AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 22, 2016

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

(Mark One)

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

OR

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

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

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

OR

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

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

 

Commission file number: 001 - 32535

 

BANCOLOMBIA S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Republic of Colombia

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Alejandro Mejia Jaramillo, Investor Relations Manager

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

Carrera 48 # 26-85, Medellín, Colombia

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Not applicable
(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
Not applicable
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

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

 

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

 

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

Yes ¨ No x

 

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

Yes x No ¨

 

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

Yes ¨ No x

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 U.S. GAAP  ¨

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board   x Other  ¨       

 

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

Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨

 

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

Yes ¨  No   x

 

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

 

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

Yes ¨  No x

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS i
   
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ii
   
PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION iii
   
PART I  
   
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 1
     
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 1
     
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 1
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 1
B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS 4
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS 4
D. RISK FACTORS 4
     
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 15
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY 15
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW 19
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 43
D. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT 45
E. SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION 45
     
ITEM 4 A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 68
     
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 69
A. OPERATING RESULTS 69
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 83
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC. 91
D. TREND INFORMATION 91
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 92
F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 93
G. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES 93
     
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 93
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 93
B. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 96
C. BOARD PRACTICES 97
D. EMPLOYEES 99
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP 100
     
ITEM 7. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 101
A. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS 101
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 102
C. INTEREST OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL 103
     
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 104
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION 104
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES 104
     
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 105
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS 105
B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 106
C. MARKETS 106
D. SELLING STOCKHOLDERS 107
E. DILUTION 107
F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE 107

 

 

 

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 107
A. SHARE CAPITAL 107
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 107
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS 113
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS 113
E. TAXATION 113
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS 118
G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS 118
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY 118
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION 118
     
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 118
     
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 124
     
PART II    
     
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 125
     
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 125
     
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 126
     
ITEM 16. RESERVED 127
A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 127
B. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND CODE OF ETHICS 127
C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 128
D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES 128
E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS 128
F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT 129
G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 129
H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 130
     
PART III    
     
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 130
     
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 130
     
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS 131

 

 

 

 

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

References to “Colombian banking GAAP” refer to generally accepted accounting principles in Colombia as supplemented by the applicable regulations of the SFC.

 

References to “Conavi” refer to Conavi Banco Comercial y de Ahorros S.A. as it existed immediately before its merger with and into Bancolombia.

 

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

 

References to “Corfinsura” refer to Corporación Financiera Nacional y Suramericana S.A., as it existed immediately before its merger with and into Bancolombia.

 

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

 

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

 

i  

 

 

References to “Grupo Agromercantil” refer to Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A., a company organized under the laws of the Republic of Panama, of which Bancolombia S.A. owns 60% of its voting shares, and is the parent company of Banco Agromercantil of Guatemala, and its subsidiaries.

 

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

 

References to “Leasing Bancolombia” refer to Leasing Bancolombia S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento, a Subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A. organized under the laws of Colombia that specializes in leasing activities, offering a wide range of financial leases, operating leases, loans, time deposits and bonds.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

References to “SMEs” refer to Small and Medium Enterprises

 

References to “SMMLV” refer to Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente, the effective legal minimum monthly salary in Colombia. In 2015, the effective legal minimum monthly salary in Colombia was COP 644,350.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ii  

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

 

Accounting Principles

 

The audited Consolidated Financial Statements (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and the related interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRS-IC”) and by the Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC) related interpretations. Until December 31, 2014, we prepared our Consolidated Financial Statements following Colombian banking GAAP. All 2015 and 2014 data included in this report has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB.

 

For 2015, the Consolidated Financial Statements include entities in which the Bank holds control, directly or indirectly. See “Item 4. Information on the Company – C. Organizational Structure” for an organizational chart depicting Bancolombia and its subsidiaries.

 

iii  

 

 

Currencies

 

The Bank maintains accounting records in pesos, which is the functional and presentation currency of the Bank. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and January 1, 2014, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 contained in this Annual Report are expressed in millions of pesos.

 

This Annual Report translates certain pesos amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise indicated, such peso amounts have been translated at the rate of COP 3,149.47 per USD 1.00, which corresponds to the Representative Market Rate calculated on December 31, 2015 the last business day of the year. The SFC also calculates and certifies the average Representative Market Rate for each month for purposes of preparing financial statements and converting amounts in foreign currency to pesos. Such conversion should not be construed as a representation that the peso amounts correspond to, or have been or could be converted into, U.S. dollars at that rate or any other rate. On April 21, 2016, the Representative Market Rate was COP 2,899.92 per USD 1.00.

 

Rounding Comparability of Data

 

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

 

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

 

iv  

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

    A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2015 set forth below has been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements under IFRS included in this Annual Report.

 

The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, related notes thereto, and the reports of the Bank’s independent registered public accounting firms.

 

    As of and for the year ended December 31,  
    2015     2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP and thousands of USD, except per share
and per ADS amounts)
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME:                        
Total interest and valuation income   USD 3,578,267     COP 11,269,644     COP 9,172,163  
Interest expenses     (1,282,102 )     (4,037,941 )     (3,164,611 )
Net margin and valuation on financial   instruments     2,296,165       7,231,703       6,007,552  
Credit impairment charges on loans and financial leases, net.     (529,511 )     (1,667,680 )     (843,597 )
Allowances for credit losses on off balance sheet credit instruments     (2,356 )     (7,421 )     (25,608 )
Net interest and valuation income after provisions for  loans, financial leases and off-balance sheet credit instruments     1,764,298       5,556,602       5,138,347  
Total other operating income     1,135,848       3,577,320       3,084,942  
Total operating expenses     (1,872,787 )     (5,898,287 )     (5,118,695 )
Profit before tax     1,027,359       3,235,635       3,104,594  
Income tax     (206,146 )     (649,250 )     (737,676 )
Profit for the year from continuing operations     821,213       2,586,385       2,366,918  
Net income from discontinued operations     7,148       22,513       62,867  
Net income     828,361       2,608,898       2,429,785  
Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company   USD 799,782     COP 2,518,890     COP 2,387,086  
Non-controlling interest     28,579       90,008       42,699  
                         
Weighted average of Preferred and Common Shares outstanding (1)             961,827,000       941,936,589  
Basic and Diluted net income per share (1)     851       2,680       2,591  
From continued operations     843       2,656       2,524  
From discontinued operations     8       24       67  
Basic and Diluted net income per ADS     3,404       10,720       10,364  
From continuing operations     3,373       10,624       10,096  
From discontinued operations     30       96       268  
Cash dividends declared per share             888       830  
Cash dividends declared per share   (stated in US Dollars)             0.28       0.26  
Cash dividends declared per ADS             3,552       3,320  
Cash dividends declared per ADS (stated in US Dollars)             1.13       1.05  

  

 

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

 

  1

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

    As of December 31,  
    USD
2015
    2015     2014  
                   
    (in millions of COP and thousands of USD, except per share and per
ADS amounts)
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION                        
Assets:                        
Cash and cash equivalents   USD 5,904,998     COP 18,597,614     COP 13,466,783  
Financial assets investments     4,533,405       14,277,824       12,784,223  
Derivative financial instruments     756,371       2,382,168       1,448,845  
Loans and advances to customers     46,236,554       145,620,639       115,173,653  
Allowance for loan and lease losses     (1,666,551 )     (5,248,755 )     (4,789,257 )
Assets held for sale and inventories     619,408       1,950,808       97,744  
Investment in associates and joint ventures     173,537       546,549       1,349,697  
Investment property     477,873       1,505,046       1,114,180  
Premises and equipment, net     1,029,240       3,241,562       2,646,321  
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net     2,251,888       7,092,255       4,585,849  
Deferred tax     54,130       170,482       187,737  
Other assets     900,683       2,836,675       1,564,106  
Total assets   USD 61,271,536     COP 192,972,867     COP 149,629,881  
                         
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:                        
Deposit from customers     38,673,817       121,802,028       94,769,319  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     6,261,747       19,721,184       13,852,284  
Debt securities in issue     6,171,154       19,435,865       14,527,403  
Other liabilities     3,685,024       11,605,871       9,114,395  
Stockholder' equity     6,479,794       20,407,919       17,366,480  
                         
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   USD 61,271,536     COP 192,972,867     COP 149,629,881  
                         
Stockholders' equity per share (1)     6,736       21,214       18,436  
Stockholders' equity per ADS (1)     26,943       84,856       73,743  

   

 

(1) The weighted average (rounded to the nearest million) of preferred and common shares outstanding was 962 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and 942 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Stockholders’ equity per share is equal to stockholders’ equity under IFRS divided by the weighted average of preferred and common shares outstanding. Stockholders’ equity per ADS is equal to stockholders’ equity per share multiplied by four preferred shares of Bancolombia (each ADS represents four preferred shares of Bancolombia).

Stockholders’ equity per share and stockholders’ equity per ADS should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, as a measure of operating performance or as a substitute for cash flows from operations or as a measure of liquidity. The non-GAAP financial measures described in this footnote are not a substitute for the GAAP measures of financial performance and should not be considered as an alternate measure of stockholders’ equity as determined on a consolidated basis using amounts derived from the consolidated statement of financial position prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

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

 

  2

 

 

SELECTED RATIOS

 

    As of and for the year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (Percentages, except for operating data)  
SELECTED RATIOS: (1)                
Profitability ratios:                
Net interest margin and valuation from continuing operations (2)     5.25       5.30  
Return on average total assets from continuing operations (3)     1.53       1.72  
Return on average stockholders‘ equity (4)     13.62       14.81  
Efficiency ratio:                
Operating expenses to net operating income from continuing operations     54.57       56.30  
Operating expenses to average total assets from continuing operations     3.62       3.80  
Operating expenses to productive assets from continuing operations     4.28       4.51  
Capital ratios:                
Technical capital to risk weighted assets (5)     12.46        N/A (6)
Credit quality data:                
Past due loans to total loans     2.98       2.62  
“C”, “D” and “E” loans as a percentage of total loans     3.95       3.81  
Allowances to past due loans (7)     115.16       145.55  
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of “C”, “D” and “E” loans     87.00       100.09  
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans     3.43       3.81  
OPERATING DATA:                
Number of branches (8)     1,274       1,070  
Number of employees   (9)     34,390       30,158  

 

 

(1) Average balances used to calculate the ratios shown above have been calculated as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2015, for each month, the actual month-end balances were established. The average consolidated balance for such period is the average of such month-end balances. The Bank has calculated the average balances using quarterly book balances for the year ended December 31, 2014 as we believe such balances are representative of our operations and it would be too costly to produce average balances using monthly balances under IFRS.

(2) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

(3) Net income and valuation on financial instruments divided by average total assets.

(4) Net income and valuation on financial instruments divided by average stockholders’ equity.

(5) For an explanation of risk-weighted assets and Technical Capital, see Item 4. “Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8 –Supervision and Regulation” and Item 5 “Operation and Financial Review and Prospects - B. Liquidity and Capital Resources – B.1. Liquidity and Funding - Capital Adequacy".

(6) N/A: not applicable. The Bank’s consolidated capital adequacy was computed considering balance accounts under IFRS as of December 31, 2015.

(7) The variation is mainly generated by the inclusion of Grupo Agromercantil’s loan portfolio at fair value during 2015.

(8) Number of branches includes branches of the Bank’s Subsidiaries. For some subsidiaries, the central office is considered a branch. Representative offices are included.

(9) The number of employees includes employees of the Bank’s consolidated Subsidiaries.

 

Exchange Rates

 

On March 31, 2016, the Representative Market Rate was COP 3,000.63 per U.S. dollar 1.00. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a rate for pesos; the SFC calculates the Representative Market Rate based on the weighted average of the buy/sell foreign exchange rates quoted daily by certain financial institutions, including Bancolombia, for the purchase and sale of U.S. dollars.

 

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

 

Recent exchange rates of pesos per U.S. dollars
Month   Low     High     Period-End  
                   
March 2016     3,000.63       3,268.86       3,000.63  
February 2016     3,306.00       3,434.89       3,319.80  
January 2016     3,203.86       3,375.80       3,287.31  
December 2015     3,131.95       3,356.00       3,149.47  
November 2015     2,819.63       3,142.11       3,142.11  
October 2015     2,855.74       3,061.85       2,897.83  

 

 

Source: SFC.

 

  3

 

 

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

 

Peso/USD 1.00
Representative Market Rate
Period   Period-End     Average  
             
2015     3,149.47       2,773.43  
2014     2,392.46       2,019.38  
2013     1,926.83       1,881.04  
2012     1,768.23       1,798.08  
2011     1,942.70       1,852.83  

 

 

Source: SFC.

 

B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

 

Not applicable.

 

C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable.

 

D. RISK FACTORS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  4

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A contagion effect, in which an entire region or class of investment is disfavored by international investors, could negatively affect economies where the Bank operates, as well as the market prices and liquidity of securities issued or owned by the Bank.

 

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

 

Uncertainty relating to tax legislation poses a constant risk to the Bank. Changes in legislation, regulation and jurisprudence can affect tax burdens by increasing tax rates and fees, creating new taxes, limiting stated expenses and deductions, and eliminating incentives and non-taxed income. Notably, the Colombian and Salvadorian governments have significant fiscal deficits that may result in future tax increases. Additional tax regulations could be implemented requiring the Bank to make additional tax payments and negatively affecting its results of operations and cash flow. In addition, national or local taxing authorities may not interpret tax regulations in the same way that the Bank does. Differing interpretations could result in future tax litigation and associated costs.

 

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

 

Colombia has adopted a floating exchange rate system. The Central Bank maintains the power to intervene in the exchange market in order to consolidate or dispose of international reserves, and to control any volatility in the exchange rate. From time to time, including during 2015, there have been significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Colombian peso and the U.S. dollar. Unforeseen events in the international markets, fluctuations in interest rates, volatility of the oil price in the international markets, or changes in capital flows, may cause exchange rate instability that could generate sharp movements in the value of the peso. Given that a portion of the Bank’s assets and liabilities are denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies, especially the U.S. dollar, sharp movements in exchange rates may negatively impact the Bank’s results. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact the value of dividends paid to holders of the Bank’s ADSs as well as the market price and liquidity of ADSs.

 

  5

 

 

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

 

Colombia has experienced periods of criminal violence over the past four decades, primarily due to the activities of guerilla groups and drug cartels. In response, the Colombian government is in the process of negotiating a peace treaty with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia ( Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia or “FARC”). Despite these efforts, drug-related crime and guerilla activity continue to exist in Colombia. These activities, their possible escalation and the violence associated with them may have a negative impact on the Colombian economy or on the Bank in the future. The Bank’s business or financial condition and the market value of the Bank’s securities and any dividends distributed by it, could be adversely affected by rapidly changing economic and social conditions in Colombia and by the Colombian government’s response to such conditions.

 

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

 

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

 

We report our results and financial position in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Changes to IFRS or interpretations thereof may cause our future reported results and financial position to differ from current expectations, or historical results to differ from those previously reported due to the adoption of accounting standards on a retrospective basis. Such changes may also affect our regulatory capital and ratios. We monitor potential accounting changes and when these are finalized by the IASB, we determine the potential impact and disclose significant future changes in our financial statements. Currently, there are a number of issued but not yet effective IFRS changes, as well as potential IFRS changes, some of which could be expected to impact our reported results, financial position and regulatory capital in the future. For example, IFRS 9, when fully adopted, will require us to record loans at inception net of expected losses instead of recording credit losses on an incurred loss basis.

 

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

 

The goodwill that we have recognized on the respective balance sheets of our operating segments is tested for impairment at least annually. Our impairment test in respect of the assets recognized as of December 31, 2015 indicated that our respective goodwill balances are not impaired. The impairment test is based on assumptions regarding estimated earnings, discount rates and long-term growth rates impacting the recoverable amount of each segment and on estimates of the carrying amounts of the segments to which the goodwill relates. If the estimated earnings and other assumptions in future periods deviate from the current outlook, the value of the goodwill in any one or more of our businesses may become impaired in the future, giving rise to losses in the income statement.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Furthermore, banking laws and regulations may create new types of financial entities whose services could compete with the segments or services offered by the Bank, and, therefore, its results in these segments or services may be adversely affected.

 

  6

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In the past, there have been disputes in Colombia among commercial businesses, payment service providers and banks regarding credit card interbank exchange fees ( tarifa interbancaria de intercambio) . Although such disputes have been resolved, the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce has the authority to initiate new investigations relating to such fees. Any new investigations may lead to requirements that the Bank applies additional decreases, which in turn could impact the Bank’s financial results.

 

Furthermore, pursuant to Law 1430 of 2010 the Colombian government has power and authority to establish and define criteria and formulas applicable to the calculation of banking fees and charges and define maximum limits. In 2011, the government used such authority to set forth caps to the bank fees that may be charged on ATM withdrawals outside of each bank’s respective networks. Currently, there is a regulatory initiative that eliminates fees that banks may charge on ATM withdrawals.

 

Additionally, in past years, there have been regulatory initiatives regarding banking fees. Although such initiatives were not approved by Congress in the past, there are new initiatives pursuing similar restrictions on banking fees. If a law regarding banking fees is enacted, the Bank might be prohibited from charging for certain services or types of transactions to its clients, which could have a negative effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

  7

 

 

In addition, Law 1555 of 2012 prohibits prepayment penalties for loans worth less than 880 SMMLV, and prepayment of mortgage loans is allowed with no penalties without regard to the amount of the loan.

 

Also, In December 2015, Congress enacted a law that orders banks to transfer funds in inactive bank accounts to an education financing public entity. In case the accountholder withdraws its funds, banks must pay them with its own funds, and then request reimbursement from the education financing public entity.

 

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

 

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

 

In order to avoid Panama’s designation as a tax haven, Colombia and Panama signed a memorandum of understanding which establishes that both countries will negotiate a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation. This treaty is expected to include provisions regarding the exchange of information between Colombian and Panamanian tax authorities. The deadline for execution of the treaty was September 30, 2015, which was extended to November 30, 2015, but as of date there is no known consequence for not executing such treaty within the deadline. Failure to execute a treaty, or the designation of Panama as a tax haven, could result in a negative impact on the Bank’s customer base and, therefore, a potential negative impact on the Bank’s results of operations and financial condition.

 

The Bank and most of its Subsidiaries are subject to the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010.

 

Bancolombia and most of its subsidiaries are considered foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”) under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010 (“FATCA”) (see “Item 4. Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8. Supervision and Regulation – International regulations applicable to Bancolombia and its subsidiaries”). Given the size and the scope of the Bank’s international operations, we intend to take all necessary steps to comply with FATCA (including entering into agreements with the U.S. tax authorities and transmitting the reports).

 

However, if the Bank cannot enter into such agreements or satisfy the requirements thereunder, certain payments to Bancolombia or its Subsidiaries may be subject to withholding under FATCA. The possibility of such withholding and the need for accountholders and investors to provide certain information may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, entering into agreements with the IRS, and compliance with the terms of such agreements and with FATCA and any regulations or other guidance promulgated thereunder or any legislation promulgated under an intergovernmental agreement (“IGA”) may increase our compliance costs. We are currently in the process of implementing FATCA compliance on a group-wide level. Legislation and regulations implementing FATCA and the related IGAs in the countries in which the Bank operates remain under development, and the reporting dates vary depending on the jurisdiction. As a result, the future impact of this law and the accuracy of the first reports of the Bank and its Subsidiaries is still uncertain.

 

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

 

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

 

  8

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

  

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

 

As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Bank’s 25 largest credit exposures, on a consolidated basis, represented 14.04% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. No single exposure represented more than 3% of the loan book, all of those loans were corporate loans and all of these relationships were classified as “A”. However, problems with one or more of the Bank’s largest borrowers could materially and adversely affect its results of operations and financial position, see “Item 4. Information on the Company – E. Selected Statistical Information – E.3. Loan Portfolio – Borrowing Relationships”.

 

  9

 

 

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

 

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

 

The Bank is subject to market risk.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  10

 

 

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

 

The Bank’s debt securities portfolio is primarily composed of sovereign debt securities, including securities issued or guaranteed by the Colombian Government. Therefore, the Bank’s results are exposed to credit, market, and liquidity risk associated with sovereign debt. As of, December 31, 2015 the Bank’s total debt securities represented 5.0% of its total assets. A significant decline in the value of the securities issued or guaranteed by the Colombian Government could adversely affect the Bank’s debt securities portfolio and consequently the Bank’s results of operations and financial position.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Bank is subject to operational risks and losses.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  11

 

 

The Bank is subject to cyber-security risk.

 

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

 

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

 

The controls that the Bank has implemented in order to anticipate, identify, and offset these threats, have been effective thus far in maintaining cyber-security risk at a low level. These controls include the existence of perimeter defenses, security backups, special 24/7 teams and continuous security tests (including ethical hacking among others), However, we can give no assurance that the low level of risk experienced thus far will continue in the future. Any failure by the Bank to detect or present cyber-security risk in a timely manner could result in a negative impact on the Bank’s results of operations and financial position,   or in problems with information, including data related to customers to be lost, compromised, or to be delivered to the Bank’s clients with delays or errors.  

 

Any failure to effectively improve or upgrade the Bank’s information technology infrastructure and management information systems in a timely manner could adversely affect the Bank’s competitiveness, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Bank’s principal source of funds is short-term deposits, which on a consolidated basis represented 70.58% of total liabilities at the end of 2015 compared to 71.65% at the end of 2014. Because the Bank relies primarily on short-term deposits for its funding, in the event of a sudden or unexpected shortage of funds in the banking systems and money markets in which the Bank operates, the Bank may not be able to maintain its current level of funding without incurring higher costs or selling assets at prices below their prevailing market value .

 

The Bank’s policies and procedures may not be able to detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis, which could damage the Bank’s reputation and expose the Bank to fines and other liabilities.

 

The Bank is required to comply with applicable anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism laws and other regulations. These laws and regulations require the Bank, among other things, to adopt and enforce “know your customer” policies and procedures and to report suspicious and large transactions to the applicable regulatory authorities. While the Bank has adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of its banking network for money laundering activities and by terrorists and terrorist-related organizations and individuals generally, such policies and procedures have in some cases been adopted only recently and may not completely eliminate the risk that the Bank may be used by other parties to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. If the Bank fails to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, it may face fines and other penalties, including restrictions on its ability to conducts business. In addition, the Bank’s business and reputation could suffer if customers use the Bank for money laundering or illegal or improper purposes.

 

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

 

The Bank operates in a highly competitive environment and management expects competition to increase in the jurisdictions where the Bank operates. Intensified merger activity in the financial services industry produces larger, better capitalized and more geographically diverse firms that are capable of offering a wider array of financial products and services at more competitive prices. The Bank’s ability to maintain its competitive position depends mainly on its ability to fulfill new customers’ needs through the development of new products and services and the Bank’s ability to offer adequate services and strengthen its customer base through cross-selling. The Bank’s business will be adversely affected if the Bank is not able to maintain efficient service strategies. In addition, the Bank’s efforts to offer new services and products may not succeed if product or market opportunities develop more slowly than expected or if the profitability of opportunities is undermined by competitive pressures.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the ADSs.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Bank’s preferred shares have limited voting rights.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

Due to the fact that Bancolombia and its subsidiaries have adopted IFRS for the first time, the selected financial data have been prepared in accordance with IFRS and presented for the two most recent financial years.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2015, Bancolombia had, on a consolidated basis:

 

COP 192,973 billion in total assets;

 

COP 140,372 billion in total net loans and advances to customers;

 

COP 121,802 billion in total deposits from customers; and

 

COP 19,279 billion in stockholders’ equity attributable to the owners of Bancolombia S.A.

 

Bancolombia’s consolidated net income attributable to equity holders of Bancolombia S.A. for the year ended December 31, 2015 was COP 2,519 billion, representing a return on average equity of 13.62% and a return on average assets of 1.53%.

 

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

 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

 

Implementation of IFRS

 

According to the adoption schedule of IFRS in Colombia, the Bank began preparing its year-end comparative financial statements and its interim financial information under IFRS from the years ending at December 31, 2015 and 2014 onwards, considering the opening statement of financial position as of January 1, 2014.

 

Disposal of Seguros Banistmo

 

On February 23, 2015, Banistmo entered into an agreement with Suramericana S.A., whereby Banistmo agreed to sell, and Suramericana S.A. agreed to buy 100% of the outstanding capital of Seguros Banistmo S.A., an insurance company incorporated under the laws of Panama. The transaction closed on August 31, 2015, after obtaining all the authorizations required by the authorities and the satisfaction of the relevant condition precedents. In consideration for the shares, Suramericana S.A. paid Banistmo a total purchase price of USD 96 million.

 

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Strengthening of the organizational structure

 

On April 24, 2015 Bancolombia announced the following changes in its organizational structure:

 

The Corporate Innovation and Digital Transformation Vice-Presidency was created. Its objective is to project innovation and digital banking at its clients’ service. Juan Carlos Mora Uribe, who previously acted as Vice President of Corporate Services, assumed this Vice-Presidency and will act in that capacity until he assumes as CEO of Bancolombia.

 

The Corporate Services Vice-Presidency now consolidates under the same management team the corporate procedures, technology services and human resources. Augusto Restrepo Gómez, who acted as Vice President of Human Resources, assumed this Vice-Presidency. The Human Resources Vice-Presidency has been integrated into the Corporate Service Vice-Presidency.

 

Disposal of 50% stake in Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.

 

On June 30, 2015 Bancolombia, Fondo de Empleados of Grupo Bancolombia - FEBANC and Fundacion Bancolombia acting as sellers; and Almacenes Éxito S.A. and Almacenes Éxito Inversiones S.A.S acting as buyers, entered into a purchase and sale agreement whereby the sellers will transfer to the buyers their 50% interest in Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A., a financial institution located in Colombia through which sellers and buyers have developed a commercial alliance for financing business growth and the strengthening of consumer credit.

 

The purchase price will be determined at the closing and will equal the sum of: (i) fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the following accounts of Tuya S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento according to the most recent financial statements before the closing (a) equity, (b) capital stock, and (c) additional paid-in capital; and (ii) one thousand five hundred million Colombian pesos (COP 1,500 million).

 

The sale is subject to certain conditions, including, among others, receipt of the required regulatory approvals by the SFC. Closing is expected to ocurr in the second half of 2016.

 

Renewal of the term of the program of senior and subordinated notes

 

On August 10, 2015, Bancolombia renewed the term of the program of senior and subordinated notes of up to an aggregate principal amount of COP 3 billion that may be offered in the Colombian market, which was initially established in 2012. Consequently, the new term of the program will be valid until August 10, 2018.

 

Acquisition of control of Grupo Agromercantil

 

On September 11, 2015, Bancolombia Panama entered into an agreement with BAM Financial Corporation for the acquisition of an additional 20% interest of the common stock in Grupo Agromercantil. With this acquisition, Bancolombia Panama owns a controlling stake of 60% in Grupo Agromercantil. The transaction was completed on December 30, 2015, when Bancolombia Panama paid a purchase price of USD 151.5 million to the sellers. Such amount may be adjusted pursuant to the agreement.

 

Changes to the corporate governance code

 

On September 22, 2015, the board of directors of Bancolombia approved an update to the corporate governance code. The main adjustments relate to: (i) procedures for the exercise of shareholders’ rights at the shareholders’ meeting; (ii) principles and policies related to the organizational structure of Bancolombia; (iii) adoption of policies and guidelines for transactions between Bancolombia and affiliates; (iv) new responsibilities for the committees that assist board of directors; (v) heightened eligibility requirements for the members of the board of directors; and (vi) new guidelines related to Bancolombia’s control structure.

 

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Disposal of UFF Móvil S.A.S.

 

On November 30, 2015 Bancolombia announced that, in accordance with the evolution of its mobility strategy, it entered into an agreement for the sale of its equity participation in UFF Móvil S.A.S, a virtual mobile operating company located in Colombia. The transaction closed on the same date. Bancolombia sold its 80.59% stake, which was held through Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. and BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S., to MVNO Holdings LLC, a company established under the laws of the State of Florida, United States. 

 

Sale of minority interest in CIFIN S.A.

 

On February 9, 2016, Bancolombia entered into an agreement with TransUnion Netherlands II B.V., for the sale by Bancolombia of its minority stake in Cifin S.A (“Cifin”), which amounted to 14.2% of the outstanding shares. Cifin is a provider of financial, credit, commercial information and services. Bancolombia sold 106,504 common shares of Cifin for a total amount of COP 629,563.37 per share. The shares in CIFIN sold by Bancolombia, together with the stakes sold by the other shareholders party to the sale agreement, represented in the aggregate a 71% stake in Cifin.

 

Change in Chief Executive Officer

 

On March 7, 2016, Carlos Raul Yepes Jimenez resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Bancolombia and the board of directors appointed Juan Carlos Mora Uribe as his replacement.

 

PUBLIC TAKEOVER OFFERS

 

In 2015, and as of the date of this Annual Report, there have been no public takeover offers by third parties with respect to the Bank’s shares or by the Bank in respect to another company’s shares.

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND DIVESTITURES

 

During 2015, total capital expenditures amounted to COP 294 billion. Such investments were mainly focused on an IT-related projects (COP 44 billion), the expansion of the Bank’s branch and ATM network (COP 33 billion), the purchase of fixed assets (COP 14 billion), and other miscellaneous projects, including new software modules, upgrade of web contents, automation of reports and construction of data centers (COP 203 billion).

 

In 2015, Bancolombia funded its capital expenditures with its own resources and plans to continue to fund those currently in progress in the same manner.

 

During 2016, the Bank expects to invest approximately COP 385 billion as follows: COP 42 billion in connection with the expansion of the Bank’s branch and ATM network, COP 50 billion in connection with the purchase of hardware for the expansion, updating and replacement of the current IT equipment, COP 82 billion in connection with other fixed assets and COP 211 billion in connection with strategic projects, including a new datacenter for the Bank’s operation in El Salvador. These figures represent only an estimate and may change according to the continuing assessment of the Bank’s project portfolio. No assurance can be given, however, that all such capital expenditures will be made and, if made, that such expenditures will be in the amounts currently expected.

 

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The following table summarizes the Bank’s capital acquisitions and divestitures in interests in other companies for the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
Capital Acquisitions   2015     2014     Total  
    (in millions of COP)  
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A DE C.V.      477,145 (1)     79,339 (2)     556,484  
Internacional Ejecutiva de Aviación S.A.S.     8,121       -       8,121  
Compañía de Procesamiento de Medios de Pago Guatemala (Bahamas), S.A.     5,562       -       5,562  
Grupo Nutresa     2,644       -       2,644  
Grupo AVAL     2,618       -       2,618  
Banco DAVIVIENDA S.A.     2,180       -       2,180  
ECOPETROL S.A.     1,785       -       1,785  
Equifax centroamerica S.A. De C.V.     1,695       -       1,695  
Transacciones y Transferencias, S.A.     1,315       -       1,315  
Interconexión Eléctrica S.A.     1,107       -       1,107  
Inversiones ARGOS S.A.     1,076       -       1,076  
Reintegra S.A.S.     950       -       950  
Cementos ARGOS S.A.     667       -       667  
Garantias y Servicios S.G.R.SA.DE C.V.     531       -       531  
Imágenes Computarizadas de Guatemala, S.A.     476       -       476  
Citigroup Inc.     461       -       461  
Inversiones Inmobiliaria Arauco Alameda S.A.     -       15,082       15,082  
Titularizadora Colombia S.A.     -       11,902       11,902  
Others     1,709       -       1,709  
Total Expenditures     510,042       106,323       616,365  

 

 

(1) The amount of USD 151.5 million has been converted at the rate of COP 3,149.47 per USD 1.00, which is the Representative Market Rate calculated on December 31, 2015, as reported by the SFC.

 

(2) The amount of USD 40 million has been converted at the rate of COP 1,983.48 per USD 1.00, which is the Representative Market Rate calculated on January 23, 2014, as reported by the SFC.

 

    As of December 31,  
Capital Divestitures   2015     2014     Total  
    (in millions of COP)  
Inversiones Inmobiliarias Arauco Alameda S.A.S.     216,598       -       216,598  
Grupo Odinsa S.A.     1,442       -       1,442  
Prosicol S.A.S. (in liquidation) (1)     -       992       992  
Others     2,426       -       2,426  
                         
Total Divestitures     220,466       992       221,458  

 

 

(1) Refund of the investment.

 

B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

B.1. GENERAL

 

COMPANY DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

 

Bancolombia is a full service financial institution that offers a wide range of banking products and services to a diversified individual and corporate customer base of nearly 11 million customers. Bancolombia delivers its products and services through its regional network comprising Colombia’s largest non-Government owned banking network, El Salvador’s leading financial conglomerate by gross loans, Guatemala’s fourth-largest bank by gross loans, Panama’s second-largest bank by gross loans and off-shore banking subsidiaries in Panama, Cayman and Puerto Rico, as well as subsidiaries in Peru.

 

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Bancolombia and its subsidiaries offer the following products and services:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Financial and Operating Leases : The Bank, primarily through Leasing Bancolombia and its subsidiaries, offers financial and operating leases specifically designed for acquiring fixed assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Foreign Currency : The Bank offers its clients specialized solutions to satisfy their investment, financing and payment needs with regard to foreign currency transactions. The Bank also provides trade finance solutions with products such as letters of credit, standby letters of credit and bills collection.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

MAIN LINES OF BUSINESS

 

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

 

For a description and discussion of these segments, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – A. Operating Results – A.2. Results by Segment”.

 

B.2. OPERATIONS

 

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report for a description of the principal markets in which the company competes, including a breakdown of total revenues by category of activity and geographic market for each of the last two fiscal years.

 

B.3. SEASONALITY OF DEPOSITS

 

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

 

B.4. RAW MATERIALS

 

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

 

B.5. DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

 

Bancolombia provides its products and services through a traditional branch network, sales and customer representatives as well as through mobile branches (or “ Puntos de Atención Móviles ”), banking correspondents, an ATM network, online and computer banking, telephone banking, mobile phone banking services, and PACs, among others. In addition, as of December 31, 2015, Bancolombia had a sales force of approximately 13,147 employees and transactions performed through electronic channels represented more than 83.6% of all transactions in 2015.

 

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The following are the distribution channels offered by Bancolombia as of December 31, 2015.

 

Branch Network

 

As of December 31, 2015, Bancolombia’s consolidated branch network consisted of 1,274 offices which included 827 from Bancolombia S.A., 97 from Banco Agricola, 47 from Banistmo, 220 from BAM and 83 from other subsidiaries.

 

Company*   Number of
branches
2015
    Number of
branches 
2014
    Number of
branches
 2013
    Number of 
branches
 2012
    Number of
branches
2011
 
Bancolombia S.A.(unconsolidated)     827       826       844       815       779  
Bancolombia Panama     1       1       1       1       1  
Bancolombia Miami (Agency) (1)     -       -       -       1       1  
Bancolombia S.A. Panama Branch     1       1       1       1       -  
Leasing Bancolombia     21       21       21       20       16  
Renting Colombia     23       19       17       17       16  
Valores Bancolombia     7       11       11       5       8  
Valores Bancolombia Panama S.A.     1       1       1       1       1  
Banca de Inversión     2       2       2       2       2  
Fiduciaria Bancolombia     5       7       7       4       6  
Tuya S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento (6)     -       4       6       5       5  
Bancolombia Puerto Rico International Inc.     1       1       1       1       1  
Factoring Bancolombia S.A.     -       -       1       1       1  
SUFI     3       3       6       7          
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. (2)     1       1       1       1       2  
Fondo Inversión Arrend.Operativo Renting Perú I     1       1       1       1       1  
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S.     2       2       2       2       2  
Banco Agrícola     97       98       98       101       101  
Arrendadora Financiera S.A.     1       1       1       1       1  
Credibac  S.A. de C.V     -       -       -       -       1  
Valores Banagricola, S.A. de C.V. (3)     1       1       1       1       1  
AFP Crecer S.A. (4)     -       -       -       -       -  
Aseguradora Suiza Salvadoreña S.A. (5)     -       -       -       -       1  
Asesuisa Vida S.A. (5)     -       -       -       -       1  
Uff Móvil S.A.S. (7)     -       1       1       1       -  
Capital Investments SAFI S.A.     1       1       1       1       1  
Transportempo S.A.S     1       1       1       1       1  
Leasing Perú S.A.     1       1       1       1       1  
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria (previously Fiduciaria GBC S.A.)     1       1       1       1       1  
Banitsmo     47       50       50       -       -  
Financomer     8       7       8       -       -  
BAM (Guatemala)     220       -       -       -       -  
Seguros Banitsmo     -       4       4       -       -  
Total     1,274       1,070       1,090       993       952  

 

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

 

 

(1) Bancolombia Miami closed its operations on August 30, 2013
(2) Renting Perú S.A.C. changed its legal name to Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C. The offices operated for the Localiza franchise in Peru are included in the total number of branches reported for Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.
(3) Bursabac S.A. de C.V changed its legal name to Valores Banagricola, S.A. de C.V.
(4) AFP Crecer S.A. was sold on November 21, 2011.
(5) Aseguradora Suiza Salvadoreña S.A. and Asesuisa Vida S.A. were sold on September 27, 2012.
(6) Bancolombia S.A. entered into an agreement to sell 50% of its stake in Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. in 2015. Bancolombia S.A. will no longer consolidate such company, although it will still own 50% of the company’s common equity.
(7) Bancolombia S.A. sold its 80.59% stake in Uff Movil S.A.S. in 2015.

 

Banking Correspondents

 

A banking correspondent is a platform which allows non-financial institutions, such as stores open to the public, to provide financial services and transactions in towns where banks and financial institutions have limited or no presence. As of December 31, 2015, Bancolombia has a total of 6,768 banking correspondents, including 6,595 in Colombia, 73 in Panama and 100 in El Salvador.

 

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Puntos de Atención Móviles (“PAM”)

 

PAMs consist of commercial advisors who visit small towns periodically to offer Bancolombia’s products and services. As of December 31, 2015, there were a total of 564 PAMs.

 

Kiosks

 

Kiosks, used in El Salvador, are located inside the Bank’s agencies, malls, and other public places and are used to provide the Bank’s clients the possibility of conducting a variety of self-service transactions. As of December 31, 2015, there were a total of 215 kiosks.

 

Automatic Teller Machines (“ATMs”)

 

Bancolombia has a total of 5,080 ATMs, including 4,024 in Colombia, 561 in El Salvador, 323 in Panama, and 172 in Guatemala.

 

Online/Computer Banking

 

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

 

Telephone Banking

 

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

 

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

 

Through our own network of 6,188 PACs our customers may carry out a variety of transactions including transfer of funds, bill payments, and changes to credit and credit card PINs.

 

Mobile Phone Banking Service

 

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

 

B.6. PATENTS, LICENSES AND CONTRACTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

B.7. COMPETITION

 

Description of the Colombian Financial System

 

Overview

 

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

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2015, according to the SFC, the main participants in the Colombian financial system were 25 commercial banks (14 domestic private banks, 10 foreign banks, and 1 domestic state-owned bank), 5 financial corporations and 16 financing companies (4 leasing companies and 12 traditional financing companies). Bancolombia has the commercial finance company Leasing Bancolombia, which as of December 31, 2015 had a market share in assets and net income of 64.79% and 64.99% respectively, also has Finance Corporation, Banca de Inversión, with a market share in assets and net income of 4.64% and 12.67% respectively. In addition, trust companies, cooperatives, insurance companies, insurance brokerage firms, bonded warehouse, special state-owned institutions, pension and severance pay funds also participate in the Colombian financial system.

 

Credit Institutions’ Evolution in 2015

 

During 2015, Colombia showed a deceleration in the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in relation to 2014. The GDP increased 3.1% in 2015 whereas the growth in 2014 was 4.6%. Inflation in 2015 was out of the target range of the Central Bank, due to the lack of staple foodstuffs and devaluation of the Colombian peso. In 2015, inflation increased 6.77% in comparison to 2014. One of the critical points for the Colombian economy during 2015 was the evolution of raw material and commodities international prices, which decreased in relation to 2014, affecting especially crude oil. The devaluation of the Colombian peso has had a negative impact in the trade balance, which is now more negative. In 2014, the deficit was of 6,293 million of dollars and the deficit of 2015 was 15,907 million. Exports to the United States decreased 31% and to China 61%. As a measure to control inflation and the negative growth of the trade balance, the Central Bank has increased the interest rate up to 125 basis points in 2015, ending the year in 5.75%.

 

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Loans growth at Colombian credit institutions was 14.42 % in 2015 according to SFC, compared to 14.80% and 13.55% for 2014 and 2013, respectively. The growth of commercial loans was 14.79% in 2015, compared to 15.54% in the previous year. The consumer loans increased 11.70% in 2015, less than the 13.30% in 2014. Mortgage and small business loans continued to perform well, with increases of 16.59% and 15.50%, respectively, in 2015.

 

The credit institutions’ level of past-due loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio decreased from 2.94% in December 2014 to 2.86% in December 2015. In addition, the coverage, measured by the ratio of allowances for loans losses (principal) to PDLs (overdue 30 days), ended 2015 at 156.85%, compared to 151.52% at the end of 2014.

 

During 2015, loans raised their participation in the total amount of assets. Loans increased from 64.4% of total assets at the end of 2014 to 65.5% at the end of 2015. The investments and derivatives transactions, as a percentage of total assets, increased from 19.2% at the end of 2014 to 19.8% at the end of 2015. Deposits reduced their participation in the total balance of loans from 97.28% in 2014 to 93.6% in 2015.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the credit institutions recorded COP 549.8 trillion in total assets, representing a 14.88% increase compared to the same period in 2014. The Colombian credit institutions total composition of assets shows banks with a market share of 91.79%, followed by financing companies with 5.18%, financial corporations with 2.57% and financial cooperatives with 0.47%.

 

The capital adequacy ratio (Tier 1 + Tier 2) for credit institutions was 15.42% in December 2015 (including banks, financial corporations, financing companies and financial cooperatives), which is well above the minimum legal requirement of 9%. With the effectiveness of Decree 1771 of 2012 and the external circular 20 of 2013 of the Financial Superintendence, a new capital regime for credit institutions was established in order to strengthen the quality of equity of financial institutions to ensure they have the capacity to absorb losses in the development of their activities.

 

During 2015, the Colombian financial institutions began reporting their financial results under IFRS. In the case of credit institutions, the SFC since 2015 has allowed the presentation of non-consolidated financial statements under Colombian banking GAAP, following the Decree 1851 of August 2013, which regulates the Law 1314 of 2009 concerning the technical regulatory framework for the institutions that report their financial results.

 

Bancolombia and Its Competitors

 

The following table shows the key profitability, capital adequacy ratios and loan portfolio quality indicators for Bancolombia unconsolidated and its main competitors unconsolidated, as published by the SFC. It is important to note that, in the case of mortgages, loans used in the calculation shown below incorporate the past-due installments, instead of the complete mortgage balance, whenever a mortgage is due in less than 120 days.

 

   

ROE (1)

   

ROA (2)

   

Past-due loans/

Total loans

    Allowances/
Past-due loans
    Capital Adequacy  
    Dic-15     Dic-14     Dic-15     Dic-14     Dic-15     Dic-14     Dic-15     Dic-14     Dic-15     Dic-14  
Bancolombia     13.06 %     8.14 %     2.13 %     1.33 %     2.78 %     2.51 %     177.11 %     185.46 %     15.76 %     17.89 %
Banco de Bogotá     15.74 %     10.77 %     2.99 %     2.25 %     2.31 %     2.36 %     140.48 %     132.71 %     20.69 %     19.13 %
Davivienda     15.73 %     14.43 %     1.92 %     1.83 %     2.39 %     2.74 %     176.02 %     160.39 %     14.20 %     12.96 %
BBVA     15.81 %     13.90 %     1.20 %     1.17 %     2.20 %     2.06 %     153.57 %     168.57 %     13.51 %     10.57 %
Banco de Occidente     12.49 %     29.56 %     1.50 %     3.94 %     2.72 %     2.79 %     135.43 %     143.51 %     11.30 %     12.32 %
Banco Popular     12.76 %     14.56 %     1.59 %     2.24 %     1.99 %     2.07 %     178.75 %     165.39 %     10.97 %     12.21 %
Citibank     15.25 %     14.76 %     2.24 %     2.26 %     2.71 %     2.98 %     166.91 %     160.80 %     11.82 %     13.50 %

 

 

Source: SFC.

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

 

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The following tables illustrate Bancolombia and its main competitor’s market share on an unconsolidated basis with respect to various key products, based on figures published by the SFC for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

Total Net Loans
Market Share

Total Net Loans – Market Share (%)   2015   2014   2013
             
Bancolombia   22.69%   23.04%   22.65%
Banco de Bogotá   13.78%   13.86%   13.76%
Davivienda   13.82%   13.50%   12.98%
BBVA   10.61%   10.29%   9.95%
Banco de Occidente   7.31%   6.91%   7.45%
Banco Popular   4.20%   4.32%   4.61%
Citibank   1.96%   2.12%   2.20%

 

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

 

Checking Accounts
Market Share

 

Checking Accounts – Market Share (%)   2015   2014   2013
             
Bancolombia   25.28%   23.72%   25.16%
Banco de Bogotá   19.23%   19.82%   18.79%
Banco de Occidente   11.39%   11.51%   11.49%
BBVA   9.73%   9.89%   10.03%
Davivienda   9.94%   10.23%   9.76%
Banco Popular   2.46%   2.68%   3.31%
Citibank   4.23%   3.91%   3.13%

 

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

 

Time Deposits
Market Share

 

Time Deposits – Market Share (%)   2015   2014   2013
             
Bancolombia   15.23%   14.59%   17.93%
Banco de Bogotá   14.67%   17.01%   14.61%
Davivienda   13.53%   12.58%   12.35%
BBVA   11.17%   12.11%   10.27%
Citibank   1.05%   1.88%   2.00%
Banco Popular   4.12%   2.16%   1.56%
Banco de Occidente   4.51%   5.94%   5.09%

 

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

 

Saving Accounts
Market Share

 

Saving Accounts – Market Share (%)   2015   2014   2013
             
Bancolombia   22.70%   23.09%   22.95%
Banco de Bogotá   13.14%   11.67%   14.09%
Davivienda   12.37%   12.54%   11.35%
BBVA   12.44%   11.86%   11.96%
Banco Popular   4.64%   5.29%   6.48%
Banco de Occidente   6.29%   6.67%   6.41%
Citibank   3.12%   2.87%   2.49%

 

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

 

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Banco Agrícola and its Competitors

 

In 2015, Banco Agrícola continued to lead the Salvadorian financial system and ranked first in terms of assets, loans, deposits, stockholders equity and profits. The following table illustrates the market share for the main institutions of the Salvadorian financial system for the year end December 31, 2015:

 

MARKET SHARE

    Assets   Stockholders` Equity   Loans   Deposits   Profits
Banco Agrícola   27.9%   28.0%   28.4%   27.5%   46.6%
Citibank   10.8%   15.6%   9.4%   11.7%   3.1%
Davivienda   15.4%   14.2%   15.3%   13.9%   15.3%
Scotiabank   13.6%   14.3%   15.0%   13.1%   9.5%
BAC   12.4%   10.6%   12.2%   13.1%   12.9%
Others   19.9%   17.3%   19.7%   20.7%   12.6%

 

Source: ABANSA ( Asociación Bancaria Salvadoreña ).

 

The following tables illustrate the market share of Banco Agrícola and its main competitors, based on figures published by the Salvadorian Banking Association (ABANSA) for the years ended in December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

Total Loans
Market Share

Total Loans - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Agrícola   28.4%   28.7%
Citibank   9.4%   10.5%
Davivienda   15.3%   15.4%
Scotiabank   15.0%   15.1%
BAC   12.2%   11.9%
Others   19.7%   18.3%

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Banco Agrícola based on figures published by the Salvadorian Banking Association.

 

Checking Accounts
Market Share

Checking Accounts - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Agrícola   23.2%   23.1%
Citibank   19.3%   21.7%
Davivienda   11.5%   11.0%
Scotiabank   7.8%   7.4%
BAC   19.7%   18.0%
Others   18.5%   18.8%

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Banco Agrícola based on figures published by the Salvadorian Banking Association.

 

Time Deposits
Market Share

Time Deposits - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Agrícola   22.3%   24.0%
Citibank   5.5%   5.8%
Davivienda   15.3%   14.6%
Scotiabank   16.7%   17.1%
BAC   10.8%   11.1%
Others   29.4%   27.4%

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Banco Agrícola based on figures published by the Salvadorian Banking Association.

 

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Saving Accounts
Market Share

Saving Account - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Agrícola   39.1%   38.5%
Citibank   11.8%   12.8%
Davivienda   14.7%   14.4%
Scotiabank   13.9%   14.1%
BAC   8.9%   9.0%
Others   11.6%   11.1%

 

Source: Ratios are calculated by Banco Agrícola based on figures published by the Salvadorian Banking Association.

 

Banistmo and its Competitors

 

Banistmo, a leading company in Panama; is the second largest bank in the country with 10.7% market share by loans. The following table illustrates the market share for the main institutions of the Panamanian financial system for the year ended in December 31, 2015:

 

MARKET SHARE

    Assets   Equity   Loans   Deposits   Profits
Banistmo   9.1%   9.3%   10.7%   12.2%   11.1%
Banco General   13.9%   10.2%   14.3%   19.7%   14.7%
Global Bank   5.9%   4.4%   7.8%   5.7%   5.0%
Banesco   4.1%   3.0%   4.3%   6.9%   4.0%
BAC   6.7%   22.7%   5.2%   5.9%   12.8%
Others   60.4%   50.4%   57.6%   49.5%   52.4%

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama.

 

The following tables illustrate the market share of Banistmo and its main competitors, based on figures published by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama for the years ended in December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

Total Loans

Market Share

 

Total Loans - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banistmo   10.7%   11.1%
Banco General   14.3%   14.2%
Global Bank   7.8%   7.6%
Banesco   4.3%   4.0%
BAC   5.2%   5.6%
Others   57.6%   57.7%

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama.

 

Saving Accounts

Market Share

 

Saving Account - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banistmo   13.8%   13.5%
Banco General   24.4%   23.4%
Global Bank   5.4%   5.4%
Banesco   14.5%   15.3%
BAC   3.1%   3.2%
Others   38.7%   39.1%

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama.

 

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Checking Accounts

Market Share

 

Checking Accounts - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banistmo   13.0%   13.4%
Banco General   22.8%   22.2%
Global Bank   3.9%   4.1%
Banesco   4.6%   3.9%
BAC   8.9%   8.1%
Others   46.9%   48.3%

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama.

 

Time Deposits

Market Share

 

Time Deposits - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banistmo   11.1%   10.7%
Banco General   16.5%   16.4%
Global Bank   6.6%   7.0%
Banesco   4.4%   4.0%
BAC   6.1%   6.5%
Others   55.4%   55.3%

 

Source: Banistmo based on data by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama.

 

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

 

In 2015, Banco Agromercantil maintained its position as the fourth-largest bank in Guatemala in terms of assets, loans, deposits and stockholders’ equity. The Guatemalan financial system has a total of 17 banks. The following table illustrates the market share for the main institutions of the financial system for the year ended in December 31, 2015:

 

MARKET SHARE

    Assets   Stockholders’ Equity   Loans   Deposits   Profits
Banco Industrial   28.1%   20.9%   27.1%   25.0%   29.0%
Banrural   20.1%   23.5%   21.4%   22.2%   26.4%
Banco G&T Continental   18.4%   15.4%   16.5%   18.3%   15.0%
Banco Agromercantil   8.6%   9.1%   10.6%   7.9%   7.4%
BAC-Reformador   6.8%   8.4%   8.1%   7.3%   1.4%
Bantrab   6.4%   6.6%   5.4%   6.9%   10.5%
Citibank   2.2%   4.5%   2.7%   2.3%   1.7%
Others*   9.4%   11.6%   8.2%   10.1%   8.6%

 

Source: SIB (Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala).

 

The following tables illustrate the market share of Banco Agromercantil and its main competitors, based on figures published by the Superintendency of Banks of Guatemala for the years ended in December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

Total Loans
Market Share

Total Loans - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Industrial   27.1%   26.7%
Banrural   21.4%   21.1%
Banco G&T Continental   16.5%   16.4%
Banco Agromercantil   10.6%   10.7%
BAC-Reformador   8.1%   7.9%
Bantrab   5.4%   5.8%
Citibank   2.7%   3.0%
Others*   8.2%   8.4%

 

Source: SIB (Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala).

 

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Checking Accounts
Market Share

Checking Accounts - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Industrial   31.2%   30.3%
Banrural   20.2%   22.0%
Banco G&T Continental   17.9%   17.7%
Banco Agromercantil   7.9%   7.9%
BAC-Reformador   10.0%   9.3%
Bantrab   1.3%   1.2%
Citibank   2.8%   3.8%
Others*   8.7%   7.8%

 

Source: SIB (Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala).

 

Time Deposits
Market Share

 

Time Deposits - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Industrial   19.9%   20.3%
Banrural   20.7%   18.1%
Banco G&T Continental   17.0%   19.3%
Banco Agromercantil   7.4%   8.3%
BAC-Reformador   6.0%   6.7%
Bantrab   13.2%   12.1%
Citibank   2.1%   1.2%
Others*   13.7%   14.0%

 

Source: SIB (Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala).

 

Saving Accounts
Market Share

 

Saving Account - Market Share (%)   2015   2014
Banco Industrial   24.6%   23.7%
Banrural   29.2%   29.8%
Banco G&T Continental   21.5%   20.9%
Banco Agromercantil   8.7%   9.2%
BAC-Reformador   5.3%   5.6%
Bantrab   3.8%   3.5%
Citibank   1.7%   2.0%
Others*   5.2%   5.3%

 

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

 

B.8. SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

 

Colombian Banking Regulators

 

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

 

Central Bank

 

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

 

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Ministry of Finance

 

One of the functions of the Ministry of Finance is to regulate all aspects of finance and insurance activities.

 

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

 

Superintendency of Finance

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other Colombian regulators

 

Self- Regulatory Organization

 

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

 

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

 

Superintendency of Industry and Commerce

 

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

 

Regulatory Framework for Colombian Banking Institutions

 

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

 

Decree 663 of 1993 defined the structure of the Colombian financial system and defines several forms of business entities, including: (i) credit institutions ( establecimientos de crédito ) (which are further categorized into banks, such as the Bank, finance corporations ( corporaciones financieras ), financing companies ( compañias de financiamiento ) and finance cooperatives ( cooperativas financieras )); (ii) financial services entities ( sociedades de servicios financieros ); (iii) capitalization corporations ( sociedades de capitalización ); (iv) insurance companies ( entidades aseguradoras ); and (v) insurance intermediaries ( intermediarios de seguros ). Furthermore, Decree 663 of 1993 provides that no financial, banking or credit institution may operate in Colombia without the prior approval of the SFC.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Key interest rates

 

Colombian commercial banks, finance corporations and consumer financing companies are required to provide the Central Bank, on a weekly basis, with data regarding the total volume (in pesos) of certificates of deposit issued during the prior week and the average interest rates paid for certificates of deposit with maturities of 90 days. Based on such reports, the Central Bank computes Depósitos a Término Fijo (“DTF”) rate, which is published at the beginning of the following week, for use in calculating interest rates payable by financial institutions. The DTF is the weighted average interest rate paid by finance corporations, commercial banks and consumer financing companies for certificates of deposit with maturities of 90 days. For the week of April 18, 2016, the DTF was 6.49%.

 

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Article 884 of the Colombian Commercial Code provides for a limit on the amount of interest that may be charged in commercial transactions. The limit is 1.5 times the current banking interest rate, or Interés Bancario Corriente , calculated as the average of the interest ordinarily charged by banks within a set period of time. The current banking interest rate for small business loans and for all other loans is certified by the SFC. As of December 31, 2015, the banking interest rate for small business loans was 35.42% and for all other loans was 19.33%.

 

Capital adequacy requirements

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

· The total solvency ratio is set at a minimum of 9% of the financial institution’s total risk-weighted assets; however, each entity must comply with a minimum basic solvency ratio of 4.5%, which is defined as the ordinary basic capital after deductions divided by the financial institution’s total risk-weighted assets.

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Bank’s technical capital ratio was 12.46%, exceeding the requirements of the Colombian government and the SFC by 346 basis points. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank’s technical capital ratio was 13.29%.

 

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

 

The minimum capital requirement for banks on an unconsolidated basis is established in Article 80 of Decree 633 of 1993. The minimum capital requirement for banks, including Bancolombia S.A., for 2015 is COP 79,835 million. Failure to meet such requirement can result in the taking of possession ( toma de posesión ) of the Bank by the SFC (see “Bankruptcy Considerations”).

 

Capital Investment Limit

 

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

 

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Mandatory Investments

 

Central Bank regulations require financial institutions, including the Bank, to hold minimum mandatory investments in debt securities issued by Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector Agropecuario (“Finagro”), a Colombian public financial institution that finances production and rural activities to support the agricultural sector. The amount of these mandatory investments is calculated by applying a fixed percentage (ranging from 4% to 7%, depending on the type of liability) to the quarterly average of the end of day balances of certain liabilities, primarily, deposits and short-term debt. The investment balance is computed at the end of each quarter. Any required adjustment (due to a change in the quarterly average between periods) results in the purchase of additional securities or may result in the optional redemption at par of securities in excess of the requirement. The purchase of additional securities takes place during the month following the date as of which the computation was performed.

 

Foreign Currency Position Requirements

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Finally, Resolution 9 requires banks to comply with a gross position of leverage ( posición bruta de apalancamiento ) as it relates to its foreign currency position. Gross position of leverage is defined as (i) the value of term contracts denominated in foreign currency, plus (ii) the value of transactions denominated in foreign currency to be settled within two days in cash, plus (iii) the value of the exchange rate risk exposure associated with exchange rate options and derivatives. According to Resolution 9 the three business days’ average of the gross position of leverage cannot exceed 550% of the technical capital.

 

Reserve Requirements

 

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

 

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

 

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Foreign Currency Loans

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Non-Performing Loan Allowance

 

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

 

Lending Activities

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Ownership and Management Restrictions

 

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

 

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

 

Bankruptcy Considerations

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Colombian banks and other financial institutions are not subject to the laws and regulations that generally govern the insolvency, restructuring and liquidation of industrial and commercial companies.

 

Deposit insurance—Troubled Financial Institutions

 

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

 

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To protect the customers of commercial banks and certain financial institutions, Resolution 1 of 2012 of the board of directors of Fogafin, as amended, requires mandatory deposit insurance. Banks must pay an annual premium of 0.3% of total funds received on saving accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit and other deposits, which is paid in four quarterly installments. If a bank is liquidated, the deposit insurance will cover the funds deposited by an individual or corporation with such bank up to a maximum of COP 20 million regardless of the number of accounts held.

 

Risk Management Systems

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

With respect to liquidity risk, each financial entity is required to have liquid assets greater than the contractual liquidity accumulative one-month-gap. This contractual gap includes the maturity of assets and liabilities of the current positions and does not include projections of future transactions. The loan portfolio is affected by the historical default indicator and the maturity of deposits is modeled according to the regulation.

 

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

 

Anti-Money Laundering Provisions

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

International regulations applicable to Bancolombia and its subsidiaries

 

FATCA

 

FATCA, which is U.S. federal tax legislation enacted in 2010, imposes a 30% withholding tax on ‘withholdable payments’ made to non-U.S. financial institutions that do not participate in the FATCA program or that fail (or, in some cases, that have affiliates in which they hold an interest of more than 50% and which are also non-U.S. financial institutions that fail) to provide certain information regarding their U.S. accountholders and/or certain U.S. investors (such U.S. accountholders and U.S. investors, “U.S. accountholders”) to the IRS. FATCA also requires participating FFIs to withhold on “passthru payments” (which include both “withholdable payments” and certain non-U.S.-source payments) made to account holders who do not provide information to the FFIs to determine their U.S. accountholder’s status – “recalcitrant accountholders” – and to FFIs that do not sign an FFI Agreement with the IRS (such FFIs, “nonparticipating FFIs”). “Withholdable payments” generally include, among other items, payments of U.S.-source interest and dividends and the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of property that may produce U.S.-source interest and dividends. This withholding will take effect on a “phased” schedule, which started in July 2014 with respect to certain payments; however, withholding on non-U.S. source payments by non-U.S. financial institutions will start no earlier than 2019.

 

Some countries have entered into, and other countries are expected to enter into, IGAs with the United States to facilitate the type of information reporting required under FATCA. These agreements are expected to reduce such risk for financial institutions and investors in countries that have entered into IGAs. Among the countries where Bancolombia operates, Colombia, the Cayman Islands and Panama have signed an IGA Model 1. Peru has reached an agreement in substance with the IRS, and consented to be treated as having an IGA in effect. In addition, certain subsidiaries of Bancolombia located in other countries have transmitted directly to the IRS the information required pursuant to FATCA, since they have not entered into an IGA.

 

We continue with the process of implementing FATCA compliance on a group-wide level and adjusting our systems for FATCA reporting.

 

Financial Regulation in Panama

 

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

 

In order to implement Basel III capital standards, the Superintendency of Banks of the Republic of Panama issued in January 2015 an agreement on Capital Adequacy. This agreement sets forth the new composition of a banking institution’s capital base, as well as the new capital adequacy ratio, including tier 1 core capital ratio and tier 1 capital ratio, all consistent with Basel III standards. This agreement shall become effective in June 2016, and the new standards will be implemented, progressively, from that date until they are fully applicable in January 2019.

 

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The Superintendency of Banks of the Republic of Panama is also in charge of the supervision and oversight of the trust business, regulated by Law 1 of 1984 and the Executive Decree 16 of 1984, which set forth aspects such as minimum requirements of trust agreements, characteristics of trusts, rights and responsibilities of grantors, trustees and beneficiaries, licensing of trustees, inspection and reporting of trustees, confidentiality and penalties.  

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Financial Regulation in El Salvador

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Banking Law of El Salvador

 

The Legislature of the Republic of El Salvador established the banking law through Decree 697 of 1999, which regulates the financial intermediation and other operations performed by banks.

 

Banks are required to establish a reserve requirement, set by the Superintendency of the Financial System in accordance with the deposits and obligations of such bank.

 

According to the Salvadorian Superintendency of Financial System’s regulations, the reserve requirements for Salvadorian banks as of December 31, 2015 are:

 

    Ordinary Reserve Requirements %  
Checking accounts     25.0 %
Saving accounts     20.0 %
Time deposits     20.0 %
Borrowings from foreign banks     5.0 %
Long-term debt (1)     15.0% - 20.0 %

 

 

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

 

Monetary Integration Law of El Salvador

 

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

 

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

 

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Financial Transactions Tax

 

In 2014, the Legislature of El Salvador enacted the financial transactions tax law.

 

Pursuant to the financial transactions tax law, financial entities act as withholding agents for the tax on financial transactions and the liquidity control tax, each of which are calculated at the time the customer conducts financial transactions. The financial transactions tax is 0.25% on taxable transactions exceeding USD 1,000. The tax for the liquidity control is 0.25% on cash transactions of deposit, withdrawals and payments in excess of a monthly aggregate amount of USD 5,000.

 

The transactions subject to the financial transactions tax are: (i) payments for goods and services by check or debit card, (ii) payments by wire transfers, (iii) transfers to third parties by any means, and (iv) transactions between financial entities, based on any statement of its customers.

 

Investment Funds Law

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

The following are the subsidiaries of Bancolombia:

 

 

  43

 

 

The following is a list of subsidiaries of Bancolombia as of December 31, 2015:

 

SUBSIDIARIES

 

Entity   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
  Business   Shareholding
Directly and
Indirectly
 
Leasing Bancolombia S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento   Colombia   Leasing businesses     100.00 %
Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria   Colombia   Trust businesses     98.81 %
Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Corporación Financiera   Colombia   Financial services     100.00 %
Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa   Colombia   Securities brokerage     100.00 %
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. (Discontinued operations)   Colombia   Financial services     99.99 %
Renting Colombia S.A.   Colombia   Operating leasing     100.00 %
Transportempo S.A.S.   Colombia   Transport services     100.00 %
Valores Simesa S.A.   Colombia   Investments     68.57 %
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S.   Colombia   Investments     99.94 %
BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S.   Colombia   Real estate broker     100.00 %
Vivayco S.A.S. (in liquidation)   Colombia   Portfolio purchase     74.95 %
FCP Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario S.A.   Colombia   Real estate broker     50.21 %
PA Cartera LBC   Colombia   Loan management     100.00 %
Prosicol S.A.S. (in liquidation)   Colombia   Pre-operating stage     68.57 %
Fideicomiso "Lote Abelardo Castro".   Colombia   Mercantil trust     68.23 %
Bancolombia Panama   Panama   Commercial bank     100.00 %
Valores Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Panama   Securities brokerage     100.00 %
Suvalor Panamá Fondo de Inversión S.A.   Panama   Holding     100.00 %
Suvalor Renta Variable Colombia S.A.   Panama   Collective investment fund     100.00 %
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Corto Plazo S.A.   Panama   Collective investment fund     100.00 %
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Largo Plazo S.A.   Panama   Collective investment fund     100.00 %
Sistemas de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa   Panama   Investments     100.00 %
Banagrícola S.A.   Panama   Investments     99.16 %
Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Banking     100.00 %
Banistmo Investment Corporation S.A.   Panama   Trust     100.00 %
Financomer S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100.00 %
Financiera Flash S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100.00 %
Grupo Financomer S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100.00 %
Seguros Banistmo S.A. (disposed in 2015)   Panama   Insurance company     100.00 %
Securities Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100.00 %
Banistmo Asset Management Inc.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100.00 %
Banistmo Capital Markets Group Inc.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100.00 %
Van Dyke Overseas Corp.   Panama   Real estate broker     100.00 %
Inmobiliaria Bickford S.A.   Panama   Real estate broker     100.00 %
Williamsburg International Corp.   Panama   Real estate broker     100.00 %
Leasing Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Leasing     100.00 %
Banco Agrícola S.A.   El Salvador   Banking     97.36 %
Arrendadora Financiera S.A. Arfinsa   El Salvador   Leasing     97.36 %
Credibac S.A. de C.V.   El Salvador   Credit card services     97.36 %
Valores Banagrícola S.A. de C.V.   El Salvador   Securities brokerage     98.89 %
Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola S.A. IFBA   El Salvador   Investments     98.89 %
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.   Peru   Operating leasing     100.00 %
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo - Renting Perú   Peru   Operating leasing     100.00 %
Capital Investments SAFI S.A.   Peru   Trust businesses     100.00 %
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria   Peru   Trust businesses     98.81 %
Leasing Perú S.A.   Peru   Leasing     100.00 %
Banagrícola Guatemala S.A.   Guatemala   Outsourcing     99.16 %
Grupo Financiero Agromercantil Holding S.A.   Guatemala   Holding     60.00 %
Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A.   Guatemala   Banking     60.00 %
Mercomer Bank Ltd.   Guatemala   Banking     60.00 %
Seguros Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Insurance company     59.17 %

 

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Entity   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
  Business   Shareholding
Directly and
Indirectly
 
Financiera Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Financial services     60.00 %
Agrovalores S.A.   Guatemala   Securities brokerage     60.00 %
Tarjeta Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Credit card     60.00 %
Arrendadora Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Operating leasing     60.00 %
Agencia de Seguros y Fianzas Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Insurance company     60.00 %
Asistencia y Ajustes S. A.   Guatemala   Services     60.00 %
Serproba S.A.   Guatemala   Refurbishment and remodelling services     60.00 %
Servicios de Formalización S.A.   Guatemala   Loans formalization     60.00 %
Conserjeria, Mantenimiento y Mensajeria S.A.   Guatemala   Maintenance services     60.00 %
Media Plus S.A.   Guatemala   Advertising and marketing     60.00 %
New Alma Enterprises Ltd.   Bahamas   Investments     60.00 %
Bancolombia Puerto Rico Internacional Inc.   Puerto Rico   Banking     100.00 %
Bancolombia Caymán S.A.   Cayman Islands   Commercial bank     100.00 %
Bagrícola Costa Rica S.A.   Costa Rica   Outsourcing     99.16 %

 

D. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Bank owned COP 3,242 billion in premises and equipment (including assets that are part of our operating leasing business). COP 1,534 billion correspond to land and buildings, of which approximately 96% are used for administrative offices and branches in 59 municipalities in Colombia, 25 municipalities in El Salvador, 9 municipalities in Guatemala and 4 municipalities in Panama. Likewise, COP 770 billion correspond to computer equipment, of which approximately 10% relate to the central computer and servers of the Bank and the rest relate to personal computers, ATMs, telecommunications equipment and other equipment.

 

In addition to its own branches, the Bank occupies 944 rented offices.

 

The Bank does not have any liens on its property.

 

E. SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION

 

The following information is included for analytical purposes and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements as well as Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. This information has been prepared based on the Bank’s financial records, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS technical framework as issued by the IASB and the related interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRS-IC”) and by the Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC) related interpretations. The Bank has applied IFRS in its financial reporting with effect from January 1, 2014, the date of transition, in accordance with the transitional provisions set out in IFRS 1.

 

The consolidated selected statistical information for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes the selected statistical information of Bancolombia and its Subsidiaries, without reflecting any pro-forma calculation of the effect of the acquisition of the majority ownership of Grupo Agromercantil, while consolidated selected statistical information for the year ended December 31, 2015 corresponds to the Bank and its Subsidiaries, including all additional Subsidiaries acquired as a result of the 2015 acquisition of the additional shares of Grupo Agromercantil.

 

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

 

Average balances have been calculated as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2015, for each month, the actual month-end balances were established. The average balance for each period is the arithmetic average of the monthly balances. The Bank has calculated the average balances using quarterly book balances for the year ended December 31, 2014, as we believe such balances are representative of our operations and it would be too costly to produce average balances using monthly balances under IFRS.

 

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

 

Average statement of financial position

 

The following tables show for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively: (i) average balances for all of the Bank’s assets and liabilities; (ii) interest earned and interest paid amounts; and (iii) average nominal interest rates/yield for the Bank’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

    Average statement of financial position and Income from Interest-Earning Assets for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Earned
    Average
Yield / Rate
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Earned
    Average
Yield / Rate
 
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
                                     
ASSETS                                                
Interest-earning assets                                                
Funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell                                                
Domestic activities     1,180,507       74,237       6.3 %     909,396       105,614       11.6 %
Foreign activities     1,594,096       20,752       1.3 %     1,937,558       17,473       0.9 %
Total     2,774,603       94,989       3.4 %     2,846,954       123,087       4.3 %
Investment securities (1)                                                
Domestic activities     7,929,171       253,161       3.2 %     8,627,917       322,438       3.7 %
Foreign activities     3,684,896       113,608       3.1 %     2,665,992       141,154       5.3 %
Total     11,614,067       366,769       3.2 %     11,293,909       463,592       4.1 %
Loans and Financial Leases (2)                                                
Domestic activities     79,835,468       8,739,998       10.9 %     68,434,591       7,388,145       10.8 %
Foreign activities     45,190,581       2,521,782       5.6 %     31,028,592       1,704,084       5.5 %
Total     125,026,049       11,261,780       9.0 %     99,463,183       9,092,229       9.1 %
Total interest-earning assets                                                
Domestic activities     88,945,146       9,067,396       10.2 %     77,971,904       7,816,197       10.0 %
Foreign activities     50,469,573       2,656,142       5.3 %     35,632,142       1,862,711       5.2 %
Total     139,414,719       11,723,538       8.4 %     113,604,046       9,678,908       8.5 %
                                                 
Total non-interest-earning assets                                                
Domestic activities     10,050,646                       10,149,131                  
Foreign activities (3)     15,383,212                       11,674,133                  
Total Assets     25,433,858                       21,823,264                  
                                                 
Total interest and non-interest-earnings assets                                                
Domestic activities     98,995,792       9,067,396               88,121,035       7,816,196          
Foreign activities (3)     65,852,785       2,656,142               47,306,275       1,862,711          
Total Assets     164,848,577       11,723,538               135,427,310       9,678,907          

 

 

(1) Tax-exempt income derived from tax-exempt investment securities has not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis because the effect of such calculation would not be material.

(2) Includes performing loans only.

(3) The percentage of total average assets attributable to foreign activities was 39.9% and 34.9%, respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

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    Average statement of financial position and Interest Paid on Interest-Bearing
Liabilities for the Fiscal Year
Ended December 31,
 
    2015     2014  
   

Average

Balance

   

Interest

Paid

   

Average

Yield /

Rate (1)

   

Average

Balance

   

Interest

Paid

   

Average

Yield / Rate (1)

 
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                                
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                                
Checking deposits                                                
Domestic activities     11,034,571       17,778       0.2 %     10,877,728       19,929       0.2 %
Foreign activities     7,538,081       16,060       0.2 %     5,587,845       2,800       0.1 %
Total     18,572,652       33,838       0.2 %     16,465,573       22,729       0.1 %
Savings deposits                                                
Domestic activities     30,937,835       528,806       1.7 %     28,097,124       442,206       1.6 %
Foreign activities     9,837,665       142,111       1.4 %     6,904,204       103,498       1.5 %
Total     40,775,500       670,917       1.6 %     35,001,328       545,704       1.6 %
Time deposits                                                
Domestic activities     23,284,367       1,322,738       5.7 %     21,273,104       1,061,542       5.0 %
Foreign activities     18,944,955       443,488       2.3 %     13,131,180       305,107       2.3 %
Total     42,229,322       1,766,226       4.2 %     34,404,284       1,366,649       4.0 %
Funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase                                                
Domestic activities     2,795,234       128,858       4.6 %     1,332,438       96,847       7.3 %
Foreign activities     450,720       3,327       0.7 %     419,069       5,087       1.2 %
Total     3,245,954       132,185       4.1 %     1,751,507       101,934       5.8 %
Borrowings from development and other domestic banks (2)                                                
Domestic activities     4,603,982       130,156       2.8 %     4,402,506       241,206       5.5 %
Foreign activities     270,205       7,475       2.8 %     71,804       7,472       10.4 %
Total     4,874,187       137,631       2.8 %     4,474,310       248,678       5.6 %
Interbank borrowings (2) (3)                                                
Domestic activities     -       -       0.0 %     -       -       0.0 %
Foreign activities     10,502,220       183,555       1.7 %     7,679,133       135,635       1.8 %
Total     10,502,220       183,555       1.7 %     7,679,133       135,635       1.8 %
Long-term debt                                                
Domestic activities     5,907,501       495,168       8.4 %     4,884,212       353,695       7.2 %
Foreign activities     10,735,079       580,314       5.4 %     7,947,893       442,133       5.6 %
Total     16,642,580       1,075,482       6.5 %     12,832,105       795,828       6.2 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                
Domestic activities     78,563,490       2,623,504       3.3 %     70,867,112       2,215,425       3.1 %
Foreign activities     58,278,925       1,376,330       2.4 %     41,741,128       1,001,732       2.4 %
Total     136,842,415       3,999,834       2.9 %     112,608,240       3,217,157       2.9 %
Total non-interest bearing liabilities                                                
Domestic activities     5,744,793                       3,760,403                  
Foreign activities (4)     3,366,523                       3,573,771                  
Total     9,111,316                       7,334,174                  
Stockholders' equity                                                
Domestic activities     15,512,136                       14,756,128                  
Foreign activities (4)     3,344,666                       252,887                  
Total     18,856,802                       15,009,015                  
                                                 
Total interest and non-interest bearing  liabilities and stockholders’ equity                                                
Domestic activities     99,820,419       2,623,504               89,383,643       2,215,425          
Foreign activities (4)     64,990,114       1,376,330               45,567,786       1,001,732          
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     164,810,533       3,999,834               134,951,429       3,217,157          

 

 

(1) See “Item 4. Information on the Company – E. Selected Statistical Information – E.1 Distribution of Assets, Liablilities and Stockholders’ Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential”.
(2) Includes both short-term and long-term borrowings.
(3) Includes borrowings from banks located outside Colombia.
(4) The percentage of total average liabilities attributable to foreign activities was 42.2% and 37.8%, respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

  47

 

 

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

 

The following table allocates, for domestic and foreign activities, changes in the Bank’s net interest income to changes in average volume, changes in nominal rates and the net variance caused by changes in both average volume and nominal rate for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Volume and rate variances have been calculated based on movements in average balances over the period and changes in nominal interest rates on average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. Net changes attributable to changes in both volume and interest rate have been allocated to the change due to changes in volume.

 

    2014-2015
Increase (Decrease)
Due To Changes in:
 
  Volume     Rate     Net
Change
 
    (in millions of COP)  
Interest-earning assets                  
Funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell                        
Domestic activities     17,049       (48,426 )     (31,377 )
Foreign activities     (4,471 )     7,750       3,279  
Total     12,578       (40,676 )     (28,098 )
Investment securities (1)                        
Domestic activities     (22,309 )     (46,968 )     (69,277 )
Foreign activities     31,414       (58,960 )     (27,546 )
Total     9,105       (105,928 )     (96,823 )
Loans and financial leases                        
Domestic activities     1,248,112       103,741       1,351,853  
Foreign activities     790,285       27,413       817,698  
Total     2,038,397       131,154       2,169,551  
Total interest-earning assets                        
Domestic activities     1,242,852       8,347       1,251,199  
Foreign activities     817,228       (23,797 )     793,431  
Total     2,060,080       (15,450 )     2,044,630  
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Checking deposits                        
Domestic activities     253       (2,404 )     (2,151 )
Foreign activities     4,155       9,105       13,260  
Total     4,408       6,701       11,109  
Savings deposits                        
Domestic activities     48,555       38,045       86,600  
Foreign activities     42,376       (3,763 )     38,613  
Total     90,931       34,282       125,213  
Time deposits                        
Domestic activities     114,256       146,940       261,196  
Foreign activities     136,096       2,285       138,381  
Total     250,352       149,225       399,577  
Funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase                        
Domestic activities     67,434       (35,423 )     32,011  
Foreign activities     234       (1,994 )     (1,760 )
Total     67,668       (37,417 )     30,251  
Borrowings from development and other domestic banks                        
Domestic activities     5,696       (116,746 )     (111,050 )
Foreign activities     5,489       (5,486 )     3  
Total     11,185       (122,232 )     (111,047 )
Interbank borrowings                        
Domestic activities     -       -       -  
Foreign activities     49,341       (1,421 )     47,920  
Total     49,341       (1,421 )     47,920  
Long-term debt                        
Domestic-activities     85,772       55,701       141,473  
Foreign-activities     150,669       (12,488 )     138,181  
Total     236,441       43,213       279,654  
Total interest-bearing liabilities                        
Domestic-activities     321,966       86,113       408,079  
Foreign-activities     388,360       (13,762 )     374,598  
Total     710,326       72,351       782,677  

 

 

(1) Tax-exempt income of tax-exempt investment securities has not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis because the effect of such calculation would not be material.

 

  48

 

 

INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS — NET INTEREST MARGIN AND SPREAD

 

The following table presents the levels of average interest-earning assets and net interest income of the Bank and illustrates the comparative net interest margin and interest spread obtained for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

    Interest-Earning Assets-Yield For the Fiscal
Year Ended December 31,
 
    2015     2014  
    (COP million, except percentages)  
Total average interest-earning assets                
Domestic activities     88,945,146       77,971,904  
Foreign activities     50,469,573       35,632,142  
Total     139,414,719       113,604,046  
Net interest income (1)                
Domestic activities     6,443,892       5,600,771  
Foreign activities     1,279,812       860,979  
Total     7,723,704       6,461,750  
Average yield on interest-earning assets                
Domestic activities     10.2 %     10.0 %
Foreign activities     5.3 %     5.2 %
Total     8.4 %     8.5 %
Net interest margin (2)                
Domestic activities     7.2 %     7.2 %
Foreign activities     2.5 %     2.4 %
Total     5.5 %     5.7 %
Interest spread (3)                
Domestic activities     6.9 %     6.9 %
Foreign activities     2.9 %     2.8 %
Total     5.5 %     5.7 %

 

 

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

 

  49

 

 

E.2. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

For purposes of measurement and recognition of the investments impairment in subsidiaries, affiliates, associates and joint ventures in the Individual Financial Statements, the controlled companies must meet the dispositions of the IAS 39.

 

The following table sets forth the book value of the Bank’s investments in Colombian government foreign governments and corporate securities and certain other financial investments as of the dates indicated (1):

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015 (2)     2014 (2)  
    (in millions of COP)  
Foreing currency-denominated                
Securities issued by foreign Governments (3)     4,443,307       1,789,280  
Securities issued or secured by other financial entities     905,171       663,209  
Securities issued or secured by Colombian Government     188,618       205,572  
Securities issued or secured by the El Salvador Central Bank     43,913       23,638  
Securities issued or secured by Government entities     9,997       7,830  
Others (4)     531,044       148,017  
Subtotal     6,122,050       2,837,546  
Peso-denominated                
Securities issued or secured by financial entities     838,769       876,180  
Securities issued or secured by the Colombian Government     4,644,051       6,333,255  
Securities issued or secured by Government entities     1,475,055       1,423,619  
Others     33,218       32,337  
Subtotal   (5)     6,991,093       8,665,391  
Total     13,113,143       11,502,937  

 

 

(1) For further information, see Note 5 “Financial assets investments and derivatives”.
(2) Includes debt securities only. Net investments in equity securities were COP 1,164,681 million and COP 1,281,286 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(3) Due to the acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil in 2015, the Bank has increased significantly its position in securities issued by the Republic of Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama, which reached COP 1,694,426 million as of December 31, 2015.
(4) Includes debt securities in corporate bonds.
(5) Tuya S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento as a discontinued operation, had as of December 31, 2015 debt securities amounting to COP 30,271, which were classified in “Securities issued or secured by Government entities” item. For further information see Note 31 “Discontinued Operations”.

 

  50

 

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 Bancolombia held securities issued by foreign governments in the following amounts:

 

As of

December 31,

  Issuer  

Investment Amount–Book

Value - (in millions of COP)

   

Investment Amount–Book

Value (thousands of U.S.

dollars)

 
                 
2015   Republic of Guatemala     1,670,390       530,372  
    Republic of Panama     923,470       293,214  
    U.S. Treasury     523,707       166,284  
    United Mexican States     479,304       152,186  
    Republic of Costa Rica     123,196       39,117  
    Republic of El Salvador     688,522       218,615  
    Republic of Brazil     34,718       11,023  
2014   Republic of Panama     811,489       339,186  
    U.S. Treasury     203,223       84,943  
    United Mexican States     449,018       187,680  
    Republic of Costa Rica     74,968       31,335  
    Republic of El Salvador     184,053       76,930  
    Republic of Brazil     57,292       23,947  
    Republic of Chile     9,237       3,861  

 

As of December 31, 2015, the peso-denominated debt securities portfolio amounted to COP 6,991 billion, reflecting a 19% decrease compared to December 31, 2014. The decrease resulted mainly from a reduction in holdings of Securities issued or secured by the Colombian Government and financial entities. Peso-denominated debt securities issued by the Colombian Government represented 66% of the peso-denominated debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2015.

 

On the other hand, as of December 31, 2015, Bancolombia’s held securities issued by foreign governments amounted to COP 4,443 billion, increasing in 148% compared to December 31, 2014. This variation is primarily explained by the acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil.

 

  51

 

 

INVESTMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO MATURITY

 

The following table summarizes the maturities and weighted average nominal yields of the Bank’s investment securities as of December 31, 2015:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
   

Maturity less than

1 year

   

Maturity between

1 and 5 years

   

Maturity between

5 and 10 Years

   

Maturity more than

10 years

    Total  
    Balance    

Yield % (1)

    Balance    

Yield % (1)

    Balance    

Yield % (1)

    Balance    

Yield % (1)

    Balance    

Yield % (1)

 
    (in millions of COP, except yields)  

Securities issued or secured by:

Foreign currency.-denominated (2):

                                                                               
Foreign Governments     1,312,280       3.15 %     1,589,018       2.33 %     1,214,720       2.20 %     327,289       0.17 %     4,443,307       2.38 %
Other financial entities     260,004       1.70 %     344,814       2.60 %     37,861       4.68 %     262,492       -       905,171       1.67 %
Colombian Government     5,647       6.69 %     148,215       1.76 %     24,772       4.52 %     9,984       5.91 %     188,618       2.49 %
El Salvador Central Bank     43,913       2.65 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       43,913       2.65 %
Other Government entities     -       -       9,997       3.37 %     -       -       -       -       9,997       3.37 %
Others     16,365       2.56 %     96,688       3.94 %     376,707       6.35 %     41,284       6.36 %     531,044       5.80 %
Subtotal     1,638,209       2.91 %     2,188,732       2.41 %     1,654,060       3.24 %     641,049       0.59 %     6,122,050       2.58 %
                                                                                 
Securities issued or secured by Peso-denominated   (2)                                                                                
Other financial entities     124,787       3.33 %     154,029       6.25 %     340,977       9.55 %     132,852       11.26 %     752,645       8.14 %
Colombian Government.     1,411,213       5.50 %     1,540,904       6.69 %     99,532       7.37 %     384,116       7.55 %     3,435,765       6.31 %
Other Government entities     1,392,894       1.40 %     4,744       7.15 %     77,417       7.70 %     -       -       1,475,055       1.75 %
Others     1,988       5.59 %     22,251       6.56 %     8,979       6.84 %     -       -       33,218       6.58 %
Subtotal     2,930,882       3.46 %     1,721,928       6.65 %     526,905       8.82 %     516,968       8.50 %     5,696,683       5.37 %

 

Securities issued or secured by UVR-denominated   (2)                                                                                
Other financial entities     -       -       20,046       2.01 %     66,078       8.92 %     -       -       86,124       7.31 %
Colombian Government     15,065       0.01 %     1,075,627       1.66 %     117,400       2.79 %     194       4.21 %     1,208,286       1.75 %
Subtotal     15,065       0.01 %     1,095,673       1.67 %     183,478       5.00 %     194       4.21 %     1,294,410       2.12 %
                                                                                 
Total (COP)     4,584,156               5,006,333               2,364,443               1,158,211               13,113,143          

 

 

(1) Yield was calculated using the internal rate of return (IRR) as of December 31, 2015.

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

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank had the following investments in securities of issuers that exceeded 10% of the Bank‘s stockholder‘ equity:

 

        As of December 31,  
        2015     2014  
  Issuer   Book Value     Fair value     Book Value     Fair value  
    (in millions of COP)
Securities issued or secured by:                                    
Colombian Government   Ministry of Finance   4,691,618     4,691,602     6,437,069     6,433,455  
Total      

4,691,618

   

4,691,602

   

6,437,069

   

6,433,455

 

 

  52

 

 

E.3. LOAN PORTFOLIO

 

Types of loans

 

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

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Domestic                
Corporate                
Trade financing     3,380,106       2,896,799  
Loans funded by development banks     1,306,888       703,152  
Working capital loans     42,632,934       36,157,009  
Credit cards     54,694       47,197  
Overdrafts     126,888       67,060  
Total corporate     47,501,510       39,871,217  
                 
Retail (1)                
Credit cards     3,629,539       4,831,945  
Personal loans     7,104,076       6,568,264  
Vehicle loans     2,517,925       2,477,992  
Overdrafts     203,439       210,283  
Loans funded by development banks     884,490       783,610  
Trade financing     372,339       424,596  
Working capital loans     13,078,764       11,909,314  
Total retail     27,790,572       27,206,004  
Financial Leases     19,898,665       17,197,752  
Mortgage     8,712,892       7,353,372  
Total loans and leases     103,903,639       91,628,345  
Allowance for loan losses     (4,312,564 )     (4,028,866 )
Total domestic loans, net     99,591,075       87,599,479  
                 
Foreign                
Corporate                
Trade financing     15,192,611       6,248,364  
Loans funded by development banks     12,576       6,162  
Working capital loans     8,793,603       6,188,503  
Credit cards     25,748       9,978  
Overdrafts     6,661       7,140  
Total corporate     24,031,199       12,460,147  
                 
Retail (1)                
Credit cards     1,429,351       746,691  
Personal loans     6,106,241       4,134,873  
Vehicle loans     637,047       373,478  
Overdrafts     74,492       53,213  
Loans funded by development banks     66,149       41,242  
Trade financing     242,403       128,668  
Working capital loans     71,316       45,246  
Total retail     8,626,999       5,523,411  
Financial Leases     652,911       367,477  
Mortgage     8,405,891       5,194,273  
Total loans and leases     41,717,000       23,545,308  
Allowance for loan losses     (936,191 )     (760,391 )
Total foreign loans, net     40,780,809       22,784,917  
                 
Total Foreign and Domestic Loans     140,371,884       110,384,396  

 

 

(1) Includes loans to high-income individuals and small companies.

 

  53

 

 

The Bank classifies its loan portfolio into the following categories: (i) corporate loans; (ii) retail and small and medium enterprises loans; (iii) financial leases; and (iv) mortgage loans.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Bank’s total loan portfolio amounted to COP 145,621 billion, up 26.44% as compared to COP 115,174 billion in 2014. Loan volume performance during 2015 is explained by demand from individuals and corporations, the depreciation of the Colombian Peso and by the acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. on December 30, 2015. For further discussion of some of these trends please see Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects D. Trend information".

 

As of December 31, 2015, corporate loans amounted to COP 71,533 billion, or 49.12% of loans, and increased 36.69% from COP 52,331 billion at December 31, 2014. In 2015, corporations demanded loans for expanding production facilities and for working capital purposes. This demand caused the stock of loans to increase in the Bank’s books.

 

Retail loans totaled COP 36,418 billion, or 25.01% of total loans, of which COP 13,210 billion were consumer loans (9.07% of total loans). Retail loans increased 11.27% from COP 32,729 at December 31, 2014. In 2015, individuals demanded credit card loans and leases, to finance vehicles and for personal purposes.

 

Financial leases totaled COP 20,552 billion as of December 31, 2015, up 17.01% from COP 17,565 billion as of December 31, 2014.

 

Mortgage lending activity was dynamic during 2015, driven mainly by the Colombian Government‘s housing subsidy program implemented in April 2009 as well as by lower long-term interest rates in Colombia. Mortgage loans totaled 17,119 and increased 36.43% over the year.

 

On December 30, 2015, Bancolombia acquired an additional 20% interest in Grupo Agromercantil, for a total stake of 60%. The loan portfolio acquired in the business combination of Grupo Agromercantil amounted to COP 8,162 billion, corresponding to 5.60% of the Bank’s total loans and advances to customers. Additionally, as of December 31, 2015, Tuya S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento is considered a discontinued operation. Therefore, its loan portfolio is classified as assets held for sale in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The net balance of loans of this company amounted to COP 1,480 billion as of December 31, 2015 and corresponds to retail loans.

 

Borrowing Relationships

 

As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Bank’s 25 largest credit exposures, on a consolidated basis, represented approximately 14.04% of the loan portfolio of the Bank and no single exposure represented more than 3% of the loan book. In addition, 100% of those loans were corporate loans and 100% of these relationships were classified as “A”. 

 

  54

 

 

Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans

 

The following table shows the maturities of the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015:

 

    Maturity of one
year or less
    Maturity of one
to five years
    Maturity of more
than five years
    Total  
    (in millions of COP)  
Domestic loans and financial leases                                
Corporate                                
Trade financing     3,376,837       3,269       -       3,380,106  
Loans funded by development banks     17,883       258,545       1,030,460       1,306,888  
Working capital loans     16,042,082       7,473,832       19,117,020       42,632,934  
Credit cards     2,961       21,406       30,327       54,694  
Overdrafts     126,888       -       -       126,888  
Total corporate     19,566,651       7,757,052       20,177,807       47,501,510  
                                 
Retail                                
Credit cards     192,016       2,337,329       1,100,194       3,629,539  
Personal loans     337,896       5,592,727       1,173,453       7,104,076  
Vehicle loans     68,485       1,818,670       630,770       2,517,925  
Overdrafts     203,439       -       -       203,439  
Loans funded by development banks     54,236       443,116       387,138       884,490  
Trade financing     372,339       -       -       372,339  
Working capital loans     3,196,224       7,558,497       2,324,043       13,078,764  
Total retail     4,424,635       17,750,339       5,615,598       27,790,572  
Financial leases     2.287,297       5,518,087       12,093,281       19,898,665  
Mortgage     25,689       305,785       8,381,418       8,712,892  
Total domestic loans and financial leases     26,304,272       31,331,263       46,268,104       103,903,639  
                                 
Foreign loans and financial leases:                                
Corporate                                
Trade financing     3,878,159       6,683,832       4,630,620       15,192,611  
Loans funded by development banks     21       2,198       10,357       12,576  
Working capital loans     4,867,617       2,991,747       934,239       8,793,603  
Credit cards     8       24,720       1,020       25,748  
Overdrafts     6,661       -       -       6,661  
Total corporate     8,752,466       9,702,497       5,576,236       24,031,199  
                                 
Retail                                
Credit cards     10,613       1,391,794       26,944       1,429,351  
Personal loans     284,324       3,614,203       2,207,714       6,106,241  
Vehicle loans     7,425       301,546       328,076       637,047  
Overdrafts     73,100       1,392       -       74,492  
Loans funded by development banks     120       7,888       58,141       66,149  
Trade financing     56,168       70,121       116,114       242,403  
Working capital loans     42,812       20,771       7,733       71,316  
Total retail     474,562       5,407,715       2,744,722       8,626,999  
Financial leases     38,274       493,467       121,170       652,911  
Mortgage     18,410       145,915       8,241,566       8,405,891  
Total foreign loans and financial leases     9,283,712       15,749,594       16,683,694       41,717,000  
Total loans     35,587,984       47,080,857       62,951,798       145,620,639  

 

In general, the term of a loan will depend on the type of guarantee, the credit history of the borrower and the purpose of the loan. Currently 56.77% of the Bank’s loan portfolio has a maturity of five years or less as of December 31, 2015.

 

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

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    (in millions of COP)  
Loans with term of 1 year or more:        
Variable Rate        
Domestic-denominated     56,646,538  
Foreign-denominated     20,014,590  
Total     76,661,128  
Fixed Rate        
Domestic-denominated     20,952,829  
Foreign-denominated     12,418,698  
Total     33,371,527  
Loans with term of less than 1 year:        
Domestic-denominated     26,304,272  
Foreign-denominated     9,283,712  
Total     35,587,984  
         
Total loans     145,620,639  

 

Loans by Economic Activity

 

The following table summarizes the Bank’s loan portfolio, for the periods indicated, by the principal activity of the borrower using the primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. Where the Bank has not assigned a code to a borrower, classification of the loan has been made based on the purpose of the loan as described by the borrower:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     %     2014     %  
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
Domestic                                
Agricultural     4,330,757       4.2 %     4,030,994       4.4 %
Mining products and oil     1,791,910       1.7 %     2,559,701       2.8 %
Food, beverage and tobacco     5,141,738       5.0 %     4,148,724       4.5 %
Chemical production     2,871,547       2.8 %     3,028,095       3.3 %
Other industrial and manufacturing products     5,657,242       5.4 %     5,492,444       6.0 %
Government     3,131,339       3.0 %     2,030,749       2.2 %
Construction     14,577,061       14.0 %     11,515,240       12.6 %
Trade and tourism     14,934,712       14.4 %     13,380,359       14.6 %
Transportation and communications     8,189,789       7.9 %     5,200,661       5.7 %
Public services     4,881,297       4.7 %     4,832,527       5.3 %
Consumer services     22,439,817       21.6 %     21,109,019       23.0 %
Commercial services     15,956,430       15.3 %     14,299,832       15.6 %
                                 
Total domestic loans     103,903,639       100.0 %     91,628,345       100.0 %
                                 
Foreign                                
Agricultural     1,942,147       4.7 %     752,267       3.2 %
Mining products and oil     355,825       0.9 %     501,236       2.1 %
Food, beverage and tobacco     330,038       0.8 %     323,446       1.4 %
Chemical production     331,651       0.8 %     109,137       0.5 %
Other industrial and manufacturing products     4,751,983       11.4 %     2,466,135       10.5 %
Government     668,463       1.6 %     309,947       1.3 %
Construction     5,424,291       13.0 %     3,609,264       15.3 %
Trade and tourism.     5,833,248       14.0 %     3,362,533       14.3 %
Transportation and communications     1,588,048       3.8 %     716,974       3.1 %

 

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    As of December 31,  
    2015     %     2014     %  
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
Public services     4,807,362       11.5 %     2,757,506       11.7 %
Consumer services     12,634,026       30.2 %     8,580,530       36.4 %
Commercial services     3,049,918       7.3 %     56,333       0.2 %
Total foreign loans     41,717,000       100.0 %     23,545,308       100.0 %
                                 
Total Foreign and Domestic Loans     145,620,639       100.0 %     115,173,653       100.0 %

 

Credit Categories

 

For the purpose of credit risk evaluation, loans and financial lease contracts are classified in accordance with the regulations of the SFC as follows:

 

Commercial Loans and Financial Leases: These are granted to individuals or companies in order to carry out organized economic activities and are not classified as small business loans.

 

Consumer Loans: These are loans and financial leases, regardless of value, granted to individuals for the purchase of consumer goods or to pay for non-commercial or business services.

 

Small Business Loans: These are issued for the purpose of encouraging the activities of small business and are subject to the following requirements: (i) the maximum amount to be lent is equal to 25 SMMLV and at any time the balance of any single borrower may not exceed such amount (as stipulated in article 39 of Law 590 of 2000) and (ii) the main source of payment for the corresponding obligation shall be the revenues obtained from activities of the borrower’s small business. The balance of indebtedness on the part of the borrower may not exceed 120 SMMLV, as applicable, at the time the loan is approved.

 

Mortgage Loans: These are loans, regardless of value, granted to individuals for the purchase of new or used housing or to build a home, all in accordance with Law 546 of 1999. These loans include loans denominated in UVR or local currency that are guaranteed by a senior mortgage on the property and that are financed with a total repayment term of five to 30 years.

 

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

 

    Loan Portfolio by Type of Loan
As of December 31,
 
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Commercial Loans     85,892,752       65,473,755  
Consumer Loans     21,170,615       18,927,154  
Small Business Loans     886,913       659,870  
Financial Leases     20,551,576       17,565,229  
Mortgage Loans     17,118,783       12,547,645  
Total Loans and Financial Leases     145,620,639       115,173,653  
Allowance for Loans and Financial Lease Losses     (5,248,755 )     (4,789,257 )
Total Loans and Financial Leases, Net     140,371,884       110,384,396  

 

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Risk categories

 

The SFC provides the following minimum risk classifications, according to the financial situation of the debtor or the past-due days of the obligation:

 

Category A or “Normal Risk”: Loans and financial leases in this category are appropriately serviced. The debtor’s financial statements or its projected cash flows, as well as all other credit information available to the Bank, reflect adequate paying capacity.

 

Category B or “Acceptable Risk, Above Normal”: Loans and financial leases in this category are acceptably serviced and guaranty protected, but there are weaknesses which may potentially affect, on a transitory or permanent basis, the debtor’s paying capacity or its projected cash flows, to the extent that, if not timely corrected, would affect the normal collection of credit or contracts.

 

Category C or “Appreciable Risk”: Loans and financial leases in this category represent insufficiencies in the debtor’s paying capacity or in the project’s cash flow, which may compromise the normal collection of the obligations.

 

Category D or “Significant Risk”: Loans and financial leases in this category have the same deficiencies as loans in category C, but to a larger extent; consequently, the probability of collection is highly doubtful.

 

Category E or “unrecoverable”: Loans and financial leases in this category are deemed uncollectible.

 

For further details about these risk categories see risk management appendix to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     %     2014     %  
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
“A” Normal Risk     131,999,143       90.6 %     105,475,511       91.6 %
“B” Acceptable Risk     7,682,616       5.3 %     4,978,602       4.3 %
“C” Appreciable Risk     2,438,541       1.7 %     1,865,897       1.6 %
“D” Significant Risk     1,821,582       1.3 %     1,504,125       1.3 %
“E” Unrecoverable Risk     1,678,757       1.1 %     1,349,518       1.2 %
Total loans and financial leases     145,620,639       100 %     115,173,653       100 %
Loans classified as “C”, “D” and “E” as a percentage of total loans     4.08 %             4.10 %        

 

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

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     %     2014     %  
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
Domestic                                
Corporate                                
Trade financing     24,733       0.7 %     464       0.0 %
Loans funded by development banks     3,567       0.1 %     4,264       0.2 %
Working capital loans     613,922       17.0 %     461,505       16.9 %
Credit cards     1,167       0.0 %     1,795       0.1 %
Overdrafts     1,339       0.0 %     3,509       0.1 %
Total corporate     644,728       17.8 %     471,537       17.3 %
                                 
Retail                                
Credit cards     231,865       6.4 %     343,521       12.6 %
Personal loans     265,802       7.4 %     239,261       8.7 %
Vehicle loans     133,846       3.7 %     144,213       5.3 %
Overdrafts     24,994       0.7 %     29,418       1.1 %
Loans funded by development banks     30,119       0.8 %     40,132       1.5 %
Trade financing     1,759       0.1 %     1,198       0.0 %
Working capital loans     755,713       21.0 %     702,065       25.6 %
Total retail     1,444,098       40.1 %     1,499,808       54.8 %
Financial Leases     936,382       26.0 %     259,048       9.4 %
Mortgage     582,010       16.1 %     507,588       18.5 %
Total domestic past due loans     3,607,218       100.0 %     2,737,981       100.0 %
                                 
Foreign                                
Corporate                                
Trade financing     301,674       22.7 %     97,646       12.6 %
Loans funded by development banks     291       0.0 %     -       0.0 %
Working capital loans     99,330       7.5 %     75,205       9.7 %
Credit cards     1,316       0.1 %     170       0.0 %
Overdrafts     149       0.0 %     36       0.0 %
Total Corporate     402,760       30.3 %     173,057       22.3 %
                                 
Retail                                
Credit cards     79,573       6.0 %     37,427       4.9 %
Personal loans     277,596       20.9 %     203,487       26.4 %
Vehicle loans     41,015       3.1 %     22,638       2.9 %
Overdrafts     2,755       0.2 %     1,773       0.2 %
Loans funded by development banks     2,792       0.2 %     1,249       0.2 %
Trade financing     11,639       0.9 %     7,184       0.9 %
Working capital loans     4,912       0.4 %     4,132       0.5 %
Total retail     420,282       31.7 %     277,890       36.0 %
Financial Leases     23,381       1.8 %     9,892       1.4 %
Mortgage     480,469       36.2 %     311,389       40.3 %
Total foreign past due loans     1,326,892       100.0 %     772,228       100.0 %
                                 
Total Foreign and Domestic past due loans     4,934,110       100.0 %     3,510,209       100.0 %

 

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Policies for the granting and review of credit

 

The Bank’s credit standards and policies aim to achieve a high level of credit quality in the Bank’s loan portfolio, efficiency in the processing of loans and the specific assignment of responsibilities for credit risk.

 

To maintain credit quality and manage the risk arising from its lending activities, the Bank has established general loan policies for the evaluation of credit, the determination of lending limits to customers and the level of management authority required to approve a loan. In addition, the Bank has established a centralized area for credit analysis, the disbursement process and the management and custody of promissory notes and guarantees.

 

Bancolombia’s policies require every credit to be analyzed using the following factors: the character, reputation and credit history of the borrower, the type of business the borrower engages in, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and/or its projected cash flows, the coverage and suitability of the proposed collateral for the loan and information received from the two credit risk bureaus currently operating in Colombia.

 

In addition to the analysis of the borrower, the Bank engages in the analysis of the different economic sectors in which the Bank makes loans and has established guidelines for financial analysis of the borrower and for participation in investment projects in and outside Colombia.

 

The Bank applies the lending limits established under Colombian law, which require that: (i) uncollateralized loans to a single customer or economic group may not exceed 10% of the Bank’s (unconsolidated) Technical Capital; (ii) collateralized loans to a single customer or economic group may not exceed 25% of the Bank’s (unconsolidated) Technical Capital; (iii) a collateralized loan to a stockholder of the Bank, who owns a position exceeding 20% of the Bank’s capital, may not exceed 20% of the Bank’s (unconsolidated) Technical Capital; (iv) an uncollateralized loan to a stockholder of the Bank who owns a position exceeding 20% of the Bank’s capital, may not exceed 10% of the Bank’s (unconsolidated) Technical Capital; and (v) a loan to a financial institution may not exceed 30% of the Bank’s (unconsolidated) Technical Capital.

 

Loan applications, depending on their amount, are presented for approval to branch managers, the zone or regional managers, the vice presidents, the president, the credit committee and the board of directors of Bancolombia (the “Board of Directors”). In general, loan application decisions are made by the Bank’s management in the corresponding committee. Approval at each level also requires the agreement of each lower level of the approval hierarchy.

 

Loans to managers, directors and affiliates of the Bank must be approved by the Board of Directors, which has the authority to grant loans in any principal amount subject to the Bank’s legal lending limit.

 

The Bank has established policies for the valuation of collateral received as well as for the determination of the maximum loan amount that can be granted against the value of the collateral. Periodically, the Bank undertakes a valuation of collateral held as security for loans, and the valuation frequency varies depending on the type of collateral. In any event, the collateral cannot be used to mitigate risk if its valuation is not updated on a periodic basis. For retail and mortgage loans that are between five and 60 days past-due, responsibility for collecting payments is outsourced to an external collection company; for commercial loans this procedure is always carried out by internal employees. When a loan becomes 60 days past-due, management of the loan will be transferred to an independent and specialized division within the Bank where various steps will be taken to recover the loan.

 

With respect to monitoring outstanding loans, the Bank has implemented regional committees and a central qualification process to undertake a bi-annual evaluation of the loan portfolio. When monitoring outstanding loans, the Bank examines current financial statements including cash flow and financial indicators, industry analysis and historical payment behavior.

 

Additionally, all of the Bank’s loans are evaluated monthly based on the days they are past-due. When reviewing loans, Bancolombia evaluates and updates their risk classification and makes corresponding adjustments to their provisions, if needed.

 

In addition, the Bank carries out a credit audit process that reviews clients with financial weaknesses, early past-due loans, clients in underperforming sectors, and branches with high records of write-offs, among others.

 

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E.4. SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LOANS AND LOSSES

 

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

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the allowance for loan and financial lease losses:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
             
Balance at beginning of period     4,789,257       4,473,562  
Domestic     4,028,866       3,766,387  
Foreign     760,391       707,175  
Domestic Discontinued Operations (1)     (282,098 )     -  
Provisions for loan losses, net     1,884,859       1,308,825  
Domestic     1,642,914       1,236,594  
Foreign     241,945       72,231  
Charge-offs     (1,422,055 )     (1,178,748 )
Domestic     (1,134,928 )     (974,115 )
Foreign     (287,127 )     (204,633 )
Effect of difference in exchange rate     278,792       185,618  
Foreign     278,792       185,618  
Balance at end of year     5,248,755       4,789,257  
Domestic     4,254,754       4,028,866  
Foreign     994,001       760,391  

  

 

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

 

Recoveries of charged-off loans are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and are not included in provisions for loan losses. (See “Recovery of charged-off loans” in the Consolidated Statement of Income).

 

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

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Commercial loans     2,694,965       2,360,488  
Consumer loans     1,321,281       1,479,460  
Small business loans     80,586       76,560  
Financial leases     579,151       415,766  
Mortgage     572,772       456,983  
Total allowance for loan losses     5,248,755       4,789,257  

 

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The following table sets forth the allocation of the Bank’s allowance for domestic and foreign loans and financial lease losses by type of loan:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     %     2014     %  
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
Domestic                                
Corporate                                
Trade financing     35,387       0.8 %     14,759       0.4 %
Loans funded by development banks     23,552       0.5 %     5,772       0.1 %
Working capital loans     1,183,378       27.4 %     1,006,493       25.0 %
Credit cards     2,218       0.1 %     1,995       0.1 %
Overdrafts     3,318       0.1 %     5,759       0.1 %
Total corporate     1,247,853       28.9 %     1,034,778       25.7 %
Retail                                
Credit cards     343,057       8.0 %     589,702       14.6 %
Personal loans     441,225       10.2 %     422,649       10.5 %
Vehicle loans     180,408       4.2 %     224,481       5.6 %
Overdrafts     27,668       0.6 %     36,345       0.9 %
Loans funded by development banks     38,274       0.9 %     39,235       1.0 %
Trade financing     13,531       0.3 %     12,972       0.3 %
Working capital loans     1,084,698       25.2 %     969,557       24.1 %
Total retail     2,128,861       49.4 %     2,294,941       57.0 %
Financial leases     553,317       12.8 %     388,115       9.6 %
Mortgage     382,533       8.9 %     311,032       7.7 %
Total domestic allowance for loan losses     4,312,564       100.0 %     4,028,866       100.0 %
Foreign                                
Corporate                                
Trade financing     82,777       8.8 %     83,306       10.9 %
Loans funded by development banks     568       0.1 %     175       0.0 %
Working capital loans     256,244       27.4 %     227,915       30.0 %
Credit cards     838       0.1 %     361       0.1 %
Overdrafts     656       0.1 %     548       0.1 %
Total corporate     341,083       36.5 %     312,305       41.1 %
Retail                                
Credit cards     66,582       7.1 %     42,433       5.6 %
Personal loans     277,094       29.6 %     221,627       29.2 %
Vehicle loans     14,076       1.5 %     12,533       1.7 %
Overdrafts     10,780       1.1 %     8,237       1.1 %
Loans funded by development banks     2,731       0.3 %     1,514       0.2 %
Trade financing     3,450       0.4 %     2,728       0.4 %
Working capital loans     5,305       0.6 %     4,867       0.6 %
Total retail     380,018       40.6 %     293,939       38.8 %
Financial leases     24,848       2.6 %     8,217       1.0 %
Mortgage     190,242       20.3 %     145,930       19.1 %
Total foreign allowance for loan losses     936,191       100.0 %     760,391       100.0 %
                                 
Total Foreign and Domestic allowance for loan losses     5,248,755       100.0 %     4,789,257       100.0 %

 

As of December 31, 2015, allowances for loans and financial lease losses amounted to COP 5,249 billion (3.60% of total loans), up 9.61% as compared to COP 4,789 billion (4.16% of total loans) at the end of 2014.

 

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Coverage, measured by the ratio of allowances for loan losses to past-due loans (overdue 30 or more days), was 115% at the end of 2015 and down from 127% at the end of 2014. The decrease in the coverage ratio is explained by the rate of formation of PDLs during the year, which was faster than the pace of increase in allowances in the statement of financial position.

 

CHARGE-OFFS

 

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

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Domestic                
Trade financing     1,220       12,452  
Loans funded by development banks     23,852       10,078  
Working capital loans     457,097       279,701  
Credit cards     145,350       325,475  
Personal loans     209,211       197,973  
Vehicle loans     81,140       79,527  
Overdrafts     13,947       10,276  
Mortgage and other     167,718       13,818  
Financial leases     35,393       44,815  
Total domestic charge-offs     1,134,928       974,115  
Foreign                
Trade financing     -       72  
Loans funded by development banks     -       -  
Working capital loans     28,317       33,170  
Credit cards     37,938       40,640  
Personal loans     198,283       113,685  
Vehicle loans     9,968       5,211  
Overdrafts     726       3,743  
Mortgage and other     11,761       8,112  
Financial leases     134       -  
Total foreign charge-offs     287,127       204,633  
Total Foreign and Domestic charge-offs     1,422,055       1,178,748  

 

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

 

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

 

The Bank charges off loans that are classified as “unrecoverable” once they become overdue as follows: (i) after 180 days for consumer and small business loans; (ii) after 360 days for commercial loans; and (iii) after 1,620 days for mortgage loans.

 

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

 

The recovery of charged-off loans is accounted for as income in the consolidated statement of income on a cash receipts basis.

 

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POTENTIAL PROBLEM LOANS

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2015, performing loans included on the watch list amounted to COP 5.9 billion. The increase from COP 3.7 billion at December 31, 2014, was driven by some loans to customers in the hydrocarbons sector and importers impacted by the devaluation of the peso with respect to the dollar, that were catalogued in all levels risk at December 31, 2015.

 

Watch List 2015   Watch List 2014
Level  

Amount

(COP million)

    %    

Allowance

( COP million )

    Level  

Amount

(COP million)

    %    

Allowance

( COP million )

 
Level 1 - Low Risk     2,680,111       3 %     69,044     Level 1 - Low Risk     2,106,438       4 %     74,166  
Level 2 - Medium Risk     1,320,431       7 %     90,270     Level 2 - Medium Risk     664,811       13 %     83,581  
Level 3 - High Risk     1,951,644       36 %     695,291     Level 3 - High Risk     1,016,480       29 %     293,903  
Total     5,952,186       14 %     854,605     Total     3,787,729       12 %     451,650  

 

IMPAIRED LOANS

 

A credit is considered an impaired loan when there is an objective evidence of impairment that has an effect on the cash flow of the loan; additionally, this category includes loans that had been restructured because of the financial difficulties of the debtor, and for that reason, the Bank must grant a concession to the debtor, that it would not otherwise consider ("trouble debt restructuring loans" or TDRs). Under IFRS, all credits are accounted for on an accrual basis, although they are classified as “impaired loans”.

 

The following table presents the recorded investment for impaired loans:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (In millions of COP)  
    Domestic     Foreign     Total     Domestic     Foreign     Total  
Commercial                                                
Corporate     1,468,122       401,920       1,870,042       1,245,373       185,292       1,430,665  
SME     1,114,816       128,125       1,242,941       997,605       75,695       1,073,300  
Others     661,481       187,413       848,894       677,435       100,199       777,634  
Total Commercial     3,244,419       717,458       3,961,877       2,920,413       361,186       3,281,599  
                                                 
Consumer                                                
Credit card     554,725       392,490       947,215       168,562       206,879       375,441  
Vehicle loans     201,456       9,886       211,342       160,021       67,019       227,040  
Payroll loan     118,015       24,002       142,017       100,626       130,885       231,511  
Others     223,080       138,428       361,508       196,045       111,766       307,811  
Total Consumer     1,097,276       564,806       1,662,082       625,254       516,549       1,141,803  
                                                 
Residential Mortgage                                                
Vis (1)     136,628       305       136,933       130,188       342       130,530  
No Vis     291,128       571,248       862,376       239,177       357,879       597,056  
Total residential mortgage     427,756       571,553       999,309       369,365       358,221       727,586  
                                                 
Small Business Loans     58,875       1,365       60,240       52,660       57,581       110,241  
                                                 
Financial leases     865,412       12,547       877,959       289,926       2,629       292,555  
                                                 
TOTAL     5,693,738       1,867,729       7,561,467       4,257,618       1,296,166       5,553,784  

 

 

(1) VIS refers in Spanish to “ Vivienda de Interés Social ”, a term used to describe residential mortgages granted by financial institutions in amounts that are less than 135 legal minimum monthly salaries in Colombia ( as of December 31, 2015 COP 87).

 

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

 

    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
    Domestic     Foreign     Total     Domestic     Foreign     Total  
                                     
Interest income recognized in net income for the period.     471,226       116,355       587,581       413,194       88,851       502,045  
                                                 
The gross interest income that would have been recorded in the period that ended if the loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination, if held for part of the period.     472,862       117,148       590,010       413,128       90,106       503,235  

 

CROSS-BORDER OUTSTANDING LOANS AND INVESTMENTS

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, total cross-border outstanding loans and investments amounted to approximately USD 16,082 million, and USD 11,878 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, total outstanding loans to borrowers in foreign countries amounted to USD 14,268 million, and total investments were USD 1,814 million. As of December 31, 2015, total cross-border outstanding loans and investments represented 26.25% of total assets.

 

The Bank had no cross-border outstanding acceptances, interest-earning deposits with other banks or any other monetary assets denominated in pesos or other non-local currencies, in which the total exceeded 1% of consolidated total assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

The following table presents information with respect to the Bank’s cross-border outstanding loans and investments at December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (thousands of U.S. dollars)  
Governments and official institutions                
Guatemala   USD 529,834     USD 40,000  
Panama     373,540       447,939  
El Salvador     233,096       86,811  
United States     166,284       84,943  
Mexico     152,186       187,680  
Costa Rica     39,117       32,598  
Brazil     11,023       23,947  
Chile     -       3,861  
                 
Banks and other financial institutions                
Panama   USD 216,788     USD 172,248  
El Salvador     43,766       41,555  
Venezuela     30,164       27,179  
Costa Rica     30,119       26,653  
Guatemala     26,786       2,620  
Chile     14,951       15,478  
Peru     13,281       17,227  
United States     10,002       -  
Brazil     7,705       27,537  
Mexico     3,041       6,043  
Honduras     751       -  

 

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    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (thousands of U.S. dollars)  
       
Commercial and industrial loans                
Panama   USD 6,208,185     USD 5,518,750  
Guatemala     2,941,396       353,280  
El Salvador     563,534       1,154,395  
Peru     420,341       490,910  
United States     260,041       266,004  
Costa Rica     249,819       223,115  
Puerto Rico     100,474       101,012  
Dominican Republic     100,035       5,008  
Honduras     87,036       11,283  
Ecuador     56,545       4,039  
Chile     41,192       30,314  
American Virgin Islands     27,835       46,186  
British Virgin Islands     15,234       32,523  
Brazil     13,002       13,063  
Uruguay     10,768       69,512  
Nicaragua     8,917       12,869  
Guyana     4,906       22,342  
Barbados     4,021       4,867  
Mexico     3,636       10,403  
Marshall Islands     -       45,109  
Belgium and Luxembourg     -       40,297  
New Zealand     -       12,000  
Republic of China     -       9,952  
Bahamas     -       7,759  
Others     1,243       6,765  
                 
Other loans                
El Salvador   USD 2,471,002     USD 1,648,990  
Panama     249,688       142,411  
Guatemala     115,215       70,746  
Costa Rica     79,351       95,251  
Peru     44,947       35,298  
United States     32,617       61,784  
Nicaragua     18,523       18,713  
Spain     14,249       19,219  
Brazil     8,333       8,443  
England     5,501       7,181  
Chile     5,468       5,496  
Belgium and Luxembourg     3,203       3,896  
Canada     2,989       3,678  
Venezuela     2,429       2,602  
Mexico     1,770       10,851  
Ecuador     1,218       -  
Australia     1,010       1,634  
France     -       1,256  
Others     3,811       4,446  
                 
Total Cross-Border Outstanding Loans and Investments   USD 16,081,918     USD 11,877,971  

 

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E.5. DEPOSITS

 

The following table shows the composition of the Bank’s deposits for 2015 and 2014:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Non-interest bearing deposits                
Checking deposits              16,823,024              14,598,804  
Other deposits     1,627,981       1,387,199  
Total     18,451,005       15,986,003  
                 
Interest bearing deposits                
Checking deposits     6,823,554       3,548,221  
Time deposits     48,713,789       36,105,096  
Savings deposits     47,813,680       39,129,999  
Total     103,351,023       78,783,316  
                 
Total deposits  

121,802,028

   

94,769,319

 

 

The following table shows the time deposits held by the Bank as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, classified by amount and maturity:

 

    At December 31, 2015  
    Peso - Denominated     Foreign Exchange-
Denominated
    Total  
    (in millions of COP)  
Time deposits higher than USD 100,000 (1)                        
Up to 3 months     4,125,232       7,868,823       11,994,055  
From 3 to 6 months     2,325,895       3,407,023       5,732,918  
From 6 to 12 months     2,877,583       4,960,526       7,838,109  
More than 12 months     8,791,734       5,031,722       13,823,456  
Time deposits less than USD 100,000 (1)     6,031,680       3,293,571       9,325,251  
Total  

24,152,124

   

24,561,665

   

48,713,789

 

 

 

(1) Approximately COP 315 million at the Representative Market Rate as of December 31, 2015

 

As of December 31, 2015, Tuya S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento was considered as assets held for sale, and the related deposits amounted to COP 1,266,305. For further information see Note 31 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

    At December 31, 2014  
    Peso -
Denominated
    Foreign Exchange-
Denominated
    Total  
    (in millions of COP)  
Time deposits higher than USD 100,000 (1)                        
Up to 3 months     5,203,412       5,688,643       10,892,055  
From 3 to 6 months     2,058,180       1,716,627       3,774,807  
From 6 to 12 months     2,424,899       3,210,680       5,635,579  
More than 12 months     5,834,129       3,144,653       8,978,782  
Time deposits less than USD 100,000 (1)     4,805,488       2,018,385       6,823,873  
Total     20,326,108       15,778,988       36,105,096  

 

 

(1) Approximately COP 239 million at the Representative Market Rate as of December 31, 2014.

 

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As of December 31, 2015, the time deposits greater than USD 100,000 collected by foreign subsidiaries amounted to COP 21,009,232 million.

 

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

 

E.6. RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

 

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

 

    Year
Ended December 31,
 
    2015     2014  
    (in percentages)  
Net income as a percentage of:                
Average total assets     1.58       1.79  
Average stockholders’ equity     13.84       16.19  
Dividends declared per share as a percentage of  consolidated net income per share (1)     32.46       32.03  
Average stockholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets     11.44       11.08  
Return on interest-earning assets (2)     8.41       8.52  

 

 

(1) Dividends are paid based on unconsolidated earnings prepared under Colombia Banking GAAP. Net income per share is calculated using the average number of common and preferred shares outstanding during the year.
(2) Defined as total interest earned divided by average interest-earning assets.

 

E.7. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

 

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

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    Amount    

Rate (3)

    Amount    

Rate (3)

 
    (COP million, except percentages)  
                                 
End of period     11,129,652 (1)     1.68 % (3)     7,466,814       2.39 %
Weighted average during period     8,527,033       2.20 %     6,495,626       2.75 %
Maximum amount of borrowing  at any month-end     11,129,652 (2)             7,466,814 (2)        
Interest paid during the year     187,185               178,675          

 

 

(1) As of December 31, 2015, Grupo Agromercantil has short-term borrowing amounting to COP 755,384
(2) December
(3) Corresponds to the ratio of interest paid during the period to short-term borrowings

 

ITEM 4 A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, there are no unresolved written comments from SEC staff regarding the Bank’s periodic reports required to be filed under the Exchange Act of 1934.

 

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ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

    A. OPERATING RESULTS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Bancolombia’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. For further information regarding the adoption of IFRS, please refer to Note 30.

 

IMPACT OF ECONOMIC AND MONETARY POLICIES ON BANCOLOMBIA’S RESULTS

 

Bancolombia’s operations are affected by external factors such as economic activity in Colombia, interest rates, inflation and exchange rates. The following discussion summarizes the trends of such variables.

 

Economic activity

 

Although Colombia’s GDP growth was 3.1% in 2015, lower than the 4.6% reached in 2014, this figure nonetheless indicates a relatively strong pace of growth in the Colombian economy, considering the negative output for most of the countries in the region.

 

Key GDP components performed as follows in 2015 compared to 2014: investment grew 2.6%, consumption increased 3.9%, imports increased 3.9% and exports decreased 0.7%. In 2015, gross capital formation represented 29.6% of GDP, household consumption represented 65.0%, government consumption 17.2%, exports 15.7% and imports 28.8%.

 

The activities that led growth during the year were financial services (4.3% increase) and construction (3.9% increase).

 

Interest Rates

 

As of December 31, 2015, following continuous rate hikes during the second half of the year, the Central Bank left rates at 5.75% in an attempt to subdue inflation in a challenging macroeconomic context. The Central Bank increased rates by 125 basis points in 2015, starting in September with a 25p raise, and subsequent hikes in October (50 basis points), November and December.

 

The Central Bank expects to maintain inflation rates over time within the long-term targeted range (between 2% and 4%) while allowing the economy to grow close to GDP estimates. In order to do so, the Central Bank may change interest rates to promote economic activity, credit expansion and consumption or curb inflation expectations.

 

Inflation

 

The year-end inflation rate for 2015 was 6.77%, higher than the 3.66% recorded for 2014.

 

The components that led inflation in 2015 were food (10.9% increase), housing (5.4% increase) and health care (5.3% increase).

 

The 12-month core inflation rate for 2015 came at 5.43%, which exceeded the Central Bank’s targeted inflation range of 2% to 4%. The price increases are mainly due to El Niño Phenomenon as well as a pass-through effect of nominal depreciation of the currency.

 

Exchange rate

 

The Colombian Peso depreciated 32% versus the U.S. dollar during 2015, compared to a depreciation of 24% during 2014.

 

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The weakening of the Colombian Peso is explained by the drop in oil prices, which initially has a negative impact on the economy, until the necessary adjustments are made, including export diversification, import substitution, and other structural economic changes.

 

Outlook

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

 

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

Benefits derived from past monetary policies aimed at achieving sustainable growth.

 

Declining inflationary pressures with the end of El Niño.

 

Investment grade rating given to Colombia by Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch.

 

Large investments in 4G projects and infrastructure in general.

 

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

 

A well-capitalized banking system.

 

Well-developed supervision and regulation of the financial system.

 

Adequate international reserves to short-term debt.

 

Underdeveloped infrastructure that translates into a constraint for growth.

 

Oil and gas dependent export activity.

 

Despite successful efforts to diversify export markets, there is still concentration in specific export destinations, particularly the United States.

 

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

 

Large current account deficit and fiscal pressures.

 

Introduction of new tax reform due to fiscal burden.

 

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

 

Uncertainties regarding the peace process and Colombia’s future post-conflict.

 

Higher unemployment and household indebtedness.  

 

A.1. GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE CHANGES IN RESULTS FOR 2015 VERSUS 2014

 

Summary

 

During 2015, Bancolombia strengthened its competitive position and full-service financial model, and benefited from the diversity of its leading franchises. For the year 2015, net income attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company totaled COP 2,519 billion (COP 2,736 per share, USD 3.48 per ADR), which represents an increase of 6% as compared to COP 2,387 billion of net income for the fiscal year 2014.

 

Bancolombia’s return on average stockholders’ equity for 2015 was 13.62%, down from 14.81% in 2014.

 

The net interest margin decreased slightly in 2015 and was 5.25% for the year, down from 5.30% in 2014.

 

Provision charges, net of recoveries, totaled COP 1,675 billion for 2015, up 92.72% from COP 869 billion. The higher amount of provisions was the result of generalized loan impairment, especially during the second half of the year. The majority of the new past due loans are related to the commercial and consumer loans and are responsible for most of the provision charges for the year.

 

Gross loans and financial leases grew 26% during the year. This performance was driven primarily by mortgage demand from individuals and corporate loans as well as by the consolidation of GAH, which contributed 7.8% of this growth.

 

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Reserves for loan losses and accrued interest represented 3.4% of total loans and 115% of past-due loans at the end of 2015 compared with 3.8% of total loans and 146% of past-due loans at December 31, 2014. Capital adequacy was 12.5% (Tier 1 ratio of 7.51%), lower than the 13.3% (Tier 1 ratio of 7.71%) reported at the end of 2014.

 

Deposits by customers increased 29% during 2015, while the ratio of net loans to deposits (including borrowings from development banks) was 110% at the end of the year, down from 111% in December 31, 2014.

 

Net Margin and Valuation on Financial Instruments

 

For 2015, net interest income totaled COP 7,232 billion, up 20.4% as compared to COP 6,008 billion in 2014. This performance is explained by the combined effect of steady growth in the loan portfolio during the year as well as stable interest margins. During 2015, the Central Bank increased its reference rate from 4.50% to 5.75% in response to higher inflation, decreasing money supply and a substantial reduction in liquidity in the economy. Although interest rates on the Bank’s borrowings increased during 2015, the Bank was able to control its funding costs, in a manner that protected spreads, in spite of the tougher macroeconomic conditions as well as the continuation of the integration and deployment of strategies in Banistmo (acquired in 2013). The net interest margin was 5.25% for the year, down from 5.30% in 2014. Net interest income represented 67% of total revenues in 2015, compared to 66% for 2014.

 

Interest on loans and financial leases reflected an increase in the loan portfolio in 2015. The weighted average nominal interest rate on loans and financial leases ended at 9.0% in 2015 down from 9.1% in 2014. As a result, interest income, which is the sum of interest on loans, financial leases, overnight funds and interest and valuation income from investment securities, totaled COP 11,270 billion in 2015, up 23% as compared to COP 9,172 billion in 2014.

 

Interest on investment securities, which includes, among other items, the interest paid or accrued on debt securities and mark-to-market valuation adjustments, totaled COP 302 billion in 2015, down 47% as compared to 2014.

 

The net interest margin contracted 5 basis points from 5.30% to 5.25% during the year due to increased funding costs and liquidity pressures during the second half of the year.  Bancolombia was very active in the deposits markets to secure the necessary funding.  Interest rates began to rise in the second half of the year, which at first constrains financial margins, however, in the near term management expects margins to expand due to the asset re-pricing that is already taking place.   Management’s outlook going forward is positive and the higher rate environment provides an upside for the net interest margin.  

 

Regarding interest expenses, interest incurred on liabilities totaled COP 4,038 billion in 2015, up 28% as compared to COP 3,165 billion in 2014. The increase in interest expenses is explained by the increase in volumes of deposits and bonds, as well as a higher cost on each type of funding source. Overall, the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased to 2.92% in 2015 from 2.85% in 2014.

 

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Net Fees and Income from Financial Services

 

For the year 2015, net fees and income from services totaled COP 1,993 billion, up 9% as compared to COP 1,826 billion in 2014. This increase was driven primarily by increases in the performance of commission from banking services, credit and debit cards fees, collections and payments fees, bancassurance, and trust activities.

 

The following table lists the main revenue-producing fees for the years 2015 and 2014 along with the corresponding year-to-year variations:

 

    Year     Growth  
    2015     2014     2015-2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Main Fees and Commissions Income and Expense                        
Banking services     630,616       653,513       -3.50 %
Credit and debit card fees     524,646       420,707       24.71 %
Electronic services and ATM fees     490,607       380,696       28.87 %
Trust     265,215       203,608       30.26 %
Bancassurance     260,224       212,223       22.62 %
Payments and Collections     203,772       182,669       11.55 %
Checks     55,861       60,998       -8.42 %
Acceptances, Guarantees and Standby letters of credits     44,539       51,923       -14.22 %
Brokerage     23,453       23,784       -1.39 %
Others     291,624       305,296       -4.48 %
Fees and other service income     2,790,557       2,495,417       11.83 %
                         
Discontinued operations Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. (Note 31)     388,306       341,601       13.67 %

 

    Year     Growth  
    2015     2014     2015-2014  
    (COP million)        
                         
Banking services     (298,415 )     (245,581 )     21.51 %
Call Center and Website     (254,769 )     (230,501 )     10.53 %
Credit and debit card fees     (85,798 )     (95,172 )     -9.85 %
Others     (158,531 )     (98,453 )     61.02 %
Fees and other service expenses     (797,513 )     (669,707 )     19.08 %
Total fees and income from services, net     1,993,044       1,825,710       9.17 %
                         
Discontinued operations Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. (Note 31)     (152,500 )     (69,397 )     119.75 %

 

Other Operating Income

 

For 2015, total other operating income was COP 1,373 billion, 21% higher than the COP 1,137 billion in 2014.

 

Net foreign exchange had a significant impact in the other operating income line of COP -158 billion in 2015, 148% lower than the COP 332 billion reported in 2014. The 32% depreciation of the Colombian Peso against the U.S. Dollar during 2015 caused the foreign exchange gains and gains on forward contracts in foreign currency to have significant variations.

 

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Operating expenses

 

For 2015, operating expenses totaled COP 5,898 billion, up 15% as compared to COP 5,119 billion in 2014.

 

Personnel expenses (the sum of salaries and employee benefits, bonus plan payments and indemnities) totaled COP 2,255 billion in 2015, up 14% as compared to 2014. This performance was primarily driven by the combined effect of a slight increase in headcount, wage increments during 2015, and bonus payments.

 

Administrative and other expenses totaled COP 2,238 billion in 2015, up 15% as compared to 2014 driven by increased taxes other than income tax. Depreciation and amortization expenses totaled COP 477 billion in 2015, increasing by 4% as compared to COP 460 billion in 2014. This increase was driven by the growth in the operating lease business of Bancolombia.

 

As of December 31, 2015, outstanding goodwill totaled COP 7,092 billion, which represents a 55% increase from COP 4,586 billion at the end of 2014. Goodwill relates primarily to the acquisition of GAH in 2015 Banistmo in 2013 and Banagrícola in May 2007. These transactions originated goodwill denominated in U.S. dollars. The depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar results in higher recorded goodwill in pesos.

 

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

 

    Year ended December 31,     Growth  
    2015     2014     2015-2014  
    (in millions of COP)        
Operating expenses                        
Salaries and employee benefits     2,255,391       1,973,467       14.29 %
Other administrative and general expenses     2,237,598       1,947,375       14.90 %
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden     675,387       438,711       53.95 %
Provision, depreciation and amortization     477,285       459,703       3.82 %
Other expenses     252,626       299,439       -15.63 %
Total operating expenses     5,898,287       5,118,695       15.23 %
                         
Discontinued operations Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. (Note 31)     219,532                  

 

Provision Charges and Credit Quality

 

For the year 2015, provision charges (net of recoveries) totaled COP 1,675 billion (or 1.3% of average loans), which represents an increase of 93% as compared to COP 869 billion in 2014. The higher level of provisions was driven by the formation of past due loans and the growth of the loan portfolio.

 

Net loan charge-offs totaled COP 1,422 billion in 2015, up 21% from the 1,179 billion in 2014. Past-due loans amounted to COP 4,188 billion in 2015, up 41.58% as compared to COP 2,958 billion in 2014.

 

The delinquencies ratio (loans overdue more than 30 days divided by total loans) reached 2.98% as of the end of 2015, up from 2.62% at the end of 2014.

 

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Income Tax Expenses

 

Income tax expense for the fiscal year 2015 totaled COP 649 billion, down 12% from COP 738 billion in 2014.     The income tax decreased despite the higher statutory income tax rate, because of certain differences between fiscal accounting and financial accounting.  

 

Furthermore, in 2015 the bank faced a higher total tax burden, in general, due in part to the wealth tax, which it paid in January 2015 for a total amount of 160 billion. Also, the effect of the difference in foreign exchange derivatives implies the recognition of future taxes and finally, the difference between the book value and market value of debt securities implies a future tax.

 

Since January 1, 2012, subsidiaries in the fiscal jurisdiction of El Salvador pay a 30% income tax, with the exception of entities with taxable income of less that USD 150 thousand per year, which pay 25%. Dividends received by those entities are subject to a 5% tax rate.

 

In the case of Bancolombia Panama and its subsidiary, Banagrícola, which are domiciled in Panama and permitted to operate through an international banking license, income tax is governed by the Panamanian tax law. Pursuant to Panamanian tax law the profits of these companies are not subject to income tax in Panama. For further details about the income tax expense calculation, see “Note 11.A Income Taxes–CREE Tax and Deferred Tax” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

Banistmo and its subsidiaries incorporated in Panama pay an income tax on the profits obtained in the country equivalent to 25% from 2014 onwards. According to existing fiscal regulation, profits from foreign operations, interest paid on term deposits by local banks, debt securities issued by the Panamanian Government and from securities listed in the Securities Exchange Superintendency ( Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores ) are exempt from income taxes.

 

GAM in Guatemala operates under a tax jurisdiction that requires it to pay an income tax for profits obtained in the country equivalent to 25%. This corporate tax rate has been in effect since 2013 and will continue indefinitely into the forseeable future.  In addition, capital gains are taxed at a rate of 10%, and dividends, other gains, and net income are taxed at a rate of 5%.  Also, some corporates are allowed to adopt a simplified tax regime for calculating income tax.  This alternative defines a tax of 5% on monthly income up to an amount of Q. 30,000, plus an additional 7% on any income surpassing the monthly taxable income base. 

 

A.2. RESULTS BY SEGMENT

 

The Bank manages its business through 10 main operating segments: Banking Colombia, Banking El Salvador, Leasing, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, Banking Panama, Insurance, Off Shore and All Other.

 

In 2013, Bancolombia included “Insurance” and “Banking Panama” as new segments because of the acquisition of Banistmo and its subsidiaries, which includes an insurance operation.

 

Banking Colombia: This segment provides retail and corporate banking products and services to individuals, companies and national and local governments in Colombia. The Bank’s strategy in Colombia is to grow with those clients based on value-added and long-term relationships. In order to offer specialized services to individuals and small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), the Bank retail sales force targets the clients classified as Personal, Private, Entrepreneurs, Foreign Residents and SMEs. Additionally, the Bank’s corporate and government sales force targets large companies and government owned enterprises.

 

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

 

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    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     7,594,955       6,339,144       19.81 %
Interest expenses     (2,415,234 )     (1,941,525 )     24.40 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     5,179,721       4,397,619       17.78 %
Total net provisions     (1,389,647 )     (816,099 )     70.28 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     3,790,074       3,581,520       5.82 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (67,981 )     (26,305 )     158.43 %
Total fees and income from services, net     1,330,328       1,222,518       8.82 %
Other operating income     374,039       219,211       70.63 %
Total income net     5,426,460       4,996,944       8.60 %
Total operating expenses     (3,866,006 )     (3,401,183 )     13.67 %
Profit before tax     1,560,454       1,595,761       -2.21 %
Segment assets     100,855,044       88,052,668       14.54 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for Banking Colombia declined by 2.2% to COP 1,560 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased 19.8% to COP 7,595 billion, explained by greater volumes in net loans and by a stable net interest margin. Consumer loans grew 10.5%, mortgages 15.5% and corporate loans grew 25.5%. Demand in consumer loans was mainly driven by credit cards and personal loans while commercial loans were mainly driven by large corporate loans and factoring operations.

 

Total net provision increased by 70.3% to COP 1,390 billion. This increase resulted from specific defaults related to a few corporate clients, as well as some deterioration in the consumer segment.

 

Net fees and income from services increased by 8.8% to COP 1,330 billion mainly due to credit card and banking services fees, which include branch network services and check remittances.

 

Other operating income increased 70.6% during 2015 because of the income received in operations with derivatives FX and gains from the sale of some assets held for sale.

 

Operating expenses increased by 13.7% to COP 3,866 billion, due to increases in labor costs as well as in contributions and taxes.

 

Assets attributable to Banking Colombia grew by 14.5% during the year, mainly driven by the growth in loans.

 

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

 

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

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     728,582       506,575       43.83 %
Interest expenses     (187,743 )     (109,353 )     71.69 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     540,839       397,222       36.16 %
Total net provisions     (26,933 )     (44,808 )     -39.89 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     513,906       352,414       45.82 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (8,475 )     (3,529 )     140.15 %
Total fees and income from services, net     140,398       103,585       35.54 %
Other operating income     1,740       6,303       -72.39 %
Total income net     647,569       458,773       41.15 %
Total operating expenses     (358,123 )     (239,049 )     49.81 %
Profit before tax     289,446       219,724       31.73 %
Segment assets     13,094,026       9,567,903       36.85 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for Banking El Salvador increased by 31.7% to COP 289 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 43.8% to COP 729 billion, due to a growth in the loan portfolio mainly in commercial loans, as well as greater revenues in debt investments.

 

Total net provisions were COP 27 billion, compared with COP 44 billion for 2014, due to higher recoveries of non-performing loans. This variation is also explained by lower charges for credit impairment and a reversal of the impairment of foreclosed assets.

 

Total operating expenses grew by 49.8% to COP 358 billion, mainly due to increased personnel, administrative and general expenses. Also, the appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Colombian Peso during 2015 contributed to the increase.

 

Net fees and income from services increased by 35.5% to COP 140 billion mainly due to fees from banking services, which include Electronic services and ATM and check remittances. Assets attributable to Banking El Salvador increased by 36.8% during the year, mainly driven by the appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Colombian Peso and the growth of the loan portfolio of Banco Agrícola. The loan portfolio denominated in U.S. dollar grew 2.7% during 2015. Consumer and Mortgage loans led the growth in 2015 and at the end of the period accounted for 56.3% of the loan portfolio. Corporate loans are 43.5% of the total loans.

 

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Leasing: This segment provides financial and operational leases, including cross-border and international leasing services to clients in Colombia, Central America, Mexico and Brazil. Bancolombia offers these services mainly through the following Subsidiaries: Leasing Bancolombia, Renting Colombia S.A., Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C., Leasing Perú S.A., Transportempo S.A.S., Capital Investment Safi S.A., Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo Renting Perú and Patrimonio Autónomo Cartera LBC.

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     1,507,045       1,279,129       17.82 %
Interest expenses     (814,044 )     (670,195 )     21.46 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     693,001       608,934       13.81 %
Total net provisions     (123,067 )     (53,659 )     129.35 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     569,934       555,275       2.64 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (24,222 )     (16,797 )     44.20 %
Total fees and income from services, net     17,011       47,735       -64.36 %
Other operating income     585,634       527,990       10.92 %
Total income net     1,148,357       1,114,203       3.07 %
Total operating expenses     (643,443 )     (645,307 )     -0.29 %
Profit before tax     504,914       468,896       7.68 %
Segment assets     18,737,433       16,739,678       11.93 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for Leasing increased by 7.7% to COP 505 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 17.8% to COP 1,507 billion, explained mainly by the growth in the balance of financial leases.

 

Total net provisions increased by 129.3% to COP 123 billion, due to the formation of new past due loans and the growing of the total loan portfolio. This increment is also explained by the methodological change in the recognition of the deterioration of prepayments, the basis for the estimation changed from the amount of the prepayment to the whole amount of the leasing contract besides the percentage of provision increased under IFRS.

 

Net fees and income from services decreased by 64.4% to COP 17 billion due to less fees from arrangements of operational leasing structures and imports.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 0.2% to COP 643 billion.

 

Assets attributable to Leasing grew by 11.9% to COP 18,737 billion, driven by the increase in financial and operating leases demanded by large corporations mainly of massive transportation.

 

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

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     626       12,852       -95.13 %
Interest expenses     (367 )     (321 )     14.33 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     259       12,531       -97.93 %
Total net provisions     (3,204 )     319       -1104.39 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     (2,945 )     12,850       -122.92 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (21,833 )     (34,036 )     -35.85 %
Total fees and income from services, net     218,190       199,806       9.20 %
Other operating income     30,080       6,525       361.00 %
Total income net     223,492       185,145       20.71 %
Total operating expenses     (86,384 )     (84,489 )     2.24 %
Profit before tax     137,108       100,656       36.21 %
Segment assets     154,485       164,571       -6.13 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for the Trust segment increased by 36.2% to COP 137 billion.

 

Total fees and income from services increased by 9.2% to COP 218 billion driven by higher value of assets under management and corporate trust fees.

 

Assets attributable to the Trust segment decreased by 6.1% during the year to COP 154 billion, mainly driven by the decrease in debt investments of Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A.

 

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

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     287       249       15.26 %
Interest expenses     (236 )     (200 )     18.00 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     51       49       4.08 %
Total net provisions     127       (157 )     -180.89 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     178       (108 )     -264.81 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     2,355       961       145.06 %
Total fees and income from services, net     29,327       22,985       27.59 %
Other operating income     42,098       (2,124 )     -2082.02 %
Total income net     73,958       21,714       240.60 %
Total operating expenses     (22,728 )     (23,038 )     -1.35 %
Profit before tax     51,230       (1,324 )     -3,969.34 %
Segment assets     128,301       122,716       4.55 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

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

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 15.2% to COP 287 million, due to higher investments valuation.

 

Total fees and income from services, which is the main revenue line, increased by 27.6% to COP 29 billion, led by higher fees generated by corporate finance advisory services and capital markets related fees.

 

Other operating income increased to COP 42 billion mainly due to sales of real estate assets.

 

Total operating expenses decreased by 1.3% to COP 23 billion, due to less administration and general expenses.

 

Assets attributable to Investment Banking increased by 4.5% during the year to COP 128 billion, due to a capitalization approved by the shareholders.

 

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Brokerage: This segment provides brokerage, investment advisory and private banking services to individuals and institutions through Valores Bancolombia, Valores Bancolombia Panama S.A. and Suvalor Panama Fondo de Inversión S.A. It sells and distributes equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds and structured products.

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     21,157       19,833       6.68 %
Interest expenses     (652 )     (784 )     -16.84 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     20,505       19,049       7.64 %
Total net provisions     (177 )     (1,829 )     -90.32 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     20,328       17,220       18.05 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     31,734       46,068       -31.11 %
Total fees and income from services, net     78,124       81,733       -4.42 %
Other operating income     (7,798 )     4,258       -283.14 %
Total income net     122,388       149,279       -18.01 %
Total operating expenses     (112,529 )     (106,779 )     5.38 %
Profit before tax     9,859       42,500       -76.80 %
Segment assets     224,020       248,150       -9.72 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for the Brokerage segment decreased by 76.8% to COP 10 billion, due to higher expenses and less operating income.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 6.7% to COP 21 million, due to higher investments valuation.

 

Total fees and income from services, which are the most important component of revenues, presented a decrease of 4.4% to COP 78 billion, due to higher fees expenses related to distribution and intermediation of securities and asset management.

 

Other operating income decreased by 283% to COP -8 billion, due mainly to higher costs of securities exchange services and deposit and custody of securities.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 5.4% to COP 112 billion, due to labor cost increases and higher taxes other than income taxes, as well as higher depreciation due to the shortening of the useful life of fixed assets.

 

Assets attributable to the Brokerage segment decreased by 9.7% during the year, mainly driven by the reduction of repurchase agreement operations.

 

Off Shore: This segment provides a complete line of offshore banking services to Colombian and Salvadorian customers through Bancolombia Panama, Bancolombia Cayman S.A., and Bancolombia Puerto Rico International, Inc. It offers loans to private sector companies, trade financing, lease financing and financing for industrial projects, as well as a complete portfolio of cash management products, such as checking accounts, international collections and payments. Through these subsidiaries, the Bank also offers investment opportunities in U.S. dollars, savings and checking accounts, time deposits, and investment funds to its wide network of clients and private banking customers.

 

  80

 

 

The performance of Bancolombia Panama, which has a significant weight in this segment, refers only to the results reported by Bancolombia Panama’s offshore commercial banking activities and does not consolidate the results of Banco Agrícola, which are reflected in the results for the segment Banking El Salvador.

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     291,249       188,934       54.15 %
Interest expenses     (215,592 )     (152,601 )     41.28 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     75,657       36,333       108.23 %
Total net provisions     (49,830 )     (21,160 )     135.49 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     25,827       15,173       70.22 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     95,495       53,519       78.43 %
Total fees and income from services, net     32,325       28,776       12.33 %
Other operating income     (124,980 )     (152,765 )     -18.19 %
Total income net     28,667       (55,297 )     -151.84 %
Total operating expenses     (90,679 )     (39,288 )     130.81 %
Profit before tax     (62,012 )     (94,585 )     -34.44 %
Segment assets     11,667,606       8,488,021       37.46 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for the Off Shore segment decreased by 34.4% to COP 62 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 54.1% to COP 291 billion, driven by higher revenues from commercial loans, consumer loans and debt investments.

 

Net fees and income from services increased by 12.3% to COP 32 billion mainly due to higher fees and less expenses from banking services.

 

Other operating income decreased by 18.1% to COP 125 billion.

 

Total operating expenses increased by 130.8% to COP 91 billion, due to the growth of labor and administration and general expenses.

 

Assets attributable to the Off Shore segment increased by 37.5% during the year, mainly driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Colombian Peso and the organic growth of loans.

 

The jurisdictions where operations of the Off Shore segment are conducted have no corporate income taxes.

 

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

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     1,119,540       807,547       38.63 %
Interest expenses     (363,373 )     (256,795 )     41.50 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     756,167       550,752       37.30 %
Total net provisions     (82,344 )     69,703       -218.14 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     673,823       620,455       8.60 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (6,098 )     (1,831 )     233.04 %
Total fees and income from services, net     136,372       140,189       -2.72 %
Other operating income     173,575       86,325       101.07 %
Total income net     977,672       845,138       15.68 %
Total operating expenses     (656,172 )     (528,764 )     24.10 %
Profit before tax     321,500       316,374       1.62 %
Segment assets     27,895,156       20,099,028       38.79 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for Banking Panama increased by 1.62% to COP 321 billion.

 

Total interest and valuation increased by 38.6% to COP 1,119 billion, due to a growth in the loan portfolio mainly in commercial and consumer loans, as well as a greater increase in leasing and debt investments.

 

Total net provisions were COP 82 billion, compared with COP -69 billion for 2014. In 2014, the loans recoveries were higher than the provision charges in COP 60 billion. In 2015, the loan recoveries decreased by 8.6% while the provision charges grew by 47%.

 

Total operating expenses grew by 24.1% to COP 656 billion, mainly due to increased personnel, administrative and general expenses. Also, the appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Colombian Peso during 2015 contributed to the increase.

 

Net fees and income from services decreased by 2.7% to COP 136 billion due to higher commission expenses.

 

Assets attributable to Banking Panama increased by 38.8% during the year. This increase is explained by the organic growth of the loan portfolio and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Colombian Peso which caused dollar denominated assets represent more pesos when converted.

 

  82

 

 

All Other: This segment includes results from the operation of particular investment vehicles of Bancolombia: Valores Simesa S.A., BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S., Inversiones CFNS S.A.S., CFNS Infraestructura S.A.S., Sistema de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa, Vivayco S.A.S., Banagrícola, Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola S.A., Fondo Inmobiliario Colombia and others.

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2015     2014    

Change

2015-2014

 
    (in millions of COP)  
Total interest and valuation     2,425       13,730       -82.34 %
Interest expenses     (40,700 )     (32,783 )     24.15 %
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     (38,275 )     (19,053 )     100.89 %
Total net provisions     (24 )     (1,515 )     -98.42 %
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     (38,299 )     (20,568 )     86.21 %
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (975 )     (18,050 )     -94.60 %
Total fees and income from services, net     10,994       (5,155 )     -313.27 %
Other operating income     81,286       20,789       291.00 %
Total income net     53,006       (22,984 )     -330.62 %
Total operating expenses     (62,228 )     (50,865 )     22.34 %
Profit before tax     (9,222 )     (73,849 )     -87.51 %
Segment assets     2,438,368       2,160,855       12.84 %

 

Analysis of 2015 versus 2014.

 

In 2015, profit before taxes for All Other decreased by 87.5% to COP 9 billion.

 

Other operating income, which is the most significant revenue line, increased by 291% to COP 81 billion, driven by the growth in revenues of real estate investment and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Colombian Peso.

 

Assets attributable to All Other increased by 12.8% during the year, driven by the increase in the value of investments.

 

B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

B.1. LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING

 

Market Scenario

 

The Colombian Central Bank gradually increased the reference rate 25 basis points per month from September to December 31, 2015 after more than a year of stability, for a total increase of 125 basis points during 2015. The reference rate stood at 5.75%. The change in the macroeconomic policy was due to increasing inflation throughout the second half of the year, reaching 6.77% (annual variation) for the full year 2015, a level which was 277 basis points above the upper limit of the target range of the Central Bank (2% - 4%).

 

This upward trend in inflation was mainly due to the “El Niño” weather phenomenon and the Colombian peso devaluation pass-through that impacted tradable goods and services. Higher inflation is addressed by the Central Bank by increasing its monetary policy rate, which tends to reduce the money supply in the economy, therefore, exacerbating competition for deposits.

 

Additionally, during 2015 the Colombian economy started a process of deceleration which was characterized by a stagnation of the internal demand, especially in concern to aggregate demand and government spending, and a considerable decreasing in net exports. Also, the labor market weakened, which led to a deceleration in private consumption.

 

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For all of the above reasons, the cost of funding the Bank’s liabilities increased in the last quarter of 2015; nevertheless, the Bank continued to have a strong liquidity position and complied with internal and regulatory limits.

 

Liquidity Management

 

The Asset and Liability Management Committee, or ALCO, defines the main policies of liquidity and funding of the Bank in accordance with the Bank’s desired statement of financial position structure.

 

The Bank uses a variety of funding sources to generate liquidity, taking into consideration market conditions, interest rates, liquidity needs and the desired maturity profile of funding instruments. Consequently, policies are designed to achieve an optimal match between assets and liabilities profile regarding maturities, interest rates and currency exposure.

 

One of the Bank’s main strategies is to maintain a solid liquidity position, thus, the ALCO has established a minimum amount of liquid assets, based on calculations of maximum expected withdrawals of deposits, disbursements and other obligations in order to guarantee the proper operation of banking activities and protect capital. The ALCO has delegated the short-term liquidity assessment task to the Liquidity Committee, which revises strategies and policies regarding liquidity.

 

Stress tests scenarios are simulated periodically to guarantee the Bank has sufficient time to raise funds under adverse market conditions. In addition, the Bank has defined a contingency liquidity plan that allows the organization to raise funds under stressed market scenarios.

 

Liquid Assets

 

During 2015, the Bank maintained a solid liquidity position. As mentioned above, the Bank seeks the optimum level of liquid assets to assure not only the proper daily operation but also to operate under stress market scenarios.

 

The following table shows the composition of the liquid assets in the last two years:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
             
Cash     5,806,159       3,908,866  
Cash at central Bank     3,714,428       3,191,069  
Cash financial institutions     4,709,861       3,965,968  
Debt securities                
Government debt                
Fair value through profit and losses     8,133,401       8,169,564  
Amortized cost     2,671,540       1,613,630  
Financial institutions                
Fair value through profit and losses     1,358,117       1,301,888  
Amortized cost     385,823       237,501  
                 
Total Liquid Assets     26,779,329       22,388,486  

 

The Bank measures liquid assets on a daily basis and compares this result to an objective target defined by the ALCO. Under this rule, daily liquid assets must be equal to or higher than this target. In the event the limit is not reached, there is a five-day period to increase liquidity levels.

 

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Cash is important to guarantee branch and ATM operations. The Bank’s expansion across the Colombian territory requires considerable levels of cash; however, cash levels are daily monitored in order to minimize opportunity costs. Additionally, cash is taken into account in the mandatory bank reserve established by the Central Bank.

 

The levels of cash at major Central Banks have a relationship with mandatory bank reserves associated with the growth of demand and time deposits.

 

Debt securities in the table shown are not affected by haircuts. Securities that comprise liquid assets are reviewed by the ALCO in light of the Bank’s liquidity objective. Even though available for sale and held to maturity debt securities cannot be sold, they can be pledged as collateral in repurchase agreements. Some of them are mandatory investments that are received by the Central Bank as collateral.

 

The SFC requires financial entities to have liquid assets greater than the contractual liquidity accumulative one-month gap. This contractual gap reflects the maturity of assets and liabilities of the current positions and does not reflect projections of future operations. The loan portfolio is affected by the historical default indicator and the maturity of deposits is modeled according to the regulation. All of Bancolombia’s Colombian banking subsidiaries met this regulatory limit throughout the year.

 

The Bank’s management believes that the current level of liquidity is adequate and will seek to maintain its solid deposit base and the access to alternative sources of funding such as borrowings from domestic development banks, repurchase agreements, bond issuances, overnight funds and Central Bank funds, in light of market conditions, interest rates and the desired maturity profile of liabilities.

 

Funding Structure

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Bank’s liabilities reached COP 172.6 billion, a 30.6% increase compared to the end of 2014. The funding composition changed, with increases in the liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars and Colombian Pesos by almost 39.4 and 23.4 percentage points, respectively. This change was mainly explained by the COP devaluation, which was 31.6% during 2015, and also by the increase in checking accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, COP derivative financial instruments (liabilities), USD borrowings from financial institutions and the issue of USD debt securities.

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
Total funding                
Peso-denominated     91,418,612       74,061,263  
Dollar-denominated.     81,146,336       58,202,138  
Total Liabilities     172,564,948       132,263,401  

 

In 2015, the Bank experienced a growth in deposits which reached COP 121.80 billion at year-end, an increase of COP 27.03 billion, and 28.5% compared to 2014. COP denominated deposits had a 13.25% increase while USD denominated deposits increased 59.9% where, as explained above, the COP devaluation during 2015 and the increase in checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits contributed to this growth. The ratio of deposits to total assets was 63.12%, decreasing by 0.22% compared to 2014.

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Total Deposits     121,802,028       94,769,319  

  

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The following table sets forth checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits as a percentage of the Bank’s total liabilities for the years 2015 and 2014:

 

    2015     2014  
Checking deposits     13.7%     13.7%
Time deposits     28.2%     27.3%
Savings deposits     27.7%     29.6%
Other deposits     1.0%     1.0%
Percentage of Total Liabilities     70.6%     71.6%

 

The Bank’s principal sources of funding are deposits, which are mainly composed of checking accounts, time deposits and savings accounts.

 

Deposits as a percentage of the Bank’s total liabilities in 2015 were 70.4%, decreasing from 71.4% of total liabilities at year-end 2014.

 

The ratio of net loans to deposits (including borrowing from commercial banks and other non-financial entities) was 99.19% at the end of 2015, decreasing from 101.62% as compared to 2014. This change is primarily explained by the increase in dollar-denominated borrowings from other financial institutions, which rose from USD 3,069 million in 2014 to USD 4,625 million in 2015.

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Net Loans to Deposits     99.19%     101.62%

 

The Bank also used borrowings from domestic development banks which amounted to COP 5.15 billion at the end of 2015 and represented a good quality source of funding provided mainly by governmental entities in order to promote lending activities within specific sectors of the Colombian economy.

 

In addition to the main sources of funding described above, the Bank uses borrowings from other financial institutions and issued debt securities.

 

Long-Term Debt

 

In 2015, Leasing Bancolombia and Banco Agrícola issued notes in amounts of COP 450,000 million and USD 300 million, respectively.

 

Additionally, Grupo Agromercantil issued notes in an amount of COP 7,118 million during 2015.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the total outstanding aggregate principal amount of bonds issued by the Bank was COP 19.43 billion.

 

The following table shows Bancolombia’s long-term debt maturity profile (in millions COP):

 

    2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021 and
thereafter
    Total  
    (in millions of COP)  
Long-Term Debt     1,624,493       960,268       936,581       1,606,473       3,365,909       10,942,141       19,435,865  

 

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The following table sets forth the components of the Bank’s liabilities for the years 2015 and 2014:

 

    As of December  
    2015     % of total
funding
    2014     % of total
funding
 
    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
Checking accounts                                
Peso-denominated     12,822,977       7.4 %     11,790,442       8.9 %
Dollar-denominated     10,823,601       6.3 %     6,356,583       4.8 %
Total     23,646,578       13.7 %     18,147,025       13.7 %
Time deposits                                
Peso-denominated     24,152,124       14.0 %     20,326,579       15.4 %
Dollar-denominated     24,561,665       14.2 %     15,778,517       11.9 %
Total     48,713,789       28.2 %     36,105,096       27.3 %
Savings accounts                                
Peso-denominated     34,451,787       20.0 %     30,800,217       23.3 %
Dollar-denominated     13,361,893       7.7 %     8,329,782       6.3 %
Total     47,813,680       27.7 %     39,129,999       29.6 %
Other deposits                                
Peso-denominated     826,557       0.5 %     881,689       0.7 %
Dollar-denominated     801,424       0.5 %     505,510       0.4 %
Total     1,627,981       1.0 %     1,387,199       1.0 %
Interbank Deposits                                
Peso-denominated     5,516       0.0 %     (2,577 )     0.0 %
Dollar-denominated     394,546       0.2 %     378,535       0.3 %
Total     400,062       0.2 %     375,958       0.3 %
Derivate financial insntrument-Liabilities                                
Peso-denominated     1,882,322       1.1 %     (5,626,021 )     -4.3 %
Dollar-denominated     48,287       0.0 %     7,097,800       5.4 %
Total     1,930,609       1.1 %     1,471,779       1.1 %
Borrowings from other financial institutions (1)                                
Peso-denominated     5,153,378       3.0 %     4,184,213       3.2 %
Dollar-denominated     14,567,806       8.4 %     9,668,071       7.3 %
Total     19,721,184       11.4 %     13,852,284       10.5 %
Debt securities in issue                                
Peso-denominated     5,222,568       3.0 %     5,383,386       4.1 %
Dollar-denominated     14,213,297       8.3 %     9,144,017       6.9 %
Total     19,435,865       11.3 %     14,527,403       11.0 %
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing                                
Peso-denominated     919,394       0.5 %     1,777,276       1.3 %
Dollar-denominated     313,062       0.2 %     114,683       0.1 %
Total     1,232,456       0.7 %     1,891,959       1.4 %
Other liabilities                                
Peso-denominated     5,981,989       3.5 %     4,546,059       3.2 %
Dollar-denominated     2,060,755       1.2 %     828,640       0.8 %
Total     8,042,744       4.7 %     5,374,699       4.1 %
Total funding                                
Peso-denominated     91,418,612       53.0 %     74,061,263       55.8 %
Dollar-denominated     81,146,336       47.0 %     58,202,138       44.2 %
Total Liabilities     172,564,948       100 %     132,263,401       100 %

 

 

(1) Includes borrowings from commercial banks and other non-financial entities.

 

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

Cash flows for the Bank include net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net cash provided by (used in) investing activities and net cash provided by (used in) financing activities. The following table shows those flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
       
Operating activities     1,856,726       (6,667,416 )
Investing activities     141,985       934,112  
Financing activities     (231,474 )     1,630,077  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     1,767,237       (4,103,227 )

 

During 2015, the Bank reported a positive net cash flow that increased cash and cash equivalents available by COP 1,767 billion. This result is explained by COP 1,856 billion provided by operating activities, COP 142 billion provided by investing activities and COP 231 billion used in financing activities.

 

Operating Activities

 

In 2015, operating activities provided liquidity; deposits increased to COP 9.80 billion, the interest received provided COP 12.21 billion and the change in investment securities recognized at fair value through profit and losses was COP 1.72 billion. Loans increased to COP 15.04 billion and the interest paid used COP 3.78 billion of cash.

 

Net income has been positive; COP 2.61 billion and COP 2.43 billion for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Investing Activities

 

In 2015, investing activities provided cash; purchases of debt securities at amortized cost used COP 1.77 billion and purchases of property, plant and equipment used COP 961,827 million; while proceeds from maturities of debt securities provided COP 1.71 billion.

 

In December 2015 Grupo Bancolombia moved to a 60% ownership of Grupo Agromercantil Holding because of the decision to purchase an additional 20% stake. This transaction provided Grupo Bancolombia with the control of this Guatemalan holding and also the obligation to consolidate the financial information of both banks when reporting to any regulator or other entity.

 

The purchase of the mentioned 20% of Grupo Agromercantil Holding provided COP 783,803 million as a result of the high level of cash it had at the time of this acquisition. The amount paid for this proportion was COP 477,145 million, while the amount of cash and equivalents this holding had in December 2015 was COP 1.26 billion.

 

The investing activities related to equity securities at fair value through other comprehensive income and the ones related to joint ventures provided a net cash value of COP 12,359 million and COP 207,527 million during 2015, respectively. The actions related to property, plant and equipment used a net value of COP 672,106 million, while during 2014 the net value used was COP 296,619 million.

 

Financing Activities

 

Financing activities required cash during 2015; the decrease in overnight funding was COP 898,652 million while borrowings and long-term debts provided COP 13.53 billion and COP 2.45 billion respectively. Cash was used in paying dividends to stockholders in the amount of COP 785,332 million. Additionally, the repayment of borrowings and payments of long-term debt used COP 13.13 billion and COP 1.37 billion respectively.

 

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Overnight funds are used to complement the Bank’s funding strategy. The Bank decreased significantly this source of cash compared to 2014, where the growth was COP 17,488 million.

 

Long-term debt is also an important part of the Bank’s funding structure. During 2015, the long-term debt financial activities provided a net cash value of COP 1.079 billion. This value increased significantly as compared to 2014, where the net cash value used by long-term debt was COP 299,317 million explained by the increase in placement of long term-debt.

 

Payments of dividends to stockholders have increased at least in line with inflation; in 2015 COP 785,332 million were distributed, while in 2014 this value was COP 713,679 million, representing 30% and 29% of the Bank’s net income, respectively.

 

Capital Adequacy

 

The Bank and its subsidiaries comply with the capital adequacy requirements in their respective countries of operation.

 

Stockholders’ equity amounted to COP 19,279 billion at the end of 2015, up from COP 16,872 billion at the end of 2014.  This increase is the net effect of paying out dividends, generating earnings during the year 2014 and all the other transactions that directly affect the stockholders’ equity.

 

The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio on a consolidated basis was 12.46% as of December 31, 2015, down from 13.66% in 2014. The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio exceeded the requirements of the Colombian government and the SFC by 346 basis points. The basic capital ratio (Tier 1) was 7.51% and the tangible capital ratio, which is equal to the ratio of the difference between stockholders’ equity and goodwill and intangible assets to tangible assets, was 6.41% at the end of 2015. For a full description of our capital adequacy requirements, please see Item 4. “Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8 –Supervision and Regulation”.

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Bank’s consolidated capital adequacy as of December 31, 2015 (computed considering balance accounts under IFRS) and 2014 (computed considering balance accounts under Colombian Banking GAAP):

 

    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
    As of December 31, 2015  
Long-term senior indebtedness   COP 11,831,968  
Subscribed capital     480,914  
Legal reserve     15,576,989  
Unappropriated retained earnings     -  
Non-controlling interest     627,654  
Net Income     -  
Less:        
Long-term investments     (191,435 )
Intangibles assets acquired after August 23, 2012     (3,940,516 )
Treasury stock     (983 )
Primary capital (Tier I)   COP 12,552,623  
Provisions for loans     -  
Subordinated bonds     7,603,897  
Other comprenhensive income related to investments at fair value     (32,325 )
Non-controlling interest     493,591  
Non-monetary inflation adjustment        
Legal reserve     203,725  
Computed secondary capital (Tier II)     8,268,888  
Technical Capital (1)   COP 20,821,511  
Capital Ratios     -  
Primary capital to risk-weighted asets (Tier I)     7.51 %
Secondary capital to risk-weighted asets (Tier II)     4.95 %
Risk-weighted assets included market risk     167,168,400  
Technical capital to risk-weighted assets (2)     12.46 %

 

 

(1) Technical capital is the sum of basic and additional capital.

(2) Capital adequacy is technical capital divided by risk weighted assets.

 

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    (in millions of COP, except percentages)  
    As of December 31, 2014  
Long-term senior indebtedness   COP 7,129,312  
Subscribed capital     480,914  
Legal reserve     13,674,305  
Unappropriated retained earnings     (527,007 )
Minority interest     240,681  
Net Income     -  
Less:        
Long-term investments     (806,501 )
Intangibles assets acquired after August 23, 2012     (3,324,174 )
Treasury stock     (17,770 )
Deferred Income Taxes     -  
Non-monetary inflation adjustmet     -  
Translation of financial statements of foreign operations     (23 )
Primary capital (Tier I)     9,720,425  
Provisions for loans     90,289  
Subordinated bonds     6,553,543  
Reappraisal of assets     (28,846 )
Minority interest     253,671  
Non-monetary inflation adjustment        
Legal reserve     154,601  
Computed secondary capital (Tier II)     7,023,258  
Technical Capital (1)   COP 16,743,683  
Capital Ratios        
Primary capital to risk-weighted asets (Tier I)     7.71 %
Secondary capital to risk-weighted asets (Tier II)     5.58 %
Risk-weighted assets included market risk     126,020,585  
Technical capital to risk-weighted assets (2)     13.29 %

 

 

(1) Technical capital is the sum of basic and additional capital.

(2) Capital adequacy is technical capital divided by risk weighted assets.

 

B.2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TREASURY ACTIVITIES

 

The Bank’s treasury division is able to carry out all transactions in local or foreign currencies that are legally authorized in Colombia. These include derivative transactions, purchase and sale of fixed income securities and indexed securities, repurchase or resale transactions, short sales, temporary securities transfers, simultaneous transactions and transactions on the foreign currency exchange market.

 

The Bank monitors treasury division activities through policies regarding management of liquidity, market, legal, credit and operational risks. Such policies are monitored by the Vice President of Risk Management. In order to be able to control market and liquidity risks, the Bank sets limits intended to keep its exposure levels and losses within certain ranges determined by the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Bank’s investment policies do not include restrictions regarding the maturity of the securities held in the portfolio, except those related to the liquidity portfolio and over the counter (“OTC”) derivatives transactions.

 

Before taking any additional positions, the Bank’s treasury division also verifies, with respect to investments in local and in foreign currencies, the availability of funds for investment and each investment’s compatibility with the Bank’s liquidity structure.

 

As further described in Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk”, the market risk stated in the treasury book is measured using methodologies of VaR, and the position limits are based on the results of these methodologies. The Bank has defined VaR limits that follow a hierarchical structure, which avoids the concentration of market risk in certain groups of assets and also takes advantage of portfolio diversification. In addition to VaR limits, the Bank also uses stop loss advisories to inform senior management when losses are close to certain established thresholds in the trading book. Moreover, for the options portfolio, the Bank has set limits based on the sensitivity of the portfolio to the underlying volatility, foreign currency and interest rates.

 

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As part of its operations, the Bank holds cash and cash equivalents primarily in Colombian pesos and U.S. dollars. Those positions, as well as any other currency position, are determined by the treasury division in connection with the Bank’s currency risk assessment and management. Specifically, the Bank’s exposure to currency risk primarily arises from changes in the U.S. dollar/COP exchange rate. The exposure to currency risk is managed by the Bank’s treasury division. The Bank uses a VaR calculation to limit the exposure to currency risk of its statement of financial position. These limits are supervised on a daily basis by the Bank’s market risk management office. The Bank’s treasury division manages a derivative portfolio which includes forward agreements in foreign currency with the purpose, among others, of hedging its currency exposure.

 

B.3. COMMITMENT FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

 

See “Item 4. Information on the Company - A. History and Development of the Company – Capital Expenditures and Divestitures”.

 

C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.

 

Not Applicable

 

D. TREND INFORMATION

 

During 2015, net interest income grew 20% as credit volumes grew compared to 2014. Net provision charges increased significantly over the past year (93% compared to 2014). Future levels of loan volumes, interest margins and cost of credit will be key drivers of the Bank’s performance. The following is a brief discussion of recent trends with regard to those three elements.

 

Loan Volume Performance

 

Gross loans and financial leases ( i.e. , before allowance for loans and financial lease losses) increased 26% during 2015.

 

Economic activity in Colombia and consumer confidence weakened during the second half of the year. As a result, the pace of loan growth slowed and even the dynamic mortgage market decelerated late in the year. Nevertheless, during 2015, commercial loans grew 31%, consumer loans grew 12%, mortgages increased 22%, and microcredit expanded 35%.

 

Economic growth in El Salvador was slow in 2015 and Banco Agrícola’s loan book expanded only 3% as there was weak demand from corporates and individuals. This slow growth generated a lagging effect in the Bank’s overall book.

 

Credit demand in Banistmo was moderate, due to the slow down in economic growth over the last year. The total loan book grew 9%, which was expected in last year’s more challenging environment. This growth level is more in line with growth in Guatemala than with growth in El Salvador, which despite solid financial performance does not provide high growth rates.

 

Loan growth in Guatemala was the highest in Central America, thereby growing 13% for 2015. GAH in Guatemala operates in Central America’s largest country, which provides a favorable growth environment.

 

Foreign-denominated loans increased 79% during 2015. Corporations in Colombia and off shore financing, particularly in Central America demanded this type of loan the Banistmo’s loans, all of them denominated in USD, contributed to the growth in this line.

 

Credit demand is expected moderate even further in 2016 as the economy in Colombia is expected to slow down considerably, as individuals and corporations demand less credit, and as the economy in El Salvador continues to recover from the crisis of 2008 - 2010.

 

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Net Interest Margins

 

The majority of the Bank’s loan book has a variable rate (53% of loans have a maturity of more than one year and earn interest at variable rates) and the re-pricing pace of our assets tends to be faster than that of our liabilities. The increase in the bank’s cost of funding during the second half of the year contributed to the Bank’s slightly lower net interest margins. As a result, the net interest margin decreased from 5.30% 2014 to 5.25% in 2015.

 

The Bank’s strategy during the year was to support the net interest margin by changing the mix of deposits and increasing the proportion of average demand deposits (savings and checking accounts) which are less expensive than time deposits and also maintaining funding costs as low as possible on each type of deposit.

 

More liquidity, a more favorable deposit mix (one with a greater proportion of average demand deposits) and consistent increases in the interest rates in the economy point towards improving net interest margins in 2016.

 

Cost of credit

 

For the year 2015, the cost of credit was 1.3% of average loans, which is not comparable to last year’s numbers because of the adoption of full IFRS reporting standards. This credit cost was explained by a minimal deterioration in our loan portfolio.

 

E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The following are the off-balance sheet arrangements in which the Bank is involved: standby letters of credit, letters of credit and bank guarantees.

 

Standby letters of credit and bank guarantees are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The Bank typically has recourse to recover from the customer any amounts paid under these guarantees. In addition, the Bank may hold cash or other highly liquid collateral to support these guarantees.

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, outstanding letters of credits and bank guarantees issued by the Bank totaled COP 7,164,613 million and COP 6,727,055 million, respectively.

 

The table below summarizes all of the Bank’s guarantees issued by the Bank as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The total amount outstanding represents the maximum potential amount (notional amounts) that could be lost under the guarantees if there was a default in full by all the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from collateral held or pledged. Such amounts greatly exceed anticipated losses.

 

Unused credit lines amounted to COP 10,516,134 million and COP 9,438,002 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

    Expire within one year
at December 31,
    Expire after one year
at December 31,
    Total amount outstanding
at December 31,
    Maximum potential
amount of future losses
at December 31,
 
    2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Bank guarantees and letters of credit     4,845,119       4,430,853       2,319,494       2,296,202       7,164,613       6,727,055       7,164,613       6,727,055  
     Total (COP)     4,845,119       4,430,853       2,319,494       2,296,202       7,164,613       6,727,055       7,164,613       6,727,055  

 

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F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table shows the Bank’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015:

 

Contractual Obligations   Total     Less than
1 year
    1-3
years
    3-5
years
    More than
5 years
 
    (in millions of COP)  
Debt securities in issue     19,435,865       1,624,493       1,896,849       4,972,382       10,942,141  
Time deposits     48,713,789       34,353,150       9,287,774       2,918,072       2,154,793  
Commitments to originate loans     10,516,134       10,516,134       -       -       -  
Post-employment benefit plans     676,591       55,353       103,862       125,260       392,116  
Finance Lease Obligations     62,619       17,448       41,853       3,318       -  
Operating Lease Obligations     6,138       1,978       4,160       -       -  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     19,721,184       11,131,373       4,098,244       1,240,253       3,251,314  
Total     99,132,320       57,699,929       15,432,742       9,259,285       16,740,364  

 

G. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The Bank has defined some critical accounting policies, given their significant impact on the financial condition and operating performance of the Bank. For further information read Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Significant Accounting Policies”.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

       A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

 

The following persons acted as directors and senior management of the Bank:

 

Directors

 

David Emilio Bojanini García was born in 1956. Mr. Bojanini holds a degree in industrial engineering from Universidad de los Andes and an MBA with emphasis on actuary from University of Michigan. He has held several positions in the private sector such as CEO of Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantías Protección S.A. from 1991 to 2006, and Gerente Actuaría in Suramericana de Seguros S.A. where he worked for 11 years. He has been CEO of Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A. since 2006. Mr. Bojanini is a member of the following boards of directors: Grupo Nutresa S.A., Bancolombia S.A., Grupo Argos S.A., Suramericana S.A. and SURA Asset Management. In Colombia he is the CEO of Consejo Privado de la Competitividad, and he is member the boards of social purpose entities as Fundación para el Desarrollo de Antioquia Proantioquia, Fundación de Empresarios por la Educación and Corporación Colombiana Internacional.

 

José Alberto Vélez Cadavid was born in 1950. Mr. Vélez holds a degree in administrative engineering from Universidad Nacional de Colombia and a Masters degree in Science in Engineering from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA). He has also taken several specialized courses at Harvard University, Northwestern University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is also an Honoris Causa Engineer from The National School of Engineers of Metz, France (ENIM). He has been the CEO of Grupo Argos S.A. since August, 2003. He has held several management positions at Suramericana de Seguros S.A. including Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Vice President of Investments, Vice President of Enterprise Development and CEO of Suramericana S.A. and Suramericana de Seguros S.A. Currently Mr. Vélez is a member of the board of directors of Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A., Celsia S.A. E.S.P., Cementos Argos S.A., Situm S.A.S. and Arcos Dorados (McDonald´s franchise for Latin America). He is also part of the management team of Proantioquia, Codesarrollo, Consejo Empresarial Colombiano para el Desarrollo and Fundación Fraternidad de Medellín. He is a member of the America’s Society/Council of the Americas, located in New York as well as a member of the Administrative Counsil of Universidad EAFIT.

 

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Roberto Ricardo Steiner Sampedro was born in 1959. Mr. Steiner holds a Masters degree in economics from the Universidad de los Andes and with a PhD from Columbia University. Within his professional trajectory Mr. Steiner has held several positions in the Central Bank, such as Director of the Investigation Department and Associate Investigator; he also served as Subdirector and Executive Director of Fedesarrollo, Director of the Economic Development Studies Center of the Universidad de los Andes and as an Alternate Executive Director of the IMF. He is currently an Associate Investigator for Fedesarrollo, a position he has held since March 2013. Mr. Steiner has been a Professor at Universidad de los Andes, Columbia University, Universidad Javeriana and Universidad Nacional; he has also been a guest Visting Researcher for the IMF and a Visting Professor for the NASDAQ’s program in then Lehigh University. He was also a government representative for the Audit Committee for the Coffee Sector Policies. He has been member of the board of directors of the Bogotá Stock Exchange, Credibanco and Ecopetrol. He has been a consultant for IDB, the World Bank, the IMF and the ECLAC. He was a member of the editing committee for the Latin American Economic Policy Review and for Cuadernos de Economía of Universidad Católica de Chile. He has published several books and articles at a national and international level.

 

Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas was born in 1958. Mr. Pérez holds a law degree from Universidad de Medellín and a post-graduate degree in insurance from Swiss Re, Zurich and a CEO management program certificate from the Kellogg School of Management. He is CEO of Suramericana S.A. and has held different management positions at Compañía Suramericana de Seguros S.A. since 1981, such as Vice President of Corporate Businesses and Vice President of Insurance and Capitalization. Mr. Pérez is currently a member of the boards of directors of Grupo Nutresa S.A., Celsia S.A., Federación Nacional de Aseguradores Colombianos- FASECOLDA, Fundación Suramericana and Fundación Nutresa. He also is a member of the board of directors of Suramericana Panama.

 

Ricardo Sierra Moreno was born in 1951. Mr. Sierra holds a degree in business administration from Universidad EAFIT. He has been the CEO of Productora Distrihogar S.A. since 1989. He was CFO of Suramericana de Seguros S.A. and Regional Manager of Corporación Financiera Suramericana S.A. Corfinsura. Mr. Sierra is also a member of the board of directors of Crystal Vestimundo S.A., Cusezar S.A., Cadena S.A. and Proantioquia. He has been an independent member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 2004.

 

Rafael Martinez Villegas was born in 1942. Mr. Martinez has a degree in business administration from Universidad EAFIT and a Masters degree of science in accounting from Texas Tech University. Over the course of his carreer, he has been Auditor of Peat Marwick, Mitchell & Co, General Manager of Prebel, CEO of Inversiones Aliadas S.A. and Corporación Financiera Aliadas S.A. He is member of the board of directors of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Medellin. Today he is dedicated to his personal businesses.

 

Hernando José Gómez Restrepo was born in 1957. Mr. Gómez holds a cum laude degree in economics from Universidad de los Andes. He has a PhD in economics, holds Master’s in philosophy and arts, and a post-graduate degree in currency, banking and international economics from Yale University. Mr. Gómez has been a Professor at Universidad de los Andes, and an Assistant Professor at Yale University. He has held the position of Assesment Director the Central Bank, CEO of Consejo Privado de Competitividad, and Chief of the Colombian Government Negotiation Team for the Free Trade Agreement with the United States of America, the National Planning Director of Colombia, among other positions. He is also a part of the board of directors of Editorial la Patria. Mr. Gómez is an independent member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since his appointment in 2013.

 

José Alberto Vélez Cadavid, Ricardo Sierra Moreno and Rafael Martínez Villegas resigned as members of the Board of Directors on March 16, 2016. The shareholders, in their general meeting on that date, announced the appointment of the following directors as their replacements, who are deemed as independent members:

 

Arturo Condo Tamayo was born in 1967 . Mr. Condo has a PhD in business strategy and competitiveness from Harvard Business School, and holds degree in Electric Engineering from Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral Ecuador. He also obtained a Master’s degree in business administration from INCAE. Mr. Condo is a professor and held the position of principal of INCAE Business School between 2007 and 2015. Previously, he was the dean of masters, the Dean of Research and Development and Director of the Centro Latinoamericano para la Competitividad y el Desarrollo Sostenible (CLACDS). He is currently a consultant in companies located in Latin America and Asia in strategic planning and competitiveness strategy. He has also been consultant of multilateral organizations as Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank. He is the CEO of Keyword Centroamérica, an strategic information company he created in 2014.

 

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Andrés Felipe Mejía Cardona was born in 1962. Mr. Mejía is an economist from Michigan University. He holds certificates in strategic planning from Barcelona University, senior management from Universidad de los Andes and Expro program in business administration from Centrum Bevordering Import Ontw.Landn, in Rotterdam. He has been the CEO of MU Mecanicos Unidos S.A.S since 1983 and a member of the board of directors of Fedemetal, Edatel, ISA, Isagen, Fabricato, Internexa and Proteccion.

 

Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarría was born in 1958. Mr. Restrepo holds a bachelor's degree in industrial management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He has held several positions in the Marmon Group of Chicago, and was also a part of the Leadership Rotational Program in Chicago at the Rego Company (Production planning and industrial engineering), Hammond Organ Company (accountability) and Marmom Keystone (sales). He began in Crystal S.A.S as International Vice President, then he became an Executive Vice President until 2003, and since 2004 he has acted as CEO. He is part of the board of directors of Andi-Antioquia, Conconcreto, Etiflex and MAS S.A.S.

 

The cease of functions of the departing members of the board of directors and the exercise of functions of the recently appointed members are subject to confirmation by the SFC.

 

For additional information regarding the Board of Directors and its functions, see Item “10 Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Board of Directors”.

 

Senior Management

 

Carlos Raúl Yepes Jimenez was born in 1964. He has been the President of Bancolombia since February 2011, and had been previously a member of its Board of Directors for five years. Mr. Yepes was Corporate Vice President of Cementos Argos S.A. from 2003 to 2011, Legal Director of Bancolombia from 1994 to 2003 and also Legal Director of CI Unión de Bananeros de Urabá (“Uniban”) from 1991 to 1994. Mr. Yepes holds a degree in law from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana and a degree in business law from Universidad Externado de Colombia. Carlos Raul resigned as President of Bancolombia effective as of April 30, 2016, and the Board of Directors has appointed Juan Carlos Mora Uribe as his replacement.

 

Juan Carlos Mora Uribe was born in 1965. He has been the Corporate Innovation and Digital Transformation Vice President since 2015. He holds a B.A degree from Universidad Eafit and an M.B.A degree from Babson College. Mr. Mora has experience in diverse areas of corporate finance and investment banking and was Vice President of Operations of Corfinsura in 2004. Most recently, Mr. Mora performed the role of Vice President of Risk in 2005, and then he was appointed as Chief Corporate Services Officer until 2015. He will step into the role of CEO of Bancolombia on May 1, 2016.

 

Maria Cristina Arrastia Uribe was born in 1965. She has been the Chief Personal and SMEs Banking Officer since October 2015. Mrs. Arrastia is a Business Administrator graduated from Eafit University in Medellin. She has performed various roles in Bancolombia, such as Sub-Manager of the trading desk, and Regional Manager of the Corporate Banking of Antioquia. Between 1998 and 2009 she was appointed as Regional Manager for Personal and SME Banking in Antioquia. In 2009 she was appointed as General Manager of Sufi until 2011 when she was appointed to the position of Vice President of Consumer and Housing Credit.

 

Carmenza Henao Tisnes was born in 1960. She was appointed Vice President of Internal Audit in April 2011. Mrs. Henao has worked at Bancolombia for 28 years holding several positions at different departments of Bancolombia such as analyst and manager of audit technology. Most recently she was the Audit National Manager of Bancolombia branches. She has also been a professor at various universities including Universidad EAFIT, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Universidad de Medellin and Universidad San Buenaventura. Mrs. Henao is a system engineer and has a post-graduate degree in Finance from Universidad EAFIT.

 

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Rodrigo Prieto Uribe was born in 1973. He was appointed as Vice President of Risk Management in March 2011. Mr. Prieto has worked at Bancolombia for 12 years holding several positions at different departments of Bancolombia such as analyst, manager of risk administration, planning manager and manager of Capital allocation and risk quantification. Most recently he was the director of planning and projects. He has also been a professor at several universities including Universidad EAFIT, Escuela de Ingenieria de Antioquia and Universidad de los Andes. Mr. Prieto is a civil engineer and has a Master’s degree in economics from Universidad de los Andes and a Master’s degree in finance from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.

 

Augusto Restrepo Gómez was born in 1962. He has been the Vice President of Corporate Services since April, 2015. Mr. Restrepo has worked for more than 30 years at the Bank, initiating his career as an assistant, and since then working in different areas of the Bank as Analyst, Sub-Manager, Chief of Department, Regional Manager and Distribution Channels Unit Director. He acted as Management Vice President between 2007 and 2011, year in which he was appointed as Human Resources Management Vice President. Mr. Restrepo holds a degree in business management from Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, a graduate degree in Marketing from Universidad EAFIT and advanced management studies at Universidad de Los Andes and Universidad de La Sabana.

 

Mauricio Rosillo Rojas was born in 1969. He has been the Legal Vice President of Bancolombia since December 2008. Mr. Rosillo holds a law degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, obtained a post-graduate degree in financial law from Universidad de Los Andes, and a Master’s degree in commercial and economic law from the University of Georgia. Mr. Rosillo has held several positions in the public and private sectors, including secretary general of Fedeleasing, Interim Colombian Superintendent of Cooperatives (“ Superintendente de Economia Solidaria (encargado )”), director of financial regulation of the Colombian Ministry of Finance, supervisor of the securities market of the Colombian Stock Exchange and president of AMV.

 

Gonzalo Toro Bridge was born in 1960. He has been Vice President of Corporate Banking of Bancolombia since 2003. From 1988 to 1994, he was the Assistant to the Vice Presidency of Corporate and International Banking and from 1994 to 2003 he was the Vice President of Corporate and International Banking. Mr. Toro holds a B.A. degree from Universidad EAFIT and a certificate of attendance from the advanced management program for overseas bankers of the University of Pennsylvania.

 

Jaime Alberto Velásquez Botero was born in 1960. He has been the Vice President of Strategy and Finance since April 2012. Previously, he held the position of Vice President of Finance of Bancolombia from 1997 to 2012. From 1989 through 1997, he held several managerial positions in the Economic Department and Investor Relations Department of the Bank. Previously, he worked at C.I. Banacol from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Velásquez holds an economics degree from Universidad de Antioquia.

 

There are no family relationships between the directors and senior management of Bancolombia listed above.

 

No arrangements or understandings have been made by major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others pursuant to which any of the above directors or members of senior management were selected.

 

B. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

In 2015 the Bank paid each director a fee of COP 5.5 million per month for sitting on the Board, and another fee of COP 5.0 million for attending each session of the committees.

 

The directors received no other compensation or benefits. There is no stock option plan for directors. Consistent with Colombian law, the Bank does not publish information regarding the compensation of the Bank’s individual officers. The Bank’s stockholders may request that information during the period preceding the annual general stockholders’ meeting. The aggregate amount of remuneration paid by the Bank and consolidated subsidiaries to all directors, alternate directors and senior management during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 was COP 56.18 billion. Additionally, the bank has established a retirement bonus for senior management, and at the end of 2015 the provision to this effect was COP 29.43 billion. In 2015, no bonus was paid to any retiring senior managers.

 

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The Board of Directors approves the salary increases for vice presidents and authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to readjust the salary of the remaining employees.

 

The Bank has established an incentive compensation plan that awards bonuses annually or semi-annually to its management employees. In determining the amount of any bonuses, the Bank takes into consideration the overall return on equity of the Bank and its executives’ achievement of established goals. The Bank’s variable compensation has deferred elements and, depending on the amount awarded, the bonuses are payable in cash and as a combination of cash, a right to receive in three years an amount in cash determined with reference to the value of the Bank’s stocks and an entitlement to a share in a pool of unvested bonuses. The pool of unvested bonuses is an account of preliminary bonuses, payable once it is established that the results that are the basis of such bonuses have been sustained over time and were not the result of a particular, extraordinary transaction that does not reflect better performance, according to guidelines designed by the Bank. Such elements are solely paid when certain future profits are obtained. This incentive compensation plan is not in the form of stock options.

 

The Bank paid a total of COP 1,524 billion for salaries of personnel employed directly by the Bank and senior management of its affiliates. Such amount includes the sum of approximately COP 130.14 billion that was spent in connection with the incentive compensation plan.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Bank had provisioned 100% of its actuarial obligation corresponding to retirement pensions payable by the Bank, which amounted to COP 120.54 billion. Decree 4565 of 2010 established the year 2029 as the deadline for amortization.

 

C. BOARD PRACTICES

 

The following table reflects the composition of the Board of Directors as of March 31, 2015.

 

Name    

Elected to the Board

     

Term Expires

 
David Bojanini García     2006       2018  
Roberto Ricardo Steiner Sampedro     2014       2018  
Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas (1)     2004       2018  
Hernando José Gómez Restrepo     2013       2018  
Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarría (2)     2016       2018  
Arturo Condo Tamayo (2)     2016       2018  
Andrés Felipe Mejía Cardona (2)     2016       2018  
José Alberto Vélez Cadavid (3)     1996       2016  
Ricardo Sierra Moreno (3)(4)     1996       2016  
Rafael Martínez Villegas (3)     2010       2016  

 

 

 

(1) Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas had previously served as the Bank’s Director during the period 1990-1994.

(2) Members appointed by the general shareholders’ metting on March 16, 2016, pending confirmation by the SFC.

(3) Cease of functions of these members is subject to the confirmation of the appointment of the newly elected members by the SFC.

(4) Ricardo Sierra Moreno had previously served as the Bank’s Director during the period 1982-1988.

 

Messrs. Hernando José Gómez Restrepo, Roberto Ricardo Steiner Sampedro, Ricardo Sierra Moreno and Rafael Martínez Villegas act as independent directors in accordance with the Bank’s by-laws and other applicable laws. Upon confirmation of their appointment as members of the Board of Directors by the SFC, Luis Fernando Restrepo Echavarría, Arturo Condo Tamayo and Andres Felipe Mejía Cardona will act as independent members. Consequently, the majority of the Board of Directors is composed of independent directors.

 

Neither the Bank nor its Subsidiaries have any type of agreement with the Bank’s directors providing for benefits upon termination of their term.

 

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The following are the current terms of office and the period during which the members of senior management have acted as such in Bancolombia. There are no defined expiration terms. The members of senior management can be removed by a decision of the Board of Directors.

 

Name   Period Served
President    
Carlos Raúl Yepes Jimenez   Since 2011
     
Vice Presidents    
Jaime Alberto Velásquez Botero   Since 1997
Juan Carlos Mora Uribe   Since 2005
Mauricio Rosillo Rojas   Since 2008
Maria Cristina Arrastia   Since 1998
Gonzalo Toro Bridge   Since 1998
Augusto Restrepo Gómez   Since 2007
Rodrigo Prieto Uribe   Since 2011
Carmenza Henao Tisnes   Since 2011

 

For further information about the Bank’s corporate governance practices please see Item 16. “Reserved – B. Corporate Governance and Code of Ethics”.

 

Audit Committee

 

In accordance with Colombian regulations, the Bank has an audit committee whose main purpose is to support the Board of Directors by supervising the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal controls. The committee consists of three independent directors, one of whom must be a financial expert, who are elected by the board of directors for a period of two years.

 

The audit committee is composed of Hernando José Gómez Restrepo, Rafael Martínez Villegas and Ricardo Sierra Moreno. Subject to confirmation by the SFC, Mr. Martínez and Mr. Sierra will cease to be part of the Board of Directors, and two of the newly appointed independent members will be designated by such board to be a part of the audit committee.

 

Pursuant to applicable U.S. laws for foreign private issuers, Mr. Rafael Martínez Villegas serves as the financial expert of the audit committee.

 

As established by the SFC, the audit committee has a charter approved by Board of Directors which establishes its composition, organization, objectives, duties, responsibilities and extension of its activities. The Board of Directors also establishes the remuneration of the members of the audit committee. The audit committee must meet at least quarterly and must present a report of its activities at the general stockholders’ meeting.

 

The Bank currently complies with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder, as applicable to foreign private issuers with respect to the composition and functions of its audit committee.

 

Designation, Compensation and Development Committee

 

This committee is composed of two members of the Board of Directors elected by it. The Vice President of Human Relations of the Bank acts as secretary of this committee.

 

The designation, compensation and development committee determines the policies and provisions for the hiring, remuneration, compensation, and development of management and key personnel of the Bank. Likewise, it continuously surveys the goals of the different compensation programs with regard to the performance of the officers, and it assesses the efficacy of such programs.

 

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The duties of the designation, compensation and development committee are: (i) defining the administration policies of human resources, establishing the selection, evaluation, compensation, and development processes for top management, determining their goals; (ii) determining the objective criteria under which the Bank hires its principal officers; (iii) proposing objective criteria under which the Bank hires senior management and designs succession plans; (iv) evaluating the performance of senior management; and (v) issuing recommendations for the Board of Directors concerning appointments and compensation of the president and senior management.

 

The members of the designation, compensation and development committee are Ricardo Sierra Moreno, David Bojanini Garcia and José Alberto Vélez Cadavid. Subject to confirmation by the SFC, Mr. Sierra and Mr. Vélez will cease to be part of the Board of Directors, and two of the newly appointed members will be designated by such board to be a part of this committee.

 

Good Governance Committee

 

The Good Governance Committee consists of at least three (3) members of the Board of Directors, one of them being an independent member. Bancolombia’s President attends this committee on a permanent basis.

 

The Good Governance Committee has internal regulation to govern aspects such as composition and guests to the meetings, competences, and responsibilities of the Committee and its internal regulations.

 

The main purpose of this Committee is to assist Bancolombia’s Board of Directors in overseeing compliance with the Corporate Governance measures and review any potential change to such measures.

 

This Committee shall also support the Board of Directors in cases related to the implementation of succession policies of the Board of Directors and its remuneration.

 

This Committee furnishes reports on the activities performed by the Bank’s Board of Directors, and approves a yearly report on Corporate Governance, to be submitted before the Shareholders General Meeting.

 

The members of the Good Governance Committee are David Bojanini García, José Alberto Vélez Cadavid and Rafael Martinez Villegas. Subject to confirmation by the SFC, Mr. Vélez and Mr. Martínez will cease to be part of the Board of Directors, and two of the newly appointed members will be designated by such board to be a part of this committee.

 

D. EMPLOYEES

 

The following table sets forth the number of employees of the Bank for the last three fiscal years:

 

As of December 31   Total number of employees employed by 
Bancolombia and its consolidated Subsidiaries
    Number of employees employed by Bancolombia  
2015     34,392       19,544  
2014     30,158       18,867  
2013     28,763       18,463  

 

As of December 31, 2015, Bancolombia and its subsidiaries had 34,392 employees, of which 19,544 were employed directly by the Bank. Of the 19,544 employees directly contracted by the Bank, 12,940 are operations personnel and 6,604 are management employees. Of the 19,544 employees, approximately 23.45% are located in the Bogota Region, 11.36% in the South Region, 14.94% in the Antioquia Region, 28.09% in the Medellin headquarters, 12.18% in the Central Region and 9.98% in the Caribbean Region. During 2015, the Bank employed an average of 237 employees per month through temporary personnel service companies.

 

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Of the employees directly employed by Bancolombia, approximately 23% are part of a labor union called Sintrabancol, 13.65% are members of an industry union called Uneb, 1.13% belong to an industry labor union called Sintraenfi, 0.10% belong to an industry labor union called Uprofin, 0.13% belong to an industry labor union called USF and 0.04% belong to an industry labor union called Aceb. A collective bargaining agreement was reached with Uneb and Sintrabancol in October, 2014. The agreement has been in effect since November 1, 2014 and is set to expire on October 31, 2017. This agreement applies to approximately 13,424 employees regardless of whether they are members of an union or not and it extends to operating personnel employed by the subsidiaries Banca de Inversión Bancolombia, Valores Bancolombia, Leasing Bancolombia and Fiduciaria Bancolombia. Sintraenfi, the labor union composed of approximately 220 employees, did not take part in the collective bargaining agreement. The latter labor union has made a request for an arbitration court to settle this dispute, a request which is currently in process by the respective judicial authorities, and if it is successful it would cover only the members of the said union; nevertheless, the terms of the agreement reached with UNEB and Sintrabancol apply as well to the members of the Sintraenfi union.

 

With the execution of this agreement, the Bank, Uneb and Sintrabancol continue to work on the consolidation of long-term labor relationships based on mutual trust and respect.

 

The most important economic aspects of the Agreement are:

 

1. A pay increase of 7% for the first year. For the second year, the increase (8.77%) was equal to the variation in the Colombian consumer price index (“IPC”), as certified by the Colombian statistical bureau (“DANE”) for the period between January 2015 and December 2015, plus 200 basis points. For the third year, the increase will be equal to the IPC variation, for the period between November 2015 and October 2016, plus 250 basis points.

 

For the salary increases corresponding to the second and the third year in which the current collective bargaining agreement is in place, the Bank will apply whichever is greatest between the variation of the IPC for the last 12 months, and the variation of the IPC for the period between October 31 and December 31 of the year in question. The same criteria will be applied for the subsidies and benefits associated to salary increases.

 

2. Improved benefits, such as, immediate right to access first home loan after 4 years of tenure, increased amounts to the first home loans, improved health insurance coverage, transportation and food assistance. Increase in tuition assistance and a new tuition loan.

 

E. SHARE OWNERSHIP

 

The following directors and members of the senior management owned common shares in Bancolombia as of December 31, 2015: David Bojanini García, Rafael Martinez Villegas, Ricardo Sierra Moreno, Gonzalo Alberto Pérez Rojas, Gonzalo Toro Bridge and Sergio Pelaez Jaramillo.

 

The following directors and members of senior management owned preferred shares in Bancolombia as of December 31, 2015: Roberto Ricardo Steiner Sampedro, Gonzalo Toro Bridge, Sergio Pelaez Jaramillo and Julian Botero Larrañaga.

 

None of the directors and members of senior management’s shareholdings, individually or in the aggregate, exceed 1% of Bancolombia’s outstanding common shares, preferred shares or a combination of both classes of shares.

 

As of December 31, 2015, there are no stock options to acquire any of Bancolombia’s outstanding common shares or preferred shares or share-based payment to any employee.

 

  100

 

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERs AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS

 

In accordance with the Bank’s by-laws, there are two classes of stock authorized and outstanding: common shares and preferred shares. Each common share entitles its holder to one vote at meetings of the Bank’s stockholders, and there are no differences in the voting rights conferred by any of the common shares. Under the Bank’s by-laws and Colombian corporate law, holders of preferred shares (and consequently, holders of ADRs) have no voting rights in respect of preferred shares, other than in limited circumstances as described in “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Description of Share Rights, Preferences and Restrictions – Voting Rights – Preferred Shares”.

 

The following table sets forth, solely for purposes of United States securities laws, certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Bancolombia’s capital stock by each person known to Bancolombia to own beneficially more than 5% of each class of Bancolombia’s outstanding capital stock as of March 31, 2016. A beneficial owner includes anyone who has the power to receive the economic benefit of ownership of the securities.

 

Name   Common Shares     Preferred Shares    

% Ownership
of Common
Shares (1)

   

% Ownership
of Preferred
Shares (1)

   

% Ownership
of Total
Shares (1)

 
                                         
Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A (2)     237,363,392       16,147,114       46.57 %     3.57 %     26.36 %
Grupo Argos S.A. (3)     28,139,106       -       5.52 %     0.00 %     2.93 %
ADR Program     -       209,986,616       0.00 %     46.44 %     21.83 %
Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Protección     21,601,534       51,541,660       4.24 %     11.40 %     7.60 %
Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Porvenir Moderado     56,148,347       33,221,398       11.02 %     7.35 %     9.29 %

 

 

 

(1) Common shares have one vote per share; preferred shares have limited voting rights under certain circumstances specified in the by-laws of Bancolombia filed as Exhibit 1 to this Annual Report.

(2) Represents ownership of Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana S.A. directly and through its subsidiaries: Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana Panamá S.A., Inversiones y Construcciones Estrategicas S.A., Cia. Suramericana de Seguros de Vida S.A., Cia. Suramericana de Seguros S.A., Suratep.

(3) Represents ownership of Grupo Argos S.A. directly and through its subsidiary Cementos Argos S.A.

 

As of March 31, 2016, a total of 509,704,584 common shares and 452,122,416 preferred shares were registered in the Bank’s stockholder registry in the name of 51,278 stockholders. A total of 209,986,616 representing 46.44% of preferred shares were part of the ADR Program and were held by 38 record holders registered in The Bank of New York Mellon’s registered stockholder list. Given that some of the preferred shares and ADSs are held by nominees, the number of record holders may not be representative of the number of beneficial owners.

 

During the past year, the Bank’s ADR program changed its percentage ownership of the Bank, increasing from 21.77% as of March 31, 2015 to 21.83% by the end of March 2016 as depositary receipts were created throughout the period. In addition, Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Protección, a Colombian private pension fund manager, increased its percentage ownership to 7.60% as of March 31, 2016 compared to 7.22% as of March 31, 2015; and Fondo de Pensiones Obligatorias Porvenir Moderado a Colombian private pension fund manager increased its percentage of ownership to 9.29% as of March 31, 2016 compared to 8.57%, as of March 31, 2015.

 

There are no arrangements known to the Bank which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the company.

 

To the extent known to the Bank, and in accordance with Colombian law, Bancolombia is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other entity or person.

 

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B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Colombian law sets forth certain restrictions and limitations on transactions carried out with related parties, these being understood as principal shareholders, subsidiaries and management officials.

 

Limitations on related party transactions are set forth, mainly, in Articles 119 and 122 of Decree 663 of 1993, in the Colombian Commercial Code and, regarding credit and risk concentration limits (legal lending limits), in Decree 2555 of 2010, all as amended.

 

The above-mentioned regulations set forth, among others, the following guidelines: (i) subsidiaries must carry out their activities independently and with administrative autonomy; (ii) transactions between the parent company and its subsidiaries must have economic substance and cannot differ considerably from standard market conditions, nor in detrimental to the Colombian government, stockholders or third parties; and (iii) subsidiaries may not acquire any shares issued by their parent company.

 

According to the provisions of the Colombian Commercial Code, neither the Bank’s directors nor its management may, directly or indirectly, purchase or sell shares issued by the Bank while they remain in their offices, except when said transactions are carried out for reasons other than purely speculative and upon prior authorization of (i) the Board of Directors, which shall be granted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of its members, or (ii) the shareholders; in either case, excluding the vote of the person requesting such authorization, if applicable.

 

The Bank’s Corporate Governance Code provides that, in any event, any transaction regarding Bancolombia’s shares that is carried out by any officer, director or manager may not be executed for speculative purposes, which would be presumed if the following three conditions were met: (a) if suspiciously short lapses of time exist between the purchase and the sale of shares; (b) if situations arise proving to be exceptionally favorable for the Bank; and (c) if significant profits are obtained from this transaction.

 

Pursuant to Article 122 of Decree 663 of 1993, transactions entered into by credit institutions with (i) their shareholders holding 5% or more of the outstanding capital, (ii) their managers, or (iii) spouses and certain relatives of shareholders and managers, shall require the unanimous affirmative vote of the members of the Board of Directors attending the corresponding meeting. The Board of Directors may not authorize transactions subject to terms and conditions other than those usually agreed by the Bank with non-related parties.

 

All transactions that the Bank enters into with its directors, officers and senior executives are subject to the limitations and conditions set forth by the applicable law governing the prevention, handling and resolution of conflicts of interest.

 

Over time, Bancolombia has granted loans and engaged in other transactions with related parties. Such loans were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and required collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability, and do not present any additional unfavorable terms for the Company.

 

Between the parent company and its related parties, during the period ended as of December 31, 2015 there were no:

 

- Loans implying for the borrower an obligation that does not correspond to the essence or nature of the loan agreement.

 

- Loans with interest rates different to those that are ordinarily paid or charged to third parties in similar conditions of term, risk, etc.

 

- Operations whose characteristics differ from those carried out with third parties.

 

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Bancolombia, on a non-consolidated basis, had a total amount of COP 2.158.007 million in loans outstanding to related parties as of February 29, 2016. The principal amounts outstandings as of February 29, 2016 includes in this amount are:

 

Entitiy   Amount
 outstanding
    Accrued 
Interest
    Average Interest 
rate
 
Leasing Bancolombia S.A.     1,354,012       13,909       7.32 %
Renting Colombia S.A.     220,028       2,571       7.34 %
Grupo Odinsa S.A.     161,504       3,541       11.30 %
FCP Fondo Inmobiliario Colombia     142,080       515       11.77 %
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S.     46,543       698       7.98 %

 

    2015  
  Entities that directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries,
control or are controlled by, or are
 under common control with, the
 Bank and associates
    Key management personnel  
    (in millions of COP)  
Statement of financial position:            
Investment securities     974,366       -  
Loans     16,660       20,194  
Customers’ acceptances and  derivatives     -       -  
Accounts receivable     -       -  
Other Assets     5,063       -  
Total   COP 996,089     COP 20,194  
                 
Deposits     149,916       1,496  
Derivatives     -       -  
Bonds     2,031       16  
Total   COP 151,947     COP 1,512  
                 
Transactions Income:                
Interest and fees     22,588       1,389  
Dividends received     45,736       -  
Other income     14       -  
Total   COP 68,338     COP 1,389  
                 
Expenses                
Interest     4,895       23  
Fees     -       792  
Other expenses     1,006       -  
Total   COP 5,901     COP 815  

 

For additional information regarding the Bank’s related party transactions, please see Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

C. INTEREST OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

   A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A.1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-171.

 

A.2. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Bank is involved in normal collection proceedings and restructuring proceedings with respect to certain borrowers as well as other legal proceedings. For further information regarding legal proceedings, see “Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

A.3. DIVIDEND POLICY

 

The declaration, amount and payment of dividends are based on Bancolombia’s unconsolidated earnings. Dividends must be approved at the ordinary annual shareholders’ meeting upon the recommendation of the board of directors. Under the Colombian Commercial Code, after payment of income taxes and appropriation of legal and other reserves, and after setting off losses from prior fiscal years, Bancolombia must distribute to its stockholders at least 50% of its annual net income or 70% of its annual net income if the total amount of reserves exceeds its outstanding capital. Unless such minimum percentages are waived by an affirmative vote of the holders of 78% of the shares present at the shareholders’ meeting. Such dividend distribution must be made to all stockholders, in cash or in issued stock of Bancolombia, as may be determined by the stockholders, and within a year from the date of the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting in which the dividend was declared.

 

The annual net profits of Bancolombia must be applied as follows: (i) first , an amount equal to 10% of Bancolombia’s net profits to a legal reserve until such reserve is equal to at least 50% of the Bank’s paid-in capital; (ii) second , to the payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares (for more information, see “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association”); and (iii) third , as may be determined in the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote.

 

The following table sets forth the annual cash dividends paid on each common share and each preferred share during the periods indicated:

 

Dividends declared with respect to net
income earned in:
 

Cashdividends
per share (1)(2)

   

Cash dividends
per share (1)(3)

 
    (COP)     (U.S. dollars)  
2015     888       0.267  
2014     830       0.319  
2013     776       0.394  
2012     754       0.412  
2011     708       0.395  

 

 

(1) Includes common shares and preferred shares.
(2) Cash dividends for 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were paid in quarterly installments.
(3) Amounts have been translated from pesos at the Representative Market Rate in effect at the end of the month in which the dividends were declared (March).

 

B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

 

There have not been any significant changes since the date of the annual Consolidated Financial Statements included in this document.

 

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ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

   A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS

 

Bancolombia’s ADRs, each representing four preferred shares, have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) since 1995, where they are traded under the symbol “CIB”. Bancolombia’s preferred shares are also listed on the Colombian Stock Exchange.

 

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low market prices and share trading volume for the preferred shares on the Colombian Stock Exchange. The table also sets forth the reported high and low market prices and the trading volume of the ADRs on the NYSE for the periods indicated:

 

    Colombian Stock Exchange     New York Stock Exchange  
    COP Per Preferred Share     USD per ADS     Trading Volume  
    High     Low     High     Low     (Number of ADSs)  
                               
Year Ending                                        
December 31, 2015     28,880       20,080       48.56       23.69       111,797,200  
December 31, 2014     31,300       22,000       66.78       42.50       104,278,406  
December 31, 2013     31,460       23,380       70.62       47.59       63,665,433  
December 31, 2012     30,600       24,220       69.50       53.78       100,220,776  
December 31, 2011     31,100       25,160       69.87       53.56       83,520,522  
December 31, 2010     31,820       20,400       69.44       40.10       92,823,574  

 

 

Source: NYSENet (Composite Index) and Colombian Stock Exchange.

 

    Colombian Stock Exchange     New York Stock Exchange  
    COP Per Preferred
Share
   

Trading

Volume

    USD per ADS      
    High     Low    

(Number of

Shares)

    High     Low     Trading Volume
(Number of ADSs)
 
    (in nominal pesos)                    
                         
2016                                                
First quarter     26,980       20,460       48,443,358       34.56       24.69       20,403,900  
2015                                                
First quarter     28,880       23,740       44,059,256       48.56       36.23       32,659,705  
Second quarter     28,140       25,400       31,944,253       46.61       39.00       21,519,900  
Third quarter     28,400       23,340       35,368,754       43.51       28.68       22,562,300  
Fourth quarter     28,100       20,080       48,224,705       39.40       23.69       35,057,000  
                                                 
2014                                                
First quarter     27,440       22,000       58,591,558       56.48       42.77       31,239,335  
Second quarter     28,100       25,540       52,735,647       59.60       53.20       23,039,202  
Third quarter     31,300       27,100       37,993,293       66.78       56.06       18,297,717  
Fourth quarter     30,400       26,020       37,548,935       58.15       42.50       31,702,152  

 

 

Source: NYSENet (Composite Index) and Colombian Stock Exchange.

 

  105

 

 

    Colombian Stock Exchange     New York Stock Exchange  
    COP Per Preferred Share     USD per ADS     Trading Volume  
    High     Low     High     Low     (Number of ADSs)  
                               
Month                                        
March 2016     26,980       24,500       34.56       29.85       8,765,600  
February 2016     25,200       23,600       30.42       27.51       6,232,600  
January 2016     24,000       20,460       29.54       24.69       5,405,700  
March 2015     26,220       23,740       41.30       36.23       10,999,516  
February 2015     28,880       25,760       48.39       40.93       8,209,348  
January 2015     28,880       26,680       48.56       43.81       13,450,841  

 

Source: NYSENet (Composite Index) and Colombian Stock Exchange.

 

ADRs evidencing ADSs are issuable by The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Depositary”), as Depositary, pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 1995, entered into by Bancolombia, the Depositary, the owners of ADRs from time to time and the owners and beneficial owners from time to time of ADRs, pursuant to which the ADSs are issued (as amended, the “Deposit Agreement”). The Deposit Agreement was amended and restated on January 14, 2008. Copies of the Deposit Agreement are available for inspection at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, currently located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, and at the office of Fiduciaria Bancolombia, as agent of the Depositary, currently located at Carrera 48, No. 26 - 85, Medellin, Colombia or Calle 30A No. 6-38, Bogotá, Colombia. The Depositary’s principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286.

 

On September 30, 1998, Bancolombia filed a registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to register ADSs evidenced by ADRs, each representing four preferred shares, issued in connection with the merger between BIC and Banco de Colombia for resale by the holders into the U.S. public market from time to time. On January 24, 2005, the Board determined to deregister the unsold ADSs registered under the registration statement on Form F-3. On March 14, 2005, Bancolombia filed an amendment to the registration statement deregistering the remaining unsold ADSs. On August 8, 2005, Bancolombia filed, through the Depositary, a registration statement on Form F-6 registering 50,000,000 ADSs evidenced by ADRs in connection with the Conavi/Corfinsura merger. On May 14, 2007, Bancolombia filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to register an indeterminate amount of debt securities, preferred shares and rights to subscribe for preferred shares in connection with the subsequent offerings which took place in the second and third quarter of 2007. On January 14, 2008, by filing the Form F-6 with the SEC, Bancolombia increased the amount of its ADR program up to 400,000,000 American Depositary Shares, and registered some amendments to the Depositary Agreement of ADSs between Bancolombia and The Bank of New York Mellon. On July 13, 2010, Bancolombia filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to register an indeterminate amount of debt securities, preferred shares, American Depositary Shares representing preferred shares and rights to subscribe for preferred shares in connection with the subsequent offering of subordinated debt securities which took place on July 19, 2010. On February 6, 2012, Bancolombia priced a public offer of 63,999,997 preferred shares without voting rights, which represented an aggregate amount of approximately COP 1,680 billion. On March 3, 2014, Bancolombia priced a public offer of 110,000,000 preferred shares without voting rights, which represented an aggregate amount of approximately COP 2,656 billion.

 

B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

Not applicable.

 

C. MARKETS

 

The Colombian Stock Exchange is the principal non-U.S. trading market for the preferred shares and the sole market for the common shares. As of March 31, 2016, the market capitalization for Bancolombia’s preferred shares based on the closing price in the Colombian Stock Exchange was COP 11,701 billion (Bancolombia’s total market capitalization, which includes the common and preferred shares, was COP 24,291 billion or USD 8.04 billion as of the same date).

 

  106

 

 

There are no official market makers or independent specialists on the Colombian Stock Exchange to ensure market liquidity and, therefore, orders to buy or sell in excess of corresponding orders to sell or buy will not be executed. The aggregate equity market capitalization of the Colombian Stock Exchange, as of March 31, 2016, was COP 313,080 billion (USD 104.3 billion), with 89 companies listed as of that date.

 

D. SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

 

Not applicable.

 

E. DILUTION

 

Not applicable.

 

F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A. SHARE CAPITAL

 

Not applicable.

 

B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

 

Set forth below is certain information concerning the Bank’s capital stock and a brief summary of certain significant provisions of the Bank’s bylaws and Colombian corporate law. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Bank’s bylaws (an English translation of which is attached as Exhibit 1.1 to this Annual Report) and to Colombian corporate law.

 

Bancolombia’s Corporate Purpose

 

Pursuant to Article 4 of its bylaws, Bancolombia’s corporate purpose consists of all kinds of banking operations, business, acts and services. Subject to applicable law, Bancolombia may carry out all the activities and investments authorized to banks. Bancolombia is also authorized to participate in the capital stock of other companies, subject to any restrictions imposed by applicable law.

 

Board of Directors

 

As of the date of filing of this Annual Report, Bancolombia’s board of directors is composed of seven directors, elected for a two-year term, with no alternate directors. For additional information regarding Bancolombia’s current directors please see Item 6.A, “Directors and Senior Management Directors”.

 

After being designated, all of the members of the Board of Directors need an authorization from the Superintendency of Finance. The SFC assesses whether the director has an adequate profile for the position according to the requirements under Colombian Law.

 

According to Decree 3923 of 2006, the election of independent directors must be in a separate ballot from the ballot to elect the rest of directors, unless the reaching of the minimum number of independent directors required by law or by the by-laws is assured, or when there is only one list that includes the minimum number of required independent directors.

 

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According to Law 964 of 2005, 25% of the members of the board of directors shall be independent. An “independent director” is a director who is NOT: (i) an employee or director of the issuer or any of its parent or subsidiary companies, including all those persons acting in said capacity during the year immediately preceding that in which they were appointed, except in the case of an independent member of the board of directors being re-elected; (ii) shareholders, who either directly or by virtue of an agreement direct, guide or control the majority of the entity’s voting rights or who determine the majority composition of the administration, the board of directors or other corporate bodies of this same entity; (iii) a partner or employee of any association or firm that provides advisory or consultancy services to the issuer or to companies who belong to the same economic group to which the issuer in question belongs, in the event that income obtained from such services represent for said association or firm twenty percent (20%) or more of its total operating income; (iv) an employee or director of a foundation, association or institution that receives significant donations from the issuer. The term “significant donations” is quantified as being twenty percent (20%) or more of the total amount of donations received by the respective institution; (v) an administrator of any entity on whose board of directors a legal representative of the issuer participates; and (vi) any person who receives from the issuer any kind of remuneration different from fees as a member of the board of directors, of the audit committee or any other committee set up by the board of directors.

 

Elections are made under a proportional representation voting system. Under that system: (i) each holder of common shares is entitled at the annual general shareholders’ meeting to nominate for election one or more directors; (ii) each nomination of one or more directors constitutes a group for the purposes of the election; (iii) each group of nominees must be listed in the order of preference for nominees in that group to be elected; (iv) once all groups have been nominated, holders of common shares may cast one vote for each common share held in favor of a particular group of nominees. Votes may not be cast for particular nominees in a group; they may be cast only for the entire group; (v) the total number of votes casted in the election is divided by the number of directors to be elected. The resulting quotient is the quota of votes necessary to elect particular directors. For each time that the number of votes cast for a group of nominees is divisible by the quota of votes, one nominee from that group is elected, in the order of the list of that group; and (vi) when no group has enough remaining votes to satisfy the quota of votes necessary to elect a director, any remaining board seat or seats are filled by electing the highest remaining nominee from the group with the highest number of remaining votes cast until all available seats have been filled.

 

The directors of Bancolombia must abstain from participating, directly or through an intermediary, on their own behalf or on behalf of a third party, in activities that may compete against the Bank or in conflict-of-interest transactions that may generate a conflict of interest situation, unless the general shareholders meeting expressly authorizes such transactions. For such purposes, the directors shall provide the shareholders meeting with all the relevant information necessary for the shareholders to reach a decision. If the director is a shareholder, his or her vote shall be excluded from the respective decision process. In any case, the general shareholders meeting could only grant its authorization if the act does not adversely affect Bancolombia’s interests.

 

In the general annual shareholders meeting the shareholders are responsible for determining, the compensation of the members of the board of directors.

 

Pursuant to the by-laws of Bancolombia, the board of directors has the power to authorize the execution of any agreement, within the corporate purpose of Bancolombia, and to adopt the necessary measures in order for the Bank to accomplish its purpose.

 

The Corporate Governance Code of Bancolombia provides an age limit requirement of 65 years regarding retirement for senior management.

 

Description of Share Rights, Preferences and Restrictions

 

Bancolombia’s bylaws provide for an authorized capital stock of COP 700 billion divided into 1,400,000,000 shares of a par value of COP 500 each, which must belong to one of the following classes: (i) common shares, (ii) privileged shares; and (iii) shares with preferred dividend and no voting rights (“preferred shares”). Pursuant to Article 8 of the bylaws, all shares issued shall have the same nominal value.

 

As of December 31, 2015, Bancolombia had 509,704,584 common shares and 452,122,416 preferred shares outstanding and a shareholders’ equity of COP 19,279 billion divided into 961,827,000 shares.

 

  108

 

 

Voting Rights

 

Common Shares

 

The holders of common shares are entitled to vote on the basis of one vote per share on any matter subject to approval at a general shareholders’ meeting. These general meetings may be ordinary meetings or extraordinary meetings.

 

Ordinary general shareholder’s meetings occur at least once a year but no later than three months after the end of the prior fiscal year, for the following purposes: (i) to consider the approval of Bancolombia’s annual report, including the financial statements for the preceding fiscal year; (ii) to review the annual report prepared by the external auditor; (iii) to determine the compensation for the members of the board of directors, the external auditor and the client representative ( defensor del consumidor financiero ). The client representative’s primary duty is to solve the individual complaints submitted by clients and users and serve as their spokesman; (iv) to elect directors, the client representative and the external auditor (each for a two-year term); and (v) to determine the dividend policy and the allocation of profits, if any, of the preceding fiscal year, as well as any retained earnings from previous fiscal years.

 

Extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings may take place when duly called for a specified purpose or purposes, or, without prior notice, when holders representing all outstanding shares entitled to vote on the issues presented are present at the meeting.

 

Quorum for both ordinary and extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings to be convened at first call requires the presence of two or more shareholders representing at least half plus one of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the relevant meeting. If a quorum is not present, a subsequent meeting is called at which the presence of one or more holders of shares entitled to vote at the relevant meeting constitutes a quorum, regardless of the number of shares represented. General shareholders’ meetings may be called by the board of directors, the President or the external auditor of Bancolombia. In addition, two or more shareholders representing at least 20% of the outstanding shares have the right to request that a general meeting be convened. Notice of ordinary meetings and extraordinary meetings convened to approve fiscal year-end financial statements, the reduction of the outstanding capital, the merger, spin-off or sale of more than 25% of the assets, liabilities and contracts, must be published in one newspaper of wide circulation at Bancolombia’s principal place of business at least 30 calendar days prior to such meeting. Notice of other extraordinary meetings, must be published in one newspaper of wide circulation at Bancolombia’s principal place of business at least 15 calendar days prior to such meeting listing the matters to be addressed at such meeting.

 

Except when Colombian law or Bancolombia’s bylaws require a special majority, action may be taken at a general shareholder’s meeting by the vote of two or more shareholders representing a majority of common shares present. Pursuant to Colombian law and/or Bancolombia’s bylaws, special majorities are required to adopt the following corporate actions: (i) a favorable vote of at least 70% of the shares represented at a general shareholders’ meeting is required to approve the issuance of shares without preemptive rights available for shareholders; (ii) a favorable vote of at least 78% of the holders of represented common shares to decide not to distribute as dividend at least 50% of the annual net profits of any given fiscal year; (iii) a favorable vote of at least 80% of the holders of represented common shares and 80% of the holders of outstanding preferred shares to approve the payment of the dividend in shares; and (iv) a favorable vote of at least 70% of the holders of common shares and of outstanding preferred shares to effect a decision to impair the conditions or rights established for such preferred shares, or a decision to convert those preferred shares into common shares.

 

If the Superintendency of Finance determines that any amendment to the bylaws fails to comply with Colombian law, it may demand that the relevant provisions be modified accordingly. Under these circumstances, Bancolombia will be obligated to comply in a timely manner.

 

Preferred Shares

 

The holders of preferred shares are not entitled to receive notice of, attend to or vote at any general shareholders’ meeting except as described below.

 

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The holders of preferred shares will be entitled to vote on the basis of one vote per share at any shareholders’ meeting, whenever a shareholders vote is required on the following matters, in addition to those indicated above: (i) when voting the anticipated dissolution, merger or transformation of the corporation or change of its corporate purpose. (ii) when the preferred dividend has not been fully paid during two consecutive annual terms. In this event, holders of such shares shall retain their voting rights until the corresponding accrued dividends have been fully paid to them. (iii) if at the end of a fiscal period, the Bank’s profits are not enough to pay the minimum dividend and the Superintendency of Finance, by its own decision or upon petition of holders of at least ten percent (10%) of preferred shares, determines that benefits were concealed or shareholders were misled with regard to benefits received from the Bank by the Bank’s directors or officers decreasing the profits to be distributed, the Superintendency of Finance may resolve that holders of preferred shares should participate with speaking and voting rights at the general shareholders’ meeting, in the terms established by law. (iv) when the registration of shares at the Colombian Stock Exchange or at the Superintendency of Finance, is suspended or canceled. In this event, voting rights shall be maintained until the irregularities that resulted in such cancellation or suspension are resolved.

 

Bancolombia must cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of preferred shares are entitled to vote to be mailed to each record holder of preferred shares. Each notice must include a statement stating: (i) the date of the meeting; (ii) a description of any resolution to be proposed for adoption at the meeting on which the holders of preferred shares are entitled to vote; and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies.

 

Dividends

 

Common Shares

 

Once the Consolidated Financial Statements are approved by the general shareholders meeting, the appropriation for the payment of taxes of the corresponding taxable year has been made, and the transfers to the reserves have been performed, then they can determine the allocation of distributable profits, if any, of the preceding year.

 

Under the Colombian Commercial Code, a company must distribute at least 50% of its annual net profits to all shareholders, payable in cash, or as determined by the shareholders, within a period of one year following the date on which the shareholders determine the dividends. If the total amount segregated in all reserves of a company exceeds its outstanding capital, this percentage is increased to 70%. The minimum common stock dividend requirement of 50% or 70%, as the case may be, may be waived by a favorable vote of the holders of 78% of a company’s common stock present at the meeting.

 

Under Colombian law and Bancolombia’s bylaws annual net profits are to be applied as follows: (i) first , an amount equivalent to 10% of net profits is segregated to build a legal reserve until that reserve is equal to at least 50% of Bancolombia’s paid-in capital; (ii) second , payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares; and (iii) third , allocation of the net profits is determined by the holders of a majority of the common shares entitled to vote on the recommendation of the board of directors and the President and may, subject to further reserves required by the by-laws, be distributed as dividends. Under the Bank’s bylaws, the dividends payable to the holders of common shares cannot exceed the dividends payable to holders of the preferred shares. Bancolombia’s bylaws requires to maintain a reserve fund equal to 50% of paid-in capital. All common shares that are fully paid in and outstanding at the time a dividend or other distribution is declared are entitled to share equally in that dividend or other distribution. Common shares that are only partially-paid participate in a dividend or distribution in the same proportion than the shares that have been fully paid in at the time of the dividend or distribution.

 

The general shareholders’ meeting may allocate a portion of the profits to welfare, education or civic services, or to support economic organizations of the Bank’s employees.

 

Preferred Shares

 

Holders of preferred shares are entitled to receive dividends based on the profits of the preceding fiscal year, after deducting losses affecting the capital and once the amount that shall be legally set apart for the legal reserve has been deducted, but before creating or accruing for any other reserve, of a minimum preferred dividend equal to one percent (1%) yearly of the subscription price of the preferred share, provided this dividend is higher than the dividend assigned to common shares, if this is not the case, the dividend shall be increased to an amount that is equal to the per share dividend on the common shares. The dividend received by holders of common shares may not be higher than the dividend assigned to preferred shares.

 

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Payment of the preferred dividend shall be made at the time and in the manner established in the general shareholders’ meeting and with the priority indicated by Colombian law.

 

In the event that the holders of preferred shares have not received the minimum dividend for a period in excess of two consecutive fiscal years, they will acquire certain voting rights. See Item 10.B. “Memorandum and Articles of Association ¾ Description of Share Rights, Preferences and Restrictions —Voting Rights —Preferred Shares”.

 

General Considerations Relating to Dividends

 

The dividend periods may be different from the periods covered by the statement of financial position. In the general shareholders’ meeting, shareholders will determine such dividend periods, the effective date, the system and the place for payment of dividends.

 

Dividends declared on the common shares and the preferred shares will be payable to the record holders of those shares, as they are recorded on Bancolombia’s stock registry, on the appropriate record dates as determined in the general shareholders’ meeting.

 

Any dividend in shares payable by Bancolombia will be paid in common shares to the holders of common shares and in preferred shares to the holders of preferred shares. Nonetheless, Shareholders at the general shareholders’ meeting may authorize the payment in common shares to all shareholders.

 

Any dividend in shares requires the approval of 80% or more of the shares present at a shareholders’ meeting, which will include 80% or more of the outstanding preferred shares. In the event that such voting majority is not obtained, shareholders may individually elect to receive a stock dividend or a cash dividend.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

Bancolombia will be dissolved if certain events take place, including the following: (i) its term of existence, as stated in the by-laws, expires without being extended by the shareholders prior to its expiration date; (ii) losses cause the decrease of its shareholders’ equity below 50% of its outstanding capital stock, unless one or more of the corrective measures described in the Colombian Commercial Code are adopted by the shareholders within six months; (iii) by decision at the general shareholders’ meeting; and (iv) in certain other events expressly provided by law and in the by-laws.

 

Upon dissolution, a liquidator must be appointed by the general shareholders’ meeting to wind up its affairs. In addition, the Superintendency of Finance has the power to take over the operations and assets of a bank and proceed to its liquidation under certain circumstances and in the manner prescribed in the Estatuto Orgánico del Sistema Financiero , Decree 663 of 1993. For more information see Item 4. “Information on The Company - B. Business Overview - B.8. Supervision and Regulation - Bankruptcy Considerations”.

 

Preemptive Rights and Other Anti-Dilution Provisions

 

Under the Bank’s bylaws, the holders of common shares determine in their meeting the amount of authorized capital stock, and the board of directors has the power to (a) order the issuance and regulate the terms of subscription of common shares up to the total amount of authorized capital stock and (b) regulate the issuance of shares with rights to a preferential dividend but without the right to vote, when expressly delegated at the general shareholders’ meeting. The issuance of preferred shares must always be first approved at the general shareholders’ meeting, which shall determine the nature and extent of any privileges, according to the bylaws and Colombian law.

 

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The Bank’s bylaws and Colombian law require that, whenever the Bank issues new shares of any outstanding class, it must offer the holders of each class of shares the right to purchase a number of shares of such class sufficient to maintain their existing percentage ownership of the aggregate capital stock of the Bank. These rights are called preemptive rights. See Item 3. “Key Information D. Risk Factors Preemptive rights may not be available to holders of ADRs”.

 

Shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders may suspend preemptive rights with respect to a particular capital increase by a favorable vote of at least 70% of the shares represented at the meeting. Preemptive rights must be exercised within the period stated in the share placement terms of the increase, which cannot be shorter than 15 business days following the publication of the notice of the public offer of that capital increase. From the date of the notice of the share placement terms, preemptive rights may be transferred separately from the corresponding shares.

 

The Superintendency of Finance will authorize decreases in the outstanding capital stock decided by the holders of common shares only if: (i) Bancolombia has no liabilities; (ii) Bancolombia’s creditors consent in writing; or (iii) the outstanding capital stock remaining after the reduction represents at least twice the amount of Bancolombia’s liabilities.

 

Limits on Purchases and Sales of Capital Stock by Related Parties

 

Pursuant to the Colombian Commerce Code, the members of the Bank’s board of directors and certain of our principal executive officers may not, directly or undirectly, buy or sell shares of our capital stock while they hold their positions, except when dealing with nonspeculative operations and in that case they need to obtain the prior authorization of the board of directors passed with the vote of two-thirds of its members (excluding, in the case of transactions by a director, such director’s vote) or when deemed relevant by the Board of Directors of the Bank with the authorization of the Shareholders Meeting the affirmative vote of the ordinary majority foreseen in the bylaws, excluding the vote of the petitioner.

 

No Redemption

 

Colombian law prohibits Bancolombia from repurchasing shares of its capital stock, including the preferred shares.

 

Limitations on the Rights to Hold Securities

 

There are no limitations in our by-laws or Colombian law on the rights of Colombian residents or foreign investors to own the shares of the Bank, or on the right to hold or exercise voting rights with respect to those shares.

 

Restrictions on Change of Control Mergers, Acquisitions or Corporate Restructuring of the Company

 

Under Colombian law and our bylaws, the general shareholders’ meeting has full and exclusive authority to approve any corporate restructuring including, mergers, acquisitions or spin-offs upon authorization by the Colombian Superintendency of Finance.

 

Ownership Threshold Requiring Public Disclosure

 

We must disclose to the Superintendency of Finance at the end of each fiscal year the names of the shareholders of our company, indicating at least, the twenty shareholders with the highest number of shares.

 

Colombian securities regulations set forth the obligation to disclose any material event or relevant fact. Any transfer of shares equal or greater than 5% of our capital stock or any person acquiring a percentage of shares that would make him the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our capital stock, is a material event, and therefore, must be disclosed to the Superintendency of Finance.

 

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Changes in the Capital of the Company

 

There are no conditions in our by-laws governing changes in our capital stock that are more stringent than those required under Colombian law.

 

C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS

 

Bancolombia has not entered into any contract, other than those entered in the ordinary course of business or that are not considered to be material, to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party, for the two years immediately preceding publication of this Annual Report.

 

D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS

 

The Central Bank has consistently made foreign currency available to Colombian private sector entities to meet their foreign currency obligations. Nevertheless, in the event of shortages, foreign currency may not be available to private sector companies and the amounts needed by the Bank to service foreign currency obligations may not be purchased in the open market without substantial additional costs.

 

The Foreign Exchange Statute, Law 9 of 1991, outlines the Colombian foreign exchange regime which relates to matters such as imports and exports of goods, foreign indebtedness, and guarantees in foreign currencies, among others. Additionally, Decree 1068 of 2015, as amended, sets forth an International Investments Regime which provides for rules applicable to foreign residents who invest in the Colombian securities markets and undertake other types of investments, prescribes registration with the Central Bank of certain foreign exchange transactions, and specifies procedures pursuant to which certain types of foreign investments are to be authorized and administered. Both, the Foreign Exchange Statute and the International Investments Regime are regulated by External Resolution No. 8 of 2000 and External Regulating Circular DCIN 83 of 2006, both as amended, of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank.

 

Under Colombian law and the Bank’s by-laws, foreign investors receive the same treatment as Colombian citizens with respect to ownership and the voting rights of ADSs and preferred shares. For a detailed discussion of ownership restrictions see Item 4. “Information on the Company - B. Business Overview - B.8. Supervision and Regulation – Ownership and Management Restrictions”.

 

E. TAXATION

 

Colombian Taxation

 

For purposes of Colombian taxation, an individual is a resident of Colombia if he or she has a consecutive or non-consecutive physical presence in Colombia for more than 183 days, including days of arrival and departure from the country, during a 365 continuous days’ period, provided that, if the physical presence is exercised in two different fiscal years, the individual is deemed to be a resident on the second fiscal year. An individual is also considered as resident if he or she meets any of the following conditions:

 

· The individual is exempt from income and occasional gains’ taxes in the country, as a consequence of his or her service as a member of the foreign or diplomatic service of Colombia.

 

· The individual is a Colombian citizen and during the applicable fiscal year:

 

(a) his or her spouse or life partner, or underage children, are residents in Colombia;

 

(b) 50% or more of his or her income has a Colombian source;

 

(c) 50% or more of his or her assets are managed or held or deemed to be held in Colombia;

 

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(d) 50% or more of his or her assets are owned in Colombia;

 

(e) The Colombian taxation authority has requested evidence of the non-resident status, and it is not provided by the individual; or

 

(f) He or she has a fiscal residence in a tax haven jurisdiction.

 

· An individual is not considered a tax resident if meets any of the above conditions but fulfills at least one of the following: 

 

(a) 50% or more of the individual’s annual income has its source in the jurisdiction in which they are domiciled; or

 

(b) 50% or more of its assets are located in the jurisdiction where they are domiciled.

 

For purposes of Colombian taxation, a legal entity is a resident of Colombia if its principal office is located in Colombia. For this purpose, the principal office means the place where material commercial and management decisions are made.

 

Foreign companies, foreign investment funds, and individuals that are not Colombian residents are not required by law to file an income tax return in Colombia when their income has been previously subject to withholding tax, provided that such income results from payments of dividends, capital gains or labor related income.

 

Pursuant to the International Investment Regime (see “Item 10. Additional Information – D. Exchange Controls”), the preferred shares deposited under the Deposit Agreement constitute a Foreign Institutional Capital Investment Fund (the “Fund”). Under Article 18-1 of the Fiscal Statute, modified by the Law 1607 of 2012, profits of the Fund, excluding dividends, are subject to withholding tax. The applicable taxation rate is 14%, provided that the Depositary is not located in a tax haven, in which case, the applicable taxation rate is 25%.

 

If the Depositary sells, or otherwise negotiates, the preemptive rights it would be entitled to in the event of a new issue of shares (see Item 3. “Key Information - D. Risk Factors - Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the American Depositary Shares ADSs”), the profits obtained from such disposal will be subject to withholding tax.

 

Dividends paid by the Bank are not subject to withholding tax, provided that they are previously taxed earnings of Bancolombia, pursuant to Article 49 of the Fiscal Statute. If the dividends are paid out of non-taxed earnings of the Bank, they will be subject to a withholdable tax at a rate of 25%.

 

Likewise, dividends paid to a holder of preferred shares (as distinguished from the ADSs representing such preferred shares) who is not a resident of Colombia, and who holds the preferred shares in his own name, rather than through another institutional or individual fund, in compliance with the International Investment Regime, will be subject to income tax if such dividends do not correspond to the Bank’s profits that have been previously taxed. For these purposes, the applicable rate is 33%.

 

Pursuant to article 36-1 of the Fiscal Statute, profits received by a Colombian or foreign investor derived from the disposal or negotiation of stock listed in the Colombian Stock Exchange, are not subject to withholding or any other tax in Colombia, provided that the transaction does not involve the disposal of 10% or more of the company’s outstanding shares by the same beneficial owner in one taxable year.

 

Other Tax Considerations

 

As of the date of this report, there is no income tax treaty and no inheritance or gift tax treaty in effect between Colombia and the United States. Transfers of ADSs from non-residents or residents to non-residents of Colombia by gift or inheritance are not subject to Colombian income tax. Transfers of ADSs or preferred shares by gift or inheritance from residents to residents or from non-residents to residents will be subject to Colombian income tax at the income tax rate applicable for occasional gains obtained by residents of Colombia. Transfers of preferred shares by gift or inheritance from non-residents to non-residents or from residents to non-residents are also subject to income tax in Colombia at the applicable rate. There are no Colombian stamps, issue, registration, transfer or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of preferred shares or ADSs.

 

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United States Federal Income Taxation Considerations

 

In General

 

This section describes the material United States federal income tax consequences generally applicable to a U.S. holder (as defined below) of owning preferred shares or ADSs. It applies to you only if you hold your preferred shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including:

 

§ a dealer in securities,

 

§ a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings,

 

§ a tax-exempt organization,

 

§ a life insurance company,

 

§ a person liable for alternative minimum tax,

 

§ a person that actually or constructively owns 10% or more of our voting stock,

 

§ a person that holds preferred shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction,

 

§ a person that purchases or sells preferred shares or ADSs as part of a wash sale for tax purposes, or

 

§ a person whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.

 

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. There is currently no comprehensive income tax treaty between the United States and Colombia. In addition, this section is based in part upon the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

 

If a partnership holds the preferred shares or ADSs, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the preferred shares or ADSs should consult its tax advisor with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment of an investment in the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

You are a U.S. holder if you are a beneficial owner of preferred shares or ADSs and you are:

 

§ a citizen or resident of the United States,

 

§ a domestic corporation,

 

§ an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or

 

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§ a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

 

In general, and taking into account the earlier assumptions, for United States federal income tax purposes, if you hold ADRs evidencing ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the preferred shares represented by those ADRs. Exchanges of preferred shares for ADRs, and ADRs for preferred shares generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax.

 

Taxation of Dividends and Distributions

 

Under the United States federal income tax laws, and subject to the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, rules discussed below, the gross amount of any dividend we pay out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) is subject to United States federal income taxation. If you are a non-corporate U.S. holder, dividends paid to you that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to you at preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided that you hold the preferred shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or, if the dividend is attributable to a period or periods aggregating over 366 days, provided that you hold the preferred shares or ADSs for more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before the ex-dividend date) and meet other holding period requirements. Dividends we pay with respect to the ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income provided that, in the year that you receive the dividend, the ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. The Bank believes that its ADSs, which are listed on the NYSE, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States; however, there can be no assurance that the Bank’s ADSs will continue to be readily tradable on an established securities market. Because the preferred shares are not listed on any United States securities market, it is unclear whether dividends we pay with respect to the preferred shares will also be qualified dividend income. If dividends we pay with respect to our preferred shares are not qualified dividend income, then the U.S. dollar amount of such dividends received by a U.S. holder (including dividends received by a non-corporate U.S. holder) will be subject to taxation at ordinary income tax rates.

 

You must include any Colombian tax withheld from the dividend payment in this gross amount even though you do not in fact receive it. The dividend is taxable to you when you, in the case of preferred shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, receive the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from other United States corporations. The amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the Colombian Peso payments made, determined at the spot Colombian Peso / U.S. dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date you include the dividend payment in income to the date you convert the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in the preferred shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain. However, we do not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, you should expect to generally treat distributions with respect to preferred shares or ADSs as dividends.

 

Subject to certain limitations, the Colombian tax withheld and paid over to Colombia will be creditable or deductible against your United States federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to preferential rates. To the extent a refund of the tax withheld is available to you under Colombian law, the amount of tax withheld that is refundable will not be eligible for credit against your United States federal income tax liability. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex, and U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the creditability of foreign taxes in their particular circumstances.

 

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For foreign tax credit purposes, dividends will be income from sources outside the United States and will, depending on your circumstances, be either “passive” or “general” income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to you.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, if you sell or otherwise dispose of your preferred shares or ADSs, you will recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount that you realize and your tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in your preferred shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the property is held for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

 

PFIC Rules

We believe that preferred shares and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If we were to be treated as a PFIC, unless you elect to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to your preferred shares or ADSs, the following rules would apply. With certain exceptions, your preferred shares or ADSs would be treated as stock in a PFIC if we were a PFIC at any time during your holding period in your preferred shares or ADSs.

 

Any “excess distributions,” which would include any distributions during a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by you in respect of the preferred shares or ADSs during the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, your holding period for the preferred shares or ADSs, and any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of your preferred shares or ADSs would be allocated ratably over your holding period for the preferred shares or ADSs and would generally be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. Any gain recognized would not be treated as capital gain.

 

If you own preferred shares or ADSs in a PFIC that are treated as marketable stock, you may make a mark-to-market election. If you make this election, you will not be subject to the PFIC rules described above. Instead, in general, you will include as ordinary income each year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of your preferred shares or ADSs at the end of the taxable year over your adjusted basis in your preferred shares or ADSs. These amounts of ordinary income will not be eligible for the favorable tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains. You will also be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of your preferred shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). Your basis in the preferred shares or ADSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts.

 

In addition, notwithstanding any election you make with regard to the preferred shares or ADSs, dividends that you receive from us would not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead would be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

 

Medicare Tax

 

A U.S. holder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. holder’s “net investment income” (or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust) for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals is between USD 125,000 and USD 250,000, depending on the individual’s circumstances). A holder’s net investment income generally includes its dividend income and its net gains from the disposition of preferred shares or ADSs, unless such dividend income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). If you are an individual, estate or trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

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Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets

 

Owners of “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of USD 50,000 (and in some circumstances, a higher threshold) may be required to file an information report with respect to such assets with their tax returns. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following, but only if they are held for investment and not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities issued by non-United States persons (including the preferred shares and ADSs), (ii) financial instruments and contracts that have non-United States issuers or counterparties, and (iii) interests in foreign entities. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this reporting requirement to their ownership of the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS

 

Not applicable.

 

H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

 

Bancolombia files reports and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may read and copy any document that Bancolombia files at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Some of the Bank’s SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Introduction

 

The following section describes the market risks to which Bancolombia is exposed and the tools and methodology used to measure these risks as of December 31, 2015. Bancolombia faces market risk as a consequence of its lending, trading and investments businesses. Market risk represents the potential loss due to adverse changes in market prices of financial instruments as a result of movements in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and other risk factors, such as sovereign risk. 

 

Bancolombia’s risk management strategy, called the Integrated Risk Management Strategy, is based on principles set by international bodies and by Colombian regulations, and is guided by Bancolombia’s corporate strategy. The main objective of the Integrated Risk Management Strategy is to identify, measure, coordinate, monitor, report and propose policies for market and liquidity risks of the Bank, which in turn serve to facilitate the efficient administration of Bancolombia’s assets and liabilities. Bancolombia’s board of directors and senior management have formalized the policies, procedures, strategies and rules of action for market risk administration in its “Market Risk Manual”. This manual defines the roles and responsibilities within each subdivision of the Bank and their interaction to ensure adequate market risk administration.

 

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The Bank’s Market Risks Management Office is responsible for: (a) identifying, measuring, monitoring, analyzing and controlling the market risk inherent in the Bank’s businesses, (b) analyzing the Bank’s exposure under stress scenarios and confirming compliance with Bancolombia’s risk management policies, (c) analyzing the methodologies for valuation of the market value securities and financial instruments design by the official price vendor, (d) reporting to senior management and the board of directors any violation of Bancolombia’s risk management policies, (e) reporting to the senior management on a daily basis the levels of market risk associated with the trading instruments recorded in its treasury book (the “Treasury Book”), and (f) proposing policies to the board of directors and to senior management that ensure the maintenance of predetermined risk levels. The Bank has also implemented an approval process for new products across each of its subdivisions. This process is designed to ensure that every subdivision is prepared to incorporate the new product into their procedures, that every risk is considered before the product is incorporated and that approval is obtained from the board of directors before the new product can be sold.

 

The Bank’s assets include both trading and non-trading instruments. Trading instruments are recorded in the Treasury Book and include fixed income securities and derivatives, foreign exchange (FX) and bond futures, and over-the-counter plain vanilla and exotic derivatives. Trading in derivatives includes forward contracts in foreign currency operations, plain vanilla options and Asian options on U.S. dollar/COP currency, foreign exchange swaps and interest rate swaps. Non-trading instruments are recorded in the Bank’s banking book (the “Banking Book”), which includes primarily loans, time deposits, checking accounts and savings accounts.

 

The Bank uses a value at risk (“VaR”) calculation to limit its exposure to the market risk of its Treasury Book. The board of directors is responsible for establishing the maximum VaR based on its assessment of the appropriate level of risk for Bancolombia. The Risks Committee is responsible for establishing the maximum VaR by type of investment (e.g., fixed income in public debt) and by type of risk (e.g., currency risk). These limits are supervised on a daily basis by the Market Risk Management Office.

 

For managing the interest rate risk from banking activities, the Bank analyzes the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. In addition, the foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the Banking Book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

Trading Instruments Market Risk Measurement

 

The Bank currently measures the Treasury Book exposure to market risk (including over-the-counter derivatives positions) as well as the currency risk exposure of the Banking Book, which is provided to the Treasury Division, using a VaR methodology established in accordance with “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, issued by the Superintendency of Finance.

 

The VaR methodology established by “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular” is based on the model recommended by the Amendment to the Capital Accord to Incorporate Market Risks of Basel Committee of 2005, which focuses on the Treasury Book and excludes investments measured under amortized cost which are not being given as collateral and any other investment that comprises the Banking Book, such as non-trading positions. In addition, the methodology aggregates all risks by the use of correlations, through an allocation system based on defined zones and bands, affected by given sensitivity factors.

 

The total market risk for the Bank is calculated by the arithmetical aggregation of the VaR calculated for each subsidiary. The aggregated VaR is reflected in the Bank’s Capital Adequacy (Solvency) ratio, in accordance with Decree 1771 of 2012.

 

For purposes of VaR calculations, a risk exposure category is any market variable that is able to influence potential changes in the portfolio value. Taking into account a given risk exposure, the VaR model assesses the maximum loss not exceeded at a specified confidence level over a given period of time. The fluctuations in the portfolio’s VaR depend on volatility, modified duration and positions changes relating to the different instruments that are subject to market risk.

 

The relevant risk exposure categories for which VaR is computed by Bancolombia according to the “Chapter XXI, appendix 1 of the Basic Accounting Circular” are: (i) interest rate risks relating to local currency, foreign currency and UVR; (ii) currency risk; (iii) stock price risk; and (iv) fund risk.

 

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Interest Rate Risk (Treasury Book):

 

The interest rate risk is the probability of decrease in the market value of the position due to fluctuations in market interest rates. Bancolombia calculates the interest rate risk for positions in local currency, foreign currency and UVR separately, in accordance with Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular issued by the Superintendency of Finance. The calculation of the interest rate risk begins by determining the net position in each instrument and estimating its sensitivity by multiplying its net present value (“NPV”) by its “modified duration” and by the interest rate’s estimated fluctuation (as defined by the Superintendency of Finance). The interest rate’s fluctuations are established by the Superintendency of Finance according to historical market performance, as shown in the following table:

 

Figure 1. Interest Risk – Sensitivity by Bands and Zones

 

          Modified Duration     Interest rate fluctuations (basis points)  
Zone   Band     Low     High     Pesos     URV     USD  
      1       0       0.08       274       274       100  
      2       0.08       0.25       268       274       100  
Zone 1     3       0.25       0.5       259       274       100  
      4       0.5       1       233       274       100  
      5       1       1.9       222       250       90  
Zone 2     6       1.9       2.8       222       250       80  
      7       2.8       3.6       211       220       75  
      8       3.6       4.3       211       220       75  
      9       4.3       5.7       172       200       70  
      10       5.7       7.3       162       170       65  
      11       7.3       9.3       162       170       60  
Zone 3     12       9.3       10.6       162       170       60  
      13       10.6       12       162       170       60  
      14       12       20       162       170       60  
      15       20       -       162       170       60  

 

Once the sensitivity factor is calculated for each position, the modified duration is then used to classify each position within its corresponding band. A net sensitivity is then calculated for each band, by determining the difference between the sum of all long-positions and the sum of all short-positions. Then a net position is calculated for each zone (which consists of a series of bands) determined by the Superintendency of Finance. The final step is to make adjustments within each band, across bands and within each zone, which results in a final number that is the interest rate risk VaR by currency. Each adjustment is performed following the guidelines established by the Superintendency of Finance.

 

The Bank’s exposure to interest risk primarily arises from investments in Colombian government’s treasury bonds (TES) and securities issued by the Colombian government.

 

The interest rate risk VaR increased from COP 172 billion on December 31, 2014 to COP 276 billion on December 31, 2015, due to raise in the position in Colombian government’s treasury bonds (TES) in the liquidity portfolio. During the year 2015, the average interest rate risk VaR was COP 212 billion, the maximum value COP 276 billion, and the minimum value COP 134 billion.

 

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Currency (Treasury and Banking Book), Equity (Treasury Book) and Fund Risk (Treasury Book):

 

The VaR model uses a sensitivity factor to calculate the probability of loss due to fluctuations in the price of stocks, funds and currencies in which the Bank maintains a position. As previously indicated, the methodology used in this Annual Report to measure such risk consists of computing VaR, which is derived by multiplying the position by the maximum probable variation in the price of such positions (“ D p”). The D p is determined by the Superintendency of Finance, as shown in the following table:

 

Figure 2. Sensitivity Factor for Currency Risks, Equity Risks and Fund Risks

 

USD     5.50 %
Euro     6.00 %
Other currencies     8.00 %
Funds     14.70 %
Stock Price     14.70 %

 

The currency risk VaR rose from COP 56 billion as of December 31, 2014 to COP 349 billion as of December 31, 2015 due to the increase in the net long position in U.S. dollars, euros and Guatemalan quetzales. Between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, the average currency risk VaR was COP 144 billion, the maximum value COP 349 billion, and the minimum value COP 58 billion.

 

The equity risk VaR increased from COP 51 billion as of December 31, 2014 to COP 55 billion as of December 31, 2015 due to the surge in the brokerage firm’s trading position and the increase in the market value of the Bank’s equity positions. Between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, the average equity VaR was COP 57 billion, the maximum value COP 81 billion, and the minimum value COP 49 billion.

 

The fund risk, which arises from investment in mutual funds, dropped from COP 44 billion as of December 31, 2014 to COP 41 billion as of December 31, 2015. Between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, the average fund risk VaR was COP 41 billion, the maximum value COP 47 billion, and the minimum value COP 36 billion.

 

As mentioned above the Bank uses the regulatory VaR model to measure its exposure to market risk, in accordance with “Chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, issued by the Superintendency of Finance. The interest rate’s fluctuations and the sensitivity factors for currency, equity and fund risk used in the model are established by the Superintendency of Finance according to historical market performance, and have not changed since March 2011.

 

Total Market Risk VaR

 

The total market risk VaR is calculated as the algebraic sum of the interest rate risk, the currency risk, the stock price risk and the fund risk.

 

The total market risk VaR had a 123% surge, going from COP 323 billion in December 31, 2014 to COP 721 billion as of December 31, 2015, due mainly to the rise in the currency risk mentioned above.

 

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Assumptions and Limitations of VaR Models :

 

Although VaR models represent a recognized tool for risk management, they have inherent limitations, including reliance on historical data that may not be indicative of future market conditions or trading patterns. Accordingly, VaR models should not be viewed as predictive of future results. The Bank may incur losses that could be materially in excess of the amounts indicated by the models on a particular trading day or over a period of time, and there have been instances when results have fallen outside the values generated by the Bank’s VaR models. A VaR model does not calculate the greatest possible loss. The results of these models and analysis thereof are subject to the reasonable judgment of the Bank’s risk management personnel.

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s consolidated VaR for trading instruments at the end of December 2014 and December 2015.

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Interest Rate Risk VaR     276,405       171,602  
Currency Risk VaR     348,815       56,310  
Equity Risk VaR     54,947       50,949  
Fund Risk VaR     40,675       44,235  
                 
Total VaR     720,842       323,096  

 

Includes Grupo Agromercantil's market risk exposure at a 100%

 

Between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, the average Total VaR was COP 455 billion, the maximum value COP 721 billion, and the minimum value COP 301 billion. 

 

Non-Trading Instruments Market Risk Measurement

 

The Banking Book’s relevant risk exposure is interest rate risk, which is the probability of unexpected changes in net interest income as a result of a change in market interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect Bancolombia’s earnings as a result of timing differences on the repricing of the assets and liabilities. The Bank manages the interest rate risk arising from banking activities in non-trading instruments by analyzing the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. The foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the Banking Book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

Interest Risk Exposure (Banking Book)

 

The Bank has performed a sensitivity analysis of market risk sensitive instruments estimating the impact on the net interest income of each position in the Banking Book, using within a period of twelve months based on hypothetical changes in the interest rates, using a repricing model and assuming positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points (pbs).

 

Table 1 provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate sensitivity for the statement of financial position items comprising the Banking Book:

 

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Table 1. Sensitivity to Interest Rate Risk of the Banking Book

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate risk sensitivity in local currency (pesos) at the end of December 2014 and December 2015:

 

Interest Rate Risk
       
    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Assets sensitivity 100 bps     579,393       492,890  
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps     332,079       306,541  
Net interest income sensitivity 100 bps     247,314       186,349  

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s interest rate risk sensitivity in foreign currency (US dollars) at the end of December 2014 and December 2015:

 

Interest Rate Risk
       
    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (In thousands of US dollars)  
Assets sensitivity 100 bps     74,228       70,345  
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps     69,869       65,746  
Net interest income sensitivity 100 bps     4,359       4,599  

 

Includes Grupo Agromercantil's market risk exposure at a 100%

 

A positive net sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of assets side and therefore a rise in interest rates affects positively the Bank’s net interest income. A negative sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of liabilities side and therefore a rise in the interest rates affects negatively the Bank’s net interest income. In the event of a decrease in interest rates, the impact in the net interest income would be opposite to the mentioned.

 

Total Exposure:

 

As of December 2015, the net interest income sensitivity in local currency for the banking book instruments, entered into for other than trading purposes with positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points was COP 247 million. The sensitivity variation due to interest rate risk between 2014 and 2015 occurred due to the increase in the sensitivity of the loan portfolio.

 

On the other hand, the net interest income sensitivity in foreign currency in the face of 100 basis points was USD 4.4 million, which is not a significant difference between 2014 and 2015.

 

Assumptions and Limitations:

 

Net interest income sensitivity analysis is based on the repricing model and considers the following key assumptions: (a) does not consider prepaid, new operations, defaults, etc., (b) the fixed rate instruments sensitivity includes the amounts with maturity lower than one year and assuming these will be disbursed at market, interest rates and (c) changes in interest rate occur immediately and parallel in the yield curves from assets and liabilities for different maturities.

 

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Structural Equity Risk Exposure (Banking Book)

 

Bancolombia’s investment banking affiliate, in its role of financial corporation, has, directly and through its affiliated companies, structural equity investments. These positions are maintained mostly in energy and construction sectors. Smaller positions are held on the financial sector. Those investments had a 22% decrease in market value, going from COP 337 billion as of December 31, 2014 to COP 262 billion as of December 31, 2015.

 

The structural equity positions are exposed to market risk. Sensitivity calculations are made for those positions:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (in millions of COP)  
Market Value     261,648       337,097  
Delta     14.7 %     14.7 %
Sensitivity     38,462       49,553  

 

A negative impact of 14.7%, applied to the market value, produces a decrease of COP 38 billion on the structural equity investments market value, going from COP 262 billion to 223 billion.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

D. American Depositary Shares

 

D.3. Fees and charges applicable to holders of American Depositary Receipts

 

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

The following are the fees charged by the depositary:

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:   For:
USD 5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)  

• Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property.

• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates.

Registration or transfer fees   • Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares.
Expenses of the depositary  

• Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement).

• Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Taxes and other Governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or share underlying an ADSs, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes.   • As necessary.
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities.   • As necessary.

 

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D.4.i. FEES INCURRED IN PAST ANNUAL PERIOD

 

From January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015, the depositary reimbursed Bancolombia USD 550,000 for expenses related to the administration and maintenance of the ADR facility, investor relations activities, annual listing fees and any other ADR program-related expenses incurred by Bancolombia directly associated with the Bank’s preferred share ADR program. In addition, Fiduciaria Bancolombia, a subsidiary of the Bank, received COP 339 million from The Bank of New York Mellon during the same period in connection with its role as local custodian of the depositary bank.

 

D.4.ii. Fees to be Paid in the Future

 

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse the Bank for expenses incurred that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADS program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. In certain instances, the depositary has agreed to provide additional payments to the Company based on any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse the Company, but the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors.

 

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

There has not been any default, arrearage or delinquency neither in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking or purchase fund installment, nor in any payment relating to indebtedness or dividends by the Bank or any of its subsidiaries.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

There has not been any modification to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds.

 

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ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Bank carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. As a result, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Bank files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and regulations of the SEC and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

 

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.

 

Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

 

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Bank's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The Bank's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

· Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Bank;

 

· Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Bank are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Bank's management and directors; and

 

· Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Bank's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework version). On this assessment, management concluded that the Bank's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015. In addition, there were no changes in Bank´s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect the bank´s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Management excluded from its assessment the internal controls over financial reporting of Banco Agromercantil of Guatemala (BAM) and its subsidiaries, except for controls at the acquiring entity related to the accounting and reporting for business combinations which are part of the internal control over financial reporting of Bancolombia Panama. BAM was acquired by Bancolombia Panama through the acquisition of a 40% interest in 2013 and an additional 20% in Grupo Agromercantil on December 30, 2015.

 

As of the year ended December 31, 2015, Grupo Agromercantil and its subsidiaries represented 6.22% of the Bank’s total assets.

 

The effectiveness of the Bank's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, which report is included on page F-4 of this annual report.

 

ITEM 16. RESERVED

 

A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

The board of directors of Bancolombia appointed Rafael Martinez Villegas as the “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with SEC rules and regulations.

 

Our audit committee financial expert, along with the other members of our audit committee, is considered to be independent according to applicable NYSE criteria.

 

Mr. Martinez has served as the Bank’s audit committee financial expert since he was appointed in October 2012; he owns 11 ordinary shares of Bancolombia and there is no business relationship between him and the Bank, except for standard personal banking services. Further, there is no fee arrangement between Mr. Martinez and the Bank, except in connection with his capacity as a member of the Bank’s board of directors and as a member of the audit committee. Mr. Martinez is considered an independent director under Colombian law and the Bank’s Corporate Governance Code, as well as under NYSE’s director independence standards. For more information regarding our audit committee, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Audit Committee”.

 

B. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND CODE OF ETHICS

 

Bancolombia has adopted a Code of Ethics and a Corporate Governance Code, both of which apply to all employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, as well as to the directors of the Bank.

 

English translations of the Ethics Code and the Corporate Governance Code are posted at Bancolombia’s website at www.grupobancolombia.com.co. The Spanish versions of these codes will prevail for all legal purposes.

 

The Bank also has a phone line called “ethics line” ( línea ética ) which is available for anonymous reporting of any evidence of improper conduct.

 

Under the NYSE’s Corporate Governance Standards, Bancolombia, as a listed foreign private issuer, must disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards. See “Item 16. G Reserved – Corporate Governance”.

 

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C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Audit Fees

 

The aggregate fees billed under the caption audit fees for professional services rendered to Bancolombia for the audit of its financial statements and for services that are normally provided to Bancolombia, in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements totaled COP 14,082 million and COP 11,926 million audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

In 2015 and 2014, Bancolombia paid no other audit-related fees.

 

Tax Fees

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, Bancolombia and its subsidiaries paid COP 28 million and COP 13 million, respectively for concept of tax fees for professional services related to transfer pricing advice provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

 

All other Fees

 

In 2015 and 2014, Bancolombia paid no other fees to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The Bank’s audit committee charter includes the following pre-approval policies and procedures, which are included in the audit committee’s charters:

 

In those events in which additional services are required to be provided by the external auditors, such services must be previously approved by the audit committee. Whenever this approval is not obtained at a meeting held by the audit committee, the approval will be obtained through the Legal Vice Presidency, who will be responsible for soliciting the consent from each of the audit committee members. The approval will be obtained with the favorable vote of the majority of its members.

 

Every request of approval of additional services must be adequately sustained, including complete and effective information regarding the characteristics of the service that will be provided by the external auditors.

 

During 2015, there were no services approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c) (7) (i) (C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

There are no exceptions from the listing standards for audit committees.

 

E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

There have not been any purchases by Bancolombia or any affiliated purchaser (as defined in 17CFR240.10b-18(a) (3)) of shares or any other units of any class of equity securities issued by Bancolombia.

 

Colombian law prohibits the repurchase of shares issued by entities supervised by the SFC. Therefore, neither Bancolombia nor any of its Subsidiaries that are under supervision of such Superintendency may repurchase securities issued by them.

 

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F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

 

On March 16, 2016, the Bank’s shareholders, in their general meeting, dismissed Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) as the registered public accounting firm for the Bank and its subsidiaries, pursuant to the corporate governance code which provides a policy to change such firm at least once every ten years.

 

On the same date, the Bank’s shareholders appointed Deloitte as the new registered public accounting firm beginning on the fiscal year ended in December 31, 2016. This change was approved by the Bank’s audit committee in January 2016. This appointment is subject to confirmation by the SFC.

 

PWC’s report on the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of, and for the years ended in December 31, 2015 and 2014, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, or was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

 

In connection with the audit of the Bank’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, there have been no disagreements with PWC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure or reportable events (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).

 

Further in the two years prior to December 31, 2015 or in any subsequent interim period, Bancolombia has not consulted with Deloitte regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Bancolombia, and either a report was provided to Bancolombia or oral advice was provided that Deloitte concluded was an important factor considered by Bancolombia in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement as that term is used in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F or a reportable event as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F.

 

G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Bancolombia, as a listed company that qualifies as a foreign private issuer under the NYSE listing standards in accordance with the NYSE corporate governance rules, is permitted to follow home-country practice in some circumstances in lieu of the provisions of the corporate governance rules contained in Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual that are applicable to U.S. companies. The Bank follows corporate governance practices applicable to Colombian companies and those described in the Bank’s Corporate Governance Code, which in turn follows Colombian corporate governance rules. An English translation of the Corporate Governance Code is available at Bancolombia’s website at www.grupobancolombia.com.co. The Spanish prevails for all legal purposes.

 

In Colombia, a series of laws and regulations set forth corporate governance requirements. External Circular 029 of 2014, issued by the SFC, contains the corporate governance standards to be followed by companies issuing securities that may be purchased by Colombian pension funds, and determines that entities under supervision of the SFC, when making investment decisions, must take into account the recommendations established by the “Country Code” ( Código País ) and the corporate governance standards followed by the entities who are beneficiaries of the investment.

 

Additionally, Law 964 of 2005 established mandatory corporate governance requirements for all issuers whose securities are publicly traded in the Colombian market, and Decree 2555 of 2010 regulates the information disclosure requirements for the Colombian securities market SIMEV ( Sistema Integral de Información del Mercado de Valores ). Bancolombia’s corporate governance standards comply with these legal requirements and Bancolombia has implemented additional corporate governance measures pursuant to regional recommendations including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) White Paper on Corporate Governance for Latin America and the Andean Development Corporation’s (CAF) Corporate Governance Code.

 

  129

 

 

The following is a summary of the significant differences between the corporate governance practices followed by Bancolombia and those applicable to domestic issuers under the NYSE listing standards:

 

· Independence of Directors. Under NYSE corporate governance rules, a majority of a U.S. company’s board of directors must be composed of independent directors. Regarding Colombian legislation, Law 964 of 2005 requires that at least 25% of the members of the Bank’s board of directors are independent directors, and Decree 3923 of 2006 regulates their election. Additionally, Colombian law requires that all directors exercise independent judgment under all circumstances. Bancolombia’s Corporate Governance Code includes a provision stating that directors shall exercise independent judgment and requires that Bancolombia’s management recommend to its shareholders lists of director nominees of which at least 25% are independent directors. As of December 31, 2015, the Bank’s board of directors included a majority of independent members. For the independence test applicable to directors of Bancolombia, see “Item 10. Additional Information. – B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – Board of Directors”.

 

· Non-Executive Director Meetings . Pursuant to the NYSE listing standards, non-executive directors of U.S. listed companies must meet on a regular basis without management present. There is no prohibition under Colombian regulations for officers to be members of the board of directors; however, it is customary for Colombian companies to maintain separation between the directors and management. Bancolombia’s board of directors does not include any management members; however, the CEO attends the monthly meetings of the Bank’s board of directors, and members of senior management may attend the meetings of the board of directors and committees to guarantee an adequate flow of information between employees, management and directors; in both cases, the CEO and members of senior management are not allowed to vote. In accordance with Law 964 of 2005 and the Bank’s by-laws, no executive officer can be elected as chairman of the Bank’s board of directors.

 

· Committees of the Board of Directors . Under NYSE listing standards, all U.S. companies listed on the NYSE must have an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating/corporate governance committee and all members of such committees must be independent. In each case, the independence of directors must be established pursuant to highly detailed rules enacted by the NYSE and, in the case of the audit committee, the NYSE and the SEC. The Bank’s board of directors has a Designation, Compensation and Development Committee, a Corporate Governance Committee, a Risk Committee and an Audit Committee, each of which is composed exclusively of directors. For a description of the Designation, Compensation and Development Committee, Corporate Governance Committee and Audit Committee, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – C. Board Practices”.

 

· Stockholders’ Approval of Dividends . While NYSE corporate governance standards do not require listed companies to have stockholders approve or declare dividends, in accordance with the Colombian Code of Commerce, all dividends must be approved by Bancolombia’s stockholders.

 

H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

  130

 

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

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

 

1.1 English translation of the corporate by-laws ( estatutos sociales ) of the registrant, as amended on October 30, 2015.
2.1 Deposit Agreement entered into between Bancolombia and The Bank of New York, as amended and restated on January 14, 2008 (1) .
2.2 Instruments defining the rights of the holders of long-term debt issued by Bancolombia S.A. and its subsidiaries.
  The Bank agrees to furnish to the SEC upon request, copies of the instruments, including indentures, defining the rights of the holders of our long-term debt and of our subsidiaries’ long-term debt.
7.1 Selected Ratios’ Calculation.
8.1. List of Subsidiaries.
12.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 22, 2016.
12.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 22, 2016.
13.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 22, 2016.
13.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated April 22, 2016.
15.1 Consent of Pricewaterhouse Coopers Ltda.

 

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement in Form F-6, filed by Bancolombia on January 14, 2008.

 

  131

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

         BANCOLOMBIA S.A        
     
  /s/ JAIME ALBERTO VELASQUEZ BOTERO  
  Name: Jaime Alberto Velasquez Botero.  
  Title: Vice President, Strategy and Finance  

 

Date: April 22, 2016

 

132

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bancolombia S. A.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position and the related consolidated statements of income, and other comprehensive income, changes in equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bancolombia S. A. and its subsidiaries (the “Bank”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014, and the results of their operations, and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Bank maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Bank's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in “Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” appearing under Item 15 of the Bancolombia S. A. Form 20-F dated April 22, 2016.

 

Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltda., Edificio Forum, Calle 7 sur No. 42-70, Torre 2, Piso 11, Medellín, Colombia,

Tel: (57-4) 325 4320, Fax: (57-4) 325 4322, www.pwc.com/co

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bancolombia S. A.

 

April 22, 2016

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

As described in “Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”, management has excluded Grupo Agromercantil Holding S. A. and subsidiaries from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of 2015 because it was acquired by the Bank in a purchase business combination during 2015. We have also excluded Grupo Agromercantil Holding S. A. and subsidiaries from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Grupo Agromercantil Holding S. A. and subsidiaries is a 60%-owned subsidiary whose total assets and total revenues represent 6.22% and 0%, respectively of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltda.

Medellín, Colombia

April 22, 2016

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and January 1, 2014

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos)

 

    Note   December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
Assets                            
Cash and cash equivalents   4     18,597,614       13,466,783       15,445,977  
Financial assets Investments   5.1     14,277,824       12,784,223       13,082,856  
Derivative financial instruments   5.2     2,382,168       1,448,845       529,619  
Loans and advances to customers         145,620,639       115,173,653       96,403,318  
Allowance for  loan and lease losses         (5,248,755 )     (4,789,257 )     (4,473,562 )
Loans and advances to customers, net   6     140,371,884       110,384,396       91,929,756  
Assets held for sale and inventories   12,31     1,950,808       97,744       53,651  
Investment in associates and joint ventures   7     546,549       1,349,697       1,029,482  
Investment property   10     1,505,046       1,114,180       984,701  
Premises and equipment, net   9     3,241,562       2,646,321       2,426,470  
Goodwill and intangible assets, net   8     7,092,255       4,585,849       3,893,518  
Deferred tax, net   11     170,482       187,737       239,359  
Other assets   13     2,836,675       1,564,106       1,360,974  
Total assets         192,972,867       149,629,881       130,976,363  
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                            
Liabilities                            
Deposit  from customers   14     121,802,028       94,769,319       86,512,104  
Interbank deposits   15     400,062       375,958       229,201  
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing   15     1,232,456       1,891,959       1,016,442  
Liabilities relating to assets held for sale   31     1,605,133       -       -  
Derivative financial instruments   5.2     1,930,609       1,471,779       621,988  
Borrowings from other financial institutions   16     19,721,184       13,852,284       12,478,711  
Debt securities in issue   17     19,435,865       14,527,403       12,673,741  
Preferred shares         580,959       579,946       299,963  
Current tax         193,949       119,654       156,676  
Deferred tax, net   11     834,392       543,101       409,842  
Post-employment benefit plans   18     546,422       424,558       323,094  
Other liabilities   19, 20     4,281,889       3,707,440       3,610,794  
Total liabilities         172,564,948       132,263,401       118,332,556  
Stockholders' Equity                            
Share capital   21     480,914       480,914       425,914  
Additional paid-in-capital         4,857,454       4,857,454       2,571,399  
Appropriated  reserves   22     5,877,379       5,130,861       4,372,669  
Retained earnings         5,850,588       5,667,037       4,726,819  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax         2,213,114       735,641       84,821  
Stockholders’ equity attributable to the owners of the Parent Company         19,279,449       16,871,907       12,181,622  
Non-controlling interest         1,128,470       494,573       462,185  
Total stockholders equity         20,407,919       17,366,480       12,643,807  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity         192,972,867       149,629,881       130,976,363  

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F- 1

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos, except EPS)

 

    Note   2015     2014  
Interest on loans                    
Commercial         5,487,993       3,889,542  
Consumer         2,333,173       1,997,319  
Small business loans         188,438       158,344  
Mortgage         1,396,002       1,372,337  
Leasing         1,547,634       1,172,218  
Interest income on loans         10,953,240       8,589,760  
Interest income on overnight and market funds         14,564       11,122  
Interest and valuation on investment   24.1     301,840       571,281  
Total interest and valuation         11,269,644       9,172,163  
Interest expenses   24.1     (4,037,941 )     (3,164,611 )
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments         7,231,703       6,007,552  
Credit impairment charges on loans and financial leases, net         (1,667,680 )     (843,597 )
Allowances for credit losses on off balance sheet credit instruments         (7,421 )     (25,608 )
Total net provisions         (1,675,101 )     (869,205 )
Net interest and valuation income after provisions for  loans and financial leases and off balance sheet credit instruments         5,556,602       5,138,347  
Fees and other service income   24.3     2,790,557       2,495,417  
Fees and other service expenses   24.3     (797,513 )     (669,707 )
Total fees and income from services, net         1,993,044       1,825,710  
Other operating income   24.4     1,372,702       1,136,543  
Dividends received and equity method         211,574       122,689  
Total operating income, net         9,133,922       8,223,289  
Operating expenses                    
Salaries and employee benefits         (2,255,391 )     (1,973,467 )
Other administrative and general expenses   25     (2,237,598 )     (1,947,375 )
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden         (675,387 )     (438,711 )
Provision of goodwill, depreciation and amortization   25     (477,285 )     (459,703 )
Other expenses         (252,626 )     (299,439 )
Total operating expenses         (5,898,287 )     (5,118,695 )
Profit before tax         3,235,635       3,104,594  
Income tax         (649,250 )     (737,676 )
Profit for the year from continuing operations         2,586,385       2,366,918  
Net income from discontinuing operations   31     22,513       62,867  
Net income         2,608,898       2,429,785  
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company         2,518,890       2,387,086  
Non-controlling interest         90,008       42,699  
Basic and Diluted earnings per share to common shareholders   26     2,680       2,591  
From continuing operations         2,656       2,524  
From discontinuing operations         24       67  

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F- 2

 

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos, except EPS)

 

    Note   2015     2014  
                 
Net income         2,608,898       2,429,785  
Other comprehensive (loss) ⁄ income  that will not be reclassified  to profit or loss                    
Remeasurement  loss related to  post-employment benefit plans         (59,434 )     (27,297 )
Related tax         9,312       6,407  
Net of tax amount   11     (50,122 )     (20,890 )
Unrealized gains or (loss) on investments  at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)         128,271       (120,627 )
Related tax         9,052       (3,110 )
Net of tax amount   11     137,323       (123,737 )
                     
Total other comprehensive income (loss) that will not be reclassified  to profit or loss net of tax         87,201       (144,627 )
Other comprehensive profit that may be reclassified  to profit or loss                    
Foreign currency translation adjustments         1,407,675       745,381  
Net of tax amount         1,407,675       745,381  
Net gain on cash flow hedges         6,378       5,734  
Net of tax amount         6,378       5,734  
Unrealized (loss) or gains on investments in associates and joint ventures using equity method.         (23,781 )     34,021  
Net of tax amount         (23,781 )     34,021  
                     
Total other comprehensive  gains that may be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax         1,390,272       785,136  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:         1,477,473       640,509  
Total comprehensive income attributable to:         4,086,371       3,070,294  
Equity holders of the Parent Company         3,996,363       3,037,906  
Non-controlling interests         90,008       32,388  

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F- 3

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the year ended December 31, 2014

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos)

 

    Attributable to owners of Parent Company              
                      Other comprehensive income                          
                                                          Attributable              
    Share                       Investment     Fair value                       to owners     Non-          
    Capital     Additional     Appropriated     Translation     at fair value     hedging           Employee     Retained     of Parent     controlling     Total  
    (Note 21)     paid-in capital     Reserves     adjustment     through OCI     instruments     Associates     benefits     earnings     Company     interest     equity  
Balance as of January 1, 2014     425,914       2,571,399       4,372,669       -       84,115       -       -       706       4,726,819       12,181,622       462,185       12,643,807  
Issuance of preferred shares, see Note 21     55,000       2,286,055                                                               2,341,055               2,341,055  
For paying a dividend corresponding to 509,704,584 common shares and 342,122,416 prefer shares without voting rights, subscribed and paid as of December 31, 2013 and a dividend corresponding to a number up to 110 million prefer shares without voting rights that might be subscribed in the share issuance                     (212,955 )                                             (475,721 )     (688,676 )             (688,676 )
Legal reserve movements                     913,838                                               (913,838 )     -               -  
Release of reserves by law                     (267,739 )                                             267,739       -               -  
Increase of reserves by law                     288,386                                               (288,386 )     -               -  
Other movements (1)             -       36,662                                               (36,662 )     -               -  
Net income                                                                     2,387,086       2,387,086       42,699       2,429,785  
Other comprehensive income                             745,381       (113,426 )     5,734       34,021       (20,890 )             650,820       (10,311 )     640,509  
Balance as of December 31, 2014     480,914       4,857,454       5,130,861       745,381       (29,311 )     5,734       34,021       (20,184 )     5,667,037       16,871,907       494,573       17,366,480  

  

 

(1) This item includes appropriation of profits at the end of the first semester of the Bank’s subsidiaries

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F- 4

 

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos)

 

          Attributable to owners of Parent Company              
                      Other comprehensive income                        
                                                          Attributable              
    Share                       Investment     Fair value                       to owners              
    Capital     Additional     Appropriated     Translation     at fair value     hedging           Employee     Retained     of Parent     Non-controlling     Total  
    (Note 21)     paid-in capital     Reserves     adjustment     through OCI     instruments     Associates     benefits     earnings     Company     interest     Equity  
Balance as of December 31, 2014     480,914       4,857,454       5,130,861       745,381       (29,311 )     5,734       34,021       (20,184 )     5,667,037       16,871,907       494,573       17,366,480  
For paying a dividend corresponding to 509,704,584 common shares and 342,122,416 prefer shares without voting rights, subscribed and paid as of December 31, 2014, at a rate of COP 830 per share.                                                                     (798,316 )     (798,316 )             (798,316 )
Legal reserve movements                     308,442                                               (308,442 )     -               -  
Release of reserves by law                     (288,386 )                                             288,386       -               -  
Increase of reserves by law                     377,470                                               (377,470 )     -               -  
Non-controlling interest (1)                     -                                                               543,889       543,889  
Other movements (2)     -       -       348,992                                               (348,992 )     -               -  
Recognition of GAH´s gross put obligation (3)                                                                     (368,776 )     (368,776 )             (368,776 )
Net income                                                                     2,097,161       2,097,161       90,008       2,187,169  
Other comprehensive income     -       -       -       1,407,675       137,323       6,378       (23,781 )     (50,122 )     -       1,477,473               1,477,473  
Balance as of December 31, 2015     480,914       4,857,454       5,877,379       2,153,056       108,012       12,112       10,240       (70,306 )     5,850,588       19,279,449       1,128,470       20,407,919  

 

 

(1) The increase in the category of non-controlling interest is due to the inclusion of GAH in the consolidated financial statements, see Note 8.3 Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. and the translation adjustment of non-controlling interest.

(2) This item includes appropriation of profits at the end of the first semester of the Bank’s subsidiaries that have prepared semi-annual financial statements.

(3) Due to contractual terms, the non-controlling interest of GAH is entitled to sell its interest to the Bank. See Note 8.3. Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F- 5

 

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

For the years ended 31, 2015 and 2014

(Stated in millions of Colombian pesos)

 

    2015     2014  
             
Net income (loss)     2,608,898       2,429,785  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:                
Depreciation  and amortization     481,558       435,214  
Equity Method     (122,477 )     (60,547 )
Deferred income tax     296,535       270,277  
Allowance for  loan and lease losses     2,190,333       1,308,825  
Allowances for credit losses on off balance sheet credit instruments     26,254       (1,229 )
(Gain) Loss on sales on assets held for sale     (8,453 )     229,371  
Gains on sale of mortgage loans and other assets     (2,247 )     (35,776 )
Valuation gain on investment securities     (478,387 )     (502,047 )
Loss on sale on investment in subsidiary     18,643       -  
Valuation gain on derivative contracts     (558,972 )     134,488  
Goodwill impairment     -       3,179  
Wealth/Equity tax (expenses)     162,302       94,615  
Income tax (expenses)     351,648       467,399  
Other non-cash items     (45,408 )     4,539  
Net interest     (7,140,043 )     (5,715,922 )
Change in assets and liabilities:                
Decrease (Increase) in derivatives     64,456       (483,881 )
Increase in accounts receivable     (680,752 )     (478,288 )
Increase in loans     (15,036,979 )     (13,008,841 )
Increase in other assets     (465,403 )     (215,422 )
Decreasein accounts payable     (359,628 )     (554,738 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities     535,817       21,561  
Increase in deposits     9,797,802       2,869,712  
(Decrease)Increase  in estimated liabilities and provisions     (7,842 )     101,402  
Change in investment securities recognized at fair value through profit or loss     1,729,280       381,104  
Proceeds from sales of assets held for sale     185,777       -  
Others     -       26,094  
Wealth/Equity tax paid     (162,302 )     (94,615 )
Income tax paid     (159,795 )     (79,036 )
Dividend received     192,911       31,582  
Interest received     12,214,438       8,957,399  
Interest paid     (3,771,238 )     (3,203,620 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     1,856,726       (6,667,416 )
Cash flow  from investment activities:                
Purchases of debt securities at amortized cost     (1,768,079 )     (3,018,016 )
Proceeds from maturities of debt securities at amortized cost     1,713,200       4,297,720  
Purchase of Grupo Agromercantil Holding, net of cash acquired     783,803       -  
Purchases of equity instruments and interests in joint ventures     (9,602 )     -  
Proceeds from equity instruments and interests in joint ventures     229,488       -  
Purchases of premises  and equipment  and investment property     (961,827 )     (774,976 )
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment and investment property     289,721       478,356  
Proceeds from sales of investments in subsidiaries, net of cash sold     (248 )     -  
Purchase of other long-term assets     (134,471 )     (48,972 )
Net cash provided by investing activities     141,985       934,112  
Cash flows from financing activities:                
(Decrease) Increase in overnight funds     (898,652 )     1,015,052  
Proceeds of borrowings     13,533,749       7,549,533  
Repayment of borrowings     (13,132,534 )     (8,547,097 )
Placement of long-term debts     2,452,213       1,560,804  
Payment of long-term debts     (1,372,837 )     (1,860,121 )
Issuance of preferred shares     -       2,625,585  
Redemption of preferred shares by Banistmo     (28,081 )     -  
Dividends paid     (785,332 )     (713,679 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (231,474 )     1,630,077  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     3,571,557       2,124,033  
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     1,767,237       (4,103,227 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     13,466,783       15,445,977  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (1)     18,805,577       13,466,783  

 

 

(1) COP 18,805,577 includes cash and cash equivalents related to assets held for sale amounted to COP 207,963. See Note 31 Discontinued Operations.

 

These consolidated statements of cash flows include the following non-cash transactions for the years 2015 and 2014:

a. Restructured loans that were transferred to foreclosed assets amounting to COP 185,042 and COP 169,798, respectively.
b. Foreclosed assets donation amounting to COP 4,539 in 2014; during 2015 there were no foreclosed assets donations. 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F- 6

 

 

BANCOLOMBIA S.A. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014

 

NOTE 1. REPORTING ENTITY

 

Bancolombia S.A., hereinafter the Parent Company is a credit establishment, listed in the Colombia Stock Exchange “BVC,” as well as in New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), since 1981 and 1995, respectively. The Parent Company's main location is in Medellin (Colombia), main address Carrera 48 # 26-85, Avenida Los Industriales and was constituted under the name of Colombian Industrial Bank (BIC) according to public deed number 388, dating January 24, 1945, from the First Notary's Office of Medellin, authorized by the Superintendence of Finance of Colombia. On April 3, 1998, by means of public deed No. 633, Colombian Industrial Bank S.A. (BIC) merged with Bank of Colombia S.A., and the resulting organization of that merger was named Bancolombia S.A.

 

Bancolombia S.A.’s business purpose is to carry out all operations, transactions, acts and services inherent to the Banking business through banking establishments that carry its name and according to all applicable legislation. The Parent Company will be able to keep holdings in other corporations, wherever authorized by law, according to all terms and requirements, limits or conditions established therein.

 

The consolidated structure of the Parent Company includes the following operating segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Leasing, Trust, Investment banking, Brokerage, Off Shore and others. These activities of the Bank (“The Bank”) are described in Note 4, Operating segments.

 

The duration contemplated in the statutes is until December 8, 2044, but it can be dissolved or renewed before the conclusion of that period. The operating license was authorized definitively by the Superintendency of Finance (“SFC”) according to Resolution number 3140 on September 24, 1993. Concerning statutory reforms, in 2015 and by means of public deed number 6,290 dating November 27, 2015 from Notary's Office 25 of Medellin, a statutes reform was formalized, whose main changes were the increase of the authorized capital to COP 700,000, represented in 1,400 millions of shares with nominal value of COP 500 each share and adjustments regarding Corporate Governance.

 

The Parent Company has 19,544 employees, and operates through 827 offices, 6,595 banking Correspondents and 564 Mobile service spots in Colombian territory.

 

The Parent Company also has an agency in Panama City, Panama, and representative offices in Peru and Guatemala.

 

F- 7

 

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

A. Basis for preparation

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Bank are prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (hereinafter, IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (hereinafter, IASB), as well as the interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (hereinafter, IFRS IC).

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of accounting estimates which, by definition, will seldom equal the actual results. Therefore, the estimates and assumptions are constantly reviewed, recognizing the revision in the same period if it affects the reviewed period; or in the reviewed period and future periods if it affects all the current and future periods.

 

Non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at cost or amortized cost, and financial assets and liabilities and investment properties are measured at fair value. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value comprise those classified as assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, and those equity investments measured at fair value through Other comprehensive income (“OCI”); likewise all the financial derivatives and assets and liabilities recognized that are designated as hedged items in a fair value hedge, whose carrying value is adjusted with changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk.

 

The consolidated financial statements are stated in Colombian pesos and its figures are stated in millions, except earnings per share and the market exchange rate, which are stated in Colombian pesos, while other currencies (dollars, euro, pounds, etc.) are stated in thousands.

 

According to Colombian law, the Bank must prepare separate and consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with Decree 2784 of 2012 and 3024 of 2013 issued by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit. This technical framework has been set up based on the IFRS issued by the IASB standards effective until December 31, 2013 and their corresponding amendments.

 

The Parent Company’s separate financial statements are those that serve as the basis for the distribution of dividends and other appropriations by the stockholders. The consolidated financial statements are presented before the General Meeting of Stockholders for information purposes only.

 

B. Presentation of financial statements

 

The Bank presents the statement of financial position ordered by liquidity level. Financial assets and liabilities are offset in the consolidated statement of financial position only when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the amounts recognized and there is an intention to settle on the net amount, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

The consolidated statement of income is prepared based on the nature of expenses. Revenues and expenses are not offset, unless such compensation is permitted or required by any accounting standard or interpretation, and is described in the Bank's policies.

 

The consolidated statement of cash flows was prepared using the indirect method, which adjusts accrual basis net profit or loss for the effects of non-cash transactions, and valuation gains or losses related to investment or financing activities.

 

C. Consolidation

 

1. Subsidiaries

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Bancolombia S.A. and its subsidiaries for the periods ended on December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014. (Opening balance sheet). The Parent Company consolidates the statement of income and statement of financial position of the entities on which it exerts control.

 

F- 8

 

 

In accordance with IFRS 10, a subsidiary is an organization controlled by any of the companies that conform The Bank, as long as they have:

 

- Power over the investee that give it the ability to direct their relevant activities that significantly affect its performance.

 

- Exposure or rights to variable returns for its involvement with the investee.

 

- Ability to use its power over the investee to affect the investor return amounts.

 

The Parent Company has the following subsidiaries making up the Bank´s organizational structure, which is currently registered as a corporate group:

 

Name   Country of
business
  Corporate purpose   % of ownership interest
December 2015
    % of ownership
interest
December 2014
 
Leasing Bancolombia S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento   Colombia   Leasing businesses     100 %     100 %
Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria   Colombia   Trust businesses     98.81 %     98.81 %
Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Corporación Financiera   Colombia   Financial services     100 %     100 %
Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de bolsa   Colombia   Stock market Commission agent     100 %     100 %
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. (1)   Colombia   Financial services     99.99 %     99.99 %
Renting Colombia S.A.   Colombia   Operative leasing     100 %     100 %
Transportempo S.A.S.   Colombia   Transport services     100 %     100 %
Valores Simesa S.A.   Colombia   Several     68.57 %     68.57 %
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S.   Colombia   Investors     99.94 %     99.94 %
CFNS Infraestructura S.A.S. (2)   Colombia   Investors     -       99.94 %
BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S.   Colombia   Real estate     100 %     100 %
Vivayco S.A.S. (in settlement)   Colombia   Portfolio purchase     74.95 %     74.95 %
Uff Móvil S.A.S. (3)   Colombia   Mobile network operator     -       75.05 %
FCP Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario S.A.   Colombia   Real estate     50.21 %     50.21 %
PA Cartera LCB   Colombia   Portfolio management     100 %     100 %
Prosicol S.A.S. (in settlement)   Colombia   Pre-operating stage     68.57 %     68.57 %
Fideicomiso “Lote Abelardo Castro”.   Colombia   Mercantil trust     68.23 %     68.23 %
Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Panama   Commercial bank     100 %     100 %
Valores Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Panama   Stock market Commission agent     100 %     100 %
Suvalor Panamá Fondo de Inversión S.A.   Panama   Holding     100 %     100 %
Sistema de Inversiones y Negocios, S.A. Sinesa   Panama   Investments     100 %     100 %
Banagrícola S.A.   Panama   Holding     99.16 %     99.16 %
Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Banking     100 %     98.12 %
Banistmo Investment Corporation S.A.   Panama   Trust businesses     100 %     98.12 %
Financiera Flash S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100 %     98.12 %
Grupo Financomer S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100 %     98.12 %
Seguros Banistmo S.A. (4)   Panamá   Insurance company     -       98.12 %
Leasing Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Leasing businesses     100 %     98.12 %
Securities Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100 %     98.12 %
Banistmo Capital Markets Group Inc.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100 %     98.12 %
Anavi Investment Corporation S.A. (5)   Panama   Real estate broker     98.12 %     98.12 %
Williamsburg International Corp.   Panama   Real estate broker     100 %     98.12 %
Van Dyke Overseas Corp.   Panama   Real estate broker     100 %     98.12 %
Desarrollo de Oriente S.A.   (5)   Panama   Real estate broker     98.12 %     98.12 %
Bien Raices Armuelles S.A. (6)   Panama   Real estate broker     -       98.12 %
Steens Enterprises S.A.   (5)   Panama   Portfolio holder     98.12 %     98.12 %
Ordway Holdings S.A. (5)   Panama   Real estate broker     98.12 %     98.12 %

 

F- 9

 

 

Name   Country of
business
  Corporate purpose   % of ownership interest
December 2015
    % of ownership
interest
December 2014
 
Financomer S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100 %     98.12 %
Banistmo Asset Management Inc.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100 %     98.12 %
M.R. C Investment Corp. (7)   Panama   Real estate broker     -       98.12 %
Inmobiliaria Bickford S.A.   Panama   Real estate broker     100 %     98.12 %
Banco Agrícola S.A.   El Salvador   Banking     97.36 %     97.36 %
Arrendadora Financiera S.A. Arfinsa   El Salvador   Leasing     97.36 %     97.36 %
Credibac S.A. de C.V.   El Salvador   Trust businesses     97.36 %     97.36 %
Valores Banagrícola S.A. de C.V.   El Salvador   Stock market Commission agent     98.89 %     98.89 %
Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola S.A. IFBA   El Salvador   Holding     98.89 %     98.89 %
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.   Peru   Operative leasing     100 %     100 %
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo - Renting Perú   Peru   Operative leasing     100 %     100 %
Capital Investments SAFI S.A.   Peru   Trust businesses     100 %     100 %
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria   Peru   Trust businesses     98.81 %     98.81 %
Leasing Perú S.A.   Peru   Leasing     100 %     100 %
Banagrícola Guatemala S.A.   Guatemala   Outsourcing     99.16 %     99.16 %
Grupo Financiero Agromercantil Holding S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Holding     60.00 %     -  
Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Banking     60.00 %     -  
Mercomer Bank Ltd. (8)   Guatemala   Banking     60.00 %     -  
Seguros Agromercantil S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Insurance company     59.17 %     -  
Financiera Agromercantil S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Financial services     60.00 %     -  
Agrovalores S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Securities brokerage     60.00 %     -  
Tarjeta Agromercantil S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Credit Card     60.00 %     -  
Arrendadora Agromercantil S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Operating Leasing     60.00 %     -  
Agencia de Seguros y Fianzas  Agromercantil S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Insurance company     60.00 %     -  
Asistencia y Ajustes S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Services     60.00 %     -  
Serproba S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Refurbishment and remodelling services     60.00 %     -  
Servicios de Formalización S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Loans formalization     60.00 %     -  
Conserjeria, Mantenimiento y Mensajería S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Maintenance services     60.00 %     -  
Media Plus S.A. (8)   Guatemala   Advertising and marketing     60.00 %     -  
New Alma Enterprises Ltd. (8)   Bahamas   Investments     60.00 %     -  
Bancolombia Puerto Rico Internacional Inc.   Puerto Rico   Banking     100 %     100 %
Suleasing Internacional USA Inc. (9)   United States   Leasing     -       100 %
Bancolombia Caymán S.A.   Cayman Islands   Commercial bank     100 %     100 %
Bagrícola Costa Rica S.A.   Costa Rica   Outsourcing     99.16 %     99.16 %

 

 

(1) See Note 31 'Discontinued operations'

(2) Investment liquidated by Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. during 2015.

(3) Investment sold by Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. during 2015.

(4) Investment sold for Banistmo S.A. during 2015.

(5) Investments in non-operational stage

(6) Investment absorbed by Van Dyke Overseas Corp during 2015.

(7) Investment liquidated for Banistmo S.A. during 2015.

(8) See Note 8.3 Agromercantil Group Holding (GAH) acquisition”

(9) Investment liquidated by Bancolombia Panamá S.A. during 2015.

 

The consolidation process combines the assets, liabilities and income of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, after adjusting in order to adopt uniform accounting practices and accounting policies.

 

Transactions and balances in foreign currencies are converted by the Bank and its subsidiaries to Colombian pesos using the exchange rates applicable on the corresponding dates when the transactions were originated, as established by the Superintendency of Finance.

 

F- 10

 

 

Intercompany operations and balances between Bancolombia Group companies are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Non-controlling interests in controlled entities are presented in equity separately from the Parent Company stockholders equity. When the Bank loses control over a subsidiary, any residual interest to withhold is measured at fair value; gains or losses arising from this measurement are recognized in profit or loss.

 

2. Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

An associate is an entity over which the Bank has significant influence, without total or joint control.

 

A joint venture is an entity that the Bank controls jointly with other participants, where both maintain a contractual agreement that establishes joint control over the relevant activities of the entity.

 

At the acquisition date, the excess of the acquisition cost of the associate or joint venture shares exceeding the Bank´s share of the net fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities assumed, is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment.

 

The income of the associate or joint venture is incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method. Under this method the investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted to changes in the shares of the Bank in the joint venture or associate's net assets after the date of acquisition, less any loss due to impairment of the investment value. The losses of the associate or joint venture that exceed the amount of the Bank's investment are not recognized.

 

When the equity method is applicable, adjustments are considered in order to adopt uniform accounting practices and policies of the associate or joint venture with the Bank. The portion that corresponds to the Bank in other comprehensive income items obtained by measuring the assets and liabilities at fair value through OCI is recognized, as well as gains and losses recognized by the associate or joint venture, in accordance with the Bank's participation in the associate or joint venture. The equity method is applied from the acquisition date until the significant influence or joint control over the entity is lost.

 

The unrealized gain or loss of an associate or joint venture is presented in the comprehensive statement of income net of tax. Changes in the investment´s participation recognized directly in equity and other comprehensive income of the associate or joint venture are considered in the consolidated statement of equity and consolidated statement of other consolidated comprehensive income.

 

The dividends received in cash from the associate or joint venture reduce the investment carrying value.

 

The Bank periodically analyzes the existence of impairment indicators and the possibility of recognizing losses by impairment of the associate or joint venture. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss and are calculated as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate or joint venture, using the higher value between its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal, and their carrying value.

 

When the significant influence on the associate or the joint venture is lost, the Bank measures and recognizes any residual investment that remained at its fair value. The difference between the associate or joint venture carrying value (taking into account the relevant items of other comprehensive income) and the fair value of the retained residual investment; is recognized in profit or loss.

 

3. Funds administration

 

The Bank manages assets held in private common funds and other means of investment. Assets managed by the Bank’s subsidiaries and owned by third parties are not included in the consolidated financial statements unless control exists under IFRS 10.

 

F- 11

 

  

To determine whether the Bank controls the funds, all of the following conditions are taken into account:

 

· Power over the investee.

· Exposure, or rights, to variables returns from the Bank’s involvement with the investee, and

· The ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns.

 

The Bank consolidates the following funds:

Funds   Country   % Of ownership
interest
    December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
FCP Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario S.A.   Colombia     50.28 %     1,550,219       1,348,833       1,048,096  
PA Cartera LCB   Colombia     100.00 %     1,214,044       1,095,732       966,431  
Suvalor Panamá Fondo de Inversión   Panama     100.00 %     53,939       64,522       61,021  
Fideicomiso “lote Abelardo Castro”   Colombia     68.23 %     8,994       7,962       7,481  
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo Renting Perú   Perú     100.00 %     236       179       145  

 

For all of the aforementioned funds, the Bank has participated in the design of the structured entity, establishes operating and financial decisions of the funds and it is exposed to variable returns such as dividends or returns paid in quarterly installments.

 

The commissions earned by asset management funds are included in the statement of income as “Fees and other service income”.

 

4. Non-controlling interest

 

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are presented separately within the Bank’s equity. Similarly profit or loss and other comprehensive income are also attributed to non-controlling interest and equity holders of the Parent Company.

 

Any purchase or sale of shares in subsidiaries that does not imply a loss or gain of control is directly recognized in equity.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014, the portion of ownership in the FCP Colombia Inmobiliario S.A. was 49.72%, 49.72% and 49.79%, respectively, reason for which is considered as a significant non-controlling interest for the Bank and its subsidiaries. The principal place of business of FCP Colombia Inmobiliario is Bogotá (Colombia).

 

On December 30, 2015 Bancolombia Group Acquired 60% of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. (GAH), the Group conserves 40% of non-controlling interest. For further information about the acquisition of GAH and the net assets acquired see note 8.3.

 

As of December 31, 2014, there were not dividends declared by the subsidiary aforementioned. In contrast, there were returns paid in quarterly installments due to the nature of its business, which mainly comprises: long- term investment in real estate considering low risk options.

 

F- 12

 

  

The following table summarizes the assets, liabilities and profits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and as of January 1, 2014 related to the FCP Colombia Inmobiliario:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of  COP  
Assets     1,550,219       1,348,833       1,048,096  
Liabilities     661,973       590,191       359,875  
Equity     888,246       758,642       688,221  
                         
Income                        
Valuation gains     48,805       18,974       -  
Rents     104,379       84,270       -  
Other income     99,983       50,195       -  
Total     253,167       153,439       -  
Expenses                        
Interest on loans     52,451       57,475       -  
Trust fees     8,819       7,225       -  
Other expenses     36,936       16,955       -  
Total     98,206       81,655       -  

 

The information above is the amount before inter-company eliminations.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the profit allocated to non-controlling interest amounted to COP 69,074 and COP 31,238, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and January 1, 2014 the accumulated non-controlling interest of the FCP Colombia Inmobiliario S.A. amounted to COP 442,314, COP 372,812, and COP 342,200, respectively.

 

As of December 30, 2015, the portion of ownership in Grupo Agromercantil Holding was 40.00%, reason for which is considered as a significant non-controlling interest for the Bank and its subsidiaries. The principal place of business of Grupo Agromercantil and its subsidiaries is detailed in section 2 of this Note.

 

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 of Grupo Agromercantil Holding.

 

    December 31, 2015  
    In millions of COP  
Assets     12,137,258  
Liabilities     10,792,953  
Equity     1,344,305  

 

For the year 2015, the dividends received from Grupo Agromercantil amounted to COP 33,403. The acquisition by stages of this subsidiary took place in December 2015, and the transaction is detailed in 8.3. ‘Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding’.

 

D. Use of estimates and judgments

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the Bank's management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the recognized amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The actual outcome can differ from these estimates. These estimates refer to:

 

Valuation of goodwill:

 

The Bank tests goodwill recognized upon business combinations for impairment at least annually. The impairment test for goodwill involves estimates and significant judgments, including the identification of cash generating units and the allocation of goodwill based on the expectations of which the Bank will benefit from the acquisition. The valuation models used to determine the fair value of the acquired companies are sensitive to changes in the assumptions. Adverse changes in any of the factors underlying these assumptions could lead the Bank to record a goodwill impairment charge. Management believes that the assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and supportable in the existing market environment and commensurate with the risk profile of the assets valued. See Note 8, for further information related to carrying amount, valuation methodologies, key assumptions and the allocation of goodwill.

 

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Deferred income taxes:

 

Deferred tax assets (‘DTA’) are recorded for all deductible temporary differences or carry forwards when it is probable that the Bank can utilize the deductible temporary difference against sufficient taxable income in future periods. In determining the DTA, the Bank performs a review of future taxable income (required for reversing temporary differences and carry forwards) and future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. Due to the continuing weak economic conditions, the determination of the DTA, involves difficult judgments to estimate future taxable income.

 

With regard to state taxes, Bancolombia is subject to Colombian tax legislation. In the case of its companies based in Guatemala, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Panama (only applicable to Banistmo and its subsidiaries) and Peru, it must also calculate the corresponding taxes according to Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, Salvadorian, Panamanian and Peruvian tax legislations.

 

The application of tax legislation is subject to diverse interpretations on the part of both taxpayers and the relevant tax authorities

 

The deferred tax asset is considered as a critical accounting policy, due to tax determinations involving estimates of profits and future taxable incomes that will be settled in future years; such estimates can be affected by changes in economic conditions. See Note 11 for further information related to the nature of the deferred tax assets recognized by the Bank and their carrying amount.

 

Provisions and contingent liabilities:

 

The Bank is subject to contingent liabilities, including judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings and tax and other claims arising from the conduct of the Bank’s business activities. These contingencies are evaluated based on management’s best estimates and reserves are established for legal and other claims by assessing the likelihood of the loss actually occurring as probable or remote. Provisions are recorded when all the information available indicates that it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation before the statement of financial position date and the amounts may be reasonably estimated. The Bank engages internal and external experts in assessing probability and in estimating any amounts involved.

 

Throughout the life of a contingency, the Bank may learn of additional information that can affect assessments regarding probability or the estimates of amounts involved. Changes in these assessments can lead to changes in recorded reserves.

 

The Bank considers the estimates used to determine the reserves for contingent liabilities are critical estimates because the probability of their occurrence and the amounts that the Bank may be required to pay are based on the Bank’s judgment and its advisers, which will not necessarily coincide with the future outcome of the proceedings. For further information regarding legal proceedings and contingencies and its carrying amounts. See Note 20.

 

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Impairment for credit risk:

 

Determining the allowance for loan losses requires a significant amount of management judgment and estimates in, among others, identifying impaired loans, determining customers’ ability to pay and estimating the fair value of underlying collateral or the expected future cash flows to be received. The Bank assess if an asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and if impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a 'loss event') and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. The estimates are considered as critical accounting judgement because: (i) they are highly susceptible to change from period to period as the assumptions about future default rates and valuation of potential losses relating to impaired loans and advances are based on recent performance experience, and (ii) any significant difference between the Bank’s estimated losses (as reflected in the provisions) and actual losses would require the Bank to record provisions which, if significantly different, could have a material impact on its future financial condition and results of operations. The Bank’s assumptions about estimated losses are based on past performance, past customer behavior, the credit quality of recent underwritten business and general economic conditions, which are not necessarily an indication of future losses. For further information regarding risk management (see section Risk Management).

 

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities:

 

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Bank’s statement of financial position include mainly debt and equity securities classified at fair value through profit or loss or at fair value through other comprehensive income, respectively and derivatives contracts.

 

IFRS 13 specifies different levels of inputs that may be used to measure the fair value of financial instruments classified as levels 1, 2 and 3. In accordance with IFRS 13 the financial instruments are classified as follows:

 

Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

For further details, as carrying amount and sensitivity disclosures, please see Note 29 ‘Fair value of assets and liabilities’.

 

E. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Applicable in Future Periods

 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: This Standard was developed in three phases and is mandatorily effective for the periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted.

 

The first stage of this standard presents the requirements for the recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets. In November 2009, the IASB issued the amendments related to classification and measurement of financial assets, in October 2010 some requirements regarding to classification and measurement of financial liabilities were issued, in July 2014, some additional guidance was provided by the IASB related to classification and measurement of financial assets establishing 3 categories for the measurement of financial assets: Amortized cost, fair value through comprehensive income and fair value through profit or loss.

 

The second and third stages present: a) the impairment model based on “expected loss” and -issued in July 2014-; and b) hedge accounting –issued in November 2013-, which requires an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument and that the hedging ratio be the same ratio that the entity uses for risk management.

 

The Bank opted for the early adoption of the version of the first phase of this standard (issued in October 2013), which is related to the recognition, classification and measurement of financial instruments.

 

F- 15

 

 

The Bank has not adopted the hedging accounting nor the expected losses impairment model included in IFRS 9 – November 2013, as a consequence, the measurement of impairment losses and hedge effectiveness are recorded in accordance with IAS 39 1 .

 

IFRS 15, Revenue from contracts with customers: On May 28, 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, which clarifies how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Likewise entities are required to provide more useful information related to significant judgments, nature and costs to obtain or fulfil a contract with a customer.

 

The standard must be applied in an entity’s IFRS financial statements for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. Earlier application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact the changes adoption of IFRS 15 would have on the Bank’s financial statement and disclosures. Management is currently evaluating the impact the changes from adopting IFRS 9 would have on the Bank’s financial statement and disclosures.

 

IFRS 16, Leases: In January, 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 to replace IAS 17. Accounting for finance leases will remain substantially the same. Operating leases will be brought on balance sheet through the recognition of assets representing the contractual rights of use and liabilities will be recognised for the contractual payments. Applying that model, a lessee is required to recognize:

 

(a) Assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and

 

(b) Depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the income statement. The effective date is January 1, 2019.

 

Management is currently evaluating the impact the changes from adopting IFRS 16 would have on the Bank’s financial statement and disclosures.

 

Amendment to IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements: The amendments clarify the accounting for the acquisition of an interest in a joint operation where the activities of the operation constitute a business. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The amendment will have an impact on the Bank’s financial statements only in case of an acquisition of a joint arrangement.

 

Amendment to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets: The amendments clarify that the use of a revenue based depreciation and amortization method is not appropriate, and provide a rebuttable presumption for intangible assets. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact the amendments would have on the Bank’s financial statements.

 

Amendment to IAS 27 Separate Financial Statement - Equity method: The amendment restore the option to use the equity method to account for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in the separate financial statements. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted.

 

Amendment to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures: The amendments relate to an inconsistency between IFRS 10 and IAS 28 and clarify the accounting treatment for sales or contribution of assets between an investor and its associates or joint ventures. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Any possible impacts arising from adopting these changes are being evaluated and will be completed up to the date this standard comes into force.

 

 

1 In accordance with IFRS 9, an entity that applies early adoption for stage 1 ‘classification and measurement model’ is able to decide whether or not to apply the hedge accounting based on IAS39, instead of model required by IFRS 9 until the effective date comes into force (for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018).

 

F- 16

 

 

Amendment to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements: The amendments clarify guidance on materiality and aggregation, the presentation of subtotals, the structure of financial statements and the disclosure of accounting policies The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Management is assessing the impact that the amendments would have on the Bank’s financial statements.

 

Amendment to IAS 7 Cash Flow Statement: In January 2016, the IASB issued guidance requiring accompanying disclosures to the statement of cash flow that include a reconciliation of changes in liabilities arising from financial activities, considering both cash and non-cash transactions. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Any possible impacts arising from adopting these changes are being evaluated and will be completed up to the date this standard comes into force.

 

F. Significant Accounting Policies

 

The significant accounting policies that the Bank uses in preparing its consolidated financial statements are detailed below:

 

1. Functional and presentation currency

 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Bank’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Colombian pesos, which is the functional currency for the Parent Company (the main subsidiary), and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

 

2. Transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates are generally recognised in profit or loss. They are deferred in equity if they relate to qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net investment in a foreign operation.

 

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss.

 

Foreign subsidiaries

 

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the Bank´s presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

· assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position

· income and expenses for each statement of income and statement of other comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates, and

· all resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income

 

F- 17

 

 

As part of the consolidation process, exchange differences arising from debt securities in issue and other financial instruments designated as hedges of foreign operations, are recognized in other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold or any debt securities in issue forming part of the net investment are repaid, the associated exchange differences are reclassified to profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale.

 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing exchange rate.

 

The table below sets forth the exchange rate used by the Bank and its subsidiaries to convert U.S. dollar into Colombian pesos statement of financial position accounts and transactions in foreign currency:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January  1, 2014  
Closing exchange rate     3,149.47       2,392.46       1,926.83  
Average rate for the period ended at     2,746.55       2,000.68       -  

 

3. Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Bank considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash and balances at central bank, interbank deposits and reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending that have original maturities of up to 90 days or less, as shown in Note 5.

 

4. Security deposits.

 

Security deposits are assets pledged as collateral that correspond to cash guarantees made by the Bank to other financial institutions. The carrying amount is increased when a margin call is issued or when it is necessary to increase the trading quota; conversely, it is decreased when the aim is to lower that quota. The carrying amount is recognized for the amount paid by the counterpart and is not subject to interest.

 

5. Business combinations and goodwill

 

Business combinations are those operations when an acquirer obtains control of a business (e.g. an acquisition or merger).

 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as follows: a) Identifiable acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in the acquisition are recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition; b) Acquisition costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received; c) and goodwill is recognized as an asset in the consolidated financial statement.

 

The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Bank.

 

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the value of any non-controlled interest and, when applicable, the fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree, over the net value of the acquired assets, liabilities or contingent liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The profits or losses resulting from the measurement of the previously held interest are recognized in the statement of income for the period.

 

For each business combination, at the date of acquisition, the Bank measures the non-controlled interest by the proportional share of the identifiable assets acquired, as well as liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed by the acquired company, or by their fair value.

 

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Any contingent consideration in a business combination is classified as a liability or as equity and is recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition and remeasured quarterly.

 

The goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at the date of acquisition, to the Bank's cash-generating units which are expected to benefit from the combination, regardless of whether other assets or liabilities assumed by the acquired company are assigned to these units.

 

For business combinations in stages, any previous equity of the acquiring party is adjusted at its fair value at the date of acquisition and any resulting gain (or loss) is reported in the consolidated statement of income. Amounts previously recognized in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income that must be recycle through profit or loss in relation with such investments are reclassified to the consolidated income account, as if such investment had been sold. When the associate has other comprehensive income, which is not reclassified to profit or loss, the amounts are not reclassified when the investment is sold.

 

When the Bank enters into a contract to acquire shares in a subsidiary held by non-controlling interest, that entitles the non-controlling interest to sell its interest in the subsidiary to the Bank, the Bank analyzes whether the ownership risks and rewards remain with the non-controlling interest or have transferred to the Bank. The non-controlling interest is recognized to the extent the risks and rewards of ownership of those shares remain with them. Irrespective of whether the non-controlling interest is recognized, a financial liability is recorded for the present value of the redemption amount. Subsequent changes to the liability are recognized in profit or loss. The Bank will reclassify the liability to equity if a put expires unexercised.

 

6. Financial instruments

 

A financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.

 

6.1 Recognition of financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized in the statement of financial position when the Bank becomes a party of the contractual provisions of the instrument. This includes conventional purchases and sales, which are those purchases and sales of financial assets that require the delivery of assets within the established general period. The Bank uses trade date accounting for regular way contracts when recording financial asset transactions.

 

6.2 Offsetting of financial instruments

 

The Bank reports financial assets and financial liabilities on a net basis on the statement of financial position if and only if (i) there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amounts and there is intention to settle on a net basis, or (ii) to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

The Bank enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting agreements or similar agreements with substantially all of the Bank’s derivative counterparties. Where legally enforceable, and depending on the Bank’s intention, these master netting agreements give the Bank, in the event of default by the counterparty, the right to liquidate securities and cash equivalents held as collateral and to offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty.

 

6.3 Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. A financial liability is removed from the statement of financial position when it is extinguished, that is when the obligation is discharged, cancelled or expired.

 

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6.4 Fair value

 

The fair value of all financial assets and liabilities is determined at the statement of financial position date, for recognition or disclosure in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The fair value is determined:

 

Based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities to which the Bank can access at the measurement date (level 1).

 

Based on valuation models commonly used by the market participants whose inputs are other than quoted prices included with in level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (level 2).

 

Based on internal valuation techniques of cash flow discounts and other valuation models, using unobservable inputs estimated by the Bank for the assets or liabilities, in the absence of observable inputs (level 3).

 

The accounting judgments used in determining fair value related to matters such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. The changes in estimates related to these factors could affect the recognized fair value of the financial instruments.

 

In Note 29 Fair Value Measurement an analysis is provided of the fair values of financial instruments and non-financial assets and liabilities, including further details about the measurement of fair value.

 

6.5 Financial assets

 

On initial recognition, the Bank measures financial assets at fair value plus, in the case of a financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets. The financial assets are then classified for subsequent measurement at fair value or amortized cost, respectively, depending on the business model used by the Bank to manage them and the characteristics of contractual cash flows of the instrument. Additionally, for certain equity instruments, according to IFRS 9, the Bank made the irrevocable election to present their subsequent changes in fair value in other comprehensive income.

 

At subsequent measurement, the Bank measures and classifies its financial assets at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate, if the asset is maintained within a business model whose objective is to hold the asset in order to collect the contractual cash flows and if the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding”. Otherwise, the financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value.

 

The Bank classified the compulsory investment securities portfolio (Títulos de Reducción de Deuda – TRDs and TDAs securities issued by the Colombian government), money market operations, loan portfolio and financial leasing portfolio as financial instruments at amortized cost. Other financial assets, such as debt securities other than TRDs and TDAs, derivatives, and investments in equity instruments are measured at fair value through profit and loss, except for investments in equity instruments for which the Bank made the irrevocable election since initial recognition to measure them subsequently at fair value through other comprehensive income.

 

6.5.1 Money market operations

 

Overnight funds

 

These are funds that the Bank lends to other financial institutions or borrows from the Central Bank and other financial institutions. The transactions in an asset position with maturity of up to ninety days are measured at fair value and classified as cash equivalents. The operations in an asset position with maturity greater than ninety days and all the operations in a liability position are measured at amortized cost and presented as interbank assets or interbank liabilities.

 

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Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured transactions

 

- Asset Position

 

Asset position refers to transactions accounted for as collateralized lending in which the Bank purchases securities with an agreement to resell them to the seller at a stated price plus interest at a specified date. The securities purchased under those agreements are not recognized in the statement of financial position when the counterparty substantially retains all of the risks and rewards of the ownership. Accrued interest is recorded in accounts receivable, and recognized as operating income during the life of the agreement using the effective interest rate method.

 

- Liability Position

 

Liability position refers to transactions accounted for as collateralized borrowing in which the Bank or its subsidiaries sell securities with an agreement to repurchase them from the buyer at a stated price plus interest at a specified date, not exceeding one year.

 

The securities sold under those agreements are not derecognized from the statement of financial position when the Bank substantially retains all of the risks and rewards of the securities. The values received are initially recognized, at their fair value, as a financial liability. Accrued interest is recorded as an interest expense during the useful life of the agreement using the effective interest rate method.

 

6.6 Loans and advances to customers and other receivables

 

These are financial assets that consist primarily of corporate loans, personal loans (including mainly consumer finance and overdrafts) and residential mortgage loans. The Bank established that loans, advances to customers and other receivables are held within a business model whose objective is to hold them in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. They are initially measured at fair value, plus transaction costs and origination fees that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue. They are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method less any impairment.

 

The effective interest method is a method used to calculate the amortized cost of an asset and to assign the income or cost in interest during the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the discount rate at which the present value of future estimated cash payments or those received through the expected life of the financial instrument, or, when appropriate, in a shorter time frame, are equal to the net carrying value at the beginning. To calculate the effective interest rate, the Bank estimates cash flows considering all the contractual terms of the financial instrument ,including transaction costs and premiums granted minus commissions and discounts, but without taking into account future credit losses.

 

6.7 Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost

 

At the end of every period, the Bank assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of assets measured at amortized cost are impaired; impairment is recognized as a result of one or more events that occurred, after the initial recognition of the financial asset, where the loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

 

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

 

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The Bank individually evaluates for impairment financial assets which exceed COP 2,000 million (USD 1 million for foreign subisidiaries). When these significant financial assets are identified as impaired, 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, including the fair value of any collateral, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. When it is determined that the significant financial asset will be substantially recovered solely from the value of collaterals or guarantees, the Group estimates the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount of the loan and the current fair value of the collateral or guarantee less the estimated selling costs when applicable.

 

For loans that are not considered individually significant and for the portfolio of individually significant loans that are not considered impaired, a collective assessment is carried out. Portfolios of financial assets with similar risk characteristics are grouped together, using statistical techniques based on the analysis of historical loss experience. The historical losses information losses used in the process is adjusted to include the most recent data regarding current economic conditions, the performance trends by industry or region, or the concentration of obligations in each portfolio of financial assets by segment, and any other relevant information that may affect the impaired loss allowance.

 

Quantification of the losses based on historical loss experience takes into account three fundamental factors: exposure at default, the probability of default and the loss given default:

 

· Exposure at default: This is defined as the current balance of the principal, interest receivable accounts and other receivables regarding consumer and commercial loans at the statement of financial position date. In the case of loans which include a revolving line of credit that is susceptible to be used in its entirety in the form of loan contracts, this parameter includes the Bank’s expectations of future drawdowns even though the corresponding provisions for committed credit lines are included as liabilities on the statement of financial position.

 

· Probability of default (PD): This is the probability that the debtor fails to fulfill their obligations of capital and/or interest payment based on information available at each statement of financial position date. The PD estimated for a period of 12 months is adjusted by the loss identification period (LIP) in order to estimate the point in time probability of default at the statement of financial position date as follows:

 

- The parameter “point-in-time,” which converts the probability of cycle-adjusted default required for regulatory purposes (defined as the average probability of default in a complete economic cycle) to the probability of default on a given date required by IFRS; known as “point-in-time” probability.

 

- The parameter “loss identification period” (LIP) is the time elapsed between the occurrences of a loss event and the moment in which that loss becomes evident at an individual level. The analysis of LIPs is made based on homogeneous risk portfolios.

 

Financial assets are classified as impaired when the loans are typically three months or more past due as well as in cases where there is other objective evidence of impairment.

 

· Loss given default (LGD): This is defined as the loss the Bank would incur in the event of any instance of default. This depends mainly upon the characteristics of the debtor and upon the valuation of guarantees or collateral.

 

Once a loan or group of loans is classified as impaired, interest income continues to be recognized using the original contractual interest rate of the loan calculated over the carrying amount less the allowance for loan losses.

 

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The financial assets are derecognized from the balance from the allowance for loan losses when they are considered non-recoverable. The recoveries of financial assets previously discounted are registered as an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

 

6.8 Debt modification or restructuring process

 

The debt restructuring is an alternative to achieve a proper collection management. It must be understood as an exceptional resource to standardize the behavior of a portfolio, applied through a legal commitment accomplished previously agreed. Such agreement aims to modify the originally established conditions in order to allow the accurate attention to the debt in the light of the real or potential impairment in the debtor’s payment ability. The debt restructuring is implemented through amendments to the contractual terms, rates and payment terms. In any case, at the restructuring time, all the guarantees must be preserved and if possible, the Bank’s position should be improved by obtaining new guarantees or guarantors that support the obligations.

 

In the restructuring, real property or personal property can be received as foreclosed assets to cancel partially or totally the obligations. Likewise, the Bank can grant discounts on interest or other as commissions. If necessary, the discount can be applied to debt principal, either because the guarantees or payment sources do not have coverage on total debt or because the agreement does not permit full recovery of the total balance. The terms are reviewed In each negotiation to determine if the client should continue in the portfolio and if so, the terms to restore the business relationship after a certain time.

 

When the financial asset is modified and withdraws the full original obligation, costs and fees are recognized as part of profit or loss, as well the difference between the value in the balance sheet and the consideration received. In the case in which the modification is not recognized as a cancellation, the costs and fees are adjusted and will be amortized by the remaining life of the modified asset.

 

Before the restructuring process, the Bank should perform an analysis of the debtor’s projected cash flow in order to evaluate the capacity to pay the proposed plan. Restructuring debts are classified as follows:

 

Private Agreement

 

Are those agreed with the client, after negotiations between the two parties, without any legal special scheme adopted by the debtor.

 

Regulated by the law agreements

 

These are the result of legal bankruptcy and insolvency procedures or corporate restructuring agreements acquired by the client.

 

6.9 Written-Off loan portfolio

 

Written-off loan portfolio will be imposed on the basis of the determination of non-recovery of the principal and receivables from a client or third party. In general, this characteristic will be fulfilled when the following default conditions are presented in the credit portfolio:

 

Type

 

Length of delinquency

Consumer   180 days. For Tuya Credit Card from 135 days
Commercial   360 days
Small Business Loan   180 days
Mortgage   1.620 days. For Banistmo and Banco Agrícola from 720 days

 

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Among the reasons for portfolio default, the estimated obligation recovery time must be considered as well as the probable recovery percentage with or without guarantees.

 

6.10 Leasing

 

The lease agreements entered into by the Bank are classified at the initial recognition as financial or operating leases.

 

The Bank classifies a lease as a financial lease when according to the agreement substantially, all the inherent risks and benefits are transferred to the lesee. Otherwise, the lease is classified as an operating lease, which is subject to depreciation charges and classified in the statement of financial position as premises and equipment.

 

Among the risks transferred are the possibilities of losses through underutilization, technological obsolescence, decrease in profitability or changes in the economic environment. Among the benefits derived from the use are the expectation of profit overthe economic life of the asset and eventually, the appreciation of its residual value or realization of the asset.

 

The following are indications of transfer of risk and rewards of ownership to the lessee:

 

· The lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the leasing term.

· The lessee has the option to purchase the asset at a price that is expected to be sufficiently lower than the fair value at the date the option becomes exercisable for it to be reasonably certain, at the inception of the lease, that the option will be exercised.

· The lease term is the major part of the economic life of the asset even if title is not transferred.

· At the inception of the lease the present value of the minimum lease payments amounts to at least substantially all of the fair value of the leased asset.

· The leased assets are of such a specialized nature that only the lessee has the possibility of using them without making significant modifications.

 

If during the lease term, the lessor and the lessee decide to modify the initial conditions, and the agreed changes result in a different classification, then the modified agreement will be considered a new lease with new clauses that will lead to the classification of a financial or operating lease, as appropriate.

 

6.10.1 The Bank as lessee

 

The assets taken for lease under financial leases are recognized at the lower of the fair value of the leased assets and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Such assets are recognized as properties and equipment in the statement of financial position.

 

The assets leased under financial leases are depreciated throughout their life using the straight line method. However, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Bank will obtain the property at the end of the lease term, the asset is depreciated throughout its life or the lease term, whichever is shorter. The lease payments are divided between interest and debt reduction. The finance charges are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.

 

The payments for operating leases, including incentives granted, are recognized as expenses in the consolidated statement of income during the lease term.

 

6.10.2 The Bank as lessor

 

The assets transferred under financial leases are not recognized as property and equipment since the risks associated with the property have been transferred to the lessee rather,the sum of the minimum payments to be received and any unguaranteed residual value discounted at the lease interest rate is recorded as part of the loan portfolio.

 

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The assets leased under operating leases are recorded as property and equipment. The initial direct costs incurred in the negotiation of an operating lease are added to the carrying value of the leased assets and recorded as a cost during the lease term on the same basis as the lease income. The contingent rents of the leases are recorded as income in the period in which they are obtained.

 

6.11 Financial liabilities

 

At initial recognition, the Bank measures its financial liabilities at fair value minus, in the case of a financial liability not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issuance of the financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss or at amortized cost respectively.

 

Derivative liabilities are measured at fair value through profit and loss. The gains or losses of those liabilities are recognized in the statement of income at the initial recognition and for subsequent measurements. Non-derivative financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate. Gains and losses are recognized in the comprehensive statement of income when the liabilities are derecognized, as well as through the process of amortization under the effective interest rate method, which is included as a financial cost.

 

The compound financial instruments that comprise both a liability and equity component must be separated and accounted for separately. Therefore, for initial measurement, the liability component is determined by discounting future cash flows using the market rate at the date of the issuance (excluding the equity component) and the residual value is assigned to the equity component. Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a compound financial instrument is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The equity component of a compound financial instrument is not re-measured subsequent to initial recognition except on conversion or expiry. The liability component corresponds to the preferred dividend related to 1% of the subscription price, which is the payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares for each period in accordance with the Bank’s bylaws.

 

6.12 Financial guarantee contracts

 

In order to meet the needs of its customers, the Bank issues financial standby letters of credit and bank guarantees. These are commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party and are mainly issued to guarantee agreements established between parties from the energy sector, private sector and public procurement contracts.

 

Financial guarantee contracts are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the consideration received, adjusted for the directly attributable transaction costs incurred. Such contracts are measured at the higher of the expected credit loss estimate according to the model described above in point 6.5. “Depreciation of financial assets at amortized cost,” and the amount initially recognized less the accumulated amortization.

 

Income derived from guarantees is recognized as fees and other service income in the statement of income over the term of the contract.

 

6.13. Derivatives and hedging

 

The Bank enters into derivative transactions only to facilitate customer business or for hedging purposes. Derivative instruments include forwards, options or swaps where the underlying are exchange rates, interest rates and securities. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, and all changes in the fair value are recognized in the consolidated statements of income.

 

The Bank recognizes all of its derivative instruments at initial recognition on its statement of financial position as hedging derivative or as for trading purposes.

 

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Certain transactions with derivatives that do not qualify to be accounted for as hedging are recorded as trading derivatives, even when they provide an economic hedge for the risk management positions.

 

Hedge accounting

 

–  Fair value hedges are used by the Bank, through its Panamanian subsidiary, Banistmo, to protect against changes in the fair value of investment securities that are attributable to interest rate variability. Cash flow hedges are used mainly to reduce the variability in cash flows of deposits issued by Banistmo caused by interest rate changes. When the hedging relationship is considered to be highly effective, the changes in value of the hedging derivative are accounted for according to their classification as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges and hedges of net investment in foreign operations, as set in the paragraph below.

 

The Bank assesses at the inception of the hedge and on a monthly basis during the life of the instrument, whether the hedge used in the transaction is expected to be highly effective (prospective effectiveness), and considers the actual effectiveness of the hedge on an ongoing basis (retrospective effectiveness). The Bank discontinues the hedge accounting when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or if hedge designation is revoked. When hedge accounting for a fair value hedge is terminated the previous adjustments related to the changes in fair value of the hedged item are subsequently recorded in the consolidated statement of income in the same manner as other components of the carrying amount of that asset.

 

The Bank documents at inception the relationship between hedged items and hedging instruments, as well as its risk management objectives and hedging strategies, which are previously approved by the Risk Management Committee as the body designated by the Board of Directors.

 

Hedge relationships, are classified and accounted for in the following way:

 

Fair value hedges are designated to protect against the exposure to changes in the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments.

 

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the statement of income as financial expense or financial income. The change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk is registered as part of the carrying value of the hedged item, and it is also recognized in the statement of income as expense or income.

 

For fair value hedges that are related to items accounted for at amortized cost, the adjustments to the carrying value are amortized through the statement of income during the remaining term until their expiry. The amortization of the effective interest rate will be able to begin as long as there is an adjustment to the carrying value of the hedged item, but it will have to begin at the latest when the hedged item is no longer adjusted by changes to its fair value attributable to the risk that is being hedged. The amortization of the adjustments to the carrying value is based on the effective interest rate recalculated on the starting date of the amortization. If the hedged item is derecognized, the non-amortized fair value is recognized immediately in the comprehensive statement of income. If the hedge instrument expires or it is sold, terminated or exercised, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the Bank discontinues prospectively the hedge accounting. For the items hedged at amortized cost, the difference between the carrying value of the item hedged at the completion of the hedge and the nominal value are amortized using the effective rate method during the time surplus of the original terms of the hedge. If the hedged item is derecognized, the pending value to amortize is recognized immediately in the statement of income.

 

When an unrecognized firm commitment is designated as a hedged item, the subsequent cumulative change in the fair value of the firm commitment attributable to the hedged risk is recognized as an asset or liability with corresponding gain or loss recognized in the comprehensive statement of income.

 

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–   Cash flow hedges are used mainly to reduce the variability related to the cash flows in fair value of the hedged assets or liabilities recognized on statement of financial position or to a highly probable forecast transaction.

 

The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in the statement of income.

 

When the hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss recorded in the statement of other comprehensive income is recognized in the statement of income when the hedged item is recognized in the statement of income.

 

Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation:

 

In accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ and IFRIC 16 ‘Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation’, the Parent Company has decided to apply the hedge accounting of the foreign currency risk arising from its net investment in Banistmo, designating as a hedging instrument certain debt securities in issued by the Parent Company. Considering the hedge accounting relationship, in the case of the net investment, the gain or loss derived from the foreign exchange differences related to the debt securities that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income, as well as the currency translation adjustment of the Banistmo operation into the presentation currency as required by IAS 21 as detailed in F.2. ‘Functional and presentation currency’.

 

7. Premises and equipment

 

Premises and equipment include tangible items that are held for use for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and are expected to be used during more than one period.

 

Items of premises and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The depreciable amount is the cost of an asset less its residual value. The estimated useful lives for each asset group are:

 

Asset group

Useful life range

Buildings   10 to 75 years
     
Furniture and fixtures   5 to 20 years
     
Computer equipment   3 to 20 years
     
Equipment and machinery   3 to 40 years
     
Vehicles   3 to 6 years

 

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. When there is a significant change, the depreciation and the charge to the statement of income are adjusted based on the new estimation.

 

Assets classified as premises and equipment are subject to impairment tests when events or circumstances occur indicating that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable

An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount and is recognized in the statement of income as ‘Other assets impairment’.

 

When the carrying value exceeds the recoverable value, the carrying value is adjusted to its recoverable value, modifying the future charges for depreciation, according to its new remaining useful life.

 

In a similar way, when indications exist that the value of an asset has been recovered, the recoverable value of the asset is estimated and recognized in the statement of income, registering the reversion of the impairment loss in previous periods, and consequently the future charges for the asset’s depreciation are adjusted. In any case, the reversion of the impairment loss of assets cannot increase its carrying value above the amount that it would have if impairment losses in previous periods had not been recognized.

 

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For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the smallest identifiable group that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). The evaluation can be carried out at individual asset level when the fair value less the cost of sale can be reliably determined and the value in use is estimated to be close to its fair value less costs to sell and fair value less costs to sell can be determined

 

Maintenance expenses of the premises and equipment are recognized as a cost in the period in which they are incurred and are registered in the consolidated statement of income as other administrative and general expenses.

 

Gains and losses in the sale of premises and equipment are registered in the consolidated statement of income as other income or other expenses.

 

8. Investment properties

 

Land and buildings that the Bank holds to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both rather than for their use in the supply of services or sale in the ordinary course of business are recognized as investment properties.

 

The investment properties are measured initially at cost, including the transaction costs. The carrying value includes the cost of replacement or substitution of a part of an investment property at the time in which the cost is incurred, if the cost meets the recognition criteria; and it excludes the daily maintenance costs of the investment property.

 

After the initial recognition, the investment properties are measured at fair value which reflects the market conditions at the statement of financial position date. The gains and losses that arise from changes in the fair values of investment properties are included in the statement of income as ‘Other income’.

 

The investment properties are derecognized, either at the moment of their disposal, or when they are permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefits are expected. The difference between the net disposal proceeds of the asset and the carrying value is recognized in profit or loss in the period the disposal occurs.

 

Transfers to or from the investment properties are only made when there is a change in its use. For a transfer from an investment property to fixed assets, the cost taken into account for its subsequent accounting is the fair value at the time of the change in use. If a fixed asset becomes an investment property, it will be accounted for by its fair value.

 

9. Intangible assets

 

An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset with no physical appearance. Separately acquired intangible assets are measured initially at their cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in business combinations is their fair value at the date of acquisition. After the initial recognition, the intangible assets are accounted for at cost less any accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment loss. The costs of internally generated intangible assets, excluding the costs from development that meet the recognition criteria, are not capitalized and the expense is reflected in the statement of income as it is incurred.

 

The useful lives of intangible assets are determined as finite or indefinite. The intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The Bank assesses its intangible assets in order to identify whether any indications of impairment exist, as well as possible reversal of previous impairment losses. The amortization period and the amortization method for intangible assets with a finite useful life are reviewed at least at the close of each period. The expected changes in the useful life or in the pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits of the asset are accounted for when changing the period or amortization method, as appropriate, and they are treated as changes in the accounting estimates. The amortization expense of intangible assets with finite useful lives is recognized in the statement of income. The useful lives of the intangible assets with finite life ranges between 1 and 10 years.

 

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Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization, but are periodically tested in order to identify any impairment, either individually or at the cash-generating unit level. The assessment of the indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine if it continues being valid.

 

The gain or loss that arises when an intangible asset is derecognized are measured as the difference between the disposal value and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognized in the statement of income.

 

10. Research and development costs

 

The research costs are recorded as expenses as they are incurred. Costs directly related to the development of a stand-alone project are recognized as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:

 

It is technical feasible of to complete the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale;
Management intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;
There is an ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
It can be demonstrated how the asset will generate probable future economic benefits;
Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset are available; and
The expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be reliably measured.

 

In the statement of financial position, the related capitalized costs are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Costs are capitalized during the application development stage and amortized on a straight line basis since the beginning of the production stage over the period of expected future economic benefits. During the development period, the asset is subjected to annual impairment tests to determine if impairment indications exists. The research and development costs that do not qualify for capitalization are recorded as expenses in the income of the period.

 

The Bank’s intangible assets comprise mainly intangibles of finite useful life: computer programs and applications, the legal stability agreement signed with the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, customer relationships and patents.Intangibles of indefinite useful life comprise Goodwill

 

10.1 Expenses paid in advance

 

The Bank registers the value of the prepaid expenses which it incurs in the development of its business with the purpose of receiving services in the future.Prepaid expenses are amortized during the period in which the services are received or the costs or expenses are recorded.

 

11. Inventories

 

The inventories of returned goods are those assets that come from an early termination of a lease (returned goods) or those upon which the lease has already concluded (premises and equipment), which are expected to be sold in the normal course of business. These are controlled by the Bank and are expected to generate future economic benefits.

 

The inventory of returned goods is recognized as an asset from the date in which the Bank assumes the risks and benefits of the inventories. The cost of it can be reliably measured and it is probable that it will generate future economic benefits.

 

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The inventories of returned goods are valued using the specific identification method and their costs include the carrying value at the time the asset is returned.

 

The carrying values of returned goods is measured at the lower of the leasing agreement and the net realizable value (NRV). The net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less its estimated costs to make the sale. The adjusted amount in the carrying value to reach the net realizable value, is recognized in the statement of income of the period in which the goods are returned. The value of any reversion that comes from an increase in the net realizable value in which the increase occurs is recognized as a lower expense in the period.

 

When the inventories of returned goods are sold, their carrying value is recognized as a cost in the period in which the goods are sold.

 

Other inventories than returned goods are measured initially at acquisition cost which comprises the sum of the purchase price, the import costs (if applicable), the non-recoverable taxes paid, the storage, the transport costs, and other attributable or necessary costs for their acquisition, less discounts, reductions or similar items. Those inventories do not include selling costs.

 

The Bank must review the NRV 2 of its inventories, at least annually or whenever necessary by market conditions. Any write-down adjustment must be recognized directly in the statement of income.

 

12. Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations

 

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying value will be recovered through a sale transaction, rather than through continuing use. These assets or groups of assets are shown separately in the statement of financial position at the lower of their carrying value and their fair value less costs to sell and they are not depreciated nor amortized from the date of their classification.

 

The held for sale condition is met if the assets or group of assets are available, in their current condition, for immediate sale and the sale transaction is highly probable and is expected to be completed within the year following the date of classification.

 

The Bank and its subsidiaries perform the measurement of the assets held for sale at the statement of financial position date. However these assets are evaluated quarterly if exist impairment indicators that imply review of the carrying value recorded in the accounts. If those indications are identified, impairment losses are recognized for the difference between the carrying and recoverable amount of an asset as ‘Other assets impairment’ in the statement of income.

 

A discontinued operation is a component of an entity that has been disposed of, or is classified as held for sale and, represents a separate major line of business or a geographical area of operations, is part of a single coordinated and individual plan to dispose a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

 

Income and expenses coming from a discontinued operation must be disclosed separately from those coming from continued operations, in a single item after the income tax, in the consolidated statement of income even though the Bank retains a non-controlling interest in the subsidiary after the sale.

 

13. Impairment of non financial assets, cash-generating units and goodwill

 

The Bank evaluates whether there is any indication that on a stand-alone basis, cash-generating units are impaired at the end of each period. If some indication of impairment does exist, the Bank estimates the recoverable amount of the assets and the loss by impairment. Regardless of whether impairment indicators exist, goodwill must be tested annually for impairment.

 

 

2 Net realizable value= Fair value less selling costs

 

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If an asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from the rest of the assets or group of assets, the recoverable amount is determined by the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

 

A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows, that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

 

14. Employee benefits

 

14.1 Short term benefits

 

The Bank grants to its employees short term benefits such as bonuses, salaries, accrued performance costs and social security that are expected to settled wholly within 12 months. Expenses related to these benefits are recognized over the period in which the employees provide the services to which the payments relate.

 

14.2 Other long term employee benefits

 

In addition to legal benefits, the Bank grants to its employees other benefits such as seniority bonuses. They are payments (different from post-employment benefits and termination benefits) whose payment is not expected within the 12 months following the end of the annual period in which the employees have rendered their services. These benefits are projected up to the date of payment and are discounted through the Projected Unit Credit method.The cost of long term benefits is allocated across the period from the time the employee entered into employement with the Bank and the expected date of obtaining the benefit.

 

14.3 Pensions and other post-employment benefits

 

- Defined contribution plans

 

The Bank recognizes contributions due in respect of the accounting period in the statement of income. Any contributions unpaid at the statement of financial position date are included as a liability.

 

- Defined benefit plans

 

They are post-employment benefit plans in which the Bank has the legal or implicit obligation to take responsibility for the payments of benefits that have remained in its charge.

 

15. Provisions and contingent liabilities

 

Provisions are recorded when the Bank has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

 

Provisions are determined by the management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period and it is discounted using discount rates based on a review of Colombian sovereign bond yields (TES rate 3 ). The corresponding expense of any provision is recorded in the comprehensive statement of income, net of all expected reimbursement. The increase of the provision due to the time value of money is recognized as a financial expense.

 

The amounts recognized in the statement of income, correspond mainly to:

 

- Provisions for loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts; and

- Provisions for legal proceedings, classified as probable to be decided against the Bank.

 

 

3 It refers to the yield interest rate of the secured bonds issued by the Colombian government (TES).

 

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Possible obligations that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events, not wholly within the control of the Bank, or a present obligation that arise from past events but are not recognized because it is not probable, that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligations. or the amount of the obligations cannot be measured with sufficient reliability are not recognized in the financial statement but instead are disclosed as contingent liabilities, unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote, in which case no disclosure is required.

 

Possible assets that arise from past events whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events, not wholly within the control of the Bank, are not recognized in the financial statement; instead are disclosed as contingent assets where an inflow of economic benefits is probable. When the realization of income is virtually certain, then the related asset is not a contingent asset and its recognition is appropriate.

 

16. Customer loyalty program

 

The Bank maintains a credit card loyalty program to provide incentives to its customers. The program allows customers to purchase goods and services, based on the exchange of awards point called “miles”, which are awarded based on purchases with the Bank's credit cards and the fulfillment of certain conditions established in such program. Miles redemption for prizes is carried out by a third party. According to IFRIC 13, the expenses of the Bank's commitments with its clients arising from this program are recognized as a lower value of the fee and other service income, considering the total number of points that can be redeemed over the accumulated prizes and taking into account the probability of redemptions.

 

17. Ordinary revenue

 

Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits flow to the Bank and that the revenue can be measured reliably.

 

17.1 Interest and revenues and expenses

 

For all financial instruments measured at amortized cost, interest revenues are recognized using the effective interest rate. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts future estimated cash flows payments through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying value of the financial liability or asset The computation takes into account all the contractual conditions of the financial instrument (for example, prepayment options) and includes incremental fees or expenses that are directly attributed to the instrument and are an integral part of the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), but not future credit losses.

 

For debt securities at fair value, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the statement of income as ‘Interest and valuation on investments’

 

17.2 Commissions and others

 

The Bank charges commissions received from the services it offers to its clients. Revenue from commissions can be split into the following two categories:

 

- Revenue from commissions obtained from the services that are provided for a certain period of time.

 

These are commissions earned from the provision of services for a certain period of time. These payments include revenue from commissions and assets management, custody and other administration and consulting commissions.

 

Commissions from loan commitments that are likely to be used and other payments related with the credit are deferred (along with any incremental expense) and recognized as an adjustment to the statement of income. When it is not possible to demonstrate the likelihood that a loan will be used, the commissions from the origination of the loan are recognized during the commitment period on a straight line basis.

 

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- Transaction services revenue

 

Fees arising from the negotiation or participation in the negotiation of a transaction for a third party, such as the acquisition of shares or other securities or the purchase or sale of businesses, are recognized at the end of the underlying transaction. Commissions or fee components that are linked to a specified performance are recognized after the corresponding criteria are met.

 

17.3 Dividend revenue

 

For the portfolio investments that are not associates and where the Bank has no significant influence, dividends are recognized when the right to payment of the Bank is established, which is generally when the stockholders meeting declares the dividend.

 

17.4 Net operating income

 

The income derived from commercial operations ( trading ) includes all profits and losses from variations in the fair value and revenue or expenses for related interests from financial liabilities or assets. This includes any inefficiency registered in the hedging transactions.

 

18. Income tax – CREE and deferred tax

 

The provision for income tax consists of two components: current tax and deferred tax.

 

Current tax corresponds to income taxes and CREE payables during the taxable period, pursuant to the tax regulations and rates in force in Colombia and in each of the countries where the subordinate companies are domiciled.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are based upon the temporary differences arising from the future estimate of tax and accounting effects attributable to differences between assets and liabilities shown in the statement of financial position and its tax base; as well as on temporary differences in the income statement for the realization for tax and accounting purposes in different periods.

 

Measuring assets and liabilities for deferred taxes is performed according to the tax rates of each country's tax laws that is expected to apply at the time of recovery (settlement) of the amount on the asset (liability) ledgers that have been recorded in the entity's statement of financial position.

 

The future effects of changes in tax laws or tax rates are recognized in the deferred taxes as from the date of publication of the law providing for such changes.

 

Deferred tax assets are recorded due to deductible temporary differences or offsets, provided that Grupo Bancolombia is likely to have net income in later periods with which such deductible temporary differences may be reverted.

 

Tax credit from fiscal losses and excess amounts from the presumptive income on the net income is recognized as a deferred asset, provided that it is likely that the entity will generate future net income to allow their offset.

 

Deferred tax is recognized in the income statement, except when it refers to values recognized directly in Other Comprehensive Income account in the equity.

 

Grupo Bancolombia performs periodical assessments of positions taken on tax statements with respect to situations in which the applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and adjusts the recorded amounts, as applicable, based on the amounts expected to be paid to tax authorities.

 

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Regulatory changes in tax laws and in tax rates are recognized in the income statement in the deferred or in the income tax heading in the period when such regulatory change becomes enforceable. Sanctions imposed for discussions and their interest are recognized in the income statement in the heading referred as general and administrative expenses.

 

In connection with national taxes, Bancolombia and its subordinate companies are under Colombian tax regulations. In the case of companies based in El Salvador, Peru and Panama (only applicable to Banistmo and its subordinate companies), the applicable taxes are calculated considering the tax laws of each respective country where the company is located.

 

The asset and liability for the deferred tax is deemed as a critical accounting policy, as its determination includes estimates of profit, future income and expenses that may be impacted by changes in the country economic conditions, ongoing regulatory changes, different interpretations of regulations on the part of taxpayers and tax authorities and, in addition, the rates that are applied, which are variable along the time.

 

19. Operating segments

 

Operating segments are defined as components of the Bank for which separate financial information is available that is regularly used by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance.

 

The Bank manages and measures the performance of its operations through the operating segments using the same accounting policies described in the summary of significant accounting policies described in Note 2.

 

20. Earnings per share

 

The basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the result for the period attributable to the controlling interest by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in circulation during the period.

 

To calculate diluted earnings per share, the result for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders, and the weighted average number of shares in circulation is adjusted by the dilutive effects inherent to potential ordinary shares.

 

NOTE 3. OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

Operating segments are defined as components of an entity about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Board of Directors, who is the chief operating decision maker (CODM) in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The segment information has been prepared following the Bank’s accounting policies and presented consistently with the internal reports provided to the CODM as described in the summary of significant accounting policies, see Note 2.

 

The CODM uses a variety of information and key financial data on a consolidated basis to assess the performance and make decision regarding the investment and allocation of funds, such as:

 

· Net interest margin (Net margin on financial instruments divided by average interest-earning assets)
· Return on average total assets (Net income divided by average total assets).
· Return on average stockholders’ equity
· Efficiency ratio (Operating expenses as a percentage of interest, fees, services and other operating income)
· Asset Quality and loans coverage ratios

 

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The Bank’s consolidated group structure includes the following segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panamá, Banking El Salvador, Leasing, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, Off Shore and All Other segments.

 

The Bank’s operating segments are comprised as follows:

 

· Banking Colombia

 

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

 

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

 

· Banking Panama

 

This segment provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals and companies in Panama through the Banistmo operation. This segment includes all the operations of Banistmo and its subsidiaries (except Insurance operations), which are managed and monitored by the CODM on a consolidated basis.

 

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

 

· Banking El Salvador

 

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

 

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

 

· Banking Guatemala

 

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

 

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

 

· Leasing

 

This segment provides financial and operating leases, including cross-border and international leasing services to clients in Colombia, Central America, Mexico and Brazil. Bancolombia offers these services mainly through the following Subsidiaries: Leasing Bancolombia, Renting Colombia S.A., Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C., Leasing Perú S.A., Transportempo S.A.S., Capital Investment Safi S.A., Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo Renting Perú and Patrimonio Autónomo Cartera LBC.

 

F- 35

 

· Trust

 

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

 

· Investment banking

 

This segment provides corporate and project finance advisory, underwriting, capital markets services and private equity management through Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Its customers include private and publicly-held corporations as well as government institutions.

 

· Brokerage

 

This segment provides brokerage, investment advisory and private banking services to individuals and institutions through Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa, Valores Bancolombia Panama S.A. and Suvalor Panamá Fondo de Inversión S.A. It sells and distributes equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds and structured products.

 

· Off Shore

 

This segment provides a complete line of offshore banking services to Colombian and Salvadorian customers through Bancolombia Panamá S.A., Bancolombia Caymán S.A., and Bancolombia Puerto Rico International, Inc. It offers loans to private sector companies, trade financing, leases financing and financing for industrial projects, as well as a complete portfolio of cash management products, such as checking accounts, international collections and payments. Through these Subsidiaries, the Bank also offers investment opportunities in U.S. dollars, savings and checking accounts, time deposits, and investment funds to its high net worth clients and private banking customers.

 

· All other segments

 

This segment includes results from small operation of particular investment vehicles of Bancolombia: Valores Simesa S.A., BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S., Inversiones CFNS S.A.S., CFNS Infraestructura S.A.S., Sistema de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa, Vivayco S.A.S., Banagrícola S.A., Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola and others.

 

F- 36

 

 

Financial performance by operating segment:

 

The following table presents financial information of the results by operating segment:

  

   

For the year ended December 31, 2015 (1)

 
    Banking
Colombia
    Banking
Panama
    Banking
El Salvador
    Leasing     Trust     Investment
banking
    Brokerage     Off shore     Other     Total before
eliminations
   

Adjustments
for
consolidation
Purposes  (1)

    Total after
 eliminations
 
    In millons of COP  
Total interest and valuation     7,594,955       1,119,540       728,582       1,507,045       626       287       21,157       291,249       2,425       11,265,866       3,778       11,269,644  
Interest expenses     (2,415,234 )     (363,373 )     (187,743 )     (814,044 )     (367 )     (236 )     (652 )     (215,592 )     (40,700 )     (4,037,941 )     -       (4,037,941 )
Net margin on financial instruments     5,179,721       756,167       540,839       693,001       259       51       20,505       75,657       (38,275 )     7,227,925       3,778       7,231,703  
Total net provisions     (1,389,647 )     (82,344 )     (26,933 )     (123,067 )     (3,204 )     127       (177 )     (49,830 )     (24 )     (1,675,099 )     (2 )     (1,675,101 )
Net interest income after provisions for  loans and financial leases     3,790,074       673,823       513,906       569,934       (2,945 )     178       20,328       25,827       (38,299 )     5,552,826       3,776       5,556,602  
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (67,981 )     (6,098 )     (8,475 )     (24,222 )     (21,833 )     2,355       31,734       95,495       (975 )     -       -       -  
Total fees and income from services, net     1,330,328       136,372       140,398       17,011       218,190       29,327       78,124       32,325       10,994       1,993,069       (25 )     1,993,044  
Other operating income     374,039       173,575       1,740       585,634       30,080       42,098       (7,798 )     (124,980 )     81,286       1,155,674       428,602       1,584,276  
Total operating income, net     5,426,460       977,672       647,569       1,148,357       223,492       73,958       122,388       28,667       53,006       8,701,569       432,353       9,133,922  
Depreciation and amortization     (3,634,025 )     (606,582 )     (330,362 )     (496,765 )     (85,918 )     (22,635 )     (111,255 )     (73,425 )     (60,040 )     (5,421,007 )     5       (5,421,002 )
Operating expenses     (231,981 )     (49,590 )     (27,761 )     (146,678 )     (466 )     (93 )     (1,274 )     (17,254 )     (2,188 )     (477,285 )     -       (477,285 )
Total operating expenses     (3,866,006 )     (656,172 )     (358,123 )     (643,443 )     (86,384 )     (22,728 )     (112,529 )     (90,679 )     (62,228 )     (5,898,292 )     5       (5,898,287 )
Profit before tax     1,560,454       321,500       289,446       504,914       137,108       51,230       9,859       (62,012 )     (9,222 )     2,803,277       432,358       3,235,635  

 

 

(1) Includes provisions, dividends, gains on sales and non-controlling interest and reclassification according to the analysis process used by the CODM.

 

F- 37

 

 

   

For the year ended December 31, 2014 (1)

 
    Banking
Colombia
    Banking
Panama
    Banking
El Salvador
    Leasing     Trust     Investment
banking
    Brokerage     Off shore     All other
segments
    Total before
eliminations
   

Adjustments for
consolidation
purposes (1)

    Total After
eliminations
 
    In millons of COP  
Total interest and valuation     6,339,144       807,547       506,575       1,279,129       12,852       249       19,833       188,934       13,730       9,167,993       4,170       9,172,163  
Interest expenses     (1,941,525 )     (256,795 )     (109,353 )     (670,195 )     (321 )     (200 )     (784 )     (152,601 )     (32,783 )     (3,164,557 )     (54 )     (3,164,611 )
Net margin and valuation on financial instruments     4,397,619       550,752       397,222       608,934       12,531       49       19,049       36,333       (19,053 )     6,003,436       4,116       6,007,552  
Total net provisions     (816,099 )     69,703       (44,808 )     (53,659 )     319       (157 )     (1,829 )     (21,160 )     (1,514 )     (869,204 )     (1 )     (869,205 )
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     3,581,520       620,455       352,414       555,275       12,850       (108 )     17,220       15,173       (20,567 )     5,134,232       4,115       5,138,347  
Revenues (Expenses) from transactions with other operating segments of the Bank     (26,305 )     (1,831 )     (3,529 )     (16,797 )     (34,036 )     961       46,068       53,519       (18,050 )     -       -       -  
Total fees and income from services, net     1,222,518       140,189       103,585       47,735       199,806       22,985       81,733       28,776       (5,155 )     1,842,172       (16,462 )     1,825,710  
Other operating income     219,211       86,325       6,303       527,990       6,525       (2,124 )     4,258       (152,765 )     20,789       716,512       542,720       1,259,232  
Total operating income, net     4,996,944       845,138       458,773       1,114,203       185,145       21,714       149,279       (55,297 )     (22,983 )     7,692,916       530,373       8,223,289  
Depreciation and amortization     (3,145,505 )     (470,862 )     (220,715 )     (520,808 )     (84,102 )     (22,946 )     (105,880 )     (38,652 )     (49,590 )     (4,659,060 )     68       (4,658,992 )
Operating expenses     (255,678 )     (57,902 )     (18,334 )     (124,499 )     (387 )     (92 )     (899 )     (636 )     (1,276 )     (459,703 )     -       (459,703 )
Total operating expenses     (3,401,183 )     (528,764 )     (239,049 )     (645,307 )     (84,489 )     (23,038 )     (106,779 )     (39,288 )     (50,866 )     (5,118,763 )     68       (5,118,695 )
Profit before tax     1,595,761       316,374       219,724       468,896       100,656       (1,324 )     42,500       (94,585 )     (73,849 )     2,574,153       530,441       3,104,594  

 

 

(1) Includes provisions, dividends, gains on sales and non-controlling interest and reclassification according to the analysis process used by the CODM.

 

F- 38

 

 

The following table presents financial information of the investments in associates by operating segment:

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2015  
    Banking
Colombia
    Banking El
Salvador
    Trust     Investment
banking
    Off shore     Other     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Investments in associates     286,009       9,936       201,909       2,489       -       46,206       546,549  
 Equity method     17,529       1,707       13,904       (462 )     84,141       6,468       123,287  

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2014  
    Banking
Colombia
    Banking El
Salvador
    Trust     Investment
banking
    Off shore     Other     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Investments in associates     273,874       7,074       196,690       81,672       663,118       127,269       1,349,697  
 Equity method     32,157       (804 )     25,566       (5,069 )     (2,704 )     11,401       60,547  

 

For additional information related to investment in associates in joint ventures, see Note 7.

 

The following table presents material non-cash items other than depreciation and amortization by segment:

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2015  
    Banking
Colombia
    Banking El
Salvador
    Trust     Leasing     Off shore     Banking
Panama
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Restructured loans that were transferred to foreclosed assets     14,750       18,819       -       143,371       -       8,102       185,042  
 Provisions     1,816,556       65,037       3,241       113,853       67,347       114,425       2,180,459  

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2014  
    Banking
Colombia
    Banking El
Salvador
    Trust     Leasing     Off shore     Banking
Panama
    Other     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Restructured loans that were transferred to foreclosed assets     89,949       31,065       -       40,327       -       8,457       -       169,798  
 Provisions     1,222,481       79,568       (2,140 )     34,179       21,967       (32,895 )     -       1,323,160  
Impairment goodwill     -       -       -       -       -       -       3,179       3,179  
Donations     4,539       -       -       -       -       -       -       4,539  

 

F- 39

 

 

Geographic information

 

The following summarizes the Bank’s revenues and long-lived assets attributable to Colombia and other foreign countries based on the country where the revenue was originated:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Geographic information   Revenues    

Long-lived assets  (1)

    Revenues    

Long-lived assets  (1)

 
    In millions of COP  
Colombia     9,335,345       3,829,742       7,760,424       3,233,259  
Panama     1,470,692       442,732       1,017,171       265,484  
Puerto Rico     43,672       355       37,100       130  
Peru     19,810       119,575       59,971       109,238  
El Salvador     729,258       359,887       507,947       245,223  
Costa Rica     -       124       -       105  
Guatemala     -       205,315       -       -  
Total     11,598,777       4,957,730       9,382,613       3,853,439  
Eliminations and translation adjustment     (329,133 )     6,394,792       (210,450 )     4,407,437  
Total, net     11,269,644       11,352,522       9,172,163       8,260,876  

 

 

(1) Included foreclosed assets, net, property, plant and equipment, net and Goodwill

 

NOTE 4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flow and the consolidated statement of financial position, the following assets are considered as cash and cash equivalents:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Cash and balances at central bank                        
Cash     5,806,157       3,908,267       3,292,326  
Due from other private financial entities     4,561,668       3,888,960       3,295,223  
Due from the Colombian Central  Bank (1)     3,654,660       3,268,677       4,689,374  
Checks on hold     79,959       18,526       16,744  
Remittances of domestic negotiated checks in transit     192,719       110,429       146,590  
Total cash and due from banks     14,295,163       11,194,859       11,440,257  
Money market transactions:                        
Interbank borrowings     1,385,587       969,657       1,880,999  
Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured loans (2)     2,916,864       1,302,267       2,124,721  
Total money market transactions:     4,302,451       2,271,924       4,005,720  
Total cash and cash equivalents (3)     18,597,614       13,466,783       15,445,977  

 

 

(1) According to External Resolution Number 005 of 2008 issued by the Colombian Central Bank, the Parent Company must maintain the equivalent of 4.5% of its customer’s deposits with a maturity term less than 18 months as a legal banking reserve, represented by deposits at the Central Bank or as cash in hand.

(2) See Note 15

(3) As of December 31, 2015, includes cash and cash equivalents of Grupo Agromercantil Holding amounting to COP 1,260,947.

 

F- 40

 

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014, there are no restrictions on cash and cash equivalents.

 

As of December 31, 2015 Tuya S.A. (a subsidiary classified a discontinued operation), had cash and cash equivalents to COP 207,963. See Note 31 Discontinued Operations .

 

NOTE 5. FINANCIAL ASSETS INVESTMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

 

5.1 Financial assets investments

 

The Bank’s securities portfolios at fair value and at amortized cost are listed below, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and as of January 1, 2014:

 

The detail of the carrying value of the debt securities is as follows:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    Measurement methodology        
Debt securities   Fair value through
profit or loss
    Amortized cost     Total carrying value  
    In millions of COP  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     4,817,604       15,065       4,832,669  
Securities issued by Foreign Government     3,189,722       1,253,585       4,443,307  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     1,358,117       385,823       1,743,940  
Securities issued by Government entities     82,162       1,402,890       1,485,052  
Securities issued by the Salvador Central Bank     43,913       -       43,913  
Corporate bonds     159,750       404,512       564,262  
Total debt securities     9,651,268       3,461,875       13,113,143  
Total equity securities                     1,164,681  
Total investment securities                     14,277,824  

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Measurement methodology        
Debt securities   Fair value through
profit or loss
    Amortized cost     Total carrying value  
    In millions of COP  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     6,373,706       165,121       6,538,827  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     1,762,357       26,923       1,789,280  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     1,301,888       237,501       1,539,389  
Securities issued by Government entities     9,862       1,421,587       1,431,449  
Securities issued by the El Salvador Central Bank     23,638       -       23,638  
Corporate bonds     100,623       79,731       180,354  
Total debt securities     9,572,074       1,930,863       11,502,937  
Total equity securities                     1,281,286  
Total investment securities                     12,784,223  

 

F- 41

 

 

    January 1, 2014  
    Measurement methodology        
Debt securities   Fair value through
profit or loss
    Amortized cost     Total carrying value  
    In millions of COP  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     5,768,136       276,456       6,044,592  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     1,615,681       22,116       1,637,797  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     1,388,758       120,742       1,509,500  
Securities issued by Government entities     18,669       1,774,894       1,793,563  
Securities issued by the El Salvador Central Bank     24,585       580,451       605,036  
Corporate bonds     375,828       27,202       403,030  
Total debt securities     9,191,657       2,801,861       11,993,518  
Total equity securities                     1,089,338  
Total investment securities                     13,082,856  

 

The following tables set forth the debt securities portfolio by maturity:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    Less than 1
year
    Between 1
and 3 years
    Between 3
and 5 years
    Greater than
5 years
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Securities at fair value through profit or loss
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     1,416,860       635,998       420,155       2,344,591       4,817,604  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     1,044,499       894,027       118,778       1,132,418       3,189,722  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     228,333       808,362       102,069       219,353       1,358,117  
Securities issued by Government entities     -       77,417       4,196       549       82,162  
Securities issued by the Salvador Central Bank     43,913       -       -       -       43,913  
Corporate bonds     5,534       110,452       13,958       29,806       159,750  
      2,739,139       2,526,256       659,156       3,726,717       9,651,268  
Securities at amortized cost                                        
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     15,065       -       -       -       15,065  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     267,781       647,982       229,390       108,432       1,253,585  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     156,458       31,898       19,222       178,245       385,823  
Securities issued by Government entities     1,392,894       -       9,996       -       1,402,890  
Corporate bonds     12,819       316,519       2,968       72,206       404,512  
      1,845,017       996,399       261,576       358,883       3,461,875  
Total     4,584,156       3,522,655       920,732       4,085,600       13,113,143  

 

The investment securities held by Tuya S.A. considered as assets held for sale, amounting to COP 30,271, are classified at amortized cost, issued by other financial institutions and their maturity is in less than one year. For further information, see Note 31 Discontinued Operations.

 

F- 42

 

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Less than 1
year
    Between 1
and 3 years
    Between 3
and 5 years
    Greater than
5 years
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Securities at fair value through profit or loss                                        
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     -       4,236,863       848,274       1,288,569       6,373,706  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     119,127       661,126       549,600       432,504       1,762,357  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     4,927       185,213       88,267       1,023,481       1,301,888  
Securities issued by Government entities     -       1,650       557       7,655       9,862  
Securities issued by the El Salvador Central Bank     7,161       16,477       -       -       23,638  
Corporate bonds     1,101       10,512       46,849       42,161       100,623  
      132,316       5,111,841       1,533,547       2,794,370       9,572,074  
Securities at amortized cost                                        
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     11,980       153,141       -       -       165,121  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     -       -       26,923       -       26,923  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     21,987       64,659       123,243       27,612       237,501  
Securities issued by Government entities     464,092       949,665       -       7,830       1,421,587  
Corporate bonds     -       9,872       55,670       14,189       79,731  
      498,059       1,177,337       205,836       49,631       1,930,863  
Total     630,375       6,289,178       1,739,383       2,844,001       11,502,937  

 

    January 1, 2014  
    Less than 1
year
    Between 1
and 3 years
    Between 3
and 5 years
    Greater than
5 years
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Securities at fair value through profit or loss
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     1,521,267       3,655,988       185,466       405,415       5,768,136  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     842,655       31,095       423,310       318,621       1,615,681  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     63,785       204,372       87,523       1,033,078       1,388,758  
Securities issued by Government entities     -       4,736       1,092       12,841       18,669  
Securities issued by the El Salvador Central Bank     24,585       -       -       -       24,585  
Corporate bonds     13,597       2,052       82,267       277,912       375,828  
      2,465,889       3,898,243       779,658       2,047,867       9,191,657  
Securities at amortized cost
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     116,879       159,577       -       -       276,456  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     -       -       -       22,116       22,116  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     8,698       60,104       41,523       10,417       120,742  
Securities issued by Government entities     1,774,869       -       25       -       1,774,894  
Securities issued by the El Salvador Central Bank     580,451       -       -       -       580,451  
Corporate bonds     -       8,057       9,632       9,513       27,202  
      2,480,897       227,738       51,180       42,046       2,801,861  
Total     4,946,786       4,125,981       830,838       2,089,913       11,993,518  

 

For further information related to disclosures of the fair value of securities measured at amortized cost, please see Note 29 Fair value of assets and liabilities.

 

F- 43

 

 

The following table shows the fair value of equity securities:

 

    Carrying amount  
Equity securities   December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Equity securities at fair value through profit or loss     763,556       865,730       697,270  
Equity securities at fair value through OCI     401,125       415,556       392,068  
Total     1,164,681       1,281,286       1,089,338  

 

The equity securities held by Tuya S.A., considered as assets held for sale, amounting to COP 994, are classified as security measured at fair value through OCI. For further information, see Note 31 Discontinued Operations.

 

The Bank has recognized COP (9,838) in 2015 and COP 26,577 in 2014 related to equity securities and trust funds at fair value through OCI.

 

Equity securities that have been designated to be measured at fair value through OCI are considered strategic for the Bank and, thus, there is no intention to sell them in the foreseeable future and that is the main reason for using this presentation alternative.

 

The following table details the equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income analyzed by listing status:

 

    Carrying amount  
Equity securities   December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Securities at fair value through OCI:                        
Equity securities listed in Colombia     12,146       15,003       16,004  
Equity securities listed elsewhere     9,889       7,446       6,496  
Equity securities unlisted     379,090       393,107       369,568  
Total of securities at fair value through OCI     401,125       415,556       392,068  

 

Dividends received from equity investments at fair value through OCI and through profit or loss held at the end of the year 2015 amounted to COP 9,605 and COP 13,975, respectively; and held at the end of the year 2014 amounted to COP 5,821 and COP 25,760, respectively.

 

Equity investments do not have a specific maturity date; therefore, they are not included in the maturity detail.

 

F- 44

 

 

The detail of the securities pledged as collateral as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and as of January 1, 2014 is as follows:

 

    December 31, 2015
Pledged financial assets   Term   Security pledged   Carrying
amount
 
    In millions of COP
Investments pledged as collateral in repo operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Greater than 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     268,921  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 3 and 6 months   TES-Fixed rate     36,547  
Securities issued by Foreign Government   Greater than 12 months   BOND-Fixed rate     231,970  
Securities issued by Foreign Government   Less than 3 months   BOND-Fixed rate     20,881  
Securities issued by Foreign Government   Greater than 12 months   TREASURY-Fixed rate     12,342  
Corporate bonds   Greater than 12 months   BOND-Fixed rate     21,670  
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in repo operations             592,331  
Investments pledged as collateral in derivative operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Greater than 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     186,346  
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in derived operations             186,346  
Total securities pledged as collateral             778,677  

 

 

    December 31, 2014
Pledged financial assets   Term   Security pledged   Carrying
amount
 
    In millions of COP
Investments pledged as collateral in repo operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Grater than 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     1,104,591  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 6 and 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     18,457  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 6 and 12 months   TES-Variable rate     6,147  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Grater than 12 months   CDT-Variable rate     6,049  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Between 6 and 12 months   CDT-Variable rate     1,930  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Between 3 and 6 months   CDT-Variable rate     408  
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in repo operations             1,137,582  
Investments pledged as collateral in derivative operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 6 and 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     83,593  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 6 and 12 months   TES-Variable rate     6,152  
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in derived operations             89,745  
Total securities pledged as collateral             1,227,327  

 

    January 1, 2014
Pledged financial assets   Term   Security pledged   Carrying
amount
 
    In millions of COP
Investments pledged as collateral in repo operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 6 and 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     28,626  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Greater than 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     10,044  
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 3 and 6 months   TES-Fixed rate     4,312  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Greater than 12 months   CDT-Variable rate     24,040  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Between 6 and 12 months   CDT-Fixed rate     10,810  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Less than 3 months   CDT-Fixed rate     2,784  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Between 3 and 6 months   CDT-Fixed rate     2,510  
Securities issued by other financial institutions   Greater than 12 months   BONDS-Variable rate     694  
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in repo operations             83,820  
Investments pledged as collateral in derivative operations
Securities issued by the Colombian Government   Between 6 and 12 months   TES-Fixed rate     44,145  
Subtotal investments pledged as collateral in derived operations             44,145  
Total securities pledged as collateral             127,965  

 

F- 45

 

 

 

5.2 Derivatives

 

The following table sets forth for the Bank’ derivatives by type of risk as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and as of January 1, 2014:

 

Derivatives

  December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Forwards
Assets                        
Foreign exchange contracts     692,324       496,748       74,324  
Equity contracts     2,717       17,141       82  
Interest rate contracts     -       14       323  
Subtotal     695,041       513,903       74,729  
Liabilities                        
Foreign exchange contracts     (634,297 )     (558,740 )     (60,375 )
Equity contracts     (5,395 )     (11,467 )     (4,248 )
Subtotal     (639,692 )     (570,207 )     (64,623 )
Total     55,349       (56,304 )     10,106  
Swaps                        
Assets                        
Foreign exchange contracts     1,293,947       748,364       283,529  
Interest rate contracts     257,238       3,898       139,042  
Subtotal     1,551,185       752,262       422,571  
Liabilities                        
Foreign exchange contracts     (949,668 )     (535,758 )     (220,514 )
Interest rate contracts     (267,113 )     (22,924 )     (96,681 )
Subtotal     (1,216,781 )     (558,682 )     (317,195 )
Total     334,404       193,580       105,376  
Options                        
Assets                        
Foreign exchange contracts     135,942       182,680       32,319  
Subtotal     135,942       182,680       32,319  
Liabilities                        
Foreign exchange contracts     (74,136 )     (87,348 )     (47,723 )
Equity contracts     -       (255,542 )     (192,447 )
Subtotal     (74,136 )     (342,890 )     (240,170 )
Total     61,806       (160,210 )     (207,851 )
Derivatives Assets     2,382,168       1,448,845       529,619  
Deririvatives Liabilities     (1,930,609 )     (1,471,779 )     (621,988 )
Total, net     451,559       (22,934 )     (92,369 )

 

The following table sets forth the remaining contractual life of the derivative portfolio:

  

    December 31, 2015  
    Forwards     Swaps     Options     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Assets   695,041       1,551,185       135,942       2,382,168  
Up to 1 year     24,225       722,894       16,821       763,940  
From 1 to 3 years     670,748       172,834       119,121       962,703  
Over 3 years     68       655,457       -       655,525  
                                 
Liabilities     (639,692 )     (1,216,781 )     (74,136 )     (1,930,609 )
Up to 1 year     (67,821 )     (376,173 )     (14,429 )     (458,423 )
From 1 to 3 years     (571,871 )     (256,064 )     (59,707 )     (887,642 )
Over 3 years     -       (584,544 )     -       (584,544 )
                                 
Total     55,349       334,404       61,806       451,559  

 

F- 46

 

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Forwards     Swaps     Options     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Assets     513,903       752,262       182,680       1,448,845  
Up to 1 year     484,279       176,241       165,314       825,834  
From 1 to 3 years     15,353       335,274       17,366       367,993  
Over 3 years     14,271       240,747       -       255,018  
                                 
Liabilities     (570,207 )     (558,682 )     (342,890 )     (1,471,779 )
Up to 1 year     (537,019 )     (129,433 )     (82,666 )     (749,118 )
From 1 to 3 years     (21,851 )     (144,280 )     (4,682 )     (170,813 )
Over 3 years   (11,337 )     (284,969 )     (255,542 )     (551,848 )
                                 
Total     (56,304 )     193,580       (160,210 )     (22,934 )

 

    January 1, 2014  
    Forwards     Swaps     Options     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Assets     74,729       422,571       32,319       529,619  
Up to 1 year     722       93,783       1,688       96,193  
From 1 to 3 years     73,508       55,286       30,631       159,425  
Over 3 years     499       273,502       -       274,001  
                                 
Liabilities     (64,623 )     (317,195 )     (240,170 )     (621,988 )
Up to 1 year     (1,635 )     (49,359 )     (2,282 )     (53,276 )
From 1 to 3 years     (59,868 )     (96,172 )     (45,441 )     (201,481 )
Over 3 years     (3,120 )     (171,664 )     (192,447 )     (367,231 )
                                 
 Total     10,106       105,376       (207,851 )     (92,369 )

 

Collateral for derivatives

 

The table below presents the collateral amounts posted under derivatives contracts as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and January 1, 2014:

 

   

December

31, 2015

    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Collateral     442,915       360,432       201,671  

 

Hedge accounting

 

The Bank, through its subsidiary Banistmo, has entered into credit derivatives to manage its credit risk. Those derivatives are designated as hedging instruments to protect the Bank against changes in the fair value fluctuations of its subsidiary’s position in debt securities issued by the Panamanian Government (fair value hedge) and to protect against interest risk due to changes in cash flows related to its subsidiary’s portfolio of floating-rate deposits (cash flow hedge). The hedge effectiveness assessment is performed on a monthly basis consistently throughout the hedging relationship. For fair value hedges, the changes in value of the hedging derivative, as well as the changes in value of the related hedged item concerning to the risk hedged, are reflected in the statement of income.

 

Fair value hedging

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014, Banistmo has designated 7, 8 and 15 asset derivative contracts (Interest rate swaps), respectively, as fair value hedging instruments with maturity dates ranging from January 2015 to February 2023.

 

F- 47

 

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014, Banistmo has designated 9, 8 and 13 liability derivative contracts (Interest rate swaps), respectively, as fair value hedging instruments with maturity dates ranging from January 2018 to February 2022. The notional amount and the fair value of those instruments are as follows:

 

    In millions of COP  
   

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
Notional amount     321,025       243,863       309,656  
Fair value     (6,284 )     (2,373 )     13,832  

  

    In thousands of USD  
   

December

31, 2015

    December
31, 2014
   

January

1, 2014

 
Notional amount     101,930       101,930       129,430  
Fair value     (1,995 )     (992 )     5,782  

 

All the aforementioned fair value hedging instruments are classified in the line of the statement of financial position as ‘Derivative financial instruments’.

 

The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of the hedged item recognized in the statement of financial position as ‘Financial assets investments’, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

    In millions of COP  
   

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
Notional amount     321,025       243,863       249,390  
Fair value     -       274,132       276,113  

  

    In thousands of USD  
   

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
Notional amount     101,930       101,930       129,430  
Fair value     -       114,581       143,299  

 

The change in value of the hedged item used as the basis for recognizing hedge ineffectiveness amounted to COP (3,110) and COP (1,982) for the periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Cash flow hedging

 

The following table sets forth the derivative instruments designated by Banistmo as cash flow hedging instruments, as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and January 1, 2014:

  

    In millions of COP  
   

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
Notional amount     629,894       478,492       385,366  
Fair value     (2,499 )     (10,106 )     (13,873 )

 

F- 48

 

  

    In thousands of USD  
   

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
Notional amount     200,000       200,000       200,000  
Fair value     (794 )     (4,224 )     (7,200 )

 

All the cash flow hedging instruments are recognized in the line of the statement of financial position as ‘Derivative financial instruments’.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Bank has reclassified from OCI to the statement of income financial gains amounting to COP 2,361, related to the effectiveness of the cash flow hedge relationship. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the reclassification from OCI to the statement of income is nil.

 

The following tables set forth the expected cash flows related to the hedging relationships aforementioned, as well as the remaining periods:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    In millions of COP  
    From 1 to 3 months     From 3 months to 1
year
    From 1 year to 5 years     Total  
Cash inflows     968       -       -       968  
Cash outflows     (3,467 )     -       -       (3,467 )
Total:     (2,499 )     -       -       (2,499 )

 

    In thousands of USD  
    From 1 to 3 months     From 3 months to 1
year
    From 1 year to 5 years     Total  
Cash inflows     307       -       -       307  
Cash outflows     (1,101 )     -       -       (1,101 )
Total:     (794 )     -       -       (794 )

  

    As of December 31, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
    From 1 to 3 months     From 3 months to 1
year
    From 1 year to 5 years     Total  
Cash inflows     602       -       3,794       4,396  
Cash outflows     (2,642 )     -       (11,858 )     (14,500 )
Total:     (2,040 )     -       (8,064 )     (10,104 )

 

    In thousands of USD  
    From 1 to 3 months     From 3 months to 1
year
    From 1 year to 5 years     Total  
Cash inflows     251       -       1,586       1,837  
Cash outflows     (1,105 )     -       (4,956 )     (6,061 )
Total:     (854 )     -       (3,370 )     (4,224 )

 

F- 49

 

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014, the Bank has recognized unrealized gains in other comprehensive income amounting to COP 10,499, COP 7,120 and COP 5,197, respectively, in connection with the effective portion of the cash flow hedges.

 

The following table sets forth the carrying amount and fair value of the hedged item recognized in the statement of financial position as ‘Deposits from customers’, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

    In millions of COP  
    December
31, 2015
   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
Carrying amount (Liability)     629,894       478,492       385,366  
Fair value     649,362       484,389       391,570  

  

  In thousands of USD  
   

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
Carrying amount (Liability)     200,000       200,000       200,000  
Fair value     206,181       202,465       203,220  

 

Offsetting of derivatives

 

The table below presents derivative instruments subject to enforceable master netting agreements and other similar agreements but not offset in the statement of financial position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014 by derivative and by risk:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    Derivatives Assets     Derivatives Liabilities  
    In millions of COP  
Over-the-counter
Foreign exchange contracts
Swaps     1,293,947       (949,668 )
Forwards     692,324       (634,297 )
Option     135,942       (74,136 )
Interest rate contracts
Swaps     257,238       (267,113 )
Forwards     -       -  
Equity contracts
Forwards     2,717       (5,395 )
Gross derivative assets/liabilities     2,382,168       (1,930,609 )
Offsetting of derivatives     -       -  
Net derivatives in statement of financial position     2,382,168       (1,930,609 )
Master netting agreements     (1,681,887 )     1,930,609  
Cash collateral received/paid     (476,709 )     -  
Total derivatives assetss/ liabilities     223,572       -  

 

F- 50

 

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Derivatives Assets     Derivatives Liabilities  
    In millions of COP  
Over-the-counter
Foreign exchange contracts
Swaps     748,364       (535,758 )
Forwards     496,748       (558,740 )
Option     182,680       (87,348 )
Interest rate contracts
Swaps     3,898       (22,924 )
Forwards     14       -  
Equity contracts
Forwards     17,141       (11,467 )
Option     -       (255,542 )
Gross derivative assets/liabilities     1,448,845       (1,471,779 )
Offsetting of derivatives     -       -  
Net derivatives in statement of financial position     1,448,845       (1,471,779 )
Master netting agreements     (939,489 )     1,096,708  
Cash collateral received/paid     (156,807 )     123,124  
Total derivatives assetss/ liabilities     352,549       (251,947 )

 

    January 1, 2014  
    Derivatives Assets     Derivatives Liabilities  
    In millions of COP  
Over-the-counter
Foreign exchange contracts
Swaps     283,529       (220,514 )
Forwards     74,324       (60,375 )
Option     32,319       (47,723 )
Interest rate contracts
Swaps     139,042       (96,681 )
Forwards     323       -  
Equity contracts
Forwards     82       (4,248 )
Option     -       (192,447 )
Gross derivative assets/liabilities     529,619       (621,988 )
Offsetting of derivatives     -       -  
Net derivatives in statement of financial position     529,619       (621,988 )
Master netting agreements     (357,575 )     308,671  
Cash collateral received/paid     60,472       106,943  
Total derivatives assetss/ liabilities     232,516       (206,374 )

 

For further information about offsetting of other financial assets and liabilities see Note 15 Interbank deposits and liabilities.

 

F- 51

 

  

NOTE 6. LOANS AND ADVANCES TO CUSTOMERS

 

The following is the composition of the loans and financial leasing operations portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

 

Composition

 

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

   

January

1, 2014

 
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     85,892,752       65,473,755       53,217,137  
Consumer     21,170,615       18,927,154       16,885,371  
Mortgage     17,118,783       12,547,645       10,358,363  
Financial Leases     20,551,576       17,565,229       15,415,715  
Small Business Loan     886,913       659,870       526,732  
Total gross loan and financial leases     145,620,639       115,173,653       96,403,318  
Total allowance     (5,248,755 )     (4,789,257 )     (4,473,562 )
Total net loan and financial leases     140,371,884 (1)     110,384,396       91,929,756  

 

For more details on the composition of the loans and financial leasing operations portfolio, see section Risk Management paragraph Categories loans Concentration

 

 

(1) The portfolio acquired in the business combination of Grupo Agromercantil Holding amounts to COP 8,162,177, see Note 8.3. Additionally, Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. is considered a discontinued operation as of December 31, 2015. As a result Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.’s portfolio is classified within "assets held for sale and inventories"; the net balance amounted to COP 1,480,398. See Note 31 Discontinued Operations.

 

Allowances for loan losses

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the allowance for loan and financial lease losses as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

December 31, 2015

Concept   Commercial     Consumer     Mortgage     Small business
loans
    Financial
Leases
    Total  
In millions of COP
+Balance at beginning of period     2,360,488       1,479,460       456,983       76,560       415,766       4,789,257  
- Discontinued Operation (1)     -       (282,098 )     -       -       -       (282,098 )
+ Provisions for loan losses (2)     2,671,337       697,282       145,663       47,880       498,092       4,060,254  
- Charges-off     (711,257 )     (629,628 )     (12,765 )     (36,682 )     (31,723 )     (1,422,055 )
- Recoveries (2)     (1,709,293 )     (64,340 )     (63,632 )     (9,947 )     (328,183 )     (2,175,395 )
+/- Translation adjustment     83,690       120,605       46,523       2,775       25,199       278,792  
= Balance at end of year     2,694,965       1,321,281       572,772       80,586       579,151       5,248,755  

 

 

(1) As of December 31, 2015, Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A. is consider as a discontinued operation, see Note 31. The changes in the allowance for loan losses for this company is as follows:

 

Concept   December 31, 2015  
+Balance at beginning of period     282,098  
+ Provisions for loan losses     446,614  
- Charges-off     (236,196 )
- Recoveries     (141,141 )
+/- Translation adjustment     -  
= Balance at end of year     351,375  

 

 

(2) The provision for loan losses, net COP 1,884,859 differs from the COP 1,667,680 presented in the line “Credit impairment charges on loans and financial leases, net” of the Consolidated Statement of Income in the amount of COP 217,179 due to the recovery of charged-off loans.

 

F- 52

 

 

    December 31, 2014  
Concept   Commercial     Consumer     Mortgage     Small business
loans
    Financial
Leases
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
+Balance at beginning of period     2,194,931       1,353,718       426,282       71,213       427,418       4,473,562  
+ Provisions for loan losses (1)     1,346,282       1,540,144       116,599       46,422       195,648       3,245,095  
- Charges-off     (355,881 )     (743,453 )     (8,674 )     (30,468 )     (40,272 )     (1,178,748 )
- Recoveries (1)     (888,108 )     (753,897 )     (106,608 )     (12,757 )     (174,900 )     (1,936,270 )
+/- Translation adjustment     63,264       82,948       29,384       2,150       7,872       185,618  
= Balance at end of year     2,360,488       1,479,460       456,983       76,560       415,766       4,789,257  

 

 

(1) The provision for loan losses, net COP 1,308,825 differs from the COP 843,597 presents in the line “Credit impairment charges on loans and financial leases, net” of the Consolidated Statement of Income, in the amount of COP 465,228 due to the recovery of charged-off loans for COP 264,856 and the provision for loan losses, net for COP 200,372 of Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A., which is classified in the "discontinued operation" at December 31, 2015. See Note 31 Discontinued Operations.

 

Leasing operations:

 

Finance leases - lessor

 

The Bank has subscribed lease agreements as lessor. These leases arrangements involve machinery and equipment, computer equipment, automobile and furniture and fixtures and their terms range between three and ten years, as follows:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Period   Gross investment     Present value of minimum
payments
 
    In millions of COP  
Within 1 year     3,198,897       2,717,904  
Over 1 year, but less than 5 years     7,679,476       6,227,836  
Over 5 years     18,896,256       11,605,836  
Total     29,774,629       20,551,576  
Less: Future financial income (1)     (9,223,053 )     -  
Present value of payments receivable     20,551,576       20,551,576  
Minimum non-collectable payments impairment     (553,071 )     (553,071 )
Total     19,998,505       19,998,505  

 

 

(1) Future financial income: Total Gross Investment - Total Present Value of minimum payments

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Period   Gross investment     Present value of minimum
payments
 
    In millions of COP  
Within 1 year     931,729       865,478  
Over 1 year, but less than 5 years     7,527,860       6,285,804  
Over 5 years     14,726,962       10,413,947  
Total     23,186,551       17,565,229  
Less: Future financial income (1)     (5,621,322 )     -  
Present value of payments receivable     17,565,229       17,565,229  
Minimum non-collectable payments impairment     (352,680 )     (352,680 )
Total     17,212,549       17,212,549  

 

 

(1) Future financial income: Total Gross Investment - Total Present Value of minimum payments

 

F- 53

 

 

Unsecured residual values 4

 

The unsecured residual values by type of asset are as follows:

 

    As of December  
Type of asset   December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Machinery and equipment     66,493       22,481  
Properties     63,102       626  
Automobile     51,559       38,580  
Computer equipment     23,759       19,079  
Furniture and fixtures     8,446       7,899  
Other assets     434       435  
Total     213,793       89,100  

 

Operating leases - lessor

 

Certain of the Bank’s subsidiaries lease assets to third parties under non-cancelable lease arrangements. Assets provided through operating leases are recorded as property, plant and equipment. The terms established for these agreements range from 1 to 10 years.

 

The following table presents the information of minimum payments by lease to be received as of December 31:

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Within 1 year     132,621       101,208  
Over 1 year, but less than 5 years     664,673       511,909  
Over 5 years     169,520       147,767  
Total     966,814       760,884  

 

 

4 The unsecured residual value is the part of the residual value of the leased asset, whose realization is not secured or is secured by a third party related to the lessor.

 

F- 54

 

  

NOTE 7. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

 

The following table presents information regarding the Bank’s investments in associates and joint ventures:

 

Composition   December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Investments in associates     540,955       1,348,683       1,028,376  
Joint ventures     5,594       1,014       1,106  
Total     546,549       1,349,697       1,029,482  

 

The following are the investments in associates that the Bank holds as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

As of December 31, 2015  
Investments in Associates  
Company Name   Main activity   Country  

% of

Ownership
interest

    Equity
method (1)
    Total
OCI
   

OCI

(Equity
method)

   

OCI

(CTA) 2

    Carrying
amount
 
In millions of COP    
Protección S.A.   Administration of pension funds and severances   Colombia     20.58 %     25,238       10,504       (10,311 )     -       416,404  
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A.   Mortgage portfolio securities   Colombia     26.98 %     2,163       (632 )     (464 )     -       37,174  
Redeban Multicolor S.A.   Network data transmission services   Colombia     20.36 %     2,106       (602 )     (425 )     -       16,737  
Avefarma S.A.S   Manufacture and distribution of glass packing for pharmaceutical products   Colombia     21.00 %     (4,613 )     329       (2,349 )     -       15,159  
Reintegra S.A.S.   Collections and recovery of portfolio   Colombia     46.00 %     2,598       2,690       (2,914 )     -       10,014  
Panamerican Pharmaceutical Holding Inc.   Advisory services, consultation, representation, agent for individuals or company   Panamá     21.00 %     1,227       250       (782 )     (949 )     9,928  
Internacional Ejecutiva de Aviación S.A.S.   aircraft and aircraft travel   Colombia     33.33 %     (113 )     -       -       -       8,009  
ACH Colombia S.A.   Electronic transfer services   Colombia     19.94 %     1,566       (74 )     72       -       5,678  
Servicio Salvadoreño de Protección, S. A. de C.V.   Custodial services and transfer of monetary types   Colombia     24.40 %     1,303       (1,922 )     956       (686 )     5,550  
Multiactivos S.A.   Securitization of non-mortgage assets   El Salvador     21.25 %     (336 )     (70 )     51       -       3,917  
Servicios Financieros, S.A. de C.V.   Processing of financial transactions and electronic payment methods   Colombia     46.72 %     287       102       (93 )     76       3,667  
Concesiones CCFC S.A.   Construction of public works through an awarding system   El Salvador     25.50 %     3,213       (749 )     720       -       3,174  
Concesiones Urbanas S.A. (en liquidación)   Construction of civil engineering projects   Colombia     33.33 %     154       -       -       -       2,489  

 

 

 

F- 55

 

 

Investments in Associates  
Company Name   Main activity   Country  

% of

Ownership
interest

    Equity
method (1)
    Total
OCI
   

OCI

(Equity
method)

   

OCI

(CTA) 2

    Carrying
amount
 
In millions of COP  
Glassfarma Tech S.A.S   Manufacturing, elaboration and commercialization of packages and pharmaceutical products   Colombia     21.00 %     91       336       (199 )     -       2,337  
ACH de El Salvador, S. A. de C.V.   Electronic transfer services   El Salvador     24.40 %     117       64       (58 )     45       718  
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. (2)   Offering of financial products portfolio and the initiation of business   Guatemala     -       84,141       -       41,304       -       -  
Inversiones Inmobiliarias Arauco Alameda S.A.S. (3)   Real estate activities with separate properties or leasings   Colombia     -       (1,232 )     -       (1,714 )     -       -  
Net investments in associates                     117,910       10,226       23,794       (1,514 )     540,955  

 

 

(1) Corresponds to the income recognized as equity method in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2015
(2) On December 30, 2015 the Bank acquired 60% of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A., however, the table presents the recognition of the Equity Method before the control acquisition when the Bank’s investment was 40%.
(3) On November 20, 2015 Bancolombia Group sold its investment in Inversiones Inmobiliarias Arauco Alameda S.A.S.

 

As of December 31, 2014:

Investments in Associates  
Company Name   Main activity   Country  

% of

Ownership
interest

   

Equity method
(1)

   

OCI

(Equity
method)

   

OCI

(CTA) 2

    Carrying
amount
 
In millions of COP  
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A.   Offering of financial products portfolio and the initiation of business   Guatemala     40.00 %     (2,704 )     41,304       9,452       663,118  
Protección S.A.   Administration of pension funds and severances   Colombia     20.58 %     53,137       193       -       408,810  
Inversiones Inmobiliarias Arauco Alameda S.A.S.   Real estate activities with separate properties or leasings   Colombia     33.81 %     (10,454 )     (1,713 )     -       158,794  
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos   Mortgage portfolio securities   Colombia     26.98 %     2,832       (1,096 )     -       37,825  
Avefarma S.A.S   Manufacture and distribution of glass packing for pharmaceutical products   Colombia     21.00 %     6,455       (2,020 )     -       17,738  
Redeban Multicolor S.A.   Network data transmission services   Colombia     20.36 %     918       (1,027 )     -       14,601  
Panamerican Pharmaceutical Holding Inc.   Advisory services, consultation, representation, agent for individuals or company   Panama     21.00 %     4,667       (531 )     2,532       13,642  
Concesiones CCFC S.A.   Construction of public works through an awarding system   Colombia     25.50 %     3,629       (29 )     -       7,136  
Reintegra S.A.S.   Collections and recovery of portfolio   Colombia     46.00 %     1,666       (224 )     -       6,236  
ACH Colombia S.A.   Electronic transfer services   Colombia     19.94 %     859       (2 )     -       5,024  
Multiactivos S.A.   Securitization of non-mortgage assets   Colombia     21.25 %     (23 )     (19 )     -       4,303  

 

F- 56

 

 

Investments in Associates  
Company Name   Main activity   Country  

% of

Ownership
interest

   

Equity method
(1)

   

OCI

(Equity
method)

   

OCI

(CTA) 2

    Carrying
amount
 
In millions of COP  
Servicio Salvadoreño de Protección, S. A. de C.V.   Custodial services and transfer of monetary types   El Salvador     24.40 %     (938 )     (966 )     (417 )     4,094  
Servicios Financieros, S.A. de C.V.   Processing of financial transactions and electronic payment methods   El Salvador     46.72 %     73       8       18       2,536  
Concesiones Urbanas S.A. (en liquidación)   Construction of civil engineering projects   Colombia     33.33 %     158       -       -       2,335  
Glassfarma Tech S.A.S   Manufacturing, elaboration and commercialization of packages and pharmaceutical products   Colombia     21.00 %     308       137       -       2,047  
ACH de El Salvador, S. A. de C.V.   Electronic transfer services   El Salvador     24.40 %     61       6       13       444  
Net investments in associates                     60,644       34,021       11,598       1,348,683  

  

 

(1) Corresponds to the income recognized as equity method in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(2) CTA = currency translation adjustment.

 

As of January 1, 2014

Investments in Associates  
Company Name   Main activity   Country  

% of

Ownership interest

    Carrying
amount
 
In millions of COP  
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A.   Offering of financial products portfolio and the initiation of business   Guatemala     40.00 %     418,286  
Protección S.A.   Administration of pension funds and severances   Colombia     20.58 %     365,961  
Inversiones Inmobiliarias Arauco Alameda S.A.S.   Real estate activities with separate properties or leasing   Colombia     33.81 %     140,324  
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos   Mortgage portfolio securities   Colombia     26.98 %     28,920  
Redeban Multicolor S.A.   Network data transmission services   Colombia     20.36 %     14,710  
Avefarma S.A.S   Manufacture and distribution of glass packing for pharmaceutical products   Colombia     21.00 %     13,503  
Concesiones CCFC S.A.   Construction of public works through an awarding system   Colombia     25.50 %     9,911  
Panamerican Pharmaceutical Holding Inc.   Advisory services, consultation, representation. agent for individuals or company   Panama     21.00 %     8,310  
Reintegra S.A.S.   Collections and recovery of portfolio   Colombia     46.00 %     7,397  
Servicio Salvadoreño de Protección. S. A. de C.V.   Custodial services and transfer of monetary types   El Salvador     24.40 %     5,167  
ACH Colombia S.A.   Electronic transfer services   Colombia     19.94 %     4,666  
Multiactivos S.A.   Securitization of non-mortgage assets   Colombia     21.25 %     4,346  
Concesiones Urbanas S.A.   Construction of civil engineering projects   Colombia     33.33 %     2,177  
Servicios Financieros. S.A. de C.V.   Processing of financial transactions and electronic payment methods   El Salvador     46.72 %     1,963  
Glassfarma Tech S.A.S   Manufacturing. elaboration and commercialization of packages and pharmaceutical products   Colombia     21.00 %     1,623  
Saneal   Real estate   Panama     35.83 %     819  
ACH de El Salvador. S. A. de C.V.   Electronic transfer services   El Salvador     24.40 %     293  
Net investments in associates                     1,028,376  

 

F- 57

 

  

The following is complementary information regarding the Bank’s most significant associates as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

December 31, 2015

Company Name   Assets     Liabilities     Income from
ordinary
activities
    Profits (loss)     Dividends  
    In millions of COP  
Protección S.A.     1,665,993       485,279       499,946       164,342       27,042  
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos     145,246       11,515       24,295       6,899       3,278  

 

December 31, 2014

Company Name   Assets     Liabilities     Income from
ordinary
activities
    Profits (loss)     Dividends  
    In millions of COP  
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. (1)     8,332,635       7,474,295       350,383       100,521       -  
Inversiones Inmobiliarias Arauco Alameda S.A.S.     505,741       182,144       46,364       23,230       -  
Titularizadora Colombiana S.A. Hitos     152,293       16,148       32,075       11,129       4,734  

 

 

(1) On December 30, 2015 the Bank acquired 20% of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A., this company is a subsidiary of the Group with a total participation of 60%.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and January 1 2014, there are no restrictions on the capacity of associates for transferring funds to the Bank in the form of cash dividends.

 

The following are the Joint ventures that the Bank holds as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

Investments in joint ventures December 31, 2015
Company Name   Main activity   Country   % of
Ownership
interest
   

Equity
method (1)

    Total OCI    

OCI
(Equity
method)

    Value of
investment
 
In millions of COP  
Fideicomiso Ruta del Sol - compartimento A   Investment in infrastructure projects .   Colombia     50.00 %     4,567       13       (13 )     5,594  

 

 

(1) It corresponds to the income through equity participation of joint ventures recognized in the statement of income as of December 31, 2015.

 

Investments in joint ventures December 31, 2014
Company Name   Main activity   Country   % of
Ownership
interest
   

Equity method
(1)

    Total OCI     Value of
investment
 
In millions of COP  
Fideicomiso Ruta del Sol - compartimento A   Investment in infrastructure projects   Colombia     50.00 %     (97 )     -       1,014  

 

 
(1) It corresponds to the income through equity participation of joint ventures recognized in the statement of income as of December 31, 2014.

 

F- 58

 

 

Investments in joint ventures January 1, 2014
Company Name   Main activity   Country   % of Participation     January 1, 2014  
In millions of COP  
Fideicomiso Ruta del Sol - compartimento A   Investment in infrastructure projects   Colombia     50,00 %     1,106  

 

As of December 31, 2015, there are no contingent liabilities incurred by the Bank regarding its interests in the joint ventures and associates aforementioned.

 

NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangibles assets and goodwill are comprised as follows:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Intangible assets     607,586       171,121       305,824  
Goodwill     6,484,669       4,414,728       3,587,694  
Total     7,092,255       4,585,849       3,893,518  

 

8.1. Intangible assets.

 

The following table sets forth the Bank's intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, including the reconciliation of initial and final balances of the cost, accrued amortization, and accrued impairment losses:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  

 

Cost

  Trademarks     Licenses, software
and computer
applications
    Client relationships     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Balance at January 1, 2015     -       774,236       -       774,236  
Acquisitions     -       132,217       -       132,217  
Terminated agreements/ Write off     -       (20,405 )     -       (20,405 )
Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding (1)     18,069       96,661       330,497       445,227  
Assets classified as held for sale (2)     -       (6,246 )     -       (6,246 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       58,888       -       58,888  
Balance at December 31, 2015     18,069       1,035,351       330,497       1,383,917  

 

 

(1) See section 8.3 of this Note

(2) See Note 31. Discontinued operations

 

Amortization   Trademarks     Licenses, software
and computer
applications
    Client relationships     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Balance at January 1, 2015     -       (603,115 )     -       (603,115 )
Terminated agreements/ Write off             23,309       -       23,309  
Amortization expense     -       (153,799 )     -       (153,799 )
Assets classified as held for sale     -       3,979       -       3,979  
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       (46,705 )     -       (46,705 )
Balance at December 31, 2015     -       (776,331 )     -       (776,331 )
                                 
Intangible assets at December 31,  2015, net     18,069       259,020       330,497       607,586  

 

F- 59

 

 

    As of December 31, 2014  

Cost

  Trademarks     Licenses     Client relationships     Total  
    In millions of COP  
 
Balance at January 1, 2014     -       706,089       -       706,089  
Acquisitions     -       48,972       -       48,972  
Terminated agreements/ Write off     -       (19,051 )     -       (19,051 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       38,226       -       38,226  
Balance at December 31, 2014     -       774,236       -       774,236  

  

Amortization   Trademarks     Licenses     Client relationships     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Balance at January 1, 2014     -       (395,479 )     -       (395,479 )
Amortization expense     -       (178,261 )     -       (178,261 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       (29,375 )     -       (29,375 )
Balance at December 31, 2014     -       (603,115 )     -       (603,115 )
                                 
Intangible assets at December 31,  2014, net     -       171,121       -       171,121  

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank does not have intangible assets with restricted ownership, intangible assets pledged as collateral or contractual agreements for the acquisition of this class of assets.

 

Research and development costs related to software development

 

During the periods ending December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank incurred in costs that are directly related to software development amounted to COP 8,344 and COP 12,340, respectively. These costs were incurred during the design and implementation processes in connection with the updating and replacement of the mortgage core software application and SAP CRM software application. The expenses were recorded mainly as fees in the statement of income.

 

During 2014, there was also an initiative aimed at implementing the SAT software application related to credit card businesses, which had an investment for COP 9,869. This initiative was suspended; therefore, the asset was charged-off, and recorded as expenses in the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Fully amortized intangible assets

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank has intangible assets that have already fulfilled their estimated useful life but are still in use. The related gross basis cost amounted to COP 42,231 and COP 1,224, respectively.

 

Intangibles which did not meet the criteria to be recognized as assets

 

Software licenses and fees and other payments less than COP 120 that directly relate to software development, are recorded as an expense in operations as incurred, mainly due to the fact that it is not possibly to associate those assets to a major software development. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank has recognized in the statement of income the amount of COP 3,583 and COP 1,496, respectively, as intangibles that did not meet the criteria to be recorded as assets.

 

F- 60

 

 

8.2 Goodwill

 

The following table sets forth an analysis of the activity in the goodwill account:

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Balance at beginning of the year, net     4,414,728       3,587,694  
Impairment of Uff! Móvil’s goodwill     -       (3,179 )
Refund of the amount paid (1)     -       (37,684 )
Sale of Uff! Móvil (2)     (18,083 )     -  
Sale of Banistmo Seguros     (77,082 )     -  
Preliminary goodwill resulting from the GAH acquisition (3)     735,073       -  
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate     1,430,033       867,897  
Balance at end of the year, net     6,484,669       4,414,728  

 

 

(1)

 

In December 2014, HSBC Latin America Holding refunded COP 59,502 due to adjustments made to the price paid for Banistmo, of which COP 37,684 corresponds to adjustments directly related to the pricing. This amount was recognized as a reduction of the goodwill and the difference, COP 21,818, was recorded as income, because those adjustments were recognized by the Bank preveusly as expenses acquisition.
(2) On November 30, 2015, the Bank sold its 80.59% stake in Uff! Móvil, which was held through Inversiones CFNS S.A.S. and BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S., the transaction was carried out by means of the sale of all shares of Uff! Móvil to MVNO Holdings LLC, a company established under the laws of the State of Florida in the United States.
(3) On December 30, 2015, Bancolombia Panama S.A., a subsidiary of the Bank, acquired an additional 20% of the common stock of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. (GAH), which represents a controlling stake of 60%. See '8.3 Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding (GAH)'

 

Goodwill impairment

 

At December 31, 2014, after performing the required impairment test, the Bank concluded that there was an impairment of Uff Movil goodwill due to the continuing losses during the last years, and therefore recorded an impairment charge in the Other Segments for the excess over the fair value amounting to COP 3,179:

 

    2014  
Balance at beginning of the year, net   COP   21,262  
Impairment     (3,179 )
Balance at end of the year, net   COP

18,083

 

 

The recoverable amount of Uff Movil at December 31, 2014 amounts to COP11,283, and was determined using the fair value through the discounted cash flows valuation methodology. This valuation methodology determines the fair value of the company considering its cash generation capability attributable to the stockholders. This methodology estimates the available future cash flows by simulating the company or cash-generation unit operating performance taking into account reasonable and objective key assumptions and forward-looking projections based on the Bank’s general expectations related to the business, the company’s historical trends and the qualified evaluator’s independent criteria; and finally for estimating the present value of the available cash flows, the model uses a discount rate which implies the time value of money and the business risks. Consequently, the asset is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

On November 30, 2015, Uff! Móvil was sold to a third party and the related goodwill was disposed at a loss.

 

The Bank tests goodwill recognized upon business combinations for impairment at least annually using a process that begins with an estimation of the recoverable amount of a cash-generation unit (CGU). Fair value is determined by management by reference to market value, if available, by pricing models, or with the assistance of a qualified evaluator. Determination of fair value by a qualified evaluator or pricing model requires management to make assumptions and use estimates to forecast cash flow for periods that are beyond the normal requirements of management reporting; the assessment of the discount rate appropriate to the reporting unit; estimation of the fair value of cash-generation units; and the valuation of the separable assets of each business whose goodwill is being reviewed.

 

F- 61

 

 

The key assumptions used by management in determining the fair value are:

 

Operating
segment
 

Cash generating unit

(CGU)

 

Goodwill 2015 (1)

   

Valuation

Methodology

  Key
Assumptions
 

Discount

Rate (real)

   

Growth

rate (real)

 
Banking El   Corporate Banking   COP  197,319                          
Salvador   Consumer Banking     572,403     Cash flow   10 years plan     13.28 %     -  
    Mortgage Banking     119,102                          
Banking   Corporate Banking     2,677,571     Cash flow   5 years plan     11.40 %     5.20 %
Panama   Consumer Banking   COP 2,183,201                          

 

Operating
segment
  Cash generating unit
(CGU)
 

Goodwill 2014 (1)

    Valuation
Methodology
  Key
Assumptions
  Discount Rate
(real)
    Growth rate
(real)
 
Banking El   Corporate Banking   COP  149,889                
Salvador   Consumer Banking     434,814      Cash flow    10 years plan     13.03  %      
    Mortgage Banking     90,473                          
Banking   Corporate Banking     1,994,504           12.10 %     6.70 %
Panama   Consumer Banking     1,626,252      Cash flow    5 years plan            
    Insurance     88,565               13.30 %     2.50 %
Other
Segments
  Mobile network operator   COP 18,083     Cash flow   10 years plan     11.50 %     -  

 

 

(1) Goodwill was allocated to each cash generating unit considering their proportional part of the total assets measured at fair value.

 

Sensitivity analysis:

 

In order to assess the impact of changes in certain significant inputs such as the discount rate and the growth rate in the operating segments’ fair value, the qualified evaluators made a sensitivity analysis of these inputs through the definition of alternative scenarios with their future evolution. The tables below present the outcomes of each sensitivity analysis:

 

Other segments

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Growth rate    

Discount rate

 
      10.50 %     11.50 %     12.50 %
0.00%   COP 12,739     COP 11,283     COP 10,063  

 

Banking Panama

 

Corporate banking

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Growth rate    

Discount rate

 
      11.60 %     11.40 %     11.20 %
5.20%   COP 4,378,598     COP 4,530,538     COP 4,692,729  
                         
Discount rate    

Growth rate

 
      4.90 %     5.20 %     5.40 %
11.40%   COP 4,426,517     COP  4,530,538     COP 4,643,317  

  

F- 62

 

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Growth rate    

Discount rate

 
      11.10 %     12.10 %     13.10 %
6.70%   COP 3,434,063     COP 2,752,636     COP 2,285,368  
                         
Discount rate    

Growth rate

 
      5.70 %     6.70 %     7.70 %
12.10%   COP 2,524,245     COP 2,752,636     COP 3,094,603  

 

Small business banking

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Growth rate   Discount rate  
      11.60 %     11.40 %     11.20 %
5.2%     COP  3,231,340     COP 3,341,235     COP 3,458,518  
                         
Discount rate    

Growth rate

 
      4.90 %     5.20 %     5.40 %
11.40%     COP  3,266,133     COP 3,341,235     COP 3,422,655  

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Growth rate   Discount rate  
      11.10 %     12.10 %     13.10 %
6.70%   COP 2,904,872     COP 2,332,930     COP 1,940,743  
                         
Discount rate   Growth rate  
      5.70 %     6.70 %     7.70 %
12.10%   COP 2,123,280     COP 2,332,930     COP 2,646,832  

 

Insurance

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Growth rate   Discount rate  
      12.30 %     13.30 %     14.30 %
2.50%   COP 474,456     COP 456,595     COP 441,763  
                         
Discount rate    

Growth rate

 
      1.50 %     2.50 %     3.50 %
13.30%   COP 446,385     COP 456,595     COP 468,888  

 

F- 63

 

 

Banking El Salvador

 

Corporate Banking

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Discount rate   Growth rate  
      -0.39 %     0.00 %     0.59 %
12.30%   COP 1,140,004     COP 1,151,278     COP 1,170,065  
13.28%     1,079,885       1,088,903       1,103,933  
14.26%   COP 1,027,282     COP 1,034,797     COP 1,046,819  

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Discount rate   Growth rate  
      0.00 %     1.00 %     2.00 %
12.90%   COP 1,044,988     COP 1,075,581     COP 1,110,975  
13.40%     1,012,594       1,039,589       1,071,382  
13.90%   COP 982,001     COP 1,006,596     COP 1,034,791  

 

Consumer Banking

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Discount rate   Growth rate  
      0.00 %     1.00 %     2.00 %
12.30%   COP 2,946,107     COP 2,975,238     COP 3,023,789  
13.28%     2,790,743       2,814,045       2,852,888  
14.26%   COP 2,654,797     COP 2,674,218     COP 2,705,291  

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Discount rate   Growth rate  
      0.00 %     1.00 %     2.00 %
12.90%   COP 2,516,736     COP 2,590,416     COP 2,675,654  
13.40%     2,438,718       2,503,731       2,580,302  
13.90%   COP 2,365,036     COP 2,424,270     COP 2,492,174  

 

Mortgage Banking

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Discount rate   Growth rate  
      -0.39 %     0.00 %     0.59 %
12.30%   COP 556,237     COP 561,735     COP 570,903  
13.28%     526,903       531,304       538,637  
14.26%   COP 501,236     COP 504,904     COP 510,769  

  

F- 64

 

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Discount rate   Growth rate  
      0.00 %     1.00 %     2.00 %
12.90%   COP 491,973     COP 506,376     COP 523,039  
13.40%     476,722       489,430       504,399  
13.90%   COP 462,319     COP 473,896     COP 487,170  

   

The Bank considers goodwill as an asset with indefinite useful life.

 

8.3 Agromercantil Group Holding (GAH) acquisition

 

On December 18, 2012, Bancolombia Panama S.A. (a subsidiary of Bancolombia S.A.) and BAM Financial Corporation (BFC), entered into a stock purchase agreement, pursuant to which Bancolombia Panama agreed to purchase from BFC a 40% stake in the capital stock of the Panamanian company Grupo Agromercantil Holding (GAH).

 

On October 1, 2013, after obtaining the required regulatory authorizations Bancolombia Panama acquired 40% of the common stock of GAH. The consideration paid by Bancolombia was USD 217,000 in cash. Likewise, the agreement set forth a series of call options held by Bancolombia Panama and put options held by BFC, with which after 5 years since that date Bancolombia Panama had the right to buy and BFC the obligation to sell, the number of voting shares required to hold 51% of the total share capital of GAH, on the other hand, during 5 years since the effective date, BFC had the right to sell and Bancolombia Panama the obligation to buy, any number of voting shares; however, the option never could be for a number of shares that would result in a 50%/50% of ownership over GAH as of October 2013.

 

In September 2015, the Share Purchase Agreement aforementioned was modified:

 

1. BFC agreed to sell 40,540,000 common shares of Grupo Agromercantil (equivalent to 20% of the subscribed and paid capital) to Bancolombia Panama.

 

2. The consideration payable in cash by Bancolombia Panama is USD 151,500.

 

3. At the time of share transfer, December 30, 2015, the consideration paid was based on the estimated consolidated net income of GAH as of December 31, 2015, and will be trued-up once audited numbers are available. As part of the modification of the agreement, the Bank entered into a put agreement to acquire the remaining 40% shares in Grupo Agromercantil Holding at a contractually determined future date and value. The puttable non-controlling interest liability was recognized in the statement of financial position. The non-controlling shareholders in Grupo Agromercantil Holding have the option to put their 40% interest in Agromercantil to the Bank, using a market valuation formula based on future profits.

 

The acquisition achieved in stages of GAH and its subsidiaries is being accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with IFRS 3. Accordingly, the Bank has remeasured its previously held equity interest in GAH at its acquisition-date fair value and recognized the resulting gain or loss considering any other comprehensive income previously recorded related to currency translation adjustment and equity method adjustment. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date as summarized in the following table. All acquired loans were also recorded at fair value. Preliminary goodwill of USD 233,396 (COP 735,073) is calculated as the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired, and the related deferred tax amounts of USD 28,954 (COP 91,191). The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon completion of the analysis of the fair values of GAH’s assets and liabilities.

 

F- 65

 

 

For this acquisition, the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on the information available at the end of the reporting period. The Bank considers this information provides a reasonable basis for determining fair values. Likewise, the Bank is currently evaluating these fair values and they are subject to review as more detailed analyses are completed and additional information becomes available. Any subsequent changes resulting from the evaluation of these estimates may adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement.

 

GAH Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation   U.S. dollar    

Millions of COP (1)

 
Purchase price on December 31, 2015     151,500       477,145  
Fair value of previously held invesment     272,527       858,316  
Total     424,027       1,335,461  
Preliminary allocation of the purchase price:                
GAH stockholders’ equity at book value     365,183       1,150,132  
GAH intangibles assets recognized at the acquisition date     136,929       431,252  
Pre-tax adjustments to reflect acquired assets and liabilities at fair value:                
Investment securities     9,207       28,999  
Loans     (64,077 )     (201,809 )
Premises and equipment     19,383       61,046  
Foreclosed assets     550       1,731  
Other assets     (2,076 )     (6,538 )
Deposits     (3,685 )     (11,606 )
Other liabilities     (5,623 )     (17,711 )
Pre-tax total adjustment     (46,321 )     (145,888 )
Deferred income taxes     (28,954 )     (91,191 )
After-tax total adjustments     (75,275 )     (237,079 )
Fair value of net assets acquired     426,835       1,344,305  
Fair value of put option over investee     (36,323 )     (114,399 )
Non-controlling interest at fair value     272,527       858,316  
Preliminary goodwill     233,395       735,073  

 

 

(1) Amounts converted to Colombian pesos using the exchange rate applicable at December 31, 2015 (USD1 per COP 3,149.47).

 

As a consequence of the terms included in the contract to acquire the shares held by Bank Financial Corporation -BFC- (currently, the Grupo Agromercantil Holding’s non-controlling interest), in which the latter can put its shares to Bancolombia Panama, the Bank’s Panamaniam subsidiary recognized a loss as of December 31, 2015, related to the remeasurement of the 20% of the derivative liability when it the Bank pay cash to acquire of an additional 20% of the common stock, which will represent a controlling stake of 60%, in Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. (“GAH”).

 

The goodwill has been allocated to the segment Banking Guatemala and represents the value expected from combining the GAH’s corporate banking portfolio with the Bank’s expertise commercial banking as well as the opportunity to increase its international operations by investing in the growing market of Central America.

 

F- 66

 

 

Preliminary Condensed Statement of Net Assets Acquired

 

The following condensed statement of net assets acquired reflects the preliminary fair value assigned to GAH’s net assets as of the acquisition date:

 

   

2015 (1)

 
    U.S. dollar     Millions of COP  
Assets:                
Cash and deposit funds     400,368       1,260,947  
Derivative assets     1,120       3,526  
Investment securities, net     602,797       1,898,493  
Loan and leases, net     2,588,093       8,151,122  
Intangible assets     141,366       445,227  
Other assets     120,002       377,943  
Total assets     3,853,746       12,137,258  
Liabilities:                
Deposits     2,587,362       8,148,820  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     338,276       1,065,390  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     194,822       613,587  
Debt securities in issue     306,451       965,156  
Total liabilities     3,426,911       10,792,953  
Fair value of net assets acquired (2)     426,835       1,344,305  

 

 

(1) Amounts converted to Colombian pesos using the exchange rate applicable at December 31, 2015 (USD1 per COP 3,149.47)
(2) The fair value of net assets excludes preliminary goodwill resulting from the GAH acquisition of USD 233,396 .

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

If the GAH acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2015 total revenue, net of interest expense and net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 would have been COP 7,052,535 and COP 2,323,729, respectively.

 

These results include the impact of amortizing certain purchase accounting adjustments such as intangible assets as well as fair value adjustments to loans, interbank borrowings and deposits. The pro forma financial information does not indicate the impact of possible business model changes nor does it consider any potential impacts of current market conditions or revenues or other factors. The results shown above combine the historical results of GAH and its subsidiaries and certain adjustments made according to the Bank's main accounting policies.

 

The Bank’s results for the reporting period ended December 31, 2015, does not include results from GAH and its subsidiaries, since the business combination took place on December 30, 2015.

 

Acquisition-related cost

 

In connection with the acquisition of GAH and its subsidiaries, the Bank incurred costs in the amount of COP 4,205 which are recorded in the ‘Other expenses’ line item of the Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

F- 67

 

 

Previously held interest

 

Prior to control being obtained, the Bank accounted for its investment in GAH and subsidiaries using the equity method:

 

Date and nature of investment   Share in equity  
October 2013 – Investment recorded as an associate     40 %
December 2015 – Acquisition of  20%, control obtained     20 %
Total at December 31, 2015     60 %

 

At the date of obtaining control (the acquisition date), the Bank remeasured any previously-held equity interest to fair value and recognized a revenue amounting to COP 2,977 in the Consolidated Statement of Income as ‘Interest and valuation on investment’.

 

NOTE 9. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014 the premises and equipment consisted of the following:

 

          Roll - forward        
Premises and
equipment
  Balance at
January 1,
2015
    Acquisitions     Expenses -
depreciation
    Disposals    

Acquisitions
through business
combination (1)

   

Assets classified
as held for sale
(2)

    Effect of
changes in
foreign
exchange rate
    Balance at
December 31, 2015
 
    In millions of COP  
Lands                                                                
Cost     246,290       29,330       -       (9,526 )     48,852       -       33,785       348,731  
Construction in progress                                                                
Cost     2,285       52,559       -       (1,372 )     -       -       7,685       61,157  
Buildings                                                                
Cost     1,023,019       12,079       -       (21,870 )     75,695       -       96,929       1,185,852  
Accumulated depreciation     (192,979 )     -       (34,299 )     5,795       -       -       (48,832 )     (270,315 )
Furniture and fixtures                                                                
Cost     471,773       48,048       -       (44,058 )     13,408       (328 )     42,683       531,526  
Accumulated depreciation     (199,928 )     (3,970 )     (36,323 )     5,770       (5,249 )     202       (30,646 )     (270,144 )
Computer equipment                                                                
Cost     569,808       143,846       -       (38,590 )     24,675       (12,877 )     83,868       770,730  
Accumulated depreciation     (358,943 )     (8,867 )     (84,162 )     30,255       (11,613 )     7,410       (57,919 )     (483,839 )
Vehicles                                                                
Cost     1,067,658       375,254       -       (93,854 )     1,545       (133,390 )     38,735       1,255,948  
Accumulated depreciation     (314,318 )     (382 )     (130,753 )     44,231       (696 )     65,290       (8,712 )     (345,340 )
Airplane                                                                
Cost     48,328       -       -       -       -       -       15,292       63,620  
Accumulated depreciation     (1,296 )     -       (2,111 )     -       -       -       (720 )     (4,127 )
Ongoing Imports                                                                
Cost     49,678       1,406       -       (29,892 )     -       -       -       21,192  
Leasehold improvements                                                                
Cost     122,154       117,645       -       (2,798 )     11,711       (105 )     35,058       283,665  

 

F- 68

 

 

          Roll - forward        
Premises and
equipment
  Balance at
January 1,
2015
    Acquisitions     Expenses -
depreciation
    Disposals    

Acquisitions
through business
combination (1)

   

Assets classified
as held for sale
(2)

    Effect of
changes in
foreign
exchange rate
    Balance at
December 31, 2015
 
    In millions of COP  
Accumulated depreciation     (61,444 )     -       (19,041 )     775       -       -       (1,426 )     (81,136 )
Other Assets (3)
Cost     -       -       -       -       15,404       -       2,260       17,664  
Total fixed assets in use - cost     3,600,993       780,167       -       (241,960 )     191,290       (146,700 )     356,295       4,540,085  
Total fixed assets in use - accumulated depreciation     (1,128,908 )     (13,219 )     (306,689 )     86,826       (17,558 )     72,902       (148,255 )     (1,454,901 )
Other marketable and non-marketable for sale assets (4)                                                                
Cost     184,038       -       -       (17,375 )     -       -       -       166,663  
Accumulated depreciation     (9,802 )     -       (483 )     -       -       -       -       (10,285 )
Total fixed assets - cost     3,785,031       780,167       -       (259,335 )     191,290       (146,700 )     356,295       4,706,748  
Total fixed assets - accumulated depreciation     (1,138,710 )     (13,219 )     (307,172 )     86,826       (17,558 )     72,902       (148,255 )     (1,465,186 )
Total fixed assets     2,646,321                                                       3,241,562  

 

 

(1) Premises and equipment classified in this category relate to the acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A. For further information see Note 8.3.
(2) It corresponds to Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.. For further information see Note 31.
(3) Assets not used in active business.
(4) The other marketable and non-marketable assets are vehicles, premises and equipment with an estimated permanence under the Bank’s administration greater than one year and all those that do not fulfill the criteria for immediate sale, in both cases are classified under the premises and equipment account as other assets. Non-marketable assets correspond to assets that has no recoverable value and, thus, do not generate future economic benefits in the short term, and for which there is no certainty of sale since they can have legal usage limits or there is no a market available to fulfill the sale. The other marketable assets correspond to assets held for sale; however, their sale is not expected to be executed during the twelve months following from the reception.

 

F- 69

 

 

          Roll - forward        
Premises and equipment   Balance at
January 1, 2014
    Acquisitions     Expenses -
depreciation
    Disposals     Effect of changes
in foreign
exchange rate
    Balance at
December 31, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Lands                                                
Cost     235,592       5,074       -       (10,756 )     16,380       246,290  
Construction in progress                                                
Cost     913       1,372       -       -       -       2,285  
Buildings                                                
Cost     970,113       27,012       -       (14,245 )     40,139       1,023,019  
Accumulated depreciation     (136,954 )     -       (24,441 )     262       (31,846 )     (192,979 )
Furniture and fixtures                                                
Cost     421,927       41,468       -       (8,417 )     16,795       471,773  
Accumulated depreciation     (164,530 )             (28,955 )     4,682       (11,125 )     (199,928 )
Computer equipment                                                
Cost     475,835       91,913       -       (74,867 )     76,927       569,808  
Accumulated depreciation     (260,747 )     -       (68,492 )     21,326       (51,030 )     (358,943 )
Vehicles                                                
Cost     849,456       508,886       -       (291,381 )     697       1,067,658  
Accumulated depreciation     (257,502 )     -       (113,663 )     71,343       (14,496 )     (314,318 )
Airplane                                                
Cost     -       38,922       -       -       9,406       48,328  
Accumulated depreciation     -       -       (1,081 )     -       (215 )     (1,296 )
Ongoing Imports                                                
Cost     29,944       19,734       -       -       -       49,678  
Leasehold improvements                                                
Cost     102,016       13,074       -       (1,173 )     8,237       122,154  
Accumulated depreciation     (39,279 )     -       (15,775 )     269       (6,659 )     (61,444 )
Total fixed assets - cost     3,085,796       747,455       -       (400,839 )     168,581       3,600,993  
Total fixed assets - accumulated depreciation     (859,012 )     -       (252,407 )     97,882       (115,371 )     (1,128,908 )
Other marketable and non-marketable for sale assets (1)                                                
Cost     215,686       27,521       -       (59,169 )     -       184,038  
Accumulated depreciation     (16,000 )     -       -       6,198       -       (9,802 )
Total fixed assets - cost     3,301,482       774,976       -       (460,008 )     168,581       3,785,031  
Total fixed assets - accumulated depreciation     (875,012 )     -       (252,407 )     104,080       (115,371 )     (1,138,710 )
Total fixed assets     2,426,470                                       2,646,321  

 

(1) The other marketable and non-marketable assets are vehicles, premises and equipment with an estimated permanence under the Bank’s administration greater than one year and all those that do not fulfill the criteria for immediate sale, in both categories are classified under the premises and equipment account as other assets. Non-marketable assets correspond to assets that have no recoverable value and, thus, do not generate future economic benefits in the short term, and for which there is no certainty of sale since they can have legal usage limits or there is no market available to fulfill the sale. The other marketable assets correspond to assets held for sale; however, their sale is not expected to be executed during the twelve months following from the reception.

 

The other non-marketable assets are considered as impaired assets at the full amount, which will not be subject to write-offs considering that the Bank assumes all risks associated with the asset. Those assets are subject to depreciation and impairment.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no contractual commitments for the purchase of fixed assets, or premises pledged as collateral.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the assessment made by the Bank indicates there is not any evidence of impairment of its premises and equipment.

 

F- 70

 

 

NOTE 10. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

 

The table below sets forth the reconciliation between the initial balance account and the balance at the end of the period:

 

    As of December 31  
    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Balance at the beginning of the year     1,114,180       984,701  
Acquisitions     244,730       80,978  
Sales/Write-offs     (4,040 )     (7,734 )
Profits (loss) on valuation     150,176       56,235  
Balance at the end of the period     1,505,046       1,114,180  

 

The valuation adjustments recorded by the Bank's related to its investment properties are detailed below:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Type of asset   Balance at the
beginning of the year
    Appraisals     Net increase in
investment properties
   

Adjusted fair value at
the end of the year (1)

 
    In millions of COP  
Buildings     949,413       94,810       231,343       1,275,566  
Lands     164,767       55,366       9,347       229,480  
Total     1,114,180       150,176       240,690       1,505,046  

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Type of asset   Balance at the
beginning of the year
    Appraisals     Net increase in
investment properties
   

Adjusted fair value at the
end of the year (1)

 
    In millions of COP  
Buildings     836,812       49,726       62,874       949,412  
Lands     147,889       6,509       10,370       164,768  
Total     984,701       56,235       73,244       1,114,180  

 

 

(1) Corresponds to the change in the commercial appraisal of real estate due to the change in the Colombian consumer price index (“IPC”)

 

Amounts recognized in the statement of income for the period

 

The table sets forth the main income recorded by the Bank related to its investment properties:

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Income from rentals     89,389       79,237  
Operating expenses due to:                
Investment properties that generated income through rentals     11,693       9,320  
Investment properties that did not generate income through rentals     2,539       823  

 

Currently, there are no restrictions on the use or income derived from the buildings or lands that the Bank has as investment property, however, until October 18, 2015 the asset held by the trust P.A. Lote Abelardo Castro had a restriction, because in the negotiation with the Concessionaire Mining (Corona Group), the Bank accepted that directly or through a third authorized party undertakes mining operations on the asset for two (2) years since October 18, 2013, therefore in the accounting period as of December 31, 2015 the bank can dispose of these property.

 

F- 71

 

 

Fair value of the investment properties

 

The fair value of the Bank’s investment properties for the year ending at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015 has been recorded according to the assessment made by independent external consulting companies.

 

The aforementioned companies are independent and have the appropriate capacity and experience in performing those assessments. The appraisers are either approved by the Property Market Auctions of Colombia or are foreign appraisers, who are required to provide a second signature by a Colombia appraiser accredited by the Property Market Auctions.

 

Fair value appraisals are carried out in accordance with IFRS 13. The reports made by the external consulting company contain the description of the valuation methodologies used, and key assumption such as: discount rates, calculation of applied expenses and income approach, among others. The fair value of the investment properties is based on the comparative market approach, which reflects the prices of recent transactions with similar characteristics. Upon determining the fair value of these assets, the greater and best use of these assets is their present use.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank does not have investment properties held under financial leases.

  

NOTE 11.A INCOME TAXES - CREE TAX AND DEFERRED TAX

 

Current tax is calculated in each country where the Grupo Bancolombia has operations, in accordance with the tax regulations in force in each of the jurisdictions.

 

Deferred tax asset and liability is recognized based on the temporary differences arising from the future estimate of tax and accounting effects attributable to differences between assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position and its tax base.

 

1. Amounts recognized in Results

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Current tax                
Fiscal year     346,556       457,338  
Previous fiscal years     6,159       10,061  
Total current tax     352,715       467,399  
                 
Deferred tax                
Fiscal year     296,535       270,277  
Total deferred tax     296,535       270,277  
                 
Total tax   649,250       737,676  

 

2. Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

 

    December 31, 2015  
    In millions of COP  
    Before taxes     Expenses per
tax or benefit
    Net taxes  
Net profit (loss) by financial instruments measured at fair value     128,271       9,052       137,323  
Net profit (loss) by benefits to employees     (59,434 )     9,312       (50,122 )
Net     68,837       18,364       87,201  

 

 

See Other Comprehensive Income

 

    December 31, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
    Before taxes     Expenses per tax
or benefit
    Net taxes  
Net profit (loss) by financial instruments measured at fair value     (120,627 )     (3,110 )     (123,737 )
Net profit (loss) by benefits to employees     (27,297 )     6,407       (20,890 )
Net     (147,924 )     3,297       (144,627 )

 

 

See Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income

 

F- 72

 

 

3. The net deferred tax assets and liabilities by company is as follows

 

    December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2015
    December  31,
2014
    December 31,
2014
    January
1, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
Company   Deferred tax
asset
    Deferred tax
liability
    Deferred tax
asset
    Deferred tax
liability
    Deferred tax
asset
    Deferred tax
liability
 
    In millions of COP  
Bancolombia S.A.             (705,176 )             (470,940 )             (338,815 )
Leasing Bancolombia S.A.     4,040               56,104               114,957          
Leasing Perú S.A.                     1,632               1,172          
Renting Colombia S.A.             (8,893 )             (24,380 )             (33,510 )
Transportempo S.A.S.             (4,456 )             (4,773 )             (4,308 )
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.     4,252               2,138                          
Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A.     4,883               1,306               1,888          
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria                                     555          
Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A.     1,356                       (2,003 )             (391 )
BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S.                             (49 )             (151 )
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S.             (717 )             (773 )             (885 )
Valores Simesa S.A.             (7,016 )             (1,732 )             (1,959 )
Valores Bancolombia S.A.     942               802                       (2,963 )
Factoring Bancolombia S.A.                                             (651 )
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.                             (18,473 )             (7,652 )
Banagrícola S.A.             (5,326 )             (3,977 )             (5,645 )
Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola S.A.             (19,144 )             (15,732 )             (12,690 )
Banco Agrícola S.A.     40,239               33,731               17,462          
Arrendadora Financiera S.A.     128               69               20          
Credibac S.A. de CV                                             (1 )
Bagricola Costa Rica S.A.     48               25               22          
Uff Móvil S.A.S.                     4,384               4,646          
Banistmo S.A. y Filiales     114,594               87,546               98,637          
Fideicomiso "Lote Abelardo Castro"             (372 )             (269 )             (221 )
Grupo Agromercantil Holding             (83,292 )                                
Net deferred tax     170,482       (834,392 )     187,737       (543,101 )     239,359       (409,842 )

 

4. Other disclosures

 

A. Explanation of applicable rates

 

The following are nominal rates of the income tax in each of the countries where Grupo Bancolombia has operations that are subject to earnings:

 

        2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     As from
2019
 
Companies from Colombia   Income and CREE  (plus CREE surcharge)     34 %     39 %     40 %     42 %     43 %     34 %
Companies from Peru   Income     30 %     28 %     28 %     27 %     27 %     26 %
Companies from Panama (Banistmo and Subsidiaries)   Income     25 %     25 %     25 %     25 %     25 %     25 %
Companies from Salvador   Income     30 %     30 %     30 %     30 %     30 %     30 %
Companies from Guatemala   Income     25 %     25 %     25 %     25 %     25 %     25 %

 

F- 73

 

 

B. Amount of temporary differences in subsidiaries, branches, associates on which no charged deferred tax has been recognized

 

   

December

31, 2015

 

December

31, 2014

Temporary differences        
Subsidiaries   COP  2,301,899   COP  318,556

 

In accordance with IAS 12 and considering that the Administration does not intend to sell its investments in subsidiaries over which it has control, no deferred tax is recognized for the aforementioned temporary differences.

 

C.1 Temporary differences to December 31, 2015.

 

Deferred tax
summary 
in Balance
accounts
  December
31, 2014
    With effects 
on the 
statement
of income
    With 
OCI
effects
    Grupo
Agromercantil 
acquisition
    Reclassifications
and discontinued
operations
    Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
    December 31,
2015
 
    In millions of COP  
Total deferred tax asset     495,044       171,606       10,545       97,685       (23,984 )     40,183       791,079  
Total deferred tax liability     (850,408 )     (468,141 )     7,819       (180,977 )     28,562       8,156       (1,454,989 )
Net deferred tax     (355,364 )     (296,535 )     18,364       (83,292 )     4,578       48,339       (663,910 )

 

With effects on the statement of income

 

    December
31, 2014
    Realization     Increase     Grupo
Agromercantil
acquisition
    Discontinued
operation Tuya
    December
31, 2015
 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax asset:                                                
Depreciated cost of the portfolio     910       16,766       51,422       82,652       105       118,113  
Property and equipment     65,312       38,682       1,517       7,393       -       35,540  
Intangible assets     13,012       12,952       -       15       -       75  
Litigation and claims     594       -       45       -       -       639  
Employee benefits     142,066       696       9,127       177       4,558       146,116  
Municipal tax liabilities     8,204       467       1,791       -       -       9,528  
Impairment evaluation     5,939       1,118       3,718       -       -       8,539  
Tax loss carryforward     132,710       15,921       3,271       -       -       120,060  
Financial obligations     90,034       26,684       110,015       1,074       -       174,439  
Deferred income     2,095       -       -       -       -       2,095  
Investment valuation     617       658       75,585       -       -       75,544  
Others     26,439       18,858       85,555       6,374       16,777       82,733  
Total deferred tax asset     487,932       132,802       342,046       97,685       21,440       773,421  

 

F- 74

 

 

    December 31,
2014
    Realization     Increase     Grupo
Agromercantil
acquisition
    Discontinued
operation
Tuya
    December
31, 2015
 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax liability:                                                
Property and equipment     (234,941 )     113,609       142,392       24,265       2,754       (285,235 )
Inventories     (8,860 )     10,357       1,497               -       -  
Leasing re-expression     (87,108 )     175,037       224,946       108,423       -       (245,440 )
Impairment evaluation     (135,370 )     67,511       101,761               31,459       (138,161 )
Equity securities valuation     (18,110 )     4,444       662       32,303       -       (46,631 )
Derivatives valuation     (83,473 )     68,011       171,769               -       (187,231 )
Goods received as payment     (45,809 )     23,815       -               -       (21,994 )
Others     (157,575 )     35,606       326,700       15,986       5,701       (458,954 )
Total deferred tax liability     (771,246 )     498,390       969,727       180,977       39,914       (1,383,646 )

 

Impact on Other Comprehensive Income

 

    December 31,
2014
    Realization     Increase     December 31,
2015
 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax asset                                
Employee benefits     7,112       734       11,280       17,658  
Total deferred tax asset     7,112       734       11,280       17,658  

 

    December 31,
2014
    Realization     Increase     December 31,
2015
 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax liability                                
Debt securities valuation     (40 )             1,428       (1,468 )
Investment valuation     (79,122 )     10,516       1,269       (69,875 )
Total deferred tax liability     (79,162 )     10,516       2,697       (71,343 )

 

C.2 Temporary differences to December 31, 2014.

 

Deferred tax summary 
in Balance accounts
  January 1,
2014
    With effects on
the  statement
of income
    With OCI
effects
    Reclassifications and
discontinuous
operations
    Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
    December 31,
2014
 
In millions of COP
Total deferred tax asset     411,475       51,017       6,407       (2,183 )     28,328       495,044  
Total deferred tax liability     (581,958 )     (321,294 )     (3,110 )     (8,645 )     64,599       (850,408 )
Net deferred tax     (170,483 )     (270,277 )     3,297       (10,828 )     92,927       (355,364 )

 

F- 75

 

 

With effects on the statement of income

 

    January
1, 2014
    Realization     Increase     December
31, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax asset                                
Depreciated cost of the portfolio     28,261       87,123       59,772       910  
Property and equipment     50,923       2,983       17,372       65,312  
Intangible assets     4,262       17       8,767       13,012  
Litigation and claims     896       306       4       594  
Employee benefits     96,515       7,129       52,680       142,066  
Municipal tax liabilities     6,019       308       2,493       8,204  
Impairment evaluation     3,291       305       2,953       5,939  
Tax loss carryforward     109,811       117       23,016       132,710  
Financial obligations     75,246       451       15,239       90,034  
Deferred income     980       -       1,115       2,095  
Investment valuation     3,169       2,552       -       617  
Others     31,397       7,414       2,456       26,439  
Total deferred tax asset     410,770       108,705       185,867       487,932  

 

   

January

1, 2014

    Realization     Increase    

December

31, 2014

 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax liability                                
Property and equipment     (246,637 )     71,255       59,559       (234,941 )
Inventories     (4,290 )     -       4,570       (8,860 )
Leasing re-expression     (44,057 )     513,368       556,419       (87,108 )
Impairment evaluation     (59,540 )     30,985       106,815       (135,370 )
Equity securities valuation     (30,187 )     160,196       148,120       (18,111 )
Derivatives valuation     (36,616 )     109,176       156,033       (83,473 )
Goods received as payment     (42,616 )     8,140       11,333       (45,809 )
Others     (41,963 )     6,727       122,339       (157,575 )
Total deferred tax liability     (505,906 )     899,847       1,165,188       (771,247 )

 

Impact on Other Comprehensive Income

 

   

January

1, 2014

    Realization     Increase    

December

31, 2014

 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax asset                                
Employee benefits     705       1,854       8,261       7,112  
Total deferred tax asset     705       1,854       8,261       7,112  

 

   

January

1, 2014

    Realization     Increase     December
31, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Deferred tax liability                                
Debt securities valuation     (40 )                     (40 )
Investment valuation     (76,012 )     9,810       12,920       (79,122 )
Total deferred tax liability     (76,052 )     9,810       12,920       (79,162 )

 

The Bank expects to have future net income to recover values recognized as deferred tax asset. These estimates of future net income are based on financial projections that were prepared taking into account the information from Grupo Bancolombia's economic research about the economic environment expected for the next five (5) years, affecting the Parent Company and its subsidiaries. The main indicators on which the models are based are GDP growth, portfolio growth and interest rates. Apart from these elements, the company's long-term strategy is taken into consideration.

 

F- 76

 

 

5. Future consequences for the income tax and CREE tax of receiving dividends

 

According to the historical behavior of dividends and current tax regulations, if the Parent Company receives dividends from its Colombian subsidiaries, these would not be charged.

 

6. Reconciliation of the effective tax rate

 

Reconciliation of the average effective tax rate and the applicable tax rate   2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Accounting earnings     3,235,635       3,104,594  
Tax applicable to the nominal rate     1,261,898       1,055,562  
Effect of the tax rate on non-deductible expenses for determining taxable profit (loss)     290,291       146,282  
Effect of the tax rate on accounting and not fiscal expenses (income) for determining taxable profit (loss)     (972,015 )     (354,731 )
Effect of the tax rate on fiscal and not accounting expenses (income) for determining taxable profit (loss)     352,543       354,750  
Effect of the tax rate on revenues from ordinary activities exempt from taxation     (172,466 )     (168,047 )
Effect of the tax rate on income from ordinary activities not constituting income or occasional earnings from taxation     (66,459 )     (103,938 )
Other fiscal deductions     (171,053 )     (216,569 )
Unrealized value of financial instruments     -       235  
Effect of difference in statutory tax rates     36,263       18,495  
Foreign profits taxed at other rates     99,398       71,614  
Other effects of the tax rate from reconciling accounting earnings and tax expenses (income)     (11,899 )     (67,318 )
sale of assets     2,749       1,341  
Total Tax     649,250       737,676  

  

The effective tax rate as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were 20.07% and 23.76%, respectively.

 

7. Discontinued operations

 

Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A .   2015     2014  
Earnings before taxes     21,446       99,852  
Total income and CREE taxes     21,635       26,157  
Total deferred tax     (22,702 )     10,828  
Total tax     (1,067 )     36,985  
Net profit of discontinued operations     22,513       62,867  

 

8. Potential consequences on the payment of dividends

 

If the Parent Company, or any of its subsidiaries, distributes dividends, these would be subject to the tax regulations of each of the countries where they are enacted.

 

F- 77

 

 

9. Tax contingent liabilities and assets

 

On December 31, 2015, Grupo Bancolombia presented the following contingent liabilities for tax matters; sanctions and default interests are part of such provisions and are registered in the relevant expenses.

 

Processes    

December

31, 2015

   

December

31, 2014

 
Income taxes of 2006 and 2008, the revised assessment was demanded, which aims to add income and disregard costs and deductions.                
                 
Bancolombia, Bancolombia securities and Investment Banking, it was claimed the resolution, which is intended to impose a sanction for correction to the wealth tax declaration.     -     COP 64,469  

 

10. Fiscal losses

 

The following is the detail of the Tax loss carryforward and excesses of presumptive income on net income in the group entities which have not been used up to December 31, 2015.

 

Base   Tax deferred asset recognized
     
COP 465,526   COP 116,388

 

The following is the detail of the Tax loss carryforward and excesses of presumptive income on net income in the group entities which have not been used up to December 31, 2014.

 

Base   Tax deferred asset recognized
     
COP 530,838   COP 132,710

 

11. Current tax regulations

 

Current tax regulations generally include the following sections:

 

Companies domiciled in Colombia

 

1. In accordance to the provisions contained in Act 1607 of 2012, the net taxable income rate as from the year 2013 is 25%.

 

2. Occasional earnings are handled separately from ordinary income and taxed at a rate of 10% as from the year 2013.

 

3. The base for determining the ordinary income tax cannot be under three percent (3%) of liquid assets on the last day of the previous fiscal year.

 

4. It is necessary to conduct a study for transfer prices and to present an informative statement along with supporting documentation regarding the operations carried out with ties or related parties abroad and in fiscal havens.

 

Supported by economic studies and documentation supporting previous years, it is considered that it is not required the additional provision of tax income, the study and the transfer prices declaration of taxable year 2015; there is the formal obligation to submit them in 2016.

 

5. Operative leasing in Peru have signed a legal stability agreement which will be in force until 2017 and the companies Leasing Bancolombia and Renting Colombia until 2028.

 

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Legal stability contracts are agreements made with the Colombian and Peruvian State to continue implementing certain fiscal regulations in exchange for the making an investment in assets, to pay a premium in Colombia and pay an additional rate in Peru.

 

In other countries

 

For companies domiciled in Peru , tax regulation changed after 2014; therefore, as from the year 2015, the income tax rate of 30% will be 28%, and this would decrease progressively until the year 2019, when it will reach 26%.

 

For the subsidiaries of Bancolombia whose address is in Panama and whose income come from transactions outside the Republic of Panama: Bancolombia Panamá S.A., Sistema de Inversiones y Negocios S.A., Banagrícola S.A., Suvalor Panamá Fondo de Inversión S.A. and Valores Bancolombia Panamá S.A.; the income tax is governed according to the provisions of the Fiscal Code of Panama, which provides that foreign source profits are not taxable; therefore, the profits obtained by the companies mentioned above are not subject to income tax.

 

Bancolombia Cayman S.A., domiciled in Cayman Islands and whose income come from transactions outside Cayman Islands is not subject to income tax in Cayman Islands according to the current tax regulations in the country.

 

Banistmo S.A. and its subsidiaries and Bancolombia (Panama Branch) established in the Republic of Panama pay an income tax on the profit obtained in the country at a rate of 25% as from the year 2014. According to the tax regulations in force in the country, profit from foreign transactions, interests earned on term deposits in local banks, Government of Panama debt securities and investments in securities listed on the Stock Exchange are exempt from the payment of income tax.

 

In El Salvador , the income tax is determined applying the rate of 30% to the taxable income under the Income Tax Act of El Salvador, contained in Legislative Decree No. 134 of 1991, effective as from January 1, 1992.

 

Companies whether or not domiciled in El Salvador with taxable income equal or less than USD 150 a year will pay only 25% of the taxable income. Dividends are excluded from the tax calculation, but are charged with a tax equal to 5% when paid or credited to its shareholders, except that these have been subject to retention and total of the tax in previous distributions.

 

The income tax to be paid in respect of capital earnings from property realized after twelve months is 10%.

 

The subsidiary Bancolombia Puerto Rico , according to the law governing the International Banking Center of Puerto Rico, is 100% free of income, property and municipal taxes provided that the income derives from international banking activities.

 

For companies located in Guatemala ; in accordance with Book I, Income Tax of Decree No. 10-2012 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, published on March 5, 2012, from January 1, 2013, the Bank adopted the profit regime of lucrative activities that sets a tax rate of 25% for the year 2015 and following periods. Additionally, the income from capital and capital earnings are charged with a tax rate of 10%, and the distribution of dividends, earnings and profits is charged with a tax rate of 5%.

 

Likewise, it is also possible for some companies to adopt the optional simplified regime of income from lucrative activities for the determination of the income tax, which sets a tax rate of 5% on the monthly taxable income up to Q. 30,000 plus 7% upon the remainder of the monthly taxable income over this amount, considering as taxable income the total income affected.

 

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NOTE 11B. Wealth tax

 

The wealth was established as a new tax for the years 2015 to 2017. It applies to legal persons paying the income tax, whose liquid assets up to January 1, 2015, is equal to or greater than COP 1,000. This tax rate is marginal and for assets exceeding COP 5,000 it will be:

 

Year   Rate  
2015     1.15 %
2016     1 %
2017     0.4 %

 

For 2016 and 2017, the base will be the one of 2015 increased by one quarter of each year's inflation and in the event that the taxable base of 2016 and 2017 is less than the one of 2015, the base of the year 2015 shall be reduced by one quarter of the inflation of each year.

 

The taxable base for payment of the wealth tax can also be diminished by the net patrimonial value of the shares or contributions in national companies, whether is owned directly or through commercial trusts, collective investment funds or voluntary pension funds, as well as shares held through voluntary pension insurance and individual life insurance.

 

Companies   Taxes value  
         
Total wealth tax paid in the year 2015     161,554  

  

F- 80

 

 

NOTE 12. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND INVENTORIES

 

The breakdown of inventories and non-current assets held for sale of The Bank is as follows:

 

    December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millions of  COP  
Inventories     76,543       65,508       12,913  
Assets held for sale     53,286       32,236       40,738  
Assets related to discontinued operations (1)     1,820,979       -       -  
Total inventories and assets held for sale     1,950,808       97,744       53,651  

 

 

(1) Corresponds to assets of Compañía de financiamiento Tuya S.A . See Note 31 Discontinued Operations.

 

12.1 Inventories

 

Due to the nature of the financial services provided by the companies which comprise the Bank’s Leasing segment, when assets provided through operating or financial leases to third parties that do not exercise the purchase option or do no have a purchase option, once the agreement expires those assets are recorded as inventories, considering that in the course of the ordinary activities performed by such subsidiaries, those assets are routinely sold.

 

The Bank's inventories at December 31, 2015 and 2014, are summarized as follows:

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Leasing Segment:                
Machinery     63,631       31,865  
Lands and buildings     15,223       40,482  
Inventory – vehicle     12,577       12,471  
Other segments                
Mobile phone inventory (1)     -       125  
Mobile phone kit inventory (1)     -       54  
Total inventory cost     91,431       84,997  
Impairment     (14,888 )     (19,489 )
Total inventories     76,543       65,508  

 

(1) At December 31, 2015, the Bank does not have this type of inventory, due to the sale of Uff Móvil S.A.S.

 

There are no inventories pledged as collateral for liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015.

 

12.2 Non-current assets held for sale

 

The assets recognized by the Bank as non-current assets held for sale correspond to machinery, equipment, motor vehicles, technology, among others that have been received as foreclosed assets.

 

F- 81

 

 

The total balance of non-current assets held for sale, by operating segment , are detailed below :

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Non-current assets held for sale   Banking
Colombia
    Banking
Panama
    Banking
El Salvador
   

Banking
Guatemala  (1)

    Leasing
Segment
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Machinery and equipment     3,451       1,776       -       -       18,264       23,491  
Cost     3,506       1,859       -       -       19,241       24,606  
Impairment     (55 )     (83 )     -       -       (977 )     (1,115 )
Real estate for residential purposes     1,880       10,129       5,785       4,124       -       21,918  
Cost     2,032       10,290       5,967       4,124       -       22,413  
Impairment     (152 )     (161 )     (182 )     -       -       (495 )
Real estate different from residential properties     166       6,793       -       918       -       7,877  
Cost     175       6,857       -       918       -       7,950  
Impairment     (9 )     (64 )     -       -       -       (73 )
Total non-current assets held for sale     5,497       18,698       5,785       5,042       18,264       53,286  

 

 

(1) Relate to the acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A For further information see Note 8.3 Agromercantil Group Holding (GAH) acquisition

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Non-current assets held for sale   Banking
Colombia
    Banking
Panama
    Banking
El Salvador
    Segmento Leasing     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Machinery and equipment     1,737       978       -       -       2,715  
Cost     2,280       978       -       -       3,258  
Impairment     (543 )     -       -       -       (543 )
Real estate for residential purposes     559       8,364       9,151       -       18,074  
Cost     583       8,424       9,151       -       18,158  
Impairment     (24 )     (60 )     -       -       (84 )
Real estate different from residential properties     161       11,081       205       -       11,447  
Cost     233       11,198       205       -       11,636  
Impairment     (72 )     (117 )     -       -       (189 )
Total non-current assets held for sale     2,457       20,423       9,356       -       32,236  

 

Assets held for sale had an impairment amounting COP 1,683 and COP 816 as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The aforementioned impairment was mainly due to transactions with a sale price below the carrying value of assets and the estimated costs to sell, computed according to a percentage determined for each type of asset and business line, which decrease the fair value of non-current assets held for sale.

 

F- 82

 

 

NOTE 13. OTHER ASSETS

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014 the Bank’s other assets consist of:

 

Other Assets   December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millons of COP  
Tax advances (1)     899,485       279,202       157,953  
Interbank Borrowings not classified as cash equivalents     386,367       -       -  
Assets pledged as collateral     325,458       133,731       118,910  
Prepaid expenses     292,416       199,398       156,234  
Commission for letters of credit     110,549       39,034       61,501  
Receivable Sales of goods and service     97,016       173,413       132,950  
Commission receivables     73,528       80,537       82,260  
Balance in credit card clearning house     61,251       41,771       64,742  
Operating leases     42,200       35,340       25,841  
Taxes Receivable     33,786       57,366       66,823  
Debtors     14,876       366       402  
Interest receivable     10,818       9,334       10,969  
Other receivables     414,544       503,661       470,187  
Others     87,362       11,350       12,581  
Allowance Others     (12,981 )     (397 )     (379 )
Total     2,836,675       1,564,106       1,360,974  

 

(1) The increase is mainly due to higher tax advances from Bancolombia S.A.

 

As of December 31, 2015 the Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A had COP 47.521 in other assets that are clasified as a discontinued operation.

 

NOTE 14. DEPOSITS

 

The detail of the deposits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and as of January 1, 2014 is the following:

 

Deposits   December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Saving accounts     47,813,680       39,129,999       34,650,004  
Time deposits     48,713,789       36,105,096       34,024,018  
Checking accounts     23,646,578       18,147,025       16,797,204  
Other deposits     1,627,981       1,387,199       1,040,878  
Total (1)     121,802,028       94,769,319       86,512,104  

 

(1) As of December 31, 2015, Tuya was considered as assets held for sale, and the related deposits amounted to COP 1,266.30. For further information see Note 31 Discontinued Operations.

 

F- 83

 

 

The following table details the time deposits (‘CDT’) issued by the Bank:

  

CDT     Effective interest rate     December 31, 2015  
Modality     Minimum     Maximum     Carrying value     Fair value  
      In millions of COP  
Less than 6 Months     0.05 %     7.09 %       10,383,845         10,324,971  
Equal to 6 months and less than 12 months     0.10 %     8.91 %         8,196,680           8,160,973  
Equal to 12 months and less than 18 months     0.10 %     9.34 %         6,037,867           6,031,437  
Equal to or greater than 18 months     0.03 %     13.09 %         24,095,397           24,136,462  
Total                   COP     48,713,789     COP     48,653,843  

 

CDT     Effective interest rate     December 31, 2014  
Modality     Minimum     Maximum     Carrying value     Fair value  
Less than 6 Months     0.10 %     5.25 %   COP     9,854,509     COP     8,885,776  
Equal to 6 months and less than 12 months     0.05 %     6.69 %         5,487,804           5,329,350  
Equal to 12 months and less than 18 months     0.10 %     7.01 %         3,108,758           3,086,744  
Equal to or greater than 18 months     0.05 %     12.50 %         17,654,025           17,863,795  
Total                   COP     36,105,096     COP     35,165,665  

 

CDT     Effective interest rate     January 1, 2014  
Modality     Minimum     Maximum     Carrying value     Fair value  
Less than 6 Months     0.10 %     6.66 %   COP     10,733,845     COP     10,554,288  
Equal to 6 months and less than 12 months     0.10 %     6.66 %         4,850,219           4,804,641  
Equal to 12 months and less than 18 months     0.10 %     7.02 %         3,835,477           3,905,256  
Equal to or greater than 18 months     0.05 %     12.50 %         14,604,477           14,925,616  
Total                   COP     34,024,018     COP     34,189,801  

 

The detail of CDT’s maturities issued by the Bank is as follows:

 

    December 31, 2015  
Period   Carrying value     Fair value  
Less than one year   COP     34,353,150     COP     34,256,206  
1 to 3 years         9,287,774           9,326,760  
3 to 5 years         2,918,071           2,937,748  
More than 5 years         2,154,794           2,133,129  
Total   COP     48,713,789     COP     48,653,843  

 

 

    December 31, 2014  
Period   Carrying value     Fair value  
Less than one year   COP     26,690,094     COP     25,622,132  
1 to 3 years         6,927,020           6,991,694  
3 to 5 years         1,440,682           1,457,158  
More than 5 years         1,047,300           1,094,681  
Total   COP     36,105,096     COP     35,165,665  

 

    January 1, 2014  
Period   Carrying value     Fair value  
Less than one year   COP     24,125,424     COP     24,102,797  
1 to 3 years         6,811,357           6,961,499  
3 to 5 years         1,675,151           1,697,872  
More than 5 years         1,412,086           1,427,633  
Total   COP     34,024,018     COP     34,189,801  

 

 

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NOTE 15. INTERBANK DEPOSITS AND LIABILITIES

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the money market operations recognized as liabilities in the statement of financial position:

 

    December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January 1,2014  
    In millions of COP  
Interbank Deposits                        
Interbank liabilities     400,062       375,958       229,201  
Total interbank     400,062       375,958       229,201  
Liabilities                        
Short selling operations     699,367       724,395       739,860  
Temporary transfer of securities     266,798       1,165,350       244,579  
Repurchase agreements     266,291       2,214       32,003  
Total Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing (1)     1,232,456       1,891,959       1,016,442  
Total monetary market transactions     1,632,518       2,267,917       1,245,643  

 

 

(1) Total repo liabilities have maturities of less than 30 days.

 

Offsetting of Repurchase and Resale Agreements

 

For the Bank and its Colombian subsidiaries, substantially all of repurchase and resale activities are transacted under legally enforceable repurchase agreements that give the Bank, in the event of default by the counterparty, the right to liquidate securities held with the same counterparty. However, the local law for certain jurisdictions is unclear to determine the enforceability of offsetting rights.

 

The Bank does not offset repurchase and resale transactions with the same counterparty on the consolidated statement of financial position even where it has such a legally enforceable netting agreement.

 

The table below presents repurchases and resale transactions included in the consolidated statement of financial position as cash and due from banks at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and as of January 1, 2014:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    Assets /
liabilities gross
    Amounts offset in
the statement of
financial position
    Net balance
presented in the
statement of
financial position
    Financial instruments
as collaterals
    Assets /
liabilities
net
 
    In millions of COP  
Securities purchased under resale agreements     3,303,231       -       3,303,231       (2,931,266 )     371,965  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements (1)     (533,089 )     -       (533,089 )     533,089       -  
Total repurchase and resale agreements     2,770,142       -       2,770,142       (2,398,177 )     371,965  

 

 

(1) As of December 31, 2015, short-sell operations amounted to COP 699,367, these are not offset in the table above.

 

F- 85

 

 

    As of December 31, 2014:  
    Assets /
liabilities gross
    Amounts offset in
the statement of
financial position
    Net balance presented 
in the statement of
financial position
    Financial
instruments as
collaterals
    Assets /
liabilities
net
 
    In millions of COP  
Securities purchased under resale agreements   COP 1,302,267       -     COP 1,302,267     COP (1,302,267 )     -  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements     (1,891,959 )     -       (1,891,959 )     1,657,803       (234,156 )
Total repurchase and resale agreements     (589,692 )     -       (589,692 )     355,536       (234,156 )

 

    As of January 1, 2014  
    Assets /
liabilities gross
    Amounts offset in
the statement of
financial position
    Net balance
presented in the
statement of
financial position
    Financial
instruments as
collaterals
    Assets /
liabilities
net
 
    In millions of COP  
Securities purchased under resale agreements     2,124,721       -       2,124,721       (2,093,052 )     31,669  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements     (1,016,442 )     -       (1,016,442 )     1,016,442       -  
Total repurchase and resale agreements     1,108,279       -       1,108,279       (1,076,610 )     31,669  

 

For further information about offsetting of other financial assets and liabilities see Note 5 Financial assets investments and derivatives.

 

NOTE 16. BORROWINGS FROM OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and as of January 1, 2014, the composition of the borrowings from other financial institutions measured at amortized cost is the following:

 

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
Obligations granted by domestic banks   COP 5,634,692     COP 4,472,287     COP 4,771,143  
Obligations granted by foreign banks (1)     14,086,492       9,379,997       7,707,568  
Total   COP 19,721,184     COP 13,852,284     COP 12,478,711  

 

(1) The Bank has recognized a financial liability with Bank Financial Corporation (BFC) amounting to USD 271.5 million as of December 31, 2015, due to its obligation to pay cash in future to purchase the non-controlling shares of Grupo Agromercantil Holding. The Bank will reclassify the liability to equity if the put expires unexercised. For further information see Note 8.3. Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding (GAH).

 

Obligations granted by domestic banks

 

Financial entity   Rate
Maximum
    Rate
Minimum
    December 31, 2015  
Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial ("Findeter")     11.70 %     0.16 %   COP 1,953,996  
Banco de Comercio Exterior de Colombia (“Bancoldex”)     10.47 %     1.01 %     1,248,294  
Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector Agropecuario ("Finagro")     7.38 %     0.27 %     320,332  
Other private financial entities     8.51 %     3.46 %     2,112,070  
Total                   COP 5,634,692  

 

Financial entity   Rate
Maximum
    Rate
Minimum
    December 31, 2014  
Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial ("Findeter")     8.83 %     0.00 %   COP 1,649,214  
Banco de Comercio Exterior de Colombia (“Bancoldex”)     8.12 %     0.01 %     877,143  
Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector Agropecuario ("Finagro")     19.79 %     0.01 %     278,245  
Other private financial entities     6.72 %     0.00 %     1,667,685  
Total                   COP 4,472,287  

 

F- 86

 

 

Financial entity   Rate
Maximum
    Rate
Minimum
    January 1, 2014  
Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial ("Findeter")     8.31 %     0.00 %   COP 1,625,859  
Banco de Comercio Exterior de Colombia (“Bancoldex”)     8.66 %     0.06 %     1,304,042  
Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector Agropecuario ("Finagro")     13.06 %     0.06 %     401,715  
Other private financial entities     6.19 %     2.05 %     1,439,527  
Total                   COP 4,771,143  

 

The maturities of financial obligations with domestic banks as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and Juanuary 1,2014, are the following:

 

Domestic   December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
Amount expected to be settled:                        
No more than twelve months after the reporting period   COP 1,326,192     COP 1,053,895     COP 1,204,380  
More than twelve months after the reporting period     4,308,500       3,418,392       3,566,763  
Total   COP 5,634,692     COP 4,472,287     COP 4,771,143  

 

Obligations granted by foreign banks

 

Financial entity   Maximum
Rate
    Minimum
Rate
    December 31, 2015  
    in millions of COP  
Financing with correspondent banks     8.45 %     0.13 %   COP 12,392,735  
Corporación Andina de Fomento (“CAF”)     3.38 %     1.89 %     1,019,782  
Banco Latinoamericano de Exportación (“Bladex”)     3.28 %     0.60 %     426,707  
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID)     3.96 %     3.30 %     247,268  
Total                   COP 14,086,492  

 

Financial entity   Maximum
Rate
    Minimum
Rate
    December 31, 2014  
    in millions of COP  
Financing with correspondent banks     7.000 %     0.005 %   COP 8,042,847  
Corporación Andina de Fomento (“CAF”)     3.085 %     1.880 %     770,505  
Banco Latinoamericano de Exportación (“Bladex”)     2.995 %     0.529 %     342,082  
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID)     0.033 %     0.000 %     224,563  
Total                   COP 9,379,997  

 

Financial entity   Maximum
Rate
    Minimum
Rate
    January 1, 2014  
    in millions of COP  
Financing with correspondent banks     7.10 %     0.20 %   COP 6,537,416  
Corporación Andina de Fomento (“CAF”)     3.10 %     2.74 %     617,470  
Banco Latinoamericano de Exportación (“Bladex”)     3.32 %     2.84 %     378,422  
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID)     3.96 %     3.30 %     174,260  
Total                   COP 7,707,568  

 

F- 87

 

 

The maturities of the financial obligations with foreign entities as of December 31 of 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014 are the following:

 

Foreign   2015     2014     January 1, 2014  
Amount expected to be settled:                        
No more than twelve months after the reporting period   COP 9,803,308     COP 6,402,198     COP 4,802,831  
More than twelve months after the reporting period     4,283,184       2,977,799       2,904,737  
Total   COP 14,086,492     COP 9,379,997     COP 7,707,568  

 

NOTE 17. DEBT SECURITIES IN ISSUE

 

Duly authorized by the authority in each country, bonds have been issued as follows:

 

    As of December 31, 2015
Issuer   Currency   Face value     Balance     Rate Range
Bancolombia S.A.   Local   COP     4,134,297       2,813,865     5.19% - 6.99%
Bancolombia S.A.   Foreign   USD     3,246,970       10,290,398     4.95% - 14.18%
Leasing Bancolombia S.A.   Local   COP     2,455,982       2,474,308     5.5% - 10.90%
Banco Agrícola S.A.   Foreign   USD     513,981       1,610,198     4.00% - 6.75%
Renting Colombia S.A.   Local   COP     300,000       16,297     IPC (1) + 5.90%
Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Foreign   USD     397,511       1,265,643     0.15% - 2.00%
Grupo Agromercantil Holding S.A.   Foreign   USD     306,450       965,156     0.25% - 7.25%
Total                     19,435,865      

 

 

(1) Consumer price index

 

As of December 31, 2015 discontinued operation Tuya S.A. had bonds amounting to COP 150.032, see Note 31.

 

    As of December 31, 2014
Issuer   Currency   Face value     Balance
(in millions of
COP)
    Rate Range
Bancolombia S.A. (1)   Local   COP     4,134,297       2,803,879     5.19% - 6.99%
Bancolombia S.A.   Foreign   USD     3,246,970       7,786,067     4.95% - 14.18%
Leasing Bancolombia S.A.   Local   COP     2,634,424       2,506,052     5.6% - 10.90%
Banco Agrícola S.A.   Foreign   USD     217,739       522,554     4.43% - 5.32%
Renting Colombia S.A.   Local   COP     360,000       16,000     IPC (2) + 5.90%
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.   Local   COP     144,500       145,754     IPC + 2%
Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Foreign   USD     309,455       747,097     0.1% - 2.3%
Total                     14,527,403      

 

 

(1) On September 24, 2014, the Bank offered in the Colombian market its public offering of its Subordinated Notes in an aggregate amount of COP 750,000, with the possibility of allocating an additional amount of up to COP 250,000. The total allocated amount was COP 988,252.The Subordinated Notes were allocated as follows:

  

Series    

D10

     

D15

     

D20

 
Demanded Amount   COP 556,352      COP 371,500     COP 328,500  
Allocated Amount   COP 373,752     COP 360,000     COP 254,500  
Maturity.     10 years       15 years       20 years  
Maximum  rate under the offering notice     IPC + 4.60% E.A       IPC + 4.90% E.A       IPC + 5.10% E.A  
Cut-off  rate     IPC + 4.29% E.A       IPC + 4.65% E.A       IPC + 4.79% E.A  

 

(2) Consumer price index

 

F- 88

 

 

    As of January 1, 2014
Issuer   Currency   Face value     Balance
(in millions of
COP)
    Rate Range
Bancolombia S.A.   Local   COP     3,619,148       2,251,917     4.32% - 14.18%
Bancolombia S.A.   Foreign   USD     3,967,458       7,296,615     4.25% - 6.99%
Leasing Bancolombia S.A.   Local   COP     2,462,705       2,302,564     4.49% - 10.90%
Banco Agrícola S.A.   Foreign   USD     550,000       393,146     4.25% - 5.40%
Renting Colombia S.A.   Local   COP     360,000       16,000     IPC 1 + 5.90%
Compañía de Financiamiento Tuya S.A.   Local   COP     140,500       141,605     IPC + 2%
Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Foreign   USD     144,001       271,894     0.1% - 2.5%
Total                     12,673,741      

 

 

(1) Consumer price index

 

The breakdown of the Bank securities in issue by maturity is as follows:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Issuer   Less than
a year
    1 to 3 years     3 to 5 years     more than 5 years     Total amortized
cost
 
    In millions of COP  
Local currency                                        
Subordinated bonds (1)     -       -       -       1,489,189       1,489,189  
Ordinary bonds     -       313       938,808       2,876,160       3,815,281  
Foreign currency                                        
Subordinated bonds (1)     1,172,037       101,159       957,602       7,135,678       9,366,476  
Ordinary bonds     -       37,878       1,002,490       3,724,551       4,764,919  
Total     1,172,037       139,350       2,898,900       15,225,578       19,435,865  

 

 

(1) The subordinated bonds, in the event of default of the Bank, will be subordinated to the claims of depositors and all other creditors of the issuer, other than creditors whose claims rank equally with, or are junior to, the claims of the holders of the subordinated liabilities.

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
Issuer   Less than
a year
    1 to 3 years     3 to 5 years     more than 5 years     Total amortized
cost
 
    In millions of COP  
Local currency                                        
Subordinated bonds (1)     -       -       -       1,569,394       1,569,394  
Ordinary bonds     -       174,118       901,524       2,826,651       3,902,293  
Foreign currency                                        
Subordinated bonds (1)     -       -       -       5,651,918       5,651,918  
Ordinary bonds     664,902       123,741       47,217       2,567,938       3,403,798  
Total     664,902       297,859       948,741       12,615,901       14,527,403  

 

 

(1) The subordinated bonds, in the event of default of the Bank, will be subordinated to the claims of depositors and all other creditors of the issuer, other than creditors whose claims rank equally with, or are junior to, the claims of the holders of the subordinated liabilities.

 

F- 89

 

 

 

    As of January 1, 2014  
Issuer   Less than
a year
    1 to 3 years     3 to 5 years     more than 5 years     Total amortized cost  
    In millions of COP  
Local currency                                        
Subordinated bonds (1)     -       1,896       47,491       503,589       552,976  
Ordinary bonds     -       251,967       1,245,760       2,661,383       4,159,110  
Foreign currency                                        
Subordinated bonds (1)     -       -       -       4,561,749       4,561,749  
Ordinary bonds     257,140       17,091       1,041,854       2,083,821       3,399,906  
Total     257,140       270,954       2,335,105      

9,810,542

      12,673,741  

 

 

(1) The subordinated bonds, in the event of default of the Bank, will be subordinated to the claims of depositors and all other creditors of the issuer, other than creditors whose claims rank equally with, or are junior to, the claims of the holders of the subordinated liabilities.

 

The following is a schedule of the debt securities in issue by maturity:

 

Debt Securities in Issue   December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Amount expected to be settled:                        
No more than twelve months after the reporting period     -       1,176,920       1,076,676  
More than twelve months after the reporting period     19,435,865       13,350,483       11,597,065  
Total     19,435,865       14,527,403       12,673,741  

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no covenants linked to the aforementioned securities in issue, nor were any of these instruments past due by the Bank in relation to its financial obligations.

 

For information related with the disclosures of fair value of the debt securities in issued, see Note 29.

 

NOTE 18. EMPLOYEES BENEFIT PLANS

 

The following table shows liabilities relating to post-employment benefit plans:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Defined benefit pension plan     127,231       131,469  
Severance obligation     52,209       4,998  
Retirement Pension Premium Plan     95,331       77,790  
Other long term benefits     271,651       210,301  
Post-employment and long-term benefit plans     546,422       424,558  

 

Other employment benefit plans consist of the following:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Current severance regimen     69,689       62,416  
Other bonuses and short-term benefits     209,866       140,305  
Other employment benefit plans     279,555       202,721  

 

These benefits include all types of payments that the Bank provides to its employees. The recognition of liabilities relating to post-employment and long-term employee benefit plans is based on actuarial computations which involve judgments and assumptions made by the actuaries related to the future macroeconomic and employee demographic factors, among others, which will not necessarily coincide with the future outcome of such factors.

 

F- 90

 

 

Post-employment benefits

 

Retirement plan contributions

 

Under Colombian regulation, pension obligations for employees have been managed as a contribution benefit since 1990; under this plan, employees of the Bank are automatically included upon formalizing the employment contract with the employer. A Pension Fund, independent of the Bank, administers the assets of this plan.

 

Defined benefit pension plan

 

Colombia

 

Under Colombian law, employee pension obligations are managed as a defined contribution plan since 1990. The Bank’s legal retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014 relates to retired employees who rendered services to the Bank before the current regulations took effect. Under this unfunded plan, benefits are based on length of service and level of compensation. As of December 2015, 731 participants were covered by this plan.

 

For purposes of the projected assessment of the pension plan, in absence of a deep market of high quality corporate debt, the sovereign bond curve of the Colombian Government is used, with maturation near the residual life of the obligation of the projected benefit. The net cost of pensions is accounted for in the statement of income as “cost of salaries and employee benefits”, and includes the interest costs and cost of current service.

 

    2015     2014  
Unfunded defined benefit pension plan of the Parent Company   In millions of COP  
Present value of the obligation as of January 1     126,379       121,102  
Interest cost     5,886       8,083  
Benefits paid     (9,263 )     (11,007 )
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to changes in demographic assumptions     (2,459 )     7,652  
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to plan experience     -       549  
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31     120,543       126,379  

 

F- 91

 

 

Panama

 

The pension plan for Banistmo and its subsidiaries provides defined benefits based on the average salary paid during the most recent 120 months before retirement and years of service of certain employees entitled to receive the benefits. The pension plan is applicable for any individual employed by Chase Manhattan Corporation, N.A. “Chase” (merged with HSBC Bank Panama in the year 2000) in Panama on July 31, 2000 who became an employee of Banistmo on August 1, 2000 after the acquisition. The pension benefit vests after 10 years of service (including service in Banistmo and those transferred from previous service with Chase). As of December 31, 2015, there were 67 participants covered by the Plan (3 active participants, 33 participants with deferred benefits and 31 participants receiving benefits):

 

Unfunded defined benefit pension plan of Banistmo   2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Present value of the obligation as of January 1     5,090       4,716  
Current service cost     1       33  
Interest cost     213       227  
Actuarial (gain)/loss - experience     121       (31 )
Actuarial (gain)/loss - financial assumptions     -       703  
Benefits paid from plan assets     (346 )     (1,573 )
Foreign currency translation effect     1,609       1,015  
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31     6,688       5,090  

 

Severance obligation

 

Colombia

 

Under Colombian labor regulations, employees hired before 1990 are entitled to receive one month’s salary for each year of service. This benefit accumulates and is paid to the employees upon their termination or retirement from the Bank, calculated based on the employees’ last salary base; however, employees may request advances against this benefit at any time. In 1990, the Colombian government revised its labor regulations for new employees to permit companies, subject to the approval of the employees, to transfer this severance obligation annually to private pension funds. The Bank’s severance obligations relate to employees hired before 1990.

 

As of December 2015, 828 participants were covered by this plan.

 

The balances recognized in the statement of financial position are listed below:

 

Defined benefit plans
    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Present value of the obligation as of January 1     4,998       938  
Current cost of service     3,172       3,112  
Interest cost     9,164       6,883  
Benefits paid     (10,512 )     (9,333 )
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to assumption changes and plan experience (1)     45,387       3,398  
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31     52,209       4,998  
Current severance regimen     69,689       62,416  
Total     121,898       67,414  

 

 

(1) The increase in the net actuarial (gain) / loss due to assumption changes is related to the changes in the methodology applied to advances made by the Bank as of December 31, 2015, which has been considered by the management as a change in an accounting estimate.

 

F- 92

 

 

Retirement Pension Premium Plan and Senior Management Pension Plan Premium.

 

Colombia.

 

Under Colombian labor regulations, employers and employees are entitled to negotiate compensation, other than the retirement benefit prescribed by law, by means of private agreements. The Bank’s employees participating in defined contribution plans are entitled to receive, on their retirement date, a one-time premium at the time based on the salary of the employee at their retirement date.

 

On the other hand, the Bank has established a retirement benefit plan for its senior management executives. Under this plan, the executives are entitled to receive a one-off premium payment on their retirement date based on the number of years of service to the organization.

 

El Salvador

 

By means of Decree 592 of 2013, under Salvadorian labor regulations, employees are entitled to receive 15 days of salary for each year of service. This benefit is paid in case of termination due to retirement, resignation, unjustified dismissal, death and disability. As of December 31, 2015, there were 2,872 participants covered by the plan.

 

Employees of Banco Agrícola and its subsidiaries that were 50 years of age (45 for females) as of March 31, 2005 are entitled to receive one month of salary per year of service, net of the benefit established under Legislative Decree 592 in case of termination due to retirement. As of December 31, 2015, there were 46 participants covered by the plan.

 

Guatemala

 

Grupo Agromercantil Holding has established a retirement pension plan for its employees. Under this plan, the employees are entitled to receive 50% of the wage, if they are 70 years old and have 30 years of labor seniority, or if they are 65 years old and have 40 years of labor seniority. On the other hand, the employees are entitled to receive 70% of the wage, if they are 70 years old and have worked 40 years of labor seniority, or they are 65 years old and have 45 years of labor seniority.

 

The annual change of the present value of the obligations of defined benefit plans is as follows:

 

    2015     2014  
Retirement Pension Premium Plan   In millions of COP  
Present value of the obligation as of January 1     77,790       58,967  
Current service cost     11,763       3,240  
Interest cost     4,854       4,200  
Benefits paid     (1,611 )     (3,217 )
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to assumption changes and plan experience     1,996       14,349  
Foreign currency translation effect     539       251  
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31     95,331       77,790  
Other bonuses     209,866       140,305  
Total     305,197       218,095  

 

F- 93

 

 

Other long term benefits   2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Present value of the obligation as of January 1     210,301       137,371  
Current service cost     30,826       19,883  
Interest cost     11,970       9,693  
Past service cost     -       9,849  
Benefits paid     (23,732 )     (21,916 )
Unfunded benefit obligation assumed for Grupo Agromercantil at December 30, 2015 (1)     9,250       -  
Net actuarial (gain) / loss due to assumption changes and plan experience     36,959       53,492  
Liabilities relating to assets held for sale (2)     (8,312 )     -  
Foreign currency translation effect     4,389       1,929  
Defined obligation, unfunded as of December 31     271,651       210,301  

 

 

(1) As a result of the acquisition of control of Grupo Agromercantil Holding in 2015, the Bank assumed the obligations related to the termination indemnity plan of Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala, Consejería, Mantenimiento y Mensajería, Seguros Agromercantil (subsidiaries of Grupo Agromercantil Holding). See Note 8.
(2) See Note 31 'Discontinued operations'

 

Plan Assets

 

The Bank, through its subsidiary Banistmo, has established a plan with assets to secure benefits promised by Banistmo to the employees entitled to receive the Pension Plan under the terms described above and to comply with the Panamanian labor code, which specifies the terms for securing the payments to be made in the event of an employee’s termination (voluntary or involuntary) or upon retirement (termination indemnity plan).

 

Banistmo’s pension and post-retirement plan assets consider investments in fixed-term deposits and cash and due from banks, in order to reduce the investment risk. The plan assets are managed by a trustee (third party), and for the Pension Plan, the assets allocation is periodically reviewed by Banistmo and, when necessary, adjusted according to the investment strategy. The plan's investment assets are measured at fair value using significant, unobservable market data and, therefore, are classified as Level 3.

 

The expected return on assets assumption represents the long term rate of return based on analysis of historical returns, historical asset class volatilities and the fund’s past experience.

 

The components of the periodic net cost of the plans previously mentioned and the total of charges (credits) recognized in the statement of income are as follows:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Employee pension plan     6,087       4,030       4,705  
Total     6,087       4,030       4,705  

 

The following table details the change in plan assets:

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Fair value of assets as of January 1     4,030       4,705  
Interest income on plan assets     224       226  
Return on plan assets greater/(less) than discount rate     (133 )     (168 )
Plan participants’ contributions     999       -  
Benefits paid     (346 )     (1,573 )
Foreign currency translation effect     1,313       840  
Fair value assets as of December 31     6,087       4,030  

  

F- 94

 

 

The economic assumptions used in the determination of the present value of the pension obligations, in nominal terms, are as follows:

 

Colombia

 

Main projected assumptions   2015     2014     January 1, 2014  
Discount rate     7.90 %     6.20 %     7.00 %
Rate of wage increase     6.30 %     4.50 %     5.00 %
Projected inflation     4.30 %     3.00 %     3.00 %

 

Bancolombia Panama

 

Main projected assumptions   2015     2014     January 1, 2014  
Discount rate     3.65 %     3.75 %     5.50 %
Rate of wage increase     3.00 %     5.00 %     3.50 %
Projected inflation     2.00 %     3.50 %     Not available  

 

Banistmo

 

Main projected assumptions   2015     2014     January 1, 2014  
Discount rate     3.65 %     3.75 %     -  
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets     0.70 %     2.50 %     2.65 %
Rate of wage increase     4.50 %     5.00 %     -  
Projected inflation     2.00 %     3.50 %     -  

 

El Salvador

 

Main projected assumptions   2015     2014     January 1, 2014  
Discount rate     5.60 %     5.60 %     -  
Rate of wage increase     3.50 %     3.50 %     -  
Projected inflation     2.50 %     2.50 %     -  

 

Guatemala

 

Main projected assumptions   2015     2014     January 1, 2014  
Discount rate     8.47 %     -       -  
Rate of wage increase     5.03 %     -       -  

 

In 2015, the assumption of mortality used in the preparation of the assessment of the estimated liabilities is based on tables RP-2000, CSO-80 and RV-08, which reflect average ages of mortality from 32-75 years.

 

The rate used to discount the obligation of the defined benefit to reflect the duration of the labor liabilities as of December 2015 corresponds to the yield of sovereign bonds of Colombia, Panama and El Salvador, as applicable, since the market transactions of these countries involving corporate bonds of high quality have no high levels of activity. The assumption of the rate of inflation is based on the long term projection of the Central Bank of Colombia, Panama and El Salvador.

 

F- 95

 

 

The nature of the risks related to the obligations aforementioned are summarized below:

 

Investment risk   The present value of the obligation for the defined benefits plan is calculated using a discount rate determined with reference to high quality corporate bond yields. Currently, the plan includes investment in financial instruments that are not vulnerable to market risks.
     
Interest rate risks   A reduction of the bond interest rates will increase the obligation of the plan.
     
Longevity risk   The present value of the obligation of the defined benefit plan is calculated with reference to the highest estimate of the mortality of participants during their time of employment. An increase in the life expectancy of the participants will increase the plan obligation.
     
Salary risk   The present value of the obligation of the benefit plan is calculated with reference to the future salaries of the participants. As such, an increase in the participants' wages will increase the obligation of the plan.

 

Estimated payment of future benefits

 

The payments of benefits, which reflect future service rendered, are considered to be paid as follows:

 

Years   Pension Benefits     Other benefits  
    In millions of COP  
2016     11,894       43,459  
2017     12,120       36,037  
2018     12,305       43,400  
2019     12,415       51,078  
2020     12,498       49,269  
2021 a 2024     61,125       330,991  

 

Sensitivity analysis

 

Defined Benefit Obligations (DBO) were calculated using the Projected Unit Credit method. Obligations and expenses will change in the future as a result of future changes in the methods of projection and assumption, participant information, plan provisions and regulations, or as resulting from future gains and losses.

 

Pension plan Bancolombia

 

Assumption   Value     (Increase/Reduction)   Effect in DBO  
Discount rate     8.40%     0.50% increase   COP (4,390 )
Discount rate     7.40%     0.50% decrease     4,701  
Salary increases     4.80%     0.50% increase     5,121  
Salary increases     3.80%     0.50% decrease     (4,814 )
Mortality     RV-08     One year increase in life expectancy   COP 4,561  

 

Retirement Pension Premium Plan

 

Assumption   Value     (Increase/Reduction)   Effect in DBO  
Discount rate     8.40%     0.50% increase   COP (3,371 )
Discount rate     7.40%     0.50% decrease     3,682  
Salary increase     6.80%     0.50% increase     2,825  
Salary increase     5.80%     0.50% decrease   COP (2,605 )

 

F- 96

 

 

Severance obligation

 

Assumption   Value     (Increase/Reduction)   Effect in DBO  
Discount rate     8.40%     0.50% increase   COP (1,503 )
Discount rate     7.40%     0.50% decrease     1,572  
Salary increase     6.80%     0.50% increase     3,263  
Salary increase     5.80%     0.50% decrease   COP (3,151 )

 

Senior Management Pension Plan Premium

 

Assumption   Value     (Increase/Reduction)   Effect in DBO  
Discount rate     8.40%     0.50% increase   COP (994 )
Discount rate     7.40%     0.50% decrease     1,047  
Salary increase     6.80%     0.50% increase     1,526  
Salary increase     5.80%     0.50% decrease   COP (1,452 )

 

Pension Plan Banistmo

 

Assumption   Value     (Increase/Reduction)   Effect in DBO  
Discount rate     4.15%     0.50% increase   COP (329 )
Discount rate     3.15%     0.50% decrease     358  
Salary increases     5.00%     0.50% increase     10  
Salary increases     4.00%     0.50% decrease     (10 )
Mortality     RP-2000     One year increase in life expectancy   COP 197  

  

Termination Indemnity

 

Assumption   Value     (Increase/Reduction)   Effect in DBO  
Discount rate     6.10%     0.50% increase   COP (494 )
Discount rate     5.10%     0.50% decrease     535  
Salary increases     4.00%     0.50% increase     54  
Salary increases     3.00%     0.50% decrease     (80 )
Mortality     RP-2000     One year increase in life expectancy   COP 3  

 

NOTE 19. OTHER LIABILITIES

 

Other liabilities consist of the following:

 

Other liabilities   December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Payables (1)     1,160,760       1,037,499       1,246,747  
Suppliers     891,000       1,103,802       1,084,891  
Unearned income (2)     617,989       360,776       300,105  
Salaries and other labor obligations     357,023       222,735       194,938  
Security contributions     324,869       282,856       307,979  
Dividends     213,546       198,964       170,812  
Deferred interests     201,897       101,703       92,283  
Employee benefits and bonuses (3)     158,975       181,472       91,969  
Provisions (4)     72,203       90,507       97,159  
Other     283,627       127,126       23,911  
Total     4,281,889       3,707,440       3,610,794  

 

 

(1) The most significant payable accounts correspond to tax withholding, dividends and suppliers. All payable accounts are short term.
(2) Unearned income principally consists of prepayments of interest by customers.
(3) See Note 18 for further information related to other employee benefit plans.
(4) See Note 20.

  

F- 97

 

  

As of December 31, 2015, Tuya has been considered as asset held for sale, and the related liabilities in the item ‘other liabilities’ amounts to COP 158,380 and are classified as follows:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    In millions of COP  
Accruals     119,806  
Salaries and labor obligations     25,854  
Surplus to be applied     1,591  
Deferred income     11,017  
Provisions     112  
Total   COP 158,380   

 

NOTE 20. PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENTS LIABILITIES

 

20.1 Provisions

 

The following tables show the detail of the provisions:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    Judicial
proceedings
    Administrative
proceedings
    Financial
Guarantees
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Initial balance at January 1, 2015     21,998       63,480       5,029       90,507  
Additions recognized in the period     10,948       26,376       113,843       151,167  
Provisions used during the period     (4,320 )     (59,809 )     -       (64,129 )
Provisions reversed during the period     (10,524 )     (29,721 )     (66,152 )     (106,397 )
Liabilities relating to assets held for sale     (208 )     -       -       (208 )
Acquisition of Grupo Agromercantil Holding     -       10       -       10  
Foreign currency translation adjustment     963       -       -       963  
Effect of discounted cash flows     290       -       -       290  
Final balance at December 31, 2015     19,147       336       52,720       72,203  

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
    Judicial
proceedings
    Administrative
proceedings
    Financial
Guarantees
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Initial balance at January 1, 2014     23,669       54,993       18,497       97,159  
Additions recognized in the period     3,217       37,520       19,918       60,655  
Provisions used during the period     (5,875 )     -       -       (5,875 )
Provisions reversed during the period     (54 )     (28,821 )     (33,386 )     (62,261 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     985       -       -       985  
Effect of discounted cash flows     56       (212 )     -       (156 )
Final balance at December 31, 2014     21,998       63,480       5,029       90,507  

 

Judicial proceedings

 

The judicial provisions refer to pending legal proceedings on employment matters, ordinary lawsuits, class actions suits, civil actions within criminal prosecutions and executive proceedings against the Bank. In the opinion of management, after receiving pertinent legal advice, the payments that will be made by these processes will not generate significant losses in addition to the provisions recognized as of December 31, 2015. The Bank does not expect to obtain any kind of reimbursement from judicial proceedings raised against it and, therefore, has not recognized any assets for that purpose.

 

F- 98

 

 

Administrative proceedings

 

The constituted provisions correspond to proceedings related to income tax for the years 2006 and 2008, and the equity tax for the year 2011. Most of the subsidiaries with these types of provisions settled them during the year 2015.

 

Financial guarantees

 

In order to meet the needs of its customers, the Bank issues financial standby letters of credit and bank guarantees. These are commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party and are mainly issued to guarantee agreements established between parties from the energy sector, private sector and public procurement contracts. The Bank expects most of those guarantees provided to expire before they are used.

 

The events or circumstances that would require the Bank to perform under a guarantee are determined by the type of guarantee:

 

Guarantees for the energy sector

 

The Bank shall be responsible before the guarantee’s beneficiary in the following situations:

 

• Breach of the contract signed by the guaranteed entity.

• Lack of energy supply due to a low availability from the generating company (the guaranteed entity).

 

Guarantees for public procurement

 

The amount guaranteed should be reimbursed by the Bank to the beneficiary of the guarantee which is a Government entity, in case the contractor breaches the agreed terms or its legal obligations.

 

Commitment issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer from the private sector

 

The amount guaranteed should be reimbursed to the beneficiary of the guarantee in case of breach of agreed covenants by the customer guaranteed or upon its financial insolvency.

 

The table below summarizes, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank’s guarantees where the Bank is the guarantor:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
Maturity   Financial Guarantees  
    In millions of COP  
Guarantees under 1 month     572,363  
Guarantees greater than 1 month and up to 3 months     833,635  
Guarantees greater than 3 months and up to 1 year     3,398,029  
Guarantees greater than 1 year and up to 3 years     1,430,371  
Guarantees greater than 3 year and up to 5 years     548,991  
Guarantees greater than 5 years     340,132  
Total     7,123,521  

 

F- 99

 

  

    As of December 31, 2014  
Maturity   Financial Guarantees  
    In millions of COP  
Guarantees under 1 month     928,540  
Guarantees greater than 1 month and up to 3 months     699,702  
Guarantees greater than 3 months and up to 1 year     2,765,640  
Guarantees greater than 1 year and up to 3 years     1,514,214  
Guarantees greater than 3 year and up to 5 years     322,383  
Guarantees greater than 5 years     459,605  
Total     6,690,084  

 

The total amount outstanding is the maximum potential payments which represent a “worse-case scenario”, and do not reflect expected results.

 

20.2 Contingent liabilities

 

BANCOLOMBIA

 

As of December 31, 2015, several ordinary lawsuits, class actions, civil lawsuits within criminal prosecutions and executory proceedings against the Parent Company were pending for a total aggregate amount of approximately COP 256,131. As of December 31, 2015, the possible contingencies with a claimed value higher than COP 5,000 against the Bank were:

 

Proceeding   Amount of claim     Probability of
occurrence
    In Millions of COP
           
Constitutional public interest action claim filed by José Reinaldo Bolaños     88,500     Possible
             
Ordinary claim by Inversiones C.B. S.A.     40,806     Remote
             
Constitutional public interest action filed by Carlos Julio Aguilar and others     30,210     Possible
             
Ordinary claim by Suescún & Brigard Abogados Consultores Ltda.     8,250     Remote
             
Recalling Action (Acción Revocatoria) filed by Interbolsa S.A., Sociedad Administradora de Inversión Interbolsa SAI, entity in charge of winding up the collective investment fund “Interbolsa Credit”     Unspecified Amount     Remote
             
Recalling Action (Acción Revocatoria) filed by Interbolsa S.A., Comisionista de Bolsa in Compulsory Administrative liquidation, counter Bancolombia S.A     Unspecified Amount     Remote

 

Constitutional public interest action claim by José Reinaldo Bolaños:

 

The plaintiffs argue that several financial entities, including the Bank amongst them, have illegally charged undue amounts through illegal capitalization of interest in connection with the public debt restructuring agreements signed with the municipality of Santiago de Cali, in accordance with the fiscal and financial relief law.

 

The plaintiffs allege that the financial institutions involved breached the law regarding interest charging to clients, and in addition, breached the collective rights to public administration’s morality and protection of the municipality of Santiago de Cali's public funds. The plaintiffs seek for reimbursement of those amounts charged in excess. As of December 31, 2015, discovery was closed and closing arguments were presented.

 

F- 100

 

  

Inversiones C.B. S.A.:

 

In 1997, Conavi (currently, Bancolombia), granted a 6,000 credit facility to Inversiones C.B.S.A. for a real estate construction project. The credit agreement provided for multiple disbursements subject to advances in the construction of the project, among other requirements. Due to an interruption of the construction of the project and a default by the builder, Conavi suspended the disbursements, which in the plaintiff's opinion was a breach of contract that caused him consequential damages. The claim filed by the plaintiff seeks to require the Bank to pay payment actual and expected damages, including loss of profits plus the corresponding interests, the opportunity cost of capital, the value of the project´s liabilities, as well as the effects of inflation.

 

This contingency is remote, as the Bank disbursed the funds according to the terms and conditions agreed upon. The Bank argues that the main reasons for the project's failure were liability ascribed to the plaintiff because of an inadequate use of profits and other external causes, such as the project’s lack of feasibility and the prevailing crisis within the construction sector.

 

In August, 2010, the court issued a decision in first instance in favor of the Bank, which was later appealed by the plaintiff.

 

In 2014, the appeal court issued a decision, again, in favor of the Bank. As of December 31, 2014, the case was appealed before the Supreme Court (petitioned by Inversiones CB), which was admitted and the plaintiff had to argue its claim before the Court on January 26, 2015.

 

In May 29, 2015, the Supreme Court did not admit the appeal considering that the claim did not comply with the plenitude of the conditions. In June 2015, the claim was sent to the court of origin as consequence of the plaintiff's failure to appeal the decision of rejection, whereby the second instance verdict in favor of the Bank remained final.

 

However, the plaintiff presented a letter (“Unconstitutionality Exception”) before the Supreme Court, alleging its disagreement with the rejection of the appeal. The complaint lacks of any legal basis; therefore, there has not been any response or proceeding.

 

Constitutional public interest action claim by Carlos Julio Aguilar and others:

 

This constitutional public interest action was filed by the plaintiff arguing that the restructuring of financial obligations by Departamento del Valle and the performance plan executed, allegedly violates the collective rights to public administration’s morality and the protection of the public funds of Departamento del Valle.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the proceeding is pending by the rendering of an expert´s opinion concerning the amount of interest charged to Departamento del Valle by the different financial institutions acting as defendants. This process merged to the constitutional public interest action filed by Carlos Aponte, and it is preliminary stages.

 

Suescun & de Brigard Abogados Consultores Ltda.

 

The law firm Suescún & de Brigard Abogados Consultores Ltda., who represented Bancolombia in an arbitration process, filed a suit against the Bank alleging that the settlement agreement reached between the parties to the arbitration proceeding entitled the firm to receive the success fee initially agreed between the Bank and the law firm. As of December 31, 2015, first and second instance verdict were issued in favor of the Bank and the proceeding is pending of an appeal action before the Supreme Court.

 

F- 101

 

  

Interbolsa S.A., Sociedad Administradora de Interbolsa SAI, Sociedad Liquidadora de la Cartera Colectiva Escalonada “Interbolsa Credit” in liquidation, against Bancolombia S.A and Interbolsa S.A. in judicial liquidation.

 

The plaintiff seeks the reverse of a payment made to Bancolombia in an amount of COP 71,503, (made to cancel an obligation of Interbolsa S.A.) and its reinstatement in the company’s assets (which is now in judicial liquidation).

 

As of December 31, 2015, the proceeding has a first instance verdict in favor of the Bank, which was appeal by the plaintiff.

 

Recalling Action (Acción Revocatoria) filed by Interbolsa S.A., Comisionista de Bolsa in Compulsory Administrative liquidation, against Bancolombia S.A.

 

The plaintiff seeks reimbursement to Interbolsa´s assets of the amount paid by Interbolsa (for COP 14,000) due to an obligation on behalf of the Bank. In March 2015, the Bank submitted the statement of defense and it is pending of the public audience stage and further development of the proceeding.

 

BANISTMO

 

Contingencies with a claimed value higher than COP 5,000 as of December 31, 2015, were:

 

Proceeding   Amount of claim     Provision     Probability of
occurrence
Ordinary claim filled by Deniss Rafael Perez Perozo and others.   U.S.   5,000       -     Remote
                     
Ordinary claim filed by Melenao Mora against Banistmo.   U.S. 20,000       -     Possible

 

Ordinary claim filed by Deniss Rafael Perez Perozo and others.

 

Promotara Terramar (a HSBC client) received USD 299,000 in payments through Visa Gift Cards issued by U.S Bank, as partial payment for two apartments in Panama City.

 

The Credit Card Securities and Fraud Prevention department of the HSBC bank detected an irregular activity promoted by Promotara Terramar. Therefore, pursuant to the Business Establishments Affiliate Agreement, HSBC held from Promotara Terramar´s accounts USD 286,000; nevertheless, before further investigations the money was refunded. The plaintiff claims a compensation payment of over USD 5,000. As of December 31, 2015, Banistmo had submitted the statement of defense.

 

Ordinary claim filed by Melenao Mora against Banistmo.

 

The plaintiff claims the payment of costs and damages resulting from a criminal proceeding filed by Banistmo against Melenao Mora for alleged criminal acts (issuance of credit lines to enterprises where they figured as legal representative). The claim seeks U.S. 20,000 and is pending of admission and taking of evidence stage.

 

F- 102

 

 

NOTE 21. CAPITAL

 

The subscribed and paid-in capital is the following:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
Authorized shares (1)     1,400,000,000       1,000,000,000       1,000,000,000  
Subscribed and paid-in shares:                        
Ordinary shares with a nominal value of COP 500 pesos     509,704,584       509,704,584       509,704,584  
Preferential dividend without voting rights with nominal value of  COP 500 pesos (2)     452,122,416       452,122,416       342,122,416  
Total shares     961,827,000       961,827,000       851,827,000  
Subscribed and paid capital (nominal value, in millions of COP)     480,914       480,914       425,914  

 

 

(1) An extraordinary Shareholders meeting on October 30 2015, approved the increase of authorized capital through statutory reform. This decision was duly registered at the Chamber of Commerce of Medellin by public deed No. 6290 of November 27, 2015.  

(2) In February 2014 the Parent Company issued one hundred and ten million (110,000,000) nonvoting shares with preferred dividend, authorized by the SFC through Resolutions 0164 and 0165 dated January 30, 2014. Consequently, the Parent Company's subscribed capital increased by COP 55,000.

 

Dividends declared

 

The declaration, amount and payment of dividends are based on Bancolombia S.A.’s unconsolidated earnings. Dividends must be approved at the ordinary annual shareholders’ meeting upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors. Under the Colombian Commercial Code, after payment of income taxes and appropriation of legal and other reserves, and after setting off losses from prior fiscal years, Bancolombia must distribute to its stockholders at least 50% of its annual net income or 70% of its annual net income if the total amount of reserves exceeds its outstanding capital, unless such minimum percentages are waived by an affirmative vote of the holders of 78% of the shares present and entitled to vote at the stockholders’ meeting. Such dividend distribution must be made to all stockholders, in cash or in issued stock of Bancolombia, as may be determined by the stockholders, and within a year from the date of the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting in which the dividend was declared.

 

The annual net profits of Bancolombia must be applied as follows: (i) first, an amount equal to 10% of Bancolombia’s net profits to a legal reserve until such reserve is equal to at least 50% of the Bank’s paid-in capital; (ii) second, to the payment of the minimum dividend on the preferred shares; and (iii) third, as may be determined in the ordinary annual stockholders’ meeting by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote.

 

Dividends declared with respect to net income earned in:   Cash dividends per share
(stated in pesos)
 
2015     888  
2014     830  
2013     776  
2012     754  
2011     708  
2010     669  

 

Preferred shares

 

Holders of preferred shares are entitled to receive dividends based on the profits of the preceding fiscal year, after deducting losses affecting the capital and once the amount that shall be legally set apart for the legal reserve has been deducted, but before creating or accruing for any other reserve, of a minimum preferred dividend equal to one per cent (1%) yearly of the subscription price of the preferred share, provided this dividend is higher than the dividend assigned to common shares. If this is not the case, the dividend shall be increased to an amount that is equal to the per share dividend on the common shares. The dividend received by holders of common shares may not be higher than the dividend assigned to preferred shares.

 

Payment of the preferred dividend shall be made at the time and in the manner established in the general shareholders’ meeting and with the priority indicated by Colombian law.

 

F- 103

 

 

Any stock dividend payable in common shares requires the approval of 80% or more of the shares present at a shareholders’ meeting, which will include 80% or more of the outstanding preferred shares. In the event that none of the holders of preferred shares is present at such meeting, a stock dividend may only be paid to the holders of common shares that approve such a payment.

 

NOTE 22. APPROPIATED RESERVES

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and as of January 1, 2014, the appropriated retained earnings consist of the following:

 

Concept   2015     2014     January 1, 2014  
    In Millions of COP  
Appropriation of net profits (1)   5,331,624     4,805,813     3,891,975  
For Fiscal provisions (2)     427,265       312,017       268,062  
Others     118,490       13,031       212,632  
Total Appropiated reserves     5,877,379       5,130,861       4,372,669  

 

 

(1) Pursuant to article 452 of the Commercial Code of the Republic of Colombia, 10% of the unconsolidated net income of the Bank and its Colombian subsidiaries in each year must be appropriated through a credit to a “legal reserve fund” until its balance is equivalent to at least 50% of the subscribed capital.

 

The legal reserve fulfills two objetives: to increase and maintain the company's capital and to absorb economic losses. Based on the aforementioned, this amount shall not be distributed in dividends to the stockholders.

 

(2) Pusuant to Decree 2336 of 1995, which states that a reserve must be established for profits obtained in the valuation of investments held for trading purposes at the closing statement of financial position date and that correspond to non-tax income in accordance with article 27 of the Colombian Tax Code.

 

F- 104

 

 

 

NOTE 23. UNCONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITIES

 

The term "unconsolidated structured entities" refers to all structured entities that are not controlled by the Bank. The Bank enters into transactions with unconsolidated structured entities in the normal course of business to facilitate customer transactions and for specific investment opportunities.

 

The table below shows the total assets of unconsolidated structured entities in which the Bank had an interest at the reporting date and its maximum exposure to loss in relation to those interests.

 

Nature and risks associated with the Bank’s interests in unconsolidated structured entities

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    Securitisations     The Bank’s managed
funds
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Total assets of the entities     1,879,500       97,929,459       99,808,959  
The Bank’s interest-assets                        
Investments at fair value through profit or loss     475,723       -       475,723  
Loans and advances to customers     -       2,130,965       2,130,965  
Total assets in relation to the Bank’s interests in the unconsolidated structured entities     475,723       2,130,965       2,606,688  
The Bank’s maximum exposure     475,723       2,130,965       2,606,688  

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
    Securitisations     The Bank’s managed
funds
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Total assets of the entities     2,918,597       95,023,703       97,942,300  
The Bank’s interest-assets                        
Investments at fair value through profit or loss     696,978       -       696,978  
Loans and advances to customers     -       1,697,251       1,697,251  
Total assets in relation to the Bank’s interests in the unconsolidated structured entities     696,978       1,697,251       2,394,229  
The Bank’s maximum exposure     696,978       1,697,251       2,394,229  

 

    At 1 January 2014  
    Securitisations     The Bank’s
managed funds
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Total assets of the entities     3,978,617       83,057,512       87,036,129  
The Bank’s interest-assets                        
Investments at fair value through profit or loss     957,970       -       957,970  
Loans and advances to customers     -       1,888,068       1,888,068  
Total assets in relation to the Bank’s interests in the unconsolidated structured entities     957,970       1,888,068       2,846,038  
The Bank’s maximum exposure     957,970       1,888,068       2,846,038  

 

The Bank invests in asset-backed securities issued by securitization entities for which underlying assets are mortgages granted by financial institutions. The Bank does not have a significant exposure to sub-prime securities. The asset-backed securities are denominated in local market TIPS and accounted for as investment at fair value through profit or loss. These asset-backed securities have different maturities and are generally classified by credit ratings. Also, the Bank retains beneficial interests in the form of servicing fees on the securitized receivable.

 

F- 105

 

 

Revenues generated by the Bank’s asset management business, come from a variety of funds that the Bank manages and distributes. These funds are divided into real estate development – related trusts, mutual funds sold to individuals, corporate trusts, escrow accounts, private equity funds, and delegated tailor-made mandates from third parties. Generally, the revenues correspond to the fees received from the management of resources that are invested in several instruments, and management of properties and premises related to real estate projects in progress.

 

Likewise, fees from management of resources pledged by clients in order to guarantee commitments and obligations with third parties, as well as fees from management of resources of government agencies and entities.

 

On the other hand, there is not an additional exposure to loss, such as funding commitments with regards to the Bank’s involvement with those entities.

 

NOTE 24. OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING EXPENSES

 

24.1 Interest and valuation on investment

 

The following table sets forth the detail of interest and valuation on financial asset instruments for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Interest on debt investments at amortized cost     71,091       28,470  
Net gains on valuation from investment activities at fair value through profit or loss:                
Debt investments     294,979       434,586  
Derivatives     31,835       (91,963 )
Spot transactions     (48,961 )     35,990  
Repos     (50,081 )     164,198  
Others     2,977       -  
Total net gains from investment activities at fair value through profit and loss     230,749       542,811  
Interest and valuation on investment     301,840       571,281  

 

24.2 Interest expenses

 

The following table sets forth the detail of interest on financial liability instruments for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Deposits     (2,415,187 )     (1,881,821 )
Debt securities in issue     (1,057,748 )     (780,429 )
Financial obligations     (454,326 )     (384,313 )
Preferred shares     (58,714 )     (53,155 )
Borrowings from other financial institutions     (6,836 )     (3,719 )
Other interest     (45,130 )     (61,174 )
Interest expenses     (4,037,941 )     (3,164,611 )

 

F- 106

 

 

24.3 Fees and other services, net

 

The following table sets forth the detail of fee and income from services, net, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

Fees and other service income:

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Banking services     630,616       653,513  
Credit and debit card fees     524,646       420,707  
Electronic services and ATM fees     490,607       380,696  
Trust     265,215       203,608  
Bancas surance     260,224       212,223  
Payments and Collections     203,772       182,669  
Checks     55,861       60,998  
Acceptances, Guarantees and Standby letters of credits     44,539       51,923  
Brokerage     23,453       23,784  
Others     291,624       305,296  
Fees and other service income     2,790,557       2,495,417  
                 
Discontinued operations Tuya S.A. see Note 31     388,306       341,601  

 

Fees and other service expenses

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Banking services     (298,415 )     (245,581 )
Call Center and Website     (254,769 )     (230,501 )
Credit and debit card fees     (85,798 )     (95,172 )
Others     (158,531 )     (98,453 )
Fees and other service expenses     (797,513 )     (669,707 )
                 
Discontinued operations Tuya S.A. see Note 31     (152,500 )     (69,397 )
                 
Total fees and income from services, net     1,993,044       1,825,710  

 

F- 107

 

 

24.4 Other operating income, net

 

The following table sets forth the detail of other operating income net for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Derivatives FX contracts     527,137       (150,451 )
Operating leases     379,067       302,022  
Other credit card charges     177,433       148,746  
Collection services     121,105       67,592  
Rents     69,687       53,520  
Returns on Bancassurance operations     61,499       47,616  
Customer loyalty     47,920       67,855  
Domestic wire transfers     32,439       32,052  
Mobile operator services (1)     16,852       155,181  
Penalties for failure to leasing contracts     14,963       9,164  
Gains on sale of assets     8,408       31,913  
Net foreign exchange     (157,933 )     331,786  
Other reversals     8,110       10,765  
Others     66,015       28,782  
Total Other operating income     1,372,702       1,136,543  

 

 

(1) The decrease is due mainly to the sale of Uff Móvil in 2015. For further information, see Note 2 section C.1

 

NOTE 25. OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL EXPENSES

 

The following table sets forth the detail of other operating income and general expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

    2015     2014  
Other Administrative and  general expenses   In millons of COP  
 Maintenance and repairs     356,655       258,317  
 Fees, others     256,852       202,262  
 Insurance     244,274       228,670  
 Leasing     218,394       175,912  
 Transport     138,084       130,602  
 Advertising     113,821       94,433  
 Public services     94,295       85,900  
 Operational damages and risk     81,836       105,159  
 Cleaning and security services     65,867       57,716  
 Fines and sanctions     58,821       27,881  
 Properties improvements and installation     58,141       50,434  
 communications     55,003       66,051  
 Contributions and affiliations     50,709       48,705  
 Data processing     46,536       21,939  
 Useful and stationery     42,232       57,144  
 Travel expenses     34,998       31,384  
 Temporary services     22,923       12,074  
 Board of directors and audit fee     19,223       30,338  
 Legal and financial consultant     18,785       17,469  
 Real estate management.     18,428       17,477  
 Production and supply cards     15,509       20,948  
 Storage services     14,918       14,290  
 Donations     13,031       14,708  
 Trust     10,637       14,502  
 Legal expenses     4,078       3,326  
 Activities Joint Operations     3,988       13,729  
 Public relations     3,270       4,630  
 Others     176,290       141,375  
Total other administrative and general expenses     2,237,598       1,947,375  
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden (1)     675,387       438,711  
Provision, depreciation and amortization                
Provision for impairment     16,314       27,739  
 Depreciation of premises and equipment     307,172       253,703  
 Amortization of intangible assets     153,799       178,261  
Total provision, depreciation and amortization     477,285       459,703  

 

 

(1) See Note 11 taxes.

 

F- 108

 

 

NOTE 26. EARNING PER SHARE (‘EPS’)

 

Basic EPS is calculated by reducing the income from continuing operations by the amount of dividends declared in the current period for each class of stock and by the contractual amount of dividends that must be paid for the current period, considering the allocation of remaining earnings to common stock and participating securities to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. EPS is determined by dividing the total earnings allocated to each security by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

 

Diluted EPS assumes the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The Bank has no dilutive potential common shares as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

The following table summarizes information related to the computation of basic EPS for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in millions of pesos, except per share data):

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Income from continuing operations before attribution of non-controlling interests     2,586,385       2,366,918  
Less: Non-controlling interests from continuing operations     90,008       42,699  
Net income from continuing operations     2,496,377       2,324,219  
                 
Income from operations and disposals of discontinued operations, net of taxes     22,513       62,867  
Less: Non-controlling interests from discontinuing operations     -       -  
Net income attributable to the controlling interest     2,518,890       2,387,086  
                 
Less: Preferred dividends declared     316,548       282,365  
Less: Allocation of undistributed earnings to preferred stockholders     836,383       784,306  
Continuing operations     825,800       755,458  
Discontinued operations     10,583       28,848  
Net income  allocated to common shareholders for basic and diluted EPS     1,365,959       1,320,415  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in basic EPS calculation (in millions)     510       510  
                 
Basic and Diluted earnings per share to common shareholders     2,680       2,591  
                 
From continuing operations     2,656       2,524  
From discontinuing operations     24       67  
                 
Basic and Diluted net income per ADS     10,720       10,364  

 

F- 109

 

 

NOTE 27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

FRAMEWORK UNDER IFRS.

 

IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures requires that an entity discloses:

 

(a) Transactions with its related parties; and

 

(b) Relationships between a parent and its subsidiaries irrespective of whether there have been transactions between them.

 

Under IAS 24, an entity must disclose transactions with its related parties, outstanding balances, including commitments, recognized in the consolidated and separate financial statements of a parent or investors with joint control of, or significant influence over, an investee presented in accordance with IFRS 10.

 

Under this standard parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions, or one other party controls both. This definition applies to the Bank in the cases below:

 

· Stockholders with ownership interest higher than 20% of the Bank’s capital:
· Grupo de Inversiones  Suramericana S.A.
· Fondo Bancolombia ADR Program.

 

· Members of Board of Directors and Senior Management, understood as the president and corporate Vice-presidents, as well as their close relatives.

 

· Associates and joint ventures for which the Bank provides commercial banking services and deposits. For these purposes all companies that have been included companies in which the Bank has significant influence (in all cases, the Bank has between 20% and 50% share of capital).

 

In addition, and in accordance with External Circular 067 of 2001 issued by the Financial Superintendence of Colombia, the Bank should record as transactions with related parties, the transactions with shareholders that have interest equal or higher than 10% of the Bank’s capital.

 

Between the Parent Company and its related parties, during the periods ending at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no:

 

- Loans implying for the borrower an obligation that does not correspond to the essence or nature of the mutual agreement.
- Loans with interest rates different to those that are ordinarily paid or charged to third parties in similar conditions of term, risk, etc.
- Operations whose characteristics differ from those carried out with third parties.

 

F- 110

 

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    Stockholders with an
interest equal or
higher than 10% of
the Bank’s capital
    Directors
and senior
management
    Associates  
    In millions of COP  
Assets                        
Cash and balances at central bank     -       -       -  
Interbank borrowings and Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lend     -       -       -  
Investments     -       -       974,366  
Loans and advances to customers and financial leasing operations     57       20,194       16,603  
Derivative financial instruments     -       -       -  
Other assets     -       -       5,063  
Total assets     57       20,194       996,032  
Liabilities                        
Deposits     1,093       1,496       148,823  
Interbank Deposits and Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing     -       -       -  
Derivative financial instrument     -       -       -  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     -       -       -  
Debt securities in issue     -       -       2,031  
Other liabilities     -       16       -  
Total Liabilities     1,093       1,512       150,854  
Income                        
Dividends     -       -       45,736  
Interest and Other operating income     -       1,389       22,588  
Others     -       -       14  
Net income     -       1,389       68,338  
Expenses                        
Interests     16       23       4,879  
Fees     -       792       -  
Others     -       -       1,006  
Total expenses     16       815       5,885  

 

F- 111

 

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
    Stockholders with an
interest equal or
higher than 10% of
the Bank’s capital
    Directors
and senior
management
    Associates  
    In millions of COP  
                   
Assets                        
Cash and balances at central bank     -       -       2,870  
Interbank borrowings and Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lend     -       -       -  
Investments     -       -       1,364,439  
Loans and advances to customers and financial leasing operations     34       12,585       72,403  
Derivative financial instruments     -       -       -  
Other assets     -       -       -  
Total assets     34       12,585       1,439,712  

Liabilities                        
Deposits     1,992       943       102,386  
Interbank Deposits and Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing     -       -       -  
Derivative financial instrument     -       -       -  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     -       -       15,012  
Debt securities in issue     -       -          
Other liabilities     -       -       66  
Total Liabilities     1,992       943       117,464  
Income                        
Dividends     -       -       16,043  
Interest and Other operating income     178       913       21,713  
Others     -       -       141  
Net income     178       913       37,897  
Expenses                        
Interests     723       15       5,077  
Fees     -       776       -  
Others     -       94       13,336  
Total expenses     723       885       18,413  

 

During the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank paid fees for COP 792 and COP 776 as compensation, for attending meetings of Board and Support Committee.

 

The remuneration of key management personnel is detailed below:

 

Type of remuneration   2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Short-term benefits     55,175       47,633  
Post-employment benefits     -       63  
Other long-term benefits     191       3,824  
Termination benefits     -       -  
Total     55,366       51,520  

 

The Parent Company, which is also the ultimate parent company, is Bancolombia S.A. Transactions between companies included in consolidation Note 2.C and the Parent company meet the definition of related party transactions, and were eliminated from the consolidated financial statements and risk is taken into consideration.

 

The bank provides banking and financial services to its subsidiaries in order to satisfy their liquidity needs, and these transactions are conducted on similar terms to third-party transactions and are not individually material.

 

No guarantees, pledges or commitments have been given or received in respect of the aforementioned transactions in 2015 or 2014.

 

F- 112

 

 

NOTE 28. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The amount per share of dividends declared before these financial statements are authorized is 888.12 per share and the total amount of dividends is 854,218. The approval of the financial statements by the Board of Directors took place on February 22, 2016.

 

The Audit Committee approved the filing of this Annual Report, including the Consolidated Financial Statements hereto, on April 15, 2016.

 

Sale of Cifin S.A.

 

Bancolombia entered into an agreement with TransUnion Netherlands II B.V., for the sale by Bancolombia of 100% of its stake in Cifin S.A (“Cifin”), an entity classified as a Technical and Administrative Services Company and accredited as a provider of financial, credit, commercial information and services.

 

On February 8, 2016, Bancolombia sold 106,504 common shares of Cifin for a total amount of COP 629,563.37 per share, amount received on this day, which, together with the stakes sold by the other shareholders party the sale agreement, represents in the aggregate a 71% stake in Cifin.

 

The financial entities selling their shares seek a strategic investor with experience and international knowledge, looking to generate added value to this company, by incorporating new knowledge, advanced technologies and better international practices in the analysis of credit information, credit risk management, and money laundering, among others.

 

NOTE 29. FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

The following table presents the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets and liabilities as of December 31 2015 and 2014, and January 1, 2014

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
Financial instrument   Carrying
amount
    Fair value     Carrying
amount
    Fair value     Carrying
amount
    Fair value  
    In millions of COP  
Assets                                                
Cash and cash equivalents     18,597,614       18,597,614       13,466,783       13,466,783       15,445,977       15,445,977  
Debt securities at fair value     9,651,268       9,651,268       9,572,074       9,572,074       9,191,657       9,191,657  
Debt securities at amortized cost     3,492,146       3,434,606       1,930,863       1,922,841       2,801,861       2,798,214  
Equity securities at fair value     1,164,681       1,164,681       1,281,288       1,281,288       1,089,339       1,089,339  
Derivatives     2,382,168       2,382,168       1,448,845       1,448,845       529,619       529,619  
Loan portfolio     140,371,884       136,729,366       110,384,396       108,335,805       91,929,756       94,949,399  
Investment properties     1,505,046       1,505,046       1,114,180       1,114,180       984,701       984,701  
Total     177,164,807       173,464,749       139,198,429       137,141,816       121,972,910       124,988,906  
Liabilities                                                
Deposits     121,802,028       116,487,773       94,769,319       93,829,888       86,512,104       86,677,887  
Interbank     400,062       400,062       375,958       375,958       229,201       229,201  
Repos     1,232,456       1,232,456       1,891,959       1,891,959       1,016,442       1,016,442  
Derivatives     1,930,609       1,930,609       1,471,779       1,471,779       621,988       621,988  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     19,721,184       18,866,477       13,852,284       13,852,284       12,478,711       12,480,600  
Debt securities in issue     19,435,865       19,734,430       14,527,403       15,086,109       12,673,741       12,873,877  
Total     164,522,204       158,651,807       126,888,702       126,507,977       113,532,187       113,899,995  

 

F- 113

 

 

· Fair value hierarchy

 

IFRS 13 establishes a fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable, that reflects the significance of inputs adopted in the measurement process. In accordance with IFRS the financial instruments are classified as follows:

 

Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability being measured take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. Level 2 generally includes: (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, that is, markets in which there are few transactions for the asset or liability.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category generally includes certain retained residual interests in securitizations, asset-backed securities (ABS) and highly structured or long-term derivative contracts where independent pricing information was not able to be obtained for a significant portion of the underlying assets.

 

· Valuation process for fair value measurements

 

As was mentioned above, the valuation to fair value prices is performed using prices, methodologies and inputs provided by the Official Price Supplier (Infovalmer) to the Bank. All methodologies and procedures developed by the price supplier are known by the Financial Superintendence of Colombia, which has not objected to them.

 

On a daily basis, the Financial Operations Direction verifies the valuation of investments, and, the Proprietary Trading Desk’s Risk Management area reports the results of the portfolio’s valuation.

 

Fair value measurement

 

Investment securities

 

a. Debt securities:

 

The Bank assigns price to those debt investments, using the prices provided by the Official Price Supplier (Infovalmer) and assigns the appropriate level according to the procedure described above. (Hierarchy of fair value section).

 

b. Equity securities

 

The Bank performs the market Price valuation of their investments in variable income using the prices provided by the Official Price Supplier (Infovalmer) and classifies those investments according to the procedure described above. (Hierarchy of fair value section).

 

c. Derivatives

 

The Bank holds positions in standardized derivatives, such as Futures over local stocks, over specific TES references and over the TRM. These instruments are valuated according to the information provided by Infovalmer, which perfectly matches the information provided by the Clearing and Settlement House.

 

F- 114

 

 

Additionally, the Bank holds positions in OTC derivatives, which in the absence of prices, are valuated using the inputs and methodologies provided by the Price Supplier, to which has not objected the Financial Superintendence of Colombia.

 

The key inputs depend upon the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instrument and include interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates, the spot price of the underlying volatility, credit curves and correlation of such inputs.

 

d. Credit valuation adjustment

 

The Bank measures the effects of the credit risk of its counterparties and its own creditworthiness in determining fair value of the swap, option and forward derivatives.

 

Counterparty credit-risk adjustments are applied to derivatives when the Bank’s position is a derivative asset and the Bank’s credit risk is incorporated when the position is a derivative liability. The Bank attempts to mitigate credit risk to third parties which are international banks by entering into master netting agreements.

 

When assessing the impact of credit exposure, only the net counterparty exposure is considered at risk, due to the offsetting of certain same-counterparty positions and the application of cash and other collateral.

 

The Bank generally calculates the asset’s credit risk adjustment for derivatives transacted with international financial institutions by incorporating indicative credit related pricing that is generally observable in the market (“CDS”). The credit-risk adjustment for derivatives transacted with non-public counterparties is calculated by incorporating unobservable credit data derived from internal credit qualifications to the financial institutions and corporate companies located in Colombia. The Bank also considers its own creditworthiness when determining the fair value of an instrument, including OTC derivative instruments if the Bank believes market participants would take that into account when transacting the respective instrument. The approach to measuring the impact of the Bank’s credit risk on an instrument transacted with international financial institutions is done using the Asset Swap Curve calculated for subordinated bonds issued by the Bank in foreign currency. For derivatives transacted with local financial institutions, the Bank calculates the credit risk adjustment by incorporating credit data derived qualifications released in the Colombian financial market.

 

e. Impaired loans measured at fair value

 

The Bank measured certain impaired loans based on the fair value of the associated collateral less costs to sell. The fair values were determined as follows using external and internal valuation techniques or third party experts, depending on the type of underlying asset:

 

For vehicles under leasing arrangements, the Bank uses an internal valuation model based on price curves for each type of vehicle. Such curves show the expected price of the vehicle at different points in time based on the initial price and projection of economic variables such as inflation, devaluation and customs. The prices modelled in the curves are compared every six months with market information for the same or similar vehicles and in the case of significant deviation; the curve is adjusted to reflect the market conditions.

 

Other vehicles are measured using matrix pricing from a third party. This matrix is used by most of the market participants and is updated monthly. The matrix is built from values provided by several price providers for identical or similar vehicles and considers brand, characteristics of the vehicles, and manufacturing date among other variables to determine the prices.

 

For real estate properties, a third-party qualified appraiser is used. The methodologies vary depending on the date of the last appraisal available for the property (The appraisal is estimated based on either of three approaches: cost, sale comparison and income approach).

 

F- 115

 

 

f. Impaired foreclosed assets and premises and equipment held for sale measured at fair value

 

The Bank measured certain impaired foreclosed assets and premises and equipment held for sale based on fair value less costs to sell. The fair values were determined using external and internal valuation techniques or third party experts, depending on the type of underlying asset, as follows:

 

For real estate properties the appraisal is conducted by experts considering factors such as the location, type and characteristics of the property, size, physical conditions and expected selling costs, among others.

 

Premises and equipment held for sale include investment securities in externally managed funds that are valued using recent prices where available. Where not available, the fair value of investments in externally managed funds is generally determined using financial statements or other information provided by the fund managers.

 

g. Mortgage-backed securities (“TIPS”)

 

The Bank invests in asset-backed securities for which underlying assets are mortgages issued by financial institutions. The Bank does not have a significant exposure to sub-prime securities. The asset-backed securities are denominated in local market TIPS and are classified as fair value through profit or loss. These asset-backed securities have different maturities and are generally classified by credit ratings.

 

Fair values were estimated using discounted cash flows models where the main key economic assumptions used are estimates of prepayment rates and resultant weighted average lives of the securitized mortgage portfolio, probability of default and interest rate curves. These items are classified as Level 3.

 

F- 116

 

 

Items Measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

The following table presents for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Bank’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and as of January 1, 2014:

 

    Financial assets  
    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair  
Type of instrument   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value  
    In millions of COP  
Investment
Debt securities
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     4,299,235       518,368       -       4,817,603       6,275,044       81,706       16,956       6,373,706       4,800,538       231,688       10       5,032,236  
Securities issued by the El Salvador Central Bank     -       -       -       -       -       23,638       -       23,638       -       24,585       -       24,585  
Securities issued by Government entities     -       691,612       -       691,612       5,415       3,818       -       9,233       -       18,043       627       18,670  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     122,872       386,672       629,994       1,139,538       46,682       738,421       517,413       1,302,516       72,292       554,608       702,863       1,329,763  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     1,478,568       1,101,703       -       2,580,271       616,944       1,145,414       -       1,762,358       135,719       1,479,961       -       1,615,680  
Corporate bonds     57,495       354,684       10,065       422,244       3,872       77,602       19,149       100,623       736,709       415,034       18,980       1,170,723  
Total – Debt securities     5,958,170       3,053,039       640,059       9,651,268       6,947,957       2,070,599       553,518       9,572,074       5,745,258       2,723,919       722,480       9,191,657  
Equity securities
Equity securities     66,589       119,341       978,751       1,164,681       68,231       215,050       998,007       1,281,288       85,252       207,411       796,675       1,089,338  
Total equity securities     66,589       119,341       978,751       1,164,681       68,231       215,050       998,007       1,281,288       85,252       207,411       796,675       1,089,338  
Derivative financial instruments
Forward
Foreign exchange contracts     -       193,290       499,034       692,324       -       105,955       390,794       496,748       -       34,037       40,287       74,324  
Equity contracts     -       2,717       -       2,717       -       17,102       39       17,141       82       -       -       82  
Interest rate contracts     -       -       -       -       -       13       -       14       -       323       -       323  
Total forward     -       196,007       499,034       695,041       -       123,070       390,833       513,903       82       34,360       40,287       74,729  
Swaps                                                                                                
Foreign exchange contracts     -       1,057,462       236,485       1,293,947       -       532,509       215,855       748,364       -       94,207       189,322       283,529  
Interest rate contracts     2,407       239,766       15,065       257,238       -       140       3,758       3,898       -       105,407       33,635       139,042  
Total swaps     2,407       1,297,228       251,550       1,551,185       -       532,649       219,613       752,262       -       199,614       222,957       422,571  
Options                                                                                                
Interest rate contracts     -       3,813       132,129       135,942       -       23,276       159,404       182,680       -       7,792       24,527       32,319  
Total options     -       3,813       132,129       135,942       -       23,276       159,404       182,680       -       7,792       24,527       32,319  
Total derivative financial instruments     2,407       1,497,048       882,713       2,382,168       -       678,995       769,850       1,448,845       82       241,766       287,771       529,619  
Investment properties                                                                                                
Buildings     -       1,275,567       -       1,275,567       -       949,412       -       949,412       -       836,812       -       836,812  
Lands     229,479       -       -       229,479       164,768       -       -       164,768       147,889       -       -       147,889  
Total Investment properties     229,479       1,275,567       -       1,505,046       164,768       949,412       -       1,114,180       147,889       836,812       -       984,701  
Total assets     6,256,645       5,944,995       2,501,523       14,703,163       7,180,956       3,914,056       2,321,377       13,416,387       5,978,481       4,009,908       1,806,926       11,795,315  

  

F- 117

 

 

    Financial Liabilities  
    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair  
Type of instrument   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value  
    In millions of COP  
Derivative financial instruments                                                                                                
Forward                                                                                                
Foreign exchange contracts     -       (532,884 )     (101,413 )     (634,297 )     -       (507,855 )     (50,885 )     (558,740 )     -       (46,968 )     (13,407 )     (60,375 )
Equity contracts     -       (5,395 )     -       (5,395 )     -       (11,467 )     -       (11,467 )     -       -       -       -  
Interest rate contracts     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (4,248 )     -       (4,248 )
Total forward     -       (538,279 )     (101,413 )     (639,692 )     -       (519,322 )     (50,885 )     (570,207 )     -       (51,216 )     (13,407 )     (64,623 )
Swaps                                                                                                
Foreign exchange contracts     -       (910,042 )     (39,626 )     (949,668 )     -       (494,622 )     (41,136 )     (535,758 )     -       (169,064 )     (51,450 )     (220,514 )
Interest rate contracts     (2,001 )     (259,366 )     (5,746 )     (267,113 )     -       (22,924 )     -       (22,924 )     -       (86,363 )     (10,318 )     (96,681 )
Total swaps     (2,001 )     (1,169,408 )     (45,372 )     (1,216,781 )     -       (517,546 )     (41,136 )     (558,682 )     -       (255,427 )     (61,768 )     (317,195 )
Options                                                                                                
Interest rate contracts     -       (74,136 )     -       (74,136 )     -       (87,348 )     -       (87,348 )     -       (47,723 )     -       (47,723 )
Equity contracts     -       -       -       -       -       -       (255,542 )     (255,542 )     -       -       (192,447 )     (192,447 )
Total options     -       (74,136 )     -       (74,136 )     -       (87,348 )     (255,542 )     (342,890 )     -       (47,723 )     (192,447 )     (240,170 )
Total Derivative financial instruments     (2,001 )     (1,781,823 )     (146,785 )     (1,930,609 )     -       (1,124,216 )     (347,563 )     (1,471,779 )     -       (354,366 )     (267,622 )     (621,988 )
Total liabilities     (2,001 )     (1,781,823 )     (146,785 )     (1,930,609 )     -       (1,124,216 )     (347,563 )     (1,471,779 )     -       (354,366 )     (267,622 )     (621,988 )

  

F- 118

 

 

Fair values of financial instruments that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position

 

The following table presents for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Bank’s assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which the fair value is disclosed at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and as of January 1, 2014:

 

    Assets  
    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair  
Type of instrument   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value  
    In millions of COP  
Cash and cash equivalents     18,597,614       -       -       18,597,614       13,466,783       -       -       13,466,783       15,445,975       -       -       15,445,975  
                                                                                                 
Debt securities at amortized cost                                                                                                
Securities issued by the Colombian Government     -       -       15,050       15,050       -       161,506       -       161,506       -       -       270,406       270,406  
Securities issued by the El Salvador Central Bank     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       580,386       580,386  
Securities issued by Government entities     9,834       -       -       9,834       7,578       1,412,888       -       1,420,466       -       1,775,297       26       1,775,323  
Securities issued by other financial institutions     202,107       999,977       511,098       1,713,182       211,073       24,590       -       235,663       83,831       37,800       286       121,917  
Securities issued by Foreign Governments     924,095       327,924       -       1,252,019       26,700       -       -       26,700       22,196       -       -       22,196  
Corporate bonds     264,451       -       180,070       444,521       78,506       -       -       78,506       27,986       -       -       27,986  
Total – Debt securities at amortized cost     1,400,487       1,327,901       706,218       3,434,606       323,857       1,598,984       -       1,922,841       134,013       1,813,097       851,104       2,798,214  
Loan portfolio     -       -       136,729,366       136,729,366       -       -       108,335,805       108,335,805       -       -       94,949,399       94,949,399  
Total     19,998,101       1,327,901       137,435,584       158,761,586       13,790,640       1,598,984       108,335,805       123,725,429       15,579,988       1,813,097       95,800,503       113,193,588  

 

    Liabilities  
    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014     January 1, 2014  
    Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair     Fair-value hierarchy     Total at fair  
Type of instrument   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     value  
    In millions of COP  
Deposits     -       14,727,160       101,760,613       116,487,773       -       16,233,444       77,596,444       93,829,888       -       21,001,104       65,676,783       86,677,887  
Interbank     -       -       400,062       400,062       -       -       375,958       375,958       -       -       229,201       229,201  
Repos     -       -       1,232,456       1,232,456       -       -       1,891,959       1,891,959       -       -       1,016,442       1,016,442  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     -       -       18,866,477       18,866,477       -       -       13,852,284       13,852,284       -       -       12,478,711       12,478,711  
Debt securities in issue     7,070,156       10,438,041       2,226,233       19,734,430       8,152,183       6,060,119       873,807       15,086,109       11,027,909       1,045,906       800,062       12,873,877  
Total liabilities     7,070,156       25,165,201       124,485,841       156,721,198       8,152,183       22,293,563       94,590,452       125,036,198       11,027,909       22,047,010       80,201,199       113,276,118  

 

F- 119

 

 

The fair value represents management’s best estimates based on internally developed methodologies. In cases where quoted prices of bonds and deposits issued by the Group are not published by the Group’s Official Price Supplier, the discounted cash flow methodology that incorporates inputs of similar instruments has been used where possible; in other cases internal policy rates have been used.

 

For assets and liabilities held at the end of the reporting period, the fair values differ from period to period due to changes in interest rates, credit risk related to third parties and the own Bank’s credit risk, market perceptions of value, and new transactions that the Bank has entered into.

 

IFRS requires entities to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the statement of financial position, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Certain categories of assets and liabilities, however, are not eligible for fair value accounting. The financial instruments below are not recorded at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis:

 

Short-term financial instruments

Short-term financial instruments are valued at their carrying amounts included in the consolidated statement of financial position, which are reasonable estimates of fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments. This approach was used for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, customers’ acceptances, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest payable and bank acceptances outstanding.

 

Deposits

The fair value of Time Deposits was estimated based on the discounted value of cash flows using the appropriate discount rate for the applicable maturity. Fair value of deposits with undefined maturities represents the amount payable on demand as of the statement of financial position date.

 

Interbank borrowings

Short-term interbank borrowings and borrowings from domestic development banks have been valued at their carrying amounts because of their relatively short-term nature. Long-term and domestic development bank borrowings have also been valued at their carrying amount because they bear interest at variable rates.

 

Debt securities in issue

The fair value of debt securities in issue, comprised of bonds issued by Bancolombia and its subsidiaries, was estimated substantially based on quoted market prices. The fair value of certain bonds which do not have a public trading market, were determined based on the discounted value of cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities and the Bank’s creditworthiness.

 

F- 120

 

 

Changes in Level 3 Fair-Value Category 

The table below presents reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2015 and 2014.

 

    Balance, January
1, 2014
    Included in
earnings
    Included in OCI     Purchases     Settlement     Prepayment     Transfers in to
Level 3
    Transfers out of
Level 3
    Balance,
2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Debts securities at fair value                                                                        
Securities issued or secured by Colombian Government     16,956       -       -       -       (16,956 )     -       -       -       -  
Securities issued or secured by Government entities     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Securities issued or secured by other financial entities     517,413       (18,964 )     -       104,828       (35,041 )     -       61,758       -       629,994  
Other investments     19,149       (1,972 )     -       9,513       (19,149 )     -       2,524       -       10,065  
Total     553,518       (20,936 )     -       114,341       (71,146 )     -       64,282       -       640,059  
Derivatives                                                                        
Foreign exchange contracts     674,032       45,005       -       482,802       (476,123 )     -       -       893       726,609  
Interest rate contracts     3,758       647       -       8,675       (3,761 )     -       -       -       9,319  
Equity contracts     (255,503 )     -       -       -       255,503       -       -       -       -  
Total     422,287       45,652       -       491,477       (224,381 )     -       -       893       735,928  
Equity securities                                                                        
Equity securities     998,007       119,837       (7,974 )     10,236       (141,355 )     -       -       -       978,751  

  

F- 121

 

  

    Balance, January
1, 2014
    Included in
earnings
    Included in OCI     Purchases     Settlement     Prepayment     Transfers in to
Level 3
    Transfers out of
Level 3
    Balance,
2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Debts securities at fair value                                                                        
Securities issued or secured by Colombian Government     10       63       -       16,893       (10 )     -       -       -       16,956  
Securities issued or secured by Government entities     627       -       -       -       -       -       -       (627 )     -  
Securities issued or secured by other financial entities     702,863       (61,601 )     -       -       (27,750 )     -       -       (96,099 )     517,413  
Other investments     18,980       3,376       -       1,864       (5,071 )     -       -       -       19,149  
Total     722,480       (58,162 )     -       18,757       (32,831 )     -       -       (96,726 )     553,518  
Derivatives                                                                        
Foreign exchange contracts     189,279       45,530       -       464,235       (47,965 )     -       26,546       (3,593 )     674,032  
Interest rate contracts     23,317       8,871       -       -       (32,928 )     -       4,730       (232 )     3,758  
Equity contracts     (192,447 )     (63,095 )     -       -       -       -       39       -       (255,503 )
Total     20,149       (8,694 )     -       464,235       (80,893 )     -       31,315       (3,825 )     422,287  
Equity securities                                                                        
Equity securities     796,674       89,944       28,571       86,307       (3,489 )     -       -       -       998,007  

 

F- 122

 

 

Level 3 Fair Value Rollforward

 

The following were the significant Level 3 transfers for the period January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 and for the period 2014 to 2015:

 

The transfer of COP 96,099 in 2014 from Level 3 to Level 2 of Investment securities issued by financial entities, primarily linked to an increase in their market liquidity and the observability of prices.

 

All transfers are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period.

 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table sets forth information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Bank’s material categories of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities:

  

    As of December 31, 2015      
Financial instrument   Fair value     Valuation
Technique
  Significant
unobservable
input
  Ranges of inputs   Weighted
average
    Sensitivity
100
basis point
increase
    Sensitivity
100
basis point
decrease
 
Mortgage-backed securities (“TIPS”)                                            
TIPS     430,148     Discounted cash flow   Yield   -0.2277% /  0.7551%     0.15 %     423,092       437,470  
Other                                            
Corporate bonds     19,314     Discounted cash flow   Yield   0.0537% / 1.4554%     0.35 %     18,780       19,791  
Time Deposits     155,480     Discounted cash flow   Yield   1.608%     1.608 %     155,472       155,487  
Securitizations     35,117     Discounted cash flow   Yield   1.65%     1.65 %     32,378       35,455  
Equity securities                                            
Equity securities     978,751     Price-based   Price   n/a     n/a       n/a       n/a  
Derivatives                                            
Options     132,129     Black-Scholes   Recovery rate   25%     25.00 %     132,141       132,117  
                setoff COP (USD)   0.0813% a 16.8753%     0.8822 %     132,129       132,129  
Forward     397,622     Discounted cash flow   SPBAAA y ASW COP (USD)   -     -       397,622       397,622  
                Setoff COP (USD)   0% a 28.7559%     5.0847 %     396,366       398,877  
Swaps     206,178     Discounted cash flow   SPBAAA y ASW COP (USD)   -     -       204,582       204,582  
                Setoff COP (USD)   0% a 39.7004%     3.7699 %     212,782       193,908  
                Discount Rate   7.0%             1,596       1,596  

 

F- 123

 

 

    As of December 31, 2014      
Financial instrument   Fair value     Valuation
Technique
  Significant
unobservable
input
  Ranges of inputs   Weighted
average
    Sensitivity
100
basis point
increase
    Sensitivity
100
basis point
decrease
 
Securities issued by the Colombian Government                                            
Debt securities     16,935     Discounted cash flow   Yield   0.55% a 0.77%     0.55 %     16,774       17,101  
Mortgage-backed securities (“TIPS”)                                            
TIPS     517,413     Discounted cash flow   Interest rate   -0.22% to 0.71%     0.12 %     507,015       528,258  
Other                                            
Corporate bonds     17,270     Discounted cash flow   Yield   2.60% to 4.45%             17,082       17,082  
      1,104     Discounted cash flow   Yield   -3.00% to 3.00%             1,071       1,137  
      775     Discounted cash flow   Yield   -3.00% to 3.00%             752       798  
Equity securities                                            
Equity securities     998,007     Price-based   Price   n/a     n/a       n/a       n/a  
Derivatives                                            
Options     159,404     Black-Scholes   Recovery rate   25% to 40%     25.00 %     159,451       159,416  
                Credit spread   0% to 75.37%     1.01 %     159,433       159,433  
Forward     339,946     Discounted cash flow   SPBAAA & ASW   0.98% to 13.84%     6.31 %     339,944       339,946  
                Credit spread   0% to 75.37%     4.11 %     311,454       313,818  
Swaps     178,477     Discounted cash flow   SPBAAA & ASW   0.02% to 13.84%     1.94 %     146,430       144,863  
                Credit spread   0% to 75.37%     2.86 %     133,282       144,903  

 

NOTE 30. FIRST-TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, are the first year-end financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, accepted in Colombia by means of Decree 2784 from the year 2012 and Decree 3023 of the year 2013. In such technical framework, as amended, the Government established that the transition period had to take place during 2014, and all the entities were required to prepare the opening statement of financial position under IFRS as of January 1, 2014. For the purposes of the consolidated financial statement and its related notes, the Bank has elected January 1, 2014 as the date of transition from previous Colombian banking GAAP to IFRS.

 

30.1 Major changes in the accounting policies arising from the transition to IFRS:

 

a. Allowance for loan losses and financial leases losses:

 

Colombian banking GAAP : the methodology for evaluating loans and financial leases is based on their inherent risk characteristics and serves as a basis for recording loss allowances based on loss percentages estimated or established by the SFC according to past due days. Under Colombian banking GAAP, the loan loss allowance is determined and monitored on an ongoing basis.

 

IFRS: IAS 39 “Financial instruments: recognition and measurements” determines that the entity should assess, at least on each reporting date, whether there is objective evidence that a loan or group of loans are impaired. A loan or group of loans is impaired if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more loss events (e.g., the economic performance and trends in the client’s industry) that occurred after the initial recognition of the loan and prior to the statement of financial position date 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.

 

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The amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the loan’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate.

 

Firstly, it is necessary to assess, on an individual basis, if there is objective evidence of impairment for exposures that are individually significant (impaired loans that exceed a specific threshold), or individually and collectively significant for exposures that are not individually significant. If there is no objective evidence for an exposure individually assessed, be it significant or not, it should be included in a group of exposures with similar characteristics and assessed collectively. The exposures that are individually assessed and for which a loss has been recorded should not be included in the collective assessment.

 

b. Lease operations:

 

Colombian banking GAAP: for financial entities involved in lease arrangements as lessor, the leases must be classified as either financial leases or operating leases, according to the terms of the lease agreements. Assets provided through leases to third parties with a purchase option are recorded in the loan portfolio. Assets provided through operating leases are recorded as property, plant and equipment.

 

IFRS: According to IAS 17 “Leases”, leases are required to be classified as either (i) finance leases, when the lessor entity transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, and an asset and a liability must be recognized by the lessee and the present value of lease payments must be recognized as a receivable or (ii) operating leases, which result in expense recognition by the lessee, with the asset remaining recognized by the lessor.

 

c. Deferred income taxes:

 

Colombian banking GAAP: Deferred tax assets or liabilities must be recorded for all timing differences raised in the current period based on the consolidated statement of income when comparing the amount of recognized income and expenses for accounting and tax purposes. However, loss carry-forwards and excess of presumed income over ordinary income are restricted by the SFC.

 

IFRS: IAS 12 “Income tax” prescribes that deferred tax assets or liabilities should be measured using substantively enacted tax rates. IAS 12 also prescribes that deferred tax assets should be recognized when the generation of future taxable income is probable, allowing the realization of the assets.

 

d. Measurement of financial instruments:

 

Colombian banking GAAP : External Circular 100 of 1995 issued by the SFC provides guidance related to the measurement of financial instruments, considering the purchase cost as the initially recognition amount for investment securities and requires that traded securities must be valued using inputs and prices provided by the price provider authorized by the SFC. Nonetheless, some debt securities classified as either trading or available for sale are not recognized at fair value, but are recognized at amortized cost using a discounted cash flow methodology.

 

On the other hand, loans are recorded at the principal outstanding less allowance for impairment, except in cases of purchases of portfolios, which are recorded at the acquisition cost on day one. The SFC requires that interest income, lease payments and other items of income cease to be accrued in the consolidated statements of income after a loan is in arrears for more than two months for mortgage and consumer loans, three months for commercial loans and one month for small business loans.

 

IFRS: determines that all financial instruments are initially recognized when, and only when, the entity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are classified according to the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristic of the financial asset. At initial recognition the entity measures a financial asset or financial liability at its fair value, plus or minus transaction costs, and subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method or at fair value through profit or loss. The interest income recognized in the consolidated statement of income includes the amortization of premiums and discounts. IFRS requires that valuation techniques of financial assets and liabilities at fair value incorporate all factors or inputs that a market participant would consider in setting a price when using consistent and accepted economic methodologies for pricing such financial instruments.

 

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e. Compound financial instruments:

 

Colombian banking GAAP : Bancolombia’s subscribed preferred shares are fully recognized as issued and outstanding capital.

 

IFRS: IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation” requires that the components of compound financial instruments, as defined by IAS 32, be separated and classified as debt instruments and equity instruments. This classification is made based on circumstances, economic substance and specific terms of these instruments on the date they are issued.

 

30.2 Overview of the IFRS 1 voluntary exemptions and mandatory exceptions applied by the administration in the preparation of these consolidated financial statement.

 

Exemptions:

 

a) Business combinations and past acquisitions:

 

IFRS 1 “First time adoption” allows companies that are first-time adopters to maintain the accounting treatment adopted in the prior accounting practices (Colombian banking GAAP in the case of the Bank) with respect to business combinations and acquisition of investments in associates that were recognized before the transition date or an earlier date. Such transactions are not restated, retrospectively, by applying IFRS 3 (Revised).

 

In accordance with the exemption allowed by IFRS 1, the accounting policies used by the Bank for initial recognition and subsequent measurement of goodwill derived from acquisitions that took place prior to January 1, 2014 under Colombian banking GAAP were maintained.

 

b) Fair value as deemed cost:

 

IFRS 1 allows the Bank to individually measure certain premises and equipment at fair value or to use a reappraisal of asset according the prior accounting practices (Colombian banking GAAP) as the deemed cost of the assets at the date of transition. The Bank has elected to recognize as deemed cost the reappraisal of assets for certain premises and equipment.

 

c) Cumulative differences on the translation of statement of financial positions of foreign subsidiaries:

 

The Bank has applied this exemption by which all gains and losses from currency translation of foreign subsidiaries on the transition date were set to zero. In accordance with IAS 21 the currency translation adjustment of the subsidiaries with a functional currency other than Colombian peso will be applied prospectively. These effects are recognized in other comprehensive income and only from the transition date onwards.

 

d) Leases:

 

A first-time adopter may opt to apply the specific transition guidance of IFRIC 4 - “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease”, and it may determine if there is a lease agreement on the transition date to IFRS based on the facts and circumstances existing on the transition date. The application of IFRIC 4 did not have any impact on the Bank’s financial statements due to the fact that the Bank was not involved in any arrangement at the date of transition that should be accounted for as a lease agreement.

 

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e) Classification and measurement of financial assets:

 

The Bank has assessed whether a financial asset meets the criteria described in IFRS 9 based on facts and circumstances existing at the transition date in order to the measurement of the asset at fair value through profit or loss, at fair value through other comprehensive income or at amortized cost, considering:

 

· The business model and those objectives within the financial asset are held.
· The contractual terms of the financial asset and its cash flows considering whether those are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

 

Exceptions:

 

a) Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities:

 

In accordance with IFRS 1 a first-time adopter shall apply the derecognition requirements in IFRS 9 prospectively for transactions occurring on or after the date of transition to IFRS.

 

However, IFRS 1 allows a first-time adopter to apply the derecognition requirements in IFRS 9 retrospectively from a date determined by the entity, provided that the information required to apply these standards had been obtained at the time of the initially accounting for the transaction. This exception was considered by the Bank to be applied prospectively.

 

b) Estimates:

 

IFRS 1 requires that, on the transition date, the estimates used by the management for IFRS purposes are consistent with estimates made as of the same dates under Colombian banking GAAP (prior regulatory accounting framework), unless there is evidence of errors in the preparation of estimates under Colombian banking GAAP as compared to IFRS.

 

The Bank’s management considers that the estimates used for Colombian baking GAAP are consistent with those used on the transition date to IFRS.

 

c) Hedge accounting:

 

IAS 39 requires the valuation of all derivative financial instruments at fair value, as well as the elimination of deferred gains or losses, recognized as assets or liabilities under Colombian banking GAAP prior to IFRS. Additionally, an entity should not apply hedge accounting (as defined by IAS 39) in its consolidated balance sheet at the transition date if the instrument did not qualify as a hedge in accordance with IAS 39. As a result of this assessment, no hedge relationships were discontinued after the transition to IFRS.

 

d) Embedded derivatives:

 

In accordance with IFRS 9, the Bank has assessed whether an embedded derivative is required to be separated from the host contract and accounted for separately at fair value. As a consequence the Bank has determined there is no embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract at the transition date.

 

e) Non-controlling interest:

 

IFRS 1 requires that the entity that adopts IFRS for the first time applies certain requirements of IFRS 10 prospectively from the transition date. However, these requirements did not have an impact on the Bank’s opening balance sheet.

 

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30.3 Reconciliation between Colombian banking GAAP and IFRS applicable to the Bank’s statement of financial position:

 

    As of December 31, 2014  
    Colombian
Bankig GAAP
Balances
    Adoption adjustments
and reclassifications
    IFRS Balances     Ref.  
ASSETS                              
Cash and balances at central bank     11,192,825       2,034       11,194,859     a.  
Interbank borrowings     947,037       22,620       969,657     b.  
Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lend     1,302,267       -       1,302,267     -  
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     7,432,102       3,005,702       10,437,804     c.  
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     3,383,661       (1,618,408 )     415,556     d.  
Investment in associates and joint ventures     -       -       1,349,697     e.  
Investment at amortized cost     2,862,038       (931,175 )     1,930,863     f.  
Derivative financial instrument     1,472,879       (24,034 )     1,448,845     g.  
Loans and advances to customers     108,376,915       6,796,738       115,173,653     h.  
Allowance for loan and lease losses     (4,817,102 )     27,845       (4,789,257 )   i.  
Assets held for sale     89,491       8,253       97,744     j.  
Investment property     -       1,114,180       1,114,180     k.  
Premises and equipment, net     5,950,094       (3,303,773 )     2,646,321     l.  
Goodwill and Intangible assets     4,253,501       332,348       4,585,849     m.  
Deferred tax     200,853       (13,116 )     187,737     n.  
Other assets     4,467,449       (2,903,343 )     1,564,106     o.  
Reappraisal     1,610,851       (1,610,851 )     -     p.  
Total Assets     148,724,861       905,020       149,629,881        
LIABILITIES                              
Deposit by customers     95,337,222       (567,903 )     94,769,319     q.  
Interbank deposits     223,155       152,803       375,958     r.  
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing     1,891,949       10       1,891,959     -  
Derivative financial instrument     1,230,434       241,345       1,471,779     s.  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     13,936,592       (84,308 )     13,852,284     t.  
Debt securities in issue     13,682,855       844,548       14,527,403     u.  
Preferred shares     -       579,946       579,946     v.  
Current  tax     157,702       (38,048 )     119,654     -  
Deferred tax     237,896       305,205       543,101     w.  
Post - employment benefit plans     108,717       315,841       424,558     x.  
Other liabilities     4,606,597       (899,157 )     3,707,440     y.  
Total liabilities     131,413,119       850,282       132,263,401        
EQUITY                              
Share capital     480,914       -       480,914     -  
Additional paid-in-capital     5,389,372       (531,918 )     4,857,454     z.  
Appropriate reserves     8,636,160       (3,505,299 )     5,130,861     aa.  
Retained earnings     (527,009 )     -       -     ab.  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),  net of tax     1,878,721       4,315,325       5,667,037     ac.  
Stockholders’ equity attributable the owners of the parent company     959,197       (223,556 )     735,641        
Cash and balances at central bank     16,817,355       54,552       16,871,907        
Non-controlling interest     494.387       186       494,573        
Total equity     17,311,742       54,738       17,366,480        
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity     148,724,861       905,020       149,629,881        

 

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    As of January 1, 2014  
    Colombian Bankig
GAAP Balances
    Adoption
adjustments and
reclassifications
    IFRS Balances     Ref.  
ASSETS                              
Cash and balances at central bank     11,427,441       12,816       11,440,257     a.  
Interbank borrowings     1,856,484       24,515       1,880,999     b.  
Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lend     2,124,721       -       2,124,721     -  
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     6,949,684       2,939,243       9,888,927     c.  
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     3,066,408       (1,644,858 )     392,068     d.  
Investment in associates and joint ventures     -               1,029,482     e.  
Investment at amortized cost     3,789,698       (987,837 )     2,801,861     f.  
Derivative financial instrument     563,820       (34,201 )     529,619     g.  
Loans and advances to customers     90,122,448       6,280,870       96,403,318     h.  
Allowance for loan and lease losses     (4,129,275 )     (344,287 )     (4,473,562 )   i.  
Assets held for sale     103,565       (49,914 )     53,651     j.  
Investment property     -       984,701       984,701     k.  
Premises and equipment, net     5,110,858       (2,684,388 )     2,426,470     l.  
Goodwill and Intangible assets     3,589,203       304,315       3,893,518     m.  
Deferred tax     202,197       37,162       239,359     n.  
Other assets     4,616,063       (3,255,089 )     1,360,974     o.  
Reappraisal     1,422,926       (1,422,926 )     -     p.  
Total Assets     130,816,241       160,122       130,976,363        
LIABILITIES                              
Deposit by customers     86,556,579       (44,475 )     86,512,104     q.  
Interbank deposits     108,509       120,692       229,201     r.  
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing     1,016,293       149       1,016,442     -  
Derivative financial instrument     464,514       157,474       621,988     s.  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     12,508,092       (29,381 )     12,478,711     t.  
Debt securities in issue     12,328,275       345,466       12,673,741     u.  
Preferred shares     -       299,963       299,963     v.  
Current  tax     187,313       (30,637 )     156,676     -  
Deferred tax     159,961       249,881       409,842     w.  
Post - employment benefit plans     113,653       209,441       323,094     x.  
Other liabilities     4,434,758       (823,964 )     3,610,794     y.  
Total liabilities     117,877,947       454,609       118,332,556        
EQUITY                              
Share capital     425,914       -       425,914     -  
Additional paid-in-capital     2,812,494       (241,095 )     2,571,399     z.  
Appropriate reserves     6,990,015       (2,617,346 )     4,372,669     aa.  
Retained earnings     1,450,639       3,276,180       4,726,819     ab.  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),  net of tax     813,784       (728,963 )     84,821     ac.  
Stockholders’ equity attributable the owners of the parent company     12,492,846       (311,224 )     12,181,622        
Non-controlling interest     445,448       16,737       462,185        
Total equity     12,938,294       (294,487 )     12,643,807        
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity     130,816,241       160,122       130,976,363        

   

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Explanatory notes of the main adjustments and reclassification in first-time adoption in the statement of financial position:

 

a.     Increased by the removal of allowances for cash and cash equivalents.
b.     By reclassification of receivable item under Colombian banking GAAP related to interbank and money market transaction.
c.    

Increase due to reclassification of non-compulsory investments that under Colombian banking GAAP were classified as held-to-maturity, and which are recognized at fair value under IFRS in accordance with the business model determined for these investments.

 

Under Colombian banking GAAP investment securities intended to be held on a continuing basis were included in the balance sheet at cost less provision for any impairment. Under IFRS the portfolio shares was increased by the fair value measurement in accordance with IFRS 13.

d.     Reclassification to Investments item under IFRS at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with the business model determined for these assets amounted to COP 2,035,522 and COP 2,196,610, as of January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
e.     Under Colombian banking GAAP the investments on which the Bank has significant influence or joint control were measured at cost and classified as investments available for sale. The difference between the cost and equity participation was recorded as reappraisal of assets in ‘other assets’ item and stockholders’ equity. Those investments are reclassified to ‘Investment in associates and joint ventures’ item under IFRS and are measured based on the equity method in accordance with IAS 28. The effect of applying the equity method to those investments amounted to COP 320,442 and COP 483,360 as of January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
f.     Reclassification of Investments held to maturity under Colombian banking GAAP, which under IFRS do not fulfill requirements provided by IFRS 9 to be recognized at amortized cost due to the fact that if there is an exchange offer of securities issued by the Colombian Government, sales or exchanges of such securities are allowed under Colombian banking GAAP regardless of being initially classified as held to maturity.
       

Increase under IFRS for the first day of valuation as deferred charge amounted to COP 2,647 as of December 31, 2014. In accordance with IFRS 9, the fair value of a financial instrument at initial recognition is normally the transaction price. However, for certain derivatives the consideration given or received is other than the fair value of the financial instrument, in that case the adjustment to defer the difference must be recognized, and after initial recognition, the entity shall recognize that deferred difference as gain or loss only to the extent that it arises from a change in a factor that market participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability.

 

Under Colombian banking GAAP, the transaction price is considered as the fair value at the initial recognition.

g.    

Under Colombian banking GAAP, the measurement of the fair value of derivatives does not include a credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”) / debit value adjustment. Under IFRS, the Bank measures the effects of the credit risk of its counterparties and its own creditworthiness in determining fair value of the swap, option and forward derivatives.

 

Reduction by COP 26,681 and COP 34,201 as of December 31, and January 1, 2014, respectively due to the inclusion of Credit Value Adjustment (CVA) / Debit Value Adjustment (DVA) in the valuation of contracts.

        Short-term credit investment issued by a non-financial firm and guaranteed by the Bank as to payment was accounted for as customers’ acceptances item under Colombian banking GAAP , and reclassified  to the loan portfolio under IFRS by COP 90,049 and COP 38,589, as of December 31, 2014 and January, 1, 2014, respectively.
        Increase by reclassification of operating leases under Colombian banking GAAP into financial leases under IFRS.
        Financial Leasing-related advance payments item under Colombian banking GAAP were accounted for as ‘Other assets’ and reclassified into loans and leases under IFRS.
h.     Increase due to the recognition of suspended interest as part of the loan.
i.    

Reduction by COP 40,021 in allowances as of December 31, 2014. Under Colombian banking GAAP, allowances are estimated based on expected losses while under IFRS, allowances are estimated based on incurred losses.

 

The reduction in the level of the difference of allowances estimated by the Bank under Colombian banking GAAP and IFRS as of January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 is explained mainly by the increase in the level of corporate loans granted by the Parent Company during the year 2014 for which the probability of default is lower,

    Reclassification of returned assets by the customer in lease contracts that are recognized in the ‘Premises and equipment’ item under Colombian banking GAAP and under IFRS are classified as ‘inventories’ item under IFRS amounted to COP 48,087 and COP 5,987 as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively.
j.    

Under IFRS, the Bank due to the course of its ordinary activities, routinely sells item of property and equipment held to be leased to third parties and then such assets are recognized as inventories. Those inventories are measured at the lower cost and net realizable value.

Under Colombian banking GAAP those assets were recognized at cost.

Due to the difference in measurement of inventories item the Bank has recognized a decreased in the related carrying amount of COP 38,275 and COP 93,677 as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively.

 

F- 130

 

 

        Under Colombian banking GAAP the property held to earn rentals are recognized at cost of acquisition and the depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, those assets were recognized as ‘premises and equipment’. Under IFRS, the Bank’s investment properties item were initially measured at deemed cost and subsequently measured using a fair value model. Reclassification of premises and equipment item under Colombian banking GAAP to investment properties under IFRS amounted to COP 513,529 and COP 527,986, respectively as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014.
k.     Under Colombian banking GAAP reappraisal of a portion of the entity’s properties was recognized as an increase or decrease in the balance sheet under the assets caption “Reappraisal of assets”. Under IFRS the Bank has used the reappraisal of asset recognized as investment properties according the prior accounting practices (Colombian banking GAAP) as the deemed cost of those assets at the date of transition. The related adjustment amounted to COP 456,715.
        Under Colombian banking GAAP, the Bank accounts for improvements on leased property in the statement of operations. Under IFRS, leasehold improvements that met certain criteria are recorded as premises and equipment and depreciated on a monthly basis over the term of the leases. The adjustment effect amounted to COP 109,344 and COP 100,437 as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively.
        Reclassification of assets to place in operating leases recognized as ‘other assets’ item under Colombian banking GAAP to ’Premises and equipment’ under IFRS amounted to COP 2,129 and COP 1,495, as of December 31, 2014 and January, 1, 2014; respectively.
        According to Colombian banking GAAP, reappraisals of a portion of the Bank’s premises and equipment, must have been made periodically and the effects of the increase or decrease are recorded in the balance sheet under the assets caption “Reappraisal of assets” and in the stockholders’ equity caption “Surplus from reappraisals of assets”. Reappraisal of premises and equipment were considered as deemed cost at first-time adoption statement of financial position in accordance with IFRS 1. The reclassification from ‘reappraisal of assets’ to ‘premises and equipment’ amounted to COP 321,872 and COP 163,571, as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively.
        Increase by COP 165,662 and COP 269,565 as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014 due to the extension of the useful life of premises and equipment under IFRS.
        Under IFRS the cost of an item of premises and equipment shall be recognized as an asset if, and only if:
          · It is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the entity, and
          · The cost of the item can be measured reliably.
        Derecognition of assets that not meet the aforementioned criteria for being accounted as an assets under IFRS amounted to COP 12,159 and COP 22,870 as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014.
l.     Under Colombian banking GAAP properties held to earn rentals are recognized at cost of acquisition and the depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, which were recognized as ‘premises and equipment’. Under IFRS, the Bank’s investment properties item was initially measured at deemed cost and subsequently measured using a fair value model. Reclassification of premises and equipment item under Colombian banking GAAP to investment properties under IFRS amounted to COP 513,529 and COP 527,986, respectively as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014.
        Under IFRS, the goodwill is not amortized; it is only subject to an annual impairment test. Under Colombian banking GAAP the goodwill was amortized. During the year 2014 the Bank has recognized the amount of COP 397,798 as an amortization charge under Colombian banking GAAP which was not considered for IFRS purposes.
m.     Derecognition by COP 70,226 of assets that do not meet the definition of intangible assets in accordance with IAS 38.
n.     Due to the recognition of the timing differences between the fiscal and accounting basis under IFRS.
o.    

Under Colombian banking GAAP, receivables for costumer payments and those resulting originated in sale of services were recognized as ‘other assets’ item in the balance sheet. Under IFRS, the aforementioned receivables are recorded as ‘loans and advances to customers’ item. The reclassification amounted to COP 1,705,770 and 1,537,218, as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014.

Reclassification of contracts related to assets to place in financial leases which were classified under Colombian banking GAAP in the ‘other assets’ item, instead of ‘loans and advances to customers’ as recognized under IFRS by the Bank.

p.     Reappraisal of premises and equipment were considered as deemed cost at first-time adoption statement of financial position in accordance with IFRS 1. The reclassification from ‘reappraisal of assets’ to ‘premises and equipment’ amounted to COP 321,872 and COP 163,571, as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively.
q.     Under Colombian banking GAAP the interest payable related to deposits by customers was recognized as ‘other liabilities’. Under IFRS 9, a financial liability is measured as the present value of all future cash outflows discounting using the effective interest rate, Consequently, the Bank has reclassified the interest payable amount under Colombian banking GAAP of COP 172,455 to the balance of deposits by customers at amortized cost under IFRS.
r.     Under Colombian banking GAAP the interest payable related to interbank deposits was recognized as ‘other liabilities’. Under IFRS 9, a financial liability is measured as the present value of all future cash outflows discounting using the effective interest rate, Consequently, the Bank has reclassified the interest payable amount under Colombian banking GAAP of COP 157,488 and COP 120,692 as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively, to the balance of interbank deposits at amortized cost under IFRS.
s.    

Increased by the recognition of put options held by BFC that gives to the latter the right to sell and Bancolombia Panama the obligation to buy any number of voting shares of GAH, see Note 8.3 Acquisition of GAH. Under IFRS, written put/call options agreed upon by parties in a share purchase agreement (‘SPA’) are recognized in accordance with IAS 32. The fair value of the aforementioned option was USD 106.8 million and USD 99.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively.

Reduction due to the inclusion of Credit Value Adjustment (CVA) / Debit Value Adjustment (DVA) in the valuation of contracts by COP 14,197 and COP 34,973 as of December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014, respectively.

 

F- 131

 

  

        Reclassification of interest payable item under Colombian banking GAAP to the balance of borrowings under IFRS.
t.     Under IFRS origination fees are recorded through the effective interest rate of the financial obligation.
        Reclassification of interest payable item under Colombian banking GAAP to debt securities in issue under IFRS.
u.     Costs associated to the issuance of securities are recorded as a lower value of the obligation and recognized through the statement of income during the term of the securities using the amortized cost method
v.     Under IFRS, the present value of the minimum dividend on preferred shares is recognized as a liability.
w.     Due to the recognition of the timing differences between the fiscal and accounting basis under IFRS.
x.     For IFRS purposes, actuarial valuations of seniority bonuses must be performed annually using the projected unit credit cost method and the discount rates must be based on a review of market bond yields with maturities approximating the remaining life of the projected benefit obligation.
y.     Reclassification of estimated liabilities item under Colombian banking GAAP to suppliers, employee benefits and taxes and contributions under IFRS.
z.     IFRS requires that the components of compound financial instruments, as defined by IAS 32, be separated and classified as debt instruments and equity instruments
aa.    

Under Colombian banking GAAP the consolidation process of combining the items of assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows of the Parent Company with those of its subsidiaries is performed offsetting the Bank’s participation in the stockholders’ equity of each subsidiary measured at the historical transaction rate, instead of eliminate the carrying amount (deemed cost at the adoption date) of the parent’s investment in each subsidiary.

As a consequence, the consolidation adjustment of appropriated reserves differs between Colombian banking GAAP and IFRS.

ab.     First-time adoption adjustments.
ac.     Reappraisal of premises and equipment and investment were considered as deemed cost at first-time adoption statement of financial position in accordance with IFRS1.

 

30.4 The reconciliation between Colombian banking GAAP and IFRS applicable to the statement of income:

 

    For the year ended at December 31, 2014  
    Colombian Banking
GAAP balances
    IFRS adjustments and
reclassification
    IFRS balances     Ref  
Interest income on loans     8,594,670       (4,910 )     8,589,760     a  
Overnight and market funds     11,129       (7 )     11,122     -  
Interest and valuation on investment     710,879       (139,598 )     571,281     b  
Total interest and valuation     9,316,678       (144,515 )     9,172,163     -  
Interest expenses     (3,164,715 )     104       (3,164,611 )   c  
Net margin on financial instruments     6,151,963       (144,411 )     6,007,552     -  
Credit impairment charges on loans, net     (1,373,735 )     530,138       (843,597 )   d  
Allowances for credit losses on off balance sheet credit instruments     (30,610 )     5,002       (25,608 )   -  
Total net provisions     (1,404,345 )     535,140       (869,205 )   -  
Net interest and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     4,747,618       390,729       5,138,347     -  
Fees and other service income     2,605,191       (109,774 )     2,495,417     e  
Fees and other service expenses     (349,881 )     (319,826 )     (669,707 )   f  
Total fees and income from services, net     2,255,310       (429,600 )     1,825,710     -  
Other operating income     766,303       370,240       1,136,543     g  
Dividends received and equity method     95,133       27,556       122,689     h  
Total income net     7,864,364       358,925       8,223,289     -  
Operating expenses                              
Salaries and employee benefits     (1,937,775 )     (35,692 )     (1,973,467 )   i  
Other administrative and general expenses     (2,280,278 )     332,903       (1,947,375 )   j  
Wealth tax, contributions and other tax burden     (494,899 )     56,188       (438,711 )   k  
Provision, depreciation and amortization     (537,129 )     77,426       (459,703 )   l  
Other expenses     (146,487 )     (152,952 )     (299,439 )   m  
Total operating expenses     (5,396,568 )     277,873       (5,118,695 )      
Profit before tax     2,467,796       636,798       3,104,594        
Income tax     (589,075 )     (148,601 )     (737,676 )   n  
Profit for the year from continuing operations     1,878,721       488,197       2,366,918        
Discontinued operations net income     -       62,867       62,867        
Net income     1,878,721       551,064       2,429,785        
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company     1,878,593       508,493       2,387,086        
Non-controlling interest     128       42,571       42,699     o  

 

F- 132

 

 

Explanatory notes for adjustments and reclassification of first-time adoption in the statement of income:

 

a.  

- Increase due to the recognition of suspended interest as part of the loan.

- Reversal of accrual of interests in arrears, under IFRS they are considered as contingent asset.

- Increase in interest income due to the reclassification of operating leases into financial leases.

b.  

- Fair value adjustment on valuation of debt securities recognized as held-to-maturity under Colombian banking GAAP

- CVA/DVA adjustment on valuation of derivatives.

c.  

- Interest expenses related to the interest cost of employee benefit plans and the valuation adjustment of the compound instruments classified as liabilities.

- Bond issuance costs are recognized as a lower value of the obligation.

d.   - Decrease in the impairment charges. Under Colombian banking GAAP, allowances are estimated based on expected losses while under IFRS, allowances are estimated based on incurred losses.
e.  

- Under Colombian banking GAAP, the Bank recognizes commissions (origination fees) on loans, lines of credit and letters of credit when collected and records related direct costs when incurred. Under IFRS, the Bank identifies origination commissions, which are recognized as an integral part of the effective interest rate of the financial instrument. Consequently, the differences between both frameworks results in reversal of income from commission recognized at the origination date under Colombian banking GAAP.

- Adjustment related to commissions in financial guarantees and credit letters granted by the Bank.

f.  

- Under IFRS commissions paid by the Bank for financial obligations are amortized on a straight line basis during the life of the contract. Under Colombian banking GAAP, those commissions fees are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and expensed as incurred. The adjustment amounted to COP 1,819.

- Under Colombian banking GAAP, certain royalties and expenses related to fees and other service income was recognized as ‘Other expenses’ item by COP 332,044. Under IFRS those expenses are recorded as ‘fees and other service expenses’ item in the statement of income.

g.  

- Under Colombian banking GAAP leases are classified as either financial leases or operating leases according to the terms of the leases agreements, considering that all leases to third parties with a purchase option were recognized as financial leases. Under IFRS, a finance lease is a lease that transfers substantially all the risk and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset. Due to the increase by reclassification of operating leases item under Colombian banking GAAP into financial leases under IFRS, the operating lease income was reduced by COP 166,665.

- The exchange rate difference arising from currency translation is greater by COP 71,174 under Colombian banking GAAP than under IFRS mainly due to:

1. As a result of the differences in balance sheets accounts denominated in foreign currencies under Colombian banking GAAP and IFRS that are subject to conversion to Colombian pesos.

2. The income accounts of foreign currency financial statements converted to pesos using average exchange rates are recorded in the statement of OCI under IFRS, while under Colombian banking GAAP was recorded as foreign exchange gain/loss in the statement of income.

- Under Colombian banking GAAP, the measurement of the fair value of derivatives does not include a credit valuation adjustment; the related adjustment amounted to COP 3,171.

h.  

- Under IFRS the Bank recognizes its significant influence on certain equity securities through the equity method. Under Colombian banking GAAP, investments where the investor had the ability to exercise significant influence were recorded at cost and classified as available for sale. The difference between the cost and equity participation was recorded as reappraisal of assets in assets and stockholders’ equity.

- Fair value adjustment on portfolio shares which were recognized at amortized cost under Colombian banking GAAP.

i.   - Increase in employee benefits expenses due to actuarial estimation of pension and long term benefit plan liabilities.
j.   - Capital expenditures on software licenses that do not meet recognition criteria to be recognized as intangible assets under IFRS are not subject to amortization expense.

 

F- 133

 

 

k.   - Reversal of amortization of the equity tax recorded under Colombian banking GAAP as deferred charge. Under IFRS, an equity tax liability must be recorded on a discounted basis to reflect the time value of money as the aggregate amount of the liability and the amount and timing of cash payments are fixed.
l.   - Decrease in the depreciation charge due to the extension of the useful life of premises and equipment. Under IFRS the goodwill is not subject to amortization.
m.  

- Reversal of operating leases expenses on contracts that were reclassified into financial leases under IFRS.

- Adjustment of provisions for litigation under IFRS.

n.   - Due to the recognition of the timing differences between the fiscal and accounting basis under IFRS.
o.   Under Colombian banking GAAP and IFRS, consolidated net income and comprehensive income are reported with separate disclosure of the amounts attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest, and corresponds to net income originated by the subsidiaries where the Bank holds less than 100% of participation. The Bank held an interest in participation of FCP Colombia Inmobiliaria of 50.21% of the outstanding shares, being a significant non-controlling interest for the Bank. Under Colombian banking GAAP the assets held for rental and investments in real estate properties were recorded as premises and equipment subject to amortization charge; whereas under IFRS the changes in the fair value of investment properties are recognized in the statement of income.

 

30.5 The reconciliation between Colombian banking GAAP and IFRS applicable to the statement of other comprehensive income:

 

    For the year ended 31, 2014  
    Colombian
banking GAAP
    IFRS adjustments
and reclassification
    IFRS     Ref  
    In millions of COP  
Other comprehensive (loss)⁄income  that will not be reclassified  to profit or loss                              
Gain (loss) retirement benefit remeasurement     -       (20,890 )     (20,890 )   a  
Reappraisal of assets     960,123       (960,123 )     -     b  
Revaluation of equity     24,623       (24,623 )     -     c  
Total other comprehensive (loss)⁄income  that will not be reclassified  to profit or loss     984,746       (1,005,636 )     (20,890 )      
Other comprehensive loss that may be reclassified to profit and loss                              
Foreign currency translation adjustments     -       745,381       745,381     d  
Unrealized gains or (loss) on equity securities at fair value through OCI     (36,054 )     (53,662 )     (89,716 )   e  
Unrealized gains or (loss) on debt securities at fair value through OCI     9,155       (9,155 )     -     f  
Unrealized gains or (loss) due to fair value hedging     1,350       4,384       5,734     g  
Total other comprehensive loss that may be reclassified to profit or loss     (25,549 )     686,948       661,399        
Total other comprehensive loss that may be reclassified to profit or loss     959,197       (318,688 )     640,509        

 

Explanatory notes for adjustments and reclassification of first-time adoption in the statement of other comprehensive income:

 

a.   - Under Colombian banking GAAP the changes in the projected benefit obligation of employee benefit plans resulting from changes in actuarial assumption were recognized as a liability and then amortized against expenses on a straight line basis over defined periods established by local regulation. Under IFRS, those changes in the projected benefit obligation are recorded against cumulative other comprehensive income.
b.   - According to Colombian banking GAAP, reappraisals of a portion of the Bank’s premises and equipment, equity investments and other non-monetary assets are made periodically and the effects of the increase or decrease are recorded in the statement of financial position  under the assets caption “Reappraisal of assets” and in the stockholders’ equity. Reappraisal of premises and equipment and investment were considered as deemed cost at first-time adoption statement of financial position in accordance with IFRS1.
c.   - Under Colombian banking GAAP, the Bank recognized the item ‘Revaluation of equity’ which was originated when in the past companies recorded inflation adjustments.

 

F- 134

 

 

d.   - Under Colombian banking GAAP, for consolidation purposes, the income accounts of foreign currency financial statements are converted to pesos using average exchange rates. The exchange difference originated in the consolidated statement of income accounts is recorded as foreign exchange gain/loss in the statement of income. Under IFRS, the translation adjustments shall be reported as a component of the other comprehensive income.
e.   - Increased due to reclassification of certain investments under IFRS at fair value through OCI in accordance with the business model determined for these assets and the fair value measurement in accordance with IFRS 13.
f.   -  Due to reclassification for certain securities from ‘debt investment available for sale’ item under Colombian banking GAAP to ‘debt investments at fair value through profit or loss or debt investment at amortized cost’ considering the Bank’s business model under IFRS , the accumulated change in fair value of those investment under IFRS in the OCI is nil.
g.   - Under Colombian banking GAAP, the measurement of the fair value of derivatives does not include a CVA/DVA. Under IFRS, the Bank measures the effects of the credit risk of its counterparties and its own creditworthiness in determining fair value of the derivatives designed as hedging instruments.

 

NOTE 31. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

Compañía de financiamiento Tuya S.A is a private entity oriented to offer lines of credit directed to individuals, corporate credit cards, vehicle loan and payroll loans among others, wherewith Tuya has achieved a significant market share position in the consumer loan market in Colombia

 

On June 30, 2015 Bancolombia S.A, Fondo de Empleados of The Bank - FEBANC and Fundacion Bancolombia, acting as sellers, and Almacenes Éxito S.A (Almacenes Exito) and Almacenes Éxito Inversiones S.A.S acting as the buyers entered into a purchase and sale agreement whereby the sellers will transfer 50% of the shares of Tuya S.A, through which sellers and buyers have developed a commercial alliance for financing business growth and the strengthening of consumer credit.

 

The purchase price will be determined at the closing and will equal the sum of:

 

a. Fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the following accounts of Tuya according to the most recent financial statements before the closing: (a) equity (b) capital stock (c) additional paid in capital
b. One thousand five hundred million Colombian pesos (COP1,500).

 

The sale is subject to certain conditions, including, among others, receipt of the required regulatory approvals by the Colombian Superintendence of Finance.

 

This transaction will not produce a material impact on the Bank’s dividends from Tuya, due to subsisting commercial and business conditions in which the commercial alliance with Almacenes Exito has developed.

 

Compañía de financiamiento Tuya is included in the Bank’s operating segment Banking Colombia.

 

F- 135

 

 

Assets classified as held for sale

 

At December 31, 2015 Compañía de financiamiento Tuya was composed of assets and liabilities as presented below:

 

    2015  
    In millions of COP  
Assets        
Cash and balances at central bank     207,963  
Financial assets investments     31,265  
Loans and advances to customers     1,831,773  
Allowance for loan and lease losses     (351,375 )
Intangible assets     2,267  
Premises and equipment     5,746  
Prepayments     724  
Tax receivables     11,152  
Deferred tax     32,726  
Other assets     48,738  
Total Assets     1,820,979  
Liabilities        
Deposit from customers     1,266,305  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     378  
Debt securities in issue     150,032  
Currrent Tax     1,535  
Deferred tax liabilities     28,503  
Other liabilities     158,380  
Total liabilities     1,605,133  
Net assets classified as held for sale     215,846  

 

Analysis of profit for the year from discontinued operations

 

The combined results of the discontinued operations included in the profit for the year are set out below. The comparative profit and cash flows from discontinued operations have been re-presented to include those operations classified as discontinued in the current year.

 

A) Profit for the year from discontinued operations

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Interest income on loans     403,382       378,612  
Overnight and market funds     53       -  
Interest and valuation on investment     698       -  
Total interest and valuation     404,133       378,612  
Interest expense     (74,919 )     (69,484 )
Net margin on financial instruments     329,214       309,128  
Credit impairment charges on loans, net     (324,309 )     (208,959 )
Net interes and valuation income after provision for loans and financial leases     4,905       100,169  
Fees and other service income, net     235,806       272,204  
 Other operating income     267       2,893  
Total income, net     240,978       375,266  
Total operating expenses     (219,532 )     (275,419 )
Profit before tax     21,446       99,847  
Income tax     1,067       (36,980 )
Net income of discontinued operations net income attributable the owners of the parent company     22,513       62,867  

 

F- 136

 

 

B) Cash flow from discontinued operations

 

    2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Cash flows provided by operating activities:                
Net Income     22,508       62,861  
Total net income adjustments     308,945       267,223  
Net changes of assets and liabilities     (243,153 )     (279,429 )
Net cash provided by operating activities     88,300       50,655  
Cash flows provided by (used in)  investing activities:                
Net cash provided by (used in)  investing activities     12,259       (3,235 )
Cash flows used in financing activities:                
Net cash used in financing activities     (42,823 )     (34,655 )
Net increased in cash     57,736       12,765  
Cash at the beginning of the year     150,225       137,460  
Cash at the end of the year     207,961       150,225  

 

Tuya’s loan portfolio designated as assets held for sale is comprised as follows:

 

Concentration by maturity:

 

    December 31, 2015  
Maturity   Less Than 1
Year
    Between 1 and
3 Years
    Between 3 and
5 Years
    Greater Than
5 Years
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     -       -       -       -       -  
Corporate     -       -       -       -       -  
SME     -       -       -       -       -  
Others     -       -       -       -       -  
Consumer     676,570       847,834       296,512       10,857       1,831,773  
Credit card     676,454       805,933       275,666       3,249       1,761,302  
Vehicle     30       35,809       19,166       7,242       62,247  
Order of payment     -       -       -       -       -  
Others     86       6,092       1,680       366       8,224  
Mortgage     -       -       -       -       -  
VIS     -       -       -       -       -  
Non-VIS     -       -       -       -       -  
Leasing     -       -       -       -       -  
Small business loans     -       -       -       -       -  
Total gross loans and financial leases     676,570       847,834       296,512       10,857       1,831,773  
Total allowance     -       -       -       -       (305,465 )
Total net loans and financial leases     -       -       -       -       1,526,308  

 

F- 137

 

 

Concentration by past-due loans:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    Past-due  
Period   0 - 30 Days     31 - 90 Days     91 - 120 Days     121 - 360 Days     More Than
360 Days
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Consumer     1,672,495       89,472       25,228       40,455       4,120       1,831,770  
Mortgage     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Financial Leases     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Small Business Loan     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total     1,672,495       89,472       25,228       40,455       4,120       1,831,770  

 

Rating System for Credit Risk Management

 

The following table shows the distribution of Tuya discontinued operations loan portfolio at the end of the period, according to the enunciated categories of risk:

 

    December 31, 2015  
Category   Balance     %  
    In millions of COP  
A – Normal risk     1,518,902       82.92 %
B - Acceptable risk     80,017       4.4 %
C- Appreciable risk     60,057       3.3 %
D- Significant risk     105,247       5.7 %
E - Noncollectable     67,550       3.7 %
Total     1,831,773       100.00 %

 

F- 138

 

 

RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Bank’s comprehensive risk management is developed in compliance with current regulations and internal standards as defined by the Board of Directors, in relation to market, credit, liquidity and operational risk.

 

The Board of Directors reviews and approves the resources , structure and processes of the organization associated with risk management, and the development of its supervisory functions has the support of the Risk Committee, it is in charge of the approval, monitoring and control of policies, methodologies, tools, guidelines and strategies for the identification, measurement, control and mitigation of risk.

 

 

Risk team is made up of officials that are duly qualified to comprehensively and adequately oversee the different risks inherent to the activities undertaken in the fulfillment of their responsibilities, relying on correct technological infrastructure to obtain necessary data to manage and monitor risks, according to the particularities of the operations carried out. This allows the Vice-Presidency of Risk to generate and submit the consolidated risk management information to the different authorities, among them the Board of Directors and Upper Management.

 

Likewise, the organization duly documents procedures, allowing it to validate that operations are fulfilled according to the conditions specified, and that the accounting is correct. Also, the Internal and External Auditors are aware of the operations conducted by the organization and provide the corresponding reports in a timely manner, in accordance with the regulations.

 

1. CREDIT RISK

 

Credit risk is the risk of an economic loss to the Bank due to a non-fulfillment of financial obligations by a customer or counterparty, and arises principally from the decline on borrower´s creditworthiness or changes in the business climate.

 

F- 139

 

 

The information below contains the maximum exposure to credit risk as of December 31, 2015 and December 31 2014:

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    Maximum
exposure
    Collateral     Netting     Net exposure  
    In millions of COP  
Loans and Financial Leases     145,620,639       (63,835,897 )     -       81,784,742  
Commercial     85,892,752       (26,496,740 )     -       59,396,012  
Consumer     21,170,615       (5,954,699 )     -       15,215,916  
Mortgage     17,118,783       (16,070,752 )     -       1,048,031  
Small Business Loans     886,913       (482,194 )     -       404,719  
Financial Leases     20,551,576       (14,831,512 )     -       5,720,064  
                                 
Off-Balance Sheet Exposures     16,396,103       -       -       16,396,103  
Financial Guarantees     7,123,521       -       -       7,123,521  
Loan Commitments     9,272,582       -       -       9,272,582  
                                 
Other Financial Instruments (1)     15,468,928       (905,388 )     14,563,540       14,563,540  
Debt Securities     13,171,189       (552,744 )     12,618,445       12,618,445  
Derivatives     1,135,149       (352,644 )     782,505       782,505  
Equity Securities     1,162,590       -       1,162,590       1,162,590  
                                 
Total     177,485,670       (64,741,285 )     14,563,540       112,744,385  

   

    As of December 31, 2014  
    Maximum
exposure
    Collateral     Netting     Net exposure  
    In millions of COP  
Loans and Financial Leases     115,173,653       (46,772,651 )     -       68,401,002  
Commercial     65,473,755       (18,161,420 )     -       47,312,335  
Consumer     18,927,154       (4,952,853 )     -       13,974,301  
Mortgage     12,547,645       (11,650,740 )     -       896,905  
Small Business Loans     659,870       (325,402 )     -       334,468  
Financial Leases     17,565,229       (11,682,236 )     -       5,882,993  
                                 
Off-Balance Sheet Exposures     16,023,596       -       -       16,023,596  
Financial Guarantees     6,137,900       -       -       6,137,900  
Loan Commitments     9,885,696       -       -       9,885,696  
                                 
Other Financial Instruments (1)     13,341,393       (1,351,974 )     10,708,131       11,989,419  
Debt Securities     11,239,541       (1,206,642 )     10,032,900       10,032,899  
Derivatives     820,564       (145,332 )     675,231       675,232  
Equity Securities     1,281,288       -       -       1,281,288  
                                 
Total     144,538,642       (48,124,625 )     10,708,131       96,414,017  

 

(1) Negative guarantees are received from counterparties and positive guarantees are delivered to counterparties. 

 

F- 140

 

 

Maximum exposure to credit risk of the loans and financial leases refers to the carrying amount at the end of the period. It does not take into account any collateral received or any other credit risk mitigants.

 

Maximum exposure to credit risk of financial guarantees corresponds to the total amount granted at the end of the period. This amount represents the worst case scenario and does not reflect the expected results.

 

Maximum exposure to derivatives refers to the Market Value (mark to market value) at the end of the period, without considering any guarantee received or any other credit risk mitigants.

 

Maximum exposure to credit risk of debt securities and equity securities refers to the carrying amount at the end of the period without considering any guarantee received or other credit risk mitigants.

 

a. Credit Risk Management - Loans and Financial Leases

 

Risk management during the credit life cycle is developed through the fulfillment of the policies, procedures and methodologies stipulated in the Credit Risk Administration System, in accordance with the strategy approved by the Board of Directors for monitoring and controlling credit risk.

 

The Credit Risk Administration System also contains the general criteria to evaluate, classify, measure and mitigate credit risk. In addition, the credit risk department has developed methodologies and manuals that specify the policies and procedures for different products and segments managed by the organization.

 

To maintain credit quality and manage the risk arising from its lending activities, the Bank has established general loan policies, including the following:

 

· Credit exposure limits: It contains guidelines with regard to the establishment of credit exposure limits to customers, geographies and industries. The Bank applies the lending limits to borrowers established under Colombian law, which require among other things that uncollateralized loans to a single customer or economic group may not exceed 10% of the Bank’s (unconsolidated) Technical Capital.

 

· Origination policies: These policies aim to acquire ample and sufficient knowledge of the characteristics of potential clients and to select them properly. The riskiness of the customer is determined using credit rating models. These models use information as the character, reputation and credit history of the borrower, the type of business the borrower engages in, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, and information received from the credit risk bureaus. The risk grading system is also used in determining the allowance for credit losses.

 

Loan applications, depending on their amount, are presented for approval at the level of management authority required.

 

· Collaterals policies: For the purpose of mitigating risk associated with non-fulfillment of obligations agreed upon by the debtor, the Bank has established policies for the valuation of collateral received as well as for the determination of the maximum loan amount that can be granted against the value of the collateral.

 

· Allowance policies: The definition of this type of policies underlies the fulfillment of legal guidelines, in what is stipulated by the organization and for the analysis of clients in terms of the actions that must be undertaken in order to cover loss risk through the Bank’s credit exposure.

 

· Monitoring policies: Contains various monitoring procedures, portfolio reports and policies for the purpose of overseeing, in an adequate and timely manner, the evolution of credit risk. These procedures include a continuous process of classification and reassessment of credit operations and they maintain consistency with the policies implemented for granting loans.

 

· Portfolio recovery policies: Through the definition of these policies, the organization aims to establish those mechanisms that allow it to anticipate possible delays or to minimize the impact resulting from non-fulfillment of payment or delays by the debtor. Additionally, the aspects established in this policy delimit what the organization has defined as collection management and that make it possible to obtain information to improve the origination policies and the models for establishing allowances for credit losses.

 

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Management of credit risk is carried out in all phases of the credit life cycle. These processes are defined in the following way:

 

· Origination: Knowing the client, payment capacity analysis, sector analysis, payment behavior and credit structure.

 

· Monitoring: Knowing the client's situation during the life of the credit.

 

· Recovery: Collection management during the different stages of the same credit.

 

As part of the credit origination processes, the Bank develops scoring and rating models based on statistical information or criteria from experts, which differentiate the risk levels of potential clients in order to support the decision making process.

 

The Vice-Presidency of Risk is in charge of defining and documenting the specific characteristics of the models being utilized, as well as the parameters and variables to be used in each case and the cut-off points that are applied per situation in the process of issuing credit. On a biannual basis at minimum, the Vice-Presidency of Risk must perform backtesting 5 of the Scoring and Rating models used in the granting process in order to validate their effectiveness. Additionally, on a monthly basis, the entire credit portfolio is rated taking into account the established internal models for the purpose of evaluating the credit risk of each debtor and establishing the required allowance for loan losses.

 

In addition to the evaluation and qualification of the portfolio, the monthly allowance for loan losses serves to measure the present condition of the portfolio. The methodologies used for calculation of the allowance serves as a tool to evaluate risk, be it in a collective or individual manner. Collective evaluation of the portfolio applies the following parameters for measuring risk: Probability of default (PD), loss given default (LGD) and exposure at default (EAD).

 

For the evaluation of individual risk, parameters such as recovery rates estimated by score sheets that include financial, behavioral information, collaterals and qualitative variables, serve as elements for measuring risk and defining an allowance for loan losses for that obligor.

 

Annual backtesting must be performed on the allowances for loan losses models for the purpose of maintaining suitable hedge levels in accordance with The Bank’s risk appetite.

 

The Bank is continuously monitoring the concentration of the risk groups, as well as carrying out a daily control of the exposure to different economic groups, evaluating the legal limits of indebtedness in order to fulfill the norms established about the concentration limits.

 

The Bank has models based on the optimization of risk and profit in order to determine the different concentration levels of portfolios, as well as international references determined by the rankings of external risks that allow the analysis of concentration levels in different geographic areas. On the other hand, at the legal level, Bancolombia is governed by the concepts and methodologies established by the external norms regarding the construction, administration and control of the concentration of economic groups.

 

The following classifications are established for the analysis of concentration:

 

· Analysis of concentration by country: the risk country of the client will be the one where the operation that generates the resources to pay the credit obligation has ocurred.

 

· Analysis of concentration by sector: done through the economic sector defined by international code CIIU 6 .

 

· Concentration analysis by categories: refers to the portfolio categories of each agreement (commercial and financial leases, consumer loans, small business loans and mortgages).

 

 

 

5 Statistical procedures used to validate the quality and accuracy of a model, through the comparison of actual results and risk measures generated by the models.
6 CIIU: International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities.

 

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· Concentration analysis by economic group: according to the characteristics of economic groups as established by regulations.

 

b. Credit Quality Analysis - Loans and Financial Leases

 

Rating System for Credit Risk Management

 

The principal aim is to determine the risk profile that the client represents, which is obtained through a rating.

 

The rating for corporate loans is assigned based on the analysis of the interrelation of both qualitative and quantitative elements that can affect the fulfillment of the financial commitments acquired by a client. They take information on the Bank’s statement of financial position, profit and loss statement, historical payment behavior both with the Bank and with other entities, and qualitative information on variables that are not explicit in the financial statements. The grading model is applied at the loan granting and is updated by a central qualification office to undertake a biannual evaluation of the loan portfolio, during the months of May and November of each year.

 

In the case of a retail customer, scoring models are used in order to identify the level of risk associated with the client. These models include information as personal details, financial information, historical behavior, the total number of credit products and external information from credit bureaus.

 

Since each of the companies, the Bank has different risk levels for their internal rating models, the following categories of risk have been determined in order to classify clients according to their payment behavior:

 

Category   Description
A- Normal Risk   Loans and financial leases in this category are appropriately serviced.  The debtor’s financial statements or its projected cash flows, as well as all other credit information available to the Bank, reflect adequate paying capacity. 
B- Acceptable Risk   Loans and financial leases in this category are acceptably serviced and guaranty protected, but there are weaknesses which may potentially affect, on a transitory or permanent basis, the debtor’s ability to pay or its projected cash flows, to the extent that, if not timely corrected, would affect the normal collection of credit or contracts.
C- Appreciable Risk   Loans and financial leases in this category represent insufficiencies in the debtor’s paying capacity or in the project’s cash flow, which may compromise the normal collection of the obligations.
D- Significant Risk   Loans and financial leases in this category have the same deficiencies as loans in category C, but to a larger extent; consequently, the probability of collection is highly doubtful.
E- Unrecoverable   Loans and financial leases in this category are deemed uncollectible.

 

Description of Loans and Financial Leases

 

In order to evaluate and manage credit risk, the credits and financial leasing operations have been classified into four categories, as follows:

 

· Commercial and Financial Leases:

 

Loans granted to individuals or companies in order to carry out organized economic activities and are not classified as small business loans.

 

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The counterparties of this portfolio are mainly made up of companies, segmented in homogenous groups that are constituted according to size, measured by the value of annual sales. The following variables are part of this classification:

 

Segment   Incomes/Sales
Business   Companies with annual sales > = COP 17,500 M and < COP 45,000 M
Business Construction   Companies that dedicate themselves professionally to the construction of buildings to be sold as their main activity, with annual sales >= COP 10,000 M and <= COP 20,000 M or with more than 3 projects.
Corporate Construction   Companies that dedicate themselves professionally to the construction of buildings to be sold as their main activity, with annual sales > COP 20,000 M or more than 5 projects
Corporate   Companies with annual sales >= COP 45,000 M, except for Banco Agrícola and Banistmo, which place clients with annual sales above  USD 10 Million in this classification.
Institutional Financing   Financial sector institutions.
Government   Municipalities, districts, departments with their respective decentralized organizations and entities at the National level with Revenue > COP 17,500 M.
SME   Annual sales >= COP 280 M and < COP 18,500 M, with a classification between small, medium and large, except for Banco Agrícola and Banistmo which place companies that do not surpass USD 10 Million in annual invoicing in this classification.

 

· Consumer:

 

Loans and financial leases, regardless of value, granted to individuals for the purchase of consumer goods or to pay for non-commercial or business services.

 

These loans are classified as follows:

 

    Classification
Vehicles   Credits granted for the acquisition of vehicles. The vehicle financed is used as collateral for the loan.
     
Credit Cards   Revolving loans for the acquisition of consumer goods, utilized by means of a plastic card.
     
Prestanómina   Credit line attached to an authorized individual payroll amount.
     
Others loans   Loans granted for the acquisition of consumer goods different from automobiles and prestanómina. Credit cards are not included in this segment.

 

The counterparties of this portfolio are mainly individuals, segmented in homogenous groups, which are formed according to their size, which is calculated by their monthly income.

 

· Mortgage:

 

These are loans, regardless of value, granted to individuals for the purchase of a new or used house or to build a home, all in accordance with Colombian Law 546 of 1999.  These loans include loans denominated in UVR or local currency that are guaranteed by a senior mortgage on the property and that are financed with a total repayment term of five to 30 years.

 

The counterparty of the mortgage loan is mainly made up of individuals segmented in homogenous groups, which are formed according to their size, which is calculated based on their monthly income. Additionally, this credit portfolio modality is classified in VIS 7 and no VIS.

 

 

 

7 VIS: Social Interest Homes, corresponds to mortgage loans granted by the financial institutions of amounts less than 135 SMMLV.

 

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· Small Business Loans:

 

These are issued for the purpose of encouraging the activities of small business and are subject to the following requirements: (i) the maximum amount to be lent is equal to 25 SMMLV and at any time the balance of any single borrower may not exceed such amount (as stipulated in article 39 of Colombian Law 590 of 2000) and (ii) the main source of payment for the corresponding obligation shall be the revenues obtained from activities of the borrower’s micro business. The balance of indebtedness on the part of the borrower may not exceed 120 SMMLV, as applicable, at the moment the credit is approved.

 

The counterparty of this portfolio is mainly made up of individuals, segmented in homogenous groups, which are formed according to their commercial size, which is calculated by their monthly income.

 

Loans and Financial Leases Collateral

 

Collateral refers to a credit risk mitigant which is an alternative source of payment on credit granted in the events of client breach. Collateral is considered admissible and appropriate when it complies with the following conditions:

 

· Its economic value is enough to cover the exposure of the obligation and was established according to technical and objective criteria.

 

· The entity is granted a preference or an improved right to obtain the payment of the obligation, becoming an effective collateral.

 

· Its performance is reasonably possible.

 

· It is a payment source that sufficiently attends to the credit as per the requirement of the organization.

 

· The sovereign collateral that has certified and approved budgetary appropriation by the competent authority.

 

The Bank has defined the criteria that allows the requirement of guarantees, which are established according to the classification of loan portfolio. Also, coverage has been set by type of guarantee and the necessary aspects to maintain it, such as their legalization and registry, the execution of evaluations by experts using objective criteria, the obligation to ensure those goods that are susceptible to suffering loss or deterioration, the exercise of their safekeeping and the necessary procedures for their cancellation.

 

The update of the fair value of mortgages and vehicles collaterals for the impaired loan portfolio is made on an annual basis. The methodology used to estimate the fair value of the properties is applied by external and independent entities. Updating the fair value of the vehicles is done through guides and valid values commonly used as reference to set the value of a vehicle. Valuation techniques used in updating the fair value of real state and vehicles are classified in levels 2 and 3 according to the hierarchy established by IFRS 13.

 

The following table shows the nature of the guarantees and the amounts covered for loans and financial leases, classified in commercial, consumer, small business loans and mortgage:

 

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    December 31, 2015  
    Amount Covered by Guarantee  
    In Millions of COP  
Nature of the Guarantee   Commercial     Consumer     Mortgage     Financial
Leasing
    Small Business     Total  
Real Estate and Residential     15,705,003       1,510,482       16,051,801       28,322       170,445       33,466,053  
Goods Given in Real Estate Leasing     -       -       -       8,416,574       -       8,416,574  
Goods Given in Leasing Other Than Real Estate     -       -       -       6,366,113       -       6,366,113  
Stand by Letters of Credit     223,183       -       -       -       72       223,255  
Security Deposits     957,826       257,268       -       -       26,665       1,241,759  
Guarantee Fund     2,208,015       2,556       -       15,230       268,013       2,493,814  
Sovereign of the Nation     38,132       -       -       -       -       38,132  
Collection Rights     3,584,217       34,449       -       4,409       1,242       3,624,317  
Other Collateral (Pledges)     3,780,364       4,149,944       18,951       864       15,757       7,965,880  
Without Guarantee (Uncovered Balance)     59,396,012       15,215,916       1,048,031       5,720,064       404,719       81,784,742  
Total loans and financial leases     85,892,752       21,170,615       17,118,783       20,551,576       886,913       145,620,639  

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Amount Covered by Guarantee  
    In Millions of COP  
Nature of the Guarantee   Commercial     Consumer     Mortgage     Financial
Leasing
    Small Business     Total  
Real Estate and Residential     10,102,315       1,163,265       11,639,390       17,401       80,143       23,002,514  
Goods Given in Real Estate Leasing     -       -       -       6,601,212       -       6,601,212  
Goods Given in Leasing Other Than Real Estate     -       -       -       5,190,050       -       5,190,050  
Stand by Letters of Credit     149,342       -       -       -       -       149,342  
Security Deposits     804,878       197,561       -       -       15,067       1,017,506  
Guarantee Fund     1,954,125       1,111       -       19,235       219,021       2,193,492  
Sovereign of the Nation     51,736       -       -       -       -       51,736  
Collection Rights     2,449,097       5       -       4,700       -       2,453,802  
Other Collateral (Pledges)     2,497,357       3,590,911       11,350       2,208       11,171       6,112,997  
Without Guarantee (Uncovered Balance)     47,312,335       13,974,301       896,905       5,882,993       334,468       68,401,002  
Total loans and financial leases     65,321,185       18,927,154       12,547,645       17,717,799       659,870       115,173,653  

 

 

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    January 1, 2014  
    Amount Covered by Guarantee  
    In Millions of COP  
Nature of the Guarantee   Commercial     Consumer     Mortgage     Financial
Leasing
    Small Business     Total  
Real Estate and Residential     8,284,299       1,010,433       9,460,157       146,984       88,780       18,990,653  
Goods Given in Real Estate Leasing     -       -       -       5,320,346       -       5,320,346  
Goods Given in Leasing Other Than Real Estate     -       -       -       5,263,848       -       5,263,848  
Stand by Letters of Credit     129,655       96       -       -       -       129,751  
Security Deposits     667,036       172,136       -       -       14,553       853,725  
Guarantee Fund     1,691,256       1,424       -       27,216       162,151       1,882,047  
Sovereign of the Nation     65,172       -       -       -       -       65,172  
Collection Rights     1,796,148       27       -       5,108       -       1,801,283  
Other Collateral (Pledges)     2,047,217       3,328,898       3,513       3,679       2,567       5,385,874  
Without Guarantee (Uncovered Balance)     38,436,220       12,372,357       894,693       4,748,668       258,681       56,710,619  
Total loans and financial leases     53,117,003       16,885,371       10,358,363       15,515,849       526,732       96,403,318  

 

Guarantees Received and Other Credit Mitigants

 

The assets held for sale received in lieu of payment are recognized on the Statement of Financial Position when current possession of the good is in place.

 

The assets held for sale received in lieu of payment represented by immovable or movable property are received based on a commercial evaluation and those dations, such as shares or equity, are received based on market value.

 

Up to December 31, 2015, the following are goods received as payment during the period:

 

Type of Good   December 31, 2015  
    In millions of COP  
Real State     84,996  
Personal Property     22,667  
Total     107,663  

 

The Bank classifies assets held for sale received in lieu of payment after acknowledgment of the exchange operation according to the intention of use, as follows:

 

§ Non-current assets held for sale
§ Other marketable assets
§ Other non-marketable assets
§ Financial instruments (investments)
§ Property, plant and equipment
§ Inventories

 

The assets held for sale received in lieu of payment classified as maintained non-current assets for sale are those that are expected to be sold in the following 12 months. When market restrictions exist that do not allow for their sale in less than 12 months, and this period is extended, retroactive depreciation is charged against results and the value of the asset will be diminished by the value of depreciation.  

 

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c. Risk Concentration – Loans and Financial Leases

 

The analysis of credit risk concentration is done by monitoring the portfolio by groupings such as: maturity loan, past due loan, loan categories and loan by sector and risk country, as shown here:

 

· Categories loans concentration

 

The composition of the credit portfolio in commercial, consumer, small business loans and financial leases categories for the periods ending December 2015, December 2014 and January 1, 2014 are as follows:

 

Composition   December
31, 2015
    December
31, 2014
    January
1, 2014
 
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     85,892,752       65,473,755       53,217,137  
Corporate     53,729,531       38,668,350       30,283,323  
SME     15,386,399       13,098,493       10,886,116  
Others     16,776,822       13,706,912       12,047,698  
Consumer     21,170,615       18,927,154       16,885,371  
Credit card     7,160,302       7,082,026       6,449,258  
Vehicle     3,089,976       2,790,173       2,340,048  
Order of payment     4,950,780       4,118,862       3,451,624  
Others     5,969,557       4,936,093       4,644,441  
Mortgage     17,118,783       12,547,645       10,358,363  
VIS     4,252,173       3,042,888       2,619,582  
Non- VIS     12,866,610       9,504,757       7,738,781  
Financial Leases     20,551,576       17,565,229       15,415,715  
Small Business Loan     886,913       659,870       526,732  
Total gross loan and financial leases     145,620,639       115,173,653       96,403,318  
Total allowance     (5,248,755 )     (4,789,257 )     (4,473,562 )
Total net loan and financial leases (1)     140,371,884       110,384,396       91,929,756  

 

(1) The portfolio acquired in the business combination of Grupo Agromercantil Holding amounts to COP 8,162,177, see Note 8.3.
Additionally, Tuya Finance Company S.A. is considered a discontinued operation as of December 31, 2015, so Tuya´s portfolio is classified within the "assets held for sale" item; the net balance amounted to COP 1,480,398, see Note 31.

 

· Concentration of loans by Maturity

 

The following table shows the ranges of maturity, understood as the remaining term for the completion of the contract of loans and financial leases at the end of the 2015, 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

    December 31, 2015  
Maturity   Less Than 1
Year
    Between 1 and 3
Years
    Between 3 and 5
Years
    Greater Than 5
Years
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     28,961,893       15,299,262       11,833,781       29,797,816       85,892,752  
Corporate     18,280,963       8,585,749       7,422,020       19,440,799       53,729,531  
SME     4,837,267       4,845,179       2,831,739       2,872,214       15,386,399  
Others     5,843,663       1,868,334       1,580,022       7,484,803       16,776,822  
Consumer     4,067,215       4,749,430       8,163,021       4,190,949       21,170,615  
Credit card     2,636,138       1,395,015       2,160,657       968,492       7,160,302  
Vehicle     73,875       656,111       1,401,635       958,355       3,089,976  
Order of payment     157,659       837,630       2,104,080       1,851,411       4,950,780  
Others     1,199,543       1,860,674       2,496,649       412,691       5,969,557  
Mortgage     44,099       154,032       297,668       16,622,984       17,118,783  
VIS     8,951       46,270       83,377       4,113,575       4,252,173  
Non-VIS     35,148       107,762       214,291       12,509,409       12,866,610  
Financial Leases     2,325,571       3,825,292       2,186,262       12,214,451       20,551,576  
Small business loans     189,206       455,594       116,515       125,598       886,913  
Total gross loans and financial leases     35,587,984       24,483,610       22,597,247       62,951,798       145,620,639  

 

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    December 31, 2014  
Maturity   Less Than 1
Year
    Between 1 and 3
Years
    Between 3 and 5
Years
    Greater Than 5
Years
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     22,171,501       12,074,922       8,950,482       22,276,850       65,473,755  
Corporate     13,673,861       6,067,728       5,184,750       13,742,011       38,668,350  
SME     4,006,882       4,172,300       2,471,937       2,447,374       13,098,493  
Others     4,490,758       1,834,894       1,293,795       6,087,465       13,706,912  
Consumer     3,063,853       4,688,097       6,205,156       4,970,048       18,927,154  
Credit card     2,021,733       2,096,165       1,921,688       1,042,440       7,082,026  
Vehicle     56,238       661,361       1,352,614       719,960       2,790,173  
Order of payment     47,207       311,975       759,806       2,999,874       4,118,862  
Others     938,675       1,618,596       2,171,048       207,774       4,936,093  
Mortgage     29,552       110,909       244,948       12,162,236       12,547,645  
VIS     5,038       36,813       78,072       2,922,965       3,042,888  
Non-VIS     24,514       74,096       166,876       9,239,271       9,504,757  
Financial leases     178,350       2,938,223       3,028,830       11,419,826       17,565,229  
Small business loans     102,010       357,609       95,650       104,601       659,870  
Total gross loans and financial leases     25,545,266       20,169,760       18,525,066       50,933,561       115,173,653  

 

    January 1, 2014  
Maturity   Less Than 1
Year
    Between 1 and 3
Years
    Between 3 and 5
Years
    Greater Than 5
Years
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     16,178,106       11,602,865       8,840,786       16,595,380       53,217,137  
Corporate     10,256,510       5,477,581       4,789,811       9,759,421       30,283,323  
SME     3,105,083       3,883,571       2,207,998       1,689,464       10,886,116  
Others     2,816,513       2,241,713       1,842,977       5,146,495       12,047,698  
Consumer     3,250,857       4,350,452       6,239,001       3,045,061       16,885,371  
Credit card     2,638,088       1,833,664       1,739,626       237,880       6,449,258  
Vehicle     51,549       484,733       1,260,960       542,806       2,340,048  
Order of payment     82,422       347,274       1,063,058       1,958,870       3,451,624  
Others     478,798       1,684,781       2,175,357       305,505       4,644,441  
Mortgage     48,621       95,736       275,709       9,938,297       10,358,363  
VIS     4,146       31,002       82,412       2,502,022       2,619,582  
Non-VIS     44,475       64,734       193,297       7,436,275       7,738,781  
Financial leases     3,422,998       2,814,902       1,874,535       7,303,280       15,415,715  
Small business loans     81,244       292,518       74,391       78,579       526,732  
Total gross loans and financial leases     22,981,826       19,156,473       17,304,422       36,960,597       96,403,318  

 

F- 149

 

 

 

· Past-due loans Concentration

 

The following shows the detail of past-due credits according to the period of default as of the date indicated:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    Past-due  
Period   0 - 30 Days     31 - 90 Days     91 - 120 Days     121 - 360 Days     More Than 
360 Days
    TOTAL  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     84,050,557       663,131       89,588       665,556       423,920       85,892,752  
Consumer     20,143,667       507,297       129,684       324,305       65,662       21,170,615  
Mortgage     15,943,609       549,298       112,261       247,540       266,075       17,118,783  
Financial Leases     19,979,338       130,336       26,120       212,315       203,467       20,551,576  
Small Business Loan     814,163       22,830       7,214       31,544       11,162       886,913  
Total     140,931,334       1,872,892       364,867       1,481,260       970,286       145,620,639  

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Past-due  
Period   0 - 30 Days     31 - 90 Days     91 - 120 Days     121 - 360 Days     More Than 
360 Days
    TOTAL  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     64,088,708       340,423       138,034       472,644       433,946       65,473,755  
Consumer     17,991,597       462,324       121,065       281,784       70,384       18,927,154  
Mortgage     11,722,874       386,023       74,375       161,887       202,486       12,547,645  
Financial Leases     16,994,978       282,061       22,257       102,782       163,151       17,565,229  
Small Business Loan     599,281       20,399       5,545       23,313       11,332       659,870  
Total     111,397,438       1,491,230       361,276       1,042,410       881,299       115,173,653  

 

    January 1, 2014  
    Past-due  
Period   0 - 30 Days     31 - 90 Days     91 - 120 Days     121 - 360 Days     More Than 
360 Days
    TOTAL  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     52,079,201       339,081       113,752       348,342       336,761       53,217,137  
Consumer     16,037,371       419,705       111,695       265,385       51,215       16,885,371  
Mortgage     9,634,492       334,662       71,548       139,640       178,021       10,358,363  
Financial Leases     15,092,537       87,441       21,756       91,704       122,277       15,415,715  
Small Business Loan     469,345       17,940       4,568       25,660       9,219       526,732  
Total     93,312,946       1,198,829       323,319       870,731       697,493       96,403,318  

 

F- 150

 

 

· Concentration of Loans by Economic Sector

 

The following is the detail of the credit portfolio by main economic activity of the debtor as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    Loans and financial leases  
Economic Destination   Local    

Foreign (1)

    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Agriculture     4,330,757       1,942,147       6,272,904  
Petroleum and Mining Products     1,791,910       355,825       2,147,735  
Food, Beverages and Tobacco     5,141,738       330,038       5,471,776  
Chemical Production     2,871,547       331,651       3,203,198  
Government     3,131,339       668,463       3,799,802  
Construction     14,577,061       5,424,291       20,001,352  
Commerce and Tourism     14,934,712       5,833,248       20,767,960  
Transport and Communications     8,189,789       1,588,048       9,777,837  
Public Services     4,881,297       4,807,362       9,688,659  
Consumer Services     22,439,817       12,634,026       35,073,843  
Commercial Services     15,956,430       3,049,918       19,006,348  
Other Industries and Manufactured Products     5,657,242       4,751,983       10,409,225  
Total     103,903,639       41,717,000       145,620,639  

 

 

(1) The increase in the foreign portfolio as of December 31, 2015, is mainly explained by inclusion of Grupo Agromercantil Holding portfolio, which amounted to COP 8,162,177, see Note 8.3

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Loans and financial leases  
Economic Destination   Local     Foreign     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Agriculture     4,030,994       752,267       4,783,261  
Petroleum and Mining Products     2,559,701       501,236       3,060,937  
Food, Beverages and Tobacco     4,148,724       323,446       4,472,170  
Chemical Production     3,028,095       109,137       3,137,232  
Government     2,030,749       309,947       2,340,696  
Construction     11,515,240       3,609,264       15,124,504  
Commerce and Tourism     13,380,359       3,362,533       16,742,892  
Transport and Communications     5,200,661       716,974       5,917,635  
Public Services     4,832,527       2,757,506       7,590,033  
Consumer Services     21,109,019       8,580,530       29,689,549  
Commercial Services     14,299,832       56,333       14,356,165  
Other Industries and Manufactured Products     5,492,444       2,466,135       7,958,579  
Total     91,628,345       23,545,308       115,173,653  

 

    January 1, 2014  
Economic Destination   Local     Foreign     Total  
    In millions of COP  
Agriculture     3,566,063       466,388       4,032,451  
Petroleum and Mining Products     1,872,467       376,032       2,248,499  
Food, Beverages and Tobacco     3,252,247       234,526       3,486,773  
Chemical Production     1,829,720       85,762       1,915,482  
Government     1,782,773       356,675       2,139,448  
Construction     10,495,272       2,679,291       13,174,563  
Commerce and Tourism     11,355,067       2,466,622       13,821,689  
Transport and Communications     4,842,072       449,879       5,291,951  
Public Services     3,321,572       216,842       3,538,414  
Consumer Services     18,903,149       7,306,251       26,209,400  
Commercial Services     10,584,867       3,067,940       13,652,807  
Other Industries and Manufactured Products     4,929,226       1,962,615       6,891,841  
Total     76,734,495       19,668,823       96,403,318  

 

F- 151

 

 

· Credit Concentration by Risk Country

 

The table below shows the concentration of the loans and financial leases, detailing the participation of the countries in which the Bank's clients are located with respect to the total credit portfolio:

 

    December 31, 2015  
Country   Loans and financial 
leases
    % Participation     Allowance for loans 
and financial leases
    % Participation  
Colombia     95,970,455       65.90 %     4,257,441       81.11 %
Panamá     31,001,163       21.28 %     558,856       10.65 %
El Salvador     8,998,603       6.18 %     404,384       7.70 %
Puerto Rico     1,217,737       0.84 %     13,545       0.26 %
Perú     256,511       0.18 %     13,953       0.27 %
Guatemala (1)     8,162,177       5.61 %     -       0.00 %
Other Countries     13,993       0.01 %     576       0.01 %
Total     145,620,639       100.00 %     5,248,755       100.00 %

 

 

(1) The growth in the Guatemala portfolio during 2015, is explained by the inclusion of portfolio of Grupo Agromercantil Holding, which amounted to COP 8.162.177, see Note 8.3

 

    December 31, 2014  
Country   Loans and financial 
leases
    % Participation     Allowance for loans and
 financial leases
    % Participation  
Colombia     86,162,606       74.80 %     4,040,256       84.35 %
Panamá     21,375,381       18.56 %     388,751       8.12 %
El Salvador     6,654,912       5.78 %     347,632       7.26 %
Puerto Rico     720,138       0.63 %     7,067       0.15 %
Perú     248,699       0.22 %     5,139       0.11 %
Other Countries     11,917       0.01 %     412       0.01 %
Total     115,173,653       100.00 %     4,789,257       100.00 %

 

    January 1, 2014  
Country   Loans and financial 
leases
    % Participation     Allowance for loans and 
financial leases
    % Participation  
Colombia     75,381,835       78.19 %     3,768,452       84.24 %
Panamá     14,913,659       15.47 %     428,001       9.57 %
El Salvador     5,211,264       5.41 %     267,266       5.97 %
Puerto Rico     687,170       0.71 %     6,259       0.14 %
Perú     198,999       0.21 %     3,133       0.07 %
Other Countries     10,391       0.01 %     451       0.01 %
Total     96,403,318       100.00 %     4,473,562       100.00 %

 

F- 152

 

 

d. Past due and Impairment Credit Quality – Loans and Financial Leases

 

The following table shows information about current, past due and impaired loans as of the year ended December 31, 2015; December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014:

 

    December 31, 2015  
Risk Category   Current loans
without
impairment
    Past due loan
without
impairment
    Current loans
with some type of
 impairment
    Past due and
impaired loans
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
A- Normal Risk     130,982,505       247,660       755,456       13,522       131,999,143  
B- Acceptable Risk     6,101,551       740,335       778,519       62,211       7,682,616  
C- Appreciable Risk     1,937       -       1,398,056       1,038,548       2,438,541  
D- Significant Risk     -       -       576,447       1,245,135       1,821,582  
E- Unrecoverable Risk     -       6,796       389,377       1,282,584       1,678,757  
Total     137,085,993       994,791       3,897,855       3,642,000       145,620,639  

 

    December 31, 2014  
Risk Category   Current loans
without
impairment
    Past due loan
without
impairment
    Current loans with
Some type of
impairment
    Past due and
impaired loans
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
A- Normal Risk     102,455,956       400,264       2,599,456       19,835       105,475,511  
B- Acceptable Risk     3,424,403       551,770       819,185       183,244       4,978,602  
C- Appreciable Risk     -       -       1,249,321       616,576       1,865,897  
D- Significant Risk     -       -       459,583       1,044,542       1,504,125  
E- Unrecoverable Risk     -       -       382,577       966,941       1,349,518  
Total     105,880,359       952,034       5,510,122       2,831,138       115,173,653  

 

    January 1, 2014  
Risk Category   Current loans
without
impairment
    Past due loan
without
impairment
    Current loans with
some type of
impairment
    Past due and
impaired loans
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
A- Normal Risk     86,762,160       198,359       2,006,148       13,281       88,979,948  
B- Acceptable Risk     2,470,962       502,258       264,839       58,707       3,296,766  
C- Appreciable Risk     1,190       -       1,062,139       594,216       1,657,545  
D- Significant Risk     -       -       427,636       898,571       1,326,207  
E- Unrecoverable Risk     980       -       295,660       846,212       1,142,852  
Total     89,235,292       700,617       4,056,422       2,410,987       96,403,318  

 

In order to determine the loans and financial leases impairment the Group considers the economic conditions and performance of the client's industry, the analysis of payments behavior and events that could negatively affect the client's ability to pay, among other factors.

 

Impairment can be done by a collective or individual evaluation according to the amount and characteristics of the loan.

 

If the evaluation is collective, the impairment is determined in accordance with the variables, Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD) and Exposure at Default (EAD).

 

All impaired credits that exceed COP 2,000 million are individually assessed (USD 1 million for foreign subsidiaries). The allowance for significant impaired loans are assessed based on the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective loan rate or the fair value of the collateral in the case where the loan is considered collateral-dependent. An allowance for impaired loans is provided when discounted future cash flows or the fair value of collateral is lower than the carrying amount.

 

F- 153

 

 

The impaired loans individually analyzed amounted to COP 2,387 billion which represents 1.64% of the total portfolio.

 

The table below shows impairment loans and financial leases as of December 31, 2015; December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2014 according to their type of evaluation:

 

    December 31, 2015  
Impairment   Individual Evaluation     Collective Evaluation  
    Carrying Amount     Impairment     Carrying Amount     Impairment  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     2,061,218       1,087,354       1,839,366       982,636  
Consumer     349       349       1,422,849       989,868  
Mortgage     -       -       1,091,645       385,137  
Financial Leases     325,950       157,898       724,043       266,934  
Small Business Loan     -       -       74,435       54,249  
Total     2,387,517       1,245,601       5,152,338       2,678,824  

 

    December 31, 2014  
Impairment   Individual Evaluation     Collective Evaluation  
    Carrying Amount     Impairment     Carrying Amount     Impairment  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     1,706,757       816,389       3,506,039       954,892  
Consumer     250,889       158,007       1,336,873       691,070  
Mortgage     -       -       779,661       304,356  
Financial Leases     47,768       30,695       596,108       232,013  
Small Business Loan     -       -       117,165       47,376  
Total     2,005,414       1,005,091       6,335,846       2,229,707  

 

    January 1, 2014  
Impairment   Individual Evaluation     Collective Evaluation  
    Carrying Amount     Impairment     Carrying Amount     Impairment  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     1,041,134       696,089       2,796,074       831,009  
Consumer     2,423       439       1,276,550       757,395  
Mortgage     -       -       656,921       282,397  
Financial Leases     91,418       19,482       543,048       213,472  
Small Business Loan     -       -       59,841       44,851  
Total     1,134,975       716,010       5,332,434       2,129,124  

 

A one-percent increase or decrease in the probability of default (PD), in the Loss Given Default (LGD) and in the cash flows for impaired loans represents an increase of approximately COP 63,299 million in the allowance for loan and lease losses or in a recovery of COP 82,507 million respectively. These sensitivity analyses do not represent management’s expectations of a decline in risk ratings or an increase in loss rates, however provided as a hypothetical scenario to assess the sensitivity of the allowance for loan and lease losses to changes in key inputs. The Bank believes the risk ratings and loss severities currently in use are appropriate and represent management’s expectations about the credit risk inherent in its loan portfolio.

 

F- 154

 

 

The following table shows the past due loans and financial leases without impairment:

 

    December 31, 2015  
    Current Loan     Past Due Loan  
Period   0 - 30 Days     31 - 90 Days     91 - 120 Days     121 - 360 
Days
    More Than 
360 Days
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     81,751,070       234,143       139       6,816       -       81,992,168  
Consumer     19,474,745       272,251       118       303       -       19,747,417  
Mortgage     15,673,893       289,159       38,718       25,368       -       16,027,138  
Financial Leases     19,325,515       71,704       371       1,522       102,471       19,501,583  
Small Business Loan     797,959       14,519       -       -       -       812,478  
Total     137,023,182       881,776       39,346       34,009       102,471       138,080,784  

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Current 
Loan
    Past Due Loan  
Period   0 - 30 Days     31 - 90 Days     91 - 120 Days     121 - 360 
Days
    More Than 
360 Days
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     60,150,783       108,783       1,123       270       -       60,260,959  
Consumer     17,169,439       169,855       30       68       -       17,339,392  
Mortgage     11,452,684       258,509       34,387       22,404       -       11,767,984  
Financial Leases     16,573,468       234,741       3,262       19,462       90,420       16,921,353  
Small Business Loan     534,246       8,459       -       -       -       542,705  
Total     105,880,620       780,347       38,802       42,204       90,420       106,832,393  

 

    January 1, 2014  
    Current 
Loan
    Past Due Loan  
Period   0 - 30 Days     31 - 90 Days     91 - 120 Days     121 – 360 
Days
    More Than 
360 Days
    Total  
    In millions of COP  
Commercial     49,193,603       185,184       1,133       9       -       49,379,929  
Consumer     15,477,952       128,388       7       51       -       15,606,398  
Mortgage     9,484,387       165,267       32,905       18,883       -       9,701,442  
Financial Leases     14,642,272       55,794       2,705       16,206       64,272       14,781,249  
Small Business Loan     455,746       11,145       -       -       -       466,891  
Total     89,253,960       545,778       36,750       35,149       64,272       89,935,909  

 

e. Credit Risk Management - Other Financial Instruments:

 

Each one of the positions that make up the portfolio complies with adapts to policies and limits that seek to diminish credit risk exposure by means of the definition of, among others:

 

· Term Limits : Each counterparty is studied by the Risk Committee, in which the result of the authorized model for this type of counterparty is reviewed (quantitative and qualitative variables), which allows the Committee to establish the maximum term for which the organization wishes to have exposure.

 

F- 155

 

 

· Credit Limits : Limits approved under the model and with authorization from the Risk Committee, as well as the exposure, are monitored in line or batch, in such a way that the presentation of excesses is mitigated, and if the need for these arises, this is applied to the attributions regime in effect at the time.

 

· Counterparty Limits : These limits, derived from the Credit limits or with their own allocation model, are verified by the Front Office prior to the close of operations so that the availability to do it is confirmed.

 

· Master Agreement : These bilateral agreements describe the handling of operations between the counterparties in accordance with good international practices and that limit the legal and financial risk of under the occurrence of events of default (failure to pay or delivery). Mitigation mechanisms, procedures to be carried out in the case of this events of default, special conditions by type of operation and that are applied to OTC derivatives, Repos and other securities financing transactions, are all agreed upon.

 

· Margin Agreements : For OTC derivatives operations and other securities financing transactions, agreements that regulate the administration of guarantees, haircuts, adjustment periods, minimum transfer amounts, etc., and that limit risk for a period of time (one day, one week, etc.), are established for counterparties involved in the operation.

 

· Counterparty Alerts : There are financial, qualitative and market indicators that allow The Bank´s to establish damages to the credit quality of an issuer or counterparty.

 

f. Credit Quality Analysis - Other Financial Instruments:

 

In order to evaluate the credit quality of a counterparty or issuer (to determine a risk level or profile), The Bank´s relies on two rating systems: an external one and an internal one, both of which allow it to identify a degree of impairment differentiated by segment - Country and to apply the policies that have been established for issuers or counterparties with different levels of risk, in order to limit the impact on liquidity and/or the earnings statement of the Bank.

 

The external credit rating system is divided by the type of rating applied to each instrument or counterparty; in this way the geographic location, the term and the type of instrument allow the assignment of a rating according to the methodology that each examining agency uses.

 

Agencies that support the ratings assignments are the following:

 

· International: Moody's, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poors.
· Local: Fitch Rating Colombia, BRC Investor Services S.A. Inc. and Value and Risk Rating S.A. Inc.

 

Internal credit rating system : The “Ratings or risk profiles” scale is created with a range of levels that go from low exposure to high exposure (This can be reported in numerical or alphanumerical scales), where the rating model is sustained by the implementation and analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables at sector level, which according to the relative analysis of each variable, determine credit quality; in this way the internal credit rating system aims to establish adequate margin in decision-making regarding the management of financial instruments.

 

F- 156

 

 

· Risk Exposure of the Group

 

 

    Debt Securities     Equity     Derivatives  
    2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
    In Mill of COP  
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk                                                
Total Balance Sheet     13,171,189       11,239,541       1,162,590       1,281,288       1,135,149       820,564  
Amortized Cost                                                
Low Risk     1,863,215       1,930,863       918,910       831,486       -       -  
Medium Risk     1,373,209       -       -       -       -       -  
High Risk     -       -       558       -       -       -  
Without Rating     225,451       -       243,122       234,681       -       -  
Total     3,461,875       1,930,863       1,162,590       1,066,167       -       -  
                                                 
Fair Value                                                
Low Risk     8,103,816       8,863,148       -       195,615       1,111,724       780,464  
Medium Risk     613,816       426,397       -       -       102       28,329  
High Risk     846,379       1,863       -       883       3,374       5,128  
Without Rating     145,303       17,270       -       18,623       19,949       6,643  
ETF Funds without rating     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total     9,709,314       9,308,678       -       215,121       1,135,149       820,564  

 

 

Note: A negative value corresponds to negative assessment positions

 

In accordance with the criteria and considerations specified in the internal rating allocation and external credit rating systems methodologies, the following schemes of relation can be established, according to credit quality given to each one of the qualification scales:

 

Low Risk: All investment degree positions, as well as those issuers that according to the information available (financial statements, relevant information, external ratings, CDS, etc.) reflect adequate credit quality.

 

Medium Risk: All speculative degree positions (to BB-), as well as those issuers that according to the available information (financial statements, relevant information, external qualifications, CDS, etc.) reflect weaknesses that could affect their financial situation in the medium term.

 

High Risk: All positions of greater speculative quality (from B+), as well as those issuers that according to the information available (financial statements, relevant information, external qualifications, CDS, etc.) reflect a high probability of default of financial obligations or that already have failed to fulfill them.

 

· Financial Credit Quality of Other Instruments that Are Not in Default nor impaired in Value

 

Debt Securities: 100% of the debt securities are not in default.

 

Equity Securities: The positions are rated A under the internal rating system, which corresponds to low risk.

 

Derivatives: 100% of the Credit Exposure does not present incidences of material default.

 

F- 157

 

 

· Maximum Exposure Level to the Credit Risk Given for:

 

 

    Maximum Exposure     Guarantees     Net exposure  
    In millions of COP  
    2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk                                                
Debt Securities     13,171,189       11,239,541       (552,744 )     (1,206,642 )     12,618,446       10,032,900  
Derivatives     1,135,149       820,564       (352,644 )     (145,332 )     782,505       675,231  
Equity     1,162,590       1,281,288       -       -       1,162,590       1,281,288  
Total     15,468,928       13,341,393       (905,388 )     (1,351,974 )     14,563,541       11,989,419  

 

 

Note: Negative guarantees are received from counterparty and negative guarantees are given to counterparty.

 

Note: Collateral Held (+) and Collateral Pledged (-)

 

See Notes on this table (1)

 

(1) * Exposure in Derivatives with base in MTM (only positive values), netting by counterparty is applied

* Debt Securities Book value 100%

* Equity Instruments:

- Shares:100%
- Investment funds: Book value 100%

 

· Analysis of the maturity of the assets that are Past due but not impaired

 

· Debt Securities: Portfolio does not present default.
· Equity securities: Portfolio does not present default.
· Derivatives: The default is not Material.

 

· The information corresponding to the individual evaluation of impairment at the end of the period for other financial instruments, is detailed as follows:

 

                Debt Securities              
    MTM     Impairment     Final Exposure  
    2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
    In millions of COP  
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk                                                
Fair Value     9,709,314       9,308,678       -       -       9,709,314       9,308,678  
Amortized Cost     3,461,875       1,930,863       -       -       3,461,875       1,930,863  
Total     13,171,189       11,239,541       -       -       13,171,189       11,239,541  

 

                Equity              
    MTM     Impairment     Final Exposure  
    In millions of COP  
    2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk                                                
Fair Value through other comprehensive income     761,907       865,730       -       -       761,907       865,730  
Fair Value through profit or loss     400,683       415,558       -       -       400,683       415,558  
Total     1,162,590       1,281,288       -       -       1,162,590       1,281,288  

 

F- 158

 

 

Collateral- Other Financial Instruments:

 

Level of Collateral: According to the type of asset or operation, a collateral level is determined according to the policies defined for each product and the market where the operation is carried out.

 

Assets held as collateral in organized markets: The only assets that can be received as collateral are those defined by the Central Counterparties, the stock market where the operation is negotiated, those assets that are settled separately in different contracts or documents, which can be managed by each organization and must comply with the investment policies defined by the Bank, taking into account the credit limit for each type of asset or operation received or delivered, which collateral received are the best credit quality and liquidity.

 

Assets received as bilateral collateral between counterparties: The collateral accepted in international OTC derivative operations is agreed on bilaterally in the CSA and with fulfillment in cash in dollars.

 

Collateral adjustments for Margin agreements: The adjustments will be determined by the criteria applied by both the external and internal regulations in effect, and at the same time, mitigation standards are maintained so that the operation fulfills the liquidity and solidity criteria for settlement. Among the main characteristics by product or market, we have:

 

· With respect to the derivative operations, these are carried out daily, with Threshold levels of zero for the majority of counterparties, which reduces the exposure to a term that does not exceed 10 days, according to Basel.
· For buy-sell backs, repos and other Securities financing transactions, daily monitoring is done in order to establish the need to adjust the collateral in such a way that these are applied in as little time as possible, according to the contracts or market conditions.
· For all international counterparties, margin agreements that limit exposure to the maximum and with a daily adjustment period are celebrated. These margin agreements are entered into under ISDA and GMRAs both for OTC Derivatives and securities financing transactions.
· For every local counterparty, the local framework agreement is signed (agreement developed by the industry) and the mitigating actions to apply in each operation are agreed upon, whether for margin agreements, re-couponing or early termination, among others.
· For Repos, Buy-sell backs and other securities financing transactions, these are agreed upon by organized markets that in general implicate complying with haircut or additional collateral rules.
· The Central Counterparty carries out daily control and monitoring processes in order to comply with the rules imposed by these organizations in such a way that we are always making daily adjustments at the demanded collateral level.

 

g. Concentration of the Credit Risk - Other Financial Instruments:

 

According to the regulations, the Bank must control on a daily basis the risk of positions of the Bank's companies with the same issuer or counterparty stands, below the legal limits.

 

By the same way, the positions of the Bank are verifyed respect of the authorized risk levels in each country in order to guarantee the alerts and positions limits, that are considered outside of the The Bank risk appetite.

 

F- 159

 

 

· Risk Exposure by Economic Sector and Risk Country:

 

    Debt Securities     Equity     Derivatives  
    2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
    In Mill of COP  
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk                                                
Sector Concentration                                                
Corporate     800,366       281,790       997,314       1,043,128       290,423       423,647  
Financial     1,211,737       1,125,198       113,645       99,333       840,793       396,917  
Goverment     11,051,168       9,832,552       -       -       -       -  
Funds or ETF     107,918       -       44,861       138,827       -       -  
Total     13,171,189       11,239,540       1,155,820       1,281,288       1,131,216       820,564  
Concretation by location                                                
North America     539,462       203,816       7,814       5,227       296,186       93,810  
Latam     12,607,260       11,035,724       1,154,776       1,275,143       716,005       614,552  
Europe     -       -       -       918       116,473       111,357  
Others (Includes Funds and ETF)     24,467       -       -       -       6,485       845  
Total     13,171,189       11,239,540       1,162,590       1,281,288       1,135,149       820,564  

 

Note: A negative value corresponds to negative assessment positions

 

At the moment, the Bank's positions do not present concentration risk.

 

2. MARKET RISK

 

Market risk refers to the risk of losses in the bank’s treasury book due to changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign-exchange rates and other indicators whose values are set in a public market. It also refers to the probability of unexpected changes in net interest income and equity economic value as a result of a change in market interest rates.

 

Market risk stems from the following activities at The Bank:

 

· Trading: includes purchase, sale and positioning, mainly in fixed income securities, equities, currencies and derivatives, as well as the financial services provided to customers, such as brokerage. Trading instruments are recorded in the treasury book and are managed by the Treasury Division which is also responsible for the aggregated management of exchange rate exposures arising from the banking book and treasury book.

 

· Balance Sheet Management: refers to the assets and liabilities management, due to mismatches in maturities and repricing of them. The Assets Liabilility Management Division is responsible for the balance sheet management, preserving the stability of the financial margin and the equity economic value, maintaining adequate levels of liquidity and solvency. Non-trading instruments are recorded in the Bank’s banking book (the “Banking Book”), which includes primarily loans, time deposits, checking accounts and savings accounts.

 

In the Bank, the market risks are identified, measured, monitored, controlled and reported in order to support the decision-taking process for their mitigation, and to create greater shareholder value added.

 

F- 160

 

 

The guidelines, policies and methodologies for market risks management are approved by the Board of Directors, thus guaranteeing the congruence and unity in the risk appetite between subsidiaries. Each country has a local Market and Liquidity Risk Management Office that applies at the individual level the principles of the Group´s Market Risk Management Strategy. The Board of Directors and senior management have formalized the policies, procedures, strategies and rules of action for market risk administration in its “Market Risk Manual”. This manual defines the roles and responsibilities within each subdivision of the Bank and their interaction to ensure adequate market risk administration.

 

The Bank´s Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office, responsible for monitoring and permanently controlling compliance with the limits established, is set up with clear independence from the trading and businesses units, ensuring enforcement authority. This independent control function is complemented by regular reviews conducted by the Internal Audit.

 

The Bank’s Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office is responsible for: (a) identifying, measuring, monitoring, analysing and controlling the market risk inherent in the Bank’s businesses: (b) analysing the Bank’s exposure under stress scenarios and confirming compliance with the Bank’s risk management policies: (c) designing the methodologies for valuation of the market value of certain securities and financial instruments: (d) reporting to senior management and the Board of Directors any violation of the Bank’s risk management policies: (e) reporting to the senior management on a daily basis the levels of market risk associated with the trading instruments recorded in its treasury book (the “Treasury Book”), and (f) proposing policies to the Board of Directors and to senior management that ensure the maintenance of predetermined risk levels. The Bank has also implemented an approval process for new products across each of its subdivisions. This process is designed to ensure that each subdivision is prepared to incorporate the new product into its procedures, that every risk is considered before the product is incorporated and that approval is obtained from the Board of Directors before the new product can be sold.

 

Market risks arising from trading instruments are measured at the Bank using two different Value at Risk (VaR) methodologies: the standard methodology provided by the Superintendency of Finance, and the internal methodology of historical simulation. The standard methodology is established by “chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, based on the model recommended by the Amendment to the Capital Accord to Incorporate Market Risks of Basel Committee of 2005. The internal methodology of historical simulation uses a confidence level of 99%, a holding period of 10 days, and a time frame of one year or at least 250 days from the reference date of the VaR calculation is used, obtained from the reference date of calculating the VaR.

 

The Bank’s VaR limits structure for trading activities, is sufficiently granular to conduct an effective control of the various types of market risk factors on which an exposure is held. It ensures that the market risk is not concentrated in certain asset classes and maximizes the portfolio diversification effect. These limits are defined by companies, products or by risk takers. The majority of the limits are based on the maximum VaR values to which a certain portfolio can be exposed; nevertheless, loss triggers, stop loss and sensitivity warning levels are also set, especially in the derivatives portfolios. The limits are approved by the Board of Directors, and set based on factors such as tolerance for losses, capital resources and market´s complexity and volatility. They are monitored daily, and their excesses or violations are reported to the Board of Directors and the Risk Committee.

 

Additional measurements such as stress tests are done to identify extreme unusual situations that could cause severe losses. Stress simulations include historical events and hypothetical scenarios. Backtesting or model validation technics through comparison of predicted and actual loss level are applied on a regular basis to analyse and contrast the accuracy of the VaR calculation methodology in order to confirm its reliability, and make adjustments to the models if necessary.

 

Within the control and monitoring processes of market risks, reports are elaborated on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. They include an analysis of the most relevant risk measures and allow for monitoring the exposure levels to market risks and to the legal and internal limits established for each one of the levels of the Group. These reports are taken as an input for the decision-taking process in the different Committees and management of The Bank.

 

F- 161

 

 

 

Market Risk Management

 

The following section describes the market risks to which The Bank is exposed and the tools and methodologies used to measure these risks as of December 31, 2015. The Bank faces market risk as a consequence of its lending, trading and investments businesses.

 

The Bank uses a VaR calculation to limit its exposure to the market risk of its treasury book. The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing the maximum VaR based on its assessment of the appropriate level of risk for The Bank.

 

For managing the interest rate risk from banking activities, the Bank analyses the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. In addition, the foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the Banking book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

a.          Measurement of Market Risk of Negotiation Instruments

 

The Bank currently measures the treasury book exposure to market risk (including over-the-counter derivatives positions) as well as the currency risk exposure of the Banking book, which is provided to the Treasury Division, using a VaR methodology established in accordance with “chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular”, issued by the Superintendency of Finance.

 

The VaR methodology established by “chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular” is based on the model recommended by the Amendment to the Capital Accord to Incorporate Market Risks of Basel Committee of 2005, which focuses on the treasury book and excludes investments classified as “held to maturity” which are not being given as collateral and any other investment that comprises the Banking book, such as non-trading positions. In addition, the methodology aggregates all risks by the use of correlations, through an allocation system based on defined zones and bands, affected by given sensitivity factors.

 

The total market risk for the Bank is calculated by the arithmetical aggregation of the VaR calculated for each subsidiary. The aggregated VaR is reflected in the Bank’s Capital Adequacy (Solvency) ratio, in accordance with Decree 1771 of 2012.

 

For purposes of VaR calculations, a risk exposure category is any market variable that is able to influence potential changes in the portfolio value. Taking into account a given risk exposure, the VaR model assesses the maximum loss not exceeded at a specified confidence level over a given period of time. The fluctuations in the portfolio’s VaR depend on volatility, modified duration and positions changes relating to the different instruments that are subject to market risk.

 

The relevant risk exposure categories for which VaR is computed by The Bank according to “chapter XXI, appendix 1 of the Basic Accounting Circular” are: (i) interest rate risks relating to local currency, foreign currency and UVR; (ii) currency risk; (iii) stock price risk; and (iv) fund risk.

 

· Interest Rate Risk (Treasury Book)

 

The interest rate risk is the probability of decrease in the market value of the position due to fluctuations in market interest rates. The Bank calculates the interest rate risk for positions in local currency, foreign currency and UVR separately; in accordance with chapter XXI of the Basic Accounting Circular issued by the Superintendency of Finance.

 

F- 162

 

In the first instance, the Interest Rate Risk exposure is determined by the sensitivity calculation for the net position of each instrument. This sensitivity is calculated as the net value market product, its corresponding modified duration and the estimated variation of interest rates. The possible variations in the interest rates are established by the SFC according to the historical behaviour of these variables in the markets, and they are a function of the duration and currency, as seen in the following table.

 

        Modified Duration   Changes in Interest Rates (bps)
                Legal        
Zone   Band   Lower Limit   Upper Limit

Currency

URV

Foreign Currency

    1   0   0.08   274   274   100
    2   0.08   0.25   268   274   100
Zone 1   3   0.25   0.5   259   274   100
    4   0.5   1   233   274   100
    5   1   1.9   222   250   90
Zone 2   6   1.9   2.8   222   250   80
    7   2.8   3.6   211   220   75
    8   3.6   4.3   211   220   75
    9   4.3   5.7   172   200   70
    10   5.7   7.3   162   170   65
Zone 3   11   7.3   9.3   162   170   60
    12   9.3   10.6   162   170   60
    13   10.6   12   162   170   60
    14   12   20   162   170   60
    15   20       162   170   60

 

Once sensitivity has been calculated for each net position, they are grouped in the zones and bands that are shown in the previous table, making use of the modified duration of each investment. This procedure allows a net sensitivity calculation for each band and zone, understood as the difference between the sensitivities associated with long positions (positive sensitivities) as opposed to sensitivities of short positions (negative sensitivities), of the instruments that conform each one of the bands or zones.

 

Nevertheless, making the direct sum of net sensitivities (positive and negative) for each one of the bands and zones would allow the compensation of Interest Rate Risk exposure between instruments that are clearly different, even though these instruments share the same currency, have exposure differentials in relation to movements of the interest rate curves for different terms. Therefore, the Interest Rate Risk cannot be compensated, at least not totally, between different instruments, especially from the point of view of duration.

 

In order to incorporate this fact into the measurement of Interest Rate Risk, the calculation of a charge by sensitivity adjustment has been implemented, which represents a portion of sensitivity that cannot be compensated between different instruments, bands or zones. The adjustment factors present a behaviour that increases as the instruments whose duration differs greatly are compensated.

 

It is important to emphasize that the changes in interest rates and adjustment factors can be modified by the Financial Superintendent of Colombia when it is provided to them, for the purpose of adequately reflecting the sensitivity of each one of the positions exposed to Interest Rate Risk.

 

F- 163

 

The Group’s exposure to interest risk primarily arises from investments in Colombian government’s treasury bonds (TES) and securities issued by the Colombian government held on Bancolombia’s treasury book.

 

· Currency (Treasury and Banking Book), Equity (Treasury Book) and Fund (Treasury Book) Risk

 

The VaR model uses a sensitivity factor to calculate the probability of loss due to fluctuations in the price of stocks, funds and currencies in which the Bank maintains a position. As previously indicated, the methodology used in this Annual Report to measure such risk consists of computing VaR, which is derived by multiplying the position by the maximum probable variation in the price of such positions (“ D p”). The D p is determined by the Superintendency of Finance, as shown in the following table:

 

Currency   Sensitivity Factor  
United States Dollar     5.5 %
Euro     6 %
Other currencies and gold     8 %
Equity and Fund Risk     14.7 %

 

The interest rate’s fluctuations and the sensitivity factors for currency, equity and fund risk used in the model are established by the Superintendency of Finance according to historical market performance, and have not changed since March 2011.

 

· Total Market Risk VaR

 

The total market risk VaR is calculated as the algebraic sum of the interest rate risk, the currency risk, the stock price risk and the fund risk, which are calculated as the algebraic sum of each company’s exposure to these risks.

 

The total market risk VaR, had a 123% surge going from COP 323 billion in December 31st, 2014 to COP 721 billion as of December 31st, 2015, due mainly to the increase in the currency risk, as a consequence of an increase on United States Dollar, Euro and Guatemalan quetzal positions.

 

The following table presents the total change on market risk and every risk factor.

 

    2015  
    In millions of COP  
Factor   End of Year     Average     Maximum     Minimum  
Interest Rate     276,405       212,472       276,405       134,113  
Exchange Rate     348,815       144,018       348,815       58,516  
Share Price     54,947       56,931       80,676       49,377  
Collective Portfolios     40,675       41,108       46,994       35,616  
Total Value at Risk     720,842       454,529       720,842       301,236  

Includes Grupo Agromercantil's market risk exposure at a 100%

 

    2014  
    In millions of COP  
Factor   End of Year     Average     Maximum     Minimum  
Interest Rate     171,602       177,166       239,959       109,623  
Exchange Rate     56,310       82,443       103,753       56,310  
Share Price     50,949       27,470       50,949       21,888  
Collective Portfolios     44,235       40,206       44,235       38,535  
Total Value at Risk     323,096       327,285       402,112       240,368  

 

F- 164

 

· Assumptions and Limitations of VaR Models

 

Although VaR models represent a recognized tool for risk management, they have inherent limitations, including reliance on historical data that may not be indicative of future market conditions or trading patterns. Accordingly, VaR models should not be viewed as predictive of future results. The Bank may incur losses that could be materially in excess of the amounts indicated by the models on a particular trading day or over a period of time, and there have been instances when results have fallen outside the values generated by the Bank’s VaR models. A VaR model does not calculate the greatest possible loss. The results of these models and analysis thereof are subject to the reasonable judgment of the Bank’s risk management personnel.

 

b. Non-Trading Instruments Market Risk Measurement

 

The banking book’s relevant risk exposure is interest rate risk, which is the probability of unexpected changes in net interest income as a result of a change in market interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect The Bank’s earnings because of timing differences on the reprising of the assets and liabilities. The Bank manages the interest rate risk arising from banking activities in non-trading instruments by analyzing the interest rate mismatches between its interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. The foreign currency exchange rate exposures arising from the banking book are provided to the Treasury Division where these positions are aggregated and managed.

 

· Interest Risk Exposure

 

The Bank has performed a sensitivity analysis of market risk sensitive instruments estimating the impact on the net interest income of each position in the banking book, using within a period of twelve months based on hypothetical changes in the interest rates, using a reprising model and assuming positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points (bps). The following table provides information about The Bank’s interest rate sensitivity for the balance sheet items comprising the banking book:

 

Sensitivity to Interest Rate Risk of the Banking Book

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s of interest rate risk sensitivity in local currency (pesos) at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

    Interest Rate Risk  
    In millions of COP  
    2015     2014  
             
Assets sensitivity 100 pbs     579,393       492,890  
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps     332,079       306,541  
Net interest income sensitivity 100 bps     247,314       186,349  

 

The chart below provides information about Bancolombia’s of interest rate risk sensitivity in foreing currency (US dollars) at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

    Interest Rate Risk  
    (In thousands of US dollars)  
    2015     2014  
             
Assets sensitivity 100 pbs   USD 74,228     USD 70,345  
Liabilities sensitivity 100 bps   USD 69,869     USD 65,746  
Net interest income sensitivity 100 bps   USD 4,359     USD 4,599  

 

F- 165

 

Grupo Agromercantil's market risk exposure at a 100%

 

Includes Grupo Agromercantil's market risk exposure at a 100%

 

A positive net sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of assets side and therefore a rise in interest rates affects positively the Bank´s net interest income. A negative sensitivity denotes a higher sensitivity of liabilities side and therefore a rise in the interest rates affects negatively the Bank´s net interest income. In the event of a decrease in interest rates, the impact in the net interest income would be opposite to the mentioned.

 

o Total Exposure:

 

As of December 31, 2015, the net interest income sensitivity in local currency for the banking book instruments, entered into for other than trading purposes with positive parallel shifts of 100 basis points was COP 247 million. The sensitivity variation due to interest rate risk between 2014 and 2015 occurred due to the increase in the sensitivity of the loan portfolio.

 

On the other hand, the net interest income sensitivity in foreign currency in the face of 100 basis points was USD 4.4 million, which is not a significant difference between 2014 and 2015.

 

o Assumptions and Limitations:

 

Net interest income sensitivity analysis is based on the repricing model and consider the following key assumptions: (a) does not consider prepaid, new operations, defaults, etc., (b); the fixed rate instruments sensitivity, includes the amounts with maturity lower than one year and assuming these will be disbursed at interest rates market and (c) changes in interest rate occur immediately and parallel in the yield curves from assets and liabilities for different maturities.

 

· Structural Equity Risk Exposure (Banking Book)

 

Grupo Bancolombia’s investment banking affiliate, in its role of financial corporation, has, directly and through its affiliated companies, structural equity investments. These positions are maintained mostly in energy and construction sectors. Smaller positions are held on the financial sector.

 

Those investments had a 22% decrease in market value, going from COP 337 billion as of December 31st, 2014 to COP 262 billion as of December 31st, 2015. 

 

The structural equity positions are exposed to market risk. Sensitivity calculations are made for those positions:

 

      2015       2014  
Market Value     COP 261,648       COP 337,097  
Delta       14.7 %       14.7 %
Sensitivity     COP 38,462       COP 49,553  

 

A negative impact of 14,7%, apply to the market value, produces a decrease of  COP 38 billion on the structural equity investments market value, going from COP 262 billion to 223 billion.

 

F- 166

 

1. Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is defined as the inability of a financial firm to meet its debt obligations without incurring unacceptably large losses. Thus, funding liquidity risk is the risk that a firm will not be able to meet its current and future cash flow and collateral needs, both expected and unexpected, without materially affecting its daily operations or overall financial condition. Banks are sensitive to funding liquidity risk since debt maturity transformation is one of their key business areas.

 

At Bancolombia, liquidity prevails over any objective of growth or revenue. Managing liquidity has always been a fundamental pillar of its business strategy, together with capital, in supporting its balance sheet strength.

 

The Bank’s liquidity management model promotes the autonomy of subsidiaries, which must be self-sufficient in their structural funding. Each subsidiary is responsible for meeting the liquidity needs of its current and future activity, within a framework of management coordination at the Group level. The metrics used to control liquidity risk are developed based on common and homogeneous concepts, but analysis and adaptation are made by each subsidiary.

 

In line with best governance practices, the Bank has established a clear division of function between executing liquidity management, which is the responsibility of the Asset and Liability Division, and their monitoring and control, responsibility of the Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office.

 

The different authorities of senior management define the policies and guidelines for managing Liquidity Risk. These authorities are the Board of Directors, the Risk Committee, and senior management of the Parent Company, which set the risk appetite and define the financial strategy. The ALCO committees define the objective positioning of liquidity and the strategies that ensure the funding needs derived from businesses. The ALM Division and the Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office support the mentioned committees, which elaborate analysis and management proposals, and control compliance with the limits established.

 

Liquidity Risks Management Office is responsible for proposing the minimum amount of the liquidity reserve, the policies of the liquidity portfolio, defining premises and metrics in order to model the behavior of the cash flows, proposing and monitoring liquidity limits in line with the Bank's risk appetite, simulating stress scenarios, evaluating and reporting the risks inherent to new products and operations, and submitting the reports required by the internal authorities for decision-making, as well as by regulators. All of the above activities are verified and evaluated by the Internal Audit.

 

The measures to control liquidity risk include maintaining a portfolio of high liquid assets, and the definition of triggers and liquidity limits, which enable evaluating the level of exposure of each one of the entities in a proactive way.

 

The methodologies used to control liquidity risk include the liquidity gaps and stress scenarios. The liquidity gaps measure the mismatches of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet position´s cash flows, separately for legal currency and foreign currency. Regulatory metrics are also applied, in which the contractual maturities are used; and internal models in which the cash flows are adjusted by different ratios, for reflecting a more real behavior of them.

 

Each subsidiary creates their liquidity gap according to the characteristics of their business and they tackle them through the different financing resources they have available. The recurrence of the businesses that are going to be financed, the stability of the financing sources, and the ability of the assets to be converted into liquid are the fundamental factors that are taken into account in the definition of this metric. In practice, and given the different behaviors of a same item in the Bank’s subsidiaries, there are common standards and methodologies to homogenize the construction of liquidity risk profiles for each unit so they can be presented in a comparable way to the Bank's Senior Management.

 

F- 167

 

Periodically, a validation of the policies, limits, processes, methodologies and tools for evaluation liquidity risk exposure is done, in order to establish its pertinence and functionality, and to carry out the necessary adjustments. The Market and Liquidity Risks Management Office elaborate daily, weekly and monthly reports in order to monitor the exposure levels and the limits and triggers set up, and to support the decision-making process.

 

Each subsidiary has its own liquidity contingency plan, which is tested annually. These contingency plans procure the optimization of different funding sources, among them going to the Parent Company.

 

2. Liquidity Risk Management

 

The Bank’s Board of Directors sets the strategy for managing liquidity risk and delegates responsibility for oversight of the implementation of this policy to ALCO committee that approves the Bank’s liquidity policies and procedures. The Treasury Division manages the Bank’s liquidity position on a day-to-day basis and reviews daily reports covering the liquidity position. A summary report, including any exceptions and remedial action taken, is submitted regularly to Risk Committee and ALCO committees.

 

· Liquidity Risk Exposure:

 

In order to estimate liquidity risk, the Bank measures a liquidity coverage ratio to ensure holding “high quality liquid assets” (HQLA) sufficient to cover potential net cash outflows into 30 days. This indicator allows the Bank to meet liquidity coverage for the next month.

 

The liquidity coverage ratio is presented following:

 

    December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
Liquidity Coverage Ratio   In millions of COP  
Net cash outflows into 30 days     4,940,749       5,620,543  
Liquid Assets     25,295,734       19,611,798  
Liquidity Ratio     511.98 %     348.93 %

 

o Contractual Maturities of Financial Assets

 

The tables below set out the remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s financial assets

 

    December 31, 2015  
Assets   0 - 1 Year     1- 3 Years     3- 5 Years     More than 5 Years  
    In millions of COP  
Cash and balances with central bank     14,295,163       -       -       -  
Interbank borrowings - Repurchase agreements     4,727,842       -       -       -  
Financial assets investments     6,172,115       5,246,429       1,490,030       3,884,006  
Loans and advances to customers     55,371,495       45,822,004       30,971,805       48,150,359  
Derivative financial instruments     2,083,030       570,041       201,374       616,116  
Total Assets     82,649,645       51,638,474       32,663,209       52,650,481  

 

    December 31, 2014  
Assets   0 - 1 Year     1- 3 Years     3- 5 Years     More than 5 Years  
    In millions of COP  
Cash and balances with central bank     11,194,859       -       -       -  
Interbank borrowings - Repurchase agreements     2,315,079       -       -       -  
Financial assets investments     6,442,136       2,728,128       1,705,487       2,857,886  
Loans and advances to customers     43,217,081       44,561,415       18,364,413       28,411,133  
Derivative financial instruments     2,492,929       380,434       73,606       129,944  
Total Assets     65,662,084       47,669,977       20,143,506       31,398,963  

 

F- 168

 

o Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

 

The tables below set out the remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s financial liabilities

 

    December 31, 2015  
Liabilities   0 - 1 Year     1- 3 Years     3- 5 Years     More than 5 Years  
    In millions of COP  
Demand deposit from customers     73,088,239       -       -       -  
Time deposits from customers     36,834,046       10,102,847       3,800,463       3,009,904  
Interbank deposits - Repurchase agreements     1,660,910       -       -       -  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     14,087,425       4,587,870       1,680,978       1,646,747  
Debt securities in issue     2,907,077       3,687,330       7,456,174       13,118,661  
Derivative financial instruments     2,072,756       318,171       110,677       538,326  
Total Liabilities     130,650,453       18,696,218       13,048,292       18,313,638  

 

    December 31, 2014  
    Liabilities     1- 3 Years     3- 5 Years     More than 5 Years  
    In millions of COP  
Demand deposit from customers     58,664,223       -       -       -  
Time deposits from customers     27,825,295       7,921,088       2,362,990       2,318,948  
Interbank deposits - Repurchase agreements     2,290,519       -       -       -  
Borrowings from other financial institutions     8,531,192       4,688,423       1,431,325       878,216  
Debt securities in issue     1,950,950       5,679,883       2,557,218       13,044,729  
Derivative financial instruments     2,349,996       163,176       103,759       123,894  
Total Liabilities     101,612,175       18,452,568       6,455,290       16,365,787  

 

The expected cash flows for some assets and liabilities vary significantly in their contractual maturity. The main differences are the following:

 

· The demand deposits seen historically have maintained a tendency to remain stable and to increase.
· The mortgages loans, in spite of having contractual maturity between 15 and 20 years, its average life that is less than these terms.

 

o Financial guarantees

 

The tables below set out the remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s financial guarantees

 

F- 169

 

    December 31, 2015  
    0 - 1 YEAR     1- 3 YEARS     3- 5 YEARS     MORE THAN 5
YEARS
 
    In millions of COP  
Financial guarantees     4,804,027       1,430,371       548,991       340,132  

 

    December 31, 2014  
    0 - 1 YEAR     1- 3 YEARS     3- 5 YEARS     MORE THAN 5
YEARS
 
    In millions of COP  
Financial guarantees     4,573,432       1,758,352       395,728       514,756  

 

o Liquid Assets

 

One of the main guidelines of the Bank is to maintain a solid liquidity position, therefore, the ALCO Committee has established a minimum level of liquid assets, based on the funding needs of each subsidiary, to ensure, as far as possible, that the Bank will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Bank’s reputation.

 

The following table shows the liquid assets held by The Bank:

 

Liquid Assets   December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
    In millions of COP  
High quality liquid assets                
Cash     13,594,073       11,243,495  
High quality  liquid securities (1)     8,901,316       6,837,000  
Other Liquid Assets                
Other securities     2,800,345       1,531,303  
Total Liquid Assets     25,295,734       19,611,798  

 

(1) Feature possesses the high liquidity available in all cases, and those liquid assets received by the Central Bank for its operations expansion and monetary contraction. Liquid assets are adjusted for market liquidity.

 

3. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

 

The Board of Directors is the maximum organ in capital management, responsible for determining the capital required to withstand the risks of the Bank and define the guidelines for the capital allocation models of the organizations of The Bank, for which it has the support of the Risk Committee.

 

Aware of the importance of optimizing capital, creating value for the shareholder and maintaining an adequate level of solvency, The Bank has developed a framework of principles and methodologies that allow us to evaluate the risk-return relationship in decision-making. The VAS model (Value Aggregate System) is the system we have adopted that includes risk evaluation, its relation to profit, makes determining prices easier and is the basis for variable remuneration.

 

The prudent and well-balanced policy for the allocation of capital adopted by The Bank to evaluate risk is designed mainly to cover unexpected losses that could arise from the risks to which it is exposed.

 

F- 170

 

Also, the zone of Risk Appetite was defined for the eight most relevant indicators for the monitoring of risks. In addition, the Appetite Consumption indicator was constructed, which shows the relative measurement between the risk profile of the organization in a determined month and the maximum appetite in all of the indicators.

 

Finally, there were advances in the initial definition to disaggregate the limits of Risk Appetite: for credit risk by banks and markets, for market and liquidity risk by companies and for operational risk by country.

 

F- 171

 

 

Exhibit 1.1

 

BYLAWS BANCOLOMBIA S.A.

 

CHAPTER I

 

NAME - TYPE - NATIONALITY - DOMICILE - OBJECT -TERM

 

Article 1. Name - Nature – Nationality. Bancolombia S.A. is a Colombian business Stock Corporation, incorporated through public deed No. 388, January 24, 1945, granted before Notary’s office No. 1, Medellín. It may also do business under the corporate name Banco de Colombia S.A., and may designate its commercial premises, products and services, under the trade name of Bancolombia.

 

Article 2. Domicile. The main domicile of the Bank is the city of Medellín, capital city of the Province of Antioquia, Republic of Colombia, where its main corporate business and premises are also located.

 

The domicile may not be changed without prior resolution from the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Article 3. Corporate object. The Bank's Corporate Object consists of all the banking operations, business, acts and services, performed through the banking establishment bearing its name and subject to the applicable legal provisions.

 

In the implementation of its corporate object and subject to the restrictions and limitations imposed by the law, the business Corporation may develop all the activities authorized to such kind of establishments and perform the investments allowed to perform.

 

In the Bank's corporate object are included such acts which are directly related with it and those whose purpose is to exercise the rights and fulfill the obligations, legally or conventionally derived from the existence and activity of the Corporation.

 

The Corporation may also participate in the capital of other corporations, when it is authorized by law, within the terms, and with the requirements, limits or conditions established by such a law.

 

Article 4. Term. Originally, the corporation was established for a fifty (50)-year term, starting on December 9, 1944, when the Superintendencia Bancaria (Today, Colombia Superintendency of Finance) approved the Corporation Charter; such term was extended for other fifty years, that is, until December 8 th , 2044.

 

CHAPTER II

 

CAPITAL

 

Article 5. Authorized Capital. The authorized capital of Bancolombia S.A. is seven hundred thousand million Colombian Pesos (COP 700,000,000,000), divided into one million four hundred thousand shares (1,400,000,000), of a par value of five hundred pesos (COP 500.oo) each share.

 

Article 6. Subscribed and Paid-In Capital. The subscribed and paid-in capital of Bancolombia S.A. shall be established and set in accordance with the Law, these bylaws, and any particular provisions contained in the regulations governing financial institutions.

 

 

 

 

Article 7. Variations of Capital. The authorized capital may be modified only by the General Meeting of Shareholders in compliance with the requirements of the Law, in accordance with the relevant amendment to the Bylaws, legally approved and formalized. Any modification to the subscribed and paid-in capital stock shall be certified by the External Auditor in accordance with the legal provisions and shall be filed with the mercantile public record.

 

CHAPTER III

 

STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS

 

Article 8. Share Classes. The company's shares are certificated and of capital stock and may be: a) common, b) privileged, and c) with preferred dividend and without voting rights. To the extent that it is not contrary to their nature, privileged shares shall be subject to the provisions in these Bylaws that are applicable to common shares.

 

Shares in which social capital is divided will circulate in an electronic way; consequently any negotiation or affectation to their rights will be legalized by electronic registry or registry in an account through a Centralized Securities Deposit. Pursuant to article 5 of the Bylaws, all shares issued shall have the same nominal value.

 

Article 9. Limits on the issuance of shares with preferred dividend and without voting rights. In the terms of Law, shares with preferred dividend and without voting rights, may not represent more than fifty percent (50%) of the subscribed capital.

 

Article 10. Certificates . Banks shares will be represented in deposited macro certificates and under the custody of Centralized Securities Deposit, for the shareholder’s rights, the notation and the registration of the certificate in Shareholders’ Book will be sufficient, with which he will credit his ownership before Centralized Securities Deposit.

 

Article 11. Payment of Shares. While shares are not fully paid up, only provisional certificates shall be issued to shareholders.

 

Article 12. Shareholders’ ledger. The Corporation shall keep a Stock Record in the manner prescribed by the law, where each stockholder's name, nationality, domicile and identification number shall be recorded. Bearing in mind that the transfer of shares will be made with the notation on the account by Centralized Securities Deposit and its registry in the Shareholder’s ledger, the bank will acknowledge the quality of shareholder or owner of shares only to the person who appears registered in the Shareholder’s ledger. Likewise, any lien, encumbrance, fractioning, usufruct, legal demand, existing cautionary measure or any other on regard of the Bank´s shares, as well as any other affectation of them will be in force or will be legalized, as the case may be in the corresponding registry through the notation in the accounts of Centralized Securities Deposit, according to Colombia Securities market. Consequently, no sale or transfer of shares, lien or limitation, encumbrance or adjudication, will have any effect in relation to the bank or the third parties unless they are registered in the Shareholder’s ledger, to which the bank cannot deny unless there is an order of competent authority, or for shares for which requirements for its negotiation have not been met.

 

 

 

 

PARAGRAPH: Through decision of Board of Directors, the Bank could delegate on a specialized entity or a Centralized Securities Deposit, the keeping of the Shareholder’s ledger.

 

Article 13. Shareholder’s information . Bank shareholders shall update required information for entailment and control of money laundering. Information and data contributed, including contact, financial and the Bank will keep commercial information. The Bank will be authorized to file and use such information for the compliance of obligations and rights it has as issuer. This information may be provided to Centralized Securities Deposit and or to a delegated entity for the shareholders’ assistance; these entities will also be committed to use it, keep it, custody it and use it according to the norms of securities market in which shares are negotiated.

 

All these without prejudice of the use of such information by authorized authority.

 

Article 14. Negotiation of Shares. Shares are negotiable in accordance with the Law, except in the cases legally exempted and their sale will be legalized through a notation in an account by Centralized Securities Deposit.

 

The Bank does not assume any responsibility by reason of facts or circumstances that might affect the validity of the contract between the transferor and the transferee of shares.

 

Article 15. Negotiation of Unpaid Shares. Unpaid shares may be negotiated in the same manner as paid-up shares, but both assignor and assignee shall be jointly and severally liable for the unpaid amount.

 

Article 16. Pending Dividends. When in the letter of transfer of shares or in the respective order the contrary is not explicitly stated, pending dividends shall belong to the buyer of the shares from the date of the letter or the order of transfer.

 

Article 17. Non-Transferable Stock. No stocks whose register has been cancelled or prevented by order of competent authority can be alienated.

 

To transfer stock whose ownership is under litigation, authorization from the respective judge is needed; as to attached shares, authorization from the plaintiff is also needed.

 

Article 18. Shares Pledged and Given in Usufruct. Shares levied with pledges may not be alienated without consent of the creditor. The pledge on shares does not give the creditor the rights inherent to the capacity of shareholder but with authorization of explicit agreement. The writing or document containing the corresponding agreement shall be sufficient to exercise the rights conferred on the creditor before the Bank.

 

The pledge shall be legalized through registration in the Shareholder’s ledger.

 

Unless explicit stated otherwise, the usufruct shall confer all the rights inherent to the capacity of shareholder excepting the right to alienate or encumber them, and their reimbursement after liquidation. For the exercise of rights reserved by the bare owner, the presentation of the writing or document where such reserves are made is sufficient.

 

 

 

 

Article 19. Attachment of Shares. The attachment of shares shall be carried out with the registration in the Shareholder’s ledger with written order from the competent officer. The attachment covers the corresponding dividend and can be restricted to it. In this last event, the attachment shall be carried out through order of the judge to perform the attachment and to place the respective amounts at his disposal.

 

Article 20. Withholding of Dividends. The Bank shall keep dividends in demand deposits, without interests, whenever there is litigation over shares and it is ordered the withholding of their dividends, until the official ordering the withholding notifies to whom they shall be provided

 

Article 21. Adherence to the Bylaws and to the Good Governance Code. It is understood that any one acquiring shares of the Bank, either through the subscription agreement or by transfer, or any other way, shall be subject to these bylaws and to its Good Governance Code

 

Article 22. Taxes. Taxes levied on the issuance and transfer of shares are to be charged to the stockholders.

 

CHAPTER IV

 

SUBSCRIPTION OF NEW STOCKS

 

Article 23. Share Issuance and Regulation. The shares currently on reserve and shares subsequently created by the General Shareholders´ meeting, shall be issued on the times and according to the basis determined by the competent corporate body.

 

It is a duty of the Board of Directors, to order the issuance of common stocks, and to publish the respective regulation of the issue of shares, subject to the applicable legal and statutory provisions.

 

The issuance of shares with preferential dividends and without voting right shall be ordered by the General Shareholders’ Meeting, and its regulation may be delegated to the Board of Directors.

 

If shares with preferential dividend and without right to voting are issued, the issuance regulation may indicate if they can be converted into common stocks, the term for such conversion and if it is optional or compulsory.

 

In a similar way, when as a consequence of changes in the Bank´s structure, the type of shares with preferential dividend and without right to voting disappear, such shares shall be converted in common shares.

 

In the event that shares with preferential dividends and without right to voting are converted into common shares, each share of the first kind, shall be entitled to one share of the second kind.

 

Issuance of privileged shares shall be approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders, which shall determine the nature and extent of any privileges, subject to the Bylaws and the legal provisions; and shall further regulate the placement thereof. Likewise, the diminution or suppression of privileges will be determined by the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Article 24. Preemptive Rights. In the regulation of subscription of shares, the pre-emptive right in favor of stockholders' shall be regulated, indicating the ratio and manner such stockholders will be able to subscribe the new issued shares. The term for the exercise of this right shall also be stated in the regulation and it shall not be less than fifteen (15) business days after the date when the Bank transmits the offer to the stockholders in the manner provided for in these bylaws to call the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 

 

 

The right of subscription of shares is negotiable since the date of the notice of the offer, through written document indicating the name of the assignee or assignees.

 

The legal and statutory provisions on regard of pre-emptive rights shall be observed in the event there are stockholders with preference dividend and without voting right.

 

Likewise, applicable regulations shall govern when approving the issuance of privileged shares.

 

PARAGRAPH: The Board of Directors or the General Meeting, in the same resolution about placement of stocks, may authorize the Presidency to sell, through direct negotiation with third parties, or outside the stock market, the remaining stock of the issuance, once the time for the exercise of the pre-emptive right has elapsed.

 

Article 25. Placement without pre-emptive right. The General Meeting of Shareholders through favorable voting of at least seventy per cent (70%) of the stock represented at the meeting may dispose that a certain issuance of stock be placed without subjection to the pre-emptive in favor of the shareholders.

 

Article 26. Payment of Issued and Outstanding shares. The issued and outstanding shares shall be paid in cash, in the manner indicated in the regulation. When this provides cancellation by installments, not less than a half shall be paid at the moment of subscription, and the balance in a maximum term of one year.

 

Article 27. Minimum value of shares and issuance authorization. The Bank may not issue shares for a price lower than their par value, and to be able to perform the subscription of the issued shares, approval of the respective regulation shall be obtained from the Superintendency of Finance.

 

CHAPTER V

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ REPRESENTATION

 

Article 28. Power of Attorney. Shareholders may be represented before the Bank to deliberate and vote at the General Shareholders´ Meeting, to claim dividends and for any other purpose through a written power of attorney, or any electronic means, according to the Law.

 

The Banks will grant validity to the representation and voting made by shareholders through electronic media in the terms established by Colombian legislation and according to the Board of Directors.

 

PARAGRAPH: When the power of attorney is granted to represent shares at a certain meeting of the General Shareholders´ Meeting, it is understood, except if the grantor of power has expressed otherwise, that such power of attorney is sufficient to exercise such a representation at successive meetings that are a consequence or prolongation of the first meeting, whether due to initial absence of quorum, or by adjournment of deliberations.

 

 

 

 

Article 29. Indivisibility of shares. Shares are indivisible, and therefore, when due to any legal or conventional cause, a share belongs to several people, they shall appoint a single and common representative to exercise the rights corresponding to the capacity of shareholder. In the absence of agreement, any interested party may request the judge with jurisdiction on the corporate domicile, the appointment of a representative of such shares.

 

Article 30. Representation of illiquid succession. When an illiquid succession own Bank's stock, the executor with tenancy of property shall exercise the stockholders' rights. If there are several executors, they shall appoint a single representative, unless one of them would have been authorized by the judge to such effect. In the absence of executor, the representation shall be exercised by the person elected by a majority of votes of the successors recognized in the proceeding.

 

Article 31. Exercise of the Representation. The Bank shall only recognize one representative per shareholder, whether this is a natural or legal person, a community or a corporation. At the meetings of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the representation and the right to voting are indivisible, that is, the representative or proxy is not allowed to fraction the vote of his principal or donor, which means that he may not vote with a group of represented shares, in one sense or for certain persons, and with another or other shares to the contrary or for other people. Nevertheless, this indivisibility is not opposed to the fact that the representative or proxy of several natural or legal persons, or several individuals or collectivities, may vote in each case adhering separately to the instructions given by each person or group represented or principal, but without dividing, in any event, the votes corresponding to the same person.

 

Article 32. Legal capacity. The fact that a person is registered in the Shareholders´ ledger does not entitle him to exercise his shareholder's rights if he lacks legal capacity. In such case, those rights shall be exercised by his legal representative.

 

Article 33. Incompatibility of Administrators and Employees. While they hold their positions, the administrators and employees of the Bank may neither have power to represent other people's shares at the meetings of the General Meeting of Shareholders, nor substitute the powers conferred on them. This prohibition does not include the case of legal representation.

 

Administrators and employees of the Bank may neither vote, even with their own shares, the decision whose object is the approval of the end-of-term balances and accounts, nor those of the liquidation.

 

CHAPTER VI

 

MECHANISMS FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS

 

Article 34. Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution. Differences arising among shareholders with regard to the general management of the Bank, its operations, projects and businesses, shall be discussed and resolved by the General Shareholders´ Meeting pursuant to the provisions of the law and these Bylaws. Individual conflicts arising between the Bank and the shareholders or its Board of Directors or among the shareholders themselves, shall be resolved: in the first instance through direct agreement; in the second instance by friendly intermediaries designated by the parties; and in the third instance by the intervention of conciliators from the Conciliation and Arbitration Center of the Chamber of Commerce of Medellin.

 

 

 

 

Disputes arising between the shareholders and the Bank, or among the shareholders, in their capacity as shareholders, for so long as the Bank shall exist, through the time of its dissolution and during the period of its liquidation, that cannot be resolved by means of the aforementioned mechanisms in the period of 60 calendar days, shall be submitted to the binding decision of an arbitral tribunal in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, which shall be composed of three (3) Colombian citizens who are attorneys, who will pronounce a sentence accordance to law.

 

The appointment of the arbitrators shall be made by common agreement between the parties, within ten working days, counted from the day that the notice of a dispute is presented by one party to the other. If there is no agreement on the identity of the arbitrators, such appointment shall be made by the Conciliation and Arbitration Center of the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá, by selecting from a list of ten names that have been jointly submitted by the parties during ten working days following the initiation of the period previously mentioned. In the total absence of agreement, the Chamber of Commerce shall make the designation in accordance with its regulations. “Party” shall be understood to mean the person or group of persons who hold the same claim.

 

The Court shall act in accordance with the rules of the Conciliation and Arbitration Center of the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá, and with respect to any matters not covered by this article and those rules, the arbitration process shall follow the applicable laws.

 

CHAPTER VII

 

MANAGEMENT AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

ARTICLE 35. Direction and Management Bodies. For the purposes of its direction and management, the Corporation has the following bodies:

 

1. General Meeting of Shareholders

 

2. Board of Directors

 

3. Presidency

 

Each such body shall have the functions and attributes provided in these bylaws, pursuant to the special provisions herein contained and the legal provisions.

 

Article 36. Duties of the Administrators. The Bank's administrators must act in good faith, loyally and with a good businessperson’s diligence. They shall act in the company's best interest, taking into account shareholders' interests. In performing their duties, the administrators must:

 

1. Make efforts leading to the proper development of the corporate object.

 

2. Oversee strict compliance with legal or by-law provisions.

 

3. Oversee proper fulfillment of the audit functions.

 

4. Guard and protect the commercial and industrial reserve of the company.

 

5. Abstain from using privileged information inappropriately.

 

6. Treat all shareholders fairly and respect the exercise of their inspection rights.

 

7. Refrain from participating, by themselves or through third parties in either their personal interest or in the interest of third parties, in any activities entailing competition with the company or in any acts that might involve conflicts of interest.

 

 

 

 

All Directors, executive officers and employees that find themselves confronted with a possible conflict of interest should proceed as follows:

 

In any situation that creates a doubt concerning the possible existence of a conflict of interest, the Director, officer or employee is obliged to proceed as if such conflict did exist, and procedure established by Colombian law will govern. If there is not a disposition expressly applicable, the Good Governance Code will govern.

 

The commercial relations of the Bank with its main shareholders shall be conducted within the limitations and conditions established by the applicable laws and, in any event, under market conditions. The economic relations of the Bank with its Directors, the President, and the Executive Officers shall be conducted within the limitations and conditions established by relevant law and regulations on prevention, management and resolution of conflicts of interest.

 

8. Comply with all and any rules of conduct and obligations imposed by law upon the administrators of financial institutions, particularly those concerning bank management risks, under the principle of servicing the public interest.

 

9. In general, comply with all and any provisions provided in law and in the bylaws, and those contained in the Bank's Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Code.

 

CHAPTER VIII

 

GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

Article 37. Composition. The General Meeting of Shareholders shall consist of the stockholders registered in the Shareholder’s Ledger, in person or through legal representative or attorneys authorized with power of attorney conferred in writing, met with the quorum and the conditions set forth in these bylaws.

 

PARAGRAPH: For the Bank, electronic participation of shareholders by electronic, virtual or internet means among others will be valid, as well as the electronic vote, according to applicable legislation.

 

Article 38. General Meeting of Shareholders´ Direction. The General Shareholders' Meeting shall be chaired by the President of the Bank; in his absence, by the members of the Board of Directors, according to their order; in the absence of the foregoing, by the person appointed by the General Shareholders’ Meeting among the participants at the meeting, by majority of the votes corresponding to the shares represented therein. The Secretary of the Bank shall act as Secretary of the General Meeting, and in his absence, the person appointed by the President of such meeting.

 

Article 39. Notice of meeting. The notice of meetings both regular and special of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be transmitted by notice published at least on one daily newspaper of wide circulation in the city domicile of the Bank. The notice of meetings where end-of-term balances, increase of authorized capital, or diminishing of subscribed capital, spin off, merger of assets, liabilities, and contracts which represent more than 25% of the total of them are to be examined shall be made at least thirty (30) calendar days before the date appointed for the meeting; in the other cases, such notice shall be made fifteen (15) calendar days in advance. To compute these days, neither the day of the notice nor the day of the meeting shall be counted. The notice for special meetings shall be accompanied with the corresponding agenda.

 

 

 

 

PARAGRAPH: When it is intended to discuss the increase of the authorized capital or the decrease of the issued capital, spin off, merger or cession of assets, liabilities and contract which represent more than 25% of the total of them, these points shall be included in the Agenda and in the Notice of Meeting.

 

For this proposal, the Directors shall prepare a report on the proposal´s motivations, which will remain at the disposal of the shareholders, at least, fifteen calendar days (15) before the date of the meeting. For merging, spin off or transformation, the notice will indicate the possibility of shareholders to exercise the withdraw right.

 

Article 40. Ordinary meeting. The General Shareholders' Meeting shall be held every year, no later than the thirty-first of March, for the purpose of assessing the situation of the Bank, designating and electing directors and other officers, reviewing reports, accounts and balance sheets of the preceding fiscal year, deciding on the distribution of profits and agreeing on all measures deemed necessary to ensure achieving the company’s objective. The date of the meeting shall be established by the Board of Directors, and such meeting shall be called by the President of the Bank. Participations and proposals of the shareholders during the meetings will be according to the procedure established in the Bank Good Governance Code. If not so called, the Meeting shall automatically take place on the first business day of April, at 10:00 am, at the Bank’s principal executive offices, where the shareholders will meet and make decisions with a majority vote of the amount of represented shares at the General Shareholders Meeting.

 

PARAGRAPH: The shareholders may examine the financial statements, accounting books, vouchers, the report from the administrators supporting the increase to the authorized capital stock or the decrease of the subscribed capital stock, as the case may be, and every other documents and relevant information of the company, within the deadline and subject to the formalities provided by Law and the Good Governance Code.

 

Article 41. Special meetings: The special meetings shall be held when required by the unforeseen and urgent needs of the Bank, upon notice of meeting made by the Board of Directors, the President, or the External Auditor, whether at their own option, or upon request of a plural number of shareholders representing at least twenty per cent (20%) of the issued stock. In these meetings the General Assembly is not allowed to deal with issues different from those stated in the Agenda published in the call, unless it is so decided by the number of shareholders required by law, and after the Agenda has been finished.

 

The shareholders' request shall be submitted in writing and clearly indicate the object of the call.

 

PARAGRAPH: The Superintendent of Finance may either order the notice of meeting to the General Meeting of Shareholders or to special meetings, or it may make such notice by it, in the cases provided by the law.

 

 

 

 

Article 42. Place of meetings. Except in the case of representation of all subscribed shares, General Meetings of Shareholders shall take place at the Bank's main domicile, on the day, time and place set out in the notice of meeting.

 

PARAGRAPH: Likewise, action of shareholders without a meeting may take place in the terms authorized by law.

 

Article 43. Meeting without notice. The General Meeting of Shareholders may validly meet, deliberate and decide in any place, without need of prior notice, if all subscribed shares are duly represented.

 

Article 44. Deliberation Quorum. There shall be quorum to deliberate with the presence of shareholders representing, at least, one half plus one of the shares entitled to vote at the relevant meeting, whether ordinary or special.

 

If due to lack of quorum the meeting is not held, a new meeting shall be called which may validly deliberate and make decisions with any plural number of shareholders, no matter the number of shares represented thereat.

 

The new meeting shall neither take place before ten (10) days, nor after thirty (30) days, both ends of business days computed from the date of the adjourned meeting.

 

PARAGRAPH 1: Issues requiring, pursuant to the law or these bylaws, voting of a special majority of the issued stock, may only be discussed and passed if the number of shares required in each case is present.

 

PARAGRAPH 2: Issued stock reacquired by the corporation shall not be computed, in any event, to constitute a quorum.

 

Article 45. Functions of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The General Meeting of Shareholders shall exercise the functions listed below, in accordance with the Law:

 

1. Amend the Corporate bylaws.

 

2. To decree the merging of the Corporation, its spin off through subdivision of the Corporate equity, takeover of another financial Company in which the total assets in circulation have been acquired, conversion, and transfer of assets, liabilities and contracts or a part of them higher than 25% of the total of operations of them which may be deems as strategic ones.

 

3. To decree anticipated dissolution of the Corporation and o its liquidation.

 

4. Issuing privileged shares, regulating their placement, determining the nature and scope of privileges, diminishing or suppressing them, subject to the bylaws and to legal provisions.

 

5. To order the issuance of preference shares, which regulation can be delegated into the Board of Directors.

 

6. To regulate that a certain issuance of shares be placed without being subject to the pre-emptive right.

 

7. Examining, approving, disapproving, modifying and concluding the year-end financial statements and accounts to be rendered at the end of fiscal year by the Board of Directors and the President, or when required by the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

8. To appoint, from its members, a plural committee to study the accounts, inventories and balances, when not approved, and report the results to the General Meeting of Shareholders when they required it.

 

9. To order the distribution of profits, providing for reserves and dividends.

 

 

 

 

10. To elect for a two-term year and according to succession policies that the General Meeting has established to the Board of Directors, composed of seven (7) Directors to determine their compensation and to remove them at its sole discretion.

 

11. To elect, for two (2) year terms, the External Auditor of the Corporation and his alternate, and assign their fees and remove them at its discretion.

 

12. To designate for periods of two (2) years, the Financial Consumer Defender and his alternate, and dismiss them freely at the expiration of such period time or at the events determined by law.

 

13. To order actions against managers, directors or External Auditor.

 

14. To approve policies and guidelines to be taken into consideration or the adjustable remuneration of the President and Vice-presidents if such a remuneration is represented in Bank´s shares or lined to their price.

 

15. To exercise all other functions according to the bylaws and Law. In general, to exercise functions which do not correspond to any other body.

 

16. To adopt measures pursuant the bylaws and common interest of shareholders.

 

PARAGRAPH 1: Functions stated in numbers 1 to 14 in this article cannot be delegated.

 

PARAGRAPH 2: The General Meeting of Shareholders shall exercise its functions under the supervision and authorization of the Superintendency of Finance, when legally required. The Bank shall communicate to the Superintendency of Finance the date, time, and place of each meeting of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Article 46. Decision Majorities. Generally, all resolutions by the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be adopted with the affirmative vote of the majority of shares represented at the meeting, taking into account that every share shall give right to one vote. The following decisions are exempted from the above rule:

 

1. The issuance of shares that do not imply the preference right, which will require the favorable vote of seventy per cent (70%) of the shares represented at the meeting.

 

2. The distribution of profits shall be approved by the Meeting with favorable vote of a plural number of shareholders representing at least seventy eight per cent (78%) of the shares represented at the meeting.

 

When the majority provided in the foregoing paragraph is not obtained, at least fifty per cent (50%) of the liquid profits, or from the balance thereof, shall be distributed, if loss from previous fiscal periods had to be cancelled. However, if the amount of the reserves exceeds one hundred per cent (100%) of the subscribed capital, the previous percentage will be raised to seventy per cent (70%).

 

3. When the payment of a dividend is to be paid with issued shares, a favorable vote of eighty per cent (80%) of the common shares represented, and eighty per cent (80%) of the preference shares subscribed shall be required.

 

4. In the event, that changes that would impair the conditions or rights established for the preference shares are to be approved, or when the conversion of such shares into common shares is to be voted, a favorable vote of seventy per cent (70%) of the common shares and of the subscribed preference shares, shall be required.

 

 

 

 

5. Decisions that according to the Law or by provision of these Bylaws require a special majority.

 

Article 47. Elections and voting. At the elections and voting performed at the General Meeting of Shareholders, the following rules shall be observed:

 

1. Elections may be in writing and private or by voice and public, but not secret.

 

2. The General Meeting of Shareholders is not allowed to make appointments by acclamation.

 

3. Election of the External Auditor and his alternate shall be through the absolute majority of shares represented, and may be simultaneous with the designation of the members of the Board of Directors.

 

4. For the election of the members of the Board of Directors, the General Shareholders’ Meeting shall take into account the selection and incompatibility standards established by the law and, as possible, the standards established in the Corporate Governance Code of the Bank which shall be informed with respect to each one of the candidates prior to the ballot.

 

The election of independent directors shall be in a separate ballot to the one to elect the rest of the directors, unless the reaching of the minimum number of independent directors required by law or by the by-laws is assured, or when there is only one list that includes the minimum number of independent directors required by law or by the bylaws.

 

Likewise, in order to set the directors’ fees, the General Shareholders’ Meeting shall consider the number and quality of the directors as well as their responsibilities and time required to perform their duties, in a manner that the fees properly compensate the contribution that the Bank expects from its directors.

 

5. In the election of the members of the Board of Directors or of any collegiate committee, the electoral quotient system shall be applied. This is obtained by dividing the total number of votes validly cast by the number of people to be elected. The scrutiny shall begin from the list that obtained the largest number of votes and shall continue downward. From each list as many names shall be declared elected as many times the electoral quotient fits in the number of votes cast for the same person, and if there are still places to be filled these shall correspond to the highest residue, counting them in the same descending order; blank votes shall be computed only to establish the electoral quotient. If while verifying the scrutiny it is found that somebody appearing on a list has already been elected because he appeared on a previous list, then the person occupying the following position shall be elected.

 

6. In the event that the residue are tied at the election held subject to the previous rule, the tie shall be resolved by drawing lots.

 

7. When the name of a candidate is repeated one or more times on the same list, the votes on that list in his favor shall be computed only once.

 

8. If a list contains more names than those it shall have, the first shall be computed until arriving at the desired number. If the number of names is lower, all the names on the list shall be counted.

 

9. When the General Shareholders' Meeting declares the members of the Board of Directors duly elected, it shall enumerate them, following the order in which they were placed and became elected on the only list or on the several lists that according to the number of votes would have been able to elect their candidates. It shall resolve, then on this basis, which is the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh directors.

 

 

 

 

10. The members of the Board of Directors may not be replaced with partial elections, without electing the whole Board, through the electoral quotient system, unless vacancies are filled unanimously.

 

11. The Corporation cannot vote its own stock.

 

Article 48. Number of debates. All the acts of the General Meeting of Shareholders, amendment of the bylaws included, shall require a single debate, at one ordinary or special meeting.

 

Article 49. Minutes. The procedures of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be recorded in the Minutes Record, which shall be registered at the Chamber of Commerce of the main domicile.

 

The Minutes Record, shall be signed by the President of the General Meeting and by the Secretary or ad-hoc Secretary, and in the absence of this one, by the External Auditor, and they shall be approved by a committee composed of two persons elected by the General Meeting of Shareholders at the same meeting. The minutes shall contain the details and other particulars required by the legal provisions.

 

The resolutions of the General Shareholders Meeting regarding amendment of the bylaws and about dissolution of the corporation before the termination of its term shall be legalized by public deed executed by the President and the Secretary of the Bank.

 

Article 50. Participation by shareholders entitled to preferred dividend and without voting rights. Shares with preference dividend do not grant their holders right to participate at the General Meeting of Shareholders and to vote, except in the following cases:

 

1. At changes that may impair the conditions or rights fixed for such shares and when the conversion of such shares into common shares are to be approved. In this event, such change shall have the approval of the majority established under No. 4 Article 46 of these Bylaws.

 

2. When voting the advance dissolution, merger, transformation of the corporation or change of its corporate purpose.

 

3. When the preference dividend has not been fully paid during two consecutive annual terms. In this event, holders of such shares shall retain their right to voting until the corresponding accrued dividends have been paid up to them.

 

4. When the General Shareholders´ Meeting orders the payment of dividends with issued shares. In this event, the decision shall be approved by the majority set forth under No. 3, Article 46 of these Bylaws.

 

5. If at the end of a fiscal period, the Bank does not produce sufficient profits to cancel the minimum dividend, and the Superintendency of Finance by its own decision, or upon petition of holders of preference shares representing at least ten per cent (10%) of these shares, provides that benefits that decrease the profits to be distributed, had been concealed or misled, it may determine that the holders of these shares participate with right to speaking and voting at General Shareholders´ Meeting, according to the provisions of the Law.6. When the register of shares at the Stock Exchange or at the National Register of Securities is suspended. In this event, the right to voting shall be maintained until the irregularities that determined such cancellation or suspension disappear.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER IX

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Article 51. Composition. The Board of Directors is composed of seven Directors, with the character of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, according to their order of election. In accordance with Colombian laws, the Board of Directors shall not be composed by a number of members employed by the Bank that could by themselves form the majority required to take any decision.

 

Article 52. Vacancy. The absence of a director for a period of more than three months, shall produce vacancy of his post.

 

Article 53. Qualification and Inauguration of Directors. Any Director, before taking office, shall await until the Superintendency of Finance qualifies him, authorizes his inauguration and he takes an oath pursuant to the provisions of the law.

 

Article 54. Incompatibility due to Kinship. The Board of Directors may not be composed of any majority of people linked by marriage or kinship with the third degree of consanguinity, or second of affinity, or first civil; should the Board be elected breaching this article, it cannot act, and the previous Board shall continue in the exercise of its functions, and it will therewith call the General Meeting of Shareholders to new elections. Any decisions made by the Board composed of a majority breaching the provisions of this rule are nor valid.

 

Article 55. Term of Directors. The Directors shall be elected for two (2) year periods, but they shall remain in their positions until their successors are elected and qualified, except when they have been removed or declared incompetent before. The directors may be re-elected, and removed at the discretion of the General Meeting of Shareholders even before the termination of their term.

 

Article 56. Board Members. Following qualification, the directors elected by the General Meeting of Shareholders shall hold a meeting to elect a President and a Vice President.

 

These positions may rotate among the members of the Board of Directors, in the manner determined by the Board of Directors and will have to oversee the efficiency and best performance of the Corporation. Under any circumstances, a legal representative of the Bank can be elected President of the Board of Directors. The President of the Board of Directors in coordination with the President of the Bank or the Secretary will participate in the preparation of the annual Agenda of meetings and will provide necessary guidelines for the execution, will oversee the timely delivery of information to the Board of Directors., will guide conversations with the purpose of assuring the participation of directors and the purpose of debates and will oversee evaluation processes of the body and its committees. They will also guide the interaction of directors among them and between the Board of Directors and the Shareholders.

 

In the event of temporary or accidental absences of the President of the Bank and in a temporary way until the Board of Directors meets, the President of the Board of Directors will appoint as his deputy to one of the vice-presidents who have legal representation.

 

 

 

 

Article 57. Meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall meet at least once a month on the day and time determined by itself, and extraordinarily at any time if called by itself, the President of the Bank, the External Auditor, or by two of its Directors.

 

The notice to special meetings shall be communicated at least one day in advance, but if all the members are present at a meeting, they can deliberate at any time and place, and make decisions without previous notice.

 

Likewise, meetings for which the presence of the shareholders is not required may be held according to the provisions of the Law.

 

Article 58. Attendance of Bank officials. The President of the Bank shall attend the meetings of the Board with authority to speak but without right to voting. The External Auditor may attend under the same conditions. In addition to these, other officials of the Bank may attend, but none of them will earn special remuneration for this attendance.

 

Article 59. Place of meetings. The meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at the corporate domicile or at any place that for special cases the Board agrees.

 

Article 60. Functioning of the Board of Directors. The operation of the Board of Directors shall be governed by the following rules and by those determined by law, the bylaws, The Good Governance Code and all other norms or codes of the Bank.

 

1. It shall deliberate validly without the presence of the Bank´s President, Bank´s Secretary or other members of the Bank´s administration.

 

2. It shall deliberate with a minimum of four (4) of its members.

 

3. All decisions shall be made with the affirmative vote of the majority of members, except when the Law requires a higher number of votes.

 

4. In the event of a tie in voting proposals or resolutions, these are deemed denied. If the tie occurs when making an appointment, the voting shall be repeated, and if there is still a tie, such appointment shall be considered suspended.

 

5. The issues dealt with at all the meetings shall be recorded in chronological order in a minutes record which shall be registered at the Chamber of Commerce of the corporate domicile; the minutes shall contain the date and time of the meetings, the names of the attendants; the issues dealt with, the decisions made and the number of pro, negative, or blank votes; the written statements left by the participants; the appointments made and the date and time of closing.

 

6. The minutes shall be signed by the President or Vice President and by the Secretary of the meeting.

 

7. In fulfilling their functions, the directors must comply the principles set forth in the Corporate Governance Code approved by the Board of Directors and shall oversee the fulfillment of such principles by the Bank´s administrators and officials.

 

8. Should a director find that exercise of his or her duties may entail a conflict of interest, he or she shall promptly inform the remaining members of the Board of Directors and, in any event, shall refrain from participating in the discussion and decision of the matter giving rise to the conflict of interest.

 

 

 

 

Article 61. Duties of the Board of Directors. Duties of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has sufficient authority to order the execution or entering into of any act or contract within the corporate purpose, and to adopt the necessary decisions so that the Bank may accomplish its corporate purpose, and, in particular, shall have the following duties to fulfill its responsibilities in the areas of governance, management supervision, business, internal control and the promotion of ethical behavior:

 

1. Define the Bank's general policies and strategic objectives.

 

2. Create and abolish, subject to the legal provisions, the branches and agencies abroad it considers necessary.

 

3. Fix the schedule of salaries and extralegal benefit payments.

 

4. Define the general structure he deems convenient for the proper management of the Bank and its subsidiaries and approve the creation of vice-presidencies of the Bank.

 

5. Designate the Bank's President, his remuneration, to state his functions, to assure his following plan, and freely remove him.

 

6. To appoint vice-presidents, regional vice-presidents, general auditor and all other executives directed subordinated to the President, to fix their evaluation policies payment and to make a follow-up to their management results and to freely remove them.

 

7. To determine the President's alternates in his definitive, temporary or accidental absences. This without preventing the temporary power of the President of the Board to appoint a deputy, according to terms set up in article 56 of these bylaws.

 

8. To designate the remaining legal representatives of the Bank.

 

9. To authorize the establishment of affiliates and subsidiaries, subject to the legal provisions, and transfer, subscribe or alienate shares, "quotas" or right in such affiliates or subsidiaries or in other corporations or enterprises, subject to the provisions of these bylaws.

 

10. To order the issuance and regulate the subscription of common shares maintained on reserve, and regulate the issuance of shares with preferential dividend and without right to voting, when delegated by the General Shareholders´ Meeting.

 

11. To fix the date to hold the General Meeting of Shareholders, within the period provided in these bylaws, and call special meetings thereof when the Company's unforeseen or urgent needs so require, or upon request of a number of shareholders representing no less than twenty percent (20%) of the subscribed shares. In the latter case, the President shall submit the request to the Board of Directors at its next meeting, and the notice of meeting shall be given on the date determined by the Board of Directors.

 

12. To regulate the right to voting of shareholders through electronic means, according to provisions legally applicable to the Bank.

 

13. To authorize the year-end financial statements, the management's report and the project on profits distribution or cancellation of losses, to be submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders in its ordinary meetings.

 

 

 

 

14. To submit, together with the Bank's President, to the ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders for approval or disapproval, the General Balance-Sheet as of December 31, of the immediately preceding year, accompanied by full details concerning loss and profits and the remaining Financial Statements of general purpose, the project for profits distribution, the written report from the President regarding his management, and the Board of Director's report on the Bank's economic and financial condition together with pertinent accounting and statistical data and any other special data required by Law. For the latter, the Board of Directors may accept the President's report or file a different or supplemental one.

 

15. To determine the investment to be given to the appropriations that, with the character of special funds or of the investment reserve, has ordered the General Meeting of Shareholders, and establish or modify the policies for transitory investments not immediately necessary for the development of the business of the Bank.

 

16. To regulate the placement of bonds on the basis that according to the law, may determine the meeting.

 

17. By explicit delegation from the General Meeting of Shareholders, order donations in favor of welfare, education, or civic services for the benefit of the Bank employees.

 

18. To determine the levels of suitability for the approval of the banking operations upon the amount, subject, connection with the establishment, etc. When due to imperative norms or by disposition of the Good Governance Code, a banking operation is to be approved by the Board, its approval cannot be delegated.

 

19. To examine, when it deems it convenient, in person or through one or several delegates thereof, the books, documents, assets, offices and branch offices of the Bank.

 

20. To grant authorization to the Bank Administrators, in the cases and subject to the statutory requirements, to alienate or acquire shares of the corporation when dealing with operations other than speculation.

 

21. To authorize new operations and financial services, when the norm so requires it.

 

22. To appoint Centralized Securities Deposit or a specialized entity for the keeping of Bank Shareholders´ ledger.

 

23. To supervise the adequate structure and effectiveness of the Bank's internal control, risk analysis and legal compliance systems, submit to the General Shareholders’ Meeting any report that might be required on the matter and disclose to the shareholders and to other investors, by the mechanisms established in the Bank's Good Governance Code, the main risks to which the Bank is exposed and its control mechanisms.

 

24. To designate the members of the Bank's Audit Committee that will support the Board of Directors in supervising the effectiveness of the internal control system and Independence and effectiveness of the auditing.

 

25. To appoint members of risk committee, corporate government, appoints and remuneration and all other support committees that when adopting the Good Governance Code, the Board deems convenient for the exercise of its functions.

 

 

 

 

26. To approve the Bank’s Ethics Code, which will establish the principles and rules of conduct that will guide the attitude and behavior of directors, employees, officers and collaborators regulating, among other aspects, mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interests and the use of privileged information. The Board of Directors will include in the Code the establishment and existence of an Ethics Committee and will regulate its activities.

 

27. To adopt, through approval of the Good Governance Code, any necessary measures in connection to the Bank's governance, its conduct and the information it discloses, to assure full respect of shareholders and investors' rights, the adequate management of its affairs and public disclosure of its performance and assure its compliance, informing this to the General Assembly in its annual report.

 

28. To promote respect and fair treatment of all shareholders and other security investors, in accordance with the parameters established by the regulatory control agencies of the public stock market, the Good Governance Code and the internal regulations of the Bank.

 

29. By approving the Good Governance Code, to regulate the procedure allowing investors to retain, at their expense and under their own responsibility, conduction of special audits on the company, regarding specific and determined matters.

 

30. By approving the Good Governance Code, to define any programs for information to investors, the mechanisms for adequate submission of proposals and participation in assemblies, mechanisms for appropriate attention of their interests and the system for reception of claims from investors in connection with the enforcement of the rules contained in the Good Governance Code.

 

31. To carry out an annual self-assessment of its performance and the performance of the Bank's President. The evaluation must include all aspects detailed in the Bank's Good Governance Code.

 

32. The Board of Directors may present proposals to the General Meeting of Shareholders in all matters considered necessary for the best operations of the Bank, including, among many others, a proposal for remuneration of the Board of Directors.

 

33. To act as a consultant body for the President and the Bank and, generally, exercise all other functions conferred on it by these bylaws and the law.

 

Article 62. Delegation. The Board of Directors may delegate to the President, when it deems it practical, for special cases or for limited time, any or some of the functions listed in the foregoing article, provided they may be delegated.

 

Article 63. Provision of vacancies. In the event of a definitive vacancy of a Director, the Board of Directors may call to a General Meeting of Shareholders to fill the vacancy, either by partial and unanimous voting or through a new election of the whole board, by the electoral quotient system as provided for in these bylaws.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER X

 

PRESIDENCY

 

Article 64. President of the Bank – Capacity. The Government and direct management of the Bank shall be in the charge of the President who is appointed and removed by the Board of Directors at its own discretion.

 

Article 65. Replacement of the President. Upon temporary or accidental absences, and until the Board of Directors meet to appoint a deputy, the position of Bank's President shall be exercised by the Vice-president indicated by the president of the Board of Directors. In the event of absolute absence, that is, because of death, accepted resignation or removal, the Board of Directors shall appoint a new President. Until such appointment is made, the Presidency of the Bank shall be exercised as provided in the preceding paragraph.

 

Article 66. Hierarchical Superiority of the President. All the employees of the Bank, except the External Auditor and his personnel shall be under the authority of the President in the performance of their duties.

 

Article 67. Duties of the President. The following are the duties of the President, which he will exercise directly or through his delegates:

 

1. To execute the decrees and resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders and of the Board of Directors.

 

2. To create the positions, offices or employees that he may consider necessary for the best operations of the Bank; assign their functions, abolish or merge them.

 

3. To create and abolish, subject to the legal provisions, the branches and agencies in the Colombian territory, necessary for the development of the corporate purpose.

 

4. To designate, remove and accept any resignations from the Bank's employees, as well as fix their salaries and compensation, except those whose designation and removal correspond to the General Meeting of Shareholders, to the Board of Directors or to the External Auditor. All of the foregoing may be done directly or through his delegates. The President shall be responsible for evaluating annually the performance of executives that are his direct subordinates.

 

5. To decide as to the absences, excuses and leaves of the Bank's employees, whether directly or through his delegates.

 

6. To order all actions concerning the acknowledgement and cancellations of benefit payments, subject to the provisions of the law and the Board of Directors.

 

7. To adopt the decisions related to the journalizing of depreciations, establishment of appropriations or reserves and other charges or entries to provide for depreciation, devaluation and guarantee of the Corporation's equity; method for valuation of inventories and other standards for the preparation and presentation of the inventory, the balance sheet and the profit and lose statement, subject to the laws, with the established accounting practices and the provisions of the Board of Directors.

 

8. To care for the collection and investment of the Bank funds and all the securities belonging to the Bank and received under custody or deposit be kept with due safety.

 

9. To direct the placement of shares and bonds issued by the Bank.

 

10. To call the General Meeting of Shareholders and the Board of Directors to extraordinary meetings.

 

 

 

 

11. To present in the ordinary meeting of the General Assembly a written report regarding the managing of the company, including the measures whose adoption he recommends to the Assembly, and to present to it, jointly with the Board of Directors, the general balance sheet, the complete detail of the statement of results and the other annexes and documents required by law. The Financial Statements shall be certified in accordance with the law. This report shall contain, among others, a description of the risks inherent to activities related to the Bank, and other material aspects relating to the banking operation, in accordance with current applicable laws and regulations.

 

12. To represent the Bank to the companies, corporations or communities in which it has an interest.

 

13. To visit the branch offices of the Bank when he considers it convenient.

 

14. To perform the functions that by virtue of delegation of the General Meeting of Shareholders or the Board of Directors are conferred on him.

 

15. To order the Internal General Rules of the Bank, its Branch Offices and Agencies.

 

16. To delegate any or some of his duties on the committees or officers that he considers convenient and for concrete cases; provided that these functions are not explicitly reserved to him, or those whose delegation are forbidden by the Law.

 

17. The president may present proposals to the General Meeting of Shareholders in all matters he consider necessary for the best operations of the Bank.

 

18. Other duties related to this position according to law, by-laws or the positions own nature.

 

CHAPTER XI

 

LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BANK

 

Article 68. Legal Representation. As to matters concerning the Company, the Bank's judicial and extrajudicial legal representation shall be carried on by the President and the Vice-Presidents, who may act jointly or separately.

 

Such representatives are empowered to enter or perform, without limitations other than those set forth in these bylaws in reference to transactions requiring the prior authorization from the Board of Directors or from the General Meeting of Shareholders, every act or contract included under the corporate purpose or of a preparatory, ancillary or supplemental nature for achievement of the corporate purposes of the Bank and those directly related to its existence and functioning. Particularly, they may settle, conciliate, arbitrate or negotiate the corporate undertakings, enter into agreements, contracts, arrangements and the like; institute or join any judicial actions, whether administrative or adjudicatory, where the Bank might hold an interest or where its intervention might be required, and file any petitions as applicable in accordance with Law; withdraw any actions or recourses filed; novate any obligations or loans; give or take properties in payment; hire judicial or extrajudicial attorneys; delegate powers, revoke mandates and substitutions and perform every other act securing compliance of the Bank's corporate purpose.

 

In the event of absolute or temporary absence of the President and the Vice-Presidents, the Board of Director’s members shall carry on the Bank's legal representation, in order of their appointment, with the exception of the President of the Board.

 

 

 

 

PARAGRAPH 1: Within the relevant regions and zones, and for all transactions entered in connection therewith, the Regional Vice-presidents and Zone Managers are also authorized to act as the Bank's legal representatives with respect to the Zone or Region they manage. Additionally, branch Managers are authorized to act as the Bank’s legal representatives in connection with matters relating to the relevant office.

 

PARAGRAPH 2: The directors of BANCOLOMBIA's legal divisions are authorized to act as the Bank’s legal representatives. The other lawyers appointed by the Board of Directors for such purpose are authorized to act as the Bank’s legal representatives exclusively for matters and procedures that may arise before the administrative authorities, including the Superintendency of Finance, and the judicial authorities.

 

CHAPTER XII

 

THE GENERAL SECRETARY

 

Article 69. Appointment. The Bank shall have a secretary appointed by the Board of Directors, at its discretion, who shall also act as secretary of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors and the Presidency. For his appointment, the Board of Directors will accept a report prepared by a Board Committee as stated in the Good Governance Code.

 

Article 70. Functions of the Secretary. The Secretary shall:

 

1. Coordinate the organization of the meeting of the General Meeting of Shareholders and the Board of Directors.

 

2. Communicate the calls to the meetings of the General Meeting of Shareholders and the Board of Directors.

 

3. Attend the meetings of the General Meeting of Shareholders and the Board of Directors.

 

4. Maintain, pursuant to the law, the minutes record of the General Meeting of Shareholders and the Board of Directors, and authorize with his signature any copies issued thereof.

 

5. To be in charge of the Shareholder’s .

 

6. In his capacity as Vice-President, exercise the Bank's legal representation.

 

7. Any others of special character conferred on him by the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors, and the Presidency

 

CHAPTER XIII

 

AUDITING

 

Article 71. Appointment and Assumption of Office. The External Auditor and its Substitute shall be designated by the General Assembly of Shareholders for periods of two (2) years, but they can be reelected indefinitely and removed by the Assembly at any time. The Substitute shall replace the principal in all the cases of absolute or temporary absence. Election of the external auditor according to Good Governance Code, shall be on the basis of an objective and public evaluation conducted by the Bank's Audit Committee, and submitted through the Board of Directors, on a fully transparent basis, with the previous analysis of at least two alternatives in aspects such as services offered, fees and expenses, experience, area knowledge, etc. Once elected, the External Auditor and his substitute, they shall assume office, upon authorization from the Superintendency of Finance.

 

 

 

 

Article 72. Qualification. The External Auditor and his Alternate shall be registered public accountants. Should a legal person be appointed as External Auditor, this one shall appoint a registered accountant to audit the Bank´s accounts.

 

Article 73. Inabilities. Anybody who is a partner of the same corporation or of its affiliates, one holding any other position at the Bank, and the one he who is bound by marriage or kinship within the fourth degree of consanguinity, first civil or second of affinity, that is, copartner of the administrators and management officials, cashiers, treasures, auditor and accountant of the Bank may not occupy the position of External Auditor.

 

Article 74. Incompatibilities. The External Auditor shall not hold any other position either at the Bank or at its affiliates, and is forbidden to enter into contracts with the corporation or to acquire shares thereof.

 

Article 75. Functions. The External Auditor shall carry out the functions provided in the Second Book, Title I, Chapter VIII, of the Commerce Code, and is subject to the provisions therein, without harm to other provisions of other laws and regulations and the General Shareholders Assembly while it is compatible with the External Auditor´s legal obligations.

 

PARAGRAPH: Revelation of findings: The External Auditor, in his report to the Shareholders Assembly, shall include, in addition to what is required by law, the relevant findings he produces, so that the shareholders and other investors may rely on the necessary information to make decisions regarding the corresponding securities.

 

Article 76. Remuneration. The External Auditor's remuneration shall be fixed by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The General Meeting of Shareholders where the External Auditor is appointed shall include information related to the appropriations foreseen for the supply of human and technical resources, allocated to the performance of his functions.

 

CHAPTER XIII

 

BRANCH OFFICES AND AGENCIES

 

Article 77 . Operation of Branches and Agencies. The branch offices shall be administered by an employee designated as Manager and the agencies shall be administered by an employee designated as Director. The Managers of the Branch Offices are authorized to act as legal representatives of the Bank in all of the business done in relation to such offices.

 

Article 78. Coordination. The Board of Directors may ascribe several branch offices and agencies in the same or several municipalities to an administrative unit under the denomination indicated by the Board, in the charge of the immediate direction of an employee whose functions and title shall also be determined by the Board of Director.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XIV

 

BALANCES, PROFITS, RESERVE AND DIVIDENDS

 

Article 79. Intermediate Financial Statements. The Bank's intermediate financial statements shall be prepared on the last day of each month, and shall be submitted to the Superintendency of Finance.

 

Article 80. Financial Statements. The company fiscal year shall be the calendar year. As of the thirty-first (31) of December, the company shall prepare a General Financial Statement, an income statement corresponding to the fiscal year ending on such date, and an inventory detailing all assets and liabilities of the company, in accordance with all legal requirements and established accounting regulations, which shall be submitted for consideration to the General Shareholders Meeting, together with the reports, projections and other documents required by law.

 

The company shall state the economic result of the company as a profit or loss per each issued share. This does not preclude that such results be, in addition, expressed in the aggregate, if so accepted by the Shareholders Meeting.

 

Original copies of the General Financial Statement, together with the documents and corresponding attachments, will be sent to the Superintendency of Finance in the manner established by the legal provisions and in accordance with the instructions of the Superintendency.

 

Financial Statements shall be published in the manner provided by the relevant regulations.

 

PARAGRAPH: The Bank shall also present and make available, as applicable and in the manner and periodicity required by law, the consolidated financial statements with its subsidiaries, stating the financial condition, the results of operation, changes in the capital and the cash flows between the Bank and its subsidiaries.

 

Article 81. Legal Reserve. The Bank has established a legal reserve. Such reserve must amount to at least fifty percent (50%) of the subscribed capital, for which purpose ten percent (10%) of each year's liquid profits shall be taken. Once the said limit has been reached, a lesser percentage or no amount may be set aside for said reserve. However, should the reserve fall below fifty percent (50%) of the subscribed capital, it shall be necessary to reach the limit in the manner stated above.

 

Reduction of the reserve below the minimum limit shall be allowed for the purpose of covering any losses in excess of non-distributed profits.

 

Article 82. Distribution of profits. Once the Balance Sheet has been approved, the appropriation for the payment of taxes of the corresponding taxable year has been made, and the transfers to the legal reserve, the General Meeting of Shareholders shall proceed to decree the distribution of the liquid profits, providing for reserves and dividends. The distribution of profits shall be made pro rata to the portion of the nominal value of the shares already paid. The amount of the profits to be distributed may not be less than the minimum percentage that shall be distributed among shareholders, according to the laws, except when the General Meeting of Shareholders determines otherwise, with the majority established by the same laws, and provided that the undistributed benefits are assigned to the legal reserve, or to the statutory and voluntary reserves, prior fulfillment of the provisions contained in the law and in these bylaws.

 

 

 

 

PARAGRAPH : The General Meeting of Shareholders may allocate a portion of the profits to welfare, education or civic services, or to support economic organizations of the Bank employees.

 

Article 83. Shares with Preferred Dividend and without Right to Voting. Shares with preferred dividend, and without right to voting, are entitled to payment, on the profits of the fiscal year, after canceling the losses affecting the capital, once the amount that shall be legally set apart for the legal reserve has been deducted, and before creating or accruing any other reserve, of a minimum preferred dividend equal one per cent (1%) yearly on the subscription price of the share, provided this dividend is higher than the dividend assigned to ordinary shares, otherwise, the latter shall be recognized. The dividend received by holders of ordinary shares may not be higher than the dividend assigned to preferred shares. Payment of preferred dividend shall be made on the time and manner established by the competent corporate body and with the priority indicated by the law.

 

Article 84. Dividend periods. The dividend periods may be different from the periods of the general balance sheet. It is incumbent upon the General Meeting to determine such dividend periods, the effective date of such, the system and place for its payment.

 

Article 85. Claim of dividends. The Company shall not recognize interest on dividends that are not claimed on due time and they shall remain in the charge of the Bank at the disposal of their owners.

 

Dividends not claimed within ten (10) years after they are caused are not withdrawable and shall be transferred to the reserve.

 

Article 86. Dividends in stocks. Subject to the decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the dividend may be payable in stock. This decision shall be compulsory to the stockholder's provided it has been approved of the majority in the manner provided for on number 3 of article 46 of these Bylaws. In the absence of this majority, the stockholder is free either to receive the stock dividend or to demand payment in cash.

 

Article 87. Absorption of Corporate Loss. Losses are cancelled with the reserves especially assigned to this purpose, with the undivided profits, with the Reserve Fund and, lastly, with the profits of the subsequent fiscal years.

 

The reserves whose end is the absorption of specific losses may not be used to cover different losses, unless otherwise provided by the General Meeting.

 

Before losses from previous fiscal years affecting the capital are cancelled, profits may not be distributed; the losses affect the capital when as a consequence of them, the net capital decreases below the subscribed capital.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XV

 

DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

 

Article 88. Dissolution. The corporation shall be dissolved:

 

1. Due to the expiration of its term, unless it is validly extended before its maturity.

 

2. When losses decrease the net equity below fifty per cent (50%) of the issued stock.

 

3. When 95% or more of the issued stock belong to a single stockholder.

 

4. By reduction of the number of stockholders below the number required by the law for its establishment and operation.

 

5. By decision of competent authority in the cases provided by the laws.

 

6. By decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

7. Because of the impossibility for the corporation to develop the corporate purpose, the termination of it or the extinction of the thing or things object of its exploitation.

 

8. By any other cause set forth in the laws.

 

If legally possible, the Corporation may avoid that the occurrence of a cause of dissolution may have irreversible effect, if it promptly adopts the measures and remedies provided or permitted by the law and if it carries out the formalities demanded by the situation.

 

Article 89. Dissolution formalities. After the dissolution of the bank is declared, due to any causes expressed in law or in its bylaws, compliance with formalities stated in these bylaws and in norms in force shall be followed.

 

Article 90. Liquidation. Once the corporation is dissolved, its liquidation shall be performed therewith. It shall not, therefore, initiate new operations in the development of its object and shall maintain its legal capacity only for the acts necessary for the immediate liquidation.

 

The name of the Bank, once dissolved, shall always be accompanied with the legend, "under liquidation".

 

Article 91. Appointment of the liquidator. The liquidation and division of the capital shall be performed, subject to the legal provisions, by a special liquidator appointed by the General Shareholders' Meeting, without prejudice to the fact that the General Meeting may appoint several liquidators and determine, in such event, if they shall act jointly or separately.

 

The General Shareholders' Meeting shall appoint an alternate liquidator. Until the appointment of the liquidator and his alternate are made and registered at the Chamber of Commerce of the Corporate domicile, the President of the Bank, at the moment it starts its liquidation, shall act as liquidator and the members of the Board of Directors shall act as his alternates in the order of precedence, except for the chairman of the Board.

 

Article 92. Rules to be followed in the liquidation. The liquidation of the Company and the division of its capital shall be carried out subject to the commerce code, to the special provisions concerning the liquidation of financial institutions, to the applicable standards of the Civil Code, and observing the following rules:

 

 

 

 

1. The General Meeting of Shareholders shall be called and it shall meet on the dates, manner and terms prescribed for the regular meetings, and special meetings whenever it is called by the liquidator, the External Auditor, the Superintendencia Financiera (Superintendency of Finance), or when requested by a plural number of shareholders representing not less than twenty per cent (20%) of the issued stock. Such meetings shall accomplish all the functions compatible with the liquidation status and, especially, they shall appoint, change and remove, at their option, the liquidator or liquidators and their alternates, require accounts from them, determine the property that shall be distributed in kind, and establish priorities for the sale of assets, manners and terms for such sale, agree with the liquidators the fees for their services and adopt all the necessary provisions according to the law.

 

2. The General Meeting of Shareholders may determine which property shall be distributed in kind, fix the value of such property or the manner of determining it, establish the manner of its assignment and authorize the liquidator to carry out the corresponding distribution, subject to the requirements of the law. The meeting shall have the power to authorize the assignment of in undivided assets by groups of shareholders, make arrangements for the sale of assets through private treaty among the shareholders or with the participation of external bidders, and arrange for the use of other approaches deemed proper.

 

3. Absolute majority of the votes present, shall be sufficient for the approval of the periodic accounts submitted by the liquidator, or of the occasional accounts he may be required to give as well as to authorize the assignment of property in kind, payments in kind, to carry out the transactions necessary or convenient to facilitate or conclude the liquidation, for the approval of the final account of the liquidation and the minute of the distribution.

 

Article 93. Duties of the liquidator. The liquidator or liquidators shall exercise their functions subject to the following standards:

 

1. They shall inform all creditors, in the manner required by the law, about the condition of liquidation of the Bank.

 

2. They shall make the inventory of assets and liabilities and submit it to the approval of the Superintendencia Financiera (Superintendency of Finance), in compliance with the pertinent legal provisions.

 

3. They shall also conclude any pending operations, require that previous administrators render account of the management of the Company's business, collect the "active" credits of the corporation, alienate the corporate property, subject to the rules approved by the meeting, maintain and custody the books and the correspondence, render accounts or present statements of liquidation and, in general, do any thing deemed necessary for the extinction of the Bank.

 

4. The liquidator or liquidators shall cancel all the external liabilities before distributing the balance to the stockholders.

 

5. The balance of the assets shall be distributed among the stockholders, pro rata of the shares owned by each one.

 

6. The minute of distribution, once approved by the meeting, shall be legalized at a notary of the corporate domicile, together with the inventory procedures and the judicial action, in its case.

 

7. Once the final account of the liquidation has been approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders, each shareholder will be given his part in the manner determined by the law.

 

 

 

 

8. Once the liquidation has been duly concluded, its final approval shall be requested from the Superintendency of Finance.

 

Article 94. Administrative liquidation. When the Superintendent of Finance has the assets, property and business of the corporation under his possession, for its liquidation, the relevant legal provisions shall be applied.

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 7.1 SELECTED RATIOS’ CALCULATION

 

          As of December 31,  
EXHIBIT 7.1 SELECTED RATIOS’ CALCULATION   INDEX     2015     2014  
          (in millions of COP)  
Net interest income     (1)     7,231,703       6,007,552  
Total Interest Earning Assets     (2)     137,851,669       113,451,812  
Total Average Assets     (3)     163,140,151       134,779,566  
Total Average Stockholders’ Equity     (4)     18,332,795       15,694,090  
Operating Expenses     (5)     5,898,287       5,118,695  
Net Income     (6)     2,496,377       2,324,219  
Total Assets     (7)     192,972,867       149,629,881  
Net Operating, Income     (8)     10,809,023       9,092,494  
Total Stockholders' Equity     (9)     19,279,449       16,871,907  
Loans (principal)     (10)     140,499,927       113,039,251  
Total past due loans (principal)     (11)     4,188,287       2,958,204  
Allowance for loan losses (principal)     (12)     4,823,393       4,305,599  
Loans Classified as “C”, “D” y “E” (principal)     (13)     5,543,824       4,301,768  
Technical Capital     (14)     20,821,509       N/A (3)
Risk Weighted Assets included Market Risk     (15)     167,168,400       N/A (3)
                         
SELECTED RATIOS:                        
Profitability Ratios:                        
Net Interest Margin     (1) / (2)       5.25 %     5.30 %
Return on Average Total Assets     (6) / (3)       1.53 %     1.72 %
Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity     (6) / (4)       13.62 %     14.81 %
                         
Efficiency Ratio:                        
Operating expenses to net operating income     (5) / (8)       54.57 %     56.30 %
                         
Capital Ratios:                        
Shareholders' equity to total assets     (9) / (7)       9.99 %     11.28 %
Technical capital to risk weighted assets (1)     (14) / (15)       12.46 %     N/A (3)
                         
Credit Quality Data:                        
Past due loans to total loans     (11) / (10)       2.98 %     2.62 %
“C”, “D” and “E” loans as a percentage of total loans     (13) / (10)       3.95 %     3.81 %
Allowances to past due loans (2)     (12) / (11)       115.16 %     145.55 %
Allowance for loan  losses as a percentage of “C”, “D” and “E” loans     (12) / (13)       87.00 %     100.09 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans     (12) / (10)       3.43 %     3.81 %

 

 

(1) For an explanation of risk-weighted assets and technical capital, see Item 4. “Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – B.8 –Supervision and Regulation” and Item "5 B.1. Liquidity and Funding - Capital Adequacy".
(2) The variation is mainly generated by the inclusion of Grupo Agromercantil Holding loan portfolio at fair value, company acquired as of December, 2015.
(3) N/A: not applicable

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 8.1

 

The following is a list of subsidiaries of Bancolombia S.A. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

SUBSIDIARIES

 

Entity   Jurisdiction of
incorporation
  Business   Shareholding
directly and
indirectly 2015
    Shareholding
directly and
indirectly 2014
 
Leasing Bancolombia S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento   Colombia   Leasing businesses     100.00 %     100.00 %
Fiduciaria Bancolombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria   Colombia   Trust businesses     98.81 %     98.81 %
Banca de Inversión Bancolombia S.A. Corporación Financiera   Colombia   Financial services     100.00 %     100.00 %
Valores Bancolombia S.A. Comisionista de Bolsa   Colombia   Securities brokerage     100.00 %     100.00 %
Tuya S.A. Compañía de Financiamiento (Discontinued operations)   Colombia   Financial services     99.99 %     99.99 %
Renting Colombia S.A.   Colombia   Operating leasing     100.00 %     100.00 %
Transportempo S.A.S.   Colombia   Transport services     100.00 %     100.00 %
Valores Simesa S.A.   Colombia   Investments     68.57 %     68.57 %
Inversiones CFNS S.A.S.   Colombia   Investments     99.94 %     99.94 %
CFNS Infraestructura S.A.S. (wound up in 2015)   Colombia   Investments     0.00 %     99.94 %
BIBA Inmobiliaria S.A.S.   Colombia   Real estate broker     100.00 %     100.00 %
Vivayco S.A.S. (in liquidation)   Colombia   Portfolio purchase     74.95 %     74.95 %
Uff Móvil S.A.S. (sold in 2015)   Colombia   Mobile network operator     0.00 %     75.05 %
FCP Fondo Colombia Inmobiliario S.A.   Colombia   Real estate broker     50.21 %     50.21 %
PA Cartera LBC.   Colombia   Loan management     100.00 %     100.00 %
Prosicol S.A.S. (in liquidation)   Colombia   Pre-operating stage     68.57 %     68.57 %
Fideicomiso "Lote Abelardo Castro".   Colombia   Mercantil trust     68.23 %     68.23 %
Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Panama   Commercial bank     100.00 %     100.00 %
Valores Bancolombia Panamá S.A.   Panama   Securities brokerage     100.00 %     100.00 %
Suvalor Panamá Fondo de Inversión S.A.   Panama   Holding     100.00 %     100.00 %
Suvalor Renta Variable Colombia S.A.   Panama   Collective investment fund     100.00 %     100.00 %
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Corto Plazo S.A.   Panama   Collective investment fund     100.00 %     100.00 %
Suvalor Renta Fija Internacional Largo Plazo S.A.   Panama   Collective investment fund     100.00 %     100.00 %
Sistemas de Inversiones y Negocios S.A. Sinesa   Panama   Investments     100.00 %     100.00 %
Banagrícola S.A.   Panama   Investments     99.16 %     99.16 %
Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Banking     100.00 %     98.12 %
Banistmo Investment Corporation S.A.   Panama   Trust     100.00 %     98.12 %
Financomer S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100.00 %     98.12 %
Financiera Flash S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100.00 %     98.12 %
Grupo Financomer S.A.   Panama   Financial services     100.00 %     98.12 %
Seguros Banistmo S.A. (disposed in 2015)   Panama   Insurance company     100.00 %     98.12 %
Securities Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100.00 %     98.12 %
Banistmo Asset Management Inc.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100.00 %     98.12 %
Banistmo Capital Markets Group Inc.   Panama   Purchase and sale of securities     100.00 %     98.12 %
Van Dyke Overseas Corp.   Panama   Real estate broker     100.00 %     98.12 %
Inmobiliaria Bickford S.A.   Panama   Real estate broker     100.00 %     98.12 %
M.R.C Investment Corp. (wound up in 2015)   Panama   Real estate broker     0.00 %     98.12 %
Williamsburg International Corp.   Panama   Real estate broker     100.00 %     98.12 %
Leasing Banistmo S.A.   Panama   Leasing     100.00 %     98.12 %
Anavi Investment Corporation S.A. (Investments in non-operational stage)   Panama   Real estate broker     0.00 %     98.12 %
Desarrollo de Oriente S.A.  (Investments in non-operational stage)   Panama   Real estate broker     0.00 %     98.12 %
Bienes Raices Armuelles S.A.  (Investment absorbed by Van Dyke Overseas Corp during 2015)   Panama   Real estate broker     0.00 %     98.12 %
Steens Enterprises S.A.  (Investments in non-operational stage)   Panama   Portfolio holder     0.00 %     98.12 %
Ordway Holdings S.A. (Investments in non-operational stage)   Panama   Real estate broker     0.00 %     98.12 %
Banco Agrícola S.A.   El Salvador   Banking     97.36 %     97.35 %
Arrendadora Financiera S.A. Arfinsa   El Salvador   Leasing     97.36 %     97.36 %
Credibac S.A. de C.V.   El Salvador   Credit card services     97.36 %     97.36 %
Valores Banagrícola S.A. de C.V.   El Salvador   Securities brokerage     98.89 %     98.89 %
Inversiones Financieras Banco Agrícola S.A. IFBA   El Salvador   Investments     98.89 %     98.89 %
Arrendamiento Operativo CIB S.A.C.   Peru   Operating leasing     100.00 %     100.00 %
Fondo de Inversión en Arrendamiento Operativo - Renting Perú   Peru   Operating leasing     100.00 %     100.00 %
Capital Investments SAFI S.A.   Peru   Trust businesses     100.00 %     100.00 %
FiduPerú S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria   Peru   Trust businesses     98.81 %     98.81 %
Leasing Perú S.A.   Peru   Leasing     100.00 %     100.00 %
Banagrícola Guatemala S.A.   Guatemala   Outsourcing     99.16 %     99.16 %
Grupo Financiero Agromercantil Holding S.A.   Guatemala   Holding     60.00 %     0.00 %
Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala S.A.   Guatemala   Banking     60.00 %     0.00 %
Mercomer Bank Ltd.   Guatemala   Banking     60.00 %     0.00 %
Seguros Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Insurance company     59.17 %     0.00 %
Financiera Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Financial services     60.00 %     0.00 %
Agrovalores S.A.   Guatemala   Securities brokerage     60.00 %     0.00 %
Tarjeta Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Credit card     60.00 %     0.00 %
Arrendadora Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Operating leasing     60.00 %     0.00 %
Agencia de Seguros y Fianzas Agromercantil S.A.   Guatemala   Insurance company     60.00 %     0.00 %
Asistencia y Ajustes S. A.   Guatemala   Services     60.00 %     0.00 %
Serproba S.A.   Guatemala   Refurbishment and remodeling services     60.00 %     0.00 %
Servicios de Formalización S.A.   Guatemala   Loans formalization     60.00 %     0.00 %
Conserjeria, Mantenimiento y Mensajeria S.A.   Guatemala   Maintenance services     60.00 %     0.00 %
Media Plus S.A.   Guatemala   Advertising and marketing     60.00 %     0.00 %
New Alma Enterprises Ltd.   Bahamas   Investments     60.00 %     0.00 %
Bancolombia Puerto Rico Internacional Inc.   Puerto Rico   Banking     100.00 %     100.00 %
Suleasing Internacional USA Inc. (wound up in 2015)   United States   Leasing     0.00 %     100.00 %
Bancolombia Cayman S.A.   Cayman Islands   Commercial Bank     100.00 %     100.00 %
Bagrícola Costa Rica S.A.   Costa Rica   Outsourcing     99.16 %     99.16 %

 

 

 

Exhibit 12.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Carlos Raul Yepes Jimenez, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Bancolombia S.A.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

  

5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 22, 2016    
   
  /s/ Carlos Raul Yepes Jimenez
  Name: Carlos Raul Yepes Jimenez
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 12.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Jaime Alberto Velásquez Botero, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Bancolombia S.A.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

  

5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 22, 2016    
   
  /s/ Jaime Alberto Velasquez Botero
  Name: Jaime Alberto Velasquez Botero
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 13.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, the undersigned officer of Bancolombia S.A. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: April 22, 2016    
   
  /s/ Carlos Raul Yepes Jimenez
  Name: Carlos Raul Yepes Jimenez
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

 

 

 

Exhibit 13.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, the undersigned officer of Bancolombia S.A. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: April 22, 2016    
   
  /s/ Jaime Alberto Velasquez Botero
  Name: Jaime Alberto Velasquez Botero
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

 

 

 

Exhibit 15.1

 

Consent of independent registered public accounting firm

 

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form   F-3 (No. 333-188394) of Bancolombia S. A. of our report dated April 22, 2016 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 20-F.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltda.

 

Medellin, Colombia

April 22, 2016