The Organization makes estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year including the assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition of HSBC Brasil. All estimates and judgments required in conformity with IFRS are best estimates undertaken in accordance with the applicable standard. Such estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and based in our historical experience and a number of other factors including future event expectations, regarded as reasonable, under the current circumstances.

The estimates and judgments that have a significant risk and might have a relevant impact on the amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are disclosed below. The actual results may be different from those established by these estimates and premises.

Fair value of financial instruments

Financial instruments recognized at fair value in our consolidated financial statements consist primarily of financial assets held for trading, including derivatives and financial assets classified as available for sale. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participant at the management date.

These financial instruments are categorized within a hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. For instruments classified as level 3, we have to apply a significant amount of our own judgment in arriving at the fair value measurement. We base our judgment decisions on our knowledge and observations of the markets relevant to the individual assets and liabilities, and those judgments may vary based on market conditions. In applying our judgment, we look at a range of third-party prices and transaction volumes to understand and assess the extent of market benchmarks available and the judgments or modeling required in third-party processes. Based on these factors, we determine whether the fair values are observable in active markets or whether the markets are inactive.

Imprecision in estimating unobservable market inputs can impact the amount of revenue or loss recorded for a particular position. Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those of other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value on the reporting date. For a detailed discussion of the determination of fair value of financial instruments, see Note 3.4.

Impairment of financial assets available for sale

Periodically, the existence of a reduction in the recoverable value of available-for-sale financial assets is evaluated (see Note 2(f)(viii)(b)). This determination of what is significant or prolonged requires judgment. In making this judgment, the Organization evaluates, among other factors, the volatility in share price, where such variations involve equity securities.

In addition, valuations are obtained through market prices or valuation models that require the use of certain assumptions or judgments to estimate fair value.

Allowance for impairment on loans and advances

Periodically, the Organization reviews its portfolio of loans and advances evaluating the estimated loss for the impairment of its operations.

The determination of the amount of the allowance for impairment, by its nature, requires judgments and uses assumptions regarding the loan portfolio, both on a portfolio basis and on an individual basis. When we review our loan portfolio as a whole, several factors can affect our estimate of the likely range of losses, including which methodology we use in measuring historical delinquency rates and what historical period we consider in making those measurements.

Additional factors that can affect our determination of the allowance for impairment include:

·       General economic conditions and conditions in the relevant industry;

·       Past experience with the relevant debtor or industry, including recent loss experience;

·       Credit quality trends;

·       Amounts of loan collateral;

·       The volume, composition and growth of our loan portfolio;

·       The Brazilian government's monetary policy; and

·       Any delays in the receipt of information needed to evaluate loans or to confirm existing credit deterioration.

The Organization uses models to assist analysis of the loan portfolio and in determining what impairment should be made. It applies statistical loss factors and other risk indicators to loan pools with similar risk characteristics to arrive at an estimate of incurred losses in the portfolio. Although the models are frequently revised and improved, they are by nature dependent on judgment in relation to  the information and estimates. In addition, the volatility of the Brazilian economy is one of the factors that may lead to greater uncertainty in our models than would be expected in more stable macroeconomic environments. Accordingly, our allowance for impairment may not be indicative of future charge-offs.

For a sensitivity analysis, we assess the impact of an increase in the probability of default (PD) on the allowance. In this assessment an increase in 10% of the PD on December 31, 2017, would have increased the allowance for impairment by R$ 503,667 thousand. This sensitivity analysis is hypothetical, and is only meant to illustrate the impact that the expectation of defaults have on determining the allowance for loan losses.

The process to determine the level of provision for losses from impairment requires estimates and the use of judgment; it is possible that actual losses presented in subsequent periods will differ from those calculated according to current estimates and assumptions.

Impairment of goodwill

The Organization has to consider at least annually whether the current carrying value of goodwill is impaired. The first step of the process requires the identification of independent Cash-Generating Units and the allocation of goodwill to these units. The carrying amount of the CGU, including the allocated goodwill, is compared to its recoverable amount to determine whether any impairment exists. If the value in use of a cash-generating unit is less than its carrying value, goodwill will be impaired. Detailed calculations may need to be carried out taking into consideration changes in the market in which a business operates (e.g. competitive activity, regulatory change). The value in use is based upon discounting expected pre-tax cash flows at a risk-adjusted interest rate appropriate to the operating unit, the determination of both requires one to exercise one's judgment. While forecasts are compared with actual performance and external economic data, expected cash flows naturally reflect the Organization's view of future performance.

Income tax

The determination of the amount of our income tax liability is complex, and our assessment is related to our analysis of our deferred tax assets and liabilities and income tax payable. In general, our evaluation requires that we estimate future amounts of current and deferred taxes. Our assessment of the possibility that deferred tax assets are realized is subjective and involves assessments and assumptions that are inherently uncertain in nature. The realization of deferred tax assets is subject to changes in future tax rates and developments in our strategies. The underlying support for our assessments and assumptions could change over time as a result of unforeseen events or circumstances, affecting our determination of the amount of our tax liability.

Significant judgment is required in determining whether it is more likely than not that an income tax position will be sustained upon examination, even after the outcome of any related administrative or judicial proceedings based on technical merits. Further judgment is then required to determine the amount of benefit eligible for recognition in our consolidated financial statements.

In addition, we have monitored the interpretation of tax laws by, and decisions of, the tax authorities and Courts so that we can adjust any prior judgment of accrued income taxes. These adjustments may also result from our own income tax planning or resolution of income tax controversies, and may be material to our operating results for any given period. For additional information about income tax, see Note 17.

Technical insurance provisions

Insurance technical provisions (reserves) are liabilities representing estimates of the amounts that will become due at a future date, to or on behalf of our policyholders - see Note 2(o). Expectations of loss ratio, mortality, longevity, length of stay and interest rate are used. These assumptions are based on our experience and are periodically reviewed against industry standards to ensure actuarial credibility.

Contingent liabilities

The Provisions are regularly reviewed and constituted, where the loss is deemed probable, based on the opinion of the legal counsel, the nature of the lawsuit, similarity to previous lawsuits, complexity and the courts standing. Contingencies classified as Probable Loss are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position under "Other Provisions".