n) Provisions and contingent assets and liabilities
When preparing the consolidated financial statements of the Bank, Management distinguishes between
Provisions: credit balances covering present obligations at the reporting date arising from past events which could give rise to a loss for the Bank, which is considered to be more likely than not to occur and certain as to its nature but uncertain as to its amount and/or timing.
Contingent liabilities: possible obligations that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events not wholly within the control of the Bank. They include the present obligations of the Bank when it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle them.
Contingent assets: possible assets that arise from past events and whose existence is conditional on, and will be confirmed only by, the occurrence or non-occurrence of events beyond the control of the Bank. Contingent assets are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheet or in the consolidated income statement, but rather are disclosed in the notes, provided that it is probable that these assets will give rise to an increase in resources embodying economic benefits.
Provisions
The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (when the effect of the time value of money is material).
When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.
The Bank’s consolidated financial statements include all the material provisions with respect to which it is considered that it is more likely than not that the obligation will have to be settled. In accordance with IFRS, contingent liabilities must not be recognized in the consolidated financial statements, but must rather be disclosed in the notes.
Provisions are reviewed and adjusted at the end of each year. Provisions are also used to cater for the specific obligations for which they were originally recognized. Provisions are fully or partially reversed when such obligations cease to exist or are reduced.
Provisions are classified according to the obligations covered as follows:
Provisions for pensions and similar obligations: includes the amount of all the provisions made to cover post-employment benefits, including obligations to pre-retirees and similar obligations.
Provisions for tax and legal matters: include the amount of the provisions recognized to cover tax and legal obligations.
Provisions for off-balance sheet risk: include the amount of the provisions made to cover obligations arising as the result of those transactions in which the Bank guarantees the obligations of a third party arising as a result of financial guarantees granted or other contracts and unfunded lending commitments such as letters of credit, financial guarantees and available lines of credit cards and non-revolving consumer loans, which are irrevocable commitments that may give rise to the recognition of financial assets.
Other provisions: include the amount of other provisions recognized by the Bank (see Note 24).