory adjustments Tier 2			109				102				–86				–657
Available Total capital			61,871				56,034				60,765				54,325
Risk weighted assets 5			314,325				321,151				314,325				321,135
Common equity Tier 1 ratio			14.18	%			12.70	%			14.15	%			12.94	%
Tier 1 ratio			16.63	%			14.75	%			16.34	%			14.45	%
Total capital ratio			19.68	%			17.45	%			19.33	%			16.92	%

 

1	Capital measures exclude the difference between IFRS-EU and IFRS-IASB as capital measures are based on IFRS-EU as primary accounting basis for statutory and regulatory deductions.

2	The interim profit not included in CET1 is the proposed dividend of EUR 1,629 million, subject to approval of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in May 2017.

3	Including EUR 3,052 million (2015: EUR 2,061 million) is CRR/CRD IV compliant and EUR 4,654 million (2015: EUR 5,187 million) to be replaced as capital recognition is subject to CRR/CRD IV grandfathering rules. For 2015 this amount is presented net of positions on lent to insurance.

4	Including EUR 7,347 million (2015: EUR 6,229 million) is CRR/CRD IV-compliant and EUR 2,141 million (2015: EUR 2,341 million) to be replaced as capital recognition is subject to CRR/CRD IV grandfathering rules.

5	The 2015 fully-loaded RWA deviated from the phased-in RWA as a result of a slightly higher threshold to which the significant Financial Institutions were risk weighted.

As per 31 December 2016 the total amount of available distributable items following the CRD IV definition is EUR 37,959 million, slightly higher compared with EUR 36,284 million in 2015.

ING Group available distributable items according to the CRR/CRD IV

 

Amounts in millions of euros		2016				2015
Share premium			16,950				16,054
Other reserve			22,372				21,131
Share of associate reserve			5,781				5,715
Non distributable			-7,379				-6,832
Total			37,724				36,068
Accrued interest expenses on own fund instruments at year-end			235				216
Distributable items			37,959				36,284

 

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-212

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ING Bank NV capital position according to CRR/CRD IV
		(fully-loaded)								(phased-in)
		2016				2015				2016				2015
Shareholders’ equity			41,004				37,997				41,004				37,997
Differences IFRS-IASB and IFRS-EU 1			2,536				2,860				2,536				2,860
Interim profit not included in CET1 capital 2			–617				0				–617				0
Other adjustments			–3,548				–4,022				–3,661				–4,103
Regulatory adjustments			–4,165				–4,022				–4,278				–4,103
Available common equity Tier 1 capital			39,375				36,834				39,262				36,753
Additional Tier 1 securities 3			6,496				7,248				6,496				7,248
Regulatory adjustments additional Tier 1			0				0				–798				–1,281
Available Tier 1 capital			45,871				44,083				44,960				42,721
Supplementary capital Tier 2 bonds 4			9,488				8,570				9,488				8,570
Regulatory adjustments Tier 2			109				102				–86				–239
Available Total capital			55,467				52,754				54,362				51,052
Risk weighted assets			312,086				318,202				312,086				318,202
Common equity Tier 1 ratio			12.62	%			11.58	%			12.58	%			11.55	%
Tier 1 ratio			14.70	%			13.85	%			14.41	%			13.43	%
Total capital ratio			17.77	%			16.58	%			17.42	%			16.04	%

 

1	Capital measures exclude the difference between IFRS-EU and IFRS-IASB as capital measures are based on IFRS-EU as primary accounting basis for statutory and regulatory deductions.

2	The interim profit of the fourth quarter 2016 has not been included in CET1 capital as off 31 December 2016.

3	Of which EUR 3,542 million (2015: EUR 3,531 million) is CRR/CRD IV compliant and EUR 2,954 million (2015: EUR 3,718 million) to be replaced as capital recognition subject to CRR/CRDIV grandfathering rules.

4	Of which EUR 7,347 million (2015: EUR 6,229 million) is CRR/CRD IV-compliant and EUR 2,141 million (2015: EUR 2,341 million) to be replaced as capital recognition is subject to CRR/CRD IV grandfathering rules.

Regulatory requirements

Capital adequacy and the use of regulatory required capital are based on the guidelines developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (The Basel Committee) and the European Union Directives, as implemented by the Dutch Central Bank (Dutch Central Bank until 3 November 2014, the ECB thereafter) for supervisory purposes. In 2010 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued new solvency and liquidity requirements, which superseded Basel II. The minimum requirements, excluding buffers, for the common equity Tier 1 ratio is 4.5%, the minimum Tier 1 requirement is 6% and the total capital ratio) is 8% of all risk-weighted assets. Basel III requires Banks to hold a capital of at least 80% of the old Basel I requirements, which was 8% of the RWAs as calculated with the Basel I methodology. This Basel I floor has been extended until the end of 2017.

ICAAP/SREP process

On a yearly basis ING Bank N.V. submits extensive documentation on the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) to its regulator as prescribed in the CRD IV frameworks. This documentation includes a description of ING’s internal capital models, its risk appetite framework, an asset quality analysis and a capital planning, both under normal circumstances and in certain stressed scenarios. This documentation is an important input for the regulator’s Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) resulting in a letter to ING Management. The SREP is conducted by the ECB and examines on a regular basis ING’s internal models and processes. The regulatory 2016 guidance indicated that the minimum capital ratios ECB considers adequate for ING Bank and ING Group sufficiently covered by ING’s own capital standards.

 

		F-213		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Ratings

 

Main credit ratings of ING at 31 December 2016

Standard & Poor’s

Moody’s

Fitch

Rating

Outlook

Rating

Outlook

Rating

Outlook

ING Groep N.V.

– long-term

A-

Stable

Baa1

Stable

A+

Stable

ING Bank N.V.

– long-term

A

Stable

A1

Stable

A+

Stable

– short-term

A-1

P-1

F1

ING’s key credit ratings and outlook are shown in the table above. Each of these ratings reflects only the view of the applicable rating agency at the time the rating was issued, and any explanation of the significance of a rating may be obtained only from the rating agency.

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. There is no assurance that any credit rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the rating agency if, in the rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant. ING accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the ratings.

2.3. Supplemental Information

The following financial information presents the statement of financial position for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2015 and 2014, and the profit or loss accounts and statements of cash flows for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2015 and 2014 of (i) ING Groep N.V. (parent company only), (ii) subsidiaries, (iii) the eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for ING on a consolidated basis and (iv) the total for ING Group. The principles of determination of results stated in connection with the profit or loss account are also applicable to the ING Groep N.V. parent only column. Investments in group companies and investments in associates are initially recognised at cost and subsequently accounted for by the equity method of accounting.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-214

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2.3.1 Consolidating Statement of financial position

 

For the year ended 31 December 2016		ING Group N.V. parent company				Subsidiaries				Consolidating entries				ING Group consolidated
Assets
Cash and balances with central banks							18,144								18,144
Loans and advances to banks			15,633				28,858				–15,633				28,858
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
– trading assets							114,504								114,504
– non-trading derivatives			236				2,580				–326				2,490
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss							5,099								5,099
Investments
– available-for-sale							82,912								82,912
– held-to-maturity							8,751								8,751
Loans and advances to customers			823				560,731				–1,400				560,154
Investments in associates and joint ventures			41,175				1,141				–41,175				1,141
Property and equipment							2,002								2,002
Intangible assets							1,484								1,484
Current tax assets			51				263								314
Deferred tax assets							1,641								1,641
Other assets			125				14,722				–125				14,722
Assets held for sale
Total assets			58,043				842,832				–58,659				842,216
Liabilities
Deposits from banks			54				31,964				–54				31,964
Customer deposits							531,062				–8,154				522,908
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss							83,167								83,167
– trading liabilities
– non-trading derivatives			10				3,586				–55				3,541
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss							12,266								12,266
Current tax liabilities							546								546
Deferred tax liabilities							624								624
Provisions			49				1,979								2,028
Other liabilities			145				16,977				–270				16,852
Debt securities in issue			1,902				101,332								103,234
Subordinated loans			8,626				17,548				–8,951				17,223
Liabilities held for sale
Total liabilities			10,786				801,051				–17,484				794,353
Equity
Shareholders’ equity (parent)			47,257				41,175				–41,175				47,257
Non-controlling interests							606								606
Total equity			47,257				41,781				–41,175				47,863
Total equity and liabilities			58,043				842,832				–58,659				842,216

 

		F-215		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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For the year ended 31 December 2015		ING Group N.V. parent company				Subsidiaries				Consolidating entries				ING Group consolidated
Assets
Cash and balances with central banks							21,458								21,458
Loans and advances to banks			16,119				29,988				–16,119				29,988
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
– trading assets							131,467								131,467
– non-trading derivatives			439				3,234				–326				3,347
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss							3,234								3,234
Investments
– available-for-sale							87,000								87,000
– held-to-maturity							7,826								7,826
Loans and advances to customers			823				697,470				–1,400				696,893
Investments in associates and joint ventures			38,157				962				–38,157				962
Property and equipment							2,027								2,027
Intangible assets							1,567								1,567
Current tax assets			42				280								322
Deferred tax assets							1,783								1,783
Other assets			106				12,290				–135				12,261
Assets held for sale			2,153												2,153
Total assets			57,839				1,000,586				–56,137				1,002,288
Liabilities
Deposits from banks			40				33,808				–35				33,813
Customer deposits							672,165				–7,955				664,210
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
– trading liabilities							88,807								88,807
– non-trading derivatives			220				4,363				–326				4,257
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss							12,616								12,616
Current tax liabilities							590								590
Deferred tax liabilities			2				587								589
Provisions							964								964
Other liabilities			229				13,038				–135				13,132
Debt securities in issue			3,733				117,556								121,289
Subordinated loans			8,643				17,297				–9,529				16,411
Liabilities held for sale
Total liabilities			12,867				961,791				–17,980				956,678
Equity
Shareholders’ equity (parent)			44,972				38,157				–38,157				44,972
Non-controlling interests							638								638
Total equity			44,972				38,795				–38,157				45,610
Total equity and liabilities			57,839				1,000,586				–56,137				1,002,288

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-216

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2014		ING Group N.V. parent company				Subsidiaries				Consolidating entries				ING Group consolidated
Assets
Cash and balances with central banks							12,233								12,233
Loans and advances to banks							37,119								37,119
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
– trading assets							136,959								136,959
– non-trading derivatives			380				4,308				–304				4,384
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss							2,756								2,756
Investments
– available-for-sale							95,402								95,402
– held-to-maturity							2,239								2,239
Loans and advances to customers			11,608				700,144				–13,518				698,234
Investments in associates and joint ventures			47,945				953				–47,945				953
Property and equipment							2,100								2,100
Intangible assets							1,655								1,655
Current tax assets							289								289
Deferred tax assets							2,389								2,389
Other assets			177				12,716				–281				12,612
Assets held for sale			1,592				165,530				–1,695				165,427
Total assets			61,702				1,176,792				–63,743				1,174,751
Liabilities
Deposits from banks							29,999								29,999
Customer deposits							675,083				–5,411				669,672
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
– trading liabilities							97,091								97,091
– non-trading derivatives			89				6,357				–406				6,040
– designated as at fair value through profit or loss							13,551								13,551
Current tax liabilities							450								450
Deferred tax liabilities			12				783								795
Provisions							1,017								1,017
Other liabilities			554				13,595				–230				13,919
Debt securities in issue			5,397				120,955								126,352
Subordinated loans			8,096				17,834				–7,772				18,158
Liabilities held for sale							144,085				–1,979				142,106
Total liabilities			14,148				1,120,800				–15,798				1,119,150
Equity
Shareholders’ equity (parent)			47,554				47,945				–47,945				47,554
Non-controlling interests							8,047								8,047
Total equity			47,554				55,992				–47,945				55,601
Total equity and liabilities			61,702				1,176,792				–63,743				1,174,751

 

		F-217		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

2.3.2. Consolidated profit and loss account

 

For the year ended 31 December 2016		ING Group N.V. parent company				Subsidiaries				Consolidating entries				ING Group consolidated
Continuing operations
Interest income			498				44,280				–596				44,182
Interest expense			–574				–30,963				596				–30,941
Net interest income			–76				13,317				–				13,241
Commission income							3,581								3,581
Commission expense							–1,148								–1,148
Net commission income			–				2,433				–				2,433
Valuation results and net trading income			42				1,503								1,545
Investment income							421								421
Share of result from associates and joint ventures			4,562				88				–4,562				88
Result on disposal of group companies			7				–6								1
Other income							173								173
Total income			4,535				17,929				–4,562				17,902
Addition to loan loss provisions							974								974
Staff expenses			4				5,035								5,039
Other operating expenses			16				5,559								5,575
Total expenses			20				11,568				–				11,588
Result before tax from continuing operations			4,515				6,361				–4,562				6,314
Taxation			–19				1,724								1,705
Net result from continuing operations			4,534				4,637				–4,562				4,609
Discontinued operations
Net result from discontinued operations
Net result from classification as discontinued operations
Net result from disposal of discontinued operations			441												441
Total net result from discontinued operations			441				–				–				441
Net result (before minority interests)			4,975				4,637				–4,562				5,050
Net result attributable to Minority interests															75
Net result attributable to Equityholders of the parent															4,975

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-218

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2015		ING Group N.V. parent company				Subsidiaries				Consolidating entries				ING Group consolidated
Continuing operations
Interest income			568				46,452				–699				46,321
Interest expense			–720				–33,739				699				–33,760
Net interest income			–152				12,713				–				12,561
Commission income							3,411								3,411
Commission expense							–1,093								–1,093
Net commission income			–				2,318				–				2,318
Valuation results and net trading income			–50				2,495								2,445
Investment income			59				64								123
Share of result from associates and joint ventures			5,925				492				–5,925				492
Result on disposal of group companies							2								2
Other income							66								66
Total income			5,782				18,150				–5,925				18,007
Addition to loan loss provisions							1,347								1,347
Staff expenses			10				4,962								4,972
Other operating expenses			8				4,346								4,354
Total expenses			18				10,655				–				10,673
Result before tax from continuing operations			5,764				7,495				–5,925				7,334
Taxation			–41				1,965								1,924
Net result from continuing operations			5,805				5,530				–5,925				5,410
Discontinued operations
Net result from discontinued operations							800								800
Net result from classification as discontinued operations							3								3
Net result from disposal of discontinued operations			–879												–879
Total net result from discontinued operations			–879				803				–				–76
Net result (before minority interests)			4,926				6,333				–5,925				5,334
Net result attributable to Minority interests															408
Net result attributable to Equityholders of the parent															4,926

 

		F-219		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2014		ING Group N.V. parent company				Subsidiaries				Consolidating entries				ING Group consolidated
Continuing operations
Interest income			584				48,418				–833				48,169
Interest expense			–808				–35,818				761				–35,865
Net interest income			–224				12,600				–72				12,304
Commission income							3,314				–17				3,297
Commission expense							–1,024				20				–1,004
Net commission income			–				2,290				3				2,293
Valuation results and net trading income			105				–154								–49
Investment income			25				211								236
Share of result from associates and joint ventures			3,092				138				–3,092				138
Result on disposal of group companies			–1,926				2,121								195
Other income							97								97
Total income			1,072				17,303				–3,161				15,214
Addition to loan loss provisions							1,594								1,594
Staff expenses							5,788								5,788
Other operating expenses			35				4,436								4,471
Total expenses			35				11,818				–				11,853
Result before tax from continuing operations			1,037				5,485				–3,161				3,361
Taxation			74				802				–17				859
Net result from continuing operations			963				4,683				–3,144				2,502
Discontinued operations
Net result from discontinued operations							667								667
Net result from classification as discontinued operations							–470								–470
Net result from disposal of discontinued operations							–1,572								–1,572
Total net result from discontinued operations			–				–1,375				–				–1,375
Net result (before minority interests)			963				3,308				–3,144				1,127
Net result attributable to Minority interests															164
Net result attributable to Equityholders of the parent															963

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-220

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December		2016				2015				2014
Net result attributable to Non-controlling interests
– from continuing operations			75				69				79
– from discontinued operations							339				85
			75				408				164
Net result attributable to Equityholders of the parent
– from continuing operations			4,534				5,341				2,423
– from discontinued operations			441				–415				–1,460
			4,975				4,926				963

 

		F-221		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

2.3.3. Consolidated Statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2016

ING Group N.V. parent company

Subsidiaries

Consolidating entries

ING Group consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

Result before tax

4,954

6,361

–4,562

6,753

Adjusted for:

– depreciation

536

536

– change in provisions for insurance and investment contracts

– addition to loan loss provisions

974

974

– other

–4,562

1,084

4,562

1,084

Taxation paid

–8

–1,595

–1,603

Changes in:

– loans and advances to banks, not available on demand

–1,162

–1,162

– trading assets

16,956

16,956

– non-trading derivatives

35

1,777

1,812

– other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

–3,401

–3,401

– loans and advances to customers 2

12

–29,668

–29,656

– other assets

365

–1,280

–915

– deposits from banks, not payable on demand

–342

–342

– customer deposits 2

23,493

23,493

– trading liabilities

–5,634

–5,634

– other financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

–432

–432

– provisions and other liabilities

123

–33

90

Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities

919

7,634

–

8,553

Cash flows from investing activities

Investments and advances:

– associates and joint ventures

–49

–49

– available-for-sale investments

–27,003

–27,003

– held-to-maturity investments

–1,731

–1,731

– property and equipment

–351

–351

– assets subject to operating leases

–64

–64

– investments for risk of policyholders

– other investments

–288

–288

Disposals and redemptions:

– group companies (including cash in company disposed) 3

– associates and joint ventures 4

1,016

55

1,071

– available-for-sale investments 5

1,375

31,165

32,540

– held-to-maturity investments

630

630

– property and equipment

63

63

– assets subject to operating leases

12

12

– investments for risk of policyholders

– loans

1,295

1,295

– other investments

9

9

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities

2,391

3,743

–

6,134

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-222

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2016

ING Group N.V. parent company

Subsidiaries

Consolidating entries

ING Group consolidated

Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities

919

7,634

8,553

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities

2,391

3,743

6,134

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from debt securities

106,174

106,174

Repayments of debt securities

–1,750

–121,998

–123,748

Proceeds from issuance of subordinated loans

985

1,085

2,070

Repayments of subordinated loans 6

–83

–959

–1,042

Repayment and premium paid on non-voting equity securities

Purchase/sale of treasury shares

10

10

Proceeds from NN Group divestments and related transactions

Dividends paid

–2,521

–1,354

1,354

–2,521

Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities

–3,359

–17,052

1,354

–19,057

Net cash flow

–49

–5,675

1,354

–4,370

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

49

20,379

–49

20,379

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

155

155

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

–

14,859

1,305

16,164

 

		F-223		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

ING Group N.V. parent company

Subsidiaries

Consolidating entries

ING Group consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

Result before tax

4,885

8,443

–5,925

7,403

Adjusted for:

– depreciation

634

634

– change in provisions for insurance and investment contracts

–1,499

–1,499

– addition to loan loss provisions

1,347

1,347

– other

–5,925

–1,310

5,925

–1,310

Taxation paid

–1

–1,449

–1,450

Changes in:

– loans and advances to banks, not available on demand

6,766

6,766

– trading assets

5,458

5,458

– non-trading derivatives

–17

–303

17

–303

– other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

–256

–256

– loans and advances to customers 2

–4,624

–23,030

4,624

–23,030

– other assets

30

519

549

– deposits from banks, not payable on demand

5,179

5,179

– customer deposits 2

17,970

17,970

– trading liabilities

–8,276

–8,276

– other financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

–1,582

–1,582

– provisions and other liabilities

870

766

1,341

2,977

Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities

–4,782

9,377

5,982

10,577

Cash flows from investing activities

Investments and advances:

– group companies

–82

82

– associates and joint ventures

–40

–40

– available-for-sale investments

–47,858

–47,858

– held-to-maturity investments

–3,457

–3,457

– property and equipment

–353

–353

– assets subject to operating leases

–37

–37

– investments for risk of policyholders

–2,417

–2,417

– other investments

–648

–648

Disposals and redemptions:

– group companies (including cash in company disposed) 3

2,446

–9,372

–6,926

– associates and joint ventures 4

1,175

1,175

– available-for-sale investments 5

1,824

50,851

52,675

– held-to-maturity investments

1,219

1,219

– property and equipment

74

74

– assets subject to operating leases

17

17

– investments for risk of policyholders

7,566

7,566

– loans

3,201

3,201

– other investments

5

5

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities

4,188

–74

82

4,196

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-224

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2015		ING Group N.V. parent company				Subsidiaries				Consolidating entries				ING Group consolidated
Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities			–4,782				9,377				5,982				10,577
Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities			4,188				–74				82				4,196
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from debt securities			72				143,976				–4,624				139,424
Repayments of debt securities			–1,651				–145,686								–147,337
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated loans			2,025				1,.134								3,159
Repayments of subordinated loans 6			–1,848				–4,244								–6,092
Purchase/sale of treasury shares							34								34
Issuance of ordinary shares							82				–82
Proceeds from NN Group divestments and related transactions			1,040												1,040
Dividends paid			889				–2,282								–1,393
Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities			527				–6,986				–4,706				–11,165
Net cash flow			–67				2,317				1,358				3,608
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			116				18,404				–1,407				17,113
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents							–342								–342
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			49				20,379				–49				20,379

 

		F-225		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2014

ING Group N.V. parent company

Subsidiaries

Consolidating entries

ING Group consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

Result before tax

1,037

4,355

–3,161

2,231

Adjusted for:

– depreciation

692

692

– change in provisions for insurance and investment contracts

–3,527

–3,527

– addition to loan loss provisions

1,594

1,594

– other

–375

2,964

–226

2,363

Taxation paid

–74

–999

–1,073

Changes in:

– loans and advances to banks, not available on demand

3,360

3,360

– trading assets

5

–23,681

–23,676

– non-trading derivatives

–105

–2,917

–3,022

– other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

–553

–553

– loans and advances to customers 2

–2,192

–15,116

3,407

–13,901

– other assets

211

–57

92

246

– deposits from banks, not payable on demand

3,353

3,353

– customer deposits 2

19,015

19,015

– trading liabilities

23,855

23,855

– other financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

–1,018

–1,018

– provisions and other liabilities

–3,295

–790

6,165

2,080

Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities

–4,788

10,530

6,277

12,019

Cash flows from investing activities

Investments and advances:

– associates and joint ventures

–528

–528

– available-for-sale investments

–85,799

–85,799

– held-to-maturity investments

–315

–315

– property and equipment

–375

–375

– assets subject to operating leases

–34

–34

– investments for risk of policyholders

–20,598

–20,598

– other investments

–6,831

–6,831

Disposals and redemptions:

– group companies (including cash in company disposed)

934

–2,150

–1,216

– associates and joint ventures

1,956

549

2,505

– available-for-sale investments

166

69,278

69,444

– held-to-maturity investments

1,172

1,172

– property and equipment

55

55

– assets subject to operating leases

3

3

– investments for risk of policyholders

28,003

28,003

– loans

2,382

–1,215

1,167

– other investments

5,928

5,928

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities

3,056

–9,260

–1,215

–7,419

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-226

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2014

ING Group N.V. parent company

Subsidiaries

Consolidating entries

ING Group consolidated

Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities

–4,788

10,530

6,277

12,019

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities

3,056

–9,260

–1,215

–7,419

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from debt securities

3,221

144,451

–4,044

143,628

Repayments of debt securities

–1,165

–152,483

4,044

–149,604

Proceeds from issuance of subordinated loans

1,125

3,086

4,211

Repayments of subordinated loans 6

–1,500

–1,867

–3,367

Repayment and premium paid on non-voting equity securities

–2,250

–2,250

Purchase/sale of treasury shares

10

–24

–14

Issuance of ordinary shares

–850

850

Proceeds from NN Group divestments and related transactions

1,747

986

2,733

Dividends paid

1,403

–1,412

9

Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities

1,731

–6,379

–15

–4,663

Net cash flow

–1

–5,109

5,047

–63

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

1

23,517

–6,338

17,180

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

–4

–4

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

–

18,404

–1,291

17,113

2.3.4. Notes to the supplemental information

Investments in group companies

 

Investments in group companies
		2016								2015
		Interest held (%)				Statement of financial position value				Interest held (%)				Statement of financial position value
ING Bank			100	%			41,004				100	%			37,997
Other							171								160
							41,175								38,157

Other includes certain intercompany eliminations.

 

Changes in investments in group companies
		2016				2015
Opening balance			38,157				47,945
Disposals							–14,479
Revaluations			–179				818
Results			4,561				6,101
Capital contributions							82
Dividends			–1,354				–2,282
			41,185				38,185
Changes in ING Groep N.V. shares held by group companies			–10				–28
Closing balance			41,175				38,157

 

		F-227		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated financial statements - continued

 

 

 

In 2015, Disposal of group companies included the further divestment of ING’s stake in NN Group, resulting in loss of control and deconsolidation of NN Group at the end of May 2015. As at 31 December 2015, the remaining interest in NN Group was 25.75% and was included in ‘Investments in associates and joint ventures’. Reference is made to Note 2 ‘Investments in associates and joint ventures’.

Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

Changes in investments in associates and joint ventures
		2016				2015
Opening balance			2,153				–
Additions							3,612
Transfer to and from Investments			–1,315
Revaluations			178
Disposals			–1,016				–1,459
Closing balance			–				2,153

During 2016, ING sold its remaining shares in NN Group. As at 31 December 2015, Investments in associates and joint ventures comprised ING’s investment, of 25.75%, amounting to EUR 2,153 million in NN Group.

In 2015, Additions represented the fair value of the investment retained in NN Group at deconsolidation. Further divestments of ING Group’s shareholding in NN Group, subsequent to deconsolidation, was included in Disposals. As at 31 December 2015, Investments in associates and joint ventures represented the remaining interest in NN Group of 25.75%. The investment was measured at the lower of the carrying value and the fair value less cost to sell. Reference is made to the Consolidated annual accounts, Note 51 ‘Other events’.

Subordinated loans

 

Subordinated loans
												Statement of financial position value
Interest rate		Year of issue		Due date		Notional amount in original currency						2016				2015
6.875%		2016		Perpetual		USD			1,000				948
6.500%		2015		Perpetual		USD			1,250				1,177				1,139
6.000%		2015		Perpetual		USD			1,000				943				912
4.000%		2014		Anchor investors1		EUR			1,125								338
9.000%		2008		Perpetual		EUR			10				10				10
6.375%		2007		Perpetual		USD			1,045				975				960
5.140%		2006		Perpetual		GBP			66								90
6.125%		2005		Perpetual		USD			700				662				635
Variable		2004		Perpetual		EUR			555				551				568
6.200%		2003		Perpetual		USD			500				470				454
Variable		2003		Perpetual		EUR			430				427				428
7.200%		2002		Perpetual		USD			1,100				1,041				1,004
7.050%		2002		Perpetual		USD			800								727
Variable		2000		31 December 2030		USD			1,500				1,422				1,378
													8,626				8,643

 

1	Reference is made to the ING Group Consolidated annual accounts, Note 18 ‘Subordinated loans – Subordinated notes – Anchor investors’.

In November 2016, ING Groep N.V. issued USD 1,000 million securities that qualify as Additional Tier 1 capital under CRR/CRD IV. The issuance was in the form of 5 Year Callable USD denominated Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Contingent Convertible Securities, with coupon 6.875%. The securities are subject to full conversion into ordinary shares of ING Groep N.V. in the event that ING’s phased-in CET1 ratio would fall below 7%.

 

ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-228

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In February, March and September 2016 respectively, ING Groep N.V. redeemed the final tranche of subordinated loans from the Anchor investors (EUR 338 million), GBP 66 million 5.14% Bond and the USD 800 million 7.05% ING Perpetual Debt Securities. Reference is made to the ING Group Consolidated annual accounts, Note 18 ‘Subordinated loans’ and Note 19 ‘Equity’.

The Subordinated loans rank subordinated to the Other liabilities in a winding-up of ING Group.

 

		F-229		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-230

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		F-231		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-232

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		F-233		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-234

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		F-235		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-236

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		F-237		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-238

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		F-239		ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016

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ING Group Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016		F-240