20-F 1 d58474d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 23, 2021

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20–F

 

 

(Mark One)

Registration Statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

or

 

Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

or

 

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

or

 

Shell Company Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number 000-30852

 

 

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

GALICIA FINANCIAL GROUP

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 25th floor

C1038 AAJ-Buenos Aires, Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

Bruno Folino, Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 54 11 4 343 7528 / Fax: 54 11 4 331 9183, bfolino@gfgsa.com

Perón 430, 25° Piso C1038AAJ Buenos Aires ARGENTINA

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

 

 

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

American Depositary Shares, each representing ten Class B ordinary Shares

Name of each exchange on which registered

Nasdaq Capital Market

Title of each class

Class B Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value, (not for trading but only in connection with the listing of the American Depositary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market)

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing the

right to receive ten ordinary shares, par value

Ps.1.00 per share New York Stock Exchange

  GGAL   NASDAQ
Ordinary shares, par value Ps.1.00 per share*   GGAL   NASDAQ

 

*

Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares on the NASDAQ.

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

None

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

None

 

 

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

 

Class A Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value    281,221,650
Class B Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value    1,193,470,441

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

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

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

 

Large accelerated filer

      Accelerated filer      Non-accelerated filer   
           Emerging growth company   

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards † provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☒

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

 

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

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

 

Item 17  ☐             Item 18  ☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     3  

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     4  

PART I

     6  

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

     6  

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     6  

Item 3. Key Information

     6  

A. Selected Financial Data

     6  

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

     10  

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

     11  

D. Risk Factors

     11  

Item 4. Information on the Company

     29  

A. History and Development of the Company

     29  

B. Business Overview

     38  

C. Organizational Structure

     100  

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

     101  

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

     102  

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     102  

A. Operating Results

     102  

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

     140  

C. Research and Development, patents and Licenses

     148  

D. Trend Information

     148  

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     148  

F. Contractual Obligations

     149  

G. Safe Harbor

     149  

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     149  

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     165  

A. Major Shareholders

     165  

B. Related Party Transactions

     166  

C. Interest of Experts and Counsel

     167  

Item 8. Financial Information

     168  

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

     168  

B. Significant Changes

     171  

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

     171  

Item 10. Additional Information

     173  

A. Share Capital.

     173  

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

     173  

C. Material Contracts

     180  

D. Exchange Controls

     180  

E. Taxation

     180  

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

     188  

G. Statement by Experts.

     188  

H. Documents on Display

     189  

I. Subsidiary Information

     189  

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     189  

Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

     196  

A. Debt Securities

     196  

B. Warrants and Rights

     196  

C. Other Securities

     196  

D. American Depositary Shares

     196  

PART II

     198  

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     198  

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

     198  

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

     198  

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

     199  

 

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (“Grupo Financiero Galicia”, “Grupo Galicia”, “GFG” or the “Company”) is a financial services holding company incorporated in Argentina and is one of Argentina’s largest financial services groups. In this annual report, references to “we”, “our”, and “us” are to Grupo Financiero Galicia and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where otherwise noted. Our consolidated financial statements consolidate the accounts of the following companies:

 

   

Grupo Financiero Galicia;

 

   

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. (“Banco Galicia” or the “Bank”), our largest subsidiary, consolidated with (i) Tarjetas Regionales S.A. and its operating subsidiaries, until December 31, 2017 (effective January 1, 2018, Tarjetas Regionales S.A. was transferred to be an operating subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Galicia), (ii) Inviu S.A.U. (“Inviu” formerly known as Galicia Valores S.A.U.) until August 31, 2019 (effective September 1, 2019, Inviu was sold to Grupo Financiero Galicia and transferred to IGAM LLC), and (iii) Fideicomiso Saturno Créditos until December 31, 2018;

 

   

Tarjetas Regionales S.A. (“Tarjetas Regionales”) and its subsidiaries (which has been reported on a consolidated basis with Grupo Financiero Galicia since January 1, 2018);

 

   

Sudamericana Holding S.A. (“Sudamericana”) and its subsidiaries;

 

   

Galicia Warrants S.A. (“Galicia Warrants”);

 

   

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. (“Galicia Administradora de Fondos” or “Fima”);

 

   

IGAM LLC (“IGAM”) and its subsidiaries; and

 

   

Galicia Securities S.A. (“Galicia Securities”).

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Board (“IASB”) and the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee. IFRS in force as of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 have been applied. We maintain our financial books and records in Argentine Pesos and prepare our financial statements in conformity with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, effective as of the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018.

As of July 1, 2018, Argentina qualified as a hyperinflationary economy for accounting purposes. Grupo Galicia’s functional currency is the Argentine peso and its financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies as if the Argentine economy had always been hyperinflationary. The financial position and results of operations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are reflected in terms of current purchasing power using the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) as of December 31, 2020.

In this annual report, references to “US$” and “Dollars” are to United States Dollars and references to “Ps.” or “Pesos” are to Argentine Pesos. The exchange rate used in translating Pesos into Dollars and used in calculating the convenience translations included in the following tables is the “Reference Exchange Rate” that is published by the Argentine Central Bank (commonly referred to as “BCRA” based on its Spanish acronym) and that was Ps.84.1450, Ps.59.8950 and Ps.37.8083 per US$1.00 as of December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The exchange rate translations contained in this annual report should not be construed as representations that the stated Peso amounts actually represent or have been or could be converted into Dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate.

 

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

Unless otherwise indicated, all information regarding deposit and loan market shares and other financial industry information has been derived from information published by the BCRA, which is not adjusted according to the IAS 29.

We have expressed all amounts in millions of Pesos, except percentages, ratios, multiples and per-share data.

Certain figures included in this annual report have been rounded for purposes of presentation. Percentage figures included in this annual report have been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures. Certain numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them due to rounding.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the captions Item 4. “Information on the Company”-A.”History and Development of the Company”-“Capital Investments and Divestitures,” Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A.“Operating Results-Principal Trends” and B.“Liquidity and Capital Resources.” All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this annual report (including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and management’s plans and objectives for future operations) are forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of such words as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue” or other similar terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be provided with respect to these statements. Because these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to:

 

   

changes in general political, legal, social or other conditions in Argentina, Latin America or other countries or regions;

 

   

changes in the macroeconomic situation at the regional, national or international levels, and the influence of these changes on the microeconomic conditions of the financial markets in Argentina;

 

   

changes in capital markets in general that may affect policies or attitudes toward lending to Argentina or Argentine companies, including expected or unexpected turbulence or volatility in domestic or international financial markets;

 

   

financial difficulties of the Argentine government (“Government”) and its ability (or inability) to reach to an agreement to restructure or rollover its outstanding debt that is held by international credit entities;

 

   

changes in Government regulations applicable to financial institutions, including tax regulations and changes in or failures to comply with banking or other regulations;

 

   

volatility of the Peso and the exchange rates between the Peso and foreign currencies;

 

   

fluctuations in the Argentine rate of inflation, including hyperinflation;

 

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increased competition in the banking, financial services, credit card services, insurance, asset management, mutual funds and related industries;

 

   

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries’ inability to sustain or improve their performance;

 

   

a loss of market share by any of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s main businesses;

 

   

a change in the credit cycle, increased borrower defaults and/or a decrease in the fees charged to clients;

 

   

changes in the saving and consumption habits of its customers and other structural changes in the general demand for financial products, such as those offered by Banco Galicia;

 

   

changes in interest rates which may, among other things, adversely affect margins;

 

   

Banco Galicia’s inability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on attractive conditions or at all, which may limit its ability to fund existing operations and to finance new activities;

 

   

technological changes and changes in Banco Galicia’s ability to implement new technologies;

 

   

impact of COVID-19 (or other future outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics) on the global, regional and national economy, on financial activity on global trade -both in terms of volumes and prices-, and on the Company’s ability to recover from the negative effects of the pandemic (or other future outbreak);

 

   

other factors discussed under Item 3. “Key Information” - D.“Risk Factors” in this annual report.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. Moreover, you should consider these cautionary statements in connection with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements after completion of this annual report to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this annual report might not occur and are not guarantees of future performance.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1.

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

 

Item 2.

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.

Key Information

A. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents summary historical financial and other information about us as of the dates and for the periods indicated.

The selected consolidated financial information regarding statement of financial position as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the financial information regarding the statement of income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

The selected consolidated financial information regarding statement of financial position as of December 31, 2018, as of December 31, 2017 and as of December 31, 2016 and the financial information regarding the statement of income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this annual report.

You should read this data in conjunction with Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

The tables included below have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

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     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017  
     (in millions of  Pesos, except as noted)  

Consolidated Statement of Income in Accordance with IFRS

        

Net Income from Interest

     76,632       47,417       69,873       62,565  

Net Fee Income

          36,558          38,233            44,756            44,332  

Net Income from Financial Instruments

     69,332       99,151       36,342       17,720  

Loan and Other Receivables Loss Provisions

     (34,680     (30,228     (34,136     (15,275

Net Operating Income

     182,711       200,475       153,081       144,459  

Loss on Net Monetary Position

     (36,963     (41,929     (37,831     (14,290

Operating Income

     43,503       50,178       7,067       30,571  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

     (17,845     (17,751     (14,477     (15,328

Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to GFG

     25,192       32,276       (7,258     14,228  

Other Comprehensive Income

     (210     548       (183     (911

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to GFG

     24,982       32,824       (7,442     13,317  

Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the year

     1,443       1,427       1,427       1,427  

Basic Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

     17.46       22.62       (5.09     9.97  

Diluted Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

     17.46       22.62       (5.09     9.97  

Cash Dividends per Share (in Pesos)

     (1  )      1.33       2.54       2.37  

Book Value per Share (*) (in Pesos)

     126.36          108.70          88.24          94.70     

 

(1)

The cash dividend distribution for the fiscal year ended at December 31, 2020, is pending approval. For more information see Item 8. “Financial Information”-A.“Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information”-“Dividend Policy and Dividends”-“Dividends” -“Grupo Financiero Galicia”.

(2)

Total Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG divided Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the year.

 

                                                                   
     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017  
     (in millions of Pesos, except as noted)  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in Accordance with IFRS

        

Cash and Due from Banks

     175,423       177,866       300,131       182,297  

Debt Securities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

     155,420       89,431       159,030       89,526  

Loans and Other Financing

     526,434       488,144       592,075       595,519  

Total Assets

     1,055,279       933,270       1,193,096       1,025,447  

Deposits

     676,396       536,034       754,146       620,677  

Other Liabilities

     97,472       97,153       132,432       263,451  

Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG

     182,334       155,121       125,919       135,133  

Percentage of Period-end Balance Sheet Items Denominated in Dollars:

        

Loans and Other Financing

     18     23     35     21

Total Assets

     20     25     39     26

Deposits

     22     26     45     35

Total Liabilities

     9     22     34     30

 

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     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017  

Selected Ratios (*)

      

Profitability and Efficiency

      

Net Yield on Interest Earning Assets (1)

     19.80     16.84     13.33     10.71

Financial Margin (2)

     14.68     11.87     8.43     11.48

Return on Assets (3)

     2.39     3.46     (0.61 )%      1.39

Return on Shareholders’ Equity (4)

     13.82     20.81     (5.76 )%      10.53

Efficiency ratio (5)

     47.39     50.55     63.99     63.62

Capital

        

Shareholders’ Equity as a Percentage of Total Assets

     17.28     16.62     10.55     13.18

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Shareholders’ Equity

     4.79     4.99     8.45     6.54

Total Capital Ratio

     22.16     17.53     15.11     10.69

Liquidity

        

Cash and Due from Banks as a Percentage of Total Deposits

     25.93     33.18     39.80     29.37

Loans and other financing, Net as a Percentage of Total Assets

            49.89         52.30            49.63            58.07

Credit Quality

        

Non-Accrual Instruments (6) as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

     1.43     3.96     3.51     2.20

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Non-accrual Financial Instruments (6)

     392.36     152.21     137.46     129.77

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

     5.19     5.12     4.98     2.24

Inflation and Exchange Rate

        

Wholesale Price Index

     35.38     58.49     73.50     18.80

Consumer Price Index

     36.14     53.83     47.65     24.80

Exchange Rate Variation (7)

     40.49     58.42     101.38     18.42

CER (8)

     25.49       18.70       12.34       8.38  

UVA (9)

     64.32       47.16       31.06       21.15  

 

(*)

All of the ratios disclosed above are included because they are considered significant by the management of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

(1)

Net interest earned divided by interest-earning assets. For a description of net interest earned, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”-A.“Business Overview”-“Selected Statistical Information”-“Average Balance Sheet and Income from Interest-Earning Assets and Expenses from Interest-Bearing Liabilities”.

(2)

Financial margin represents net interest income plus net result from financial instruments plus income from derecognition of assets measured at amortized cost plus foreign currency quotation differences plus certain items included in other operating income and expenses, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets.

(3)

Net income attributable to GFG as a percentage of total assets.

(4)

Net income attributable to GFG as a percentage of shareholders’ equity.

(5)

Personnel expenses plus administrative expenses plus depreciation and devaluations of assets, divided by net interest income plus net fee income plus net result from financial instruments plus income from derecognition of assets measured at amortized cost plus foreign currency quotation differences plus income from insurance business plus certain items included in other operating income and expenses plus loss on net monetary position.

(6)

Non-Accrual Financial Instruments are defined as those Financial Instruments in default. For a definition and description of default, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”-A.“Business Overview”-“Selected Statistical Information”-“Financial Instruments Classification and Loss Provisions”- “Definition of Default”.

(7)

Annual change in the end-of-period exchange rate expressed in Pesos per Dollar.

(8)

The “CER” is the “Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in CPI.

(9)

The “UVA” is the “Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in the CER.

 

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The tables below reflect Grupo Galicia’s financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, were not adjusted for inflation, and were prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP (“Previous GAAP”). The information based on Previous GAAP included below and elsewhere is this annual report is not comparable to information prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2016  
     (in millions of Pesos,
except
  as noted)
 

Consolidated Income Statement in Accordance with Argentine Banking  GAAP

  

Financial Income

     36,608  

Financial Expenses

     20,239  

Gross Brokerage Margin (1)

     16,369  

Provision for Losses on Loans and Other Receivables

     3,533  

Income before Taxes

     9,371  

Income Tax

     (3,353

Net Income

     6,018  

Basic Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

     4.63  

Diluted Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

     4.63  

Cash Dividends per Share (in Pesos)

     0.18  

Book Value per Share (in Pesos)

     15.66  

Amounts in Accordance with U.S. GAAP

  

Net Income

     6,037  

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

     4.64  

Book Value per Share (in Pesos)

     15.45  

Financial Income

     34,549  

Financial Expenses

     19,410  

Gross Brokerage Margin

     15,139  

Provision for Losses on Loans and Other Receivables

     3,192  

Income Tax

     3,195  

Consolidated Balance Sheet in Accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP

  

Cash and Due from Banks

     61,166  

Government Securities, Net

     13,701  

Loans, Net

     137,452  

Total Assets

     242,251  

Deposits

     151,688  

Other Funds (2)

     70,210  

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     20,353  

Average Total Assets (3)

     184,395  

Percentage of Period-end Balance Sheet Items

  

Denominated in Dollars:

  

Loans, Net of Allowances

     12.77  

Total Assets

     27.56  

Deposits

     33.63  

Total Liabilities

     30.82  

Amounts in Accordance with U.S. GAAP

  

Trading Securities

     17,196  

Available-for-Sale Securities

     5,423  

Total Assets

     260,403  

Total Liabilities

     240,316  

Shareholders’ Equity

     20,087  

 

(1)

Gross Brokerage Margin primarily represents income from interest on loans and other receivables resulting from financial brokerage plus net income earned from government and corporate debt securities holdings, minus interest on deposits and other liabilities from financial intermediation. It also includes the CER/UVA adjustment.

(2)

Primarily includes debt securities, loans with other banks and international entities and amounts payable for spot and forward purchases to be settled.

(3)

Average Total Assets, including the related interest that is due thereon is calculated on a daily basis for Banco Galicia and for Galicia Uruguay, as well as for Tarjetas Regionales consolidated with its operating subsidiaries, and on a monthly basis for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its non-banking subsidiaries.

 

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     Fiscal Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2016  

Selected Ratios in Accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP

  

Profitability and Efficiency

  

Net Yield on Interest Earning Assets (4)

     13.26

Financial Margin (5)

     12.10  

Return on Average Assets (6)

     3.48  

Return on Average Shareholders’ Equity (7)

     35.03  

Net Income from Services as a Percentage of Operating Income (9)

     39.63  

Efficiency ratio (9)

     64.98  

Capital

  

Shareholders’ Equity as a Percentage of Total Assets

     8.40

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Shareholders’ Equity

     10.9x  

Total Capital Ratio

     15.04

Liquidity

  

Cash and Due from Banks(10) as a Percentage of Total Deposits

     47.18

Loans, Net as a Percentage of Total Assets

     56.74  

Credit Quality

  

Past Due Loans (11) as a Percentage of Total Loans

     2.43

Non-Accrual Loans (12) as a Percentage of Total Loans

     3.31  

Allowance for Loan Losses as a Percentage of Non-accrual
Loans(12)

     100.06  

Net Charge-Offs (13) as a Percentage of Average Loans

     1.67  

Ratios in Accordance with U.S. GAAP

  

Capital

  

Shareholders’ Equity as a Percentage of Total Assets

     7.71  

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Total Shareholders’ Equity

     11.96x  

Liquidity

  

Loans, Net as a Percentage of Total Assets

     52.76

Credit Quality

  

Allowance for Loan Losses as a Percentage of Non-Accrual Loans

     128.53  

Inflation and Exchange Rate

  

Wholesale Inflation (14)

     34.59

Consumer Inflation (15)

     41.05

Exchange Rate Variation (16) (%)

     21.88  

CER (17)

     35.79  

UVA (18)

     17.26  

 

(1)

Net interest earned divided by interest-earning assets.

(2)

Financial margin represents gross brokerage margin divided by average interest-earning assets.

(3)

Net income excluding non-controlling interest as a percentage of average total assets.

(4)

Net income as a percentage of average shareholders’ equity.

(5)

Operating income is defined as gross brokerage margin plus net income from services.

(6)

Administrative expenses as a percentage of operating income as defined above.

(7)

Liquid assets of Banco Galicia include cash and receivables, Lebacs, net call money, short-term loans to other Argentine financial institutions, special guarantee accounts at the BCRA, and repurchase and reverse repurchase transactions in the Argentine financial market.

(8)

Past-due loans are defined as the aggregate principal amount of a loan plus any accrued interest that is due and payable for which either the principal or any interest payment is 91 days or more past due.

(9)

Non-Accrual loans are defined as those loans in the categories of: (a) Consumer portfolio: “Medium Risk”, “High Risk”, “Uncollectible”, and “Uncollectible Due to Technical Reasons”, and (b) Commercial portfolio: “With problems”, “High Risk of Insolvency”, “Uncollectible”, and “Uncollectible Due to Technical Reasons”.

(10)

Direct charge-offs minus amounts recovered.

(11)

As of December 31, 2015, as measured by the interannual change between the October 2014 and the October 2015 Wholesale Price Index (“WPI”), published by INDEC (as defined herein), because the measurement of this index was discontinued for the remainder of 2015. In 2016 the measure was reinstated.

(12)

In 2015, annual variation of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was calculated using the Consumer Price Index of the City of Buenos Aires, an alternative measure of inflation proposed by INDEC after it discontinued its index.

(13)

Annual change in the end-of-period exchange rate expressed in Pesos per Dollar.

(14)

The “CER” is the “Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in the CPI.

(15)

The “UVA” is the “Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in the CER.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

 

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C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information contained in this annual report. In addition, most, if not all, of the risks described below must be evaluated bearing in mind that our most important asset is our equity interest in Banco Galicia. Thus, a material change in Banco Galicia’s shareholders’ equity or income statement would also adversely affect our businesses and results of operations. We may also face risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, which may impair our business. Our operations, property and customers are located in Argentina. Accordingly, the quality of our customer portfolio, loan portfolio, financial condition and results of operations depend, to a significant extent, on the macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. In general, the risk assumed when investing in the securities of issuers from countries such as Argentina is higher than when investing in the securities of issuers from developed countries.

Risk Factors Relating to Argentina

The current state of the Argentine economy, together with uncertainty regarding the Government, may adversely affect our business and prospects.

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations may be affected by inflation, fluctuations in the exchange rate, modifications in interest rates, changes in the Argentine government’s policies and other political or economic developments either internationally or in Argentina.

During the course of the last decades, Argentina’s economy has been marked by a high degree of instability and volatility, periods of low or negative economic growth and high, fluctuating levels of inflation and currency devaluation. Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations, the rights of holders of securities issued by Grupo Financiero Galicia and the value of such securities could be materially and adversely affected by a number of possible factors. Some of these factors include Argentina’s inability to achieve a sustainable economic growth path, high inflation rates, Argentina’s ability to obtain financing, a decline in the international prices for Argentina’s main commodity exports, fluctuations in the exchange rates of other countries (which affects local commercial competitiveness) and the vulnerability of the economy to external shocks.

During the past decade Argentina experienced economic stagnation as a result of unstable monetary, fiscal and economic regulatory policies. This, combined with a lack of institutional transparency, led to increasing inflation rates, lack of economic growth, currency instability and low investment levels, among others. As there will be Congressional elections in 2021, additional risks may arise if new policies are implemented by the newly elected Congress that further exacerbate the existing macroeconomic imbalances. In addition to such possible new Congressional policies, no assurance can be provided regarding other events, such as the enactment of other governmental policies, that may occur in the future and their impact on the Argentina economy and on the results of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s operations.

As a result of the current state of the Argentine economy as described above and herein and the uncertainty regarding the Government and policies it may enact, the financial position and results of operations of private sector companies in Argentina, including Grupo Financiero Galicia, the rights of the holders of securities issued by such institutions and the value thereof may be negatively and adversely impacted.

Economic conditions in Argentina may deteriorate, which may adversely impact Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business and financial condition.

Economic conditions in Argentina may deteriorate. In particular, a less favorable international economic environment, a decrease in the competitiveness of the Peso as compared to foreign currencies, low consumer confidence and low confidence from both local and foreign investors together with high inflation rates, among other factors, may affect the development and growth of the Argentine economy and cause volatility in the local capital markets. Such events may adversely impact Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business and financial condition.

 

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In particular, the Argentine economy has proven to be and continues to be vulnerable to several factors, including:

 

   

economic growth rate volatility;

 

   

high inflation rates;

 

   

regulatory uncertainty for certain economic activities and sectors;

 

   

volatility in Argentina’s main export commodities’ prices;

 

   

external financial conditions;

 

   

fluctuations in the BCRA’s international reserves; and

 

   

uncertainty with respect to exchange and capital controls.

No assurance can be provided that a decline in economic growth or certain economic instability will not occur. Any stagnation, slowdown or economic and political instability could have a significant adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations, and the trading price for its ADSs.

The ability of the current administration to implement economic policy reforms, and the impact that these measures and any future measures taken by a new administration will have on the Argentine economy, remains uncertain.

As the date of this annual report, the impact that the reforms adopted by the Government will have on the Argentine economy as a whole, and the financial sector in particular, cannot be predicted. In addition, it is currently unclear what additional measures the current administration may implement in the future and what the effects of the same may be on the Argentine economy.

Since taking office, the Fernández administration has announced and implemented several significant economic measures and policy reforms, the impact of which are uncertain at this time. For example, on December 20, 2019, the Argentine National Congress passed Law No. 27,541, which declared a public emergency in economic, financial, fiscal, administrative, pension, energy, health and social matters. It also delegated to the Executive Branch broad authority and power to take actions designed to, among other things, ensure the sustainability of the level of public debt, restructure the rate the energy system charges its customers through a renegotiation of the current comprehensive tariff regime and restructure the regulatory entities for the energy system. Throughout 2020, other important Laws were passed, such as Law 27,609, in which the pension-adjustment formula was modified, and Law 27,605, that imposed a one-off tax on high net worth individuals.

Further, beyond the above noted reforms and policies, foreign exchange market (the “FX market”) restrictions, in combination with a relatively loose monetary and fiscal policy and additional restrictions on foreign trade could result in lower economic growth rates in Argentina for the coming years. In addition, an adverse result in the debt negotiation that the Government is carrying out with external creditors, such as the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”), could affect access to capital markets, and may affect the growth of the country, provinces and private companies. It is impossible to predict the impact of these measures, as well as any future measures that may be adopted, on the Argentine economy overall and the financial sector in particular.

In particular, interventionist measures adopted by the Government or future measures implemented may be disruptive to the economy and may fail to benefit, or may harm, our business. In particular, Grupo Financiero Galicia has no control over the implementation of the reforms to the regulatory framework that governs its operations and cannot guarantee that these reforms will be implemented or that they will be implemented in a manner that will benefit its business. The failure of these measures to achieve their intended goals could adversely affect the Argentine economy and Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations and the trading price for its ADSs.

 

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If the high levels of inflation continue or if inflation figures are not trusted, the Argentine economy and Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial position and business could be adversely affected.

Since 2007, Argentina has experienced high inflation. According to private estimates, inflation has been systematically above 20% since 2007, reaching a maximum of 53.8 % in 2019. Accumulated inflation during 2020 was 36.1%. Moreover, between 2007 and 2015 official figures became unreliable and private estimates of inflation were more frequently used (as further described below).

As noted above, between 2007 and 2015, official inflation figures became unreliable. Specifically, the national statistics agency INDEC (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos; “INDEC” for its acronym in Spanish), is the only institution in Argentina with legal power to produce official national statistics. During the referenced time period, INDEC went through a process of major institutional and methodological reforms that led to concerns related to the reliability of the information produced by INDEC. In 2016, an administrative emergency regarding the national statistical system was declared and INDEC stopped publishing certain data until a complete reorganization of its structure was undertaken in order to reestablish its ability to produce relevant, sufficient and trustworthy information.

Despite the fact that due to the reforms implemented in recent years, inflation rates calculated by INDEC are generally accepted, the possibility that they may be manipulated in the future cannot be ruled out. Any such future manipulation could affect the Argentine economy in general and the financial sector in particular.

In addition to concerns related to the trustworthiness of inflation figures, in the past, inflation has materially undermined the Argentine economy and the Government’s ability to generate conditions that fostered economic growth. In particular, high inflation rates or a high level of volatility with respect to the same, may materially and adversely affect the business volume of the financial system and prevent the growth of financial intermediation activity. This, in turn, could adversely affect economic activity and employment.

Combined with high inflation rates, Argentina has also displayed high volatility in its currency, as a consequence of local imbalances and external shocks. Both high inflation rates and high levels of volatility in the inflation rate affect Argentina’s competitiveness abroad, as well as real salaries, employment rates, consumption rates and interest rates. A high level of uncertainty with regard to these economic variables, and lack of stability in terms of inflation, could lead to shortened contractual terms and affect the ability to plan and make decisions. This may have a negative impact on economic activity and the income of consumers and their purchasing power. All of the above could materially and adversely affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial position, results of operations and business, and the trading price for its ADSs.

Argentina’s and Argentine companies’ ability to obtain financing and to attract direct foreign investment is limited and may adversely affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial position, results of operations and business.

Argentina and Argentine companies have had limited access to foreign financing in recent years, primarily as a result of a default in December 2001 by Argentina on its debt to foreign bondholders, multilateral financial institutions and other financial institutions. Argentina settled all of its outstanding debt with the IMF in 2006, carried out a variety of debt swaps with certain bondholders between 2004 and 2010, and reached an agreement with the Paris Club in 2014. After several years of litigation, on March 1, 2016, an agreement was reached between the Argentine government and certain creditors to which the Argentine government was previously in default.

On April 18, 2016, in order to make a payment owed to similarly situated bondholders, Argentina issued bonds in an amount of US$16.5 billion, with interest rates between 6.25% and 8% and maturities of three, five, ten and thirty years. The payment of approximately US$9.3 billion to the bondholders was made on April 22, 2016, thus reaching a solution to the Argentine debt in default.

During the remainder of 2016, 2017 and the first four months of 2018, the Argentine government continued to seek financing from international markets. Following the exchange rate crisis beginning in April 2018, however, Argentina was not able to access the international capital markets, resulting in the Argentine government requesting a loan from the IMF (pursuant to a Stand-By Agreement for a total of US$57 billion).

 

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In 2019, Argentina’s bonds plummeted and the country risk soared after the Primary Presidential Elections that took place on August 11, in which the Fernandez-Fernandez platform won by a landslide, making the country unable to refinance its existing debt with the private sector. As a result, the Macri administration decided to unilaterally restructure the maturity dates on short-term debt issued by the Argentine Government and denominated both in Argentine pesos and in Dollars. When President Fernandez took office, his administration commenced debt-restructuring negotiations for debt held by the Government that was held by foreign creditors. This restructuring was completed in September 2020. Argentina is also seeking to restructure its IMF loan in 2021, as principal payments from the 2018’s Stand-By Agreement begin to fall due in October 2021. A new agreement with the IMF may require a commitment to implement reforms and changes to economic policy, which could have a significant adverse effect on Argentina’s economy and on Argentine companies including Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ability to obtain international financing and could also adversely affect local credit conditions. If Argentina is not able to reach an agreement with the IMF, the country may default on such debt. Any such default on the IMF debt or other current outstanding debt would likely inhibit or prevent access by the Government and Argentine companies to the international financial markets and may also compromise the ability of such entities to obtain bilateral financing. This would have an adverse effect on the Argentine economy, including Grupo Financiero Galicia, and would likely cause a negative impact the ability of companies, including Grupo Financiero Galicia, to obtain foreign financing.

A decline in the international prices of Argentina’s main commodities exports and a real appreciation of the Peso against the Dollar could affect the Argentine economy and create new pressures on the foreign exchange market and have a material adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition, prospects and operating results.

The reliance on the export of certain commodities, (particularly soybeans and its by products, corn and wheat), has made the country more vulnerable to fluctuations in their prices. A decrease in commodity prices may adversely affect the Argentine government’s fiscal revenues and the Argentine economy as a whole. Given its reliance on such agricultural commodities, the country is also vulnerable to weather events—such as 2018’s drought—that may negatively affect production, reducing fiscal revenues and the inflow of Dollars.

In order to counterbalance and diversify its reliance on the above noted agricultural commodities as well as to add another source of revenue, Argentina has focused on increasing its oil and gas exports. Nevertheless, a long-term decrease in the international price of oil would negatively impact such prospects and result in a decrease in foreign investment in such sectors.

Additionally, a significant increase in the real appreciation of the Peso could affect Argentina’s competitiveness, substantially affecting exports, prompting new recessionary pressures on Argentina’s economy and a new imbalance in the foreign exchange market, exacerbating exchange rate volatility. A significant appreciation of the real exchange rate could adversely affect the Argentine public sector’s tax revenues in real terms, since around 7% of the country’s total revenues depend on export taxes. The occurrence of the foregoing could intensify the existing inflationary environment and potentially materially and adversely affect the Argentine economy, as well as Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition and operating results and, thus, the trading prices for its ADSs.

Volatility in the regulatory framework could have a material and adverse effect on Argentina’s economy in general, and on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial position, specifically.

From time to time the Argentine government has enacted several laws amending the regulatory framework governing a number of different activities as a measure to stimulate the economy, some of which have had adverse effects on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business. Although former administration has eliminated some of these regulations, political and social pressures could inhibit the Argentine government’s implementation of policies designed to generate growth and enhance consumer and investor confidence.

No assurance can be provided that future regulations, and especially those related to the financial system, will not materially and adversely affect the assets, revenues and operating income of private sector companies, including Grupo Financiero Galicia, the rights of holders of securities issued by those entities, or the value of those securities. The lack of regulatory foresight could impose significant limitations on activities of the financial system and Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, and would generate uncertainty regarding its future financial position and result of operations and trading price for its ADSs.

 

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The Argentine economy and its goods, financial services and securities markets remain vulnerable to external factors, which could affect Argentina’s economic growth and Grupo Financiero Galicia’s prospects.

The financial and securities markets in Argentina are influenced, to varying degrees, by economic and market conditions in other countries. Although such conditions may vary from country to country, investor reactions to events occurring in one country may affect capital flows to issuers in other countries, and consequently affect the trading prices of their securities. Decreased capital inflows and lower prices in the stock market of a country may have a material adverse effect on the real economy of those countries in the form of higher interest rates and foreign exchange volatility.

During periods of uncertainty in international markets, investors generally choose to invest in high-quality assets (“flight to quality”) over emerging market assets. This has caused and could continue to cause an adverse impact on the Argentine economy and could continue to adversely affect the country’s economy in the near future.

The monetary and fiscal policies implemented by the world’s leading economies, such as the US, China and the European Union have an affect on the Argentine economy through interest rates, commodity prices and economic growth rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on economic growth worldwide, negatively impacting Argentine exports due to a contraction of foreign demand for the same. Current lower interest rates in leading economies favor emerging markets such as Argentina; however, high levels of overall economic uncertainty may result in factors that offset any positive impact from such lower interest rates.

The economic activity of Brazil, one of Argentina’s main trade partners, also has an impact on Argentina’s economy. A depreciation of the Brazilian Real against the Dollar has in the past and would again in the future put additional pressure on the exchange rate for the Argentine Peso against the Dollar. Likewise, a weak economic performance from Brazil would affect Argentine exports, particularly in the case of industrial goods, many of which Argentina exports to Brazil.

Adverse climate conditions and events may also affect Argentina’s economy, either by negatively impacting the local harvest and thus reducing export volumes or by impacting other competing countries and affecting international commodities’ prices, which determine Argentine agricultural exports’ value.

The international financial environment may also result in a devaluation of regional currencies and exchange rates, including the Peso, which would also cause economic volatility in Argentina. A new global economic or financial crisis or the effects of deterioration in the current international context, could negatively affect the Argentine economy and, consequently, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations, financial conditions and the trading price for its ADSs.

A potential additional devaluation of the Peso may hinder or potentially prevent Grupo Financiero Galicia from being able to honor its foreign currency denominated obligations.

The Argentine Peso depreciated 15.6% as compared to the Dollar in 2017, 50.3% in 2018, 36.9% in 2019 and 28.8% in 2020, according to the official quotation of the BCRA. If the Peso further depreciates against the Dollar, as has recently occurred and which could occur again in the future, this could have an adverse effect on the ability of Argentine companies to make timely payments on their debts denominated in or indexed or otherwise connected to a foreign currency, generate very high inflation rates, reduce real salaries significantly, and have an adverse effect on companies focused on the domestic market, such as public utilities and the financial industry. Such a potential devaluation could also adversely affect the Argentine government’s capacity to honor its foreign debt, with adverse consequences for Grupo Financiero Galicia’s and Banco Galicia’s businesses, which could affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s capacity to meet obligations denominated in a foreign currency which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the trading prices for Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ADSs.

Additionally, the BCRA may intervene in the foreign exchange market to influence exchange rates. Purchases of Pesos by the BCRA could result in a decrease of its international reserves. A significant decrease in the BCRA’s international reserves may have an adverse impact on Argentina’s ability to withstand external shocks to the economy, and any adverse effects to the Argentine economy could, in turn, adversely affect the financial position and business of Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries.

 

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In order to control the depreciation of the Peso, on September 1, 2019 the Executive Branch introduced capital controls through decree No. 609/2019, whose validity was extended indefinitely by the government of Fernández through Decree No. 91/2019 and Communication “A” 6854 and 6856 of the BCRA. These controls include the need to obtain authorization from the BCRA to purchase foreign currency in excess of US$200 per month per person, and the mandatory liquidation of exporters’ foreign exchange earnings in the local market within five days, among other measures. This allows the BCRA to exercise control over the Peso and therefore to prevent the Argentine currency from depreciating. Throughout 2020, the capital controls initially imposed in 2019 were bolstered. Additionally, restrictions limited personal and corporate access to foreign currencies in the official market. Despite the imposition of such controls, the BCRA continued to lose monetary reserves throughout most of 2020, ending 2020 with a US$5.37 billion contraction in international reserves. A depreciation of the Peso could adversely affect the Argentine economy and Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition, its business, and its ability to service its existing debt obligations. Moreover, an acceleration of inflation caused by an exchange rate crisis would raise the costs associated with Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries servicing their foreign currency-denominated, which could increase Grupo Financiero Galicia’s costs and therefore have a material adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations.

Changes or new regulations in the Argentine foreign exchange market may adversely affect the ability and the manner in which Grupo Financiero Galicia repays its obligations denominated in, indexed to or otherwise connected to a foreign currency.

Since December 2001, different government administrations have established and implemented various restrictions on foreign currency transfers (both in respect of transfer into and out of Argentina). Such is the case of the current measures that limit the ability of residents to purchase foreign currency for saving purposes and by capping the amount that can be purchased by the general public at US$200 per month and imposing a 30% tax on all such foreign currency purchases, as well as on any purchases in foreign currency made with debit or credit cards and on the purchase of international flights, hotels or tourism packages. Moreover, as of September 15, 2020, a 35% tax has been imposed on foreign currency that is purchased in order to be saved and on credit card expenses incurred in a foreign currency. This tax is structured to be a credit in advance for income and property taxes be paid.

The impact that these measures or potential future measures will have on the Argentine economy and Grupo Financiero Galicia is uncertain. No assurance can be provided that the regulations will not be amended, or that no new regulations will be enacted in the future imposing greater limitations on funds flowing into and out of the Argentine foreign exchange market. Any such new measures, as well as any additional controls and/or restrictions, could materially affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ability to access the international capital markets and may undermine its ability to make payments of principal and/or interest on its obligations denominated in a foreign currency or transfer funds abroad (in total or in part) to make payments on its obligations (which could affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations). Therefore, Argentine resident or non-resident investors should take special notice of these regulations (and their amendments) that limit access to the foreign exchange market. In the future Grupo Financiero Galicia may be prevented from making payments in Dollars and/or making payments outside of Argentina due to the restrictions in place at that time in the foreign exchange market and/or due to the restrictions on the ability of companies to transfer funds abroad.

It may be difficult to effect service of process against Grupo Financiero Galicia’s executive officers and directors, and foreign judgments may be difficult to enforce or may be unenforceable.

Service of process upon individuals or entities which are not resident in the United States may be difficult to obtain in the United States. Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries are companies incorporated under the laws of Argentina. Most of their shareholders, directors, members of the Supervisory Syndics’ Committee, officers, and some specialists named herein are domiciled in Argentina and the most significant part of their assets is located in Argentina. Although Grupo Financiero Galicia has an agent to receive service of process in any action against it in the United States with respect to its ADSs, none of its executive officers or directors has consented to service of process in the United States or to the jurisdiction of any United States court. As a result, it may be difficult to effect service of process against Grupo Financiero Galicia’s executive officers and directors. Additionally, under

 

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Argentine law, the enforcement of foreign judgments will only be allowed if the requirements in sections 517 to 519 of the National Code of Civil and Commercial Procedures or the applicable local code of procedures are met, and provided that the foreign judgment does not infringe on concepts of public policy in Argentine law, as determined by the competent courts of Argentina. As such, an Argentine court may find that the enforcement in Argentina of a foreign judgment (including a U.S. court) that requires payment be made by an Argentine individual to holders of its foreign currency-denominated securities outside of Argentina is contrary to the public policy if, for instance, there are legal restrictions in place prohibiting Argentine debtors from transferring foreign currency abroad to pay off debts.

The intervention of the Argentine government in the electric power sector could have a material adverse impact on the Argentine economy, which may have a material adverse impact on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations.

Historically, the Argentine government has played an active role in the electric power sector through the holding and management of state-owned companies engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. To address the Argentine economic crisis of 2001 and 2002, the Government adopted regulations which made several material changes to the regulatory framework applicable to the electric power sector and distorted supply and demand in the sector. These changes included the freezing of distribution margins, the reversal of adjustment and inflation indexation mechanisms for tariffs, a limitation on the ability of electric power distribution companies to pass on to the consumer increases in costs and the introduction of a new price-setting mechanism in the wholesale electricity market, all of which had a significant impact on electric power generators and caused substantial price differences within the market.

The former administration began significant reforms in the electric power sector. As part of such reforms, the administration took actions designed to guarantee the supply of electric power in Argentina, instructing the Ministry of Energy and Mining to develop and implement a coordinated program to guarantee the quality of the electric power system and ration individuals’ and public entities’ consumption of energy by increasing tariffs. .

As of the date hereof, the tariffs that electrical power companies can charge have not been “modified” for more than two years. As such, the increasing costs incurred by these electrical power companies that are not covered by the current tariffs have been paid for using governmental subsidies. This use of governmental subsidies instead of increases in tariffs has led to an increase in the level of public spending by the Government. Looking ahead, any reduction by the Government in such public subsidies (and corresponding increase in the electrical power tariffs charged) could have a material adverse effect on inflation and, thus, on Argentine consumers’ disposable income and the financial and operating performance of Argentine companies. As a result, it could affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our ADSs as well.

The measures adopted by the Argentine government and the claims filed by workers on an individual basis or as part of a labor union action may lead to pressures to increase salaries or additional benefits, which would increase companies’, including Grupo Financiero Galicia’s, operating costs. Additionally, labor union activity could lead to strikes or work stoppages, which may materially and adversely affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations.

In the past, the Argentine government has passed laws and regulations requiring private sector companies to maintain certain salary levels and provide their employees with additional work-related benefits. Furthermore, employers, both in the public sector and in the private sector, have been experiencing intense pressure from their personnel, or from the labor unions representing such personnel, demanding salary increases and certain benefits for the workers, given the prevailing high inflation rates.

For example, during the early months of 2019 the Argentine union that represents banking sector employees declared general strikes. These strikes did not have a direct effect on banks but did impact banks’ clients who were not able to access branches. Strikes such as the one that took place in 2019 can also lower the perception the public has of banks, which could have a reputational cost for us. Labor movements are active in Argentina and can potentially lead to further strikes or work stoppages if demands are not satisfied, which could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s operations and operating costs.

 

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There can be no assurance that the Argentine government will not adopt measures in the future mandating salary increases or the provision of additional employee benefits, or that employees or their unions will not exert pressure on companies, such as Grupo Financiero Galicia, in demanding the implementation of such measures. The implementation of any such measures could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.

High levels of government expenditures in Argentina could generate long lasting adverse consequences for the Argentine economy.

Since 2007, Argentina increased its spending to Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) to reach a maximum of 24% in 2015, quite above the ratio of the rest of the countries in the region. Since then, a decreasing trend in expenditures was observed until the year 2019. However, in 2020 the spending-to-GDP ratio increased again, as the fiscal stimulus package implemented to deal with COVID-19 and the mobility restrictions put pressure on the fiscal balance resulted in increased expenditures. In 2020, the primary deficit amounted to 6.5% of GDP, and was mainly financed by assistance from the BCRA.

If the fiscal deficit is not reduced and debt financing is insufficient, the Government may be forced to continue its reliance on BCRA financing.

Any such increase in Argentina’s deficit could have a negative effect on the Government’s ability to access to the long-term financial markets, and in turn, could limit the access to such markets for Argentine companies, such as Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries. The same may have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations and the trading price for its ADSs.

Exposure to multiple provincial and municipal tax legislation and regulations could adversely affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business or results of operations.

Argentina has a federal system of government with 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Each of these, under the Argentine national constitution, has full power to enact legislation concerning taxes. Likewise, within each province, municipal governments have broad powers to regulate said matters. Given that the bank branches of our subsidiary, Banco Galicia, are located in multiple provinces, we are subject to various provincial and municipal legislation and regulations that may vary from time to time. Future developments in provincial and municipal legislation concerning taxes, provincial regulations or other matters could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.

The novel coronavirus has had and could continue to have an adverse effect on our business operations.

In late December 2019 a notice of pneumonia originating from Wuhan, Hubei province (COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus) was reported to the World Health Organization, with cases soon confirmed in multiple provinces in China, as well as in other countries. Several measures were undertaken by the Chinese government and other countries to control the coronavirus, including the use of quarantine, lockdown and severe restrictions on the movement of their respective populations by certain air carriers and foreign governments. Since such initial outbreak, COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic and the virus spread and continues to spread globally, as of the date of this annual report, affecting more than 148 countries and territories around the world, including Argentina. Also, new variants of COVID-19 were reported during 2020 and 2021. Particularly, variants from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil appear to be spreading more quickly and easily, which has led to an increase in COVID-19 cases. In addition, as of the date of this report, some vaccines have been granted emergency use authorizations worldwide. In Argentina, up to the date of this report, 4 vaccines have been approved for distribution (Sputnik V, Russia; Covishield, India; Sinpharm, China; and AstraZeneca, UK) and 1.8% of the national population has been vaccinated with two doses, according to the Argentine Ministry of Health.

COVID-19 has caused and may continue to cause significant social and market disruption. The long-term effects to the global economy and to Grupo Financiero Galicia of epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises, such as COVID-19, are difficult to assess or predict, and may include risks to employee’s health and safety, and reduce our business operations. Any prolonged restrictive measures put in place to control an outbreak of a contagious disease or virus or other adverse public health development in any of our targeted markets may have a material and adverse effect on our business operations.

 

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In addition to the foregoing, in 2020, the general macroeconomic conditions worsened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to INDEC, during the fourth quarter of 2020, GDP declined by 4.3% year over year. Further, during the fourth quarter of 2020, economic activity declined by 9.9% year over year. These conditions also led to an increase in poverty, which, according to INDEC, as of second half of 2020 had affected more than 42% of the population.

Additionally, we may also be affected by a decline in the demand of our services, or the need to implement policies limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, including the implementation of work from home policies. The impact epidemics, pandemics and other health crises, such as COVID-19 may have on the methods we use to sell and distribute our products and services, on our human capital resources productivity, and on the ability of our suppliers and consultants to provide goods and services and other resources in a timely manner to support our business, are also impossible to assess or predict at this moment.

According to a report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers1, in which the main Argentine financial institutions participated in order to measure the impact of COVID-19 on the industry during 2020, it is estimated that the economic/financial situation will worsen in the short term and could slightly improve on 2021. Likewise, according to Moody’s Argentina2 in its report issued on April, 2021 despite the stress scenario due to the pandemic, the Argentine financial system has shown a high resilience to the decrease in the level of activity, maintaining default ratios in line with what has been reported historically and high levels of capitalization and liquidity.

Furthermore, certain measures imposed by the Government, such as travel restrictions, border closures and lock-down measures which have forced us to set in place work from home arrangements for our employees, may also have a material impact on our ability to operate and achieve our business goals.

Considering the current health crisis, and the related halt in economy the world is facing, we may also experience higher default rates on the financings granted to our clients, liquidity deficiencies, difficulties in our ability to service our debts and other financial obligations. We may also face difficulties in trying to access to debt and capital markets and be forced to refinance preexisting financing arrangements. Although the actual impact is impossible to assess, the occurrence of any of such events could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Finally, it is unclear whether these challenges and uncertainties will be contained or resolved, and what effects they may have on the global political and economic conditions in the long term. Neither can we predict how the disease will evolve and spread in Argentina, nor forecast the impact of the new variants of the virus. We are not able to anticipate whether Argentina can successfully and widely distribute COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. Finally, the measures implemented by the Government since March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a slowdown in economic activity that adversely affected economic growth in 2020 and will continue to do so in 2021, to a degree that we cannot quantify as of the date of this report. The prior and ongoing impact of COVID-19 could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.

The Argentine economy could be negatively affected by external factors that have an impact in the entire world, such as COVID-19’s spread and the subsequent implementation of measures designed to deal with the mentioned pandemic, and its economic impact both on a local and an international level.

The Argentine economy is vulnerable to external factors. In this sense, most economies in the world (including Argentina and its main trade partners) are being affected by the spread of COVID-19. The virus’ progression, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has led to the application of measures throughout 2020 that have had a severe economic impact.

 

 

1 

https://www.pwc.com.ar/es/servicios/consultoria/infografia-sondeo-covid-entidades-financieras.pdf

2 

https://www.moodyslocal.com/c086ca95-c9ec-4147-9846-ba1027ac4f5c

 

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In Argentina, these measures included the implementation of a generalized quarantine with the intention of hindering the virus’ spread and to avoid the collapse of the local health system. This entailed a halt in most economic activities (excluding essential ones, such as healthcare services, manufacturing of food products, medical equipment or pharmaceuticals, supermarkets and pharmacies, and the provision of security forces) and the suspension of road and air travel, among others.

These measures, and any others the Argentine government might implement in the future, have had a negative and direct impact on the country’s economy, by reducing both aggregate supply and demand.

Additionally, the progression of the virus and the resulting measures destined to fight the virus affected and could continue to affect economic growth in Argentina’s trade partners (such as Brazil, the European Union, China, and the United States). In 2020, the contraction of the economies of trade partners had a sizeable and adverse impact on Argentina’s trade balance and economy through a fall in the demand for Argentine exports of 15.7% as compared to the previous year.

On the other hand, higher uncertainty levels associated with the progress of a global pandemic could exacerbate financial conditions’ volatility, particularly in emerging markets, which could pose a threat to Argentina’s currency and financing availability.

Any of these potential risks to the Argentine economy could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.

Failure to adequately address actual and perceived risks arising from institutional deterioration and corruption could adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial position and the ability of Argentine companies to attract foreign investment.

The lack of a solid institutional framework and corruption have been identified as serious problems for Argentina and may continue to be. In Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2020, which measures corruption in 180 countries, Argentina ranked No. 78. In the World Bank’s “Doing Business” report in 2020, which measures the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it, Argentina Ranked No.126 out of 190 countries. The failure to address these issues could increase the risk of political instability, distort the decision-making process, adversely affect Argentina’s international reputation and its ability and the ability of its companies to attract foreign investment.

A deterioration in the Argentine reputation could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations and, thus, on the trading price for the its ADSs.

Risk Factors Relating to the Argentine Financial System

The stability of the Argentine financial system is dependent upon the ability of financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Galicia, to maintain and increase the confidence of depositors.

The measures implemented by the Argentine government in late 2001 and early 2002, in particular the restrictions imposed on depositors to withdraw money freely from banks and the pesification and restructuring of their deposits, were strongly opposed by depositors due to the losses on their savings and undermined their confidence in the Argentine financial system and in all financial institutions operating in Argentina.

If depositors once again withdraw their money from banks in the future, there may be a substantial negative impact on the manner in which financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, conduct their business, and on their ability to operate as financial intermediaries. Loss of confidence in the international financial markets may also adversely affect the confidence of Argentine depositors in local banks.

An adverse economic situation, even if it is not related to the financial system, could trigger a massive withdrawal of capital from local banks by depositors, as an alternative to protect their assets from potential crises. Any massive withdrawal of deposits could cause liquidity issues in the financial sector and, consequently, a contraction in credit supply.

 

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The occurrence of any of the above could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.

If financial intermediation activity volumes relative to GDP are not restored to significant levels, the capacity of financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Galicia, to generate profits may be negatively affected.

As a result of the 1999-2002 financial crisis (in which the Argentine economy fell 18.4%), the volume of financial intermediation activity dropped dramatically: private sector credit plummeted from 24% of GDP in December 2000 to 7.7% in June 2004 and total deposits as a percentage of GDP fell from 31% to 23.2% during the same period. The depth of the crisis and the effect it had on depositors’ confidence in the financial system created uncertainty regarding its ability to act as an intermediary between savings and credit.

Furthermore, the ratio of the total financial system’s private-sector deposits and loans to GDP remains low when compared to international levels. Private-sector deposits and loans amounted to 19.1% and 10.3% of GDP, respectively, as of December 31, 2020.

There is no assurance that financial intermediation activities will continue in a manner sufficient to reach the necessary volumes to provide financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, with sufficient capacity to generate income, or that those actions will be sufficient to prevent Argentine financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia, from having to assume excessive risks in terms of maturity mismatches. Under these circumstances, for an undetermined period of time, the scale of operations of Argentine-based financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, their business volume, the size of their assets and liabilities or their income-generation capacity could be much lower than before the 1999-2002 crisis which may, in turn, impact the results of operations of Banco Galicia and, potentially, the trading price for Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ADSs.

The Argentine financial system’s growth and income, including that of Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Galicia, depend in part on the development of medium- and long-term funding sources.

In spite of the fact that the financial system’s and Banco Galicia’s deposits continue to grow, they are mostly demand or short-term time deposits and the sources of medium- and long-term funding for financial institutions are currently limited. If Argentine financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia, are unable to access adequate sources of medium and long-term funding or if they are required to pay high costs in order to obtain the same and/or if they cannot generate profits and/or maintain their current volume and/or scale of their business, this may adversely affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ability to honor its debts.

Argentine financial institutions (including Banco Galicia) continue to have exposure to public sector debt (including securities issued by the BCRA) and its repayment capacity, which in periods of economic recession, may negatively affect their results of operations.

Argentine financial institutions continue to be exposed, to some extent, to the public sector debt and its repayment capacity. The Argentine government’s ability to honor its financial obligations is dependent on, among other things, its ability to establish economic policies that succeed in fostering sustainable growth and development in the long term, generating tax revenues and controlling public expenditures, which could, either partially or totally, fail to take place.

Banco Galicia’s exposure to the public sector as of December 31, 2020 was Ps.238,654 million, representing approximately 25% of its total assets and 160% of its shareholders’ equity. Of this total, Ps.58,141 million were BCRA debt instruments, Ps.128,325 million corresponded to Argentine government securities, while the remaining Ps.60,996 million corresponded to other receivables resulting from financial brokerage. As a result, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s income-generating capacity may be materially impacted or may be particularly affected by the Argentine public sector’s repayment capacity and the performance of public sector bonds, which, in turn, is dependent on the factors referred to above. Banco Galicia’s ability to honor its financial obligations may be adversely affected by the Argentine government’s repayment capacity or its failure to meet its obligations in respect of Argentine government obligations owed to Banco Galicia.

 

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The Consumer Protection Law may limit some of the rights afforded to Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries.

Argentine Law No.24,240 (as amended by Law No. 26,361, Law No. 27,250, Law No. 27,265 and Law No. 27,266, the “Consumer Protection Law”) sets forth a series of rules and principles designed to protect consumers, which include Banco Galicia’s customers. Additionally, Law No.25,065 (as amended by Law No.26,010 and Law No.26,361, the “Credit Card Law”) also sets forth public policy regulations designed to protect credit card holders. Additionally, the Civil and Commercial Code captured the principles of Consumer Protection Law and established their application to banking agreements.

On September 17, 2014, Law No.26,993 was enacted, which created a “System to Solve Disputes in Consumer Relationships”, introducing new administrative and legal procedures within the framework of the Consumer Protection Law; namely, an administrative and a judicial regime for such matters. Additionally, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 6072, as supplemented and amended, granting broad protection to financial services customers, limiting fees and charges that financial institutions may validly collect from their clients.

The application of both the Consumer Protection Law and the Credit Card Law by administrative authorities and courts at the federal, provincial and municipal levels has increased. This trend has led to an increase in general consumer protection levels. In the event that Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries are found to be liable for violations of any of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law or the Credit Card Law, the potential penalties could limit some of Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries’ rights, for example, with respect to their ability to collect payments due from services and financing provided by Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries, and adversely affect their financial results of operations. There can be no assurance that court and administrative rulings based on the newly enacted regulation or measures adopted by the enforcement authorities will not increase the degree of protection given to its debtors and other customers in the future, or that they will not favor the claims brought by consumer groups or associations. Finally, in October 2020, a committee of the Argentine Senate started to debate a draft law intended to fully modify the Consumer Protection Law, the outcome of which is currently uncertain.

The above changes as well as potential future changes may prevent or hinder the collection of payments resulting from services rendered and financing granted by Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries, which may have an adverse effect on their results and operations and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.

The maintenance or implementation of measures regarding the charging of fees and regulated rates could materially and adversely affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations

The BCRA has various regulations regarding the fees and interest rates that entities can charge in the banking business. One of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s primary subsidiaries, Banco Galicia, is required to comply with the applicable regulations. Interest rates and regulated fees (e.g. setting caps on the rates and fees that an entity can charge its customers) could affect the interest rates and fees earned by Banco Galicia, which could result in a reduction in Grupo Financiero Galicia’s consolidated income or a decrease in customer demand for Banco Galicia’s loan or deposit products. In addition, if Banco Galicia were permitted to (and actually did) increase the interest rates and fees it charged (or if the same were otherwise raised by the BCRA or otherwise), such increases could result in higher debt service obligations for Banco Galicia’s customers; which could, in turn, result in higher levels of delinquent loans or discourage customers from borrowing. Interest rates and regulated fees are highly sensitive to many factors beyond Banco Galicia’s control, such as regulation of the financial sector in Argentina, domestic and international economic and political conditions, among other factors. Changes in the demand for our subsidiaries services and/or increases in the levels of delinquency of their customers could have a material and adverse effect on their businesses and, in turn, on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, results of operations and financial condition and on the trading price for it ADSs.

 

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Class actions against financial institutions for an indeterminate amount may adversely affect the profitability of the financial system and of Banco Galicia, specifically.

Certain public and private organizations have initiated class actions against financial institutions in Argentina, including Banco Galicia. Class actions are contemplated in the Argentine National Constitution and the Consumer Protection Law, but their use is not regulated. The courts, however, have admitted class actions in spite of lacking specific regulations, providing some guidance with respect to the procedures for the same. These courts have admitted several complaints filed against financial institutions to defend collective interests, based on arguments that object to charges applied to certain products, applicable interest rates and the advisory services rendered in the sale of government securities, among others.

Final judgments entered against financial institutions under these class actions may affect the profitability of financial institutions in general and of Banco Galicia specifically in relation to class actions filed against Banco Galicia. For further information regarding class actions brought against Banco Galicia, please refer to the Item 8. “Financial Information”—A. “Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information”—“Legal Proceedings”— “Banco Galicia”. To the extent that the profitability of Banco Galicia is impacted by the foregoing, the same could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, results of operations and financial condition and on the trading price for it ADSs.

Administrative procedures filed by the tax authorities of certain provinces against financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia (the primary subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Galicia) and amendments to tax laws applicable to Grupo Financiero Galicia could generate losses for Grupo Financiero Galicia.

In the last years, City of Buenos Aires tax authorities, as well as certain provincial tax authorities, have initiated administrative proceedings against financial institutions in order to collect higher gross income taxes from such financial institutions.

Although Banco Galicia believes it has met its tax obligations regarding current regulations and has properly recorded provisions for those risks based on the opinions and advice of its external legal advisors and pursuant to the applicable accounting standards, certain risks may render those provisions inadequate. Tax authorities may not agree with Grupo Financiero Galicia’s tax treatment, possibly leading to an increase in its tax liabilities.

Moreover, amendments to existing regulations may increase Grupo Financiero Galicia’s tax rate and a material increase in the tax burden could adversely affect its financial results, results of operations and the trading price for its ADSs.

Risk Factors Relating to Us

Grupo Financiero Galicia may be unable to repay its financial obligations or dividends due to a lack of liquidity it may suffer because of being a holding company.

Grupo Financiero Galicia, as a holding company, conducts its operations through its subsidiaries. Consequently, it does not operate or hold substantial assets, except for equity investments in its subsidiaries. Except for such assets, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ability to invest in its business development and/or to repay obligations is subject to the funds generated by its subsidiaries and their ability to pay cash dividends. In the absence of such funds, Grupo Financiero Galicia may be forced to resort to financing options at unappealing prices, rates and conditions. Additionally, such financing could be unavailable when Grupo Financiero Galicia may need it.

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries are under no obligation to pay any amount to enable Grupo Financiero Galicia to carry out investment activities and/or to cancel its liabilities or to give Grupo Financiero Galicia funds for such purposes. Each of the subsidiaries is a legal entity separate from Grupo Financiero Galicia, and due to certain circumstances, legal or contractual restrictions, as well as to the subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating requirements, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ability to receive dividends and its ability to develop its business and/or to comply with payment obligations could be limited. Under certain regulations, Banco Galicia has restrictions relating to dividend distributions. In addition, as of the date hereof, due to the regulations recently passed

 

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by the BCRA within the framework of the measures taken by the government to respond to the COVID-19, the capacity of the Argentine financial system to pay cash dividends has been suspended until June 30, 2021. As such, no dividends will be paid to Grupo Financiero Galicia prior to such date and such prohibition could be extended.

Investors should take notice of the above, prior to deciding on their investment in equity in Grupo Financiero Galicia as a failure to receive the noted dividends may materially and adversely impact the ability of Grupo Financiero Galicia to pay any amounts in respect of the ADSs. For further information on dividend distribution restrictions, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the BCRA restricted the ability of Argentine financial institutions to distribute dividends

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the BCRA issued, on March 19, 2020, Communication “A” 6939, which suspended the ability of Argentine financial institutions to distribute dividends until June 30, 2020, in order to maintain the lending capacity of the financial institutions. This suspension was later extended by communication “A” 7035 until December 31, 2020, and then by communication “A” 7181 until June 30, 2021.

As the measures taken by the administration to control the fallout from COVID-19 are recent, uncertain, and changing rapidly, it is difficult to predict the full impact of full measures on Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries, nor can we predict whether Grupo Financiero Galicia would be able to make contributions to its subsidiaries as a consequence of this measure. Investors should take notice of the above, prior to deciding on their investment in equity in Grupo Financiero Galicia as a failure to receive the noted dividends may materially and adversely impact the ability of Grupo Financiero Galicia to pay any amounts in respect of the ADSs. For further information on the effects of COVID-19, see Item 3. “Key Information” – D. “Risk Factors” - “The novel coronavirus could have an adverse effect on our business operations”. For further information on dividend distribution restrictions, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

Corporate governance standards and disclosure policies that govern companies listing their shares pursuant to the public offering system in Argentina may differ from those regulating highly developed capital markets, such as the U.S. As a foreign private issuer, Grupo Financiero Galicia applies disclosure policies and requirements that differ from those governing U.S. domestic registrants.

Argentine disclosure requirements are more limited than those in the United States and differ in important respects. As a foreign private issuer, Grupo Financiero Galicia is subject to different disclosure policies and other requirements than a domestic U.S. registrant. For example, as a foreign private issuer in the U.S., Grupo Financiero Galicia is not subject to the same requirements and disclosure policies as a domestic U.S. registrant under the Exchange Act, including the requirements to prepare and issue financial statements, report on significant events and the standards applicable to domestic U.S. registrants under Section 14 of the Exchange Act or the insider reporting and short-swing profit rules applicable to domestic U.S. registrants.

In addition, although Argentine laws provide for certain requirements that are similar to those prevailing in the U.S. in relation to publicly listed companies (including, for example, those related to price manipulation), in general, applicable Argentine laws are different to those in the U.S. and in certain aspects may provide different or fewer protections or remedies as compared to U.S. laws. Further, Grupo Financiero Galicia relies on exemptions from certain Nasdaq rules that are applicable to domestic companies.

Accordingly, the corporate information available about Grupo Financiero Galicia is not the same as, and may be more limited than, the information available to shareholders of a U.S. company.

 

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The price of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly, and your investment may decline in value.

The price of Grupo Financiero Galicia´s ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly in response to several factors, many of which are beyond our control, including those described in this annual report under “Risk Factors Relating to Argentina” and “Risk Factors Relating to the Argentine Financial System”.

The stock markets in general, and the shares of emerging market in particular, have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies involved. Grupo Financiero Galicia cannot assure that any trading price or valuation will be sustained. These factors may materially and adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ordinary shares and may otherwise affect liquidity, regardless of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s operating performance.

Market fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, such as recessions or currency exchange rate fluctuations, may also adversely affect the market price of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ordinary shares and the ADSs.

Adverse conditions in the credit, capital and foreign exchange markets may have a material adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations and adversely impact it by limiting its ability to access funding sources.

Grupo Financiero Galicia may sustain losses relating to its investments in fixed- or variable-income securities on the exchange market and its monetary position due to, among other reasons, changes in market prices, defaults and fluctuations in interest rates and in exchange rates. A deterioration in the capital markets may cause Grupo Financiero Galicia to record net losses due to a decrease in the value of its investment portfolios, in addition to losses caused by the volatility in financial market prices, even if the economy overall is not affected. Any of these losses could have an adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations, business and financial condition and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.

The occurrence of an operational risk impacting any of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s businesses, could disrupt its business functions and have a negative impact on its results of operations.

As with other financial institutions, operational risks could arise in any of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s businesses. These risks may include losses resulting from inadequate or failed internal and external processes, systems or human error, fraud, the effects of natural or man-made catastrophic events (such as natural disasters or pandemics) or from other external events. Exposure to such events could disrupt Grupo Financiero Galicia’s systems and operations significantly, which may result in financial losses and reputational damage.

Pandemics and other material public health problems could result in social, economic or labor instability in the world and domestically and disrupt the operations of our business. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in travel restrictions and extended shutdowns of certain businesses in many regions.

The main risk factors identified in the last risk assessment undertaken by our Risk Management Division were system failures, adverse legal decisions and economic losses generated by fraud. Although we have implemented numerous controls to avoid the occurrence of inefficient or fraudulent operations, errors can occur and compound even before being detected and corrected. In addition, some of our transactions are not fully automatic, which may increase the risk of human error or manipulation, and it may be difficult to detect losses quickly. The occurrence of any one or more of the above events could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.

An increase in cybersecurity breaches or fraudulent and other illegal activity involving Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries could lead to reputational damage to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s (or its subsidiaries’) brands and could reduce the use and acceptance of its and its subsidiaries’ products, therefore adversely affecting its business and results of operations.

The business of many of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its data processing systems, its platforms for the exchange of information and its digital networks.

 

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Many of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries have access to a large amount of confidential information about their respective clients. Therefore, cybersecurity breaches represent a potential risk for Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Cybersecurity breaches can result in, for example, identity fraud, phishing, ransomware, information leaks, APT (Advanced Persistent Threat), DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) or the theft of sensitive and confidential information, and may affect negatively the security of information that is stored and transmitted through the information systems and network infrastructure of Grupo Financiero Galicia and negatively affect the reputation of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s brands, thereby causing existing and potential clients to refrain from conducting business with Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries.

In spite of all existing security measures, Grupo Financiero Galicia cannot provide any assurance that the systems are invulnerable to cybersecurity breaches or that the mentioned measures will be successful in protecting against any such breach. In addition, any of the aforementioned events could lead to an increase in compliance costs for Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries. If any of the above described events were to occur, it could lead to monetary losses and reputational damage to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s brands, which could reduce the use and acceptance of its products, greater regulation, and increased compliance costs, therefore adversely affect its business and results of operation and the trading price for its ADSs.

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries estimate and establish reserves for potential credit risk or future credit losses, which may be inadequate or insufficient, and which may, in turn, materially and adversely affect its financial position and results of operations.

Pursuant to the implementation of IFRS 9, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries establish reserves for potential credit risk and losses related to changes in the levels of income of debtors/borrowers, increased rates of inflation, increased levels of non-performing loans or an increase in interest rates. This process requires a complex methodology mixing probability of default (“PD”), loss given default (“LGD”) and exposure at default (“EAD”), including economic projections and assumptions regarding the ability of debtors to repay their loans.

Therefore, if in the future Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries are unable to effectively control the level of quality of their loan portfolio, if loan loss reserves are inadequate to cover future losses, or if they are required to increase their loan loss reserves due to an increase in the amount of their non-performing loans, the financial position and the results of operations of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries may be materially and adversely affected and, in turn, the trading prices for the ADSs.

If Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries should fail to meet regulatory standards or expectations or detect money laundering and other illegal or inappropriate activities in a comprehensive or timely manner. Grupo Financiero Galicia´s subsidiaries may incur fines, penalties, reputational harm and other negative consequences.

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries must be in compliance with all applicable laws against money laundering, funding of terrorist activities and other regulations. These laws and regulations require, among other things, that Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries adopt and implement control policies and procedures which involve “know your customer” principles that comply with the applicable regulations and reporting suspicious or unusual transactions to the applicable regulatory authorities. As such, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries maintain systems and procedures designed to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations. However, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries are subject to heightened compliance and regulatory oversight and expectations, particularly due to the evolving and increasing regulatory landscape that they operate in. Further, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries could become subject to future regulatory requirements beyond those currently proposed, adopted or contemplated. The cumulative effect of all of the legislation and regulations on their business, operations and profitability remains uncertain. This uncertainty necessitates that Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries make certain assumptions with respect to the scope and requirements of the proposed rules in their business planning. If these assumptions prove incorrect, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries could be subject to increased regulatory and compliance risks and costs as well as potential reputational harm.

In addition, a single event or issue may give rise to numerous and overlapping investigations and proceedings in different jurisdictions. Also, the laws and regulations in jurisdictions in which Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries operate may be different or even conflict with each other as to the products and services

 

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offered by Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries or other business activities Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries may engage in, which can lead to compliance difficulties or issues. Furthermore, many legal and regulatory regimes require Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries to report transactions and other information to regulators and other governmental authorities’ self-regulatory organizations, exchanges, clearing houses and customers. Grupo Financiero Galicia´s subsidiaries may be subject to fines, penalties, restrictions on our business, or other negative consequences if they do not timely, completely, or accurately provide regulatory reports, customer notices or disclosures, or make tax-related withholdings or payments, on behalf of themselves or their customers.

While Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries have adopted policies and procedures intended to detect and prevent the use of their networks for money laundering activities and by terrorists, terrorist organizations and other types of organizations, those policies and procedures may fail to fully eliminate the risk that Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries have been or are currently being used by other parties, without their knowledge, to engage in activities related to money laundering or other illegal activities. Moreover, some legal/regulatory frameworks provide for the imposition of fines or penalties for noncompliance even though the noncompliance was inadvertent or unintentional and even though there was in place at the time, systems and procedures designed to ensure compliance. For example, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries are subject to regulations issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) that prohibit financial institutions from participating in the transfer of property belonging to the governments of certain foreign countries and designated nationals of those countries. OFAC may impose penalties or restrictions on certain activities for inadvertent or unintentional violations even if reasonable processes are in place to prevent the violations. Any violation of the applicable laws or regulatory requirements, even if inadvertent or unintentional, or any failure to meet regulatory standards or expectations, including any failure to satisfy the conditions of any consent orders, could result in fees, penalties, restrictions on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries ability to engage in certain business activities, reputational harm, loss of customers or other negative consequences all of which could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, financial condition and operations and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.

A disruption or failure in Grupo Financiero Galicia’s information technology system could adversely affect its operations and financial position.

The success of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries is dependent upon the efficient and uninterrupted operation of their communications and computer hardware systems, including those systems related to the operation of their ATM networks and digital channels. Grupo Financiero Galicia’s communications, systems or transactions could be harmed or disrupted by power failures, data breaches, cyber-attacks, acts of terrorism, physical theft, reputational damage and similar events or disruptions. Any of the foregoing events may cause disruptions in Grupo Financiero Galicia’s systems, delays in the provision of and/or the loss of critical data and could prevent it from operating at optimal levels. In addition, the contingency plans in place may not be sufficient to cover all those events and, therefore, this may mean that the applicable insurance coverage is limited or inadequate, preventing Grupo Financiero Galicia (or its subsidiaries) from receiving full compensation for the losses sustained as a result of such a global disruption. If any of these events occur, it could damage the reputation, entail serious costs and affect Grupo Financiero Galicia’s transactions, as well as its results of operations, business and financial position and, in turn, the trading price for the ADSs.

The Argentine Peso qualifies as a currency of a hyperinflationary economy, and Grupo Financiero Galicia is required to apply inflationary adjustments to its financial statements, which adjustments could adversely affect its financial statements, results of operations and financial condition.

Pursuant to IAS 29 (Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies), the financial statements of entities whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy must be restated using a suitable general price index to control for the effects of changes. Further, such regulation requires that the financial statements of an entity whose functional currency is one of a hyperinflationary economy be measured in terms of the current unit of measurement at the closing date of the reporting period. In June 2018, the International Practices Task Force of the Centre for Quality, which monitors “highly inflationary countries”, categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Additionally, some of the other qualitative factors of IAS 29 were present. Argentine companies applying IFRS are required to apply IAS 29 to their financial statements for periods ending on and after July 1, 2018. In addition, the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) (“CNV”), through Resolution No. 777/18 established the method to restate financial statements in constant currency to be applied by issuers subject to oversight of the CNV, in accordance with IAS 29.

 

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Law No. 27,468 delegated to the BCRA, in the case of financial entities, the entry into force of new regulations. Likewise, for purposes of the determination of the indexation for tax purposes, Law No.27,468, enacted on December 4, 2018, substituted the Wholesale Price Index for CPI and modified the standards triggering tax indexation procedures. During the first three fiscal years after January 1, 2018, the tax indexation will be applicable if the variation of the CPI exceeds 55% in 2018, 30% in 2019 and 15% in 2020. The tax indexation determined during any such year will be allocated as follows: 1/6 in that same year, and the remaining 5/6 in equal parts in the following five years. From January 1, 2021, the tax indexation procedure will be triggered under similar standards as those set forth by IAS 29.

Grupo Financiero Galicia cannot predict the full impact of the application of such tax indexation procedures and the related adjustments on its financial statements or the effects of such tax indexation procedures on its business, results of operations and financial condition (or on the trading price for its ADSs).

Small spreads in interest rates between loans and deposits, could harm our financial position and results of operations.

We carry out our operations in a country that is subject to frequent regulatory changes, high inflation and frequent currency devaluations. As a result, interest rates fluctuate frequently with direct impacts on the main source of income for the business of our subsidiaries.

These fluctuations may generate losses based on the type of financing granted, the value of the interest rate for the financing and the other terms of the loans extended. For example, in such a volatile country, the granting of long-term loans with fixed rates can result in severe monetary losses if the interest rate earned on the loans extended does not exceed the interest that we (or our subsidiaries) pay on deposits we or they hold.

In addition to this, the increasing competition we face from digital banks has forced us to offer lower interest rates than we otherwise would in order to remain competitive in the market. If we are not able to maintain profitable spreads between interest that we earn on the loans that we and our subsidiaries grant and the interest that we pay on the deposits that we and our subsidiaries hold, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely impacted and, in turn, the trading price for our ADSs.

Problems in operations due to failures in services contracted from external suppliers.

Due to the nature of the business and the size of our business, many of our computer systems and operations depend on services contracted from external suppliers. This prevents us from controlling, in depth, the operation and provision of such services. Performance or operational failures of outsourced services may result in operational losses or system failures, with subsequent negative impacts on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations and, in turn, on the trading price for our ADSs.

Payments on class B shares or ADSs may be subject to FATCA withholding.

Pursuant to certain provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commonly known as FATCA, a “foreign financial institution” may be required to withhold on certain payments it makes (“foreign pass thru payments”) to persons that fail to meet certain certification, reporting, or related requirements. We are a foreign financial institution for these purposes. A number of jurisdictions have entered into, or have agreed in substance to, intergovernmental agreements with the United States to implement FATCA (“IGAs”), which modify the way in which FATCA applies in their jurisdictions. Certain aspects of the application of the FATCA provisions to instruments such as the class B shares and the ADSs, including whether withholding would ever be required pursuant to FATCA with respect to payments on instruments such as the class B shares or the ADSs, are uncertain and may be subject to change.

Even if withholding would be required pursuant to FATCA with respect to payments on instruments such as the class B shares and the ADSs, proposed regulations have been issued that provide that such withholding would

 

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not apply prior to the date that is two years after the date on which final regulations defining “foreign passthru payments” are published in the U.S. Federal Register. In the preamble to the proposed regulations, the U.S. Treasury Department indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations until the issuance of final regulations. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding how these rules may apply to their investment in the class B shares and the ADSs.

 

Item 4.

Information on the Company

A. History and Development of the Company

Our legal name is Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. Our commercial name is Grupo Financiero Galicia or Grupo Galicia. We are a financial services holding company that was incorporated on September 14, 1999, as a sociedad anónima (which is a stock corporation) under the laws of Argentina. As a holding company we do not have operations of our own and conduct our business through our subsidiaries. Banco Galicia is our main subsidiary and one of Argentina’s largest full-service banks.

Ecosistema NaranjaX is a commercial umbrella that is comprised of the operating subsidiaries of Tarjetas Regionales. Through it we provide proprietary brand credit cards, consumer finance and digital banking services to the underbanked population of Argentina. For further information, see Item 4. Information on the Company – B. History – iii) Ecosistema NaranajaX below.

Through Sudamericana Holdings and its subsidiaries, we provide insurance products in Argentina.

Through Galicia Securities and Inviu we provide financial and brokerage related products as explained herein.

We are one of Argentina’s largest financial services groups with consolidated assets of Ps.1,055,279 million as of December 31, 2020.

Our goal is to consolidate our position as one of Argentina’s leading comprehensive financial services providers while continuing to strengthen Banco Galicia’s position as one of Argentina’s leading banks. We seek to broaden and complement the operations and businesses of Banco Galicia, through holdings in companies and undertakings whose objectives are related to and/or can produce synergies with financial activities. Our non-banking subsidiaries operate in financial and related activities in which Banco Galicia either cannot participate or in which it can participate only on a limited basis due to restrictive banking regulations.

We are domiciled in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under our bylaws, our corporate duration is until June 30, 2100. Our duration may be extended by a resolution passed at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting. Our principal executive offices are located at Teniente General Juan D. Perón 430, Twenty-Fifth floor, (C1038AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our telephone number is (54-11) 4343-7528 and our website is www.gfgsa.com.

Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System, presently located at 111 8th Avenue, New York, New York 10011.

A.1 History

i) Grupo Financiero Galicia

Grupo Financiero Galicia was formed on September 14, 1999 as a financial services holding company to hold all the shares of the capital stock of Banco Galicia held by members of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families. Its initial nominal capital amounted to 24,000 common shares, 12,516 of which were designated as class A ordinary (common) shares (the “class A shares”) and 11,484 of which were designated as class B ordinary (common) shares (the “class B shares”).

 

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Following Grupo Financiero Galicia’s formation, the holding companies that held the shares in Banco Galicia on behalf of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families were merged into Grupo Financiero Galicia. Following the merger, Grupo Financiero Galicia held 46.34% of the outstanding shares of Banco Galicia. In addition, and due to the merger, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s capital increased from 24,000 to 543,000,000 common shares, 281,221,650 of which were designated as class A shares and 261,778,350 of which were designated as class B shares. Following this capital increase, all of our class A shares were held by EBA Holding S.A., an Argentine corporation that is 100% owned by our controlling shareholders, and our class B shares were held directly by our controlling shareholders in an amount equal to their ownership interests in the holding companies that were merged into Grupo Financiero Galicia.

On May 16, 2000, our shareholders held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting during which they unanimously approved a capital increase of up to Ps.628,704,540 and the public offering and listings of our class B shares. All the new common shares issued as a result of such capital increase were designated as class B shares, with a par value of Ps.1. During this extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, all of our existing shareholders waived their preemptive rights. In addition, the shareholders determined that the exchange ratio for the exchange offer would be one class B share of Banco Galicia for 2.5 of our class B shares and one ADS of Banco Galicia for one of our ADSs. The exchange offer was completed in July 2000 and the resulting capital increase was of Ps.549,407,017. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, our only significant asset was our 93.23% interest in Banco Galicia.

On January 2, 2004, our shareholders held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting during which they approved a capital increase of up to 149,000,000 preferred shares, each of them mandatorily convertible into one of our class B shares on the first anniversary of the date of issuance. Such shares were to be subscribed for in up to US$100 million of face value of subordinated notes to be issued by Banco Galicia to its creditors in the restructuring of the foreign debt of its head office in Argentina (the “Head Office”) and its Cayman Branch, or in cash. This capital increase was carried out in connection with the restructuring of Banco Galicia’s foreign debt. On May 13, 2004, we issued 149,000,000 preferred non-voting shares, with preference over the ordinary shares in the event of liquidation, each with a face value of Ps.1. The preferred shares were converted into class B shares on May 13, 2005. With this capital increase, our capital increased to Ps.1,241,407,017.

In August 2007, Grupo Financiero Galicia exercised its preemptive rights in Banco Galicia’s issuance of shares and subscribed for 93.6 million shares of Banco Galicia. The consideration paid for such shares consisted of: (i) US$102.2 million face value of notes due 2014 issued by Banco Galicia in May 2004, and (ii) cash. After the capital increase, Grupo Financiero Galicia increased Banco Galicia’s shares from 93.60% to 94.66%.

In September 2013, Grupo Financiero Galicia announced that it had reached an agreement to absorb Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. (entities that were shareholders of Banco Galicia at the moment of the merger). The consolidated financial statements prepared specifically for this merger were issued as of June 30, 2013 and the effective date of such merger was September 1, 2013.

This merger resulted in an increase of the ownership interest Grupo Financiero Galicia had in its principal subsidiary Banco Galicia in the amount of 25,454,193 class B shares, which also represented all of the total capital stock (4.526585%) Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. had in Banco Galicia.

Consequently, Grupo Financiero Galicia agreed to increase its capital stock by issuing 58,857,580 new class B shares representing 4.526585% of the outstanding capital stock of Grupo Financiero Galicia to be delivered to the shareholders of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A.

Additionally, Grupo Financiero Galicia, together with Banco Galicia and the shareholders of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A., signed a supplemental agreement governing operational issues of and providing for the settlement and mutual withdrawal of any pending claims.

All documentation related to the merger by absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. by Grupo Financiero Galicia was approved at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of Grupo Financiero Galicia held on November 21, 2013, including the exchange ratio and the above mentioned capital increase of Ps.58,857,580 through the issuance of 58,857,580 class B shares, with a face value of Ps.1, one vote per share, entitling its owners to participate in the profits of the financial year beginning on January 1, 2013.

 

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On December 18, 2013, the definitive merger agreement contemplating the absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. was registered in a public deed pursuant to the terms of paragraph 4 of article 83 of the Ley General de Sociedades (Law No. 19,550, as amended, the General Corporations Law or “Corporations Law”), and effective as of September 1, 2013. Therefore, 25,454,193 class B shares of Banco Galicia, representing 4.526585 % of its capital stock previously owned by Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus and S.A. were transferred to Grupo Financiero Galicia. As a result, Grupo Financiero Galicia owns 560,199,603 shares of Banco Galicia, representing 99.621742% of its capital stock and voting rights.

On February 27, 2014, by Resolution No. 17,300, the Board of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (the “National Securities Commission”, or the “CNV”) consented to the absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A and to the above mentioned increase in capital of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

On February 25, 2014, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia resolved to offer to acquire all of the remaining shares of Banco Galicia owned by third parties, amounting to 2,123,962 shares, at an amount of Ps.23.22 per share, which was approved by the CNV on April 24, 2014.

In compliance with Argentine regulations, Grupo Financiero Galicia made all required communications and paid the amounts corresponding to the remaining shares of Banco Galicia held by third parties. On August 4, 2014, Grupo Financiero Galicia became the owner of 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Banco Galicia when the relevant unilateral declaration to acquire the remaining shares of Banco Galicia held by third parties was recorded as a public deed pursuant to Article 95 of the Law No. 26,831 (the “Capital Markets Law”, in Spanish “Ley de Mercado de Capitales”).

On January 12, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia together with its main subsidiary, Banco Galicia, decided to accept an offer made by Mr. Julio A. Fraomeni and Galeno Capital S.A.U. to purchase 100% of Banco Galicia’s subsidiary, Compañía Financiera Argentina S.A. On December 4, 2017, through Resolution No. 414, the BCRA authorized the sale of Compañía Financiera Argentina S.A. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, payments were completed, so Grupo Financiero Galicia received a total amount of Ps.30,771,146 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.89,623,576 as of December 31, 2020) for its 3% of participation in Compañia Financiera Argentina S.A.

On May 16, 2017, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted an offer to acquire 10,000 book-entry shares with a nominal value of Ps.1 per share, representing 1% of the share capital of Inviu owned by Compañía Financiera Argentina S.A. for Ps.906,524.15 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.3,164,856 as of December 31, 2020).

During August 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted a series of irrevocable sales offers for the acquisition of a 6% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the subsidiary Tarjetas Regionales. On January 5, 2018, a total price of US$49,000,000 was paid and the transaction was completed on January 8, 2018, with the transfer of 22,633,260 Class A common shares, book-entry, with a par value of Ps.1 per share and 5 votes per share, and 42,033,196 Class B common shares, book-entry, with a par value of Ps.1 per share and 1 vote per share.

On October 12, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the corporate reorganization of Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia. Such reorganization consisted of the divestiture of Banco Galicia’s shares in Tarjetas Regionales (77% of its share capital), and the incorporation of such shares into the assets of Grupo Financiero Galicia effective January 1, 2018. On January 19, 2018, the BCRA, through Note No. 312/04/2018, confirmed that it did not object to such corporate reorganization. Following such reorganization, Grupo Financiero Galicia held an 83% ownership interest in Tarjetas Regionales.

On August 15, 2017, the shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved an increase of its share capital by issuing up to a maximum of 150,000,000 of new Class B shares, book-entry, with a right to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share.

On September 26, 2017, the global primary follow-on offering period for Grupo Financiero Galicia’s new Class B shares ended and 109,999,996 class B shares were subscribed for a price of US$5 per share. Such shares

 

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were issued on September 29, 2017. The Company granted the underwriters the option to purchase additional class B ordinary shares at the offering price, and on October 2, 2017, the underwriters exercised such option and 16,500,004 additional class B shares at US$5 per share were issued on October 4, 2017.

As a result of the foregoing offering, a total of 126,500,000 ordinary class B shares, book-entry, with a right to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share were issued. The new issued and outstanding capital of Grupo Financiero Galicia was therefore Ps.1,426,764,597, represented by 281,221,650 ordinary class A shares, book-entry, entitled to five votes per share and a face value of Ps.1 per share and 1,145,542,947 ordinary class B shares, book-entry, entitled to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share.

On December 27, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia made a capital contribution to Banco Galicia of Ps.10,000,000,000, (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.30,921,170,298 as of December 31, 2020).

On May 28, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved a capital contribution to Tarjetas Regionales for Ps.500,000,000 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.878,727,016 as of December 31, 2020) to fund the creation of a new digital financial company, called “Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.” designed to reach and offer digital banking services to the underbanked population of Argentina. Said capital contribution was effective in two payments of Ps.250,000,000 each, the first one made in June 2019 and the second one made in December 2019. The formation of said company was approved on September 16, 2019, by Resolution 205 of the BCRA.

On July 2, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted an offer made by Inviu, to acquire 5% of the stock of Galicia Administradora de Fondos for US$920,000. Such acquisition made Grupo Financiero Galicia the sole shareholder of Galicia Administradora de Fondos. Likewise, on the same date, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved the creation of a new company denominated IGAM LLC, to be registered in the state of Delaware, United States of America, to provide brokerage, investing and other financial services in Argentina and in other countries. The registration of IGAM LLC took place on July 3, 2019.

On August 15, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted a purchase offer made by Banco Galicia to sell 10,000 shares, representing 1% of the capital stock of Inviu , for Ps.695,308.54 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.1,119,778 as of December 31, 2020). With this share purchase, Inviu is 100% owned by our subsidiary Banco Galicia.

On September 20, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved a capital contribution to IGAM LLC for Ps.71,000,000, (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.107,988,030 as of December 31, 2020), to be applied to the purchase of the total stake in Inviu owned by Banco Galicia. Said operation was closed at a total price of Ps.69,530,854 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.105,753,520 as of December 31, 2020).

On May 5, 2020, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia, with the goal of strengthening its brokerage service offerings approved a sale offer to purchase the entire capital stock of a brokerage company (an ALYC company -Agente de Liquidación y Compensación- meaning those Argentine entities with a broker-dealer license given by the Argentine Market Regulator) called 34 Grados Sur Securities S.A. Said operation was closed for a total price of US$441,230 and the company was re named Galicia Securities S.A.

On May 28, 2020, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. agreed with the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales to proceed with a corporate reorganization process. Through this corporate reorganization, the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales, Fedler S.A. and Dusner S.A., holders of 17% of Tarjetas Regionales’s shares spun- off its shares in Tarjetas Regionales and they were absorbed, through a merger by Grupo Financiero Galicia. On September 14, 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia and the companies Dusner S.A. and Fedler S.A. signed the Preliminary Spin off - Merger Agreement and on December 15, 2020 the definitive Spin off - Merger Agreement was executed. As a result of said corporate reorganization, the shareholders of Fedler S.A. and Dusner S.A received GFG’s 47,927,494 Class B common shares, book-entry, with a par value of Ps.1 per share and 1 vote per share, representing their equity interest in Tarjetas Regionales and Grupo Financiero Galicia acquired the control of the 100% equity of Tarjetas Regionales.

 

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ii) Banco Galicia

Banco Galicia is a banking corporation organized as a stock corporation under Argentine law and supervised and licensed to operate as a commercial bank by the Superintendencia de Entidades Financieras y Cambiarias (Superintendency of Financial Institutions and Exchange Bureaus or, the “Superintendency”).

Banco Galicia was founded in September 1905 by a group of businessmen in Argentina and began operations in November 1905. Banco Galicia’s business and branch network increased significantly by the late 1950s and continued expanding in the following decades, after regulatory changes allowed Banco Galicia to exercise its potential and gain a reputation for innovation, thereby achieving a leading role within the domestic banking industry.

In the late 1950s, Banco Galicia launched the equity mutual fund FIMA Acciones and founded the predecessor of the asset manager Galicia Administradora de Fondos.

As part of its growth strategy, Banco Galicia began expanding into rural areas in the Interior, where there was believed to be a high potential for growth. Historically, the Interior was underserved relative to Buenos Aires and its surroundings with respect to access to financial services, and its population tends to use fewer banking services. Between 1995 and 1999, Banco Galicia acquired equity interests in entities and formed several non-banking companies providing financial services to individuals in the Interior through the issuance of proprietary brand credit cards. See “—Ecosistema NaranjaX” below.

On January 12, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia accepted an offer made by Mr. Julio A. Fraomeni and Galeno Capital S.A.U. to purchase 100% of CFA, a subsidiary of Banco Galicia. On December 4, 2017, pursuant to Resolution No.414, the BCRA authorized such transaction, which was completed on February 2, 2018.

On March 31, 2017, Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors approved the sale of its stake (58.8% of the issued and outstanding shares) in its subsidiary Tarjetas del Mar S.A. (“Tarjetas del Mar”) to Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia (which already owned 40% of the total shares of Tarjetas del Mar). CFA also sold its stake (1.2% of the issued and outstanding shares) in Tarjetas del Mar to Federico Braun. Banco Galicia received approximately US$5,000,000 in respect of such sale.

On December 27, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia, in its capacity as sole shareholder and holder of 100% of the capital of Banco Galicia, integrated a capital contribution of Ps.10,000,000,000 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.30,921,170,298 as of December 31, 2020). The BCRA, through its Resolution No.35 dated January 11, 2018, approved the capital contribution and its consideration as computable capital.

On January 21, 2019 Banco Galicia, sold to AI Zenith (Netherlands) B.V. 3,182,444 book-entry common shares, with face value of Ps.1 each and one vote per share, representing 7.7007% of Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. (“Prisma”) capital stock. Banco Galicia continues to hold 3,057,642 shares in Prisma, which represents 7.3988% of its capital stock.

In September 2019, Banco Galicia accepted an offer to acquire 100% of the shareholding in Inviu made by IGAM. The price of the operation amounted to Ps.69,530,854 (which as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.105,753,520 as of December 31,2020). See “—Grupo Financiero Galicia”.

During the fiscal year 2020, Banco Galicia, together with other financial institutions, formed a company named Play Digital S.A. (“Play Digital”) with the corporate purpose of developing and marketing a payment solution linked to the bank accounts of the financial system users, which will significantly enhance their payment experience. As of the date hereof, Banco Galicia held 12.976% of Play Digital.

 

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iii) Ecosistema NaranjaX

In the mid-1990s, Banco Galicia made the strategic decision to target the “non-account holding” individuals market, which, in Argentina, typically includes the low and medium-low income segments of the population who live in the Interior of the country, in addition to certain parts of Greater Buenos Aires. To implement this strategic decision, in 1995 Banco Galicia began investing in non-bank companies (the “Regional Credit Card Companies”) operating in certain regions of the Interior. These companies provided financial services to individuals through the issuance of credit cards with proprietary brands and extended credit to its customers through such cards.

In 1995, Banco Galicia made the first investment in this business by acquiring a minority stake in Tarjeta Naranja S.A. (“Naranja”) and in 1997 increased its ownership to 80%. This company had begun operations in 1985 in the city of Córdoba, where it marketed “Naranja”, its proprietary brand credit card, and had enjoyed local growth.

In 1996, Banco Galicia formed Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A. (“Tarjetas Cuyanas”), to operate in the Cuyo Region (the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis) in partnership with local businessmen. This company launched the “Nevada Card” in May 1996 in the city of Mendoza. Also, in 1996, Banco Galicia formed a new company, Tarjetas del Mar, to operate in the city of Mar del Plata and its area of influence. Tarjetas del Mar began marketing the “Mira Card” in March 1997.

In early 1997, Banco Galicia purchased an interest in Comfiar S.A., a consumer finance company operating in the provinces of Santa Fe and Entre Ríos, which was merged into Naranja in January 2004.

In 1999, Banco Galicia reorganized its participation in this business by forming Tarjetas Regionales S.A (“Tarjetas Regionales”). Tarjetas Regionales became the holding company, of Naranja, Comfiar S.A., Tarjetas Cuyanas, and Tarjetas del Mar. In addition, between 1999 and 2000, Tarjetas Regionales acquired Tarjetas del Sur S.A. , a credit card company operating in southern Argentina. In March 2001, Tarjetas del Sur S.A. merged into Naranja.

During 2012, the ownership interests in Tarjetas Regionales and its operating subsidiaries were modified due to the following events:

 

   

Naranja’s board of directors approved the merger of Tarjeta Mira S.A. (merged company) into Naranja (merging company).

 

   

Tarjetas Regionales carried out a capital increase that was mainly paid by the contribution of the minority shareholders’ holdings in its subsidiaries Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas. Therefore, Banco Galicia’s direct and indirect interest decreased to 77% of the capital stock and the remaining 23% is held by the shareholders who, by means of the above-mentioned contribution, became Tarjetas Regionales’ minority shareholders.

As of December 31, 2016, Banco Galicia held a 77% ownership interest in Tarjetas Regionales. Tarjetas Regionales directly and indirectly held 100% of Naranja and 100% of Tarjetas Cuyanas.

On March 31, 2017, Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors approved the sale of its stake (58.8% of the issued and outstanding shares) in its subsidiary Tarjetas del Mar to Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia (which already owned 40% of the total shares of Tarjetas del Mar). CFA also sold its stake (1.2% of the issued and outstanding shares) in Tarjetas del Mar to Federico Braun. Banco Galicia received approximately US$5,000,000 in respect of such sale.

On August 10, 2017, the Board of Directors of each of Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas approved the merger of such subsidiaries, by which Tarjetas Cuyanas would merge into Naranja. On September 5, 2017, Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas executed a supplemental merger agreement pursuant to which Naranja acquired the assets and liabilities of Tarjetas Cuyanas effective as of October 1, 2017. Such merger was approved by the shareholders of each subsidiary at Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meetings in October 2017.

Additionally, in October 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia publicly announced its plan to undertake a corporate reorganization between Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia as discussed above in “History and Development of the Company”.

 

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Finally, in February 2019 and December 2019, Cobranzas Regionales S.A. received capital contributions from its shareholders, Naranja and Tarjetas Regionales, with the main purpose of maximize the growth of the “NPOS”(a new service of Naranja mainly used by merchants to accept payments made from clients with any debit or credit card through a wireless device) business and the subsequent launch of the virtual wallet “NaranjaX”. As a result of such capital contributions, Cobranzas Regionales S.A. capital stock increased from Ps.1 million to Ps.391 million, represented by 391,000,000 shares of face value of Ps.1 each.

In 2019, Tarjetas Regionales, created a new digital financial company, called “Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.” designed to reach and offer digital banking services to the underbanked population of Argentina. The formation of said company was approved by the BCRA on September 16, 2019, by Resolution 205 of the BCRA. Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera obtain the license to commenced operations from BCRA. For further information see “Item 4. “Information on the Company” – A. “History and Development of the Company” – A.1 “History” -Grupo Financiero Galicia”.

On May 28, 2020, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. agreed with the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales to proceed with a corporate reorganization process. Through this corporate reorganization, the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales, Fedler S.A. and Dusner S.A., holders of 17% of Tarjetas Regionales’s shares, spun-off their shares and were absorbed, through a merger by Grupo Financiero Galicia. On September 14, 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia and the companies Dusner S.A. and Fedler S.A. executed the Preliminary Spin off - Merger Agreement and on December 15, 2020 took place the definitive spin off - Merger Agreement. For further information see “Item 4. “Information on the Company” – A. “History and Development of the Company” – A.1 “History” - “—Grupo Financiero Galicia”.

In September 2020 and October 2020, Cobranzas Regionales S.A. received from its shareholders, Naranja and Tarjetas Regionales, irrevocable equity contributions that were designed to absorb losses in a total amount of Ps.368,421,052.64 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.402,719,002 as of December 31, 2020). At the same time Cobranzas Regionales launched “toque” a new service of Naranja mainly used by merchants to accept payments made from clients with any debit or credit card through a wireless device and totally integrated with the electronic wallet, Naranja X.

On September 15, 2020, Tarjetas Regionales signed an irrevocable equity contribution agreement with Grupo Financiero Galicia for a total amount of Ps.1,000,000,000 (which as adjusted for inflation is equal to Ps.1,113,270,500 as of December 31, 2020) to be paid in two tranches. On the aforementioned date, Tarjetas Regionales received the first tranche of the irrevocable contribution in a total amount of Ps.175,000,000 (which as adjusted for inflation is equal to Ps.194,822,338 as of December 31, 2020). Tarjetas Regionales received the second tranche on October 30, 2020, in a total amount of Ps.825,000,000 (which as adjusted for inflation is equal to Ps.885,157,650 as of December 31, 2020).

In terms of funding, Naranja, has historically used one or more of the following third-party sources of financing: merchants, bond issuances, bank loans and other credit lines, financial leases and securitizations using financial trust vehicles. This diversification has allowed Naranja to maintain and expand their business without depending excessively on one single source or provider.

The business operation of Naranja is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate fluctuations; however, Naranja mitigates the foreign exchange rate risk in respect of its business and operations through hedging transactions and tries to offset its interest rate exposure with assets that bear interest at similar floating rates. In addition, Naranja has an overall liquidity policy requiring it to maintain sufficient liquidity to cover at least three months of future operations and to formulate a cash flow projection for each upcoming year. These internal policies and practices ensure adequate working capital through which Naranja protects its operations against short-term cash shortages, allowing Naranja to focus on expanding its business and continuously better serving their clients. During 2020, Naranja continued to experience a significant expansion of its customer base, in absolute terms

 

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and with respect to the range of customers served, number of cards issued, distribution networks and size of operations, as well as a technological upgrade and general modernization. As of December 31, 2020, Naranja, had approximately 8.6 million issued cards and was the largest proprietary brand credit card operation in Argentina.

Finally, with all the businesses that Tarjetas Regionales oversees, during 2020 and going forward, the goal is to become the preferred technological and financial platform by Argentines. In order to work towards this goal, during 2020 Tarjetas Regionales redefined its purpose. It is now focused on meeting the noted goal, which it believes will allow it to offer new products and services in a streamlined and straightforward manner that will result in mass appeal and facilities an efficient customer and best-in-class customer experience. Related to this new approach, during 2020 Tarjetas Regionales launched a new umbrella brand for the entire business called Ecosistema NaranjaX, which includes all the businesses such as credit card, merchants and financial services.

iv) Sudamericana Holding

In 1996, Banco Galicia entered the bank insurance business, through the establishment of a joint venture with Hartford Life International to sell life insurance and annuities, in which it had a 12.5% interest. In December 2000, Banco Galicia sold its interest in this company and purchased 12.5% of Sudamericana, a subsidiary of Hartford Life International. As a result of various acquisitions, Grupo Financiero Galicia owns 87.5% of Sudamericana (with the remaining 12.5% being held by Banco Galicia) which offers life, retirement, property and casualty insurance products in Argentina through its subsidiaries Galicia Seguros S.A. (“Galicia Seguros”), which provides property, casualty and life insurance, Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A., which provides retirement insurance and Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A., an insurance broker.

v) Galicia Administradora de Fondos

Incorporated in 1958, Galicia Administradora de Fondos manages the FIMA family mutual funds that are distributed by Banco Galicia through its multiple channels (network of branches and home banking and investment centers, among others). Galicia Administradora de Fondos’ team is comprised of asset management professionals whose goal is to manage the FIMA family funds in order to meet the demand of individuals, companies and institutions. The assets of each fund are distributed across a variety of assets, such as bonds, negotiable obligations, trusts, shares and deposits, among others, in line with the fund’s investment objective.

On April 15, 2014, Banco Galicia sold its 95% interest in Galicia Administradora de Fondos to Grupo Financiero Galicia.

On July 2, 2019, Banco Galicia sold its 5% interest in Galicia Administración de Fondos to Grupo Financiero Galicia.

vi) Galicia Warrants

Incorporated in 1993, Galicia Warrants provides financing services, secured by property in its custody, to the agricultural, industrial and agri-industrial sectors, as well as exporters and retailers. Its main objective is to provide access to credit to such sectors and customers. Its shareholders are Grupo Financiero Galicia, which holds 87.5% of the outstanding equity interests of Galicia Warrants, and Banco Galicia, which holds the remaining 12.5% outstanding equity interests.

While the corporate headquarters of Galicia Warrants is located in Buenos Aires, its office in San Miguel de Tucumán carries out transactions in the warrants market, as well as other financing services related to its main sectors and customers it services as described above, throughout Argentina.

vii) IGAM / Inviu

Incorporated in 2019, IGAM is the holding company of Inviu and IGAM Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A. (formerly known as Nargelon S.A.). IGAM is registered in Delaware, USA.

 

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Inviu operates in the investment management industry. Its purpose is to provide broker and financial advisory services while working to build trustworthy and long-term relationships with its clients and prospects. Inviu scope of business is mostly local.

As of 2019, Inviu became a Mercado Abierto Electrónico (MAE) Agent. MAE is one of Argentina’s electronic markets and its main trading parties are institutional investors such as banks, insurance companies, investment brokers and mutual funds. As a MAE Agent, Inviu can trade bonds, currency, futures and other derivatives within MAE.

viii) Galicia Securities

Galicia Securities was incorporated on December 23, 2015, under the name of 34 Grados Sur Securities S.A. and was acquired by Grupo Financiero on May 5, 2020.

On May 6, 2020, during an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Galicia Securities, the shareholders of Galicia Securities approved a name change to Galicia Securities S.A.

Galicia Securities is authorized to act as a settlement and compensation agent and placement and distribution agent of mutual funds in Argentine. The stated purpose of Galicia Securities is to conduct on its own behalf, on behalf of third parties, or through agents, agencies or branches, the operations which are typically performed by settlement and compensation agents and distribution agents and those authorized by current Argentine laws.

Galicia Securities is a member of the Argentine Stock Exchange Market (“BYMA”) and the Argentine Electronic Open Market.

A.2 Capital Investments and Divestitures

During 2020, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.7,124 million, allocated as follows:

 

   

Ps.3,716 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and

 

   

Ps.3,408 million in licenses and other intangible assets.

During 2019, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.10,752 million, allocated as follows:

 

   

Ps.4.828 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and

 

   

Ps.5,924 million in licenses and other intangible assets.

During 2018, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.8,581 million, allocated as follows:

 

   

Ps.4,894 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and

 

   

Ps.3,687 million in licenses and other intangible assets.

These capital expenditures were primarily made in Argentina.

 

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For a description of our divestitures in 2020, 2019 and 2018, please see “—History” — “Grupo Financiero Galicia”, “Banco Galicia” and “Tarjetas Regionales”.

A.3 Investment Planning

We have budgeted capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, for the following purposes and amounts:

 

     December 31, 2021  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Infrastructure of Corporate Buildings, Tower and Branches (construction, furniture, equipment, phones and other fixed assets)

     1,832  

Organizational and IT System Development

     8,315  
  

 

 

 

Total Investment Planning

     10,147  
  

 

 

 

These capital expenditures will primarily be made in Argentina. Management believes that internal funds will be sufficient to finance capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2021.

B. Business Overview

B.1 Business

i) Banking

Banco Galicia is one of Argentina’s largest full-service banks and is a leading provider of financial services in Argentina. It is also our largest subsidiary. According to information provided by the BCRA, as of November 30, 2020, Banco Galicia ranked first in terms of loan portfolio and second in terms of assets and deposits within private-sector banks in Argentina. As of the same date, Banco Galicia also ranked first among private-sector domestic banks in terms of assets, loans and deposits. Its market share of private sector deposits and of loans to the private sector was 10.07% and 13.03%, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, Banco Galicia had total assets of Ps.946,019 million, total loans and other financing of Ps.439,306 million, total deposits of Ps.678,103 million, and its shareholders’ equity amounted to Ps.151,821 million.

Banco Galicia provides a full range of financial services through one of the most extensive and diversified distribution platforms amongst private-sector financial institutions in Argentina. This distribution platform, as of December 31, 2020, was comprised of 326 full service banking branches, located throughout the country, 2,054 ATMs and self-service terminals owned by Banco Galicia, phone banking and e-banking facilities. Banco Galicia’s customer base was comprised of approximately 3 million customers, who were comprised of mostly individuals but who also included 25,092 companies. Banco Galicia has a strong competitive position in retail banking, both with respect to individuals and SMEs. Specifically, based on internal studies undertaken by Banco Galicia, it is estimated that Banco Galicia is one of the primary providers of financial services to individuals, one of the largest providers of credit cards, one of the primary private-sector institutions serving SMEs, and has traditionally maintained a leading position in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Banco Galicia’s primary clients are classified into two categories or segments, Empresas (Companies) and Retail, as explained further below in the Segment Tribes subsection.

In 2018, and as a result of its strategy focused on growth, customer experience and efficiency, Banco Galicia began to transform its operating model with the aim of enhancing its operational flexibility and ability to adapt to changes. In 2020, Banco Galicia believes that it achieved this transformation, ending with an agile organization that is both able to adapt to changes on a dynamic basis while maintaining its organizational stability. The traditional bank departments were replaced by new organizational departments and Banco Galicia’s organizational structure now includes various multidisciplinary teams that seek to constantly adapt and evolve to better meet their customer’s needs, adjust to market demands and allocate and reallocate resources in order to provide comprehensive customer solutions while also focusing on business continuity. These teams are organized in so-called “tribes”, expertise centers, back-end services and support areas, according to the type of value that each team adds to Banco Galicia and to the organizational services and tasks that they provide, all of which seeks to enhance the financial results of Banco Galicia. “Segment Tribes”

 

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a) Segment Tribes

Segment tribes are multidisciplinary teams that are organized around one single objective: to offer clients a value proposition that meets their needs and behavior. Segment tribes are focused on Banco Galicia’s clients everyday operations and focus on, ensuring an agile and simple relationship between Banco Galicia and its clients that is designed to result in sustained customer growth. In order to best tailor its everyday client support and offerings, Banco Galicia has divided its clients in two “tribes” as described below.

a.i) Retail tribe

As of December 31,2020, the “retail tribe” was comprised of 3,037,104 clients. Clients forming part of this tribe can be either individuals or corporate entities, both, with annual sales of up to Ps.600 million.

The retail tribe works to achieve the following matters:

 

   

The acquisition and retention of new clients, pursuing the achievement of the highest recognition as a financial platform.

 

   

Offering end-to-end business solutions in order to provide the best market experience for each one of the cluster indicated below and through differentiated value propositions.

 

   

Understanding Banco Galicia’s customer lifecycle, by identifying and understanding their needs and providing customized offers when it comes to product and financial services.

Clients in the Retail tribe are divided according to the type of services that they are given in the following clusters as described below:

 

   

Personas (Individuals)

 

   

MOVE

 

   

Prefer

 

   

EMINENT

 

   

Banca Privada (Private Banking)

 

   

Negocios & Profesionales (Business and Professionals)

 

   

PyMEs (Small and Medium Enterprisess “SMEs”)

 

  1.

Personas, MOVE and Prefer Cluster: Banco Galicia serves more than 3 million clients, and 78% of those clients belong to this cluster. All of the clients not included in the other clusters are considered to be included within these 3 clusters. For the universe of Personas, MOVE and Prefer, during 2020, Banco Galicia decided to focus on its digital client strategy. In particular, during such year, Banco Galicia grew its ability to over 7 days per week, 24 hours service by offering digital initiatives that focused on the entire lifecycle of these clients, starting with digital registration and welcome steps through biometric processes that protect the clients’ identity, to digital access to solve their after-sales needs and requests.

 

  2.

EMINENT Cluster:Banco Galicia seeks to satisfy the needs of its most demanding and outstanding clients through three pillars of service: exclusive attention, personalized benefits and experiences, and agile and simple processes. With the aim of establishing long-term and trustworthy relationships, Banco Galicia offers the Galicia ÉMINENT premium service, which provides differential and exclusive attention to its clients through ÉMINENT Executives in the branch network and also digitally through Galicia Conecta, using personal WhatsApp messages or e-mails, no matter the location.

 

  3.

Banca Privada Cluster: Banca Privada (Private Banking) provides professional financial service to people with high net worth/equity through the administration of their investments and financial advice

 

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  provided by highly trained officers. It offers its clients an assorted portfolio for investment comprised of domestic financial investments, such as Fima mutual funds (for further information about Fima, please see “Sales and Marketing” – “Fima Funds”, below) and deposits, public and private securities, and shares and trusts in which the Bank acts as underwriter.

 

  4.

Business & Professionals (NyPs) and SMEs Cluster: For Business & Professionals and SMEs, Banco Galicia’s digital strategy is focused on providing a “One Stop Shop” service. It is aimed at satisfying clients’ needs from one single place, using one single platform, to enhance the client’s experience of self-management through digital channels, something that has helped achieve greater efficiency in both the service and the results of Banco Galicia. Banco Galicia believes that these clients are focused on self-financing growth and simplifying their day-to-day operations. Banco Galicia encourages and supports the growth of SMEs, businesses and, professionals with products and services that accompany the continued growth and training of such entity’s management, and it does so by offering funding, professional advice and tools that will expedite their operations, and also by promoting the exchange of experiences among the business owners that work along with strategic partners. In 2020, Banco Galicia was recognized by IDB Invest for its support to SMEs in the Southern Cone region. Within the service circles of “Business and Professionals” and “SMEs”, Banco Galicia further divides these clients into merchants and asset-based clients. For asset-based clients, during 2020 Banco Galicia focused on providing services to these clients taking into account two objectives: achieving greater coverage in terms of using Banco Galicia’s payroll services for more of these clients and helping those SMEs that already had a product to grow their business through cross-selling. A total of 28,828 SMEs began to use Banco Galicia’s pay roll services in 2020. As a consequence of the cross-selling of pay roll services, those SMEs that pay salaries through Banco Galicia had an increase in the number of products they hired with Banco Galicia, which went from 3.31 average products sold at the end of September to 3.37 by the end of November. This difference in the number of average cross-selling is equivalent to the placement of 2,832 new products for the universe of SMEs that have hired the pay roll services. During 2020 there was an increase in the volume of purchase transactions and the total amount of such purchases that the Bank pays to its merchant clients after the final costumer has made a purchase from the merchants with a credit card from the Bank, both for SMEs and NyPs, achieving an average monthly volume of Ps.11,125 million and $2,900 million respectively (representing a growth of 25% as compared to 2019). Lastly, together with allies such as the ASEA (“Asociacion de Emprendedores e Argentina”, the entrepreneurs association), ADIRAS (“Asociacion de Directorios Asociados” a civil non-profit group, formed by business men, business leaders and board members of SMEs.) and Grupo Set (an Argentine development group), Banco Galicia has been working with more than 10,000 entrepreneurs from all over the country to facilities training and provide business management tools, providing more than 30 online talks and more than 20 webinars through which hundreds of entrepreneurs were able to train and acquire some specific management and business tools that they can use to grow their own businesses.

b.i) Companies tribe

The “companies tribe” was comprised of 25,092 customers as of December 31,2020 (both individuals and legal entities) with an annual turnover higher than Ps.600 million.

The company’s tribe is focused on providing its client with a business platform that offers specialized financial and business advise. This tribe works to provide a flexible and straightforward experience to its clients. Banco Galicia hopes that the provision of these services helps to form lasting bonds with its clients and yield recurring usage by clients and growing financial results.

As described above, the companies tribe focuses on three core areas: customer experience, efficiency and business growth, and, based on these three areas, the following objectives were determined:

 

   

To maximize our clients’ profitability through an enhanced offerings and cross-selling, improving the length of the customer’s relationship with Banco Galicia.

 

   

To provide the best experience by anticipating and responding to customer relevant events through digital and self-management channels.

 

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To optimize the digital relationship cycle by facilitating and encouraging the use of digital products as well as generating a digital journey design for these companies.

Clients in the companies tribe are divided by the type of services that they are given in the following clusters as described below:

 

   

Companies

 

   

Agrobusiness

 

   

Corporate banking

 

   

Finance banking

 

  1.

Companies Cluster: Clients in this category are those clients whose annual total sales are between Ps.600 million and Ps.4.5 billion. This category of the companies tribe includes companies across all industries except for companies engaged in agricultural activity, which receives specific attention from the agrobusiness category due to its particular characteristics. According to companies within this category, there was a marked change in their needs during 2020. In response to the to these needs within the context of a global pandemic and with the objective of offering the best and most comprehensive customer service, the customer service model for companies in this category was based on business banking centers that were led by specialized executives, that were strategically distributed throughout the country and that were organized or grouped in five different regions. The customer service offered in-person at these business banking centers was complemented with additional customer service offered online through Banco Galicia’s digital channels, with the goal of making clients’ transactions easy and agile.

 

  2.

Agrobusiness Cluster: This category within the companies tribe is the only one that is determined by the activity of the clients it serves. Given the characteristics of every company, for companies that focus on agriculture and, in particular, the production of agricultural goods, it is crucial to offer a service model that will respond to their needs and complexity in a personalized way. Banco Galicia’s clients’ satisfaction is one of the strategic focuses on which this segment works hard and stands out, allowing it to maintain its leading position in the sector in Argentina. After the success of the Galicia Rural Conecta service model which was launched in 2018 for agricultural clients with accounts in the Greater Buenos Aires and City of Buenos Aires (“AMBA”) region, during 2020 this service was offered by Banco Galicia in three new areas: the cities of Rosario, Mar del Plata, and Córdoba. The inter-annual growth in loan volume for loans granted by Banco Galicia to companies in this category surpassed 80% by October 2020, and Banco Galicia became the leading provider of financing to companies in this category in Argentina. In terms of volume in treasury securities, there was an increase of more than 50% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

 

  3.

Corporate Cluster: Banca Corporativa features a service model that is based on developing commercial, strategic and close, long-term relationships. This category is comprised of 300 economic groups with annual sales that start at Ps.4,500 million or that -given the complexity of their businesses or their multinational profile- might require very specific attention in terms of financial advice and structuring. After considering the particularities of the businesses within this category, the economic sectors in which they operate and the markets that companies in this category access (or hope to access), the Bank has designed solutions that are adapted to the particular demands of these companies with swift response times. Such solutions are also leveraged using digital transactional banking.

 

  4.

Financial Cluster: Financial cluster includes (i) institutional financial clients and (ii) public sector, which are described below.

 

  (i)

Financial institutions: At an international level, Banco Galicia’s clients in the financial banking cluster within the companies tribe are comprised of correspondent banks, international credit agencies, official credit banks, and export credit insurance companies; whereas at a domestic level, Banco Galicia includes banks, financial companies, exchange bureaus, and other entities that carry out related financial activities. During 2020, given the particular context, virtual

 

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  meetings were held with the most active foreign correspondent banks in the foreign trade business, and it was through these virtual meetings that the Bank offered the different products and services offered to its clients. Despite the unfavorable macroeconomic situation in Argentina, and even though the supply of credit lines did not increase during 2020, said supply represented a stable source for offering foreign trade financing strategies to clients as well as for responding to requests regarding confirmation of letters of credit and stand-by letters. As the central axis of Banco Galicia’s strategy in terms of offering sustainable financing, the Bank continued to strengthen its long-term relationships with multilateral organizations and official credit banks, such as International Finance Corporation (IFC), Inter-American Development Bank Invest (IDB), Proparco, Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), Banco de Desarrollo de Brasil (BNDES), Corporación Andina de Fomento, Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KFW DEG), OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), among others, with the purpose of expanding the range of credit lines they had to offer with medium and long term financing for investment projects which are mainly in the agro-industrial sector and in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energies. At a local level, the analysis and detection of business opportunities with financial institutions continued, with an emphasis on improving the experience and consolidating the leadership in an environment of reciprocity and long-term and stable relationships.

 

  (ii)

Public Sector: The public sector category of the financial cluster within companies tribe is comprised of more than 300 companies. 2020 was a challenging year for companies within this category. After general elections, a new Government took office with resulting in changes of governmental contacts, requiring these companies to form new relationships and bonds with new governmental personnel. Banco Galicia believes in the public-private partnership model as a way of developing business, something that should allow everyone to work on several agendas for political-economic dialogue and generate long-term relationships. Regarding customer positioning -which is measured through the Net Promoter Score (“NPS”) methodology- Banco Galicia achieved a high percentage (48%) for 20202 (its second year of measurement). Last but not least, and within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, Banco Galicia implemented a program to help municipalities throughout the country, providing supplies and equipment that helped face and fight the pandemic, thus reinforcing their commitment as relevant community actors.

b) Trading & Global Markets

One of the main responsibilities of the Office of Trading & Global Markets is the administration and operation of the positions in foreign currency, financial derivatives, liquidity position and securities, public or private, for its own portfolio or intermediation, in the primary or secondary market, with counterparties or clients.

With the latest information available in 2020 regarding the secondary market for fixed income products, Banco Galicia was ranked the fifth place in the total ranking in MAE in the last twelve months, with a 5.62% market share, being the second bank on the list and the first one with national capital.

In relation to the primary market for fixed income, and according to the latest information available from MAE, Banco Galicia continues to be ranked in the first place for the eighth consecutive year in the consolidated ranking (Trusts, Corporations and Subsovereigns) of amounts awarded with a market share of 13.9%. Likewise, the provision of comprehensive advice to its clients has allowed Banco Galicia to stand out especially in the placement of corporate securities, also occupying the first place in the ranking but with a market share of 19.1%.

In the foreign exchange market, Banco Galicia got second place in the MAE Ranking, after having operated US$6,836 million of the US$63,438 during 2020. The volume traded was reduced by 75% in line with the market decline due to the new regulatory context.

Regarding the bilateral market of futures, Banco Galicia got second place in the MAE Ranking, operating a total volume of US$648 million. Regarding the guaranteed MAE futures market, Banco Galicia got third place, trading US$1,939 million with a 14% share, whereas in the ROFEX Ranking it ended in fifth place, falling one place in relation to 2020.

 

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ii) Consumption

Through the commercial platform of Ecosistema NaranjaX, Grupo Financiero Galicia offers financing and digital services to low- and medium-income customer segments in Argentina. In addition, through Banco Galicia, Grupo Financiero Galicia also offers credit cards to customers in Argentina.

Naranja continued consolidating its leading position in the regional credit cards market in 2020.

In December 2020, Naranja issued 2.9 million account statements, 5% less than in 2019. Authorized cards totaled 8.6 million, including Naranja Clásica, Naranja Visa, Naranja MasterCard and Naranja American Express. In addition, purchase transactions at stores decreased 12% as compared to 2019.

Naranja, Ecosistema NaranjaX’ main company, will continue to rely on its strategic pillar of “Organizational Culture and Customer Experience” to grow its customer base and business during 2021.

In parallel with Banco Galicia seeking to optimize its operational flexibility as described above, during 2020 Ecosistema NaranjaX sought to operate in a more flexible manner by creating both multidisciplinary and independent intelligence teams, similarly organized into tribes, centers of excellence and squads. These teams operate based on the tenets of collaboration and flexibility and focus on creating and testing the MVPs (products and services in an initial stage of development). Technological improvements were also incorporated into a new app offered by Naranja and a redesign of Naranja Online (“NOL”).

In terms of consumption, one of the highlights in 2019, was the launching of Naranja X, the virtual wallet from Naranja, which focused on technology and digital channels. For more information see “Sales and Marketing”-“Service Channels”-“Digital Channels”-“Naranja X”.

During 2020, Naranja launched Tarjeta Virtual Naranja, available in Naranja App and Naranja Online (“NOL”), to better assist clients in the context of the pandemic. This card allows customers to make purchases online in a more secure way.

iii) Insurance

Galicia Seguros provides life, property and casualty insurance to customers. With respect to property and casualty insurance products, Galicia Seguros primarily underwrites home and ATM theft insurance. With respect to life insurance, group life and personal accident insurance are its most significant source of revenues. Galicia Retiro offers annuity products and Galicia Broker is an insurance broker.

Galicia Seguros, Galicia Retiro and Galicia Broker are subsidiaries that operate exclusively in Argentina and their total premiums and surcharges earned was equal to Ps.7.789 million in 2020.

iv) Other Business

Galicia Administradora de Fondos

Since 1960, Galicia Administradora de Fondos has been dedicated to the administration of the FIMA Common Investment Funds that are distributed through the different commercial channels of Banco Galicia. It has a wide range of investment funds designed for each investor profile, which allows all types of investors to easily access the capital market through the various Fima funds.

For more information please see “Sales and Marketing” – “Fima Funds”, below.

B.2 Competition

Due to our financial holding structure, competition is experienced at the level of our operating subsidiaries. We face strong competition in most of the areas in which our subsidiaries are active. For a breakdown of our total revenues, for each of the past two fiscal years, for the activities discussed below (i.e., banking, credit cards and insurance), see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A. “Operating Results”.

 

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i) Banking

Banco Galicia faces significant competition in all of its principal areas of operation from foreign banks operating in Argentina (mainly large retail banks which are subsidiaries or branches of banks with global operations), Argentine national and provincial government-owned banks, private-sector domestic banks and cooperative banks, as well as non-bank financial institutions.

Regarding private-sector customers, Banco Galicia’s main competitors are large foreign banks and certain domestically owned private-sector banks. Banco Galicia also faces competition from government-owned banks.

Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of private-sector deposits in the Argentine financial system was 10.07% as of December 31, 2020, as compared to 9.92% as of December 31, 2019 and 11.09% as of December 31, 2018.

With respect to loans extended to the private sector, Banco Galicia’s Argentine market share was 13.03% as of December 31, 2020, as compared to 11.50% and 10.51% as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, according to the information published by the BCRA.

According to the information published by the BCRA, as of November 30, 2020, Banco Galicia was the largest private-sector bank as measured by its loan portfolio and second as measured by its net worth and deposits.

Banco Galicia believes that it has a strong competitive position in retail banking, both with respect to individuals and SMEs. Specifically, Banco Galicia believes it is one of the primary providers of financial services to individuals, the primary private-sector institution serving SMEs, and has traditionally maintained a leading position in the agriculture and livestock sector.

ii) Argentine Banking System

As of November 30, 2020, the Argentine financial system consisted of 79 financial institutions, of which 64 were banks and 15 were financial non-bank institutions (i.e., finance companies). Of the 64 banks, 13 were Argentine national and provincial government-owned or related banks. Of the 51 private-sector banks, 35 were private-sector domestically owned banks and 16 were foreign-owned banks (i.e., local branches or subsidiaries of foreign banks).

As of November 30, 2020, the top 10 banks, in terms of total deposits (excluding Argentine national and provincial government-owned banks), were: Banco Santander Río, Banco Galicia, Banco Macro, Banco BBVA Argentina, HSBC, Credicoop ICBC and Banco Patagonia. Banco Galicia, Banco Macro and Credicoop are domestically owned banks and the others are foreign-owned banks. According to information published by the BCRA as of November 30, 2020, private-sector banks accounted for 65.8% of total deposits and 62.1% of total net loans in the Argentine financial system. As of the same date, financial institutions (other than banks) accounted for approximately 0.4% of deposits and 2.9% of net loans in the Argentine financial system.

As of November 30, 2020, the largest Argentine national and provincial government-owned or related banks, in terms of total deposits, were Banco Nación, Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires and Banco Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Under the provisions of the Financial Institutions’ Law, public-sector banks have comparable rights and obligations to private banks, except that public-sector banks are usually chosen as depositaries for public-sector revenues and promote regional development and certain public-sector banks have preferential tax treatment. The bylaws of some public-sector banks provide that the governments that own them (both national and provincial governments) must guarantee their commitments. According to information published by the BCRA, as of November 30, 2020, government-owned banks and banks in which the national, provincial and municipal governments had an ownership interest accounted for 33.7% of deposits and 35% of loans in the Argentine financial system.

 

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Consolidation has been a dominant theme in the Argentine banking sector since the 1990s, with the total number of financial institutions declining from 214 in 1991 to 78 as of November, 2020, with the ten largest banks holding 75.8% of the system’s deposits from the private sector and 75.6% of the system’s loans to the private sector as of November 30, 2020.

Foreign banks continue to have a significant presence in Argentina, despite the fact that the number of these financial institutions decreased from 39 at the end of 2001 to 16 as of November 2020, and the fact that their share of total deposits has decreased since the 2001-2002 financial crisis while the share of domestic private-sector banks has increased.

The Argentine banking sector focuses on transactional business and lacks a robust supply of medium and long-term lending. Local financial system deposits and loans are equivalent to 27.8% and 12% of the GDP respectively, well below those same ratios for other countries in the region.

iii) Credit Cards

In the consumer loan market, Naranja competes with Argentine banks and other financial institutions that target similar economic segments within the credit cards market. The main players in this segment include Banco Supervielle, Banco Columbia, Banco Comafi, Banco Credicoop, Banco Macro, Banco MasVentas, Banco Municipal de Rosario, Banco Nación (Nativa card), Banco de Córdoba (Cordobesa card), Cabal card, Tarjeta Shopping card, Cencosud, CMR Falabella and CFA (Efectivo Si). Historically, certain international banks with a presence in Argentina have attempted to target consumers in these economic segments and have been, to date and for the most part, unsuccessful.

In order to compete effectively at a national and regional level, Naranja targets low- to middle-income clients by offering personalized services in each region, focusing their commercial efforts mainly on such segments. While other Argentine credit card issuers and consumer loan providers focus on earning interest on outstanding personal loans and credit card balances, Naranja also focus on and has access to additional sources of revenues including merchant fees and commissions, which allows it to offer competitive pricing and financing terms. Furthermore, unlike other credit card issuers in Argentina, approximately 13.4% of Naranja’s clients pay their credit card bill through their branch network. The broad geographical reach of their distribution network, which is the second largest in Argentina, has allowed Naranja to establish a local presence in all the provinces of Argentina.

Naranja believes that their diversified and consistent funding sources, significant network of branches, robust information technology infrastructure, relationships with 310,000 merchants and the brand recognition they enjoy provide them with a competitive edge to consolidate and expand their market share in their target market segment, making it difficult for new players to effectively compete in this market segment on a national scale.

iv) Insurance

Sudamericana’s subsidiaries face significant competition since, as of December 31, 2020, the Argentine insurance industry was comprised of approximately 181 insurance companies, 15 of which were dedicated exclusively to annuities. Subsidiaries of foreign insurance companies and the world’s largest insurance companies with global operations are among these companies.

During 2020, the insurance industry continued to grow. Production amounted to Ps.840,557 million, 35% higher than the level recorded for the prior year. Out of the total insurance production in 2020, 84% related to property insurance, 15% related to life and personal insurance, and 1% related to retirement insurance.

Within the 84% corresponding to property insurance, the automotive insurance segment continues to be the most significant segment, representing 37%, followed by the workers’ compensation segment, representing 23.5%. Within the life insurance segment, the group life insurance segment was the most significant, representing 51%, followed by individual life insurance, representing 28%, and personal accident insurance, representing 14%.

 

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As of December 31, 2020, based on internal studies undertaken by Galicia Seguros, it is estimated that Galicia Seguros ranked fourth in terms of net premiums for personal accident insurance underwritten and first in terms of net premiums for home and theft insurance underwritten.

B.3. Sales and Marketing

i) Service Channels

Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries interact with their customers through a variety of marketing channels, which include digital tools and physical branches, tailored to meet specific customer needs.

The strategy of the customer service model of Grupo Financiero Galicia is aimed at allowing its customers to access Grupo Financiero Galicia’s companies services (e.g. Banco Galicia, Ecosistema NaranjaX and Galicia Seguros, among others) through all the service channels provided, which allows customers to operate in different assisted channels, both digital and self-managed, and automatic banking, too.

During 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia continued promoting the use of digital platforms and apps and worked on the development of the infrastructure for new online channels in order to replace in-person cashier services for ATM services. Additionally, it increased the limits on money withdrawals on ATMs. With this, online orders placed by the different business sectors can be safely covered and the clients’ demand can be easily satisfied.

In addition, during 2020, Banco Galicia sought to maintain a close relationship with its clients, and with that goal in mind it implemented the following digital and self-managed channels:

 

   

Chat conversations through its virtual assistant Gala on its online banking and office banking settings.

 

   

Providing contact information for the officers assigned to clients on the office banking platform in order to improve communication.

 

   

Online access to account statements, credit accounts, cards and purchases; providing reports on tax investments; and offering self-management instructions and tools for investments.

 

   

Providing email messages with notifications and other relevant information.

 

   

Foreign Trade follow-up consultations for clients on the office banking settings.

 

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The chart below sets forth Grupo Financiero Galicia’s sales network as of December 31,2020.

 

     As of December 31, 2020  

Branches (number)

  

Banco Galicia

     326  

Naranja

     180  

Electronic banking terminals (number)

  

ATMs

     1,013  

Self-Service Terminals

     1,095  

toque

     22,041  

Digital banking transactions (thousands per month)

  

Galicia Mobile App

     52,737,180  

Online Banking

     48,038,820  

Office Banking

     18,612,657  

Clients (thousands)

  

Banco Galicia

     3,062,196  

Naranja

     2,877,565  

Naranja X

     154,316  

Galicia Seguros

     2,040,906  

Galicia Adminitradora de Fondos

     90,764  

 

a) Digital and Self-Management Channels

In order to take care of our clients and to provide them with ongoing service and assistance, Grupo Financiero Galicia is working to respond to the new COVID-19 reality by using updated digital channels and promoting self-management.

During 2020, the particular context that the world was facing led to a sudden increase in the amount of times people accessed their information through virtual channels. The actions taken by our subsidiaries to respond to this are described below.

By promoting self-management, Banco Galicia carried out the following actions in order to increase digital access for its clients:

 

   

Extending the time window for when customers can invest in the “Fima Common Investment Funds” in order to provide 24/7 access for investing.

 

   

Enabling the possibility of swapping sovereign debt securities using online banking so long as 98% of the holders of the debt to be swapped consent.

 

   

Updating product offerings for undertaken transfers of funds to third parties and AFIP Payments (meaning, payments to the Argentine Customs and Tax Authority, “Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos”) in order to make conducting these transactions online more efficient and flexible.

 

   

Allowing the digital registration, connection and disassociation of the overdraft agreements.

 

   

Digitalizing statements and reports, which eliminated the process of printing, shipping and even reduced the use of paper.

 

   

Enabling the deposit of paychecks in custody through the Bank’s self-service terminals (referred to as ITAS) and allowing for the recipient of a paycheck in custody to deposit the paycheck before its maturity date and to further request the redemption of the same without the need of an in-person cashier service.

Likewise, Naranja continued working on the digitalization of its platforms and updated its features, adding new technologies and processes while also further refining existing channels in order to improve the overall customer experience. The developments implemented focused on three main objectives:

 

   

Developing digital platforms with the best customer experience in the market.

 

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Enlarging the portfolio of fully digital clients by offering products and allowing consultations in all of its platforms.

 

   

Enabling Naranja’s businesses to function through technological innovation.

Galicia Seguros accelerated the implementation of new communication channels to facilitate the customer experience. Also, a chat room was added on the corporate website and the call center received a new tool called COLLAB, which allows Galicia Seguros to manage all customer service channels (telephone, WhatsApp, Chat, E-mail and Facebook Messenger) at the same time. All these assets were added to the traditional sales and service channels. Galicia Seguros is making progress in the automation of processes and using robotization tools that allow it to capture improvements in recurring procedures within the sales and after-sales processes. In order to achieve this, they have worked jointly and collaboratively with their business partners: Banco Galicia and Naranja. Accordingly, they developed new functionalities for the contracting process and after-sales management within the digital platforms of Online Banking, Naranja Online and their respective applications. One of them is the possibility of consulting and downloading the acquired policy, the contract for new coverage, the details regarding the assistance services, and the monitoring and follow-up of claims and complaints.

As of the date hereof, these are some of the Grupo Financiero Galicia’s (or its subsidiaries) digital and self-management channels:

 

  1.

Galicia App: this is the mobile online banking app for Banco Galicia. In 2020, this app experienced exponential growth in features offered and their use by clients. Among other functions, the ability to make an appointment at a branch office in advance online, withdraw funds from an ATM with no card, and access ATMs with a fingerprint were incorporated. Likewise, the main screen of the app was redesigned for an enhanced experience, and the option of sending or requesting money to someone registered on the mobile phone’s contact list was added. In order to guarantee the security of the users and their operations, Banco Galicia added the option of biometric fingerprint access, updated the process of connection to Token Galicia (Token Galicia is a numeric code that allows Banco Galicia’s customers to do banking transactions) to a 100% online process, and implemented on Online Banking an intelligence system for the recovery of credentials.

 

  2.

Online Banking: Banco Galicia added the option to self-manage credit card payments as well as an option to pre-settle debt refinancing. The Bank worked to update services and streamline operations for its “Personas” (or individual) clients. Galicia Seguros also added more products and services to Banco Galicia’s online banking offerings, such as pet insurance and a chat room in the section called “Tenencia de Seguros” (Insurance Holdings) in order to help clients at the same time that the inquiries arise.

 

  3.

Office Banking: this is a web-based online platform that Banco Galicia offers to clients in its “companies tribe”. Banco Galicia has encouraged self-management, and companies are now able to carry out a credit assessment of themselves with just one click. During 2020, 95% of loans for companies and 75% of cash advances were carried out digitally from Office Banking.

 

  4.

Gala: this is the name of Banco Galicia’s virtual assistant. It is featured in five different channels and it functions 24x7. Gala was designed to answer customer and non-customer inquiries, providing information on more than 200 topics related to products, services, password management and Quiero! Points, among other things. It also allows you to know the status of the shipment of products, and Banco Galicia is currently working on the pilot stage of checking balances and movements of accounts and cards through the WhatsApp channel. This virtual assistant is prepared to transfer clients to a bank official at the digital call center whenever it fails to understand what the person is trying to ask. The Bank continues to work on the evolution of its virtual assistant to provide solutions that will allow this self-management area to grow. During 2020, it increased its monthly average conversations by 350% as compared to 2019.

 

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  5.

Web Naranja: Naranja improved the website’s user help center search function, achieving a 96% success rate for users finding the answers they were seeking in comparison to that of 55% prior to this change.

 

  6.

Naranja Online (NOL): this is Naranja’s web platform. During 2020, Naranja incorporated all of its products and services into Naranja Online, favoring users’ online operations; and it also allowed for non-digital clients to access digital products by providing payment links for the payment of statements that previously would have been made in person. In order to guarantee the security of the users, identity authentication tools were developed for access via text and email messages and also push notifications for sale and communication for users browsing Naranja online. Additionally, clients can now buy top-ups for their mobile phone lines from NOL without the need to pay in cash and instead by having the amount added to their monthly credit card billing statement.

 

  7.

Tienda Naranja: the Tienda Naranja platform was relaunched, and its launching included an expansion in the range of products offered, the inclusion of an app as a new sales channel, an algorithm that analyzes the clients behavior and suggests products accordingly, and the provision of estimates of shipping times, improvement in delivery times, etc. As a result, and due to the increase in online consumption nationwide, there was a year-on-year growth in sales of 300% and 260% in visits as compared to 2019.

 

  8.

Naranja en tu Celular (Naranja on your phone): this is a service of notifications by text messages (SMS) which informs clients about the latest movements in their accounts and allows them to check their balance and buy top-ups for a cell phone line and pay for them as part of their next monthly invoice. In 2020, Naranja also incorporated the possibility of recharging public transportation cards via SMS and added new warning messages regarding cancellations and refunds.

 

  9.

WhatsApp: Naranja X (previously mentioned) developed an automated service bot via WhatsApp in order to also be available app. This automated service bot was well-received by customers. By encouraging online payments, online downloads of products and online credit card purchases, the company contributed to the understanding of products and services as being a part of a single ecosystem. Galicia Seguros launched its corporate WhatsApp channel to streamline all procedures, and this channel became the clients’ first option when contacting the company.

 

  10.

Social Networks: due to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, users turned to social networks in a massive way. Faced with this new scenario with no open branch offices and no phone assistance, social networks played a significant role when it came to providing information to and communicating with our clients. In this sense, Banco Galicia created permanent and real-time content in order to be closer to its clients than ever. Naranja worked on a content strategy that focused on providing users with useful information for self-management, taking into account the most frequent inquiries received through the help center. This led to great growth in the number of clients joining the Bank’s Facebook account, going from 16,000 cases of monthly pre-pandemic consultations, to a peak of 72,000 cases in April 2020 and more than 60,000 in May of 2020. The number of officers assisting clients was twice as large, and the opening hours were extended in order to ensure a 24-hour response, and that included Sundays and national holidays. Likewise, the Bank activated social listening in order to truly understand how clients were feeling about these changes and what the most frequent questions were, and it used that as input for the design of the content, including the empathic tone in the conversations. On its Facebook Fan page, Galicia Seguros offers content aimed at enhancing its relationship with its clients and also content about its products, coverage and benefits. In addition, the Bank also manages claims and after-sales services from this network.

b) Assisted Channels

Officers and executives at Grupo Financiero Galicia offer clients assisted support. Banco Galicia and Naranja feature a large network of branch offices throughout the country, help centers for clients, and remote customer service.

 

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In order to take care of both clients and employees, Banco Galicia paid particular attention to safety features for the reopening of its branch offices, established a system of appointments, and implemented various security protocols.

Also, Banco Galicia transferred simple paperwork to Galicia POINT: a phone channel through which representatives who work remotely can answer inquiries.

Additionally, during 2020, Banco Galicia developed a new channel for its clients: supplementary financial services agents, also known as non-banking correspondents. Through this new channel, clients can carry out transaction operations, such as the payment of statement balances, receipt of ANSES subsidies (subsidies granted by the Argentine Government Department that administers the funds of the country’s state-run pension system Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social-), and make cash withdrawals, in stores or collecting companies, such as Pago Fácil (“easy pay”). In this way, Banco Galicia expanded its geographic coverage and further grew its network of face-to-face service channels, resulting in an improved customer experience.

Plus, by moving a variety of transactions to non-banking correspondents, Banco Galicia was able to provide more efficient and better service at its various branches and through its online product offerings. By December 2020, an average of 150,000 monthly operations were performed at Banco Galicia’s non-banking correspondents, totalling Ps.1,200 million. Services were offered by non-banking correspondents at almost 300 points throughout the country in 2020. In addition, these non-banking correspondent, points were authorized and able to disburse ANSES social assistance benefits to Banco Galicia’s clients; such as, for example, the IFE plan -which stands for emergency family income and which was implemented as a way of social assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During 2020, Naranja went ahead with the general deployment of its strategy called Sucursales del Futuro (Branches of the Future), a project that is focused on providing a better experience to clients, moving from spaces for transactions to places for relationships, advice and training. To implement the new model, branch offices in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, Córdoba, San Luis, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, Chubut, Santiago del Estero and Río Negro had to undergo some restoration, remodeling and relocation works. In 2020, the new service model reached 30 different branch offices, which were added to the nine already existing before December 31, 2019, making this service tool available to 28% of all clients throughout the country. For the fiscal year of 2021, the deployment is expected to reach another 31 branch offices, reaching 76% of the clients.

Also, Naranja’s telephone channel became a 24x7 assistance channel.

c) Automatic Banking

Automatic banking comprises self-service terminals (TAS) and ATMs, all of them located at Banco Galicia and Naranja branch offices and other spots in the country.

During 2020, Banco Galicia worked on the following initiatives, in order to offer clients more comfort while operating transactions:

 

   

New withdrawal order functionalities in the self-service terminals and ATMs, with the aim of allowing clients to send money even to third parties that do not have a savings account or a Galicia debit card and a Banelco PIN (Personal Identification Number. This 4-digit number allows customers to operate through ATMs with a Galicia Debit Card).

 

   

Increase in withdrawal limits.

 

   

Deposit of paychecks in custody and sale of paychecks.

 

   

The ability to use paychecks under custody to make pending payments.

 

   

Withdrawal order for companies through Office Banking for an amount of up to Ps.100,000.

 

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During 2020, Naranja increased the number of digital service spots in 23 branch offices, installing 41 TAS and setting up 9 24-hour service areas. Not only was interrelation with clients made easier, but also Naranja began to offer safer and more agile channels and technology support tools.

ii) Products and Services

With a strategic vision to become a financial platform, Grupo Galicia provides products and services tailored for each customer, individual or company, that are designed to satisfy their unique needs. Through products and services tribes, Grupo Galicia creates and manages these products and services, including financing, E-checks, insurance, credit cards, investments, foreign trade operations, among others.

a) Financing

The application and registration processes in 2020 were 100% digital and adapted to the COVID-19 context, with the goal of allowing everyone to proceed with no difficulties or obstacles whatsoever. The average end-to-end interaction time during 2020 was 72 hours.

Regarding the evolution of loans, interest rates remained relatively stable during the first semester of 2020, and that led to an average of approximately Ps.2,000 million per month of new loans extended to clients. As of April 2020, there was a drop in demand, and then this began to change during the second half of the year as a result of the slow but steady reactivation of certain activities.

Among Banco Galicia’s financing products and services, the following stand out for 2020:

 

  1.

Financing without guarantees: clients in the companies tribe had access to over 25,000 loans for over Ps.80,000 million.

 

  2.

Financing with guarantees: more than 100 pledge agreements were generated with the country’s main agricultural, construction and transportation brands, and 1,000 companies were financed for Ps.8,000 million through the Galicia Convenios digital platform. Banco Galicia also used SGR (mutual guarantee associations)-guaranteed loans to finance MiPyMEs (as defined below) from various industrial and other business sectors. In 2020, Ps.3,700 million were granted, financing more than 1,000 clients.

 

  3.

FOGAR Assistance: Banco Galicia was the largest underwriter within the FOGAR Assistance Line with a total amount of Ps.3,700 million. The Argentine guarantee fund (FoGar) is a public trust which helps Micro, Small and Medium companies (MiPyMEs) to obtain credit. The Government provides partial or total guarantees to companies which are used to help them receive loans through this fund.

 

  4.

Discount of documents: 12,500 customers discounted checks.

 

  5.

Préstamos Express (Express Loans): through Online Banking, Banco Galicia offers loans with a total repayment schedule that goes from 2 to 45 days. Préstamos Express is a product exclusively designed for clients who have not hired the payroll services of Banco Galicia and which helps them better manage their finances. During 2020, the Bank reached an average of Ps.2,000 million of loans granted per month. Through the digital channels of Naranja, clients have access to pre-qualified personal loans, both in fixed installments and in Argentine pesos. In 2020, the Bank offered a maximum of Ps.100,000 and 24 installments.

 

  6.

Agro Lines: Financiamiento Galicia Rural, which evolved from Tarjeta Galicia Rural, was launched in 2020, and it featured an integrated platform that included the main brands in the financing of working capital sectors related to both agricultural and livestock businesses.

 

  7.

Mortgage Loans: the placement of mortgage loans in general and of mortgage loans adjusted by UVA, had already been affected during 2019 as a result of the Argentine national economic context

 

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  prevailing at that time. In 2020, due to the increase in the price of UVA and the adverse effect that the pandemic had on the economy, the product was not offered by the Bank. In addition to the risk of affecting the fee / income ratio of our clients, the product continued to be subject to strong regulations by the Government. During the last months of 2019 and in the first months of 2020, with the purpose of unfreezing the mortgage loan value adjustments, the Government implemented a model whereby the value of UVA will be progressively incremented and updated until it reaches its fair market value. In March 2020, a national decree established a new freezing of the UVA value adjustment and consequently a freezing in the value adjustment of the mortgage loan, together with the suspension of foreclosure executions and the impossibility of reporting arrears due to non-payment, among other measures that were established within the framework of public emergency. As of January 31st,2021, the Government is carrying out a new model to increment the value of UVA again which foresees the unfreezing of UVA adjustment in 17 installments, the last one to be paid in June 2022.

 

  8.

Impact financing: Banco Galicia promotes a triple impact business model through which it enhances its role in sustainable development, which begins with the design and implementation of products that contemplate the social and environmental aspects of the projects that are financed, thus focusing on financial inclusion, climate change, diversity, social investment, and impact investment. The following chart highlights certain products offered by this area and the impact in 2020.

 

PRODUCT

  

DESCRIPTION

  

IMPACT

+B Line    Special financing for triple impact companies, with a special focus on B Companies.    Ps.38.8 million
placed to 12 financed projects
Certified Agriculture Line - AAPRESID    For SME producers with a certification in Certified Sustainable Agriculture.    Ps.12.7 million
placed to 4 clients
Line for Essential Supplies for Containment of COVID-19    Financing line for the working capital of SMEs that produce and provide essential sanitation and health supplies.   

Ps.1,236 million placed

705 credits granted

Green Bond    With the aim to collect US$100 million in order to expand its loan program for environmental efficiency projects.   

US$58 million
in financed projects

18 liquidated projects

b) E-Checks

Banco Galicia developed an electronic check, an instrument which allows companies to make collections and payments online and which has now become a key tool. In 2020, Banco Galicia launched a new product called “Payment to Suppliers with Electronic Checks” (Pago a Proveedores con Cheques Electrónicos), which has enabled the migration of all operations to digital options that can be self-managed by the client. It also launched the “Discount Simulation (Simulación de descuento) feature. This helps the client see the actual offer before depositing the check in custody.

A total of 1,387,514 electronic checks were issued during 2020.

c) Insurance

Galicia Seguros has a wide range of products that, in turn, provide a large number of different insurance coverages, fully covering the different needs of customers, based on their occupation, age or income level.

Insurance is sold to customers of Banco Galicia as well as of Naranja, so that Galicia Seguros scope of business includes the entire country and every economic segment. Galicia Seguros offers specific coverage through its broker, so that each customer feels protected and has support in everything it needs.

 

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In 2020, Galicia Seguros updated its coverage by launching a new product for pets and a technical insurance with multi-risk coverage for companies, and it also added new telemedicine services and nutritional and psychological assistance to its home and life insurance product offerings.

As part of the group of newly launched products, together with an insurtech company, WeCover, a 100% digital on-demand bicycle insurance was offered starting in June 2020. This insurance may be easily activated and deactivated in accordance with the client’s needs and desires at a given moment.

A new product for pets was also presented: a complete insurance policy for dogs and cats which does not only cover accidents, illnesses, loss or death of the animal, but it also provides day-to-day services and assistance. Some of these services are: veterinary consultations, transfers needed due to an accident or a health issue, vaccinations, oral hygiene and daycare service, so that families can go on vacation knowing that their dog or cat is safe and being taken care of. This product can be acquired by Banco Galicia clients through Online Banking.

Likewise, other services were incorporated into the home and life insurance offerings for a limited time and were particularly designed to accompany clients during the mandatory isolation period. This is how clients were able to make use of the telemedicine service and nutritional and psychological assistance. In this case, the possibility of contracting services through Naranja Online or through the Naranja and Banco Galicia applications was also incorporated.

Finally, for clients in the companies tribe, Galicia Seguros launched Seguro Técnico (Technical Insurance), a multi-risk coverage that covers machinery and electronic equipment.

In 2019, Galicia Seguros launched “Fondo Futuro”, a new 100% online retirement insurance product. Fondo Futuro is the first retirement insurance with 100% digital procurement in Argentina. It is a low-risk medium or long term savings and individual pension system. It works as a retirement supplement, to carry out an individual’s desired retirement plan. The individual insured may partially or totally withdraw the funds, as well as increase, decrease or suspend the contributions made, without generating any debt with Galicia Seguros. The launching of Fondo Futuro made Galicia Seguros the first Argentine entity to be able to issue a 100% online policy with this type of insurance.

In 2020, the online retirement insurance product “Fondo Futuro” had an increase of 124% in the number of policies in force reaching a total of 824 insured clients, where 85% of them represents contributions in Ps. and the remainder corresponds to contributions in US$. By 2020, the total billing of Fondo Futuro was Ps.18.1 million with a monthly average of Ps.1.5 million.

d) Credit Cards

The companies of Grupo Financiero Galicia respond to the needs of their customers with an outstanding offer of services and benefits of credit and debit cards.

Banco Galicia responds to the needs of its clients with an outstanding offer of services and benefits provided through its Galicia Credit and Debit Cards. Banco Galicia offers Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards, and they are offered to clients of all tribes. Some of the products offered are the International, Gold, Platinum, Black/Signature cards, which feature different consumer financing options and exclusive promotions for all their clients.

As of December 31, 2020, Banco Galicia has a stock of active cards of more than 5 million, while Naranja surpasses 8.5 million cards.

In alliance with Garmin (a watch manufacturer and company), Banco Galicia has launched contactless payments that can easily be made through a Garmin watch for Galicia Mastercard cards. The Bank also implemented tokenization in order to improve the safety of the transactions through ecommerce, subscriptions and face-to-face purchases. Over 300,000 token-based transactions were made in 2020.

 

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For its part, in 2020 Naranja launched the Naranja Virtual Card, which is available at Naranja and through the Naranja Online App and was designed to assist clients in the context of the current pandemic. This card allows clients to make purchases online in a more secure way. It has a CVV (Verification Code) that is generated every time the client needs to use it. The Naranja Virtual Card does not replace the actual plastic credit card, as it has a different OCR (Optical Character Recognition.) This card is available to be requested by more than 2.5 million clients, including account owners and their additional cardholders. Total purchases using this product since the product was launched in 2020 is, to date, higher than Ps.450 million, with an average purchase of Ps.8,000.

Additionally, and as of the second quarter of 2020, clients can also use Ajnaran (Naranja spelled backwards), a credit card that is printed at the very moment the account owner wishes to make a purchase (rather than having to wait for a new credit card to be delivered to the client’s house) and which has a validity of three years. In 2020, and thanks to special home delivery services, delivery times for physical credit cards were also improved, achieving a significant reduction in the SLA (Service Level Agreement) for card delivery: 25% of clients now receive their cards in less than 48 hours, and 60% in 10 business days. In 2020, more than 58,000 Ajnaran cards were delivered throughout the country.

e) Investments

Banco Galicia has a wide range of investment products that meet the needs and the profile of every client. Before making an investment, all clients are surveyed in order to see their aversion to risk and to find the products that best suit their objectives. This survey is renewed every year.

Additionally, the client receives personal advice coming from the branch network and through the Investment and Private Banking Center for clients in said cluster.

In 2020, Banco Galicia continued to deepen its digital transformation by improving the value proposition of investment products, offering new functionalities and technological solutions in the different channels and also by strengthening its main system of investment and custody of products.

f) Global Custody

With regards to the Global Custody service in 2020, Banco Galicia has continued to increase the positioning of the product, mainly by focusing on the Insurance Companies and Corporate companies.

When compared to 2019, this product has experienced a 45% growth in assets under custody (“AUC”), a 25% growth of Insurance Companies (measured in the number of clients), and 9% growth for the corporate cluster.

g) Fima Funds

Galicia Administradora de Fondos has a wide range of investment funds designed for each investor profile, which allows all types of investors to easily access the capital market through the various Fima funds. The market share of common investment funds was 9.97% as of December 31, 2020, increasing 37 basis points (“bp”) as compared to December 31, 2019. The following is a list of the Fima funds offered:

 

  1.

Fima Premium: this is a fund that provides immediate-online liquidity with a yield close to a fixed-term deposit. It invests mainly in remunerated sight accounts and fixed-term certificates. For very short-term investments in pesos

 

  2.

Fima Ahorro Pesos: it seeks to obtain yield from a portfolio of short-term bonds denominated in Argentine pesos. Its portfolio mainly includes treasury bills denominated in Argentine pesos, fixed terms, bonds and remunerated (i.e. interest generating) accounts, among others. Suitable for conservative short-term investments, for example, those with an investment horizon of approximately 30-60 days.

 

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  3.

Fima Ahorro Plus: is an investment portfolio includes short/medium term bonds denominated in Argentine pesos with low volatility and high liquidity. This is an alternative for those investors looking for a balance of risk and return. Its investment portfolio includes treasury bills in pesos, negotiable liabilities of first-line companies, provincial Government debt securities, fixed terms, bonds and remunerated (interest generating) accounts, among others. The investor profile in this case is conservative/moderate and the recommended horizon is 90 to 120 days.

 

  4.

Fima income in Argentine pesos: the aim of the fund is to maximize the yield of a portfolio of assets in pesos at a fixed and variable rate over a medium term. Its portfolio composition includes sovereign bonds, treasury bills denominated in Argentine pesos, negotiable liabilities and financial trusts, among others. Recommended for moderate investments that may last between 1 and 2 years.

 

  5.

Fima renta plus: it invests mainly in a portfolio of medium/long-term bonds denominated in Argentine pesos. It includes negotiable securities and public and private fixed income instruments in pesos, mainly sovereign bonds, negotiable liabilities, and provincial bonds and bills, among others. Suitable for moderate/risky investments of over 2 years

 

  6.

Open Fima SMEs: the aim of the fund is to obtain returns from a portfolio comprised of instruments of fixed income or variable income that are issued by SMEs or companies with low market capitalization, with a long-term investment horizon.

 

  7.

Fima Capital plus: its aim is to maximize the yield of a portfolio composed of dollar linked bonds and synthetic assets that replicate the evolution of the exchange rate, with liquidity in 48 hours.

 

  8.

Fima international fixed income: this alternative seeks to obtain profitability from a portfolio of medium-term dollar bonds, mainly coming from Latin American markets and up to 25% in American treasury bonds. The design of the investment portfolio does not include local bonds, something that will reduce the volatility of the fund.

 

  9.

Fima mix I: fund in pesos composed of local assets that seek to monitor the evolution of the “official dollar,” combined with a lower participation in variable income of shares that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, through CEDEARs. Local fixed income assets provide the fund with certain stability whereas the equity portion adds greater volatility in search of higher returns.

 

  10.

Fima shares: the aim of the fund is long-term capital appreciation, achieved by investing in Argentine companies that are members of the S&P Merval panel. The investment policy that was developed with respect to the benchmark index (S&P Merval) is all about accompanying the actual growth of the economy through the selection of stocks with good performance in their indicators. Long-term shares of Argentine companies.

 

  11.

Fima PB shares: fund composed of shares that belong to the “S&P Merval” panel. This index considers the evolution of national and international companies that are listed on the local market. Suitable for investors seeking to follow the benchmark by investing in a portfolio managed by specialists in this market.

 

  12.

Fima shares Latin America: it is a variable income fund in dollars. The investment portfolio is mainly made up of Latin American stocks. This fund’s benchmark is the S&P Latin America 40, which integrates shares from the main economic sectors of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, among others.

In 2020, Galicia Administradora de Fondos got the first place in the FCI Money market category with its Fima Premium fund, same place in the T + 1 category with its Fima Ahorro Pesos and Fima Ahorro Plus funds, and also got the first place in the dollar linked category with its Fima fund Capital Plus.

 

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Banco Galicia and La Nación co-created the podcast called “Los números también hablan” (Numbers Speak, Too) in which they talk about all the benefits and advantages of the Fima Funds. They also created a series of videos on YouTube and educational digital talks to stay close to their clients.

h) Inviu

It is through Inviu that Grupo Financiero Galicia has developed a digital investment platform that allows users, both investors and financial advisors, to manage their portfolios in an efficient, simple and user-friendly way. This platform was launched on the market in October 2020.

i) Galicia Securities

Galicia Securities offers financial and stock market services to individuals, companies and financial institutions. It is an agent of BYMA, MAE, MAV and performs CIDA services. This new company is already occupying leading positions in the Fixed Income market, given the fact that it ranked second in the BYMA ranking with 3.6% market share in the last quarter of 2020.

j) Foreign Trade

Through the office banking electronic platform, customers can make payments and manage their collections abroad. Likewise, the Galicia Comex department offers product and service options that are tailored to export and import operations, in addition to keeping customers continuously informed of the developments in this area. Banco Galicia continues to accompany its clients in their international businesses through a personalized electronic platform and differentiated funding lines.

In 2020, the volume of foreign trade transactions undertaken by Banco Galicia was equal to US$16,153 million, representing 12.0% of the Argentine foreign trade market share. Of such amount, US$3,043 million was attributable to exports and imports of goods, representing 12.8% of the market share for such transaction. In terms of volume, in 2019, based on the above statistics, the Bank ranked third in Argentine for volume of foreign trade transactions. Through office banking, the Bank’s customers have access to special lines of financing: leasing of imported products, financing of imports and exports, guarantees (“avales”) and Stand By.

Galicia Seguros has surety policies for every need: Temporary importation or exportation, differences in law, value or lack of documentation, land transit and replacement of precautionary measures. It also offers surety insurance coverage when this is required to guarantee liabilities before the AFIP. - Tax and Customs Administration . Through its Comex Tribe, Banco Galicia works to guarantee quality in end-to-end foreign trade operations and safety in the application of current regulations. In order to do this, the Bank implements a Call & Ops service model in which the service circle contacts clients directly and answers their questions, provides advice and resolves any difficulties during the preparation of the corresponding documentation.

k) Capital Market & Investment Banking

Banco Galicia consolidated its position in the Capital Market and Investment Banking by structuring various financial products that are tailored for corporate, SME and agricultural companies. In this regard, the Bank has organized more than 50 transactions in the capital market, with a wide variety of products that included, among others, debt securities, short-term securities, letters and financial trusts.

The issuance of public securities by the City of Buenos Aires for $21,001 million and the ones made by the energy sector for $41,239 million are two of the most important operations that were placed in pesos. In addition to that, the appetite in the market for dollar linked bonds re-emerged during 2020. In that sense, in 2020, the Bank participated in 37 issuances for more than US$1,222 million, mainly from the energy industry and companies linked to the agricultural sector chain. Among the operations placed in Dollars, it is also worth highlighting the issuances for more than US$137 million made by the energy sector and the participation as local Underwriters in the exchanges abroad for both AA 2000 and CGC for US$502 million.

 

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From Investment Banking, and as a consequence of the difficulties faced by many companies as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis and the adverse macroeconomic context, the Bank focused on accompanying its clients by restructuring their liabilities with financing methods according to their needs and in the most sustainable way possible, thus completing more than 10 operations for more than $2,800 million.

l) Benefits

EMINENT benefits

In order to provide a commensurate experience for EMINENT clients, we develop targeted proposals that are in line with the pillars of the EMINENT proposal. This is a value proposition focused on art, sports, fashion, gastronomy, women and family. Besides, this proposal adds a series of experiences related to personal well-being, through the concept of Wellness Life.

Quiero! program

Banco Galicia continues to offer more discounts and benefits, with a catalog of more than 1,500 options in different categories such as: savings, post-purchase, physical products, vouchers, and travel and tourism. The site of Quiero! shows clients relevant offers according to their profile and consumption patterns. This leads to a better experience regarding the redemption of points and makes the program simpler and more assertive. During 2020, 330,000 clients used at least one of the benefits.

Benefits in Plan Z

Naranja has assisted its clients with benefits in Plan Zeta (offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 payment installments), discounts, and special plans and deferred payment offers for the purchase of essential items such as those made in supermarkets, pharmacies, door-to-door services, and gas stations. As restrictions became more flexible, the Bank added other categories to the value proposition and encouraged online consumption through discounts and special payment plans. Benefits were activated for special dates such as Friendship Day, Father’s Day, Children’s Day, Mother’s Day and end-of-year parties in specific categories such as clothing, sports, construction and electro. This year, following the growth of online commerce, Naranja became an official sponsor of Cyber Monday for the first time, introducing itself as a means of payment. This participation had a positive impact on consumption, the negotiation of promotions aimed at online sales, and the positioning of the brand. Naranja communicated over 40 promotions every month, using the strategies of 360° communication approach and considering all types of media, especially the Internet. The Smartes (benefits given on Tuesdays) benefit helped clients obtain a 20% discount and then another discount for another 5% through the seniority promotion at Plan Z. At the end of the fiscal year, 30% of Naranja’s turnover was driven by more than monthly 2,500 promotions that were distributed in 9,500 different points throughout the country.

Quiero! in Naranja

The registration for the Naranja customer loyalty program was launched in May 2020. Some of the most outstanding events included the chance to access Quiero! through the NOL (Naranja Online) and App Naranja channels, the redemption points for discounts on certain items and businesses when using Naranja, the registration of 70% of the most important businesses in the country for the redemption points deal with Naranja, and login/registration functionality at quiero.com.ar through Naranja credentials. At the end of the fiscal year, there were 50,000 Naranja clients and 180,000 clients shared with Banco Galicia.

Naranja X

Since the launch of its prepaid card, Naranja X has been offering specific promotions for new customers and only on particular dates such as HotSale and CyberMonday. In addition, it has fixed discounts for all its customers in the payment of services and purchase of products.

 

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m) MODO

MODO is the new digital payment solution, launched jointly by over thirty public and private banks in the country. This tool allows banked users to make transfers and payments in stores easily and from their cell phones. This virtual wallet allows the user to have an all-in-one app to check balances and transfer and receive money from other users from their bank accounts in other banks.

From the Galicia app, you can access MODO and use the QR code to make payments to affiliated stores. Another feature is the possibility of transferring money to people registered as a contact on your cell phone, without the need to request a Unique Banking Key (Clave Bancaria Uniforme, “CBU”) or an Alias. This alliance is a great step for our clients because they will no longer need their physical wallet and they will have the chance to migrate to digital channels to make their daily transactions as secure, agile, and effective as always.

n) Naranja X

At the end of 2019 Grupo Financiero Galicia launched Naranja X, Naranja’s Fintech arm that is currently part of the Ecosistema NaranjaX.

Naranja X developed an app with an account in Argentine pesos and a prepaid Naranja X Visa card, free of charge, with contactless technology and a vertical design which is new in this country. With this card, it is possible to make purchases and payments at any store or digital platform in the world, add your automatic debits, or withdraw cash through ATMs. Additionally, the app offers the possibility of transferring money immediately between virtual and bank accounts; buying top-ups for your cell phone lines; loading the public transportation card in every Argentine province; paying over 5,000 services; and paying the Naranja account’s statement.

B.4 Selected Statistical Information

You should read this information in conjunction with the other information provided in this annual report, including our audited consolidated financial statements and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. We prepared this information from our financial records in conformity with IFRS.

i) Average Balance Sheet and Income from Interest-Earning Assets and Expenses from Interest-Bearing Liabilities

The average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, including the related interest that is receivable and payable, are calculated on a monthly basis for Banco Galicia and Tarjetas Regionales on a consolidated basis. The average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are calculated on a quarterly basis for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its other non-banking subsidiaries.

 

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The following table shows our consolidated average balances, accrued interest and average yield for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

     For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2019
     For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2018
 
     Average
Balance
     Accrued
Interest
     Average
Yield /
Rate
     Average
Balance
     Accrued
Interest
     Average
Yield /
Rate
     Average
Balance
     Accrued
Interest
     Average
Yield /
Rate
 
     (in millions of Pesos, except otherwise noted)  

Interest-Earning Assets

                          

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

                          

Government Securities

     155,630        62,430        40.11        166,505        84,883        50.98        93,353        28,708        30.75  

Others Debt Securities

     1,385        1,015        73.29        1,838        888        48.31        3,541        799        22.56  

Total Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

     157,015        63,445        40.41        168,343        85,771        50.95        96,894        29,507        30.45  

Repurchase Transactions

     35,871        8,968        25.00        18,170        9,713        53.46        16,479        1,553        9.42  

Loans and Other Financing

                          

Loans

     491,386        148,539        30.23        587,663        159,351        27.12        631,995        156,764        24.80  

Financial Leases

     2,324        352        15.15        3,857        761        19.73        5,059        1,227        24.25  

Other Loans and Other Financing

     2,265        313        13.82        3,317        670        20.20        1,244        589        47.35  

Total Loans and Other Financing

     495,975        149,204        30.08        594,837        160,782        27.03        638,298        158,580        24.84  

Other Interest-Earning Assets

     44,279        13,455        30.39        54,603        13,517        24.76        43,578        7,087        16.26  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

     733,140        235,072        32.06        835,953        269,783        32.27        795,249        196,727        24.74  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities

                          

Deposits

                          

Savings Accounts

     252,515        14,559        5.77        264,364        11,214        4.24        279,693        6,932        2.48  

Time Deposits

     243,255        64,910        26.68        234,214        91,922        39.25        228,217        60,042        26.31  

Total Interest-Bearing Deposits

     495,770        79,469        16.03        498,578        103,136        20.69        507,910        66,974        13.19  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     19,815        2,505        12.64        38,319        5,054        13.19        42,944        5,498        12.80  

Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities

     43,921        7,653        17.42        88,146        19,866        22.54        70,300        17,856        25.40  

Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

     1,916        293        15.29        13,315        952        7.15        3,393        406        11.97  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

     561,422        89,920        16.02        638,358        129,008        20.21        624,547        90,734        14.53  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Spread and Net Yield

                          

Interest Rate Spread

           16.05              12.06              10.21  

Cost of Funds Supporting Interest-Earning Assets

           12.27              15.43              11.41  

Net Yield on Interest-Earning Assets

           19.80              16.84              13.33  

 

(*)

Rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.

ii) Changes in Net Interest Income-Volume and Rate Analysis

The following table allocates, changes in our consolidated interest income and interest expenses between changes in the average volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in their respective average yield/rate for (i) the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 compared with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and (ii) the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. Differences related to both rate and volume are allocated proportionally to the rate variance and the volume variance, respectively.

 

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     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020 /
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019
Increase  (Decrease) due to changes in
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019 /
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018
Increase  (Decrease) due to changes in
 
     Volume     Rate     Net Change     Volume     Rate     Net Change  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Interest Earning Assets

            

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

            

Government Securities

     (5,267     (17,186     (22,453     30,540       25,635       56,175  

Others

     (116     243       127       (65     154       89  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

     (5,383     (16,943     (22,326     30,475       25,789       56,264  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Repurchase Transactions

     (1,642     897       (745     175       7,985       8,160  

Loans and Other Financing

            

Loans

     (36,117     25,305       (10,812     (7,877     10,464       2,587  

Financial Leases

     (258     (151     (409     (261     (205     (466

Other Loans and Other Financing

     (179     (178     (357     123       (42     81  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Loans and Other Financing

     (36,554     24,976       (11,578     (8,015     10,217       2,202  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Interest-Earning Assets

     305       (367     (62     2,099       4,331       6,430  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

     (43,274     8,563       (34,711     24,734       48,322       73,056  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Bearing Liabilities

            

Deposits

            

Savings Account

     (477     3,822       3,345       (357     4,639       4,282  

Time Deposits

     3,704       (30,716     (27,012     1,617       30,263       31,880  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest-Bearing Deposits

     3,227       (26,894     (23,667     1,260       34,902       36,162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     (2,347     (202     (2,549     (617     173       (444

Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities

     (8,410     (3,803     (12,213     3,614       (1,604     2,010  

Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

     1,995       (2,654     (659     633       (87     546  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

     (5,535     (33,553     (39,088     4,890       33,384       38,274  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The decrease of Ps.34,711 million in interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the previous year, is primarily attributable to a Ps.43,274 million decrease in the volume of interest-earning assets, partially offset by an increase of Ps.8,563 million in interest income due to an increase in interest rates.

In particular, Ps.22,326 million of the decrease in interest income was due to a decrease in interest income from debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss. This decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in interest rates earned from Government securities due to a 1,087 basis point (“bps”) decrease in the average interest rate for debts securities, from 50.98% in 2019 to 40.11% in 2020. The average volume of Government securities held by us amounted to Ps.155,630 million for fiscal year 2020, as compared to Ps.166,505 million for the previous fiscal year.

The Ps.11,578 million decrease in interest from loans and other financing was due to a decrease in volume equal to Ps.36,554 million, mainly as a consequence of a decrease in the average volume of loans granted to the private sector. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest rates (accounting for Ps.24,976 million), mainly as a result of an increase in the average rate earned by us on loans and other financing provided.

In terms of interest expenses, the Ps.39,088 million decrease for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, is primarily a result of an increase in the interest rate payable on time deposits of Ps.27,012 million (which increased from 39.25% in 2019 to 26.68% in 2020).

 

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iii) Debt and Equity Securities

The following table shows our holdings of debt and equity securities at the balance sheet dates stated below. Our holdings of Government securities represent mainly holdings of Banco Galicia.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Debt Securities at FV through profit or loss

     155,420        89,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Argentine Government Securities

     24,283        9,122  

Government Bonds

     6,487        472  

Provincial Bonds

     740        —    

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

     91        164  

Treasury Bills

     16,965        8,486  

Argentine Central Bank´s Bill

     128,325        79,153  

Leliq (liquidity Bills)

     128,325        79,153  

Corporate Securities

     2,812        1,156  

Debt Securities

     2,742        1,028  

Debt Securities of Financial Trust

     70        128  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Debt Securities

     23,070        25,894  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Measured at FV through OCI

     4,185        21,669  

Argentine Government Securities

     4,011        21,669  

Government Bonds

     3,934        21,573  

Treasury Bills

     77        —    

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

     —          96  

Argentine Central Bank´s Bill

     174        —    

Leliq (liquidity Bills)

     174        —    

Measured at Amortized Cost

     18,885        4,225  

Argentine Government Securities

     17,887        (37

Government Bonds

     17,931        2  

Treasury Bills

     —          —    

Allowance

     (44      (39

Corporate Securities

     994        1,083  

Debt Securities

     940        582  

Debt Securities of Financial Trusts

     36        692  

Others

     18        19  

Allowance

     —          (210

International Government Securities

     4        3,179  

Treasury Bills

     4        3,179  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments in Equity Instruments

     5,712        6,201  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Domestic

     5,655        6,143  

International

     57        58  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Debt and Equity Securities

     184,202        121,526  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2020, the increase in our holdings of debt and equity securities was mainly a result of an increase in the volume of Government bonds issued by the BCRA that we held. Our government securities issued by the BCRA increased Ps.49,172 million from Ps.79,153 million as of December 31, 2019 to Ps.128,325 million as of December 31, 2020.

The amount of Argentine government securities recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2020 in an amount of Ps.24,283 million corresponded to securities issued by the National Treasury Bills (for Ps.16,965 million), the Government (for Ps.6,487 million), provincial governments (for Ps.740 million) and the City of Buenos Aires (for Ps.91 million).

As of December 31, 2020, our holding of government securities denominated in Dollars was composed of Government bonds recorded at their fair value (for Ps.4,183 million), Government bonds recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.1 million) and U.S. Treasury Bonds recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.4 million).

As of December 31, 2019, the amount of Argentine government securities, recorded at fair value amounted to Ps.9,122 million and corresponded to our holdings of debt securities mainly issued by the National Treasury Bills (for Ps.8,486 million), Government bonds (for Ps.472 million) and the City of Buenos Aires (for Ps.164 million).

As of December 31, 2019, the holding of public securities denominated in Dollars was composed mainly of Government bonds recorded at fair value (for Ps.7,090 million), of National Treasury (for Ps.13 million), of Government bonds recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.2 million) and U.S. Treasury Bonds recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.4 million) .

 

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All local Government securities, except for the Leliq, which are issued by the BCRA, were issued by the Government, provincial governments or the City of Buenos Aires.

Remaining Maturity and Weighted-Average Yield

The following table analyzes the remaining maturity and weighted-average yield of our holdings of debt securities recorded at amortized cost as of December 31, 2020. Our debt securities portfolio yields do not contain any tax equivalency adjustments.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020  
            Maturing within 1
year
    Maturing after 1
year but within 5
years
    Maturing after 5
years but within
10 years
    Maturing after
10 years
 
     Total Book
Value
     Book
Value
     Yield
(1)
    Book
Value
     Yield     Book
Value
     Yield
(1)
    Book
Value
     Yield
(1)
 
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Other Debt Securities

                       

Measured at Amortized Cost

                       

Argentine Government Securities

     17,931        —          —       17,912        28.40     1        16.30     18        10.50

Corporate Securities

     976        715        47.30     261        49.80     —          —       —          —  

Debt Securities

     940        707        47.40     233        50.30     —          —       —          —  

Debt Securities of Financial Trust

     36        8        40.00     28        45.00     —          —       —          —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total Other Debt Securities Measured at Amortized Cost

     18,907        715          18,173          1          18     
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

(1)

Effective yield based on December 31, 2020 quoted market values.

iv) Loan and Other Financing Portfolio

Our total loans and other financing reflect Banco Galicia’s and Tarjetas Regionales’ loan and other financing portfolios including past due principal amounts. Personal loans and credit-card loans are typically loans to individuals granted by Banco Galicia or Naranja. Most of the Naranja’s loans are included under “credit card loans”. Also, certain amounts related to advances, promissory notes, mortgage loans and pledge loans are extended to individuals. However, advances and promissory notes mostly represent loans to companies. The following table analyzes our consolidated loan and other financing activities portfolio.

 

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     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Principal and Interest

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Financial Public Sector

     —          9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Argentine Central Bank

     13        30  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Institutions

     14,701        14,697  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad (1)

     

Loans

     537,207        492,932  

Advances

     29,219        21,636  

Overdrafts

     143,769        102,215  

Mortgage Loans

     16,486        20,493  

Pledge Loans

     11,587        4,368  

Personal Loans

     36,504        37,637  

Credit Card Loans

     241,793        203,476  

Placements in Banks Abroad

     1,662        10,721  

Pre-financing and financing of exports

     29,487        73,430  

Other Loans

     5,283        (40

Accrued Interest, Adjustment and Quotation Differences Receivable

     23,650        20,755  

Documented Interest

     (2,233      (1,759

Financial Leases

     1,855        3,030  

Other Financing

     9,892        12,630  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     548,954        508,592  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Gross Loans and Other Financing

     563,668        523,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Allowance

     

Loans Allowance

     (36,707      (34,891

Financial Leases Allowance

     (35      (60

Other Financing Allowance

     (492      (233

Less: Allowances

     (37,234      (35,184
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     526,434        488,144  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Categories of loans include:

 

   

Advances: short-term obligations drawn on by customers through overdrafts.

 

   

Overdrafts: endorsed promissory notes, notes and other promises to pay signed by one borrower or group of borrowers and factored loans.

 

   

Mortgage Loans: loans granted to purchase or improve real estate and collateralized by such real estate and commercial loans secured by a real estate mortgage.

 

   

Pledge Loans: loans secured by collateral (such as cars or machinery) other than real estate, where such collateral is an integral part of the loan documents.

 

   

Personal Loans: loans to individuals.

 

   

Credit-Card Loans: loans granted through credit cards to credit card holders.

 

   

Placements in Banks Abroad: short-term loans to banks abroad.

 

   

Pre-financing and financing of exports: loans for exports.

 

   

Other Loans: loans not included in other categories.

 

   

Documented Interest: discount on notes and bills.

As of December 31, 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s loan and other financing portfolio before allowances for loan and other financing losses amounted to Ps.563,668 million, an 8% increase as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.

In line with the Government’s measures in order to address the impact of COVID-19, the BCRA issued some regulations related to financing, including loans with reduced rates and for production lines (for further information please see “Argentine Banking Regulations” – “Financing Loans for Economic Development”, below). Out of total loans, there are Ps.11.739 million that corresponded to financing lines for productive investment of small and medium companies. As of December 31, 2020, there are Ps.19,689 million that corresponded to loans with reduced rate (between 0% and 24%).

 

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Maturity Composition of the Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth an analysis by type of loan and time remaining to maturity of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020.

 

     As of December 31, 2020  
     In 1 year or less     After 1 year
through 5 years
     After 5 years
through 15 years
     After 15 years      Total at
December 31,
2020
 
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Variable Rates

             

Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     22,215       15,979        282        —          38,476  

Loans

     22,215       15,979        282        —          38,476  

Advances

     1,100       —          —          —          1,100  

Overdrafts

     15,808       11,468        136        —          27,412  

Mortgage Loans

     2,896       3,435        146        —          6,477  

Pledge Loans

     77       166        —          —          243  

Personal Loans

     2,290       910        —          —          3,200  

Pre-financing and financing of exports

     44       —          —          —          44  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Variable Rate

     22,215       15,979        282        —          38,476  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fixed Rates

             

Financial Institutions

     13,488       627              14,115  

Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     420,502       45,289        481        14        466,286  

Loans

     420,502       45,289        481        14        466,286  

Advances

     28,116       3        —          —          28,119  

Overdrafts

     108,486       7,864        7        —          116,357  

Mortgage Loans

     1,112       1,468        37        11        2,628  

Pledge Loans

     8,394       2,947        —          3        11,344  

Personal Loans

     14,121       15,099        437        —          29,657  

Credit Card Loans

     239,738       2,055        —          —          241,793  

Placements in Banks Abroad

     1,662       —          —          —          1,662  

Pre-financing and financing of exports

     13,590       15,853        —          —          29,443  

Other Loans

     5,283       —          —          —          5,283  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Fixed Rate

     433,990       45,916        481        14        480,401  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjustable Rate

             

Financial Institutions

     586       —          —          —          586  

Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     4,362       6,309        357        —          11,028  

Loans

     4,362       6,309        357        —          11,028  

Mortgage Loans

     1,615       5,409        357        —          7,381  

Personal Loans

     2,747       900        —          —          3,647  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Adjustable Rate

     4,948       6,309        357        —          11,614  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loan

     461,153       68,204        1,120        14        530,491  

Accrued Interest, Adjustment and Quotation Differences Receivable

     23,650       —          —          —          23,650  

Documented Interest

     (2,233     —          —          —          (2,233

Allowance

     (36,707     —          —          —          (36,707
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     445,863       68,204        1,120        14        515,201  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Interest and the UVA/CER adjustment were assigned to the first month.

v) Credit Review Process

Credit risk is the potential for financial loss resulting from the failure of a borrower to honor its financial contractual obligations. Our credit risk arises mainly from Banco Galicia’s and Naranja’s lending activities, and from the fact that, in the normal course of business, these subsidiaries are parties to certain transactions with off-balance sheet treatment and associated risk, mainly commitments to extend credit and guarantees granted. See also Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—A. “Operating Results”— “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements”.

 

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Our credit approval and credit risk analysis is a centralized process based on balancing a variety of factors. In undertaking credit approval and credit risk analyses, the Bank’s risk management, credit and origination divisions, both with respect to retail and wholesale businesses, efficiently work together to management asset quality, proactively management problem loans, aggressive charge-offs for uncollectible loans, and adequate loan loss provisioning. These processes also include the update of financial models to measure portfolio risk at operational and customer levels, facilitating the detection of defaulting, or potentially defaulting, loans and losses associated therewith, which allows for the proactive management of the same in order to prevent portfolio deterioration, enabling appropriate protection of our assets.

Banco Galicia

The Risk Division is responsible for the overall risk management of the Bank in accordance with international best practices and handles solvency, financial, operational, credit, technological, reputational and strategic risks. The Risk Division is independent from the business areas of the Bank and its subsidiaries and it reports directly to the Bank’s General Division. The Risk Division works with the functional support of the Compliance and Money Laundering Prevention Division, a division that also reports to the Board of Directors, and whose purpose is to prevent the execution of financial operations with funds derived from illegal activities, and the use of the Bank as a vehicle for laundering money and funding terrorist activities. In addition, the Risk Division monitors compliance with the laws, regulations and internal policies in order to prevent financial and/or criminal penalties and to minimize any reputational impact. It is an independent role that coordinates and assists in identifying, providing advice on, monitoring, reporting and warning management regarding compliance risks.

Moreover, in order to have timely information and a flexible structure in place to efficiently respond and adjust to macro and microeconomic variables, the Risk Division is responsible for credit extension and recovery functions for companies and individuals.

The mission of the Risk Division is comprised of the following activities:

 

   

actively and comprehensively managing and monitoring the risks taken by Banco Galicia and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulations in force;

 

   

keeping the Board of Directors informed of the risks faced by the Bank, proposing how to deal with such risks;

 

   

helping to strengthen a risk management culture;

 

   

establishing the risks, the Bank is willing to take and designing policies and procedures to monitor, control and mitigate the same;

 

   

escalating deviations from internal policies to the Bank’s General Division; and

 

   

managing the evaluation process of available financing capabilities and required capital resources to maintain an appropriate risk profile.

The Risk Division’s responsibilities include:

 

   

ensuring action and contingency plans are in place to address any deviations from acceptable thresholds for risks posing a threat to business continuity;

 

   

recommending the most suitable methodologies for the Bank to measure identified risks;

 

   

guaranteeing that the launching of any new product includes a previous assessment of potential risks involved;

 

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providing technical support and assisting the Management Division regarding risk management;

 

   

developing and proposing the strategies for credit and credit-granting policies; and

 

   

managing and monitoring the credit origination processes, follow-up and control thereof, and the recovery of past-due loans.

Banco Galicia complies with all regulatory requirements set forth by Law No.25,246, as amended, Resolution No.30/2017, as amended, issued by the Financial Information Unit (the “UIF”) and BCRA’s Communication “A” 6399, as supplemented and/or amended.

The Bank has policies, procedures and control structures in place related to the features of the various products offered, which help monitor transactions in order to identify unusual or suspicious transactions and report them to the UIF. The Compliance and Money Laundering Prevention Division is responsible for managing this risk, through the implementation of control and prevention procedures as well as the communication thereof to the rest of the organization through the drafting of the corresponding handbooks and the training of all employees.

Banco Galicia has appointed a Director responsible for the management of this risk, and has created a Committee in charge of planning, coordinating and enforcing the compliance with the policies set by the Board of Directors. The basic principle on which the regulations regarding prevention and control of money laundering are based is in line with the “know your customer” policy in force worldwide. Such risks are regularly reviewed through internal and external audits.

The following subdivisions depend on support from the Risk Division: Wholesale Credit, Retail Credit and Credit Recovery. They are responsible for developing and proposing strategies for credit and credit-granting policies, as well as managing and monitoring credit origination processes, follow-up and control thereof, and the recovery of past-due loans. The goal of these divisions is to ensure the quality of the loan portfolio, minimize costs while maximizing efficiency, and recovery optimization, thus minimizing loan losses and optimizing efficiency in the credit extension process.

The Retail Credit Division is responsible for ensuring that the fraud screening and prevention process is effective, thereby assuring the quality of the retail portfolio. This Division designs and manages complex credit decision-taking models and tools, directs the alignment efforts to implement retail business strategies, and works together with the business team to suggest business opportunities.

The Wholesale Credit Division is responsible for the corporate rating process, thus assuring the quality of the wholesale portfolio. This Division directs alignment efforts to implement business strategies based on the customer service model, working together with the business team to suggest business opportunities. This Division deals specifically with complex businesses such as banks, public companies, capital markets transactions and investment projects.

Before approving a loan, Banco Galicia performs an assessment of the potential borrower and his/her financial condition. Approvals of loans exceeding certain amounts are analyzed based on the credit line and the customer.

Banco Galicia performs its risk assessment based on the following factors:

 

Qualitative Analysis    Assessment of the corporate borrower’s creditworthiness performed by the officer in charge of the account based on personal knowledge.
Economic and Financial Risk    Quantitative analysis of the borrower’s balance sheet amounts.
Economic Risk of the Sector    Measurement of the general risk of the financial sector where the borrower operates (based on statistical information, internal and external).
Environmental Risk    Environmental impact analysis (required for all investment projects of significant amounts).

 

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Loans are generally approved pursuant to pre-set authorization levels, except loans exceeding certain amounts, which are approved by the Credit Committee.

The Recovery Management Division is responsible for administering and managing both the Bank’s performing and under-performing credit portfolio, seeking to minimize the deterioration thereof and establishing recovery of such credit portfolios. Management models and specific strategies are applied to each type of portfolio, segments and tranches in arrears, from early defaults to out-of-court and judicial proceedings.

Naranja

Credit Risk

Credit risk for Naranja arises from a variety of factors, including credit risk related to failures to pay by entities that Naranja lends money to and failures to pay outstanding credit card balances by individual clients that hold credit cards with Naranja.

With respect to investments, Naranja evaluates its credit risk or exposure pursuant to an investment and credit evaluation policy. In accordance with this policy, the Company (i) has certain internal credit risk rating requirements that any company in which it invests must meet, (ii) requires certain debt to equity ratios be maintained by any company to which it lends money and (iii) has upper limits on the amount that it will invest in any given company.

The Company actively monitors the creditworthiness of its clients to minimize its overall exposure to their credit risk. The Company uses the following tools to evaluate and manage the creditworthiness of its clients:

 

   

statistical models that determine the amount of credit that

 

   

Naranja is comfortable extending to a client based on the client’s specific financial situation;

 

   

guidelines for providing credit cards and loans based on the client’s specific financial situation (i.e., verification of the applicant’s identity, monthly income, number of family members, geographic location and occupation);

 

   

case-by-case evaluation of appropriate credit limits for each applicant; and

 

   

ongoing monitoring of each client’s credit position and payment history.

Procedure for Credit Card Application

The credit risk associated with a credit card applicant is evaluated by reviewing the information with respect to each applicant set forth above. The Risk Committee establishes the guidelines and requirements for credit card applicants. Such guidelines are based on statistical models and objective criteria in order for internal credit analysts to efficiently approve or reject each credit card application.

In addition to reviewing each applicant’s credit record, the Company also verifies the credit score and payment history of each applicant. Once the information has been verified and, to the extent the customer meets all applicable requirements, the credit card is issued and delivered at the applicant’s address, or the applicant may arrange to pick it up at any of the Company’s branches.

 

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Determination of Credit Limits

Customer’s credit limits are determined on the basis of an assessment of each customer’s specific financial situation. Based on such assessment, customers are assigned one of five risk levels: A, B, C, D or E, with A being the lowest risk segment and E being the highest risk segment. In making such assignment, certain factors are considered, including, but not limited to, monthly income, number of family members, geographic location and occupation. The customer is then assigned a credit limit based on his or her risk level, which is shared among all credit cards associated with such customer, whether as a primary or additional cardholder. The credit limit assigned to each customer includes: (i) the monthly balance limit; (ii) the long-term purchase limit (the maximum amount for a customer to purchase in six or more installments using the credit card); (iii) the total credit limit (the maximum amount that may be owed to the Company); (iv) the maximum balance limit for cash advances, which is determined based on risk segmentation, monthly income, and internal indebtedness as well as in the financial system, not being able to exceed the LCPL (long-term purchase limit plan).

Below is a detail of the percentage limits and nominal caps assigned to each risk segment.

 

     Monthly Balance Limit      Long-term Purchase Limit      Total Credit Limit  
Risk Segment    Income%      Floor in
Ps.
     Top      Income
%
     Floor in
Ps.
     Top      Income
%
     Floor in
Ps.
     Top  

A (Lowest)

     100        14,000        75,000        160        5,000        180,000        200        5,000        210,000  

B

     90        11,000        55,000        150        4,500        12,000        180        4,500        150,000  

C

     80        9,000        44,000        140        4,000        75,000        170        4,000        95,000  

D

     70        7,000        31,000        120        3,500        50,000        150        3,500        60,000  

E (Highest)

     60        6,000        15,000        100        3,000        35,000        120        3,000        40,000  

Naranja reviews such credit limits on a daily basis and a credit limit may be automatically increased for eligible cardholders meeting certain requirements, including payment history. In addition, Naranja reviews cardholders’ applications for increases in the monthly limit and may, in its sole discretion, increase such limits based on the individual customer’s payment history and total income level.

Credit cards are extended to clients active in a wide range of business sectors. As such, the Company maintains a diversified portfolio of risk exposure based on economic fluctuations.

vi) Financial Instruments Classification and Loss Provisions

General

The “Expected Credit Loss” (“ECL”) model applies to financial assets which are valued at both amortized cost and fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The standard establishes three categories to classify financial instruments, primarily taking into account the credit risk evolution over time. Stage 1 includes financial assets with normal or no significant risk associated; Stage 2 includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk has been identified but they are not yet deemed to be credit-impaired and Stage 3 comprises financial assets which are impaired and/or subject to serious risk of impairment. To calculate the provisions for credit impairment risk, IFRS 9 differentiates among these three stages by applying the following concepts:

 

   

12- Month Expected Credit Losses: Possible events of default within the 12 months following the date of the presentation of financial statements. Assets included in Stage 1 have their ECL measured at 12-month ECL.

 

   

Lifetime Expected Credit Losses: ECL during the active period of the financial asset, which results of calculating the probability of impairment of an asset throughout its duration, up until its maturity. Instruments in Stage 2 or 3 have their ECL measured based on lifetime ECL.

 

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The measurement of ECL in accordance with IFRS 9 should consider forward looking information. To estimate ECL, Grupo Galicia has applied the following definitions and parameters, in accordance with IFRS 9.

Financial Instruments Classification

Grupo Galicia classifies its financial instruments into the following groups: (i) retail loans, (ii) retail-like loans, (iii) wholesale loans and (iv) Naranja.

Each subsidiary of Grupo Galicia classifies financial instruments subject to impairment under IFRS 9 in stages, as follows:

 

   

Stage 1: With respect to retail portfolios, Stage 1 includes every financial instrument up to 31 days past due. With respect to wholesale portfolios, Stage 1 includes every client whose BCRA situation indicates a normal status (rating A) (i.e. low risk of bankruptcy).

 

   

Stage 2: This stage includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk has been identified. This stage considers two groups:

 

   

For retail and retail like Portfolios between 31 and 90 days past due. For wholesale it considers credit ratings for which the risk of default has increased significantly.

 

   

Probability of Default or Score with impairment risk.

 

   

Stage 3: For all portfolios, Stage 3 includes every client whose BCRA situation indicates a serious risk of bankruptcy (ratings C, D, E). With respect to retail portfolios, Stage 3 also includes financial instruments that are 90 or more days past due.

See the Argentina Central Bank Classification, on —“Argentine Banking Regulation”— “Loan Classification System”.

Definition of Default

A financial instrument is considered to be in default whenever payment is more than 90 days past due, or if Grupo Galicia believes that the amount due will not be repaid in full. The credit analysis for wholesale loans is not the same as for retail loans and Grupo Galicia’s definition of default with respect to wholesale portfolios is based on a credit analysis of the individual borrower. The definition of default is applied consistently to produce models for the Probability of Default, Exposure at Default and Loss Given Default in Grupo Galicia’s expected loss calculations:

 

   

Probability of Default (“PD”): This is the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on its financial obligation, either over the next 12 months or during the remaining term of the obligation.

 

   

Exposure at Default: This is based on the amounts Grupo Galicia expects to be owed at the time of default, either over the next 12 months or over the remaining term. For example, for a revolving commitment, Grupo Galicia includes the current draw down balance plus any further amount that it is expected to be drawn up to the current contractual limit by the time of default, should it occur.

 

   

Loss Given Default: This represents Grupo Galicia’s expectation of the total loss it will incur in respect of an obligation in default and varies according to the counterparty, seniority of the claim and availability of collateral or other credit support. Loss Given Default is expressed as a percentage loss per Peso of exposure at the time of default and is calculated over the term of the relevant obligation or on a 12-month basis.

A financial instrument is no longer considered to be in default when it does not meet any of the above-mentioned default criteria.

 

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Methodology for Expected Credit Loss Estimation

ECL impairment allowances recognized in the financial statements reflect the effect of a variety of possible economic outcomes (as described below) and calculated on a probability-weighted basis. ECL measurement involves the application of judgment and estimates. It is necessary to formulate multiple forward-looking economic forecasts and incorporate them into the ECL estimates. Grupo Galicia uses a standard framework to form economic scenarios to reflect assumptions about future economic conditions, supplemented with the use of management judgment, which may result in using alternative or additional economic scenarios and/or management adjustments.

IFRS 9 establishes the following standards regarding ECL:

 

   

An unbiased weighted probability index, determined by the evaluation of different outcomes.

 

   

Time value of money.

 

   

Reasonable and sustainable information available at no additional cost or effort that provides evidence to support forecasts, as well as present conditions and past events.

Grupo Galicia developed a forward-looking methodology to evaluate the impact of different future macroeconomic scenarios on the credit risk of the financial assets. Grupo Galicia prepared three outcomes with varying probabilities in accordance with IFRS: (i) a median scenario with a 70% probability of occurrence, (ii) a downside scenario with a 15% probability of occurrence and (iii) an upside scenario with a 15% probability of occurrence

In order to account for time value of money, Grupo Galicia assumes expected losses will take place proportionally over time. The ECL is determined by determining the Probability of Default, Exposure at Default and the Loss Given Default for each future month for each collective segment. These three components are multiplied and adjusted, as applicable, to take into account any forward-looking information, thus calculating ECL for each month on a forward-looking basis, which is then discounted back to the reporting date and summed. The discount rate used in the ECL calculation is the original effective interest rate (or an estimate thereof).

Post-model adjustments

Since March 2020, the BCRA implemented a series of measures to reduce the economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, among which are the deferral of payments and suspension of the collection of punitive interest in case of default in payments of loan installments, being the credit cards loans excluded from this benefit.

Thus, considering the adverse economic context that the country is going through, borrower credit uncertainty and measures issued by the BCRA, the management recognized an additional credit loss allowance to that obtained through the statistical model of ECL on the deferred loan portfolio amounts, which shows the potential impairment due to the macroeconomic context, once the implemented measures are lifted for the BCRA.

The management measured the additional impact on the allowance from the estimation of the expected credit loss of loan portfolios which have deferred payments, based on new PD estimated depending on actual past due date (without deferrals) and the projected performance of the affected products, modifying the staging classification through a “Lifetime Adjustment”.

 

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vii) Credit Risk Exposure of Financial Instruments

The following table sets forth the credit risk exposure of financial instruments for which an ECL allowance is recognized.

 

     Retail Portfolio  
     December 31, 2020  
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3        
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    Total  

Days past due

          

0

     115,541        47,518        —         163,059  

1-30

     1,378        1,165        1,509       4,052  

31-60

     —          998        49       1,047  

61-90

     —          561        95       656  

Default

     —          —          5,557       5,557  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     116,919        50,242        7,210       174,371  

Loss allowance

     (4,954      (12,628      (5,894     (23,476
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     111,965        37,614        1,316       150,895  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Quality

          

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

             3.19

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

             422.46

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

             11.98

 

     Retail like Portfolio  
     December 31, 2020  
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3        
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    Total  

Days past due

          

0

     104,800        12,160        962       117,922  

1-30

     969        542        218       1,729  

31-60

     —          210        6       216  

61-90

     —          45        16       61  

Default

     —          —          1,187       1,187  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     105,769        12,957        2,389       121,115  

Loss allowance

     (559      (2,131      (1,832     (4,522
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     105,210        10,826        557       116,593  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Quality

          

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

             0.98

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

             380.96

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

             4.03

 

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Table of Contents
     Wholesale Portfolio  
     December 31, 2020  
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3        
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    Total  

Days past due

          

A

     263,742        12,557        —         276,299  

B1

     —          1,002        —         1,002  

Default

     —          —          796       796  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     263,742        13,559        796       278,097  

Loss allowance

     (1,960      (623      (607     (3,190
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     261,782        12,936        189       274,907  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Quality

          

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

             0.29

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

             400.75

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

             1.50

 

     Naranja  
     December 31, 2020  
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3        
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    Total  

Days past due

          

0

     85,989        1,004        263       87,256  

1-30

     3,232        226        56       3,514  

31-60

     —          853        48       901  

61-90

     —          373        30       403  

Default

     —          —          1,975       1,975  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     89,221        2,456        2,372       94,049  

Loss allowance

     (3,708      (589      (1,848     (6,145
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     85,513        1,867        524       87,904  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Quality

          

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

             2.10

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

             311.14

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

             5.02

 

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Table of Contents
     Retail Portfolio  
     December 31, 2019  
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3         
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime      Total  

Days past due

           

0

     106,961        39,205        1,242        147,408  

1-30

     2,127        2,070        252        4,449  

31-60

     —          1,718        222        1,940  

61-90

     —          719        375        1,094  

Default

     —          —          5,829        5,829  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     109,088        43,712        7,920        160,720  

Loss allowance

     (5,514      (2,555      (6,230      (14,299
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     103,574        41,157        1,690        146,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Quality

           

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

              3.63

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

              245.31

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

              6.06

 

     Retail like Portfolio  
     December 31, 2019  
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3        
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     44,985        5,851        677       51,513  

1-30

     1,779        725        225       2,729  

31-60

     —          218        87       305  

61-90

     —          234        202       436  

Default

     —          —          3,318       3,318  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     46,764        7,028        4,509       58,301  

Loss allowance

     (480      (199      (3,424     (4,103
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     46,284        6,829        1,085       54,198  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Quality

          

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

             5.69

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

             123.66

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

             8.14

 

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Table of Contents
     Wholesale Portfolio  
     December 31, 2019  
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3        
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime     Total  

Days past due

          

A

     280,598        7,743        —         288,341  

B1

     —          514        —         514  

Default

     —          —          6,639       6,639  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     280,598        8,257        6,639       295,494  

Loss allowance

     (679      (302      (6,116     (7,097
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     279,919        7,955        523       288,397  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Quality

          

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

             2.25

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

             106.90

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

             2.64

 

     Naranja  
     December 31, 2019  
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3        
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     60,763        724        356       61,843  

1-30

     3,314        217        122       3,653  

31-60

     —          1,656        104       1,760  

61-90

     —          856        63       919  

Default

     —          —          7,597       7,597  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     64,077        3,453        8,242       75,772  

Loss allowance

     (2,755      (958      (6,379     (10,092
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     61,322        2,495        1,863       65,680  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Quality

          

Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

             10.03

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default

             132.84

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

             10.49

Under BCRA rules, we are required to cease the accrual of interest or to establish provisions equal to 100% of the interest earned on all loans pertaining to the non-accrual loan portfolio, meaning, all loans to borrowers in Stage 3.

The table below shows the interest income that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans on which the accrual of interest was discontinued and the recoveries of interest on loans classified as non-accrual on which the accrual of interest had been discontinued:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Interest Income that Would Have Been Recorded on Non-Accrual Loans on which the Accrual of Interest was Discontinued

     2,235        4,036        1,248  

Recoveries of Interest on Loans Classified as Non-Accrual on which the Accrual of Interest had been Discontinued (1)

     112        202        63  

 

(1)

Recorded under “Other operating income”.

 

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Table of Contents

viii) Loss Experience

The following tables present the changes in the loss allowance between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 and the changes in the loss allowance between December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019.

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     9,428       4,014       22,149       —          35,591  

Inflation effect

     (4,039     (3,267     (7,276     —          (14,582

Movements with P&L Impact

     —         —         —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (667     667       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (267     —         267       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     422       (577     155       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     174       (536     362       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     290       —         (290     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         447       (447     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     4,487       1,097       3,099       —          8,683  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     1,467       1,557       1,273       —          4,297  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     1,340       11,186       3,686       —          16,212  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     1,985       2,357       1,146       —          5,488  

Other movements with no P&L impact

     —         —         —         —          —    

Write-offs and other movements

     (3,439     (974     (13,943     —          (18,356
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss allowance as of December 31, 2020

     11,181       15,971       10,181       —          37,333  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     9,989       9,461       13,603       —          33,053  

Inflation effect

     (4,872     (3,846     (8,172     —          (16,890

Movements with P&L Impact

     —         —         —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (879     879       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (224     —         224       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     1,664       (1,664     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (1,422     1,422       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         120       (120     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     43       —         (43     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     2,323       2,287       10,603       —          15,213  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     1,635       119       5,822       —          7,576  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (745     261       647       —          163  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     2,043       364       4,300       —          6,707  

Other movements with no P&L impact

     —         —         —         —          —    

Write-offs and other movements

     (1,549     (2,545     (6,137     —          (10,231
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss allowance as of December 31, 2019

     9,428       4,014       22,149       —          35,591  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

ix) Deposits

The following table sets out the composition of our deposits as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Deposits in pesos

     

Checking Accounts

     105,028        91,984  

Savings Accounts

     182,972        80,995  

Time Deposits

     208,713        157,928  

Time Deposits UVA

     5,565        1,021  

Other Deposits (1)

     1,980        2,311  

Plus: Accrued Interest, Quotation Differences Adjustment

     5,877        6,845  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Deposits in pesos

     510,135        341,084  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deposits in foreign currency

     

Savings Accounts

     182,972        160,464  

Time Deposits

     208,713        33,122  

Other Deposits (1)

     1,980        1,277  

Plus: Accrued Interest, Quotation Differences Adjustment

     5,877        86  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Deposits in foreign currency

     399,542        194,949  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Deposits

     909,677        536,033  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes other deposits originated by Decree No.616/05, reprogrammed deposits under judicial proceedings and other demand deposits.

As of December 31, 2020, our consolidated deposits increased 26% as compared to December 31 2019, mainly as a result of a Ps.101,977 million increase in deposits in peso denominated savings accounts and a Ps.50,785 million increase in deposits in time deposits denominated in pesos. These increases were mainly due to deposits received by Banco Galicia.

For more information, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” – A.“Operating Results”- “Funding”.

The following table provides a breakdown of our consolidated deposits by contractual term and currency of denomination as of December 31, 2020.

 

     December 31, 2020  
     Within 3
Months
            After 3
Months but
Within 3
Months
            After 6
Months but
Within 12
Months
            1 year             After 1 but
Within 5
years
            Total  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Deposits in pesos

                                

Savings Accounts

     180,178           —             —             180,178           —             180,178  

Checking Accounts

     108,279           —             —             108,279           —             108,279  

Time Deposits

     207,438           873           387           208,698           14           208,712  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total deposits in pesos

     495,895           873           387           497,155           14           497,169  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Deposits in pesos + UVA adjustment

                                    

Savings Accounts

     1,437           —             —             1,437           —             1,437  

Time Deposits

     5,286           274           78           5,638           14           5,652  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total deposits in pesos + UVA adjustment

     6,723           274           78           7,075           14           7,089  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Deposits in foreign currency

                                   —    

Savings Accounts

     98,580           —             —             98,580           —             98,580  

Checking Accounts

     36,460           —             —             36,460           —             36,460  

Time Deposits

     27,128           2,023           1,915           31,066           63           31,129  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total deposits in foreign currency

     162,168           2,023           1,915           166,106           63           166,169  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total deposits

     664,786           3,170           2,380           670,336           91           670,427  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

     280,195           —             —             280,195           —             280,195  

Checking Accounts

     144,739           —             —             144,739           —             144,739  

Time Deposits

     239,852           3,170           2,380           245,402           91           245,493  

 

(1)

Only principal. Includes the UVA adjustment.

The chart above shows that the highest concentration of maturities for time deposits was in the period of up to 89 days, representing 97,7% of total time deposits. As of December 31, 2020, the average term for the raising of non-adjusted Peso-denominated time deposits was 41 days, for UVA-adjusted deposits the average term was 195 days and for those in foreign currency the term was about 54 days. Foreign currency-denominated deposits, equal to Ps.166,106 million, represented 24,8% of total deposits.

 

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x) Regulatory Capital

Grupo Financiero Galicia

Grupo Financiero Galicia and some of its subsidiaries are regulated by the Argentine General Corporations Law. Section 186 of the General Corporations Law.

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s capital adequacy is not regulated by the BCRA, however Grupo Financiero Galicia is required to comply with the minimum capital requirement established by the General Corporations Law. On October 8, 2012, through Decree No.1331/12, such amount was established as Ps.100,000.

Banco Galicia

With respect to regulatory capital, Banco Galicia must comply with the regulations set forth by the BCRA. These regulations are based on the Basel Committee methodology, which provides the minimum capital requirements for financial institutions to cover the different risks inherent to its business activity and assets, such as credit risk, generated both by exposure to the private sector and to the public sector; operational risk (generated by the losses resulting from the non-adjustment or failures of internal processes) and market risk (generated by positions in securities and in foreign currency).

Computable capital is divided as follows:

 

   

Computable regulatory capital is divided into Basic Shareholders’ Equity (Tier I Capital) and Supplementary Shareholders’ Equity (Tier II Capital). Deductible items generally fall within Basic Shareholders’ Equity.

 

   

Intangible assets and deferred tax asset credit balances should be deducted from the calculation of computable capital.

 

   

Results for a given period are part of Basic Shareholders’ Equity (Income: 100% of audited results, 50% of unaudited results; Losses: 100%).

 

   

Supplementary Shareholders’ Equity includes 100% of the allowance for the portfolio in normal situation (up to the limit of 1.25%) and for subordinated notes, with respect to which, as from each of the last five years of each issuance term, the computable amount shall be reduced by 20% of the face value issued.

The following percentages apply in determining minimum capital requirements:

 

   

Loans in Pesos to the Non-financial Public Sector: 0%.

 

   

Property, Plant and Equipment and Miscellaneous Assets: 8%.

 

   

Family Mortgage Loans: 35% over 8%, if the amount does not exceed 75% of the asset value.

 

   

Retail Portfolio: 75% over 8%.

 

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The following table sets forth the capital required in accordance with the BCRA regulations in force for each period indicated below.

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Minimum capital required (A)

     

Allocated to Credit Risk

     42,458        29,149  

Allocated to Market Risk

     1,419        905  

Allocated to Operational Risk

     12,192        7,608  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total minimum capital required (A)

     56,069        37,662  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Computable Capital (B)

     

Tier I

     129,584        61,393  

Tier II

     27,477        19,392  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total computable capital (B)

     157,061        80,785  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Excess over Required Capital (B)-(A)

     100,992        43,123  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Risk assets

     685,407        459,900  

Ratios (%)

     

Equity / Total assets

     15.76        13.07  

Excess / Minimum capital required

     180.12        114.50  

Total Capital Ratio(1)

     22.92        17.57  

Tier I Capital Ratio

     18.91        13.35  

 

(1)

Total computable capital / risk weighted assets credit, market and operational risks.

As of December 31, 2020, the Bank’s computable capital amounted to Ps.157,061 million, Ps.100,992 million which was 180% higher than the Ps.56,069 million minimum capital requirement. As of December 31, 2019, this excess amounted to Ps.43,123 million which was 115% higher than the minimum capital requirement.

As of December 31, 2020, the minimum capital requirement increased by Ps.18,407 million as compared to December 31, 2019, mainly because the value of risk weighted assets are now being adjusted to inflation. Computable capital increased by Ps.76,276 million as of December 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019, primarily as consequence of the increase in the results generated during the fiscal year by Banco Galicia and to an increase in the Banco Galicia’s shareholders’ equity, all of these as a result of the inflation adjustment to both values. Banco Galicia’s total capital ratio was 22.92%, increasing 535 bps as of December 31, 2020 as compared to 17.57% as of December 31, 2019.

Ecosistema NaranjaX

Since the companies from Ecosistema NaranjaX are not financial institutions, their capital adequacy is not regulated by the BCRA. Tarjetas Regionales and its subsidiaries have to comply with the minimum capital requirement established by the Corporations Law, which was Ps.100,000 for 2020.

Naranja Digital is a financial institution class “C” and for that condition is regulated by the BCRA and has to comply with the minimum capital requirement establish by the BCRA.

Minimum Capital Requirements of Insurance Companies

The insurance companies controlled by Sudamericana must meet the minimum capital requirements set by General Resolution No.39,957 of the National Insurance Superintendency. This resolution requires insurance companies to maintain a minimum capital level equivalent to the highest of the amounts calculated as follows:

 

  (a)

By line of insurance: this method establishes a fixed amount by line of insurance.

 

   

For vehicle insurance: Ps.80 million.

 

   

For motorcycle insurance: Ps.48 million.

 

   

Joint operation for vehicles and motorcycles insurance: Ps.96 million

 

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Civil liability for public transportation vehicles / Labor insurance / retirement insurance: Ps.80 million

 

   

Civil and air navigation liability insurance / warranty and credit default insurances /general damage insurance / personal insurances including life insurance (individual and joint policies, which do not require a technical reserve), burial insurance, personal accident insurance, health insurance: Ps.24 million

 

   

Environmental insurance: Ps.16 million

 

   

Joint operation of Vehicles and motorcycles insurance, Civil and air navigation liability insurances, Warranty and credit default insurance and damage insurance: Ps.120 million

 

   

Burial insurance: Ps.12 million

 

   

Life insurance (Individual and Collective, which requires a technical reserve: Ps.24 million

 

  (b)

By premiums and additional fees: to use this method, Sudamericana must calculate the sum of the premiums issued and additional fees earned in the last 12 months. Based on the total, Sudamericana must calculate 16% of such amount. Finally, it must adjust the total by the ratio of net paid claims to gross paid claims for the last 36 months. This ratio must not be lower than minimum capital requirements required for a particular line of insurance as set forth above in (a).

 

  (c)

By claims: to use this method, Sudamericana must calculate the sum of gross claims paid during the 36 months prior to the end of the period under analysis. To that amount, it must add the difference between the balance of unpaid claims as of the end of the period under analysis and the balance of unpaid claims as of the 36th month prior to the end of the period under analysis. The resulting figure must be divided by three. Then Sudamericana must calculate 23%. The resulting figure must be adjusted by the ratio of net paid claims to gross paid claims for the last 36 months. This ratio must be at least 50%.

 

  (d)

For life insurance companies that offer policies with an investment component, the figures obtained in b) and c) must be increased by an amount equal to 4% of the technical reserves adjusted by the ratio of net technical reserves to gross technical reserves (at least 85%), plus 0.3% of at-risk capital adjusted by the ratio of retained at-risk capital to total at-risk capital (at least 50%).

The minimum required capital must then be compared to computable capital, defined as shareholders’ equity less non-computable assets. Non-computable assets consist mainly of deferred charges, pending capital contributions, proposed distributions and excess investments in authorized instruments.

As of December 31, 2020, the computable capital of the companies controlled by Sudamericana exceeded the minimum requirement of Ps.1,067 million by Ps.167 million.

Sudamericana also owns Galicia Broker, a company dedicated to brokerage in different lines of insurance that is regulated by the guidelines of the Corporations Law, which provided for a minimum capital requirement of Ps.100,000.

B.5 Government Regulation

i) General

All companies operating in Argentina must be registered with the Argentine Public Registry of Commerce. In addition, any company with publicly issued equity or debt securities is subject to the rules and regulation of the CNV. Further, financial entities, such as Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia, are subject to BCRA regulations. As public issuers of securities in Argentina, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia must comply

 

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with the disclosure, reporting, governance and other rules applicable to such companies in the markets in which they are listed and those of regulators in the countries in which they are listed, including the Capital Markets Law (as amended by the Productive Financing Law No. 27,440 and including Decree No. 471/2018), Law No.20,643, the Decrees No.659/1974 and No.2220/1980 (as amended by Decree No. 572/1996), and CNV’s General Resolution No.622/2013 (as amended and/or supplemented, the “CNV Rules”).

In their capacity as public issuers of securities, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia are subject to the aforementioned rules. Since Grupo Financiero Galicia has publicly listed American Depository Shares (or “ADSs”) in the United States, it is also subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) for foreign private issuers and to the provisions applicable to foreign private issuers under the Sarbanes Oxley Act. See Item 9. “The Offer and Listing”.

Banco Galicia’s operating subsidiaries are also subject to the following laws: Law No.27,442 (the Competition Defense Law or, in Spanish “Ley de Defensa de la Competencia”), Decree No. 274/2019 that repeals the Fair Business Practice Law (No. 22,802) and the Consumer Protection Law No. 24,240, as amended (or, in Spanish “Ley de Protección del Consumidor”).

As a financial service holding company, we do not have a specific institution that regulates our activities. Our banking and insurance subsidiaries are regulated by different regulatory entities. The BCRA is the main regulatory and supervising entity for Banco Galicia.

The banking industry is highly regulated in Argentina. Banking activities in Argentina are regulated by Law No.21,526, as amended (the “FIL”), which places the supervision and control of the Argentine banking system in the hands of the BCRA. The BCRA regulates all aspects of financial activity. See “Argentine Banking Regulation” below.

Banco Galicia and our insurance subsidiaries are subject to Law No.25,246 which was passed on April 13, 2000 (as amended, among others, by Laws No.26,087, 26,119, 26,683, 26,734, and 27,446 together to which we refer to as the Anti-Money Laundering Law), which provides for an anti-money laundering framework in Argentina, including Laws No.26,268 and 27,304, which amend Law No.25,246 to include activities associated with terrorism and Law No. 27,401, which provides for the criminal liability of corporate entities upon their direct or indirect execution of prohibited activities. Furthermore, the Anti-Money Laundering Law created the Financial Information Unit (Unidad de Información Financiera), which established an administrative criminal system, compliance monitoring and the ability to impose sanctions.

Sudamericana’s insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the National Insurance Superintendency and Laws No.17,418, as amended and modified by Law No.20,091. Galicia Broker is regulated by the National Insurance Superintendency, through Law No.22,400, as amended.

Naranja and the credit card activities of Banco Galicia are regulated by the Credit Card Law No. 25,065, as amended. Both the BCRA and the Secretary of Domestic Trade have issued regulations to, among other things, enforce public disclosure of companies’ pricing (fees, interest rates, and advertising) in order to ensure consumer awareness of such pricing. See “Credit Cards Regulation”.

On January 6, 2002, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.25,561 (as amended and supplemented, the “Public Emergency Law” or in Spanish “Ley de Emergencia Pública”), which, together with various decrees and BCRA rules, provided for the principal measures with which to manage the 2001-2002 financial crisis, including Asymmetric Pesification and eliminating the requirement that the BCRA’s reserves in gold, foreign currency and foreign currency denominated debt be at all times equivalent to 100% of the monetary base, among others. The Argentine Government did not extend the term of the Public Emergency Law that was previously extended on an annual basis. However, on December 14, 2016, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,345, which extended the state of emergency on social matters until December 31, 2019. Additionally, on September 30th ,2019, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,519, which extends the state of national nutrition emergency until December 31, 2022, whereby the Government must ensure the nutrition of its population with state funds.

 

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On December 23, 2019, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.27,541 (the “Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law” or, in Spanish “Ley de Solidaridad Social y Reactivación Productiva”), which declared yet again a public emergency in relation to certain economic, financial, fiscal, and social matters, among others. The goal of this law is to manage Argentina’s public debt and public spending in a sustainable manner. During 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID – 19), many of the provisions of the Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law were amended in order to address the economic and social consequences on Argentine citizens of the Country’s strictly enforced quarantines (such as, for example, providing tax benefits to certain sectors especially affected by the COVID – 19 pandemic and the extension of the health emergency, among others).

On February 12, 2020, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,544 (the “Law on the Restoration of the Sustainability of Public Debt Issued under Foreign Law” or, in Spanish “Ley de Restauración de la Sostenibilidad de la Deuda Pública”), which granted the Argentine Executive Branch broad powers to negotiate and to restructure public debt issued currently held by the Government and governed by laws other than the laws of Argentina.

ii)Foreign Exchange Market

In January 2002, through the Public Emergency Law, Argentina declared a public emergency situation in respect of its social, economic, administrative, financial and foreign exchange matters and authorized the Argentine Executive Branch to establish a system to determine the foreign exchange rate between the Argentine Peso and foreign currencies and to issue foreign exchange-related rules and regulations.

Within this context, on February 8, 2002, through Decree No. 260/2002, as amended by Decree No. 27/2018, the Argentine Executive Branch established (i) a single and free-floating foreign exchange market (a “MULC”, or “Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios”) through which all foreign exchange transactions in a foreign currency must be conducted, and (ii) that foreign exchange transactions in a foreign currency must be conducted at the foreign exchange rate to be freely agreed upon among the contracting parties, subject to the requirements and regulations imposed by the BCRA.

On June 9, 2005, through Decree No.616/2005, the Argentine Executive Branch mandated that inflows of funds into the MULC arising from foreign debt incurred by residents (subject to certain exceptions) and all inflows of funds of non-residents channeled through the MULC for certain concepts were required to be credited into a local account and maintained for a “Minimum Stay Period”, requiring a mandatory deposit for 30% of the amount of the transaction for a period of 365 calendar days. Such requirements were eliminated by the former administration.

In February 2017, the former Ministry of Economy and Public Finance issued Resolution No. 1/2017, which reduced the “Minimum Stay Period” described above to zero days. As of July 1, 2017, with the issuance of Communication “A” 6244, the foreign exchange rules and regulations described above were reversed. In the same sense, the Government issued Decree 27/2018 by which it modified the denomination of the “MULC”, or “Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios to “MLC” or “Mercado Libre de Cambios” (the “MLC”)

On September 1, 2019, the Government issued Decree No. 609/19 (as later amended by Decree No. 91/19 on December 28, 2019), setting forth certain controls and restrictions on the acquisition, sale, and transfer of foreign currency, applicable to both individual persons and legal entities in Argentina. This decree also enabled the BCRA to establish, through regulations, the necessary measures to avoid “practices and operations aimed at avoiding, through public titles or other instruments” the restrictions set forth by the decree. In furtherance of such decree, since its date of implementation the BCRA has adopted a series of measures that regulate the MLC, which are all included in the Amended and Restated Text on Foreign Exchange (the “FX Regulatory Framework”).

Inflow of Funds:

Export of goods, provision of services, and sales of non-financial, non-locally produced assets: Funds entering into Argentina from (i) the export of Argentine goods, (ii) the provisions of services to a non-resident by a resident and (iii) payments received from the sale of non-financial, non-locally produced assets are required to enter through the MLC, be converted into Pesos, and be deposited into a local bank account, all within specifically prescribed periods

 

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Payments received from outstanding loans, payment of amounts earned from term deposits or payments received from the sale of any type of asset that is granted, set up or acquired after May 28, 2020: Furthermore, by means of Communication “A” 7030 (as amended), the BCRA set forth that, in order to grant their clients access to the MLC, financial entities must first request from such clients an affidavit stating, among others, that such client will agree to transfer into Argentina and convert into local currency through the MLC within five business days, any funds received abroad arising from payments received from outstanding loans, payments of amounts earned from term deposits held outside of Argentina or payments received from the sale of any type of asset (e.g. shares, securities, goods, etc.) outside of Argentina in case such loans, deposits or assets were granted, set up or acquired after May 28, 2020.

Offshore financial indebtedness: Regarding offshore financial debts, the Argentine borrower receiving the foreign funds must convert such funds into Argentine Pesos in order to be able to access the MLC in the future for the payment of principal and interest payments when due on the foreign debt.

Outflow of Funds:

General Requirements: By means of Communication “A” 7030 (as amended from time to time) effective as of May 28, 2020, the BCRA introduced additional controls, limitations, and restrictions on foreign exchange operations. In this sense, in addition to the specific requirements that a foreign exchange transaction must meet in order for the payee to access the MLC, this law set forth broad new requirements of general application to most foreign exchange transactions, with some minor exceptions. In particular, in order to grant their clients access to the MLC, Argentine financial entities must first request from their clients an affidavit stating that: (i) all of its foreign currency holdings in Argentina are deposited in local financial entities; (ii) at the beginning of the day on which the affidavit is provided, the client does not have more than US$100,000 as “available foreign liquid assets” unless it is allowed to have more based on certain exceptions; (iii) it agrees that it will transfer into Argentina and convert into local currency in the MLC within 5 business days, any funds received abroad arising from payments received on outstanding loans, amounts earned on term deposits, or amounts received from sales of any type of assets; in each case, if such loans, deposits or assets were granted, constituted or acquired after May 28, 2020; and (iv) it has not sold securities with settlement in foreign currency or transferred them to international depository agencies abroad during the prior 90 calendar days, and will not engage in such activity on the date of the affidavit and within the same period or within 90 days following the date thereof.

Additionally, through Communication “A” 7200, the BCRA created the “Registry on foreign exchange information of exporters and importers of goods”, in which certain import and export companies that are specifically included in the list published under Communication “C” 89476 must be registered no later than April 30, 2021 as a condition to access the MLC for the outflow of funds as of May 1, 2021.

Import of Goods. The FX Regulatory Framework establishes the possibility for Argentine residents to access the MLC in order to pay amounts that they owe for the import of goods. Two different scenarios are contemplated. First, in most cases and where the cases are specifically covered in the FX Regulatory Framework, financial entities may grant their clients access to the MLC in order to pay for the import of goods if such goods have already been registered with the customs office and so long as certain requirements set forth in the FX Regulatory Framework are met (cases that are not specifically covered in the FX Regulatory Framework require the BCRA’s prior approval and registration with the customs office is not sufficient). In addition various quantitative and other limitations for the payment of various imports of goods and repayment of the principal of debt incurred in order to pay for certain imports of goods were set under Communication “A” 7030, as amended from time to time (these limitations are set to expire on June 30. 2021 unless such deadline is extended). Second, in respect of payments for imports of goods whose customs registration is pending as well as for payments in advance of receipt of the imported good, payments upon demand against review of the shipping documents and for the cancellation of commercial guarantees for imports of goods granted by local financial entities, access to the MLC can still be achieved so long as certain requirements are met. In addition, entities gaining access to the MLC in this manner must file supporting documentation proving they meet the requirements at the time that they make the payment to

 

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the foreign supplier of the import. Further, if a payment is made in advance of actual receipt of the imported goods, the payor must file certain custom documents showing the actual import of the good within 90 days of the advance payments being made. Finally, entities may also grant their clients access to the MLC for the payment of interest payments on outstanding debts so long as the transaction is declared in the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.

The BCRA’s prior authorization is required for the payment of commercial debts when importing goods into the country or purchasing foreign goods (i.e. at least 3 business day in advance of the necessary authorization). Moreover, certain special regimes that are applicable to special products, or financings of purchase facilities are established (i.e., leasing agreements, companies responsible for the purchase of medicine for patients, local governments for infrastructure works, supplies and goods for certain industries, etc.).

Offshore Services. Financial entities may grant their clients access to the MLC for the payment of services provided that such provision of services was previously reported, if applicable, in the last presentation of the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”. With certain exceptions, the BCRA’s prior authorization is required to make payments prior to their scheduled due date, or to make payments to offshore related companies. Financial entities may also grant access to the MLC for the making of interest payments on offshore debt as long as the transaction was reported in the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”. Again, the BCRA’s prior authorization is required for early interest payments as described above.

Dividends and Earnings. No authorization from the BCRA is required to carry out foreign exchange transactions to pay dividends and earnings to “non-residents”, provided that the following requirements are met: (i) the dividends and earnings arise from closed and audited financial statements, (ii) the payment is made in accordance with the relevant corporate documents, (iii) the total amount of transfers for this reason made as of January 17, 2020 and onward, does not exceed 30% of the value of new contributions of foreign direct investment in resident companies, entered and settled through the MLC as of the mentioned date, (iv) access to the MLC for the payment of dividends cannot occur sooner than 30 calendar days following the settlement of the last contribution (v) the payor submits sufficient documentation that evidences the final capitalization of the contributions, and (vi) the payment obligation is reported to the BCRA through the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.

Offshore Financial Indebtedness. Regarding offshore financial indebtedness, financial entities may only grant access to the MLC when: (i) the funds disbursed as of September 1, 2019 entered Argentina through the MLC, were converted into argentine pesos, and deposited into a local bank account(s); (ii) the transaction has been reported, if applicable, before the BCRA pursuant to the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”; and (iii) the payment is not made to an affiliated offshore company. Access to the MLC by Argentine residents for the prepayment of debt (principal and interest) more than 3 business days to its maturity date for principal or payment date for interest requires the prior authorization of the BCRA. However, this prior approval will not be required in certain specific cases. In particular, in certain circumstances, an amount of the outstanding principal of indebtedness issued by non-Argentine entities may be prepaid in advance. Specifically, by means of Communication “A” 7106 dated September 15, 2020, the BCRA has established that Argentine residents that have to make debt payments on debt issued by non-Argentine companies (including foreign financial indebtedness granted by non-financial non-related third parties, foreign financial indebtedness that required for the operation of the company, or the issuance of bonds in a foreign country with the public registration of such bonds in Argentina) with payments scheduled to fall between October 15, 2020 and March 31, 2021, must file a refinancing plan with the BCRA whereby (i) only 40% of the principal shall be paid during such timeframe; and (ii) the remaining principal shall be refinanced with new indebtedness with a minimum average duration of two years. This plan must be submitted to the BCRA within certain periods. In line with this requirement, Argentine residents may access the MLC to prepay the noted percentage of principal, subject to meeting certain criteria. The requirement to submit a refinancing plan to access the MLC does not apply to international organizations or related agencies or with official credit agencies or in respect of debt secured by such organizations or agencies and when the amount to pay for the principal of these type of indebtedness does not exceed the equivalent to US$1 million per calendar month.

Furthermore, by means of Communication “A” 7230, dated February 25, 2020, the BCRA extended the obligation to submit the above described refinancing plan for payments with maturity dates between April 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Such refinancing plan will not be necessary when the payment does not exceed the equivalent of US$2 million per calendar month, and neither when the maturities represent: (i) indebtedness incurred

 

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as of January 1, 2020 and the funds received from such incurrence have been transferred and sold in the MLC; (ii) indebtedness incurred as of January 1, 2020 in order to refinance principal amounts falling due after that date; and or (iii) the remaining portion of maturities already refinanced in accordance with the parameters of Comunication “A” 7106.

Collateral trusts. Collateral trusts established by Argentine resident entities with the purpose of guaranteeing principal and interest payments for their obligations have access to the MLC in order to make such payments, as long as it is verified that the debtor would have also had access to make such payments on its own behalf because of its compliance with the applicable regulations, and that the payment abroad by the collateral trust is the only available option set forth in the transaction documents. Collateral trusts are able to access to the MLC to either transfer or purchase of foreign currency to comply with guarantee deposits of this type of indebtedness, as long as some requirements are met. However, this possibility is provided up to the equivalent payable amount in the relevant contract or the “value to be paid at the next maturity date of services”.

Investment Instruments. The BCRA‘s prior authorization is required to access the MLC for the making of foreign investments, including the purchase of foreign currency for portfolio investments (“atesoramiento”) and the purchase of securities, (i) by legal entities, and non-Argentine residents (with certain exceptions -such as multilateral agencies, embassies, etc.-), for any amount; (ii) by individual residents, when the monthly sum of US$200 is exceeded; and (iii) for non- resident individual persons (for example, tourists), when the monthly sum of US$100 is exceeded.

Application of collections from exports of goods and services: By means of Communication “A” 7123, the BCRA ruled that collection in foreign currencies from exports of goods and services may be used for (i) payments of principal and interest on financial indebtedness granted by a non-Argentine entity with an average maturity of no less than one year; and (ii) repatriation of direct investments by non-residents in companies that are not controlled by local financial entities -to the extent that said repatriation occurs after the conclusion and implementation of a direct investment project and at least one year after the transfer and settling of the capital contribution in the FX Market.

For this purposes, the disbursed funds must have been (a) used to finance certain investment projects in Argentina that generate an increase in the production of goods that will be exported, and/or will enable the substitution of imports of goods; and/or will result in an increase in the transport capacity for the exportation of goods and services through the construction of infrastructure works in ports, airports and land terminals for international transport; and (b) transferred into Argentina and converted into local currency after October 2, 2020.

Prior BCRA approval will be required for those cases where these requirements are not fulfilled. However it will not be required (either for the payment of offshore financial indebtedness with a foreign counterparty or for the repatriation of direct investment) when the funds received as of October 2, 2020 were transferred and converted into Argentine pesos through the MLC, and the repatriation takes place at least two years after such condition.

Furthermore, on April 7, 2021, Decree No. 234/2021 created an “Investment Promotion Regime for Exports”. This regime provides companies with the option of submitting an “Export Investment Project” for approval. The project must be for a direct investment in Argentina in a foreign currency, in an amount equal to at least US$100 million and it must be in order to increase the production for the exportation of certain goods. If approved, the company that submitted the “Export Investment Project” for approval is entitled to receive up to 20% of the foreign exchange received from the export of goods that were part of the direct investment project, subject to an annual cap of -25% of the gross amount initially cleared through the FX Market in order to finance the project. In addition, such amounts may be applied once a calendar-year has elapsed since the direct investment was made. Once the company receives the above described amount of foreign current from the export of the noted goods, the company may use such funds - (i) for the payment of principal and interest on commercial liabilities or financial transactions abroad; (ii) for the payment of profits and dividends that correspond to closed and audited balance sheets; and/or (iii) for the repatriation of direct investments by non-residents. In the event that export proceeds are not applied immediately, such funds must be deposited in local financial entities until its application. The BCRA adopted these measures through Communication “A” 7259, dated April 9, 2021.

 

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iii)BCRA Reporting Regime

The BCRA’s reporting regime has been updated as described below. Communication “A” 6401 introduced reporting requirements with respect to debt securities and external liabilities for the financial and private non-financial sector and direct investments of companies in such sector under the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.

The completion and validation of the information corresponding to the foregoing must be done electronically through the Federal Public Revenue Administration’s website. Such information, must be reported as of the first quarter of 2020, as follows: (i) at the end of any calendar quarter, by all individuals and legal entities who have outstanding offshore financial indebtedness (or if cancelled during that period, when filing the Foreign assets and liability informative regime); and (ii) in an annual presentation, by those individuals or legal entities for whom the balance of external assets and liabilities at the end of each year reaches or exceeds the equivalent of US$50 million.

iv)Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime

Exchange operations can only be carried out through the entities authorized for such purposes by the BCRA. As such, any exchange operation that does not comply with the provisions of the applicable regulations will be subject to the Law No. 19,359, as regulated by Decree 480/95, and BCRA regulations (“Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime”), pursuant to which the following constitute offenses: (i) any foreign exchange transaction not performed before an authorized institution; (ii) the completion of foreign exchange transactions without the applicable authorization; (iii) any misrepresentation related to foreign exchange transactions; (iv) the failure to make accurate representations or to complete the necessary procedures in cases where the actual transactions are different than those declared; (v) any foreign exchange transaction executed without fulfilling the conditions established by applicable regulations, regarding quantity, foreign currency exchange rate, dates, etc.; and (vi) any other omission or act performed in violation of the Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime.

Violations to the Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime may be subject to fines of up to ten times the amount of the operation in breach and imprisonment in certain instances.

B.6 Argentine Banking Regulation

The following is a summary of certain matters relating to the Argentine banking system, including provisions of Argentine law and regulations applicable to financial entities in Argentina. This summary is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all laws and regulations applicable to financial entities in Argentina.

i) General

Since 1977, banking activities in Argentina have been regulated by the Argentine Financial Institutions Law No. 21.526 (the “FIL”), which places the supervision and control of the Argentine banking system in the hands of the autonomous BCRA, the principal monetary and financial authority in Argentina that operates independently from the Argentine government. The BCRA enforces the FIL and grants authorization to banks to operate in Argentina. The FIL confers numerous powers to the BCRA, including the ability to grant and revoke bank licenses, authorize the establishment of branches of Argentine banks outside of Argentina, approve bank mergers, capital increases and certain transfers of stock, set minimum capital, liquidity and solvency requirements and lending limits, grant certain credit facilities to financial entities in cases of temporary liquidity problems and to promulgate other regulations and to enforce the FIL. The BCRA has vested the Superintendency with most of the BCRA’s supervisory powers. Such entity is responsible for enforcing Argentina’s banking laws, establishing accounting and financial reporting requirements for the banking sector, monitoring and regulating the lending practices of financial entities and establishing rules for participation of financial entities in the MLC and the issuance of bonds and other securities, among other functions. In this section, unless otherwise stated, references to the BCRA should be understood to be references to the BCRA acting through the Superintendency. FIL grants the BCRA broad access to the accounting systems, books, correspondence, and other documents belonging to banking institutions. The BCRA regulates the supply of credit and monitors the liquidity, and generally supervises the operation, of the Argentine banking system.

 

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Current regulations equally regulate Argentine and foreign-owned banks.

ii) Supervision

As the regulator of the Argentine financial system, the BCRA requires financial entities to submit information on a daily, monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual basis. These reports, which include balance sheets and income statements, information relating to reserve funds, use of deposits, portfolio quality (including details on debtors and any established loan loss provisions) and other pertinent information, allow the BCRA to monitor financial entities financial condition and business practices.

The BCRA periodically carries out formal inspections of all banking institutions in order to monitor compliance by banks with legal and regulatory requirements and confirm the accuracy of the information provided to the BCRA. If BCRA rules are breached, it may impose various sanctions depending on the magnitude of the infringement. These sanctions range from warning calls up to the imposition of fines, or even the revocation of the financial institution’s operating license. Moreover, non-compliance with certain rules may result in the obligatory presentation to the BCRA of specific adequacy or regularization plans. The BCRA must approve these plans in order for the financial institution to remain operational.

Financial institutions operating in Argentina have been subject to the supervision of the BCRA on a consolidated basis since 1994. Information regarding “Limitations on Types of Business”, “Capital Adequacy Requirements”, “Lending Limits”, and “Loan Classification System and Loan Loss Provisions” related to a bank’s loan portfolio is calculated on a consolidated basis. However, regulations relating to a bank’s deposits are not based on consolidated information, but on such bank’s deposits in Argentina (for example, liquidity requirements and contributions to the deposit insurance system).

Examination by the BCRA

The BCRA began to rate financial institutions based on the “CAMEL” quality rating system in 1994. Each letter of the CAMEL system corresponds to an area of the operations of each bank being rated, with: “C” standing for capital, “A” for assets, “M” for management, “E” for earnings, and “L” for liquidity. Each factor is evaluated and rated on a scale from one to five, with one being the highest rating an entity can receive. The BCRA modified the supervision system in September of 2000. The objectives and basic methodology of the new system, referred to as “CAMELBIG,” do not differ substantially from the CAMEL system. The components were redefined in order to evaluate business risks separately from management risks. The components used to rate the business risks are capital, assets, market, earnings, liquidity and business. The components to rate management risks are internal control and the quality of management. By combining the individual factors under evaluation, a combined index can be populated that represents the final rating for the financial institution.

After temporarily halting such examinations as a result of the 2001-2002 financial and economic crisis, the BCRA resumed the examination process, which remains in effect as of the date of this filing. In Banco Galicia’s case, the first examination after the 2001-2002 financial crisis was on March 2017, and currently there is an ongoing examination as of December 2019.

Regulatory Capital (Minimum Capital Requirements)

Financial entities are subject to the capital adequacy rules of the BCRA, consequently Banco Galicia, as a commercial bank, must maintain a minimum capital amount measured as of each month’s closing. BCRA regulations establish that financial institutions legal capital should be equal to the greater value resulting from the comparison between the applicable basic requirement (corresponding to the type of entity) and the sum of those determined by credit and market risk, as well as operational risk.

The minimum basic capital requirement for a commercial bank located in the City of Buenos Aires, such as Banco Galicia, is a capital reserve of at least Ps.26 million. The minimum capital requirements related to credit risk, which are calculated according to a formula established by the BCRA, are designed to establish the minimum capital necessary to offset the risk that the counterparty does not comply with its obligation in a transaction related to the assets that are being reviewed. The minimum capital requirements related to market risks are designed to offset the

 

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eventual losses generated by a change of market rates or of credit quality, which would affect the assets and liabilities of the bank. Such market risk includes (among other risks) liquidity risk and interest rate risk. Operational risk includes the possibility of incurring a failure or deficiency in losses as a result of external events or as a result of a failure or deficiency in internal processes, human error or internal systems.

In order to verify compliance with the minimum capital requirements, the BCRA considers the computable regulatory capital (“RPC”) of a particular entity (i.e., capital that the entities actually have). Pursuant to the BCRA’s regulations, a bank’s RPC is the sum of the minimum core capital (Tier I capital) and supplementary capital (Tier II capital), minus certain deductible concepts. The BCRA considered Basel III requirements in order to regulate the RPC (and listed the assets included in each Tier as well the deductible concepts in accordance with such rules).

According to the BCRA’s regulations, any financial entity operating with an RPC under the minimum capital requirements must: (i) pay-in the correspondent amount within the following two months from the month in which it fails to comply with the requirement, or (ii) submit to the Superintendency a regularization and reorganization plan within the following 30 calendar days counted as from the last day of the month in which it fails to comply with the requirement. The Superintendency may appoint a supervisor and impose restrictions on distribution of dividends, among other actions, when non-compliance with the RPC requirements occurs or any warning from the Superintendency is received.

In addition, any financial entity operating under the daily integration of the minimum capital requirement related to market risk (when such failure is caused by the requirements established to guard against interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk or equity price risk), must pay-in the corresponding amount necessary to comply with the requirements and/or reduce its asset position until the applicable requirement is complied with, within a term of ten business days counted from the first failure to comply with the requirements. In case the non-compliance situation remains after such term has elapsed, the entity must submit to the Superintendency a regularization and reorganization plan within the following five days.

iii) Legal Reserve

The BCRA and FIL rules requires that every year banks allocate to a legal reserve a percentage of their net profits established by the BCRA, which currently amounts to 20% of their yearly income. Such reserve may only be used during periods in which such financial institution has incurred losses and has exhausted all other reserves. Distribution of dividends will not be allowed if the legal reserve is not met.

iv) Profit Distribution

Profit distribution of financial institutions (the concept pursuant to which a payment of dividends is included) must be authorized by the Superintendency. Financial institutions may distribute profits without exceeding the limits set forth in the “Distribution of Profits” rules established by the BCRA. The amount to be distributed must not compromise the entity’s liquidity and solvency. The Superintendency is entitled to intervene to verify the correct application of the procedures and regulations with respect to dividends approved and to be distributed by financial institutions. Nevertheless, as explained above, dividends to be paid in a foreign currency to international investors, may be subject to foreign exchange restrictions.

The BCRA sets rules for the conditions under which financial institutions can make distributions of profits. BCRA regulations require that 20% of a company’s profits, subject to certain adjustments, be allocated to legal reserves. This requirement applies regardless of the company’s ratio of legal reserves to capital stock.

 

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In addition to the foregoing, BCRA regulations regarding profit distributions provide that profits can be distributed so long as a company’s results of operations are positive after deducting for required legal reserves, the difference between the carrying amount and the fair market value of public sector assets and/or debt instruments issued by the BCRA not valued at fair market price, and the amounts capitalized for legal proceedings related to deposits and any unrecorded adjustments required by external auditors or the BCRA. Furthermore, companies must also comply with capital adequacy rules, which set forth minimum capital requirements and required regulatory capital.

Effective as of January 2016, all Argentine financial institutions are also required to maintain capital in an additional capital reserve equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets and 3.5% for financial institutions classified as systemically important, which must be comprised of only Tier I Common Capital, net of deductible items. Profit distributions of financial institutions will not be authorized if failing to meet with the required computable regulatory capital set forth above. In certain cases, that margin may be modified by the BCRA, as established in the “Distribution of Profits” rules.

Profits, if any, resulting from the first-time application of IFRS may not be distributed. Any such profits will be allocated to a special reserve recorded under equity, which may only be released for capitalization purposes, or to otherwise offset potential losses.

Despite the above-mentioned existing limitations, in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the BCRA issued on March 19, 2020, Communication “A” 6939, which suspended the ability of Argentine financial institutions to distribute dividends until June 30, 2020, in order to maintain the lending capacity of the financial institutions. This suspension was later extended by Communication “A” 7035 until December 31, 2020, and then by Communication “A” 7181 until June 30, 2021 (with the possibility of future extensions).

v) Legal Reserve Requirements for Liquidity Purposes

The deposit amount minus the minimum cash requirement determines the “lending capacity” of a particular deposit.

The BCRA modifies the applicable minimum cash requirement from time to time depending on monetary policy considerations.

The then-applicable minimum cash requirement is determined on the basis of the average daily balances of the obligations: (i) recorded at the end of each day, during the period prior to their integration for Argentine Pesos; and (ii) at the end of each day during each calendar month, for foreign currency and securities.

The averages will be obtained by dividing the sum of the daily balances by the total amount of days of each month. For days in which no movement is recorded, the balance corresponding to the immediately preceding day. Compliance with minimum cash requirements must be made in the same debt currency and/or instrument that corresponds to the requirement (with certain exceptions), and might be completed through (i) checking accounts, denominated in Pesos, opened by financial entities in the BCRA; (ii) “Minimum Cash Accounts”, denominated in Dollars or other foreign currencies, opened by financial entities in the BCRA; (iii) special guarantee accounts in favor of clearing houses and for coverage of credit cards, vouchers and ATM operations and for transfer settlement of immediate funds; (iv) non-bank financial entities checking accounts opened in commercial banks for the requirement of minimum cash integration; (v) special accounts opened in the BCRA linked for the provision of social security benefits administered by National Social Security Administration (“Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social” or ANSES) and (vi) “sub-accounts 60” which are accounts that contain a minimum amount of cash received from investments in public securities and debt instruments issued by the BCRA, at market value.

According to “Minimum Cash” rule of the BCRA (as modified and complemented), the percentages of minimum cash requirements are as follows:

 

   

Demand deposits:

 

   

Peso-denominated checking accounts and savings accounts: 45%.

 

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Savings accounts denominated in foreign currency: 25%.

 

   

Fixed term deposits:

 

   

Peso-denominated: (i) up to 29 days, 32%; (ii) 30 to 59 days, 22%; (iii) 60 to 89 days, 4%; (iv) 90 days or more, 0%.

 

   

Foreign currency-denominated: (i) up to 29 days, 23%; (ii) 30 to 59 days, 17%; (iii) 60 to 89 days, 11%; (iv) 90 to 179 days, 5%; (v) 180 to 365 days, 2% and (vi) more than 365 days, 0%.

 

   

Fixed term deposits adjusted by UVA/UVI (by remaining maturity):

 

   

(i) up to 29 days, 7%; (ii) from 30 to 59 days, 5%; (iii) from 60 to 89 days, 3%; (iv) 90 days or more, 0%.

Please bear in mind that the above-mentioned peso-denominated rates may vary depending on certain circumstances set forth by the BCRA (e.g., locality, term deposits transactions arranged remotely).

As of December 31, 2020, Banco Galicia was in compliance with its legal reserve requirements and continued to be in compliance as of the date of this annual report.

vi) Limitations on Types of Business

In accordance with the provisions of the FIL, commercial banks are authorized to carry out all activities and operations which are not strictly prohibited by law or by the BCRA regulations. Permitted activities include the capacity to: grant and receive loans; receive deposits from the general public in local and foreign currency; secure its customers’ debts; acquire, place and trade with shares and debt securities in the Argentine over-the-counter market (subject to prior approval of the CNV, if applicable); carry out operations in foreign currencies; act as trustee in financial trusts; and issue credit cards.

In order to calculate the legal reserves requirements for liquidity purposes described above, it is not necessary to deduct the capital stock allocated to foreign branches from a bank’s shareholders’ equity.

Pursuant to the BCRA’s regulations, financial institutions are not allowed to hold more than a 12.5% interest (or more than a specific percentage of the financial institution’s adjusted shareholders’ equity) in the outstanding capital of a company which does not provide services complementary to those offered by financial institutions, as established in the “Complementary services of financial activities” rules. The BCRA determines which services are complementary to those provided by financial institutions. To date has been determined that such services mainly include those offered in connection with stock brokerage, the issuance of credit, debit or similar cards, financial intermediation in leasing and factoring transactions.

Non-banking financial institutions are not allowed to provide certain services and activities, such as opening checking accounts, among other activities.

vii) Capitalization of Debt Instruments

Communication “A” 6304 (as amended) of the BCRA provides that all regulations related to capital increases must be cash contributions. However, the regulation establishes that subject to the prior authorization of the Superintendency, the following instruments are allowed as capital contributions: (i) securities issued by the Argentine government, (ii) debt instruments issued by the BCRA, and (iii) a financial institution’s deposits and other liabilities resulting from its financial brokerage activities, including subordinated obligations. With respect to instruments (i) and (ii), the contributions must be recorded at their market value. It is understood that an instrument has a market value when it is regularly listed on regulated local or foreign stock markets and traded on such markets in such amounts that the liquidation of such instruments does not significantly affect the listing price of such instruments. With respect to clause (iii) above, contributions must be recorded at their market value, as defined in

 

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the previous sentence or, in the case of financial institutions that publicly offer their stock, at the price determined by the applicable regulatory authority. If the aforementioned conditions are not met, the instruments in question will not be contributable as capital.

Deposits and other liabilities resulting from a given financial institution’s financial brokerage activities, including subordinated obligations that are not permitted to be traded in local or foreign regulated secondary markets, will be allowed to be contributed as capital at their accounting value, pursuant to BCRA rules.

viii) Lending Limits

According to the “large exposures to credit risk” and “minimum capital for financial institutions” rules, the total amount of all credit risk exposure values of a financial entity to a single counterparty or, where appropriate, a group of related counterparties, may not exceed at any time the limits established for level capital one (Tier 1) by the BCRA.

In accordance with the BCRA’s regulations, the exposure limit to a counterpart or connected counterpart group of the non-financial private sector will be 15% of the Bank’s level one capital. However, this limit may be increased by 10% for exposures that are secured with preferred guarantees.

The total amount of financial assistance a bank is authorized to provide to a borrower and its affiliates is also limited based on the borrower’s shareholders’ equity. The total amount of financial assistance granted to a borrower and its affiliates shall not be higher than, in the aggregate, 100% of such borrower’s shareholders’ equity, although such limit may be increased an additional 200% of the borrower’s shareholders’ equity if the sum does not exceed 2.5% of the bank’s adjusted shareholders’ equity.

Global exposure to the public sector (national, provincial and municipal public sector) shall not be higher than 75% of an institution’s adjusted shareholders’ equity. Additionally, Section 12 of Communication “A” 3911, as amended, establishes that the average monthly financial assistance to non-financial public sector, in the aggregate, shall not be higher than 35% of the bank’s total assets as of the end of the previous month.

The BCRA also regulates the level of “total financial exposure” a bank has to related parties. A party may be a “related party” by: a) control, when a human or legal person directly or indirectly exercises control over the bank or is controlled directly or indirectly by the bank; or b) personal relationship, regarding individuals (including their families and any other entity which they control) who serve as directors, trustees, general managers, or managers with credit attributions.

The BCRA limits the level of total financial exposure that a bank can have outstanding to related parties, depending on the rating granted to each bank by the Superintendency. Banks rated 4 or 5 are forbidden to extend financial assistance to related parties. For banks ranked between 1 and 3, the financial assistance offered to related parties based on a relationship of control and without a guarantee, may not exceed 5% of the bank’s level one capital. The bank may increase this limit to 10% if the financial assistance is secured.

Financial assistance to related parties based on a “personal relationship” have a 5% limit of Level 1 capital of the entity providing the financing (the limit is unique for all cases and includes operations with and without guarantees).

However, a bank may grant additional financial assistance to such related parties up to the following limits:

 

  a)

Individual maximum limits for customers over which a bank has control:

 

   

Domestic financial entities:

 

   

Financial institutions rated 1, 2 or 3, subject to consolidation with the lender and its controller or the borrower:

 

   

If the affiliate is a financial institution rated 1, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 100% of a bank’s TIER 1, and 50% for additional financial assistance

 

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If the receiving affiliate financial institution is rated 2, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 20% and an additional 105% can be included

 

   

If the affiliate is a financial institution rated 3, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 10%, and additional financial assistance can reach 40%

 

   

Financial institutions that do not meet the above conditions with the lender or the borrower: 10%

 

   

Domestic companies with complementary services:

 

   

Domestic companies with complementary services associated with brokerage activities, financial brokerage in leasing and factoring operations, and temporary acquisition of shares in companies to facilitate their development in order to sell such shares afterwards

 

   

Controlling company rated 1: General assistance 100%

 

   

Controlling company rated 2: General assistance 10% / Additional assistance 90%

 

   

Domestic companies with complementary services related to the issuance of credit cards, debit cards or other cards:

 

   

Controlling company rated 1: General assistance 100% / Additional assistance 50%

 

   

Controlling company rated 2: General assistance 20% / Additional assistance 105%

 

   

Controlling company rated 3: General assistance 10% / Additional assistance 40%

 

   

Domestic companies with complementary services, not subject to consolidation with the lender or the borrower: 10%

 

   

Foreign financial entities:

 

   

Investment grade 10%

 

   

No Investment grade: Unsecured 5%; with and without warrants 10%

 

   

Other counterparties related by control

 

   

Unsecured 5%; with and without warrants 10%

 

  b)

Individual maximum limits for customers over which there is a personal relationship

 

   

Lender is ranked from 1 to 3: 5% of its TIER 1

In addition, the aggregate amount of a bank’s total financial exposure to its related parties, except for the ones subject to individual maximum limits higher than 10% (complementary services companies), may not exceed 20% of such bank’s TIER 1.

Notwithstanding the limitations described above, the sum of computable exposure is also limited in order to prevent risk concentration. To that end, the total exposure independently of whether customers qualify as such bank’s related parties or not, in the case in which such exposure exceeds 10% of such bank’s TIER 1, may not exceed three times the bank’s TIER 1 excluding total financial exposure to domestic financial institutions, or five times the bank’s TIER 1, including such exposure.

 

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For a second-grade financial institution (i.e., a financial institution that provides financial products to other banks and not to retail customers), the latter limit is ten times such financial institution’s TIER 1.

Banco Galicia has historically complied with such rules.

ix) Loan Classification System

General

Banco Galicia is required to comply with the BCRA regulations. In 1994, the BCRA introduced the current loan classification system and the corresponding minimum loan-loss provision requirements applicable to loans and other types of credit (together, referred to as “loans”) to private sector borrowers.

The current loan classification system applies certain criteria to classify loans in a bank’s “consumer” portfolio, and another set of criteria to classify loans in its “commercial” portfolio. The classification system is independent of the currency in which the loan is denominated.

The loan classification criteria applied to loans in the consumer portfolio is based on objective guidelines related to the borrower’s credit score, legal status, and other information provided by credit rating agencies. However, if a borrower has defaulted in the past or is non-current on obligations, a lower rating is assigned by the Bank. In the event of any discrepancy, the guidelines indicating the higher risk level should be considered.

For the purposes of the BCRA’s regulations, consumer loans are defined as mortgage loans, pledge loans, credit card loans and other types of loans in installments granted to individuals. All other loans are considered commercial loans. In addition, in accordance with an option set forth in these regulations, Banco Galicia prospectively applies the consumer portfolio classification criteria to commercial loans of up to Ps.72,64 million. This classification is based on the level of fulfillment and the situation thereof.

The main classification criterion for loans in the commercial portfolio is each borrower’s ability to pay, mainly in terms of such borrower’s future cash flows. If a customer has both commercial and consumer loans, all of these loans will be considered as a whole to determine eligibility for classification in the corresponding portfolio. Loans backed with preferred guarantees will be considered at 50% of their face value.

By applying the BCRA’s classification to commercial loans, banks must assess the following factors: the current and projected financial situation of the borrower, the customer’s exposure to currency risk, the customer’s managerial and operating background, the borrower’s ability to provide accurate and timely financial information, as well as the overall risk of the sector in which the borrower operates and the borrower’s relative position within that sector.

The BCRA’s regulations also establish that a team independent from the departments responsible for credit origination must carry out a periodic review of the commercial portfolio. Banco Galicia’s Credit Division, which is independent from the business units that generate transactions, is responsible for these reviews.

The review must be carried out on each borrower with debt pending payment equal to the lesser of the following amounts: Ps.72,64 million or 1% of the bank’s computable capital (the “RPC”). The frequency of the review of each borrower depends on the bank’s exposure to that borrower. The BCRA requires that the larger the exposure is, the more frequent the review should be. This review must be conducted every calendar quarter when credit exposure to that borrower is equal to or in excess of 5% of the bank’s RPC, or every six months when exposure equals or exceeds the lesser of the following amounts: Ps.72.64 million or 1% of the bank’s RPC. In all cases, at least 50% of Banco Galicia’s commercial portfolio must be reviewed once every six months; and all other borrowers in Banco Galicia’s commercial portfolio must be reviewed during the fiscal year, so that the entire commercial portfolio is reviewed every fiscal year.

In addition, only one level of discrepancy is permitted between the classification assigned by a bank and the lowest classification assigned by at least two other banks whose combined credit to the borrower represents 40%

 

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or more of the total credit of the borrower, considering all banks. If Banco Galicia’s classification was different by more than one level from the lowest classification granted, Banco Galicia must immediately downgrade its classification of the debtor to the same classification level, or else within one classification level.

Loan Classification

The following tables contain the six loan classification categories corresponding to the different risk levels set forth by the BCRA. Banco Galicia’s total exposure to a private sector customer must be classified according to the riskier classification corresponding to any part of such exposure.

Commercial Portfolio

 

Loan Classification

  

Description

A. Normal Situation   

The debtor is widely able to meet its financial obligations, demonstrating significant cash flows, a liquid financial situation, an adequate financial structure, a timely payment record, competent management, available information in a timely, accurate manner and satisfactory internal controls.

 

The debtor belongs to a sector of economic activity that records an acceptable future trend with good prospects and the debtor is competitive within such economic activity.

B. With Special Follow-up    Cash flow analysis reflects that the debt may be repaid even though it is possible that the customer’s future payment ability may deteriorate without a proper follow-up.
   This category is divided into two subcategories:
   B1. Under Observation;
   B2. Under Negotiation or Refinancing Agreements.
C. With Problems    Cash flow analysis evidences problems to repay the debt, and therefore, if these problems are not solved, there may be some losses. It also includes customers that maintain payment agreements resulting from judicial or extrajudicial agreements approved by the relevant insolvency court.
D. High Risk of Insolvency    Cash flow analysis evidences that repayment of the full debt is highly unlikely. It also includes customers who have been sued by the creditor financial institution for the payment of amounts due or that have requested the preventive tender or concluded, and extrajudicial preventive agreement not yet approved by the relevant insolvency court.
E. Uncollectible    The amounts in this category are deemed total losses. Even though these assets may be recovered under certain future circumstances, inability to make payments is evident at the date of the analysis. It includes loans to insolvent or bankrupt borrowers.
   Additionally, this category includes loans to borrowers indicated by the BCRA to be in non-accrual status with financial institutions that have been liquidated or are being liquidated, or whose authorization to operate has been revoked. It also includes loans to foreign banks and other institutions that are not:
  

(i) classified as “normal”;

  

(ii)  subject to the supervision of the BCRA or other similar authority of the country of origin;

  

(iii)  classified as “investment grade” by any of the rating agencies admitted pursuant to Communication “A” 2729 of the BCRA.

 

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Consumer Portfolio

 

Loan Classification

  

Description

A. Normal Situation   

Loans with timely repayment or arrears not exceeding 31 days, both of principal and interest.

 

A customer classified in “Normal” situation that has been refinanced more than twice in the last twelve months in this category, must be re-classified in “Low-Risk”.

B. Low Risk    Occasional late payments, with a payment in arrears of more than 32 days and up to 90 days. A customer classified as “Low Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Normal”, as long as he amortizes one principal installment (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 5% of principal.
C. Medium Risk    Some inability to make payments, with arrears of more than 91 days and up to 180 days. A customer classified as “Medium Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Low Risk” within this category, as long as he amortizes two principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 5% of principal.
D. High Risk    Judicial proceedings demanding payment have been initiated or arrears of more than 180 days and up to one year. A customer classified as “High Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Medium Risk” within this category, as long as he amortizes three principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 10% of principal.
E. Uncollectible   

Loans to insolvent or bankrupt borrowers, or subject to judicial proceedings, with little or no possibility of collection, or with arrears in excess of one year. A customer classified as “Uncollectible” having been refinanced in this category, may be recategorized to “High Risk”, as long as he amortizes three principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 15% of the principal.

 

Additionally, this category includes loans to borrowers indicated by the BCRA to be in non-accrual status with financial institutions that have been liquidated or are being liquidated, or whose authorization to operate has been revoked.

On March 2020, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 6938, which provided for the addition of 60 days to the terms of arrears allowed for levels A, B and C for both the Commercial and Consumer Portfolio. These provisions were extended by complementary Communications until March 31, 2021.

x) Limitation on Fees and Other Substantial Elements

The BCRA has issued regulations limiting amounts that entities can charge as credit card fees, as well as fees that can be charged for financial services rendered by financial entities, credit card issuers (and other similar entities). Such regulations provide that such fees must be duly justified from a technical and economic point of view and must be in relation to the total financial costs incurred by any such financial institution. Further, such Laws provide that applicable interest rates must be set forth.

In addition, such regulations provide that in order to modify fees and other conditions established in agreements executed by and between financial entities and consumers, the following requirements must be met (i) reasons for fees increases must be established in the agreements and must be duly justified; (ii) modifications cannot change the core or fundamental provisions of the agreement; (iii) the consumer must be duly informed of any such changes; and (iv) for the imposition of new fees, the consumer’s consent must be obtained.

In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 6945, as amended (the most recent amendment was under Communication “A” 7181), which suspended the ability of banks to charge fees for the use of automatic teller machines (“ATMs”) until March 31, 2021. Also, as part of the protective measures taken, the BCRA has imposed an injunction on the payment of loans granted to the private sector, as per

 

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Communications “A” 6949 and “A” 6964, among other regulations, as amended from time to time. The BCRA has also mandated that (i) any payments due between April and March 2021 for loans previously granted by financial entities are deferred until the month following the loan’s maturity date; and (ii) credit card debts due between March 20 and April 30 of 2020 and not paid by the credit card holder will be automatically refinanced for at least a one-year term, pursuant to the following terms and conditions: (a) a 3-month grace period must be given to the debtor; (ii) the amount owed must be repaid in 9 equal and consecutive installments, and (iii) the maximum annual interest rate the creditor may charge is of 43%. The same condition applies to credit card debt due between September 1, and September 30, 2020, but with a maximum annual interest rate of 40%.

xi) Foreign Currency General Position

Pursuant to the FX Regulatory Framework, financial entities may determine their own Foreign Currency General Position, with certain limitations.

xii) Deposit Insurance System

In 1995, Law No.24,485 and Decree No.540/95, as amended, created a mandatory deposit insurance system for bank deposits and delegated to the BCRA the organization and start-up of the deposit insurance system. The deposit insurance system was implemented through the creation of a fund named Fondo de Garantía de los Depósitos (“FGD”), which is administered by Seguros de Depósitos S.A. (“Sedesa”). The shareholders of Sedesa are the Argentine government, through the BCRA, which holds at least one share, and a trust constituted by the financial institutions which participate in the fund. The BCRA establishes the extent of participation by each institution in proportion to the resources contributed by each such institution to the FGD. Banks must contribute to the FGD on a monthly basis in an amount that is currently equal to 0.015% of the monthly average of daily balances of such institution’s deposits (both Peso- and foreign currency-denominated).

In addition, when the contributions to the FGD reach the greater of Ps.2 billion or 5.0% of total deposits, the Central Bank may suspend or reduce the monthly contributions and reinstate the same when contributions fall below such required level.

The deposit insurance system covers all Peso and foreign currency deposits held in demand deposit accounts, savings accounts and time deposits for an amount up to Ps.1,500,000 per person, account and deposit. Certain deposits are not covered by the guarantee of the deposit insurance system, such as deposits received at rates higher than the reference rate in accordance with the limits established by the BCRA, deposits acquired by endorsement, and those made by persons related to the financial institution (as defined by BCRA regulations).

The guarantee provided by the deposit insurance system must be made effective within 30 days from the revocation of the license of a financial institution, subject to the outcome of the exercise by depositors of their priority rights described under “—Priority Rights of Depositors” below. The BCRA may modify, at any time, and with general scope, the amount of the mandatory deposit guarantee insurance.

Decree No.1292/96 enhanced Sedesa’s functions by allowing it to provide equity capital or make loans to Argentine financial institutions experiencing difficulties and to institutions that buy such financial institutions or their deposits. As a result of such decree, Sedesa has the flexibility to intervene in the restructuring of a financial institution experiencing difficulties prior to bankruptcy.

Debt securities issued by banks are not covered by the deposit insurance system.

xiii) Priority Rights of Depositors

According to section 49(e) of the FIL, in the event of a judicial liquidation or the bankruptcy of a financial entity, the holders of deposits in Pesos and foreign currency benefit from a general priority right to obtain repayment of their deposits up to the amount set forth below, with priority over all other creditors, with the exception of the following: (i) deposits secured by a mortgage or pledge, (ii) rediscounts and overdrafts provided to financial entities by the BCRA, according to section 17 subsections (b), (c) and (f) of the BCRA Charter, (iii) credits provided by the Banking Liquidity Fund, which was created by Decree No.32, dated December 26, 2001, secured by a mortgage and pledge and (iv) certain labor credits, including accrued interest until the date of their total repayment.

 

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The holders of the following deposits are entitled to the general preferential right established by the FIL (following this order of preference):

 

   

deposits of individuals or entities up to Ps.50,000, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, with only one person per deposit being able to use this preference. For the determination of this preference, all deposits of the same person registered by the entity are computed;

 

   

deposits in excess of Ps.50,000, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, referred to above;

 

   

liabilities originated on commercial credit lines provided to the financial entity, which are directly related to international trade.

According to the FIL, the preferences set forth in previous paragraphs (i) and (ii) above are not applicable to deposits held by persons who are affiliates of the financial entity, either directly or indirectly as determined by the BCRA.

In addition, pursuant to Section 53 of the FIL, the BCRA has an absolute priority over all other creditors of the entity, except as provided by the FIL.

xiv) Deposit and Loans in Housing Units

In order to facilitate access to mortgage loans, through Communication “A” 5945, dated as of April 8, 2016, and complementary regulations, the BCRA established a new type of loan denominated in Acquisition Value Units (Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo or “UVAs”). The value of such units will be updated using the Reference Stabilization Coefficient. The initial value of the UVA was Ps.47.16, and as of December 31, 2020, it was Ps.64.32.

xv) Financing Loans for Economic Development

The BCRA enacted several communications, by means of which it implemented several policies to promote economic development and productivity in Argentina. As from March 1, 2020, the required minimum cash to be held by financial institutions was reduced in an amount equivalent to 30% of the sum of outstanding financing granted in local currency to small and medium companies (PyME), provided such financing is granted at a maximum annual interest rate of (i) 40% until February 16, 2020, and (ii) 35% February 17, 2020 onwards.

The required minimum cash to be held by financial institutions might also be reduced in the following cases:

 

   

an amount equivalent to 35 % of the sum of credit card financings granted in local currency under the program “Ahora 12” (a government program that allows users to make payments in 12 monthly installments) until September 30, 2019, and an amount equivalent to 50% for financings granted under such program on and after October 1, 2020. (Communication “A” 6916, as amended from time to time);

 

   

an amount equivalent to 40% of the amount of a financing provided that is denominated in Argentine pesos and granted with an annual nominal interest rate of up to 24% for: (i) small and medium companies, where at least 50% of such amount is used for working capital lines; (ii) providers of human health services within the framework of the declared health emergency in Argentina, provided that the funds are destined to the purchase of medical supplies and equipment; and (iii) non-small and medium companies, to the extent that the funds are destined to the purchase of machinery and equipment produced by local medium and small companies. This amount may include financing granted to other financial institutions and non-financial credit providers where within 3 business days from the date on which they receive the assistance, those entities allocate the funds to grant financing to small and mediums companies, among other requirements (Communication “A” 6937, as amended from time to time);

 

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an amount that is the equivalent of: (i) 60% of the sum of the “Creditos a tasa cero” (i.e. zero rates loan) , “Créditos a tasa subsidiada para empresas” (i.e. subsidized rate loans for companies) and “Créditos a tasa cero cultura” (i.e. zero rate culture loans) agreed under Decree No. 332/2020 (as amended from time to time) and disbursed until November 5, 2020; (ii) 24% of the “Créditos a tasa subsidiada para empresas” disbursed as from November 6, 2020 at an annual nominal rate of 27%; and (iii) 7% of the “Créditos a tasa subsidiada para empresas” disbursed as from November 6, 2020 at an annual nominal rate of 33%. (Communication “A” 6993, as amended from time to time);

 

   

an amount equivalent to 40% of a financing provided that is denominated in Argentine pesos to small and medium companies and that are granted at an annual nominal interest rate of up to 24%, measured as a monthly average of daily balances of the previous month, provided that such companies are not reported in the “Central of debtors of the financial system” of the BCRA (Communication “A” 7006, as amended from time to time);

 

   

an amount equivalent to 14 % of a financing foreseen under section 4.1. of Communication “A” 7161 for the “Financing line for productive investment of small and medium companies” that are provided at an annual nominal interest rate of up to 30 %, and that are measured on a monthly average of daily balances of the previous month (Communication “A” 7161). In this regard, by means of Communication “A” 7240, the BCRA established the extension of the term of such Financing line for productive investment of small and medium companies’ program.

xvi) Financial Institutions with Economic Difficulties

The FIL establishes that financial institutions, including commercial banks such as Banco Galicia, which do not meet certain minimum cash reserve requirements , have not complied with certain required technical standards, including minimum capital requirements, or whose solvency or liquidity is deemed to be impaired by the BCRA, must submit a restructuring plan to the BCRA. Such restructuring plan must be presented to the BCRA on the date specified by the BCRA, which should not be later than 30 calendar days from the date on which the request is made by the BCRA. In order to facilitate the implementation of a restructuring plan, the BCRA is authorized to provide a temporary exemption from compliance with technical regulations and/or the payment of charges and fines that arise from such non-compliance.

The BCRA may also, in relation to a restructuring plan presented by a financial institution, require such financial institution to provide guarantees or limit the distribution of profits, and appoint a supervisor, to oversee such financial institutions’ management, with the power to veto decisions taken by the financial institution’s corporate authorities.

In addition, the BCRA’s charter authorizes the Superintendency, subject only to the prior approval of the president of the BCRA, to suspend for up to 30 days, in whole or in part, the operations of a financial institution if its liquidity or solvency have been adversely affected. Notice of this decision must be given to the board of directors of the BCRA. If at the end of such suspension period the Superintendency considers renewal necessary, such renewal can only be authorized by the board of directors of the BCRA for an additional period not to exceed 90 days. During the suspension period: (i) there is an automatic stay of claims, enforcement actions and precautionary measures; (ii) any commitment increasing the financial institution’s liabilities is void; and (iii) acceleration of indebtedness and interest accrual is suspended.

If, in the judgment of the BCRA, a financial institution is in a situation which, under the FIL, would authorize the BCRA to revoke the financial institution’s license to operate as such, the BCRA may, prior to considering such revocation, order a variety of measures, including (i) taking steps to reduce, increase or sell the financial institution’s capital; (ii) revoking the approval granted to the shareholders of the financial institution to own an interest therein, giving a term for the transfer of such shares; (iii) excluding and transferring assets and liabilities; (iv) constituting trusts with part or all the financial institution’s assets; (v) granting of temporary exemptions to comply with technical regulations and/or pay charges and fines arising from such defective compliance; or (vi) appointing a bankruptcy trustee and removing statutory authorities.

 

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Furthermore, any actions authorized, commissioned or decided by the BCRA under Section 35 of the FIL involving the transfer of assets and liabilities, or complementing such transfers, or that are necessary to execute the restructuring of a financial institution, as well as those related to the reduction, increase or sale of equity, are not subject to any court authorization and cannot be deemed inefficient in respect of the creditors of the financial institution which was the owner of the excluded assets, even though its insolvency preceded any such actions.

xvii) Dissolution and Liquidation of Financial Institutions

The BCRA must be notified of any decision to dissolve a financial institution pursuant to the FIL. The BCRA, in turn, must then notify a court of competent jurisdiction, which will determine who will liquidate the entity: the corporate authorities (extrajudicial liquidation) or an appointed independent liquidator (judicial liquidation). This determination is based on whether or not sufficient assurances exist regarding the ability of such corporate authorities to carry out the liquidation properly.

Pursuant to the FIL, the BCRA no longer acts as liquidator of financial institutions. However, when a restructuring plan has failed or is not considered viable, local and regulatory violations exist, or substantial changes have occurred in the financial institution’s condition since the original authorization was granted, the BCRA may decide to revoke the license of the financial institution to operate as such. In this case, the law allows judicial or extrajudicial liquidation as in the case of voluntary liquidation described in the preceding paragraph.

The bankruptcy of a financial institution cannot be adjudicated until the license is revoked by the BCRA. No creditor, with the exception of the BCRA, may request the bankruptcy of the former financial institution before 60 calendar days have elapsed since the revocation of its license.

B.7 Credit Cards Regulation

The Credit Cards Law establishes the general framework for credit card activities. Among other regulations, this law:

 

   

sets a 2.00% cap on the rate a credit card company can charge merchants for processing customer card holders’ transactions with such merchants, calculated as a percentage of the customers’ purchases. With respect to debit cards, the cap is set at 1.0% and the amounts relating to the customers’ purchases should be processed in a maximum of three business days;

 

   

establishes that credit card companies must provide the BCRA with the information on their loan portfolio that such entity requires; and

 

   

sets a cap on the interest rate a credit card company can charge a card holder, which cannot exceed the average interest rate charged by the issuer on personal loans by more than 25%; for non-bank issuers, such amount cannot exceed the financial system’s average interest rate on personal loans (published by the BCRA) by more than 25%.

The BCRA has issued regulations to enforce public disclosure of companies’ pricing (fees and interest rates) to ensure consumer awareness of such pricing. In addition, during 2014 the BCRA issued a series of regulations in order to establish caps on interest rates on personal loans, pledge loans and credit card loans, as well as to establish a requirement for an authorization to increase fees. Through its Communication “A” 5853, dated December 17, 2015, the BCRA rescinded regulations related to limits on interest rates in respect of lending transactions.

B.8 Concealment and Laundering of Assets of a Criminal Origin

Law No.25,246 (as amended in July 2011 by Law No.26,683) incorporates money laundering as a crime under the Argentine Criminal Code. Additionally, with the goal of preventing money laundering, the UIF was created under the jurisdiction of the Argentine Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights. As a result of such modification, money laundering is now classified as a separate offense.

 

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In addition to the above, Law No.26,683 sanctions “self-laundering”, which sanctions money laundering tied to a crime the individual in question committed his or herself. It also includes certain tax offenses described in Article 303 of the Argentine Penal Code as punishable laundering behavior. The new standard falls under Article 303 of the Argentine Penal Code in the chapter titled “Crimes against economic and financial order”.

The minimum and maximum of the criminal scale will be doubled when (i) the foregoing acts were crimes that are particularly serious, meaning those crimes with a punishment that is greater than three years of imprisonment; (ii) the perpetrator committed the crime for profit; and (iii) the perpetrator regularly performs concealment activities.

The criminal scale can only be increased once, even when more than one of the above-mentioned acts occurs. In such case, the court may take into consideration the multiple acts when determining the original punishment.

The “Committee for the Control and Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorist Activities” was formed in 2005 and is responsible for establishing and maintaining the general guidelines related to the Bank’s strategy to control and prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. For more information, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia”.

Banco Galicia has also appointed two directors to fulfill the roles of Compliance Officer and Substitute Compliance Officer. In addition, a specialized management unit was created in this area that is responsible for the execution of the policies approved by the committee and for the monitoring of the control systems and procedures to ensure that they are adequate.

Law No.26,734 enacted on December 22, 2011, incorporated terrorism financing and the financing of terrorism as an aggravating circumstance to all criminal conduct in the Argentine Criminal Code.

Such law punishes any individual who directly or indirectly collects or provides goods or money with the intention of being used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part (i) to finance a crime with the purpose established in Section 41.5; (ii) for an organization who commits or attempts to commit crimes with the purpose established in Section 41.5; and (iii) for a person who commits or attempts to commit or participates in any way in committing crimes with the purpose established in Section 41.5.

The new legislation also punishes terrorism as an aggravating factor in other punishable crimes when any such offense was committed in order to terrorize the population.

The Bank has implemented measures to combat the use of the international financial system by criminal organizations. The Bank has policies, procedures and control structures in place to monitor operations based on client profiles and risk assessments based on the information and documentation related to the economic, patrimonial and financial situation of each client to detect clients that could be considered unusual, and eventual reporting to the UIF as appropriate. The Asset Laundering Prevention Management program is charged with the implementation of such control and prevention procedures, as well as communication of such procedures and measures within the Bank, drafting of compliance manuals and employee training. Such management program is also periodically reviewed by senior management.

The Bank has appointed a Director as Compliance Officer, in accordance with Resolution 30/2017 of the UIF, who is responsible for ensuring the observance and implementation of procedures and obligations in the matter. The Compliance Officer contributes to the prevention and mitigation of the risks of criminal transactions and is involved in the establishment of internal policies and measures to monitor and prevent the same.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

The following table illustrates our organizational structure as of December 31, 2020. Percentages indicate the ownership interests held by each entity.

 

 

(*)

The percentage of total votes is 54.1% .

(**)

IGAM Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A. its incorporated in Uruguay while IGAM LLC its registered in the state of Delaware, United States of America.

 

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D. Property, Plants and Equipment

The following are our main property assets, as of December 31, 2020:

 

Property

  

Address

   Square meters
(approx.)
    

Main uses

Grupo Financiero Galicia         

Rented

   Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 25th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina      568      Administrative activities
Banco Galicia         

Owned

   Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 407, Buenos Aires, Argentina      18,815      Administrative activities
   Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, Buenos Aires, Argentina      41,547      Administrative activities
   Corrientes 6287, Buenos Aires, Argentina      34,000      Administrative activities
Ecosistema NaranjaX         

Owned

   Sucre 152, 154 and 541, Córdoba, Argentina      6,300      Administrative activities
   La Tablada 451, Humberto Primo 450 y 454, Córdoba, Argentina      14,080      Administrative activities
   Jujuy 542, Córdoba, Argentina      853      Administrative activities
   Ruta Nacional 36, km. 8, Córdoba, Argentina      7,715      Storage
   Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina      309      Administrative and commercial activities
   San Jerónimo 2348 and 2350, Santa Fe, Argentina      1,475      Administrative and commercial activities

Rented

   Sucre 145/151, La Rioja 359, 364 and 375, Córdoba, Argentina      3,564      Administrative activities
   Av. Corrientes 3135, CABA, Argentina      1,271      Administrative activities
   Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 19th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina      173      Administrative activities
Galicia Administradora de Fondos         

Rented

   Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 22nd floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina      220      Administrative activities
Galicia Warrants         

Owned

   Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 456, 6th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina      118      Administrative activities
   Alsina 3396/3510, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina      12,800      Storage (Investment Property)
Galicia Seguros         

Owned

   Maipú 241, Buenos Aires, Argentina      215,628      Administrative activities
Inviu         

Rented

   Corrientes 6287, Torre Leiva, 7th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina      926      Administrative activities
Galicia Securities         

Rented

   Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 22nd floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina      28      Administrative activities

As of December 31, 2020, our distribution network consisted of:

 

   

Banco Galicia: 326 branches, located throughout Argentina’s 23 provinces, 149 of which were owned and 177 of which were leased by Banco Galicia.

 

   

Naranja: 180 branches and 20 points of sale, located in 21 of the 23 Argentine provinces, 178 of which were leased by Naranja.

 

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Item 4A.

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 5.

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

A. Operating Results

The following discussion and analysis are intended to help you understand and assess the significant changes and trends in our historical results of operations and the factors affecting our resources. You should read this section in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and their related notes included elsewhere in this annual report.

A.1 Overview

In recent years, we have strengthened our position as a leading domestic private-sector financial institution, increasing our market share of loans and deposits and strengthening Banco Galicia’s regulatory capital reserves through the issuance of subordinated bonds and follow-on equity offerings, the sale of CFA and internal profit origination.

Despite the deterioration of the Argentine economy, reduction in Argentine GDP, high levels of inflation and the devaluation of the Peso, in 2020 we were able to maintain our asset quality and adequately cover credit risks and maintain liquidity and profitability metrics at reasonable levels.

With the development of the COVID-19 outbreak, which was first alerted by the Chinese government in December 2019, many countries have suspended the business operations of many sectors of their economies, implemented travel restrictions and quarantine measures. Argentina has not been an exception to this rule. The Government implemented a series of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, providing for preventative and mandatory social isolation or distancing, with variations depending on the region of the country. As of the date of this report, commercial activities are gradually reopening, in compliance with the protocols established by the Government. Additionally, in response to the pandemic and the ensuing policies implemented by the Government, regulatory agencies established rules whose objectives were to provide assistance to the economic sectors whose operations were adversely affected by the pandemic and for providing health care for the community in general. In particular, the BCRA established many regulations, among which are the suspension of the ability of banks to charge fees for the use of automatic teller machines , the refinancing of certain credit card debts that were not paid by the credit card holder for a one-year term and relaxed the delinquency days and default terms for the benefit of the borrowers. In addition, with the purpose of increasing the financial resources available in the economy, the BCRA has suspended banks’ ability to distribute dividends until June 30, 2021.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia has been continually analyzing the evolution of the pandemic and its effect and taking all measures within its reach to safeguard it business continuity, to protect the health and safety of its employees, customers, and other stakeholders. Among the actions carried out to collaborate and comply with the regulations of the Government and of the BCRA, the following stand out: the subsidiaries of Group Financiero Galicia created interdisciplinary committees responsible for designing and executing various protocols and procedures for the provision of services; work from home policies were implemented, except for those employees who have activities that require their physical presence e.g. cash management logistics and customer service; appointments were required to conduct transactions at branch locations; various lines of credit were made available to clients with certain benefits such as reduction of interest rates, grace periods and the extension of payment terms; subsidies granted by the Government were credited to customer accounts and through the Banelco ATM network; new free-accounts were opened for retirement and subsidy beneficiaries; processes were modified so that they can be done 100% online through websites and / or mobile applications, without having to go to branches; new customer features and options were designed, such as the possibility of withdrawing money from ATMs and self-service terminals without a debit card; donations were made to various health centers, municipalities and families in vulnerable situations; solidarity campaigns were launched to promote customer collaboration and additional contribution from Grupo’s subsidiaries.

 

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Our business and prospects are subject to risks associated with and arising from the outbreak of COVID-19, and the uncertainty of the impacts, duration, and severity of the outbreak. This global pandemic creates substantial uncertainty as to our ability to achieve our financial projects and how it may affect our business operations.

On another note but connected to the impact COVID-19 may have on how we operate our business, we have conducted a business impact analysis as part of our Business Continuity Program. The results of this analysis show that critical business functions will remain operative upon the occurrence of a disruptive event. In cases of mass absenteeism events, the analysis conducted identified the minimum quantity of personnel and positions needed to remain operative, the outcome being the leader of the relevant sector responsible for assigning personnel to such critical positions. New employees will be hired, and current employees will be relocated to guarantee that critical functions remain operative, if and where needed.

Even though up to the date of this report, Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries have suffered a limited impact on their results as a consequence of the pandemic, the impact of a lower level of economic activity and a higher level of unemployment could have a significant impact on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations in the future.

Taking into account the above, fiscal year 2021 is expected to be a challenging year as a result of the uncertainty related to the impact of COVID-19, the evolution of the sovereign debt restructuring process with the IMF, and the path to the normalization of certain macroeconomic imbalances in a volatile global economy, all of which could negatively impact the Argentine economy and Grupo Financiero Galicia’s results of operations.

A.2 The Argentine Economy

The first weeks of 2020 continued to reflect the favorable trend observed in the last months of the previous year, driven mainly by the optimism generated by the progress in the U.S.-China trade negotiations, diverting investors’ focus to other events such as the U.S. presidential elections, which took place at the beginning of November 2020. However, the economic-financial dynamics in the world were completely altered by the outbreak of COVID-19, a virus categorized by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) as a global pandemic. An almost complete shutdown in global activity led to recessions with unprecedented economic and social costs across the world. As a reference, in the United States the unemployment rate peaked at 14.7% in 2020 (it was 6.7% in December 2020) and 21.4 million jobs were lost between March and April 2020 (almost 11.8 million were created by the end of the year), and the GDP fell 31.4% quarter over quarter in the second quarter ( it increased 33.4% in the third quarter and 4.3% in the fourth quarter ending with a year over year decrease of 2.4% in 2020).

Confronted with this global context, both monetary entities and governments responded with important monetary and fiscal measures to ensure the correct functioning of the markets and to mitigate the negative economic and health effects generated by the virus.

In the United States, fiscal measures reached a total of approximately US$3.9 trillion (~20% of GDP) in 2020, while the victory of the Democratic party boosted expectancy for further fiscal stimulus in the short-term. Likewise, the U.S. Federal Reserve reduced its interest rate range by 150 bps to 0%-0.25% and increased its balance sheet through various asset-buyback programs aimed at providing liquidity, amounting to 76.8% or US$3.2 trillion to almost US$7.4 trillion in 2020, representing about 37.8% of GDP, which is a level not observed since World War II. Additionally, the U.S. Federal Reserve updated its monetary policy framework, stating among the main changes that the level of rates consistent with full employment and long-term price stability had been reduced compared to its historical average, that higher risks to employment and inflation are expected, and that they will target full employment and an average inflation of 2%, hoping to see levels above such benchmark consistently. In the Eurozone, fiscal measures taken jointly in 2020 by country members reached € 1.4 trillion (around 10.1% of the aggregate GDP), while during 2020 the European Central Bank (ECB) maintained its interest rate range at -0.5% to 0.0% and expanded its balance sheet by 48.7% or € 2.3 trillion to € 7.0 trillion, representing around 16.9% of GDP. In addition, there were significant incremental fiscal measures implemented in Germany, the United Kingdom and France. Finally, in 2020 China announced fiscal measures for RMB 4.8 trillion (~4.7% of GDP), while the country’s Central Bank (PBC) cut its interest rate by 30 bps to 3.85% and introduced financing facilities for RMB 2.6 trillion. On the other hand, there is still significant uncertainty regarding whether the measures introduced so far are enough to mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus or if additional efforts will be required from the relevant governmental authorities.

 

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The number of positive cases of coronavirus reached 83.9 million by the end of 2020, including a mortality rate of 2.9%, mainly focused in the United States (20.5 million), India (10.3 million) and Brazil (7.7 million). Moreover, different stages of the virus propagation and social distancing measures have been seen worldwide. In general, the first wave of propagation was followed by a second wave, and the spread of the virus was accelerating by the end of the year, reducing short and medium-term perspectives for economic recovery. On the other hand, several vaccines were approved for use by various governments in the last months of the year, although it was still unknown when approved vaccines would be available for widespread distribution with the goal of obtaining global herd immunity.

Following the strike of COVID-19, stock indexes reflected a substantial correction between February and March of 2020, including maximum declines compared to the end of 2019 of 30.7% in the S&P 500 index in the United States ( it was up 16.3% in 2020 as compared to 2019 by the end of 2020), 36.3% in the SX5E in the Eurozone ( it was down 5.1% as compared to 2019 by the end of 2020) and 12.8% in the Shanghai Composite in China ( it was up 21.5% by the end of 2020 as compared to 2019). Among other relevant variables, the VIX volatility index peaked at 82.6 points to close 2020 at 22.75 points, a level still well above the average of approximately 15 points prior to the impact of the Coronavirus. Also, the DXY US dollar index rose to almost 103 points at the peak to decline up to around 90 points. For emerging markets, this meant an outflow of up to US$96.9 billion by the end of September 2020 resulting in a marked depreciation of related currencies against the Dollar, compared to inflows for US$62.2 billion in the last three months of 2020. The problem of the spread of the Coronavirus was compounded by the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil. After both countries failed to reach an agreement to limit barrel production, Saudi Arabia decided to increase its production output, causing a price correction in the crude oil price (WTI) of up to 81% to US$11.6 per barrel in March 2020, although its price ended the year at US$48.5, boosted by global economic recovery.

At the local level, the Argentine economy began 2020 unable to recover dynamism after ending 2019 with its second consecutive annual decline. In 2019, activity had fallen 2.1% (following the 2.6% contraction in 2018), a consequence of high political uncertainty, exchange rate volatility and accelerating inflation. The lack of confidence prevented the country from refinancing its debt maturities, and the new Government had to handle an external debt restructuring process during the first months in office. The outbreak of COVID-19 added to this situation, a pandemic that forced the Government to implement a number of restrictive measures regarding movement by the public and social distancing and isolation policies starting in mid-March, which negatively impacted production and trade. Therefore, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC), the Argentine GDP plunged an annual 9.9% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

The labor market reflected the historical slump in economic activity, as the latest available data shows that the unemployment rate rose to 11.0% of the economically active population during the fourth quarter of 2020. These figures are compared to an unemployment rate of 8.9% in the same quarter of 2019. Moreover, the activity and employment rates reached 45.0% and 40.1%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2020. In both cases, this is below the 47.2% and 43.0% of the same quarter of the previous year.

On the monetary front, the main aggregates accelerated their expansion pace during most of 2020, rising several points above inflation (+60.4% year-on-year in October as compared to 2019). Up to November 5, the latest data available at the time of writing this annual report, the monetary base increased by Ps.464,844 million, due mainly to the monetary entity’s provision of financing to the Argentine Treasury. The BCRA issued Ps.407,720 million in “temporary advances” to the Argentine Treasury and Ps.1,2020,000 million as a consequence of transferring all of 2019’s profits to the Argentine Treasury. This amounted to 6.0% of the GDP. The impact of these issuances was neutralized via the placement of repo transactions and LELIQ (Ps.646,072 million, net of interest), combined with the absorption of Argentine pesos resulting from the sale of foreign currency to the private sector (Ps.331,866 million) and to the public sector (Ps.126,391 million).

Meanwhile, private M2 (comprised of currency held by the public, savings accounts and checking accounts of the private sector) also showed strong dynamism, registering an expansion of 79.3% as of December 30, 2020 with respect to the same period of 2019. Total M2 (which also includes public sector deposits) recorded a similar expansion (+80.9%) in the same period.

 

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During the first months of the year, domestic interest rates showed a downward trend. The BADLAR rate started at 36.2% in 2020, and by April it was at an average of 20%. However, exchange rate pressures and the growing liquidity in Argentine pesos led the BCRA to set a minimum interest rate level for term deposits of less than Ps.1 million equivalent to 70% of the LELIQ rate (nominal annual rate “TNA” of 26.6%). The minimum rate was later extended to fixed term deposits of up to $4 million, and subsequently to all time deposits. In June, the interest rate floor for all fixed-term deposits was raised to 79% of the LELIQ rate (TNA of 30.02%) and in August, it was raised to 87% (TNA of 33.06%), although this was only for retail deposits. At the beginning of October, the BCRA initiated a rate harmonization process, consisting of an increase in liability repurchase transactions rates (from 19% to 31% in four different segments) and a reduction in the LELIQ rate (from 38% to 36%). The rate floor for fixed-term deposits was also adjusted upwards, bringing fixed-term deposits of less than Ps.1 million currently yielding a minimum of 34% and those of more than Ps.1 million to 32%.

The reference exchange rate of the BCRA went from Ps.59.90 to Ps.84.15 per dollar, between December 30, 2019 and December 30, 2020 (equivalent to an increase in the exchange rate of 40.5%). The average exchange rate went from Ps.59.88 per dollar in December 2019 to Ps.82.72 per dollar in December 2020.

The National Consumer Price Index data published by INDEC showed a year-on-year variation of 36.1% in December 2020, 17.7 percentage points below the 53.8% variation of December 2019. This slowdown was partly due to the stabilization of the exchange rate, the implementation of capital controls, and the freezing of rates for public utilities and certain regulated goods and services. Additionally, it may be partially attributed to the statistical effect that the paralysis of activity had on price surveys during the months in which the strictest restrictions on mobility and production prevailed, in some cases, it was not possible to obtain measurements. The increase in the precautionary demand for money and the erosion of the purchasing power (a consequence of the increase in layoffs and salary cuts and of the fall in employment) also helped to contain the evolution of prices.

On a fiscal level, during 2020, tax resources (grew 23.0% compared to the interannual expansion of 51.4% in 2019. Likewise, primary expenditures expanded 63.5% in 2020, above the 37.2% of the previous year. Thus, the national private sector registered a primary deficit of Ps.1,749,957 million, equivalent to —6.5% of the GDP. This figure indicated an impairment compared to the 2019 primary deficit of Ps.95,122 million (-0.4 p.p. of the GDP). After the payment of interest for Ps.542,873 million, the financial deficit for 2020 amounted to Ps.2,292,830 million, equivalent to -8.5% of GDP.

In relation to the external sector, in 2020 the foreign exchange current account published by the BCRA (cash base) recorded a surplus of US$322 million, a drop of 94.9% compared to the surplus of US$6,277 million registered in 2019. Measured in relation to GDP, the surplus of the checking account was about 0.1%, showing a drop compared to the surplus of 1.4% of the previous year.

The impairment observed in nominal terms was the result of lower net income from goods (US$8,492 million in 2020 as compared to US$23,444 million in 2019), an effect offset by a lower outflow of foreign currency via the balance of services (US$1,595 million up to September 2020) and by lower interest payments (US$6,528 million). In particular, income from the collections of goods exports totaled US$50,357 million in 2020, a 12.89% drop compared to the level observed in the previous year. Likewise, the import payments of the exchange balance sheet totaled US$41,865 million, registering an interannual growth of 22.0%

In this context, the foreign exchange capital and financial account recorded a net currency outflow of US$8,048 million in 2020, compared to a net outflow of US$32,384 million in 2019. Likewise, the International Reserves of the BCRA amounted to US$39,387 million year-end, which is US$5,394 million below the figure of a previous year.

 

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A.3 The Argentine Financial System

Total loans provided to the private sector by the financial system climbed to Ps.3,355,603 million in December 2020, reflecting a 29.6% increase over the same month of 2020. Consumer loans, consisting of loans granted through credit cards and personal loans, presented the greatest growth, a 39.2% increase as compared to December 31, 2019, totaling Ps.1,372,301 million as of December 31, 2020. On the other hand, commercial loans, consisting of current account overdrafts and drafts/bills (signature and purchased/discounted loans), finally totaled Ps.1,227,705 million, registering an increase of 25.2% year-on-year (YoY).

Total deposits in the financial system climbed to Ps.7,977,812 million as of the end of December 2020, up by 67.0% as compared to December 31, 2019. Deposits from the non-financial private sector increased 64.0% annually, climbing to Ps.6,453,993 million, while public sector deposits totaled Ps.1,432,927 million, increase by 89.2% YoY. Within private sector deposits, transaction deposits ended at Ps 3,707,372 million, a 62.5% hike YoY, and time deposits at Ps.2,603,540million, a 68.9% annual growth.

In December 2020, the average interest rate for 30-35-day term deposits in Argentine pesos from private banks (over Ps.1 million) was 34.2%, registering an interannual drop of 7.5 p.p. Regarding active rates, the one corresponding to advances in current account was 39.7% (-26.7 p.p. YoY).

With data as of December 2020, financial institutions increased liquidity levels (in relation to total deposits) compared to the same month of the previous year, a ratio that stood at 65.0%, +4.9 p.p. (considering repurchase transactions and instruments of the BCRA).

In terms of solvency, the equity of the financial system showed an interannual increase of Ps.777,586 million, finally totaling Ps.1,685,318 million, which implies an 85.7% increase. The profitability of the system accumulating 12 months as of December 2020 (Comprehensive Income adjusted by inflation) was equivalent to 2.3% of assets, while the return on Shareholders’ Equity was 15.8%.

The nonperforming portfolio of loans to the non-financial private sector amounted to 3.9% in December 2020, minor than the 5.7% of the previous year. Hedging with allowances for private sector nonperforming loans was 151%, 53 p.p. higher than the measurement reported in the same month of 2019.

As for the composition of the financial system, as of November 30, 2020, there were 79 financial institutions: 64 banks, of which 51 were private (35 of domestic capital and 16 foreigners) and 13 were public, and 15 non-banking financial institutions.

With data as of September 2020, the latest information available, the financial system employed 104,657 people, which represented a 2.1% drop since September 30, 2019.

A.4 The Argentine Insurance Industry

According to the information published by the Superintencia de Seguros de la Nación, the insurance industry continued to grow throughout 2020. The total gross premiums in respect of property, life, and retirement insurance for such period was equal to Ps.840,557 million, an increase of 35% as compared to 2019.

During 2020, the automotive and workers’ compensation insurance sectors were affected by high inflation and an increase in the filing of claims for compensation. Although inflation is not decreasing as expected, financial income is expected to cover any increased costs as a result of the foregoing.

Home, life and personal accident insurance policies increased by 35% year-over-year. It is expected that this segment will continue to increase as the Argentine economy stabilizes. During this period, Galicia Seguros has maintained positive financial results. As of December 31, 2020, Sudamericana Holding, primarily through its main subsidiary Galicia Seguros reported a net income equal to Ps.1,318 million. This result includes Ps.7,789 million of insurance premiums and surcharges (related to both direct insurance and reinsurance).

 

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A.5 Inflation

Historically, inflation in Argentina has played a significant role in influencing, often negatively, the economic conditions and, in turn, the operations and financial results of companies operating in Argentina, such as Grupo Financiero Galicia.

In fiscal year 2015, due to changes in the authorities at the Institute of Statistics, the Wholesale Price Index and CPI series were discontinued beginning in October 2015. The Wholesale Price Index was republished beginning January 2016. A new CPI series was launched in May 2016 but did not contain historical information.

The chart below presents a comparison of inflation rates published by INDEC, measured by the Whole Price Index and the CPI, for the fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018.

In addition, the chart below presents the evolution of the CER and UVA indexes, published by the BCRA and used to adjust the principal of certain of our assets and liabilities for the specified periods.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in percentages)  

Price Indices (1)

        

WPI

     35.38        58.49        73.50  

CPI

     36.14        53.83        47.65  

Adjustment Indices

        

CER

     25.49        18,70        12,34  

UVA(2)

     64.32        47,16        31,06  

 

(1)

Data for December of each year as compared to December of the immediately preceding year.

(2)

Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo (Acquisition Value Unit).

In 2020, the CPI published by INDEC reflected a 36.1% increase, while the CER and UVA indexes went up 25.5% and 64.32% during the same period, respectively.

In the first two months of 2021, the CPI published by INDEC reflected a 7.8% increase, while the CER and UVA indexes increased by 7.54% and 7.34% respectively, during the same period.

A.6 Currency Composition of Our Balance Sheet

The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency, in Pesos and adjustable by the CER/UVA, as of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (In millions of Pesos)  

Assets

        

In Pesos, Unadjusted

     805,797        620,363        731,530  

In Pesos, Adjusted by the CER/UVA

     32,321        39,809        38,635  

In Foreign Currency (1)

     217,161        275,182        422,931  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,055,279        935,354        1,193,096  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

        

In Pesos, Unadjusted, Including Shareholders’ Equity

     831,019        657,516        764,365  

In Pesos, Adjusted by the CER/UVA

     7,099        2,656        5,800  

In Foreign Currency (1)

     217,161        275,182        422,931  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

     1,055,279        935,354        1,193,096  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

If adjusted to reflect forward sales and purchases of foreign exchange made by Grupo Financiero Galicia and recorded off-balance sheet, assets amounted to Ps.241,110 and liabilities Ps.241,650 million as of December 31, 2020.

Funding of Banco Galicia’s long position in CER/UVA-adjusted assets through Peso-denominated liabilities bearing a market interest rate (and no principal adjustment linked to inflation) exposes Banco Galicia to differential fluctuations in the inflation rate and in market interest rates, with a significant increase in market interest rates vis-à-vis the inflation rate (which is reflected in the CER/UVA variation), which has a negative impact on our gross brokerage margin.

 

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Two other currencies have been defined apart from the Argentine Peso: assets and liabilities adjusted by CER/UVA and foreign currency. Banco Galicia’s policy in force establishes limits in terms of maximum “net asset positions” (assets denominated in a currency which are higher than the liabilities denominated in such currency) and “net liability positions” (assets denominated in a currency which are lower than the liabilities denominated in such currency) for mismatches in foreign currency, as a proportion of Banco Galicia’s RPC, on a consolidated basis.

An adequate balance between assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency characterizes the management strategy for this risk factor, seeking to achieve full coverage of long-term asset-liability mismatches and allowing a short-term mismatch management margin that contributes to the possibility of improving certain market situations. Short- and long-term goals are attained by appropriately managing assets and liabilities and by using the financial products available in our market, particularly “dollar futures” both in institutionalized markets (MAE and ROFEX) and in forward transactions performed with customers.

Transactions in foreign currency futures (specifically, dollar futures) are subject to limits that take into consideration the particular characteristics of each trading environment.

A.7 Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

We discuss below our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as compared with our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as compared with our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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i) Consolidated Income Statement

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     Change (%)  
     2020     2019     2018     2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except otherwise noted)  

Consolidated Income Statement

          

Net Income from Interest

     76,632       47,417       69,873       62       (32

Interest Income

     166,807       177,671       163,928       (6     8  

Interest Expenses

     (90,175     (130,254     (94,055     (31     38  

Net Fee Income

     36,558       38,233       44,756       (4     (15

Fee Income

     46,476       47,847       51,094       (3     (6

Fee Related Expenses

     (9,918     (9,614     (6,338     3       52  

Net Income from Financial Instruments

     69,332       99,151       36,342       (30     173  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

     (3     299       464       (101     (36

Exchange Rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

     7,047       11,832       7,910       (40     50  

Other Operating Income

     22,323       28,770       21,863       (22     32  

Income from Insurance Business

     5,502       5,001       6,009       10       (17

Loan and Other Receivables Loss Provisions

     (34,680     (30,228     (34,136     15       (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Operating Income

     182,711       200,475       153,081       (9     31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Personnel expenses

     (31,825     (33,285     (35,658     (4     (7

Administrative Expenses

     (31,372     (33,105     (33,674     (5     (2

Depreciations and Impairment of Assets

     (8,284     (6,895     (3,460     20       99  

Other Operating Expenses

     (30,764     (35,083     (35,391     (12     (1

Loss on Net Monetary Position

     (36,963     (41,929     (37,831     (12     11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     43,503       50,178       7,067       (13     610  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of Profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

     (125     —         —         —         —    

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

     (17,845     (17,751     (14,477     1       23  

Loss from Discontinued Operations

     —         —         (544     —         (100

Income Tax from Discontinued Operations

     —         —         (66     —         100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year

     25,533       32,427       (8,020     (21     504  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company’s Owner

     25,192       32,276       (7,258     (22     545  

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     341       151       (762     126       120  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (210     548       (183     (138     399  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     25,323       32,975       (8,203     (23     502  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Company’s Owners

     24,982       32,824       (7,442     (24     541  

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Loss Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     341       151       (761     126       120  
Ratios (%)                      Change (pbs)  

Return on Assets

     2.39       3.46       (0.61     (107     407  

Return on Shareholders’ Equity

     13.82       20.81       (5.76     (699     2,657  
                       Change (%)  

Basic Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

     17.46       22.62       (5.09     (23     545  

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Net income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.25,533 million, as compared to net income equal to Ps.32,427 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.6,894 million or 21% decrease. This result was mainly due to net income from: (i) banking activities (Banco Galicia) for Ps.20,928 million, (ii) Ecosistema NaranjaX for Ps.2,159 million and (iii) insurance services (Sudamerica Holding) for Ps.1,318 million.

Net earnings per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to a Ps.17.46 per share, as compared to a Ps.22.62 per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

The return on assets and the return on shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to a 2.39% and 13.82%, respectively, as compared to a 3.46% and 20.81%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

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The decrease in net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily attributable to a lower net operating income, decreasing from Ps.200,475 million to Ps.182,711 million (a 9% decrease as compared to December 31, 2019) and was partially offset by (i) a Ps.4,966 million decrease in the loss on net monetary position, decreasing from Ps.41,929 million in 2019 to Ps.36,963 million in 2020 and (ii) a Ps.1,733 million decrease in administrative expenses, decreasing from Ps.33,105 million in 2019 to Ps.31,372 million in 2020.

The decrease in net operating income from the year ended December 31, 2020 was mainly attributable to: (i) a Ps.29,819 million decrease in net income from financial instruments, from Ps.99,151 million in 2019 to Ps.69,332 million in 2020, (ii) a Ps.6,447 million decrease in other operating income from Ps.28,770 million in 2019 to Ps.22,323 million in 2020 and (iii) a Ps.4,785 million decrease in exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency from Ps.11,832 million in 2019 to Ps.7,047 million in 2020. Such decrease was partially offset by a Ps.29,215 increase in net income from interest from Ps.47,417 million in 2019 to Ps.76,632 million in 2020.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Net income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.32,427 million, as compared to net loss equal to Ps.8,020 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.40,447 million or 504% increase. This result was mainly due to net income (i) from banking activities (Banco Galicia) for Ps.30,336 million, (ii) from Ecosistema NaranjaX for Ps.889 million and (iii) from activities related to insurance services (Sudamerica Holding) for Ps.863 million.

Net gain per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to a Ps.22.62 per share gain, as compared to a Ps.5.09 per share loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

The return on assets and the return on shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to a 3.46% and 20.81 %, respectively, as compared to a 0.61% loss and 5.76% loss, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

This result was attributable to (i) a growth of net operating income (31% increase compared to previous year) and (ii) a 7% decrease in personnel expenses.

The increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to a higher net operating income from Ps.153,081 million to Ps.200,475 million (a 31% increase as compared to December 31, 2018) and was partially offset by (i) a Ps.4,098 million increase loss on net monetary position, increasing from Ps.37,831 million in 2018 to Ps.41,929 million in 2019 and (ii) a Ps.3,435 million increase in depreciation and impairment of assets, increasing from Ps.3,460 million in 2018 to Ps.6,895 million in 2019.

The Ps.47,394 million increase in net operating income was mainly attributable to (i) a Ps.62,809 million increase in net income from financial instruments from Ps.36,342 million in 2018 to Ps.99,151 million in 2019, (ii) a Ps.6,907 million increase in other operating income from Ps.21,863 million in 2018 to Ps.28,770 million in 2019 and (iii) a Ps.3,922 million increase in exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency from Ps.7,910 million in 2018 to Ps.11,832 million in 2019. This increase was offset by (i) a Ps.36,199 million increase in interest expenses from Ps.94,055 million in 2018 to Ps.130,254 million in 2019, and (ii) a Ps.6,523 million decrease in net fee income from Ps.44,756 million in 2018 to Ps.38,233 million in 2019.

 

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ii) Interest-Earning Assets

The following table shows our yields on interest-earning assets:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     Average
Balance
     Average
Yield / Rate
     Average
Balance
     Average
Yield / Rate
     Average
Balance
     Average Yield
/ Rate
 
     (in millions of Pesos, except rates)  

Interest-Earning Assets

                 

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

                 

Government Securities

     155,630        40.11        166,505        50.98        93,353        30.75  

Others Debt Securities

     1,385        73.29        1,838        48.31        3,541        22.56  

Total Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

     157,015        40.41        168,343        50.95        96,894        30.45  

Repurchase Transactions

     35,871        25.00        18,170        53.46        16,479        9.42  

Loans and Other Financing

                 

Loans

     491,386        30.23        587,663        27.12        631,995        24.80  

Financial Leases

     2,324        15.15        3,857        19.73        5,059        24.25  

Other Loans and Other Financing

     2,265        13.82        3,317        20.20        1,244        47.35  

Total Loans and Other Financing

     495,975        30.08        594,837        27.03        638,298        24.84  

Other Interest-Earning Assets

     44,279        30.39        54,603        24.76        43,578        16.26  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

     733,140        32.06        835,953        32.27        795,249        24.74  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Spread and Net Yield

                 

Interest Spread, Nominal Basis (1)

        16.05           12.06           10.21  

Cost of Funds Supporting Interest-Earning Assets

        12.27           15.43           11.41  

Net Yield on Interest-Earning Assets (2)

        19.80           16.84           13.33  

 

(1)

Reflects the difference between the average nominal interest rate on interest-earning assets and the average nominal interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.

(2)

Net interest earned divided by average interest-earning assets. Interest rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

The average of interest-earning assets decreased Ps.102,813 million, from Ps.835,953 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 to Ps.733,140 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, representing a 12% decrease. Of this decrease, Ps.96,277 million was due to a decrease in the average size of the loan portfolio. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 32.06% in 2020, as compared to 32.27% in 2019, a 21 bps decrease, mainly attributable to a decrease in the average interest rate earned on repurchase transactions (decreasing 2,846 bps as compared to 2019) and government securities ( decreasing 1,087 bps as compared to 2019).

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

The average of interest-earning assets increased Ps.40,704 million, from Ps.795,249 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 to Ps.835,953 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 5% increase. Of this increase, Ps.73,152 million was due to an increase in the average size of the government securities holdings, offset by Ps.44,332 million in the average size of loans. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 32.27% in 2019, as compared to 24.74% in 2018, a 753 bps, that was primarily attributable to an increase in the average interest rate earned on repurchase transactions and an increase in the average interest rate earned Government securities.

 

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iii) Interest-Bearing Liabilities

The following table shows our yields on cost of funds:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     Average
Balance
     Average
Yield / Rate
     Average
Balance
     Average
Yield / Rate
     Average
Balance
     Average
Yield / Rate
 
     (in millions of Pesos, except rates)  

Interest-Bearing Liabilities

                 

Deposits

                 

Savings Accounts

     252,515        5.77        264,364        4.24        279,693        2.48  

Time Deposits

     243,255        26.68        234,214        39.25        228,217        26.31  

Total Interest-Bearing Deposits

     495,770        16.03        498,578        20.69        507,910        13.19  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     19,815        12.64        38,319        13.19        42,944        12.80  

Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities

     43,921        17.42        88,146        22.54        70,300        25.40  

Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

     1,916        15.29        13,315        7.15        3,393        11.97  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

     561,422        16.02        638,358        20.21        624,547        14.53  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

The average interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.561,422 million, as compared to Ps.638,358 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 12% decrease. Such decrease was primarily attributable to (i) a Ps.44,225 million decrease in the average balance of debt securities and subordinated debt securities, which decreased to Ps.43,921 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 from Ps.88,146 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, (ii) a Ps.18,504 million decrease in the average balance of financing received from the BCRA and other financial institutions, which decreased to Ps.19,815 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 from Ps.38,319 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and (iii) a Ps.2,808 million decrease in total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits), which decreased to Ps.495,770 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 from Ps.498,578 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

The average interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.638,358 million, as compared to Ps.624,547 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of 2%. Such increase was primarily attributable to a Ps.17,846 million increase in debt securities, which increased to Ps.88,146 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.70,300 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was offset by a decrease in the average balance of savings accounts deposits, which decreased to Ps.264,364 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.279,693 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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iv) Interest Income

Consolidated interest income was composed of the following:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      Change (%)  
     2020      2019      2018      2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Cash and due from banks

     3        11        2        (73     450  

Corporate debt securities

     312        531        691        (41     (23

Government debt securities

     9,183        6,405        2,908        43       120  

On Loans and Other Financing Activities

     148,447        161,010        158,764        (8     1  

Non-financial Public Sector

     —          —          1        —         (100

Financial Sector

     3,126        4,300        4,406        (27     (2

Non-financial Private Sector

     145,321        156,710        154,357        (7     2  

Advances

     11,887        17,145        20,605        (31     (17

Mortgage loans

     13,076        17,497        12,463        (25     40  

Pledge loans

     1,422        956        891        49       7  

Personal Loans

     16,299        16,636        19,160        (2     (13

Credit Card Loans

     47,207        64,903        61,486        (27     6  

Financial Leases

     352        761        1,266        (54     (40

Others

     55,078        38,812        38,486        42       1  

On Repurchase Transactions

     8,862        9,714        1,563        (9     521  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income from Interest

     166,807        177,671        163,928        (6     8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.166,807 million, as compared to Ps.177,671 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 6% decrease. Such decrease was the result of a Ps.12,563 million or 8% decrease in interest from loans and other financing and was partially offset by a Ps.2,778 million increase in interest income from government debt securities measured at amortized cost.

The average amount of loans granted for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.491,386 million, a 16% decrease as compared to the Ps.587,663 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. The average interest rate on total loans was 30.23% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to 27.12% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 311 bps increase year-over-year.

The decrease in interest earnings from loans and other financing was primarily a consequence of a Ps.17,696 million decrease in credit card loans. This decrease was due to the maximum annual interest rate imposed by the BCRA as a measure to reduce negative economic the consequences of COVID-19. For more information see – Item 4. Information on the Company –A. Business Overview – Argentine Banking Regulations – Limitations on Fees and Other Substantial Elements.

Additionally, the decrease in interest from loans and other financing was due to a Ps.5,258 million decrease in interest from advances and a Ps.4,421 million decrease in interest from mortgage loans, offset by a Ps.16,266 million increase in others loans (mostly comprised of overdrafts and loans for the pre-financing and financing of exports).

Interest income from banking activity amounted to Ps.144,685 million, a 4% decrease as compared to the Ps.150,712 million recorded in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

According to BCRA information, as of December 31, 2020, Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of loans to the private sector was 13.03% as of December 31, 2020, as compared to 11.50% as of December 31, 2019.

The following table indicates Banco Galicia market share in the segments listed below:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in percentages)  

Total Loans

     12.95        11.52        10.60  

Private-Sector Loans

     13.03        11.50        10.51  

 

(*)

Exclusively Banco Galicia within the Argentine market, according to the daily information on loans published by the BCRA. balances as of the last day of each year.

 

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Interest income related to Ecosistema NaranjaX amounted to Ps.21,990 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a 17% decrease as compared to the Ps.26,500 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Interest income related to insurance activity amounted to Ps.727 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a 37% decrease as compared to the Ps.1,145 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease was related to interest from debt securities recorded at amortized cost.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was Ps.177,671 million, as compared to Ps.163,928 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 8% increase. Such increase was mainly the result of: (i) Ps.8,151 million in interest from repurchase transactions, (ii) Ps.3,497 million in interest from government debt securities measured at amortized cost and (iii) Ps.2,246 million in interest from loans and other financing.

The average amount of repurchase transactions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.18,170 million, a 10% increase as compared to Ps.16,479 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The average interest rate on repurchase transactions was 53.46%, a 4,404 bps increase as compared to 9.46% as of December 31, 2018.

The average amount of loans for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.587,663 million, a 7 % increase as compared to the Ps.631,995 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.This decrease was primarily attributable to the increase in overdraft, mortgage and credit card loans extended as part of the portfolio. The average interest rate on total loans was 27.12% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 24.80% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 232 bps increase year-over-year.

Interest income from banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to Ps.150,712 million, a 25% increase as compared to the Ps.120,773 million recorded in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

According to BCRA information, as of December 31, 2019 Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of loans to the private sector was 11.50%, a 99 pbs increase when compared with the 10.51% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Interest income related to Ecosistema NaranjaX amounted to Ps.26,500 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 16% decrease as compared to the Ps.31,707 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Interest income related to insurance services amounted to Ps.1,145 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 31% increase as compared to the Ps.875 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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v) Interest Expenses

Consolidated interest expenses were comprised of the following:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      Change (%)  
     2020      2019      2018      2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

On Deposits

     79,483        103,158        68,499        (23     51  

Non-financial Private Sector

     79,483        103,158        68,499        (23     51  

Checking Accounts

     —          —          —          —         —    

Savings Accounts

     11        9        11        22       (18

Time Deposit and Term Investments

     62,824        90,832        59,909        (31     52  

Others

     16,648        12,317        8,579        35       44  

On Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     1,744        3,340        4,526        (48     (26

On Repurchase Transactions

     304        921        463        (67     99  

On Other Financial Liabilities

     953        1,778        1,629        (46     9  

On Debt Securities

     6,097        19,389        17,407        (69     11  

On Subordinated Debt Securities

     1,594        1,668        1,531        (4     9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest Expenses

     90,175        130,254        94,055        (31     38  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Interest expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.90,175 million, as compared to Ps.130,254 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 31% decrease. Such decrease was primarily attributable to a 23% decrease in interest paid on deposits, as consequence of low rate yields.

Interest expenses from deposits amounted to Ps.79,483 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to Ps.103,158 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.23,675 million decrease. This decrease was primarily due to increased interest expenses related to time deposits and term investments, which was equal to Ps.62,824 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, representing a 31% decrease as compared to Ps.90,832 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. Such lower interest paid on time deposits was due to lower rates as compare to the rates of 2019, as consequence the regulated rates product of the monetary regulation.

The total average interest-bearing deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to Ps.495,770 million, registering a decrease of 1%. Of this decrease, Ps.11,849 million were saving accounts deposits. This decrease was offset by an increase in time deposits for Ps.9,041 million.

Out of total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the average interest rate of time deposits was 16.03%, as compared to 20.69% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 466 bps decrease.

Savings accounts deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 accrued interest at an average rate of 5.77%, as compared to an average rate of 4.24% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 153 bps increase. The rate of time deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was 26.68%, as compared to 39.25% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 1,257 bps decrease.

Interest expenses related to banking activity amounted to Ps.85,854 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to Ps.118,269 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 27% decrease.

According BCRA information and considering only deposits from the private-sector deposits in checking and savings accounts and time deposits, Banco Galicia’s estimated Argentine deposit market share increased from 10.17% as of December 31, 2019 to 10.28% as of December 31, 2020.

 

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The following table indicates Banco Galicia´s market share in the segments listed below:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in percentages)  

Total Deposits

     8.42        8.23        8.85  

Total Deposits in Checking and Savings Accounts and Time Deposits

     10.28        10.17        11.33  

Private-Sector Deposits

     10.07        9.92        11.09  

 

(*)

Exclusively Banco Galicia within the Argentine market, according to the daily information on deposits published by the BCRA. balances as of the last day of each year.

Interest expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX amounted to Ps.5,150 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to Ps.13,232 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 58% decrease. This decrease was primarily a result of a decrease in interest expenses on debt securities issued by Naranja.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Interest expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.130,254 million, as compared to Ps.94,055 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 38% increase. Such increase was primarily attributable to an 51% increase in interest paid on deposits.

Interest expenses from deposits amounted to Ps.103,158 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to Ps.68,499 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 a Ps.34,659 million increase. This increase was primarily due to increased interest expenses related to time deposits and term investments, which was equal to Ps.90,832 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 52% increase as compared to Ps.59,909 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Average deposits recorded a decrease of 2% as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, with a decrease of 5% in savings account deposits and a 3% increase in time deposits.

Out of total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 the average interest rate of time deposits was 20,69%, as compared to 13,19% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 750 bps increase.

Interest expenses related to banking activity amounted Ps.118,269 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to Ps.79,349 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 49% increase.

Using BCRA information and considering only deposits from the private-sector deposits in checking and savings accounts and time deposits, Banco Galicia’s estimated Argentine deposit market share decreased from 11.09% as of December 31, 2018 to 9.92% as of December 31, 2019.

Interest expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX amounted to Ps.13,232 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to Ps.12,485 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 6% increase. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in interest expenses on debt securities issued by Naranja.

 

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vi) Net Fee Income

Consolidated net fee income consisted of:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     Change (%)  
     2020     2019     2018     2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Income From

          

Credit Cards

     23,841       24,204       23,839       (1     2  

Deposit Accounts

     4,638       5,994       7,290       (23     (18

Insurances

     1,716       1,797       2,170       (5     (17

Financial fees

     202       427       626       (53     (32

Credit-related fees

     7,424       6,403       8,647       16       (26

Foreign trade

     1,999       2,132       2,023       (6     5  

Collections

     1,776       1,698       1,543       5       10  

Utility-bills collection services

     2,207       2,361       1,839       (7     28  

Mutual funds

     814       1,220       1,007       (33     21  

Others

     1,859       1,611       2,110       15       (24
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fee income

     46,476       47,847       51,094       (3     (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fee expenses

     (9,918     (9,614     (6,338     3       52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net fee income

     36,558       38,233       44,756       (4     (15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Our net fee income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.36,558 million, as compared to Ps.38,233 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 4% decrease. This decrease was mainly due to a 23% decrease in deposit accounts fees.

Fees related to deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.4,638, as compared to Ps.5,994 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.1,356 million decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in fees related to maintaining a checking account with us or our subsidiaries. Total deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were 6.2 million, as compared to 5.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 17% increase.

Additionally, credit- related fees, amounted to Ps.7,424 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, a Ps.1,021 million increase as compared to Ps.6,403 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Income from credit card transactions, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was Ps.23,841 million, as compared to Ps.24,204 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.363 million decrease. Such decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in fees recorded by Naranja.

The total number of credit cards managed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was 13,688,430, as compared to 13,545,870 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 1% increase.

 

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The following table sets forth the number of credit cards outstanding as of the dates indicated:

 

     December 31,      Change (%)  
     2020      2019      2018      2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (number of credit cards, except otherwise noted)      (percentages)  

Visa

     3,133,068        3,044,890        3,136,166        3       (3

“Gold”

     726,381        706,257        744,771        3       (5

International

     1,048,598        1,096,441        1,282,617        (4     (15

Domestic

     30,881        36,246        50,091        (15     (28

“Business”

     164,310        159,245        148,549        3       7  

“Platinum”

     644,364        591,817        359,477        9       65  

“Signature”

     518,534        461,274        550,661        12       (16

Galicia Rural

     17,864        17,965        18,188        (1     (1

American Express

     761,267        750,581        893,314        1       (16

“Gold”

     204,397        213,080        280,239        (4     (24

“International”

     104,712        123,451        184,437        (15     (33

“Platinum”

     198,697        178,638        270,068        11       (34

“Signature”

     253,461        239,246        158,570        6       51  

MasterCard

     1,162,879        1,177,111        1,050,041        (1     12  

“Gold”

     324,811        315,152        284,340        3       11  

MasterCard

     374,133        417,605        414,559        (10     1  

Argencard

     75        1,371        148        (95     826  

“Platinum”

     220,848        213,632        170,202        3       26  

“Black”

     243,012        234,463        180,792        4       30  

Naranja

     8,613,352        8,560,435        8,817,871        1       (3

Naranja

     4,619,426        4,606,528        4,777,286        —         (4

Visa

     3,513,542        3,452,555        3,503,792        2       (1

MasterCard

     415,901        455,038        491,231        (9     (7

American Express

     64,483        50,148        45,562        29       10  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Credit Cards

     13,688,430        13,547,148        13,915,580        1       (3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Amount of Purchases (in millions of Pesos)

     216,219,471        140,503,110        636,062,774        54       (78
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fee expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.9,918 million, as compared to Ps.9,614 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 3% increase. Such increase was mainly attributable to an increase in expenses related to credit card transactions for a 12%, as compared to the previous fiscal year.

Net fee income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.20,980 million, as compared to Ps.21,760 million for fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 4% decrease.

This decrease was mainly attributable to a Ps.1,357 million decrease in fees related to deposit accounts, from Ps.5,994 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 to Ps.4,637 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, fees related to deposit accounts were equal to Ps.4,638 million, as compared to Ps.5,994 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.1,357 million decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in fees paid for maintaining a checking account with us or our subsidiaries.

Net fee income related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to Ps.16,670 million as compared to Ps.17,674 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 6% decrease. For more information about fees, please see – Item 4. “Information on the Company” –A. “Business Overview” – “Argentine Banking Regulations” – “Limitations on Fees and Other Substantial Elements”.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Our net fee income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.38,233 million, as compared to Ps.44,756 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 15% decrease. This decrease was mainly due to a 26% decrease in credit-related fees.

 

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Credit- related fees, amounted to Ps.6.403 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.2,244 million decrease as compared to Ps.8,647 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. This decrease was a consequence of a decrease in fees charged by Ecosistema NaranjaX as a result of (i) the merger of accounts held by Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas and (ii) a decrease in fees overall charged due to regulatory restrictions.

Income from credit card transactions, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was Ps.24,204 million, as compared to Ps.23,839 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.365 million increase. Such increase was mainly attributable to an increase in fees recorded by Naranja, partially offset by the fees related to issuance of credit cards.

The total number of credit cards managed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was 13,547,148 as compared to 13,915,580 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, mainly attributable to the merger of accounts between Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas.

Fees related to deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.5,994 million, as compared to Ps.7,290 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 18% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in fees related to the maintenance of checking accounts. Total deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were 5.2 million as compared to 4.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 31,2018, a 9% increase.

Total fee expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.9,614 million, as compared to Ps.6,338 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 52% increase. Such increase was mainly attributable to an increase in expenses related to credit card transactions.

Net fee income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.21,760 million, as compared to Ps.26,131 million for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 17% decrease.

This decrease was mainly attributable to a Ps.2,034 million decrease in fees related to credit cards transactions, from Ps.13,635 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 to Ps.11,601 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease was due to lower fees recorded by the issuance of credit cards.

Fees related to deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to Ps.5,994 million, as compared to Ps.4,423 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 36% increase. This decrease was primarily attributable to smaller amounts of total fees received for the maintenance of checking accounts.

Net fee income related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to Ps.17,674 million, as compared to Ps.18,702 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 5% decrease. This decrease was primarily the result of decrease in consumption by credit card users and a decrease in the number of credit cards issued due to the merger with Tarjeta Nevada.

vii) Net Income from Financial Instruments

Consolidated net income from financial instruments was comprised of:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     Change (%)  
     2020      2019     2018     2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Income from Government Securities

     62,141        84,885       29,127       (27     191  

Income from Corporate Securities

     4,722        12,698       3,236       (63     292  

Income from Derivative Instruments

     2,469        1,597       3,957       55       (60

Repurchase Transactions

     1,747        1,746       4,187       —         (58

Rate Swaps

     36        (149     (230     124       (35

Options

     686        —         —         —         —    

Income from Other Financial Assets

     —          (29     22       (100     (232
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Results from Financial Instruments

     69,332        99,151       36,342       (30     173  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.69,332 million, as compared to Ps.99,151 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 30% decrease. This decrease was due to a decrease in interest earnings related to Government securities for 27%, from Ps.84,885 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 to Ps.62,141 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

The average position in government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was Ps.155,630 million, as compared to Ps.166,505 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 7% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower balances of securities (LELIQS) issued by the BCRA.

The average yield on government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was 40.11%, as compared to 50.98% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 1,087 bps increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a higher average yield with respect to Peso-denominated government securities.

These variations were mainly a result of net income from financial instruments related to Banco Galicia, which represents 95% of our total consolidated net result from financial instruments. Banco Galicia’s net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to Ps.65,986 million, as compared to Ps.95,152 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 31% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in income from Government securities.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.99,152 million, as compared to Ps.36,342 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 173% increase. This increase was principally due to an increase on income from Government Securities from Ps.29,127 million for the fiscal year 2018 to Ps.84,885 million for the fiscal year 2019, a 191% increase.

The average position in Government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was Ps.166,505 million, as compared to Ps.93,353 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 78% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to higher balances of securities (LELIQS) issued by the BCRA.

The average yield on Government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was 50.98%, as compared to 30.75% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 2,023 bps increase.

These variations were mainly a result of net income from financial instruments related to Banco Galicia, which represents 92% of our total consolidated net result from financial instruments. Banco Galicia’s net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 amounted Ps.95,152 million, as compared to Ps.33,482 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 184% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in income from government securities.

viii) Exchange Rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.7,047 million, as compared to Ps.11,832 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 40% or Ps.4,785 million decrease. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in foreign currency brokerage at Banco Galicia for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 equal to Ps.5,096 million as compared to Ps.10,460 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 49% decrease. Such decrease in foreign currency brokerage was due to the restrictions placed on the purchase of foreign currency. For more information see – Item 4. Information on the Company –A. Business Overview – Government Regulations – Foreign Exchange Market.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.11,832 million, as compared to Ps.7,910 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 a 50% or

 

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Ps.3,922 million increase. This was primarily the result of an increase in foreign currency brokerage at Banco Galicia for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 equal to Ps.10,460 million, as compared to Ps.5,042 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 37% increase.

ix) Other Operating Income

The following table sets forth the various components of other operating income.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      Change (%)  
     2020      2019      2018      2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Other financial income (1) (2)

     579        1,578        353        (63     347  

Commission on Product Package (1)

     6,297        5,685        5,719        11       (1

Rental of safe deposit boxes (1)

     1,295        1,011        1,081        28       (6

Other fee income (1)

     4,238        3,341        6,177        27       (46

Other adjustments and interest on miscellaneous receivables

     5,246        3,110        3,350        69       (7

Income for sale of non-currents assets held for sale

     —          9,676        1,027        (100     842  

Other

     4,668        4,369        4,156        7       5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other operating income

     22,323        28,770        21,863        (22     32  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1)

Item included for calculating the efficiency ratio.

2)

Item included for calculating the financial margin.

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Other operating income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.22,323 million, as compared to Ps.28,770 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 22% decrease. This decrease was mainly the result of a decrease in income from the sale of non-current assets held for sale for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, a 100% decrease.

The decrease on the sale of non-current assets held for sale was due to Ps.9,676 million obtained from the sale of 51% of the stake in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A., which represented 34% of other operating income during the fiscal year 2019.

Other operating income related to banking activity was equal to Ps.17,173 million, as compared to Ps.23,727 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 28% decrease, mainly attributable to the result of the sale of 51% of the stake on Prisma Medios de Pago S.A, during the fiscal year 2019.

Other operating income related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.3,475 million, as compared to Ps.4,922 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 29% decrease.

Other operating income related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.505 million, as compared to Ps.539 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 6% decrease.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Other operating income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.28,770 million, as compared to Ps.21,863 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 32% increase. This increase was mainly the result of an increase in income from the sale of non-current assets held for sale for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which was equal to Ps.9,676 million, as compared to Ps.1,027 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 842% increase. The increase in the sale of non-current assets held for sale was due to Ps.9,676 million obtained from the sale of 51% of the stake in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A., which represented 34% of other operating income.

 

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Other operating income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.23,727 million, as compared to Ps.14,554 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 a 63% increase, mainly attributable to the result of the sale of 51% of the stake on Prisma Medios de Pago S.A.

Other operating income related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.4,922 million, as compared to Ps.7,711 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 36% decrease.

Other operating income related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.539 million, as compared to Ps.343 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 57% increase.

x) Income from Insurance Activities

The following table shows the results generated by insurance activities:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     Change (%)  
     2020     2019     2018     2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Premiums and Surcharges Accrued

     7,789       7,607       9,816       2       (23

Claims Accrued

     (1,127     (1,053     (1,122     7       (6

Surrenders

     (17     (18     (12     (6     50  

Life and Ordinary Annuities

     (13     (16     (18     (19     (11

Underwriting and Operating Expenses

     (1,065     (1,515     (2,691     (30     (44

Other Income and Expenses

     (65     (4     36       1,525       (111
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income from Insurance Activities

     5,502       5,001       6,009       10       (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Income from insurance activities (excluding administrative expenses and taxes, net of eliminations related to related-party transactions) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.5,502 million, as compared to Ps.5,001 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 10% increase. This increase was mainly due to lower underwriting and operating expenses, which for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.1,065 million, as compared to Ps.1,515 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 a 30% decrease.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Income from insurance activities (excluding administrative expenses and taxes, net of eliminations related to related-party transactions) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.5,001 million as compared to Ps.6,009 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 17% decrease. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in the volume of earned premiums and surcharges as consequence of the decrease in the amount of policies providing by the products of CFA, resulting from the sale of its stake, a decrease which began in 2017.

xi) Loan and Other Receivables Loss Provisions

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Loan and other receivables loss provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.34,680 million, as compared to Ps.30,228 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 15% increase. This increase was primarily related higher charges from banking activity, offset by lower charges from Ecosistema NaranjaX.

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to banking activity were equal to Ps.29,972 million, as compared to Ps.22,229 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 35% increase. This result was due to an additional loss provision due to the COVID-19.

 

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Since March 2020, the BCRA implemented a series of measures to reduce the economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, among which are the deferral of payments and suspension of the collection of punitive interest in the case of default in payments of loan installments credit cards loans are excluded. Thus, considering the adverse economic context that the country is going through, the borrower credit uncertainty and measures issued by the BCRA, Banco Galicia recognized an additional credit loss provision calculated using the statistical model of ECL on the deferred loan portfolio amounts, which shows the potential impairment due to the macroeconomic context, once the protective measures currently implemented are lifted for the BCRA. Banco Galicia measured the additional impact on the allowance from the estimation of the expected credit loss of loan portfolio which has deferred payments, based on new probabilities of default (PD) estimated depending on actual default (without deferrals) and the projected performance of the affected products, modifying the staging classification.

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, were equal to Ps.4,725 million, as compared to Ps.8,089 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 42% decrease. This decrease was related to a decrease in non-accrual portfolio due to an improved performance of Naranja clients.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Loan and other receivables loss provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.30,228 million, as compared to Ps.34,136 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 11% decrease. This decrease was primarily related to lower charges for the evolution of used parameters for PD, EAD and LGD, partially offset by a charge generated for changes to model assumptions and methodologies, as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.22,229 million, as compared to Ps.22,771 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 2% decrease. This decrease was due primarily to lower charges for the evolution of used parameters for PD, EAD and LGD related to retail portfolio, partially offset by a charge generated for changes to model assumptions and methodologies, as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.8,089 million as compared to Ps.11,202 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 28% decrease. This decrease was related to lower charges for the change in the parameters used for PD, EAD and LGD, as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

xii) Personnel Expenses

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Personnel expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.31,825 million, as compared to Ps.33,285 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.1,460 million decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a 5% decrease in the number of employees.

Personnel expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.22,090 million, as compared to Ps.24,304 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 9% decrease, due to a decrease in the number of employees.

Personnel expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.8,080 million as compared to Ps.7,544 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 7% increase. This increase was due to hiring more employees in Naranja X.

Personnel expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.1,218 million as compared to Ps.1,109 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 10% increase.

 

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Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Personnel expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.33,285 million, as compared to Ps.35,658 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.2,373 million decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a 5% decrease in the number of employees.

Personnel expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.24,304 million, as compared to Ps.24,155 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 1% increase.

Personnel expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.7,544 million as compared to Ps.10,034 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 25% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to the merger of Tarjeta Nevada with Naranja that started in 2018.

Personnel expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.1,109 million, as compared to Ps.1,204 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 8% decrease due to a decrease in the number of employees.

xiii) Administrative Expenses

The following table sets forth the components of our consolidated administrative expenses:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      Change (%)  
     2020      2019      2018      2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Fees and Compensation for Services

     2,723        3,980        2,548        (32     56  

Directors’ and Syndics’ Fees

     473        222        365        113       (39

Advertising and Publicity

     1,743        2,960        2,676        (41     11  

Taxes

     7,362        7,052        7,056        4       —    

Maintenance and Repairs

     5,296        4,911        2,965        8       66  

Electricity and Communication

     2,371        2,484        2,013        (5     23  

Entertainment and Transportation Expenses

     58        172        214        (66     (20

Stationery and Office Supplies

     419        514        441        (18     17  

Rentals(1)

     309        136        1,731        127       (92

Administrative Services Hired

     4,231        3,370        2,710        26       24  

Security

     1,162        1,332        1,170        (13     14  

Insurance

     251        180        952        39       (81

Armored Transportation Services

     1,559        2,803        2,368        (44     18  

Others

     3,415        2,989        6,465        14       (54
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Administrative Expenses

     31,372        33,105        33,674        (5     (2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1)

As of fiscal year, 2019, due to the application of IFRS 16, rentals are recognized as a right-of-use asset and a financial liability, consequently the results are exposed in depreciation and impairment of assets and other operating expenses, respectively. The amounts for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 correspond to low value rentals and short term rental (an exception from IFRS 16).

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.31,372 million as compared to Ps.33,105 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 5% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a (i) Ps.1,257 million decrease in fees and compensation for services, (ii) Ps.1,244 million decrease in armored transportation services and (iii) Ps.1,217 million decrease in advertising and publicity.

Fees and compensation for services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.2,723 million, as compared to Ps.3,980 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 32% decrease. This decrease was due to the hiring of consultants for digital transformation projects during 2019.

Armored transportation services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.1,559 million, as compared to Ps.2,803 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 44% decrease. Such decrease was due to the fact that in 2019 there were additional expenses related to the transportation of banknotes abroad.

 

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Advertising and publicity expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.1,743 million, as compared to Ps.2,960 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 41% decrease. This decrease was as a consequence of fewer advertising campaigns during 2020 due to the COVID-19 context.

Administrative expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.21,429 million, as compared to Ps.23,885 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 10% decrease.

Administrative expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.8,679 million, as compared to Ps.8,248 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 5% increase.

Administrative expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.657 million, as compared to Ps.712 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, an 8% decrease.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.33,105 million, as compared to Ps.33,674 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 2% decrease. This decrease was attributable to (i) Ps.3,476 million decrease in other administrative expenses, primarily attributable to a drop in Ecosistema NaranjaX’ s fund transfers and (ii) Ps.1,595 million decrease in rentals, as consequence of the application of IFRS 16. This decrease was partially offset by (i) Ps.1,946 million increase in maintenance and repairs and (ii) Ps.1,432 million increase in fees and compensation for services.

Maintenance and repairs for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.4,911 million as compared to Ps.2,965 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 66% increase. This increase was as consequence of higher expenses related to the maintenance of systems related to Banco Galicia.

Fees and compensation for services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.3,980 million, as compared to Ps.2,548 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 56% increase. This increase was due to the hiring of consultants for digital transformation projects.

Administrative expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.23,885 million, as compared to Ps.21,901 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 9% increase.

Administrative expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.8,248 million, as compared to Ps.10,378 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 21% decrease.

Administrative expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.712 million, as compared to Ps.856 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 17% decrease.

 

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xiv) Other Operating Expenses

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      Change (%)  
     2020      2019      2018      2020/2019     2019/2018  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Turnover tax

     15,663        17,814        18,110        (12     (2

On operating income (1) (2)

     9,969        12,090        9,810        (18     23  

On fees (1)

     5,217        4,961        7,798        5       (36

On other items

     477        763        502        (37     52  

Contributions to the Guarantee Fund (1) (2)

     1,059        1,175        1,070        (10     10  

Charges for Other Provisions

     2,869        2,315        2,212        24       5  

Claims

     375        458        650        (18     (30

Other Financial Expenses (1) (2)

     286        2,499        1,145        (89     118  

Interest on leases

     399        511        —          (22     —    

Credit-card-relates expenses(1)

     4,487        6,046        6,161        (26     (2

Other Expenses from Services(1)

     3,921        2,979        4,456        32       (33

Others

     1,705        1,286        1,587        33       (19
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other operating expenses

     30,764        35,083        35,391        (12     (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Item included for calculating the efficiency ratio.

(2)

Item included for calculating the financial margin.

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.30,764 million, as compared to Ps.35,083 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 12% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a 12% decrease in turnover tax on fees and an 89% decrease in other financial expenses, offset by a 24% increase in charges for other provisions.

Turnover tax for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.15,663 million as compared to Ps.17,814 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 a 12% decrease.

Other financial expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.286 million as compared to Ps.2,499 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 an 89% decrease.

Other provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.2,869 million as compared to Ps.2,315 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 a 24% increase.

Other operating expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.23,844 million, as compared to Ps.28,555 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 16% decrease.

Other operating expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were equal to Ps.6,671 million, as compared to Ps.6,378 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 5% increase.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.35,083 million, as compared to Ps.35,391 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 1% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a 33% decrease in other expenses from services, offset by a 23% increase in turnover tax related to financial services and a 118% increase in other financial expenses.

Other expenses from services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.2,979 million as compared to Ps.4,456 million for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2018 a 33% decrease.

Other operating expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.28,555 million, as compared to Ps.26,853 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 6% increase.

 

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Other operating expenses related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.6,378 million, as compared to Ps.8,387 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.2,009 million or 24% decrease.

xv) Loss on Net Monetary Position

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Loss on net monetary position for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.36,963 million as compared to Ps.41,929 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 12% decrease.

Loss on net monetary position related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.30,368 million as compared to Ps.33,702 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, a 10% decrease.

Loss on net monetary position related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.4,919 million as compared to Ps.6,306 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 22% decrease.

Loss on net monetary position related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.815 million as compared to Ps.1,036 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 21% decrease.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Loss on net monetary position for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.41,929 million as compared to Ps.37,831 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 11% increase.

Loss on net monetary position related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.33,702 million as compared to Ps.27,238 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 a 24% increase.

Loss on net monetary position related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.6,306 million as compared to Ps.8,052 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 22% decrease.

Loss on net monetary position related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.1,036 million as compared to Ps.1,174 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 12% decrease.

xvi) Income Tax from Continuing Operations

Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Income tax from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.17,845 million as compared to Ps.17,751 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019; a 1% increase.

Income tax from continuing operations related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.14,277 million as compared to Ps.16,724 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 15% decrease.

Income tax from continuing operations related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.2,245 million as compared to Ps.523 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 329% increase.

 

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Income tax from continuing operations related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was equal to Ps.513 million as compared to Ps.467 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 , a 10% increase.

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

Income tax from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.17,751 million, as compared to Ps.14,477 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 23% increase.

Income tax from continuing operations related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.16,724 million as compared to Ps.10,492 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 59% increase.

Income tax from continuing operations related to Ecosistema NaranjaX for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.523 million as compared to Ps.2,693 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 81% decrease.

Income tax from continuing operations related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.467 million as compared to Ps.649 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 28% decrease.

A.3 Consolidated Assets

The main components of our consolidated assets as of the dates indicated below were as follows:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     Amounts      %      Amounts      %      Amounts      %  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Cash and due from banks

     175,423        17        177,866        19        300,131        25  

Debt Securities

     155,420        15        89,431        10        159,030        13  

Loans and other financing

     526,434        50        488,144        52        592,075        50  

Other Financial Assets

     96,325        9        84,870        9        57,228        5  

Equity investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint businesses

     89        —          —          —          —          —    

Property, Plant and Equipment

     43,731        4        44,877        5        40,551        3  

Intangible Assets

     14,469        1        11,834        1        9,607        1  

Other Assets

     43,359        4        36,195        4        33,201        3  

Assets available for sale

     29        —          53        —          1,273        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,055,279        100        933,270        100        1,193,096        100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of our Ps.1,055,279 million total assets as of December 31, 2020, Ps.946,019 million, or 89.6%, corresponded to Banco Galicia and Ps.103,071 million, or 9.8% corresponded to Ecosistema NaranjaX (Tarjetas Regionales on a consolidated basis). The remaining was primarily attributable to Sudamericana on a consolidated basis. The composition of our assets demonstrates an increase in the amounts of main line items.

The item “Cash and Due from Banks” included cash for Ps.175,423 million, balances held at the BCRA for Ps.102,598 million and balances held in correspondent banks for Ps.108,491 million. The balance held at the BCRA is used for meeting the minimum cash requirements set by the BCRA.

 

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Our holdings of debt securities as of December 31, 2020 was Ps.155,420 million. Our holdings of government and private securities are shown in more detail in Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B. “Operating Overview” — “Selected Statistical Information”— “Debt and Equity Securities”.

Our total net loans and other financing were Ps.526,434 million as of December 31, 2020, of which Ps.439,306 million corresponded to Banco Galicia’s portfolio and Ps.88,546 corresponded to Ecosistema NaranjaX’ portfolios, the remaining amount to secured loans held by Sudamericana. For more information on loan and other financing activities portfolios, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B. “Operating Overview” — “Selected Statistical Information”— “Loan and Other Financing Portfolio”.

A.4 Exposure to the Argentine Public Sector

The following table shows our total net exposure, primarily related to Banco Galicia, to the Argentine public sector as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 2018.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Government securities net position

     182,088        128,296        197,244  

Leliq

     128,325        79,153        146,805  

Botes

     3,580        14,744        18,798  

Other

     50,183        34,399        31,641  

Other Financing Assets

     61,039        41,027        140  

Repurchase agreement transactions - BCRA

     60,996        40,944        21  

Loans and Others Financing

     13        39        27  

Certificate of Participation in Trusts

     30        44        92  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (1)

     243,127        169,323        197,384  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Does not include deposits with the BCRA, which constitute one of the items by which Banco Galicia complies with the BCRA’s minimum cash requirements.

As of December 31, 2020, the exposure to the public sector amounted to Ps.243,127 million, an increase of 44% as compared to Ps.169,323 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Excluding the debt securities issued by the BCRA, the Bank’s exposure amounted to Ps.53,806 million equal to 5% of total assets.

A.5 Funding

Banco Galicia’s and Ecosistema NaranjaX’ lending activities are our main asset-generating businesses. Accordingly, most of our borrowing and liquidity needs are associated with these activities. We also have liquidity needs at the level of our holding company, which are discussed in Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”—“Liquidity-Holding Company on an Individual Basis”. Our objective is to maintain cost-effective and well diversified funding to support current and future asset growth in our businesses. For this, we rely on diverse sources of funding. The use and availability of funding sources depends on market conditions, both local and foreign, and prevailing interest rates. Market conditions in Argentina include a structurally limited availability of domestic long-term funding.

 

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Our funding activities and liquidity planning are integrated into our asset and liability management and our financial risks management and policies. The liquidity policy of Grupo Financiero Galicia is described in Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”—“Liquidity Management” and our other financial risk policies, including interest rate, currency and market risks are described in Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”. Our funding sources are discussed below.

Traditionally, our primary source of funding has been Banco Galicia’s deposit taking activity. Although Banco Galicia has access to BCRA financing, management does not view this as a primary source of funding in line with our overall strategies discussed herein. Other important sources of funding have traditionally included issuing foreign currency-denominated medium and long-term debt securities issued in foreign capital markets and borrowing from international banks and multilateral credit agencies. Banco Galicia entered into a master loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) in 2016, for US$130 million, divided into two parts, one of them with the purpose of funding long-term loans to SMEs and the other part with the purpose of funding renewable energy project and efficiency energy power project. Additionally, Banco Galicia entered into master bond agreements with the IFC for US$100 million in order to expand its loan program for environmental efficiency projects.

Selling government securities under repurchase agreement transactions has been a recurrent source of funding for Banco Galicia. Although not presently a key source of funding, repurchase agreement transactions are part of the liquidity policy of the Bank. Within its liquidity policy, Banco Galicia considers its unencumbered liquid government securities holdings as part of its available excess liquidity. See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” —B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”—“Liquidity Management”.

Ecosistema NaranjaX fund their business through the issuance of debt securities in the local and international capital markets, borrowing from local financial institutions and debt with merchants generated in the ordinary course of business of any credit card issuing company. In 2020, Naranja issued debt securities in an amount equal to Ps.6,632 million (approximately US$78 million).

Below is a breakdown of our funding as of the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     Amounts      %      Amounts      %      Amounts      %  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Deposits

     676,396        64        536,034        57        754,146        63  

Checking Accounts

     105,028        10        91,985        10        83,467        7  

Savings Accounts

     316,983        30        241,460        26        416,535        35  

Time Deposits

     239,847        23        191,050        20        237,217        20  

Time Deposits - UVA

     5,565        1        1,021        —          4,156        —    

Others

     3,003        —          3,587        —          4,327        2  

Interests And Adjustments

     5,970        1        6,931        1        8,444        1  

Credit Lines

     13,833        1        30,936        3        40,725        3  

Argentine Central Bank

     21        —          31        —          60        —    

Correspondents

     1,927        —          509        —          3,316        —    

Financing from Local Financial Institutions

     7,036        1        7,621        1        11,978        1  

Financing from Foreign Financial Institutions

     —          —          14,254        2        15,653        1  

Financing from International Financial Institutions

     4,849        —          8,521        1        9,718        1  

Debt Securities (Unsubordinated and Subordinated) (1)

     38,728        4        60,910        7        83,251        7  

Other obligations (2)

     143,988        14        146,330        16        185,447        17  

Shareholders’ Equity

     182,334        17        159,060        17        129,527        10  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,055,279        100        933,270        100        1,193,096        100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Each item includes principal, interest accrued, exchange rate differences and premiums payable, as well as UVA adjustment, where applicable.

(2)

It includes debts with stores due to credit card transactions, collections on account of third parties in Pesos and foreign currency, miscellaneous obligations and allowances, among others.

The main sources of funds are deposits from the private sector, lines of credit extended by local banks and entities, international banks and multilateral credit agencies, repurchase transactions mainly related to government securities, mid- and long-term debt securities placed in the local and international capital market and debts with stores due to credit card transactions.

 

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As of December 31, 2020, deposits represented 64% of our funding, increase from 57% compared to December 31, 2019. Our deposit base increased 26% in 2020 as compared to 2019. During fiscal year 2020, the Ps.140,362 million increase in deposits was due to an increase in transactional deposits (deposits in savings accounts and time deposits, with increases of 31% and 26%, respectively). For more information on deposits, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B. “Business Overview” — “Selected Statistical Information”—“Deposits”.

As of December 31, 2020, credit lines from international financial institutions amounted to Ps.4,849 million, which corresponded to amounts received from the IFC pursuant to a loan agreement. Also as of December 31,2020, correspondents amounted to Ps.1,927 million and financing from local financial institutions totaled Ps.7,036 million, of this total Ps.3,165 million corresponded to amounts received from the BICE (Argentine subsidiary of development bank called BICE “Banco de Inversion y Comercio Exterior”), pursuant to a loan agreement and Ps.3,661 million corresponded to amounts received by Naranja.

Our debt securities outstanding (only principal) were Ps.38,728 million as of December 31, 2020, as compared to Ps.60,910 million as of December 31, 2019.

Of the total debt securities outstanding as of December 31, 2020, Ps.12,245 million corresponded to Peso-denominated debt, of which Ps.2,988 million corresponded to debt securities issued by Banco Galicia and Ps.9,257 million corresponded to debt securities issued by Naranja (which includes debt securities issued by Tarjetas Cuyanas). The remaining Ps.26,483 million of outstanding debt securities corresponded to foreign currency-denominated debt in respect of subordinated debt securities due in 2026 issued by Banco Galicia and the green bond with the IFC.

As of December 31, 2020, the breakdown of our debt was as follows:

 

    

December 31, 2020

 
    

Currency

   Expiration     

Annual Interest Rate

   Total(*)  
    

(in millions of Pesos, except for rates)

 

Banco Galicia

           

ON Subordinated(1)

   US$      07.19.26      (2)       21,654  

Green Bond

   US$      06.21.25      5.90%      4,829  

Class V Series II

   $      04.26.21      Badlar + 3.50%      1,732  

Class VIII

   $      08.20.21      Badlar + 2.25%      1,256  

Naranja

           

XXXVII

   $      04.11.22      Minimum 15% Rate/Badlar + 3.50%      2,645  

XLIV

   $      01.08.22      Badlar + 4%      3,609  

XLV

   $      12.18.21      Badlar + 5%      2,641  

Naranja(**)

           

XXVIII Series II

   $      06.09.21      Minimum 25% Rate/Badlar + 3.70%      362  
           

 

 

 

Total

              38,728  
           

 

 

 

 

(*)

Includes principal and interest.

(**)

Debt securities absorbed as part of the merger with Naranja.

(1)

Principal will be paid in full on the maturity date, on July 19, 2026, unless redeemed in full, at the issuer’s option, at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(2)

Fixed 8.25% rate per annum (as from the issuance date to July 19, 2021, inclusively); and margin to be added to the nominal Benchmark Readjustment Rate of 7.156% per annum to the maturity date. Such interest shall be payable semiannually on January 19 and July 19 as from 2017.

For more information see “—Contractual Obligations” below.

 

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i) Ratings

The following are our ratings as of the date of this annual report:

 

    

December 31, 2020

    

Standard &

Poor’s

  

Fix Scr

  

Fitch Argentina

  

Evaluadora

Latinoamericana

  

Moody’s

Local Ratings

              

Grupo Financiero Galicia

              

Rating of Shares

   1            

Banco Galicia

              

Counterparty Rating

   raBBB-            

Debt (Long-Term / Short Term)

         AA+(arg)/A1+(arg)      

Subordinated Debt

            A+   

Deposits (Long Term / Short Term)

   raBBB -/ raA-3            

Deposits (Local Currency / Foreign Currency)

               AA.ar / BBB+.ar

Trustee

               TQ2+

Naranja

              

Medium-/Long-Term Debt

      AA-(arg)    CCC       Caa2

Tarjetas Cuyanas

              

Long-Term Debt

      AA-(arg)    CCC       Caa2

International Ratings

              

Banco Galicia

              

Issuer Credit Rating

   CCC+            

Counterparty Risk Rating (Local Currency / Foreign Currency)

               Caa2 / Caa3

Bank Deposits (Local Currency / Foreign Currency)

               Caa2 / Caa3

Subordinated Debt Securities

   CCC-             Ca

 

(*)

See “—Contractual Obligations”.

ii) Debt Programs

On March 9, 2009, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s shareholders, during an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, and the Board of Directors created a global short-, medium- and long-term notes program, for a maximum outstanding amount of US$60 million. This program was authorized by the CNV pursuant to Resolution No.16,113 of April 29, 2009.

In August 2012, during an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, it was decided to ratify the decision made at the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held in April 2010 with regard to the approval of the US$40 million increase in the amount of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s global notes program. Therefore, once approved by the CNV, the amount was for up to US$100 million or its equivalent in other currencies. On May 8, 2014, the CNV, pursuant to Resolution No.17,343, granted an extension of the debt program for another five-year period. On August 6, 2019, the CNV, pursuant to Resolution No. DI-2019-63-APN-GE#CNV granted an extension of the debt program for another five-year period.

Currently, Grupo Financiero Galicia does not have any outstanding debt under its notes program that was put into place in 2009.

Banco Galicia has a program in place for the issuance and re-issuance of non-convertible notes, subordinated or non-subordinated, floating or fixed-rate, secured or unsecured, with a term from 30 days to up to 30 years, for a maximum outstanding principal amount of up to US$483.25 million. This program was originally approved by the CNV on November 4, 2005 and was mostly recently extended on January 26, 2017 by the CNV until January 26, 2022. Pursuant to Resolution No.18,480, the CNV also approved an increase of the maximum outstanding principal amount under the program to US$1,100 million. Pursuant to Resolution No.19,520, dated May 17, 2018, the CNV approved an increase of the maximum outstanding principal amount under the program to US$2,100 million and the modification of the terms and conditions of the same.

Banco Galicia, also has a program for frequent issuance of notes, approved by the CNV on November 13, 2019; and registered under the number 11 for a maximum outstanding principal amount of US$2,100 million.

 

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During the 2016 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued certain subordinated Class II notes due 2026 for a nominal value of US$250 million. The proceeds of this issuance were used to redeem the Bank’s outstanding subordinated notes due 2019.

During the 2018 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued Series I Class V notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.4,209 million due 2020 and Series II Class V notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.2,032 million due 2021.

On November 20, 2020, Banco Galicia issued Class VIII notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.1,589 million due 2021.

Naranja has a Global Short-Term, Medium-Term and Long-Term Note Program for the issuance of up to US$1,000 million (or the equivalent amount in other currencies) that was approved by the CNV on May 10, 2018. Such notes may be unsecured or secured, denominated in Pesos, Dollars or, at Naranja’s option, in other currencies, with maturities of not less than 30 days after their issuance date. Also, they may be offered in separate classes and/or series and may be re issued, as applicable, in the amounts, at the prices and under the conditions to be established and specified in the applicable pricing supplement.

The program contains certain restrictions on liens, subject to the provisions established in the applicable pricing supplement with respect to each class and/or series of notes, so long as any note issued under such program remains outstanding.

Certain notes issued under Naranja’s program are subject to covenants that limit the ability of Naranja and their subsidiaries, subject to important qualifications and exceptions, to declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution in respect of its capital stock; redeem, repurchase or retire its capital stock; make certain restricted payments; consolidate, merge or transfer assets; and incur any indebtedness, among others.

As a result of the merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas, as of October 1, 2017, Naranja incorporated into its assets Tarjetas Cuyanas’ outstanding debt. Beginning on October 1, 2017, Naranja made principal and interest payments in respect of such debt.

As of December 31, 2020, Naranja’s total debt issued under both programs was equal to an outstanding principal amount outstanding of Ps.9,567 million (approximately US$113.7 million).

 

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A.6 Contractual Obligations

The table below identifies the total amounts (principal and interest) of our main on balance-sheet contractual obligations, their currency of denomination, remaining maturity and interest rate and the breakdown of payments due as of December 31, 2020.

 

     December 31, 2020  
     Maturity      Annual
Interest Rate
    Total      Less than 1
Year
     1 to 3
Years
     3 to 5
Years
     Over 5
Years
 

Banco Galicia

                   

Deposits

                   

Time Deposits (Ps./US$)

     Various        Various       245,497        245,406        91        —          —    

Debt Securities

                   

Class V Serie II Due 2020 (Ps.) (4)

     2021        Badlar + 350 bp       1,256        1,256        —          —          —    

Class VIII Due 2020 (Ps.) (5)

     2021        Badlar + 225 bp       1,657        1,657        —          —          —    

2026 Subordinated (US$) (5)

     2026        8.30%       21,036        —          —          —          21,036  

Green Bond - IFC (US$)

     2025        5.90%       4,818        1,071        2,141        1,606        —    

Loans

                   

IFC Financial Loans (US$)

     Varios        Varios       4,848        2,605        1,963        280        —    

Other Financial Loans (US$) (6)

     Varios        Varios       —          —          —          —          —    

IDB Financial Loans (Ps.)

     Varios        Varios       109        43        56        10        —    

BICE Financial Loans (Ps.)

     Varios        Varios       1,312        856        442        14        —    

BICE Financial Loans (US$)

     Varios        Varios       1,818        363        721        137        597  

Short-term Interbank Loans (Ps.)

     2021        41.60%       210        210        —          —          —    

Corresponsales

     2021        0.00%       1,927        1,927           

BCRA (Ps.)

     2021        0.00%       21        21           

Ecosistema NaranjaX

                   

Financial Loans with Local Banks (Ps.)

     Various        Various       3,589        3,589           

Debt Securities (Ps.)

     Various        Various       8,621        6,514        2,107        
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

          296,719        265,518        7,521        2,047        21,633  
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Principal and interest. Includes the UVA adjustment, where applicable.

(1)

Interest payable quarterly in cash, adjustable rate of Badlar + 269 bps Principal payable in full on February 17, 2020.

(2)

Interest payable in cash quarterly in cash, adjustable rate of Badlar + 298 bps Principal payable in full on May 18, 2020.

(3)

Interest payable in cash and principal payable in full on April 26, 2020.

(4)

Interest payable in cash quarterly in cash, adjustable rate of Badlar + 350 bps Principal payable in full on April 26, 2021.

(5)

Interest payable in cash semi-annually, fixed rate of 8.25%, up to July 19, 2021, when benchmark rate will be a 7.156% additional. Principal payable in full on July 19, 2026.

(6)

Borrowings to finance international trade operations to Bank customers.

i) Leases

The following tables provides information for leases where Grupo Financiero Galicia is the lessee:

 

     December 31, 2020  
     (In millions of Pesos)  

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:

  

Right-of-use asset (1)

     4,053  

Lease Liabilities (2)

     4,363  

 

(1)

Recorded in the Property, Plant and Equipment item, for right of use of real property.

(2)

Recorded in the item Other Financial Liabilities.

 

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     December 31, 2020  
     (In millions of Pesos)  

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Income:

  

Charge for depreciation of right-of-use assets (1)(2)

     1,312  

Interest Expenses (3)

     399  

Expenses related to short-term leases (4)

     142  

Expenses related to low-value assets leases (4)

     167  

Sublease Income (5)

     10  

 

(1)

Depreciation for right of use of Real Property.

(2)

Recorded in the item Depreciation and Impairment of assets.

(3)

Recorded in the item Other Operating Expenses, Lease Interest.

(4)

Recorded in the item Administrative Expenses.

(5)

Recorded in the item Other Operating Income.

A.7 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet risks mainly arise from Banco Galicia’s activities. In the normal course of its business and in order to meet customer financing needs, Grupo Galicia is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These instruments expose us to credit risk in addition to loans recognized on our consolidated balance sheets. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees.

The same internal regulations and policies apply for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees. Outstanding commitments and guarantees do not represent an unusually high credit risk for Grupo Galicia.

i) Commitments to Extend Credit

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at a future date, subject to meeting certain contractual terms. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent actual future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

ii) Guarantees

Guarantees are agreements and/or commitments to reimburse or make payment on account of any losses or non-payments by a borrower in an event of default scenario and include surety guarantees in connection with transactions between two parties.

iii) Stand-By Letters of Credit and Foreign Trade Transactions

Standby letters of credit and guarantees granted are conditional commitments issued by Banco Galicia to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Banco Galicia also provides conditional commitments for foreign trade transactions.

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees granted and acceptances is represented by the contractual notional amount of those investments.

 

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Our credit exposure related to these items as of December 31, 2020 is set forth below:

 

     December 31, 2020  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Agreed Commitments

     33,134  

Export and Import Documentary Credits

     2,483  

Guarantees Granted

     12,659  

Responsibilities for Foreign Trade Transactions

     917  

The credit risk of these instruments is similar as the credit risk associated with credit facilities provided to individuals and companies. To provide guarantees to our customers, we may require counter-guarantees, which are classified as follows:

 

     December 31, 2020  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Other Preferred Guarantees Received

     66  

Other Guarantees Received

     285  

In addition, checks to be debited and credited, notes, invoices and miscellaneous items subject to collection are recorded in memorandum accounts until such instruments are approved or accepted.

The risk of loss in these offsetting transactions is not significant.

 

     December 31, 2020  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Checks and Drafts to be Debited

     7,001  

Checks and Drafts to be Credited

     10,519  

Values for Collection

     85,197  

Grupo Galicia acts as trustee pursuant to trust agreements to secure obligations in connection with financing transaction undertaken by its customers. The amount of funds and securities held in trust as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

     December 31, 2020  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Trust Funds

     8,781  

Securities Held in Custody

     804,332  

These funds and securities are not included in Grupo Galicia’s consolidated financial statements as it does not have control over the same. For additional information regarding off-balance sheet financial instruments, see Note 48 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

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A.8 Principal Trends

i) Related to Argentina

The Argentine economy contract 9.9% in 2020 as compared to 2019. Following such contraction in 2020, a rebound in activity is expected for 2021. This rebound could be partially explained by last year’s statistical carry-over, due to the greater mobility of people in the second half of the year. The increase in exports and the partial return of private consumption are expected to be the key factors in the economy’s evolution. Any anticipated rebound is be subject to the performance and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and their effectiveness against any new strains, which will ultimately determine the need to reimplement isolation measures, with the consequent impact on economic activity.

To the extent that the economy does rebound in 2021, such rebound is expected to allow for the recovery of treasury revenues, which in combination with an elimination, at least in part, of the fiscal package used to contain the pandemic during 2020, would be expected to result in a reduction of the primary deficit from the 6.5% of GDP reached in 2020.

This year’s primary fiscal deficit together with the Government debt security upcoming maturity dates in the local market and with international organizations will worsen the situation in terms of national financing needs. Although the Government is hoping to refinance a portion of its outstanding debt, the evolution of the negotiations, in particular with the International Monetary Fund with whom it will negotiate for maturities of approximately US$53 million, will be crucial.

In respect of the IMF debt alone, US$3.6 million are due in 2021 unless a refinancing is agreed upon. The possibility of Argentina returning to the international debt markets still seems distant, since the “Country Risk” as determined by JP Morgan’s Emerging Markets Bonds Index is above 1.500 bps. The Treasury’s requirements would be covered again through the issuance of additional money, through the BCRA’s profit sharing and “Temporary Advances”, and through the issuance of new debt in the domestic market and access to lines of credit from international organizations.

After a year in which the monetization of the economy reached historically high levels as a result of the financing via money issuance of the fiscal package to contain the effects of the pandemic, more money supply could put upward pressure on domestic prices. For this reason, plus the accumulation of restrained inflation in the last months of 2020, an increase in inflation rates is expected during 2021.

Monetary levels of the fiscal deficit will also define the pressure on the different dollar exchange rates and will eventually define the levels of exchange gap. In a context where the real exchange rate does not appear to be excessively appreciated, and where a trade surplus similar to that of 2020 is possible, the levels of the exchange gap will be the key to the pressure on the official exchange market, and finally on international reserves.

ii) Related to the Financial System

The Argentine financial system will continue interacting mainly with the private sector, with short-term financing and financial products, maintaining high liquidity levels at the same time.

In the coming year, there is a risk of an adverse evolution of the pandemic at the local and international level. This could have an impact on the domestic activity level, world production and international trade. In this context, the impact on the payment capacity of Argentine families and companies could have repercussions on the profits of local financial institutions.

To mitigate the possibility of massive cuts in the payment chain, in the context of health policies establishing distancing due to the pandemic, it is expected that policies of (temporary) flexibility of the parameters with which bank debtors are classified will continue in 2021. In addition, the monetary authority will continue to promote credit lines for productive activity, with interest rates below the inflation expected by the market consensus. Meanwhile, the BCRA will also continue with its policy of minimum rates for time deposits.

 

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Despite the points observed in the previous paragraphs, it is expected that banks will continue to show positive real benefits, such as those recorded in 2020, allowing capitalization levels to be maintained above the minimum capital requirements established by the Basel Committee. The institutions will continue working on expenses in order to improve efficiency indicators.

Although the current situation seems very challenging, a solid systemic position is expected to continue prevailing, in a context where credit growth relative to gross domestic product is not projected for the year that has begun. High levels of irregularity hedge through allowances and excess capital are a strength in a context of high level of arrears. Low leverage in companies and families, regionally compared, evidences the potential of Argentine financial institutions.

Within the above scheme, Grupo Financiero Galicia (through Banco Galicia) will further its objective of strengthening its leadership position in the market. The quality of its products and services provided to current and future customers will continue to be the central focus, in addition to continuing the process of improving operational efficiency as a key factor in generating value both for customers and shareholders.

iii) Related to Us

Similar to our expectations for 2020, we believe that 2021 will be a year marked with high levels of economic volatility and uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be far from being controlled and, therefore, we believe that the Argentine economy will continue to be impacted - possibly to a lesser extent than observed in 2020 - by the economic and social effects of the pandemic. In the same sense, we expect that at least part of the public policy measures taken during 2020 and as described herein will remain in place for 2021 in order to help spur economic activity and generate employment.

In addition to this, the results of upcoming legislative elections in 2021 may lead to legislative and other changes that require a review and reevaluation of both the impacts of such new policies on Argentina’s overall macroeconomic state as well as on Grupo Galicia’s particular lines of business.

In a context of weak economic recovery and pressure on prices, it is expected that the activity will continue to be regulated. On the one hand, in terms of directed credit through the different versions of financing lines for productive investments of small and medium companies -which nevertheless tend to include benefits or exemptions on reserve requirements- the presence of minimum deposit rates or maximum placement rates for certain lines and the limits on the placement of excess liquidity in economic policy instruments. On the other hand, the limits on the use of the credit lines as a source of financing for the development of the economy.

In Banco Galicia, these policies affect the financial margin, both in the net interest margin and in the lower profitability resulting from the placement of liquidity in bank notes (both in terms of volume and rate).

It is expected that in 2021 the exchange market will be under pressure again. Given this, another aspect to be considered in terms of the impact of regulations implemented during 2020 are the effects, already known and analyzed during 2020, on the results from foreign currency purchase and sale transactions. In addition, regulations that prevented increases in the levels of commissions charged or that restricted or prohibited the collection of certain commissions (e.g.: for the use of ATMs), may be gradually eased or relaxed as the Argentine economy improves.

Finally, although a certain rebound in the level of activity and employment is currently expected which could have a positive impact on our subsidiaries non-performing loan portfolios; it should be taken into account that the waivers and sources of funding and subsidies granted by the BCRA in 2020 prevented a true analysis of the real impact on the deterioration of our subsidiaries loan portfolios. For this reason, uncollectibility continues to be a significant risk, both at Banco Galicia and Naranja.

 

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As a consequence, of the above-mentioned situation, we foresee the following impacts from COVID-19 during 2020 on Banco Galicia’s operations:

 

   

Fee income will be reduced, due to regulations limiting price increases, which could be offset by a moderate increase of volume.

 

   

Financial income will be affected by: (i) a lower average lending rate as a consequence of the directed credit at maximum interest rates, and (ii) a demand driven by subsidized credit. This could be partially offset by improving the structure of liabilities, due to the less attractive placement conditions. Additionally, and compared to 2020, the profitability from investing the excess liquidity will decrease, both due to the regulatory limits to the volumes invested and the downward trend in rates.

 

   

Loan and other receivables loss provisions could reflect a strong deterioration as compared to 2020.

 

   

Administrative expenses will not experience significant changes with respect to our estimate for 2021, considering the containment policy and the digital transformation that the Bank is going through by generating efficient captures.

 

   

As for volumes, the expansionary monetary policy with foreign exchange control imposed by the administration will probably continue generating dynamism in deposits, growing slightly above the system. As regards credit, although we do not believe that there is a very dynamic demand, considering the expected level of economic activity, credit boost policies and the need to rebuild working capital are expected to generate growth in terms of Gross Domestic Product when the economy begins to stabilize.

To conclude, we estimate that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a negative impact on Banco Galicia’s income, mainly as a consequence of: (i) the negative impact on income from financings, due to the reasons stated above; (ii) restrictions imposed by governmental regulations on fees charged; (iii) still higher loan and other receivables loss provisions; and (iv) impact of inflation on the foregoing and overall results.

Still, it is currently believe, based on the information known to date, that Banco Galicia’s current liquidity and solvency levels will allow it to cope with this situation in the short term, assuming it is under control by the end of 2021.

With respect to Naranja, as it is a credit-and-consumption-related business, it is certainly difficult for us to make any forecast for the coming months due to the current high level of economic volatility. Based on the 2021 Argentine budget this year is expected to be marked by the aftermath of the social and health crisis triggered by the COVID-19 in 2020 and the estimated impact will be reflected in a potential drop in the volume of operations or customer transactions. Therefore, revenue obtained from services will be affected.

Additionally, the Naranja access to financing through the capital market may be limited, which in turn would leave Naranja with less ability to offer financing plans or loans to its customers, with the consequent impact that would have on financial income. However, Naranja has so far been able to maintain the liquidity and solvency levels that would allow it to address the obligations incurred.

Loan and other receivables loss provisions will increase as a consequence of the general impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the economy and expected increase in unemployment rates.

In conclusion, we expect a negative impact on Naranja’s future income during 2021, mainly caused by the decrease of financial and service revenues, and higher charges for arrearage.

Regarding Ecosistema NaranjaX, it is important to point out that the company Naranja Digital has recently obtained the license from the BCRA to start operating. At the same time, Naranja X will continue deploying its new service model at additional branches, reaching 76% of the customer base. Finally, it will engage in further efforts on “Futuro del Trabajo” (Future of Employment)—an initiative focused on enhancing its employees’ experience by giving priority to their care and welfare.

 

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On the other hand, Sudamericana Holding does not foresee significant consequences on their business during 2021 related to COVID-19 and derived by the new regulations, either in economic or financial terms.

As for Galicia Administradora de Fondos, it is estimated that, in 2021, it will obtain a growth of close to 70% in the volume of assets under management and will maintain its leading position in the Argentine industry by leading the Argentine fund market.

The current economic context suggests that investments will be concentrated primarily in money market or short-term bond funds, and to a lesser extent in the rest of the funds.

In addition, this line of business plans to continue to deepen and expand the marketing of its products through the use of distribution and placement agents, a niche that is expected to continue to grow.

The organizational structure within the company is expected to remain stable during the year, and this company plans to continue to focus on the automation of its services and on the roll out of technological changes being implemented across the Grupo Galicia family that are aimed at improving efficiency and their customer’s digital experience.

The operational management of the Group Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries is stable, enabling us to comply with the needs and demands of our customers and of the control and supervision bodies. The implementation of work from home policies for our employees and our technological infrastructure have become invaluable tools to remain operative.

Grupo Financiero Galicia will continue with the objective of strengthening its leadership position in the market. The high quality of the products and services it (and its subsidiaries) provide to current and future customers will continue to have a central role, in addition to continuing the process of improving operational efficiency as a key factor in generating value for its customers and shareholders.

Likewise, the quarantine, social distancing and restrictions on face-to-face activities were driving forces to continue promoting and accelerating our digital transformation process. We continue working on projects that are designed to enrich the experience of our customers and employees. We plan to leverage new business lines like Naranja X, INVIU investment platform and MODO’s Systematic Payments play, and we remain focused on transforming Banco Galicia into a 100% digital platform, with the purpose of growing and capturing new customers.

The business growth of all the companies that make up Grupo Financiero Galicia takes place within the framework of a sustainable management. To this end, we will continue to seek new opportunities aimed at the common good and care for the environment.

The Board of Directors is closely monitoring this situation and taking all the required measures within their reach to preserve human life and our operations.

The analysis of these trends should be read in conjunction with the discussion in Item 3. “Key Information”— D. “Risk Factors”, and with consideration that the Argentine economy has been historically volatile, which has negatively affected the volume and growth of the financial system.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

B.1 Liquidity - Holding Company on an Individual Basis

We generate our net earnings/losses from our operating subsidiaries, specifically Banco Galicia, our main operating subsidiary. Banco Galicia’s dividend-paying ability has been affected since late 2001 by the effects of the 2001-2002 liquidity crisis and its impact on Banco Galicia’s income-generation capacity. In addition, there were other restrictions on Banco Galicia’s ability to pay dividends resulting from applicable BCRA rules and the loan agreements entered into by Banco Galicia as part of its foreign debt restructuring. See Item 8. “Financial Information”—“Dividend Policy and Dividends.”

 

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From 2002 to 2010 we did not receive any dividends from Banco Galicia, which is the primary source of funds available to us. On April 27, 2011, during the shareholders’ meeting of Banco Galicia, a distribution of cash dividends for a total amount of Ps.100 million was approved and the payment of distributions resumed. Most recently, on April 2019, we received from Banco Galicia a cash dividend of Ps.1,500 million (equivalent to Ps.2,717 million as of December 2020) for fiscal year 2018.

Due to the regulations recently passed by the BCRA within the framework of the measures taken by the government to respond to the COVID-19, the capacity of the Argentine financial system to pay cash dividends has been suspended until June 30, 2021 (subject to further extensions). As such, Grupo Financiero Galicia did not receive any dividends from Banco Galicia during 2020. However, Grupo Financiero Galicia did distribute dividends to its shareholders during 2020 as indicated below.

The extent to which a banking subsidiary may extend credit or otherwise provide funds to a holding company is limited by BCRA rules. For a description of these rules, see Item 4. “Information on the Company-Argentine Banking Regulation-Lending Limits.”

During fiscal years 2018 and 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia received from its subsidiaries dividends for Ps.1,152 million (equivalent to Ps.3,094 million as of December 2020), and Ps.2,392 million (equivalent to Ps.4,140 as of December 2020), respectively. During fiscal year 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia received dividends for Ps.2,367 million (equivalent to Ps.2,725 million as of December 2020) from Sudamericana Holding S.A.; Galicia Warrants S.A.; Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.U and Tarjetas Regionales S.A. During February 2021, Sudamericana Holding paid a cash dividend of Ps.963 million and during March 2021 the Shareholders’ meeting of Galicia Warrants, Galicia Administradora de Fondos and Galicia Securities announced dividends to be paid in cash during April 2021, for Ps.40 million, Ps.800 million and Ps.150 million respectively.

According to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s policy for the distribution of dividends and due to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and the fact that most of the profits for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 also corresponded to income from holdings (with just a fraction corresponding to the realized and liquid profits meeting the requirements to be distributed as per Section 68 of the Corporations Law) a proposal was made by the Board of Directors, to be treated at the next Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2021. The proposal was to absorb the negative results generated by the application of the accounting inflation adjustment method and to distribute a cash dividend for an amount that, when inflation adjusted, pursuant to Resolution 777/2018 of the Argentine Securities Exchange Commission, results in Ps.1,500,000,000 (which represents 101,7161%) being distributed with regard to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 each, through the partial reduction of the discretionary reserve for future dividends’ distributions created during the year 2020.

For fiscal year 2018, the shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2019 approved the distribution of cash dividends for Ps.2,000 million, (equivalent to Ps.3,515 million as of December 2020), which represented a dividend of 140.18% with respect to 1,426,764,597 class A and B ordinary shares of Grupo Financiero Galicia with a face value of Ps.1 each. Similarly, for fiscal year 2019, the shareholders’ meeting held on September 22, 2020 approved the distribution of cash dividends for Ps.1,700 million (equivalent to Ps.1,893 million as of December 2020), which represented a dividend of 119.1507% with respect to 1,426,764,597 class A and B ordinary shares of Grupo Financiero Galicia with a face value of Ps.1 each.

Due to Act. No. 27,260, Grupo Financiero Galicia neither reimbursed nor withheld any amount for tax purposes on the dividends paid for fiscal year 2018.

For fiscal year 2019, pursuant to what is set forth in the third paragraph of the article without number incorporated after article 25 of Act No. 23,966, replaced by article 4 of Act No. 26,452, when corresponding, Grupo Financiero Galicia was reimbursed of the amounts paid for the fiscal year 2019 in its capacity as substitute taxpayer of the shareholders’ subject to the tax on personal assets. Similarly, for fiscal year 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia will withhold, when corresponding, some amount for taxes on personal assets on the dividends to be distributed.

 

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As of December 31, 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and due from banks in an amount of Ps.0.8 million, short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds and government securities and foreign currency in an amount of Ps.645 million.

As of December 31, 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and amounts due from banks in an amount of Ps.0.3 million, short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds and government securities and foreign currency in an amount of Ps.810 million (equivalent to Ps.1,103 as of December 2020).

As of December 31, 2018, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and amounts due from banks in an amount of Ps.0.2 million and short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds and government securities and foreign currency in an amount of Ps.885 million, (equivalent to Ps.1,854 million as of December 2020).

During fiscal year 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia made capital contributions for a total amount of Ps.1,081 million (equivalent to Ps.1,167 million as of December 2020), Ps.1,000 million were applied to Tarjetas Regionales, Ps.4 million to IGAM and Ps.77 million to Galicia Securities.

For a description of the notes issued by Grupo Financiero Galicia, see —Item 5.A. “Operating Results” —” Debt Programs”.

Each of our subsidiaries is responsible for their own liquidity management. For a discussion of Banco Galicia’s liquidity management, see “Banco Galicia’s Liquidity Management-Banco Galicia Liquidity Management”.

 

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B.2 Consolidated Cash Flows

Our consolidated statements of cash flows were prepared in accordance with IAS 7 (Statements of Cash Flows). See our consolidated cash flow statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 included in this annual report.

As of December 31, 2020, on a consolidated basis, we had Ps.378,820 million in available cash (defined as total cash and cash equivalents), representing a Ps.62,812 million increase as compared to the Ps.316,008 million in available cash as of December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2019, on a consolidated basis, we had Ps.316,008 million in available cash, representing a Ps.157,025 million decrease as compared to the Ps.473,033 million in available cash as of December 31, 2018.

Cash equivalents are comprised of the following: BCRA debt instruments having a remaining maturity that does not exceed 90 days, securities in connection with reverse repurchase agreement transactions with the BCRA, local interbank loans and overnight placements in correspondent banks abroad. Cash equivalents also comprise, in the case of Tarjetas Regionales, time deposit certificates and mutual fund shares.

The table below summarizes the information from our consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Operating Activities

     183,754        (26,226      188,241  

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Investment Activities

     (6,782      (7,103      (7,510

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Financing Activities

     (35,106      (25,098      16,409  

Exchange income/(losses) on Cash and Cash Equivalents

     32,806        69,535        94,158  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     174,672        11,108        291,298  

Monetary loss related to cash and cash equivalents

     (111,860      (168,133      (94,623

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

     316,008        473,033        276,358  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

     378,820        316,008        473,033  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our operating activities include the operating results, the origination of loans and other financing transactions with the private sector, as well as raising customer deposits and entering into sales of government securities under repurchase agreement transactions. Our investing activities primarily consist of the acquisition of equity investments and purchasing of bank premises and equipment. Our financing activities include issuing bonds in the local and foreign capital markets and borrowing from foreign and local banks and international credit agencies.

 

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Management believes that cash flows from operations and available cash and cash equivalent balances, will be sufficient to fund our financial commitments and capital expenditures for fiscal year 2021.

i) Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

        

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

     43,378        50,178        7,067  

Adjustment to Obtain the Operating Activities Flows:

        

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

     34,680        30,228        34,136  

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

     8,284        6,895        3,460  

Loss on Net Monetary Position

     36,963        41,929        37,830  

Other Operations

     33,809        45,547        (15,846

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Assets:

        

Debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss

     (16,817      1,907        25,023  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     1,006        569        (2,115

Repurchase Transactions

     (46      (4,167      628  

Other Financial Assets

     763        2,738        3,292  

Net Loans and Other Financing

        

- Non-financial Public Sector

     11        18        (7

- Other Financial Institutions

     (2,769      (1,073      7,583  

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     (70,130      72,480        (28,998

Other Debt Securities

     2,823        4,315        (21,449

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     (2,992      6,930        (3,080

Investments in Equity Instruments

     309        (5,863      (103

Other Non-financial Assets

     872        (2,210      (2,364

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     24        1,220        21,471  

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Liabilities:

        

Deposits

        

- Non-financial Public Sector

     18,906        (15,315      14,347  

- Financial Sector

     1,333        (877      1,135  

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     120,123        (201,920      117,987  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     (1,936      (2,556      4,492  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     (1,142      (2,645      2,072  

Other Financial Liabilities

     1,298        (40,408      16,512  

Provisions

     36        704        1,156  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     44        (1,096      (20,447

Income Tax Collections/Payments

     (25,076      (13,754      (15,541
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Operating Activities

     183,754        (26,226      188,241  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In fiscal year 2020, net cash generated by operating activities including the inflationary effect amounted to Ps.183,754 million, mainly due to a Ps.120,123 million net increase in net cash generated from deposits from the non-financial private sector and from residents abroad. Such amount was partially offset by net cash used of Ps.70,130 million related to an increase in net loans and other financing to the non-financial private sector and to residents abroad.

In fiscal year 2019, net cash used in operating activities including the inflationary effect amounted to Ps.26,226 million, mainly due to: (i) a Ps.201,920 million net decrease in deposits to non-financial private sector and residents abroad and (ii) a Ps.40,408 million decrease in other financial liabilities. Such amount was partially offset by net cash provided by Ps.72,480 million related to a decrease in net loans and other financing to non-financial private sector and residents abroad.

In fiscal year 2018, net cash generated by operating activities including the inflationary effect amounted to Ps.188,241 million, mainly due to: (i) a Ps.117,987 million increase in deposits from non-financial private sector and residents abroad, (ii) a Ps.25,023 million decrease in debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss and (iii) a Ps.21,471 million decrease in non-current assets held for sale, partially offset due to: (i) a Ps.28,998 million increase in loans to non-financial private sector and residents abroad, (ii) a Ps.21,449 million increase in other debt securities and (iii) Ps.20,447 million decrease in other non-financial liabilities.

 

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ii) Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Cash Flows from Investment Operations

        

Payments:

        

Purchase of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

     (7,124      (10,751      (7,723

Interests in other companies

     (102      —          —    

Collections:

        

Sale of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

     265        3,648        213  

Dividends earned

     179        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Investment Activities

     (6,782      (7,103      (7,510
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In fiscal year 2020, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.6,782 million mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.7,124 million. Such amount was partially offset by funds provided by the sale of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.265 million and for the dividends received from investment in equity instruments for Ps.179 million.

In fiscal year 2019, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.7,103 million mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.10,751 million. Such amount was partially offset by funds provided by the sale of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.3,648 million.

In fiscal year 2018, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.7,510 million mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.7,723 million.

iii) Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

        

Payments:

        

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

     (27,839      (20,826      (2,851

Loans from Local Financial Institutions

     (35,157      (70,419      (25,579

Dividends

     (2,036      (3,622      (3,589

Leases payment

     (1,333      (1,362      —    

Collections:

        

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

     11,728        7,726        23,558  

Loans from Local Financial Institutions

     19,531        63,225        24,870  

Capital increase

     —          180        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Financing Activities

     (35,106      (25,098      16,409  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In fiscal year 2020, net cash used in financing activities amounted to Ps.35,106 million due to: (i) Ps.35,157 million as consequence of payments of loans obtained from local financial institutions and (ii) Ps.27,839 million of payments of principal and interest on unsubordinated debt securities issued by Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries. Such amount was partially offset by: (i) funds provided by loans from local financial institutions for Ps.19,531 million and (ii) issuances by Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries of unsubordinated debt securities for approximately Ps.11,728 million during 2020.

In fiscal year 2019, net cash used in financing activities amounted to Ps.25,098 million due to: (i) Ps.70,419 million as consequence of payments of loans obtained from local financial institutions, (ii) Ps.20,826 million of

 

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payments of principal and interest on unsubordinated debt securities issued by Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries, (iii) Ps.3,622 million of payments of dividends and (iv) Ps.1,362 million for leases payments. Such amount was partially offset by funds provided by loans from local financial institutions for Ps.63,225 million.

In fiscal year 2018, financing activities provided cash in the amount of Ps.16,409 million due to: (i) an increase in loans from local financial institutions for Ps.24,870 million,(ii) issuances by Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries of unsubordinated debt securities for approximately Ps.23,558 million during 2018 and (iii) Ps.6,771 million of the payments of principal and interest on subordinated debt securities. Such amount was partially offset by funds provided by loans from local financial institutions for Ps.25,579 million.

iv) Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents

In fiscal year 2020, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.32,806 million, a decrease of Ps.36.729 million as compared to fiscal year 2019. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2020 was Ps.84,145 per US$1.

In fiscal year 2019, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.69,535 million, a decrease of Ps.24,623 million as compared to fiscal year 2018. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2019 was Ps.59.8950 per US$1.

In fiscal year 2018, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.94,158 million. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2018 was Ps.37.8083 per US$1.

For a description of the types of financial interests we use and the maturity profile of our debt, currency and interest rate structure, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”— A.“Operating Results”.

B.3 Liquidity Management

i) Liquidity Gaps

Liquidity risk is the risk that Grupo Financiero Galicia does not have a sufficient level of liquid assets to meet its contractual commitments and the operational needs of the business without affecting market prices. The goal of liquidity management is to maintain an adequate level of liquid assets that allows it to meet financial commitments at contractual maturity, take advantage of potential investment opportunities and meet demand for credit. To monitor and control liquidity risk, Grupo Financiero Galicia monitors and systematically calculates gaps in liquidity through the application of an internal model that is subject to periodic review.

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s liquidity policy covers three areas of liquidity risk:

 

   

Stock Liquidity: The excess amount of cash and liquid assets above the legal minimum cash requirements, taking into account the characteristics and performance of Banco Galicia’s different liabilities, as well as the nature of the assets that provide such liquidity.

 

   

Cash Flow Liquidity: Gaps between the contractual maturities of consolidated financial assets and liabilities.

 

   

Concentration of Deposits: The concentration of deposits is regulated in terms of the top leading customers and the following 50 customers. A maximum limit with respect to the share in deposits is determined on an individual basis for such customers.

 

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As of December 31, 2020, the consolidated gaps between maturities of Grupo Financiero Galicia´s financial assets and liabilities based on contractual remaining maturity were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2020  
     Less than one
Year
    1 – 5 Years     5 – 10 Years     Over 10
Years
    Total  
     (in millions of Pesos, except ratios)  

Assets

          

Cash and Due from Banks

     72,826       —         —         —         72,826  

Argentine Central Bank – Escrow Accounts

     181,143       —         —         —         181,143  

Overnight Placements in Banks Abroad

     1,100       —         —         —         1,100  

Loans – Public Sector

     11,586       3,242       —         —         14,828  

Loans – Private Sector

     400,534       64,207       6,267       12,656       483,664  

Government Securities

     109,185       —         —         —         109,185  

Notes and Securities

     4,660       691       —         —         5,351  

Financial Trusts

     72       —         —         —         72  

Receivables from Financial Leases

     934       875       17       —         1,826  

Other Financing

     2,361       2,902       —         —         5,263  

Government Securities Forward Purchase

     62,737       —         —         —         62,737  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     847,138       71,917       6,284       12,656       937,995  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

          

Deposits in Savings Accounts

     281,011       —         —         —         281,011  

Demand Deposits

     143,923       —         —         —         143,923  

Time Deposits

     245,402       91       —         —         245,493  

Notes

     9,107       2,466       20,873       —         32,446  

Banks and International Entities

     4,277       6,009       —         —         10,286  

Local Financial Institutions

     4,882       1,382       —         —         6,264  

Other Financing

     100,642       2,368       822.0       127.0       103,959  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     789,244       12,316       21,695       127       823,382  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Asset / Liability Gap

     57,894       59,601       (15,411     12,529       114,613  

Cumulative Gap

     57,894       117,495       102,084       114,613    

Ratio of Cumulative Gap to Cumulative Liabilities

     7     15     12     14  

Ratio of Cumulative Gap to Total Liabilities

     7     14     12     14  

 

(*)

Principal plus UVA adjustment. Does not include interest.

(1)

Includes, mainly, debt with retailers due to credit card operations, liabilities in connection with repurchase transactions, debt with domestic credit agencies and collections for third parties.

The table above is prepared taking into account contractual maturity. Therefore, all financial assets and liabilities with no maturity date are included in the “Less than One Year” category.

Banco Galicia must comply with a maximum limit set by its board of directors for liquidity mismatches. This limit has been established at -25% (minus 25%) for the ratio of cumulative gap to total liabilities within the first year. Banco Galicia complies with the established policy, since such gap was of 7% as of December 2020.

ii) Banco Galicia Liquidity Management

The following is a discussion of Banco Galicia’s liquidity management.

Banco Galicia’s policy is to maintain a level of liquid assets that allows it to meet financial commitments at contractual maturity, take advantage of potential investment opportunities, and meet customer’s credit demand. To set the appropriate level, forecasts are made based on historical experience and on an analysis of possible scenarios. This enables management to project funding needs and alternative funding sources, as well as excess liquidity and placement strategies for such funds. As of December 31, 2020, Banco Galicia’s liquidity structure was as follows:

 

     December 31, 2020  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Legal Requirement

     193,955  

Management Liquidity

     211,014  
  

 

 

 

Total Liquidity

     404,969  
  

 

 

 

 

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Legal requirements correspond to the minimum cash requirements for Peso- and foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities as per the rules and regulations of the BCRA.

The assets that can be taken into account for compliance with this requirement are the balances of the Peso- and foreign currency-denominated deposit accounts at the BCRA, the liquidity bills and Bote 2020, and the escrow accounts held at the BCRA in favor of clearing houses.

Management liquidity, defined as a percentage over deposits and other liabilities, is made up of the following items: balances of checking accounts held by the BCRA exceeding minimum cash requirements, Letes, Leliq and placements held by the BCRA, overnight placements in banks abroad, net short-term interbank loans (call loans), technical cash and placements at the BCRA in excess of the amounts necessary to cover minimum cash requirements.

B.4 Capital

Our capital management policy is designed to ensure prudent levels of capital. The following table analyzes our capital resources as of the dates indicated.

 

    As of December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018  
    (in millions of Pesos, except ratios, multiples and percentages)  

Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG

    182,334       155,121       125,919  

Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG as a Percentage of Total Assets

    17.28       16.62       10.55  

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG

    4.79       4.99       8.45  

Tangible Shareholders’ Equity (1) as a Percentage of Total Assets

    15.91       15.35       9.75  

 

1)

Tangible shareholders’ equity represents shareholders’ equity minus intangible assets.

For information on our capital adequacy and that of our operating subsidiaries, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.“Business Overview”—“Selected Statistical Information”—“Regulatory Capital”.

B.5 Capital Expenditures

In the ordinary course of business, our capital expenditures are mainly related to fixed assets, construction and organizational and IT system development. Generally, our capital expenditures are not significant when compared to our total assets.

For a more detailed description of our capital expenditures in 2020 and our capital commitments for 2021, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”— A. “History and Development of the Company”—“Capital Investments and Divestitures”. For a description of financing of our capital expenditures, see —“Consolidated Cash Flows”.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses

Not applicable.

D. Trend Information

See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A.“Operating Results” – “Principal Trends”.

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—A. “Operating Results”— “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and “Contractual Obligations”.

 

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F. Contractual Obligations

See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—A. “Operating Results”—“Contractual Obligations”.

G. Safe Harbor

These matters are discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Item 6.

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A. Directors and Senior Management

Our Board of Directors

Our ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting took place on April 28, 2020. The following table sets out the members of our Board of Directors as of that date (all of whom reside in Buenos Aires, Argentina), the positions they hold within Grupo Financiero Galicia, their dates of birth, their principal occupations and the dates of their appointment and on which their current terms will expire. Terms expire when the annual shareholders’ meeting takes place.

 

Name

  Position     Date of Birth     Principal Occupation     Member Since     Current Term
Ends
 

Eduardo J. Escasany

    Chairman       June 30, 1950       Businessman       April 2005       April 2022  

Pablo Gutierrez

    Vice Chairman       December 9, 1959       Businessman       April 2003       April 2022  

Abel Ayerza

    Director       May 27, 1939       Businessman       September 1999       April 2021  

Federico Braun

    Director       February 4, 1950       Businessman       September 1999       April 2023  

Silvestre Vila Moret

    Director       April 26, 1971       Businessman       June 2002       April 2023  

Daniel Llambías

    Director       February 8, 1947       Businessman       April 2017       April 2023  

Pedro A. Richards

    Director       November 14, 1952       Businessman       April 2017       April 2022  

Miguel C. Maxwell

    Director       December 19, 1956       Accountant       April 2020       April 2021  

Claudia Raquel Estecho

    Director       September 24, 1957       Accountant       April 2019       April 2021  

Ricardo Alberto Gonzalez

    Alternate Director       June 12, 1951       Businessman       April 2019       April 2022  

Sergio Grinenco

    Alternate Director       May 26, 1948       Banker       April 2003       April 2021  

Alejandro Rojas Lagarde

    Alternate Director       July 17, 1937       Lawyer       April 2000       April 2021  

Ana María Bertolino

    Alternate Director       June 1, 1951       Lawyer       April 2019       April 2022  

The following is a summary of the biographies of the members of our Board of Directors:

Eduardo J. Escasany: Mr. Escasany obtained a degree in economics at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1973 to 2002. He was appointed to Banco Galicia’s board of directors in 1975. In 1979, he was elected as the vice chairman and from 1989 to March 21, 2002 he served as the chairman of Banco Galicia’s board of directors and its chief executive officer. He served as the vice chairman of the Argentine Bankers Association from 1989 to 1993 and the chairman of such association from 1993 to 2002. He was chairman of the Board of Directors from April 2002 to June 2002. In April 2005, he was re-elected as member of the Board of Directors and appointed as chairman in 2010. He is also a lifetime trustee and chairman of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He is the chairman of Helena Emprendimientos Inmobiliarios S.A. and an alternate director for RPE Distribución S.A. and Hidro Distribución S.A. Mr. Escasany is Mr. Silvestre Vila Moret’s uncle.

Pablo Gutierrez: Mr. Gutierrez obtained a degree in business administration at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1985, where he served in different positions. In April 2005, he was appointed to the board of directors of Banco Galicia. Mr. Gutierrez is regular director of Tarjetas Regionales, and Naranja and a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He was an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia from April 2003 to April 2010 when he was appointed as principal Director. In April 2012, he was appointed as the vice chairman of Grupo Financiero Galicia. Mr. Gutierrez is Mr. Abel Ayerza’s nephew.

 

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Abel Ayerza: Mr. Ayerza obtained a degree in business administration at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1966 to 2002. Mr. Ayerza is also second vice chairman of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires and the managing partner of Cribelco S.R.L., Crisabe S.R.L. and Huinca Cereales S.R.L. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since September 1999. Mr. Ayerza is the uncle of Mr. Pablo Gutierrez.

Federico Braun: Mr. Braun obtained a degree in industrial engineering at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1984 to 2002. Mr. Braun is also the chairman of Patagonia Logística S.A., Campos de la Patagonia S.A., Estancia Anita S.A., Tarjeta del Mar and S.A. Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia; the vice chairman of Asociación Empresaria Argentina and Asociación de Supermercados Unidos. He is a director of Inmobiliaria Financiera “La Josefina” S.A. and an alternate director of Martseb S.A. He is a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since September 1999.

Silvestre Vila Moret: Mr. Vila Moret obtained a degree in banking administration at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1997 until May 2002. Mr. Vila Moret is also director of El Benteveo S.A. and Santa Ofelia S.A. He has served as on the Board of Directors since June 2002. He is a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. Mr. Vila Moret is the nephew of Mr. Eduardo J. Escasany.

Daniel Llambías: Mr. Llambías obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1964. He was elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia in September 1997 and served as a director from September 2001 until August 2009, when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Llambías is also a director of Naranja and Tarjetas Regionales and an alternate trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He served as the chairman of ADEBA from April 2016 to April 2017. Mr. Llambías was appointed as a director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2017.

Pedro Alberto Richards: Mr. Richards obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He holds a Master of Science in Management from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the director of the National Development Bank. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1990. He was a member of the board of directors of Galicia Capital Markets S.A. between 1992 and 1994 and vice chairman of Net Investment between September 2001 and May 2007. Since August 2000, he served as Grupo Financiero Galicia’s managing director and from 2010 to 2020 as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Richards is also Director of Galicia Warrants, and director of Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. Mr. Richards was an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia from April 2003 until April 2005, after which he served as a director until April 14, 2010. He was appointed as a director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2017.

Miguel C. Maxwell: Mr. Maxwell obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires in 1979 and in 1986 he completed the High Management Program - Instituto de Altos Estudios Empresariales (IAE) - Buenos Aires (Harvard Business School - University of Navarra). He developed his professional career at Deloitte & Co. S.A., where, after being promoted to Audit Partner and leading the Audit business in Argentina, he reached the position of CEO of Argentina and LATCO (15 countries) and is a current member of the Board of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Llorente & Cuenca (LLYC), Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. and José M. Alladio e Hijos S.A. and current syndic of LIAG Argentina S.A. and Importadora y Exportadora del Norte S.A. He is also current member of the Boards of Directors of the Asociación Argentina de Cultura Inglesa, Club Champagnat and the Rotary Club of Buenos Aires and Accounts Reviewer of the Harvard Club of Argentina. He was appointed as regular director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2020.

Claudia Raquel Estecho: Mrs. Estecho obtained a degree in accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has also completed specialized training programs in the areas of Human Resources, Risk and Executive

 

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Management at the Universidad Austral. She held different positions at Banco Galicia since 1976 to 2016 in the areas of Finance, Planning and Risk Management. She was appointed as regular director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019.

Ricardo Alberto Gonzalez: Mr. Gonzalez served in various positions at Banco Galicia between 1973 and December 2009, mainly in the retail division and the credit department. He retired as general manager of the corporate banking division. In April 2019, he was appointed as alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Sergio Grinenco: Mr. Grinenco obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina and a master’s in business administration from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1977. He has served as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia since September 2001 and as the vice chairman from April 2003 to 2011. Mr. Grinenco is also an alternate trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. In 2012, he was appointed as the chairman of Banco Galicia.

Alejandro María Rojas Lagarde: Mr. Rojas obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has held a variety of positions at Banco Galicia since 1963. From 1965 to January 2000, he served as the general counsel office of Banco Galicia. He has served as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia since 2000. He is also a manager of Rojas Lagarde S.R.L., alternate director of Santiago Salud S.A. and a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.

Ana María Bertolino: Mrs. Bertolino obtained a degree in law from Universidad de Buenos Aires. She joined Banco Galicia in 1972 and has held positions in Credit and Corporate Banking, until 2009. She was appointed as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019.

Our Board of Directors may consist of between three and nine permanent members. Currently our Board of Directors has nine members. In addition, the number of alternate directors who act in the temporary or permanent absence of a director has been set at four. The regular and alternate directors are elected by the shareholders at our annual general shareholders’ meeting.

Directors and alternate directors are elected for a maximum term of three years. Mr. Sergio Grinenco is also a director of Banco Galicia. In addition, some members of our Board of Directors may serve on the board of directors of any subsidiary.

Five of our directors are members of the families that are the controlling shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Our Audit Committee

Grupo Financiero Galicia complies with the provisions set forth by the Capital Markets Law and the regulations set forth by the CNV, which require that companies which make a public offering of shares should form an Audit Committee and develop a charter with regulations for its operation.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors established an Audit Committee with three members. For fiscal year 2020, Messrs. Claudia Estecho, Daniel Llambías and Miguel Maxwell were the members of the Audit Committee, with Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell considered independent pursuant to the CNV and Nasdaq requirements. All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and have extensive experience in management. Mr. Daniel Llambías, was the financial expert serving on our Audit Committee during fiscal year 2020. In April 2020, Mr. Miguel Maxwell replaced Mr. Ricardo Gonzalez who had presented his resignation as Regular Director.

According to the CNV rules, the Audit Committee is primarily responsible for (i) issuing a report on the Board of Directors’ proposals for the appointment of the independent auditors and the compensation for the Directors, (ii) issuing a report detailing the activities performed according to the CNV requirements, (iii) issuing the Audit Committee’s annual plan and implementing it each fiscal year, (iv) evaluating the external auditors’ independence, work plans and performance, (v) evaluating the plans and performance of the internal auditors, (vi) supervising the reliability of our internal control systems, including the accounting system, and of external reporting

 

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of financial or other information, (vii) following-up on the use of information policies on risk management at Grupo Financiero Galicia’s main subsidiaries, (viii) evaluating the reliability of the financial information to be filed with the CNV and the SEC, (ix) verifying compliance with the applicable conduct rules, and (x) issuing a report on related party transactions and disclosing any transaction where a conflict of interest exists with corporate governance bodies and controlling shareholders. The Audit Committee has access to all information and documentation that it requires and is broadly empowered to fulfill its duties. During 2020, the Audit Committee held twelve meetings.

Our Executive Committee

The Executive Committee was created to assist with the management of the Company’s ordinary business and help the Board of Directors in fulfilling its duties. The Committee is composed of between two and five members of the Board of Directors and the President of the Board of Directors acts as its chairman. The duties of this committee include: gathering legal, economic, financial and business information on the Company’s subsidiaries and investee companies; making investment decisions; appointing the Company’s first-tier managers; proposing a strategic plan for the Company and its subsidiaries; making annual budget estimates for the Board of Directors, and performing risk assessments. The members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Eduardo J. Escasany, Pablo Gutiérrez, Abel Ayerza, Federico Braun and Silvestre Vila Moret.

Our Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee

The Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee was created as part of the Company’s Ethics and Integrity Program, in order to promote respect for norms and regulations, the principles of good conduct and our Code of Ethics. The objective of this Committee, (apart from complying with the duties required to be performed by applicable Argentine laws), is to monitor and review reports of conducts contrary to our Code of Ethics, and to decide whether the conduct under review violated our Code of Ethics; evaluate the evolution and effectiveness of our Ethics and Integrity Program; and plan, coordinate and supervise compliance with the relevant policies approved by this Committee. This committee is formed by two independent Directors, the Chief Financial Officer, the responsible for the Integrity program of the Company and is chaired by one of regular Directors. The members are the two independent directors, Messrs. Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell, José Luis Ronsini and Adrián Enrique Pedemonte.

Our Nomination and Compensation Committee

The Nomination and Compensation Committee was created to facilitate the analysis and monitoring of several issues based on good corporate governance practices. Said Committee is composed of 5 regular Directors, two of them independent and is chaired by of one independent Director. Even though under Argentine law the appointment of new members to the Board of Directors remains within exclusive power of the shareholders, this Committee assists the Board of Directors in the preparation and design of a succession plan for its members, in particular for the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Audit Committee. This committee reviews the background, training and professional experience of potential candidates to serve the Board and determines their level of compensation in accordance with market standards. The members of the committee are the two independent directors, Messrs. Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell, Eduardo J. Escasany, Pablo Gutierrez and Federico Braun.

Our Disclosure Committee

We have established a Disclosure Committee in response to the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The main responsibility of this committee is to review and approve controls on the public disclosure of financial and related information, and other procedures necessary that enable our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide their certifications for the annual report we file with the SEC. The members of this committee are Messrs. Fabian Kon, Bruno Folino, José Luis Ronsini, Adrián Enrique Pedemonte and Ms. Mariana Saavedra. In addition, at least one of the members of this committee attends all the meetings of our principal subsidiaries’ disclosure committees.

Our Supervisory Committee

Our bylaws provide for a Supervisory Committee consisting of three members who are referred to as syndics (“syndics”) and three alternate members who are referred to as alternate syndics (“alternate syndics”). In

 

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accordance with the Corporations Law and our bylaws, the syndics and alternate syndics are responsible for ensuring that all of our actions are in accordance with applicable Argentine law. Syndics and alternate syndics are elected by the shareholders at the annual general shareholders’ meeting. Syndics and alternate syndics do not have management functions. Syndics are responsible for, among other things, preparing a report to shareholders analyzing our financial statements for each year and recommending to the shareholders whether to approve such financial statements. Alternate syndics act in the temporary or permanent absence of a syndic. Currently, there are three syndics and three alternate syndics. Syndics and alternate syndics are elected for a one-year term.

The following table shows the members of our Supervisory Committee. Each of our syndics was appointed at the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020. Terms expire when the annual shareholders’ meeting takes place or as set forth below.

 

Name

   Position      Principal Occupation      Current Term Ends  

Antonio R. Garcés

     Syndic        Accountant        April 2021  

José Luis Gentile

     Syndic        Accountant        April 2021  

Omar Severini

     Syndic        Accountant        April 2021  

Miguel N. Armando

     Alternate Syndic        Lawyer        April 2021  

Fernando Noetinger

     Alternate Syndic        Lawyer        April 2021  

María Matilde Hoenig

     Alternate Syndic        Lawyer        April 2021  

The following is a summary of the biographies of the members of our Supervisory Committee:

Antonio Roberto Garcés: Mr. Garcés obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1959 and with Grupo Financiero Galicia since 2002. In April 1985, he was appointed as an alternate director of Banco Galicia. Subsequently, he was appointed as the vice chairman of Banco Galicia in September 2001, as the chairman of the board of directors of Banco Galicia from March 2002 until August 2002 and then as the vice chairman from August 2002 until April 2003, when he was elected to serve as chairman of Banco Galicia’s board of directors until 2011. From 2003 to 2010 he was the chairman of Grupo Financiero Galicia. From April 2012 until April 2019, Mr. Garcés was appointed as a regular director of Grupo Financiero Galicia. He was elected as a regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019. Additionally, he is a regular syndic of Inviu, Galicia Warrants and Naranja.

José Luis Gentile: Mr. Gentile obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has provided services to Grupo Financiero Galicia since 1999 to March 2017. He served as Chief Financial Officer from 2003 to 2017. He was elected as a regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2017. Additionally, he is a regular syndic of Inviu and Galicia Warrants, and an alternate syndic of Cobranzas Regionales, Naranja, and of other subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Omar Severini: Mr. Severini obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Belgrano and a degree in finance with a concentration in capital markets from UCEMA. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1978 and served in positions responsible for the regular audit from 1986 to 2009. He served as Internal Auditor Manager to Banco Galicia between 2009 and 2017. He was elected as a regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2018. Additionally, he is a regular syndic of Inviu, Galicia Warrants, Tarjetas Regionales, Naranja, and of other subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Miguel Norberto Armando: Mr. Armando obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He was first elected as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia from 1986 until 2017. He also acted as an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia between 1999 and January 2009 at which point, he became a regular syndic until April 2009 and was reelected as an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia until April 2018. He was elected as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019. He is the chairman of Arnoar S.A. Mr. Armando is also a regular syndic of EBA Holding S.A., Electrigal S.A. and an alternate syndic of Inviu, Galicia Seguros, Sudamericana Holding, Marin and Finisterra, among others.

Fernando Noetinger: Mr. Noetinger obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. He was and has been an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia from September 1999 to June 2002 and from April 2006 to date. Mr. Noetinger is also chairman of Villa Rosa S.A. and Doña Ines S.A., an alternate director of Arnoar S.A., and an alternate syndic of EBA Holding S.A., Electrigal S.A., Tarjetas Regionales, Galicia Warrants, Inviu, Banco Galicia, Galicia Retiro, Galicia Seguros, and Sudamericana Holding, among others.

 

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Maria Matilde Hoening: Mrs. Hoening obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1971 and served in different positions until 2009. She was appointed as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in 2020.

Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia

Our organizational structure consists of the Chief Executive Officer who reports to the Board of Directors, and the Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer (CFO&CO), Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Investor Relations Officer (IRO) each of whom reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

The Chief Executive Officer’s primary responsibilities consist of implementing the policies defined by the Board of Directors, as well as providing recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding future plans, budgets and company organization to be considered by the Board of Directors. He is also responsible for supervising the CFO&CO, CRO and IRO.

The Chief Financial Officer & Compliance is responsible for the designing of the financial and budgeting planning to be considered by the Executive Committee, including: proposing the framework of financial policies and applicable regulatory compliance with respect to controlled and investee companies, proposing the strategy and development of new businesses for GFG; monitoring the budget of controlled and investee companies, designing and proposing to the Executive Committee the policies in relation to tax, accounting and legal advisory services of GFG and its subsidiaries and investees; supervising the regulatory compliance framework applicable to GFG and its subsidiaries and affiliates and coordinating the operation of GFG’s administrative structure.

The Chief Risk Officer is responsible for advising on the design of the GFG’s Risk Management strategy and proposing the Executive Committee the Risk policies for the subsidiaries, supervising Risk management considering BCRA regulations and monitoring compliance of policies, rating process and fraud prevention.

The Investor Relations Officer is responsible for coordinating the institutional and investor relations activities at GFG.

Our Chief Executive Officer is Mr. Fabian Kon. Mr. Kon obtained a degree in national public accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has worked at Pistrelli, Diaz y Asociados, Accenture, Exolgan Container Terminal and Tradecom, in managerial positions. From 2006 to February 2014, he served as Galicia Seguros’ Chief Executive Officer and was appointed as Banco Galicia’s retail banking manager in March 2014. On October 7, 2015, Mr. Fabián Enrique Kon was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Banco Galicia. Mr. Kon is also the chairman of Sudamericana Holding, vice chairman of Tarjetas Regionales and director of Naranja. He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Financiero Galicia since July 2020.

Our Chief Financial Officer is Mr. Bruno Folino. Mr. Folino obtained an accounting degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He completed a post-graduate degree in Tax & Legal at the Universidad Austral and a Master in Science of Management from GSB Stanford University. He started his career as an auditor at Price Waterhouse & Co. before moving to the Tax & Legal Department. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1997 as Tax Manager and Planning Manager. He was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer & Compliance of Grupo Financiero since July 2020. Galicia. On March 2021, he was appointed Bank’s Risk Manager.

Our Chief Risk Officer is Mr. Diego Rivas. Mr. Rivas obtained a degree in business administration from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He also completed a postgraduate degree in finance at the CEMA and management development programs at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as a postgraduate degree in Risk Management at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rivas has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. In May 2016, he was appointed Risk Manager of Banco Galicia. Mr. Rivas is also vice chairman of Ondara and an alternate director of Naranja. He was appointed as the Chief Risk Officer of Grupo Financiero Galicia since July 2020. On March 2021, he was appointed Bank’s Planning Manager.

 

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Our Investor Relations Officer is Mr. Pablo Firvida. Mr. Firvida obtained a degree in Industrial Engineering at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and a Master in Finance at the Universidad del CEMA. He also attended a course of “ Management Development Program” at the IAE Business School. From 1990 to 1992 he worked as an economic analyst at the Compañía General de Combustibles. Later, from 1992 to 1996, he was an associate in “Investment Banking” at the Banco General de Negocios. Afterwards, from 1996 to 2003, he worked at Banco Galicia Capital Markets. From 2003 to 2008 he served as the Institutional Investor Relations Manager at Grupo Financiero Galicia. Since 2008 he has been working for Banco Galicia. In 2014 he was appointed the Banco Galicia Manager of Institutional and Investor Relations. He was appointed as Investor Relations Officer of Grupo Financiero Galicia since July 2020.

Board of Directors of Banco Galicia

At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020, the size of Banco Galicia’s board of directors was set at six members and three alternate directors. The following table sets forth the members of Banco Galicia’s board of directors as of April 28, 2020, all of whom are residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the position currently held by each of them, their dates of birth, their principal occupations, the dates of their appointment and the year in which their current terms will expire. The business address of the members of the Banco Galicia’s board of directors is Tte. General J. D. Perón 430, 24th floor (C1038AAI) Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

Name

   Position      Date of Birth      Principal
Occupation
     Member Since      Current
Term Ends
 

Sergio Grinenco

     Chairman of the Board        May 26, 1948        Banker        April 2012        April 2023  

Raúl Héctor Seoane

     Vicechairman        July 18, 1953        Economist        April 2012        April 2023  

Guillermo J. Pando

     Secretary Director        October 23, 1948        Banker        April 2003        April 2023  

María Elena Casasnovas (1)

     Director        May 10, 1951        Lawyer        April 2016        April 2022  

Juan Carlos L’Afflitto

     Director        September 15, 1958        Accountant        April 2016        April 2022  

Gastón Bourdieu

     Director        August 31, 1956       
Agricultural
Administration
 
 
     April 2018        April 2021  

Ignacio A. González (2)

     Alternate Director        April 23, 1944        Accountant        April 2018        April 2023  

Verónica Lagos Mármol (2)

     Alternate Director        November 14, 1972        Economist        April 2020        April 2023  

Augusto R. Zapiola Macnab

     Alternate Director        June 27, 1947        Economist        April 2013        April 2022  

 

(1)

In accordance with the rules of the CNV, and pursuant to the classifications adopted by the CNV, Mrs. Casasnovas is an independent director. Mrs. Casasnovas is also an independent director in accordance with the Nasdaq rules.

(2)

In accordance with the rules of the CNV, and pursuant to the classifications adopted by the CNV, Messrs. Gonzalez and Lagos Mármol are independent alternate directors. We would replace the independent director in case of vacancy. Messrs. González and Lagos Mármol are also independent directors in accordance with the Nasdaq rules.

The following are the biographies of the members of the board of directors of Banco Galicia:

Sergio Grinenco: See “—Our Board of Directors”.

Raúl Héctor Seoane: Mr. Seoane obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1988. Mr. Seoane was first elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia from 2005 until December 2011, and in April 2012 was elected as a director. He is also a vice chairman of Distrocuyo S.A. and an alternate trustee of Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.

Guillermo Juan Pando: Mr. Pando has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1969. He was first elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia from September 2001 until June 2002, and in April 2003 he was elected as a director. He is also the chairman of Santiago Salud S.A. and Distrocuyo S.A., vice chairman of Electrigal S.A., and an alternate trustee of Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.

 

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María Elena Casasnovas: Mrs. Casasnovas obtained a degree in law from the Universidad Católica Argentina. She completed the Program for High Management at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and the Senior Management Program at Universidad San Andrés. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1972. In April 2016, she was elected as a director.

Juan Carlos L’Afflitto: Mr. L’Afflitto obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He worked as advisor and accountant at Morgan, Benedit y Asociados and until 1990 he was a professor at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1986. In April 2016, he was elected as a director.

Gastón Bourdieu: Mr. Bourdieu obtained a degree in agricultural administration from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He has been associated with Banco Galicia from 1981 to 2017. He was appointed as a director of Banco Galicia in April 2018. He is also a director of Maradona S.A.

Ignacio Abel González: Mr. González obtained a degree in national public accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a master in Auditing at Drew University, New Jersey. Previously, he served as a Member of the International Committee of Finance & Value Sharing, PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was appointed as director of Banco Galicia in April 2010 and he was elected as an alternate director in April 2018. He is also director of IDEA and syndic of Sociedad Anónima La Nación, Nuevos Medios La Nación, Publirevistas, Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia, and the founder and president of P.O.D.E.R (Polo de Desarrollo Educativo Renovador).

Enrique García Pinto: Mr. García Pinto has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1970. Before that, he served at Nobleza Piccardo SAYCYF and Saturno Agropecuaria SCA. Mr. García Pinto was appointed as an alternate director of Banco Galicia at the shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2009. He is also director of Distrocuyo S.A.

Augusto Rodolfo Zapiola Macnab: Mr. Zapiola Macnab obtained a degree in economics from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina. He has been associated with Banco Galicia from June 1978 until September 2002. He was elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia in April 2013. He was elected as an alternate director on the Board of Directors of Grupo Galicia in April 2015.

Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia

Banco Galicia’s board of directors may consist of three to nine permanent members. In addition, there can be one or more alternate directors who can act during the temporary or permanent absence of a director. As of the date of this annual report, none of the directors were also employees.

The Board of Directors meets formally at least twice a week and informally every day and is responsible for the general administration of Banco Galicia, making all the decisions required for that purpose.

Members of the Bank’s Board of Directors serve in the following committees:

Human Resources and Governance Committee: the Committee, is subdivided into the Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Nomination Sub-Committee is responsible for nominating successors for the roles of the General Manager and Area Managers and analyzing and setting the compensation to be paid to the General Manager and Area Managers. On the other hand, the Compensation Committee is responsible for submitting, analyzing and suggesting the level of compensation to be paid to the Board of Directors, the General Manager and Area Managers, and for monitoring the performance of Department Managers and Area Managers.

Risk and Capital Allocation Committee: this committee is responsible for approving and analyzing capital allocation, setting up risk policies and monitoring risks for the Bank.

 

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High Credits Committee: this committee is responsible for approving and subscribing the qualifications and awards of operations of customers and high-risk groups. It meets at least once a week.

Low Credits Committee: this committee is responsible for approving and subscribing the qualifications and awards of operations of customers and high-risk groups. It meets at least biweekly.

Systems Committee: this committee is responsible for supervising and approving new systems development plans and their budgets; supervising the budgetary control of developments; approving the general designs of the systems structure, the main processes, and systems to be implemented; and supervising the quality of the services, in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia.

Audit Committee: the Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in controlling the Bank and its controlled and investee companies, in order to reasonably ensure the following objectives: effectiveness and efficiency of operations; reliability of accounting information; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and compliance with the objectives and strategy set by the board.

Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention and Control Committee: this committee is the body in charge of planning, coordinating and ensuring compliance with the policies established in this area, upon approval by the Board of Directors.

Disclosure Committee: this committee was created to comply with the provisions of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Asset and Liability Committee (“ALCO”): this committee is responsible for analyzing the collection of resources and placement in different assets, monitoring and controlling liquidity gaps, interest rates and currencies and managing such gaps.

Strategy and New Businesses Committee: this committee is responsible for analyzing new business.

Liquidity Crisis Committee: this committee is responsible for assessing situations of liquidity crisis and deciding the actions to be implemented aimed at its resolution. It will meet when the Chairman of the Board of Directors summons it and will meet permanently until the end of the liquidity crisis.

Profit and Loss Report Committee: this committee is responsible for monitoring the management and the income and evaluating macroeconomic global situations.

Compliance Committee: this committee is in charge of promoting respect for the rules, principles of good conduct, the Integrity Program and the Bank’s Code of Ethics, and mitigating the non-compliance risk, through the definition of policies, the establishment of controls and reports in the best interest of the Bank, its employees, shareholders and customers.

Financial Services User Protection Committee: this committee is responsible for monitoring the activities carried out by managerial levels and authorities involved in the internal process of user protection, in order to properly comply with legal and regulatory standards.

Information Assets Protection Committee: this committee is responsible for generating/having an agile and professional environment for the definition of and decision-making regarding strategies/policies related to the information security of the Bank.

Banco Galicia’s Supervisory Committee

Banco Galicia’s bylaws provide for a Supervisory Committee consisting of three syndics and three alternate syndics. According to the General Companies Act and the BCRA regulations, the responsibility of the Syndics of the Supervisory Committee, both regular and alternate, responsibility is to ensure that all of the Bank’s actions are in accordance with applicable Argentine law. The Syndic and Alternate Syndic do not participate in the business administration of the Bank, and do not have and cannot have managerial functions. They are responsible,

 

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among other things, for preparing a report to the shareholders regarding the Bank’s financial statements of each fiscal year. The Syndic and Alternate Syndic are appointed by the shareholders at their Annual Ordinary Meeting, for one-year periods, and may be reelected. The Alternate Syndics act as Regular Syndics in case of temporary or permanent absence of the Syndics.

The table below shows the composition of Banco Galicia’s Supervisory Committee as they were re-elected by the annual shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020.

 

Name

   Position      Principal Occupation      Current Term Ends  

Omar Severini

     Syndic        Accountant        April 2021  

Jose Luis Gentile

     Syndic        Accountant        April 2021  

Antonio R. Garces

     Syndic        Accountant        April 2021  

Fernando Noetinger

     Alternate Syndic        Lawyer        April 2021  

Miguel N. Armando

     Alternate Syndic        Lawyer        April 2021  

María Matilde Hoenig

     Alternate Syndic        Lawyer        April 2021  

For the biographies of Messrs., Omar Severini, José Luis Gentile, Antonio R. Garces, Fernando Noetinger and Miguel N. Armando and María Matilde Hoening, see “—Our Supervisory Committee”.

Banco Galicia’s Executive Officers

On October 7, 2015, Mr. Fabián Enrique Kon was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Banco Galicia. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the strategic goals established by Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors and coordinating with the Managers of the Bank’s Divisions. Mr. Kon reports to the Board of Directors.

Fabián Enrique Kon: please see “— Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia”

As of the date of this annual report, the following divisions and department managers report to Banco Galicia’s Chief Executive Officer:

 

Division

   Manager  

Wholesale Banking

     Marcelo Iraola  

Retail Banking

     German Alejandro Ghisoni  

Financial Banking

     Pablo María León  

Risk

     Bruno Folino  

Products and Technology

     María Marcela Fernie  

People

     Rafael Pablo Bergés  

Planning and Finance

     Diego Rivas  

Wholesale Banking Area Management: it is responsible for obtaining a broad segment vision and, in turn, a greater alignment with the current situation and future business perspectives. Its main responsibilities are to design, plan and implement the vision, strategies, policies and objectives for the Wholesale Banking business and for each of the customers segments, as well as to define and control business objectives, with the purpose of ensuring that they are adjusted competitively to the demands of the industry and to the strategic objectives of the Bank, guaranteeing the volume, profitability, quality and customer satisfaction, within the framework of the established risk levels. The following departments report to this division: (i) Agribusinesses and Companies (ii) Corporate Banking, Investment Banking and Capital Market, (iii) Transactional Services and (iv) Companies Tribe.

Retail Banking Area Management: it is responsible for facilitating the decision-making process, improving the commercial effectiveness of the Retail Banking sector and improving the customer focus. Its main responsibilities are to design, plan and implement the vision, strategies, policies and objectives for the Retail Banking business and for each of the customers segments and distribution channels, as well as to define and control business objectives, with the purpose of ensuring that they are in tune with the competitive demands of the industry and the strategic objectives of the Bank, guaranteeing volume, profitability, quality and customer satisfaction, within the framework of the established risk levels. The following departments report to this division: (i) Retail Tribe, (ii) Contactability Tribe, (iii) Branches, (iv) Loyalty Tribe, (v) Private Banking (vi) Brand experience and (vii) Retail Planning.

 

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Financial Banking Area Management: it is responsible for administering the financial position of the Bank, negotiating rates, funds, incentives and campaigns with the different areas, and promoting the regulatory, technical and informative support in the management of assets and liabilities, in order to guarantee the control of the liquidity, rate, currency and industry risks, and compliance with current policy and legal regulations. It is also responsible for planning, proposing and implementing the strategy for the development and maintenance of commercial relations with international banks, international organizations, international investment funds and binational chambers with the purpose of consolidating the bank’s image in international industries and guaranteeing the smooth development of the international business in accordance with the growth and profitability objectives set by the organization. The following departments report to this division: (i) Trading & Global Markets, (ii) Commercial, (iii) Financial Institutions, (iv) Investment Products and Global Custody and (v) Public Sector.

Risks Area Management: it is responsible for maintaining an effective risk management system in compliance with the best practices developed globally and optimizing the credit process in order to provide a better service to customers. It is responsible for actively and comprehensively monitoring and managing the different risks of the Bank and its subsidiaries. It is responsible for ensuring compliance with the policies, qualification and fraud prevention processes, thus guaranteeing the quality of the retail portfolio; designing and auditing mass decision tools; making decisions on the use/development of credit scoring models; conducting alignment actions to retail commercial strategies; and accompanying the business area of the retail segment, making recommendations regarding business opportunities, according to the strategic vision and policies, both external and internal, acting as the Bank’s first line of defense for the retail banking segment. The following departments report to this division: (i) Retail Credits, (ii) Wholesale Credits, (iii) Credit Recovery, (iv) Financial Risk and Capital Management, (v) Analytical Solutions Center, (vi) Data & Analytics Tribe and (vii) Information Security.

Products and Technology Area Management: it is responsible for integrating all the operations of the Bank in a single area, in order to improve the efficiency of operational processes and accelerate the development of products and new technologies. The following departments report to this division: (i) Collections and Payments Tribe, (ii) Lending Tribe, (iii) Foreign Trade Tribe, (iv) Everyday Banking Tribe, (v) Payment Acquisition Tribe, (vi) Technology and (vii) Operations.

People Area Management: it is responsible for incorporating and developing new talents, fostering a framework that motivates employees and maintaining an excellent working environment. Additionally, it is responsible for all the matters related to the physical workspace of the employees and the distribution of the space used by clients. The following departments report to this division: (i) Design and Innovation, (ii) Human Resources Management and Compensation, (iii) Cultural Transformation, (iv) Persons Advice, (v) Sustainability, (vi) Customer Journey Tribe (vii) Corporate Infrastructure, (viii) Branch Offices Infrastructure and (ix) Labor Relations and Corporate Security.

Planning Area Management: it is responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling the development and maintenance of budgeting, planning, accounting, tax activities, payments to suppliers, legal aspects and compliance, in order to ensure that the management has the information needed for the decision-making processes, management control, and the satisfaction of the Bank’s information requirements, as well as to ensure compliance with the information requirements that shall enable the Bank to obtain long-term, strategic sources of financing. It is also responsible for coordinating, planning and monitoring compliance with the strategy of liquidity, interest rates and currency gaps, within the limits of the established policies, making proposals to the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) regarding the management of such gaps in order to maximize income within the limits of policies. Additionally, it is in charge of institutional relationships and the objective and key results (“OKR”) and processes office. The following departments report to this division: (i) Accounting, (ii) Tax Advice and Strategic Supply, (iii) Management Control and Strategic Planning, (iv) Research, (v) Assets and Liabilities Management, (vi) Legal Advice and Compliance, (vii) Transformation Offices and (viii) Institutional Relations.

 

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Department

   Manager  

Internal Audit

     Claudio Scarso  

Prevention of Money Laundering

     Teresa del Carmen Piraino  

Internal Audit Departmental Management: its mission is to evaluate and monitor the efficiency, adequacy and defectiveness of the internal control systems, in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Money Laundering Prevention Departmental Management: it is responsible for coordinating and supervising compliance with the policies established by the Board of Directors in terms of money laundering and terrorist financing control and prevention, ensuring compliance with current regulations and international standards.

The following are the biographies of Banco Galicia’s senior executive officers mentioned above:

Marcelo Iraola: Mr. Iraola obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He completed the Program for Executive Development at Instituto Argentino de Empresas and a business management program at the Universidad de San Andres. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1988. He is also the chairman of Galicia Warrants, a director of Sudamericana Holding S.A. and an alternate director of Tarjetas Regionales.

Germán Alejandro Ghisoni: Mr. Ghisoni obtained a degree in business management from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He completed the Program for Executive Development at Instituto Argentino de Empresas, the Strategic Management in Banking Program at INSEAD and the Customer Centric Organitatios at Kellogg School of Management. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1995. He is also a director of Sudamericana Holding and an alternate director of Tarjetas Regionales and Naranja.

Pablo Maria Leon: Mr. Leon obtained a degree in finance from the Universidad de Palermo and two executive development programs at Instituto Argentino de Empresas and IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. He is also the chairman of Galicia Securities and Inviu and vicepresident of MAE. Mr. Leon is also manager of IGAM.

Diego Rivas: please see “— Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia”

Maria Marcela Fernie: Ms. Fernie obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 2011. She is a director of COELSA and an alternate director of Tarjetas Regionales and Naranja.

Rafael Pablo Bergés: Mr. Bergés obtained a degree in industrial engineering from Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since August 2010. Prior to such time, he worked at Techint and at a several multinational companies in managerial positions. From 1998 to 2009, he was vice president of the Human Resources Division of Grupo Telefónica.

Bruno Folino: please see “— Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia”

Claudio Scarso: Mr. Scarso obtained a degree in systems engineering from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1995.

Teresa del Carmen Piraino: Ms. Piraino obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. She completed a post-graduate degree in Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Prevention from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1992.

B. Compensation

Compensation of Our Directors

Compensation for the members of the Board of Directors is considered by the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting once the fiscal year has ended. Directors are paid an annual fee based on the functions they

 

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carry out and they may receive partial advance payments during the year. At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020 the compensation for the Board of Directors was set at Ps.85,824,936 (nominal value) for the year ended December 31, 2019. For fiscal year 2020, a proposal was made to the next shareholders meeting to be held on April 27, 2021 to set compensations for the Board of Directors for the amount of Ps.185,437,620 (nominal value).

For a description of the amounts to be paid to the board of directors of Banco Galicia, see “– Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Directors and Officers” below.

We do not maintain a stock-option, profit-sharing or pension plan for the benefit of our directors.

We do not have a policy establishing any termination benefits for our directors.

Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Directors

Banco Galicia’s board of directors establishes the policy for compensation of Banco Galicia’s personnel. Banco Galicia’s managers receive a fixed compensation. Six directors are not employees of Banco Galicia. These non-employee directors receive a fixed compensation, provided that payments do not exceed the standard levels of similar entities in the Argentine financial market, a provision that is applicable to managers as well. Banco Galicia does not maintain stock-option plans or pension plans or any other retirement plans for the benefit of its directors. Banco Galicia does not have a policy establishing any termination benefits for its directors.

At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020, the compensation for the directors of Banco Galicia was set for a total amount of Ps.32,643,328 (nominal value) for the year ended December 31, 2019. For fiscal year 2020, a proposal was presented to the next shareholders meeting to be held on April 27, 2021 to set compensations for the Board of Directors for the amount of Ps.41,972,024.52 (nominal value).

Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Officers

Banco Galicia’s board of directors establishes the compensation policy for Banco Galicia’s personnel. Banco Galicia’s officers receive a fixed compensation. The officers’ compensation regime includes the possibility of acquiring a retirement insurance policy. Banco Galicia does not maintain stock-option plans or pension plans or any other retirement plans for the benefit of its officers.

C. Nasdaq Corporate Governance Standards

Pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5615(a) (3), a foreign private issuer may follow home country corporate governance practices in lieu of the requirements of the Rule 5600 Series, provided that the foreign private issuer complies with certain sections of the Rule 5000 Series, discloses each requirement that it does not follow and

 

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describes the home relevant country practice followed in lieu of such requirement. The requirements of the Rule 5000 Series and the Argentine corporate governance practice that we follow in lieu thereof are described below:

 

(i)

Rule 5250 (d) – Distribution of Annual and Interim Reports. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5250 (d), we follow Argentine law, which requires that companies make public a Spanish language annual report, including annual audited consolidated financial statements, by filing such annual report with the CNV and the BASE, within 70 calendar days of the end of the company’s fiscal year. Interim reports must be filed with the CNV and the BASE within 42 calendar days of the end of each fiscal quarter. The BASE publishes the annual reports and interim reports in the BASE bulletin and makes the bulletin available for inspection at its offices. In addition, our shareholders can receive copies of our annual reports and any interim reports upon such shareholders’ request. English language translations of our annual reports and interim reports are furnished to the SEC. We also post the English language translation of our annual reports and quarterly press releases on our website. Furthermore, under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2000, among us, The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, and owners of ADSs issued thereunder, we are required to furnish The Bank of New York Mellon with, among other things, English language translations of our annual reports and each of our quarterly press releases. Annual reports and quarterly press releases are available for inspection by ADRs holders at the offices of The Bank of New York Mellon located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York. Finally, Argentine law requires that 20 calendar days before the date of a shareholders’ meeting, the board of directors must provide to the shareholders, at the company’s executive office or through electronic means, all information relevant to the shareholders’ meeting, including copies of any documents to be considered by the shareholders (which includes the annual report), as well as proposals of the company’s board of directors.

 

(ii)

Rule 5605 (b) (2) – Executive Sessions of Independent Directors. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (b) (2), we follow Argentine law which does not require independent directors to hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only such independent directors are present (i.e., executive sessions). Our Board of Directors as a whole is responsible for monitoring our affairs. In addition, under Argentine law, the board of directors may approve the delegation of specific responsibilities to designated directors or non-director managers of the company. Also, it is mandatory for public companies to form a supervisory committee (composed of syndics), which is responsible for monitoring the legality of the company’s actions under Argentine law and the conformity thereof with its bylaws.

 

(iii)

Rule 5605 (d) – Compensation of Officers. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (d), we follow Argentine law, which does not require companies to form a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. It also is not required under Argentine law that the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers be determined by either a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. Under Argentine law, the board of directors is the corporate body responsible for determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers, so long as they are not directors. In addition, under Argentine law, the audit committee shall give its opinion about the reasonableness of management’s proposals on fees and option plans for directors or managers of the company. Finally, because we are a “controlled company” as defined in Rule 5615 (c) (1), we are relying on the exemption provided thereby for purposes of complying with Rule 5615 (c) (2). For further information, please see “Compensation” – “Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Officers” above.

 

(iv)

Rule 5605 (e) (1) – Nomination of Directors. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (e) (1), we follow Argentine law which requires that directors be nominated directly by the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting and that they be selected and recommended by the shareholders themselves. Under Argentine law, it is the responsibility of the ordinary shareholders’ meeting to appoint and remove directors and to set their compensation. However, the Company, based on the best practices in corporate governance has created a Nomination and Compensation Committee, chaired by an independent Director and composed by 5 members of the Board of Directors. Said Committee aims to assist the Board of Directors to prepare a proposal to nominate candidates to fill its positions, to prepare and design a succession plan and to determine its compensation levels. In addition, because we are a “controlled company” as defined in Rule 5615 (c) (1), we are relying on the exemption provided thereby for purposes of complying with Rule 5615 (c) (2). For further information, please see “Our Board of Directors” above.

 

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(v)

Rule 5605 (c) (1) – Audit Committee Charter. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (c) (1), we follow Argentine law, which requires that audit committees have a charter but does not require that companies certify as to the adoption of the charter nor does it require an annual review and assessment thereof. Argentine law instead requires that companies prepare an annual report describing its activities and propose a plan or course of action with respect to those matters, which are the responsibility of the company’s audit committee. Such plan or course of action could, at the discretion of our audit committee, include a review and assessment of the audit committee charter.

 

(vi)

Rule 5605 (c) (2) – Audit Committee Composition. Argentine law does not require, and it is equally not customary business practice in Argentina, that companies have an audit committee comprised solely of independent directors. Argentine law instead requires that companies establish an audit committee with at least three members comprised of a majority of independent directors as defined by Argentine law. The Audit Committee is comprised of three Directors, two of them independent pursuant to the definition of independence in Rule 10 A-3 (b) (1) and the Argentine law, one of which the Board of Directors determined to be a financial expert. In addition, we have a supervisory committee (“comisión fiscalizadora”) composed of three syndics, who are responsible for monitoring the legality, under Argentine law, of the actions of our Board of Directors and the conformity of such actions with our bylaws. For further information about the Audit Committee, please see “Our Audit Committee” above.

 

(vii)

Rule 5620 (c) – Quorum. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5620 (c), we follow Argentine law and our bylaws, which distinguish between ordinary meetings and extraordinary meetings and require, in connection with ordinary meetings, that a quorum consist of a majority of stock entitled to vote. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, constitute a quorum and resolutions may be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. Argentine law and our bylaws require, in connection with extraordinary meetings, that a quorum consist of 60% of the stock entitled to vote. However, if such quorum is not present at the first meeting, our bylaws provide that a second meeting may be called which may be held with the number of shareholders present. In both ordinary and extraordinary meetings, decisions are adopted by an absolute majority of votes present at the meeting, except for certain fundamental matters (such as mergers and spin-offs (when we are not the surviving entity and the surviving entity is not listed on any stock exchange), anticipated liquidation, a change in our domicile to outside of Argentina, total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss, any transformation in our corporate legal form or a substantial change in our corporate purpose) which require an approval by vote of the majority of all the stock entitled to vote (all stock being entitled to only one vote).

 

(viii)

Rule 5620 (b) – Solicitation of Proxies. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5620 (b), we follow Argentine law which requires that notices of shareholders’ meetings be published, for five consecutive days, in the Official Gazette and in a widely circulated newspaper in Argentina no earlier than 45 calendar days prior to the meeting and at least 20 calendar days prior to such meeting. In order to attend a meeting and be listed on the meeting registry, shareholders are required to submit evidence of their book-entry share account held at Caja de Valores S.A. up to three business days prior to the scheduled meeting date. If entitled to attend the meeting, a shareholder may be represented by proxy (properly executed and delivered with a certified signature) granted to any other person, with the exception of a director, syndic, member of the surveillance committee (“consejo de vigilancia”), manager or employee of the issuer, which are prohibited by Argentine law from acting as proxies. In addition, our ADRs holders receive, prior to the shareholders’ meeting, a notice listing the matters on the agenda, a copy of the annual report and a voting card.

 

(ix)

Rule 5630 (a) – Conflicts of Interest. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5630 (a), we follow Argentine law which requires that related party transactions be approved by the audit committee when the transaction exceeds 1% of the corporation’s net worth, measured pursuant to the last audited balance sheet. Directors can contract with the corporation only on terms consistent with prevailing market terms. If the contract is not in accordance with prevailing market terms, such transaction must be pre-approved by the board of directors (excluding the interested director). In addition, under Argentine law, a shareholder is required to abstain from voting on a business transaction in which its interests may be in conflict with the interests of the company. In the event such shareholder votes on such business transaction and such business transaction would not have been approved without such shareholders’ vote, such shareholder may be liable to the company for damages and the resolution may be declared void. For further information, please see Item 7. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” – “B.Related Party Transactions”.

 

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Other than as noted above, we are in full compliance with all other applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards.

D. Employees

The following table shows the composition of our staff:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  

Grupo Financiero Galicia

     2        3        5  

Banco Galicia

     5,764        6,118        6,294  

Branches

     3,711        3,248        3,231  

Head Office

     2,053        2,870        3,063  

Ecosistema NaranjaX

     3,049        3,151        3,488  

Galicia Administradora de Fondos

     24        27        22  

Assurance Companies

     368        395        381  

Other Subsidiaries

     64        24        19  

Total

     9,271        9,718        10,209  

Within the current legal framework, membership in an employee union is voluntary and there is only one union of bank employees with national representation. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 40% of Banco Galicia’s employees were affiliated with the national bank employee union. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 90% of Ecosistema NaranjaX’ work force was party to the merchant union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement No.130/75 applicable to trade employees and 6% of which were members of a labor union.

In general, during the first six months of 2020, the bank employees union and the national commerce employee’s union commenced negotiations on their respective collective labor agreements to establish new minimum wages. As a result of such negotiations, the minimum wage was increased for these positions. In 2020, due to the significant increases in the inflation index, the increases in the banking agreement were carried out in the months of January, March, July, October, November and December. In 2020, the Argentine union that represents employees in the banking sector declared general strikes. These strikes were not specific to any bank but affected all banks in Argentina. Certain of the Bank’s employees who are members of the union participated in the strike; however, the Bank was able to continue its operations during such time as not all employees are members of the union. While employees of Banco Galicia have participated in general strikes against the Argentine banking sector, Banco Galicia has not experienced a targeted strike by its employees since 1973 and Tarjetas Regionales Companies have never experienced a targeted employee strike. We believe that our relationship with our employees is stable and positive.

We have a human resources policy that aims at providing our employees possibilities for growth and personal and socio-economic achievement. We will continue our current policy of monitoring both wage levels and labor conditions in the financial industry in order to be competitive. Our employees receive fixed compensation and may receive variable compensation according to their level of achievement. We do not maintain any profit-sharing programs for our employees.

In a survey conducted in 2020 by Great Place to Work®, Banco Galicia ranked among the best companies to work in Argentina for the fourth consecutive year with more than 1,000 employees, while Naranja ranked among the best companies to work in Argentina for the third year consecutive with more than 1,000 employees.

The Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires (the “Fundación”) is an Argentine non-profit organization that provides various services to Banco Galicia employees. The various activities of the Fundación include, among others, purchasing school materials for the children of Banco Galicia’s employees and making donations to hospitals and other charitable causes, including cultural events. The Fundación is managed by a Council, certain members and alternate members of which are members of our Board of Directors and supervisory committee. Members and alternate members of the Council do not receive remuneration for their services as trustees.

 

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E. Share Ownership

For information on the share ownership of our directors and executive officers as of December 31, 2020, see Item 7. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders”.

 

Item 7.

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A. Major Shareholders

As of March 31, 2021, our capital structure was made up of class A shares, each of which is entitled to five votes and class B shares, each of which is entitled to one vote. As of March 31, 2021, we had 1,474,692,091 shares outstanding composed of 281,221,650 class A shares and 1,193,470,441 class B shares.

Our controlling shareholders are members of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families and the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. As of March 31, 2021, the controlling shareholders owned 100% of our class A shares through EBA Holding (representing 19.1% of our total outstanding shares) and 9.3% of our class B shares (or 7.5% of our total outstanding shares), therefore directly and indirectly owning 26.6% of our shares and 58.4% of total votes.

Based on information that is available to us, the table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2021, the number of our class A and class B shares held by holders of more than 5% of each class of shares, the percentage of each class of shares held by such holder, and the percentage of votes that each class of shares represent as a percentage of our total possible votes.

Class A Shares

 

Name

   Class A Shares      % of Class A Shares      % of Total Votes  

EBA Holding S.A.

     281,221,650        100        54.1  

Class B Shares

 

Name

   Class A Shares      % of Class A Shares      % of Total Votes  

The Bank of New York Mellon (1)

     498,281,860        41.8        19.2  

ANSES

     264,275,733        22.1        10.2  

EBA Holding Shareholders (2)

     110,411,743        9.3        4.3  

 

(1)

Pursuant to the requirements of Argentine law, all class B shares represented by ADSs are owned of record by The Bank of New York, as Depositary. The address for the Bank of New York Mellon is 101 Barclay Street, New York 10286, and the country of organization is the United States.

(2)

No member holds more than 2.0% of the capital stock. Such holding includes 15,356,360 shares in the form of ADSs.

Based on information that is available to us, the table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2021, the shareholders that either directly or indirectly have more than 5% of our votes or shares.

 

Name

   Shares      Class      % of Class A
Shares
     % of Total Votes  

The Bank of New York Mellon

     498,281,860        B        33.8        19.2  

EBA Holding S.A.

     281,221,650        A        19.1        54.1  

ANSES.

     264,275,733        B        17.9        10.2  

EBA Holding Shareholders.

     110,411,743        B        7.5        4.3  

Members of the three controlling families have owned the majority of the issued share capital of Banco Galicia since 1959. Members of the Escasany family have been on the board of directors of Banco Galicia since 1923. The Ayerza and Braun families have been represented on Banco Galicia’s board of directors since 1943 and 1947, respectively. Currently, there are five members of these families on our Board of Directors.

 

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On September 13, 1999, the controlling shareholders of Banco Galicia formed EBA Holding S.A., an Argentine corporation, which is 100% owned by our controlling shareholders. EBA Holding holds 100% of our class A shares.

Currently, EBA Holding only has class A shares outstanding. EBA Holding’s bylaws provide for certain restrictions on the sale or transfer of its class A shares. While the class A shares of EBA Holding may be transferred to any other class A shareholder of EBA Holding, any transfer of such class A shares to third parties would automatically result in the conversion of the sold shares into class B shares of EBA Holding having one vote per share. In addition, EBA Holding’s bylaws contain rights of first refusal, buy-sell provisions and tag-along rights.

As of March 31, 2021, we had 135 identified United States record shareholders (not considering The Bank of New York), of which 22 held our class B shares and 113 held our ADSs. Such United States holders, in the aggregate, held approximately 98.4 million of our class B shares, representing approximately 6.7% of our total outstanding capital stock as of such date.

B. Related Party Transactions

Grupo Financiero Galicia and its non-banking subsidiaries are not a party to any transactions with, and have not made any loans to any (i) enterprises that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control or are controlled by Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, (ii) associates (i.e., an unconsolidated enterprise in which Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries has a significant influence or which has significant influence over Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries), (iii) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in the voting power of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries that gives them significant influence over Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable, and close members of any such individual’s family (i.e., those family members that may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable), (iv) key management personnel (i.e., persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, including directors and senior management of companies and close members of such individual’s family) or (v) enterprises in which a substantial interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (iii) or (iv) over which such a person is able to exercise significant influence nor are there any proposed transactions with such persons. For purposes of this paragraph, this includes enterprises owned by directors or major shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries that have a member of key management in common with Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable. In addition, “significant influence” means the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the enterprise but means less than control. Shareholders beneficially owning a 10% interest in the voting power of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries are presumed to have a significant influence on Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable.

Some of our directors and the directors of Banco Galicia have been involved in certain credit transactions with Banco Galicia as permitted by Argentine law. The Corporations Law and the BCRA’s regulations allow directors of a limited liability company to enter into a transaction with such company if such transaction follows prevailing market conditions. Additionally, a bank’s total financial exposure to related individuals or legal entities is subject to the regulations of the BCRA. Such regulations set limits on the amount of financial exposure that can be extended by a bank to affiliates based on, among other things, a percentage of a bank’s TIER 1. See Item 4. “Information on the Company—Argentine Banking Regulation—Lending Limits”.

Banco Galicia is required by the BCRA to present to its board of directors, on a monthly basis, the outstanding amounts of financial assistance granted to directors, controlling shareholders, officers and other related entities, which are transcribed in the minute books of the board of directors of Banco Galicia. The BCRA establishes that the financial assistance granted to directors, controlling shareholders, officers and other related entities must be granted on an equal basis with respect to rates, tenor and guarantees as loans granted to the general public.

 

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In this section “total financial exposure” comprises equity interests and financial assistance (all credit related items such as loans, holdings of corporate debt securities without quotation, guarantees granted and unused balances of loans granted, among others), as this term is defined in Item 4. “Information on the Company—Argentine Banking Regulation—Lending Limits”.

“Related parties” refers mainly to our directors and the directors of Banco Galicia, our senior officers and senior officers of Banco Galicia, our syndics and Banco Galicia’s syndics, our controlling shareholders as well as all individuals who are related to them by a family relationship and any entities directly or indirectly affiliated with any of these parties, not required to be consolidated.

The following table presents the aggregate amounts of total financial exposure of Grupo Financiero Galicia to related parties, the number of recipients, the average amounts and the maximum assistance as of the end of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, and as of February 28, 2021, the last date for which information is available.

 

     February 28,      December 31,  
     2021(1)      2020      2019  
     (in millions of Pesos, except as noted)  

Total Financial Exposure

     2,360        1,992        1,500  

Number of Recipient Related Parties

     268        269        283  

Individuals

     207        208        229  

Companies

     61        61        54  

Average Amount of Financial Exposure

     9        7        5  

Maximum Assistance

     401        509        596  

 

(1)

In February 28, 2021 currency.

The financial assistance granted to our directors, officers and related parties by Banco Galicia was granted in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related parties, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

In June 2011, Banco Galicia entered into an agreement with Galicia Seguros, a company indirectly controlled by Grupo Financiero Galicia, pursuant to which the Bank can offer insurance products on behalf of Galicia Seguros. In addition, they entered into an agreement for a one-year period pursuant to which Galicia Seguros insures the Bank for the balances of certain loans in the case of death of its clients. On July 31, 2014, Banco Galicia renewed both agreements with Galicia Seguros, for an additional year, with automatic deferral. Such agreements were considered to be “related party transactions” pursuant to Section 72 of the Capital Markets Law.

Subsequently, on July 25 ,2008, Naranja concluded two new leasing operations with Banco Galicia for two properties located in the City of Córdoba, Argentina for a total of Ps.12 million, with maturity dates on August 25, 2018, and August 7, 2020. Likewise, on October 31, 2012 Naranja signed another leasing operation with Banco Galicia on a property located in the City of Córdoba, the total of the operation was Ps.15 million and with a maturity date on November 30, 2022.

In September 2015, the term for the lease operations of real estate located in the City of Córdoba was extended to 121 months from that date, and the corresponding rates were unified. The interest rate applied is the Private Banks Corrected Survey Rate plus a 6% margin.

C. Interest of Experts and Counsel.

Not applicable.

 

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Item 8.

Financial Information

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Consolidated Financial Statements

We have elected to provide the financial information set forth in Item 18 of this annual report.

Legal Proceedings

We are a party to the following legal proceedings:

Banco Galicia

In response to certain pending legal proceedings, Banco Galicia has recorded reserves to cover (i) various types of claims filed by customers against it (e.g., claims for thefts from safe deposit boxes, collections of checks that had been fraudulently altered, discrepancies related to deposit and payment services rendered to Banco Galicia’s customers, etc.) and (ii) estimated amounts payable under labor-related lawsuits filed against Banco Galicia by former employees.

Banco Galicia challenged certain claims made by various jurisdictions at the corresponding administrative and/or legal proceedings. These proceedings and their possible effects are constantly being monitored by the Bank’s management. Even though Banco Galicia considers it has complied with its tax liabilities in full pursuant to current regulations, adequate reserves in respect of such proceedings have been allocated.

As of December 31, 2020, a number of claims for repayment of income tax overpaid were filed for the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018 and 2019 tax years for the total sum of Ps.10.754 million. The claims are based on jurisprudence establishing the unconstitutionality of rules that disenable the application of the tax inflation adjustment, which results in confiscatory situations. In the face of the delay in resolving the tax code, claims were initiated. At the close of these financial statements, the Bank does not record contingent assets derived from the above-mentioned claims.

Consumer Protection Associations, on behalf of consumers, have filed claims against Banco Galicia in connection with the collection of certain financial charges. The Bank does not believe that the resolution of these controversies will have a significant impact on its financial condition.

Ecosistema NaranjaX

The national tax and customs authority (AFIP), Provincial Revenue Boards and Municipalities are in the process of conducting audits and assessments, in differing stages of completion, on the companies of Ecosistema NaranjaX. Said agencies have served notices and made claims regarding taxes applicable to Ecosistema NaranjaX’ s companies. Such companies are taking the corresponding administrative and legal steps in order to solve such issues. The original amount claimed for taxes totaled approximately Ps.38 million.

As of December 1, 2017, Naranja had filed a reimbursement claim before the AFIP regarding its income tax for the 2014-2016 fiscal years in an amount equal to Ps.580,164 in nominal value. The claim was made considering the lack of application of the inflation adjustment standards set forth in Section VI of the Income Tax Law, which led to a substantial difference in the taxable income exceeding the reasonable limits of taxation. The same claim was presented on behalf of Tarjetas Cuyanas as of May 17, 2018, for 2014-2016, amounting Ps.145,478. Along the same lines, on September 27, 2019, the Company presented the claim pertaining to the 2017 fiscal year for the amount of Ps.326,498 in nominal value and on September 17, 2019, the one of 2018 was presented in an amount equal to Ps.973,843 in nominal value.

In the absence of a response from AFIP, on December 6, 2019, a judicial protection for default was filed with the National Tax Court for the periods 2014 and 2016 of Naranja. On the other hand, and having elapsed the period established in the applicable regulations without obtaining AFIP’s response to the claim, on December 27, 2019, a repetition claim was filed before the Federal Justice for the 2014 and 2016 fiscal years of Tarjetas Cuyanas and fiscal year 2018 of Naranja. The same lawsuit was filed on December 30, 2019 for the 2017 fiscal year of Naranja. Both claims remain pending before the AFIP.

 

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On May 26, 2020 Naranja filed a reimbursement claim regarding its income tax for the 2019 year in an amount of Ps.1,365 million in nominal value.

Based on the opinion of tax advisors, each of Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas believes that such claims are unfounded and that the taxes related to such claims have been correctly calculated in accordance the tax regulations then in force and Argentine case law.

Dividend Policy and Dividends

Dividend Policy

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s policy for the distribution of dividends considers, among other factors, the obligatory nature of establishing a legal reserve, the Company’s financial condition and its indebtedness, the business requirements of affiliated companies and, mainly, that the profits recorded in the financial statements are, to a great extent, income from holdings and not realized and liquid profits, a requirement of Section 68 of the Corporations Law so that it is possible to distribute them as dividends. The proposal to distribute dividends arising from such analysis has to be approved at the shareholders’ meeting that discusses the Financial Statements corresponding to each fiscal year.

We may only declare and pay dividends out of our retained earnings representing the profit realized on our operations and investments. The Corporations Law and our bylaws state that no profits may be distributed until prior losses are covered. Dividends paid on our class A shares and class B shares will equal one another on a per share basis. As required by the Corporations Law, 5% of our net income is allocated to a legal reserve until the reserve equals 20% of our outstanding capital. Dividends may not be paid if the legal reserve has been impaired until it is fully restored. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders. Additionally, for fiscal year 2020, the application of the accounting inflation adjustment method generated negative results that will need to be absorbed.

Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders principally depends on (i) our net income, (ii) cash availability, (iii) indebtedness and (iv) applicable legal requirements.

Holders of our ADSs will be entitled to receive any dividends payable in respect of our underlying class B shares. We will pay cash dividends to the ADSs depositary in Pesos, although we reserve the right to pay cash dividends in any other currency, including Dollars. The ADSs deposit agreement provides that the depositary will convert cash dividends received by the ADSs depositary in Pesos to Dollars and, after deduction or upon payment of fees and expenses of the ADSs depositary and deduction of other amounts permitted to be deducted from such cash payments in accordance with the ADSs deposit agreement (such as for unpaid taxes by the ADSs holders in connection with personal asset taxes or otherwise), will make payment to holders of our ADSs in Dollars.

Dividends

Grupo Financiero Galicia

As a holding company, our principal source of cash from which to pay dividends on our shares is dividends or other intercompany transfers from our subsidiaries, primarily Banco Galicia. Due to dividend restrictions contained in Banco Galicia’s loan agreements in connection with Banco Galicia’s foreign debt restructuring - that were lifted when such debt was fully paid during fiscal year 2016 - and in some BCRA regulations, our ability to distribute cash dividends to our shareholders has been materially and adversely affected since late 2001 until 2010, when Banco Galicia obtained the authorization to distribute its profits.

After the end of fiscal year 2011, the BCRA modified its regulations governing the minimum capital requirements and dividend distribution and, consequently, Banco Galicia was not able to pay dividends. However, for fiscal year 2018 the Bank had met the aforementioned regulations and its shareholders´ meeting held on April 25, 2019 approved the distribution of cash dividends for Ps.1,500 million, equivalent to Ps.2,717 million as of December 2020.

 

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Currently, the ability to pay dividends of our subsidiary Banco Galicia and the Argentine financial system as a whole have been restricted by the Argentina Central Bank up to June 30, 2021 (subject to further extension) within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia paid cash dividends for Ps.2,000 million for fiscal year 2018, representing Ps.1.401773 per share, equivalent to Ps.3,623 million as of December 2020. During 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia paid cash dividends for fiscal year 2019 in the amount of Ps.1,700 million, representing Ps.1,191507 per share, equivalent to Ps.1,824 million as of December 2020.

Due to the fact that most of the profits in fiscal year 2020 correspond to holdings income that does not meet the requirements for distribution set forth in Section 68 of the Corporations’ Law and given Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition, a proposal was made by the Board of Directors, to be treated at the next Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2021. The proposal was to absorb the negative results generated by the application of the accounting inflation adjustment method and to distribute a cash dividend for an amount, that, when inflation adjusted pursuant to Resolution 777/2018 of the Argentine Securities Exchange Commission, results in Ps.1,500,000,000, (which represents 101.7161%) being distributed with regard to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 each, through the partial reduction of the discretionary reserve for future dividends’ distribution created in the year 2020.

Pursuant Act No.27,260, Grupo Financiero Galicia neither reimbursed nor withheld any amount for tax purposes on the dividends paid for fiscal year 2018.

For fiscal year 2019, pursuant to what is set forth in the third paragraph of the article without number incorporated after article 25 of Act No. 23,966, replaced by article 4 of Act No. 26,452, when corresponding, the Company was reimbursed of the amounts paid for the fiscal year 2019 in its capacity as substitute taxpayer of the shareholders’ subject to the tax on personal assets. Similarly, for fiscal year 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia will withhold, when corresponding, some amount for taxes on personal assets on the dividends to be distributed.

For more information on requirements for dividend distribution, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”-B.“Business Overview”— “Argentine Banking Regulation”—“Profit Distribution”.

Banco Galicia

The ability to pay dividends of Banco Galicia and the Argentine financial system as a whole have been restricted by the BCRA up to June 30, 2021 (subject to extension) within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. For further information see Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors – Risks Factors Relating to Us.

Sudamericana Holding

During the year 2020, Sudamericana held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.1.290 million.

On February 24, 2021 Sudamericana Holding held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.1,100 million.

Galicia Administradora de Fondos

On March 29, 2021, Galicia Administradora de Fondos held an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.800 million.

 

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Galicia Securities

On March 30, 2021, Galicia Securities held an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.150 million.

Galicia Warrants

On March 29, 2021, Galicia Warrants held an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.40 million.

B. Significant Changes

Since the closing date of the annual financial statements (December 31st, 2020), Grupo Financiero Galicia has not experienced any significant changes other than those already indicated in this report. For further information regarding significant changes, please see Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors – Risk Factors Relating to Argentina; Item 5. Operating Results and Item 5. Liquidity and Capital Resources.

 

Item 9.

The Offer and Listing

A. Offer and Listing Details

Shares and ADSs

Our class B shares are listed on the BYMA, MAE and the Córdoba Stock Exchange under the symbol “GGAL”. Our class B shares have started listing on MAE since October 28, 2015. Our ADSs, each representing ten class B shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbol “GGAL”. Our ADSs have been listed on Nasdaq Capital Market since August 2002. Previously, our ADSs had been listed on the Nasdaq National Market since July 24, 2000.

Argentine Securities Market

The principal and oldest exchange for the Argentine securities market is the BYMA. The BYMA started operating in 1854 and handles the largest proportion of all equity trading in Argentina. Securities listed on the BYMA include corporate equity and debt securities and government securities. Debt securities listed on the BYMA may also be listed on the MAE. The MERVAL, which is affiliated with the BYMA, was founded in 1929 and is the largest stock market in Argentina. The MERVAL is a private entity, whose capital is integrated by shares admitted to public offer regime and was registered as a market by the CNV under N°16. Its capital is composed of 103 outstanding shares and there are 248 agents registered as members of the MERVAL market. We are member of the MERVAL through INVIU S.A.U. and Galicia Securities S.A., subsidiaries that owns one share each. Additionally, the Bank, within the framework of the Capital Market Law, was authorized by the CNV to act as a settlement and clearing agent and trading agent-comprehensive and was added as member of the MERVAL.

Trading on the BYMA is conducted through a trading platform introduced during 2017 called Millenium, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each business day of the year. The Millenium software is a computer trading platform system that permits trading in debt and equity securities that can be accessed by brokers directly from workstations located at their offices. As a result of an agreement between the MERVAL and the MAE, equity securities are traded exclusively on the BYMA and corporate and government debt securities are traded on the MAE and the BYMA. Currently, all transactions relating to listed corporate and government debt securities can be affected by said trading platform. In addition, a substantial over-the-counter market exists for private trading in listed debt securities and, prior to the agreement described above, equity securities. Such trades are reported on the MAE.

Although companies may list all of their capital stock on the BYMA, in most cases the controlling shareholders retain the majority of a company’s capital stock. This results in only a relatively small percentage of most companies’ stock being available for active trading by the public on the BYMA. Even though individuals have historically constituted the largest group of investors in Argentina’s equity markets, in recent years, banks and

 

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insurance companies have shown an interest in these markets. Argentine mutual funds, by contrast, continue to have very low participation in the market. Although 103 companies had equity securities listed on the BYMA as of December 31, 2020, the 10 most-traded companies on the exchange accounted for approximately 79% of total trading value during 2020, from a 65.2% recorded in 2019. Our shares were the first-most traded shares on the BYMA in 2020, with a 32.1% share of trading volume from an also first position of 24.2% recorded during 2019.

The Córdoba Stock Exchange is another important stock market in Argentina. Securities listed on the Córdoba Stock Exchange include both corporate equity and debt securities and government securities. Through an agreement with the BYMA, all the securities listed on the BYMA are authorized to be listed and subsequently traded on the Córdoba Stock Exchange. Thus, many transactions that originate on the Córdoba Stock Exchange relate to companies listed on the BYMA and such trades are subsequently settled in Buenos Aires.

The MAE is a self-regulated organization that is supervised by the CNV. MAE is mainly comprised by private banks, either composed by national or foreign capital, national banks, provincial banks, municipal Banks, cooperative Banks, financial companies, exchange companies and agents.

B. Market Regulations

The CNV oversees the Argentine securities markets and is responsible for authorizing public offerings of securities and supervising brokers, public companies and mutual funds, among others. Argentine pension funds and insurance companies are regulated by separate Argentine government agencies, while financial institutions are regulated mainly by the BCRA. The Argentine securities markets are regulated by the CNV according with the provisions of Capital Markets Law No 26,831.

In compliance with the provisions of Law No.20,643 and the Decrees No.659/74 and No.2220/80, most debt and equity securities traded on the exchanges and the MAE must, be deposited in Caja de Valores S.A., which is the central securities depositary of Argentina, that provides deposit facilities for securities and mainly acts as a transfer and paying agent in connection therewith. It also handles settlement of securities transactions and operates the computerized exchange information system.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Argentine regulations, there may be less publicly available information about Argentine companies than is regularly published by or about companies in the U.S. and other countries. However, the CNV has taken steps to strengthen disclosure and regulatory standards for the Argentine securities market, including the issuance of regulations prohibiting insider trading and requiring insiders to report on their ownership of securities, with associated penalties for non-compliance.

In order to offer securities to the public in Argentina, an issuer must meet certain requirements of the CNV regarding assets operating history, management and other matters, and only securities for which an application for a public offering has been approved by the CNV may be listed on the corresponding stock exchange. This approval does not imply any kind of certification of assurance related to the merits of the quality of the securities, or the solvency of the issuer. Issuers of listed securities are required to file unaudited quarterly financial statements and audited annual financial statements, as well as various other periodic reports, with the CNV and the corresponding stock exchange.

Securities can currently be freely traded on the Argentine markets, however, the Argentine government has periodically imposed certain restrictions regarding access by residents and non-residents to the local MLC and to transfers of foreign exchange abroad. See Item 4. “Information on the Company—Government Regulation—Foreign Exchange Market”.

On June 2019, the CNV passed Resolution No. 797/19 (as amended by Resolution No. 873), aimed to strengthen the good practices in corporate governance, emphasizing the principles established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) and requiring a stronger commitment from the listing companies regarding the compliance with corporate governance.

 

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The Capital Markets Law (Law No. 26,831), which became effective on January 2013, replacing Law No.17,811 and Decree No. 677/01, regulates the capital markets transactions as well as the supervision, control and disciplinary and regulatory powers of the CNV. The Capital Markets Law is supplemented by the CNV Rules.

On May 9, 2018, the Argentine Congress passed Law No. 27,440 (Ley de Financiamiento Productivo) with the goal of developing the Argentine domestic capital markets. The Law No. 27,440 updates and amends the Argentine Capital Markets Law, the Mutual Funds Law and the Argentine Negotiable Obligations Law, among others. Such Law No. 27,440 sets forth certain regulations that are intended to provide SMEs with better access to financial instruments and to create an electronic credit invoice for MSMEs that replace the receipts from sales and credit invoices. Also, Law No. 27,440 improves the regulatory framework by introducing the new products for SMEs, such as discounts for access to the financial market and the amendment of certain tax provisions, regulations relating to derivatives and the promotion of a financial inclusion program.

 

Item 10.

Additional Information

A. Share Capital.

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

Description of Our Bylaws

General

Set forth below is a brief description of certain provisions of our bylaws and Argentine law and regulations with regard to our capital stock. Your rights as a holder of our capital stock are subject to Argentine corporate law, which may differ from the corporate laws of other jurisdictions. This description is not purported to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our bylaws, Argentine law and the rules of the BYMA, the Córdoba Stock Exchange as well as the CNV. A copy of our bylaws has been filed with and can be examined at the CNV in Buenos Aires and the SEC in Washington, D.C.

We were incorporated on September 14, 1999, as a stock corporation under the laws of Argentina and registered on September 30, 1999, with the IGJ, under corporate registration number 14,519 of Book 7, Volume of Stock Corporations. Our domicile is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under our bylaws, our duration is until June 30, 2100 and we are exclusively a financial and investment company (as stated in “Chapter 2. Purpose. Article 3.” of our bylaws). This duration may be extended by resolution taken at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

Our bylaws do not contain any provision governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.

Outstanding Capital Stock

Our total subscribed and paid-in share capital as of December 31, 2020, amounted to Ps.1,474,692,091, composed of class A shares and class B shares, each with a par value of Ps.1. The following table presents the number of our shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020, and the voting interest that the shares represent.

 

     December 31, 2020  

Shares

   Number of Shares      % of Capital
Stock
    % of Voting
Rights
 

Class A Shares

     281,221,650        19.07     54.09

Class B Shares

     1,193,470,441        80.93     45.91
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,474,692,091        100     100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Registration and Transfer

The class B shares are book-entry common shares held through Caja de Valores. Caja de Valores maintains a stock registry for us and only those persons listed in such registry will be recognized as our shareholders. Caja de Valores periodically delivers to us a list of the shareholders as at a certain date.

The class B shares are transferable on the books of Caja de Valores. Caja de Valores records all transfers in our registry. Within 10 days of any such transfer, Caja de Valores is required to confirm the registration of transfer with the transferor.

Voting Rights

At shareholders’ meetings, each class A share is entitled to five votes and each class B share is entitled to one vote. However, class A shares are entitled to only one vote in certain matters, such as:

 

   

a merger or spin-off in which we are not the surviving corporation, unless the acquirer’s shares are authorized to be publicly offered or listed on any stock exchange;

 

   

a transformation in our legal corporate form;

 

   

a fundamental change in our corporate purpose;

 

   

a change of our domicile to outside Argentina;

 

   

a voluntary termination of our public offering or listing authorization;

 

   

our continuation following a delisting or a mandatory cancellation of our public offering or listing authorization;

 

   

a total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss; and

 

   

the appointment of syndics.

All distinctions between our class A shares and our class B shares will be eliminated upon the occurrence of any of the following change of control events:

 

   

EBA Holding sells 100% of its class A shares;

 

   

EBA Holding sells a portion of our class A shares to a third person who, when aggregating all our class A shares with our class B shares owned by such person, if any, obtains 50% plus one vote of our total votes; or

 

   

the current shareholders of EBA Holding sell shares of EBA Holding that will allow the buyer to exercise more than 50% of the voting power of EBA Holding at any general shareholders’ meeting of EBA Holding shareholders, except for transfers to other current shareholders of EBA Holding or to their heirs or their legal successors or to entities owned by any of them.

Limited Liability of Shareholders

Shareholders are not liable for our obligations. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the payment of the shares for which they subscribe. However, shareholders who have a conflict of interest with us and do not abstain from voting may be held liable for damages to us. Also, shareholders who willfully or negligently vote in favor of a resolution that is subsequently declared void by a court as contrary to Argentine law or our bylaws may be held liable for damages to us or to third parties, including other shareholders, resulting from such resolutions.

Directors

Our bylaws provide that the Board of Directors shall be composed by at least three and at most nine members, as decided at a general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. To be appointed to our Board of Directors, such person must have been presented as a candidate by shareholders who represent at least 10% of our voting rights, at least three business days before the date the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting is to be held. Our bylaws do not state an age limit over which the directors cannot serve on our board.

 

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At each annual shareholders’ meeting, the term of one third of the members of our Board of Directors (no fewer than three directors) expires and their successors are elected to serve for a term of three years. The shareholders’ meeting shall have the power to fix a shorter period (one or two years) for the terms of office of one, several or all the directors. This system of electing directors is intended to help maintain the continuity of the board. Alternate directors replace directors until the following general ordinary shareholders’ meeting is held. Directors may also be replaced by alternate directors if a director will be absent from a board meeting. The Board of Directors is required to meet at least once every month and anytime any one of the directors or syndics so requests.

Our bylaws state that the Board of Directors may decide to appoint an executive committee and/or a delegate director.

Our bylaws do not provide for any arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to in this annual report was selected as a director or member of senior management.

Additionally, pursuant to our bylaws, any borrowing powers on behalf of the Company are granted to our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has the power to delegate these borrowing powers to our directors through a power of attorney and currently certain of our directors have powers of attorney to negotiate the terms of and borrow money on behalf of the Company. Furthermore, as stated by our bylaws, the chairman of our Board of Directors is also the legal representative of the Company. Although our bylaws do not expressly address a director’s power to vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which the director has a material interest, pursuant to customary Argentine business practice and certain tenants of Argentine corporate law, our directors do not vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which the director has a material interest.

Appointment of Directors and Syndics by Cumulative Voting

The Corporations Law provides for the use of cumulative voting to enable minority shareholders to appoint members of the board of directors and syndics. Upon the completion of certain requirements, shareholders are entitled to appoint up to one third of the vacancies to be filled on the board of directors by cumulative voting. Each shareholder voting cumulatively has the number of votes resulting from multiplying the number of votes to which such shareholder would normally be entitled by the number of vacancies to be filled. Such shareholder may apportion his votes or cast all such votes for one or a number of candidates not exceeding one third of the vacancies to be filled.

Compensation of Directors

The Corporations Law and the CNV establish rules regarding the compensation of directors. The maximum amount of aggregate compensation that the members of the board of directors may receive, including salaries and other compensation for the performance of permanent technical and administrative services, may not exceed 25.0% of profits of each fiscal year. This maximum amount shall be limited to 5.0% when no dividends are distributed to the shareholders and shall be increased proportionately to the dividend distribution until the 25.0% limit is reached when all profits are distributed.

The Corporations Law provides that aggregate director compensation may exceed the maximum percentage of computable profit in any one year when the company’s profits are non-existent or too small as to allow payment of a reasonable compensation to board members which have been engaged in technical or administrative services to the company, provided that such proposal is described in the notice of the agenda for the ordinary shareholders’ meeting and is approved by a majority of shareholders present at such shareholders’ meeting.

In addition to the above, our bylaws establish that best practices and national and international market standards regarding directors with similar duties and responsibilities shall be considered when determining the compensation of board members.

 

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Syndics

Our bylaws, in accordance with Argentine law, provide for the maintenance of a supervisory committee whose members are three permanent syndics and three alternate syndics. Syndics are elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected. Alternate syndics replace permanent syndics in case of absence. For the appointment of syndics, each of our class A shares and class B shares has only one vote. Fees for syndics are established by the shareholders at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Their function is to oversee the management of the company, to control the legality of the actions of the board of directors, to attend all board of directors’ meetings, to attend all shareholders’ meetings, to prepare reports for the shareholders on the financial statements with their opinion, and to provide information regarding the company to shareholders that represent at least 2% of the capital stock. Syndics’ liabilities are joint and several and unlimited for the non-fulfillment of their duties. They are also jointly and severally liable, together with the members of the board of directors, if the proper fulfillment of their duties as syndics would have avoided the damage or the losses caused by the members of the board of directors.

Shareholders’ Meetings

Shareholders’ meetings may be ordinary meetings or extraordinary meetings. An annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting is required to be held in each fiscal year to consider the matters outlined in Article 234 of the Corporations Law, including, among others:

 

   

approval of the financial statements and general performance of the management for the preceding fiscal year;

 

   

appointment and remuneration of directors and members of the supervisory committee;

 

   

allocation of profits; and

 

   

any other matter the board of directors decides to submit to the shareholders’ meeting concerning the Company’s business administration. Matters which may be discussed at these or other ordinary meetings include resolutions regarding the responsibility of directors and members of the supervisory committee, as well as capital increases and the issuance of notes.

Extraordinary shareholders’ meetings may be called at any time to discuss matters beyond the competence of the ordinary meeting, including but not limited to amendments to the bylaws, matters related to the liquidation of a company, limitation of the shareholders’ preemptive rights to subscribe new shares, issuance of bonds and debentures, transformation of the corporate form, a merger into another company and spin-offs, early winding-up, change of the company’s domicile to outside Argentina, total or partial repayment of capital for losses, and a substantial change in the corporate purpose set forth in the bylaws.

Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by the board of directors or by the syndics. A shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 5.0% in the aggregate of our capital stock may request the board of directors or the syndics to convene a general shareholders’ meeting to discuss the matters indicated by the shareholder.

Once a meeting has been convened with an agenda, the agenda limits the matters to be decided upon at such meeting and no other matters may be decided upon.

Additionally, our bylaws provide that any shareholder holding at least 5% in aggregate of our capital stock may present, in writing, to the Board of Directors, before February 28 of each year, proposals of items to be included in the agenda at the annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The Board of Directors is not obligated to include such items in the agenda.

Class B shares represented by ADSs will be voted or caused to be voted by the Depositary in accordance with instructions of the holders of such ADSs. In the event instructions are not received from the holder, the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy for the shares represented by such ADSs to a person designated by us.

 

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Notice of each shareholders’ meeting must be published in the Official Gazette, and in a widely circulated newspaper in the country’s territory, at least twenty days prior to the meeting but not more than forty-five days prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held. The board of directors will determine the appropriate publication of notices outside Argentina in accordance with the requirements of the jurisdictions and exchanges on which our shares are traded. In order to attend a meeting and to be listed on the meeting registry, shareholders must submit evidence of their book-entry share account held at Caja de Valores at least three business days prior to the scheduled meeting date without counting the meeting day.

The quorum for ordinary meetings consists of a majority of stock entitled to vote, and resolutions may be adopted by the affirmative vote of 50% plus one vote (an “absolute majority”) of the votes present whether in person or participating via electronic means of communication. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, shall constitute a quorum. Resolutions are to be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. The second meeting may be convened to be held one hour later on the same day as the first meeting had been called for, provided that it is an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, or within 30 days of the date for which the first ordinary meeting was called.

The quorum for extraordinary shareholders’ meetings consists of 60% of stock entitled to vote, and resolutions may be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, shall constitute a quorum. Resolutions are to be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. The second meeting has to be convened to be held within 30 days of the date for which the first extraordinary meeting was called, and the notice must be published for three days, at least eight days before the date of the second meeting. Some special matters require a favorable vote of the majority of all the stock holding voting rights, the class A shares being granted the right to only one vote each. The special matters are described in “—Voting Rights” above.

Dividends

Dividends may be lawfully paid and declared only out of our retained earnings representing the profit realized and liquid on our operations and investments reflected in our annual financial statements, as approved at our annual general shareholders’ meeting. No profits may be distributed until prior losses are covered. Dividends paid on our class A shares and class B shares will equal one another on a per-share basis.

As required by the Corporations Law, 5% of our net income is allocated to a legal reserve until the reserve equals 20% of our outstanding capital. Dividends may not be paid if the legal reserve has been impaired. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders.

Our Board of Directors submits our financial statements for the previous fiscal year, together with reports prepared by our supervisory committee, to our shareholders for approval at the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The shareholders, upon approving the financial statements, determine the allocation of our net income.

Our Board of Directors is allowed by law and by our bylaws to decide to pay anticipated dividends on the basis of a balance sheet especially prepared for purposes of paying such dividends.

Under BYMA regulations, cash dividends must be paid to shareholders within 10 days of the shareholders’ meeting approving said dividend. Payment of dividends in shares requires authorization from the CNV, the BYMA and the Córdoba Stock Exchange, whose authorizations must be requested within 10 business days after the shareholders’ meeting approving the dividend. We must make a distribution of the shares available to shareholders not later than three months after receiving authorization to do so from the CNV.

Shareholders may no longer claim the payment of dividends from us after three years have elapsed from the date on which the relevant dividends were made available to such shareholders.

 

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Capital Increases and Reductions

We may increase our capital upon resolution of the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. All capital increases must be reported to the CNV, published in the Official Gazette and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce. Capital reductions may be voluntary or mandatory. A voluntary reduction of capital must be approved by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting after the corresponding authorization by the BYMA, the Córdoba Stock Exchange and the CNV and may take place only after notice of such reduction has been published and creditors have been given an opportunity to obtain payment or guarantees for their claims or attachment. A reduction of capital is mandatory when losses have exceeded reserves and more than 50% of the share capital of the company.

Preemptive Rights

Under Argentine law, it is mandatory that a shareholder of ordinary shares of any given class have preemptive rights, proportional to the number of shares he or she owns, to subscribe for shares of capital stock of the same class or of any other class if the new subscription offer does not include all classes of shares. Shareholders may only decide to suspend or limit preemptive rights by supermajority at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and only in exceptional cases. Shareholders may waive their preemptive rights only on a case-by-case basis.

In the event of an increase in our capital, holders of class A shares and class B shares have a preemptive right to subscribe for any issue of class B shares in an amount sufficient to maintain the proportion of capital then held by them. Holders of class A shares are entitled to subscribe for class B shares because no further class A shares carrying five votes each are allowed to be issued in the future. Under Argentine law, companies are prohibited from issuing stock with multiple voting rights after they have been authorized to make a public offering of securities.

Preemptive rights are exercisable following the last publication of the notification to shareholders of the opportunity to exercise preemptive rights in the Official Gazette and an Argentine newspaper of wide circulation for a period of 30 days, provided that such period may be reduced to no less than 10 days if so approved by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

Shareholders who have exercised their preemptive rights and indicated their intention to exercise additional preemptive rights are entitled to additional preemptive rights (“accretion rights”), on a pro rata basis, with respect to any unsubscribed shares, in accordance with the terms of the Corporations Law. Class B shares not subscribed for by shareholders through the exercise of their preemptive or accretion rights may be offered to third parties.

Holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to exercise preemptive rights if a registration statement relating to such rights has not been filed or is not effective or if an exemption from registration is not available.

Appraisal Rights

Whenever our shareholders approve:

 

   

a merger or spin-off in which we are not the surviving corporation, unless the acquirer’s shares are authorized to be publicly offered or listed on any stock exchange,

 

   

a transformation in our legal corporate form,

 

   

a fundamental change in our corporate purpose,

 

   

a change of our domicile to outside Argentina,

 

   

a voluntary termination of our public offering or listing authorization,

 

   

our continuation following a delisting or a mandatory cancellation of our public offering or listing authorization, or

 

   

a total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss,

any shareholder that voted against such action or did not attend the relevant meeting may exercise its right to have its shares canceled in exchange for the book value of its shares, determined on the basis of our latest balance sheet prepared in accordance with Argentine laws and regulations, provided that such shareholder exercises its appraisal rights within the periods set forth below.

 

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There is, however, doubt as to whether holders of ADSs, will be able to exercise appraisal rights with respect to class B shares represented by ADSs.

Appraisal rights must be exercised within five days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted, in the event that the dissenting shareholder voted against such resolutions, or within 15 days following such adjournment if the dissenting shareholder did not attend such meeting and can prove that he was a shareholder on the date of such meeting. In the case of a merger or spin-off involving an entity authorized to make a public offering of its shares, appraisal rights may not be exercised if the shares to be received as a result of such transaction are listed on any stock exchange. Appraisal rights are extinguished if the resolution giving rise to such rights is overturned at another shareholders’ meeting held within 75 days of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted.

Payment of the appraisal rights must be made within one year from the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the resolution was adopted, except if the resolution was to delist our capital stock, in which case the payment period is reduced to 60 days from the date of the related resolution.

Preferred Stock

According to the Corporations Law and our bylaws, an ordinary shareholders’ meeting may approve the issuance of preferred stock. Such preferred stock may have a fixed dividend, cumulative or not cumulative, with or without additional participation in our profits, as decided by shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting when determining the conditions of the issuance. They may also have other preferences, such as a preference in the event of our liquidation.

The holders of preferred stock shall not be entitled to voting rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that no dividends are paid to such holders for their preferred stock, and for as long as such dividends are not paid, the holders of preferred stock shall be entitled to voting rights. Holders of preferred stock are also entitled to vote on certain special matters, such as the transformation of the corporate form, a merger into another company and spin-offs (when we are not the surviving entity and the surviving entity is not listed on any stock exchange), early winding-up, a change of our domicile to outside Argentina, total or partial repayment of capital for losses and a substantial change in the corporate purpose set forth in our bylaws or in the event our preferred stock is traded on stock exchanges and such trading is suspended or terminated.

Conflicts of Interest

As a protection to minority shareholders, under the Corporations Law, a shareholder is required to abstain from voting on any resolution in which its direct or indirect interests conflict with that of or are different than ours. In the event such shareholder votes on such resolution, and such resolution would not have been approved without such shareholders’ vote, the resolution may be declared void by a court and such shareholder may be liable for damages to the company as well as to any third party, including other shareholders.

Redemption or Repurchase

According to the Capital Markets Law, a stock corporation may acquire the shares issued by it, provided that the public offering and listing thereof has been authorized, subject to the following terms and conditions and those set forth by the CNV. The above-mentioned conditions are: (a) the shares to be acquired shall be fully paid up; (b) there shall be a resolution signed by the board of directors to such effect; (c) the acquisition shall be made out of net profits or free or voluntary reserves; and (d) the total amount of shares acquired by the company, including previously acquired shares, shall not exceed 10% of the capital stock or such lower percentage determined by the CNV. The shares acquired by the company in excess of such limit shall be disposed of within the term of 90 days after the date of the acquisition originating such excess.

 

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The shares acquired by the company shall be disposed of by the company within the maximum term of three years counted as from the date of acquisition thereof. Upon disposing of the shares, the company shall make a preemptive offer thereof. Such an offer will not be obligatory if the shares are used in connection with a compensation plan or program for the company’s employees or if the shares are distributed among all shareholders pro rata their shareholdings. If shareholders do not exercise, in whole or in part, their preemptive rights, the sale shall be made at a stock exchange.

Liquidation

Upon our liquidation, one or more liquidators may be appointed to wind up our affairs. If no such appointment is made, our Board of Directors will act as liquidator. All outstanding common shares will be entitled to participate equally in any distribution upon liquidation. In the event of liquidation, in Argentina and in any other country, our assets shall first be applied to satisfy our debts and liabilities.

Other Provisions

Our bylaws are governed by Argentine law and the ownership of any kind of our shares represents acceptance of our bylaws and submission to the exclusive jurisdiction of the ordinary commercial courts of Buenos Aires for any claim or dispute related to us, our shareholders, directors and members of the supervisory committee.

C. Material Contracts

Bonds

During the 2016 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued subordinated Class II notes due 2026 in an aggregate principal amount of US$250 million. The proceeds of this issuance were used to redeem the Bank’s outstanding subordinated notes due 2019. During the 2018 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued Class V Series I notes due 2020 and Series II notes due 2020 in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.4,209 million and Ps.2,032 million, respectively. During the 2020 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued Class VIII in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.1,589 million.

The pricing supplements for the issuances described above set forth certain covenants Banco Galicia must comply with for the benefit of the holders of such notes, which include, among others, restrictions on mergers, acquisitions or dispositions (subject to certain exceptions) and restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt.

Loans

In May 2016, the IFC granted Banco Galicia a credit line in an amount of up to US$130 million. As of May 2018, Banco Galicia has drawn all of the committed amount and the loan was amortized for US$72 million.

On March 23, 2018, Banco Galicia announced the issuance of a green bond to raise US$100 million in order to expand its loan program for environmental efficiency projects. This is the first green bond issued by a private financial institution in Argentina, marking Banco Galicia’s commitment to finance projects with a positive impact on the environment. The bonds were underwritten on June 21, 2018 by the IFC. To date, loans for US$53 million were granted.

D. Exchange Controls

For a description of the exchange controls that would affect us or the holders of our securities, see Item 4. “Information on the Company—Government Regulation—Foreign Exchange Market”.

E. Taxation

The following is a summary of the principal Argentine and U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class B shares and ADSs. This summary is based on Argentine and U.S. federal income tax laws, as well as the regulations in effect as of the date of this annual report. Further, this summary is subject to any subsequent changes in laws and regulations that may come into effect after

 

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this date. Any change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary. This summary does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion with respect to the transactions that the holders of our class B shares or ADSs may enter into. This summary is only a brief description of certain (but not all) aspects of the Argentine and U.S. federal income tax systems, as they relate to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class B shares and ADSs. In addition, although the Company believes that the following summary is a reasonable interpretation of the current taxation rules and regulations, Grupo Galicia cannot assure that the applicable authorities or tribunals will agree with all, or any of the tax consequences outlined below. Currently, there is no tax treaty between the United States and Argentina.

Argentine Taxes

Law No.26,893, enacted on September 12, 2013 and published in the Official Gazette on September 23, 2013, introduced changes to Income Tax Law No.20,628, including the derogation of Section 78 of Decree No.2284/1991; which provides that foreign holders with no permanent establishment in Argentina are exempt from paying income tax on the capital gains arising from the sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs.

Decree No.2334/2013 has regulated Law No.26,893. This decree provides that changes introduced by Law No.26,893 are effective from the date of publication of such law in the Official Gazette and apply to taxable events carried out from such date onwards.

Law No.27,430 enacted on December 27, 2017 and published in the Official Gazette on December 29, 2017, and Law No. 27,541 published in the Official Gazette on December 23,2019 introduced several changes to Income Tax Law No.20,628. The principal change resulting from such law is a corporate income tax rate reduction in two phases. For fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2021, the government has reduced the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 30%. After December 31, 2021, the corporate tax rate will be further reduced to 25%.

This reform includes additional changes, such as the confirmation that ADRs and ADSs generate Argentine-sourced income. Non- residents, however, will be exempted from the current 15% capital gains tax on the sale of ADRs or ADSs if they reside in a jurisdiction having an exchange of information agreement with Argentina or if these invested funds come from a cooperating jurisdiction.

Taxation of Dividends

As from the effectiveness of Law No. 27,430 and Law No. 27,541, on December 27, 2017 and December 23, 2019 dividends and distributions (other than stock dividends) made by local entities to individuals, undivided estates, and foreign entities are subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 7% (while the corporate income tax is 30%) and at a rate of 13% beginning on January 1, 2022. Thus, the combined rate on dividend/profit distribution would remain around the current 35% rate, as Argentina has not levied a withholding tax on dividends or branch profits, since it eliminated the same in 2016.

Decree No.1170/2018 provides for further guidance on Law No.27,430. This decree provides that dividend payments on ADSs or ordinary shares, whether in cash, property, or stock, would be subject to Argentine withholding tax and the exemption referred to in the last paragraph of “Argentine Taxes” above shall not apply.

Equalization Tax

There is a specific rule under which a 35% tax (“equalization tax”) will be imposed on certain dividends approved by shareholders. The equalization tax will be applied only to the extent that distributions of dividends exceed the taxable income of the company increased by non-taxable dividends received by the distributing company in prior years and reduced by Argentine income tax paid by the distributing company.

The equalization tax will be imposed as a withholding tax on the shareholder receiving the dividend. Dividend distributions made in kind (other than cash) will be subject to the same tax rules as cash dividends. Stock dividends are not subject to Argentine taxation.

 

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In addition, the foregoing tax reforms abolished the equalization tax for profits generated beginning January 1, 2018. Such equalization tax is a withholding tax levied at a rate of 35% on dividend distributions in excess of tax earnings that would remain applicable for the stock of non-distributed earnings and profits as of December 31, 2017.

Taxation of Capital Gains

In accordance with Law No.27,430 capital gains derived by non-resident individuals or foreign companies from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADSs or class B shares are subject to the following regulations:

Non-residents continue to be exempted from tax on capital gains arising from the sale of shares in publicly traded companies, if the shares are traded on the BASE. In accordance with Law No.27,541 the exemption will also apply if the securities are traded in stock or securities markets authorized by the (CNV). The benefits will be applied to foreign beneficiaries as long as they do not reside in non-cooperative jurisdictions or the invested funds do not come from a non-cooperative jurisdiction.

Transfer of Argentine securities that occurred after September 23, 2013 triggered taxation on a retroactive basis, as the suspension of the rule that called for the tax was lifted. The tax will not apply to sales made through stock exchanges if the tax had not been withheld.

Indirect transfers of Argentine assets (including shares) will be taxable, if (i) the value of the Argentine assets exceed 30% of the transaction’s overall value; and (ii) the equity interest sold (in the foreign entity) exceeds 10%. The tax will also be due if any of these thresholds were met during the 12-month period prior to the sale. The indirect transfer of Argentine assets will only be subject to tax if these assets are acquired after January 1, 2018. Transactions involving indirect transfers of Argentine assets within the same economic group would also not trigger taxation, provided the requirements set by regulations have been met. Decree No.862/2019 and General Resolution No.4227/2018, provide that the seller, and not the buyer, is the party responsible for withholding the tax. The regulation has established a new mechanism regulating how non-resident sellers should pay the tax on the capital gain for transactions that have taken place on or after January 1, 2018. In summary, the non-resident seller should pay the tax directly through an international wire transfer unless there is a local withholding agent (i.e., local buyer or local custodial institution) involved in the payment.

Transfer Taxes: no Argentine transfer taxes are applicable on the sale or transfer of ADSs or class B shares.

Personal Assets Tax

Individuals domiciled and undivided estates located in Argentina or abroad will be subject to an annual tax in respect of assets located in Argentina and abroad. Applicable wealth tax rates and minimum non-taxable asset values for the general taxpayer regime are replaced with effect as of fiscal year 2019 by Law No.27,480 and Law No. 27.541. The following is the new scheme:

 

Fiscal year

   Tax rate      Exempt Minimum  

2019 onwards

        Ps.  2,000,000  

 

*Tax Rate (In pesos except percentages)

 

Total Value of Assets

     Flat Tax      More %      Taxation over the excess of the amount  

Over Ps.

   Up to the amount                       
—        3.000.000        —          0,50        —    
3.000.001      6.500.000        15.000        0,75        3.000.000  
6.500.001      18.000.000        41.250        1,00        6.500.000  
18.000.000      Onward        156.250        1,25        18.000.000  

Individuals domiciled abroad will pay the tax only in respect of the assets they hold in Argentina. In the case of individuals domiciled abroad, the tax will be paid by the individuals or entities domiciled in Argentina which, as of December 31 of each year, hold the joint ownership, possession, use, enjoyment, deposit, safekeeping,

 

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custody, administration or tenure of the assets located in Argentina and subject to the tax belonging to the individuals domiciled abroad. When the direct ownership of notes, government securities and certain other investments, except shares issued by companies ruled by the Corporations Law, are part of companies domiciled abroad in countries that do not enforce registration systems for private securities (with the exception of insurance companies, open-end investment funds, pension funds or banks and financial entities with head offices in countries that have adopted the international banking supervision standards laid down by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision) or that pursuant to their bylaws, charter, documents or the applicable regulatory framework, have as their principal activity investing outside of the jurisdiction of their organization or domicile, or are generally restricted from doing business in their country of incorporation, it will be assumed, without admission of any proof to the contrary, that these assets belong ultimately to individuals and therefore the system for paying the tax for such individuals domiciled abroad applies to them.

An exception pursuant to a tax reform was published in the Official Gazette as Law No.25,585, which went into effect on December 31, 2002. This tax reform introduced a mechanism to collect the personal assets tax on shares issued by companies ruled by the Corporations Law, which ownership belongs to individuals domiciled in Argentina or abroad, and companies or entities domiciled abroad. In the case of companies or entities domiciled abroad, it will be assumed, without admitting any proof to the contrary, that these shares ultimately belong to individuals domiciled abroad.

The tax was assessed and paid by those companies ruled by the Corporations Law at the rate of 0.5% on the value of the shares or equity interest. The valuation of the shares, whether listed or not, must be made according to their proportional equity value. These companies may eventually seek reimbursement from the direct owner of the shares, in respect of any amounts paid to the Argentine tax authorities as a personal asset tax. Grupo Financiero Galicia has sought reimbursement for the amount paid corresponding to December 31, 2002. The Board of Directors submitted the decision on how to proceed with respect to fiscal year 2003 to the annual shareholders’ meeting held on April 22, 2004. At that meeting, our shareholders voted to suspend all claims on our shareholders for any amount unpaid for fiscal year 2002 and to have the Company absorb the amounts due for fiscal year 2003 onward, when not withheld from dividends.

Other Taxes

There are no Argentine federal inheritance, succession or gift taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of ADSs or class B shares. There are no Argentine stamps, issue, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of ADSs or class B shares.

Tax measures related to Covid-19

Tax, Trade & Regulatory

General Tax Measures

On March 19, 2020, the tax authorities established that the period between March 18, 2020 and March 31, 2020 will not be considered in order to meet administrative obligations with the AFIP. This measure does not modify or postpone any due date for the tax determination or payments.

On April 2, 2020, aligned with the lockdown extension until Monday April 27, the tax authorities defined as administrative holidays days between March 19 and April 26 for procedural purposes. Similar extensions were implemented until November 29,2020.

Indirect Tax (Law 25.413 -Tax on Bank Debits and Credits)

On March 20, 2020 the Government approved a reduction in the tax rate from 0.6% to 0.25% for financial transactions on deposits and withdrawals from Argentine bank accounts and a reduction from 1.2% to 0.5% for other transactions; both reductions, for employers in the health care industry (i.e., diagnosis services, health insurance and pre-paid medicine companies and hospitals, among others) during a 90-day period. Currently, these measures are in effect until the end of March 2021.

 

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Other taxes

The tax authority determined the deadline for e-filings broadly was expanded until April 30, 2021.

Tax reporting

On May 15, 2020, through General Resolution 4717/2020, transfer pricing filings (including complementary annual study) were postponed to August 2020 -for fiscal years ending between December 2018 to November 2019- and postponed to October 2020 -for fiscal years ending between December 2019 to April 2020- (the exact due date depends on the Tax ID’s last digit).

Workforce: Individual and Employment Taxes

The due date for the voluntary repatriation of funds (in order not to be subject to an incremental tax rate on assets located abroad) was postponed from March 31 to April 30, 2020. Also, the due date for the payment established for those not adhering to the repatriation of funds was postponed from April 1 to May 6, 2020.

On March 25, 2020, the Labor, Employment & Social Security Ministry issued Resolution No. 219, which established that employees who could not work from home during the lockdown would be relieved from paying the employer and employee contributions due to the Integrated Social Security System. The Resolution also established that employers of new hires will benefit from a 95% reduction on the contributions they have to make to the Integrated Social Security System.

On March 31, 2020, the Labor, Employment & Social Security Ministry amended Resolution No. 219, and issued Resolution No. 279, removing any relief provided from social security contributions for those employees who cannot perform their duties from their homes during the lockdown.

Deposit and Withdrawal of Class B Shares in Exchange for ADSs

No Argentine tax is imposed on the deposit or withdrawal of class B shares in exchange for ADSs.

United States Federal Income Taxes

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs. This summary does not purport to address all the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular holder (including consequences under the alternative minimum tax) or a decision to purchase, own or dispose of class B shares or ADSs. This summary applies only to beneficial owners of class B shares or ADSs that hold the class B shares or ADSs as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This summary does not address tax consequences to all categories of investors, some of which (such as dealers or traders in securities or currencies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, grantor trusts, tax-exempt entities, banks and certain other financial institutions, insurance companies, persons that received class B shares or ADSs as compensation for the performance of services, persons owning (or deemed to own for U.S. federal income tax purposes) 10% or more (by voting power or value) of our shares, U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the Dollar, persons that hold the class B shares or ADSs as part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging” or “conversion” transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and individual retirement accounts and other tax deferred accounts) may be subject to special tax rules. This summary does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs. Moreover, the summary below does not address the U.S. state, local or non-U.S. income or other tax consequences of an investment in class B shares or ADSs, or any aspect of U.S. federal taxation other than income taxation

This summary (i) is based on the Code, existing, proposed and temporary United States Treasury Regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case, as of the date hereof, and (ii) is based in part on representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.

 

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For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of class B shares or ADSs that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if such trust validly elects to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if (a) a United States court can exercise primary supervision over its administration and (b) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust. A “Non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of class B shares or ADSs that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes).

If an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds class B shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of the partnership and a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax advisor as to its tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of class B shares or ADSs.

Each prospective purchaser should consult its own tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of class B shares or ADSs.

Ownership of ADSs in General

In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders that are beneficial owners of ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owners of the class B shares represented by such ADSs.

The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has expressed concern that intermediaries in connection with depositary arrangements may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by U.S. persons who are holders of depositary shares. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should be aware that the discussion below regarding the availability of foreign tax credits for Argentine withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to Class B shares represented by ADSs could be affected by future action taken by the IRS. The rules relating to computing foreign tax credits and deducting foreign taxes are extremely complex, and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits with respect to any Argentine income taxes withheld from a dividend on the class B shares or ADSs.

Taxation of Distributions

Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of distributions of cash with respect to the class B shares or ADSs (including any amounts withheld in respect of Argentine taxes) generally will, to the extent made from Grupo Financiero Galicia’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that a distribution by Grupo Financiero Galicia exceeds the amount of its earnings and profits, it will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs, and thereafter as capital gain. However, Grupo Financiero Galicia does not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. U.S. Holders should therefore assume that any distribution by Grupo Financiero Galicia with respect to class B shares or ADSs will be reported as ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, cash dividends (including amounts withheld in respect of Argentine taxes) paid with respect to:

 

   

the class B shares generally will be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary income on the day on which the dividends are received by the U.S. Holder; or

 

   

the class B shares represented by ADSs generally will be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary income on the day on which the dividends are received by the Depositary;

and, in either case, these dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.

 

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Dividends paid by Grupo Financiero Galicia in respect of ADSs generally will be treated as “qualified dividend income,” which is taxable to a non-corporate U.S. Holder at the reduced rate normally applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that (i) the ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NASDAQ, on which the ADSs are currently listed), (ii) in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid Grupo Financiero Galicia was not, and in the year in which the dividend is paid Grupo Financiero Galicia is not, a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”), and (iii) certain other requirements are met. The ADSs (but not the class B shares) may qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States as long as they are listed on the NASDAQ. See “Passive Foreign Investment Companies” below for a discussion of the PFIC rules. Dividends paid by Grupo Financiero Galicia in respect of class B shares will be subject to tax as ordinary dividend income.

In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department has indicated that it continues to consider whether detailed information reporting guidance is necessary pursuant to which holders of ADSs and intermediaries through whom such securities are held will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividend income. However, no such detailed procedures have yet been issued and therefore Grupo Financiero Galicia is not certain that it will be able to comply with them. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced rate discussed above with respect to qualified dividend income in light of their own particular circumstances.

Dividends paid in Pesos will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder in an amount equal to the Dollar value of the Pesos on the date of receipt by the U.S. Holder, in the case of class B shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to Dollars. Any gains or losses resulting from currency exchange fluctuations between the date the dividend payment is included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder and the date the Pesos are converted into Dollars (or otherwise disposed of) will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss, as the case may be, of a U.S. Holder.

Dividends received by a U.S. Holder with respect to the class B shares or ADSs will be treated as non-U.S. source income, which may be relevant in calculating such U.S. Holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Argentine tax withheld on dividends may be deducted from taxable income or credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. For this purpose, dividend income with respect to class B shares or ADSs should generally constitute “passive category income”, or in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “general category income”. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Prospective holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

Subject to the discussion below under “Backup Withholding and Information Reporting”, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on class B shares or ADSs, unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States.

Taxation of Capital Gains

Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations,” U.S. Holders generally will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a sale or other taxable disposition of class B shares or ADSs in an amount equal to the difference between such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs and the amount realized on their sale or other taxable disposition, in each case as determined in Dollars. In the case of a non-corporate U.S. Holder, the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to such gain will be lower than the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate for ordinary income (other than certain dividends) if the U.S. Holder’s holding period in the class B shares or ADSs exceeds one year at the time of the sale or exchange. Gain or loss, if any, recognized by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, a U.S. Holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Argentine tax imposed on the disposition of class B shares or ADSs unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from non-U.S. sources. Certain limitations apply to the deductibility of capital losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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A U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs is the Dollar value of the Pesos denominated purchase price determined on the settlement date, in the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder, or the trade date in the case of an accrual basis U.S. Holder. If the class B shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market”, an accrual basis U.S. Holder may elect to determine the Dollar value of the cost of such class B shares or ADSs by translating the amount paid at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the purchase.

With respect to the sale or exchange of class B shares or ADSs, the amount realized generally will be the Dollar value of the payment received, before reduction for any Argentine taxes withheld therefrom, determined on (i) the date of receipt of payment in the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder and (ii) the date of disposition in the case of an accrual basis U.S. Holder. If the class B shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market”, an accrual basis taxpayer may elect to determine the Dollar value of the amount realized by translating the amount received at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the sale. The election by an accrual basis U.S. Holder discussed above to use the settlement date for purposes of determining basis and the amount realized must be applied consistently from year to year and cannot be revoked without the consent of the IRS.

Subject to the discussion below under “Backup Withholding and Information Reporting,” a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale or exchange of class B shares or ADSs unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States or (ii) in the case of gain realized by an individual Non-U.S. Holder, the Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or exchange and certain other conditions are met.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to certain look-through rules, either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income is “passive income” or (2) at least 50 percent of the average value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities and securities transactions.

The application of the PFIC rules is unclear both generally and specifically with respect to banks. Although interest income generally is treated as passive income for this purpose, the Internal Revenue Service(the “IRS”) has issued a notice and certain proposed Treasury Regulations that exclude from passive income any income derived in the active conduct of a banking business by a qualifying foreign bank (the “Active Bank Exception”). However, the IRS notice and proposed Treasury Regulations are inconsistent in certain respects. Because final Treasury Regulations have not been issued, there can be no assurance that Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries will satisfy the Active Bank Exception for any given taxable year.

Based on certain estimates of its gross income and gross assets (which estimates are inherently imprecise), the nature of its business, and reliance on the Active Bank Exception, Grupo Financiero Galicia believes that it was not a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2020. Grupo Financiero Galicia’s status in future years will depend on its assets and activities in those years. Grupo Financiero Galicia has no reason to believe that its assets or activities will change in a manner that would cause it to be classified as a PFIC, but there can be no assurance that Grupo Financiero Galicia will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If Grupo Financiero Galicia were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of class B shares or ADSs generally would be subject to imputed interest charges and other disadvantageous tax treatment with respect to any gain from the sale or exchange of, and certain distributions with respect to, the class B shares or ADSs.

If Grupo Financiero Galicia were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of class B shares or ADSs could make a variety of elections that may alleviate certain of the adverse tax consequences referred to above, and one of these elections may be made retroactively. However, it is expected that the conditions necessary for making certain of such elections will not apply in the case of the class B shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences and filing requirements that would arise if Grupo Financiero Galicia were treated as a PFIC.

 

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Reporting Requirements

Non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, that hold “specified foreign financial assets”, as defined in the Treasury Regulations (which may include class B shares or ADSs), other than in an account at a U.S. financial institution or the U.S. branch of a non-U.S. financial institution, are required to report certain information relating to such assets. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this and any other reporting requirements on their ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs. Failure to comply with applicable reporting requirements could result in the imposition of substantial penalties.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

United States backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally apply to certain payments to certain holders of stock.

Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of, class B shares or ADSs made within the United States, or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, to a holder of class B shares or ADSs (other than an exempt recipient, such as a payee that is not a United States person and that provides an appropriate certification).

Payments of dividends on, or proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of, class B shares or ADSs within the United States, or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, to a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient, such as a payee that is not a United States person and that provides an appropriate certification) will be subject to backup withholding if such holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements.

The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a holder will be allowed as a credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. Holders should consult their tax advisers about these rules and any other reporting obligations that may apply to the ownership or disposition of class B shares or ADSs.

Medicare Tax on Investment Income

Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. Holder’s “net investment income” for the taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold. Net investment income includes, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of class B shares or ADSs.

THE ABOVE SUMMARIES ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF CLASS B SHARES OR ADSs. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by Experts.

Not applicable.

 

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H. Documents on Display

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report and its exhibits, may be inspected and printed or copied for a fee at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. These materials are also available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Material submitted by us can also be inspected at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1506.

I. Subsidiary Information

For a description of subsidiary information, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—A. “History and Development of the Company” —“History”.

 

Item 11.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

A. General

Market risks faced by us are the risks arising from the fluctuations in interest rates and in foreign exchange rates. Our market risk arises mainly from the operations of Banco Galicia in its capacity as a financial intermediary. Our subsidiaries and are also subject to market risk. However, the amount of these risks is not significant, and they are not discussed below. Policies regarding these risks are applied at the level of our operating subsidiaries.

In compliance with the BCRA’s regulations, based on the best practices and international standards, Banco Galicia has a Risk Management Division responsible for identifying, monitoring and actively and integrally managing the different risks Banco Galicia and its subsidiaries are exposed to (credit, financial and operational risks). The aim of the Division is to guarantee Banco Galicia’s board of directors that it is fully aware of the risks Banco Galicia is exposed to. It also creates and proposes the policies and procedures necessary to mitigate and control such risks. The Risk Management Committee, made-up of six members of the board of directors of Banco Galicia, the Chief Executive Officer and the managers of the Risk Management Division, the Planning Division and Internal Audit, is the highest corporate body to which Banco Galicia’s board of directors delegates integral risk management and the executive responsibility to define and enforce risk management policies, procedures and controls. This Committee is also responsible for setting specific limits for the exposure to each risk and approving, when applicable, temporary excesses over such limits as well as being informed of each risk position and compliance with policies.

See Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”—“Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia”. Liquidity management is discussed in Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-.B.“Liquidity and Capital Resources”. Credit risk management is discussed in Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.“Business Overview”- “Selected Statistical Information”—“Credit Review Process” and other sections under Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.”Business Overview”- “Selected Statistical Information” describing Grupo Galicia’s financial instruments portfolio and financial instruments loss experience.

The following sections contain information on Banco Galicia’s sensitivity to interest-rate risk and exchange-rate risk that constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

B. Interest Rate Risk

A distinctive and natural characteristic of financial brokerage is the existence of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with different maturities (or different rate repricing periods) and interest rates that can be fixed or variable. This situation leads to a gap or mismatch that arises from the balance sheet and measures the imbalance between fixed- and variable-rate assets and liabilities, and results in the so-called interest-rate risk or balance sheet structural risk. A commercial bank can face the interest rate risk on both sides of its balance sheet: with regard to the income generated by assets (loans and securities) and the expenses related to the interest-bearing liabilities (deposits and other sources of funds).

 

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The policy currently in force defines this gap as the risk that the financial margin and the economic value of equity may vary as a consequence of fluctuations in market interest rates. The magnitude of such variation is associated with the sensitivity to interest rates of the structure of the Bank’s assets and liabilities.

Aimed at managing and limiting the sensitivity of Banco Galicia’s economic value and results with respect to variations in the interest rate inherent to the structure of certain assets and liabilities, the following caps have been determined:

 

   

Limit on the gross brokerage margin for the first year.

 

   

Limit on the net present value of assets and liabilities.

i) Limit on the Gross Brokerage Margin for the First Year

The effect of interest rate fluctuations on the gross brokerage margin for the first year is calculated using the methodology known as scenario simulation. On a monthly basis, gross brokerage margin for the first year is simulated in a base scenario and in a “+400 bps” scenario for peso currency and “+200 bps” scenario for dollar scenario. In order to prepare each scenario, different criteria are assumed regarding the sensitivity to interest rates of assets and liabilities, depending on the historical performance observed of the different balance sheet items. Gross brokerage margin for the first year in the “+400 bps” and “+200 bps” scenario is compared to the gross brokerage margin for the first year in the “base” scenario. The resulting difference is related to the annualized accounting gross brokerage margin for the last calendar trailing quarter available, for Banco Galicia on a consolidated basis.

The limit on a potential loss was established at 10% of the gross brokerage margin for the first year, as defined above. At fiscal year-end, the negative difference between the gross brokerage margin for the first year corresponding to the “+400/200 bps” scenario and that corresponding to the “base” scenario accounted for -4.6% of the gross brokerage margin for the first year.

The tables below show as of December 31, 2020 in absolute and percentage terms, the change in Banco Galicia’s gross brokerage margin (“GBM”) of the first year, as compared to the gross brokerage margin of the “base” scenario corresponding to various interest-rate scenarios in which interest rates change 50, 100, 150 and 200 bps from those in the “base” scenario. Banco Galicia’s net portfolio is broken down into trading and non-trading. The trading net portfolio represents primarily securities issued by the Argentine Government.

 

Net Portfolio

 
     Gross Brokerage Margin (1)  
     December 31, 2020  
     (In millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Change in Interest Rates in bps

   Variation      % Change in the
GBM
 

200

     2,812        2.54

150

     2,106        1.91

100

     1,403        1.27

50

     700        0.64

Static

     

(50)

     (650      (0.60 )% 

(100)

     (1,310      (1.19 )% 

(150)

     (1,962      (1.78 )% 

(200)

     (2,512      (2.37 )% 

 

(1)

Net interest of the first year

 

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Net Trading Portfolio

 
     Gross Brokerage Margin (1)  
     December 31, 2020  
     (In millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Change in Interest Rates in bps

   Variation      % Change in the
GBM
 

200

     146        0.10

150

     109        0.08

100

     72        0.05

50

     36        0.03

Static

     

(50)

     (18      (0.01 )% 

(100)

     (66      (0.05 )% 

(150)

     (115      (0.08 )% 

(200)

     (164      (0.12 )% 

 

(1)

Net interest of the first year

 

Net Non -Trading Portfolio

 
     Gross Brokerage Margin (1)  
     December 31, 2020  
     (In millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

Change in Interest Rates in bps

   Variation      % Change in the
GBM
 

200

     2,357        1.66

150

     1,766        1.24

100

     1,177        0.83

50

     588        0.41

Static

     

(50)

     (703      (0.49 )% 

(100)

     (1,452      (1.02 )% 

(150)

     (2,204      (1.55 )% 

(200)

     (2,955      (2.08 )% 

 

(1)

Net interest of the first year

ii) Limit on the Net Present Value of Assets and Liabilities

The net present value of assets and liabilities is also calculated on a monthly basis and taking into account the assets and liabilities of Banco Galicia’s consolidated balance sheet. The methodology used for calculating interest rate risk is based on the net present value of the underlying asset of liability.

The net present value of the consolidated assets and liabilities, as mentioned, is calculated for a “base” scenario in which the listed securities portfolio is discounted using interest rates obtained according to yield curves determined based on the market yields of different reference bonds denominated in Pesos, foreign currency and adjusted by CER/UVA. Yield curves for unlisted assets and liabilities are also created using market interest rates. The net present value of assets and liabilities is also obtained for a second scenario called “critical”, where through a significant number of statistical simulations of the interest rate track record, a “critical” scenario is obtained as a result of the interest rate risk exposure presented by the balance sheet structure.

The economic capital is obtained from the resulting difference between the “critical” scenario and the net present value of assets and liabilities of the “base” scenario and considering a 99.5% degree of accuracy.

The limit on interest rate risk exposure, expressed as a difference between the net present value of assets and liabilities in the “base” scenario and the “critical” scenario cannot exceed 15% of the consolidated RPC. As of December 31, 2020, the “Value at Risk” was (7.73%) of the Tier 1.

 

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C. Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

Exchange-rate sensitivity is the relationship between the fluctuations of exchange rates and Banco Galicia’s net financial income resulting from the revaluation of Banco Galicia’s assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. The impact of variations in the exchange rate on Banco Galicia’s net financial income depends on whether Banco Galicia has a net asset foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated assets exceed foreign currency denominated liabilities) or a net liability foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated liabilities exceed foreign currency denominated assets). In the first case an increase/decrease in the exchange rate results in a gain/loss, respectively. In the second case, an increase/decrease results in a loss/gain, respectively. Banco Galicia has established limits for its consolidated foreign currency mismatches for the asset and liability positions of -9 % and + 30% of Banco Galicia’s RPC. At the end of the fiscal year, Banco Galicia’s net asset position in foreign currency represented -0.3% (minus 0.3%).

As of December 31, 2020, Banco Galicia had a net liability foreign currency position of Ps.873 million (US$10,4 million) after adjusting its on-balance sheet net liability position of Ps.413 million (US$4,9 million) by net forward purchases of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset, for Ps.460 million (US$5,5 million), recorded off-balance sheet.

The table below show the effects of changes in the exchange rate of the Peso vis-à-vis the Dollar on the value of Banco Galicia’s foreign currency net asset position as of December 31, 2020. As of these dates, the breakdown of Banco Galicia’s foreign currency net asset position into trading and non-trading is not presented, as Banco Galicia’s foreign currency trading portfolio was not material.

 

     Value of Foreign Currency Net Position  
     As of December 31,  
     2020  

Percentage Change in the Value of the Peso Relative to the Dollar (1)

   Amount      Absolute Variation      % Change  
     (in millions of Pesos, except percentages)  

40%

     (579      (165      40  

30%

     (537      (124      30  

20%

     (496      (83      20  

10%

     (455      (41      10  

Static (2)

     (413      —          —    

-10%

     (372      41        (10

-20%

     (331      83        (20

-30%

     (289      124        (30

-40%

     (248      165        (40

 

(1)

Devaluation / (Revaluation).

(2)

Adjusted to reflect forward purchases and sales of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset, registered in memorandum accounts.

D. Currency Mismatches

The funding and the use of funds in loans and/or investments can be carried out in assets and liabilities denominated in different currencies. As such, there is the potential for a currency mismatch between liabilities and the use thereof on assets, generating a risk. Currency risk is defined as the risk of incurring equity losses as a result of variations in the foreign currency exchange rates in which assets and liabilities are denominated.

The management of the Bank’s currency risk mismatch involves the monitoring of foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities that may change in the short- and or mid-term. One of the available market instruments for the management of currency mismatches of assets and liabilities are “currency futures” transactions, which are traded on the MAE (MAE – OCT) and Mercado a Término de Rosario (ROFEX).

The policy framework currently in force establishes limits in terms of maximum net asset positions (assets denominated in a currency which are higher than the liabilities denominated in such currency) and net liability positions (assets denominated in a currency which are lower than the liabilities denominated in such currency) for mismatches in foreign currency, as a proportion of the Bank’s computable regulatory capital (RPC), on a consolidated basis.

 

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The table below shows the composition of the Grupo Financiero Galicia’s Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2020, by currency and type of adjustment:

 

     December 31, 2020  
     Assets      Liabilities      Gap  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Financial Assets and Liabilities

     883,853        759,711        124,142  

Pesos - Adjusted by UVA

     32,321        7,099        25,222  

Pesos - Unadjusted

     637,405        537,612        99,793  

Foreign Currency (1)

     214,127        215,000        (873

Other Assets and Liabilities

     62,166        34,487        27,679  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Gap

     946,019        794,198        151,821  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted for Forward Transactions Recorded in Memo Accounts

        

Financial Assets and Liabilities

     883,853        759,711        124,142  

Pesos - Adjusted by the UVA

     32,321        7,099        25,222  

Pesos - Unadjusted, Including Shareholders’ Equity (2)

     612,456        513,123        99,333  

Foreign Currency (1) (2)

     239,076        239,489        (413

Other Assets and Liabilities

     62,166        34,487        27,679  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Adjusted Gap

     946,019        794,198        151,821  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

In Pesos, at an exchange rate of Ps.84,145 per US$1.

(2)

Adjusted for forward sales and purchases of foreign exchange, without delivery of underlying assets and recorded in Memorandum Accounts.

As of December 31, 2020, considering the adjustments from forward transactions recorded under memorandum accounts, Grupo Financiero Galicia had net asset positions in foreign currency and Pesos adjusted and non-adjusted.

The paragraphs below describe the composition of the different currency mismatches of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020:

i) Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency

As of December 31, 2020, the Grupo Financiero Galicia’s assets denominated in foreign currency were mainly comprised of the following: (i) Ps.153.544 million of cash and balances from the BCRA and correspondent banks; (ii) Ps.51.722 million for loans (principal plus interest) and other financing, including Ps.1.368 million for receivables for financial leases; (iii) Ps.4.378 million for government and private securities; (iv) Ps.2.580 million for other financial assets includes Ps.2.437 million for Prisma and (v) Ps.1.845 million for assets pledged as collateral, including forward purchases of government securities.

The liabilities denominated in foreign currency consisted mainly of: (i) Ps.166,916 million for deposits (principal, interest and quotation differences); (ii) Ps.8,611 million for payables to banks and international credit entities; (iii) Ps.26,482 million for subordinated notes issued by Banco Galicia; (iv) Ps.12,068 million for other financial liabilities, mainly collections on behalf of third parties and leasings and (v) Ps.913 million recorded in “Other Non-financial Liabilities”.

A net asset liability of Ps.873 million stemmed from the consolidated balance sheet. Furthermore, forward transactions in foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset were recorded in memorandum accounts, which, in terms of their notional value, were equal to a net asset position of Ps.460 million. Therefore, as of that date, the net position in foreign currency adjusted to reflect these transactions was a net liability position of Ps.413million, equivalent to US$4,9 million.

Grupo Financiero Galicia has set limits as regards foreign-currency mismatches at -9% of the Bank’s RPC for its net liability position and at +30% of the Bank’s RPC for its net asset position. At the fiscal year-end, Banco Galicia’s net asset position in foreign currency represented - 0.3 % of its RPC.

 

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ii) Non-Adjusted Peso-Denominated Assets and Liabilities

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s non-adjusted Peso-denominated assets at December 31, 2020 were mainly comprised of the following: (i) Ps.360.234 million for loans (principal plus interest, net of allowances) including Ps.573 million for receivables from financial leases and Ps.2.120 million for miscellaneous receivables; (ii) Ps.128.325 million for the holding of securities issued by the BCRA (LELIQ); (iii) Ps.30.209 million for cash and balances held at the BCRA and correspondent banks (including the balance of escrow accounts); (iv) Ps.60.996 million for repurchase transactions; (v) Ps.48.399 million for the holding of government and private securities, including Ps.21.462 million for BOTE 2022; (vi) Ps.3.353 million for “Other Financial Asset; and (vii) Ps.4.977 million pledged as collateral.

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s non-adjusted Peso-denominated liabilities at December 31, 2020 were mainly comprised of the following (i) Ps.504.088 million for deposits (principal plus interest); (ii) Ps.20.886 million for liabilities payable to stores, credit card transactions of Banco Galicia; (iii) Ps.3.075 million for notes issued by Banco Galicia; (iv) Ps.6.987 million for other financial liabilities; (v) Ps.1.581 million for debt incurred with local financial institutions and (vi) Ps.937 million for amounts payable for future transactions and transactions pending settlement of government securities and foreign currency.

The net asset position in non-adjusted Peso-denominated assets and liabilities was Ps 95.797 million at December 31, 2020.

iii) Peso-Denominated Assets and Liabilities Adjusted by UVA

At December 31, 2020, the net asset position amounted to Ps 25,222 million, which is primarily comprised of Ps.29,663 million for loans, mainly UVA mortgage loans and Ps.2,658 million for miscellaneous receivables.

With respect to liabilities, Ps.5,662 million was related to UVA-adjusted time deposits and Ps.1,437 million related to balances of the unemployment fund of construction workers.

iv) Other Assets and Liabilities

As of December 31, 2020, “Other Assets—Liabilities” mainly included the following: (i) property, plant and equipment, miscellaneous and intangible assets for Ps.52,302 million; (ii) miscellaneous receivables for Ps.4,535 million and (iii) Ps.6.361 million recorded in “Other Non-financial assets”;

As of December 31, 2020, liabilities mainly included the following: (i) Ps.18.023 million recorded in “Other Non-financial Liabilities”; (ii) Ps.13,031 million for current income tax liabilities; and (iii) Ps.3,433 million for provisions for other contingencies.

E. Market Risk

The exposure of portfolios consisting of listed financial instruments, whose values vary according to the movements in their market prices, is subject to a specific policy framework. This framework regulates the risk of incurring a loss as a consequence of the variation in the market price of financial assets whose values are subject to negotiation.

Brokerage transactions and/or investments in government securities, currencies, notes, derivative products and debt instruments issued by the BCRA are governed by the policy that limits the maximum tolerable losses in a given fiscal year.

In order to gauge and monitor this source of risk, the model known as Value at Risk (VaR) is used, among others. Banco Galicia measures risk by means of a parametric VaR model, assuming that returns follow a multivariate normal distribution. This model determines on an intra-daily basis the potential losses that could be generated for the Bank individually according to its portfolio, under certain parameters.

The parameters taken into consideration are as follows:

 

  (i)

A 99% confidence level on the method used for the VaR model analysis.

 

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  (ii)

Holding periods of one day and “n” days, where “n” is defined as the number of days necessary to settle the position in each security.

 

  (iii)

Volatilities are calculated as the standard deviation of returns in the available trading days. If there are new issuances, or if there are not enough trading days or quotations, the volatility of bonds from domestic issuers with similar risk and characteristics are used.

Banco Galicia’s policy requires that the Risk Management and Treasury Divisions agree on the parameters under which the models work, and establishes the maximum losses authorized for equity securities, foreign-currency, BCRA’s debt instruments and derivative products in a fiscal year. Maximum losses were established in:

 

Risk

   Policy on Limits  
     (in millions of Pesos)  

Total risk (currency + fixed-income instruments + interest rate derivatives)

     4.250  

Furthermore, the policy includes the regular undertaking of stress tests, with the goal to assess the risk positions and their results under adverse market conditions. Finally, “contingency plans” were designed for each transaction, which include the actions to be implemented in a critical scenario.

F. Cross-Border Risk

Cross-border risk represents the risk of incurring equity losses as a consequence of the impairment or failure to collect on foreign credit exposures (loans, securities holdings, equity investments, and cash) abroad. It includes risks generated by entering into transactions with public or private counterparties domiciled outside of Argentina.

In order to regulate risk exposures in international jurisdictions, limits were established taking into consideration the jurisdiction’s credit rating, the type of transaction and a maximum exposure acceptable for each counterparty.

The Bank defined its policy by setting maximum exposure limits measured as a percentage of its RPC and taking into account if the counterparty is considered investment grade:

 

Risk

  

Required Credit Rating

  

Investment Grade

  

Not Investment Grade

-Jurisdictional Risk

   -International Rating Agency    -No limit    -Maximum limit: 5%

-Counterparty Risk

  

-International Banking Relations

-Credit Division

  

-Maximum limit: 15%

-The limit is distributed between financial and foreign trade transactions, thus absorbing local counterparty margin

  

-Maximum limit: 1%

-Only foreign trade transactions

G. Overseas Foreign Currency Transfer Risk

With a view towards mitigating the risk resulting from a potential change in domestic laws that may affect overseas foreign currency transfers and in order to meet incurred liabilities, a policy was devised to set a limit for liabilities transferred abroad, as a proportion to total consolidated liabilities. Such ratio was fixed at 15%.

As of December 31, 2020, such exposure was 5.73% over total liabilities

H. Risk Exposures in the Non-Financial Public Sector

The BCRA imposes restrictions with respect to financing for the non-financial Public Sector and establishes limits in connection with the agencies that can be aided, the types of permitted loans and maximum amounts that can be granted. Such maximum amounts are set on the basis of the Bank’s RPC.

 

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Banco Galicia provides two types of financial assistance to such sector: (i) assistance through the issuance of government securities; and (ii) direct assistance through loans, leasing, corporate securities, discounted notes, overdrafts, guarantees granted, foreign trade transactions, payroll loans, credit cards, etc.

Risk exposures on loans granted to such sector in national, provincial and municipal jurisdictions are governed by a specific policy, applicable to agencies within such jurisdictions, decentralized entities, companies and trust funds with underlying cash flows from the non-financial public sector.

 

Item 12.

Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

A. Debt Securities

Not applicable.

B. Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

C. Other Securities

Not applicable.

D. American Depositary Shares

Fees and Charges Applicable to ADS Holders

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay

  

For:

US$.5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)   

•   Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

  

•   Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

US$.0.02 (or less) per ADS   

•   Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs   

•   Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders

Registration or transfer fees   

•   Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares

Expenses of the depositary   

•   Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

 

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•   Converting foreign currency to Dollars

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes.   

•   As necessary

Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities   

•   As necessary

Fees and Direct and Indirect Payments Made by the Depositary to Us

Past Fees and Payments

Grupo Financiero Galicia received a payment of US$287,476 for fiscal year 2020, US$283,948for fiscal year 2019 and US$267,815 for fiscal year 2018 in relation to continuing annual stock exchange listing fees, standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs (consisting of the expenses for filing annual and interim financial reports, relevant information reports, processing dividend distribution, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, and telephone and conference calls), accounting fees and legal fees.

Future Fees and Payments

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses they incur that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADSs program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees and certain accounting and legal fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consists of the expenses for filing annual and interim financial reports, relevant information reports, processing dividend distributions, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, and telephone and conference calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse the Company and the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is subject to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors in any given fiscal year.

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

We expect to receive a similar reimbursement from the depositary for expenses for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 to the one we received for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

 

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PART II

 

Item 13.

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Not applicable.

 

Item 14.

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

Item 15.

Controls and Procedures

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as amended). We performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file with or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Compliance Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Compliance Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance of their reliability. Notwithstanding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, these disclosure controls and procedures cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving their objectives because of their inherent limitations. Disclosure controls and procedures are processes that involve human diligence and compliance and are subject to error in judgment. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by our disclosure controls and procedures.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 

  1)

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for us and our consolidated subsidiaries. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  a.

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

  b.

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and that receipts and expenditures of Grupo Galicia are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

 

  c.

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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  2)

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the COSO.

 

  3)

Based on our assessment, we and our management have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.

 

  4)

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by PriceWaterhouse & Co. S.R.L., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm. See Item 18. “Financial Statements–Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” for our registered public accounting firm’s attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting During the Year Ended December 31, 2020.

During the period covered by this report, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 16A.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

Mr. Daniel Llambías was the financial expert serving on our Audit Committee for fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. For more information about Mr. Llambias, please see Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”-“Our Board of Directors”.

 

Item 16B.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics (for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its main subsidiaries) in accordance with the requirements of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. During fiscal year 2019, in lieu of the new corporate governance requirements introduced by the CNV, the Company adopted a new Code of Ethics. Additionally, we did not grant any waivers to our code of ethics during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. In June 2009, we adopted a Code of Best Practices in Corporate Governance in accordance with Argentine legal requirements that received some minor modifications during 2018. During fiscal year 2019, the CNV issued Rule No. 797/2019 (modifying Rule No. 606 and the previous 516) which established new standards for the filing of the Code of Good Practices in Corporate Governance that received some minor modifications for fiscal year 2020. Our Code of Ethics and our Code of Corporate governance are attached hereto as Exhibits 11.1 and 11.2.

 

Item 16C.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table sets forth the total amount billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm, Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

     2020      2019  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Audit Fees

     147,661        110,640  

Audit Related Fees

     9,375        16,745  

Tax Fees

     18,234        24,706  

All Other Fees

     23,933        8,857  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     199,203        160,948  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Audit Fees

Audit fees are mainly the fees billed in relation with professional services for auditing our consolidated financial statements under local and IFRS requirements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Audit-Related Fees

Audit-related fees are fees billed for professional services related to attestation, review and verification services with respect to our financial information and the provision of services in connection with special reports in 2020 and 2019.

Tax Fees

Tax fees are fees billed with respect to tax compliance and advisory services related to tax liabilities.

All Other Fees

All other fees include fees paid for professional services other than the services reported above under “audit fees”, “audit related fees” and “tax fees” in each of the fiscal periods above.

Audit Committee Pre-approval

Our audit committee is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Our Audit Committee has reviewed, and approved audit and non-audit services fees proposed by our independent auditors.

 

Item 16D.

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

 

Item 16E.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

 

Item 16F.

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G.

Corporate Governance

See Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”—“Nasdaq Corporate Governance Standards” for a summary of ways in which the Company’s corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies.

 

Item 16H.

Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

Item 17.

Financial Statements

Not applicable.

 

Item 18.

Financial Statements

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

You can find our audited consolidated financial statements on pages F-1 to F-110 of this annual report.

 

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Item 19.

Exhibits

 

Exhibit

  

Description

  1.1    Unofficial English language translation of the Bylaws (estatutos sociales).****
  2.1    Form of Deposit Agreement between The Bank of New York and the registrant, including the form of American Depositary Receipt.*
  2.2    Indenture, dated as of July  19, 2016, among Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., The Bank of New York Mellon, Banco de Valores S.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A.***
  2.3    Indenture, dated as of April  11, 2017, among Tarjeta Naranja S.A., The Bank of New York Mellon, Banco de Valores S.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A.****
  4.1    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June  1, 2009, among American International Group Inc., AIG Consumer Finance Group, Inc. and Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., and the other parties signatory thereto.**
  4.2    Loan Agreement, dated as of May  24, 2016, between Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and International Finance Corporation.***
  4.3    Bond Subscription Agreement, dated as of March  23, 2018, between Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and International Finance Corporation.*****
  8.1    For a list of our subsidiaries as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this annual report, please see Item 4. “Information on the Company-Organizational Structure”.
11.1    Code of Ethics.******
11.2    Code of Corporate Governance Good Practices.
12.1    Certification of the principal executive officer required under Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
12.2    Certification of the principal financial officer required under Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.1    Certification of the principal executive officer required pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.2    Certification of the principal financial officer required pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

*

Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form F-6.

**

Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009.

***

Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016.

****

Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017.

*****

Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018.

******

Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

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SIGNATURE

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

 

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.
By:  

/s/ Fabian Kon

Name:   Fabian Kon
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
By:  

/s/ Bruno Folino

Name:   Bruno Folino
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 23, 2021

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, other comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements, and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Fair value of certain level 3 financial instruments

As described in Notes 2.a and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company carries Ps. 172,308,916 thousands of its assets and Ps. 57,450 thousands of its liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020. Included in these balances are Ps. 8,452,798 thousands of financial assets classified as level 3, as its valuation involves one or more inputs which are unobservable and significant to their fair value measurement. The Company used valuation models and unobservable inputs, including projected cash flows, discount rates and volatilities and correlations relating to interest rates and spreads, to estimate the fair value of the level 3 financial instruments. These valuation techniques require management to make significant estimates and judgments.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the fair value of certain level 3 financial instruments is a critical audit matter are: (i) there was significant judgment by management in evaluating the models and determining the inputs, such as projected cash flows, discount rates and volatilities and correlations relating to interest rates and spreads, used to estimate fair value; and (ii) the audit procedures performed related to the assessment of the fair value of these financial instruments involved a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort, as well as the use of professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to assist in performing procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the Company’s processes for determining fair value of level 3 financial instruments which include controls over models, inputs, and data. These procedures also included, among others, for a sample of financial instruments, the use of professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to assist in developing an independent fair value estimate and testing management’s process to determine the fair value of these financial instruments. Developing the independent estimate involved testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management, developing independent significant unobservable inputs, and comparing management’s estimate to the independently developed estimate of fair value. Testing management’s process included evaluating the reasonableness of the aforementioned significant unobservable inputs, evaluating the appropriateness of the methods used, and testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management to determine the fair value of these instruments.

 

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Allowance for loan losses

As described in Notes 1.11, 2.b and 45 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was Ps. 37,332,952 thousands as of December 31, 2020. The Company assesses impairment by estimating the expected credit losses. Management’s models to determine the expected credit loss involve significant judgement, which includes defining what constitutes a significant increase in credit risk, identifying assets which are impaired or subject to serious risk of impairment, making assumptions about macroeconomic scenarios considering a range of possible economic outcomes, calculated on a probability-weighted basis, and estimating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as a post-model adjustment.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the estimation of the allowance for loan losses is a critical audit matter are: (i) there was significant judgment by management in assessing impairment by estimating the expected credit losses; and (ii) the audit procedures performed related to the assessment of the valuation of the allowance for loan losses involved significant auditor judgment and effort, as well as the use of professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to assist in performing procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s allowance for loan losses estimation processes, which included controls over the data, models and assumptions used in the estimation process. These procedures also included, among others; (i) evaluating the appropriateness of the models used by the Company to estimate parameters such as the probability of default and the loss given default; (ii) evaluating the reasonableness of the Company’s definition of significant increase in credit risk and identifying assets which are impaired or subject to serious risk of impairment; (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of the process followed by the Company to develop macroeconomic scenarios and their weighting; (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the process followed by the Company to estimate the post-model adjustment and (v) testing the completeness and accuracy of the data provided by management.

 

/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE & Co. S.R.L.

 

/s/ SEBASTIÁN MORAZZO (Partner)

Sebastián Morazzo

Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 23, 2021.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

                                                                       

Items

   Notes      12.31.20     12.31.19  

Assets

       

Cash and Due from Banks

     5        175,423,476       177,866,399  

Cash

        66,932,871       71,784,839  

Financial Institutions and Correspondents

        108,490,605       106,081,560  

Argentine Central Bank (BCRA)

        102,597,603       102,843,651  

Other, Local and Foreign Financial Institutions

        5,893,002       3,237,909  

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

     6        155,419,560       89,431,378  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     7        2,165,032       3,170,815  

Repurchase Transactions

     8        60,995,643       40,944,933  

Other Financial Assets

     9        10,093,626       14,860,200  

Loans and Other Financing

     10        526,434,119       488,144,152  

Non-financial Public Sector

        334       9,297  

Argentine Central Bank (BCRA)

        13,195       30,460  

Other Financial Institutions

        14,700,600       14,697,129  

To the Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        548,953,562       508,591,528  

Allowances

        (37,233,572     (35,184,262

Other Debt Securities

     11        23,070,377       25,893,436  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     12        18,717,443       15,725,036  

Current Income Tax Assets

     13        197,094       55,141  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     14        5,711,684       6,200,459  

Equity investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

     15        89,142       —    

Property, Plant and Equipment

     16 and 17        43,731,420       44,877,360  

Intangible Assets

     18        14,468,821       11,834,308  

Deferred Income Tax Assets

     19        9,212,595       3,821,378  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

     20        1,885,390       1,608,517  

Other Non-financial Assets

     21        7,634,427       8,782,988  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     22        29,328       53,106  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

        1,055,279,177       933,269,606  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Continued)

 

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

                                                                       

Items

   Notes      12.31.20     12.31.19  

Liabilities

       

Deposits

     23        676,395,735       536,033,696  

Non-financial Public Sector

        21,537,481       2,631,790  

Financial Sector

        1,947,127       613,904  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        652,911,127       532,788,002  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     24        —         1,936,133  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     7        57,450       1,199,533  

Other Financial Liabilities

     25        97,471,465       97,153,624  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     26        13,833,439       30,936,161  

Debt Securities

     27        17,073,898       39,808,666  

Current Income Tax Liabilities

     41        15,227,474       14,042,235  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     28        21,653,546       21,100,718  

Provisions

     29        3,776,297       3,739,734  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

     19        136,934       3,020,554  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     20        2,060,976       1,999,408  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     30        25,258,228       23,239,327  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

        872,945,442       774,209,789  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

     31       

Capital Stock

        1,474,692       1,426,765  

Paid-in capital

        17,281,187       10,951,132  

Capital Adjustments

        61,548,313       60,622,637  

Profit Reserves

        178,751,308       127,248,745  

Retained Deficit

        (102,255,270     (77,955,542

Other Comprehensive Income

        341,829       551,139  

Income / (Loss) for the Year

     43        25,191,673       32,276,377  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners

        182,333,732       155,121,253  

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     50        3       3,938,564  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

        182,333,735       159,059,817  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

 

FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes      12.31.20     12.31.19     12.31.18  

Interest Income

     32        166,806,678       177,671,454       163,927,492  

Interest Expense

     32        (90,174,458     (130,254,081     (94,054,946

Net Income from Interest

        76,632,220       47,417,373       69,872,546  

Fee Income

     32        46,475,432       47,846,733       51,093,837  

Fee related Expenses

     32        (9,917,873     (9,613,497     (6,337,505

Net Fee Income

        36,557,559       38,233,236       44,756,332  

Net Income from Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     32        69,331,902       99,151,496       36,341,509  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

        (3,129     298,801       464,175  

Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency

     33        7,047,447       11,831,452       7,910,257  

Other Operating Income

     34        22,322,631       28,769,432       21,862,980  

Income from Insurance Business

     35        5,501,807       5,000,869       6,009,167  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

     36        (34,679,749     (30,227,668     (34,136,247

Net Operating Income

        182,710,688       200,474,991       153,080,719  

Personnel Expenses

     37        (31,825,101     (33,284,961     (35,657,786

Administrative Expenses

     38        (31,371,622     (33,105,199     (33,674,305

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

     39        (8,284,286     (6,894,944     (3,459,704

Other Operating Expenses

     40        (30,763,761     (35,082,818     (35,391,431

Loss on net monetary position

        (36,963,213     (41,928,902     (37,830,439

Operating Income

        43,502,705       50,178,167       7,067,054  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

     15        (125,053     —         —    

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

        43,377,652       50,178,167       7,067,054  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

     41        (17,844,872     (17,750,682     (14,476,788

Net Income / (Loss) from Continuing Operations

        25,532,780       32,427,485       (7,409,734

Loss from Discontinued Operations

     22        —         —         (544,003

Income Tax from Discontinued Operations

     41        —         —         (66,336
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year

        25,532,780       32,427,485       (8,020,073
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year Attributable to parent company´s owners

        25,191,673       32,276,377       (7,258,414

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     50        341,107       151,108       (761,659

 

Items

   Notes      12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Earnings per Share

     43           

Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to parent company´s owners

        25,191,673        32,276,377        (7,258,414

Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to parent company´s owners Adjusted by dilution effects

        25,191,673        32,276,377        (7,258,414

Weighted-Average of Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the Year

        1,442,740        1,426,765        1,426,765  

Diluted Weighted-Average of Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the Year

        1,442,740        1,426,765        1,426,765  

Basic Earnings per Share

        17.46        22.62        (5.09

Diluted Earnings per Share

        17.46        22.62        (5.09

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes      12.31.20     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year

        25,532,780       32,427,485        (8,020,073

Items of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) that may be Reclassified to Profit or Loss for the Year

          

Income or Loss from Financial Instruments at Fair Value through OCI (Item 4.1.2a, IFRS 9)

          

Income / (Loss) for the Year from Financial Instruments at Fair Value with Changes through OCI (*)

     32        (203,783     533,607        (183,218

Other Comprehensive Income(*)

        (5,527     14,591        —    

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) that may be Reclassified to Profit or Loss for the Year

        (209,310     548,198        (183,218

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        (209,310     548,198        (183,218
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

        25,323,470       32,975,683        (8,203,291
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) Attributable to Parent company´s owners

        24,982,363       32,824,575        (7,441,632

Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     50        341,107       151,108        (761,659

 

(*) 

Net of Income Tax.

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

          Capital
Stock
     Paid-in
Capital
            Other Comprehensive
Income
    Profit Reserves                          

Changes

   Notes    Outstanding      Share
Premium
     Equity
Adjustments
     Accumulated
Profit

(Loss) from
Financial
Instruments
at Fair Value
through OCI
    Other     Legal
Reserve
     Others
Reserves
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to parent
company´s
owners
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to Non-
Controlling

Interests
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balances as of 12.31.19

        1,426,765        10,951,132        60,622,637        536,548       14,591       1,296,382        125,952,363       (45,679,165     155,121,253       3,938,564       159,059,817  

Dividends Distribution from Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

   50      —          —          —          —         —         —          —         —         —         (143,844     (143,844

Distribution of Profits

                             

- Cash Dividends

   42      —          —          —          —         —         —          (1,892,559     —         (1,892,559     —         (1,892,559

- Other Reserves

        —          —          —          —         —         —          56,576,105       (56,576,105     —         —         —    

Increase due to merger

   31      47,927        6,330,055        925,676        —         —         —          (3,180,983     —         4,122,675       (4,135,824     (13,149

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

                             

Net Income for the Year

   43      —          —          —          —         —         —          —         25,191,673       25,191,673       341,107       25,532,780  

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year

        —          —          —          (203,783     (5,527     —          —         —         (209,310     —         (209,310
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of 12.31.20

        1,474,692        17,281,187        61,548,313        332,765       9,064       1,296,382        177,454,926       (77,063,597     182,333,732       3       182,333,735  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-8


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

          Capital
Stock
     Paid-in
Capital
            Other Comprehensive
Income
     Profit Reserves                            

Changes

   Notes    Outstanding      Share
Premium
     Equity
Adjustments
     Accumulated
Profit

(Loss) from
Financial
Instruments
at Fair Value
through OCI
     Other      Legal
Reserve
     Others
Reserves
     Retained
Earnings
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to parent
company´s
owners
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to Non-
Controlling

Interests
     Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balances as of 12.31.18

        1,426,765        10,951,132        60,622,637        2,941        —          1,296,382        90,178,080        (38,558,827     125,919,110       3,607,470        129,526,580  

Capital Contribution from Non-controlling Interest

   50      —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —         —         179,986        179,986  

Distribution of Profits

                                 

- Cash Dividends

   42      —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (3,622,432     (3,622,432     —          (3,622,432

- Other Reserves

        —          —          —          —          —          —          35,774,283        (35,774,283     —         —          —    

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

                                 

Net Income for the Year

   43      —          —          —          —          —          —          —          32,276,377       32,276,377       151,108        32,427,485  

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year

        —          —          —          533,607        14,591        —          —          —         548,198       —          548,198  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances as of 12.31.19

        1,426,765        10,951,132        60,622,637        536,548        14,591        1,296,382        125,952,363        (45,679,165     155,121,253       3,938,564        159,059,817  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-9


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

          Capital
Stock
    Paid-in
Capital
          Other
Comprehensive

Income
    Profit Reserves                          

Changes

  Notes     Outstanding     Share
Premium
    Equity
Adjustments
    Accumulated
Profit

(Loss) from
Financial
Instruments
at Fair Value
through OCI
    Other     Legal
Reserve
    Others
Reserves
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to parent
company´s
owners
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to Non-
Controlling

Interests
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balances as of 12.31.17

      1,426,765       10,951,132       60,622,637       186,159       -       1,218,152       66,597,571       (5,869,124     135,133,292       6,185,425       141,318,717  

Purchase of Non-controlling Interests

    50       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,613,587       -       1,613,587       (1,613,587     -  

Dividends Distribution from Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

    50       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (202,709     (202,709

Distribution of Profits

                       

- Cash Dividends

    42       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (3,386,137     (3,386,137     —         (3,386,137

- Other Reserves

      —         —         —         —         —         78,230       21,966,922       (22,045,152     —         —         —    

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

                       

Net Loss for the Year

    43       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (7,258,414     (7,258,414     (761,659     (8,020,073

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Year

      —         —         —         (183,218     —         —         —         —         (183,218     —         (183,218
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of 12.31.18

      1,426,765       10,951,132       60,622,637       2,941       —         1,296,382       90,178,080       (38,558,827     125,919,110       3,607,470       129,526,580  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes      12.31.20     12.31.19     12.31.18  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

         

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

        43,377,652       50,178,167       7,067,054  

Adjustment to Obtain the Operating Activities Flows:

         

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

        34,679,749       30,227,668       34,136,247  

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

        8,284,286       6,894,944       3,459,704  

Loss on Net Monetary Position

        36,963,213       41,928,902       37,830,439  

Other Operations

        33,809,461       45,546,783       (15,845,824

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Assets:

         

Debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss

        (16,816,890     1,906,801       25,022,547  

Derivative Financial Instruments

        1,005,783       568,821       (2,115,155

Repo Transactions

        (45,899     (4,166,505     627,969  

Other Financial Assets

        762,783       2,738,061       3,292,293  

Net Loans and Other Financing

         

- Non-financial Public Sector

        11,292       17,889       (6,796

- Other Financial Institutions

        (2,768,659     (1,073,296     7,583,249  

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        (70,129,963     72,480,365       (28,997,919

Other Debt Securities

        2,823,060       4,314,789       (21,448,808

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

        (2,992,408     6,929,858       (3,080,071

Investments in Equity Instruments

        309,477       (5,863,167     (102,894

Other Non-financial Assets

        871,701       (2,209,541     (2,364,329

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

        23,778       1,220,250       21,470,750  

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Liabilities:

         

Deposits

         

- Non-financial Public Sector

        18,905,690       (15,314,927     14,347,100  

- Financial Sector

        1,333,223       (876,675     1,134,515  

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        120,123,123       (201,920,439     117,986,898  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

        (1,936,133     (2,555,401     4,491,534  

Derivative Financial Instruments

        (1,142,083     (2,645,130     2,072,205  

Other Financial Liabilities

        1,297,568       (40,408,460     16,511,834  

Provisions

        36,561       704,443       1,156,177  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

        44,060       (1,096,350     (20,447,222

Income Tax Collections/Payments

        (25,076,419)       (13,753,851     (15,540,835
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (A)

        183,754,006       (26,226,001     188,240,662  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

         

Payments:

         

Purchase of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

        (7,123,954)       (10,751,158     (7,723,624

Interests in Associates and other companies

        (102,290     —         —    

Collections:

         

Sale of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

        264,603       3,648,203       212,957  

Dividends earned

        179,298       —         —    

NET CASH USED IN INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES (B)

        (6,782,343     (7,102,955     (7,510,667

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

         

Payments:

         

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

        (27,839,122     (20,826,089     (2,851,195

Subordinated Debt Securities

        —         —         —    

Loans from Local Financial Institutions

        (35,157,119     (70,418,814     (25,579,255

Dividends

     42        (2,036,403     (3,622,432     (3,588,846

Leases payment

        (1,333,090     (1,361,874     —    

Collections:

         

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

        11,728,016       7,726,304       23,558,089  

Loans from Local Financial Institutions

        19,531,578       63,225,074       24,870,537  

Capital increase

     50        —         179,986       —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (C)

        (35,106,140)       (25,097,845     16,409,330  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXCHANGE INCOME ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (D)

        32,805,838       69,534,981       94,158,129  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (A+B+C+D)

        174,671,361       11,108,180       291,297,454  

MONETARY LOSS RELATED TO CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

        (111,859,585     (168,132,627     (94,622,803
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

     5        316,008,097       473,032,544       276,357,893  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR

     5        378,819,873       316,008,097       473,032,544  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-11


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.) and Thousands of U.S. Dollars (USD), Except as Otherwise Stated

NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS FOR PREPARATION

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (hereinafter, “the Company”, and jointly with its subsidiaries, “the Group”) is a financial services holding company incorporated in September 14, 1999 under the laws of Argentina. The Company’s main asset is its interest in Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. (hereinafter, “Banco Galicia” or “the Bank”) which is a private bank offering a wide range of financial services, both to individuals and companies. Likewise, the Company has a controlling interest in: Tarjetas Regionales S.A., through it we provide proprietary brand credit cards, consumer finance and digital banking services to non-banked populations of Argentina; Sudamericana Holding S.A., a company engaged in the insurance business; Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A., a mutual fund management company; Galicia Warrants S.A., a warrant issuing company; IGAM LLC, a company engaged in assets management; and Galicia Securities S.A. a settlement and compensation agent.

These consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for publication through Minutes of Board of Directors’ Meeting No. 631 dated April 23, 2021.

1.1. BASIS FOR PREPARATION

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC). All the IFRSs in force as of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements have been applied.

In Argentina, the Group is subject to the provisions of Article 2, Section I, Chapter I of Title IV: Periodic Information Regime of the National Securities Commission (CNV) regulations and it is required to present its financial statements in accordance with the valuation and disclosure criteria set forth by the Argentine Central Bank.

The Argentine Central Bank, through Communications “A” 5541 and its amendments, established a convergence plan towards the adoption of IFRS as issued by the IASB, and the interpretations issued by the IFRIC, for the entities under its supervision, effective for fiscal years commencing January 1, 2018 with certain exceptions.

The Group has presented its local financial statements under these rules on March 9, 2021. Shareholders’ equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank is presented in Note 52.8.

It has been concluded that these consolidated financial statements fairly present the Group’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows, in accordance with IFRS.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Groups´ accounting policies.

The areas involving a greater degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant for the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 2.

 

(a)

Going Concern

As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, there are no uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the Group´s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

(b)

Measurement Unit

IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” requires that the financial statements of an entity whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy be restated in terms of the current measurement unit as of the reporting period-end, irrespective of whether they are based on the historical cost or the current cost method. Accordingly, in general terms, non-monetary items should be adjusted for inflation occurring since the acquisition date or since the revaluation date, as the case may be. These requirements are also applicable to the comparative information reported in the financial statements. According to IAS 29, monetary assets and liabilities are not required to be restated, for they are stated in the measurement unit as of the end of the reporting period. Assets and liabilities subject to adjustments based on specific agreements will be adjusted on the basis of such agreements. Non-monetary items measured at their fair values at the end of the reporting period, such as net realizable value or otherwise, will not be restated. The other non-monetary assets and liabilities will be restated by applying a general price index. The income (loss) from the net monetary position will be charged to net income for the reporting period in a separate item.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

In order to conclude whether a given economy qualifies as hyperinflationary pursuant to the terms of IAS 29, the standard sets forth certain factors that should be considered, including a three-year cumulative inflation rate reaching or exceeding 100%.

In this regard, the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences (FACPCE) through Resolution J.G.539/18 and the Professional Council in Economic Sciences of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CPCECABA) through Resolution C.D. 107/2018 have pointed out that, effective for fiscal years ending on July 1, 2018 and thereafter, entities reporting under IFRS will be required to apply IAS 29 since the conditions for such application have been satisfied. In addition, Law No. 27468 enacted in November 2018 abrogated the prohibition to present the financial statements adjusted for inflation, as established by Decree 664/2003, entrusting each regulatory agency with its application. In this regard, on December 26, 2018, the CNV issued General Resolution No. 777/2018 authorizing the issuing entities to present accounting information in constant currency for annual financial statements for interim and special periods ending on December 31, 2018 and thereafter, except for financial institutions and insurance companies.

The Group has applied IAS 29, Financial Reporting in hyperinflationary Economy, in preparing these consolidated financial statements for all presented years.

 

(c)

New Accounting Standards

Definition of “Business” - Amendment to IFRS 3: The new definition of Business includes a comprehensive set of activities and assets that can be directed and managed for the purpose of providing goods or services to customers, generating investment income (such as dividends or interest) or generating other income from ordinary activities. Yields such as lower costs and other economic benefits are excluded from the above definition.

This amendment is effective as of January 1, 2020. The Group does not consider that this amendment has an impact, unless there is a business combination.

Definition of “Material” - Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: The IASB has amended IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” and IAS 8 “Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Errors” clarifying when information is material.

In particular, the amendments clarify:

 

 

The reference to obscuring information addresses situations where the effect is similar to omitting or misstating such information, and that an entity assesses materiality in the context of the financial statements as a whole; and

 

 

the meaning of “primary users of general-purpose Financial Statements” to whom those Financial Statements are addressed, by defining them as “existing and potential investors, lenders and other creditors”, that must rely on general purpose Financial Statements for much of the financial information they need.

This amendment is effective as of January 1, 2020 and the Group does not consider that this amendment has a significant impact on its financial statements.

Amendments to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting: The IASB has issued a new Conceptual Framework. It should be noted that the aforementioned amendment will not imply changes to any of the current accounting standards. However, the Entities that use the Conceptual Framework to define the accounting standards for those transactions, events or situations not contemplated in the current accounting standards must apply the new Conceptual Framework as of January 1, 2020, and evaluate whether their accounting standards continue to be adequate.

The Group does not consider that these amendments have a significant impact on its financial statements.

Reform to the interest rate benchmark - Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7: These amendments provide some reliefs regarding the reform to the interest rate benchmark such as LIBOR and other rates offered in the interbank market. Reliefs are related to hedge accounting and to the fact that the mentioned reform should not cause the end of hedge accounting, considering the IFRS currently in force. However, hedge ineffectiveness must continue to be recorded in the Statement of Income. These amendments are effective as of January 1, 2020 and the Group does not consider that these amendments have an impact given that the Group does not apply hedge accounting on its current financial statements.

 

(d)

New accounting standards and amendments issued by IASB that have not been adopted by the Group

The new standards, amendments and interpretations published are detailed below; however, they have not yet come into force for financial reporting periods commenced January 1, 2020 and have not been early adopted.

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture - Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28. The IASB made limited amendments to IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Institutions” and to IAS 28

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

“Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures”. The amendments clarify the accounting of sales or contributions of assets between the investor and its associates or joint ventures. This confirms that the accounting treatment depends of whether the non-monetary assets sold or contributed to the associate or joint venture are a “business” (such as defined in IFRS 3) or not. When the non-monetary assets constitute a business, the investor will recognize the profit or loss from the sale or contribution of the assets. When the assets do not constitute a business, the profit or loss is recognized by the investor only up to the amount recognized by the other investor in the associate or joint venture. The amendments are to be prospectively applied. The IASB has decided to defer the application date of this amendment until it concludes its research project on the equity method. The Group is evaluating the impact of adopting this new standard.

IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts”: On May 18, 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts,” establishing a comprehensive accounting framework based on measurement and disclosure principles for insurance contracts. The new standard supersedes IFRS 4 “Insurance Contracts,” and requires entities to measure an insurance contract at initial recognition at the total of the fulfilment cash flows (comprising the estimated future cash flows, an adjustment to reflect the time value of money and an explicit risk adjustment for non-financial risk) and the contractual service margin. The fulfilment cash flows are remeasured on a current basis each reporting period. The unearned profit (contractual service margin) is recognized over the coverage period. Entities are required to apply IFRS 17 for fiscal years commencing on or after January 1, 2023.The Group is evaluating the impact of adopting this new standard.

There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are not effective and that are expected to have a significant impact on the Group.

 

1.2.

CONSOLIDATION

Subsidiaries are those entities, including structured entities, where the Group is in control because (i) it has the power to direct relevant activities of the investee, which significantly affect its returns; (ii) it has exposure, or rights, to variable returns for its interest in the investee; and (iii) it has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns. The existence and effect of the substantive rights, including potential voting rights, are considered when evaluating whether the Group has control over another entity. For a right to be substantive, the holder must have the practical ability to exercise it whenever necessary to make decisions on the direction of the relevant activities of the entity. The Group may be in control of an entity even when possessing less than the majority of the voting rights.

Likewise, the protective rights of other investors, such as those related to substantive changes in the activities of the investee or applied only in exceptional circumstances, do not prevent the Group from having control over an investee. The subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the control is transferred to the Group, and they cease to be consolidated as of the date on which the control ceases.

The subsidiaries which have been consolidated in these Consolidated Financial Statements are detailed in Note 15.

For the purpose of consolidating its financial statements, the Group used the subsidiaries’ financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The accounting policies applied by Sudamericana Holding SA. are established by the National Insurance Superintendency and have been adjusted to those applied by the Group in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between Group’s companies were eliminated. (See Note 51).

Non-controlling interest in the results and equity of consolidated subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of other comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in shareholder’s equity and consolidated statement of financial position, respectively.

In accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3 “Business combinations”, the acquisition method is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured at their fair values on the acquisition date.

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and, in a business combination achieved in stages, the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree; over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at the fair value of the assets transferred by the acquirer, the liabilities assumed by the acquirer with the previous owners of the investee, and the equity instruments issued by the acquirer. The transaction costs are recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs have been incurred and the services have been received, except for the transaction costs incurred to issue equity instruments that are deducted from equity, and the transaction costs incurred to issue debt that are deducted from their carrying amount.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.3.

TRANSACTIONS WITH NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of the Group. A change in ownership interest results in an adjustment between the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any consideration paid or received is recognized within equity attributable to owners of the Group.

 

1.4.

ASSOCIATES

Associates are entities over which the Group has significant direct or indirect influence, but not control; generally, this implies holding between 20 and 50 percent of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost. The carrying amount of the associates includes the goodwill identified in the acquisition less the accumulated impairment losses, if any. Dividends received from associates reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Other changes subsequent to the acquisition of the Group’s interest in the net assets of an associate are recognized as follows: (i) the Group’s interest in the profits or losses of the associates is accounted under Share of Profit from Associates and Joint Ventures in the consolidated statement of income and (ii) the Group’s interest in other comprehensive income is recognized in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income and presented separately. However, when the Group’s share in losses in an associate equal or exceeds its interest in it, the Group does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Unrealized profits on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment in the transferred asset.

 

1.5.

SEGMENT REPORTING

An operating segment is a component of an entity (a) that conducts business activities from which it can earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses related to transactions with other components of the same entity); (b) whose operating income is regularly reviewed by the Group´s CODM (chief operating decision maker) to make decisions about the resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and (c) for which confidential financial information is available.

Segment reporting is presented consistently with the internal reports submitted to the Board of Directors (CODM of the Group), which is responsible for making the Group’s strategic decisions, allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segments.

 

1.6.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

 

(a)

Functional Currency and Presentation Currency

The figures included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group´s entities are stated in their functional currency, that is, the currency used in the primary economic environment where it operates. The consolidated financial statements are stated in Argentine pesos (Ps.), which is the Group’s functional and presentation currency. (See Note 1.1).

 

(b)

Transactions and Balances

The transactions in foreign currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the dates of the transactions. Profits and losses in foreign currency resulting from the settlement of these transactions and the translation of monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currency at closing exchange rate, are recognized under “Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency” in the statement of income, except when they are deferred in equity by transactions which qualify as cash flows hedges, if appropriate.

Assets and liabilities in foreign currency are measured at the reference exchange rate of the US dollar defined by the Argentine Central Bank at the closing of operations on the last business day of each month.

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, balances in U.S. Dollars were translated at the reference exchange rate (Ps.84.145 and Ps. 59.895, respectively) established by the Argentine Central Bank. Foreign currencies other than the US dollar have been translated into this currency using exchange rates reported by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

1.7.

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The item Cash and Due from Banks includes the available cash and bank deposits freely available, which are liquid short-term instruments with maturity less than three months from the origination date.

The assets disclosed under cash and due from banks are accounted for at their amortized cost which approximates its fair value.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.8.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Initial Recognition

The Group recognizes a financial asset or liability in its consolidated financial statements, as appropriate, when it becomes part of the contractual clauses of the financial instrument. Purchases and sales are recognized at the trading date when the Group buys or sells the instruments.

Upon initial recognition, the Group measures financial assets or liabilities at fair value, plus or less, for instruments not recognized at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, such as fees and commissions.

When the fair value differs from the cost value of the initial recognition, the Group recognizes the difference as follows:

 

a.

When the fair value is according to the market value of the financial asset or liability or is based on a valuation technique solely using market values, the difference is recognized as profit or loss, as appropriate.

 

b.

In other cases, the difference is deferred and the recognition over time of the profit and loss is individually determined. The difference is amortized over the life of the instrument until the fair value can be measured based on market values.

Financial Assets

 

a.

Debt Securities

The Group considers as debt securities those instruments considered financial liabilities for the issuer, such as loans, government and private securities, bonds and customer accounts receivable.

Classification

As established by IFRS 9, the Group classifies financial assets according to how they are subsequently measured: at amortized cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income, or at fair value through profit or loss, based on:

 

 

the Group’s business model to manage financial assets; and

 

 

the characteristics of contractual cash flows of the financial asset.

Business Model

The Business Model refers to the way in which the Group manages a set of financial assets to reach a specific business objective. It represents the way the Group manages its financial instruments to generate cash flows.

Business models that the Group can follow are listed below:

 

 

Hold the instruments to collect its contractual cash flows;

 

 

Hold the instruments in the portfolio to collect contractual cash flows and, in turn, sell them when deemed convenient; or;

 

 

Hold the instruments for trading.

The Group’s Business Model does not depend on the intentions that it may have for an individual instrument. Therefore, this condition is not an instrument-by-instrument classification approach, but it is determined from a higher level of aggregation.

The Group only reclassifies an instrument when, and only when, the business model for managing financial assets is modified. The reclassification is performed from the commencement of the period where the change takes place. Such change is not expected to be frequent, and changes have not been recorded during this fiscal year.

Characteristics of Contractual Cash Flows

The Group assesses whether the cash flow of grouped instruments is not significantly different from the flow that would receive solely for interest; otherwise, they shall be measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Based on the foregoing, there are three categories of Financial Assets:

 

(i)

Financial assets measured at amortized cost:

Financial assets are measured at amortized cost when:

 

(a)

the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets to collect contractual cash flows; and

 

(b)

the contractual conditions of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

These financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value plus the incremental and directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost.

The amortized cost of a financial asset is equal to its acquisition cost less its accumulated amortization plus accrued interest (calculated according to the effective interest method), net of any impairment loss.

 

(ii)

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income:

Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income when:

 

(a)

the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

 

(b)

the contractual conditions of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows which are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount.

These instruments are initially recognized at their fair value plus the incremental and directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Profits and losses arising from the changes in fair value are included in other comprehensive income within a separate equity component. Impairment losses or reversals, income for interest and exchange profits and losses are recognized through profit or loss. Upon its sale or disposal, the accumulated profit or loss previously recognized through other comprehensive income is reclassified to the statement of income.

 

(iii)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are the following:

 

 

Instruments held for trading;

 

 

Instruments specifically designated at fair value through profit or loss; and

 

 

Instruments whose contractual terms do not represent cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount.

These financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value and any fair value measurement is recognized in the statement of income.

The Group classifies a financial instrument as held for trading if it is acquired or incurred for the main purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the short term, or if it is part of a portfolio of financial instruments that are jointly managed and for which there is evidence of short-term earnings, or is a derivative financial instrument not designated as a hedging instrument. Derivative instruments and held-for-trading securities are classified as held for trading and measured at fair value.

Additionally, financial assets can be valued at fair value through profit or loss when, by doing so, the Group eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition mismatch.

 

b.

Equity Instruments

Equity instruments are so considered by its issuer; this means that they are instruments which do not contemplate a contractual obligation to pay cash, and which evidence a residual interest on the issuer’s asset after deducting its entire liabilities.

Such instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except when, at the time of the initial recognition, the irrevocable option had been exercised to measure them at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income. This method is only applicable when the instruments are not held for trading and income shall be accounted in other comprehensive income with no reclassification to profit or loss, even when they are realized. Dividends receivable arising from such instruments shall be recognized through profit or loss solely when the Group is entitled to collect the payment.

Financial Liabilities

Classification

The Group classifies their financial liabilities at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method, except for:

 

 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, including derivative financial instruments.

 

 

Liabilities arising from the transfer of financial assets not complying with the derecognition criteria.

 

 

Financial guarantee contracts.

 

 

Loan commitments at a lower than market rate.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss: the Group may choose to use, at the beginning, the irrevocable option to designate a liability at fair value through profit or loss, if, and only if, in doing so, it reflects a better measurement of financial information because:

 

 

the Group eliminates or significantly reduces measurement or recognition inconsistency which would otherwise be exposed in the valuation;

 

 

if financial assets and liabilities or a group of financial assets or liabilities, are managed and their performance is assessed on a fair value basis, according to a documented investment or risk management strategy; or

 

 

a host contract contains one or more embedded derivative instruments, and the Group has opted for designating the entire contract at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial guarantee contracts: Financial guarantee contracts are those contracts requiring the issuer to make specific payments to reimburse the holder for the loss incurred when a specific debtor does not comply with its payment obligation on maturity, in accordance with the original or amended terms of a debt instrument.

Financial guarantee contracts are initially measured at fair value, and subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of the loss allowance and the amount initially recognized less, when appropriate, the cumulative amount of income recognized.

Derecognition of Financial Instruments

Financial Assets

A financial asset or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or a part of a group of similar financial assets, is derecognized when: (i) the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or (ii) the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset, or has assumed an obligation to pay all of the cash flows received immediately to a third party under a pass-through agreement; and all the risks and rewards of the asset have also been substantially transferred, or, in case all the risks and rewards of the asset had not been substantially transferred or retained, the control of the asset has been transferred.

When the contractual rights of receiving the cash flows generated by the asset have been transferred, or a transfer agreement has been executed, the entity assesses if it has retained, and to what extent, the risks and awards inherent in asset ownership. When substantially all the risks and rewards inherent in asset ownership have not been transferred or retained, nor has control of the asset been transferred, the asset continues to be recognized to the extent of its continued involvement over it.

In this case, the related liability is also recognized. The transferred asset and the related liability are measured in such a way so as to reflect the rights and obligations that the Group had retained.

A continuing involvement that takes the form of a collateral on the transferred asset is measured as the smallest amount between (i) the original carrying amount of the asset, and (ii) the maximum amount of consideration received that would be required to be returned.

Financial Liabilities:

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation, has been cancelled, or has expired. When an existing financial liability is exchanged by another of the same borrower under significantly different conditions, or the conditions are significantly modified, such exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and a new liability is recognized, the difference between the value in books of the initial financial liability and the consideration paid is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. When the renegotiation conditions are not significantly different, or the conditions are not significantly modified, the flows of the modified financial liabilities are discounted at the rate of the original contract.

 

1.9.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative Financial instruments, including foreign currency contracts, futures, forward contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps, interest rate options and foreign currency options are recorder at their fair value.

All derivative financial instruments are recorder as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative, against the agreed price. The changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in profit or loss.

In these consolidated financial statements, the Group has not applied hedge accounting.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.10.     REPURCHASE TRANSACTIONS

Reverse Repurchase Transactions

According to the derecognition principles in IFRS 9, these transactions are considered as secured borrowings, since the risk has not been transferred to the counterpart.

Financing granted through reverse repurchase transactions are recorded under “Repurchase Transactions” accounts, classified by counterparty and considering the asset received as collateral.

At the closing of each month, accrued interest receivable is imputed to the “Repurchase Transactions” account with offsetting entry in “Interest Income”.

The underlying assets received for the reverse repurchase transactions will be recorded in Off-Balance Sheet Items. The assets received that have been sold by the Group are not deducted, but derecognized only when the repo transaction finishes, recording a liability in kind for the obligation to deliver the security sold.

Repurchase Transactions

Financing received through repurchase transactions are recorded under “Repurchase Transactions” accounts, classified by counterparty and considering the asset pledged as collateral.

In these transactions, when the receiver of the underlying asset obtains the right to sell it or pledge it as collateral, this is reclassified to the “Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral” accounts.

At the closing of each month, accrued interest payable is imputed to the “Repurchase Transactions” account with offsetting entry in “Interest Expenses”.

1.11.    ALLOWANCES FOR FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit loss (“ECL”) associated with its debt instruments assets carried at amortized cost and FVOCI, together with the exposure arising from loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. The Group recognizes a loss allowance for such losses at each reporting date. The measurement of ECL reflects:

 

   

An unbiased and probability-weighted amount is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes,

 

   

The time value of money, and

 

   

Reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort at the reporting date about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.

Note 45 provides more detail of how the expected credit loss allowance is measured.

1.12.    LEASES

1.12.1.    Lease activities of the Group

The Group is the lessee of various properties to be used in its ordinary course of business. Lease contracts are generally made for fixed periods, from 1 to 20 years, but in some cases, there may be price agreements for shorter periods with extension options. Lease terms are individually negotiated and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions.

From January 1, 2019, leases are recognized as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability, on the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:

 

 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;

 

 

variable lease payments based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate on the initial date;

 

 

amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;

 

 

the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and

 

 

payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the liability.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if it can be determined; or otherwise, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate will be applied, which is the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow the necessary funds to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of- use asset, in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period, to produce a constant, periodic interest rate on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.

Right-of-use assets are measured at their cost, comprising the following:

 

 

the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;

 

 

any lease payment made on or before the initial date, less any lease incentives received;

 

 

any initial direct cost; and

 

 

restoration and dismantling costs.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset useful life and the lease term on a straight-line method.

Payments related to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less that do not contain a bargain purchase option. Low-value assets are defined as small physical spaces where equipment owned by the Group is kept.

1.12.2.    Extension and Termination Options

The extension and termination options that are included in several Property, Plant and Equipment leases were considered to determine the term of the lease. These options are used to maximize the operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in our operations. Most of the extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor.

1.13.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Assets are measured at their acquisition or construction cost, net of accumulated depreciations and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. The cost includes the expenses directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of the items.

Property, Plant and Equipment acquired through business combinations were initially valued at the estimated fair value at the acquisition date.

Subsequent costs are included in the value of the asset or are recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, if and only if they are likely to generate future economic benefits for the Group, and its cost can be reasonably measured. When improvements are made to the asset, the carrying amount of the replaced asset is derecognized, the new asset being amortized for the remaining useful life.

Repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the year in which they are incurred.

The depreciation of these assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost over, their estimated useful lives. If an asset includes significant components with different useful lives, they are recognized and depreciated as separate items.

The residual values of Property, Plant and Equipment, the useful lives and the depreciation methods are reviewed and adjusted if necessary, at the closing date of each fiscal year, or when there is evidence of impairment.

The book value of the Property, Plant and Equipment is immediately reduced to its recoverable amount when it is greater than the estimated recoverable value.

Profits and losses from the sale of Property, Plant and Equipment items are determined by comparing the proceeds from the disposal to the carrying amount of the respective asset and are charged to income.

1.14.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS

1.14.1.    Licenses

Licenses acquired individually are initially valued at cost, while those acquired through business combinations are recognized at their estimated fair value at the acquisition date.

At the closing date of these consolidated financial statements, intangible assets with a finite useful life are presented net of accumulated depreciation and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. These assets are subject to impairment tests annually, or when there is evidence of impairment.

The licenses acquired by the Group have been classified as intangible assets with a finite useful life, being amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the license.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are the assets arising from contracts or other legal rights, that can be renewed without significant cost, and for which, based on an analysis of all relevant factors, there is no foreseeable limit of the period along which the asset is expected to generate net cash flows for the Group. These intangible assets are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests, annually or when there is evidence of impairment, either individually or at the level of the cash generating unit. The determination of the indefinite useful life is annually reviewed to confirm if it continues being applicable.

1.14.2.    Software

The costs related to software maintenance are recognized as expense when incurred. The development, acquisition and implementation costs that are directly attributable to software design and testing, identifiable and monitored by the Group, are recognized as assets.

The costs incurred in software development, acquisition or implementation, recognized as intangible assets, are amortized by applying the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

1.15.    ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

1.15.1.    Assets Held for Sale

The assets, or group of assets, classified as available for sale in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations,” will be disclosed separately from the rest of the assets.

Non-current assets or disposal groups (including the loss of control over a subsidiary) are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and a sale is considered highly probable. In order for an asset to be classified as held for sale, it must meet the following conditions:

 

 

it must be available for immediate sale in its current condition;

 

 

Management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset and must have initiated an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan;

 

 

the asset must be actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price in relation to its current fair value;

 

 

the sale is expected to be completed within 12 months from its reclassification date; and

 

 

it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn.

The assets, or groups of assets, classified as held for sale in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”, are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell and are restated in accordance with Note 22.

Non-current assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are not depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for sale.

1.15.2.    Discontinued Operations

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that has been disposed of, or that has been classified as held for sale, and complies with any of the following conditions:

 

 

it represents line of business or a geographical area, which is significant and can be considered as separated from the rest;

 

 

it is part of a single coordinated plan to have a business line, or geographical area of the operations which is significant and can be considered as separated from the rest; or

 

 

it is an independent entity exclusively acquired to resell it.

Any profit or loss arising from re-measuring an asset (or group of assets for its disposal) classified as Held for Sale, which does not meet the definition of discontinued operation, will be included in the Income from continuing operations.

1.16.    IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

Assets with indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or, at least, on an annual basis.

Depreciation and impairment losses are recognized when the carrying amount exceeds their recoverable value. The recoverable value of assets is the greater of the net amount that it would obtain from its sale, or its value in use. For the impairment tests, the assets are grouped at the lowest level where they generate identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). The carrying amount of non-financial assets other than goodwill over which depreciation and impairment have been recorded, are reviewed at each reporting date for verifying possible depreciation and impairment reversals.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.17.    TRUST ASSETS

The assets held by the Group in its trustee role are not reported in the consolidated statement of financial position, because the Group is not in control of the trust or the risks and rewards of the underlying assets. Fees received from trust activities are recorded in Fee Income.

1.18.    OFFSETTING

Financial assets and liabilities are offset by reporting the net amount in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position only when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

1.19.    FINANCING RECEIVED FROM THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

The amounts owed to other Financial Institutions are recorded at the time the principal is disbursed to the Group. Non-derivative financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost. If the Group repurchases its own debt, this is eliminated from the consolidated financial statements, and the difference between the residual value of the financial liability and the amount paid is recognized as a financial income or expense.

1.20.    PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES

In accordance with IFRS a provision will be recognized when:

 

a.

an Entity has a current obligation (either legal or implicit) as a consequence of a past event;

 

b.

it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying future economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and

 

c.

the amount can be reliably estimated.

It will be understood that the Group has an implicit obligation if (a) as a result of previous practices or public policies, the Group has assumed certain liabilities; and (b) as a result, it has created expectations that it will comply with those obligations.

The Group recognizes the following provisions:

 

 

For labor, civil, and commercial lawsuits: provisions are determined based on the lawyers’ reports on the status of the lawsuits and the estimate made on the bankruptcy possibilities to be faced by the Group, as well as on past experience regarding this type of lawsuits.

 

 

For miscellaneous risks: provisions are set up to face contingent situations that may give rise to obligations for the Group. When estimating the amounts, the probability of their materializing is taken into account, considering the opinion of the Group’s legal advisors and professionals.

The amount recognized as provision must be the best estimate of the disbursement needed to cancel such obligation, at the end of the year being reported.

When the financial effect produced by the discount becomes important, the amount of the provision must be the present value of the disbursements that are expected to be required to cancel the obligation by using a pre-tax interest rate that reflects the current market conditions on the value of money and the specific risks for such obligation. The increase in the provision for the lapsing of time is recognized in the Net Financial Income item of the Statement of Income.

The Group will not record the positive contingencies, except those arising from deferred taxes and those which materialization is virtually certain.

At the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Group Directors understand that there have been no elements that allow determining the existence of other contingencies that may be materialized and generate a negative impact on these consolidated financial statements, as detailed in Note 29.

1.21. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Non-financial accounts payable are accrued when the counterparty has complied its contractual obligations under the contract, and they are measured at amortized cost.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.22.    DEBT SECURITIES

The Group’s Debt Securities are measured at amortized cost. If the Group purchases debt securities of their own, the obligation in Liabilities related to such debt securities is considered extinguished, and, therefore, it is derecognized. If the Group repurchases its own debt, this is eliminated from the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the difference between the residual value of the financial liability and the amount paid is recognized as a financial income or expense.

1.23.    ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ARISING FROM INSURANCE CONTRACTS

The valuation and recording of assets and liabilities arising from the Group’s insurance contracts is performed pursuant to the IFRS 4 “Insurance Contracts” criteria.

Assets for Insurance Contracts

Insurance contracts are contracts where the Group (the insurer) has accepted an insurance risk from another party (the insured) by agreeing to compensate the insured if a specified uncertain future event (the insured event) adversely affects the insured.

Once a contract has been classified as an insurance contract, it remains an insurance contract for the rest of its useful life, even if the insurance risk is significantly reduced during this period, unless all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire.

The insurance contracts offered by the Group include property insurance that covers fire, combined family insurance, theft and similar risks, property damage, personal accidents, among other risks. Life insurance and Retirement insurance contracts are also included.

Total premiums are recognized as of the policy issuance date as an account receivable. At the same time, a reserve is recorded in Liabilities for unearned premiums representing premiums for risks that have not yet expired. The unearned premiums are recognized as Income for the contract period, which is also the coverage and risk period. The book value of insurance accounts receivable is reviewed for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the book value may not be recoverable. Impairment loss is recorded in the Statement of Income.

Liabilities Recognized for the Insurance Business

Debts with Insured Persons

Reserves for Insurance claims represent debts with insured persons for claims reported to the company, and an estimate of the claims that have already been incurred but have not yet been reported to the company. Reported claims are adjusted based on technical reports received from independent appraisers.

Debts with Reinsurers and Co-insurers

The Group mitigates the risk for some of its insurance business through coinsurance or reinsurance contracts in other companies. For coinsurance, the Company associates with another company to cover a risk, by assuming only a percentage of it and, therefore, also of the premium. For reinsurance, the risk is transferred to another insurance company both in proportional (as a risk percentage) and non-proportional form (the excess of loss above a certain limit is covered). The transferred reinsurance agreements do not exempt the Group from its obligations with the insured persons.

Coinsurance and reinsurance liabilities represent balances owed under the same conditions, and the amounts payable are estimated in a manner consistent with the contract that gave rise to them.

Debts with Producers

They represent liabilities with insurance producers and independent agents arising from the commissions for the insurance transactions they bring for the Group’s companies. The checking account balances with such entities are also included.

Technical Commitments

Technical reserves include reserves for future benefit obligations under life, annuity and accident insurance policies, and reserves for retirement insurance contracts.

The Group assesses, at the end of the reporting period, the adequacy of the insurance liabilities it has recognized, using current estimates of future cash flows from its insurance contracts. Should the evaluation show that the carrying amount of its liabilities for insurance contracts (minus deferred acquisition costs and related intangible assets) is not adequate, considering the estimated future cash flows, the total amount of the deficiency will be recognized in Income. In accordance with IFRS 4, the Group must determine the adequacy of the amount in books recorded in accordance with the guidelines established in IAS 37.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.24.    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Shareholders’ equity accounts are restated in accordance with Note 1.1.b., except for the item “Capital Stock”, which is carried at face value. The restatement adjustment is included in “Equity Adjustments”.

Ordinary shares are classified in Shareholders’ Equity and remain recorded at their nominal value. When any company forming part of the Group buys Company shares (treasury shares in portfolio), the payment made, including any costs directly attributable to the transaction (net of taxes) is deducted from the Shareholders’ Equity until the shares are canceled or sold.

1.25.    PROFIT RESERVES

According to Art. 70 of the General Companies Act, the Company and its subsidiaries, except Banco Galicia, must transfer to Legal Reserve 5% of the profit for the year, until said reserve reaches 20% of the capital stock plus the balance of the Equity Adjustment account.

Regarding Banco Galicia, in accordance with the regulations established by the Argentine Central Bank, it is appropriate to allocate to Legal Reserve 20% of the profits for the year, net of the eventual adjustments of previous fiscal years, if applicable. However, for the allocation of Other Reserves, the Financial Institutions must comply with the Argentine Central Bank provisions of the Amended Text on dividends distribution detailed in Note 52.

1.26.    DIVIDENDS DISTRIBUTION

The dividends distribution to the Group’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the consolidated financial statements in the year in which the dividends are approved by the Group’s shareholders.

1.27.    REVENUE RECOGNITION

Financial income and expenses are recorded for all debt instruments according to the effective interest rate method, by which all gains and losses that are an integral part of the effective interest rate of the transaction are deferred.

The income included in the effective interest rate includes disbursements or income related to the creation or acquisition of a financial asset or liability, such as, for example, the preparation and processing of the documents necessary to conclude the transaction and the compensation received by the granting of credit agreements. The Group records all its non-derivative financial liabilities at amortized cost, except those included in the item “Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss” which are measured at fair value.

Fees received by the Group for the origination of syndicated loans are not part of the effective interest rate of the product, and are recognized in the statement of income at the time the service is provided, to the extent the Group does not retain part of it, or this is maintained in the same conditions as the rest of the participants. Commissions and fees earned by the Group on negotiations in third parties’ transactions are not part of the effective interest rate either, and are recognized at the time the transactions are executed.

IFRS 15 establishes the principles that an entity shall apply to recognize revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers.

The amount that should be recognized will be the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the services delivered to customers.

The Group’s income from services is recognized in the statement of income to the extent the performance obligations are complied with, thus deferring those revenues related to customer loyalty programs, which are provisioned based on the fair value of each point and its redemption rate, until they are exchanged by the customer and can be recognized in the income for the year.

Retail product and service fees related to savings and checking account operations have a monthly charging frequency; safe deposit boxes fees are charged quarterly; renewal of credit cards is charged annually, and bond and shares transactions are charged at the time the transactions are executed.

Additionally, fees for wholesale products corresponding to maintenance of accounts, deposits and withdrawals between entities, are charged on a monthly basis; foreign trade transactions are charged at the time the transactions are executed.

Below is a summary of the main commissions earned by the Bank:

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Commissions

  

Earning Frequency

Retail Products and Services
Savings Accounts    Monthly
Checking Accounts    Monthly
Credit-card Renewal    Annual
Safe Deposit Boxes    Quarterly
Bonds and Shares Transactions    On each transaction
Wholesale Products   
Account Maintenance    Monthly
Deposits and Withdrawals among Branches    Monthly
Foreign Trade Transactions    On each transaction

1.28.    INCOME TAX

The Income tax expense for the year comprises the current and the deferred taxes. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of income, except when there are items that must be directly recognized in other comprehensive income. In this case, income tax liability related to such items is also recognized in this Statement.

The current income tax expense is calculated based on the tax laws enacted, or substantially enacted as of the date of the consolidated financial statements in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income. The Group periodically assesses the position assumed in tax returns as regards the situations in which tax laws are subject to interpretation. Likewise, when applicable, the Group sets up provisions on the amounts that it expects to be paid to tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is determined by the liability method on the temporary differences arising from the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax base. However, the deferred tax that arises from the initial recognition of an asset or a liability in a transaction not corresponding to a business combination, which at the time of the transaction does not affect neither the profit nor the accounting or taxable loss, is not recorded. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and legislation) that have been enacted as of the date of the financial statements and are expected to be applicable when the deferred tax assets are realized, or the deferred tax liabilities are settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent future tax benefits are likely to arise against which the temporary differences might be offset.

The Group recognizes a deferred tax liability for taxable temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries and affiliates, unless the following two conditions are met:

 

  (i)

the Group controls the timing on which temporary differences will be reversed, and.

 

  (ii)

such temporary differences are not likely to be reversed in the foreseeable future.

The balances of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when a legal right exists to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and to the extent such balances are related to the same tax authority of the Group or its subsidiaries, where tax balances are intended to be, and may be, settled on a net basis.

1.29.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the income attributable to parent company’s owners by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

NOTE 2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Directors to exercise their judgment in applying the accounting standards to define the Group’s accounting policies.

The Group has identified the following areas involving a greater degree of judgment or complexity, or areas in where the assumptions and estimates are significant for the consolidated financial statements and which are essential to understand the underlying accounting/financial reporting risks.

 

a.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of financial instruments not listed in active markets is determined by using valuation techniques. Such techniques are periodically validated and reviewed by qualified personnel independent from the area or independent appraisers that developed them. All models are assessed and adjusted before they are used, to ensure that their results reflect the current information and comparable market prices. To the extent possible, the models rely only on observable inputs; however, certain factors such as projected cash flows, discount rates and volatilities and correlations relating to interest rates and spreads require the use of estimates. Changes in the assumptions about these factors can affect the reported fair value of the financial instruments.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

b.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Group recognizes the allowance for loan losses under the expected credit losses method included in IFRS 9. The most significant judgments of the model relate to defining what is considered a significant increase in credit risk, identifying assets which are impaired or subject to serious risk of impairment, developing parameters such as the probabilities of default and the loss given default and making assumptions about macroeconomic scenarios. A high degree of uncertainty is involved in making estimations using assumptions that are highly subjective and very sensitive to the risk factors.

Furthermore, the level of estimation uncertainty and judgement has increased during 2020 as a result of the economic effects of the Covid-19 outbreak.

 

c.

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

Intangible assets with finite useful lives and property, plant and equipment are amortized or depreciated on a straight-line basis during their estimated useful life. The Group monitors the conditions related to these assets to determine whether the events and circumstances require a review of the remaining amortization or depreciation term, and whether there are factors or circumstances indicating impairment in the value of the assets that cannot be recovered.

The Group has applied judgment to identify impairment indicators for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The Group has concluded that there were no impairment indicators for any of the years reported in its consolidated financial statements.

 

d.

INCOME TAX AND DEFERRED TAX

Significant judgment is required when determining current and deferred tax assets and liabilities. The current income tax is accounted according to the amounts expected to be paid; while deferred income tax is accounted on the basis of temporary differences between carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax base, at the rates expected to be in force at the time of their reversal.

A deferred tax asset is recognized when future taxable income is expected to exist to offset such temporary differences, based on Management’s assumptions about the amounts and timing of such future taxable income. Then, management needs to determine whether deferred tax assets are likely to be used and offset against future taxable income. Actual results may differ from these estimates, for instance, changes in the applicable tax laws or the outcome of the final review of the tax returns by the tax authorities and tax courts.

Future taxable income and the number of tax benefits likely to be available in the future are based on a medium-term business plan prepared by management, on the basis of expectations which are deemed reasonable.

NOTE 3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Schedule P “Categories of Financial Assets and Liabilities”, discloses the measurement categories and fair value hierarchies for financial instruments.

As of the indicated dates, the Group maintains the following portfolios of financial instruments:

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.2020

   Fair Value
through Profit
or Loss
     Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through OCI
 

Assets

        

Cash and Due from Banks

     —          175,423,476        —    

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     128,324,920        —          —    

Government Securities

     24,282,643        —          —    

Corporate Securities

     2,811,997        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,165,032        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          60,995,643        —    

Other Financial Assets

     2,791,983        7,301,643        —    

Loans and Other Financing

     —          526,434,119        —    

Other Debt Securities

     —          18,885,279        4,185,098  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     2,035,559        16,681,884        —    

Investments in Equity Instruments

     5,711,684        —          —    

Liabilities

        

Deposits

     —          676,395,735        —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     57,450        —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     —          97,471,465        —    

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     —          13,833,439        —    

Debt Securities

     —          17,073,898        —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     —          21,653,546        —    

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.2019

   Fair Value
through Profit
or Loss
     Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through OCI
 

Assets

        

Cash and Due from Banks

     —          177,866,400        —    

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     79,153,628        —          —    

Government Securities

     9,121,674        —          —    

Corporate Securities

     1,156,076        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     3,170,815        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          40,944,933        —    

Other Financial Assets

     6,840,391        8,019,809        —    

Loans and Other Financing

     —          488,144,152        —    

Other Debt Securities

     —          4,224,883        21,668,553  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     2,362,981        13,362,055        —    

Investments in Equity Instruments

     6,200,459        —          —    

Liabilities

        

Deposits

     —          536,033,696        —    

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     1,936,133        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     1,199,533        —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     —          97,153,624        —    

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     —          30,936,161        —    

Debt Securities

     —          39,808,666        —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     —          21,100,718        —    

NOTE 4. FAIR VALUES

 

The Group classifies the fair values of the financial instruments in 3 levels, according to the quality of the data used for their determination

Fair Value Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (as publicly traded derivative instruments, debt securities or instruments available for sale) is based on the quoted market prices as of the date of the reporting period. If the quoted price is available and there is an active market for the instrument, this will be included in Level 1. Otherwise, it will be included in Level 2.

Fair Value Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments not traded in active markets, for example, over-the-counter derivatives, is determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and rely to the lower extent possible in the Group’s specific estimates. If all the significant inputs required to obtain the fair value of a financial instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2. If the inputs required to determine the price are not observable, the instrument will be included in Level 3.

Fair Value Level 3: If one or more relevant inputs are not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3. This is the case of unlisted financial instruments.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

When observable market prices are no longer available, the instrument will be included in Level 3. The instrument will return to Level 1 only when it has observable market price, and it will maintain that Level if it continues quoting. This is called transfer between levels.

Valuation Techniques

The valuation techniques to determine fair values include:

 

 

Market prices for similar instruments.

 

 

Determining the estimated present value of instruments.

The valuation technique to determine the fair value Level 2 is based on data other than the quoted price included in Level 1, which are directly observable for assets or liabilities (i.e., prices). For those instruments with no secondary market and which, if having to reverse positions, the Group would have to sell them to the Argentine Central Bank at the rate originally agreed in accordance with the provisions of the controlling authority, the price has been prepared based on such rate accrual.

Financial instruments classified as level 3 mainly include equity instruments for which the fair value was calculated with the assistance of independent appraisers using methods of future discounted cash flows involving a combined income and market approach. The fair value of the related put option derivative classified as level 3 was estimated using a valuation technique based on the binomial method considering different scenarios. The most relevant unobservable input data include the projected EBITDA and the discount rate (WACC—Weighted Average Cost of Capital) used in the estimations.

The valuation technique to determine the fair value of other Level 3 financial instruments is based on a method that compares the existing spread between the curve of sovereign bonds and the average yield of primary offerings, for different segments, according to the different risk ratings. If there are no representative primary offerings during the month, the following alternatives will be used:

 

(i)

Secondary market prices of instruments under the same conditions, which had quoted in the evaluation month.

 

(ii)

prior-month bidding and/or secondary market prices, which will be taken based on their representativeness.

 

(iii)

prior month spread applied to the sovereign curve.

 

(iv)

A specific margin is applied, defined according to historical yields of instruments under the same conditions.

As stated above, the rates and spreads to be used to discount future cash flows and originate the price of the instrument are determined.

All the modifications to the valuation methods are previously discussed and approved by the Group’s key personnel.

The Group’s financial instruments measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period are detailed below:

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.20

   Fair Value Level
1
     Fair Value Level
2
     Fair Value Level
3
 

Assets

        

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     —          128,324,920        —    

Government Securities

     23,170,495        911,380        200,768  

Corporate Securities

     1,653,980        —          1,158,017  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          547,929        1,617,103  

Other Financial Assets

     2,760,728        31,255        —    

Other Debt Securities (*)

     604,996        3,580,102        —    

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     2,035,559        —          —    

Investments in Equity Investments

     234,774        —          5,476,910  

Liabilities

        

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          57,450        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     30,460,532        133,338,136        8,452,798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

It relates to Government Securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.19

   Fair Value Level
1
     Fair Value Level
2
     Fair Value Level
3
 

Assets

        

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     —          79,153,628        —    

Government Securities

     2,052,669        —          7,069,005  

Corporate Securities

     904,405        —          251,671  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          1,903,979        1,266,836  

Other Financial Assets

     6,789,474        50,917        —    

Other Debt Securities (*)

     21,668,553        —          —    

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     957,979        —          1,405,002  

Equity Investments

     220,552        —          5,979,907  

Liabilities

        

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     1,936,133        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          1,199,533        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     30,657,499        79,908,991        15,972,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

It relates to Government Securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The evolution of instruments included in Level 3 Fair Value is detailed below:

 

Level 3

   12.31.19      Transfers(*)     Recognition      Derecognition     Income
(Loss)
    Inflation
Effect
    12.31.20  

Government Securities

     7,069,005        (1,734,412     18,522,437        (22,946,325     915,243       (1,625,180     200,768  

Corporate Securities

     251,671        123,615       3,850,367        (2,996,313     99,825       (171,148     1,158,017  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     1,266,836        —         —          —         686,568       (336,301     1,617,103  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     1,405,002        (209,844     700,459        (1,580,566     (162,288     (152,763     —    

Investments in Equity Instruments

     5,979,907        —         —          —         1,052,243       (1,555,240     5,476,910  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     15,972,421        (1,820,641     23,073,263        (27,523,204     2,591,591       (3,840,632     8,452,798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

They include the movements of levels of financial instruments classified as fair value Level 3, as described above.

 

Level 3

   12.31.18      Transfers(*)     Recognition      Derecognition     Income
(Loss)
    Inflation
Effect
    12.31.19  

Government Securities

     983,085        9,025,790       24,808,830        (26,392,026     (1,247,071     (109,603     7,069,005  

Corporate Securities

     1,659,863        29,357       8,855,903        (9,903,261     372,290       (762,481     251,671  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —         1,743,456        —         —         (476,620     1,266,836  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     —          2,962,544       1,299,228        (2,378,488     (496,746     18,464       1,405,002  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     281,177        (29,423     7,198,058        —         438,721       (1,908,626     5,979,907  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2,924,125        11,988,268       43,905,475        (38,673,775     (932,806     (3,238,866     15,972,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

They include the movements of levels of financial instruments classified as fair value Level 3, as described above.

The Group’s policy is to recognize transfers between the fair value levels only at the end of the reporting period. Transfers occurred because the instruments without observable market prices were reclassified at Level 3, and the instruments with observable market prices at the end of the year were reclassified at Level 1.

The Group included below the fair value of the instruments not carried at fair value as of the year-end.

 

Items of Assets/(Liabilities) as of 12.31.20

   Book Value      Fair Value      Fair Value
Level 1
     Fair Value
Level 2
     Fair Value
Level 3
 

Assets

              

Cash and Due from Banks

     175,423,476        175,423,476        175,423,476        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     60,995,643        60,995,643        60,995,643        —          —    

Loans and Other Financing

     526,434,119        527,834,544        —          —          527,834,544  

Other Financial Assets

     7,301,643        7,161,885        4,399,582        —          2,762,303  

Other Debt Securities

     18,885,279        18,878,854        —          —          18,878,854  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     16,681,884        16,681,884        16,681,884        —          —    

Liabilities

              

Deposits

     676,395,735        676,454,768        —          —          676,454,768  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     13,833,439        9,934,732        —          —          9,934,732  

Debt Securities

     17,073,898        16,207,692        12,208,069        —          3,999,623  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     21,653,546        18,850,289        —          —          18,850,289  

Other Financial Liabilities

     97,471,465        97,083,349        —          —          97,083,349  

 

F-29


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Items of Assets/(Liabilities) as of 12.31.19

   Book Value      Fair Value      Fair Value
Level 1
     Fair Value
Level 2
     Fair Value
Level 3
 

Assets

              

Cash and Due from Banks

     177,866,399        177,866,399        177,866,399        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     40,944,933        40,944,933        40,944,933        —          —    

Loans and Other Financing

     488,144,152        487,184,349        —          —          487,184,349  

Other Financial Assets

     8,019,809        8,796,107        9,228        —          8,786,879  

Other Debt Securities

     4,224,883        4,233,738        —          —          4,233,738  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     13,362,055        13,362,054        13,362,054        —          —    

Liabilities

              

Deposits

     536,033,696        536,246,597        —          —          536,246,597  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     30,936,161        29,554,907        —          —          29,554,907  

Debt Securities

     39,808,666        40,333,927        40,333,927        —          —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     21,100,718        20,384,249        —          —          20,384,249  

Other Financial Liabilities

     97,153,624        96,516,196        —          —          96,516,196  

NOTE 5. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

Cash equivalents are held to meet short-term payment commitments, rather than for investment or similar purposes. A financial asset is classified as cash equivalent, if it can be readily convertible into a certain amount of cash and its risk of changes in value is immaterial. Accordingly, an investment with original maturity of three months or less is classified as cash equivalent. Equity interests are excluded from cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents break down as follows:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Cash and Due from Banks

     175,423,476        177,866,399        300,130,550  

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes Maturing up to 90 Days

     128,324,920        79,153,628        146,845,198  

Reverse repurchase Transactions Debtors

     60,842,046        40,837,234        4,309,110  

Loans to Financial Institutions

     6,500,000        —          1,964,438  

Overnight Placements in Foreign Banks

     1,661,834        10,720,687        11,101,128  

Mutual Funds

     2,760,728        6,764,519        8,083,157  

Time Deposits

     3,306,869        665,630        598,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents

     378,819,873        316,008,097        473,032,544  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The risk analysis for cash and cash equivalents is presented in Note 45. The information with related parties is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 6. DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 

The Group’s debt securities at fair value through profit or loss are detailed in Schedule A.

The credit quality of debt securities is disclosed in Note 45.

NOTE 7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACT WITH NO DELIVERY OF THE UNDERLYING ASSET

The Electronic Open Market (Mercado Abierto Electrónico, MAE) and the Rosario Forward Market (ROFEX) have trading areas for the closing, recording and settlement of forward financial transactions between their Agents, including Banco Galicia. In general, the settlement of these transactions is made without delivering the underlying asset. The settlement is carried out daily in Argentine pesos for the difference, if any, between the closing price traded of the underlying asset and the closing price or value of the underlying asset of the previous day, the price difference impacting on Income.

The transactions are recorded in Off-balance Sheet Items The accrued balances pending settlement are disclosed in the “Derivative Financial Instruments” line, in Assets and/or Liabilities, as appropriate.

INTEREST RATE SWAPS

These transactions are traded within the scope of the MAE, and feature the daily or monthly settlement in Argentine pesos of the variation between the cash flows calculated at a variable rate (Private Badlar for a period of 30 to 35 days) and the cash flows calculated at a fixed rate or vice versa on the notional agreed, the price difference impacting on Income.

The amounts of transactions as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

F-30


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Underlying Asset      Type of Settlement      12.31.20(*)      12.31.19(*)  

Currency Forward Transactions

           

Purchases

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        25,716,730        24,787,263  

Sales

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        14,328,423        17,225,667  

Customers´ Purchases

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        1,549,356        13,531,017  

Customers´ Sales

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        12,563,375        21,060,236  

Interest Rate Swaps

           

Swaps

     Others        Other        82,909        490,436  

Repurchase Transactions

           

Forward Sales

     Government Securities       

With delivery of the

underlying asset


 

     61,923,889        40,799,609  

 

(*)

Notional values.

For further details, refer to Schedule O.

NOTE 8. REPURCHASE TRANSACTIONS

 

As of the indicated dates, the Group maintains the following repurchase transactions:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Debtors for Reserve Repurchase Transactions of Government Securities

     60,842,046        40,837,234  

Interest Accrued Receivable for Reserve Repurchase Transactions

     153,597        107,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Repurchase Transactions—Assets

     60,995,643        40,944,933  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The notional values of the assets transferred in repurchase transactions are presented in Note 7 and Schedule O.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Reverse Repurchase Transactions recorded in Off-Balance Sheet Items

     61,923,889        40,799,609  

NOTE 9. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

As of the indicated dates, the balances of “Other Financial Assets” correspond to:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Receivables from Spot Sales of Foreign Currency Pending Settlement

     107,542        107,860  

Receivables from Spot Sales of Government Securities Pending Settlement

     1,239,870        243,816  

Sundry Debtors

     4,819,857        6,295,414  

Mutual Funds

     2,760,728        6,789,474  

Premiums from financial guarantee contracts

     484,028        875,839  

Others

     737,305        705,705  

Minus: Allowances

     (55,704      (157,908
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     10,093,626        14,860,200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

The credit rating quality analysis of Other Financial Assets as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

     Debtors
for Sale of
Foreign
Currency
     Debtors for
Cash sale of
Government
Securities to
be Settled
     Sundry
Debtors
    Mutual
Funds
     Premiums
from
financial
guarantee
contracts
     Other  

Not yet due

     107,542        1,239,870        4,814,695       2,760,728        484,028        737,305  

Impaired/Uncollectible

     —          —          5,162       —          —          —    

Allowances

     —          —          (55,704     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     107,542        1,239,870        4,764,153       2,760,728        484,028        737,305  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 10. LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING

 

The composition of the Loans and Other Financing portfolio as of the indicated dates is detailed below:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Non-financial Public Sector

     334        9,297  

Argentine Central Bank

     13,195        30,460  

Financial Institutions

     14,700,600        14,697,129  

Loans

     14,700,600        14,697,129  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     548,953,562        508,591,528  

Loans

     537,206,661        492,932,211  

Advances

     29,219,431        21,635,827  

Notes

     143,769,344        102,214,820  

Mortgage Loans

     16,486,335        20,492,746  

Pledge Loans

     11,586,593        4,368,295  

Personal Loans

     36,504,158        37,637,281  

Credit Card Loans

     241,793,015        203,475,676  

Other Loans

     36,431,415        84,111,147  

Accrued Interest, Adjustments and Quotation Differences Receivable

     23,649,868        20,755,403  

Documented Interest

     (2,233,498      (1,758,984

Financial Leases

     1,855,070        3,030,008  

Other Financing

     9,891,831        12,629,309  

Less: Allowances

     (37,233,572      (35,184,262
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     526,434,119        488,144,152  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Classification of Loans and Other Financing as per situation and guarantees received, is detailed in Schedule B.

The concentration of Loans and Other Financing is detailed in Schedule C.

The breakdown for term of Loans and Other Financing is detailed in Schedule D.

The risk analysis for Loans and Other Financing is presented in Note 45.

The information with related parties is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 11. OTHER DEBT SECURITIES

 

The Group’s “Other Debt Securities” are detailed in Schedule A.

The risk analysis for Other Debt Securities is presented in Note 45.

NOTE 12. FINANCIAL ASSETS PLEDGED AS COLLATERAL

 

The Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral valuated in accordance with their underlying asset for the years under analysis are detailed below:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Deposits as Collateral

     6,899,443        5,479,776  

Special Accounts as Collateral—Argentine Central Bank

     11,444,550        10,245,260  

Trust as Collateral

     373,450        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     18,717,443        15,725,036  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The restricted availability assets are detailed in Note 52.2.

NOTE 13. CURRENT INCOME TAX ASSETS

 

As of the indicated dates, the balances of Current Income Tax Assets correspond to:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Tax Advances

     197,094        54,577  

Minimum Notional Income Tax – Tax Credit

     —          564  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     197,094        55,141  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 14. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

 

The Group’s “Investments in Equity Instruments” are detailed in Schedule A.

Prisma Medios de Pago S.A.:

Under the framework of the divestment commitment assumed by Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. and its shareholders before the National Commission of Competence Defense, on February 1, 2019, the Group transferred 3,182,444 ordinary shares, representing 7.7007% capital stock of Prisma Medios de Pago SA in favor of AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. (a related party of Advent International Global Private Equity).

 

F-32


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The total price of the transaction amounted to USD 104,469 thousand, composed of USD 63,073 thousand received on transaction date and USD 41,396 thousand will be paid during the next 5 years.

Additionally, the Group has a put option related to Banco Galicia’s right to sell its interest in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. to AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V., the exercise date being 34 months from the date of the transaction.

The Group´s remaining holding in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. has been classified as Investment in equity securities and measured at fair value through profit or loss.

NOTE 15. EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

 

 

15.1

Equity Investments in Subsidiaries

The basic information regarding Grupo Financiero Galicia’s consolidated subsidiaries is detailed as follows:

 

     Direct and Indirect
Shareholding
     Equity Investment
%
 

Company

   12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.20     12.31.19  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     668,549,353        668,549,353        100.00     100.00

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     3,910,000        8,300        100.00     83.00

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

     20,000        20,000        100.00     100.00

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

     71,309        71,310        99.99     99.99

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

     7,727,271        7,727,271        100.00     100.00

Galicia Securities S.A.

     95,392,000        —          100.00     —    

Galicia Seguros S.A.

     1,830,883        1,830,883        100.00     100.00

Galicia Warrants S.A.

     1,000,000        1,000,000        100.00     100.00

IGAM LLC

     77,643,963        73,996,713        100.00     100.00

IGAM Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A.

     12,000        12,000        100.00     100.00

INVIU S.A.U.

     1,000,000        1,000,000        100.00     100.00

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     1,012,567,500        541,631,025        100.00     83.00

Ondara S.A.

     25,776,101        12,955,140        100.00     83.85

Sudamericana Holding S.A.

     185,653        185,653        100.00     100.00

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     2,824        2,344        100.00     83.00

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     1,680,183,936        894,552,668        100.00     83.00

The following are the balances of subsidiaries, according to IFRS as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20  

Company

   Assets      Liabilities      Shareholders’
Equity
     Net Income
(Loss)(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     946,019,300        794,198,155        151,821,145        20,928,333  

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     1,484,287        1,263,843        220,444        (567,858

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

     1,382,069        468,718        913,351        1,121,556  

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. (**)

     47,231        20,345        26,886        40,720  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A. (**)

     507,046        396,155        110,891        3,657  

Galicia Securities S.A. (***)

     2,566,696        2,225,050        341,646        230,062  

Galicia Seguros S.A. (**)

     4,717,752        3,052,802        1,664,950        1,211,751  

Galicia Warrants S.A.

     702,846        171,752        531,094        (41,174

IGAM LLC

     506,066        161,584        344,482        156,518  

IGAM Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A.

     865        2,800        (1,935      (2,802

INVIU S.A.U.

     433,281        160,078        273,203        160,450  

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     833,786        54,920        778,866        (431,203

Ondara S.A.

     31,720        94        31,626        (13,533

Sudamericana Holding S.A. (**)

     5,916,613        3,329,257        2,587,356        1,318,261  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     101,268        77,416        23,852        3,315,984  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     103,071,416        77,507,787        25,563,629        2,160,052  

 

(*)

Income attributable to the shareholders of the parent. Not including “Other Comprehensive Income”.

(**)

Net income for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2020.

(***)

Net income for the period between the purchase date and December 31,2020.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     12.31.19  

Company

   Assets      Liabilities      Shareholders’
Equity
     Net Income
(Loss)(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     839,110,959        708,010,986        131,099,973        30,336,364  

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     702,134        316,551        385,583        (299,779

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

     612,028        98,149        513,879        302,238  

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. (**)

     68,001        38,917        29,084        44,140  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A. (**)

     488,839        382,963        105,876        (27,432

Galicia Securities S.A.

     —          —          —          —    

Galicia Seguros S.A. (**)

     —          2,721,178        (2,721,178      795,761  

Galicia Warrants S.A.

     793,298        170,513        622,785        171,212  

IGAM LLC

     3,061,060        2,877,270        183,790        71,697  

IGAM Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A.

     1,119        —          1,119        (23

INVIU S.A.U.

     3,056,981        2,875,233        181,748        (19,591

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     1,195,023        354,860        840,163        (120,719

Ondara S.A.

     48,201        1,446        46,755        (7,226

Sudamericana Holding S.A. (**)

     6,064,430        3,356,339        2,708,091        862,867  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     86,914,652        65,532,267        21,382,385        1,843,861  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     90,010,710        66,840,431        23,170,279        888,870  

 

(*)

Income attributable to the shareholders of the parent. Not including “Other Comprehensive Income”.

(**)

Net income for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2019.

Corporate Reorganization

On September 14, 2020, a Prior Spin-off-Merger Agreement was signed, describing the terms and conditions of the merger by acquisition, by Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. as the merging company, of the spin-off equity from Dusner S.A., Fedler S.A. and its shareholders, as spin-off companies, jointly holders of 17% of the capital stock of Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

The documents related to the Spin-off-Merger Agreement, were approved by the Boards of Directors of Dusner S.A., Fedler S.A. and Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. on September 14, 2020.

At the Extraordinary Meeting of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. carried out on November 10, 2020, it was approved the aforementioned documentation, the exchange ratio and the capital increase in the amount of Ps. 47,927, through the issuance of 47,927,494 class B ordinary book-entry shares with a nominal value of Ps. 1 (figure expressed in Argentine pesos) and one vote per share, with the right to participate in the profits of the fiscal year beginning on September 1, 2020.

On December 15, 2020, the Final Spin-off-Merger Agreement was signed and registered as a public deed, in the terms of Paragraph 4 of Art. 83 of the Companies Act, through which Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. incorporated the spin-off equity of the aforementioned companies with effect from September 1, 2020.

Consequently, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. now has control of 1,680,183,936 shares of Tarjetas Regionales S.A., which represent 100% of the capital stock and 100% of the votes.

As of December 31, 2020, the administrative approval procedures for the spin-off of part of the equity of each of the spin-off companies were initiated, before the Public Registry of Commerce, and for the merger by acquisition and capital increase of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., before the National Securities Commission.

On March 16, 2021 the merger by acquisition and capital increase of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. was registered with the Public Registry of Commerce. (See Note 55).

Acquisition of an AlyC-type company

On May 5, 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the capital stock of Galicia Securities S.A. for a total price of $32,158 paid in full at the acquisition date. Galicia Securities S.A. is authorized to act as a settlement and compensation agent and placement and distribution agent of mutual funds in Argentine. The net identifiable assets and goodwill recognized as of the date of acquisition are $22,956 and $9,202, respectively. The goodwill is attributable to a broker dealer license and it will be deductible for tax purposes.

 

15.2

Equity Investments in Associates

In this fiscal year, Banco Galicia, together with other financial entities, has set up Play Digital S.A. A company whose purpose is to develop and market a payment solution linked to the bank accounts of users of the financial system that will significantly improve their payment experience. The board of directors of said company is made up of key personnel of Banco Galicia, therefore, having significant influence, the investment is measured by the equity method.

 

Company

   Equity
Investment %
    Place of
Business
   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Play Digital S.A. (*)

     15.58   Autonomous
City of
Buenos
Aires -
Argentina
     89,142        —    

 

(*)

After the closing of these financial statements, Banco Galicia has accepted an offer for the sale of VN 31,145,090 shares to another financial entity. Consequently, the shareholding was reduced to 12.976%.

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The movements of such investment are as follows:

 

Company

   12.31.19      Contributions      Profit Sharing in
income
(loss) for the Year
     12.31.20  

Play Digital S.A.

     —          214,195        (125,053      89,142  

The basic information regarding Grupo Financiero Galicia’s associates is detailed as follows:

 

     12.31.20  

Company

   Assets      Liabilities      Shareholders’
Equity
     Net Income
(Loss)
 

Play Digital S.A.

     882,481        85,374        797,107        (571,938

For more details see Schedule E.

NOTE 16. LEASES

 

This Note provides information for leases where the Grupo is the lessee:

(i) Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Right-of-use asset (1)

     4,052,593        5,011,534  

Real estate

     4,052,593        5,011,534  

Lease Liabilities (2)

     4,363,406        5,129,987  

 

(1)

Recorded in the Property, Plant and Equipment item, for right of use of real property, see Note 17.

(2)

Recorded in the item Other Financial Liabilities, see Note 25.

Additions to the right-of-use assets during the financial year were Ps.629,385.

The maturity of lease liabilities is disclosed in Note 45.

(ii) Amounts recognized in the Statement of Income:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Charge for depreciation of right-of-use assets (1)(2)

     1,312,301        1,313,102  

Interest Expenses (3)

     398,850        511,138  

Expenses related to short-term leases (4)

     141,700        33,079  

Expenses related to low-value assets leases (4)

     167,148        102,714  

Sublease Income (5)

     9,790        2,146  

 

(1)

Depreciation for right of use of Real Property.

(2)

Recorded in the item Depreciation and Impairment of assets, see Note 39.

(3)

Recorded in the item Other Operating Expenses, Lease Interest, see Note 40.

(4)

Recorded in the item Administrative Expenses, see Note 38.

(5)

Recorded in the item Other Operating Income, see Note 34.

The evolution of right -of-use assets and lease liabilities during the years 2020 and 2019 and is as follows:

 

Right-of-use assets

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Balances at the beginning of the year

     5,011,534        6,073,274  

Additions

     629,385        251,362  

Cancellation of contracts

     (276,025      —    

Depreciation of the year

     (1,312,301      (1,313,102
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at the end of the year

     4,052,593        5,011,534  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities(1)

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Balances at the beginning of the year

     5,129,987        6,073,274  

New contracts

     629,385        251,362  

Cancellation of contracts

     (269,503      —    

Lease payments

     (1,333,090      (1,361,874

Leases financial cost

     398,850        511,138  

Translation differences and inflation adjustment

     (192,223      (343,913
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at the end of the year

     4,363,406        5,129,987  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Recorded in the item Other Financial Liabilities, see Note 25.

The total cash flows related to leases was Ps.1,333,090.

NOTE 17. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Changes in “Property, Plant and Equipment” are detailed in Schedule F.

The carrying amounts of “Property, Plant and Equipment” do not exceed their recoverable values.

 

F-35


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 18. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Changes in “Intangible Assets” are detailed in Schedule G.

The carrying amounts of “Intangible Assets” do not exceed their recoverable values.

NOTE 19. DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS/LIABILITIES

 

Changes in “Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities” during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows:

Deferred Tax Assets

 

Item

   12.31.19      Charge to
Income
     Others      12.31.20  

Valuation of Securities

     51,229        (51,125      —          104  

Loans and Other Financing

     4,278,791        6,958,396        —          11,237,187  

Tax Loss Carryforwards

     66,615        246,174        —          312,789  

Other Non-financial Assets

     15,463        14,465        —          29,928  

Allowance for Impairment

     9,541        (9,541      —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     —          1,861        —          1,861  

Subordinated Negotiable Obligations

     —          7,064        —          7,064  

Provisions

     2,365,351        (1,577,952      —          787,399  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     616,418        (208,028      —          408,390  

Inflation adjustment deferral

     7,914,417        3,704,300        —          11,618,717  

Others

     89,831        125,895        —          215,726  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     15,407,656        9,211,509        —          24,619,165  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets in subsidiaries with net liability position

     (11,586,278      (3,820,292      —          (15,406,570
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

     3,821,378        5,391,217        —          9,212,595  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

Item

   12.31.19      Charge to
Income
     Others      12.31.20  

Valuation of Securities

     (28,583      (1,275,634      —          (1,304,217

Other Financial Assets

     (71,037      45,911        —          (25,126

Property, Plant and Equipment

     (10,343,737      (985,021      —          (11,328,758

Intangible Assets

     (995,392      (1,649,968      —          (2,645,360

Other Non-financial Assets

     (843,466      661,194        —          (182,272

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     (2,102,102      2,102,102        —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     (34,675      —          —          (34,675

Subordinated Negotiable Obligations

     (16,044      —          —          (16,044

Provisions

     (148,504      148,504        —          —    

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     (18,177      17,769        —          (408

Foreign Currency Exchange Differences

     (4,016      1,591        —          (2,425

Inflation adjustment deferral

     —          (3,816      —          (3,816

Others

     (1,099      696        —          (403
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     (14,606,832      (936,672      —          (15,543,504
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities in subsidiaries with net asset position

     11,586,278        3,820,292        —          15,406,570  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     (3,020,554      2,883,620        —          (136,934
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Tax Assets

 

Item

   12.31.18      Charge to
Income
     Others      12.31.19  

Valuation of Securities

     1,946        50,636        (1,353      51,229  

Loans and Other Financing

     6,083,246        (1,804,455      —          4,278,791  

Tax Loss Carryforwards

     8,060        58,555        —          66,615  

Other Non-financial Assets

     71,195        (55,732      —          15,463  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     1,743        (1,743      —          —    

Allowance for Impairment

     52,378        (42,837      —          9,541  

Provisions

     925,174        1,440,177        —          2,365,351  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     886,431        (270,013      —          616,418  

Foreign Currency Exchange Differences

     10,987        (10,987      —          —    

Inflation adjustment deferral

     —          7,914,417        —          7,914,417  

Others

     47,949        41,882        —          89,831  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     8,089,109        7,319,900        (1,353      15,407,656  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets in subsidiaries with net liability position

     (6,051,423      (5,534,855      —          (11,586,278
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

     2,037,686        1,785,045        (1,353      3,821,378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-36


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

Item

   12.31.18      Charge to
Income
     Others      12.31.19  

Valuation of Securities

     (263,623      235,040        —          (28,583

Other Financial Assets

     (103,444      32,407        —          (71,037

Loans and Other Financing

     (20,712      20,712        —          —    

Property, Plant and Equipment

     (8,260,698      (2,083,039      —          (10,343,737

Intangible Assets

     (367,136      (628,256      —          (995,392

Other Non-financial Assets

     (791,093      (52,373      —          (843,466

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     —          (2,102,102      —          (2,102,102

Other Financial Liabilities

     (33,364      (1,311      —          (34,675

Subordinated Negotiable Obligations

     (36,853      20,809        —          (16,044

Provisions

     —          (148,504      —          (148,504

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     —          (18,177      —          (18,177

Foreign Currency Exchange Differences

     —          (4,016      —          (4,016

Others

     (161,278      160,179        —          (1,099
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     (10,038,201      (4,568,631      —          (14,606,832
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities in subsidiaries with net asset position

     6,051,423        5,534,855        —          11,586,278  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     (3,986,778      966,224        —          (3,020,554
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In addition, the expiration dates of tax loss carryforwards are as follows:

 

Year of Generation

   Amount      Year
Due
     Deferred Tax
Assets
 

2018

     26,865        2023        8,060  

2019

     195,185        2024        58,555  

2020

     820,580        2025        246,174  
        

 

 

 
           312,789  
        

 

 

 

NOTE 20. ASSETS/LIABILITIES FOR INSURANCE CONTRACTS

 

Assets related to insurance contracts as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:

 

Assets from Insurance Contracts

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Premiums Receivable

     1,857,975        1,576,061  

Credits with Reinsurers

     1,996        873  

Fees Receivables

     7,770        5,056  

Others

     17,649        26,527  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,885,390        1,608,517  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities related to insurance contracts as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:

 

Liabilities from Insurance Contracts

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Debts with Insured Persons

     535,743        813,836  

Debts with Reinsurers

     20,829        4,561  

Debts with Co-insurers

     1,525        1,999  

Debts with Producers

     371,664        411,691  

Technical Commitments

     1,114,124        1,112,838  

Others

     55,744        —    

Pending Claims in charge of Reinsures

     (38,653      (345,517
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,060,976        1,999,408  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-37


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Debts with Insured Persons

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Property & Casualty Insurance

     245,028        539,816  

Direct Administrative Insurance

     135,738        436,307  

Direct Insurance in Lawsuits

     5,204        15,323  

Direct Insurance in Mediation

     1,957        2,184  

Settled Claims Payable

     5,802        7,635  

Pending Claims, Active Reinsurance and Retrocession

     3,348        2,868  

Claims Incurred but not Reported (IBNR)

     92,979        75,499  

Life Insurance

     290,715        273,773  

Direct Administrative Insurance

     223,359        239,264  

Direct Insurance in Lawsuits

     12,448        7,519  

Direct Insurance in Mediation

     7,988        8,901  

Settled Claims Payable

     26,487        568  

Pending Claims, Active Reinsurance and Retrocession

     11,949        9,394  

Claims Incurred but not Reported (IBNR)

     7,898        7,979  

Redemptions Payable

     586        148  

Creditors for Premiums to be Refunded

     —          —    

Retirement Insurance

     —          247  

Annuities Payable in Arrears

     —          11  

Others

     —          236  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     535,743        813,836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Debt with Reinsurers and Coinsurance

   Current
Account
     Reinstatement
Premiums
     Minimum Deposit
Premium to
Be Accrued
    Deposits
as

Collateral
     Unpaid Losses
to Be Borne
by Reinsurers
    Total  

Debts with Reinsurers

     52,563        —          (31,734     —          (38,653     (17,824

IBNR in charge of Reinsurers

     —          —          —         —          —         —    

Debts with Co-insurers

     1,525        —          —         —          —         1,525  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.20

     54,088        —          (31,734     —          (38,653     (16,299
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.19

     30,624        —          (24,064     —          (345,517     (338,957
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Debts with Producers

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Checking Account—Producers

     61,232        110,950  

Fees for Premiums Receivable

     291,724        259,132  

Production Expenses Payable

     18,708        41,609  

Others

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     371,664        411,691  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Technical Commitments

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

Ongoing and Similar Risk

     610,475        610,592  

Premiums and Surcharges

     567,071        591,720  

Premiums on Passive Reinsurance

     (13,979      (19,727

Active Reinsurance

     57,383        38,472  

Insufficient Premiums

     —          127  

Mathematical Reserves

     503,649        502,246  

Mathematical Reserves for Individual Life Insurance

     154,345        157,074  

Mathematical Reserves for Individual Retirement Insurance

     113,185        92,209  

Mathematical Reserves of Life Annuities

     153,435        183,800  

Provision for the Mathematical Reserve Recomposition

     14        38  

Fluctuation Funds

     82,670        69,125  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,114,124        1,112,838  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Insurance liabilities were recorded according to the liability adequacy test, using the current estimates of future cash flows derived from insurance contracts. The assumptions used are as follows:

 

    

12.31.20

  

12.31.19

Mortality Table    GAM 94    GAM 94
Investment (Discount) Rate    Products in USD: 14.77% annually    2.74%
   Products in Ps.: 7.85% annually   
Life Insurance Reference Rate    75% of the projection of the BADLAR rate starting from 34.22% plus the correction according to Resolution 2020-321 of the Argentine Superintendency of Insurance.    Projection of Life Insurance Reference Rate based on CER proportion, starting from 1.19% for voluntary retirement, and 0.88% for Annuities.
Administrative Expenses    422.18 for voluntary retirement and 2640.45 for annuities    453 for voluntary retirement and 620 for annuities

NOTE 21. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

“Other Non-financial Assets” break down as follows:

 

F-38


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Payments on behalf of third parties

     446,038        380,239  

Advances of fee to Directors and Syndics

     10,049        6,213  

Advance to Personnel

     3,558        2,810  

Tax Credits

     2,208,858        655,859  

Payments made in Advance

     2,331,734        1,320,929  

Advances for Purchase of Assets

     487,578        4,032,303  

Investment properties (*)

     580,667        593,290  

Other Sundry Assets Measured at Cost

     1,227,359        1,397,084  

Assets Taken in Defense of Credits

     5,176        5,176  

Others

     333,410        389,085  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,634,427        8,782,988  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Changes in “Investment Properties” are detailed in Schedule F.

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 22. NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

The Group has classified the following assets as “Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Property, Plant and Equipment

     

Real Estate

     29,328        53,106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     29,328        53,106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 23. DEPOSITS

 

Deposits break down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

In Pesos

     510,134,336        341,083,760  

Checking Accounts

     105,026,914        91,984,479  

Savings Accounts

     182,972,227        80,995,302  

Time Deposits

     208,712,623        157,927,791  

Time Deposits – UVA

     5,565,347        1,021,392  

Others

     1,980,204        2,309,871  

Interest and Adjustments

     5,877,021        6,844,925  

In Foreign Currency

     166,261,399        194,949,936  

Checking Accounts

     —          —    

Savings Accounts

     134,011,633        160,463,701  

Time Deposits

     31,133,525        33,122,492  

Others

     1,023,311        1,277,254  

Interest and Adjustments

     92,930        86,489  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     676,395,735        536,033,696  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The concentration of deposits is detailed in Schedule H.

The breakdown of deposits by remaining term is detailed in Schedule I.

The breakdown of deposits by sector is detailed in Schedule P.

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 24. LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 

“Liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss” are detailed in Schedules I and P. They include liabilities for transactions with third-party government securities.

NOTE 25. OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

F-39


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Creditors for Purchase to be Settled

     340,249        76,689  

Collections and Other Transactions on Behalf of Third Parties

     11,041,676        15,977,376  

Obligations for Purchase Financing

     74,952,107        65,393,841  

Creditors for Purchase of Foreign Currency to be Settled

     506,226        2,237,420  

Accrued Fees Payable

     608,453        691,386  

Sundry Items Subject to Minimum Cash

     1,249,817        881,007  

Sundry Items not Subject to Minimum Cash

     3,732,783        5,596,529  

Lease Liabilities

     4,363,406        5,129,987  

Other Financial Liabilities

     676,748        1,169,389  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     97,471,465        97,153,624  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 26. LOANS FROM THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Argentine Central Bank Financing

     21,368        30,562  

Correspondents

     1,927,341        509,031  

Financing from Local Financial Institutions

     7,036,375        7,621,082  

Financing from Foreign Financial Institutions

     —          14,253,902  

Financing from International Financial Institutions

     4,848,355        8,521,584  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     13,833,439        30,936,161  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table details the credit lines with local and international financial institutions and entities as of the indicated dates:

 

                                                                                                                 

Financial Institutions and/or Agencies

   Placement Date      Currency      Term(*)      Rate(*)      Maturity      Amount as
of

12.31.20(**)
 

Local Institutions

                    7,057,743  

BICE

     Sundry Dates        Ps.        1,655 days        30.7        Sundry Dates        1,330,193  

BICE

     Sundry Dates        USD        1,705 days        4.3        Sundry Dates        1,835,023  

Agreements with Banks(1)

     12.14.20        Ps.        365 days        40.8        12.14.21        3,661,158  

Call Taken

     12.30.20        Ps.        5 days        29        01.04.21        210,000  

Argentine Central Bank

     12.30.20        Ps.        5 days        —          04.01.21        21,368  

Other Lines(2)

     Sundry Dates        Ps.        11 days        48.1        11.01.21        1  

International Institutions

                    6,775,696  

Correspondents

     12.30.20        USD        5 days        —          11.04.21        1,927,341  

IFC

     Sundry Dates        USD        1,552 days        3.2        Sundry Dates        4,848,355  
                 

 

 

 

Total

                    13,833,439  
                 

 

 

 

 

(*)

Weighted average.

(**)

It includes principal and interest.

(1)

Relates to Ecosistema NaranjaX companies’ credit lines.

(2)

Relates to subsidiaries’ credit lines.

 

                                                                                                                 

Financial Institutions and/or Agencies

   Placement Date      Currency    Term(*)      Rate(*)      Maturity      Amount as
of

12.31.19(**)
 

Local Institutions

                    7,651,644  

BICE

     Sundry Dates      Ps.      1,778 days        47        Sundry Dates        2,642,859  

BICE

     Sundry Dates      USD      1,762 days        5.8        Sundry Dates        1,208,875  

Call Taken

     12.30.19      Ps.      3 days        41.6        01.02.20        682,064  

Argentine Central Bank

     12.30.19      Ps.      3 days        —          02.01.20        30,562  

Other Lines(1)

     Sundry Dates      Ps.      364 days        53.9        Sundry Dates        3,087,284  

International Institutions

                    23,284,517  

Correspondents

     12.31.19      USD      2 days        —          02.01.20        509,031  

IFC

     Sundry Dates      USD      1,355 days        4.74        Sundry dates        8,521,584  

Prefinancing(2)

     Sundry Dates      USD      167 days        6.03        Sundry dates        13,572,955  

IDB

     Sundry Dates      USD      361 days        5.73        Sundry dates        680,947  
                 

 

 

 

Total

                    30,936,161  
                 

 

 

 

 

(*)

Weighted average.

(**)

It includes principal and interest.

(1)

Relates to Ecosistema NaranjaX companies’ credit lines.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 27. DEBT SECURITIES

 

The following is a breakdown of the Global Programs for the Issuance of Debt securities outstanding:

 

Company

   Authorized
Amount(*)
  

Type of Debt Securities

   Program
Term
     Approval Date
by

Shareholders’
Meeting
  

CNV Approval

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

   USD 100,000   

Simple debt securities not

convertible into shares

     5 years      03.09.09
confirmed on
08.02.12
   Resolution No. 16113 dated 04.29.09 and extended by Resolution No. 17343 dated 05.08.14 and Provision No. DI-2019-63-APN-GE#CNV dated 08.06.19. Authorization of Increase, Resolution No. 17,064 dated 04.25.13

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

   USD 2,100,000   

Simple debt securities, not

convertible into shares,

subordinated or not, to

be adjusted or not,

secured or unsecured.

     5 years      04.28.05,
04.14.10,
04.29.15,
11.09.16 and
04.28.20
  

Resolution No. 15228 dated 11.04.05 and extended through Resolution No. 16454 dated 11.11.10 and Resolution No. 17883 dated 11.20.15 and Resolution No. DI-2020-53-APN-GE#CNV dated 11.24.20. Increase of the amount approved by Resolutions No. 17883 dated 11.20.15, No. 18081 dated 06.10.16, No. 18480 dated 01.26.17 and No. 19520 dated

05.17.18

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

   USD 2,100,000   

Simple debt securities not

convertible into shares

     -      04.25.19    Frequent Issuer Registration No. 11, granted by Resolution No. RESCFC-2019-2055-APN-DIR#CNV, dated 11/13/19 of CNV´s Board of Directors

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   USD 1.000.000   

Simple debt securities, not

convertible into shares

     5 years      03.08.12    Resolution No. 15220 dated 07.14.05 and extended through Resolution No. 17676 dated 05.21.15 and No. DI2020-20-APNGE#CNV dated 03.18.20. Increase of the amount approved by Resolutions No. 15.361 dated 03.23.06, 15.785 dated 11.16.07, 16.571 dated 05.24.11, 16.822 dated 05.23.12 and 19.508 dated 05.10.18

Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

   USD 250,000   

Simple debt securities, not

convertible into shares

     5 years      03.30.10
confirmed on
04.06.10 and
02.15.13
   Resolution No. 16328 dated 05.18.10. Increase of the amount approved by Resolution No. 17072 dated 05.02.13

(*) Or its equivalent in any other currency.

The Company has the following Unsubordinated Debt securities outstanding issued under the Global Programs detailed in the table above as of December 31, 2020, net of repurchases of Own Debt:

 

F-41


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Company

   Placement
Date
     Currency      Class
    Face Value      Type(**)      Term      Maturity
Date
     Rate     Issuance
Authorized by
the CNV
     Book
Value(*) as

of 12.31.20
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     04.26.18        Ps.       
V Series
II
 
 
    2,032,833        Simple        36 Months        04.26.21        Badlar + 3.50%       04.18.18        1,732,315  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     11.20.20        Ps.        VIII (1)       1,589,722        Simple        9 Months        08.20.21       
Badlar +
2.25%
 
 
    04.20.20        1,255,566  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.11.17        Ps.        XXXVII       3,845,700        Simple       
1,826
days
 
 
     04.11.22       


Minimum
15% Rate/
Badlar +
3.50%
 

 
 
    03.30.17        2,644,989  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     07.08.20        Ps.        XLIV       3,574,897        Simple        549 days        01.08.22        Badlar + 4%       06.30.20        3,609,011  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     12.18.20        Ps.        XLV       3,057,000        Simple        365 days        12.18.21        Badlar + 5%       12.14.20        2,641,113  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     06.09.17        Ps.       
XXVIII
Series II
 
 
    371,825        Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     06.09.21       


Minimum
25% Rate/
Badlar +
3.70%
 

 
 
    05.29.17        362,247  
                           

 

 

 

Total

                              12,245,241  
                           

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(**)

Not convertible into shares.

(***)

Negotiable Obligations merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

(1)

Issued under the Frequent Issuer Regime.

On June 21, 2018, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. issued the “Green Bond” which was entirely acquired by the International Finance Corporation. The Green Bond is a 7-year facility, with interest payable every six months. The Green Bond has a 36-month grace period in respect of the repayment of principal, followed by payments in 9 installments due every six months. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of the Green Bond totals Ps.4,828,657, and it amounted to Ps.8,399,358 as of December 31, 2019.

The Company has the following Unsubordinated Debt Securities outstanding issued under the Global Programs detailed in the table above as of December 31, 2019 , net of repurchases of Own Debt:

 

Company

   Placement
Date
     Currency    Class
    Face Value     Type(**)      Term      Maturity
Date
     Rate     Issuance
Authorized by
the CNV
     Book
Value(*) as

of 12.31.19
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     02.17.17      Ps.      III      
USD150,537
 
(1)
 
    Simple        36 Months        02.17.20       
Badlar +
2.69%
 
 
    02.06.17        1,443,765  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     05.18.17      Ps.      IV       2,000,000       Simple        36 Months        05.18.20       
Badlar +
2.98%
 
 
    05.08.17        2,357,013  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     04.26.18      Ps.     
V Series
I
 
 
    4,209,250       Simple        24 Months        04.26.20       

Fixed
Rate
25.98%
 
 
 
    04.18.18        5,265,353  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     04.26.18      Ps.     
V Series
II
 
 
    2,032,833       Simple        36 Months        04.26.21       
Badlar +
3.50%
 
 
    04.18.18        2,454,067  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     11.25.19      Ps.      VII (2)       4,182,280       Simple        6 Months        05.25.20       
Badlar +
4%
 
 
    11.13.19        5,815,305  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     06.29.16      Ps.     
XXXIV
Series II
 
 
    475,397       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     06.29.20       



Minimum
32%
Rate/
Badlar +
4.67%
 
 

 
 
    06.21.16        538,916  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     09.27.16      Ps.     
XXXV
Series II
 
 
    774,389       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     09.27.20       



Minimum
26%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.99%
 
 

 
 
    09.15.16        891,958  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.11.17      Ps.      XXXVII       3,845,700       Simple       
1,826
days
 
 
     04.11.22       



Minimum
15%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.50%
 
 

 
 
    03.30.17        5,911,129  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.10.18      Ps.     
XL
Series II
 
 
    1,402,500       Simple        914 days        10.10.20       



Minimum
27%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.69%
 
 

 
 
    03.27.18        1,992,957  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     11.15.18      Ps.     
XLI
Series II
 
 
    343,555       Simple        547 days        05.15.20       
Badlar +
10%
 
 
    11.07.18        478,609  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     02.19.19      Ps.      XLIII       1,583,895       Simple        547 days        08.18.20       
Badlar +
7%
 
 
    02.07.19        2,018,633  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     07.26.16      Ps.      XXV       400,000       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     07.26.20       



Minimum
30%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.94%
 
 

 
 
    07.13.16        577,248  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     10.24.16      Ps.     
XXVI
Series II
 
 
    350,237       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     10.24.20       



Minimum
26%
Rate/
Badlar +
4%
 
 

 
 
    10.14.16        507,796  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     02.10.17      Ps.     
XXVII
Series II
 
 
    500,000       Simple       
1,095
days
 
 
     02.10.20       



Minimum
23.5%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.50%
 
 

 
 
    02.02.17        647,663  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     06.09.17      Ps.     
XXVIII
Series II
 
 
    371,825       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     06.09.21       



Minimum
25%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.70%
 
 

 
 
    05.29.17        508,896  
                          

 

 

 

Total

                             31,409,308  
                          

 

 

 

 

F-42


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(**)

Not convertible into shares.

(***)

Negotiable Obligations merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

(1)

In accordance with the issuance conditions, they were converted into Ps. 2,360,360. The foreign exchange risk is assumed by the investor because the services of interest and principal are calculated based on the amount of principal in Argentine pesos and converted into payments in US dollars on each payment date.

(2)

Issued under the Frequent Issuer Regime.

The repurchases of Own Debt securities as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

Company

   ON Class      Nominal Value as of
12.31.20
     Book Value(*) as of
12.31.20
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     V Serie II        5,000        5,330  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     VIII        79,000        82,207  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XXXVII        9,620        106,451  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XLIV        235,000        252,052  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XLV        440,000        443,520  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

     XXVIII Serie II        18,889        19,398  
        

 

 

 

Total

           908,958  
        

 

 

 

(*) It includes principal and interest.

(**) Debt securities merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

 

Company

   ON Class      Nominal Value as of
12.31.19
     Book Value(*) as
of 12.31.19
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     V Series II        5,000        7,330  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XXXV Series II        38,500        50,473  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XXXVII        1,468        34,075  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XL Series II        34,500        43,535  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XLI Series II        15,000        21,716  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     XLIII        16,500        18,239  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

     XXV        8,000        11,319  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

     XXVI Series II        10,000        15,351  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

     XXVII Series II        17,442        25,330  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

     XXVIII Series II        8,254        11,535  
        

 

 

 

Total

           238,903  
        

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(**)

Debt securities merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 28. SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

 

The Company has the following subordinated debt securities not convertible into shares issued under the Global Programs detailed in Note 27 as of the close of the fiscal year:

 

Company

   Placement Date    Currency    ON Class    Nominal Value      Term     Maturity
Date
     Rate     Issuance
Authorized
by the
CNV
     Book Value
as of
12.31.20(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Bs. As. S.A.U.

   07.19.16    USD    II      USD250,000        120 months (1)      07.19.26        (2  )      06.23.16        21,653,546  
                        

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(1)

Amortization shall be fully made upon maturity, on July 19, 2026, unless redeemed, at the issuer’s option, fully at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(2)

Fixed 8.25% rate p.a. (as from the issuance date to July 19, 2021, inclusively); and margin to be added to the nominal Benchmark Readjustment Rate of 7.156% p.a. to the due date of Debt securities. Such interest shall be payable semiannually on January 19 and July 19 as from 2017.

 

Company

   Placement Date      Currency      ON Class      Nominal Value      Term     Maturity
Date
     Rate     Issuance
Authorized
by the
CNV
     Book Value
as of
12.31.19(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Bs. As. S.A.U.

     07.19.16        USD        II        USD250,000        120 months (1)      07.19.26        (2  )      06.23.16        21,100,718  
                        

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(1)

Amortization shall be fully made upon maturity, on July 19, 2026, unless redeemed, at the issuer’s option, fully at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(2)

Fixed 8.25% rate p.a. (as from the issuance date to July 19, 2021, inclusively); and margin to be added to the nominal Benchmark Readjustment Rate of 7.156% p.a. to the due date of Debt securities. Such interest shall be payable semiannually on January 19 and July 19 as from 2017.

The net proceeds from this issuance of debt securities was applied to investments in working capital, loans, other loans and other uses envisaged by the provisions of the Law on Debt securities and the Argentine Central Bank regulations.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

NOTE 29. PROVISIONS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

For Administrative, Disciplinary and Criminal Penalties

     5,306        7,224  

For Termination Benefits

     220,824        233,287  

Others

     3,550,167        3,499,223  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3,776,297        3,739,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in the “Provisions” account for fiscal year 2020 are detailed in Schedule J.

See Note 46 for further details.

NOTE 30. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Creditors for sale of assets

     594,481        601,965  

Tax withholdings and collections payable

     6,755,148        5,193,979  

Payroll and Social Contributions Payable

     7,057,226        6,446,491  

Withholdings on Payroll Payable

     371,236        366,972  

Fess to Directors and Syndics

     221,520        96,834  

Value-Added Tax

     851,232        867,885  

Sundry Creditors

     4,447,128        4,097,837  

Taxes Payable

     3,270,895        3,600,729  

Obligations Arising from Contracts with Customers

     1,348,700        1,654,612  

Retirement payment orders pending settlement

     90,588        100,941  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     250,074        211,082  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     25,258,228        23,239,327  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income resulting from contracts with customers includes the liabilities for the “Quiero” Customers Loyalty Program. The Group estimates the fair value of the points assigned to customers under the above-mentioned program. This value is estimated by means of the use of a mathematical model that considers certain assumptions of redemption rates, the fair value for the exchanged points based on the combination of available products and the customers’ preferences, as well as breakage. As of December 31, 2020, Ps.1,114,594 was recorded for non-exchanged points, whereas as of December 31, 2019, such amount totaled Ps.1,384,660.

The following table shows the estimated use of the liabilities recorded as of this fiscal year-end.

 

     Terms  

Item

   Up to 12
Months
     Up to 24
Months
     Over 24
Months
     Total  

Liabilities – “Quiero” Customers Loyalty Program

     632,815        271,377        210,402        1,114,594  
           

 

 

 

NOTE 31. CAPITAL STOCK

 

The capital stock structure is detailed in Schedule K.

Due to the spin-off-merger in Tarjetas Regionales S.A. non-controlling interest, mentioned in Note 15.1, the Company increased its capital by 47,927,494 Class B shares.

On March 16, 2021 the capital increase of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. was registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

The expenses related to the capital increase amounted to Ps. 13,149 and are deducted from the share premium.

The Company has no own shares in portfolio.

The Company’s shares are listed on Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos (BYMA), Mercado Abierto Electrónico S.A. (MAE) and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (NASDAQ).

NOTE 32. INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN

 

Breakdown of: Interest Income, Fee Income and Net Income from Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss are detailed in Schedule Q.

NOTE 33. EXCHANGE RATE DIFFERENCES ON GOLD AND FOREIGN CURRENCY

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

F-44


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Arising from:

   12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

For Purchase sale of foreign currency

     5,958,974        17,214,089        12,543,415  

For Valuation of Assets and Liabilities in Foreign Currency

     1,088,473        (5,382,637      (4,633,158
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,047,447        11,831,452        7,910,257  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 34. OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Fees for Product Package

     6,296,738        5,684,656        5,719,226  

Other Adjustments and Interest on sundry Credits

     5,246,030        3,110,290        3,349,720  

Rental of Safety Deposit Boxes

     1,295,199        1,010,452        1,080,908  

Other Financial Income

     579,211        1,577,962        353,035  

Other Income from Services

     4,237,539        3,341,244        6,176,597  

Income for sale of non-currents assets held for sale(1)

     —          9,676,346        1,027,022  

Others

     4,667,914        4,368,482        4,156,472  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     22,322,631        28,769,432        21,862,980  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes the profit on sale of the interest in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. See Note 14.

NOTE 35. UNDERWRITING INCOME FROM INSURANCE BUSINESS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Premiums and Surcharges Accrued

     7,789,375        7,607,216        9,816,413  

Claims Accrued

     (1,126,864      (1,052,763      (1,122,301

Redemptions

     (16,844      (18,273      (12,084

Fixed and Periodic Annuities

     (13,588      (15,758      (17,887

Production and Operating Expenses

     (1,064,782      (1,515,532      (2,691,169

Other Income and Expenses

     (65,490      (4,021      36,195  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,501,807        5,000,869        6,009,167  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 36. LOAN LOSS PROVISION

 

The changes in the loss allowance between the beginning and the end of the annual period are detailed in Note 45.

NOTE 37. PERSONNEL EXPENSES

 

The following are the items included in the account as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Payroll

     19,789,826        20,504,481        24,414,768  

Social Contributions on Payroll

     4,553,002        4,500,774        3,592,936  

Personnel Compensations and Rewards

     5,811,760        6,424,341        5,717,492  

Services for Personnel

     765,223        972,727        1,128,695  

Other Short-term Personnel Expenses

     781,545        746,668        687,034  

Other Long-term Personnel Expenses

     123,745        135,970        116,861  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     31,825,101        33,284,961        35,657,786  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 38. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

The Group presented its statement of comprehensive income by function. Under this method, expenses are classified according to their function as part of the item “Administrative Expenses”.

The table below provides the required additional information about expenses by nature and function as of the indicated dates:

 

F-45


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Fees and Remunerations for Services

     2,722,767        3,980,217        2,547,784  

Directors’ and Syndics’ Fees

     472,614        222,405        364,805  

Advertising and Publicity

     1,742,441        2,959,534        2,676,622  

Taxes

     7,362,438        7,051,537        7,056,470  

Maintenance and Repairs of Assets and Systems

     5,295,507        4,911,367        2,964,636  

Electricity and Communications

     2,371,181        2,484,059        2,013,488  

Representation and Travel Expenses

     58,367        172,242        214,300  

Stationery and Office Supplies

     419,380        513,980        441,083  

Rentals

     308,848        135,793        1,730,626  

Administrative Services under Contract

     4,230,573        3,369,599        2,709,994  

Security

     1,162,314        1,332,404        1,169,699  

Insurance

     251,297        179,940        951,802  

Armored Transportation Services

     1,559,087        2,803,034        2,367,736  

Others

     3,414,808        2,989,088        6,465,260  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     31,371,622        33,105,199        33,674,305  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 39. DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment

     5,173,340        4,979,957        2,336,535  

Amortization of Organization and Development Expenses

     2,989,613        1,909,413        1,117,154  

Others

     121,333        5,574        6,015  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     8,284,286        6,894,944        3,459,704  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 40. OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Turnover Tax

     15,662,817        17,813,939        18,110,558  

Contributions to the Deposit Insurance Scheme

     1,059,292        1,175,021        1,069,850  

Charges for Other Provisions

     2,868,794        2,314,952        2,211,921  

Claims

     375,311        457,762        650,078  

Other Financial Expenses

     286,002        2,498,764        1,144,612  

Interest on leases

     398,850        511,138        -     

Credit-card-relates expenses

     4,486,875        6,046,394        6,161,264  

Other Expenses from Services

     3,920,476        2,978,819        4,455,969  

Others

     1,705,344        1,286,029        1,587,179  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     30,763,761        35,082,818        35,391,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 41. INCOME TAX/DEFERRED TAX

 

The following is a reconciliation of income tax charged to income as of December 31, 2020, as compared to the previous fiscal year:

 

     12.31.20     12.31.19     12.31.18  

Income Before Income Tax for the Year

     43,022,883       51,046,575       6,339,833  

Current Tax Rate

     30     30     30
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income for the Year at Tax Rate

     (12,906,866     (15,313,973     (1,901,950

Permanent Differences at Tax Rate

      

- Income for Equity Instruments

     (37,516     -          434,390  

- Untaxed Income

     166,909       130,190       378,202  

- Donations and Other Non-deductible Expenses

     (32,018     (21,627     (138,057

- Other

     (3,001,548     (83,089     (851,579

- Allowance for Impairment

     -          -          (3,954

- Inflation effect

     (10,569,560     (12,260,928     (13,426,074

- Tax Adjustment under Law 27430

     695,456       (116,806     965,898  

- Tax inflation adjustment

     2,895,013       1,680,922       -     

- Tax inflation adjustment deferral

     5,090,717       7,914,419       -     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income Tax Charge for the Year

     (17,699,413     (18,070,892     (14,543,124
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-46


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Current Income Tax

     (26,644,905      (20,759,986      (14,495,373

Deferred Tax Charge(*)

     8,274,837        2,751,269        831,822  

Allowance for Impairment(*)

     —          —          (3,954

Tax Return adjustment from previous fiscal year

     670,655        (62,175      (172,442

Law 27430 adjustment

     —          —          (703,177
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Income Tax Charge for the Year

     (17,699,413      (18,070,892      (14,543,124
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Current Income Tax

     (26,644,905      (20,759,986      (14,495,373

Tax Advances

     11,417,431        6,717,751        7,254,160  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current Income Tax Liabilities

     (15,227,474      (14,042,235      (7,241,213
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

See Note 19.

As of December 31, 2020, several claims filed by Banco Galicia for refund of the Income Tax paid in excess for the fiscal years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, for the amounts of Ps.433,815, Ps.459,319, Ps.944,338, Ps.866,842, Ps.3,646,842 and Ps.4,403,712, respectively, were submitted to the Federal Administration of Public Revenue (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos, AFIP). These presentations are based on Argentine jurisprudence that establishes the unconstitutionality of the rules disabling the application of the adjustment for tax inflation, resulting in confiscatory situations. As the AFIP delayed its resolution, the corresponding judicial claims were filed. At the closing of these Financial Statements, Banco Galicia does not record assets related to the contingent assets derived from the aforementioned presentations.

Identical claims were filed by other Group subsidiaries before the AFIP: Tarjeta Naranja S.A., for 2014 and 2016 fiscal years, for a total amount of Ps. 580,164, nominal value. Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A., (Tarjeta Naranja S.A. predecessor company), for 2014 and 2016 fiscal years, for an amount of Ps. 145,478, nominal value, and Tarjetas Regionales S.A., for 2017 and 2018 periods, for an amount of Ps. 326,498 and Ps. 973,843, nominal value, respectively. In light of the delay in the resolution by the AFIP, the corresponding judicial claims were filed. In the same terms as for the rest of the years claimed, on May 26, 2020, Tarjeta Naranja S.A. filed before the AFIP a claim for the repetition of the Income Tax corresponding to fiscal year 2019 for Ps. 1,364,949 in nominal value.

Tax Reform

On December 29, 2017, the National Government enacted Income Tax Law No. 27430. This law has introduced several changes to the previous income tax treatment. Some of the key changes involved in the reform include:

 

   

Income Tax Rate: The income tax rate for Argentine companies shall be gradually reduced from 35% to 30% for fiscal years commencing on January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2019, and to 25% for fiscal years commencing on, and including, January 1, 2020.

 

   

Tax on Dividends: The law has introduced a tax on dividends or profits distributed by Argentine companies or permanent establishments, among others, to: individuals, undivided interests or foreign beneficiaries, subject to the following considerations: (i) dividends distributed out of the profits made during fiscal years commencing on January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2019 shall be subject to withholding at a 7% rate; and (ii) dividends distributed out of the profits made during fiscal years commencing on January 1, 2020 onwards shall be subject to withholding at a 13% rate.

Dividends distributed from profits earned until the fiscal year before that commenced on January 1, 2018 shall remain subject, in respect of all beneficiaries, to withholding at the 35% rate on the amount in excess of tax-free distributable accumulated profits (equalization tax transition period).

 

   

Optional Tax Revaluation: Regulations establish that, at the companies’ option, the tax revaluation of assets located in the country and that are used for generating taxable income may be made. The special tax on the revaluation amount depends on the asset: 8% is for real estate that does not qualify as inventories, 15% for real estate that qualifies as inventories and 10% for personal property and the remaining assets. Once the option for a given asset is exercised, all the other assets of the same category should be revalued. Taxable income resulting from the revaluation is not subject to income tax and the special tax on the revaluation amount will not be deductible from such tax.

On December 23, 2019, the Argentine Government enacted Law 27,541, which introduced several changes for processing the Income Tax:

 

   

Income tax rate: the reduction is suspended of the tax rate for fiscal years commenced up to January 1, 2021; therefore, for fiscal years closing on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, the rate is established at 30%.

 

   

Inflation adjustment: The inflation adjustment for the first and second fiscal year commenced January 1, 2019, must be charged one sixth (1/6) in that fiscal period, and the remaining five sixths (5/6), in equal parts, in the following five immediate fiscal periods.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

As of the closing date of these consolidated financial statements, the Group verified that the parameters established by the Law on Income Tax for the application of the tax inflation adjustment are met; consequently, this adjustment has been considered to determine the income tax for the fiscal year. The effect of the deferral of five-sixths of the inflation taxable income has been recognized as a deferred tax asset. (See Note 19).

NOTE 42. DIVIDENDS

 

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 28, 2020 approved the Financial Statements as of December 31, 2019 and the treatment of income for the fiscal year ended on that date.

Said Meeting approved Retained Earnings distribution, allocating Ps. 4,000,000 (equivalent to Ps. 4,977,135 as of December 31, 2020) to Optional Reserve for Future Income Distribution.

The Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on September 22, 2020, approved the partial use of the aforementioned reserve for the amount of Ps. 1,700,000 (equivalent to Ps.1,892,559 as of December 31, 2020) and the distribution of cash dividends for the same amount, which represented Ps. 1.19 (figure expressed in Argentine pesos) per share. On October 5, 2020, the aforementioned dividends were paid to the Company’s Shareholders.

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2019 approved the financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and the treatment of income for the fiscal year then ended.

The dividends approved by such Shareholders’ Meeting amounted to Ps.2,000,000 (which is equal to Ps.3,622,432 as of December 31, 2020) and represented Ps.1.40 (figure stated in Pesos) per share. The dividends mentioned above were paid to the Group’s shareholders on May 9, 2019.

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 24, 2018 approved the financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and the treatment of income for the fiscal year then ended.

The dividends approved by such Shareholders’ Meeting amounted to Ps.1,200,000 (which is equal to Ps.3,386,137 as of December 31, 2020) and represented Ps.1.40 (figure stated in Pesos) per share. The dividends mentioned above were paid to the Group’s shareholders on May 9, 2018.

NOTE 43. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share are calculated by dividing income attributable to parent company´s owners by the weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares during the year. As the Group does not have preferred shares or debt convertible into shares, basic earnings are equal to diluted earnings per share.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners

     25,191,673        32,276,377        (7,258,414

Weighted Average Ordinary Shares

     1,442,740        1,426,765        1,426,765  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per Share

     17.46        22.62        (5.09
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 44. SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Group determines segments based on management reports that are reviewed by the Board of Directors and updated as they show changes.

Reportable segments are one or more operating segments with similar economic characteristics, distribution channels and regulatory environments.

Below there is a description of each business segment’s composition:

 

a.

Banks: It represents the banking business operation results.

 

b.

Ecosistema Naranja X: This segment represents the results of operations of brand credit cards, consumer finance and digital banking services business. Includes the results of operations of Tarjetas Regionales S.A. consolidated with its subsidiaries, as follows: Cobranzas Regionales S.A., Ondara S.A., Naranja Digital Companía Financiera S.A.U. and Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

 

c.

Insurance: This segment represents the results of operations of the insurance companies’ business and includes the results of operations of Sudamericana Holding S.A. consolidated with its subsidiaries, as follows: Galicia Retiro Cía. de Seguros S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A. and Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

 

F-48


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

d.

Other Businesses: This segment shows the results of operations of Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A., Galicia Warrants S.A., IGAM LLC, Inviu S.A.U., IGAM Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A., Galicia Securities S.A. and Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., the last net of eliminations of the income from equity investments.

 

e.

Adjustments: This segment includes consolidation adjustments and eliminations of transactions among subsidiaries.

The operating income (loss) of the Group’s different operating segments is monitored separately in order to make decisions on resource allocation and the evaluation of each segment’s performance. Segment performance is evaluated based on operating income or losses and is consistently measured with the operating income and losses of the consolidated income statement.

Intersegment transactions are at arm’s length similarly to transactions performed with third parties. Income, expenses and income (losses) resulting from the transfers among operating segments are then eliminated from consolidation.

The Group operates in one geographic segment, Argentina.

The relevant segment reporting as of the indicated dates is as follows:

 

     Banks     Ecosistema
Naranja X
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.20
 

Net Income from interest

     58,831,043       16,840,974       726,890       6,846       226,467       76,632,220  

Net fee Income

     20,979,744       16,669,667       —         (6,111     (1,085,741     36,557,559  

Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss

     65,986,310       1,989,036       77,616       1,279,844       (904     69,331,902  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

     (3,129     —         —         —         —         (3,129

Exchange rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

     6,024,766       370,320       (27,351     679,712       —         7,047,447  

Other Operating Income

     17,172,602       3,474,652       504,655       2,364,197       (1,193,475     22,322,631  

Income from Insurance Business

     —         —         3,496,191       —         2,005,616       5,501,807  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

     (29,971,572     (4,724,863     16,686       —         —         (34,679,749

Personnel Expenses

     (22,089,728     (8,079,947     (1,217,560     (437,866     —         (31,825,101

Administrative Expenses

     (21,429,312     (8,678,399     (656,618     (728,295     121,002       (31,371,622

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

     (6,116,752     (1,868,167     (270,398     (28,969     —         (8,284,286

Other Operating Expenses

     (23,844,607     (6,669,879     (4,357     (259,377     14,459       (30,763,761

Loss on net monetary position

     (30,367,677     (4,918,855     (815,279     (861,402     —         (36,963,213
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     35,171,688       4,404,539       1,830,475       2,008,579       87,424       43,502,705  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

     33,214       —         —         —         (158,267     (125,053

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

     35,204,902       4,404,539       1,830,475       2,008,579       (70,843     43,377,652  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

     (14,276,569     (2,245,164     (512,214     (810,925     —         (17,844,872

Net Income / (Loss) from Continuing Operations

     20,928,333       2,159,375       1,318,261       1,197,654       (70,843     25,532,780  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year

     20,928,333       2,159,375       1,318,261       1,197,654       (70,843     25,532,780  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (206,818     210       (2,861     159       —         (209,310

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners

     20,721,515       2,160,262       1,315,400       1,197,813       (412,627     24,982,363  

Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     —         (677     —         —         341,784       341,107  

 

F-49


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Banks     Ecosistema
Naranja X
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.19
 

Net Income from interest

     32,442,139       13,268,259       1,144,609       72,097       490,269       47,417,373  

Net fee Income

     21,760,110       17,674,484       —         494       (1,201,852     38,233,236  

Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss

     95,152,485       3,505,253       97,496       396,262       —         99,151,496  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

     298,801       —         —         —         —         298,801  

Exchange rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

     11,298,851       165,900       (3,767     370,468       —         11,831,452  

Other Operating Income

     23,726,714       4,921,986       538,849       1,158,077       (1,576,194     28,769,432  

Income from Insurance Business

     —         —         2,611,331       —         2,389,538       5,000,869  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

     (22,228,541     (8,088,703     89,576       —         —         (30,227,668

Personnel Expenses

     (24,303,615     (7,543,907     (1,109,048     (328,391     —         (33,284,961

Administrative Expenses

     (23,885,413     (8,247,798     (711,576     (434,955     174,543       (33,105,199

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

     (5,021,671     (1,558,316     (291,429     (23,528     —         (6,894,944

Other Operating Expenses

     (28,555,476     (6,378,283     (501     (157,840     9,282       (35,082,818

Loss on net monetary position

     (33,702,521     (6,306,209     (1,035,951     (884,221     —         (41,928,902
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     46,981,863       1,412,666       1,329,589       168,463       285,586       50,178,167  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

     78,244       —         —         —         (78,244     —    

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

     47,060,107       1,412,666       1,329,589       168,463       207,342       50,178,167  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

     (16,723,744     (523,435     (466,721     (36,782     —         (17,750,682

Net Income / (Loss) from Continuing Operations

     30,336,363       889,231       862,868       131,681       207,342       32,427,485  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year

     30,336,363       889,231       862,868       131,681       207,342       32,427,485  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     562,786       —         (14,588     —         —         548,198  

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners

     30,899,149       888,870       848,280       131,681       56,595       32,824,575  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     —         361       —         —         150,747       151,108  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Banks     Ecosistema
Naranja X
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.18
 

Net Income from interest

     49,448,811       19,221,483       886,426       257,238       58,588       69,872,546  

Net fee Income

     26,131,171       18,702,137       —         (4,995     (71,981     44,756,332  

Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss

     33,481,710       1,853,832       45,655       960,312       —         36,341,509  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

     464,175       —         —         —         —         464,175  

Exchange rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

     7,726,274       (106,375     8,668       281,690       —         7,910,257  

Other Operating Income

     14,553,653       7,711,474       343,021       1,937,686       (2,682,854     21,862,980  

Income from Insurance Business

     —         —         3,376,653       —         2,632,514       6,009,167  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

     (22,770,955     (11,202,106     (163,186     —         —         (34,136,247

Personnel Expenses

     (24,154,702     (10,034,170     (1,203,784     (265,130     —         (35,657,786

Administrative Expenses

     (21,900,686     (10,377,775     (855,854     (604,877     64,887       (33,674,305

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

     (2,134,670     (1,117,648     (191,572     (15,814     —         (3,459,704

Other Operating Expenses

     (26,853,098     (8,386,926     (842     (150,565     —         (35,391,431

Loss on net monetary position

     (27,237,770     (8,051,841     (1,173,907     (1,366,921     —         (37,830,439
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     6,753,913       (1,787,915     1,071,278       1,028,624       1,154       7,067,054  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

     39,842       —         —         —         (39,842     —    

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

     6,793,755       (1,787,915     1,071,278       1,028,624       (38,688     7,067,054  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

     (10,491,620     (2,693,213     (648,744     (643,211     —         (14,476,788

Net Income / (Loss) from Continuing Operations

     (3,697,865     (4,481,128     422,534       385,413       (38,688     (7,409,734

Loss from Discontinued Operations

     (526,463     —         —         (17,540     —         (544,003

Income Tax from Discontinued Operations

     (63,469     —         —         (2,867     —         (66,336

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year

     (4,287,797     (4,481,128     422,534       365,006       (38,688     (8,020,073

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (161,113     —         (22,105     —         —         (183,218

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners

     (4,448,910     (4,480,349     400,429       365,006       722,192       (7,441,632
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     —         (779     —         —         (760,880     (761,659
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-50


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Banks      Ecosistema
Naranja X
     Insurance      Other
Businesses
     Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.20
 

ASSETS

                

Cash and Due from Banks

     172,308,807        2,188,741        39,612        2,278,879        (1,392,563     175,423,476  

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

     155,892,300        91,762        —          173,800        (738,302     155,419,560  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,165,032        —          —          —          —         2,165,032  

Repurchase Transactions

     60,995,643        —          —          —          —         60,995,643  

Other Financial Assets

     6,920,271        1,281,954        815,104        1,077,956        (1,659     10,093,626  

Loans and Other Financing

     439,306,303        88,545,787        473,165        1,463,755        (3,354,891     526,434,119  

Other Debt Securities

     21,448,751        174,456        1,617,826        —          (170,656     23,070,377  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     18,639,697        9,126        —          68,620        —         18,717,443  

Current Income Tax Assets

     —          36,242        160,852        —          —         197,094  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     5,709,565        —          —          2,119        —         5,711,684  

Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

     480,530        —          —          —          (391,388     89,142  

Property, Plant and Equipment

     38,189,687        4,859,111        646,688        35,934        —         43,731,420  

Intangible Assets

     12,850,061        1,534,001        73,415        4,436,289        (4,424,945     14,468,821  

Deferred Income Tax Assets

     5,300,716        3,625,102        176,642        110,135        —         9,212,595  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

     —          —          1,885,937        —          (547     1,885,390  

Other Non-financial Assets

     5,782,609        725,134        27,372        1,099,312        —         7,634,427  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     29,328        —          —          —          —         29,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

     946,019,300        103,071,416        5,916,613        10,746,799        (10,474,951     1,055,279,177  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

                

Deposits

     678,102,758        5        —          —          (1,707,028     676,395,735  

Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

     —          —          —          —          —         —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     57,450        —          —          —          —         57,450  

Other Financial Liabilities

     40,888,983        55,323,990        —          2,107,556        (849,064     97,471,465  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial

Institutions

     10,192,180        5,794,722        —          1        (2,153,464     13,833,439  

Debt Securities

     7,904,075        10,078,781        —          —          (908,958     17,073,898  

Current Income Tax Liabilities

     13,030,588        1,189,775        446,188        560,923        —         15,227,474  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     21,653,546        —          —          —          —         21,653,546  

Provisions

     3,432,729        145,058        136,010        62,500        —         3,776,297  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

     —          —          —          136,934        —         136,934  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     —          —          2,060,999        —          (23     2,060,976  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     18,935,846        4,975,456        686,060        700,947        (40,081     25,258,228  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     794,198,155        77,507,787        3,329,257        3,568,861        (5,658,618     872,945,442  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-51


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Banks      Ecosistema
Naranja X
     Insurance      Other
Businesses
     Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.19
 

ASSETS

                

Cash and Due from Banks

     175,814,936        5,618,935        103,152        963,415        (4,634,039     177,866,399  

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

     89,441,583        —          49,837        70        (60,112     89,431,378  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     3,170,815        —          —          —          —         3,170,815  

Repurchase Transactions

     40,944,933        —          —          —          —         40,944,933  

Other Financial Assets

     7,780,625        6,186,615        435,406        467,944        (10,390     14,860,200  

Loans and Other Financing

     421,122,047        65,928,775        358,620        3,428,355        (2,693,645     488,144,152  

Other Debt Securities

     21,962,083        1,786,664        2,323,480        —          (178,791     25,893,436  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     15,713,219        9,617        555        2,200        (555     15,725,036  

Current Income Tax Assets

     —          20,983        —          34,158        —         55,141  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     6,200,459        —          —          —          —         6,200,459  

Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

     419,309        —          —          —          (419,309     —    

Property, Plant and Equipment

     39,565,282        4,636,630        621,167        54,281        —         44,877,360  

Intangible Assets

     9,698,756        1,995,236        140,317        1,243,959        (1,243,960     11,834,308  

Deferred Income Tax Assets

     —          3,428,499        260,000        132,879        —         3,821,378  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

     —          —          1,608,517        —          —         1,608,517  

Other Non-financial Assets

     7,223,806        398,757        163,377        1,000,001        (2,953     8,782,988  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     53,106        —          —          —          —         53,106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

     839,110,959        90,010,711        6,064,428        7,327,262        (9,243,754     933,269,606  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

                   —    

Deposits

     541,621,151        —          —          —          (5,587,455     536,033,696  

Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

     1,936,133        —          —          —          —         1,936,133  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     1,199,533        —          —          —          —         1,199,533  

Other Financial Liabilities

     51,640,464        43,416,663        —          2,844,848        (748,351     97,153,624  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial

Institutions

     27,848,878        3,999,344        4,205        —          (916,266     30,936,161  

Debt Securities

     25,742,191        14,305,377        —          —          (238,902     39,808,666  

Current Income Tax Liabilities

     12,544,435        1,249,899        203,138        44,763        —         14,042,235  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     21,100,718        —          —          —          —         21,100,718  

Provisions

     3,379,110        147,522        174,984        38,118        —         3,739,734  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

     2,577,307        —          324,818        118,429        —         3,020,554  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     —          —          2,004,865        —          (5,457     1,999,408  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     18,421,066        3,721,626        644,329        536,361        (84,055     23,239,327  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     708,010,986        66,840,431        3,356,339        3,582,519        (7,580,486     774,209,789  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 45. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND RISK POLICIES

 

The tasks related to risk information and internal control of each of the companies controlled by Grupo Financiero Galicia are defined and carried out rigorously by each of them.

Apart from applicable local regulations, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., in its capacity as a listed company in the United States of America, complies with the certification of its internal controls pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (Sarbanes Oxley). Corporate risk management is monitored by the Audit Committee, which as well gathers and analyzes the information submitted by the main controlled companies.

As concerns risks, Banco Galicia embraces a policy that takes into consideration several aspects of the business and operations, abiding by the main guidelines of internationally accepted standards.

The specific function of the comprehensive management of Banco Galicia’s risks has been allocated to the Risk Division, guaranteeing its independence from the rest of the business areas since it directly reports to the Bank’s General Division and, at the same time, is involved in the decisions made by each area. In addition, the control and prevention of risks related to money laundering, funding of terrorist activities and other illegal activities are allocated to the Prevention of Asset Laundering Division, which reports to the Board of Directors. The aim of both divisions is to guarantee the Board of Directors is fully aware of the risks that the Bank is exposed to, and to design and propose policies and procedures necessary to identify, assess, follow up, control and mitigate such risks.

A Risk Appetite framework has been specified, which has risk acceptance levels, both on an individual and a consolidated basis. Metrics have been defined within such framework, which are monitored in order to detect situations that may affect the normal course of business, the noncompliance with the strategy and undesired results and/or situations of vulnerability in the face of changes in market conditions. The Risk and Capital Allocation Committee considers and controls the Bank’s risk profile through a risk appetite report and defines the actions to be carried out in case of potential deviations from the thresholds set.

 

F-52


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Capital Management

The Company’s goals are to generate returns to its shareholders, benefits to other groups of interest and keep the best capital structure. The latter will be given by the needs for investment in subsidiaries and new ventures, keeping the expected profitability levels and complying with the liquidity and solvency goals set.

Banco Galicia’s subsidiary determines the minimum capital requirement for each risk, in accordance with Argentine Central Bank regulations. The capital risk management is cross-sectional with respect to the other risks. Senior management is responsible for monitoring, overseeing, adjusting and ensuring compliance with its stated goals concerning capital management.

The Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (Proceso de Evaluación de Suficiencia de Capital—PESC) (reflected in the Capital Adequacy Report—IAC, as per its acronym in Spanish) enables to assess the relationship between own resources available and necessary resources to maintain an appropriate risk profile. This process also allows for the identification of both the economic capital needs and the sources to meet such needs.

To perform stress tests, four scenarios with different likelihood of occurrence are defined, which could affect the solvency and liquidity. The most likely to occur scenarios are used in management stress testing and are referred to when defining Risk Appetite thresholds. The least-likely to occur or least-severe scenarios are used in developing the Recovery Plan, which specifies the protocol defined for situations or events that may compromise the Bank’s operational capacity.

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, Banco Galicia complied with the minimum capital requirement established by the Argentine Central Bank regulations.

Computable Regulatory Capital (RPC, as per the initials in Spanish) is made up of Core Capital and Supplementary Capital. Banco Galicia’s balance for such items as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Basic Shareholders´ Equity

     162,178,965        74,314,620  

(Deductible Items)

     (32,594,504      (12,922,467

Equity Tier 1

     129,584,461        61,392,153  

Complementing shareholders’ Equity

     27,477,066        19,392,341  

Equity Tier 2

     27,477,066        19,392,341  

Regulatory Capital (RPC)

     157,061,527        80,784,494  

The breakdown of the minimum capital requirement determined for the Group is shown below:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Credit Risk

     42,457,859        29,148,582  

Market Risk

     1,419,264        904,939  

Operational Risk

     12,192,078        7,608,102  

Minimum Capital Requirement

     56,069,201        37,661,623  

Integration

     157,061,527        80,784,494  

Excess

     100,992,326        43,122,871  

Financial Risks

Financial risk is a phenomenon inherent to the financial brokerage activity. The exposure to the different financial risk factors is a natural circumstance that cannot be completely avoided without affecting the Group’s long-term economic viability. However, the lack of management regarding risk exposures is one of the most significant short-term threats. Risk factors need to be identified and managed within a specific policy framework that envisages the profile and the level of risk it has been decided to take to achieve long-term strategic goals.

Market Risk

The “price risk” is the possibility of incurring losses as a consequence of the variation of the market price of financial assets whose value is subject to negotiation. Financial assets subject to “trading” or allocated to “own positions” will be government and private debt securities, shares, currencies, derivatives and debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank.

Brokerage/trading transactions that are allowed and regulated by the Policy are as follows:

 

 

Brokerage of Government and Provincial Securities.

 

 

Brokerage of Currencies on the Spot and Futures Markets.

 

 

Brokerage of Interest Rate Derivatives. Interest Rate Futures and Interest Rate Swaps.

 

 

Brokerage of Debt Instruments Issued by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

 

Brokerage of Third-party Debt securities.

 

F-53


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Brokerage of Shares.

For the fiscal year 2020, a unified limit was set for all operations of $4,250,000.

The “price risk” (market) is daily managed according to the strategy approved, the purpose of which is to keep the Group present in the different currencies, variable- and fixed-income and derivatives markets, while obtaining the maximum return as possible on brokerage, without exposing the latter to excessive risk levels. Finally, the designed policy contributes to providing transparency and facilitates the perception of the risk levels to which it is exposed. In order to measure and monitor risks derived from the variation in the price of financial instruments that form the trading or brokerage securities portfolio, a model known as “Value at Risk” (also known as “VaR”) is used. This model determines the possible loss that could be generated by different financial instruments at each time under the following critical parameters.

Currency Risk

The Group’s exposure to the foreign exchange risk as of year-end by type of currency is shown below:

 

     Balances as of 12.31.20  

Currency

   Monetary
Financial
Assets
     Monetary
Financial
Liabilities
     Derivatives      Net Position  

US Dollar

     212,122        (210,940      —          1,182  

Euro

     4,401        (802      —          3,599  

Canadian Dollar

     134        (4      —          130  

Real

     34        —          —          34  

Swiss Franc

     52        (30      —          22  

Others

     103        (3      —          100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     216,846        (211,779      —          5,067  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Balances as of 12.31.19  

Currency

   Monetary
Financial
Assets
     Monetary
Financial
Liabilities
     Derivatives      Net Position  

US Dollar

     265,631        (267,422      30        (1,761

Euro

     3,105        (399      —          2,706  

Canadian Dollar

     116        (5      —          111  

Real

     1        —          —          1  

Swiss Franc

     44        (23      —          21  

Others

     103        (5      —          98  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     269,000        (267,854      30        1,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

           Balances as of 12.31.20      Balances as of 12.31.19  

Currency

   Change     Income
(Loss)
    Shareholders’
Equity
     Income
(Loss)
    Shareholders’
Equity
 

US Dollar

     10     118       1,300        176       (1,937
     -10     (118     1,064        (176     (1,585

Euro

     10     360       3,959        271       2,977  
     -10     (360     3,239        (271     2,436  

Canadian Dollar

     10     13       143        11       121  
     -10     (13     117        (11     99  

Real

     10     3       37        —         1  
     -10     (3     31        —         1  

Swiss Franc

     10     2       24        1       22  
     -10     (2     20        (1     18  

Others

     10     10       110        10       108  
     -10     (10     90        (10     88  

Interest Rate Risk

The different sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in “market interest rates” exposes the Group to the “interest rate risk”. It is the risk that the financial margin and the economic value of equity may vary as a consequence of fluctuations in market interest rates. The magnitude of such variation is associated with the sensitivity to interest rates of the structure of the Group’s assets and liabilities.

This risk factor (the change in interest rates) has an impact on two key variables: the “Net Financial Income (Expense)” and the “Present Value of Shareholders’ Equity”.

These methodologies imply a “short-term” approach for which a “base scenario” is subject to an increase in “interest rates” estimating the variation in “Financial Income (Expense)”. Caps on such changes in variables subject to control are fixed. As regards the “long-term” approach, statistical interest rate simulations are made and a “critical” scenario

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

results from the interest rate risk exposure presented by the financial statements structure. The economic capital arises from the resulting difference between the “critical” scenario and the market value as per the financial statements.

The Group’s exposure to the interest rate risk is detailed below. This table shows the residual value of assets and liabilities, classified by the sooner of the interest renegotiation date or the maturity date.

 

     Term (in Days)         

Assets and Liabilities at Variable Rate

   Up to 30     From 30 to
90
     From 90 to
180
     From 180 to
365
     More than
365
     Total  

As of 12.31.20

                

Total Financial Assets

     329,561,051       81,048,347        73,404,578        122,032,475        331,583,426        937,629,877  

Total Financial Liabilities

     525,873,217       66,622,888        17,447,849        8,728,360        204,482,905        823,155,219  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Amount

     (196,312,166     14,425,459        55,956,729        113,304,115        127,100,521        114,474,658  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of 12.31.19

                

Total Financial Assets

     274,590,418       69,553,555        69,742,708        61,211,792        340,621,292        815,719,765  

Total Financial Liabilities

     377,563,393       61,431,217        33,503,067        4,678,139        212,118,123        689,293,939  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Amount

     (102,972,975     8,122,338        36,239,641        56,533,653        128,503,169        126,425,826  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The table below shows the sensitivity to potential additional changes in interest rates in the next fiscal year, considering the breakdown as of December 31, 2020. The percentage change budgeted by the Group for fiscal year 2020 was determined considering 100 bps and changes are considered reasonably possible on the basis on an observation of market conditions.

 

     Additional
Changes to the
Interest Rate
     Increase/(Decrease)
in Income before
Income Tax in
Pesos
     Increase/(Decrease)
in Shareholders’
Equity in %
 

Decrease in Interest Rate

     -100 pb        (1,130,532      -1

Increase in Interest Rate

     +100 pb        1,130,532        1

Liquidity Risk

It contemplates the risk that the Group is unable to offset or liquidate a position at market value because:

 

 

the assets that are part thereof do not have a sufficient secondary market; or

 

 

market changes.

In measuring and daily following up the “stock liquidity” an internal model is used, which contemplates the characteristics of behavior of the Group’s main funding sources. Based on the Group’s experience in connection with the changes in deposits and other liabilities, this model determines the “liquidity requirements” applied to liabilities subject to the policy and give rise to the “Management Liquidity Requirement”. In determining these liquid resources, the remaining term of liabilities is also contemplated, as well as the currency in which they are denominated. The resulting liquidity requirement is allocated to “eligible assets” set by the policy. The management liquidity requirement, along with the legal minimum cash requirements, are part of the total liquidity available.

Daily liquidity management is supplemented by the estimated available funds or needs for the day, considering the opening balance of Argentine Central Bank’s account, deducting the daily minimum requirement and including the main movements for the day. The latter results in the overestimated/underestimated balance that will be considered by operators in order to place funds or meet the financing needs.

The monthly liquidity follow-up and control from the “flow” standpoint, called “liquidity mismatch/liquidity gap”, are performed by estimating the accumulated mismatches within the first year as a percentage of total liabilities. The gap methodology used (contractual gaps) is consistent with the best international practices in the field.

In addition, the concentration of deposits is followed up and measured. In order to mitigate this risk factor, the policy designed restricts the involvement of two groups of customers to the total deposits: the first 10 customers and second 50 customers.

The table below shows an analysis of maturities of assets and liabilities, determined based on the remaining period as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, based on undiscounted cash flows:

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Less than 1
Month
     1 to 6
Months
     6 to 12
Months
     12 Months
to 5 Years
     More than
5 Years
     Total as of
12.31.20
 

Assets

                 

Debt Securities measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     152,729,877        564,114        3,180,660        432,222        —          156,906,873  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     547,929        —          —          —          —          547,929  

Repurchase Transactions

     61,778,505        —          —          —          —          61,778,505  

Other Financial Assets

     7,677,635        100,805        122,168        3,065,831        —          10,966,439  

Loans and Other Financing

     165,672,357        204,326,574        135,444,263        93,566,134        30,542,150        629,551,478  

Other Debt Securities

     25,403,983        —          —          —          —          25,403,983  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     18,717,443        —          —          —          —          18,717,443  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     3,745,893        —          —          —          —          3,745,893  

Liabilities

                 

Deposits

     636,596,852        45,007,577        2,563,927        122,377        27        684,290,760  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     57,450        —          —          —          —          57,450  

Other Financial Liabilities

     93,004,399        24,479        27,441        80,500        —          93,136,819  

Lease liabilities

     154,855        724,867        795,298        3,700,393        1,376,069        6,751,482  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     2,607,987        3,290,896        6,137,695        3,736,864        —          15,773,442  

Debt Securities

     736,438        6,156,557        8,055,337        6,349,253        —          21,297,585  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     855,858        —          855,858        7,559,716        21,871,443        31,142,875  

 

     Less than 1
Month
     1 to 6
Months
     6 to 12
Months
     12 Months
to 5 Years
     More than
5 Years
     Total as of
12.31.19
 

Assets

                 

Debt Securities measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     88,378,198        1,197,484        19,642        212,016        7,157        89,814,497  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     1,903,979        —          —          —          —          1,903,979  

Repurchase Transactions

     41,828,680        —          —          —          —          41,828,680  

Other Financial Assets

     11,221,494        —          —          —          —          11,221,494  

Loans and Other Financing

     180,043,930        178,211,585        80,880,191        131,022,366        35,994,787        606,152,859  

Other Debt Securities

     28,143,083        —          —          —          —          28,143,083  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     15,725,036        —          —          —          —          15,725,036  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     3,400,065        —          —          —          —          3,400,065  

Liabilities

                 

Deposits

     488,012,093        56,841,558        2,974,312        105,337        44        547,933,344  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     1,936,133        —          —          —          —          1,936,133  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     1,199,533        —          —          —          —          1,199,533  

Other Financial Liabilities

     92,068,438        —          —          —          —          92,068,438  

Lease Liabilities

     83,613        434,437        542,376        2,630,481        1,439,080        5,129,987  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     5,064,925        14,694,200        5,828,763        8,446,270        —          34,034,158  

Debt Securities

     4,721,798        24,857,077        5,653,122        13,796,603        930,705        49,959,305  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     827,691        —          827,691        7,279,079        22,997,121        31,931,582  

Credit Risk

Credit risk arises from the possibility of suffering losses due to a debtor’s or counterparty’s noncompliance with its contractual obligations. It is the one that requires the greatest need for capital, including that arising from the risk of individual and sectorial concentration, which represents supplementary approximations to the intrinsic credit risk.

Accordingly, the Group uses credit assessment and risk monitoring tools that allow the entity to manage risks in a streamlined and controlled manner and that foster the adequate diversification of portfolios, both on an individual basis and by economic sector, thus controlling its exposure to potential risks.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The credit quality of debt securities as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

     Government Securities                       

Rating

   Government
Bonds
     Provincial
Bonds
     Autonomous
City of
Buenos

Aires Bonds
     Treasury
Bills
     Argentine
Central
Bank’s Bills
     Private
Securities
     Total as of
12.31.20
 

AAA

     2,335,283        —          —          16,964,950        —          703,421        20,003,654  

AA+

     —          —          90,199        —          —          296        90,495  

AA

     —          —          —          —          —          56,802        56,802  

Aa2

     —          —          —          —          —          32,226        32,226  

AA-

     47,643        —          —          —          —          894,582        942,225  

A+

     —          —          —          —          —          1,263        1,263  

A1

     —          —          —          —          —          180,683        180,683  

A1+

     —          —          —          —          —          820,913        820,913  

A

     —          —          —          —          —          21,481        21,481  

A2

     —          —          —          —          —          108        108  

A-

     —          —          —          —          —          40,605        40,605  

A3

     —          200,768        —          —          —          —          200,768  

Baa1

     —          —          1,000        —          —          29,226        30,226  

Baa3

     —          —          —          —          —          13,293        13,293  

B

     —          539,371        —          —          —          —          539,371  

CCC

     4,103,429        —          —          —          —          —          4,103,429  

C

     —          —          —          —          128,324,920        17,098        128,342,018  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     6,486,355        740,139        91,199        16,964,950        128,324,920        2,811,997        155,419,560  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The credit quality of debt securities as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

 

     Government Securities                       

Rating

   Government
Bonds
     Provincial
Bonds
     Autonomous
City of
Buenos

Aires Bonds
     Treasury
Bills
     Argentine
Central
Bank’s Bills
     Private
Securities
     Total as of
12.31.19
 

AAA

     422,241        —          —          8,485,627        —          —          8,907,868  

AA+

     —          —          60,303        —          —          7,229        67,532  

AA

     —          —          —          —          —          130,577        130,577  

AA-

     —          —          —          —          —          14,920        14,920  

A+

     —          —          —          —          —          175,635        175,635  

A1+

     —          —          —          —          —          639,014        639,014  

A-

     —          —          —          —          —          48,862        48,862  

A3

     —          —          —          —          —          102,484        102,484  

Baa1

     —          —          103,666        —          —          —          103,666  

BBB

     12,875        —          —          —          —          20,580        33,455  

B-

     —          —          —          —          —          6,336        6,336  

CC

     36,962        —          —          —          79,153,628        —          79,190,590  

C

     —          —          —          —          —          10,439        10,439  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     472,078        —          163,969        8,485,627        79,153,628        1,156,076        89,431,378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Summary of credit risk

The following disclosures present the gross carrying amount of financial instruments to which the impairment requirements in IFRS 9 are applied and the associated allowance for loan losses.

Those credits that do not have reasonable expectations of recovering the contractual cash flows are eliminated from the Group’s assets and are recognized in “Off-balance Items”.

The credit quality related to loans granted is detailed in Schedule B.

The breakdown by term of “Net Loans and Other Financing” is detailed in Schedule D.

Impairment of financial assets

The “Expected Credit Loss” (“ECL”) model applies to financial assets which are valued at both amortized cost and fair value through OCI.

The standard establishes three categories to classify financial instruments, primarily considering the credit risk evolution over time. Stage 1 includes financial assets with normal or no significant risk associated; Stage 2 includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk (“SICR”) has been identified but they are not yet deemed to be credit-impaired and Stage 3 comprises financial assets which are impaired and/or subject to serious risk of impairment.

To calculate the provisions for credit impairment risk, IFRS 9 differentiates between each of the three stages. The resulting concepts are explained as follows:

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

   

Expected Credit Losses within a 12-month period: possible events of default within the 12 months following the date of the presentation of financial statements. Assets included in Stage 1 have their ECL measured at 12-month ECL.

 

   

Lifetime Expected Credit Losses: ECL during the active period of the financial asset, which results of calculating the probability of impairment of an asset throughout its duration, up until its maturity. Instruments in Stage 2 or 3 have their ECL measured based on lifetime ECL.

A pervasive concept in measuring ECL in accordance with IFRS 9 is that it should consider forward looking information. The Group has included below an explanation on how it has incorporated this in its ECL models.

Grouping of instruments for losses measured on a collective basis

For expected credit loss provisions modelled on a collective basis, a grouping of exposures is performed based on shared risks characteristics, such that risk exposures within group are homogeneous. In performing this grouping, there must be sufficient information for the group to be statistically credible. Where sufficient information is not available internally, the Group has considered benchmarking internal/external supplementary data to use for modelling purposes. The Group has identified four groupings: Retail, Retail-like, Wholesale and Naranja, amongst these four segments the Group estimates parameters in a more granular way based on the shared risk characteristics.

Stage classification

Each subsidiary of Grupo Galicia classifies financial instruments subject to impairment under IFRS 9 in stages, as follows:

 

   

Stage 1: in the case of retail portfolios, it includes every operation up to 31 days past due. In the case of wholesale portfolios, it considers every client whose BCRA situation indicates a normal status (A1) (i.e. low risk of bankruptcy).

 

   

Stage 2: considers two groups:

 

   

Portfolios between 31 and 90 days past due.

 

   

Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score with impairment risk.

 

   

For wholesale, it considers credit ratings for which the risk of default has increased significantly (see definition in section below).

 

   

Stage 3: For retail portfolios, it includes every operation amounting 90 or more days past due.

For wholesale portfolios, it considers every client whose BCRA situation indicates serious risk of bankruptcy (C, D, E).

Significant Increase in credit risk

The Group considers a financial instrument to have experienced a significant increase in credit risk when any of the following conditions exist:

 

1 

The analysis of the customer’s cash flow shows that it is capable of attend adequately all its financial commitments.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Retail Portfolio   

BCRA situation

  

Extra conditions to be considered stage 2

A, B1

   - Cure
   - Between 30 and 90 past due days
   - Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score(*) with impairment risk

C

   - It does not apply to defaulted clients
Retail-like Portfolio   

BCRA situation

  

Extra conditions to be considered stage 2

A, B1

   - Cure
   - Between 30 and 90 past due days
   - Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score(*) with impairment risk

C

   - It does not apply to defaulted clients
Wholesale Portfolio   

BCRA situation

  

Extra conditions to be considered stage 2

A

   - Cure
   - BCRA situation B1
   - Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score(*) with impairment risk

C

   - It does not apply to defaulted clients

 

(*)

Internal scoring.

Definition of Default

A financial asset is in default whenever a payment is more than 90 days past due, or if the Company considers the payment will not be fully reimbursed.

However, given the credit analysis for wholesale loans is not managed and classified the same way as retail loans, the default definition associated to wholesale portfolios is ultimately linked to the individual analysis provided by credit analysts.

The default definition has been applied consistently to model the Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD) and Loss given Default (LGD) throughout the Group’s expected loss calculations:

 

   

Probability of Default (“PD”): it represents the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on its financial obligation (as per the definition of default included above), either over the next 12 months or the remaining lifetime of the obligation.

 

   

Exposure at the moment of Default (“EAD”): it is based on the amounts the Group expects to be owed at the time of default, over the next 12 months or over the remaining lifetime. For example, for a revolving commitment, the Group includes the current draw down balance plus any further amount that it is expected to be drawn up to the current contractual limit by the time of default, should it have occurred.

 

   

Loss given Default (“LGD”): represents the Group´s expectation of the extent of loss on a defaulted exposure. LGD varies by type of counterparty, type of seniority of claim and availability of collateral or other credit support. LGD is expressed as a percentage loss per unit of exposure at the time of default. LGD is calculated on a 12 month or lifetime basis, where 12-month LGD is the percentage of loss expected to be made if a default occurs in the next 12 months and Lifetime LGD is the percentage of loss expected to be made if a default occurs over the remaining expected lifetime of the loan.

An instrument is considered to no longer be in default when it no longer meets any of the default criteria above mentioned.

Methodology for Expected Credit Loss estimation

Expected credit loss impairment allowances recognized in the financial statements reflect the effect of a range of possible economic outcomes, calculated on a probability-weighted basis, based on the economic scenarios described below. The recognition and measurement of expected credit losses (‘ECL’) involves the use of significant judgment and estimation. It is necessary to formulate multiple forward-looking economic forecasts and incorporate them into the ECL estimates. Grupo Galicia uses a standard framework to form economic scenarios to reflect assumptions about future economic conditions, supplemented with the use of management judgment, which may result in using alternative or additional economic scenarios and/or management adjustments.

IFRS 9 establishes the following standards regarding the estimation of credit loss:

 

   

An unbiased weighted probability index determined by the evaluation of different outcomes.

 

   

Time value of money

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

   

Reasonable and sustainable information available at no additional cost or effort that provides evidence to support forecasts, as well as present conditions and past events.

According to IFRS 9, the company prepared three different scenarios with different probabilities: a central scenario with 70 % probability of occurrence, a downside scenario with 15 % probability of occurrence and an upside scenario with 15 % probability of occurrence.

 

Scenario Probabilities

   Base     Optimistic     Pessimistic  

Retail, Retail like and Wholesale

     70     15     15

Naranja

     70     15     15

In order to account for time value of money, the Company assumes expected losses will take place according to the PD behavior.

The ECL is determined by projecting the PD, EAD and LGD for each future month or collective segment. These three components are multiplied together and adjusted for forward looking information. This effectively calculates an ECL for each future month, which is then discounted back to the reporting date and summed. The discount rate used in the ECL calculation is the original effective interest rate or an approximation thereof.

Key macroeconomic variables used in the scenarios described below are shown in the table:

 

Macroeconomic Variable Projections

        QI - 2020     QII - 2020     QIII - 2020     QIV - 2020  

GDP

   Base      -2.8     15.6     2.5     -0.7

GDP

   Optimistic      -2.2     17.8     5.1     2.7

GDP

   Pessimistic      -3.1     14.2     -3.8     -10.2

Unemployment Rate

   Base      7.6     -15.6     -10.4     -12.3

Unemployment Rate

   Optimistic      16.3     -10.1     -11.3     -15.3

Unemployment Rate

   Pessimistic      20.1     6.2     21.9     34.8

Real Salary

   Base      -16.6     -8.6     -1.7     3.3

Real Salary

   Optimistic      -13.2     -7.7     -2.1     4.3

Real Salary

   Pessimistic      -10.9     -4.7     -3.7     -5.9

Badlar

   Base      48.8     42.2     31.1     4.3

Badlar

   Optimistic      38.3     25.9     13.0     -13.0

Badlar

   Pessimistic      15.0     35.4     101.7     44.9

These variations were calculated based on annual basis.

Grupo Galicia has also carried out sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of volatility on macroeconomic variables on the result of the expected credit losses.

 

Scenario 1 (change in the probability

of the macroeconomic scenarios)

   Base scenario     Sensitivity  

Regular scenario

     70     45

Positive scenario

     15     10

Negative scenario

     15     45
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia ECL

     37,332,952       38,008,542  

Retail, Retail like and Wholesale ECL

     31,187,671       31,703,980  

Naranja ECL

     6,145,281       6,304,562  

 

Scenario 2 (change in forecast PIB, inflation, nominal

exchange rate, unemployment, current account)

   Regular
scenario
    Positive
scenario
    Negative
scenario
 

Macroeconomic scenario probability

     70     15     15
           Sensitivity        

GDP

     -5     1     -15

Unemployment Rate

     -8     -6     40

Real Salary

     -2     -4     -5

Badlar

     40     10     120
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia ECL

       37,467,704    

Retail, Retail like and Wholesale RCL

       31,101,450    

Naranja ECL

       6,366,254    

Post-model adjustments

Since March 2020, the Argentine Central Bank implemented a series of measures to reduce the economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, among which are the deferral of payments and suspension of the collection of punitive interest in case of default in payments of loan installments, being the credit cards loans excluded from this benefit.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Thus, considering the adverse economic context that the country is going through, borrower credit uncertainty and measures issued by the Argentine Central Bank, the management recognized an additional credit loss allowance to that obtained through the statistical model of ECL on the deferred loan portfolio, which shows the potential impairment due to the macroeconomic context, once the implemented measures are lifted by the Argentine Central Bank.

The management measured the additional impact on the allowance from the estimation of the expected credit loss of loan portfolios which have deferred payments, based on new probabilities of default (PD) estimated using adjusted roll rates for the affected segments (mortgage, personal ,and restructured loans within the retail portfolio and debt notes of the retail like portfolio). The overlay also included a “Lifetime Adjustment”.

Maximum exposure to credit risk

Unless identified at an earlier stage, all financial assets are deemed to have suffered a significant increase in credit risk when they are 30 days past due (“DPD”) and are transferred from stage 1 to stage 2. The following disclosure presents the ageing of stage 2 financial assets. It distinguishes those assets that are classified as stage 2 when they are less than 30 days past due (1-29 DPD) from those that are more than 30 DPD (30 and >DPD). Past due financial instruments are those loans where customers have failed to make payments in accordance with the contractual terms of their facilities.

The following table contains an analysis of the credit risk exposure of financial instruments for which an ECL allowance is recognized.

 

     Retail Portfolio        
     December 31, 2020     December 31,
2019
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Total     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     115,540,641       47,518,146       —         163,058,787       147,407,781  

1-30

     1,378,181       1,164,534       1,509,705       4,052,420       4,448,958  

31-60

     —         997,662       48,665       1,046,327       1,940,358  

61-90

     —         561,381       94,732       656,113       1,093,520  

Default

     —         —         5,556,973       5,556,973       5,829,065  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     116,918,822       50,241,723       7,210,075       174,370,620       160,719,682  

Loss allowance

     (4,954,235     (12,628,050     (5,893,949     (23,476,234     (14,299,064
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     111,964,587       37,613,673       1,316,126       150,894,386       146,420,618  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Retail like Portfolio        
     December 31, 2020     December 31,
2019
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Total     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     104,800,495       12,159,876       961,171       117,921,542       51,512,818  

1-30

     968,840       542,107       218,040       1,728,987       2,729,542  

31-60

     —         209,942       6,511       216,453       305,087  

61-90

     —         45,021       15,885       60,906       435,629  

Default

     —         —         1,187,351       1,187,351       3,318,130  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     105,769,335       12,956,946       2,388,958       121,115,239       58,301,206  

Loss allowance

     (559,205     (2,130,872     (1,831,739     (4,521,816     (4,103,299
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     105,210,130       10,826,074       557,219       116,593,423       54,197,907  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Wholesale Portfolio        
     December 31, 2020     December 31,
2019
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Total     Total  

Days past due

          

A

     263,742,041       12,556,395       —         276,298,436       288,340,517  

B1

     —         1,002,250       —         1,002,250       514,223  

Default

     —         —         796,138       796,138       6,638,965  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     263,742,041       13,558,645       796,138       278,096,824       295,493,705  

Loss allowance

     (1,959,717     (623,103     (606,801     (3,189,621     (7,096,646
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     261,782,324       12,935,542       189,337       274,907,203       288,397,059  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Naranja        
     December 31, 2020     December 31,
2019
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
    Total     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     85,988,867       1,003,472       263,172       87,255,511       61,842,678  

1-30

     3,231,993       225,959       56,048       3,514,000       3,652,592  

31-60

     —         853,081       47,855       900,936       1,760,530  

61-90

     —         373,206       30,348       403,554       919,425  

Default

     —         —         1,974,836       1,974,836       7,597,388  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     89,220,860       2,455,718       2,372,259       94,048,837       75,772,613  

Loss allowance

     (3,707,641     (589,155     (1,848,485     (6,145,281     (10,092,365
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     85,513,219       1,866,563       523,774       87,903,556       65,680,248  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Retail Portfolio        
     December 31, 2019     December 31,
2018
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Total     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     106,961,239       39,204,462       1,242,080       147,407,781       189,552,804  

1-30

     2,127,002       2,069,604       252,352       4,448,958       7,164,281  

31-60

     —         1,718,377       221,981       1,940,358       3,190,264  

61-90

     —         719,178       374,342       1,093,520       1,652,119  

Default

     —         —         5,829,065       5,829,065       7,080,891  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     109,088,241       43,711,621       7,919,820       160,719,682       208,640,359  

Loss allowance

     (5,514,025     (2,554,594     (6,230,445     (14,299,064     (15,659,979
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     103,574,216       41,157,027       1,689,375       146,420,618       192,980,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Retail like Portfolio        
     December 31, 2019     December 31,
2018
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Total     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     44,985,250       5,850,798       676,770       51,512,818       67,804,625  

1-30

     1,779,010       725,260       225,272       2,729,542       2,774,228  

31-60

     —         217,775       87,312       305,087       704,220  

61-90

     —         234,578       201,051       435,629       548,510  

Default

     —         —         3,318,130       3,318,130       3,764,864  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     46,764,260       7,028,411       4,508,535       58,301,206       75,596,447  

Loss allowance

     (480,463     (199,468     (3,423,368     (4,103,299     (3,616,367
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     46,283,797       6,828,943       1,085,167       54,197,907       71,980,080  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Wholesale Portfolio        
     December 31, 2019     December 31,
2018
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Total     Total  

Days past due

          

A

     280,598,191       7,742,326       —         288,340,517       296,480,994  

B1

     —         514,223       —         514,223       (4,604,821

Default

     —         —         6,638,965       6,638,965       5,268,147  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     280,598,191       8,256,549       6,638,965       295,493,705       297,144,320  

Loss allowance

     (679,001     (301,216     (6,116,429     (7,096,646     (2,661,522
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     279,919,190       7,955,333       522,536       288,397,059       294,482,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-62


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Naranja        
     December 31, 2019     December 31,
2018
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3              
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Total     Total  

Days past due

          

0

     60,762,833       724,351       355,494       61,842,678       82,799,332  

1-30

     3,314,275       216,244       122,073       3,652,592       7,369,251  

31-60

     —         1,656,414       104,116       1,760,530       3,564,361  

61-90

     —         856,384       63,041       919,425       1,967,627  

Default

     —         —         7,597,388       7,597,388       7,931,114  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     64,077,108       3,453,393       8,242,112       75,772,613       103,631,685  

Loss allowance

     (2,754,583     (958,629     (6,379,153     (10,092,365     (11,114,984
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     61,322,525       2,494,764       1,862,959       65,680,248       92,516,701  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Grupo Galicia employs a range of policies and practices to mitigate credit risk. The most common of these is accepting collateral for loans or funds advanced. The Group has internal policies on the acceptability of specific classes of collateral.

The Grupo Galicia policies regarding obtaining collateral have not significantly changed during the reporting period and there has been no significant change in the overall quality of the collateral held by the Group since the prior period.

This table provides information on balance sheet items and their collateral in offsets as well as loan and other credit-related commitments.

Assets Subject to Impairment

 

Item

   Carrying Amount      Loss Allowances      Gross Carrying
Amount
     Collateral´s Fair
Value
 

Advances

     29,219,431        (679,786      28,539,645        —    

Mortgage Loans

     143,769,344        (522,696      143,246,648        —    

Pledge Loans

     16,486,335        (5,320,236      11,166,099        148,099,128  

Personal Loans

     11,586,593        (109,735      11,476,858        32,538,883  

Credit Card Loans

     36,504,158        (8,787,760      27,716,398        —    

Financial Leases

     241,793,015        (16,713,933      225,079,082        —    

Overdrafts

     1,855,070        (36,388      1,818,682        —    

Pre-financing export loans

     29,487,016        (629,027      28,857,989        —    

Others

     138,001,603        (4,489,715      133,511,888        1,784,133  

Other Debt Securities

     18,928,955        (43,676      18,885,279        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total as of December 31, 2020

     667,631,520        (37,332,952      630,298,568        182,422,144  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table shows information about the mortgage portfolio LTV distribution.

 

Mortgages Portfolio -LTV Distribution

   Exposure  

Lower than 50%

     3,807  

50 to 60%

     282  

60 to 70%

     576  

70 to 80%

     436  

80 to 90%

     495  

90 to 100%

     4,765  

Higher than 100%

     20,599  
  

 

 

 

Total

     30,960  
  

 

 

 

Reconciliation of changes in gross carrying/nominal amount and allowances for loans and advances to banks and customers including loan commitments and financial guarantees

The following disclosure provides a reconciliation by stage of the Group’s gross carrying/nominal amount and allowances for loans and advances to banks and customers, including loan commitments and financial guarantees. The transfers of financial instruments represent the impact of stage transfers upon the gross carrying/nominal amount and associated allowance for ECL. The net remeasurement of ECL arising from stage transfers represents the increase or decrease due to these transfers, for example, moving from a 12-month (stage 1) to a lifetime (stage 2) ECL measurement basis. This is captured, along with other credit quality movements in the ‘changes in PD/LGD/EAD’ line item. The ‘New financial assets originated or repurchased’ represent the gross carrying/nominal amount and associated allowance ECL impact from volume movements within the Group’s lending portfolio.

 

F-63


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The following tables explain the changes in the loss allowance between the beginning and the end of the annual period due to these factors:

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     5,514,025       2,554,594       6,230,445       —          14,299,064  

Inflation effect

     (2,119,898     (2,350,556     (2,434,533     —          (6,904,987

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (498,483     498,483       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (118,204     —         118,204       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     387,515       (387,515     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (336,064     336,064       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     198,995       —         (198,995     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         361,066       (361,066     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     1,024,326       679,012       1,779,747       —          3,483,085  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     (129,815     1,080,703       1,028,008       —          1,978,896  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     1,010,684       9,351,243       2,365,584       —          12,727,511  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     651,290       1,716,169       335,600       —          2,703,059  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (966,200     (539,085     (3,305,109     —          (4,810,394
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020

     4,954,235       12,628,050       5,893,949       —          23,476,234  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Like Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     480,463       199,468       3,423,368       —          4,103,299  

Inflation effect

     (217,336     (395,100     (1,202,902     —          (1,815,338

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (36,222     36,222       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (3,402     —         3,402       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     29,362       (29,362     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (8,796     8,796       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     (17,165     —         17,165       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         72,278       (72,278     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     396,426       133,391       1,107,514       —          1,637,331  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     1,213,269       384,169       58,150       —          1,655,588  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (1,192,104     1,471,030       541,170       —          820,096  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     104,533       377,770       283,658       —          765,961  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (198,619     (110,198     (2,336,304     —          (2,645,121
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020

     559,205       2,130,872       1,831,739       —          4,521,816  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Wholesale Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     679,001       301,216       6,116,429       —          7,096,646  

Inflation effect

     (562,741     (201,577     (1,742,132     —          (2,506,450

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (60,395     60,395       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (13     —         13       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     5,354       (5,354     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (17,065     17,065       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     —         —         —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         —         —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     516,802       85,037       43,764       —          645,603  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     118,388       26,417       13       —          144,818  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     1,521,179       363,383       779,725       —          2,664,287  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     455,386       138,548       134,717       —          728,651  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (713,244     (127,897     (4,742,793     —          (5,583,934
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020

     1,959,717       623,103       606,801       —          3,189,621  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-64


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Naranja    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     2,754,583       958,629       6,379,153       —          10,092,365  

Inflation effect

     (1,139,035     (319,282     (1,896,750     —          (3,355,067

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (72,171     72,171       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (145,729     —         145,729       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     —         (155,018     155,018       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     173,949       (173,949     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     108,373       —         (108,373     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         13,578       (13,578     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     2,549,927       199,345       168,275       —          2,917,547  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     265,208       66,142       186,064       —          517,414  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     —         —         —         —          —    

Foreign exchange and other movements

     773,817       124,733       391,352       —          1,289,902  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (1,561,281     (197,194     (3,558,405     —          (5,316,880
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020

     3,707,641       589,155       1,848,485       —          6,145,281  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     5,446,096       4,853,535       5,360,348       —          15,659,979  

Inflation effect

     (2,638,825     (2,033,094     (2,699,649     —          (7,371,568

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (737,405     737,405       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (76,120     —         76,120       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     629,942       (629,942     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (454,456     454,456       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     28,855       —         (28,855     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         47,182       (47,182     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     1,327,881       774,816       3,411,401       —          5,514,098  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     1,186,973       (329,590     49,940       —          907,323  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (235,416     1,000,727       265,557       —          1,030,868  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     1,147,613       116,244       1,016,936       —          2,280,793  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (565,569     (1,528,233     (1,628,627     —          (3,722,429
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     5,514,025       2,554,594       6,230,445       —          14,299,064  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Like Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     559,063       586,665       2,470,639       —          3,616,367  

Inflation effect

     (297,080     (247,408     (1,587,345     —          (2,131,833

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (33,806     33,806       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,955     —         1,955       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     23,109       (23,109     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (39,816     39,816       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     1,600       —         (1,600     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         12,684       (12,684     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     324,042       96,077       2,747,257       —          3,167,376  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     61,555       (13,733     137,977       —          185,799  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (66,337     49,762       377,340       —          360,765  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     156,997       34,393       839,392       —          1,030,782  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (246,725     (289,853     (1,589,379     —          (2,125,957
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     480,463       199,468       3,423,368       —          4,103,299  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-65


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Wholesale Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     1,101,084       162,022       1,398,416       —          2,661,522  

Inflation effect

     (644,265     (116,256     (1,698,724     —          (2,459,245

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (38,584     38,584       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (79     —         79       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     84,927       (84,927     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (1,398     1,398       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     3       —         (3     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         56,497       (56,497     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     524,555       127,939       287,888       —          940,382  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     (151,260     9,780       5,051,844       —          4,910,364  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (22,269     155,158       16,239       —          149,128  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     291,778       63,427       1,445,286       —          1,800,491  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (466,889     (109,610     (329,497     —          (905,996
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     679,001       301,216       6,116,429       —          7,096,646  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Naranja    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     2,882,959       3,858,958       4,373,067       —          11,114,984  

Inflation effect

     (1,447,146     (1,502,938     (2,545,295     —          (5,495,379

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (69,501     69,501       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (146,043     —         146,043       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     926,454       (926,454     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (926,550     926,550       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     12,958       —         (12,958     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         3,767       (3,767     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     147,103       1,287,841       4,156,431       —          5,591,375  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     537,543       452,605       582,337       —          1,572,485  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (421,414     (944,633     (11,813     —          (1,377,860

Foreign exchange and other movements

     601,532       204,060       1,357,907       —          2,163,499  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs and other movements

     (269,862     (617,528     (2,589,349     —          (3,476,739
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     2,754,583       958,629       6,379,153       —          10,092,365  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     2,290,310       1,920,604       3,510,570       —          7,721,484  

Inflation effect

     (739,086     (619,787     (1,132,871     —          (2,491,744

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (76,341     76,341       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (27,194     —         27,194       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     129,152       (129,152     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     1,424,772       2,882,551       3,384,236       —          7,691,559  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     2,800,850       1,974,132       3,925,774       —          8,700,756  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     97,818       55,599       (20,473     —          132,944  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (85,466     85,466       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         60,031       (60,031     —          —    

Write-offs and other movements

     (454,185     (1,281,318     (4,359,517     —          (6,095,020
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     5,446,096       4,853,535       5,360,348       —          15,659,979  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-66


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Like Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     464,424       266,037       1,291,276       —          2,021,737  

Inflation effect

     (149,871     (85,853     (416,696     —          (652,420

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (8,191     8,191       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,556     —         1,556       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     20,053       (20,053     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     379,522       410,461       1,817,884       —          2,607,867  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     252,137       186,400       1,099,662       —          1,538,199  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     35,695       34,068       184,701       —          254,464  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (6,147     6,147       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         6,587       (6,587     —          —    

Write-offs and other movements

     (433,150     (213,026     (1,507,304     —          (2,153,480
           

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     559,063       586,665       2,470,639       —          3,616,367  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Wholesale Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     443,517       94,680       1,033,797       —          1,571,994  

Inflation effect

     (143,127     (30,550     (333,605     —          (507,282

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (3,920     3,920       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (375     —         375       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     5,858       (5,858     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     834,593       90,364       —         —          924,957  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     309,539       82,253       160,037       —          551,829  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     (14,289     20,924       524,932       —          531,567  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (12,880     12,880       —          —    

Write-offs and other movements

     (330,712     (80,831     —         —          (411,543
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     1,101,084       162,022       1,398,416       —          2,661,522  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Naranja    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     1,893,842       2,660,280       3,566,912       —          8,121,034  

Inflation effect

     (611,149     (858,476     (1,151,051     —          (2,620,676

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (232,792     232,792       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (84,391     —         84,391       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     451,410       (451,410     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     1,077,725       1,539,491       1,086,139       —          3,703,355  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     748,465       2,540,874       4,918,665       —          8,208,004  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     (269,272     (439,982     —         —          (709,254

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (587,160     587,160       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     20,239       —         (20,239     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         22,840       (22,840     —          —    

Write-offs and other movements

     (111,118     (800,291     (4,676,070     —          (5,587,479
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     2,882,959       3,858,958       4,373,067       —          11,114,984  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table further explains changes in the gross carrying amount of specific segment portfolio to help explain their significance to the changes in the loss allowance:

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     109,088,241       43,711,621       7,919,820       —          160,719,682  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (13,927,874     13,927,874       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,547,026     —         1,547,026       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to stage 1

     9,476,779       (9,476,779     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (1,510,981     1,510,981       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         559,745       (559,745     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     290,100       —         (290,100     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (11,928,884     (3,444,031     (3,940,595     —          (19,313,510

New financial assets originated or purchased

     29,264,738       8,648,366       2,189,870       —          40,102,974  

FX and other movements

     25,161,879       9,429,822       935,254       —          35,526,955  

Inflation Effect

     (28,959,131     (11,603,914     (2,102,436     —          (42,665,481
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2020

     116,918,822       50,241,723       7,210,075       —          174,370,620  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail like Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     46,764,260       7,028,411       4,508,535       —          58,301,206  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (3,290,768     3,290,768       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (132,027     —         132,027       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     1,697,439       (1,697,439     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (110,371     110,371       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         142,658       (142,658     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     32,005       —         (32,005     —       

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (17,132,751     (1,255,604     (2,968,605     —          (21,356,960

New financial assets originated or purchased

     76,897,926       4,573,084       1,465,317       —          82,936,327  

FX and other movements

     13,347,534       2,851,237       512,835       —          16,711,606  

Inflation Effect

     (12,414,283     (1,865,798     (1,196,859     —          (15,476,940
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2020

     105,769,335       12,956,946       2,388,958       —          121,115,239  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Wholesale Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     280,598,191       8,256,549       6,638,965       —          295,493,705  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (6,918,520     6,918,520       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     —         —         —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     471,842       (471,842     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (132,221     132,221       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         —         —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     —         —         —         —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (102,627,396     (2,758,287     (325,587     —          (105,711,270

New financial assets originated or purchased

     218,915,986       4,227,395       81,296       —          223,224,677  

FX and other movements

     (52,209,009     (289,643     (3,968,340     —          (56,466,992

Inflation Effect

     (74,489,053     (2,191,826     (1,762,417     —          (78,443,296
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2020

     263,742,041       13,558,645       796,138       —          278,096,824  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-68


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Naranja    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     64,077,108       3,453,393       8,242,112       —          75,772,613  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (1,125,451     1,125,451       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,376,997     —         1,376,997       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     —         (505,324     505,324       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     869,079       (869,079     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         23,171       (23,171     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     183,698       —         (183,698     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (2,811,379     (942,188     (5,698,219     —          (9,451,786

New financial assets originated or purchased

     46,738,397       1,058,663       273,158       —          48,070,218  

FX and other movements

     (440,215     38,646       92,235       —          (309,334

Inflation Effect

     (16,893,380     (927,015     (2,212,479     —          (20,032,874
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2020

     89,220,860       2,455,718       2,372,259       —          94,048,837  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     172,450,615       29,108,855       7,080,891       —          208,640,361  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (37,581,890     37,581,890       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (2,165,255     —         2,165,255       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     13,388,560       (13,388,560     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (1,915,261     1,915,261       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         74,220       (74,220     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     49,640       —         (49,640     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (20,427,940     (5,018,864     (4,264,363     —          (29,711,167

New financial assets originated or purchased

     26,894,580       9,264,446       4,491,277       —          40,650,303  

FX and other movements

     16,827,627       (1,808,697     (866,741     —          14,152,189  

Inflation Effect

     (60,347,696     (10,186,408     (2,477,900     —          (73,012,004
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     109,088,241       43,711,621       7,919,820       —          160,719,682  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Retail like Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     63,122,213       8,709,371       3,764,864       —          75,596,448  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (4,996,285     4,996,285       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (245,369     —         245,369       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     828,828       (828,828     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (406,583     406,583       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         26,100       (26,100     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     7,576       —         (7,576     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (20,470,141     (4,219,661     (2,287,429     —          (26,977,231

New financial assets originated or purchased

     28,523,815       2,004,755       3,724,145       —          34,252,715  

FX and other movements

     2,082,732       (205,253     6,163       —          1,883,642  

Inflation Effect

     (22,089,109     (3,047,775     (1,317,484     —          (26,454,368
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     46,764,260       7,028,411       4,508,535       —          58,301,206  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Wholesale Portfolio    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     279,116,409       12,748,427       5,279,483       —          297,144,319  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (8,442,902     8,442,902       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (8,821     —         8,821       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     2,469,057       (2,469,057     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (28,659     28,659       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         123,716       (123,716     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     972       —         (972     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (127,647,061     (6,101,582     (161,928     —          (133,910,571

New financial assets originated or purchased

     225,010,476       4,050,575       430,415       —          229,491,466  

FX and other movements

     4,728,212       (4,048,564     3,025,715       —          3,705,363  

Inflation Effect

     (94,628,151     (4,461,209     (1,847,512     —          (100,936,872
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     280,598,191       8,256,549       6,638,965       —          295,493,705  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
Naranja    12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     81,852,887       13,847,683       7,931,114       —          103,631,684  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (1,511,927     1,511,927       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (2,532,826     —         2,532,826       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     3,537,875       (3,537,875     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (3,074,964     3,074,964       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         7,711       (7,711     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     26,448       —         (26,448     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (2,185,596     (1,586,931     (3,469,725     —          (7,242,252

New financial assets originated or purchased

     14,124,048       1,344,667       1,174,583       —          16,643,298  

FX and other movements

     (590,047     (212,942     (192,062     —          (995,051

Inflation Effect

     (28,643,754     (4,845,883     (2,775,429     —          (36,265,066
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     64,077,108       3,453,393       8,242,112       —          75,772,613  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Use of information

Grupo Financiero Galicia, according to IFRS 9 standards, uses all information available, past, present and future to identify and estimate expected credit loss.

Operational Risk

The operational risk management is understood as the identification, assessment, monitoring, control and mitigation of this risk. It is an ongoing process carried out throughout the Group, which fosters a risk management culture at all organization levels through an effective policy and a program led by Senior Management.

Identification

The starting point of the operational risk management is the identification of risks and their association with the controls established to mitigate them, considering internal and external factors that may affect the process development. The results of this exercise are entered into a log of risks, which acts as a central repository of the nature and status of each risk and controls thereof.

Assessment

Once risks have been identified, the size in terms of impact, frequency and likelihood of risk occurrence is determined, considering the existing controls. The combination of impact with likelihood of occurrence determines the risk exposure level. Finally, the estimated risk levels are compared to pre-established criteria, considering the balance of potential benefits and adverse results.

Monitoring

The monitoring process allows detecting and correcting the possible deficiencies in operational risk management policies, processes and procedures and their update.

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Risk Control and Mitigation

The control process ensures compliance with internal policies and analyzes risks and responses to avoid, accept, mitigate or share them, by aligning them with the risk tolerance defined.

IT Risk

The Group manages the IT risk inherent to its products, activities and business processes. It also manages the risk associated with the material information systems, technology and information security processes. It also covers the risks derived from subcontracted activities and from services rendered by providers.

Reputational Risk

The reputational risk may result from the materialization of other risks: Legal, Compliance, Operational, Technological, Strategic, Market, Liquidity, Credit, etc.

The groups of interest are at the core of management, being considered upon establishing any type of mitigation measure.

Banco Galicia’s reputational risk management function was allocated to the Compliance Management Division, seeking to obtain a more comprehensive vision and be able to make immediate decisions that protect the entity’s image and reputation by using tools that enable to monitor and follow up to the perception of different groups of interest.

Banco Galicia defined an internal policy to reduce the occurrence of reputational events with negative impact, by defining a governance model with roles and responsibilities, and identifying critical scenarios that require management and visibility.

Contacts have been established with key business areas, devising a work scheme based on synergy and ongoing communication in order to spread the risk culture across the organization.

The Reputational Crisis Committee is in charge of becoming aware of the events that may affect the Bank’s reputation. In the face of an event of such characteristics, all the necessary information is gathered in the shortest time possible in order to be able to make assertive decisions, formally declare the crisis situation, if appropriate, and define the action plan to alleviate the crisis. In addition, such committee determines the communication strategy to be followed, considering the groups of interest involved. Finally, the strategy and related actions are followed to tackle the crisis.

Strategic Risk

Strategic risk is that which arises from an inappropriate business strategy or an adverse change in forecasts, parameters, goals and other functions that support such strategy.

It represents the possibility of fluctuations in placements that prevent Banco Galicia or its subsidiaries from obtaining the expected results of operations. These potential affected results of operations would give rise to lower income or higher costs regardless of what was budgeted.

Money Laundering Risk

As regards the control and prevention of asset laundering and funding of terrorist activities, Banco Galicia complies with the regulations set forth by the Argentine Central Bank, the Financial Information Unit and Law No. 25246, as amended, which creates the Financial Information Unit (UIF), within the purview of Argentina’s Ministry of Treasury and Public Finance with functional autarchy. The Financial Information Unit is in charge of analyzing, addressing and reporting the information received, in order to prevent and avoid both asset laundering and funding of terrorist activities.

The Bank has promoted the implementation of measures designed to fight against the use of the international financial system by criminal organizations. For such purposes, Banco Galicia has control policies, procedures and structures that are applied using a “risk-based approach”, which allow for the monitoring of transactions, pursuant to the “customer profile” (defined individually based on the information and documentation related to the economic and financial condition of the customer), in order to detect such transactions that should be considered unusual, and to report them to the UIF in applicable cases. The Anti-Money Laundering Management Division (“PLA”, as per its initials in Spanish) is in charge of managing this activity, through the implementation of control and prevention procedures as well as the communication thereof to the rest of the organization by drafting the related handbooks and training all employees. In addition, the management of this risk is regularly reviewed by Internal Audit.

The Bank has appointed a director as Compliance Officer, pursuant to Resolution 121/11, as amended, handed down by the UIF, who shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with and implementation of the proceedings and obligations on the issue.

The Bank contributes to the prevention and mitigation of risks from these transaction-related criminal behaviors, by being involved in the international regulatory standards adoption process.

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Cybersecurity Risk

The use of technologies in place facilitates us a significant number of tools that expedite and improve the Bank’s processes, having a positive impact on our products and services. However, along with the above-mentioned benefits, risks and/or threats related to these new opportunities provided by digital technologies appear.

The cybersecurity-related risk is a matter inherent to the introduction of these new technologies. On one hand, such risk management stands out among Banco Galicia’s main goals, and, on the other, all the personnel’s as well as customers’ awareness of the considerations as regards the use of the above-mentioned technologies. In this respect, it is vital for the organization to understand thoroughly its internal processes, the tools used and the available techniques to mitigate cybersecurity-related risks.

NOTE 46. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

 

a) Tax Issues

At the date of these consolidated financial statements, provincial tax collection authorities, as well as tax collection authorities from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, are in the process (in different degrees of completion) of conducting reviews and assessments mainly in respect of matters resulting from applying turnover tax.

These proceedings and their possible effects are constantly being monitored. Even though it is considered that it has complied with its tax liabilities in full pursuant to current regulations, the provisions deemed adequate pursuant to the evolution of each proceeding have been set up.

b) Consumer Protection Associations

Consumer Protection Associations, on behalf of consumers, have filed claims against Banco Galicia regarding the collection of certain financial charges.

The Group believes that the resolution of these controversies will not have a significant impact on its financial condition.

c) Penalties Imposed on Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and Summary Proceedings Commenced by the Argentine Central Bank

The penalties imposed and the summary proceedings commenced by the Argentine Central Bank are detailed in Note 52.

The provisions for contingencies recorded are as follows:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Other Contingencies

     3,708,589        3,672,138  

For Commercial Lawsuits/Legal matters

     2,758,425        2,862,007  

For Labor Lawsuits

     268,689        230,095  

For Claims and Credit Cards

     1,097        1,493  

For Guarantees Granted

     1,142        1,555  

For Other Contingencies

     458,412        343,701  

For Termination Benefits

     220,824        233,287  

Difference for Dollarization of Judicial Deposits—Communication “A” 4686

     62,402        60,372  

Administrative, Disciplinary and Criminal Penalties

     5,306        7,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3,776,297        3,739,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 47. OFFSETTING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the statement of financial position where the Group currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

The disclosures in the following tables include financial assets and liabilities that:

 

 

are offset in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position; or

 

 

are subject to a netting agreement or similar agreement that covers similar financial instruments, regardless of whether they are offset in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Financial instruments such as loans and deposits are not disclosed in the following tables since they are not offset in the consolidated statement of financial position.

The financial instruments subject to offsetting, master netting agreements and similar agreements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Offsetting effects on Statement of
Financial Position
     Related amounts not
offset
 

12.31.20

   Gross
Amount
     Offset
Amount
     Net
amounts in
Statement
Financial
Position
     Subject to
netting
agreements
    Total Net
Amount
 

Financial Assets

             

Derivate Instruments

     27,671        —          27,671        (25,086     2,585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     27,671        —          27,671        (25,086     2,585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

             

Derivate Instruments

     31,493        —          31,493        (25,086     6,407  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     31,493        —          31,493        (25,086     6,407  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Offsetting effects on Statement of
Financial Position
     Related amounts not
offset
 

12.31.19

   Gross
Amount
     Offset
Amount
     Net
amounts in
Statement
Financial
Position
     Subject to
netting
agreements
    Total Net
Amount
 

Financial Assets

             

Derivate Instruments

     116,438        —          116,438        (99,124     17,314  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     116,438        —          116,438        (99,124     17,314  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

             

Derivate Instruments

     170,930        —          170,930        (99,124     71,806  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     170,930        —          170,930        (99,124     71,806  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 48. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ITEMS

 

In the normal course of business and in order to meet customers’ financing needs, off-balance sheet transactions are performed. These instruments expose the Group to the credit risk, in addition to loans recognized in assets. These financial instruments include credit lending commitments, letters of credit reserve, guarantees granted and acceptances.

The same credit policies for agreed credits, guarantees and loan granting are used. Outstanding commitments and guarantees do not represent an unusually high credit risk.

Agreed Credits

They are commitments to grant loans to a customer in a future date, subject to compliance with certain contractual agreements that usually have fixed maturity dates or other termination clauses and may require a fee payment.

Commitments are expected to expire without resorting to them. The total amounts of agreed commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer’s solvency is assessed case by case.

Guarantees Granted

The issuing bank commits to reimbursing the loss to the beneficiary if the secured debtor does not comply with its obligation upon maturity.

Export and Import Documentary Credits

They are conditional commitments issued by the Group to secure a customer’s compliance towards a third party.

Responsibilities for Foreign Trade Transactions

They are conditional commitments for foreign trade transactions.

Our exposure to credit loss upon the other party’s default in the financial instrument is represented by the contractual notional amount of the same investments.

The credit exposure for these transactions is detailed below.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Agreed Credits

     33,133,907        27,162,163  

Documentary Export and Import Credits

     2,483,005        3,534,722  

Guarantees Granted

     12,658,942        21,963,779  

Liabilities for Foreign Trade Operations

     916,751        2,317,141  

The fees and commissions related to the items mentioned above as of the indicated dates were as follows:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

For Agreed Credits

     19,432        141,340  

For Documentary Export and Import Credits

     104,595        123,828  

For Guarantees Granted

     72,070        327,608  

The credit risk of these instruments is essentially the same as that involved in lending credit facilities to customers.

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

To grant guarantees to our customers, we may require counter-guarantees, which, classified by type, amount to:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Other Preferred Guarantees Received

     65,887        1,265,645  

Other Guarantees Received

     285,247        713,086  

Additionally, checks to be debited and credited, as well as other elements in the collection process, such as, notes, invoices and miscellaneous items, are recorded in memorandum accounts until the related instrument is approved or accepted.

The risk of loss in these offsetting transactions is not significant.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Values to be Debited

     7,001,365        7,311,215  

Values to be Credited

     10,518,835        9,197,463  

Values for Collection

     85,197,420        52,424,444  

The Group acts as trustee by virtue of trust agreements to secure obligations derived from several agreements between parties. The amounts of trust funds and securities held in custody as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Trust Funds

     8,780,506        9,480,177  

Securities Held in Escrow

     804,332,490        633,438,634  

These trusts are not included in the consolidation since the Group does not exert control on them.

NOTE 49. TRANSFER OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

All portfolio sales carried out by the Group are without recourse; therefore, they all qualify for the full derecognition of financial assets.

When this derecognition takes place, the difference between the book value and the value in the offsetting entry is charged to Income.

NOTE 50. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

 

The following tables provide information about each subsidiary that has a non-controlling interest.

The non-controlling equity investment percentages and votes as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

Company

  

Place of Business

   12.31.20     12.31.19  

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

   Códoba - Argentina      0.00     17.00

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

   CABA - Argentina      0.01     0.01

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

   CABA - Argentina      0.00     0.00

Galicia Seguros S.A.

   CABA - Argentina      0.00     0.00

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

   CABA - Argentina      0.00     17.00

Ondara S.A.

   CABA - Argentina      0.00     16.15

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Códoba - Argentina      0.00     17.00

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

   CABA - Argentina      0.00     17.00

Changes in the Group’s non-controlling interests as of the indicated dates were as follows:

 

Company

   Balance as
of

12.31.19
    Purchases /
Contributions
/ Sales
    Cash
Dividends
    Profit
Sharing in
income
(loss)

for the
Year
    Balance as
of

12.31.20
 

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     (26,636     —         —         (49,983     (76,619

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

     4       —         —         (1     3  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

     4       —         —         (4     —    

Galicia Seguros S.A.

     5       —         —         (5     —    

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     (20,522     —         —         (50,273     (70,795

Ondara S.A.

     11,382       —         —         (879     10,503  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     3,439,901       —         —         514,371       3,954,272  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     534,426       (4,135,824     (143,844     (72,119     (3,817,361
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,938,564       (4,135,824     (143,844     341,107       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-74


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Company

   Balance as
of

12.31.18
     Purchases /
Contributions
/ Sales
     Cash
Dividends
     Profit
Sharing in
income
(loss)

for the
Year
    Balance as
of

12.31.19
 

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     24,327        —          —          (50,963     (26,636

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

     4        —          —          —         4  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

     4        —          —          —         4  

Galicia Seguros S.A.

     5        —          —          —         5  

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     —          —          —          (20,522     (20,522

Ondara S.A.

     12,660        —          —          (1,278     11,382  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     3,121,583        —          —          318,318       3,439,901  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     448,887        179,986        —          (94,447     534,426  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,607,470        179,986        —          151,108       3,938,564  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Company

   Balance as
of

12.31.17
     Purchases /
Contributions
/ Sales
    Cash
Dividends
    Profit
Sharing in
income
(loss)

for the
Year
    Balance as
of

12.31.18
 

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     27,814        —         —         (3,487     24,327  

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

     4        —         —         —         4  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

     4        —         —         —         4  

Galicia Seguros S.A.

     5        —         —         —         5  

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     —          —         —         —         —    

Ondara S.A.

     14,815        —         109       (2,264     12,660  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     5,688,995        (1,613,587     (287,822     (666,003     3,121,583  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     453,788        —         85,004       (89,905     448,887  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     6,185,425        (1,613,587     (202,709     (761,659     3,607,470  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Summary information on subsidiaries is detailed in Note 15.

NOTE 51. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Related parties are all those entities that directly, or indirectly through other entities, have control over another, are under the same controlling party or may have significant influence on another entity’s financial or operational decisions.

The Group controls another entity when it has the power over other entities’ financial and operating decisions and also has a share of profits thereof.

Additionally, the Group considers that it has joint control when there is an agreement between parties regarding the control of a common economic activity.

Finally, those cases where the Group has significant influence is due to the capacity to take part in decisions about the company’s financial policy and operations. Those shareholders who hold an equity investment equal to or higher than 20% of the total votes of the Group or its subsidiaries are considered to have significant influence. To determine those situations, not only the legal aspects are observed, but also the nature and substance of the relationship.

Furthermore, the key personnel of the Group’s Management (Board of Directors members and Managers of the Group and its subsidiaries), as well as the entities over which the key personnel may have significant influence or control are considered as related parties.

 

51.1.

Controlling Entity

The Group is controlled by:

 

Name

  

Nature

  

Principal Line of Business

  

Place of Business

   Equity Investment %  

EBA Holding S.A.

   54.09% of voting rights    Financial and Investment Operations   

Autonomous City of

Buenos Aires – Argentina

     19.07

 

51.2.

Key Personnel’s Compensation

The compensation earned by the Group’s key personnel as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 amounts to Ps.1,307,741 and Ps.976,364 respectively.

 

51.3.

Key Personnel’s Structure

Key personnel’s structure as of the indicated dates is as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Regular Directors

     79        74  

General Manager

     2        2  

Area Managers

     13        10  

Department Managers

     46        67  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     140        153  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

51.4.

Related Party Transactions

The following table shows the total credit assistance granted by the Group to key personnel, syndics, majority shareholders, as well as all individuals who are related to them by a family relationship of up to the second degree of consanguinity or first degree by affinity (pursuant to the Argentine Central Bank’s definition of related individual) and any entity affiliated with any of these parties, not required to be consolidated.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Total Amount of Credit Assistance

     1,991,604        1,499,910  

Number of Addressees (quantities)

     269        283  

- Natural Persons

     208        229  

- Legal Entities

     61        54  

Average Amount of Credit Assistance

     7,404        5,300  

Maximum Assistance

     508,945        596,026  

Financial assistance, including the one that was restructured, was granted in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related parties. Besides, this financial assistance did not involve more than the normal risk of loan losses or present other unfavorable features.

The information about the credit assistance granted to affiliates based on the quality of receivables, their documentation and preferred guarantees is stated in Schedule N.

 

51.5.

Amounts of Related Party Transactions

The amounts of related party transactions conducted as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Assets

     

Cash and Due from Banks

     1,392,563        4,634,039  

Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     738,302        60,112  

Other Financial Assets

     1,659        10,390  

Loans and Other Financing

     3,354,891        2,693,645  

Other Debt Securities

     170,656        178,791  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     —          555  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

     547        —    

Other Non-financial Assets

     —          2,953  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     5,658,618        7,580,485  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Deposits

     1,707,028        5,587,455  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     849,064        748,351  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and other Financial Institutions

     2,153,464        916,266  

Debt Securities Issued

     908,958        238,903  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     23        5,457  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     40,081        84,053  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     5,658,618        7,580,485  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Income (Loss)

        

Net Income (Loss) from Interest

     226,467        490,269        58,588  

Net Fee Income (Expense)

     (1,085,741      (1,201,852      (71,981

Net Income from Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     (904      —          —    

Other Operating Income (Expense)

     (1,193,475      (1,576,194      (2,682,854

Income from Insurance Business

     2,005,616        2,389,538        2,632,514  

Administrative Expenses

     121,002        174,543        64,887  

Other Operating Expenses

     14,459        9,282        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Income

     87,424        285,586        1,154  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 52. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK

 

52.1. CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE SYSTEM

Law No. 24485 and Decree No. 540/95 established the creation of the Deposit Insurance System to cover the risk attached to bank deposits, in addition to the system of privileges and safeguards envisaged in the Financial Institutions Law.

The National Executive Branch through Decree No. 1127/98 established the maximum amount for this insurance system to demand deposits and time deposits denominated either in Pesos and/or in foreign currency. Such limit was set at Ps.1,500 as from May 1, 2020.

This system does not cover deposits made by other financial institutions (including time deposit certificates acquired through a secondary transaction), deposits made by parties related to the Bank, either directly or indirectly, deposits of securities, acceptances or guarantees and those deposits set up at an interest rate exceeding the one established regularly by the Argentine Central Bank.

Deposits acquired through endorsement, placements made as a result of incentives other than interest rates and locked-up balances from deposits and other excluded transactions are also excluded. This system has been implemented through the creation of the Deposit Insurance Fund (“FGD”), which is managed by a company called Seguros de Depósitos S.A. (“SEDESA”). SEDESA’s shareholders are the Argentine Central Bank and the financial institutions in the proportion determined for each one by the Argentine Central Bank based on the contributions made to the fund.

The monthly contribution institutions should make to the FGD is 0.015% on the monthly average of total deposits.

52.2. RESTRICTED ASSETS

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the ability to freely dispose of the following assets is restricted, as follows:

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

 

a)

Cash and Government Securities

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

For transactions in ROFEX, MAE and BYMA

     3,905,372        1,782,587  

For debit / credit cards transactions

     3,020,109        3,083,168  

For attachments

     9,410        12,811  

Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agent

     64,020        14,641  

For contribution to M.A.E.’ s Joint Guarantee Fund (Fondo de Garantía Mancomunada)

     1,100        122,322  

Guarantees for the Regional Economies Competitiveness Program

     184,744        444,927  

For other transactions (includes guarantees linked to rental contracts)

     19,802        20,313  

 

b)

Special Guarantees Accounts

Special guarantee accounts have been opened at the Argentine Central Bank as collateral for transactions involving electronic clearing houses, checks for settling debts and other similar transactions as of the indicated dates, which amount to:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Escrow Accounts

     11,444,550        10,245,260  

 

c)

Deposits in favor of the Argentine Central Bank

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Unavailable deposits due to exchange transactions

     533        726  

 

d)

Equity Investments

The account “Equity Investments” includes 1,222,406 non-transferable non-endorsable registered ordinary shares in Electrigal S.A., the transfer of which is subject to approval by the national authorities, according to the terms of the previously executed concession contract.

 

e)

Contributions to Garantizar S.G.R.’s Risk Fund

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., in its capacity as sponsoring partner of Garantizar S.G.R.’s Risk Fund, is committed to maintaining the contributions made to the fund for two (2) years.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Contributions to the Fund

     990,000        1,347,792  

INVIU S.A.U.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agents

     18,469        22,753  

Guarantees linked to surety bonds

     7,417        —    

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Attachments arising from judicial cases

     973        3,188  

Guarantees linked to rental contracts

     7,076        9,209  

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as collective investment products administration agents of mutual funds, as required by CNV(*)

     13,903        13,803  

 

(*) 

As of December 31, 2020, it corresponds to 1,620,000 shares of Fima Premium Class “B” Mutual Fund.

Galicia Securities S.A.

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

For transactions in the market

     48,015        —    

Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agents

     11,270        —    

Guarantees linked to surety bonds

     1,129        —    

The total amount of restricted assets for the reasons stated above in the aforementioned controlled companies, as of the indicated dates, is as follows:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Total Restricted Assets

     19,747,892        17,123,500  

52.3. TRUST ACTIVITIES

 

a)

Trust Contracts for Purposes of Guaranteeing Compliance with Obligations:

Purpose: In order to guarantee compliance with contractual obligations, the parties to these agreements have agreed to deliver to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., as fiduciary property, amounts to be applied according to the following breakdown:

 

Date of Contract

  

Trustor

   Balances of Trust
Funds
     Maturity (1)  

04.17.12

   Exxon Mobil      13,540        04.19.21  

09.12.14

   Coop. de Trab. Portuarios      1,009        09.12.22  

04.14.16

   Rios Belt      121        12.31.21  

05.24.17

   MSU      33        12.31.21  
     

 

 

    

Total

        14,703     
     

 

 

    

 

(1)

These amounts shall be released monthly until settlement date of trustor obligations or maturity date, whichever occurs first.

 

b)

Financial Trust Contracts:

Purpose: To administer and exercise the fiduciary ownership of the trust assets until the redemption of debt securities and participation certificates:

 

Contract date

  

Trust

   Balances of Trust Funds      Maturity(*)  

12.06.06

   GAS I      133,278        12.31.21  

05.14.09

   GAS II      8,614,193        12.31.22  

06.08.11

   MILA III      17,118        12.31.21  

01.09.11

   MILA IV      295        12.31.21  

06.12.17

   MILA XVIII      919        01.31.24  
     

 

 

    

Total

        8,765,803     
     

 

 

    

 

(*)

Estimated date, since maturity date shall occur at the time of the distribution of all of trust assets.

 

c)

Activities as Security Agent:

 

c.1)

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. has been appointed Security Agent of the National Treasury’s endorsement guarantees in favor of ENARSA (Energía Argentina S.A.) that were assigned in favor of Nación Fideicomisos S.A. in its capacity as Trustee of the “ENARSA-BARRAGAN” and “ENARSA-BRIGADIER LOPEZ” financial trusts.

Said endorsement guarantees the secure payment of all obligations arising from the above-mentioned trusts.

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., as Security Agent, safeguarded the documentation of the National Treasury sureties and was responsible for managing all the legal and notarial aspects in relation to their execution. When the obligation was extinguished, sureties were returned to BICE Fideicomisos S.A. on October 22, 2019; at the closing of said year, the repayment of the expense fund was pending. Said expenses amounted to Ps. 555 as of December 31, 2019.

All the transactions detailed above are recorded in off-balance sheet items—trust funds.

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

d)

Creation Up of Financial Trusts

As December 31, 2019, the Group records in its own portfolio, participation certificates and Debt Securities from financial trusts amounting to Ps.474,161, valued at amortized cost.

52.4. COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS

52.4.1. Agents – Minimum Liquidity requirement

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

Within the framework of CNV Resolution No. 622/13, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. has been duly registered with such agency in the following categories: Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products in the Financial Trustors’ Registry No. 54, and Settlement and Integral Compensation Agent No. 22 (AlyC and AN—INTEGRAL).

As of December 31, 2020, for the Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products in the Financial Trustors’ Registry, the required Shareholders’ Equity amounts to Ps.61,104, and the minimum required offsetting entry is Ps.30,552.

For AlyC and AN—INTEGRAL, said requirement amounts to Ps. 30,253, with the minimum offsetting entry required of Ps. 15,126, which the Bank integrated with Treasury Bills in Argentine pesos for Ps. 64,020, registered in escrow accounts of Caja de Valores (Principal 100100).

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

In accordance with the requirements set forth in CNV Resolution No. 792, the minimum Shareholders’ Equity required to operate as Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products, Mutual Funds amounts to Ps.27,658 and the minimum offsetting entry amounts to Ps.13,829. Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. integrated said requirement with 1,620,000 shares of Fondo Fima Premium Class “C”, equivalent to Ps.13,903.

Galicia Securities S.A.

In accordance with the requirements set forth in General Resolution No. 622, the ALyC and AN Integral must have a minimum Shareholders’ Equity equivalent to 470,350 Units of Purchasing Value (UVA), with said requirement amounting to Ps.30,253 as of December 31, 2020, and the minimum offsetting entry required is Ps.15,126. For Placement and Distribution Agents of Mutual Funds, said requirement amounts to Ps.2,500, and the minimum required liquid offsetting entry is Ps.1,250.

As of December 31, 2020 , Galicia Securities S.A. integrated said requirements in government securities for an amount of Ps.12,270 and a bank guarantee for Ps. 6,171.

INVIU S.A.U.

In accordance with the requirements set forth in General Resolution No. 622, the ALyC and AN Integral must have a minimum Shareholders’ Equity equivalent to 470,350 Units of Purchasing Value (UVA), with said requirement amounting to Ps.30,253 as of December 31, 2020, and the minimum offsetting entry required is Ps.15,126.

As of December 31, 2020, INVIU S.A.U. integrated said requirements in a demand account for an amount of thousand USD220.

52.4.2. Custodial Agent of Collective Investment Products Corresponding to Mutual Funds

Furthermore, in compliance with Section 7 of Chapter II, Title V of that Resolution, in its capacity as custodial agent of collective investment products corresponding to mutual funds (depository) of the “FIMA ACCIONES”, “FIMA P.B. ACCIONES”, “FIMA RENTA EN PESOS”, “FIMA AHORRO PESOS”, “FIMA RENTA PLUS”, “FIMA PREMIUM”, “FIMA AHORRO PLUS”, “FIMA CAPITAL PLUS”, “FIMA ABIERTO PYMES”, “FIMA MIX I”, “FIMA RENTA DÓLARES I” and “FIMA RENTA DOLARES II” funds, as of December 31, 2020, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. holds a total of 22,081,526,592 units under custody for a market value of Ps.192,415,131, which is included in the “Depositors of Securities Held in Custody” account. As the closing of previous fiscal year, the securities held in custody totaled 11,045,967,403 units and their market value amounted to Ps.109,892,525.

The balances of the Mutual Funds as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Mutual Fund

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

FIMA Acciones

     590,257        548,757  

FIMA P.B. Acciones

     633,036        941,220  

FIMA Renta en pesos

     1,098,300        319,338  

FIMA Ahorro pesos

     7,252,021        3,626,852  

FIMA Renta Plus

     739,739        200,953  

FIMA Premium

     148,692,964        93,646,912  

FIMA Ahorro Plus

     12,706,534        3,718,984  

FIMA Capital Plus

     16,650,938        154,164  

FIMA Abierto PyMES

     758,538        795,135  

FIMA Mix I

     2,047,362        77,755  

FIMA Renta Dólares I (*)

     —          2,259,686  

FIMA Renta Dólares II (*)

     —          739,938  

FIMA Renta Fija Internacional

     1,172,774        2,735,979  

FIMA Acciones Latinoamericanas Dólares(*)

     72,668        126,852  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     192,415,131        109,892,525  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Stated at the reference exchange rate of the U.S. Dollar set by the Argentine Central Bank. See Note 1.6.(b).

All the transactions detailed above are recorded in off-balance sheet items—securities held in custody.

The mutual funds detailed above have not been consolidated as the Group is not a controlling company thereof, since the depository role does not imply in this case:

 

   

power over the trust to run material activities;

 

   

exposure or right to variable returns;

 

   

capacity to have influence on the amount of returns to be received for the involvement.

52.4.3. Storage of Documents

Pursuant to General Resolution No. 629 of the CNV, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. notes that it has supporting documents regarding accounting and management transactions, which are stored at AdeA (C.U.I.T. No. 30-68233570-6), Plant III located at Ruta Provincial 36 km 31.5 No. 6471 (CP 1888) Bosques, Province of Buenos Aires, with legal domicile at Av. Juramento 1775, 4th. floor, (CP 1428), Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

52.5. COMPLIANCE WITH MINIMUM CASH REQUIREMENTS:

As of December 31, 2020, the balances recorded as computable items are as follows:

 

     Currency  

Item

   Ps.      USD      Euros(*)  

Checking Accounts held in Argentine Central Bank

     1,000        1,217,252        31  

Escrow Accounts held in Argentine Central Bank

     11,148,780        3,515        —    

National Treasury Bonds in Argentine Pesos computable for minimum cash

     18,343,599        —          —    

Liquidity Bills computable for minimum cash

     46,617,121        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total for integration Minimum Cash

     76,110,500        1,220,767        31  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Stated in thousands of USD.

52.6. PENALTIES IMPOSED ON BANCO DE GALICIA Y BUENOS AIRES S.A.U. AND SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS COMMENCED BY THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK

Penalties Imposed on Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. Existing as of December 31, 2020:

U.I.F.’s Summary Proceedings No. 68/09. Penalty notification date: February 25, 2010. Reason for the imposition of the penalty: Alleged omission to report suspicious activities, in possible infringement of Act No. 25246. As a consequence of the aforementioned summary proceedings, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., one of its directors and one of its officers were punished with a fine in the amount of Ps.4,483. Status of the proceedings: Division I of the Argentine Federal Court of Appeals in Administrative Matters partially revoked the penalties, releasing Eduardo A. Fanciulli from any liability and reducing the fines imposed. The UIF, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and Mr. Enrique M. Garda Olaciregui filed federal extraordinary appeals before Argentine Supreme Court (CSJN). Accounting treatment: a provision of Ps.5,306 is recorded as of December 31, 2020.

Summary Proceedings No. 1544. Penalty notification date: November 9, 2018. Reason for the imposition of the penalty: Alleged breach of the provisions set out in Argentine Central Bank’s Communiqué “A” 6242, SINAP 1—61. As a consequence of the aforementioned summary proceedings, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., three of its directors and certain relevant officers. Status of the proceedings: On November 26, 2018, a direct appeal to the penalty was filed before the National Court of Appeals for Federal Administrative Disputes of the Federal Capital, under the terms of Article 42 of Law No. 21,526, amended by Law No. 24,144; Room V was drawn to issue judgment. On February 26, 2020 said Room V decided to reject the direct appeal and confirm the penalties, which was notified on February 27. Against said resolution, on March 12, 2020, an extraordinary federal appeal was filed which is actually being treated by Room V.

 

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UIF Proceedings -Docket 867/13. Penalty Notification date: June 19, 2020. Reason of the Penalty: Alleged non-compliance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Anti-Money Laundering Law and alleged non-compliance with the provisions of UIF Resolution No. 121/11, especially with the provisions of Article 13 (subsections i and j, and section II); Article 14 (subsection h); Article 21 (subsection a); Article 23; and Article 24 (subsections d, e and h). These objections are related to the transactions monitoring system regarding prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, and required information allegedly missing. Amount applied and responsible persons receiving penalties: Penalties for global amounts of Ps.440 applied to the Bank and eight Directors. Status of the Case: On September 14, 2020, the direct appeal to the penalty was filed before the National Court of Appeals for Federal Administrative Disputes of the Federal Capital, under the terms of Article 25 of Law No. 25,246, amended by Law No. 24,144; Room III, where the proceeding is pending, was designated to issue judgment.

The Group considers that the resolution of these proceedings will not have significant impact on its equity.

52.7. ISSUANCE OF DEBT SECURITIES

The issuance of debt securities is detailed in Notes 27 and 28.

52.8. RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS

Pursuant to Section 70 of the General Corporations Law, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. should transfer 5% of the net income for the year to the Legal Reserve until 20% of the capital stock is reached, plus the balance of the Capital Adjustment account.

With respect to Banco Galicia, the Argentine Central Bank regulations require that 20% of the profits shown in the Income Statement at fiscal year-end, plus (or less), the adjustments made in previous fiscal years and, less, if any, the loss accumulated at previous fiscal year-end, be allocated to the legal reserve.

This proportion applies regardless of the ratio of the Legal Reserve fund to Capital Stock. Should the Legal Reserve be used to absorb losses, earnings shall be distributed only if the value of the Legal Reserve reaches 20% of the Capital Stock plus the Capital Adjustment.

The Argentine Central Bank sets rules for the conditions under which financial institutions can make distributions of profits. According to these rules, profits can be distributed as long as results of operations are positive after deducting not only the Reserves, which may be legally and statutory required, but also the following items from Retained Income: The difference between the carrying amount and the market value of public sector assets and/or debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank not valued at market price, the amounts capitalized for lawsuits related to deposits and any unrecorded adjustments required by the external auditors or the Argentine Central Bank.

Moreover, in order that a financial institution be able to distribute profits, such institution must comply with the capital adequacy rule, i.e. with the calculation of minimum capital requirements and the regulatory capital.

For these purposes, this shall be done by deducting from its assets and Retained Income all the items mentioned in the paragraph above. Moreover, in such calculation, a financial institution shall not be able to compute the temporary reductions that affect minimum capital requirements, computable regulatory capital or its capital adequacy.

Since January 2016, the Argentine Central Bank determined that banks shall meet an additional capital conservation buffer apart from the minimum capital requirement equal to 3.5% of risk-weighted assets. This shall be made up only of Tier 1 Common Capital, net of deductible items. Distribution of profits shall be restricted when the Bank’s computable regulatory capital level and structure is within the range of the capital conservation buffer.

The Argentine Central Bank provided that income distribution must have its authorization. In said authorization process, the SEFYC will consider, among other elements, the total impact of credit losses determined according to IFRS 9. Likewise, the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7181 where suspension of income distribution is set forth until June 30, 2021.

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on March 16, 2006 decided to set the maximum limit for the distribution of dividends at 25% of the realized and liquid profits of each fiscal year. This restriction shall remain in force as long as the company’s Shareholders’ Equity is below Ps.300,000.

Pursuant to the Price Supplement of the Class XXXVII Notes, Tarjeta Naranja S.A. has agreed not to distribute dividends that may exceed 50% of the company’s net income. This restriction also applies in the event of any excess over certain indebtedness ratios.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, profits resulting from the first-time application of IFRS may not be distributed; instead, such profits, if any, will be appropriated to a special reserve recorded under equity which might only be released for capitalization purposes, or otherwise to offset potential losses.

The Group may pay dividends to the extent that it has distributable retained earnings and distributable reserves calculated in accordance with the rules of the Argentine Central Bank. Therefore, retained earnings included in the consolidated financial statements may not be wholly distributable.

 

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The Argentine Central Bank, through Communications “A” 5541 and its amendments, established a convergence plan towards the adoption of IFRS as issued by the IASB, and the interpretations issued by the IFRIC, for the entities under its supervision, effective for fiscal years commencing January 1, 2018, with certain exceptions currently including the non-application of item 5.5 (Impairment) of IFRS 9 to the financial instruments issued by the Non-Financial Public Sector.

Additionally, the Superintendence of Financial Institutions has established that the measurement of the investment in Prisma Medios de Pago SA, which is recognized at fair value through profit and loss under IFRS cannot exceed the proportional amount received in cash at the time of its sale.

The Group has presented its local financial statements under these rules on March 9, 2021.

Shareholders’ equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank comprise the following captions:

 

     12.31.20  

Share Capital

     1,474,692  

Additional paid in Capital

     17,281,187  

Adjustments to shareholders´ equity

     61,548,313  

Legal reserve

     714,107  

Distributable reserves

     116,312,804  

Non distributable reserves

     5,047,825  

Retained results

     (44,533,351

Profit for the year

     26,439,048  
  

 

 

 

Total Shareholder’s equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank

     184,284,625  
  

 

 

 

As exposed in the Statements of Changes in Equity, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. has followed the option established in Art. 3, Paragraph b), Chapter III of Title Periodic Information Regime of CNV Standards, which stipulates, subject to approval by the shareholders annual general meeting, the absorption of negative retained earnings that may arise on the date of transition as a consequence of the inflation adjustment.

Negative retained earnings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to thousand Ps. 18,094,303, so the Board of Directors will propose that they be absorbed, affecting for this purpose the Special Reserve arising from the first-time application of the IFRS and the remainder with the Optional Reserve for development of new businesses and support of investee companies.

Additionally, the Board of Directors will propose the distribution of cash dividends by an amount that, once adjusted according to inflation, in accordance with Art. 3, Paragraph e), Chapter III of Title Periodic Information Regime of CNV Standards, results in Ps. 1,500,000, through partial use of the Optional Reserve for Future Income Distribution.

52.9. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRANSPARENCY POLICY

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

Board of Directors

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.’s Board of Directors is the Company’s highest management body. It is made up of nine directors and three alternate directors, who must have the necessary knowledge and skills to clearly understand their responsibilities and duties within the corporate governance, and to act with the loyalty and diligence of a good businessman.

As set out in its bylaws, the term of office for both directors and alternate directors is three (3) years; they are partially changed every year and may be reelected indefinitely.

The Company complies with the appropriate standards regarding total number of directors, as well as the number of independent directors. Furthermore, its bylaws provide for the flexibility necessary to adapt the number of directors to the possible changes in the conditions in which the Company carries out its activities, from three (3) to nine (9) directors.

The Board of Directors complies, in every relevant respect, with the recommendations included in the Code on Corporate Governance as Schedule IV to Title IV of the regulations issued by the National Securities Commission (Text amended in 2013).

It also monitors the application of the corporate governance policies provided for by the regulations in force through the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee and the Committee for Information Integrity. Periodically, the Committees provide the Board of Directors with information, and the Board gets to know the decisions of each Committee. What is appropriate is transcribed in the minutes drafted at the Board of Directors’ meetings.

 

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Executive Committee

In July 2018, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.‘s Board of Directors approved the creation of the Executive Committee, along with its governing rules and regulations. It is made up of five directors, and the purpose of its creation is to contribute to the conduction of the Company’s ordinary business and the efficient performance of the Board of Directors’ duties.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee set by Capital Markets Law No. 26831 and the CNV’s regulations is formed by three directors, two of whom are independent, and meets the requirements set out in U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Such Committee’s mission is to provide the Board of Directors with assistance in overseeing the financial statements, as well as in the task of controlling Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries.

Committee for Information Integrity

The Committee for Information Integrity was created in compliance with the recommendations of U.S. Sarbanes Oxley Act, and is made up of the General Manager, the Administrative and Finance Manager and two supervisors of the Administrative and Finance Division.

Its most important duties are monitoring the Company’s internal controls, reviewing the financial statements and other information published, preparing Board of Directors’ reports with the activities carried out by the Committee. Its operation has been adapted to local laws and it currently performs important administrative and reporting duties, which are used by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee, contributing to the transparency of the information provided to markets.

Basic Holding Structure

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. is a company whose sole purpose is to conduct financial and investment activities as per Section 31 of the General Corporations Law. That is to say, it is a holding company whose activity involves managing its equity investments, assets and resources.

Within the group of companies in which the Company has an interest, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. stands out, which is its main asset and a wholly owned subsidiary. Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., as a bank institution, is subject to certain regulatory restrictions imposed by the Argentine Central Bank. Among such restrictions, there is one that limits the equity interest to a maximum of 12.5% of the capital stock in companies that do not perform activities qualified as supplementary.

Therefore, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. directly and indirectly holds those equity interests in companies that carry out activities defined as non-supplementary.

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. has a reduced structure due to its nature as holding company of a group of financial services. Accordingly, certain typical organizational aspects of large operating companies are not applicable thereto.

To conclude, one should note that Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. is under the control of a pure holding company, EBA Holding S.A., which has the number of votes necessary to hold the majority of votes at the Shareholders’ Meetings, although it does not have any managerial functions over the former.

Compensation Systems

Directors’ compensation is defined by the General Shareholders’ Meeting and is fixed within the limits established by law and the corporate bylaws.

The Audit Committee expresses its opinion on whether compensation proposals for Directors are reasonable, taking into consideration market standards.

Business Conduct Policy

The Company has consistently shown respect for the rights of its shareholders, reliability and accuracy in the information provided, transparency as to its policies and decisions, and caution with regard to the disclosure of strategic business issues.

Code of Ethics

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. has a Code of Ethics formally approved that guides its policies and activities. It considers business objectivity and conflict-of-interests related-aspects, and how the employee should act upon identifying a breach of the Code of Ethics.

 

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Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors is the Company’s highest management body. As of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements, it is made up of seven directors and four alternate directors, who have the necessary knowledge and skills to clearly understand their responsibilities and duties within the corporate governance, and act with the loyalty and diligence of a good businessman.

Banco Galicia complies with the appropriate standards regarding total number of directors, as well as number of independent directors. Furthermore, its bylaws provide for the flexibility necessary to adapt from three (3) to nine (9) directors to the possible changes in the conditions in which the Bank carries out its activities.

The General Shareholders’ Meeting has the power to establish the number of directors, both independent and non-independent ones, and appoint them. Out of the seven directors, one of them is independent. In addition, two of the alternate directors are independent. The independence concept is defined in the regulations set forth by the CNV and the Argentine Central Bank regulations.

As regards prevention of conflicts of interest, the provisions set forth in the General Corporations Law and the Capital Markets Law are applicable.

As set out in the bylaws, the term of office for both directors and alternate directors is three years; two thirds of them (or a fraction of at least three) are changed every year and may be reelected indefinitely.

The Board of Directors’ meeting is held at least once a week and when required by any director. The Board of Directors is responsible for the Bank’s general management and makes all the necessary decisions to such end. The Board of Directors’ members also take part, to a greater or lesser extent, in the commissions and committees created. Therefore, they are continuously informed about the Bank’s course of business and become aware of the decisions made by such bodies, which are transcribed into minutes.

Additionally, the Board of Directors receives a monthly report prepared by the General Manager, the purpose of which is to report the material issues and events addressed at the different meetings held between the General Manager and Senior Management. The Board of Directors becomes aware of such reports, as evidenced in the minutes.

In connection with directors’ training and development, the Bank has a program, which is reviewed every nine months, whereby they regularly attend courses and seminars of different kinds and subjects.

According to the activities carried out by the Bank, effective laws and corporate strategies, the following committees have been created to achieve an effective control over all activities performed by the Bank:

 

   

Risk and Capital Allocation Committee

It is in charge of approving and analyzing capital allocation, establishing risk policies and monitoring the Bank’s risk.

 

   

High Credit Committee

This committee’s function is to approve and sign credit ratings and grant transactions related to high-risk groups and customers, i.e., greater than 2.5% of the Bank’s individual Computable Regulatory Capital, loans to financial institutions (local or foreign) and related customers, in which case two thirds of the Board of Directors is required to participate.

 

   

Low Credit Committee

This committee’s function is to approve and sign the credit ratings and grant transactions related to medium-risk groups and customers, equal to amounts greater than 1% of the Bank’s individual Computable Regulatory Capital.

 

   

Asset and Liability Management Committee

It is in charge of analyzing the fundraising and its placement in different assets, the follow-up and control of liquidity, interest-rate and currency mismatches, and management thereof.

 

   

Information Technology Committee

This Committee is in charge of supervising and approving the development plans of new systems and their budgets, as well as supervising these systems’ budget control. It is also responsible for approving the general design of the systems’ structure, the main processes thereof and the systems implemented, as well as monitoring the quality of the Bank’s systems, within the policies established by the Board of Directors.

 

   

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is responsible for helping the Board of Directors, in performing the control function of the Bank and its controlled companies and the companies in which it owns a stake, in order to fairly ensure the following objectives:

 

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Effectiveness and efficiency of operations;

 

   

Reliability of the accounting information;

 

   

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and

 

   

Compliance with the goals and strategy set by the Board of Directors.

 

   

Committee for the Control and Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorist Activities (CPLA/FT, as per its initials in Spanish)

It is in charge of planning, coordinating and ensuring compliance with the policies on anti-money laundering and funding of terrorist activities set and approved by the Board of Directors.

 

   

Committee for Information Integrity

It is in charge of encouraging compliance with the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley (2002).

 

   

Human Resources and Governance Committee

It is in charge of presenting the succession of the General Manager and Division Managers, analyzing and establishing the General Manager’s and Division Managers’ compensation, and monitoring the performance matrix of Department and Division Managers.

 

   

Performance Reporting Committee

It is in charge of monitoring the performance and results of operations and evaluating the macro situation.

 

   

Liquidity Crisis Committee

It is in charge of evaluating the situation upon facing a liquidity crisis and deciding the steps to be implemented to tackle it.

 

   

Strategy and New Businesses Committee

It is in charge of analyzing new businesses.

 

   

Compliance Committee

It is in charge of instilling respect for Banco Galicia’s rules, code of conduct and ethics, and mitigating the risk of default, by defining policies and establishing controls and reports in the best interests of the Bank and its employees, shareholders and customers.

 

   

Committee for the Protection of Users of Financial Services

It is responsible for following up on the activities developed by Banco Galicia’s management involved in user protection internal processes to ensure adequate compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

The Bank considers the General Manager and Division Management reporting to the General Manager as Senior Management. These are detailed as follows:

 

 

Retail Banking Division

 

 

Wholesale Banking Division

 

 

Finance Division

 

 

Products and Tecnology

 

 

Organizational Development and Human Resources Division

 

 

Risk Management Division

 

 

Strategic Planning and Management Control Division

Senior Management’s main duties are as follows:

 

   

Ensure that the Bank’s activities are consistent with the business strategy, the policies approved by the Board of Directors and the risks to be assumed.

 

   

Implement the necessary policies, procedures, processes and controls to manage operations and risks cautiously, meet the strategic goals set by the Board of Directors and ensure that the latter receives material, full and timely information so that it may assess management and analyze whether the responsibilities assigned are effectively fulfilled.

 

   

Monitor the managers from different divisions, in line with the policies and procedures set by the Board of Directors and establish an effective internal control system.

 

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Basic Holding Structure

The Bank’s majority shareholder is Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., which has full control of its shares and votes. In turn, the Bank holds equity investments in supplementary companies as shareholders of the parent, as well as minority interests in companies whose controlling company is its own shareholders of the parent. From a business point of view, this structure allows the Bank to take advantage of significant synergies that guarantee the loyalty of its customers and additional businesses. All business relationships with these companies, whether permanent or occasional in nature, are fostered under the normal and usual market conditions and this is true when the Bank holds either a majority or minority interest. Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.‘s Board of Directors submits to the Shareholders’ Meeting’s vote which shall be the Company’s vote in its capacity as shareholders of the parent at the Bank’s Shareholders’ Meeting. The same method of transparency and information as to its controlled companies and the companies it owns a stake in is applied at the Bank’s Shareholders’ Meetings, which are always attended by directors and officers thereof and the Board of Directors always provides detailed information about the Company’s activities.

Business Conduct Policy and/or Code of Ethics

The Bank has a formally approved Code of Ethics that guides its policies and activities. It considers business objectivity and conflict of interest related aspects, and how the employee should act upon identifying a breach of the Code of Ethics, with the involvement of the Conduct Committee.

Information Related to Personnel Economic Incentive Practices

The Human Resources and Governance Committee, composed of two (2) Directors, the General Manager and the Organizational Development and Human Resources Division Manager, is in charge of establishing the compensation policy for Banco Galicia’s personnel.

It is the policy of Banco Galicia to manage the full compensation of its personnel based on the principles of fairness, meritocracy and justice, within the framework of the legal regulations in force.

The aim of this policy is to provide an objective and fair basis, through the design and implementation of tools for the management of the fixed and variable compensation paid to each employee, based on the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, individual performance with regard to compliance thereof, contribution to the Bank’s results and conformity to market values, with the purpose of:

 

   

Attracting and creating loyalty with regard to quality personnel suitable for the achievement of the business strategy and goals.

 

   

Being an individual motivation means.

 

   

Easing the decentralized management of compensation administration.

 

   

Allowing the effective budget control of personnel costs.

 

   

Guaranteeing the internal fairness in order to monitor and ensure both external and internal fairness with regard to the payment of fixed and variable compensation. The Compensation area uses and puts at the disposal of the Senior Management and the Human Resources Committee market surveys published by consulting firms specialized in compensation issues, pursuant to the market positioning policies defined by the management division for the different corporate levels.

With the purpose of gearing individuals towards the achievement of attainable results that contribute to the global performance of the Bank/Area, and to the increase in motivation for the common attainment of goals, differentiating individual contribution, Banco Galicia has different variable compensation systems:

 

1)

Business Incentives and/or Incentives through Commissions system for business areas.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2)

Annual Bonus System for management levels, officers and the rest of the employees who are not included in the business incentives system. The annual bonus is determined based on individual performance and the Bank’s results and is paid in the first quarter of the next fiscal year. To determine the variable compensation for the Senior Management and Middle Management, the Bank uses the Management Performance Assessment System. This system has been designed including both qualitative and quantitative KPI (Key Performance Indicators). In particular, quantitative Key Performance Indicators are designed with respect to at least three minimum aspects:

 

  a)

Results.

 

  b)

Business volume or size.

 

  c)

Projections: Indicators that protect the business for the future (For example: Quality, internal and external customer satisfaction, risk coverage, work environment, etc.).

The significance or impact of each of them is monitored and adjusted yearly pursuant to the strategy approved by the Board of Directors.

The interaction among these three aspects seeks to make incentives related to results and growth consistent with the risk thresholds determined by the Board of Directors. In turn, there is no deferred payment of variable compensation subject to the occurrence of future events or in the long term, taking into consideration that the business environment in the Argentine financial system is characterized by being mainly transactional, with lending and borrowing transactions with a very short seasoning term.

Annual budget and management control – the latter carried out monthly in a general manner and quarterly in a more detailed manner—include different risk ratios, including the ratio between compensation and risks undertaken. Variable compensation is only paid in cash. There are no share-based payments. Every change to this policy is submitted to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.’s Human Resources Committee for its consideration.

NOTE 53. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE GROUP OPERATIONS

 

During this period, Grupo Financiero Galicia has performed its operations under the challenging circumstances arising from the pandemic declared by the World Health Organization in March 2020, resulting from the Covid-19 virus.

The pandemic continues to generate consequences in businesses and economic activities at global and local level.

In Argentina, the measures taken by the National Government to contain the spread of the virus included, among others, the closure of borders and the mandatory isolation or distancing of the population along with the cessation of non-essential commercial activities for an extended period of time, with variants according to the local region and activity. On the date of issuance of these Financial Statements, commercial activities are gradually becoming normal and in compliance with the protocols established by the Government.

The final scope of the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on global and local economies is unknown, and the governments may take stricter measures, which are unpredictable at this time. As of the date of issuance of these Financial Statements, Grupo Financiero Galicia has not experienced significant impacts on its income resulting from the pandemic. However, in this context, the Argentine Central Bank ordered a series of measures, of which the following stand out: (i) customer service by prior appointment, (ii) suspension of commissions collection for the use of ATMs, (iii) suspension of income distribution until December 31, 2020, (iv) the extension of expiration dates for credit cards; (v) the financing of unpaid credit card balances at maximum rates, (vi) the postponement of maturities of unpaid credit balances, (vii) the granting of zero-rate financing to the self-employed and taxpayers under the simplified tax scheme; (viii) the granting of financing to SMEs at a rate of 24%, (ix) a Financing Line for productive investment of SMEs, (x) the granting of financing to companies for payment of salaries, (xi) the setting of minimum rates for fixed-term deposits, (xii) flexibilization in parameters for the classification of bank debtors, and (xiii) controls to the exchange market.

By virtue of the aforementioned, the extent to which the coronavirus will affect the Group’s business in the future and the income of its operations cannot be reasonably quantified, should this situation continue for a long time.

The Board of Directors is closely monitoring this situation and taking all the required measures within their reach to preserve human life and our operations.

NOTE 54. ECONOMIC CONTEXT WHERE THE GROUP’S OPERATIONS

 

The Company operates in a complex economic context, whose main variables have experienced strong volatility, both in the national and international spheres.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

In March 2020, the outbreak of the pandemic caused by covid-19 generated significant consequences at global level, since most of the world’s countries reacted by implementing a series of unprecedented restrictions on moving from one place to another.

The different measures of sanitary restrictions imposed generated, to a greater or lesser extent, an almost immediate impact on the economies, whose production and activity indicators dropped fast.

In response, most governments have implemented aid packages to sustain the income of part of the population and reduce the risks of disruption in payment chains and company bankruptcies, aiming to lessen the impact of the crisis. Argentina has not been the exception, and the Government implemented actions as soon as the pandemic was declared. The Argentine economy was already in recession when the pandemic broke out, and the latter made this scenario more complex, giving rise to historical collapses in economic activity during the months with more restrictions on circulation. Despite the fact that there was an economic recovery in comparison with the first months in which the Social and Mandatory Preventive Isolation was implemented, the pre-pandemic activity levels have yet to be reached. The country ended the year 2020 with a fall in its annual Gross Domestic Product of around 10.1%.

The increase in public spending associated with the implementation of programs of various kinds to absorb the impact of the pandemic and the quarantine on the economic activity, together with the sharp drop in income that resulted from the recession, have led to a primary deficit of around 6.5% during 2020. The “red” of the public accounts was financed mainly through the assistance of the Central Bank to the Treasury (via transfers of via Temporary Advances and transfers of Profits corresponding to fiscal year 2019) due to the lack of access to the international capital market resulting from the process of foreign debt restructuring that the country went through during the first half of the year. Negotiations with external creditors were completed in the third quarter of 2020.

The inflationary effect of the aforementioned issuance of Argentine pesos has not yet been fully observed due to a series of factors: the restrictions on circulation that prevailed most of the year, the freezing of utility rates and other regulated prices, and the existence of programs such as “Precios Máximos” (Maximum Prices) and “Precios Cuidados” (Controlled Prices).

However, in the last months of 2020 the price increase began to accelerate, in line with the gradual reopening of some sectors of the economy and the authorization by the government to increase some prices. In 2020, the variation of the Consumer Price Index closed with an annual variation of 36.1%. However, the exchange rate regime did account for the strong issuance of Argentine pesos verified during 2020. The official exchange rate, defined daily by the Argentine Central Bank through Communication “A” 3500, devalued 28.8%, going from Ps. 1/USD 59.90 to Ps. 1/USD 84.15 between the last business day of 2019 and the last business day of 2020. In parallel, the International Reserves of the monetary entity fell to USD 39,410,000 at the end of 2020, from the USD 44,781,000 with which it had closed 2019. The reduction of the Reserves was mainly due to the cancellation of financial loans and lines of credit, particularly from the private sector. Added to this was the formation of external assets from the non-financial private sector, mainly explained by the acquisition of foreign currency by natural persons for savings.

In order to contain the decline in International Reserves, the monetary authority imposed increasing exchange restrictions throughout 2020. Additionally, these also had an upward impact on financial exchange rates used for restricted exchange transactions in the official market. Among these measures is the need to request prior authorization from the Argentine Central Bank to carry out certain transactions.

Likewise, the exchange rate regime already determined as mandatory the entry and settlement in national currency of the funds obtained resulting from exports of goods and services, collections of pre-financing, advances and post-financing of exports of goods, and sale of non-produced non-financial assets, and external assets.

The exchange restrictions, or those that may be established in the future, could affect the Company’s ability to access the Single Free Exchange Market (Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios, MULC) to acquire the necessary foreign exchange to meet its financial obligations. The assets and liabilities in foreign currency as of December 31, 2020 have been valuated considering MULC quotes in force.

The volatility and uncertainty context continues on the date of issuance of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s Management permanently monitors the evolution of the variables that affect their business to define their course of action and identify the potential impacts on their equity and financial position. The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements must be read in the light of these circumstances.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 55. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Cash Dividends

On February 24, 2021, the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Sudamericana Holding S.A. was held, which decided to partially use the “Optional Reserve” for the subsequent distribution of cash dividends or in kind in the amount of Ps. 1,100,000.

On March 29, 2021, the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Galicia Warrants S.A. was held, which decided to partially use the “Optional Reserve” for the subsequent distribution of cash dividends or in kind in the amount of Ps. 40,000.

On March 29, 2021, the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. was held, which decided the distribution of cash dividends or in kind in the amount of Ps. 800,000.

On March 30, 2021, the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Galicia Securities S.A. was held, which decided the distribution of cash dividends or in kind in the amount of Ps. 150,000.

Corporate Reorganization

On February 25, 2021, the National Securities Commission, through Resolution RESFC-2021-20999-APN-DIR, issued the administrative approval of the Spin-off-Merger requested by the Group, in its capacity of merging company of the spin-off equity of Fedler S.A. and Dusner S.A., in their capacity as spin-off companies.

The same resolution also authorized for the Group the public offering of 47,927,494 Class B ordinary book-entry shares with a nominal value of one Argentine peso (NV Ps. 1) each and entitled to one vote per share, to be delivered in exchange to the shareholders of the spin-off companies.

On March 16, 2021 the merger by acquisition and capital increase of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. was registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE A – BREAKDOWN OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECURITIES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

     Holdings  
            Carrying Amount  

Item

   Fair Value
Level
     12.31.20     12.31.19  

DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

        155,419,560       89,431,378  

Argentine

        155,419,560       89,431,378  

Government Securities

        24,282,643       9,121,674  

Argentine Government Bonds

     Level 1        6,486,355       460,008  

Argentine Government Bonds

     Level 3        —         12,070  

Provincial Government Bonds

     Level 1        539,371       —    

Provincial Government Bonds

     Level 3        200,768       —    

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

     Level 1        91,199       163,969  

Treasury Bills

     Level 1        16,053,570       1,428,693  

Treasury Bills

     Level 2        911,380       —    

Treasury Bills

     Level 3        —         7,056,934  

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills

        128,324,920       79,153,628  

Liquidity Bills

     Level 2        128,324,920       79,153,628  

Corporate Securities

        2,811,997       1,156,076  

Debt Securities

     Level 1        1,653,980       836,335  

Debt Securities

     Level 3        1,088,186       191,649  

Debt Securities of Financial Trusts

     Level 1        —         68,070  

Debt Securities of Financial Trusts

     Level 3        69,831       60,022  

OTHER DEBT SECURITIES

        23,070,377       25,893,436  

Measured at Fair Value through OCI

        4,185,098       21,668,553  

Argentine

        4,185,098       21,668,553  

Government Securities

        4,010,642       21,668,553  

Argentine Government Bonds

     Level 1        353,640       21,572,682  

Argentine Government Bonds

     Level 2        3,580,102       —    

Treasury Bills

     Level 1        76,900       —    

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

     Level 1        —         95,871  

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills

        174,456       —    

Liquidity Bills

     Level 1        174,456       —    

Measurement at Amortized Cost

        18,885,279       4,224,883  

Argentine

        18,880,939       1,045,799  

Government Securities

        17,886,824       (37,054

Argentine Government Bonds

        17,930,500       1,960  

Treasury Bills

        —         —    

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Risk

        (43,676     (39,014

Corporate Securities

        994,115       1,082,853  

Debt Securities

        940,190       582,239  

Debt Securities of Financial Trusts

        36,010       692,249  

Others

        17,915       18,555  

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Risk

        —         (210,190

From Abroad

        4,340       3,179,084  

Government Securities

        4,340       3,179,084  

Treasury Bills

        4,340       3,179,084  

INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

        5,711,684       6,200,459  

Measured at Fair Value through profit or loss

        5,711,684       6,200,459  

Argentine

        5,655,017       6,143,058  

Shares

     Level 1        184,341       170,445  

Shares

     Level 3        5,470,676       5,972,613  

From Abroad

        56,667       57,401  

Shares

     Level 1        50,433       50,107  

Shares

     Level 3        6,234       7,294  

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE B – CLASSIFICATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING BY STATUS AND GUARANTEES RECEIVED

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Item

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

COMMERCIAL PORTFOLIO

     

In Normal Situation

     194,116,454        240,409,007  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     2,832,229        2,586,795  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     11,631,927        17,595,836  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     179,652,298        220,226,376  

With Special Follow-Up – In Observation

     1,002,543        550,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     12,182        —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     274,614        442,319  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     715,747        108,380  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Problems

     446,425        —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     968        —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     95,016        —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     350,441        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

High Insolvency Risk

     119,579        3,628,103  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     115,817        1,033,809  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     3,762        2,594,294  

Uncollectible

     121,483        3,365,400  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          59,478  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          226,452  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     121,483        3,079,470  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMERCIAL PORTFOLIO

     195,806,484        247,953,209  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE B – CLASSIFICATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING BY STATUS AND GUARANTEES RECEIVED (Continued)

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Item

   12.31.20      12.31.19  

CONSUMER AND HOUSING PORTFOLIO

     

Normal Performance

     389,298,300        281,906,272  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     17,117,203        226,081  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     21,076,265        24,573,975  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     351,104,832        257,106,216  

Low Risk

     1,823,149        8,833,908  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     25,637        20,777  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     81,510        284,949  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     1,716,002        8,528,182  

Medium Risk

     999,797        5,734,894  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     71,652        10,080  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     67,159        221,257  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     860,986        5,503,557  

High Risk

     2,470,873        8,767,203  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     42,666        —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     100,223        237,792  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     2,327,984        8,529,411  

Uncollectible

     3,697,725        7,093,842  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     47,067        16,245  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     180,545        162,945  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     3,470,113        6,914,652  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL CONSUMER AND HOUSING PORTFOLIO

     398,289,844        312,336,119  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

GRAND TOTAL(1)

     594,096,328        560,289,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Reconciliation between Schedule B and Statement of Financial Position:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Loans and Other Financing

     526,434,119        488,144,152  

Other Debt Securities

     23,070,377        25,893,436  

Agreed Credits and Guarantees Granted Accounted Off-Balance Sheet

     17,236,805        28,614,207  

Plus, Allowances for Uncollectible Accounts

     37,277,248        35,433,465  

Plus, Adjustments to the IFRS based accounting framework, not Computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     13,901,166        8,948,415  

Minus Others Non-computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     (19,812,745      (5,075,794

Minus Government Securities Measured at Fair Value through OCI

     (4,010,642      (21,668,553
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     594,096,328        560,289,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE C – CONCENTRATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

     LOANS  
     12.31.20     12.31.19  

Number of Customers

   Outstanding
Balance
     % of Total
Portfolio
    Outstanding
Balance
     % of Total
Portfolio
 

10 Largest Customers

     54,335,287        9     59,930,266        11

next 50 Largest Customers

     64,276,214        11     89,520,651        16

next 100 Largest Customers

     31,622,602        5     42,166,421        8

Rest of Customers

     443,862,225        75     368,671,990        65
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL(1)

     594,096,328        100     560,289,328        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Reconciliation between Schedule C and Statement of Financial Position:

 

     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Loans and Other Financing

     526,434,119        488,144,152  

Other Debt Securities

     23,070,377        25,893,436  

Agreed Credits and Guarantees Granted Accounted Off-Balance Sheet

     17,236,805        28,614,207  

Plus, Allowances for Uncollectible Accounts

     37,277,248        35,433,465  

Plus, Adjustments to the IFRS based accounting framework, not Computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     13,901,166        8,948,415  

Minus Others Non-computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     (19,812,745      (5,075,794

Minus Government Securities Measured at Fair Value through OCI

     (4,010,642      (21,668,553
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     594,096,328        560,289,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE D – BREAKDOWN BY TERM OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

The following table shows contractual cash flows, including interest and other expenses to be accrued until contractual maturity.

 

          Terms Remaining to Maturity        

Item

  Past-due
Loan
Portfolio
    1 Month     3 Months     6 Months     12 Months     24 Months     Over 24
Months
    Total  

Non-financial Public Sector

    —         966,210       —         —         —         —         —         966,210  

Financial Sector

    —         11,146,614       2,134,838       873,292       1,101,873       699,566       134,539       16,090,722  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

    12,882,538       256,842,146       116,789,460       127,717,254       147,475,699       68,383,858       64,820,792       794,911,747  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

    12,882,538       268,954,970       118,924,298       128,590,546       148,577,572       69,083,424       64,955,331       811,968,679  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE E – DETAIL OF INTERESTS IN OTHER COMPANIES

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

     Shares                           Data from the last financial statement  

Denomination

   Class      Nominal
Value per
Share
     Votes per
Share
     Quantity      12.31.20      12.31.19      Principal
Line of
Business
     Year-
end
Date
     Capital      Shareholders´
Equity
     Net
Income
/ (Loss)
 

In complementary service companies

                                

Associates and Joint Ventures

                                

Argentine

                                

Play Digital S.A.

    
Ords.
Esc.
 
 
     1        1        186,496,457        89,142        —          Services        31.12.20        1,197,221        797,107        (571,938
              

 

 

    

 

 

                

TOTAL

                 89,142        —                   
              

 

 

    

 

 

                

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE F – CHANGES IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

      Depreciation     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Transfers     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.20     12.31.19  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Real Estate

    31,612,897       50       185,927       (11,314     350,294       (2,684,207     (15     11,314       (609,178     (3,282,086     28,855,718       28,928,690  

Furniture and Facilities

    6,350,571       10       126,464       (21,621     831,813       (3,943,625     —         19,319       (520,739     (4,445,045     2,842,182       2,406,946  

Machines and Equipment

    19,548,282       3 y 5       3,093,145       (4,828,173     109,039       (14,061,784     —         4,659,889       (2,304,709     (11,706,604     6,215,689       5,486,498  

Vehicles

    237,271       5       55,339       (12,698     —         (100,553     —         8,753       (47,320     (139,120     140,792       136,718  

Right of use of real property

    6,324,636       —         629,385       (289,598     31,405       (1,313,102     (31,405     13,573       (1,312,301     (2,643,235     4,052,593       5,011,534  

Personal Property Acquired for Finance Leases

    92,429       5       —         (92,429     —         (92,429     —         92,429       —         —         —         —    

Sundry

    2,099,672       5 y 10       14,432       (178,120     694,777       (1,159,447     —         129,368       (366,470     (1,396,549     1,234,212       940,225  

Work in Progress

    1,966,749       —         240,422       (16,656     (1,800,281     —         —         —         —         —         390,234       1,966,749  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    68,232,507         4,345,114       (5,450,609     217,047       (23,355,147     (31,420     4,934,645       (5,160,717     (23,612,639     43,731,420       44,877,360  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      Depreciation     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Transfers     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.19     12.31.18  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Real Estate

    30,712,569       50       1,546,936       (817,265     170,657       (2,862,846     —         781,432       (602,793     (2,684,207     28,928,690       27,849,723  

Furniture and Facilities

    5,871,592       10       393,878       (1,510,499     1,595,600       (3,868,904     —         372,920       (447,641     (3,943,625     2,406,946       2,002,688  

Machines and Equipment

    18,796,916       3 y 5       1,801,898       (1,050,544     12       (12,542,287     —         710,092       (2,229,589     (14,061,784     5,486,498       6,254,629  

Vehicles

    230,192       5       87,378       (80,299     —         (105,504     —         42,379       (37,428     (100,553     136,718       124,688  

Right of use of real property

    —         —         6,324,636       —         —         —         —         —         (1,313,102     (1,313,102     5,011,534       —    

Personal Property Acquired for Finance Leases

    92,429       5       —         —         —         (92,429     —         —         —         (92,429     —         —    

Sundry

    1,968,824       5 y 10       147,231       (309,826     293,443       (825,968     —         —         (333,479     (1,159,447     940,225       1,142,856  

Work in Progress

    3,176,154       —         850,307       —         (2,059,712     —         —         —         —         —         1,966,749       3,176,154  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    60,848,676         11,152,264       (3,768,433     —         (20,297,938     —         1,906,823       (4,964,032     (23,355,147     44,877,360       40,550,738  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE F – CHANGES IN INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

Changes in investment properties recorded in the “Other Non-financial Assets” account are detailed below.

 

      Depreciation     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Transfers     Disposals     For
the

Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.20     12.31.19  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Real Estate Leased

    643,718       50       —         —         —         (50,428     —         —         (12,623     (63,051     580,667       593,290  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    643,718         —         —         —         (50,428     —         —         (12,623     (63,051     580,667       593,290  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      Depreciation     Net Book Value as
of
 

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Transfers     Disposals     For
the

Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.19     12.31.18  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Real Estate Leased

    643,718       50       —         —         —         (34,503     —         —         (15,925     (50,428     593,290       609,215  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    643,718         —         —         —         (34,503     —         —         (15,925     (50,428     593,290       609,215  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-97


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE G – CHANGES IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

      Amortization     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life
in Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    Transfers     At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.20     12.31.19  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Licenses

    9,207,786       5       1,538,775       (883,326     285,602       (4,876,308     880,785       (1,775,717     —         (5,771,240     4,377,597       4,331,478  

Intangible Assets Acquired through Finance Leases

    —         5       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Other Intangible Assets

    9,192,848       5       1,869,450       (65,848     1,954,963       (1,690,018     43,725       (1,213,896     —         (2,860,189     10,091,224       7,502,830  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    18,400,634         3,408,225       (949,174     2,240,565       (6,566,326     924,510       (2,989,613     —         (8,631,429     14,468,821       11,834,308  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      Amortization     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life
in Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    Transfers     At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.19     12.31.18  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Licenses

    7,725,431       5       2,428,246       (945,891     —         (4,660,546     1,066,224       (1,281,986     —         (4,876,308     4,331,478       3,064,885  

Intangible Assets Acquired through Finance Leases

    247,205       5       —         (247,205     —         (247,205     247,205       —         —         —         —         —    

Other Intangible Assets

    10,791,075       5       3,495,284       (5,093,511     —         (4,249,172     3,186,581       (627,427     —         (1,690,018     7,502,830       6,541,903  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    18,763,711         5,923,530       (6,286,607     —         (9,156,923     4,500,010       (1,909,413     —         (6,566,326     11,834,308       9,606,788  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-98


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE H – CONCENTRATION OF DEPOSITS

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

     DEPOSITS ACCOUNTS  
     12.31.20     12.31.19  

Number of Customers

   Debt Balance      % on Total
Portfolio
    Debt Balance      % on Total
Portfolio
 

10 Largest Customers

     83,211,045        12     37,985,581        7

next 50 Largest Customers

     73,182,821        11     46,224,244        9

next 100 Largest Customers

     34,377,015        5     25,050,997        4

Rest of Customers

     485,624,854        72     426,772,874        80
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     676,395,735        100     536,033,696        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-99


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE I – BREAKDOWN OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES BY REMAINING CONTRACTUAL TERM

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

The following table shows the decline in contractual cash flows, including interest and other expenses to be accrued until undiscounted contractual maturity.

 

     Terms until Maturity         

Item

   1 Month      3 Months      6 Months      12 Months      24 Months      More than
24 Months
     Total  

Deposits (1)

     636,596,852        41,458,685        3,548,892        2,563,927        79,300        43,104        684,290,760  

Non-financial Public Sector

     19,851,114        1,591,515        221,268        —          —          —          21,663,897  

Financial Sector

     1,947,127        —          —          —          —          —          1,947,127  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     614,798,611        39,867,170        3,327,624        2,563,927        79,300        43,104        660,679,736  

Liabilities Measured at fair value through profit or loss

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     57,450        —          —          —          —          —          57,450  

Repurchase Transactions

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     93,159,254        310,057        439,288        822,739        1,241,160        3,915,802        99,888,300  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     2,607,987        566,135        2,724,761        6,137,695        2,209,308        1,527,556        15,773,442  

Debt Securities

     736,438        1,142,112        5,014,445        8,055,337        3,440,751        2,908,502        21,297,585  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     855,858        —          —          855,858        1,711,717        27,719,442        31,142,875  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     734,013,839        43,476,989        11,727,386        18,435,556        8,682,236        36,114,406        852,450,412  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Maturities in the first month include:

   

Checking Accounts Ps.64,981,553.

   

Savings Accounts Ps.180,314,499.

   

Time Deposit Ps.110,225,705.

   

Other Deposits Ps.2,939,696.

   

Interest to be Accrued Ps.414.

 

F-100


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE J – CHANGES IN PROVISIONS

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   Decreases           Balances as of  

Item

   Balances at
the Beginning
of the Year
     Increase      Reversals     Charge offs     Inflation
Effect
    12.31.20      12.31.19  

FROM LIABILITIES

                 

For Administrative, Disciplinary and Criminal Penalties

     7,224        517        —         (517     (1,918     5,306        7,224  

For Termination Benefits

     233,287        68,372        —         (14,880     (65,955     220,824        233,287  

Others

     3,499,223        2,895,867        (1,694     (1,699,888     (1,143,341     3,550,167        3,499,223  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL PROVISIONS

     3,739,734        2,964,756        (1,694     (1,715,285     (1,211,214     3,776,297        3,739,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-101


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE K – CAPITAL STOCK STRUCTURE

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Shares

     Capital Stock  
                          Issued                              

Class

   Quantity      Nominal Value
per

Share(*)
     Votes per Share      Outstanding      Portfolio shares      Pending
Issuance or
Distribution
     Allocated      Paid-in      Not Paid-in  

Class “A”

     281,221,650        1        5        281,222        —          —          —          281,222        —    

Class “B”

     1,193,470,441        1        1        1,145,543        —          47,927        —          1,193,470        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,474,692,091              1,426,765        —          47,927        —          1,474,692        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Face value per share stated in Pesos.

 

F-102


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE L – FOREIGN CURRENCY BALANCES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   12.31.20         

Items

   Headquarters
and Branches
in the country
     12.31.20      Dollar      Euro      Real      Others      12.31.19  

ASSETS

                    

Cash and Due from Banks

     154,833,168        154,833,168        150,152,951        4,294,070        34,040        352,107        123,758,431  

Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     4,491,304        4,491,304        4,491,304        —          —          —          7,573,471  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Assets

     2,566,427        2,566,427        2,566,427        —          —          —          3,271,423  

Loans and Other Financing

     52,701,585        52,701,585        52,682,847        6,794        —          11,944        129,341,899  

Non-financial Public Sector

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

BCRA

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Institutions

     1,637,121        1,637,121        1,637,121        —          —          —          2,224,703  

To the Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     51,064,464        51,064,464        51,045,726        6,794        —          11,944        127,117,196  

Other Debt Securities

     336,293        336,293        336,293        —          —          —          7,236,300  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     2,150,738        2,150,738        2,150,738        —          —          —          3,536,129  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     56,667        56,667        50,433        6,234        —          —          57,401  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

     9,885        9,885        9,885        —          —          —          —    

Other Non-financial Assets

     15,247        15,247        15,247        —          —          —          19,257  

TOTAL ASSETS

     217,161,314        217,161,314        212,456,125        4,307,098        34,040        364,051        274,794,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

                    

Deposits

     166,261,399        166,261,399        166,261,399        —          —          —          194,949,936  

Non-financial Public Sector

     3,103,854        3,103,854        3,103,854        —          —          —          105,889  

Financial Sector

     3,411        3,411        3,411        —          —          —          18,910  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     163,154,134        163,154,134        163,154,134        —          —          —          194,825,137  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          —          —          —          —          —          507,440  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —          —          —          —          —          2,999  

Repurchase Transactions

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     13,815,626        13,815,626        13,044,070        725,685        —          45,871        17,565,301  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     8,610,719        8,610,719        8,610,719        —          —          —          24,493,392  

Debt Securities

     4,828,657        4,828,657        4,828,657        —          —          —          8,399,357  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     21,653,546        21,653,546        21,653,546        —          —          —          21,100,718  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     2,070        2,070        2,070        —          —          —          3,345  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     1,033,146        1,033,146        1,032,065        1,081        —          —          652,975  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     216,205,163        216,205,163        215,432,526        726,766        —          45,871        267,675,463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE N – CREDIT ASSISTANCE TO AFFILIATES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Situation                  With Problems /
Medium Risk
     With High Insolvency
Risk / High

Risk
                   Total  

Items

   Normal      With
Special
Follow-
up / Low

Risk
     Not
Past
Due
     Past
Due
     Not Past
Due
     Past Due      Uncollectible      Uncollectible
due to
Technical

Reasons
     12.31.20      12.31.19  

Loans and Other Financing

     952,242        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          952,242        857,397  

- Advances

     458,828        —          —          —       

 

—  

 

     —          —          —          458,828        57,481  

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “A”

     928        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          928        —    

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     457,900        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          457,900        57,481  

- Overdraft

     204,694        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          204,694        523,465  

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “A”

     180        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          180        —    

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     204,514        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          204,514        523,465  

- Mortgage and Collateral Loans

     16,911        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          16,911        47,901  

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “B”

     12,591        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          12,591        34,041  

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     4,320        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          4,320        13,860  

- Personal Loans

     39,539        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          39,539        1,753  

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     39,539        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          39,539        1,753  

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE N – CREDIT ASSISTANCE TO AFFILIATES (Continued)

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Situation                  With Problems /
Medium Risk
     With High Insolvency
Risk / High

Risk
                   Total  

Items

   Normal      With
Special
Follow-
up / Low

Risk
     Not
Past
Due
     Past
Due
     Not Past
Due
     Past Due      Uncollectible      Uncollectible
due to
Technical

Reasons
     12.31.20      12.31.19  

- Credit Cards

     217,867        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        217,867        204,101  

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “A”

     424        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          424        —    

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     217,443        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          217,443        204,101  

- Other

     14,403        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          14,403        22,696  

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “A”

     2        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          2        —    

With Preferred Guarantees

and Counter-guarantees “B”

     2,660        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          2,660        862  

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     11,741        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          11,741        21,834  

Debt Securities

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          132,318  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     392,757        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          392,757        274,752  

Contingent Commitments

     646,605        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          646,605        235,443  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     1,991,604        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          1,991,604        1,499,910  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ALLOWANCES

     57,387        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          57,387        9,897  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE O – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Type of Contract

  Objective of
the
Operations
    Underlying
Asset
    Type of
Settlement
    Scope of Negotiation
or

Counterpart
  Weighted
Average
Term
Originally-

Agreed
    Residual
Weighted
Average
Term
    Weighted
Average
Term to
Settle
Differences
    Amount(*)  

Forwards in Foreign Currency

               

OTC - Purchases

   

Brokerage
- own
account
 
 
 
   
Foreign
currency
 
 
   
Daily settlement
of the difference
 
 
  MAE     4       1       1    

 

7,921,087

 

ROFEX - Purchases

   

Brokerage
- own
account
 
 
 
   
Foreign
currency
 
 
   

Daily settlement
of

the difference

 
 

 

  ROFEX     3       2       1       17,795,643  

ROFEX - Sales

   

Brokerage
- own
account
 
 
 
   
Foreign
currency
 
 
   

Daily settlement
of

the difference

 
 

 

  ROFEX     3       2       1       14,328,423  

Forwards with Customers

               

Purchases

   

Brokerage
- own
account
 
 
 
   
Foreign
currency
 
 
   

Upon maturity
of

differences

 
 

 

  OTC -
Residents in

Argentina -

Non-financial
sector

    7       3       202       1,549,356  

Sales

   

Brokerage
- own
account
 
 
 
   
Foreign
currency
 
 
   

Upon maturity
of

differences

 
 

 

  OTC -
Residents in

Argentina -

Non-financial
sector

    4       2       123       12,563,375  

Repurchase Transactions

               

Forward Sales

   

Brokerage
- own
account
 
 
 
   

Argentine
government
securities
 
 
 
   

With delivery of
the

underlying asset

 
 

 

  MAE    
-
  
 
 
   
-
  
 
 
    -          61,923,889  

Swaps with Customers

               

Swaps of Fixed Interest Rate for Variable Rate

   

Brokerage
- own
account
 
 
 
    Others       Others     MAE     36       3       1       82,909  

 

(*)

Relates to the notional amount.

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE P – CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   Fair Value
through Profit
or Loss
     Fair Value Hierarchy  

Items

   Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through
OCI
     Mandatory
Measurement
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

FINANCIAL ASSETS

                 

Cash and Due from Banks

     175,423,476        —          —          —          —          —    

Cash

     66,932,871        —          —          —          —          —    

Financial Institutions and Correspondents

     108,490,605        —          —          —          —          —    

Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     —          —          155,419,560        24,824,475        129,236,300        1,358,785  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —          2,165,032        —          547,929        1,617,103  

Repurchase Transactions

     60,995,643        —          —          —          —          —    

Argentine Central Bank

     60,995,643        —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Institutions

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Assets

     7,301,643        —          2,791,983        2,760,728        31,255        —    

Loans and Other Financing

     526,434,119        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Public Sector

     334        —          —          —          —          —    

Argentine Central Bank

     13,195        —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Institutions

     14,700,600        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     511,719,990        —          —          —          —          —    

Advances

     29,219,431        —          —          —          —          —    

Overdraft

     143,769,344        —          —          —          —          —    

Mortgage Loans

     16,486,335        —          —          —          —          —    

Pledge Loans

     11,586,593        —          —          —          —          —    

Personal Loans

     36,504,158        —          —          —          —          —    

Credit-card loans

     241,793,015        —          —          —          —          —    

Finance Leases

     1,819,883        —          —          —          —          —    

Others

     30,541,231        —          —          —          —          —    

Other Debt Securities

     18,885,279        4,185,098        —          604,996        3,580,102        —    

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     16,681,884        —          2,035,559        2,035,559        —          —    

Investments in Equity Instruments

     —          —          5,711,684        234,774        —          5,476,910  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS

     805,722,044        4,185,098        168,123,818        30,460,532        133,395,586        8,452,798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE P – CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   Fair Value
through Profit
or Loss
     Fair Value Hierarchy  

Items

   Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through
OCI
     Mandatory
Measurement
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

                 

Deposits

     669,282,956        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Public Sector

     21,537,481        —          —          —          —          —    

Financial Sector

     1,947,127        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     645,798,348        —          —          —          —          —    

Checking Accounts

     101,777,665        —          —          —          —          —    

Savings Accounts

     313,702,281        —          —          —          —          —    

Time Deposit and Term Investments

     230,318,402        —          —          —          —          —    

Others

     7,112,779        —          —          —          —          —    

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —          57,450        —          57,450        —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Argentine Central Bank

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Institutions

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     97,471,465        —          —          —          —          —    

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     13,833,439        —          —          —          —          —    

Debt Securities

     17,073,898        —          —          —          —          —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     21,653,546        —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

     826,428,083        —          57,450        —          57,450        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE Q – INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

    Net Financial Income/(Expense)  

Items

  Originally
Designated or
According to
Point 6.7.1 of
IFRS 9
    Mandatory
Measurement
    OCI  

From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     

Income (loss) from Government Securities

    —         62,140,975       (337,707

Income (loss) from Corporate Securities

    —         4,721,625       —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         2,469,302       —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         1,746,892       —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         35,862       —    

Options

    —         686,548       —    

Income from Other Financial Assets

    —         —         (17,221
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.20

    —         69,331,902       (354,928
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Net Financial Income/(Expense)  

Items

  Originally
Designated or
According to
Point 6.7.1 of
IFRS 9
    Mandatory
Measurement
    OCI  

From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     

Income (loss) from Government Securities

    —         84,885,379       847,564  

Income (loss) from Corporate Securities

    —         12,698,057       —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         1,745,597       —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         1,745,597       —    

Income from other Financial Assets

    —         (28,681     20,844  

From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through in Profit or Loss

     

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         (148,856     —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         (148,856     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.19

    —         99,151,496       868,408  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Net Financial Income/(Expense)  

Items

  Originally
Designated or
According to
Point 6.7.1 of
IFRS 9
    Mandatory
Measurement
    OCI  

From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     

Income (loss) from Government Securities

    —         29,127,105       (182,617

Income (loss) from Corporate Securities

    —         3,236,294       —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         4,374,983       —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         4,374,901       —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         82       —    

Income from other Financial Assets

    —         21,427       —    

From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through in Profit or Loss

     

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         (418,300     —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         (187,828     —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         (230,472     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.18

    —         36,341,509       (182,617
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE Q – INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN (Continued)

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2020 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Interest and Adjustments for Application of Effective Interest Rate of
Financial Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

   12.31.20     12.31.19     12.31.18  

Interest Income

      

On Cash and Due from Banks

     2,842       10,804       1,663  

On Corporate Securities

     311,974       531,312       691,109  

On Government Securities

     9,183,108       6,405,292       2,908,388  

On Others Financial Assets

     —         —         —    

On Loans and Other Financing

     148,447,000       161,010,334       158,763,887  

Non-financial Public Sector

     —         —         534  

Financial Sector

     3,126,359       4,300,203       4,405,849  

Non-financial Private Sector

     145,320,641       156,710,131       154,357,504  

Advances

     11,887,470       17,145,365       20,605,103  

Mortgage Loans

     13,075,809       17,497,492       12,462,689  

Pledge Loans

     1,421,653       956,238       891,486  

Personal Loans

     16,298,802       16,635,559       19,160,364  

Credit Card Loans

     47,207,293       64,903,224       61,485,538  

Finance Leases

     351,863       760,736       1,266,432  

Others

     55,077,751       38,811,517       38,485,892  

On Repurchase Transactions

     8,861,754       9,713,712       1,562,445  

Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     8,788,748       9,246,541       669,436  

Other Financial Institutions

     73,006       467,171       893,009  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     166,806,678       177,671,454       163,927,492  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest-related Expenses

   12.31.20     12.31.19     12.31.18  

On Deposits

     (79,482,905     (103,158,332     (68,499,156

Non-financial Private Sector

     (79,482,905     (103,158,332     (68,499,156

Checking Accounts

     —         —         —    

Savings Accounts

     (11,312     (8,577     (11,127

Time Deposit and Term Investments

     (62,823,955     (90,832,354     (59,908,890

Others

     (16,647,638     (12,317,401     (8,579,139

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     (1,744,423     (3,340,252     (4,525,891

On Repurchase Transactions

     (303,406     (921,267     (462,321

BCRA

     —         —         —    

Other Financial Institutions

     (303,406     (921,267     (462,321

On Other Financial Liabilities

     (953,190     (1,777,996     (1,629,043

On Debt Securities

     (6,097,288     (19,388,515     (17,407,231

On Subordinated Debt Securities

     (1,593,246     (1,667,719     (1,531,304
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (90,174,458     (130,254,081     (94,054,946
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Income

   12.31.20     12.31.19     12.31.18  

Fee Related to Credit cards

     21,255,723       21,604,202       20,435,229  

Fee related to Insurance

     1,715,661       1,797,953       1,873,037  

Fee related to Obligation

     11,468,853       12,432,094       13,500,354  

Fee Related to Credits

     8,152,466       6,720,278       9,844,715  

Fee Related to Loan Commitments and Financial Guarantees

     109,796       488,101       445,892  

Fee Related to Securities

     1,774,362       1,960,554       2,216,784  

Fee for Collections Management

     352,494       701,034       620,683  

Fee for Foreign and Exchange Transactions

     1,646,077       2,142,517       2,157,143  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     46,475,432       47,846,733       51,093,837  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee-related Expenses

   12.31.20     12.31.19     12.31.18  

Fees related to Transactions with Securities

     (161,629     (669,422     (116,951

Fees related to Credit Cards

     (5,348,957     (4,787,867     (3,867,245

Fees related to foreign operations and exchange

     (483,529     (214,548     (122,656

Others

     (3,923,758     (3,941,660     (2,230,653
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (9,917,873     (9,613,497     (6,337,505
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-110