TIDMBGEO

RNS Number : 4972F

Bank of Georgia Group PLC

17 November 2020

Bank of Georgia

Group PLC

3(rd) quarter and first nine months 2020 results

Name of authorised official of issuer responsible for making notification:

Natia Kalandarishvili, Head of Investor Relations and Funding

www.bankofgeorgiagroup.com

ABOUT BANK OF GEORGIA GROUP PLC

The Group: Bank of Georgia Group PLC ("Bank of Georgia Group" or the "Group" - LSE: BGEO LN) is a UK incorporated holding company, which comprises: a) retail banking and payment services; and b) corporate and investment banking and wealth management operations in Georgia; and c) banking operations in Belarus ("BNB"). JSC Bank of Georgia ("Bank of Georgia", "BOG" or the "Bank"), the leading universal bank in Georgia, is the core entity of the Group. In the medium to long-term, the Group targets to benefit from superior growth of the Georgian economy through both its retail banking and corporate and investment banking services and aims to deliver on its strategy, which is based on at least 20% ROAE and c.15% growth of its loan book.

3Q20 AND 9M20 RESULTS

Bank of Georgia Group PLC announces the Group's consolidated financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2020. Unless otherwise noted, numbers in this announcement are for 3Q20 and comparisons are with 3Q19. The results are based on International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union, are unaudited and derived from management accounts. This results announcement is also available on the Group's website at www.bankofgeorgiagroup.com .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements concerning expectations, projections, objectives, targets, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, competitive strengths and weaknesses, plans or goals relating to financial position and future operations and development. Although Bank of Georgia Group PLC believes that the expectations and opinions reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations and opinions will prove to have been correct. By their nature, these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies, and actual results and events could differ materially from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements, certain of which are beyond our control, include, among other things: macroeconomic risk, including currency fluctuations and depreciation of the Georgian Lari; regional instability; loan portfolio quality; regulatory risk; liquidity and funding risk; capital risk; operational risk, cyber security, information systems and financial crime risk; COVID-19 pandemic impact risk; climate change risk; and other key factors that indicated could adversely affect our business and financial performance, which are contained elsewhere in this document and in our past and future filings and reports of the Group, including the 'Principal risks and uncertainties' included in Bank of Georgia Group PLC's Annual Report and Accounts 2019 and in 2Q20 and 1H20 results announcement. No part of this document constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in Bank of Georgia Group PLC or any other entity within the Group, and must not be relied upon in any way in connection with any investment decision. Bank of Georgia Group PLC and other entities within the Group undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast.

CONTENTS

 
 4    Impact of COVID-19 global pandemic 
 
 5    3Q20 and 9M20 results highlights 
 
 7    Chief Executive Officer's statement 
 
 8    Discussion of results 
 
 12   Discussion of segment results 
 12         Retail Banking 
 16         Corporate and Investment Banking 
 
 19   Selected financial and operating information 
 
 23   Glossary 
 
 24   Company information 
 

IMPACT OF COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC

The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic has tested the resilience and character of Bank of Georgia, together with that of all of our colleagues and customers. Our performance during the first nine months of 2020 was, therefore, significantly impacted by a number of factors:

-- Measures implemented by the Georgian Government to address the COVID-19 crisis, including economic lockdown

-- Measures introduced by the National Bank of Georgia (the "NBG") as a response to the COVID-19 crisis

-- Actions implemented by the Group to address the COVID-19 crisis

Early in the evolution of the global pandemic, the Georgian Government took significant actions to successfully reduce the spread of the virus, which included flight bans, and school and business closures - essentially shutting down many areas of the economy. The lockdown restrictions resulted in a sharp reduction of economic activity in April and May, however, the Government's immediate response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic enabled the domestic economy to reopen much faster than any other economy in the region and also resume domestic tourism in June. This was supported by an anti-crisis stimulus plan, which included a social assistance package for individuals, as well as tax exemptions and various funding mechanisms for businesses, and stimulus plans for various sectors of economy.

Local currency funding has experienced a significant pressure, resulting in an increase in interest rates in April and May, however, this impact was subsequently stabilised to more normal levels as a result of new local currency funding instruments introduced by the National Bank of Georgia in order to support the GEL liquidity.

In order to respond to the pandemic outbreak, the Group introduced a number of resilience protocols and a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia and mitigating the negative impact on our business and the community. We have put in place a number of initiatives to reduce physical interactions and prevent the spread of coronavirus, whilst maintaining the full banking capability required to support and assist our customers. This included fully moving back office staff to working from home, significantly enhancing the capacity of our call centre, temporarily closing the customer service support areas of express branches (mostly re-opened in June), with only the self-service terminals and ATM areas remaining open, implementing a three-month grace period on principal and interest payments on all retail loans to significantly reduce the requirement for customers to physically visit branches, applying more stringent risk assessment procedures during the lending process, incentivising the offloading of customer activity to digital channels through temporary removal of fees on transactions executed through our mobile and internet banking platforms, among others.

Over the last few weeks, Georgia has experienced the emergence of a second wave of infections, and the Bank has adjusted accordingly, moving large part of its back office staff to working from home, and reintroducing two-week shifts for certain departments and front office. We however do not expect a full-scale lockdown of economy despite the new wave of infections, based on the official statements of the Government. Targeted restrictions to contain the virus spread are expected, with some measures already in place since the beginning of November.

From a macroeconomic perspective, Georgia has experienced a better than expected recovery in business activity with GDP contracting by just 0.7% y-o-y in September and by 3.8% y-o-y in 3Q20, following a 12.3% y-o-y contraction in 2Q20. This recovery has been supported by fiscal stimulus, banking sector lending and a significant increase in remittances (up by 25.5% y-o-y in the third quarter). Notably, exports also increased by 8.6% y-o-y in September, and price pressures eased, with annual inflation retreating to 3.8% in September. The Georgian Lari weakened in September and depreciated by 7.0% against the US Dollar during the month, before regaining some of its lost value, partly as a result of the NBG's interventions. There has been some careful reopening of international borders, but we do not expect to see any significant levels of international tourism during the remainder of 2020. As a result, we currently expect the Georgian economy to contract by 5.1% in 2020, which is consistent with both the IMF and the Government forecasts, followed by real GDP growth of c.5% in 2021, based on the estimates of our brokerage and investment arm, Galt and Taggart.

Whilst our second quarter results were significantly impacted by the environment and the measures we have put in place to manage the crisis, we have seen significant recovery in economic activity since June 2020, which have been reflected in our third quarter results: lending activity has picked up and we saw a 60bps q-o-q increase in our net interest margin; net fee and commission income increased by 38.4% q-o-q, on the back of improved remittances, increased consumer demand as measured by banking card payment activities, and the recovery in VAT turnover of local businesses during the third quarter of 2020; our loan book has been performing better than expected in terms of portfolio quality, and client deposits increased by 7.1% q-o-q on a constant-currency basis. As a result, we delivered a return on equity of 26.0% in the third quarter of 2020.

We next outline the Group's third quarter and the first nine months of 2020 results highlights, a summary of those highlights, and the Chief Executive Officer's letter, before going into further detail.

3Q20 AND 9M20 RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS

 
                                                          Change               Change                        Change 
GEL thousands                          3Q20        3Q19    y-o-y        2Q20    q-o-q       9M20       9M19   y-o-y 
INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS(1) 
Net interest income                 204,030     200,992     1.5%     174,936    16.6%    576,047    582,327   -1.1% 
Net fee and commission 
 income                              45,532      48,009    -5.2%      32,901    38.4%    118,545    133,456  -11.2% 
Net foreign currency gain            19,179      32,233   -40.5%      22,743   -15.7%     72,583     82,186  -11.7% 
Net other income                      7,750       3,728   107.9%       9,081   -14.7%     23,457      3,035     NMF 
Operating income                    276,491     284,962    -3.0%     239,661    15.4%    790,632    801,004   -1.3% 
Operating expenses                (102,612)   (107,917)    -4.9%   (105,158)    -2.4%  (313,778)  (298,401)    5.2% 
Profit from associates                  214         194    10.3%         113    89.4%        628        636   -1.3% 
Operating income before 
 cost of risk                       174,093     177,239    -1.8%     134,616    29.3%    477,482    503,239   -5.1% 
Cost of risk                       (10,942)    (15,223)   -28.1%    (10,221)     7.1%  (262,566)   (93,351)     NMF 
Net operating income before 
 non-recurring items                163,151     162,016     0.7%     124,395    31.2%    214,916    409,888  -47.6% 
Net non-recurring items                 254     (5,019)      NMF     (1,241)      NMF   (41,332)    (9,132)     NMF 
Profit before income tax 
 and one-off costs                  163,405     156,997     4.1%     123,154    32.7%    173,584    400,756  -56.7% 
Income tax expense                 (15,051)    (22,697)   -33.7%     (8,470)    77.7%   (10,491)   (43,104)  -75.7% 
Profit adjusted for one-off 
 costs                              148,354     134,300    10.5%     114,684    29.4%    163,093    357,652  -54.4% 
One-off termination costs                 -           -        -           -        -          -   (14,236)     NMF 
 of former CEO and executive 
 management (after tax) 
Profit                              148,354     134,300    10.5%     114,684    29.4%    163,093    343,416  -52.5% 
 
 
GEL thousands                        Sep-20       Sep-19   Change       Jun-20   Change 
                                                            y-o-y                 q-o-q 
BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS 
Liquid assets                     6,339,663    5,099,111    24.3%    5,447,730    16.4% 
    Cash and cash equivalents     2,154,224    1,369,169    57.3%    1,633,755    31.9% 
    Amounts due from credit 
     institutions                 1,980,195    1,834,220     8.0%    1,700,075    16.5% 
    Investment securities         2,205,244    1,895,722    16.3%    2,113,900     4.3% 
Loans to customers and 
 finance lease receivables(2)    13,627,144   11,339,745    20.2%   12,599,092     8.2% 
Property and equipment              390,401      364,405     7.1%      396,272    -1.5% 
Total assets                     21,166,953   17,540,692    20.7%   19,183,966    10.3% 
Client deposits and notes        12,985,039    9,613,718    35.1%   11,583,139    12.1% 
Amounts owed to credit 
 institutions                     3,757,646    3,437,718     9.3%    3,521,860     6.7% 
    Borrowings from DFIs          1,807,472    1,355,426    33.4%    1,755,656     3.0% 
    Short-term loans from 
     central banks                  874,153    1,271,027   -31.2%      847,213     3.2% 
    Loans and deposits from 
     commercial banks             1,076,021      811,265    32.6%      918,991    17.1% 
Debt securities issued            1,628,188    2,175,820   -25.2%    1,561,933     4.2% 
Total liabilities                18,795,816   15,500,833    21.3%   16,984,167    10.7% 
Total equity                      2,371,137    2,039,859    16.2%    2,199,799     7.8% 
 
 
KEY RATIOS                         3Q20     3Q19    2Q20     9M20    9M19 
ROAA(1)                            3.0%     3.2%    2.4%     1.1%    3.0% 
ROAE(1)                           26.0%    26.8%   21.8%     9.9%   24.7% 
Net interest margin                4.8%     5.4%    4.2%     4.7%    5.7% 
Liquid assets yield                3.3%     3.2%    3.4%     3.5%    3.4% 
Loan yield                        10.7%    11.5%   10.2%    10.6%   11.8% 
Cost of funds                      4.7%     4.5%    4.8%     4.8%    4.5% 
Cost / income(3)                  37.1%    37.9%   43.9%    39.7%   37.3% 
NPLs to Gross loans to 
 clients                           3.8%     2.9%    2.7%     3.8%    2.9% 
NPL coverage ratio                76.8%    85.3%  115.7%    76.8%   85.3% 
NPL coverage ratio, adjusted 
 for discounted value of 
 collateral                      131.4%   129.3%  166.3%   131.4%  129.3% 
Cost of credit risk ratio          0.2%     0.5%   -0.2%     2.4%    1.1% 
NBG (Basel III) CET1 capital 
 adequacy ratio                    9.9%    11.1%    9.9%     9.9%   11.1% 
NBG (Basel III) Tier I 
 capital adequacy ratio           12.0%    13.3%   12.0%    12.0%   13.3% 
NBG (Basel III) Total capital 
 adequacy ratio                   17.3%    16.8%   17.4%    17.3%   16.8% 
 

(1) The income statement adjusted profit in 9M19 excludes GEL 14.2mln one-off employee costs (net of income tax) related to former CEO and executive management termination benefits. The amount is comprised of GEL 12.4mln (gross of income tax) excluded from salaries and other employee benefits, GEL 4.0mln (gross of income tax) excluded from non-recurring items and GEL 2.2mln tax benefit excluded from income tax expense. 9M19 ROAE and ROAA have been adjusted accordingly

(2) Throughout this announcement, the gross loans to customers and respective allowance for impairment are presented net of expected credit loss (ECL) on contractually accrued interest income. These do not have an effect on the net loans to customers balance. Management believes that netted-off balances provide the best representation of the loan portfolio position

(3) Cost/income ratio in 9M19 is adjusted for GEL 12.4mln one-off employee costs (gross of income tax) related to termination benefits of former executive management

KEY RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS

-- Strong quarterly performance partially reflecting increased economic activity following the 2Q20 COVID-19 pandemic impact. The Group generated profit of GEL 148.4mln in 3Q20 (up 10.5% y-o-y and up 29.4% q-o-q), mostly driven by improved net interest income and net fee and commission income, with profitability reaching 26.0% ROAE in 3Q20

-- Net interest margin . Our NIM was 4.8% in 3Q20. Having reduced significantly in April and May, as a result of a reduction in retail lending activity, NIM was up 60bps q-o-q in the third quarter of 2020, mostly reflecting a strong rebound in customer activity since June 2020, while still maintaining high levels of liquidity in terms of 147.0% liquidity coverage ratio

-- Net fee and commission income generation was strong in the third quarter of 2020 (up 38.4% q-o-q and down only 5.2% y-o-y). Since June 2020, we have seen strong recovery dynamics, as remittances has grown significantly and consumer demand, as measured by banking card payment activities, has improved. VAT turnover statistics have also demonstrated a recovery in business activity

-- Operating expenses decreased by 4.9% y-o-y and by 2.4% q-o-q in 3Q20, mostly as a result of a number of cost optimisation initiatives in the second quarter of 2020. That said, the Group continues its investment in IT-related resources, digitalisation and marketing, as part of its key strategic priorities, and at the same time maintains its focus on efficiency and cost control

-- Loan book increased by 20.2% y-o-y and by 8.2% q-o-q at 30 September 2020. Growth on a constant-currency basis was 12.8% y-o-y and 3.5% q-o-q. The y-o-y loan book growth reflected continued strong loan origination levels in Corporate, MSME and the mortgage segments during the pre-COVID-19 period, while the q-o-q increase reflected recovery in economic activity since June 2020

-- Client deposits and notes increased by 35.1% y-o-y and by 12.1% q-o-q at 30 September 2020. On a constant-currency basis, client deposits and notes grew by 26.4% y-o-y and by 7.1% q-o-q. This strong deposit franchise growth reflects a consistent increase in monthly deposit balances of both our individual and business customers since May 2020

-- Asset quality. The cost of credit risk ratio was 0.2% in 3Q20 (compared to 0.5% in 3Q19 and a net gain of 0.2% in 2Q20) and was 2.4% in the first nine months of 2020 (compared to 1.1% in 9M19). The y-o-y increase in cost of credit risk ratio during the first nine months of 2020 was primary driven by significant ECL provisions on loans to customers and finance lease receivables created for the full economic cycle during the first quarter of 2020, related to adverse macro-economic environment and expected negative impact on the creditworthiness of borrowers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These assumptions were revisited to reflect the macro-economic forecast scenarios published by the NBG in May 2020 in the second quarter, and better visibility of the portfolio and the detailed review of creditworthiness of the borrowers in the third quarter. As a result of these analysis, the provisions recorded in 1Q20, proved overall to be sufficient. See details on page 10. In 3Q20, the cost of credit risk reflects a normalisation of the retail cost of credit risk, offset by a better than anticipated performance of the corporate lending portfolio

-- NPLs to gross loans increased to 3.8% at 30 September 2020 (2.9% at 30 September 2019 and 2.7% at 30 June 2020) , following a full portfolio review of corporate and SME customers, and significant portion of retail and micro segment borrowers in the third quarter, which is in line with the upfront ECL provision recorded for the full economic cycle in the first quarter of 2020 . The NPL coverage ratio was 76.8% at 30 September 2020 (85.3% at 30 September 2019 and 115.7% at 30 June 2020). That said, the NPL coverage ratio adjusted for a discounted value of collateral was up y-o-y to 131.4% at 30 September 2020 (129.3% at 30 September 2019 and 166.3% at 30 June 2020). The y-o-y decline in NPL coverage ratio reflects the shift of the portfolio mix from high-yielding unsecured to more secured consumer lending since 2019 on the back of the consumer lending regulation, and is supported by the high level of collateralisation of our loan book

-- Solid capital adequacy position. The Bank's capital adequacy ratios have remained robust, and comfortably above the minimum regulatory requirements. The Bank's Basel III Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total capital adequacy ratios stood at 9.9%, 12.0% and 17.3%, respectively, all well above the minimum required levels of 6.9%, 8.7% and 13.3%, respectively, at 30 September 2020. A y-o-y decline in capital ratios was primarily due to a c.GEL 400mln general provision created in March 2020 under the local regulatory accounting basis in agreement with the NBG (and consistent with the NBG's guidance for the Georgian banking sector in general) that covers its current expectations of estimated credit losses on the Bank's lending book for the whole economic cycle. Capital ratios were largely flat q-o-q, as strong internal capital generation was offset by loan book growth and the local currency depreciation during the third quarter of 2020. See details of capital adequacy ratios movement during the third quarter on page 11

-- Strong liquidity and funding position. The Bank's liquidity and funding positions have remained strong. As at 30 September 2020, the Bank's liquidity coverage ratio stood at 147.0% and net stable funding ratio at 137.5%, compared to the 100% minimum required level. The Bank maintained substantial excess liquidity in the second and third quarters of 2020, primarily for 1) risk mitigation purposes on the back of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, as outflow of customer funds was expected at early stage of the pandemic outbreak, which however did not materialise. Client deposit balances continue to grow to date; and 2) the repayment of local currency bonds in June 2020

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT

The Group has delivered a very strong performance in the third quarter of 2020, against the backdrop of continuing challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the Georgian economy. I am particularly pleased that this has translated into strong operating income increase quarter-on-quarter, driven by both net interest income and net fee and commission income. Having taken a significant up-front credit loss provision for the full economic cycle in the first quarter of the year, the quality of our loan book has been very robust as the economy has started to recover from the pandemic-related lockdown in April and May, and our customers have substantially reduced their reliance on payment holidays on loans. Less than 1.5% of our lending portfolio is now using these payment holidays. Profit for the third quarter of 2020 totalled GEL 148.4 million, up 29.4% quarter-on-quarter and up 10.5% year-on-year. The annualised return on average equity in the third quarter was 26.0%.

From a macro-economic perspective, we have seen continued economic recovery since June with GDP contracting by just 0.7% y-o-y in September, significantly exceeding expectations. Whilst there has been some careful re-opening of international borders, international tourism has been minimal, with the Georgian hospitality sector having to rely on domestic tourism where possible. This significantly reduced foreign currency inflows during the usually very busy summer season, which was reflected in a 7.6% depreciation of the Georgian Lari against the US Dollar in 3Q20. However, the absence of international tourism has been mitigated by strong remittance flows, up more than 20% in each month of 3Q20, reduced goods trade deficit, and external funding support. We expect the Georgian economy to contract by 5.1% in 2020, which is close to both IMF and the Government forecasts, followed by the real GDP growth of c.5% in 2021, based on the estimates of our brokerage and investment arm.

Bank of Georgia's performance has been very strong in the third quarter:

-- The balance sheet has remained strong with better than expected levels of growth. On a constant currency basis, our customer lending increased by 3.5%, and client deposits and notes increased significantly by 7.1% quarter-on-quarter at 30 September 2020, demonstrating Bank of Georgia's clear market leadership in deposits of individuals

-- Revenue growth has been excellent . Net fee and commission income increased by 38.4% quarter-on-quarter, with net interest income growing at 16.6% in the third quarter of 2020, while still maintaining high levels of liquidity (LCR - 147.0%)

-- Net interest margin increased by 60 basis points, to 4.8%, in 3Q20. Having reduced significantly during the second quarter, our net interest margin increased substantially in the third quarter, largely reflecting the increase in economic activity. We expect the net interest margin to remain broadly stable going forward

-- Our lending portfolio has performed better than expected. Asset quality has remained robust. Following the economic downturn and subsequent re-opening, we have now individually reviewed all of our SME and corporate borrowers, and the provision estimated in the first quarter is proving to be sufficient. Our corporate, SME, and SOLO segment portfolios all continue to perform better than initially expected, with some specific recoveries in the corporate portfolio

-- Costs have been well-managed with a 2.4% quarter-on-quarter reduction in operating expenses, following a review of our variable cost base. This is consistent with our expectation for broadly flat year-on-year operating costs during 2020, whilst ensuring that we continue to invest in building our core franchise capabilities

-- Our capital ratios have remained robust and comfortably above our minimum regulatory requirements. The high level of internal capital generation has supported the strong loan growth in 3Q20, whilst offsetting the currency depreciation impact

-- Delivering superior levels of profitability. In the third quarter of 2020, our annualised return on average equity was 26.0%.

We have continued the further development of our fully-integrated digital strategy, an important focus for us as we seek to digitalise our full banking platforms. We are leaders in the payments business in Georgia, with a 45% market share in volume, and a 48% share in the number of transactions in POS terminals. The use of our mobile and other digital platforms has substantially increased throughout the period of the economic lockdown; number of active users of our digital service channels continues to increase rapidly, and I was delighted with the 29.0% quarter-on-quarter growth in the number of mobile banking transactions, to 17.2 million, in the third quarter of 2020.

Our two clear strategic targets remain unchanged: to achieve at least 20% return on average equity and to deliver c.15% growth of the loan book, over time. These results are consistent with those targets, in what remain challenging times. After very low levels of COVID-19 cases, Georgia has recently experienced the emergence of some further waves of infection, although the Government expects the economy to remain open despite these new waves. Our ongoing performance, of course, continues to be affected by the COVID-19 economic impact, but our balance sheet is demonstrating robustness, asset quality is resilient, and the Group is very well-positioned for the future, with strong liquidity and funding, and capital resources.

I am delighted and proud of the way the management team and all of our colleagues have responded to recent challenges. Bank of Georgia continues to play a fundamentally important role in supporting our customers, the communities in which we live, and the Georgian economy. With our market leading payments franchise and mobile app popularity, combined with our clear focus on customer satisfaction and employee empowerment, we have laid the groundwork for the bank of the future.

Archil Gachechiladze,

CEO, Bank of Georgia Group PLC

16 November 2020

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

The Group's business is composed of three segments. (1) Retail Banking operations in Georgia principally provides consumer loans, mortgage loans, overdrafts, credit cards and other credit facilities, funds transfer and settlement services, and handling customers' deposits for both individuals as well as legal entities. Retail Banking targets the emerging and mass retail and mass affluent segments, together with small and medium enterprises and micro businesses. (2) Corporate and Investment Banking comprises Corporate Banking and Investment Management operations in Georgia. Corporate Banking principally provides loans and other credit facilities, funds transfers and settlement services, trade finance services, documentary operations support and handles saving and term deposits for corporate and institutional customers. The Investment Management business principally provides private banking services to high net worth clients. (3) BNB, comprising JSC Belarusky Narodny Bank, principally provides retail and corporate banking services to clients in Belarus.

 
OPERATING INCOME 
 GEL thousands, unless 
  otherwise                                         Change                Change                          Change 
  noted                         3Q20         3Q19    y-o-y         2Q20    q-o-q        9M20        9M19   y-o-y 
 
 Interest income             407,666      366,721    11.2%      379,038     7.6%   1,175,029   1,043,680   12.6% 
 Interest expense          (203,636)    (165,729)    22.9%    (204,102)    -0.2%   (598,982)   (461,353)   29.8% 
 Net interest income         204,030      200,992     1.5%      174,936    16.6%     576,047     582,327   -1.1% 
 Fee and commission 
  income                      71,793       76,166    -5.7%       54,389    32.0%     197,076     206,721   -4.7% 
 Fee and commission 
  expense                   (26,261)     (28,157)    -6.7%     (21,488)    22.2%    (78,531)    (73,265)    7.2% 
 Net fee and commission 
  income                      45,532       48,009    -5.2%       32,901    38.4%     118,545     133,456  -11.2% 
 Net foreign currency 
  gain                        19,179       32,233   -40.5%       22,743   -15.7%      72,583      82,186  -11.7% 
 Net other income              7,750        3,728   107.9%        9,081   -14.7%      23,457       3,035     NMF 
 Operating income            276,491      284,962    -3.0%      239,661    15.4%     790,632     801,004   -1.3% 
 
 Net interest margin            4.8%         5.4%                  4.2%                 4.7%        5.7% 
 Average interest 
  earning 
  assets                  16,928,476   14,643,462    15.6%   16,668,289     1.6%  16,427,415  13,651,149   20.3% 
 Average interest 
  bearing 
  liabilities             17,323,145   14,704,688    17.8%   16,957,795     2.2%  16,833,871  13,643,188   23.4% 
 Average net loans and 
  finance 
  lease receivables, 
  currency 
  blended                 12,997,553   10,984,723    18.3%   12,862,536     1.0%  12,679,609  10,162,048   24.8% 
     Average net loans 
      and finance 
      lease 
      receivables, GEL     5,141,167    4,425,551    16.2%    4,984,078     3.2%   5,047,531   4,026,375   25.4% 
     Average net loans 
      and finance 
      lease 
      receivables, FC      7,856,386    6,559,172    19.8%    7,878,458    -0.3%   7,632,078   6,135,673   24.4% 
 Average client 
  deposits and 
  notes, currency 
  blended                 12,252,445    9,276,227    32.1%   11,115,351    10.2%  11,294,784   8,766,483   28.8% 
    Average client 
     deposits 
     and notes, GEL        4,506,618    2,891,726    55.8%    3,602,387    25.1%   3,834,714   2,833,929   35.3% 
    Average client 
     deposits 
     and notes, FC         7,745,827    6,384,501    21.3%    7,512,964     3.1%   7,460,070   5,932,554   25.7% 
 Average liquid assets, 
  currency 
  blended                  5,708,834    4,808,233    18.7%    5,297,130     7.8%   5,448,671   4,592,799   18.6% 
    Average liquid 
     assets, GEL           2,409,989    2,081,990    15.8%    2,341,763     2.9%   2,314,102   2,069,463   11.8% 
    Average liquid 
     assets, FC            3,298,845    2,726,243    21.0%    2,955,367    11.6%   3,134,569   2,523,336   24.2% 
 Liquid assets yield, 
  currency 
  blended                       3.3%         3.2%                  3.4%                 3.5%        3.4% 
    Liquid assets 
     yield, GEL                 7.7%         6.4%                  7.5%                 7.8%        6.4% 
    Liquid assets 
     yield, FC                  0.1%         0.8%                  0.1%                 0.4%        1.0% 
 Loan yield, currency 
  blended                      10.7%        11.5%                 10.2%                10.6%       11.8% 
    Loan yield, GEL            15.6%        16.5%                 14.7%                15.3%       17.3% 
    Loan yield, FC              7.5%         8.2%                  7.3%                 7.5%        8.2% 
 Cost of funds, 
  currency blended              4.7%         4.5%                  4.8%                 4.8%        4.5% 
    Cost of funds, GEL          7.8%         6.7%                  8.3%                 8.0%        6.8% 
    Cost of funds, FC           3.0%         3.2%                  3.0%                 2.9%        3.2% 
 Cost / income (4)             37.1%        37.9%                 43.9%                39.7%       37.3% 
 
 

(4) The cost/income ratio in 9M19 is adjusted for GEL 12.4mln one-off employee costs (gross of income tax) related to termination benefits of former executive management

Performance highlights

-- The Group generated strong operating income of GEL 276.5mln in 3Q20 (down 3.0% y-o-y and up 15.4% q-o-q), ending nine months of 2020 with operating income of GEL 790.6mln (slightly down by 1.3% y-o-y). The y-o-y decrease in operating income in 3Q20 and 9M20 was primarily driven by the decline in net fee and commission income and net foreign currency gains on the back of slow-down of economic activity due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in March 2020. Strong q-o-q growth in operating income in 3Q20 was mainly due to increase in net interest income (up 16.6% q-o-q) and net fee and commission income (up 38.4% q-o-q), as a result of recovery in customer activity since June 2020

-- Our NIM was 4.8% in 3Q20 and 4.7% in 9M20. NIM was down 60bps y-o-y and 100bps y-o-y in 3Q20 and 9M20, respectively, primarily due to the decline in currency blended loan yields (down 80bps y-o-y in 3Q20 and down 120bps y-o-y in 9M20), on the back of the slower lending activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of change in portfolio mix resulting from the consumer lending regulation introduced since 2019. This was coupled with higher levels of liquidity and an increase in the cost of funds (up 20bps y-o-y in 3Q20 and up 30bps y-o-y 9M20). NIM, on the other hand, improved by 60bps on a q-o-q basis, as the reopening of the economy and recovery dynamic in the client activity since June 2020 led to a 50bps increase in loan yields, coupled with a 10bps decline in the cost of funds in the third quarter of 2020

-- Liquid assets yield. Currency blended liquid assets yield was 3.3% in 3Q20 (up 10bps y-o-y and down 10bps q-o-q) and 3.5% in 9M20 (up 10bps y-o-y). The local currency denominated liquid assets yield movement (up 130bps y-o-y and up 20bps q-o-q in 3Q20, and up 140bps y-o-y in 9M20) directly reflected the NBG's monetary policy rate changes ( NBG increased monetary policy rate by cumulative of 250bps since September 2019, although reduced the policy rate three times by a cumulative 100bps in the second and third quarters of 2020). As for the foreign currency denominated liquid assets yield (down 70bps y-o-y and flat q-o-q in 3Q20, and down 60bps y-o-y in 9M20), it largely reflected the cut in US Fed rate in March 2020 (NBG accrues interest rate on US Dollar obligatory reserves of the banks at US Fed rate upper bound minus 50bps)

-- Cost of funds. Cost of funds was 4.7% in 3Q20 (up 20bps y-o-y and down 10bps q-o-q) and 4.8% in 9M20 (up 30bps y-o-y). These changes were primarily driven by the movement of local currency denominated cost of funds (up 110bps y-o-y and down 50bps q-o-q in 3Q20, and up 120bps y-o-y in 9M20), which reflected the NBG's monetary policy rate changes ( NBG increased monetary policy rate by cumulative of 250bps since September 2019, although reduced the policy rate three times by a cumulative 100bps in 2Q20 and 3Q20), partially offset by the impact of repayment of the GEL 500 million local currency bonds due at the beginning of June 2020

-- Net fee and commission income. Net fee and commission income was GEL 45.5mln in 3Q20 (down 5.2% y-o-y and up 38.4% q-o-q) and GEL 118.5mln in the first nine months of 2020 (down 11.2% y-o-y). The y-o-y decline in 3Q20 was primarily due to the slower customer activity on the back of COVID-19 pandemic. However, economic activity has recovered significantly since June 2020, which is also reflected in the q-o-q increase in our net fee and commission income in 3Q20, primarily driven by increase in income from settlement and cash operations. On a nine-month basis, y-o-y decline in net fee and commission income in 9M20 was mainly driven by decrease in income from settlement and cash operations, as a result of slower customer activity due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2Q20 and temporary removal of fees on transactions executed through our mobile and internet banking platforms since mid-March 2020, for a two-month period, in order to decrease the customer visits to branches and incentivise the transfer of customers' activity to digital channels. This decline was partially offset by the strong net fees and commission income generation from guarantees and letters of credit issued by our Corporate and Investment Banking business

-- Net foreign currency gain. Net foreign currency gain was down by 40.5% y-o-y and by 15.7% q-o-q in 3Q20, primarily due to lower currency volatility and client-driven flows during most of the third quarter of 2020. Lower net foreign currency gains from our subsidiary in Belarus also contributed to the decline

-- Net other income. Significant y-o-y increase in net other income in the first nine months of 2020, was primarily driven by higher income from operating leases in 2020 and a GEL 2.4mln gain from revaluation of investment property (impact of changes in fair value on certain investment properties due to the lapse of the repurchase option granted to the former borrower) recorded in 2Q20. Furthermore, net losses from derivative financial instruments (interest rate swap hedges) incurred during 2019, also contributed to the y-o-y increase of net other income in 3Q20 and 9M20

 
 NET OPERATING INCOME BEFORE NON-RECURRING ITEMS; COST OF RISK; PROFIT 
 GEL thousands, unless                                  Change               Change                           Change 
  otherwise noted (5)                3Q20        3Q19    y-o-y        2Q20    q-o-q        9M20        9M19    y-o-y 
 
 Salaries and other employee 
  benefits                       (58,171)    (59,539)    -2.3%    (60,656)    -4.1%   (175,365)   (169,938)     3.2% 
 Administrative expenses         (24,443)    (26,251)    -6.9%    (22,450)     8.9%    (73,914)    (71,025)     4.1% 
 Depreciation, amortisation 
  and impairment                 (19,125)    (21,320)   -10.3%    (21,139)    -9.5%    (61,654)    (54,303)    13.5% 
 Other operating expenses           (873)       (807)     8.2%       (913)    -4.4%     (2,845)     (3,135)    -9.3% 
 Operating expenses             (102,612)   (107,917)    -4.9%   (105,158)    -2.4%   (313,778)   (298,401)     5.2% 
 Profit from associate                214         194    10.3%         113    89.4%         628         636    -1.3% 
 Operating income before 
  cost of risk                    174,093     177,239    -1.8%     134,616    29.3%     477,482     503,239    -5.1% 
 Expected credit loss 
  on loans to customers           (5,836)    (13,617)   -57.1%      11,621      NMF   (222,404)    (86,170)   158.1% 
 Expected credit loss 
  on finance lease 
  receivables                     (2,371)       (333)      NMF     (3,387)   -30.0%     (7,644)     (1,336)      NMF 
 Other expected credit 
  loss on other assets 
  and provisions                  (2,735)     (1,273)   114.8%    (18,455)   -85.2%    (32,518)     (5,845)      NMF 
 Cost of risk                    (10,942)    (15,223)   -28.1%    (10,221)     7.1%   (262,566)    (93,351)      NMF 
 Net operating income 
  before non-recurring 
  items                           163,151     162,016     0.7%     124,395    31.2%     214,916     409,888   -47.6% 
 Net non-recurring items              254     (5,019)      NMF     (1,241)      NMF    (41,332)     (9,132)      NMF 
 Profit before income 
  tax and one-off costs           163,405     156,997     4.1%     123,154    32.7%     173,584     400,756   -56.7% 
 Income tax expense              (15,051)    (22,697)   -33.7%     (8,470)    77.7%    (10,491)    (43,104)   -75.7% 
 Profit adjusted for one-off 
  costs                           148,354     134,300    10.5%     114,684    29.4%     163,093     357,652   -54.4% 
 One-off termination costs              -           -        -           -        -           -    (14,236)      NMF 
  of former CEO and executive 
  management (after tax) 
 Profit                           148,354     134,300    10.5%     114,684    29.4%     163,093     343,416   -52.5% 
 

(5) The adjusted profit in the table in 9M19 excludes GEL 14.2mln one-off employee costs (gross of income tax) related to the former CEO and executive management termination benefits. The amount is comprised of GEL 12.4mln (gross of income tax) excluded from salaries and other employee benefits, GEL 4.0mln (gross of income tax) excluded from non-recurring items and GEL 2.2mln tax benefit excluded from income tax expense

-- Operating expenses amounted to GEL 102.6mln in 3Q20, down 4.9% y-o-y and down 2.4% q-o-q, and GEL 313.8mln in 9M20, up by 5.2% y-o-y. The y-o-y increase in the first nine months of 2020 was primarily driven by the increased investments in IT related resources as part of the Agile transformation process, focus on digitalisation and investments in marketing. In addition, we incurred extraordinary expenses during the first half of 2020 in relation to the safety measures implemented as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In the second quarter of 2020, we have initiated cost optimisation measures, the impact of which is already partially reflected in the third quarter of 2020 results, and we expect further improvements in the fourth quarter of this year

-- Asset quality. The cost of credit risk ratio was 0.2% in 3Q20 (compared to 0.5% in 3Q19 and net gain of 0.2% in 2Q20) and was 2.4% in the first nine months of 2020 (compared to 1.1% in 9M19). The significant increase in cost of credit risk ratio in 9M20 was driven by the 1Q20 reserve builds, created for the full economic cycle, primarily related to the deterioration in the macro-economic environment and expected creditworthiness of borrowers due to the COVID-19 pandemic impact. As a result of these assumptions, we created additional reserves of GEL 220.2mln in the first quarter of 2020. In the second quarter, management revisited the assumptions used to estimate the amount of ECL provision to reflect the better visibility and the macro-economic forecast scenarios published by the NBG in May 2020 (see Group's 2Q20 and 1H20 results announcement for details of assumptions used).

In the third quarter of 2020, the Group has completed an in-depth analysis of financial standing and creditworthiness of all corporate and SME borrowers, and a significant portion of retail and micro segment customers. As a result, additional ECL provisions on loans to customers and finance lease receivables in the amount of GEL 15.8mln were recorded for Retail Banking business, and a net ECL reversal of GEL 9.1mln in CIB segment. Based on the analysis, the Group concluded that overall, additional reserve of GEL 220.2mln, already created in the first quarter of 2020, was sufficient.

Given that we are operating in a rapidly changing environment with a high level of uncertainty with regard to both the length and the severity of the COVID-19 impact, we are monitoring new facts and circumstances on a continuous basis

-- Quality of our loan book is closely monitored by the below metrics. The y-o-y and q-o-q rise in non-performing borrowers in 3Q20 was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic impact, resulting in increase of NPLs to gross loans to 3.8% at 30 September 2020 , which is in line with the upfront ECL provision recorded for the full economic cycle in the first quarter of 2020 . The y-o-y decline in NPL coverage ratio reflects the shift of portfolio mix from high-yielding unsecured to more secured consumer lending since 2019 on the back of the consumer lending regulation, and is supported by the high level of collateralisation of our loan book. That said, the NPL coverage ratio adjusted for discounted value of collateral increased y-o-y to 131.4% at 30 September 2020 :

 
 GEL thousands, unless otherwise         Sep-20    Sep-19   Change    Jun-20   Change 
  noted                                                      y-o-y              q-o-q 
 NON-PERFORMING LOANS 
 NPLs                                   530,631   339,118    56.5%   355,260    49.4% 
 NPLs to gross loans                       3.8%      2.9%               2.7% 
  NPLs to gross loans, RB                  2.8%      1.8%               1.9% 
  NPLs to gross loans, CIB                 5.7%      5.0%               4.1% 
 NPL coverage ratio                       76.8%     85.3%             115.7% 
 NPL coverage ratio adjusted for 
  the discounted value of collateral     131.4%    129.3%             166.3% 
 

-- BNB - the Group's banking subsidiary in Belarus - continues to remain strongly capitalised , with capital adequacy ratios well above the requirements of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus ("NBRB"). At 30 September 2020, total capital adequacy ratio was 14.1%, well above the 12.5% minimum requirement, while Tier I capital adequacy ratio was 9.4%, again above the NBRB's 7.0% minimum requirement. ROAE was 2.2% in 3Q20 (18.1% in 3Q19 and 12.2% in 2Q20) and 4.7% in 9M20 (13.6% in 9M19), reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic impact in the first nine months of 2020. For financial results highlights of BNB, see page 21. We note the political unrest that is currently occurring in Belarus. There has so far been no material impact on the performance of our business in Belarus, but we continue to monitor the situation closely

-- Net non-recurring items. Significant y-o-y increase in net non-recurring items during the first nine months of 2020 was primarily attributable to GEL 38.7mln and GEL 1.0mln one-off net loss on modification of financial assets in March and April of 2020, respectively, in relation to the three-month payment holidays on principal and interest offered to our retail banking clients, in order to reduce the requirement for customers to physically visit Bank branches and reduce the risk of COVID-19 virus spread. See Group's 2Q20 and 1H20 results announcement for details. In addition, in 1Q20, the Bank incurred GEL 1.2mln one-off costs to finance and donate 20,000 COVID-19 laboratory tests, 10 respirators, 50,000 face masks and 60,000 gloves to the Ministry of Health of Georgia, to support the battle to prevent the virus spread. These costs are also classified as non-recurring items

-- Income tax expense. Relatively high income tax rate in 3Q19 and 9M19 was primarily driven by a one-off GEL 8.5mln additional tax expense recorded in the third quarter of 2019 as a result of reassessment of deferred tax balances. See Group's 3Q19 and 9M19 results announcement for details

-- Overall, the Group recorded profit of GEL 148.4mln in 3Q20 (GEL 134.3mln in 3Q19 and GEL 114.7mln in 2Q20) and GEL 163.1mln in the first nine months of 2020 (compared to profit adjusted for one-off costs of GEL 357.7mln(6) in 9M19). The Group's ROAE was 26.0% in 3Q20 (26.8% in 3Q19 and 21.8% in 2Q20) and 9.9% in 9M20 (24.7%(6) in 9M19)

(6) Profit and ROAE in 9M19 exclude GEL 14.2mln one-off employee costs (gross of income tax) related to the former CEO and executive management termination benefits

 
 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS 
 GEL thousands, unless otherwise                    Sep-20       Sep-19   Change       Jun-20   Change 
  noted                                                                    y-o-y                 q-o-q 
 Liquid assets                                   6,339,663    5,099,111    24.3%    5,447,730    16.4% 
    Liquid assets, GEL                           2,567,410    2,136,320    20.2%    2,461,639     4.3% 
    Liquid assets, FC                            3,772,253    2,962,791    27.3%    2,986,091    26.3% 
 Net loans and finance lease receivables        13,627,144   11,339,745    20.2%   12,599,092     8.2% 
    Net loans and finance lease receivables, 
     GEL                                         5,368,636    4,655,533    15.3%    5,001,418     7.3% 
    Net loans and finance lease receivables, 
     FC                                          8,258,508    6,684,212    23.6%    7,597,674     8.7% 
 Client deposits and notes                      12,985,039    9,613,718    35.1%   11,583,139    12.1% 
 Amounts owed to credit institutions             3,757,646    3,437,718     9.3%    3,521,860     6.7% 
    Borrowings from DFIs                         1,807,472    1,355,426    33.4%    1,755,656     3.0% 
    Short-term loans from central banks            874,153    1,271,027   -31.2%      847,213     3.2% 
    Loans and deposits from commercial 
     banks                                       1,076,021      811,265    32.6%      918,991    17.1% 
 Debt securities issued                          1,628,188    2,175,820   -25.2%    1,561,933     4.2% 
 
 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIOS 
 Net loans / client deposits and 
  notes                                             104.9%       118.0%                108.8% 
 Net loans / client deposits and 
  notes + DFIs                                       92.1%       103.4%                 94.5% 
 Liquid assets / total assets                        30.0%        29.1%                 28.4% 
 Liquid assets / total liabilities                   33.7%        32.9%                 32.1% 
 NBG liquidity coverage ratio                       147.0%       118.5%                135.4% 
 NBG (Basel III) CET1 capital adequacy 
  ratio                                               9.9%        10.6%                  9.9% 
 NBG (Basel III) Tier I capital adequacy 
  ratio                                              12.0%        13.3%                 12.0% 
 NBG (Basel III) Total capital adequacy 
  ratio                                              17.3%        16.8%                 17.4% 
 

Our balance sheet remains highly liquid (NBG liquidity coverage ratio of 147.0%) and strongly capitalised (NBG Basel III Tier I capital adequacy ratio of 12.0%) with a well-diversified funding base (client deposits and notes to total liabilities of 69.1%) at 30 September 2020.

-- Liquidity. Liquid assets reached GEL 6,339.7mln at 30 September 2020, up 24.3% y-o-y and up 16.4% q-o-q. The notable increase over the year was in cash on hand, combined with excess liquidity deployed with credit institutions and in investment securities. The Bank maintained excess liquidity since the second quarter of 2020 primarily for 1) risk mitigation purposes on the back of the current COVID-19 crisis, as outflow of customer funds was expected at early stage of the pandemic outbreak, which however did not materialise. Client deposit balances continue to grow to date, and 2) the repayment of local currency bonds in June 2020. The NBG Liquidity coverage ratio was 147.0% at 30 September 2020 (118.5% at 30 September 2019 and 135.4% at 30 June 2020), well above the 100% minimum requirement level

-- Loan book . Our net loan book and finance lease receivables amounted to GEL 13,627.1mln at 30 September 2020 ( up 20.2% y-o-y and up 8.2% q-o-q ) . As of 30 September 2020, the retail loan book represented 6 5 .7% of the total loan portfolio (65.8% at 30 September 2019 and 30 June 2020). Both local and foreign currency portfolios experienced solid y-o-y growth of 15.3% and 23.6%, respectively. Furthermore, local currency portfolio increased by 7.3% and foreign currency denominated loan portfolio grew by 8.7% q-o-q. The local currency loan portfolio growth was partially driven by the Government's de-dollarisation initiatives and our goal to increase the share of local currency loans in our portfolio

-- Dollarisation of our loan book and client deposits. The retail client loan book in foreign currency accounted for 45.9% of the total RB loan book at 30 September 2020 (43.9% at 30 September 2019 and 45.6% at 30 June 2020), while retail client foreign currency deposits comprised 69.1% of total RB deposits at 30 September 2020 (69.2% at 30 September 2019 and 67.8% at 30 June 2020). At 30 September 2020, 82.7% of CIB's loan book was denominated in foreign currency (82.1% at 30 September 2019 and 82.6% at 30 June 2020), while 53.0% of CIB deposits were denominated in foreign currency (64.1% at 30 September 2019 and 51.9% at 30 June 2020)

-- Net loans to customer funds and DFI ratio . Our net loans to customer funds and DFI ratio, which is closely monitored by management, stood at 92.1% at 30 September 2020 (103.4% at 30 September 2019 and 94.5% at 30 June 2020)

-- Diversified funding base . Debt securities issued decreased by 25.2% y-o-y and increased by 4.2% q-o-q at 30 September 2020. The y-o-y decrease was attributable to the repayment of GEL 500mln local currency bonds at the beginning of June 2020, while the q-o-q increase in debt securities was mainly due to the local currency depreciation in the 3Q20

-- Solid capital position. At 30 September 2020, following the measures put in place by the NBG as part of the COVID-19 supervisory plan in March 2020 (see details in the Group's 1Q20 results announcement), the Bank's Basel III Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total capital adequacy ratios stood at 9.9%, 12.0% and 17.3%, respectively, all comfortably above the minimum required levels of 6.9%, 8.7% and 13.3%, respectively. Below is presented the movement in capital adequacy ratios in 3Q20, as well as the potential impact of an additional 10% devaluation of GEL on different levels of capital:

 
                                                                                         Potential 
                                                                                          impact of 
                         30 June  Business   3Q20                     30 September       additional 
                           2020    growth    profit  GEL devaluation      2020       10% GEL devaluation 
                         -------  --------  -------  ---------------  ------------  -------------------- 
 
CET1 capital adequacy 
 ratio                      9.9%     -0.3%     0.8%            -0.5%          9.9%                 -0.7% 
Tier I capital 
 adequacy ratio            12.0%     -0.4%     0.8%            -0.4%         12.0%                 -0.6% 
Total capital adequacy 
 ratio                     17.4%     -0.6%     0.8%            -0.3%         17.3%                 -0.5% 
 

DISCUSSION OF SEGMENT RESULTS

RETAIL BANKING (RB)

Retail Banking provides consumer loans, mortgage loans, overdrafts, credit card facilities and other credit facilities as well as funds transfer and settlement services and the handling of customer deposits for both individuals and legal entities (SME and micro businesses only). RB is represented by the following sub-segments: (1) the emerging and mass retail segment (through our Express and Bank of Georgia brands), (2) SME and micro businesses - MSME (through our Bank of Georgia brand), and (3) the mass affluent segment (through our SOLO brand).

 
 GEL thousands, unless 
  otherwise                                             Change               Change                           Change 
  noted                              3Q20        3Q19    y-o-y        2Q20    q-o-q        9M20        9M19    y-o-y 
 
 INCOME STATEMENT 
  HIGHLIGHTS(7) 
 Net interest income              126,837     142,202   -10.8%     102,667    23.5%     347,771     410,861   -15.4% 
 Net fee and commission 
  income                           34,744      36,696    -5.3%      22,184    56.6%      86,325     103,735   -16.8% 
 Net foreign currency gain         14,245      14,410    -1.1%       7,525    89.3%      43,404      36,214    19.9% 
 Net other income / (expense)       3,477         581      NMF       4,085   -14.9%       9,467     (1,002)      NMF 
 Operating income                 179,303     193,889    -7.5%     136,461    31.4%     486,967     549,808   -11.4% 
 Salaries and other employee 
  benefits                       (40,481)    (37,732)     7.3%    (41,826)    -3.2%   (122,876)   (108,296)    13.5% 
 Administrative expenses         (18,199)    (17,585)     3.5%    (16,898)     7.7%    (55,829)    (48,374)    15.4% 
 Depreciation, amortisation 
  and impairment                 (15,704)    (17,973)   -12.6%    (17,610)   -10.8%    (51,203)    (45,753)    11.9% 
 Other operating expenses           (510)       (379)    34.6%       (550)    -7.3%     (1,608)     (1,666)    -3.5% 
 Operating expenses              (74,894)    (73,669)     1.7%    (76,884)    -2.6%   (231,516)   (204,089)    13.4% 
 Profit from associate                214         194    10.3%         113    89.4%         628         636    -1.3% 
 Operating income before 
  cost of risk                    104,623     120,414   -13.1%      59,690    75.3%     256,079     346,355   -26.1% 
 Cost of risk                    (16,238)    (16,831)    -3.5%     (5,757)      NMF   (164,076)    (82,760)    98.3% 
 Net operating income before 
  non-recurring items              88,385     103,583   -14.7%      53,933    63.9%      92,003     263,595   -65.1% 
 Net non-recurring items              219       (575)      NMF     (1,249)      NMF    (39,959)       (915)      NMF 
 Profit before income tax 
  and one-off costs                88,604     103,008   -14.0%      52,684    68.2%      52,044     262,680   -80.2% 
 Income tax (expense) / 
  benefit                         (7,508)    (14,060)   -46.6%     (3,214)   133.6%         493    (26,484)      NMF 
 Profit adjusted for one-off 
  costs                            81,096      88,948    -8.8%      49,470    63.9%      52,537     236,196   -77.8% 
 One-off termination costs              -           -        -           -        -           -    (10,142)      NMF 
  of former CEO and executive 
  management (after tax) 
 Profit                            81,096      88,948    -8.8%      49,470    63.9%      52,537     226,054   -76.8% 
 
 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS 
 Net loans, currency blended    8,416,503   7,083,432    18.8%   7,797,191     7.9%   8,416,503   7,083,432    18.8% 
  Net loans, GEL                4,551,436   3,974,913    14.5%   4,241,765     7.3%   4,551,436   3,974,913    14.5% 
  Net loans, FC                 3,865,067   3,108,519    24.3%   3,555,426     8.7%   3,865,067   3,108,519    24.3% 
 Client deposits, currency 
  blended                       6,699,215   5,384,371    24.4%   5,962,044    12.4%   6,699,215   5,384,371    24.4% 
  Client deposits, GEL          2,068,516   1,657,025    24.8%   1,921,108     7.7%   2,068,516   1,657,025    24.8% 
  Client deposits, FC           4,630,699   3,727,346    24.2%   4,040,936    14.6%   4,630,699   3,727,346    24.2% 
 of which: 
 Time deposits, currency 
  blended                       4,077,658   3,074,292    32.6%   3,574,598    14.1%   4,077,658   3,074,292    32.6% 
  Time deposits, GEL            1,034,423     753,198    37.3%     973,050     6.3%   1,034,423     753,198    37.3% 
  Time deposits, FC             3,043,235   2,321,094    31.1%   2,601,548    17.0%   3,043,235   2,321,094    31.1% 
 Current accounts and demand 
  deposits, currency blended    2,621,557   2,310,079    13.5%   2,387,446     9.8%   2,621,557   2,310,079    13.5% 
  Current accounts and demand 
   deposits, GEL                1,034,093     903,827    14.4%     948,058     9.1%   1,034,093     903,827    14.4% 
  Current accounts and demand 
   deposits, FC                 1,587,464   1,406,252    12.9%   1,439,388    10.3%   1,587,464   1,406,252    12.9% 
 
 KEY RATIOS 
 ROAE (7)                           25.0%       30.7%                16.4%                 5.6%       27.6% 
 Net interest margin, 
  currency 
  blended                            4.8%        6.1%                 4.0%                 4.6%        6.3% 
 Cost of credit risk ratio           0.8%        0.9%                 0.2%                 2.7%        1.6% 
 Cost of funds, currency 
  blended                            5.7%        4.9%                 5.9%                 5.8%        5.1% 
 Loan yield, currency blended       11.7%       12.8%                11.1%                11.5%       13.1% 
  Loan yield, GEL                   15.8%       17.0%                14.9%                15.5%       17.9% 
  Loan yield, FC                     6.7%        7.5%                 6.6%                 6.7%        7.5% 
 Cost of deposits, currency 
  blended                            3.1%        2.6%                 2.9%                 2.9%        2.7% 
  Cost of deposits, GEL              6.3%        5.0%                 6.4%                 6.1%        5.1% 
  Cost of deposits, FC               1.5%        1.5%                 1.4%                 1.4%        1.6% 
 Cost of time deposits, 
  currency blended                   4.3%        3.8%                 4.3%                 4.2%        3.9% 
  Cost of time deposits, 
   GEL                              10.1%        8.4%                10.3%                 9.9%        8.6% 
  Cost of time deposits, 
   FC                                2.2%        2.3%                 2.2%                 2.2%        2.4% 
 Current accounts and demand 
  deposits, currency blended         1.1%        1.0%                 0.9%                 1.0%        1.0% 
  Current accounts and demand 
   deposits, GEL                     2.4%        2.2%                 2.3%                 2.3%        2.2% 
  Current accounts and demand 
   deposits, FC                      0.2%        0.1%                 0.1%                 0.1%        0.2% 
 Cost / income ratio (8)            41.8%       38.0%                56.3%                47.5%       37.1% 
 

(7) The income statement adjusted profit in 9M19 excludes GEL 10.1mln one-off employee costs (net-off income tax) related to the former CEO and executive management termination benefits. The amount is comprised of GEL 8.6mln (gross of income tax) excluded from salaries and other employee benefits, GEL 2.9mln (gross of income tax) excluded from non-recurring items and GEL 1.4mln tax benefit excluded from income tax expense. 9M19 ROAE has been adjusted accordingly

(8) The cost/income ratio in 9M19 is adjusted for GEL 8.6mln one-off employee costs (gross of income tax) related to termination benefits of former executive management

Performance highlights

-- Retail Banking generated operating income of GEL 179.3mln in 3Q20 (down 7.5% y-o-y and up 31.4% q-o-q) and GEL 487.0mln in 9M20 (down 11.4% y-o-y) , mostly reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic impact since March and improving trends in key economic indicators and rebound in customer activity since June 2020

-- RB's net interest income was down 10.8% y-o-y in 3Q20 and down 15.4% y-o-y in 9M20, primarily reflecting the slow-down of economic activity on the back of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in March 2020, as well as the effect of change in portfolio mix resulting from the consumer lending regulation introduced since 2019. On a q-o-q basis, following the recovery of customer activity and rebound of economic dynamics, net interest income grew significantly by 23.5% q-o-q in 3Q20. Net interest income still benefited from the growth of the local currency loan portfolio, which generated 9.1ppts and 8.8ppts higher yields than the foreign currency loan portfolio in 3Q20 and in 9M20, respectively

-- Retail Banking net loan book reached GEL 8,416.5mln at 30 September 2020, up 18.8% y-o-y and up 7.9% q-o-q. On a constant currency basis, retail loan book increased by 13.3% y-o-y and by 4.4% q-o-q in 3Q20. Local currency denominated loan book increased by 14.5% y-o-y and by 7.3% q-o-q, while the foreign currency denominated loan book grew by 24.3% y-o-y and by 8.7% q-o-q. As a result, the local currency denominated loan book accounted for 54.1% of the Retail Banking loan book at 30 September 2020 (56.1% at 30 September 2019 and 54.4% at 30 June 2020). Currently, the consumer loan portfolio which is potentially most sensitive to foreign currency risk is largely de-dollarised, while share of retail mortgage loans in local currency accounted 43% at 30 September 2020

-- The y-o-y loan book growth primarily reflected continued strong loan origination levels in MSME and mortgage segments, as well as secured consumer lending during the pre-COVID-19 period. The q-o-q increase in the loan originations is reflective of the recovery dynamics of the customer activity since June 2020:

 
 RETAIL BANKING LOAN BOOK BY PRODUCTS 
 GEL million, unless 
  otherwise                                             Change               Change                           Change 
  noted                              3Q20        3Q19    y-o-y        2Q20    q-o-q        9M20        9M19    y-o-y 
 Loan originations 
 Consumer loans                   448,172     417,315     7.4%     143,060   213.3%     955,075   1,164,248   -18.0% 
 Mortgage loans                   459,596     365,047    25.9%      63,195   627.3%     782,102   1,027,324   -23.9% 
 Micro loans                      301,439     281,879     6.9%      75,397   299.8%     654,078     892,362   -26.7% 
 SME loans                        353,294     273,884    29.0%     104,893   236.8%     755,701     727,822     3.8% 
 
 Outstanding balance 
 Consumer loans                 1,737,043   1,542,093    12.6%   1,652,327     5.1%   1,737,043   1,542,093    12.6% 
 Mortgage loans                 3,550,606   2,948,476    20.4%   3,237,302     9.7%   3,550,606   2,948,476    20.4% 
 Micro loans                    1,687,567   1,427,126    18.2%   1,586,847     6.3%   1,687,567   1,427,126    18.2% 
 SME loans                      1,308,007     899,122    45.5%   1,166,933    12.1%   1,308,007     899,122    45.5% 
 

-- Retail Banking client deposits increased to GEL 6,699.2mln at 30 September 2020, up 24.4% y-o-y and up 12.4% q-o-q. The dollarisation level of deposits remained largely flat at 69.1% at 30 September 2020, compared to 69.2% at 30 September 2019 and 67.8% at 30 June 2020. The cost of foreign currency denominated deposits stood at 1.5% in 3Q20 (flat y-o-y and up 10bps q-o-q) and 1.4% in 9M20 (down 20bps y-o-y), while the cost of local currency denominated deposits increased by 130bps y-o-y and went down by 10bps q-o-q in 3Q20, and increased by 100bps y-o-y during first nine months of 2020. The spread between the cost of RB's client deposits in GEL and foreign currency was 4.8ppts during 3Q20 (GEL: 6.3%; FC: 1.5%), compared to 3.5ppts in 3Q19 (GEL: 5.0%; FC: 1.5%) and 5.0ppts in 2Q20 (GEL: 6.4%; FC: 1.4%). On the nine months basis, spread widened to 4.7ppts in 9M20 (GEL: 6.1%; FC: 1.4%), compared to 3.5ppts in 9M19 (GEL: 5.1%; FC: 1.6%)

-- Retail Banking NIM was 4.8% in 3Q20 (down 130bps y-o-y and up 80bps q-o-q) and 4.6% in 9M20 (down 170bps y-o-y). The y-o-y decline in NIM in 3Q20 and 9M20 was mostly attributable to lower loan yields (down 110bps y-o-y in 3Q20 and down 160bps y-o-y in 9M20). In addition, cost of funds increased by 80bps y-o-y in 3Q20 and by 70bps y-o-y in 9M20, primarily on the back of increased NBG monetary policy rate (NBG increased monetary policy rate by cumulative of 250bps since September 2019, although NBG reduced the policy rate thrice by cumulative of 100bps in the second and third quarters of 2020). On a q-o-q basis, 60bps growth in loan yields coupled with 20bps decrease in cost funds, resulted in 80bps q-o-q increase in NIM in 3Q20

-- Retail Banking net fee and commission income . Net fee and commission income generation decreased y-o-y both during the third quarter and the first nine months of 2020. The y-o-y decrease was primarily driven by slower customer activity due to COVID-19 pandemic and temporary removal of fees on transactions executed through our mobile and internet banking platforms since mid-March 2020, for a two-month period, in order to decrease customer visits to branches and incentivise the transfer of customers' activity to digital channels. Furthermore, lack of external tourism, as well as no Georgian's travelling abroad, resulted in significant decline in net fees charged on currency conversion operations. On a q-o-q basis, net fee and commission income increased by 56.6% in 3Q20, reflecting strong recovery dynamics in customer activity since June 2020

-- RB's asset quality. Cost of credit risk ratio was 0.8% in 3Q20 (down from 0.9% in 3Q19 and up from 0.2% in 2Q20) and 2.7% in 9M20 (up from 1.6% 9M19). The increase in cost of credit risk ratio in the first nine months of 2020 was due to the IFRS 9 reserve builds, created for the full economic cycle in 1Q20, primarily related to deterioration of the macro-economic environment and expected creditworthiness of borrowers as a result of the COVID-19 impact. These assumptions were further revisited to reflect the better visibility and the macro-economic forecast scenarios published by the NBG in May, and an in-depth review of significant portion of borrowers, resulting in additional ECL reserves for the RB segment in 2Q20 and 3Q20

-- Our Retail Banking business continued to further execute on our strategy towards continuous digitalisation, as demonstrated by the following performance indicators:

 
 RETAIL BANKING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 
 Volume information in                               Change                Change                             Change 
  GEL thousands                  3Q20         3Q19    y-o-y         2Q20    q-o-q         9M20         9M19    y-o-y 
 Retail Banking 
 customers 
 Number of new customers       56,074       42,534    31.8%       27,214   106.0%      115,084      123,554    -6.9% 
 Number of customers        2,587,177    2,500,826     3.5%    2,540,721     1.8%    2,587,177    2,500,826     3.5% 
 Cards 
 Number of cards issued       213,686      176,922    20.8%       92,315   131.5%      458,939      536,113   -14.4% 
 Number of cards 
  outstanding               2,184,591    2,121,830     3.0%    2,178,053     0.3%    2,184,591    2,121,830     3.0% 
 Express Pay terminals 
 Number of Express Pay 
  terminals                     3,130        3,231    -3.1%        3,118     0.4%        3,130        3,231    -3.1% 
 Number of transactions 
  via Express Pay 
  terminals                22,508,942   26,644,743   -15.5%   13,849,756    62.5%   59,292,767   80,895,309   -26.7% 
 Volume of transactions 
  via Express Pay 
  terminals                 2,380,932    2,193,261     8.6%    1,550,286    53.6%    5,958,065    5,910,238     0.8% 
 POS terminals 
 Number of desks               20,465       15,185    34.8%       17,248    18.7%       20,465       15,185    34.8% 
 Number of contracted 
  merchants                     9,829        7,545    30.3%        8,513    15.5%        9,829        7,545    30.3% 
 Number of POS terminals       25,706       21,088    21.9%       23,788     8.1%       25,706       21,088    21.9% 
 Number of transactions 
  via POS terminals        28,790,910   21,646,160    33.0%   21,114,390    36.4%   72,517,194   58,980,841    23.0% 
 Volume of transactions 
  via POS terminals           746,195      707,049     5.5%      532,544    40.1%    1,929,034    1,813,010     6.4% 
 Internet banking 
 Number of active users 
  (9)                         140,592      268,053   -47.6%      247,342   -43.2%      140,592      268,053   -47.6% 
 Number of transactions 
  via internet bank         1,080,287    1,273,318   -15.2%      973,336    11.0%    3,160,696    4,033,394   -21.6% 
 Volume of transactions 
  via internet bank           543,202      579,426    -6.3%      583,328    -6.9%    1,780,752    1,627,543     9.4% 
 Mobile banking 
 Number of active users 
  (9)                         671,959      448,176    49.9%      619,519     8.5%      671,959      448,176    49.9% 
 Number of transactions 
  via mobile bank          17,197,028    9,516,173    80.7%   13,335,918    29.0%   42,986,783   24,396,405    76.2% 
 Volume of transactions 
  via mobile bank           2,463,558    1,265,778    94.6%    1,766,710    39.4%    5,893,395    3,081,276    91.3% 
 
   (9)   The users that log-in in internet and mobile bank at least once in three months 

-- Y-o-y and q-o-q growth in client base to 2,587,177 customers at 30 September 2020 was due to the increased offering of cost-effective remote channels and substantially improving our positioning in many key areas. Based on the latest research, Bank of Georgia is regarded as the most trusted financial institution in Georgia

-- The number of outstanding cards increased by 3.0% y-o-y and by 0.3% q-o-q at 30 September 2020. The number of Loyalty programme Plus+ cards, reached 1,059,785 at 30 September 2020, up 33.8% y-o-y and up 10.8% q-o-q

-- Digital channels . We have actively continued the further development of our digital strategy and therefore, more than 95% of the total daily transactions of individuals were executed through digital channels during the first nine months of 2020

- mBank and iBank digital penetration. The Bank continued introducing new features to mobile banking application and internet bank and introducing dedicated digital spaces in our branches to incentivise transferring client activity to digital channels. The focus in this direction further increased after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, which the Bank responded to with various activities, such as instructive videos, incentives and call centre support for customers educating them how to use these digital channels. As a result of increased investments and efforts in this direction, the number of active users, as well as the number and volume of transactions through these channels, mostly mobile bank, continued to expand

- The utilisation of Express Pay terminals . The Bank has a large network of self-service terminals throughout Georgia, which are used extensively by its customers. The decline in number of transactions y-o-y both in 3Q20 and in 9M20 was primarily due to the continuous migration of customers to the mobile banking platform, as well as slow-down in economic activity on the back of COVID-19 pandemic since March. On the other hand, number of transactions significantly increased on a q-o-q basis in 3Q20, mostly due to the rebound in customer activity since June 2020

-- Business iBank. In 2019, the Bank released a new business internet banking platform for MSME and corporate clients, with features designed to make its use an intuitive and smooth experience. Since then, we have focused our efforts on making the Business iBank even more useful for business transactions to further incentivise transfer of client activity to digital channels. In the third quarter of 2020, the number (up 4.1% y-o-y and up 18.4% q-o-q) and volume (up 10.4% y-o-y and up 23.6% q-o-q) of Business iBank transactions increased, primarily reflecting the acceleration in business activities during the third quarter of 2020. On a nine months basis, both the number and volume of transactions through Business iBank grew by 4.9% and 6.1% y-o-y, respectively, and c.96% of daily transactions of legal entities were executed through the internet bank in 9M20

-- In August 2020, Global Finance Magazine named Bank of Georgia Best Consumer Digital Bank in Georgia in 2020, including regional awards in sub-categories such as Best Online Product Offering, Best Online Investment Management Services, Best Digital Bank in Lending and Best Trade Finance Services in Central and Eastern Europe for 2020

-- SOLO, our premium banking brand, was the least impacted business from our Retail Banking segments, and continued its growth and investment in its lifestyle brand. We have 11 SOLO lounges, of which 9 are located in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and 2 in major regional cities of Georgia. The number of SOLO clients reached 58,351 at 30 September 2020 (51,692 at 30 September 2019 and 56,207 at 30 June 2020). At 30 September 2020, the product to client ratio for the SOLO segment was 4.9, compared to 2.1 for our retail franchise. While SOLO clients currently represent 2.3% of our total retail client base, they contributed 30.3% to our retail loan book, 39.2% to our retail deposits, 23.9% and 28.7% to our net retail interest income and to our net retail fee and commission income in 3Q20, respectively. The fee and commission income from the SOLO segment was GEL 7.9mln in 3Q20 (GEL 6.7mln in 3Q19 and GEL 5.5mln in 2Q20) and GEL 19.6mln in first nine months of 2020 (GEL 19.1mln in 9M19). SOLO Club, a membership group within SOLO, which offers exclusive access to SOLO products and offers ahead of other SOLO clients at a higher fee, continued to increase its client base. At 30 September 2020, SOLO Club had 5,555 members, up 7.8% y-o-y and largely flat q-o-q

-- MSME banking. The number of MSME segment clients reached 228,349 at 30 September 2020, up 4.0% y-o-y and up 1.3% q-o-q. MSME's gross loan portfolio reached GEL 3,190.1mln (up 27.7% y-o-y and up 8.9% q-o-q) and client deposits and notes amounted to GEL 877.0mln (up 15.6% y-o-y and up 10.8% q-o-q) at 30 September 2020. The MSME segment generated operating income of GEL 49.2mln in 3Q20 (down 13.9% y-o-y and up 19.8% q-o-q) and GEL 140.8mln in the first nine months of 2020 (down 7.7% y-o-y), with the decline primarily driven by the slow-down in business activity on the back of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the temporary lockdown of the economy during April-May period

-- Digital ecosystem development . Currently, our digital ecosystem covers ten verticals: fintech, real estate and housing, e-commerce, logistics, healthcare, lifestyle, loyalty, accounting services, auto and transportation and HR services. In 2019 and 2020, we launched three platforms - real estate platform area.ge, online marketplace platform extra.ge and an inventory management and point-of-sale solution for MSME customers Optimo. Key developments during 2020 are described below:

- In 1Q20, the Group in response to COVID-19 outbreak accepted the social and commercial challenge to play a vital role in addressing accelerated digital service demand. Due to social distancing and restrictions imposed on commercial activities, the Group's digital ecosystem arm proactively restructured its operations and commercial offerings to adapt to the changing environment. Core focus fell on extra.ge, which after its acquisition in 2Q19, has been transformed into a vibrant and dynamic platform, one of the largest full-scale digital marketplaces in Georgia, and the full-scale re-launch was completed as planned in 1Q20. In 2Q20 and 3Q20, extra.ge mainly focused on acquisition of market share (supply and demand creation). Through different active campaigns and initiatives, the platform doubled the network of merchants operating in the country to 400+ vendors and 7,000+ private sellers, selling 110,000+ products and services, as well as significantly increased the number of registered users, delivering a 50% increase in cashless payments. extra.ge has also launched mobile application in private beta format. The commercial release of the application is planned in 4Q20

- Following the COVID-19 outbreak, during the first quarter, the Group structured a unique digital solution for merchants who were faced by customer scarcity and a heavy burden of restrictions. With the packaged solution, branded as Adapter, the Group is offering a best-in-class solution to merchants, who can now undergo fast and efficient transformation to digital sales with just a simple plug-in. Adapter combines an integration of Optimo, an effective inventory and order management platform, with extra.ge, a digital marketplace, through which merchants can sell their products directly to customers remotely. Adapter quickly gained interest and popularity amongst market players, small merchants, as well as large physical marketplaces, which is evident through active negotiations and already onboarded partners. Adapter was highly accepted by hundreds of retailers and producers, exceeding initially planned targets. In 3Q20, the Group launched Optimo RECA, beta version of tailored solution for restaurants, cafes and hotels, which had a steady uptake

- The COVID-19 outbreak significantly decreased activity in the real estate sector, therefore, directly impacting area.ge's operations and performance. As such, in the second quarter of 2020, area.ge refocused its strategy towards facilitating and accelerating real estate sales, developing multiple solutions for real estate developer companies, which connect them closely with brokers and other market players, such as banks and financial institutions that provide mortgage loans as part of their product offering. In 3Q20, in response to the Government's new subsidised mortgage loan programme, the Group launched a new solution, subsidireba.ge

- At the beginning of 2020, the Group reassessed its strategy, and in order to be able to meet wide range of customer needs, we decided to partner with others. With this aim, in 2Q 20, the Group partnered with 500 Startups and the Georgia's Innovation and Technology Agency, and launched 500 Georgia Acceleration programme. The programme focuses on accelerating the development of Georgian and international early stage startups operating in the region. In 3Q20, 1 5 companies from 10 different business verticals completed the programme and joined our Digital Area ecosystem. Since the launch, most of the startups have raise d more than US$ 4.9 million from external international investors and venture funds. Currently, 15 additional companies are in the acceleration process, and with the Group's participation, total of c.US$ 1.4mln will be invested in the programme by the end of 2020

-- As a result, Retail Banking recorded a profit in the amount of GEL 81.1mln in 3Q20 (GEL 88.9mln in 3Q19 and GEL 49.5mln in 2Q20), and GEL 52.5mln in the first nine months of 2020 (compared to profit adjusted for one-off costs of GEL 2 3 6.2mln(10) in 9M19). Retail Banking ROAE was 25.0% in 3Q20 (30.7% in 3Q19 and 16.4% in 2Q20) and 5.6% in 9M20 (27.6%(10) in 9M19). Low profitability in 9M20, resulted primarily from the increased cost of risk and non-recurring costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic impact recorded in the first quarter of 2020

(10) Profit and ROAE in 9M19 exclude GEL 10.1mln one-off employee costs (net of income tax) related to termination benefits of the former CEO and executive management

CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANKING (CIB)

CIB provides (1) loans and other credit facilities to Georgia's large corporate clients and other legal entities, excluding SME and micro businesses; (2) services such as fund transfers and settlements services, currency conversion operations, trade finance services and documentary operations as well as handling savings and term deposits; (3) finance lease facilities through the Bank's leasing operations arm, the Georgian Leasing Company; (4) brokerage services through Galt & Taggart; and (5) Wealth Management private banking services to high-net-worth individuals and offers investment management products in Georgia and internationally through representative offices and subsidiaries in Tbilisi, London, Budapest, Istanbul and Tel Aviv.

 
 GEL thousands, unless 
  otherwise                                             Change               Change                           Change 
  noted                              3Q20        3Q19    y-o-y        2Q20    q-o-q        9M20        9M19    y-o-y 
 INCOME STATEMENT 
  HIGHLIGHTS(12) 
 Net interest income               68,454      51,827    32.1%      63,110     8.5%     200,905     152,232    32.0% 
 Net fee and commission 
  income                            9,500       9,826    -3.3%       9,197     3.3%      27,652      25,090    10.2% 
 Net foreign currency gain          4,976      13,510   -63.2%      11,431   -56.5%      24,941      35,014   -28.8% 
 Net other income                   4,653       3,300    41.0%       4,825    -3.6%      14,160       4,294      NMF 
 Operating income                  87,583      78,463    11.6%      88,563    -1.1%     267,658     216,630    23.6% 
 Salaries and other employee 
  benefits                       (13,034)    (15,304)   -14.8%    (14,170)    -8.0%    (37,764)    (42,481)   -11.1% 
 Administrative expenses          (4,483)     (5,866)   -23.6%     (3,488)    28.5%    (12,437)    (13,897)   -10.5% 
 Depreciation, amortisation 
  and impairment                  (2,352)     (2,416)    -2.6%     (2,434)    -3.4%     (7,259)     (6,050)    20.0% 
 Other operating expenses           (235)       (241)    -2.5%       (227)     3.5%       (761)       (746)     2.0% 
 Operating expenses              (20,104)    (23,827)   -15.6%    (20,319)    -1.1%    (58,221)    (63,174)    -7.8% 
 Operating income before cost 
  of risk                          67,479      54,636    23.5%      68,244    -1.1%     209,437     153,456    36.5% 
 Cost of risk                       6,745       1,239      NMF     (2,536)      NMF    (91,691)     (7,159)      NMF 
 Net operating income before 
  non-recurring items              74,224      55,875    32.8%      65,708    13.0%     117,746     146,297   -19.5% 
 Net non-recurring items              (1)         (3)   -66.7%          32      NMF     (1,375)        (75)      NMF 
 Profit before income tax 
  and one-off costs                74,223      55,872    32.8%      65,740    12.9%     116,371     146,222   -20.4% 
 Income tax expense               (7,619)     (7,444)     2.4%     (4,246)    79.4%    (10,018)    (14,477)   -30.8% 
 Profit adjusted for one-off 
  costs                            66,604      48,428    37.5%      61,494     8.3%     106,353     131,745   -19.3% 
 One-off termination costs              -           -        -           -        -           -     (4,094)      NMF 
  of former CEO and executive 
  management (after tax) 
 Profit                            66,604      48,428    37.5%      61,494     8.3%     106,353     127,651   -16.7% 
 
 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS 
 Net loans and finance lease 
  receivables, currency 
  blended                       4,389,114   3,588,099    22.3%   4,046,063     8.5%   4,389,114   3,588,099    22.3% 
    Net loans and finance 
     lease 
     receivables, GEL             759,898     640,555    18.6%     705,502     7.7%     759,898     640,555    18.6% 
    Net loans and finance 
     lease 
     receivables, FC            3,629,216   2,947,544    23.1%   3,340,561     8.6%   3,629,216   2,947,544    23.1% 
 Client deposits, currency 
  blended                       5,797,522   3,720,322    55.8%   5,042,772    15.0%   5,797,522   3,720,322    55.8% 
    Client deposits, GEL        2,724,735   1,337,082   103.8%   2,423,448    12.4%   2,724,735   1,337,082   103.8% 
    Client deposits, FC         3,072,787   2,383,240    28.9%   2,619,324    17.3%   3,072,787   2,383,240    28.9% 
 Time deposits, currency 
  blended                       2,814,979   1,321,057   113.1%   2,552,135    10.3%   2,814,979   1,321,057   113.1% 
    Time deposits, GEL          1,651,521     411,438      NMF   1,468,397    12.5%   1,651,521     411,438      NMF 
    Time deposits, FC           1,163,458     909,619    27.9%   1,083,738     7.4%   1,163,458     909,619    27.9% 
 Current accounts and demand 
  deposits, currency blended    2,982,543   2,399,265    24.3%   2,490,637    19.8%   2,982,543   2,399,265    24.3% 
    Current accounts and 
     demand 
     deposits, GEL              1,073,214     925,644    15.9%     955,051    12.4%   1,073,214     925,644    15.9% 
    Current accounts and 
     demand 
     deposits, FC               1,909,329   1,473,621    29.6%   1,535,586    24.3%   1,909,329   1,473,621    29.6% 
 Letters of credit and 
  guarantees, 
  standalone (off-balance 
  sheet 
  item)                         1,520,262   1,282,865    18.5%   1,455,700     4.4%   1,520,262   1,282,865    18.5% 
 Assets under management(11)    2,739,991   2,478,506    10.6%   2,534,113     8.1%   2,739,991   2,478,506    10.6% 
 
 RATIOS 
 ROAE (12)                          30.7%       24.6%                31.5%                17.1%       24.5% 
 Net interest margin, 
  currency 
  blended                            3.6%        3.2%                 3.4%                 3.7%        3.5% 
 Cost of credit risk ratio          -1.1%       -0.2%                -1.7%                 1.7%        0.2% 
 Cost of funds, currency 
  blended                            3.4%        4.4%                 3.7%                 3.6%        4.1% 
 Loan yield, currency blended        8.6%        8.9%                 8.3%                 8.6%        9.1% 
    Loan yield, GEL                 13.0%       11.5%                12.4%                13.0%       11.8% 
    Loan yield, FC                   7.7%        8.4%                 7.5%                 7.7%        8.6% 
 Cost of deposits, currency 
  blended                            4.6%        3.2%                 4.2%                 4.2%        3.4% 
    Cost of deposits, GEL            7.8%        5.6%                 8.1%                 7.7%        5.7% 
    Cost of deposits, FC             1.8%        1.8%                 1.7%                 1.7%        1.9% 
 Cost of time deposits, 
  currency 
  blended                            6.7%        5.3%                 6.4%                 6.4%        5.4% 
    Cost of time deposits, 
     GEL                             8.7%        7.1%                 9.5%                 9.0%        7.3% 
    Cost of time deposits, FC        3.8%        4.4%                 3.6%                 3.7%        4.3% 
 Current accounts and demand 
  deposits, currency blended         2.7%        1.9%                 2.4%                 2.4%        2.1% 
    Current accounts and 
     demand 
     deposits, GEL                   6.4%        4.7%                 6.4%                 6.1%        4.8% 
    Current accounts and 
     demand 
     deposits, FC                    0.6%        0.3%                 0.4%                 0.4%        0.3% 
 Cost / income ratio (13)           23.0%       30.4%                22.9%                21.8%       29.2% 
 Concentration of top ten 
  clients                            9.5%        9.4%                 7.3%                 9.5%        9.4% 
 

(11) We have amended the Assets under management definition in the third quarter of 2020 to exclude certain illiquid assets that we hold in custody, and include only the most liquid assets that are being traded on an ongoing basis, and where we earn material fees on holding or trading such assets. The previous period balances have been restated accordingly

(12) The income statement adjusted profit in 9M19 excludes GEL 4.1mln one-off employee costs (net-off income tax) related to the former CEO and executive management termination benefits. The amount is comprised of GEL 3.8mln (gross of income tax) excluded from salaries and other employee benefits, GEL 1.1mln (gross of income tax) excluded from non-recurring items and GEL 0.8mln tax benefit excluded from income tax expense. The 9M19 ROAE has been adjusted accordingly

(13) The cost/income ratio in 9M19 is adjusted for GEL 3.8mln one-off employee costs (gross of income tax) related to termination benefits of the former executive management

Performance highlights

-- Corporate and Investment Banking delivered strong results. CIB was least a ffected by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in terms of operating activity in the first nine months of 2020 and generated solid net interest income and net fee and commission income during the period, coupled with efficient cost discipline. This resulted in significant y-o-y increase in operating income before cost of risk, which was up 23.5% y-o-y in 3Q20 and up 36.5% y-o-y in 9M20

-- CIB's net interest income demonstrated outstanding growth of 32.1% y-o-y and 8.5% q-o-q during the third quarter of 2020, and was up by 32.0% y-o-y in the first nine months of 2020. CIB NIM was 3.6% in 3Q20 (up 40bps y-o-y and up 20bps q-o-q) and 3.7% in the first nine months of 2020 (up 20bps y-o-y) . In 3Q20, 40bps y-o-y increase in NIM was primarily driven by 100bps y-o-y decrease in cost of funds, partially offset by 30bps y-o-y decline in currency blended loan yields, while 20bps q-o-q increase in NIM was the result of 30bps q-o-q increase in currency blended loan yields, coupled with 30bps q-o-q decline in cost of funds. On a nine months basis, cost of funds were down 50bps y-o-y, which was partially offset by 50bps y-o-y decline in currency blended loan yields, resulting in 20bps y-o-y increase in NIM in 9M20

-- CIB's net fee and commission income was GEL 9.5mln in 3Q20, down by 3.3% y-o-y and up 3.3% q-o-q, ending the first nine months of 2020 with GEL 27.7mln net fee and commission income, up 10.2% y-o-y. The q-o-q and y-o-y growth in net fee and commission income in 3Q20 and 9M20, respectively, was largely driven by increased fees from guarantees and letters of credit issued

-- CIB's loan book and dollarisation . CIB loan portfolio reached GEL 4,389.1mln at 30 September 2020, up 22.3% y-o-y and up 8.5% q-o-q. On a constant currency basis, CIB loan book was up 12.1% y-o-y and up 2.1% q-o-q. The concentration of the top 10 CIB clients was 9.5% at 30 September 2020 (9.4% at 30 September 2019 and 7.3% at 30 June 2020). Foreign currency denominated net loans represented 82.7% of CIB's loan portfolio at 30 September 2020, compared to 82.1% a year ago and 82.6% at 30 June 2020. At 30 September 2020, 40.9% of total gross CIB loans were issued in foreign currency with exposure to foreign currency risk in regards of income, while 42.0% of total gross CIB loans were issued in foreign currency with no or minimal exposure to foreign currency risk

-- Dollarisation of CIB deposits decreased to 53.0% at 30 September 2020 from 64.1% a year ago and went slightly up from 51.9% at 30 June 2020. De-dollarisation of CIB's deposit portfolio was primarily supported by notable, 103.8% y-o-y increase in local currency denominated deposits and only 28.9% y-o-y growth in foreign currency denominated deposits in the third quarter of 2020, as a result of significant y-o-y increase in interest rates offered on local currency funds. The interest rates on local currency deposits increased significantly (up 220bps y-o-y and slightly down by 30bps q-o-q in 3Q20, and up 200bps y-o-y in 9M20), while interest rates on foreign currency deposits were largely stable (flat y-o-y and up 10bps q-o-q in 3Q20, and down 20bps y-o-y in 9M20), and the cost of deposits in local currency remained well above the cost of foreign currency deposits during 2020. The q-o-q decline in cost of deposits in local currency in 3Q20 was primarily driven by the deposits of Ministry of Finance of Georgia placed with the Bank starting from the end of second quarter of 2020. These represent lower yielding funds provided to the Banking system in order to support the local currency liquidity on the market. The increase in interest rates on local currency deposits during the first nine months of 2020 was mainly driven by the pressure on local currency funding during the first half of the year, however, this impact was subsequently stabilised to more normal levels as a result of the new local currency funding instruments introduced by the NBG to the market in order to support the GEL liquidity

-- Net other income. Significant y-o-y increase in net other income during the first nine months of 2020 was largely driven by a gain on revaluation of investment property (impact of changes in fair value on certain investment properties due to the lapse of the repurchase option granted to the former borrower) recorded in the second quarter of 2020. Furthermore, the Group recorded net losses from derivative financial instruments (interest rate swap hedges) during 2019

-- Cost of credit risk. CIB's cost of credit risk ratio stood at net gain of 1.1% in 3Q20 (compared to net gain 0.2% in 3Q19 and net gain of 1.7% in 2Q20) and was 1.7% in the first nine months of 2020 (compared to 0.2% in 9M19). The significant increase in cost of credit risk ratio in the first nine months of 2020 was driven by the IFRS 9 ECL reserve builds, created for the full economic cycle in the first quarter of 2020, primarily related to deterioration of the macro-economic environment and expected creditworthiness of borrowers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic impact. This reflected additional reserves for borrowers operating across multiple sectors of the Georgian economy, with the largest impacts in tourism, trade, transportation, construction and real estate industries. These assumptions were further revisited during the second quarter to reflect the better visibility and the macro-economic forecast scenarios published by the NBG in May 2020. Furthermore, in the third quarter, the Group has completed an in-depth analysis of financial standing and creditworthiness of all corporate borrowers. Based on the analysis, the additional reserves booked in the first quarter proved largely sufficient. In 3Q20, revisited assumptions and amortisation of the loan portfolio resulted in a GEL 9.1mln net reversal of ECL on loans to customers and finance lease receivables, leading to a net gain of 1.1% in 3Q20 in terms of cost of credit risk ratio

-- As a result, CIB recorded a profit of GEL 66.6mln in the third quarter of 2020 (GEL 48.4mln in 3Q19 and GEL 61.5mln in 2Q20), and GEL 106.4mln in the first nine months of 2020 (compared to profit adjusted for one-off costs of GEL 131.7mln(14) in 9M19). CIB's ROAE was 30.7% in 3Q20 (24.6% in 3Q19 and 31.5% in 2Q20) and 17.1% in 9M20 (24.5%(14) in 9M19)

Performance highlights of investment management operations

-- The Investment Management's AUM increased to GEL 2,740.0mln as at 30 September 2020, up 10.6% y-o-y and up 8.1% q-o-q. This includes a) deposits of Wealth Management franchise clients, b) assets held at Bank of Georgia Custody, c) Galt & Taggart brokerage client assets, and d) Global certificates of deposit held by Wealth Management clients. The y-o-y and q-o-q increase in AUM mostly reflected increase in client deposits of Wealth Management franchise clients and client assets at Galt & Taggart, as well as depreciation of the local currency during 2020

-- Wealth Management deposits reached GEL 1,584.8mln as at 30 September 2020, up 14.6 % y-o-y and up 7.9% q-o-q, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% over the last five-year period . The cost of deposits stood at 3.2% in 3Q20 (flat y-o-y and up 20bps q-o-q) and at 3.1% in the first nine months of 2020 (down 10bps y-o-y)

-- We served 1,554 wealth management clients from 78 countries as at 30 September 2020 , compared to 1,537 clients as at 30 September 2019 and 1,553 clients as at 30 June 2020

-- Galt & Taggart, which brings under one brand corporate advisory, debt and equity capital markets research and brokerage services, continues to develop local capital markets in Georgia

-- During the first nine months of 2020 , Galt & Taggart acted as:

- a lead manager for International Finance Corporation, facilitating a public placement of GEL 100mln local bond issuance in April 2020

- a rating advisor for two microfinance organisations, assisting in obtaining credit rating from Scope Ratings

- a lead placement agent for the Georgian Leasing Company, facilitating a public placement of US$ 10mln local bond issuance in August 2020

- an advisor of one of the Georgian corporate companies during admission of its shares to trading on the Georgian Stock Exchange in August 2020

-- In February 2020, Global Finance Magazine named Galt & Taggart Best Investment Bank in Georgia for the sixth consecutive year

-- Galt and Taggart Research - recent activities:

- In June 2020, Galt & Taggart published its view on Georgia's growth model in the context of global change triggered by COVID-19 pandemic

- In July 2020, Galt & Taggart hosted a web-conference on Georgia's new growth model to discuss the findings with IFIs and other policy makers. The presentation was followed by panel discussion with the participation of high-level representatives from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Government of Georgia and Bank of Georgia Group

   -   In July 2020, Galt & Taggart published initiation coverage on Georgia's education sector 

- In July 2020, Galt & Taggart organised online meeting with JSC Bank of Georgia's clients to discuss macroeconomic development in Georgia

(14) Profit and ROAE in 9M19 are adjusted for GEL 4.1mln one-off employee costs (net of income tax) related to termination benefits of the former CEO and executive management

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION

 
INCOME STATEMENT                                           BANK OF GEORGIA GROUP CONSOLIDATED 
GEL thousands, unless otherwise                             Change             Change                        Change 
 noted                                     3Q20       3Q19   y-o-y       2Q20   q-o-q       9M20       9M19   y-o-y 
 
Interest income                         407,666    366,721   11.2%    379,038    7.6%  1,175,029  1,043,680   12.6% 
Interest expense                      (203,636)  (165,729)   22.9%  (204,102)   -0.2%  (598,982)  (461,353)   29.8% 
Net interest income                     204,030    200,992    1.5%    174,936   16.6%    576,047    582,327   -1.1% 
Fee and commission income                71,793     76,166   -5.7%     54,389   32.0%    197,076    206,721   -4.7% 
Fee and commission expense             (26,261)   (28,157)   -6.7%   (21,488)   22.2%   (78,531)   (73,265)    7.2% 
Net fee and commission income            45,532     48,009   -5.2%     32,901   38.4%    118,545    133,456  -11.2% 
Net foreign currency gain                19,179     32,233  -40.5%     22,743  -15.7%     72,583     82,186  -11.7% 
Net other income                          7,750      3,728  107.9%      9,081  -14.7%     23,457      3,035     NMF 
Operating income                        276,491    284,962   -3.0%    239,661   15.4%    790,632    801,004   -1.3% 
 Salaries and other employee 
  benefits (excluding one-offs)        (58,171)   (59,539)   -2.3%   (60,656)   -4.1%  (175,365)  (169,938)    3.2% 
 One-off termination costs                    -          -       -          -       -          -   (12,412)     NMF 
  of former executive management 
  (1) 
Salaries and other employee 
 benefits                              (58,171)   (59,539)   -2.3%   (60,656)   -4.1%  (175,365)  (182,350)   -3.8% 
Administrative expenses                (24,443)   (26,251)   -6.9%   (22,450)    8.9%   (73,914)   (71,025)    4.1% 
Depreciation, amortisation 
 and impairment                        (19,125)   (21,320)  -10.3%   (21,139)   -9.5%   (61,654)   (54,303)   13.5% 
Other operating expenses                  (873)      (807)    8.2%      (913)   -4.4%    (2,845)    (3,135)   -9.3% 
Operating expenses                    (102,612)  (107,917)   -4.9%  (105,158)   -2.4%  (313,778)  (310,813)    1.0% 
Profit from associates                      214        194   10.3%        113   89.4%        628        636   -1.3% 
Operating income before cost 
 of risk                                174,093    177,239   -1.8%    134,616   29.3%    477,482    490,827   -2.7% 
Expected credit loss on loans 
 to customers                           (5,836)   (13,617)  -57.1%     11,621     NMF  (222,404)   (86,170)  158.1% 
Expected credit loss on finance 
 lease receivables                      (2,371)      (333)     NMF    (3,387)  -30.0%    (7,644)    (1,336)     NMF 
Other expected credit loss 
 on other assets and provisions         (2,735)    (1,273)  114.8%   (18,455)  -85.2%   (32,518)    (5,845)     NMF 
Cost of risk                           (10,942)   (15,223)  -28.1%   (10,221)    7.1%  (262,566)   (93,351)     NMF 
Net operating income before 
 non-recurring items                    163,151    162,016    0.7%    124,395   31.2%    214,916    397,476  -45.9% 
 Net non-recurring items (excluding 
  one-offs)                                 254    (5,019)     NMF    (1,241)     NMF   (41,332)    (9,132)     NMF 
 One-off termination costs                    -          -       -          -       -          -    (3,985)     NMF 
  of former CEO (2) 
Net non-recurring items                     254    (5,019)     NMF    (1,241)     NMF   (41,332)   (13,117)     NMF 
Profit before income tax expense        163,405    156,997    4.1%    123,154   32.7%    173,584    384,359  -54.8% 
 Income tax expense (excluding 
  one-offs)                            (15,051)   (22,697)  -33.7%    (8,470)   77.7%   (10,491)   (43,104)  -75.7% 
 Income tax benefit related                   -          -       -          -       -          -      2,161     NMF 
  to one-off termination costs 
  of former CEO and executive 
  management (3) 
Income tax expense                     (15,051)   (22,697)  -33.7%    (8,470)   77.7%   (10,491)   (40,943)  -74.4% 
Profit                                  148,354    134,300   10.5%    114,684   29.4%    163,093    343,416  -52.5% 
 
One-off items (1)+(2)+(3)                     -          -       -          -       -          -   (14,236)     NMF 
 
 
Profit attributable to:                 147,704    133,687   10.5%    114,174   29.4%    162,363    341,841  -52.5% 
  - shareholders of the Group               650        613    6.0%        510   27.5%        730      1,575  -53.7% 
  - non-controlling interests 
 
Earnings per share (basic)                 3.11       2.81   10.7%       2.40   29.6%       3.41       7.16  -52.4% 
Earnings per share (diluted)               3.11       2.81   10.7%       2.40   29.6%       3.41       7.14  -52.2% 
 
 
 BALANCE SHEET                                          BANK OF GEORGIA GROUP CONSOLIDATED 
 GEL thousands, unless otherwise                  Sep-20       Sep-19   Change       Jun-20   Change 
  noted                                                                  y-o-y                 q-o-q 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents                     2,154,224    1,369,169    57.3%    1,633,755    31.9% 
 Amounts due from credit institutions          1,980,195    1,834,220     8.0%    1,700,075    16.5% 
 Investment securities                         2,205,244    1,895,722    16.3%    2,113,900     4.3% 
 Loans to customers and finance 
  lease receivables                           13,627,144   11,339,745    20.2%   12,599,092     8.2% 
 Accounts receivable and other loans               4,935        4,475    10.3%        4,060    21.6% 
 Prepayments                                      32,021       43,795   -26.9%       31,513     1.6% 
 Inventories                                      11,406       11,257     1.3%       13,901   -17.9% 
 Right-of-use assets                              85,859      106,130   -19.1%       89,758    -4.3% 
 Investment property                             221,517      193,499    14.5%      212,182     4.4% 
 Property and equipment                          390,401      364,405     7.1%      396,272    -1.5% 
 Goodwill                                         33,351       33,351     0.0%       33,351     0.0% 
 Intangible assets                               117,941       95,829    23.1%      116,355     1.4% 
 Income tax assets                                40,484        7,682      NMF       54,595   -25.8% 
 Other assets                                    216,159      202,426     6.8%      139,945    54.5% 
 Assets held for sale                             46,072       38,987    18.2%       45,212     1.9% 
 Total assets                                 21,166,953   17,540,692    20.7%   19,183,966    10.3% 
 Client deposits and notes                    12,985,039    9,613,718    35.1%   11,583,139    12.1% 
 Amounts owed to credit institutions           3,757,646    3,437,718     9.3%    3,521,860     6.7% 
 Debt securities issued                        1,628,188    2,175,820   -25.2%    1,561,933     4.2% 
 Lease liabilities                                98,522      105,285    -6.4%       96,878     1.7% 
 Accruals and deferred income                     43,474       41,521     4.7%       37,257    16.7% 
 Income tax liabilities                           70,854       39,251    80.5%       70,171     1.0% 
 Other liabilities                               212,093       87,520   142.3%      112,929    87.8% 
 Total liabilities                            18,795,816   15,500,833    21.3%   16,984,167    10.7% 
 Share capital                                     1,618        1,618     0.0%        1,618     0.0% 
 Additional paid-in capital                      513,407      498,593     3.0%      500,887     2.5% 
 Treasury shares                                    (54)         (53)     1.9%         (54)     0.0% 
 Other reserves                                   38,201       28,472    34.2%       25,417    50.3% 
 Retained earnings                             1,807,432    1,502,248    20.3%    1,662,164     8.7% 
 Total equity attributable to shareholders 
  of the Group                                 2,360,604    2,030,878    16.2%    2,190,032     7.8% 
 Non-controlling interests                        10,533        8,981    17.3%        9,767     7.8% 
 Total equity                                  2,371,137    2,039,859    16.2%    2,199,799     7.8% 
 Total liabilities and equity                 21,166,953   17,540,692    20.7%   19,183,966    10.3% 
 Book value per share                              49.67        42.69    16.4%        46.07     7.8% 
 

BELARUSKY NARODNY BANK (BNB)

 
                                                    Change             Change                         Change 
 INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS       3Q20      3Q19    y-o-y      2Q20    q-o-q       9M20       9M19    y-o-y 
 GEL thousands, unless 
  otherwise stated 
 
  Net interest income             8,735     7,447    17.3%     9,157    -4.6%     27,361     20,392    34.2% 
  Net fee and commission 
   income                         1,220     1,956   -37.6%     1,486   -17.9%      4,410      5,567   -20.8% 
  Net foreign currency 
   (loss) / gain                   (42)     5,405      NMF     3,787      NMF      4,238     14,140   -70.0% 
  Net other (expense) 
   / income                       (110)        57      NMF       350      NMF        573        371    54.4% 
  Operating income                9,803    14,865   -34.1%    14,780   -33.7%     36,582     40,470    -9.6% 
  Operating expenses            (7,812)   (9,135)   -14.5%   (8,098)    -3.5%   (24,616)   (25,873)    -4.9% 
  Operating income before 
   cost of risk                   1,991     5,730   -65.3%     6,682   -70.2%     11,966     14,597   -18.0% 
  Cost of risk                  (1,449)       293      NMF   (1,928)   -24.8%    (6,799)    (2,684)   153.3% 
  Net non-recurring items            36       (1)      NMF      (24)      NMF          2       (64)      NMF 
  Profit before income 
   tax                              578     6,022   -90.4%     4,730   -87.8%      5,169     11,849   -56.4% 
  Income tax benefit / 
   (expense)                         76   (1,193)      NMF   (1,010)      NMF      (966)    (2,143)   -54.9% 
  Profit                            654     4,829   -86.5%     3,720   -82.4%      4,203      9,706   -56.7% 
 
 
 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS       Sep-20    Sep-19   Change    Jun-20   Change 
                                                    y-o-y              q-o-q 
 GEL thousands, unless 
  otherwise stated 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents     155,782   170,787    -8.8%   187,920   -17.1% 
 Amounts due from credit 
  institutions                  14,614    22,534   -35.1%    13,605     7.4% 
 Investment securities          74,936   101,511   -26.2%    93,549   -19.9% 
 Loans to customers and 
  finance lease receivables    702,231   556,541    26.2%   638,713     9.9% 
 Other assets                   47,394    59,397   -20.2%    50,667    -6.5% 
 Total assets                  994,957   910,770     9.2%   984,454     1.1% 
 Client deposits and notes     596,360   588,647     1.3%   647,977    -8.0% 
 Amounts owed to credit 
  institutions                 209,535   132,648    58.0%   144,815    44.7% 
 Debt securities issued         49,214    72,931   -32.5%    57,289   -14.1% 
 Other liabilities              22,188     8,239   169.3%    12,873    72.4% 
 Total liabilities             877,297   802,465     9.3%   862,954     1.7% 
 Total equity                  117,660   108,305     8.6%   121,500    -3.2% 
 Total liabilities and 
  equity                       994,957   910,770     9.2%   984,454     1.1% 
 
 
 KEY RATIOS                                   3Q20        3Q19        2Q20        9M20        9M19 
 
   Profitability 
  ROAA, annualised(15)                        3.0%        3.2%        2.4%        1.1%        3.0% 
  ROAA, annualised (unadjusted)               3.0%        3.2%        2.4%        1.1%        2.9% 
  ROAE, annualised(15)                       26.0%       26.8%       21.8%        9.9%       24.7% 
       RB ROAE (15)                          25.0%       30.7%       16.4%        5.6%       27.6% 
       CIB ROAE (15)                         30.7%       24.6%       31.5%       17.1%       24.5% 
  ROAE, annualised (unadjusted)              26.0%       26.8%       21.8%        9.9%       23.7% 
  Net interest margin, annualised             4.8%        5.4%        4.2%        4.7%        5.7% 
       RB NIM                                 4.8%        6.1%        4.0%        4.6%        6.3% 
       CIB NIM                                3.6%        3.2%        3.4%        3.7%        3.5% 
  Loan yield, annualised                     10.7%       11.5%       10.2%       10.6%       11.8% 
       RB Loan yield                         11.7%       12.8%       11.1%       11.5%       13.1% 
       CIB Loan yield                         8.6%        8.9%        8.3%        8.6%        9.1% 
  Liquid assets yield, annualised             3.3%        3.2%        3.4%        3.5%        3.4% 
  Cost of funds, annualised                   4.7%        4.5%        4.8%        4.8%        4.5% 
  Cost of client deposits and 
   notes, annualised                          3.8%        2.9%        3.5%        3.5%        3.0% 
       RB Cost of client deposits 
        and notes                             3.1%        2.6%        2.9%        2.9%        2.7% 
       CIB Cost of client deposits 
        and notes                             4.6%        3.2%        4.2%        4.2%        3.4% 
  Cost of amounts owed to credit 
   institutions, annualised                   6.9%        6.8%        7.3%        7.3%        7.0% 
  Cost of debt securities issued              7.0%        7.7%        7.7%        7.5%        7.6% 
  Operating leverage, y-o-y(16)               1.9%       -5.2%      -13.6%       -6.4%       -1.7% 
  Operating leverage, q-o-q(16)              17.8%        1.2%      -11.9%        0.0%        0.0% 
 Efficiency 
  Cost / Income(16)                          37.1%       37.9%       43.9%       39.7%       37.3% 
       RB Cost / Income (16)                 41.8%       38.0%       56.3%       47.5%       37.1% 
       CIB Cost /Income (16)                 23.0%       30.4%       22.9%       21.8%       29.2% 
  Cost / Income (unadjusted)                 37.1%       37.9%       43.9%       39.7%       38.8% 
 Liquidity (17) 
  NBG liquidity coverage ratio 
   (minimum requirement 100%)               147.0%      118.5%      135.4%      147.0%      118.5% 
  Liquid assets to total liabilities         33.7%       32.9%       32.1%       33.7%       32.9% 
  Net loans to client deposits 
   and notes                                104.9%      118.0%      108.8%      104.9%      118.0% 
  Net loans to client deposits 
   and notes + DFIs                          92.1%      103.4%       94.5%       92.1%      103.4% 
  Leverage (times)                             7.9         7.6         7.7         7.9         7.6 
 Asset quality: 
  NPLs (in GEL)                            530,631     339,118     355,260     530,631     339,118 
  NPLs to gross loans to clients              3.8%        2.9%        2.7%        3.8%        2.9% 
  NPL coverage ratio                         76.8%       85.3%      115.7%       76.8%       85.3% 
  NPL coverage ratio, adjusted 
   for discounted value of collateral       131.4%      129.3%      166.3%      131.4%      129.3% 
  Cost of credit risk, annualised             0.2%        0.5%       -0.2%        2.4%        1.1% 
       RB Cost of credit risk                 0.8%        0.9%        0.2%        2.7%        1.6% 
       CIB Cost of credit risk               -1.1%       -0.2%       -1.7%        1.7%        0.2% 
 Capital adequacy: 
  NBG (Basel III) CET1 capital 
   adequacy ratio                             9.9%       11.1%        9.9%        9.9%       11.1% 
  Minimum regulatory requirement              6.9%        9.5%        6.9%        6.9%        9.5% 
  NBG (Basel III) Tier I capital 
   adequacy ratio                            12.0%       13.3%       12.0%       12.0%       13.3% 
    Minimum regulatory requirement            8.7%       11.6%        8.7%        8.7%       11.6% 
  NBG (Basel III) Total capital 
   adequacy ratio                            17.3%       16.8%       17.4%       17.3%       16.8% 
    Minimum regulatory requirement           13.3%       16.1%       13.3%       13.3%       16.1% 
 
 Selected operating data: 
  Total assets per FTE                       2,976       2,402       2,671       2,976       2,402 
  Number of active branches, 
   of which:                                   211         276         229         211         276 
   - Express branches (including 
    Metro)                                     105         167         121         105         167 
   - Bank of Georgia branches                   95          97          97          95          97 
   - SOLO lounges                               11          12          11          11          12 
  Number of ATMs                               947         911         940         947         911 
  Number of cards outstanding, 
   of which:                             2,184,591   2,121,830   2,178,053   2,184,591   2,121,830 
   - Debit cards                         1,879,970   1,674,105   1,828,691   1,879,970   1,674,105 
   - Credit cards                          304,621     447,725     349,362     304,621     447,725 
  Number of POS terminals                   25,706      21,088      23,787      25,706      21,088 
  Number of Express pay terminals            3,130       3,231       3,118       3,130       3,231 
 
 FX Rates: 
  GEL/US$ exchange rate (period-end)        3.2878      2.9552      3.0552 
  GEL/GBP exchange rate (period-end)        4.2255      3.6319      3.7671 
 
 
                                  Sep-20   Sep-19   Jun-20 
 Full time employees (FTE), 
  of which:                        7,112    7,304    7,181 
  - Full time employees, BOG 
   standalone                      5,598    5,706    5,693 
  - Full time employees, BNB         538      584      543 
  - Full time employees, other       976    1,014      945 
 
 
 Shares outstanding              Sep-20       Sep-19       Jun-20 
 Ordinary shares             47,528,417   47,574,153   47,536,332 
 Treasury shares              1,641,011    1,595,275    1,633,096 
 Total shares outstanding    49,169,428   49,169,428   49,169,428 
 

(15) The 9M19 ratios are adjusted for one-off employee costs related to termination benefits of the former CEO and executive management

(16) The 9M19 ratios are adjusted for one-off employee costs related to termination benefits of former executive management

(17) We stopped reporting the NBG liquidity ratio since 1 January 2020 due to the phase-out of the requirement of this ratio per NBG's regulations

GLOSSARY

-- Alternative performance measures (APMs) In this announcement the management uses various APMs, which they believe provide additional useful information for understanding the financial performance of the Group. These APMs are not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards, and also may not be directly comparable with other companies who use similar measures. We believe that these APMs provide the best representation of our financial performance as these measures are used by management to evaluate the Group's operating performance and make day-to-day operating decisions

-- Cost of funds Interest expense of the period divided by monthly average interest bearing liabilities

-- Cost of credit risk Expected loss on loans to customers and finance lease receivables for the period divided by monthly average gross loans to customers and finance lease receivables over the same period

-- Cost to income ratio Operating expenses divided by operating income

-- Interest bearing liabilities Amounts owed to credit institutions, client deposits and notes, and debt securities issued

-- Interest earning assets (excluding cash) Amounts due from credit institutions, investment securities (but excluding corporate shares) and net loans to customers and finance lease receivables

-- Leverage (times) Total liabilities divided by total equity

-- Liquid assets Cash and cash equivalents, amounts due from credit institutions and investment securities

-- Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) High quality liquid assets (as defined by NBG) divided by net cash outflows over the next 30 days (as defined by NBG)

-- Loan yield Interest income from loans to customers and finance lease receivables divided by monthly average gross loans to customers and finance lease receivables

-- NBG (Basel III) Common Equity Tier I (CET1) capital adequacy ratio Common Equity Tier I capital divided by total risk weighted assets, both calculated in accordance with the requirements of the National Bank of Georgia instructions

-- NBG (Basel III) Tier I capital adequacy ratio Tier I capital divided by total risk weighted assets, both calculated in accordance with the requirements of the National Bank of Georgia instructions

-- NBG (Basel III) Total capital adequacy ratio Total regulatory capital divided by total risk weighted assets, both calculated in accordance with the requirements of the National Bank of Georgia instructions

-- Net interest margin (NIM) Net interest income of the period divided by monthly average interest earning assets excluding cash for the same period

-- Net stable funding ratio (NSFR) available amount of stable funding (as defined by NBG) divided by the required amount of stable funding (as defined by NBG)

-- Non-performing loans (NPLs) The principal and interest on loans overdue for more than 90 days and any additional potential losses estimated by management

-- NPL coverage ratio Allowance for expected credit loss of loans and finance lease receivables divided by NPLs

-- NPL coverage ratio adjusted for discounted value of collateral Allowance for expected credit loss of loans and finance lease receivables divided by NPLs (discounted value of collateral is added back to allowance for expected credit loss)

-- Operating leverage Percentage change in operating income less percentage change in operating expenses

-- Return on average total assets (ROAA) Profit for the period divided by monthly average total assets for the same period

-- Return on average total equity (ROAE) Profit for the period attributable to shareholders of the Group divided by monthly average equity attributable to shareholders of the Group for the same period

-- NMF Not meaningful

COMPANY INFORMATION

Bank of Georgia Group PLC

Registered Address

84 Brook Street

London W1K 5EH

United Kingdom

www.bankofgeorgiagroup.com

Registered under number 10917019 in England and Wales

Secretary

Link Company Matters Limited

65 Gresham Street

London EC2V 7NQ

United Kingdom

Stock Listing

London Stock Exchange PLC's Main Market for listed securities

Ticker: "BGEO.LN"

Contact Information

Bank of Georgia Group PLC Investor Relations

Telephone: +44(0) 203 178 4052; +995 322 444444 (9282)

E-mail: ir@ bog.ge

Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP

25 Churchill Place

Canary Wharf

London E14 5EY

United Kingdom

Registrar

Computershare Investor Services PLC

The Pavilions

Bridgwater Road

Bristol BS13 8AE

United Kingdom

Please note that Investor Centre is a free, secure online service run by our Registrar, Computershare,

giving you convenient access to information on your shareholdings.

Investor Centre Web Address - www.investorcentre.co.uk .

Investor Centre Shareholder Helpline - +44 (0)370 873 5866

Share price information

Shareholders can access both the latest and historical prices via the website

www.bankofgeorgiagroup.com

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