20-F 1 d266368d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents
falseFYMacro Bank Inc.0001347426639413408Includes a supplementary cash dividend approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting dated on October 21, 2020. See also notes 42 and 51.Inflation adjustment of capital stock and additional paid-in capital.These amounts correspond to the ECL calculated for contingent transactions, which are mentioned in note 4.The amounts included in “without due date” are related to the non-performing portfolio.Related to collaterals used to secure loans transactions and other financing, under the applicable rules in force on this matter. According to Law 24,467, as amended, and Fintech SGR By-Law, this entity has a risk fund (“Fondo de Riesgo”) which its main objective is to cover the guarantees granted to the protector partners and third parties. The assets of the risk fund could only be applied to partners’ withdrawals, to cover guarantees and other direct expenses.As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, it is related to the risk fund Fintech SGR and Garantizar SGR. In order to keep tax benefits related to these contributions, they must be maintained between two and three years from the date they were made.On November 4, 2016, under the abovementioned Global Program, the Bank issued Subordinated Resettable Corporate Bonds, class A, at a fixed rate of 6.750% p.a. until reset date, fully amortizable upon maturity (November 4, 2026) for a face value of USD 400,000,000 (four hundred million US dollars), under the terms and conditions set forth in the pricing supplement dated October 21, 2016. Interest is paid semiannually on May 4 and November 4 of every year and the reset date was November 4, 2021. As of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the reset rate was established until the maturity date at 6.643% as a result of the benchmark reset rate plus 546.3 basis points, according to the abovementioned terms and conditions. As the Bank had not exercised the option to fully or partially redeem the issuance on the reset date and under the conditions established in the pricing supplement, it was established up to maturity. On the other hand, it could be fully redeemed, not partially, and only for tax or regulatory purposes. The Bank used the funds derived from such issuance to grant loans in accordance with BCRA guidelines.On May 2, 2022, under the Global Program abovementioned, the Bank issued non-subordinated simple corporate bonds Class E not convertible into shares, for a face value of USD 17,000,000 at a fixed rate of 1.45%, fully amortizable upon maturity (May 2, 2024), under the terms and conditions set forth in the price supplement dated April 21, 2022. Interest is paid quarterly on August 2, 2022, November 2, 2022, February 2, 2023, May 2, 2023, August 2, 2023, November 2, 2023, February 2, 2024, and May 2, 2024. At any time and according to the current regulations and by the foreign exchange regime issued by the BCRA, in particular, the Bank will be able to redeem, fully but not partially, the Class E Corporate Bonds to a price equally to (a) 102% of the remaining principal if the Bank will decide to redeem during the term between the Issuance and the Settlement date up to 9 (nine) month, including the last day; (b) 101 % of the remaining principal, if the Bank will decide to redeem during the terms beginning after the 9 (nine) month since the Issuance date up to maturity date of the Class E, in all cases with expenses and accrued interest not paid, excluding the redeem date.On May 8, 2017, under the Global Program mentioned in item a.1), Banco Macro SA issued non-subordinated simple corporate bonds Class B not convertible into shares, at a fixed rate of 17.50%, fully amortizable upon maturity (May 8, 2022) for a face value of pesos 4,620,570,000 equivalent to USD 300,000,000 (three hundred million US dollars), under the terms and conditions set forth in the price supplement dated April 21, 2017. Interest is paid semiannually on November 8 and May 8 of every year, beginning on November 8, 2017. On the other hand, the Bank may fully redeem the issuance for tax matters, but not partially. The Bank used the funds derived from such issuance to grant loans in accordance with BCRA guidelines. On October 17, 2018 and October 16, 2019, the Board of Directors decided to pay off these corporate bonds for a face value of 1,229,518,000 and 501,861,000, respectively, equivalent to the amount of purchases made as of those dates. 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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM
20-F
 
 
(Mark One)
Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(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, 2022
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
Date of the event requiring this shell company report.
For the transition period from
    
    
    
    
to
                
Commission file number:
001-32827
 
 
BANCO MACRO S.A.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
 
Macro Bank, Inc.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
Argentina
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Avenida Eduardo Madero 1182, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Address of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Jorge Francisco Scarinci
Chief Financial Officer
Banco Macro S.A.
Avenida Eduardo Madero 1172, 24
th
Floor
City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, C1106ACY Telephone:
(+54-11-5222-6730)
Email: (
jorgescarinci@macro.com.ar
)
(Name, telephone,
e-mail
and/or facsimile member and address of company contact person)
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
 
BMA
 
New York Stock Exchange
Class B ordinary shares, par value Ps.1.00 per share
 
BMA
 
New York Stock Exchange(*)
 
(*)
Ordinary shares of Banco Macro S.A. are not listed for trading but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares which are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts.
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.
11,235,670 Class A ordinary shares, par value Ps.1.00 per share
628,177,738 Class B ordinary shares, par value Ps.1.00 per share
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  ☒
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
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.:
 
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.  
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to
§240.10D-1(b).  ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
U.S. GAAP  ☐           
International Financial Reporting
Standards
as issued
        Other  ☐
            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  
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by the court.
Yes  ☐                No  ☐
Auditor firm Id: PCAOB ID: 1449    Auditor Name: Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited) Auditor location: City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
.
Please send copies of notices and communications from the Securities and Exchange Commission to:
 
Hugo N. L. Bruzone
Bruchou & Funes de Rioja
Ing. Butty 275, 12
th
Floor
C1001AFA–Buenos Aires, Argentina
 
Jeffrey Cohen
Linklaters LLP
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
 
 
 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

PART I

     3  

Item 1.

 

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

     3  

Item 2.

 

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     3  

Item 3.

 

Key Information

     3  

Item 4.

 

Information on the Bank

     20  

Item 4A.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

     111  

Item 5.

 

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     111  

Item 6.

 

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     160  

Item 7.

 

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     173  

Item 8.

 

Financial Information

     174  

Item 9.

 

The Offer and Listing

     178  

Item 10.

 

Additional Information

     178  

Item 11.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

     208  

Item 12.

 

Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

     210  

PART II

     211  

Item 13.

 

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     211  

Item 14.

 

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

     211  

Item 15.

 

Controls and Procedures

     212  

Item 16A.

 

Audit Committee Financial Expert

     213  

Item 16B.

 

Code of Ethics

     214  

Item 16C.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     214  

Item 16D.

 

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     215  

Item 16E.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     215  

Item 16F.

 

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     215  

Item 16G.

 

Corporate Governance

     215  

Item 16H

 

Mine Safety Disclosure

     223  

Item 16I

 

Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection

     223  

PART III

     223  

Item 17.

 

Financial Statements

     223  

Item 18.

 

Financial Statements

     223  

Item 19.

 

Exhibits

     224  


Table of Contents

Certain defined terms

In this annual report, we use the terms “the registrant,” “we,” “us,” “our” the “Bank” to refer to Banco Macro S.A. and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis. References to “Banco Macro” refer to Banco Macro S.A. on an individual basis. References to “Class B shares” refer to shares of our Class B common stock and references to “ADSs” refer to American depositary shares representing our Class B shares, except where otherwise indicated by the context.

The term “Argentina” refers to the Republic of Argentina. The terms “Argentine government” or the “government” or the “Federal government” refer to the federal government of Argentina, the term “Argentine Congress” refers to the Argentine National Congress, the legislative branch of the government of Argentina. The term “Central Bank” refers to the Banco Central de la República Argentina, or the Argentine Central Bank, the term “Superintendency” refers to the Superintendencia de Entidades Financieras y Cambiarias or the Superintendency of Financial and Exchange Entities, the term “CNV” refers to the Comisión Nacional de Valores, or the Argentine Securities Commission, the term “UIF” refers to the Unidad de Información Financiera or Financial Information Unit, the term “BYMA” refers to Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos S.A., or the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, the term “MAE” refers to Mercado Abierto Electrónico S.A., the term “NYSE” refers to the New York Stock Exchange, the term “IGJ” refers to the Inspección General de Justicia, or Public Registry of Buenos Aires and the term “ANSES” refers to the Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social or National Social Security Agency. The term “SMEs” refers to Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas or small- and medium-sized companies.

The terms “U.S. dollar” and “U.S. dollars” and the symbol “U.S.$” refer to the legal currency of the United States. The terms “Peso” and “Pesos” and the symbol “Ps.” refer to the legal currency of Argentina. “Billion” refers to the number 1,000,000,000 and “Trillion” refers to the number 1,000,000,000,000. “Central Bank Rules” refers to the accounting and other regulations of the Central Bank. “IFRS” refers to the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The term “GDP” refers to gross domestic product and all references in this annual report to GDP growth are to real GDP growth. The term “INDEC” refers to the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos). The term “CER,” or benchmark stabilization coefficient, is an index issued by the Argentine government which is used to adjust value of credits and deposits. Pursuant to Resolution No. 203/2016 from the former Ministry of Economy and Finance, as of June 2016, the Consumer Price Index (Índice de Precios al Consumidor) currently in force and used to adjust the CER. The term “UVI” means Unidad de Vivienda, it represents the cost of construction of one thousandth square meter of housing. The term “UVA” means Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo, it is an index determined by the Central Bank, reflecting the variation of one-thousandth of the average value of a square meter built for housing in Argentina (such that 1,000 UVAs are equivalent to one square meter). This value was initially set at Ps.14.05 and is updated daily based on the variation in the CER since March 31, 2016.

Presentation of certain financial and other information

Our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022, and the corresponding figures for the previous fiscal years have been restated for the changes in the general purchasing power of the functional currency (Pesos) of the Bank as established by IAS 29. As a result, those consolidated financial statements are stated in terms of the current measuring unit at the end of the reporting period (December 31, 2022), except otherwise indicated. The inflation rate was 94.79%, 50.94% and 36.14% for the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Solely for the convenience of the reader, the reference exchange rate for U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2022, as reported by the Central Bank was Ps.177.1283 to U.S.$1.00.

 

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The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements, as of December 31, 2022, of the Bank and the following subsidiaries:

 

   

Macro Bank Limited;

 

   

Macro Securities S.A.U. (“Macro Securities”);

 

   

Macro Fiducia S.A.U. (“Macro Fiducia”);

 

   

Macro Fondos S.G.F.C.I. S.A. (“Macro Fondos”);

 

   

Argenpay S.A.U. (“Argenpay”); and

 

   

Fintech SGR (“Fintech”)

IFRS differs in certain significant respects from Central Bank Rules. As a result, our financial information presented under IFRS is not directly comparable to our financial information presented under Central Bank Rules. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution when making any comparison.

Rounding

Certain figures included in this annual report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

Market Data

We make statements in this annual report about our competitive position and market share in, and the market size of, the Argentine banking industry. We have made these statements on the basis of statistics and other information from third-party sources that we believe are reliable. Although we have no reason to believe any of this information or these reports are inaccurate in any material respect, we have not independently verified the competitive position, market share and market size or market growth data provided by third parties or by industry or general publications.

Our internet site is not part of this Annual Report

We maintain our website at www.macro.com.ar. Information contained in or otherwise accessible through this website is not a part of this annual report. All references in this annual report to this internet site are inactive textual references to this URL, or “uniform resource locator” and are for informational reference only.

Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statements

This annual report contains certain statements that we consider to be “forward-looking statements.” We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current beliefs, expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting our business. Many important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this annual report, could cause our actual results to differ substantially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements, including, among other things:

 

   

changes in economic, business, political, legal, social or other conditions in Argentina and worldwide;

 

   

governmental intervention and regulation (including banking and tax regulations);

 

   

developments in the global financial markets;

 

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deterioration in the Argentine financial system or regional business and economic conditions;

 

   

inflation;

 

   

fluctuations and declines in the exchange rate of the Peso;

 

   

changes in interest rates which may adversely affect financial margins;

 

   

adverse legal or regulatory disputes or proceedings;

 

   

credit and other risks of lending, such as increases in defaults by borrowers and other delinquencies;

 

   

increase in the provisions for loan losses;

 

   

fluctuations and declines in the value of Argentine public debt, as well as the Argentine government’s inability to successfully restructure dollar-denominated foreign public indebtedness;

 

   

decrease in deposits, customer loss and revenue loss;

 

   

competition in banking, financial services and related industries and the loss of market share;

 

   

cost and availability of funding;

 

   

the integration of any acquisitions and the failure to realize expected synergies;

 

   

the impact of the pandemic disease such as the coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) on the economy, and on our customers, employees, vendors and us; and

 

   

the risk factors discussed under Item 3.D “Risk Factors.”

The words “believe”, “may”, “will”, “aim”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “forecast” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulations and the effects of competition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we disclaim any obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking statements after we distribute this annual report due to new information, future events or other factors. 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.

Sections of this annual report that by their nature contain forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Item 3. “Key Information,” Item 4. “Information on the Bank,” Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.”

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. [Reserved]

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

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D. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below with all of the other information included in this annual report before deciding to invest in our Class B shares or our ADSs. If any of the following risks actually occurs, it may materially harm our business and our financial condition and results of operations. As a result, the market price of our Class B shares or/and our ADSs could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.

Investors should carefully read this annual report in its entirety. They should also take into account and evaluate, among other things, their own financial circumstances, their investment goals, and the following risk factors.

Information provided by the Central Bank of Argentina and/or the INDEC and the information included in this section has been prepared in accordance with a methodology that may not necessarily follow the methodology used for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report (e.g. it has not been adjusted for inflation), as a result of the aforementioned may not be comparable.

Risks relating to Argentina

The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by the economic, social and political measures adopted by the Argentine government.

Substantially all of our operations, properties and customers are located in Argentina and, as a result, our business is to a large extent dependent upon macroeconomic, political, regulatory and social conditions prevailing in Argentina, including but not limited to, the following: (i) international demand and prices for Argentina’s commodity exports; (ii) competitiveness and efficiency of domestic industries and services; (iii) stability and competitiveness of the Peso against foreign currencies; (iv) foreign and domestic investment and financing; (v) level of foreign exchange reserves in the Central Bank which may cause abrupt changes in currency values and exchange and capital control regulations; (vi) interest rates, inflation, wage and price controls; (vii) effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and results of the measures adopted by the Argentine government in response; (viii) changes in economic or fiscal policies implemented by the Argentine government; (ix) labor disputes and work stoppages; (x) the level of expenditure by the Argentine government and ability to sustain fiscal balance; and (xi) the level of unemployment, political instability and social tensions.

Developments in economic, regulatory and social conditions in Argentina, and measures taken by the Argentine government, have had and are expected to continue to have a significant impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The Argentine government directly intervenes in the economy and in private sector operations and companies, limiting certain aspects of private sector businesses, establishing (i) minimum salary levels and mandatory employees’ benefits, (ii) price controls, (iii) requirements for business to submit monthly information on prices, quantities sold of final and intermediate goods and stock, and (iv) controls over tariffs for public services. Employers, both in the public and private sector, have also been experiencing intense pressures from their personnel, or from the labor unions representing them, demanding salary increases and certain benefits for the workers, given the high inflation rates.

The Argentine economy is also particularly sensitive to local political developments. Presidential elections take place in Argentina every four years and legislative elections every two years, resulting in the partial renewal of both chambers of the Argentine Congress. The next presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for October 2023.In such elections, (i) the president of Argentina will be elected; (ii) the head of government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the governors of 21 provinces will be elected; (iii) half of the chamber of deputies of the nation will be renewed; (iv) one third of the senate of the nation will be renewed; and (v) there will be elections for the positions of provincial legislators, mayors and municipal councilors. In this regard, according to the report issued by the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) on October 7, 2022, Argentina’s economy presents very high risks that will increase with the proximity of the 2023 presidential elections. Persistent inflation and lower growth could exacerbate social unrest and weaken political support, which would bring difficulties in implementing planned subsidy and social assistance reforms and in securing debt rollover rates.

The result of presidential as well as legislative mid-term and full-term elections may lead to changes in government policies that may impact the Bank´s business. We cannot give you any assurance as to whether such changes will occur or as to their timing, nor can we estimate the impact they may have on our business. We cannot predict the impact of any measures that the Argentine government has adopted or may adopt in the future, or whether those measures will have the effects pursued. Uncertainty with respect to government policies may lead to additional volatility of Argentine stock market prices. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that the current policies that apply to banks will not be modified in the future.

 

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Additionally, the Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high levels of inflation and currency devaluation. No assurances can be given that the Argentine economy will grow on a sustainable basis. If economic conditions in Argentina were to deteriorate, or the economy were to continue to contract, if inflation were to accelerate further, or if the Argentine government’s measures to attract or retain foreign investment and international financing in the future to incentivize domestic economy activity are unsuccessful, such events could adversely affect Argentina’s economic growth and in turn affect our financial condition and results of operations.

On January 13, 2023, the Argentine Secretaries of Finance and Treasury issued the joint resolution 3/2023 pursuant to which a non-transferable national treasury bill denominated in U.S. dollars and maturing on January 16, 2033 will be issued to the Central Bank for an amount of up to U.S.$7,132,655,012.39, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in such resolution. On February 17, 2023, the Argentine Secretaries of Finance and Treasury further issued the joint resolution 8/2023 pursuant to which the amount of the aforementioned non-transferable national treasury bill was increased in up to U.S.$17,849,809.36, and the bill will accrue interest as from the placement date.

On March 9, 2023, the Argentine government carried out a voluntary exchange of its sovereign debt in local currency. The exchange closed with an acceptance of 64% of the eligible securities, which resulted in the extension of maturities for an amount of Ps. 4.34 billion.

For the maturities of April, May and June 2023, the level of acceptance reached 61.5%, while for March 2023 (including the operation carried out in January) the participation exceeded 72%. Prior to the exchange, the Treasury faced maturities of Ps. 0.8 trillion in March, Ps. 2.5 trillion in April, Ps. 2.1 trillion in May and Ps. 2.5 trillion in June 2023. After the exchange, these amounts were reduced to Ps 0.6 trillion, Ps 1.0 trillion, Ps 0.9 trillion and Ps 0.8 trillion, respectively.

On March 23, 2023, Decree 163/2023 established that payments of interest and principal amortization services of US dollar denominated bills issued under Decrees Nos. 622 of 2021, 576 of 2022 and 787 of 2022 will be replaced, on their maturity date, by new government securities whose conditions will be jointly defined by the Secretariats of Finance and Treasury. Additionally, by means of Decree 164/2023, it was established that the jurisdictions, entities and funds described therein (related to the National Public Sector) must proceed to the sale or auction of their holdings of national government securities denominated and payable in US dollars under local legislation. In turn, it was provided that the holdings of securities under foreign legislation held by such jurisdictions, entities and funds must be delivered in exchange to the National Treasury for the government securities issued. Finally, the issuance of government securities payable in Pesos of the National Treasury was authorized up to the amount necessary for the exchange.

The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic and political developments in other countries.

Argentina’s economy remains vulnerable to external shocks that could be caused by adverse regional or global developments. Global economic instability such as uncertainty about global trade policies, the deterioration of economic conditions in Argentina major trading partners (including Brazil, the European Union, China and the United States), geopolitical tensions between the United States and a number of foreign countries, conflict between Russia and Ukraine, idiosyncratic, political and social discords, terrorist attacks, pandemic diseases, could have a material adverse impact on Argentina’s balance of trade and adversely affect Argentina’s economy.

Although economic conditions vary from country to country, investors’ perceptions of events occurring in other countries have, and may continue to, substantially affect capital flows into and investments in securities from issuers in other countries, including Argentina.

Global economic and financial crisis, the general weakness of the global economy and the instability of the international financial system, negatively affect emerging economies like Argentina. If international and domestic conditions for Argentina were to worsen further, the Argentine economy could be negatively affected as result of lower international demand and lower prices for its products and services, lower capital inflows and higher risk aversion, which may also adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We cannot assure you that developments in other markets will not affect macroeconomic, political or social conditions in Argentina and, consequently, our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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During the first quarter of 2023, it was observed that important banking entities suffered liquidity problems, giving rise to a situation of uncertainty that could affect the global economy. In this regard, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank became the largest U.S. bank to fail since the collapse of Washington Mutual in 2008. Two days later, regional bank Signature Bank failed too, after the New York Department of Financial Services warned of the risks to the financial system that could result from the bank’s continued existence and, in light of the recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank. Fearing that Signature Bank would suffer the same fate as Silicon Valley Bank days earlier, customers moved their deposits to other banks.

The U.S. government, while deciding not to bail out the institutions, assured depositors that their holdings would not be affected. Subsequently, U.S. bank First Citizens agreed to purchase all Silicon Valley Bank ‘s loans and deposits.

Influenced by the instability in the banking system initiated in the United States and other factors, on March 15, 2023, the shares of the Swiss bank Credit Suisse plummeted by as much as 30%, and the sell-off continued even after the Swiss National Bank’s first attempt to stop Credit Suisse’s fall, when it announced a liquidity injection to cope with the withdrawal of customer deposits. Subsequently, the Swiss regulators requested UBS to merge with Credit Suisse, with UBS as the surviving entity.

At the same time, Deutsche Bank suffered a massive sell-off of its shares, which caused concern to the European Central Bank, as it evidenced that banks continue to have difficulties in sustaining their share prices on developed countries stock exchanges.

As of the date of this annual report, it is not possible to foresee the consequences that may continue to arise from the instability of the banking system worldwide. However, beyond the inconveniences that are affecting the banking system, it is not expected that they will have a negative impact on our Bank.

The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.

The conflict involving Russia and Ukraine has recently had, and will likely continue to have, significant global economic effects, including heightened inflation, supply chain problems, increases in interest rates, market volatility and an impact on commodity prices, especially with regard to international crude oil and gas prices which have increased significantly in February and March 2022. The conflict and its effects could exacerbate the current slowdown in the global economy and could negatively affect the payment capacity of some of our customers, especially those with more exposure to the Russian or Ukrainian markets.

Furthermore, the conflict has resulted in the imposition of economic and trade sanctions and restrictions targeting Russia and certain Russian economic sectors and companies by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other major countries. The severity of these sanctions may increase and could contribute to a shortage of raw materials and commodities, which could, in turn, generate greater levels of inflation and create interruptions in the global supply chain. Interruptions in the global supply chain could particularly affect the energy sector and could create supply chain difficulties in local markets.

Furthermore, the risk of cyberattacks on companies and institutions is expected to increase as a result of the conflict and in response to the sanctions imposed, which could adversely affect our ability to maintain or enhance our cybersecurity and data protection measures. We are actively monitoring the situation to ensure that cyber defenses remain updated against current and emerging threats.

Although our businesses, results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected by any of these factors directly or indirectly arising from the war in Ukraine, due to the uncertainties inherent to the scale and duration of the conflict and its direct and indirect effects, it is not reasonably possible to estimate the impact this conflict will have on the global economy and financial markets, on the Argentine economy and, consequently, on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets may be limited or costly, which may impair its ability to implement reforms and public policies and foster economic growth.

During recent years Argentina has experienced financial distress, which have led to difficulties in the payment of its sovereign debt.

During 2020 the Argentine government engaged in negotiations with Argentina´s creditors to restore the sustainability of its public external debt. In August 2020, the Argentine government restructured approximately U.S.$66.5 billion of its foreign currency global bonds issued under foreign laws exchanging such bonds for new bonds. Moreover, in June 2021, Argentina reached an agreement with the Paris Club members under the Paris Club 2014 Settlement Agreement to extend the maturity of its obligations until March 2022. On March 22, 2022, the Argentine government reached an agreement with the Paris Club for a new extension of the understanding reached in June 2021.

 

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In addition, the Argentine government negotiated with the IMF in order to renegotiate the principal maturities of the U.S.$ 44.1 billion disbursed between 2018 and 2019 under a Stand-By Agreement, originally planned for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023. On January 28, 2022, the Argentine government announced it had reached an agreement with the IMF on the most relevant points. On March 3, 2022, the Argentine government and the IMF announced that the agreement is based on what is known as the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility, which includes 10 reviews to be carried out quarterly for two and a half years. The first disbursement was made upon approval of the program by the IMF Board. The remaining disbursements will be made after each review. The repayment period for each disbursement is 10 years, with a grace period of four and a half years, starting in 2026 and ending in 2034.

The program seeks to solve the problem of high inflation through the reduction of monetary financing of the fiscal deficit and a monetary policy framework that generates positive real interest rates; improve public finances through progressivity, efficiency and tax compliance; and strengthen Argentina’s balance of payments through policies that stimulate reserve accumulation, net exports and maintain a competitive real effective exchange rate.

On March 11, 2022 the program was approved by the Chamber of Deputies of the Argentine Congress and on March 17, 2022 it was approved by the Chamber of Senators of the Argentine Congress through Law No. 27,668, being enacted by means of Decree No. 130/22. On March 19, 2022, the IMF informed that the Board would address the issue on March 25, 2022 and that they would combine Argentina´s payment obligations due on March 21 and 22 into a single repurchase to occur prior to March 31, 2022, avoiding Argentina’s default before the IMF Board meeting. Finally, on March 25, 2022, the IMF Executive Board approved a thirty-month agreement for an amount equivalent to U.S.$44 billion, including an immediate disbursement of U.S.$9.6 billion.

On September 10, 2022, the IMF staff and the Argentinean authorities reached a staff-level agreement on an updated macroeconomic framework and associated policies needed to complete the second review under Argentina’s 30-month Structural Adjustment Facility (“SAF”) arrangement. Upon completion of the review, Argentina would have access to about U.S.$ 3.9 billion. Most of the quantitative program targets until end-June 2022 were met, with the exception of the net international reserves floor, mainly due to higher-than-programmed import volume growth and delays in external official support. Subsequently, a period of volatility in the exchange and bond markets was halted following decisive measures that corrected earlier setbacks and rebuilt credibility. On this basis, the government must provide detailed and complete information on the agreement signed with the IMF. On October 7, 2022, the IMF approved the second review of the SAF arrangement and authorized the disbursement of approximately U.S.$ 3.8 billion. On April 1, 2023, the Executive Board of the IMF concluded the fourth review of the SAF, allowing for an immediate disbursement of about US$5.4 billion.

Negotiations with the IMF are ongoing, as Argentina is seeking to renegotiate not only the fiscal and monetary targets, but also the alternatives in dollar transfers from the organization and the maturities scheduled for 2023. In the context of an increasingly severe drought, rising inflation and weak reserve coverage, a stronger policy package may be needed to safeguard stability, address setbacks and secure program objectives.

We cannot assure that the conditions of the agreement with the IMF and the Paris Club will not affect Argentina´s ability to implement reforms and public policies and boost economic growth. We also cannot predict the impact of the outcome of that negotiation on Argentina’s (and indirectly our) ability to access the international capital markets.

In spite of the restructuring of the Argentine public debt carried out in 2020, the international markets continue showing signs of doubts as to whether Argentina’s debt is sustainable and, therefore, country risk indicators remain high. As of April 24, 2023, Argentina’s country risk increased to 2,622 points. According to a Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) release, Argentina was considered an “emerging market” until June 2021, when it was reclassified as a “standalone market”, investing in such markets generally carries additional risks.

There can be no assurances that Argentina’s credit ratings will be maintained or that they will not be downgraded, suspended or cancelled. Any credit rating downgrade, suspension or cancellation for Argentina’s sovereign debt may have an adverse effect on the Argentine economy and on our business. As such, any adverse effect on our business due in part to changes in Argentina’s credit rating may adversely affect the market price and trading of our securities. Argentina’s lack of access to financing in the international financial markets may have a direct impact in our ability to access the financial markets to fund our operations, including the financing of capital expenditures, which in turn may negatively affect our business financial position and results of operations.

Argentina is subject to litigation by foreign shareholders of Argentine companies and holders of Argentina’s defaulted bonds, which have resulted and may result in adverse judgments or injunctions against Argentina’s assets and limit its financial resources.

There are outstanding claims against the Argentine government submitted before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) which may entail new sanctions against the Argentine government, which in turn could have a substantially adverse effect on the Argentine government’s ability to implement reforms and to foster economic growth and to access credit or international capital markets. We cannot assure you that in the future the Argentine government will not breach its obligations.

 

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Litigation, as well as ICSID claims against the Argentine government, have resulted in material judgments and may result in further material judgments, and could result in attachment of or injunctions relating to assets of Argentina that the government intended for other uses. As a consequence, the Argentine government may not have all the necessary financial resources to honor its obligations, implement reforms and foster growth, which could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economy, and consequently, our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There are pending ICSID claims against the Argentine government which could result in further awards against Argentina, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Argentine government’s ability to implement reforms and foster economic growth. As of the date hereof, there are (i) six outstanding final awards issued by ICSID tribunals against Argentina for a total of U.S.$804 million, (ii) one ICSID award against Argentina for U.S.$21.7 million pending annulment requested by Argentina, and (iii) five ongoing ICSID proceedings against Argentina with claims totaling U.S.$2,950 million.

In addition to the above, there (i) are two final UNCITRAL awards against Argentina for a total of U.S.$7.5 million, (ii) one ICC award for U.S.$67.1 million against Argentina pending annulment requested by Argentina, (iii) one ongoing UNCITRAL proceeding against Argentina for U.S.$11 million, and (iv) two suspended ICC proceedings with claims totaling U.S.$200.7 million. We cannot guarantee that in the future the Argentine government will not default on its obligations.

It is important to note the recent ruling in the lawsuit brought by Petersen and Eton Park Capital Management, L.P., Eton Park Master Fund, LTD. and Eton Park Fund, L.P. who filed opening briefs in support of cross-motions for summary judgment with respect to a claim of liability and damages against YPF S.A.(“YPF”) and Argentina. Plaintiffs requested the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) for summary judgment in their favor, while each of the defendants argued that they had no liability and should not indemnify the plaintiffs and requested the District Court for summary judgment in their favor and to dismiss all remaining claims against them.

In a decision rendered on March 31, 2023, the District Court granted YPF’s summary judgment motion and denied plaintiffs’ summary judgment motion as to YPF in its entirety. The District Court decided that YPF has no contractual liability and owes no damages to plaintiffs for breach of contract and, accordingly, dismissed plaintiffs’ claims against YPF. The District Court denied the Argentina’s motion for summary judgment, and the proceeding will continue between plaintiffs and Argentina. Plaintiffs may appeal the District Court’s judgment as to YPF or seek to reassert previously dismissed claims against YPF, in each case, in accordance with applicable procedural law. Should that be the case, YPF will continue to defend itself in accordance with the applicable legal procedure and available defenses.

Also, the Bank cannot assure that no new litigation will be filed against Argentina, nor that these new cases will not affect the Argentina´s economy and our business.

Exchange controls and capital inflow and outflow restrictions have limited, and could continue to limit, the availability of international credit and may adversely affect the Argentine economy.

The Argentine government and the Central Bank have implemented certain measures that control and restrict the ability of companies and individuals to access to the foreign exchange market to purchase foreign currency and to transfer it abroad, in order to contain the decrease in the level of international reserves held by the Central Bank. Those measures include, among others: (i) restricting access to the Argentine foreign exchange market for the purchase or transfer of foreign currency abroad for any purpose, including the payment of dividends to non-residents stakeholders; (ii) restrictions on the acquisition of any foreign currency to be held as cash in Argentina; (iii) requiring exporters to repatriate and settle in Pesos, in the local exchange market, all the proceeds of their exports of goods and services; (iv) limitations on repayment of foreign debt and to the transfer of securities into and from Argentina; (v) establishing certain mandatory refinancing’s; and (vi) the implementation of taxes on certain transactions involving the acquisition of foreign currency. For further information, see “Item 10.D – Exchange Controls”.

As a consequence of exchange controls, the gap between the official exchange rate, which is currently used for commercial and financial transactions, and other informal exchange rates that implicitly emerged as a result of certain transactions commonly carried out in the capital market (dollar “MEP” or “blue chip swap”) widened considerably, creating a gap between these rates that is presently around 100%. The Argentine government could maintain a single official exchange rate or create multiple exchange rates for different

 

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types of transactions, and thus split the exchange market substantially modifying the applicable exchange rate at which we acquire currency to service our outstanding foreign currency denominated liabilities. In addition, the imposition by the government of further exchange controls and restrictions and/or taking other measures in response to capital outflows or the devaluation of the Peso could weaken public finances. Such a weakening of public finances could have an adverse effect on Argentina´s economy and on -our results of operations and financial condition.

It is not possible to anticipate for how long these measures will be in force or even if additional restrictions will be imposed. Such measures could undermine the Argentine government’s public finances, which could adversely affect Argentina’s economy, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Significant devaluation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar may adversely affect the Argentine economy.

Despite the positive effects of the real depreciation of the Peso on the competitiveness of certain sectors of the Argentine economy, the depreciation of the Peso has had and may continue to have a negative impact on the ability of certain Argentine businesses to service their foreign currency-denominated debt, lead to inflation, significantly reduce real wages and jeopardize the stability of businesses whose success depends on domestic market demand and adversely affect the Argentine Government’s ability to honor its foreign debt obligations. The Peso has suffered significant devaluations against the US Dollar in the past and has continued to depreciate against the US Dollar in recent months. The Peso depreciated by 40.5% in 2020, 14.7% in 2021 and 42.9% in 2022, against the US Dollar. As of December 30, 2022, the exchange rate was Ps. 177.1283 per US Dollar, reflecting an increase of approximately 72.4% compared to the same period of the previous year. In reference to the above, it is important to note that in recent years the level of inflation has exceeded the level of official devaluation.

On the other hand, a substantial increase in the value of the Peso against the U.S. dollar would adversely affect Argentina’s economic competitiveness. A significant real appreciation of the Peso would adversely affect exports and increase the trade deficit, which could have a negative effect on GDP growth and employment, as well as reduce the Argentine public sector’s revenues by reducing tax collection in real terms.

If the Peso devalues significantly, all of the negative effects on the Argentine economy related to such devaluation could recur, with adverse consequences to our business, financial condition and results of operations.

High inflation levels could have adverse long-term consequences for the Argentine economy.

The Argentine economy has experienced great volatility during the last decades, characterized by periods of low or negative GDP growth, high levels of inflation and currency depreciation and devaluation. Currently, inflation remains high and is likely to remain at similar levels in the future; according to the official data published by INDEC, consumer price inflation was 24.8% in 2017, 47.6% in 2018, 36.1% in 2020, 50.9% in 2021 and 94.8% in 2022. Regarding year 2023, inflation in January, February and March was 6.0%, 6.6% and 7.7% respectively. On April 7, 2023, the Argentine Central Bank announced that the new inflation estimates for years 2023, 2024 and 2025 are 110%, 90% and 54.6%, respectively, pursuant to its survey of market expectations (Relevamiento de Expectativas de Mercado)

There can be no assurance that inflation rates will not continue to escalate in the future or that the measures adopted or that may be adopted by the Argentine government to control inflation will be effective or successful. Inflation remains a major challenge for Argentina. Continuing significant inflation could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economy and in turn could increase our costs of operation, in particular labor costs, and may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

High public expenditure could result in long lasting adverse consequences for the Argentine economy.

During the last years, the Argentine government has substantially increased public expenditure and has resorted primarily to the Central Bank’s monetary issuance to source part of its funding requirements.

The fiscal deficit was Ps. 1,749,957 million in 2020, Ps. 1,407,641 million in 2021 and Ps. 1,955,140.8 million in 2022. Public spending was Ps. 5,049,123 million in 2020, Ps. 7,733,816 million in 2021 and Ps. 13,191,168 million in 2022.

 

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We cannot assure you that the government will not seek to finance its deficit by gaining access to the liquidity available in the local financial institutions. In that case, government initiatives that increase the exposure of local financial institutions to the public sector could affect our liquidity and assets quality and have a negative effect on clients’ confidence in the financial system.

In addition, further deterioration in fiscal accounts could negatively affect the Argentine government’s ability to access the international financing markets and could result in increased pressure on the Argentine private sector to cover the Argentine government’s financial needs. This could adversely affect the Argentine economy and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to adequately address actual and perceived risks of institutional deterioration may adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial condition.

In Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index survey of 180 countries, Argentina was ranked 94, slightly improving from 96 in 2021. A lack of a solid institutional framework has been identified as, and continue to be, a significant problem for Argentina. Failure to address these issues could increase the risk of political instability, distort decision-making processes and adversely affect Argentina’s international reputation and ability to attract foreign investment, and consequently, may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although the Argentine government has taken several measures aimed at strengthening Argentina’s institutions, we cannot guarantee the implementation of measures to ensure transparency and integrity in a highly polarized political context.

An outbreak of a new pandemic may have material adverse consequences on the Argentine economy.

An outbreak of a pandemic, disease or similar public health threat, such as COVID-19, which has had and may continue to have material adverse consequences for the global economic, financial, and business conditions, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In order to assuage the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Argentine economy, the Argentine government has taken certain monetary and fiscal measures, in addition to other measures adopted by the Central Bank. Such measures included: layoff limitations, price controls, lower reserve requirements on bank lending to households and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, temporary easing of bank loan classification rules, a temporary prohibition on charging fees related to ATM services, the suspension of account closures, the reduction of maximum credit card interest rates, freezing and/or postponement of certain loan payments, healthcare benefit extensions, tax reductions and certain other financial assistance programs in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

We cannot predict or estimate the future negative impact that a new pandemic will have on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, and will depend on events outside of our control, including the intensity and duration of the pandemic and the measures taken by the different governments, including the Argentine government, in order to contain the pandemic and/or mitigate the economic impact.

Climate change-related risks may adversely affect Argentina’s economy.

There is an increasing concern in Argentina and the world over the risks of climate change and related environmental sustainability matters.

Recently, Argentina has experienced relevant environmental disruptions such as droughts, the historic drop in the Paraná River (the country’s main tributary) and a large number of fire outbreaks in multiple provinces. The effects that will arise from such environmental disruptions in agriculture caused and will cause significant economic problems in the country as there were significant drops in harvests and cuts in projected results. In addition, adverse weather conditions may affect the production of commodities by the agricultural sector, which represents a significant portion of Argentina’s export revenues. In the last semester of 2022, the lack of precipitation aggravated, causing severe damage to the main crops. For example, the wheat harvest of the current season culminated in 12.4 million tons, 10 million less than in the previous cycle, according to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange (Bolsa de Cereales de Buenos Aires). The Rosario Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario) estimates that if the losses of producers are added to those implied by the lower harvest (lower demand for freight, labor, financial services, etc.), the total losses for national economic activity amount to U.S.$19,000 million, which is equivalent to 3 points of the estimated Argentine GDP for the year 2023.

A continued decrease in the international prices of the main commodities exported by Argentina or adverse weather conditions (including, but not limited to, droughts) may adversely affect agriculture activities, which in turn could have a negative effect on the level of government revenues and its ability to service its public debt and generate recessionary or inflationary pressures, depending on the government’s reaction. A decline in commodity prices could adversely affect the Argentine economy and the Argentine government’s tax revenues, thereby affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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As evidenced by the above, climate change implies multiple drivers of financial risk that could adversely affect us:

 

   

Transition risks: The move to a low-carbon economy, both at idiosyncratic and systemic levels -such as through policy, regulatory and technological changes, and business and consumers preferences- could increase our expenses and impact our strategies.

 

   

Physical risks: Discrete events, such as flooding and wildfires, and extreme weather impacts and longer-term shifts in climate patterns, such as extreme heat, sea level rise and more frequent and prolonged drought, which could result in financial losses that could impair asset values and the creditworthiness of our customers. Such events could disrupt our operations or those of our customers or third parties on which we rely and do business with, including through direct damage to assets and indirect impacts from supply chain disruption and market volatility.

 

   

Liability risks: Parties who may suffer losses from the effects of climate change may seek compensation from state entities, regulators, investors and lenders, among others.

 

   

Credit risks: Physical climate change could lead to increased credit exposure and companies with business models not aligned with the transition to a low-carbon economy may face a higher risk of reduced corporate earnings and business disruption due to new regulations or market shifts.

 

   

Market and liquidity risks: Market and liquidity changes in the most carbon-intensive sectors could affect energy and commodity prices, corporate bonds, equities and certain derivatives contracts. Increasing frequency of severe weather events could affect macroeconomic conditions, weakening fundamental factors such as economic growth, employment and inflation. Companies could face liquidity risks derived from cash outflows targeted to improve their reputation in the market or solve climate-related problems.

 

   

Operational risks: Severe weather events could directly impact business continuity and operations both of customers and ours operations.

 

   

Regulatory compliance risks: Increased regulatory compliance risk may result from the increasing pace, breadth and depth of regulatory expectations requiring implementation in short timeframes across multiple jurisdictions and from changes in public policy, laws and regulations in connection with climate change and related environmental sustainability matters.

 

   

Conduct risks: Increasing demand for “green” products where there are differing and developing standards or taxonomies.

 

   

Reputational risk: Our reputation and client relationships may be damaged as a result of our practices and decisions related to climate change, social and environmental matters, or to the practices or involvement of our clients vendors or suppliers, in certain industries or projects associated with causing or exacerbating climate change.

As climate risk is interconnected with all key risk types, we have developed and continue to enhance processes to embed climate risk considerations into our risk management strategies; however, because the timing and severity of climate change may not be predictable and is rapidly evolving, our risk management strategies may not be effective in mitigating climate risk exposure. Additionally, we may become subject to new or heightened regulatory requirements relating to climate change, which may result in increased regulatory, compliance or other costs. As the risks, perspective and focus of regulators, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders regarding climate change are evolving rapidly, it can be difficult to assess the ultimate impact on us of climate change-related risks, compliance risks, and uncertainties.

Any of the conditions described above, or our failure to identify other climate-related risks, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Risks relating to the Argentine financial system

The growth and profitability of Argentina’s financial system depends on the growth of the long-term credit market.

Since most deposits are short-term deposits, a substantial portion of the loans have the same or similar maturities, and there is a small portion of long-term credit lines.

The proportion of long-term credit lines, such as mortgage loans, is low and long-term loan originations were significantly reduced in 2020, 2021 and 2022, as a result of high interest rates and the difficult financial and macroeconomic backdrop.

The uncertainty of the level of inflation in future years is a principal obstacle to a faster recovery of Argentina’s private sector long-term lending. This uncertainty has had and may continue to have a significant effect on both the supply of and demand for long-term loans, as borrowers try to hedge against inflation risk by borrowing at fixed rates while lenders hedge against inflation risk by offering loans at floating rates.

If longer-term financial intermediation activity does not grow, the ability of financial institutions, including us, to generate profits will be negatively affected.

The stability of the financial system depends upon the ability of financial institutions, including us, to retain the confidence of depositors.

The measures implemented in the past by the Argentine government regarding financial institutions, particularly the restrictions imposed on depositors in relation to the possibility of freely withdrawing funds from banks and “pesification” and restructuring of their deposits, caused losses to many depositors and weakened the confidence in the Argentine financial system.

The Argentine financial system’s growth depends heavily on deposit levels, due to the small size of its capital market and the absence of foreign investments in previous years. During the last years, numerous local financial institutions, including us, have had access to global financial markets to obtain financing through the placement of debt securities, in satisfactory conditions, but this trend has come to an end due to the adverse macroeconomic conditions in recent years. Therefore, there is uncertainty about whether the current availability of funds in international markets will be regained in the coming years.

Although liquidity levels are currently reasonable, it is not possible to offer any guarantee that these levels will not decrease in the future due to adverse economic conditions that could negatively affect the financial system and our business. Furthermore, while banks’ liquidity in foreign currency is high, a significant share of it is deposited at the Central Bank, and as a result banks have to rely on the Central Bank in order to access those funds. If we were to experience significant withdrawals by depositors, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

As a result of the aforementioned, the deposit base of the Argentine financial system, including ours, may be further affected in the future by adverse economic, social and political events. If there were a further loss of confidence due to such economic, social and political events causing depositors to withdraw significant holdings from banks, there could be a substantially negative effect on the manner in which financial institutions, including us, conduct their business and on their ability to operate as financial intermediaries. International loss of confidence in the financial institutions may also affect the behavior of Argentine depositors which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The asset quality of financial institutions could be deteriorated if the Argentine private sector is affected by economic events in Argentina or international macroeconomic conditions.

The capacity of Argentine private sector debtors to repay their loans has deteriorated significantly in the past years as a result of certain economic events in Argentina or macroeconomic conditions, materially affecting the asset quality of financial institutions, including us. During recent years we observed an improvement in the quality of the portfolio of both the financial system as a whole and our own, partly sustained by certain regulatory flexibilities established by the Central Bank during the pandemic.

Although the agreement with the IMF has significantly reduced uncertainty about short-term macroeconomic policies, the external situation remains fragile. Against the background of high inflation, tightened import restrictions, low international reserves and severely limited fiscal space, risks remain elevated, which will keep investment and private consumption subdued. The high and persistent inflation of recent years is leaving a very negative balance for the purchasing power. This resulted in wages losing purchasing power by -2.43 points, approximately, in the period between January and December 2022.

 

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The irregularity ratio of credit to the private sector stood at 3.1%, maintaining a downward pattern in the last 12 months, with lower irregularity levels in longer-term financing, as is the case of mortgage lines that received a set of government support policies to address the sector’s situation.

We cannot assure that the current economic situation and the international context will be favorable and that private sector debtors will improve their ability to pay. Despite the current quality of its portfolio, we may not be successful in recovering substantial portions of outstanding loans. If Argentina’s economic growth continues to slow or the financial condition of the private sector deteriorates further, the financial system, including us, could experience an increase in the incidence of non-performing loans.

Reduced spreads between interest rates received on loans and those paid on deposits, without corresponding increases in lending volumes, could adversely affect the financial system.

The spread for Argentina’s financial system between the interest rates on loans and deposits could be affected as a result of increased competition in the banking sector and the Argentine government’s tightening of monetary policy in response to inflation concerns.

We cannot guarantee that interest rate spreads will remain attractive unless increases in our volume of lending or additional cost-cutting takes place. A reversal of this trend could adversely affect the financial system and our business.

The application of the Consumer Protection Law may prevent or limit the collection of payments with respect to services rendered by financial institutions.

Law No. 24,240 as amended and supplemented from time to time (the “Consumer Protection Law”) sets forth certain rules and principles designed to protect consumers, which include our customers. The Consumer Protection Law, contains specific rules regarding financial activities and also general rules that may be used to support its application, pursuant to legal precedents. Additionally, the National Civil and Commercial Code has incorporated the principles of Consumers Protection Law and has established its application to banking sector contracts. Moreover, Law No. 25,065 (as amended and supplemented from time to time by Law No. 26,010 and Law No. 26,361, the “Credit Card Law”) also sets forth several mandatory regulations designed to protect credit card holders. Also, Central Bank´s regulations provide wide protection to clients of financial services institutions limiting the fees and charges that such institutions can charge to their clients.

Both the involvement of the applicable administrative authorities at the federal, provincial and local levels, and the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Law and the Credit Card Law by the courts are increasing. This trend has increased general consumer protection levels. In the event of we are found responsible for violating the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law, the Credit Card Law, or the consumer protection regulations issued by the Central Bank, potential penalties may limit our ability to collect payments owed for services and credits which may, in turn, adversely affect the financial results of our operations.

Class actions against financial entities for an indeterminate amount may adversely affect the profitability of the financial system.

Certain public and private organizations have initiated class actions against financial institutions in Argentina, including us, some of which have been favorable contested while others were duly appealed by us. The Argentine National Constitution and the Consumer Protection Law contain certain provisions regarding class actions. However, their guidance with respect to procedural rules for instituting and trying class action cases are limited. Nevertheless, by means of an ad hoc doctrine construction, Argentine courts have admitted class actions in some cases, including various lawsuits against financial entities related to “collective interests” such as alleged overcharging on products, applied interest rates and advice in the sale of public securities, among others.

If class action plaintiffs were to prevail against financial institutions, their success could have an adverse effect on the financial industry and on our business.

Governmental measures and regulatory framework affecting financial entities could have a material adverse effect on the operations of financial entities.

The Argentine government has historically exercised significant influence over the economy and the financial system. Financial institutions, in particular, have operated in a highly regulated environment. We are actively supervised by the Central Bank, the CNV and the UIF, among other agencies. As part of its supervisory duties, we may be subject to sanctions if it detects non-compliance with applicable regulations. The Central Bank has the power to supervise compliance with the regulations applicable to the financial system. Similarly, the CNV has the power to supervise compliance regarding market operations, as well as to make recommendations and instruct best practices in the area of securities trading of corporate governance regulations. Finally, the UIF regulates matters related to money laundering and has the power to supervise regulatory compliance by obligated entities. For more information, see “Item 4.B.—Business Overview—Argentine Banking Regulation”.

 

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Any insolvency proceeding against financial institutions would be subject to the powers of and intervention by the Central Bank, which may limit remedies otherwise available and extend the duration of the proceedings.

We have no control over governmental regulations or laws governing all aspects of its operations, including: minimum capital requirements; minimum cash reserve requirements; requirements on fixed-rate asset investments; limits on lending capacity and other credit restrictions, including mandatory allocations; limits and other restrictions on fees; reduced time for financial institutions to deposit the amount of credit card sales into appropriate merchant accounts; limits on the amount of interest a bank may charge or pay, or on the period for capitalizing interest; accounting and statistical requirements; restrictions on dividends; limits or restrictions on foreign exchange; limits on market share; reporting or control regimes as agents or regulated entities; and changes in the deposit insurance regime.

It is not possible to offer any guarantee that new stricter regulations will not be implemented in the future that may generate uncertainty and adversely affect future financial activities. Such changes in the regulatory framework and further changes in the future could limit the ability of financial institutions, including us, to make long-term decisions, such as asset allocation decisions, which could cause uncertainty with respect to our future financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure that laws and regulations currently governing the economy, or the financial sector will not continue to change in the future or that any changes will not adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain changes to services and commissions charged by financial entities on debit and credit card sales may affect Argentine financial institutions.

Financial institutions receive income from the commissions they charge merchants on debit and credit card transactions. A change in applicable law that place limits on the fees that merchants may be charged may adversely reduce revenues of the Argentine financial institutions. In March 2017, the Central Bank reduced credit and debit card fees on a gradual annual plan. The maximum debit card sales commissions for 2020 was 0.70% and 0.60% for 2021 and after, and the maximum credit cards commissions for 2020 was 1.50% and 1.30% for 2021 and after. In June 2022, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7533, establishing that sales commission fees must not exceed 0.60% for debit card and 1.30% for credit card. The application of the limits established by the Central Bank and any further reduction in credit and debit card sales commissions could adversely affect our profitability, financial condition and results of operations.

It is not possible to offer any guarantee that new regulations on such a matter will not be implemented in the future that may reduce future financial revenues. Such could in turn have a negative impact on the Argentine financial institutions and, in turn, on our business, financial position and results of operations.

Increased operating costs may affect the Argentine financial institutions results of operations.

Argentine financial institutions face the risk of potential claims initiated by individual workers or unions, and possible strikes or general strikes, in the context of negotiations relating to salary increases, benefits and/or compensation. The occurrence of any of the above could increase our operating costs, which could in turn have a negative impact on the Argentine financial institutions and, in turn, on our business, financial position and results of operations.

Risks relating to us

Our target market may be the most adversely affected by economic recessions.

Our business strategy is to increase fee income and loan origination in one of our principal target markets; low- and middle-income individuals and SMEs.

This target market is particularly vulnerable to economic recessions and, in the event of a recession, growth in our target market may slow and consequently adversely affect our business. The Argentine economy as a whole, and our target market in particular, have not stabilized enough for us to be certain that demand will continue to grow. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our business strategy will ultimately be successful without undue delay or at all.

 

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Significant shareholders have the ability to direct our business and their interests could conflict with yours.

As of December 31, 2022, our significant shareholders, Security Trust JHB BMA and Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo, directly or beneficially owned 5,995,996 Class A shares and 104,473,881 Class B shares, and 4,901,060 Class A shares and 112,609,796 Class B shares, respectively. The shares owned by Security Trust JHB BMA were transferred to such trust upon the death of Jorge Horacio Brito in November 2020 as a testamentary disposition, ad referendum of the Central Bank of Argentina. Security Trust JHB BMA’s beneficiaries are Mr. Jorge Horacio Brito’s heirs apparent. Security Trust JHB BMA’s decisions are made by the trustee.

Although there is no agreement among them, if voting together, they could control all decisions made by shareholders with respect to us. They might, without the attendance of the remaining shareholders, elect a majority of our directors, effect or prevent a merger, sale of assets or other business acquisition or disposition, cause us to issue additional equity securities, effect a related party transaction and determine the timing and amounts of dividends, if any.

We will continue to consider acquisition opportunities, which may not be successful.

We have historically expanded our business primarily through acquisitions. We will continue to consider attractive acquisition opportunities that we believe may offer additional value and are consistent with our business strategy. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or that we will be able to acquire promising target financial institutions on favorable terms or that the Central Bank will approve any such transaction without undue delay or at all. Additionally, our ability to obtain the desired effects of any such acquisitions will depend in part on our ability to successfully complete the integration of those businesses and capture expected synergies, of which there can be no assurance. The integration of acquired businesses entails significant risks, including customer retention, integration, valuation adjustments and liability assumption risks. Any integration process gives rise to costs and uncertainties and may strain management resources and business functions. The occurrence of any of the above may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flow or financial condition.

Our estimates and established reserves for credit risk and potential credit losses may prove to be inaccurate and/or insufficient, which may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

A number of our products expose us to credit risk, including consumer loans, commercial loans and other receivables. Changes in the income levels of our borrowers, increases in the inflation rate or an increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on the quality of our loan portfolio, causing us to increase provisions for loan losses and resulting in reduced profits or in losses.

We estimate and establish reserves for credit risk and expected credit losses (“ECL”) based on analytical models (statistical models related to loan portfolio management) pursuant to IFRS 9. This process involves subjective and complex judgments, including projections of economic conditions and assumptions on the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. We may not be able to timely detect these risks before they occur, or due to limited resources or availability of tools, our employees may not be able to effectively implement our credit risk management system, which may increase our exposure to credit risk.

Our management considers that there is uncertainty about the conditions of the interest rate policy and the access to loans from the portfolio that was able to reduce its default rates. In addition, we have considered the macroeconomic environment of Argentina, including the actions performed by the Federal Government to manage its debt instruments and certain uncertainty mainly related to our long-term holdings of Federal Government instruments. Therefore, we decided to record an additional allowance for Ps. 1,837 million as of December 31, 2022. For further information see note 52.1.4”Additional Forward-looking allowances based on expert credit judgment”, section “Adjustment for uncertainty about conditions of accessing loans to MIPYMES and Federal Government Securities”, of the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022.

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

Changes in market conditions, and any risks associated therewith, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are directly and indirectly affected by changes in market conditions. Market risk, or the risk that values of assets and liabilities or revenues will be adversely affected by variation in market conditions, is inherent in the products and instruments associated with our operations, including loans, deposits, securities, bonds, long-term debt and short-term borrowings. Changes in market conditions that may affect our financial condition and results of operations include fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, securities prices, changes in the implied volatility of interest rates and foreign exchange rates, among others.

 

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For more information see “Risk relating to Argentina – The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic and political developments in other countries”

Cybersecurity events could negatively affect our reputation, our financial condition and our results of operations.

We depend on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of internet-based data processing, communication and information exchange platforms and networks, including those systems related to the operation of our automatic teller machine (“ATM”) network. We have access to large amounts of confidential financial information and control substantial financial assets belonging to our customers as well as to us. In addition, we provide our customers with continuous remote access to their accounts and the possibility of transferring substantial financial assets by electronic means. Accordingly, cybersecurity is a material risk for us. Cybersecurity incidents, such as computer break-ins, phishing, identity theft and other disruptions could negatively affect the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us.

During last year, there has been an increase in cases of phishing, and especially of telephone phishing or Vishing and Angler phishing, through social networks, in order to deceive clients and obtain confidential information using different techniques of social engineering. In addition, our risk and exposure to these matters remain heightened because of the evolving nature and complexity of these threats from cybercriminals and hackers. Preventive measures and security components continue to be developed to improve the preventive measures against such kinds of fraud and increase the level of protection of information. In this sense, we have taken measures to mitigate the cases of phishing and digital fraud and protect our customers.

In March 2023, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7724, which seeks to prevent and combat the increasingly frequent frauds against banking customers. Through this regulation, it requires banks to improve their policies, procedures and controls in order to obtain more encouraging results in risk assessments and, to improve the mitigation of their risks related to information technology and security. The standard issued indicates that it is essential to define and implement an information technology and security risk management framework as part of the bank’s overall risk management and that this requires time, extensive training and commitment from senior management and the board of directors. This will contribute to mitigate the specific risks already mentioned and also to reduce and mitigate the entity’s reputational risk. Effective on October 2023, it introduces regulations focused on issues such as cyber resilience, security incident management and integration with integrated risk management policies.

Our contingency plans are adequate to restore operations in the time required by the business, however, contingency plans in place may not be sufficient to cover liabilities associated with any such events and, therefore, applicable insurance coverage may be deemed inadequate, preventing us from receiving full compensation for the losses sustained as a result of such a disruption. Although we intend to continue to implement security technology devices and establish operational procedures to prevent such damage, we cannot assure you that all of our systems are entirely free from vulnerability and these security measures will be successful. If any of these events occur, it could damage our reputation, entail serious costs and affect our transactions, as well as our results of operations and financial condition.

Our business is highly dependent on properly functioning information technology systems and improvements to such systems.

Our business is highly dependent on the ability of our information technology systems and the third-party managers of such systems to effectively manage and process a large number of transactions across numerous and diverse markets and products in a timely manner. In addition, we provide our customers with continuous remote access to their accounts and the possibility of transferring substantial financial assets by electronic means. The proper functioning of our financial control, risk management, accounting, customer service and other data processing systems is critical to our business and our ability to compete effectively. Our business activities may be materially disrupted if there were a partial or complete failure of any of our information technology systems communication networks. Such failures could be caused by, among other things, software bugs, computer virus attacks or intrusions, phishing, identity theft or conversion errors due to system upgrading. In addition, any security breach caused by unauthorized access to information or systems, or intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data, software, hardware or other computer equipment, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our ability to remain competitive and achieve further growth will depend in part on our ability to upgrade our information technology systems and increase our capacity on a timely and cost-effective basis. Any substantial failure to improve or upgrade information technology systems effectively or on a timely basis could materially affect us.

 

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An increase in fraud or transactions errors may adversely affect us.

Given the number of transactions that take place in a financial institution, although we have implemented numerous controls to avoid the occurrence of inefficient or fraudulent operations, errors can occur and aggravate 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. Likewise, cybersecurity is a significant risk to us. Cybersecurity incidents or personal and confidential information may adversely affect the security of information stored and transmitted through the Issuer’s computer systems and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us.

Given the high volume of transactions that may occur at a financial institution, errors could be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and remedied. Losses from fraud by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees and other operational errors could have a material adverse effect on us.

Liquidity issues could arise that may adversely affect our business.

Any significant changes in the liquidity conditions prevailing in the market arising from material adverse effects on the Argentine economy, on the financial system, and on us, could affect our regular performance of business and, in particular, our funding sources.

We have, and we expect that we will continue to have, significant liquidity and capital resources to finance our business. However, our current and future potential indebtedness could have significant consequences, including the limitation on our ability to refinance existing debt or to borrow money to finance working capital, acquisitions and capital expenditures and the need to allocate a significant part of our cash flow to repay principal and interest, adversely affecting our ability to make dividend payments on our shares and the ADSs.

We cannot assure that changes in the liquidity conditions of the Argentine financial system, either at present or in the future, will not have an adverse effect on our business. If so, our financial, economic or other condition, our results, operations, business, and/or our general repayment ability could be significantly and adversely affected.

For more information see “Risk relating to Argentina – The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic and political developments in other countries”.

Argentina’s implementation of the Corporate Criminal Liability Law and other anti-corruption laws and regulations may expose us to compliance risks.

Due to the nature of our business, we are required to comply with various anti-corruption laws and regulations, including those of Argentina and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”), regarding customer and market conduct, anti-corruption and the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorists. These laws and regulations generally prohibit improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business or securing any improper advantage. If we do not successfully comply with applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations designed to combat governmental corruption, we could become subject to fines, penalties or other regulatory sanctions, civil litigation as well as to adverse press coverage, which could cause our reputation and business to suffer.

Although we are committed to conducting business in a legal and ethical manner and in compliance with local and international statutory requirements and standards applicable to our business, as we directly or indirectly deal with entities whose employees are government officials, there is a risk that our management, employees or representatives may take actions that could violate applicable laws and regulations. Guilty pleas by or convictions of us or of any our affiliates (including any of our significant shareholders, employees or other agents) in criminal proceedings may have adverse effects on our business.

In addition, there is a risk that third parties using our banking network may carry out illegal or improper activities. Moreover, as technology keeps evolving, the surge of cryptocurrencies and blockchain, and adverse economic conditions, financial crimes could increase while limiting our ability to track the movement of funds.

Increased attention to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters may impact our business.

Our business faces increasing public scrutiny related to ESG activities. We risk damage to our brand and reputation if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as environmental stewardship, corporate governance and transparency as well as considering ESG factors in our operations. Adverse incidents with respect to ESG activities could impact our brand, the cost of our operations and relationships with clients and other stakeholders, all of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, new regulatory initiatives related to ESG could adversely affect our business and increase our cost of operations.

 

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Risks relating to our Class B shares and the ADSs

Holders of our Class B shares and the ADSs may not receive any dividends.

The dividend distribution is subject to the requirements established by the Central Bank rules, as amended from time to time. Since January 2016, pursuant to Central Bank Communication “A” 5827, additional capital margin requirements have to be complied with, including a capital conservation margin and a countercyclical margin. The capital conservation margin shall be 2.5% of the amount of risk weighted assets (“RWA”), but in the case of entities considered D-SIB, like us, this margin will be increased to 3.5% of the amount of RWA. The countercyclical margin shall be within a range of 0% to 2.5% of RWA, but Central Bank Communication “A” 5938, established countercyclical margin of 0% since April 1, 2016.

On January 31, 2020, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6886, pursuant to which financial entities must obtain prior approval of the Central Bank in order to distribute dividends. The Superintendency shall take into account the effects of the enforcement of section 5.5 of the International Financial Reporting Standards 9 by Communication “A” 6430 and the restatement of the financial statements as provided by Communication “A” 6651, among others.

On March 19, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6939, as amended, by virtue of which the distribution of dividends by financial entities have been suspended at least until December 31, 2021. On December 2021, by means of Communication “A” 7421, as amended, the Central Bank authorized financial entities to distribute dividends from January 1, to December 31, 2022, for up to 20% of accumulated earnings by December 31, 2021. Those financial entities must make such distribution in 12 equal, monthly and consecutive installments.

On March 9, 2023, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7719, which provides that as from April 1, 2023 and until December 31, 2023, those financial institutions that have the authorization of the Central Bank may distribute profits in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments for up to 40% of the amount that would have corresponded.

We cannot assure this measure or others with similar effect will not be extended after this period nor the extent to which the measure may affect holders of our Class B shares or ADSs.

Holders of our Class B shares and the ADSs located in the United States may not be able to exercise preemptive rights.

Under Argentine Corporate Law No. 19,550 (the “Argentine Corporate Law”), if we issue new shares as part of a capital increase, our shareholders may have the right to subscribe to the proportional number of shares to maintain their existing shareholding. Rights to subscribe for shares in these circumstances are known as preemptive rights. Upon the occurrence of any future increase in our capital stock, U.S. holders of Class B shares or ADSs will not be able to exercise the preemptive rights for such Class B shares or ADSs unless a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), is effective with respect to such Class B shares or ADSs or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. We are not obligated to file a registration statement with respect to those Class B shares or ADSs. We cannot assure you that we will file such a registration statement or that an exemption from registration will be available.

Unless those Class B shares or ADSs are registered or an exemption from registration applies, a U.S. holder of our Class B shares or ADSs may receive only the net proceeds from those preemptive rights if those rights can be sold by the depositary. If they cannot be sold, they will be allowed to lapse. Furthermore, the equity interest of holders of Class B shares or ADSs located in the United States may be diluted proportionately upon future capital increases.

We are traded on more than one market, which may result in price variations and investors may not be able to easily move shares for trading between such markets.

The trading prices of our ADSs and our Class B shares may differ on different markets due to various factors. Any decrease in the price of our Class B shares on the BYMA or the MAE could cause a decrease in the trading price of the ADSs on the NYSE. Investors could seek to sell or buy our shares to take advantage of any price differences between the markets through a practice referred to as arbitrage. Any arbitrage activity could create unexpected volatility in both our share prices on one exchange, and the ADSs available for trading on the other exchange. In addition, holders of ADSs will not be immediately able to surrender their ADSs and withdraw the underlying Class B shares for trading on the other market without effecting necessary procedures with the depositary. This could result in time delays and additional cost for holders of ADSs.

 

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Our shareholders may be subject to liability for certain votes of their securities.

Our shareholders are not liable for our obligations. Instead, shareholders are generally liable only for the payment of the shares they subscribe. However, shareholders who have a conflict of interest with us and who do not abstain from voting may be held liable for damages to us, but only if the transaction would not have been approved without such shareholders’ votes. Furthermore, shareholders who willfully or negligently vote in favor of a resolution that is subsequently declared void by a court as contrary to the Argentine Corporate Law or our bylaws may be held jointly and severally liable for damages to us or to other third parties, including other shareholders.

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 and IGAs to instruments such as the Class B Shares and the ADSs, including whether withholding would ever be required pursuant to FATCA or an IGA 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 or an IGA 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 not apply prior to the date that is two years after the date on which final regulations defining “foreign pass thru 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.

We are organized under the laws of Argentina and holders of the ADSs may find it difficult to enforce civil liabilities against us, our directors, officers and certain experts.

We are organized under the laws of Argentina. A significant portion of our and our subsidiaries’ assets are located outside the United States. Furthermore, all of our directors and officers and some advisors named in this annual report reside in Argentina. Investors may not be able to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or to enforce against them or us in United States courts judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. Likewise, it may also be difficult for an investor to enforce in United States courts judgments obtained against us or these persons in courts located in jurisdictions outside the United States, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws. It may also be difficult for an investor to bring an original action in an Argentine court predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us or such persons.

Prior to any enforcement in Argentina, a judgment issued by a U.S. court will be subject to the requirements of 517 through 519 of the Argentine Federal Civil and Commercial Procedure Code if enforcement is sought before federal courts or courts with jurisdiction in commercial matters of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Those requirements are: (1) the judgment, which must be valid and final in the jurisdiction where rendered, was issued by a competent court in accordance with the Argentine principles regarding international jurisdiction and resulted from a personal action, or an in rem action with respect to personal property which was transferred to Argentine territory during or after the prosecution of the foreign action; (2) the defendant against whom enforcement of the judgment is sought was personally served with the summons and, in accordance with due process of law, was given an opportunity to defend against foreign action; (3) the judgment must be valid in the jurisdiction where rendered, and its authenticity must be established in accordance with the requirements of Argentine law; (4) the judgment does not violate the principles of public policy of Argentine law; and (5) the judgment is not contrary to a prior or simultaneous judgment of an Argentine court. Any document in a language other than Spanish, including, without limitation, the foreign judgment and other documents related thereto, requires filing with the relevant court of a duly legalized translation by a sworn public translator into the Spanish language.

 

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Item 4. Information on the Bank

A. History and development of the Bank

Our legal and commercial name is Banco Macro S.A. We are a financial institution incorporated on November 21, 1966 as a Sociedad Anónima, a stock corporation, duly incorporated under the laws of Argentina for a 99-year period and registered on March 8, 1967 with the Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Bahía Blanca, in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina under No. 1154 of Book 2, Volume 75 of Estatutos. We subsequently changed our legal address to the City of Buenos Aires and registered it with the IGJ on October 8, 1996 under No. 9777 of Book 119, Volume A of Sociedades Anónimas.

We file reports, including our annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Any filings we make electronically with the SEC are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Our principal executive offices are located at Avenida Eduardo Madero 1172, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and our telephone number is (+ 54-11-5222-6500). We maintain our website at www.macro.com.ar, information contained in or otherwise accessible through this website is not a part of this annual report.

We have appointed CT Corporation System as our agent for service of process in the United States, located at 28 Liberty St., New York, New York, 10005.

Our history – Banco Macro S.A.

Banco Macro commenced its operations as a non-banking financial institution in 1985, through the acquisition of Macro Compañía Financiera S.A. (created in 1977). In May 1988, it received the authorization to operate as a commercial bank and it was incorporated as Banco Macro S.A. Subsequently, as a result of the merger process with other entities, it adopted other names (among them, Banco Macro Bansud S.A.) and since August 2006, the name of “Banco Macro S.A.”

From then onwards and up to 1994, Banco Macro operated as a wholesale bank, being a pioneer in corporate bonds issuances. It mainly acted in the areas of money markets, trading of government and corporate bonds and financial services for medium and big companies.

Since 1994, Banco Macro has substantially changed its business strategy, focusing on retail banking in market areas with a low level of banking transactions and high growth potential, particularly in the regional areas outside the City of Buenos Aires. Following this strategy, in 1996, we started to acquire entities as well as assets and liabilities resulting from the privatization of provincial and other banks, including Banco Misiones, Banco Salta and Banco Jujuy.

In 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2010, Banco Macro acquired control of Banco Bansud S.A., Nuevo Banco Suquía S.A., Nuevo Banco Bisel S.A. and Banco Privado de Inversiones S.A., respectively, expanding through these acquisitions its presence in the south and center of the country. Such entities merged with us on December 2003, October 2007, August 2009 and December 2013, respectively. In addition, during 2006, Banco Macro acquired control of Banco del Tucumán S.A., which was merged with the Bank in October 2019. Additionally, on May 21, 2019, Banco Macro acquired 100% of Argenpay SAU.

In January 2019, Banco Macro accepted an offer by Al Zenith (Netherlands) B.V. (a company related to Advent International Global Private Equity) for the purchase of Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. (“Prisma”). Such acceptance occurred within the framework of the divestment commitment assumed by Prisma and its shareholders before the National Antitrust Commission (Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia, CNDC). The transaction included the purchase of 1,933,051 ordinary shares with a par value of 1 Peso each and with one vote per share, representing 4.6775% of the capital stock, equivalent to 51% of Banco Macro’s shareholding in Prisma. On October 1, 2021, within the framework of the aforementioned commitment, the Bank, together with the other class B shareholders of Prisma, sent the corresponding notice of the exercise of the put option and thus initiated the procedure for the sale of the remaining 49% of Prisma’s capital stock and votes. On March 18, 2022, the Bank informed that the transfer’of all of the Bank’s remaining shareholding in Prisma in favor of AI ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. representing 4.4941% of Prisma’s capital stock and votes was completed. The price for such participation amounts to U.S. Dollars 33,017,761.20 and will be paid as follows: (i) 30% in Pesos at a UVA rate plus 15% nominal annual rate and (ii) 70% in U.S. Dollars at a rate of 10% nominal annual rate within a term of six years. The Company also informed that, as part of the aforementioned transaction, it was agreed that part of the balance of the price for the sale of 51% of the capital stock and votes of Prisma would be paid in two installments, extending the payment term to 2026 and 2027.

 

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Additionally, in July, 2020, Banco Macro made an irrevocable capital contribution on account of future subscription of shares to Play Digital SA and subscribed 16,250,000 shares with a par value (“VN”) of Ps. 1 representing 25% of the capital stock. During 2020 and 2021, the Bank made additional contributions in the company Play Digital S.A and subscribed 199,467,076 shares with a VN of Ps.1. Also, in 2022, the Bank made new irrevocable capital contributions on account of future subscription of shares and subscribe 178,911,312 shares with a VN of Ps. 1. On October 4, 2022, the Bank sold 22,112,340 shares for a value of Ps. 61,889 thousand. As a result, the new shareholding of the company is 9.6984%. Additionally, on February 23, 2023, the Bank made a new irrevocable contribution of Ps. 347,371,193 on account of future share subscription. The purpose of this company is to develop and commercialize a payment solution linked to the bank accounts of users of the financial system in order to significantly improve their payment experience. Initially the shareholders, including the Bank, were Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires SAU, Banco BBVA Argentina SA and Banco Santander Argentina SA. Subsequently, other entities joined as shareholders in addition to those mentioned above.

Additionally, on October 1, 2021, the Bank decided to make use of the option to reach a 24.99% interest in Fintech SGR. The purpose of this company is to facilitate access to credit for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the provision of guarantees.

On October 15, 2021, the Bank acquired shares representing 50% of the capital stock and votes of Finova SA. The purpose of this company is to develop and commercialize the electronic platform www.facturbo.com.ar, which allows the negotiation of credit instruments issued or accepted by large companies in favor of SMEs.

We currently offer traditional bank products and services to companies, including those operating in regional economies, as well as to individuals, thus reinforcing our objective to be a multi-service bank. In addition, Banco Macro performs certain transactions through its subsidiaries, including mainly Macro Bank Limited, Macro Securities S.A.U., Macro Fiducia S.A.U., Macro Fondos S.G.F.C.I. S.A., Argenpay S.A.U. and Fintech SGR.

Our shares have been publicly listed on the BYMA since November 1994 and on the NYSE since March 2006, and have been authorized to list on the MAE since October 2015.

B. Business Overview

We are one of the leading banks in Argentina and the largest in terms of number of branches, with an excellent face-to-face service complemented by digital channels. Through them, we provide solutions to key players that generate economic and social value (public sector, large companies and corporations), and promote accessibility and financial inclusion of people from vulnerable sectors, professionals, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized companies.

In 2022, after a management evolution process, based on our history and culture, we launched the Corporate Strategy focused on proximity, people and sustainability. This Strategy was communicated internally and externally, being a milestone for us with its first massive communication campaign: that Argentina thinks big, in Macro (“que la Argentina piense en grande, en Macro”).

We believe this strategy offers significant opportunity for continued growth in our banking business. According to the Central Bank, as of September 30, 2022, we were ranked first in terms of branches, second in terms of equity and fourth in terms of total loans and third in terms of total deposits among private banks in Argentina.

As of December 31, 2022, on a consolidated basis, we had:

 

   

Ps. 2,090,120.2 million (U.S.$ 11,800.0 million) in total assets;

 

   

Ps. 598,600.9 million (U.S.$ 3,379.5 million) in total loans and other financings;

 

   

Ps. 1,295,395.1 million (U.S.$ 7,313.3 million) in total deposits;

 

   

approximately 4.6 million retail customers and 0.1 million corporate customers; and

 

   

approximately, 1.0 million customers with employee payroll accounts for private sector and provincial governments and 0.7 million retiree customers.

 

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In general, given the relatively low level of banking intermediation in Argentina, there are limited products and services being offered. We are focusing on the overall growth of our loan portfolio by expanding our customer base and encouraging them to make use of our lending products. We have a holistic approach to our banking business and do not manage the Bank by segments or divisions or by customer categories, by products and services, by regions, or by any other segmentation for the purpose of allocating resources and assessing profitability. We offer savings and checking accounts, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans and other credit-related products and transactional services available to our retail customers and SMEs through our branch network. We also offer Plan Sueldo payroll services, lending, corporate credit cards, mortgage finance, transaction processing and foreign exchange. In addition, our Plan Sueldo payroll processing services for private companies and the public sector give us a large and stable customer deposit base.

Our competitive strengths

We believe we are well positioned to benefit from opportunities created by the economic and business environment in Argentina. Our competitive strengths include the following:

 

   

Strong financial position. As of December 31, 2022, we had excess of regulatory capital of Ps. 410,269 million (39.9% capitalization ratio). Our excess capital is aimed at supporting growth, and consequently, a higher leverage of our balance sheet.

 

   

Strong shareholders’ equity. Our shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was Ps. 445,581million, Ps. 466,797 million and Ps. 512,229 million respectively.

 

   

Strong presence in fast-growing target customer market. We have achieved a leading position with low- and middle-income individuals and among SMEs, generally located outside the City of Buenos Aires, which have been relatively underserved by the banking system. Based on our experience, this target market offers significant growth opportunities and a stable base of depositors.

 

   

High exposure to export-led growth. Given the geographical location of the customers we target, we have acquired banks with a large number of branches outside of the City of Buenos Aires with the aim of completing our national coverage. Our focus is particularly on some export-oriented provinces. Most of these provinces engage in economic activities primarily concentrated in areas such as agriculture, mining, cargo transportation, edible oils, ranching and tourism, which have benefited from the export-driven growth in the Argentine economy.

 

   

Largest private-sector branch network in Argentina. With 467 branches and 1,808 ATMs as of December 31, 2022, we have the most extensive branch network among private-sector banks in Argentina. We consider our branch network to be our key distribution channel for marketing our products and services to our entire customer base with a personalized approach. In line with our strategy, approximately 94% of these branches are located outside of the City of Buenos Aires.

 

   

Loyal customer base. We believe that our customers are loyal to us due to our presence in traditionally underserved markets and our Plan Sueldo payroll services. We have benefited from Argentine regulations that require all employees to maintain Plan Sueldo accounts for the direct deposit of their wages. In addition, we emphasize face-to-face relationships with our customers and offer them personalized advice.

 

   

Exclusive financial agent for four Argentine provinces. We perform financial agency services for the governments of the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Misiones and Tucumán in northern Argentina. As a result, each provincial government’s bank accounts are held in our bank and we provide their employees with Plan Sueldo accounts, giving us access to substantial low-cost funding and a large number of loyal customers.

 

   

Strong and experienced management team and committed shareholders. We are led by committed shareholders and a senior management team with large experience in the banking industry, who have transformed us in one of the strongest and largest banks in Argentina.

Our strategy

From a culture of closeness to the people as a differentiating seal, we seek to integrate customer knowledge with innovative systems that offer solutions, products and services that goes further than the traditional banking scheme; to positively impact the communities where we are present. Our strategic vision is to change the way of banking in Argentina: Argentina to think big, in Macro.

 

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In a context in which financial customers demand agility, technology and connectivity in their daily lives, banking institutions play a key role in the development of the communities they serve that transcends economic issues. In order to achieve inclusion through education and accessibility to banking, we have updated our sustainability strategy to complement the business model with a proactive vision in the creation of social and environmental value to maximize its impact and accompany the solid, equitable, inclusive and thriving growth of people and organizations in our country.

Sustainability is part of our DNA, our culture and our purpose. Our sustainability strategy is based on three pillars: business, social and environmental, which are related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the strategic objectives of the business.

We work with the objective of generating value for each stakeholder group, impacting their well-being, interests and growth for:

 

   

SHAREHOLDERS AND INVESTORS – We generate profitability and seek to have a close and transparent relationship with shareholders, accounting responsibly and ethically for the organization’s performance, always respecting their rights and interests.

 

   

INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS – We work to achieve an integrated service between face-to-face, with the largest network of branches of a private bank in the country, and digital service, with channels tailored to each profile; and an innovative ecosystem with solutions that improve people’s quality of life.

 

   

CORPORATE CLIENTS – We accompany companies in their growth and business development, focusing on small and medium-sized companies and a strong presence in the productive areas of the interior of the country.

 

   

COLLABORATORS – We promote the professional and personal development of the people who work in the Bank, so that they inspire Argentines to think big, putting people at the center of management.

 

   

SUPPLIERS – We responsibly manage the procurement process, which is the key for the Bank to generate close and transparent ties with its suppliers from beginning to end, thus impacting the growth of their businesses and the local economic development of the country.

 

   

COMMUNITY – We support the social development of the communities in which we are present, through financial inclusion, education and support to Argentine entrepreneurs who generate a high positive impact.

 

   

PUBLIC SECTOR AND REGULATORY ENTITIES – We build alliances to generate social and environmental value from our own actions, in collaboration with other entities, and public and private organizations.

 

   

MEDIA – We provide information to the market and society with clear and transparent data, in the same way that we support the media in all the locations where we are present.

We also have been focusing our attention to develop good environmental, social and governance practices. In order to meet these objectives, on June 21, 2019, the Bank, together with other founding banks and banking associations as honorary witnesses, subscribed the Sustainable Finance Protocol. This sustainable business protocol represents a milestone for Argentina, as sustainability is placed at the center of the agenda to address the climate change problematic. The protocol comprises 4 strategies:

 

   

To place sustainability at the center of the agenda and in the top management of each of the financial entities;

 

   

To understand the importance of the social-environmental risk analysis of the projects undertaken and the loans granted by the banks, focusing on analyzing not only the repayment capacity but to understand how those projects influence and affect the society and environment;

 

   

To promote the creation of new products and services associated to the green or sustainable agenda; and

 

   

To generate education and training to develop and extend these concepts to the entire financial system.

Within this framework, the Bank has developed a Corporate Banking Credit Policy that encompass the analysis of less conventional risks, including environmental, labor, human rights and transparency aspects. In particular, some of the variables considered for analysis are the environmental impact management in regard to the handling of supplies, responsible use of natural resources, waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, publication of a Corporate Social Responsibility or Sustainability report, systematic development of private social investment with strategic alliances of civil society organizations with which the Bank works and

 

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measurement of the impact on the community, implementation of a Code of Conduct or Business Ethics, certifications related to sustainable management, actions with customers that have a positive social or environmental impact, products with social and environmental purposes and inclusive purchases from vulnerable sectors, among others.

In addition, the Bank seeks to expand access to credit for vulnerable sectors, focusing on financial products for profiles that are traditionally underserved, since we believe that true financial inclusion occurs when everyone can benefit from financial products and services according to their needs and circumstances. Among the inclusive products and services we offer, we would like to highlight the following:

 

   

Personal loan line for AUH beneficiaries;

 

   

Financing line for beneficiaries of ex gratia pensions (former Malvinas combatants, people with different capacities, etc.);

 

   

Actions with social impact focused on financial inclusion;

 

   

Lines for retirees and pensioners;

 

   

Personal loans and credit card access for informal customers, with no verifiable activity:

 

   

Mortgage loans to finance the acquisition or construction of wooden houses;

 

   

Programa Procrear (mortgage loans) in all its stages and Programa Procrear Joven. This segment includes SMEs, micro-enterprises and regional businesses, to whom the Bank seeks to offer products and services according to their profile, based on their size and the locality where they operate; and

 

   

Programa Naves, which is committed to SMEs and entrepreneurs, providing tools for the development of business plans, and rewards the best initiatives with financing.

In this way, the Bank applies its business for social and environmental purposes, contributing to sustainable development and sustainable finance as a local and global trend.

Our products and services

With a portfolio of products and services for every type of person, company and organization, we seek to transmit drive and optimism to think big from a wide range of solutions and services with knowledge, proximity and innovation.

The focus in 2022 was the Digital Ecosystemic Link, building a new approach methodology and value proposition, with solutions outside traditional banking services through partnerships with specialized providers in SmartCities, GovTech and HealthTech. In This way, we generated transversal business between the Banks, becoming the bridge that links new clients that we had not accessed through traditional products. We offer a relatively narrow range of standard products, which are generally available to both our retail and corporate customers. We have a holistic approach to our banking business and do not manage the Bank by segments or divisions or by customer categories, by products and services, by regions, or by any other segmentation for the purpose of allocating resources and assessing profitability. Our strategy is to grow our business, as demand for credit in Argentina increases, by focusing on cross-selling opportunities among our broad customer base. The following discussion of our business follows broad customer categories of retail and corporate as a way to understand who our customers are and the products and services that we provide.

The composition of our customer portfolio is as follows:

 

Participation by Bank in the Portfolio

   2020     2021     2022  

Companies

     29.2     34.1     36.7

Individuals

     56.0     58.5     59.0

Corporate

     13.3     6.7     4.0

Government

     1.3     0.6     0.3

Finance

     0.2     0.1     0.0

 

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Retail customers

Overview

We serve our retail customers with the objective of satisfying their financial needs, whether savings, transactional or funding. Retail customers are classified according to their labor condition or their main income source, in the following categories: Plan Sueldo (Salary Plan), Retirees, Open Market and Professionals and Business. We provide services to them throughout Argentina, in particular in areas outside the City of Buenos Aires, which have higher concentrations of low- and middle-income individuals who are traditionally underserved by large private banks. We serve our retail customers through our extensive, nationwide branch network. Approximately 94% of our branches are located outside the City of Buenos Aires.

The table below reflects the number of retail customers broken down by category as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:

 

Retail Customers by category

   2020      2021      2022  

Open Market

     2,249,120        2,362,901        2,554,982  

Plan Sueldo (private and public sector)

     894,727        945,212        997,234  

Retirees

     697,469        706,109        733,375  

Professionals and business and others

     286,421        298,661        275,621  

Total Retail Customers

     4,127,737        4,312,883        4,561,212  

We offer our retail customers traditional banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, time deposits, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans (including personal loans), mortgage loans, automobile loans, overdrafts, credit-related services, home and car insurance coverage, tax collection, utility payments, ATMs and money transfers.

Our retail customers provide us with a key source of funding as well as a significant interest and fee income. We believe that our large retail customer client base provides us with an excellent opportunity to expand the volume of our lending business.

Our efforts have been aimed at strengthening relationships with our customers by offering them the products that are best suited to their needs and circumstances, through our individualized, professional advice, which we believe is an important feature that distinguishes us in our target markets. Likewise, we have focused on increasing the volume of new customer acquisition with focus on those segments that allow greater efficiency and better result of the cost/benefit equation.

Our main goals for the retail bank are to keep our leading position in personal loans, and steady growth in the credit cards portfolio. In this regard, and aiming to continue growing in the credit card market, we intensified efforts to increase consumption and total assets. We also improved the use of our clients’ information as a tool to implement better cross selling, client retention and default prevention commercial actions.

Savings and checking accounts and time deposits

We generate fees from providing account maintenance, account statements, check processing and other direct banking transactions, direct debits, fund transfers, payment orders and bank debit cards. In addition, our time deposits provide us with a strong and stable funding base.

Our commercial and customer bonding actions enable us to achieve growth in the deposit portfolio above market levels, mainly due to an increase in time deposits of retail customers which intensified funding diversification.

Accounts and account packages are the primary channels for cash deposits and are two of the main drivers of fee income. For this reason, we focus on the life cycle of the account packages, promoting loyalty measures and retention of our products. Account packages are growing year after year in terms of volume and quality. During the last few years, the offer was adapted in order to continue offering products and services according to the needs of each customer type and category.

In 2020 we launched the Universal Free Account, aimed at people who did not have an account in the Financial System in order to encourage the financial inclusion of the unbanked. On the other hand, the Onboarding web was implemented to make it possible to register customers and open savings accounts on the web in simple steps.

 

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Within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to implement a set of exceptional measures established by the Government through the Central Bank, such as the suspension of fees and charges for accounts and packages during the month of March 2020 and the suspension of fees for ATM transactions in the country until December 31, 2020, without any distinction between customers and non-customers and the type of account on which the transaction is made.

Through Central Bank Communications “A” 6893 and “A” 7225, dollar savings accounts were implemented, so that customers who so decided could repatriate their funds held abroad. With Communication “A” 7384, the Caja de Ahorro para Turistas (Tourist Savings Bank) began to be offered.

In order to improve our customers’ experience, we implemented significant improvements in the 100% digital account opening process, allowing 7x24 management with the possibility of downloading the Macro App and starting to operate at the same time.

We continued working to improve the value proposition, with the objective of becoming the main bank for its customers. The sustained growth year after year, both in volume and quality of the packages, attests to this effort. The number of saving accounts increased by 14% in 2020, 7% in 2021, and 8% by 2022.

Our “debit card” service is critical within the framework of our strategy to increase customer transactions by encouraging the use of accounts. Debit card services also help to develop account balances into transactional accounts, as deposits increase, thereby expanding our demand deposit base. In 2019 we incorporate contactless technology in the generation of 100% of the issuances, renewals and reprints of debit cards. We also increased the limits of extraction, purchase and transference in order to favor the use of automated channels to obtain cash. In the COVID-19 pandemic framework, we extended the validity of debit cards so that customers could continue to make ATM withdrawals and not be forced to go to the branch. The number of debit cards we issued, grew 10%, 10% and 11% in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The following table reflects the number of retail accounts as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:

 

Product

   2020      2021      2022  

Savings

        

Total savings accounts

     5,116,756        5,453,645        5,878,116  

Open Market

     2,460,278        2,694,988        2,948,394  

Retirees

     936,514        975,467        1,030,594  

Plan Sueldo (private sector)

     801,889        842,480        943,124  

Plan Sueldo (public sector)

     584,576        625,275        647,021  

Professionals and business and others

     333,499        315,435        308,983  

Checking

        

Checking accounts

     750,711        643,964        609,002  

Electronic Account Access

        

Debit Cards

     3,948,147        4,187,155        4,642,475  

Lending products and services

We offer personal loans, document discounts, residential mortgages, overdrafts, pledged loans and credit card loans to our retail customers.

We intend to continue to increase our retail lending by focusing our marketing efforts on underserved target markets such as low- and middle-income individuals. We also plan to continue to cross-sell our retail lending products to our existing customers, particularly targeting those who may choose to open savings and checking accounts with us because we already provide their payroll and pension services.

In 2019, owing to the complex economic situation in Argentina, the financial market was adversely affected.

Towards the end of 2019, the Argentine government ordered the freezing of mortgage loan installments for first house (for amounts of up to 120,000 UVAs) applicable from September 2019 to January 2020. To return to the contractually agreed installment, the Argentine Central Bank implemented a gradual increasing system which was originally expected to be applied within 12 months in relation to the inflation index in the period in which the freezing applied.

 

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This system was only applied for 2 months, since through Decree 319/2020 and subsequent provisions, the government ordered new freezes, expanding its scope to all UVA first house mortgage loans.

The Decree 319/2020 of March 29, 2020, established a freeze from April to September 30, 2020, on the value of instalments on mortgage loans for single-family homes and pledge loans adjusted by UVAs. The Decree was later extended by Decree 767/20 dated September 25, 2020, and as a result, the monthly value of instalments in Pesos of loans granted in UVA will remain unchanged until February 2021 with respect to March 2020 values. The differentials surged from the differences between the contractual instalments and the instalments resulting from the freeze established in Decrees No. 319/2020 and 767/2020 shall be refinanced in order to be paid at the end of the life of the loan, unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the debtor.

From February 2021, the installments were adjusted again on a monthly basis according to the change in the price of UVAs, although the total adjustment that occurred during the freezing periods is not applied, but rather a convergence plan is in place. Such adjustment will be made increasingly over a period of 18 months, from February 2021 to July 2022, with each installment increasing on a monthly basis by one eighteenth cumulative part of the total adjustment to be applied. The unpaid balances between the amounts of the contractual fees that should have been paid and the amounts of the fees reduced as a result of the freezing and convergence, will be converted to UVAs and will expire at the end of the current schedule of the loan, without accruing interests.

According to Communication “A” 6949 issued by the Central Bank on April 1, 2020, unpaid balances corresponding to maturities of credit assistance granted by financial institutions as from April 1, 2020, until June 30, 2020 (later postponed until March 31, 2021), could only accrue compensatory interest at the contractually stipulated rate therefore they would not accrue punitive interest. The unpaid balances of financings from financial institutions, excluding credit cards, which operated in the aforementioned period, should be incorporated in the month following the end of the life of the credit, considering the accrual of the compensatory interest rate.

By means of Communication “A” 7044 and 7107 of June 18, 2020 and September 17, 2020, the Central Bank established that the incorporation of unpaid instalments at the end of the life of the credit was extended to maturities. Currently, these standards are no longer effect.

According to Central Bank’s Communication “A” 6964 dated April 10, 2020, financial institutions were required to automatically refinance unpaid credit card balances for a one-year term with a three-month grace period, on nine equal and consecutive monthly instalments and an annual nominal rate of 43%. By means of Communication “A” 7095, the Central Bank extended the treatment to unpaid balances due from September 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020, except that accrued compensatory interest may not exceed an annual nominal rate of 40%.

Also, by Communication “A” 7724, banks are required to improve their policies, procedures and controls to obtain more encouraging results in risk assessments and improve the mitigation of their IT and security-related risks. For more information see “Risks relating to us – Cybersecurity events could negatively affect our reputation, our financial condition and our results of operations.”

In 2021, the retail banking business model was consolidated with a diversified loan portfolio, retaining market share in consumer products and leadership in personal loans.

Different actions were carried out, deploying tools that allowed multiplying credit offers. Among them, we developed a loan offer for all socioeconomic levels, making the requirements more flexible with improvements in the credit evaluation tools. On the other hand, we have been able to provide special financing alternatives for those who had to face the restructuring of their debts due to non-payment of installments during the pandemic.

During 2021, we launched a new indirect sales channel, “Rapicompra”, which allowed us to finance products at the point of sale. It was also added the possibility of approaching credit products in a completely digital way thanks to the sale of loans to non-digital customers, with security measures that allow validating the identity with certainty.

To complete the acquisition offer, “Adelanto Tasa” 0 % was launched, a 12-month benefit for customers who decide to collect their private salary at the Bank. The plan offers the possibility of modifying the amount of the loan by contracting it at the ATM.

During 2021, we launched the campaign “Jubilate con Macro” (Retire with Macro), aimed at customers who are about to retire and retirees and pensioners who receive their pension payments in another bank. The first internal referral campaign for employees’ relatives was also carried out, and for those people who are part of the Plan Sueldo and are about to retire, they are given the option of collecting their pension benefits in the Bank maintaining the same benefits of the bonus package according to the agreement.

 

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In spite of the greater competition in offers and benefits aimed at Plan Sueldo customers from our competitors, we have managed to maintain our market share, keeping the fourth position in the number of Plan Sueldo customers. For this purpose, we carried out several actions to approach current and potential customers through the different channels: launching of commercial and mass communication campaigns, incorporation of new benefits and incentives and distribution of merchandising for the branches of the network to have and assign in the commercial actions of attraction, loyalty, retention and relationship with the companies and Plan Sueldo capitals.

In addition, the implementation of a new line of credit to finance the purchase of products or services directly at the points of sale, through a wide network of stores with agreements, the development of small loans or personal loans through agreements with municipalities, so that people with a low level of banking access can have access to the benefits of the system, and the implementation of a product that allows having a salary advance at 0% rate for a segment of customers, with differential conditions, were also highlighted.

During 2022, a new direct sales channel was launched, which allowed us to bring financial products to people in a 100% digital way, so that they could access a loan or a card without having to go to a bank branch. This operation also allowed us to reach non-digital customers, with security measures that allow us to validate their identity with certainty.

To complete the digital offer, the possibility of renewing loans in a 100% digital way through App Macro and Internet Banking was added. The product offers the possibility of cancelling current loans with a new loan and also being able to borrow more money to finance new expenses.

In the retired segment, we continued to reinforce the campaign “Jubilate con Macro”, aimed at customers who are about to retire, and retirees and pensioners who receive their salaries in another bank, reaching more than 60,000 potential customers. On the other hand, we launched the campaign for the recovery of retirees, aimed at people who decided to collect their assets in another bank.As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, our consumer loan portfolio (without considering other financings) was as follows:

 

     Consumer loan portfolio  
     (as of December 31, of each year)  
     (in millions of Pesos and as percentage of consumer loan portfolio)  
     2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  

Overdraft

     2,208.3        0.5     1,218.2        0.3     2,671.9        0.7

Documents

     7,849.7        1.7     8,977.8        2.0     10,704.2        2.7

Mortgage and pledge

     58,417.6        12.4     54,503.1        12.3     47,503.1        12.0

Credit Card

     182,823.5        38.9     179,073.2        40.6     182,829.4        46.2

Personal loans

     206,459.8        43.9     190,405.7        43.1     142,588.0        36.1

Others

     12,296.1        2.6     7,284.5        1.7     9,062.1        2.3

Total Consumer Loans

     470,055.0        100.0     441,462.5        100.0     395,358.8        100.0

 

(1)

Figures stated in millions of Pesos in terms of purchasing power of Peso as of December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2022, personal loans, which comprise the largest share of our consumer loan portfolio, carried an annual average nominal interest rate of 87.6% and an average maturity of 32.9 months. Interest rates and maturities vary across products.

Plan Sueldo payroll services

Since 2001, Argentine labor law has provided for the mandatory payment of wages through accounts opened by employers in the name of each employee at financial institutions within two kilometers of the workplace, in the case of urban areas, and ten kilometers of the workplace, in the case of rural areas. There are similar requirements in place for pension payments.

 

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We handle payroll processing for private sector companies and the public sector, which require employers to maintain an account with us for the direct deposit of employee wages. Currently, we provide payroll services for the governments of the Argentine provinces of Misiones, Salta, Jujuy and Tucumán and to the private sector for a total aggregate of 1.7 million retail clients (including retirees). Our Plan Sueldo payroll services provide us with a large and diversified deposit base with significant cross-selling potential.

Despite the increased competition in offers and benefits aimed at this segment, we were able to sustain our market share, maintaining the fourth position in the number of Plan Sueldo customers. In 2022, we achieved an 8% growth in the number of active salary plan agreements for crediting assets.

Corporate customers

Overview

Legal and natural persons of the private non-financial sector that develop commercial and/or industrial activities are included in the corporate customer category. We provide our corporate customers with traditional banking products and services such as deposits, lending (including overdraft facilities), check cashing advances and factoring, guaranteed loans and credit lines for financing foreign trade and cash management services. We also provide them trust, payroll and financial agency services, corporate credit cards and other specialty products.

The corporate business is focused on classification by size and sector. We have five categories of corporate customers: (1) Businesses and Professionals, which includes individuals with commercial activity with an annual turnover of more than Ps. 3.6 million and under certain conditions; (2) small companies, which register up to Ps.3,000 million in sales per year; (3) medium-sized and large companies, which register more than Ps.3,000 million and less than Ps.10,000 million in sales per year; (4) agricultural companies, which include individuals and companies who operate in agriculture or in the commerce of agricultural products; and (5) corporate companies which register more than Ps.10,000 million in sales per year.

The following table reflects our portfolio breakdown, broken down by category as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:

 

Portfolio conformation from Corporate Banking

   2020     2021     2022  

Corporate companies

     31     16     10

Medium sized companies

     20     28     25

SMEs

     21     22     25

Business and Professionals

     3     4     6

Agricultural companies

     25     30     34

We support productive activities through the promotion of development, new trends and innovation, since our goal is to continue offering the best services for market participants active in agriculture, industry and commerce. Based on values of close customer relationships, effort, hard work, dedication and community, we offer financing lines according to each customer profile that contribute to their growth, their development and that of their communities.

At present, we have a network of branches with business officials specialized in each category, offering a wide range of products, including working capital facilities, and credit for investment projects, leasing and foreign trade transactions.

Our corporate customer base also acts as a source of demand for our excess liquidity through overnight and short-term loans to large corporate customers. See Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

Lending products and services

We offer short-term and medium- to long-term corporate lending products.

Short-term: Products include credit lines for up to 180 days and consist mainly of overdraft facilities, corporate credit and debit cards and factoring, as well as foreign trade related financing, such as pre-export, post-shipment and import financing. These products also include contingency lines, such as short-term guarantees (performance guarantees and bid bonds) and import letters of credit. The credit risk assigned to these kinds of transactions is the debtor rating described below, unless increased as a result of a pledge or a guarantee.

Medium- to long-term: Products include credit lines and specific lending facilities of more than 180 days. Credits are usually asset-based, such as leasing, whereby a credit enhancement is achieved by means of the underlying asset.

 

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Medium - to long-term facility risks are mitigated through different mechanisms that range from pledges and mortgages, to structured deals through financial trusts whereby the debtor pledges the underlying asset, mostly future income flows. Regardless of the term and based on the fact that these credit lines are devoted to small to medium-sized companies, our policy is to require personal guarantees from the owners, although the underlying debtor rating remains unchanged.

During the last years, our focus was SMEs and regional businesses, working to offer products and services tailored to each company profile, primarily based on size and the location of operations. Our management has been focused on consolidating our relationships with existing clients.

We supported the growth of SMEs through the development of businesses and sustainable links throughout the country. The geographic distribution, proximity, personalized attention and the knowledge of our clients and the regional economies allow us to detect their needs and support them in the financing of their projects, as well as to provide transactional solutions for the management of their payments and collections.

We have continued with actions aimed at financing small-scale client producers and suppliers of the value chain of our Megra (Medium and Large Sized Companies) customers.

Within our Corporate Banking division (“Corporate Banking”), we sought to strengthen our relationship with existing and new clients, in order to position ourselves as one of the main banks in the corporate banking sector. This allowed us to provide specialized assistance to each of the companies which constitute the different value chains, with products tailored to their needs.

Regarding our Agro Banking division (“Agro Banking”), we continued to support regional economies with tailor-made products for sectors such as tobacco, sugar and yerba mate, by financing all value chains from the primary producer to the industrial producer.

In 2020, regarding SMEs and Micro-enterprises segments, we implemented a new SMEs segmentation focused on the activity of our customers, which allowed us to develop a specific and exclusive value proposition for retailers, small businesses and institutions.

We simplified and improved the credit process, incorporated improvements in our credit analysis tools and engines, and increased the nominal caps ratings in order to provide a better quality of response. Also, in order to better understand the needs of the sector, we launched the new SMEs customer experience survey.

To mitigate the impact of the pandemic on micro, small and medium-sized enterprise customers, we granted more than Ps.70,000 million (not restated) in loans at reduced rates in line with the credit policies established by the Central Bank. This positioned us as the No. 1 private entity in amounts granted to SMEs.

To preserve the level of employment, since the beginning of the pandemic we granted 1,300 loans to companies that benefited from the Emergency Assistance Programme for Work and Production (ATP) of the National Ministry of Productive Development, is an aggregate amount of Ps.800 million for the payment of salaries. In turn, we granted 60,000 grants for Ps.6,500 million (not restated) in zero-rate loans to taxpayers under the simplified tax regime, self-employed workers and people involved in culture.

In order to provide our customers with more tools, we accelerated the digital transformation. At the same time, we prioritized generating proximity with these segments by improving personalized attention and focusing on strengthening long-term relationships. We managed to maintain our positioning based on a proactive commercial strategy, we strengthened the teams of collaborators that serve this segment and reinforced the training of officers in all divisions.

Regarding Megra Banking, the pandemic challenged us to strengthen contact with our customers by initiating early on the modality of virtual meetings (Zoom, Teams, etc.) and communication via chat between account officers and customers. These alternative channels allowed us to maintain proximity quickly and efficiently to ensure and facilitate the Bank’s operations. We also held virtual seminars on regulatory changes in foreign trade so that our customers could operate with greater security and knowledge.

 

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Regarding Corporate Banking, we focused this year on increasing the number of deposits (especially demand deposits) and, in cash management operations, incorporating eCheq and digital means of collection. During the pandemic, we financed corporate customers in the health sector with a 24% line of credit in order to cope with the economic situation in the context of the pandemic.

At the beginning of 2020, the Agricultural sector looked promising in view of rising stocks and record harvests. The unfavorable macroeconomic context, coupled with a year with a severe water deficit, led to significant changes in the production decisions of these customers.

We decided to contain and assist them, both virtually and in person, by financing working capital and investment projects, financing the purchase of agricultural machinery and investments or the purchase of assets. We also simplified the processes of operating directly with grains and entered into alliances with manufacturers to provide predictability. We continue with promotions on the rural credit card and provide personalized advice to our customers.

During 2020, we supported our customers with special financing lines to pay salaries and meet working capital needs, with zero-rate loans and the ATP governmental program. We also provide financing in line with commodity crop cycles and regional production.

We also professionalized the model of integral attention for agricultural producers with an integrated offer of financing and grain commercialization. And we adapted the way we serve our customers in the context of the pandemic, incorporating video calls as a means of communication, reorganizing internal processes and rapidly migrating to the acceptance of digital signatures with their due authorizations.

In 2021, as regards SMEs and Micro-enterprises, we promoted self-management from digital channels, expanded additional personalized attention on the web page, and implemented a new automatic rating renewal process, which included the extension of limits and the relaxation of requirements for credit evaluations. Special financing lines were also offered for working capital, productive investment, and salary payments.

As for Corporate Banking, it generated integral proposals and transactional solutions to improve the productive capacity of its clients and help them grow. Thanks to an alliance with FINOVA, a strategic supplier, we have been able to provide capital financing solutions for suppliers of corporate clients and achieve the financial inclusion of sectors with low or no sophistication.

In 2021, in terms of Agro Banking, overcoming the challenges of the sanitary emergency, we conducted field visits and face-to-face and virtual business rounds with producers (customers and non-customers) from all over the country. In addition, we enhanced the agricultural value chain through contact with companies selling inputs, seeds and capital goods to provide customers with an exclusive digital solution that allowed them to obtain the best cash prices and to finance the purchase at harvest. We also supported our customers with special financing lines for the payment of salaries and to meet working capital needs according to commodity crop cycles and regional productions. We increased the amounts of assistance to qualified customers, in order to meet the needs of producers, and we expanded our offer with dollar-linked fixed terms and mutual funds, among others.

During 2022, we deepened our focus on SMEs value chain, providing our suppliers and customers with collection and payment solutions, special financing lines for working capital, and a differential value proposal for the Plan Sueldo. Likewise, we focused on attracting new Plan Sueldo´s capita through an exclusive working capital qualification line for those customers who did not credit salaries in the Bank.

In relation to Megra Banking, we defined a new matrix service model between the divisions and the Megra Banking Management in order to provide better customer service. We approached the client jointly with the Megra officers of each division and the specialists of each product (cash, comex, Plan Sueldo, investments), to offer an integrated proposal to the client. We also incorporate digital solutions to optimize our clients’ treasury.

Following the commercial strategy implemented in Agro Banking, we remained close to our customers with visits to their fields, lunches, business rounds, agricultural exhibitions from the north to the south of the country. In this sense, we were present in the most important auctions, bringing our integral value proposal closer. We strengthened the integration of the agricultural value chain with companies selling inputs, seeds and capital goods, achieving alliances with more than 250 regional and national businesses throughout the country, reaching the producer with very competitive rates. On the other hand, we support the customer with an exclusive digital solution “Campo Simple” that allows our customers to obtain the best prices for inputs in cash and finance them at harvest and with a unified package for all individuals in the segment, with a unified and differential product through which they have access to all products for their personal and business use, in one single place, at a single cost.

 

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From the financial point of view, we support our agro customers, especially SMEs, with special lines of financing for investment and working capital needs, according to the production cycles of commodities and regional productions.

To encourage the development of regional economies, we increased the lines of credit promoted by the national government (Línea de Financiamiento para la Inversión Productiva) and by the provincial governments of Salta, Jujuy, Misiones and Tucumán, with rates subsidized by FONDEP (Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Productivo) and guaranteed by FOGAR (Fondo de Garantías Argentino) to contribute to investments and working capital financing.

Also, lines of loans with funds from the Inter-American Development Bank (Programa Global de Crédito para la Reactivación del Sector Productivo) with support from FONDEP (Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Productivo) were made available, exclusively for the provinces of Catamarca, Salta and Tucumán, to promote productive investment by companies that invest in those jurisdictions and, throughout the country, a line of credit for SMEs to invest in goods for productive investment through leasing. In addition, a line of credit for SMEs to invest in goods for productive investment through leasing.

In addition, agreements were signed with the government of the province of Misiones to support, with a rate subsidy and pledge of a fixed-term certificate issued by the Instituto de Fomento Agropecuario e Industrial de la Provincia de Misiones (IFAI), the wood drying kilns industry (purchase of kilns for wood drying), craft beer entrepreneurs (purchase of machinery and equipment and/or adaptation of infrastructure and/or purchase of raw material) and yerbateros (working capital); and with the Province of Salta to grant loans for investments by SMEs with a rate subsidy from the Province.

We implemented an agreement between Banco Macro, the Federal Investment Council (CFI) and Garantizar Sociedad de Garantía Recíproca to implement operations of the CFI with a digital guarantee of the SGR and to expedite the implementation of loan operations for the credit lines for the Productive Reactivation and for Regional Exportable Production.

With regard to the evolution of the commercial loan portfolio, in 2022 there was an increase in nominal terms in financing to small businesses of 109%, to the Agricultural sector of 89% and to Megra banking of 42% compared to the end of the previous year.

As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, our commercial loan portfolio (without considering other financings) was as follows:

 

     Commercial loan portfolio (1)  
     (as of December 31, of each year)  
     (in millions of Pesos and as percentage of commercial loan portfolio)  
     2020 (2)     2021 (2)     2022  

Overdraft

     48,799.5        15.7     44,525.3        17.1     45,662.3        21.5

Documents

     69,029.2        22.3     66,668.1        25.6     62,195.2        29.5

Mortgage and pledge

     26,051.2        8.4     41,431.0        15.9     24,005.4        11.4

Consumer loans (3)

     6,519.1        2.1     8,197.9        3.2     9,613.3        4.6

Other

     159,819.4        51.5     99,189.3        38.2     69,711.4        33.0

Total Commercial Loans

     310,218.4        100.0     260,011.7        100.00     211,187.6        100.00

 

(1)

Including loans to micro credit institutions and commercial loans that, for the regulatory statements of debtors, was included as consumer portfolio following the criteria described in “Argentine Banking Regulation—Credit Portfolio.”

(2)

Figures stated in millions of Pesos in terms of purchasing power of Pesos as of December 31, 2022.

(3)

Includes credit card loans and personal loans.

 

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Government Banking

It is the responsibility of the Government Banking Management to manage the links and actions with the National, Provincial and Municipal Public Sector at the central and decentralized levels, as well as with the autonomous entities to which we provide financial services for their administration and for the development of their communities.

In 2022, in addition to the advances in the payment ecosystem and in the digitalization of banking, and in order to contribute to the reactivation of the productive sector of the regional economy, we have offered financial assistance lines for working capital an investment to SMEs for more than Ps. 2,700 million in the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Misiones, Tucumán and Catamarca in an articulated manner with each provincial government and with SMEs at the national level.

Finance Banking

We serve the Institutionalized Financial Sector, controlled by the Central Bank, which includes Public, Private, National and Foreign Banks, who maintain relationship with the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic. It also includes institutional investors (ART, Insurance Companies, etc.). We provide financial and investment banking services -funds, bonds, corporate bonds- within the capital market.

We continue to maintain our leadership in the organization and financing of financial trusts with public offerings. In the top 10 of the main issuers in the market, which represent 81.62 % of the total senior bond issues, we accompany 60 % of such issuers. The remaining 18.38 % is distributed among different entities in the market.

During 2022, we worked hard to assist clients towards their first trust issuance in the market, expanding our client base. We also accompany the large demanders of capital market financing, such as retail companies and Megra clients related to the agricultural sector. In this sense, we participated in the issuance of Ps. 53,830 million (expressed in seniority bonds) of financial trusts with public offerings, and prefinanced financial trusts in the order of Ps. 4,995 million.

As regards the placement of corporate bonds, through Macro Securities we accompanied our clients in the issuance and placement of corporate bonds (ON) for an aggregate amount of Ps. 263,840 million, representing 47.8% of the market issuances, measured in Pesos. It is worth mentioning that Banco Macro was arranger and Macro Securities underwriter of two (2) green bonds for the financing of renewable energy projects. These corporate bonds are part of ByMA’s panel of Social, Green and Sustainable Bonds (SVS) and were destined to the Tocota III Photovoltaic Solar Project, La Elbita I and La Elbita II Wind Power Projects.

Transaction services

We offer transaction services to our corporate customers, such as cash management, collection services, payments to suppliers, payroll services, foreign exchange transactions, foreign trade services, corporate credit cards, and information services, such as our Datanet and Interpymes services, described further below. There are usually no credit risks involved in these transactions, except for intra-day gapping (payments made against incoming collections), as well as settlement and pre-settlement related to foreign exchange transactions which, in general, are approved following the debtor credit rating process.

Payments to suppliers. Our payments for supplier services enable our customers to meet their payment obligations to their suppliers on a timely basis through a simple and efficient system. This service also provides payment liquidations, tax payment receipts, invoices and any other documents required by the payer.

Collection services. Our collection services include cash or check deposits at our 467 branches, automatic and direct debits from checking or savings accounts and the transportation of funds collected from corporate customers to our branches for deposit. Our extensive branch network enables us to offer fast and efficient collection services throughout Argentina, which is of critical importance to both regional and nationwide companies.

Datanet and Interpymes. We provide our corporate clients with access to the Datanet service (“Datanet”), which is an electronic banking network linking member banks in Argentina. This service permits our clients to obtain reliable online information on a real-time basis from their bank accounts in Datanet as well as, to perform certain transactions.

 

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Interpymes is an electronic banking system designed to meet the needs of small businesses. It does not require special installation procedures and is easily accessible through the internet, helping to simplify day-to-day operations for our customers.

Tax collection and financial agency services. We also have exclusive, long-term arrangements to provide tax collection and financial agency services to four provinces: Salta, Misiones, Jujuy and Tucumán. These contracts expire in 2026, 2029, 2024 and 2031, respectively.

Payroll services. We provide payroll services to four provinces and to the private sector. See “Our products and services—Retail customers”.

Our distribution network

As of December 31, 2022, we had the largest private sector branch network in the country, with 467 branches spread throughout Argentina. In particular, in line with our strategy of expanding nationally, we have extensive coverage in the Argentine provinces with 94% of our branches located outside the City of Buenos Aires. Furthermore, as of December 31, 2022, we had 1,808 ATMs, 932 self-service terminals (“SSTs”) and several service points used for social security benefit payments and servicing of checking and savings accounts and internet home banking service (“Home Banking”). The following table breaks down the distribution of our branches per province as of December 31, 2022:

 

     As of December 31, 2022  
Province    Branches      % of total  

City of Buenos Aires

     28        6.0

Buenos Aires (Province)

     66        14.1

Catamarca

     1        0.2

Chaco

     2        0.4

Chubut

     6        1.3

Cordoba

     70        15.0

Corrientes

     4        0.9

Entre Rios

     10        2.1

Formosa

     0        0.0

Jujuy

     18        3.9

La Pampa

     2        0.4

La Rioja

     2        0.4

Mendoza

     15        3.2

Misiones

     36        7.7

Neuquén

     5        1.1

Rio Negro

     6        1.3

Salta

     38        8.1

San Juan

     1        0.2

San Luis

     2        0.4

Santa Cruz

     2        0.4

Santa Fe

     106        22.7

Santiago del Estero

     2        0.4

Tierra del Fuego

     2        0.4

Tucuman

     43        9.2

TOTAL

     467        100.0

Technology, automated channels and credit cards processing systems

Our technological development is continuous and the number of alternative methods to perform banking transactions is increasing. Automated channels allow our clients to perform banking transactions with enhanced speed, comfort and safety, offering a wide variety of available transactions.

During the last three years we have focused on automatic channels, giving customers more accessible and flexible services. As a result, the use of automated channels continued to expand, both in terms of volume of transactions and number of users.

 

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In 2020, a year characterized by the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to adapt our way of working and provide our customers with all the tools they needed to continue to operate without putting their health at risk and considering all governmental recommendations in such a respect. We strengthened our website with a range of tools and means of communications to encourage online transactions, avoid crowds and keep our customers updated.

In a pandemic context, the Bank’s infrastructure was adapted and an appointment system for branch service was implemented. Based on the appointment system, we have been able to anticipate customer service and provide digital tools to resolve customer concerns or transactions without the need to go to the branch.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led us to shift more than 2,100 employees to work from their homes. To make this feasible, we have them the necessary tools to access the Bank’s cloud-based information and to communicate through video conferencing platforms.

In 2021, we continued with the implementation of the new Customer Service Model in more than 200 branches to enable the self-management of after-sales transactions. The new customer service model contemplates a digital experience assisted by an educator who acts when required. In 2021, we sought to offer new self-management functionalities through Operaciones Simples (Simple Operations) in the Bank’s portal.

In 2022, we continued to advance in the implementation of digital solutions, incorporating operations and services to provide a better experience to customers in all segments, both for their self-management and remote virtual operations, as well as to simplify their face-to-face operations. Within this framework, the role of communications and customer training is key to achieve the changes towards digitalization.

During 2022, we improved the virtual assistant platform so that both customers and non-customers could, in addition of resolving queries, perform operations. In this way, they could: register accounts, find out where their cards are in distribution, unblock passwords, renew “Fe de vida”, etc.

In 2022, the number of users of automatic channels and the transactions performed through automatic channels increased by 19% and 15%, respectively, compared to 2021, mainly due to a greater use of internet banking and mobile banking. The increase in transactions made through automatic channels has two benefits: it simplifies and easer customers’ operations and, at the same time, reduces operational tasks in the branches.

We have ATMs that operate independently of the branch and offer money extraction service and balances consultation, among other operations. During the three last years, we carried out an ambitious project to renew and expand our ATM fleet. As of December 31, 2022, we had a total of 1,808 ATMs, 665 of which allow us to receive cash deposits with immediate credit, which represents one of the most extensive networks in the country. Of the total, 98% ATMs have hearing support and voice guidance so that they can be operated by visually impaired people. All this has placed us in a leading position as to service quality, which is particularly important given the number and geographical dispersion of our ATMs.

Furthermore, we continued strengthening and updating the technology offered at our ATMs, maintaining strict standards of security, quality of service and availability in the ATM network. In 2022, the average monthly amount transacted through ATMs increased by 57% compared to 2021.

We have 932 SSTs terminals distributed in our branch network across Argentina, offering an ample variety of operations, including the possibility of making deposits twenty-four hours a day, every day, all year long. In 2022, the amount transacted through SSTs increased by 33% compared to 2021, with an average monthly amount traded of approximately Ps. 66,000 million.

As part of the plan to reduce branch tasks, during the last years we expanded the network of terminals with intelligent functionality that incorporate intelligent check deposit. In this way, customers can perform transactions in a more agile manner eliminating waiting times at branches. In 2022, we reached a total of 215 smart self-service terminals installed in 151 branches throughout the country, in which an average of approximately 176,000 transactions were carried out monthly.

 

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Regarding Home Banking, we have implemented a collections service for companies offering the following benefits: security (no cash or checks are transported to the branch), practicality (easy and safe, backup of receipts in a PDF file, possibility to review the history of payments and receipts), accessibility (from any computer) and no additional cost. We also use Home Banking to inform our retail customers about the possibility of getting a personal loan, the amount available and how to apply for it. In 2020, we added certain functionalities to our Home Banking in order to facilitate the user experience. Nowadays, customers can operate consultative and transactional modules, through administrators and operators who are fully compliant with the established powers. For example, payroll, supplier and foreign trade payments are now available, enabling us to provide a fully digital solution.

Our Macro Banca Móvil channel has developed significantly in the last years. In line with the characteristics of the users and the technological trends supporting the development of the service, the Macro Banca Móvil application is available in the main virtual stores of the principal operating systems. Over the last few years we continue to work on new functionalities that generate value for clients: U.S. dollar purchase and sale transactions, transfers to new accounts, point checking and redemptions under our Macro Premia rewards program, and UVA loans detailed enquiries.

The significant sustained growth in the number of users and transactions made through automated channels has demonstrated the effectiveness and acceptance of this service in the market.

Prisma Medios de Pago S.A.

On August 23, 2017, the shareholders of Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. (“Prisma”) signed a divestment agreement in Prisma, which was approved by the Ministry of Production on September 26, 2017 (the “Divestment Process”).

In accordance with the Divestment Process, Prisma’s shareholders agreed to transfer, in two stages, its shareholding in Prisma. The first stage (already completed) consisted in the proportional transfer, of each shareholder, of 51% of the shares held in Prisma, while the remaining 49% was agreed to be divested within three years from the completion of the first stage, i.e., January 31, 2022.

Additionally, as a result of the Divestment Process, on February 26, 2018, we entered into several agreements with Prisma pursuant to which (i) the processing for Visa (credit and debit) and American Express, was agreed for a term of five years, starting as from the completion of the first stage of the Divestment Process, and (ii) a non-compete agreement was signed for a five year term, starting as from the completion of the first stage of the Divestment Process in connection with the acquisition rights of Prisma, which will automatically lose effect the day in which the remaining 49% of the share capital of Prisma is transferred.

On October 1, 2021, the Bank, together with the other class B shareholders of Prisma, sent the notice of exercise of the put option and thus initiated the procedure for the sale of the remaining 49% of the share capital and votes of Prisma to AI ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. (a company related to Advent International Global Private Equity). On March 18, 2022, Banco Macro informed that the transfer of all of its remaining shareholding in Prisma in favor of AI ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. representing 4.4941% of Prisma’s capital stock and votes was completed.

For more information, please see note 12 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 contained elsewhere herein.

Human Capital

We are employment facilitators at the federal level, we support the professional development of our employees, favoring diversity and inclusion in the work environment. Considering diversity as a competitive advantage, we worked on the promotion of an inclusive culture that guarantees equal opportunities and safe spaces to grow, express opinions and debate. In each area we promote a culture of non-discrimination, respect and appreciation of diversity and inclusion so that all people feel encouraged to be authentic and feel part of it. In 2022, we worked to become a more inclusive bank in three main areas: sexual diversity, equal opportunities and social inclusion.

In recent years we have witnessed a significant change in the labor and business context, and in response to this, we took the initiative to generate changes at the level of people management, accelerating an important transformation and thinking, first and foremost, about on how to prepare the capabilities of each member to cope with these changes. Thus, this new way of managing was translated into two actions: building the loyalty of internal talent and becoming an attractive employer, in order to have the most outstanding people in the market. To this end, the Bank began to review its value proposition, working hard on measuring the employee experience and adapting to new ways of working, becoming more agile and digital in its day-to-day management.

 

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We have recently been distinguished with the #12 position in the annual Great Place to Work ranking in Argentina, climbing 3 positions with respect to 2022.During 2022, we worked on two main key dimensions that encompass the entire organization: the use of digital tools and a management model that puts each member at the center of decisions.

We focused on the continuity of a stage of organizational redesign in order to achieve a more horizontal structure that demonstrates the trust we have in each member of our organization.

With the idea of having committed and trained teams, new spaces and opportunities were created that influenced each person transversally, giving rise to a new way of working that is more autonomous, closer and based on trust. Based on the organizational redesign implemented, the foundations were laid for a new model of responsible self-management, providing more autonomy, allowing employees to take risks and make mistakes in order to improve themselves. At the same time, we fostered a leadership model, with the figure of leader-coaches who guide the actions of the teams of which they are part. These changes began to take shape in order to eliminate bureaucratic barriers to decision-making, optimizing workflows.

One of the main levers to accompany this collaborative culture was the implementation of Google Workspace for the entire staff, which fully impacted the way of working and communicating, leading us to a much more modern, agile and powerful state.

In 2022 we have reached an important level of development in terms of digital transformation, and we accompany each person and each area to amplify it, taking as a central core the creation of a good working environment and the involvement with the idea of working in a company that has a clear purpose to create value in Argentina.

Risk management policies

To comply with the “Risk Management Guidelines for Financial Institutions” set forth under Communication “A” 5203, as amended, we have adopted various measures at our organizational structure level and have implemented procedures to ensure the establishment of an independent risk management process.

Our Board of Directors created a Risk Management Committee (the “Risk Management Committee”) and appointed a Risk Management Manager and made them responsible for coordinating the application of risk management policies and the relevant responsible officers. For more information, see Item 6.C “Board Practices”.

The Risk Management Committee, among other responsibilities, assures the establishment of an independent management of risk, lays out policies, procedures, measurement methodologies and feedback systems in charge of the identification, measurement and monitoring of risks, as well as the responsibilities of every level of the organization involved in the process.

Our risk management process includes setting of acceptable risk levels by our Board of Directors, monitoring of our compliance with such levels by responsible officers, the issuance of regular reports for the Risk Management Committee, follow up on alerts and the application of action plans in connection with such alerts and the guidelines for the development of stress tests.

Additionally, the system is supplemented with policies and procedures specific to each risk (financial, credit, operational, counterparty credit, country risk, securitization, reputational, compliance and strategic risks, among others).

The Risk Management Department is in charge of Financing Risk, Credit Risk and Technology and Operational Risk areas. The primary procedures developed by the Risk Management Department are:

 

   

Stress tests: stress testing is a support tool for risk management and a complement to the results of risk measurement models. The objective of the tests is to assess the financial vulnerability potential of the Bank in light of the sensitivity of the main variables affecting each risk. In general, a variable with low probability of occurrence, but which if it materializes could lead to a significant overshoot in tolerance limits established for each risk. In addition, they are a tool for assessing the risk profile and are also used in the internal economic capital adequacy assessment process.

 

   

Economic Capital Calculation: the economic capital calculation is developed for those risks that, due to their importance, could eventually affect our solvency. Risk management is directly related to the calculation of economic capital. Based on the internal models developed, we manage the risks, determine the risk profile, and therefore estimate the capital required for the development of the activities and business, adjusted to the degree of exposure to each risk.

 

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Economic capital estimate

Economic capital is the estimated amount of unexpected losses identified for each one of the individual risks (financial, credit, counterparty credit, concentration, operational, securitization, strategic and reputational) determined for us on a consolidated basis.

We have implemented a formal procedure for quantifying economic capital, both current and prospective, and it is a tool used in the day-to-day management of risks, in preparing the business plan and in the stress tests.

The methods used to measure the economic capital of each risk were documented and approved by management, pursuant to the internal rules on corporate governance and risk management.

The most significant risks we manage are financial risk, credit risk and operational and technological risk.

Financial risk

Financial risk consists of liquidity, market and interest rate risks, which, independently or in an interrelated manner, can affect our liquidity and solvency.

We have strategies, policies and limits defined for each exposure which have been approved by our Board of Directors within the framework of market, liquidity and interest rate risk management. This process is reviewed periodically by the Risk Management Committee in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Central Bank.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is defined as the possibility that we may not be able to comply efficiently with expected and unexpected current and future cash flows, and guarantees without affecting our daily operations or financial condition.

Also, the market liquidity risk is understood as the risk that a position cannot be offset or unwound at the market price due to:

 

   

That the assets do not have a sufficient secondary market; or

 

   

Market alterations.

We have policies on liquidity, which aim to manage it in an efficient way, optimizing the cost and diversification of funding sources, and maximize the utility of the colocations through a prudential management that assures the necessary funding for the continuity of the operations and the fulfilment of the current regulation.

We have implemented a series of measurement and risk control tools, including the regular monitoring of liquidity gaps, differentiated by currency, as well as various liquidity rations, including “bimonetary liquidity ratio”, “liquidity coverage ratio” (“LCR”), “net stable funding ratio” (“NSFR”), among others.

In the event of a liquidity crisis, the Bank contemplates different actions within its contingency plan, such as: financing through interbank calls or borrowings against Central Bank; cash sale of securities portfolio; restriction in the granting of loans and increase in deposit interest rates in order to capture a greater volume of deposits. For more information, see note 52.2 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Market risk

Market risk is defined as the possibility of suffering losses in our on and off-balance sheet positions as a result of adverse fluctuations in the market price of various assets.

Market risks include interest rate, foreign exchange and price risks. They are exposed to general and specific market movement and changes in the level of price volatility such as interest rates, credit spreads, foreign exchange rates, prices of shares and securities, among others. These risks arise from the size of the net positions held by us and/or the volatility of the risk factors involved in each financial instrument.

 

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We have policies for the management of Market Risk in which the processes of monitoring and control of the risks of variations in the quotations of financial instruments with the objective of optimizing the risk/return relationship, using the structure of limits, models and adequate management tools. In addition, we have adequate procedures and tools that allow the Risk Management Committee and the Assets and Liabilities Committee to measure and manage this risk.

The risks to which the investment portfolios are exposed are monitored through Montecarlo “Value at Risk” (“VaR”) simulation techniques. We apply the VaR methodology to calculate the market risk of the main positions taken and the maximum expected loss based on a series of assumptions for a variety of changes in market conditions. For more information see note 52.3 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the potential for changes in our financial condition resulting from adverse fluctuations in interest rates, which could have an adverse effect on capital or earnings.

Within the framework of interest rate risk management, we have a series of policies, procedures and internal controls that allow us to monitor the variation of the net present value of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items under certain scenarios of disturbance and stress in interest rates risk through Montecarlo simulations. For more information see note 52.4 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Foreign currency exchange risk

We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates prevailing in our financial position and cash flows. The largest portion of our foreign currency assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars.

The foreign currency position is composed by assets and liabilities expressed in Pesos, at the exchange rate as of the closure of the indicated dates. The open position of an institution is composed by assets, liabilities, off-balance-sheet accounts denominated in the foreign currency in which the institution assumes the risk. Any devaluation or revaluation of those currencies affects the income statement.

Our open position as of December 31, 2022, stated in Pesos by currency, is disclosed in note 27 “Foreign currency amounts” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Credit risk

Credit policy and credit risk management

The Board of Directors approves our credit policy and credit assessment in order to provide a framework for the creation of businesses to attain an adequate correlation between the risk assumed and profitability.

Our Credit Risk Management area is in charge of interpreting, executing and guaranteeing the application of our General Credit Policy approved by our Board of Directors, ensuring proper identification, assessment, control, follow-up and mitigation of credit risk.

Credit risk results from the possibility of loss derived from customers or counterparties from fully or partially breaching financial obligations they have undertaken with us.

In order to manage and control the credit risk, we establish limits regarding the amount of risk we are willing to accept, so as to monitor the indicators with respect to such limits.

 

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Credit risk rating and approval process

In order to determine the credit risk, our Credit Risk Department qualifies each individual or company by means of a risk rating model, assigning a rating to each debtor, taking into consideration quantitative as well as qualitative concepts. The Credit Risk Department has focused its actions on increasing the quality and efficiency of the credit risk rating process.

There are specific policies and procedures for loan granting for corporate and retail customers, which differ according to the segment to which they belong (public or private payroll, retirees or open market).

The risk assessment process varies depending on whether it’s about Corporate Banking customers or Retail Banking customers.

Credit risk assessment for retail customers includes the use of risk applications based on screening and scoring methods, which impose a minimum threshold for the customer to be creditworthy, related to an arrears level. Qualifications are permanently available for branches in the Customer Management System (CRM) and for clients through digital channels, which allows them to operate automatically within the limits and conditions approved centrally by the Credit Risk Management.

The evaluation systems are based fundamentally on an admission score and certain rules of maximum indebtedness and installment/income ratio.

For the assessment of Corporate Banking customers, we feature different methods involving several responsible levels and which become more complex according to the magnitude of the transactions, as to amounts and type of assistance, weighted by terms and existing coverage.

For the approval of minor assistance, transitory or self-liquidating guarantees, credit powers are granted to senior officers based on their knowledge, experience and training. In any case, the use of these powers is associated with the result of an objective evaluation, avoiding any discretionality in credit approvals.

For the granting of predefined products and limited amounts, standardized evaluation systems are used in a decentralized manner and include origination screening methods for the admission and assignment of limits, based on economic, financial and equity information of the clients. Likewise, there is a periodic mass scale and centralized qualification process, which the Credit Risk Management Department makes available to the branches on a permanent basis.

When transactions exceed the amounts authorized by delegated powers or through decentralized risk analysis, the ratings are approved by Credit Committees. Committee resolutions establish the conditions to which the assistance is subject in terms of amounts, currencies, terms, coverage with guarantees, follow-up clauses, etc.

In order to limit the credit risk, guarantees are requested on the agreed financing. A specific area of Credit Risk Management is responsible for managing the collateral received by the Bank, as well as for evaluating and periodically updating its appraisal value and validity, in order to monitor the quality of the risk mitigators.

We have a formal, solid and well-defined process to manage the recovery management of problem loans. Procedures are differentiated according to portfolio type and delinquency status.

We have a management information system suitable for the size of our operations. Its components include an automated tool for the calculation of key performance indicators, for which alert and limit values have been determined in order to monitor business changes according to the risk appetite defined by our Board of Directors. Other credit risk management tools used are evaluation or score models, which are used at different stages of the credit cycle, attributing an internal risk rating to customers, according to which the assigned credit limits are managed and according to which the portfolio is monitored. Those tools are complemented with expected losses and provision models.

Operational and technological risk

Operational risk consists of the risk of suffering losses due to inadequate or failed internal processes, systems or persons or due to external events. This definition includes legal risk but excludes strategic and reputational risk.

 

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Within such framework, the legal risk –which may arise internally or externally- comprises, among other aspects, the exposure to penalties, sanctions or other economic consequences or results for failure to comply with any rule or regulation or contractual obligation.

We have policies, procedures and structures, appointing a head of operational risk, whose main objective is to secure an operational risk management plan which includes policies, programs, measurements and competencies for identifying, assessing and managing risks, with the purpose of assisting our Senior Management and our Board of Directors, in an environment of rapidly changing and significant risks.

We have a procedure to collect of events and losses for operational risk, which is composed of a collection process of operational events and losses to systematically register the frequency, severity, category and other relevant aspects related to the events and losses for operational risk. The objective is to evaluate the situation upon the event occurrence, to better understand the profile of operational risk and, if applicable, adopt the pertinent corrective measures.

In addition, we have a procedure that establishes the guidelines to prepare risk self-assessments and, in the cases of risks exceeding the tolerance limits admitted, guidelines to establish risk indicators and action plans.

The Risk Management Department produces and sends periodic reports to the Board of Directors, the Risk Management Committee and the Senior Management. Based on these reports, the results of the monitoring of the management of the main risks to which we are exposed are made known. Each report contains information on risk measurement, its evolution, trends, main exposures, control of main limits and the level of capital required by type of risk.

For more information on risk management processes see note 52 “Capital management, Corporate Governance Transparency Policy and Risk management” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Competition

We believe that we have an important advantage over our competitors in providing banking products and services to small communities in some provinces of Argentina as a result of the close community relationships and strong loyalty we have developed over time with our customers in these areas.

We consider Banco Santander Argentina S.A., Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., Banco BBVA Argentina S.A., Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Argentina), HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. and Banco Patagonia S.A. to be our main competitors among private banks. We also compete with certain regional banks.

In the future, we expect competition to increase in corporate transactions products, long-term lending, mortgage lending and other secured financings, credit cards, personal loans, payroll services and investment management services.

Competitive landscape

We ranked as the fourth private bank and sixth overall in Argentina in terms of total loans and third private bank and fifth overall in terms of total deposits as of September 30, 2022. In terms of equity, we ranked as the first private bank and the second bank overall in Argentina as of September 30, 2022.

Below are the rankings of banks across these metrics, figures were prepared based on Central Bank methodology:

Total Loans (September, 2022)

 

          Ps. Million      Market Share
1   

Banco de la Nación Argentina (1)

     1,526,029      21%
2   

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     787,083      11%
3   

Banco Santander Argentina S.A.

     783,466      11%
4   

Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (1)

     652,474      9%
5   

Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.

     531,105      7%
6   

Banco Macro S.A.

     507,035      7%
7   

HSBC Bank Argentina S.A.

     273,746      4%
8   

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Argentina) S.A.

     238,382      3%
9   

Banco de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

     221,800      3%
10   

Banco Patagonia S.A.

     195,305      3%

 

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     Ps. Million      Market Share  

Remainder of the Financial System

     1,659,068        21

Total Financial System

     7,375,493        100

Source: Central Bank. Figures were prepared based on Central Bank methodology.

 

(1)

Public sector banks.

Total Deposits (September, 2022)

 

          Ps. Million      Market Share  

1

  

Banco de la Nación Argentina (1)

     4,448,936        23

2

  

Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (1)

     1,931,134        10

3

  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     1,679,572        9

4

  

Banco Santander Argentina S.A.

     1,629,135        8

5

  

Banco Macro S.A.

     1,116,130        6

6

  

Banco BBVA Frances S.A.

     1,060,062        6

7

  

Banco Credicoop Limitado

     844,600        4

8

  

HSBC Bank Argentina S.A.

     722,330        4

9

  

Banco de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

     655,537        3

10

  

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Argentina) S.A.

     564,882        3
  

Remainder of the Financial System

     4,583,378        24
  

Total Financial System

     19,235,696        100

Source: Central Bank. Figures were prepared based on Central Bank methodology.

 

(1)

Public sector banks.

Equity (September, 2022)

 

          Ps. Million      Market Share  
1   

Banco de la Nación Argentina (1)

     913,459        19
2   

Banco Macro S.A.

     424,835        9
3   

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     410,612        9
4   

Banco Santander Argentina S.A.

     353,192        7
5   

Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.

     297,157        6
6   

Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (1)

     285,098        6
7   

Citibank N.A. Rep Argentina

     230,464        5
8   

Banco Credicoop Limitado

     212,766        5
9   

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Argentina) S.A.C

     151,825        3
10   

HSBC Bank Argentina S.A.

     146,774        3
  

Remainder of the Financial System

     1,291,028        27
  

Total Financial System

     4,717,209        100

Source: Central Bank. Figures were prepared based on Central Bank methodology.

 

(1)

Public sector banks.

There is a large concentration of branches in the City of Buenos Aires and in the province of Buenos Aires for the financial system as a whole, as shown by the following table. However, we have the most extensive private-sector branch network in Argentina and a leading regional presence holding 66% of our total branches in six provinces including Santa Fe, Córdoba, Misiones, Salta, Tucumán and Jujuy.

 

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     As of September 30, 2022  
     Banking system     Banco Macro    

Market Share

(% share of

total of branches in

 
Province    Branches      % of total     Branches      % of total     each province)  

City of Buenos Aires

     805        17.6     28        6.0     3.5

Buenos Aires (Province)

     1,487        32.5     66        14.2     4.4

Catamarca

     21        0.5     1        0.2     4.8

Chaco

     68        1.5     2        0.4     2.9

Chubut

     73        1.6     6        1.3     8.2

Cordoba

     460        10.1     70        15.0     15.2

Corrientes

     83        1.8     4        0.9     4.8

Entre Rios

     130        2.8     10        2.1     7.7

Formosa

     29        0.6     0        0.0     0.0

Jujuy

     37        0.8     18        3.9     48.6

La Pampa

     75        1.6     2        0.4     2.7

La Rioja

     28        0.6     2        0.4     7.1

Mendoza

     173        3.8     15        3.2     8.7

Misiones

     67        1.5     36        7.7     53.7

Neuquén

     86        1.9     5        1.1     5.8

Rio Negro

     81        1.8     6        1.3     7.4

Salta

     72        1.6     37        7.9     51.4

San Juan

     39        0.9     1        0.2     2.6

San Luis

     42        0.9     2        0.4     4.8

Santa Cruz

     52        1.1     2        0.4     3.8

Santa Fe

     488        10.7     106        22.7     21.7

Santiago del Estero

     57        1.2     2        0.4     3.5

Tierra del Fuego

     25        0.5     2        0.4     8.0

Tucuman

     98        2.1     43        9.2     43.9

Total

     4,576        100.0     466        100.0     10.2

Source: Central Bank.

Argentine Banking Regulation

Unless otherwise indicated, the regulations explained in this section should be applied to financial information of the banks calculated in accordance with Central Bank Rules. IFRS differs in certain significant respects from Central Bank Rules.

Overview

Founded in 1935, the Central Bank is the principal monetary and financial authority in Argentina. Its mission is to promote monetary and financial stability, employment and economic development with social equity. It operates pursuant to its charter, which was amended in 2012 by Law No. 26,739 and the provisions of the Financial Institutions Law. Under the terms of its charter, the Central Bank must operate independently from the Argentine government.

Since 1977, banking activities in Argentina have been regulated primarily by the Financial Institutions Law, which empowers the Central Bank to regulate the financial sector. The Central Bank regulates and supervises the Argentine banking system through the Superintendency. The Superintendency 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 institutions and establishing rules for participation of financial institutions in the foreign exchange market and the issuance of bonds and other securities, among other functions.

 

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The powers of the Central Bank include the authority to fix the monetary base, set interest rates, establish minimum capital, liquidity and solvency requirements, regulate credit, approve bank mergers, approve certain capital increases and transfers of stock, grant and revoke banking licenses, and to authorize the establishment of branches of foreign financial institutions in Argentina and the extension of financial assistance to financial institutions in cases of temporary liquidity or solvency problems.

The Central Bank establishes certain technical ratios that must be observed by financial entities, such as ratios related to levels of solvency, liquidity, the maximum credit that may be granted per customer and foreign exchange assets and liability positions.

In addition, financial entities need the authorization from the Central Bank for certain actions, such as opening or changing branches or ATMs, acquiring share interests in other financial or non-financial corporations and establishing liens over their assets, among others.

As supervisor of the financial system, the Central Bank requires financial institutions to submit information on a daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual basis. These reports, which include balance sheets and income statements, information related to reserve funds, use of deposits, classifications of portfolio quality (including details on principal debtors and any allowances for loan losses), compliance with capital requirements and any other relevant information, allow the Central Bank to monitor the business practices of financial entities. In order to confirm the accuracy of the information provided, the Central Bank is authorized to carry out inspections.

If the Central Bank’s rules are not complied with, various sanctions may be imposed by the Superintendency, depending on the level of infringement. These sanctions range from a notice of non-compliance to the imposition of fines or, in extreme cases, the revocation of the financial entity’s operating license. Additionally, non-compliance with certain rules may result in the compulsory filing of specific adequacy or restructuring plans with the Central Bank. These plans must be approved by the Central Bank in order to permit the financial institution to remain in business.

Banking Regulation and Supervision

Central Bank Supervision

Since September 1994, the Central Bank has supervised the Argentine financial entities on a consolidated basis. Such entities must file periodic consolidated financial statements that reflect the operations of parent companies as well as those of their branches in Argentina and abroad, and of their significant subsidiaries, whether domestic or foreign. Accordingly, requirements in relation to liquidity and solvency, minimum capital, risk concentration and loan loss provisions, among others, should be calculated on a consolidated basis.

Permitted activities and investments

The Financial Institutions Law governs any individuals and entities that perform habitual financial intermediation and, as such, are part of the financial system, including commercial banks, investment banks, mortgage banks, financial companies, savings and loan companies for residential purposes and credit unions. Except for commercial banks, which are authorized to conduct all financial activities and services that are specifically established by law or by regulations of the Central Bank, the activities that may be carried out by Argentine financial entities are set forth in the Financial Institutions Law and related Central Bank Rules. Commercial banks are allowed to perform any and all financial activities inasmuch as such activities are not forbidden by law. Some of the activities permitted for commercial banks include the ability to (i) receive deposits from the public in both local and foreign currency; (ii) underwrite, acquire, place or negotiate debt securities, including government securities, in both exchange and over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets (subject to prior approval by the CNV, if applicable); (iii) grant and receive loans; (iv) guarantee customers’ debts; (v) conduct foreign currency exchange transactions; (vi) issue credit cards; (vii) act, subject to certain conditions, as brokers in real estate transactions; (viii) carry out commercial financing transactions; (ix) act as registrars of mortgage bonds; (x) participate in foreign exchange transactions; and (xi) act as fiduciary in financial trusts. In addition, pursuant to the Financial Institutions Law and Central Bank Communication “A” 3086, as amended, commercial banks are authorized to operate commercial, industrial, agricultural and other types of companies that do not provide supplemental services to the banking services (as defined by applicable Central Bank Rules) to the extent that the commercial bank’s interest in such companies does not exceed 12.5% of its voting stock or 12.5% of its capital stock. Nonetheless, if the aforementioned limits were to be exceeded, the bank should (i) request Central Bank’s authorization; or (ii) give notice of such situation to the Central Bank, as the case may be. However, even when commercial banks’ interests do not reach such percentages, they are not allowed to operate such companies if (i) such interest allows them to control a majority of votes at a shareholders’ or board of directors’ meeting, or (ii) the Central Bank does not authorize the acquisition.

 

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Furthermore, according to the rules regarding “Complementary Services of the Financial Entities and Allowed Activities”, as amended commercial banks are authorized to operate in local or foreign companies that have one or two of the exclusive corporate purposes listed in section 2.2 of Communication “A” 6342 as amended by Communication “A” 7631, in which the commercial bank’s interest either exceeds 12.5% of such companies’ voting stock or allows the commercial bank to control a majority of votes at a shareholders’ or board of directors’ meeting. The financial entities shall give notice to the Superintendency if the corporate purposes of such companies include any of the corporate purposes listed in section 2.2 of that rule.

Under Central Bank Rules regarding to “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”, the holdings of a commercial bank in the capital stock of third parties, including participations in mutual funds, shall not exceed 60% of the Computable Equity Liability (“RPC”¸ as per its acronym in Spanish) of such commercial bank. In addition, the total amount of a commercial bank’s holdings, considered as a whole, in (i) unlisted shares, excluding holdings in companies that provide complementary services to the financial activity and holdings in state-owned companies that provide public services, (ii) listed shares and mutual fund shares that do not trigger minimum capital requirements on a market risk bases, and (iii) publicly traded shares that do not have a “market price available to the general public,” is limited to 15% of such commercial bank’s RPC. For this purpose, a given market price of the shares is considered to be “available to the general public” when market rates that measure the daily volume of significant transactions are available, and the sale of such shares held by such bank would not materially affect the share price.

Operations and activities that banks are not permitted to perform

Section 28 of Financial Institutions Law prohibits commercial banks from: (a) creating liens on their assets without prior approval from the Central Bank, (b) accepting their own shares as security, (c) conducting transactions with their own directors or managers and with companies or persons related thereto under terms that are more favorable than those regularly offered in transactions with other clients, and (d) carrying out commercial, industrial, agricultural or other activities without prior approval of the Central Bank, except those considered financially related activities under Central Bank Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, banks may own shares in other financial institutions with the prior approval of the Central Bank, and may own shares or debt of public services companies, if necessary to obtain those services.

Liquidity and solvency requirements

Since 1994, the Central Bank supervision of financial institutions has been carried out on a consolidated basis. Therefore, all of the documentation and information filed with the Central Bank, including financial statements, must show the operations of each entity’s parent company and all of its branches (in Argentina and abroad), the operations of significant subsidiaries and, as the case may be, of other companies in which such entity holds stock. Accordingly, all requirements relating to liquidity, minimum capital, risk concentration and bad debts’ reserves, among others, are calculated on a consolidated basis.

Legal reserve

Pursuant to the Financial Institutions Law, we are required to maintain a legal reserve which must be funded with no more than 20% and no less than 10% of yearly income, notwithstanding the aforementioned, pursuant to Central Bank Rules, we are required to maintain a legal reserve which is funded with 20% of our yearly income determined in accordance with Central Bank Rules. This reserve can only be used during periods in which a financial institution has incurred losses and has exhausted all other reserves. If a financial institution does not comply with the required legal reserve, it is not allowed to pay dividends to its shareholders.

Non-liquid assets

Since February 2004, non-liquid assets (computed on the basis of their closing balance at the end of each month, and net of those assets that are deducted to compute the regulatory capital) plus the financings granted to a financial institution’s related parties (computed on the basis of the highest balance during each month for each customer) cannot exceed 100% of the Argentine regulatory capital of the financial institution, except for certain particular cases in which it may exceed up to 150%.

Non-liquid assets consist of miscellaneous assets and receivables, bank property and equipment, assets securing obligations, except for swaps, futures and derivative transactions, certain intangible assets and equity investments in unlisted companies or listed shares, if the holding exceeds 2.5% of the issuing company’s equity. Non-compliance with the ratio produces an increase in the minimum capital requirements equal to 100% of the excess on the ratio.

Unless otherwise indicated, the regulations explained in this section should be applied to financial information of the banks calculated in accordance with Central Bank Rules. IFRS differs in certain significant respects from Central Bank Rules.

 

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Minimum capital requirements

The Central Bank requires that financial institutions maintain minimum capital amounts measured as of each month’s closing. The minimum capital is defined as the greater of (i) the basic minimum capital requirement, which is explained below, or (ii) the sum of the credit risk, operational risk and market risk. Financial institutions (including their domestic Argentine and international branches) must comply with the minimum capital requirements both on an individual and a consolidated basis.

The capital composition to be considered in order to determine compliance with minimum capital requirements is the financial institution’s RPC (rules regarding to “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”, as amended).

Basic minimum capital

As from April 1, 2022, the basic minimum capital requirement to be observed by financial institutions will be as follows:

 

Banks

  

Other financial institutions

(Except Cooperative Credit Unions)

500

   Ps.230 million

Likewise, financial entities in operation as of April 1, 2022, must comply with the basic capital requirement set forth in the table above as of March 31, 2024. Until that date, such operating entities will be required to apply the requirements arising from the following table, according to the period in question:

 

Period

   Banks   

Other financial institutions

(Except Cooperative Credit Unions)

4.1.22 to 3.31.23

   Ps170 million    Ps.80 million

4.1.23 to 3.30.24

   Ps.300 million    Ps.140 million

Financial institutions in operation as of April 1, 2022, that do not comply with the integration of the basic capital requirement as foreseen, must submit to the Superintendency of Financial and Exchange Institutions a compliance program within 20 calendar days following the closing of the period in which such deficiency is recorded, which must not exceed June 30, 2024 in order to comply with the basic requirement.

Regulatory Capital of Financial Institution: Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital regulations

Argentine financial institutions must comply with guidelines similar to those adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Regulations and Supervisory Practices, as amended in 1995 (the “Basel Rules”). In certain respects, however, Argentine banking regulations require higher ratios than those set forth under the Basel Rules.

The Central Bank takes into consideration a financial institution’s RPC in order to determine compliance with capital requirements. RPC consists of Tier 1 Capital (Basic Net Worth) and Tier 2 Capital (Complementary Net Worth).

Tier 1 Capital

Tier 1 Capital consists of (i) Common Equity Tier 1 (“COn1”), (ii) deductible concepts from Common Equity Tier 1 (“CDCOn1”), (iii) Additional Equity Tier 1 (“CAn1”), and (iv) deductible concepts from Additional Equity Tier 1 (“CDCAn1”).

COn1 Capital

COn1 includes the following net worth items: (i) capital stock (excluding preferred stock); (ii) non-capitalized capital contributions (excluding share premium); (iii) adjustments to shareholders’ equity; (iv) earnings reserves (excluding the special reserve for debt instruments); (v) unappropriated earnings; (vi) other results either positive or negative, in the following terms:

 

   

100% of net earnings or losses recorded until the last quarterly financial statements with limited review report, corresponding to the last full fiscal year and in respect of which the auditor has not issued the audit report;

 

   

100% of net earnings or losses for the current year as of the date of the most recent audited quarterly financial statements;

 

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50% of profits or 100% of losses for the most recent audited quarterly or annual financial statements; and

 

   

100% of losses not shown in the financial statements, arising from quantification of any facts and circumstances reported by the auditor;

(vii) other comprehensive income: i) 100% of the results recorded in the following items: revaluation of property, plant and equipment and intangibles; gains or losses on financial instruments at fair value with changes in other comprehensive income, ii) 100% of the debit balance of each of the items recorded in other comprehensive income not mentioned in section i). The recognition of these concepts, registered in accounts of other comprehensive income or other accumulated comprehensive income, as appropriate, will be made in accordance with the terms of points 8.2.1.5. or 8.2.1.6., as the case may be of Central Bank Rules regarding “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”.

(viii) share premiums of the instruments included in COn1; and

(ix) in the case of consolidated entities minority shareholdings (common shares issued by subsidiaries subject to consolidated supervision and belonging to third parties, if certain criteria are met).

In order for the shares to fall under COn1, at the time of issuance, the financial entity must not generate any expectation that such shares will be reacquired, redeemed or amortized, and the contractual terms must not contain any clause that might generate such an expectation.

For the purpose of determining the RPC, financial institutions included in Group A must compute as COn1 the positive difference between the higher of the accounting allowance stipulated in point 5.5 of IFRS 9 and the regulatory allowance calculated in accordance with the rules on “Establishment of minimum provisions for loan losses” or the accounting provision corresponding to the balance as of November 30, 2019.

Deductible Concepts

The above-mentioned items will be considered without certain deductions pursuant to subsection 8.4.1 and 8.4.2 (as applicable) of Central Bank Rules regarding “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”, as amended.

Concepts deductible from COn1 include, among other things: (a) positive balances resulting from the application of income tax withholdings above 10% of the previous months of basic net worth and balances in favor from deferred tax assets; (b) deposits maintained in a corresponding account with a foreign financial institutions that are not rated as “investment grade,” (c) debt securities not held by the relevant financial institutions, except in the case of securities registered by or in custody of the Central Bank (CRYL), Caja de Valores S.A., or Clearstream, Euroclear and the Depository Trust Company, (d) securities issued by foreign governments whose credit rating is at least ‘investment grade’ according to Communication “A” 5671; (e) subordinated debt instruments issued by other financial institutions; (f) shareholders; (g) real property added to the assets of the financial entity and with respect to which the title deed is not duly recorded at the pertinent Argentine real property registry, except where such assets shall have been acquired in a court-ordered auction sale; (h) intangible assets; (i) items pending allocation, debtor balances and other; (j) certain assets, as required by the Superintendency resulting from differences between carry amount and the fair value of assets or actions taken to distort or disguise the true nature or scope of operations; (k) those required by the Superintendency; (l) any deficiency relating to the minimum loan loss provisions required by the Superintendency; (m) equity interests in companies that have the following activities: (i) financial assistance through leasing or factoring agreements, (ii) transitory equity acquisitions in other companies in order to further their development to the extent the ultimate purpose is selling such interest after development is accomplished, and (iii) credit, debit and similar cards emissions; (n) the excess to the limits set forth for secured assets on Section 3 of the rules on “Affectation of Secured Assets” (o) the highest balance of that month’s financial assistance granted during the month, where the advance payments set forth in Section 3.2.5 of the rules on “Lending to the non-financial public sector” surpass the authorized limit and/or are not settled within the terms established therein; (p) income from sales relating to securitization transactions, as applicable, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.1.4., 3.1.5.1. and 3.1.5.2., and from portfolio sales or assignments with recourse. This deduction can be applied as long as the credit risk still persists and to the extent in which the capital requirement for the underlying exposures or the sold or assigned portfolio with recourse is maintained; (q) in the case of liabilities from derivatives accounted for at fair value, unrealized gains or losses due to changes in the financial institution’s credit risk will be deductible. The deduction will be limited to the financial institution’s own credit risk adjustments only plus or minus, as the case may be); such adjustments may not be offset against adjustments for counterpart risk; (r) equity interests in financial institutions subject to consolidated oversight, except where not permitted due to the existence of deductible amounts; or in the case of foreign financial institutions. In these cases, the deductions will be the net amount of the allowance for impairment and, when controlled financial institutions subject to the provisions of Section 8.2.1.6., item iii) are involved, the deductions will be 50% of the net amount of profits derived by these entities on a proportional basis to their respective interests.

 

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CAn1 Capital

CAn1 includes certain debt instruments of financial entities not included under COn1 that meet the regulatory criteria established in section 8.3.2 of the rules regarding “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”, as amended and supplemented, and share premiums resulting from instruments included in CAn1. Furthermore, in the case of consolidated entities, it includes instruments issued by subsidiaries subject to consolidated supervision and belonging to third parties, pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements.

The items mentioned in the previous points will be reduced, if applicable, by the deductible concepts provided in point 8.4.2 of the rules regarding “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”, as amended and supplemented, which are described below.

Moreover, debt instruments included under CAn1 must comply with the following requirements:

1) Must be totally subscribed and paid in full.

2) Must be subordinated to depositors, unsecured creditors and to the subordinated debt of the financial entity. The instruments must contemplate that in the case of the entity’s bankruptcy and once all debts with all the other creditors are satisfied, its creditors shall have priority in the distributions of funds only and exclusively with respect to the shareholders (irrespective of their class), with the express waiver of any general or special privilege.

3) Must not be insured or guaranteed by the issuer or a related entity, and with no agreement improving, either legally or economically, the payment priority in the case of the entity’s bankruptcy.

4) They shall not contemplate any type of capital payment, except in the case of liquidation of the financial entity. Provisions gradually increasing remuneration or other incentives for anticipated amortization are not allowed.

5) After five (5) years, as from the issuance date, the financial entity can buy back the debt instruments if: (i) it has the prior authorization of the Superintendency; (b) the entity does not create any expectations regarding the exercise of the purchase option and (c) the debt instrument is replaced by a RPC of equal or greater value sustained by its revenue capacity, or if it is demonstrated that once the purchase option is exercised, its RPC significantly exceeds at least by 20% of the minimum capital requirements.

6) Any capital repayment requires previous authorization from the Superintendency. In the case of a capital repayment, the financial entity must not create any market expectations regarding the granting of such authorization.

7) The financial entity can cancel dividends/interest coupons at any time and at its sole discretion, which shall not be considered the default in itself and shall not grant bondholders the right to demand the conversion of their notes into ordinary shares. Furthermore, there shall be no restrictions to the financial entity, except with respect to dividend distribution to the shareholders.

8) The payment of dividends/interest coupons shall be carried out through the noting of distributable entries, in the terms of the regulations on “Results Distribution” (Section III of the Central Bank’s regulations).

9) The included dividends/interest coupons shall not have periodic adjustments because of the financial entity’s credit risk.

10) They should not have been bought by the financial entity or any other entity over which the financial entity has control or significant influence.

11) They should not have been bought with direct or indirect financing from the financial entity.

12) They shall not contain elements that make re-capitalization difficult.

Instruments considered liabilities must absorb losses once a pre-established triggering event takes place. The instruments must do so through their conversion into ordinary shares or a mechanism assigning final losses to the instrument with the following effects:

a) Reduction of debt represented by the instrument in the event of winding-up of the entity;

b) Reduction of the amount to be repaid in case a call option is exercised;

c) Total or partial reduction of the dividends/interest coupon payments of the instrument.

 

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Complementary Net Worth (NWc): Tier 2

Tier 2 Capital includes (i) certain debt instruments of financial entities which are not included in Tier 1 Capital and meet the regulatory criteria established in section 8.3.3 of the rules regarding “Financial Entities Minimum Capital” as amended and supplemented, (ii) share premium from instruments included in Tier 2 Capital, and (iii) loan loss provisions on the loan portfolio of debtors classified as being in a “normal situation” pursuant to Central Bank Rules on debtor classification and of financing with preferred security “A” not exceeding 1.25% of the assets measured for credit risk. Additionally, in the case of consolidated entities, it includes (iv) debt instruments issued by subsidiaries subject to a consolidated supervision and belonging to third parties, if they meet the criteria in order to be included under NWc.

The above-described concepts will be considered less deductible concepts pursuant to section 8.4.2 of the rules regarding “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”, as amended and supplemented, which is described below.

Moreover, debt instruments included under NWc must comply with the following requirements:

 

   

Must be totally subscribed and paid in full.

 

   

Must be subordinated to depositors, unsecured creditors and the subordinated debt of the financial entity.

 

   

Must not be insured or guaranteed by the issuer or a related entity, and with no agreement improving either legally or economically the payment priority in case of the entity’s bankruptcy.

 

   

Maturity: (i) original maturity date within no less than five (5) years; (ii) clauses considering gradually increasing remuneration or other incentives for anticipated amortization are not allowed and (iii) from the beginning of the last five years of life of the indebtedness, the computable amount will be diminished by 20% of its nominal issuance value.

 

   

After five (5) years as from the issuance date, the financial entity can buy back the debt instruments with the previous authorization of the Superintendency, and if the entity does not create any expectations regarding the exercise of the purchase option. The debt instrument must be replaced by an RPC of equal or greater value sustained by its revenue capacity, or if it is demonstrated that once the purchase option is exercised its RPC significantly exceeds at least in a 20% of the minimum capital requirements.

 

   

The investor shall not be entitled to accelerate the repayment of future projected payments, except in the case of bankruptcy or liquidation.

 

   

They cannot incorporate dividends/coupons with periodic adjustments linked to the financial entity’s credit risk.

 

   

They should not have been bought by the financial entity or any other entity over which the financial entity has control or significant influence.

 

   

They should not have been bought with direct or indirect financing from the financial entity.

 

   

They shall not contain elements that affect re-capitalization.

Additionally, instruments included in NWc and CAn1, shall present the following conditions in order to assure their loss-absorbency capacity:

 

  a)

Their terms and conditions must include a provision pursuant to which the instruments must absorb losses–either through a release from debt or its conversion into ordinary capital–once a triggering event has occurred, as described hereunder.

 

  b)

If the holders receive compensation for the debt release performed, it should be carried out immediately and only in the form of common shares, pursuant to applicable regulations.

 

  c)

The financial entity must have been granted the authorization required for the immediate issuance of the corresponding common shares in the case of a triggering event, as described below.

Triggering events of regulatory provisions described above are: (i) when the solvency or liquidity of the financial entity is threatened, and the Central Bank rejects the amnesty plan submitted or revokes its authorization to function, or authorizes restructuring protecting depositors (whichever occurs first) or (ii) upon the decision to capitalize the financial entity with public funds.

We have issued U.S.$400,000,000, 6.750% Series A Subordinated Resettable Notes due 2026, that are outstanding as of the date of this annual report and comply with all the requirements described above.

 

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Further criteria regarding the eligibility of items included in the RPC calculation must be followed pursuant to the regulatory requirements of minority and other computable instruments issued by subsidiaries, subject to consolidated supervision by third parties. A minority shareholding may be included in COn1 of the financial entity if the original instrument complies with the requirements established for its qualification as common shares regarding the RPC.

Deductible concepts applied to the different capital levels

 

  i)

Investments in computable instruments under the financial entity’s RPC not subject to consolidated supervision when the entity owns up to 10% of the issuer’s ordinary capital according to the following criteria: (i) investments include direct, indirect or synthetic interests; (ii) investments include the acquired net position; (iii) securities issued are placed within five (5) business days; and (iv) the investments in capital instruments that do not satisfy the criteria to be classified as COn1 (Common Equity Tier 1), AT1 (Additional Equity Tier 1) or NWc (Complementary Net Worth) of the financial institution shall be regarded as COn1 –common equity shares, for the purposes of this regulatory adjustment. If the aggregate amount of these interests in the capital of financial institutions, companies providing services supplementary to the financial industry and insurance companies – which individually represent less than 10% of the COn1 of each issuer – exceeds 10% of the COn1 of the financial institution, net of applicable deductions, the amount over such 10% shall be deducted from each capital tier in accordance with the following method: i) Amount to be deducted from COn1: aggregate excess amount over 10% multiplied by the proportion represented by the COn1 holdings over the aggregate equity interests; ii) Amount to be deducted from CAn1: aggregate excess amount over 10% multiplied by the proportion represented by the CAn1 over the aggregate equity interests. iii) Amount to be deducted from NWc: aggregate excess amount over 10% multiplied by the proportion represented by the NWc holdings over the aggregate equity interest. If the financial institution does not have enough capital to make the deduction pertaining to a particular capital tier, the remaining amount shall be deducted from the next higher level. Amounts below the threshold, which are not deducted, are weighted based upon the risk or are taken into account in the calculation of the market risk requirement, as applicable.

 

  ii)

Investments in instruments computed as regulatory capital of financial institutions and companies rendering services supplementary to the financial industry, not subject to consolidated oversight, and insurance companies, when the institution holds more than 10% of the common equity of the issuer, or when the issuer is a subsidiary of the financial institution, shall be subject to the following criteria: i) The investments include direct, indirect and synthetic interests. For these purposes, indirect interest means an investment by a financial institution in another financial institution or company not subject to consolidated oversight, which in turn has an interest in another financial institution or company not consolidated with the first one. A synthetic interest means an investment made by a financial institution in an instrument the value of which is directly related with the equity value of another financial institution or company not subject to consolidated oversight; ii) The net acquired position is included, i.e., the gross acquired position less the position sold in the same underlying exposure, when this has the same duration than the acquired position or its residual life is at least one year; iii) The holding of securities underwritten to be sold within a five business day term may be excluded; iv) Investments in capital instruments that do not satisfy the criteria to be classified as COn1, CAn1 or NWc of the financial institution shall be regarded as COn1, common equity shares, for the purposes of this regulatory adjustment. The amount of these interests, taking into account the applicable type of instrument, shall be deducted from each of the applicable capital tiers of the financial institution. If the financial institution does not have enough capital to make the deduction pertaining to a particular capital tier, the remaining amount shall be deducted from the next higher level.

 

  iii)

Own repurchased instruments that satisfy the criteria for being included in CAn1 or NWc must be deducted from the applicable capital tier.

Limits

Rules regarding “Financial Entities Minimum Capital”, as amended and supplemented, establishes minimum thresholds regarding capital integration: (i) for COn1, the amount resulting from multiplying the capital RWA by 4.5%; (ii) for NWb, the amount resulting from multiplying RWA by 6% and (iii) for the RPC, the amount resulting from multiplying RWA by 8%. The lack of compliance with any of these limitations is considered as an infringement to minimum capital integration requirements.

Pursuant to Communication “A” 5889, as amended from time to time, RWA shall be calculated as follows:

RWA = RWAc + [(MR+OR) x 12.5]

 

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Where:

RWA: risk weighted assets

RWAc: credit risk weighted assets

MR: minimum capital requirement for market risk

OR: minimum capital requirement for operational risk

Economic Capital

Rules regarding “Financial Entities Risk Management Guidelines”, as amended and supplemented, requires financial institutions to have an integrated global internal process in place to assess the adequacy of their economic capital based on their risk profile (the “Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process” or “ICAAP”), as well as a strategy aimed at maintaining their regulatory capital. If, as a result of this internal process, it is found that the regulatory capital is insufficient, financial institutions must increase regulatory capital based on their own estimates to meet the regulatory requirement.

The economic capital of financial institutions is the amount of capital required to pay not only unexpected losses arising from exposure to credit, operational and market risks, but also those arising from other risks to which the financial institution may be exposed.

Financial institutions must demonstrate that their internal capital targets are well-funded and adequate in terms of their general risk profile and operations. The ICAAP should take into consideration all material risks to which the institution is exposed. To this end, institutions must define an integral process for the management of credit, operational, market, interest rate, liquidity, securitization, graduation, reputational and strategic risks and use stress tests to assess potential adverse scenarios that may affect their regulatory capital.

The ICAAP must include stress tests supplementing and validating any other quantitative or qualitative approach employed by the institution in order to provide the board of directors and senior management with a deeper understanding of the interaction among the various types of risk under stress conditions. In addition, the ICAAP must consider the short- and long-term capital needs of the institution and ensure the prudent accumulation of excess capital during positive periods of the economic cycle.

The capital level of each entity must be determined in accordance with its risk profile, taking external factors such as the economic cycle effects and political scenario.

The main elements of a strict capital evaluation include:

a) Policies and procedures to guarantee that the entity identifies, quantifies and informs all the important risks.

b) A process which relates economic capital with the current level of risk.

c) A process which sets forth capital sufficiency objectives related to the risk, taking a strategic approach from the entity and its business plan into consideration.

d) An internal process of controls, tests and audits, with the objective to guarantee that the general risk management process is exhaustive.

The required amount of capital of each institution shall be determined based on its risk profile, taking into consideration other external factors such as the effects of the economic cycle and the economic scenario.

Communication “A” 7143, as amended from time to time, provides guidelines for the calculation of economic capital, depending on the type of financial entity. Entities considered within Group A pursuant to Central Bank rules shall use their internal models to quantify the needs of economic capital with relation to its risk profile. Conversely, Group B or C entities may opt for a simplified calculation methodology. Such option must be approved by the board of directors of such entity.

Group B or C entities which have opted for the simplified methodology shall apply the following expression:

EC = (1.05 x MC) + max [0; U EVE – 15 % x bNW)]

 

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Where:

EC: economic capital

MC: minimum capital requirements

EVE: measure of risk calculated according to a standardized framework foreseen in section 5.4 of Communication “A” 6534

bNW: basic net worth (tier 1 capital)

Requirements applicable to dividend distribution

Dividends are calculated based on our statutory financial statements of the Bank, and prepared under Central Bank Rules, which differ in certain aspects from IFRS. The Central Bank has imposed restrictions on the payment of dividends, substantially limiting the ability of financial institutions to distribute such dividends subject to compliance with the rules set forth in the “Restated Regulations on Earnings Distributions”, under the criterion that the amount to be distributed cannot affect the institution’s liquidity and solvency, which shall be verified by the satisfaction of certain requirements, on a consolidated basis.

Such regulations provides that the payment of dividends (other than dividends on common shares), the acquisition of treasury shares, the payment on other tier 1 equity instruments (as determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in the rules on “Minimum capital of financial institutions”) and/or the payment of financial incentives (bonuses) to personnel – in this case, subject to the public order labor regulations (legal, statutory and contractual) governing the financial institutions’ relationships with their personnel– shall be subject to these rules.

Institutions may distribute earnings up to the positive amount derived from the off-balance sheet calculation set forth herein, without exceeding the limits set forth in these rules.

To such effect, the registered balances, as of the end of the fiscal year to which they belong, in the account “Unappropriated Retained Earnings” and in the voluntary reserve for future distributions of earnings shall be computed, deducting the amounts – recorded on the same date – of the legal and statutory reserves – whose creation is mandatory – and the following concepts:

 

  1.

100 % of the negative balance of each of the items recorded under the line “Other comprehensive retained earnings.”

 

  2.

The result derived from the revaluation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and investment properties.

 

  3.

The net positive difference resulting from the calculation at amortized cost and the fair market value recorded by the financial institution in connection with sovereign bonds and/or currency regulation instruments issued by the Central Bank for such instruments valued at amortized cost.

 

  4.

The asset valuation adjustments notified by the Superintendency – whether accepted or not by the institution –, that are pending registration and/or those indicated by the external audit that have not been accounted.

 

  5.

The individual deductibles – regarding asset valuation – established by the Superintendency, including the adjustments derived from the failure to consider agreed adjustment plans.

 

  6.

The resulting lower provisions and higher RPC from the treatment established on point 2 of the Central Bank’s Communication “A” 6946 (as amended) for financing SMEs for the payment of salaries.

In addition, financial institutions shall not distribute earnings out of the income derived from the first application of IFRS and are obliged to create a special reserve which shall only be reversed for capitalization purposes or to absorb possible negative balances in the item “Unappropriated Retained Earnings”.

The amount to be distributed, which shall not exceed the limits set forth by the Central Bank, shall not compromise the liquidity and solvency of the institution. This requirement shall be considered satisfied once it has been verified that there are no integration defects in the minimum capital position – whether individual and consolidated – as of the end of the fiscal year to which the unappropriated retained earnings pertain or in the last closed position, whichever has the lesser integration excess, recalculating them together (for such purpose only) with the following effects based on the data relevant as of each such date:

 

  1.

Those arising after deducting the concepts set forth above in points 1 to 5, if applicable, from the assets.

 

  2.

The failure to consider the deductibles established by the Superintendency affecting the requirements, integrations and minimum capital position.

 

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  3.

The deduction of the amounts relating to the following concepts from the unappropriated retained earnings:

 

   

the amount to be distributed and, if applicable, the amount allocated to the creation of the reserve to repay debt instruments, capable of integrating the regulatory capital;

 

   

positive balances due to the application of the minimum presumed income tax – net of allowances for impairment – that have not been deducted from the basic shareholders’ equity, in accordance with the provisions set forth in rules on “Minimum capital of financial institutions”; and

 

   

adjustments made in accordance with points 1 to 5 above.

 

  4.

The failure to consider the limit set forth in paragraph 7.2. of the rules on “Minimum capital of financial institutions.”

The distribution of earnings shall only be admitted if none of the following events occurs:

 

   

the institution is subject to the provisions of article 34 “Regularization and Recovery” and article 35 bis “Institution’s restructuring for the purpose of safeguarding loans and deposits” of the Financial Institutions Law;

 

   

the institution has received financial assistance from the Central Bank under section 17 of its Charter, due to illiquidity;

 

   

the institution is delayed or in breach of the reporting regime set forth by the Central Bank;

 

   

the institution records minimum capital integration deficits – whether individually or consolidated – (without computing the effects of the individual deductibles established by the Superintendency);

 

   

the integration of the average minimum cash – in Pesos, in foreign currency or in sovereign securities – is smaller than the requirement applicable to the last closed position or the projected position, taking into account the effect of the earnings distribution;

 

   

the institution has failed to comply with the additional capital margins applicable in accordance with Section 4.

Financial institutions shall have prior authorization of the Central Bank for the distribution of their results.

Moreover, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6945, as amended from time to time, by virtue of which the distribution of dividends by financial entities was temporarily suspended. On December 2021, by means of Communication “A” 7421, as amended, the Central Bank authorized financial entities to distribute dividends for up to 20% of accumulated dividends by December 31, 2021 from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Those financial entities authorized by the Central Bank to distribute their profits must make such distribution in 12 equal, monthly and consecutive installments. On March 9, 2023 by means of Communication “A” 7719, the Central Bank repealed the suspension of the distribution of results of financial institutions (item 4. of communication “A” 7659), and it provided that as from April 1, 2023 and until December 31, 2023, those financial institutions that have the authorization of the Central Bank may distribute profits in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments for up to 40% of the amount that would have corresponded.

Unless otherwise indicated, the regulations explained in this section should be applied to financial information of the banks calculated in accordance with Central Bank Rules. IFRS differs in certain respects from Central Bank Rules.

Capital Conservation Buffer

It is also stated that financial entities shall maintain a capital conservation margin in addition to the minimum capital requirements in order to ensure the accrual of owned resources to cope with eventual losses, reducing the non-compliance risk.

Financial entities considered D-SIBs or globally systemically important (“G-SIBs”), must have a capital level that permits a greater capacity for loss absorption, by virtue of negative externalities that the effects of insolvency of such entities or their foreign holdings could create in the financial system and the economy.

The conservation capital margin shall be 2.5% of the amount of RWA. In cases of entities considered systemically important, the margin will be increased to 3.5% of the amount of capital risk weighted assets. These margins can be increased once again, according to the counter-cycle margin. The conservation capital margin, increased in the case of entities considered systemically important, must be integrated exclusively with Common Equity Tier 1 (COn1), net from deductible concepts (CDCOn1).

When such margin is used, the entities must raise capital with new capital contributions, or reduce future distributions.

 

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The dividend distribution shall be limited whenever the level and composition of the computable asset liability, even when it complies with the minimum capital requirements, is within the range of the capital conservation margin. This limitation reaches solely the dividend distribution, but not the operation of the entity. Entities shall be able to operate normally when levels of Con1 are within the range of conservation margin. When the coefficient of Common Equity Tier 1 (Con1 as percentage of RWA) is within the range of margins conservation of capital, the restriction to the results distribution shall be increased whenever the coefficient of Con1 comes close to the minimum required in section 8.5.1 of regulations over “Minimum Capital for Financial Entities”. The following table shows the maximum percentages of dividend distribution, according to the compliance with the conservation margin presented:

 

Coefficient of Common Equity Tier 1 (COn1) net of deductions

(CDcon1) – as percentage of RWA -.

    

Financial Entities – That

are not categorized as

D-SIBs or G-SIBs-

   D-SIBs and G-SIBs
Financial Entities
   Minimum coefficient of capital
conservation –as percentage of
dividend distribution -

4.5 – 5.13

   4.5 – 5.38    100

> 5.13 – 5.75

   > 5.38 – 6.25    80

> 5.75 – 6.38

   > 6.25 – 7.13    60

> 6.38 – 7.0

   > 7.13 – 8    40

> 7

   > 8    0

Currently, the minimum limits required by the regulations are:

 

   

COn1/RWA: 4.5%

 

   

NWb/RWA: 6.0%

 

   

RPC/RWA: 8.0%

COn1 must be used in the first place to satisfy the minimum capital requirement of 4.5% of RWA. Subsequently, and in the event the total does not have enough Additional Equity Tier 1 (CAn1) or Tier 2 Capital (NWc), the COn1 shall also be applied to meet requirements of 6% and 8% of Tier 1 Capital and total capital. Only the remaining COn1, if any, can be computed to satisfy the applicable conservation margin, increased in function of the counter-cycle margin, if applicable.

Any entity that desires to exceed the dividend distribution limits shall finance this distribution by new contributions of COn1 in the excess amount.

In order to determine the RPC Group “A” financial institutions shall compute as COn1 the positive difference between the accounting provision set forth by point 5.5 of IFRS 9, and the higher of the regulatory provision as calculated by the “Minimum Provision Requirement for Uncollectability Risk Rules” and the accounting provision corresponding to the balance as of November 30, 2019.

The Central Bank also establishes the counter-cycle margin in order to allow the financial entities’ capital levels to correspond to the accumulative systematic risk associated with an excessive credit expansion and the macro-financial context. When the Central Bank considers that the credit growth is excessive, creating an increase in systematic risk, it can establish, with a twelve-month advanced notice, the obligation to constitute a counter-cycle margin within a range of 0% to 2.5% of RWA. This margin can be reduced or cancelled by the Central Bank when it considers that the systematic risk has been diminished.

Financial entities with international activity shall consider the geographic location of their credit exposure with local and foreign residents of the private sector and calculate the counter-cycle margin as the mean between the required margins in foreign jurisdictions. This includes all credit exposure to private sectors subject to the requirement of credit risk capital.

In order to determine which jurisdiction corresponds to each exposure, the principle of ultimate risk shall be applied. Pursuant to this principle, one must identify the jurisdiction where the guarantor of the risk resides. The counter-cycle margin shall be observed by means of an increase in the conservation capital margin and shall be satisfied exclusively with Common Equity Tier 1, net of deductible concepts (CDCOn1).

For more information, see Item 8.A “Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Amounts available for distribution and distribution approval process”.

 

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Credit Risk

The minimum capital requirement in respect of counterparty risk (“CRC”) shall be calculated with the items included, which must be computed on the basis of the balances as of the last day of each month (capital, interests, premiums, restatements – by the CER – and price differences, as appropriate, net of the non-recoverability and devaluation risks provisions and of accumulated depreciation and amortization attributable to them and other regularizing accounts, without deducting 100% of the minimum amount required for the non-recoverability risk provision in the portfolio corresponding to debtors classified as in a “Normal Situation” – points 6.5.1 and 7.2.1 of the rules on “Classification of Debtors”- and financings secured by preferential guarantees “A”).

The minimum capital requirement in respect of counterparty risk must be calculated applying the following equation:

CRC = (k * 0.08* RWAc) + INC

Variable “k”: Minimum capital requirements also depend on the CAMELBIG rating (1 is the strongest, 5 is the weakest) assigned by the Superintendency, which also determines the “k” value. This rating system complies with international standards and provides a broad definition of the performance, risks and perspectives of financial entities. Financial entities have to adjust their capital requirements according to the following “k” factors:

 

CAMELBIG Rating

   k Factor  
1      1.00  
2      1.03  
3      1.08  
4      1.13  
5      1.19  

For the purposes of the calculation of the capital requirement, the rating will be that of the third month after the month of the most recent rating informed to the entity. For so long as no notice is given, the “k” factor will be equal to 1.03.

“RWAc” stands for capital risk weighted assets calculated by adding the value obtained from applying the following formula:

A * p + PFB * CCF * p + non-DvP + (DVP + RCD + INC significant investments in companies)* 12.50

Where:

Variable “A” refers to eligible assets/exposures;

“PFB” are eligible items which are not registered on the balance sheet;

“CCF” the conversion credit factor; and

“p” refers to the weighting factor, expressed on a per unit basis.

“DvP” refers to failed delivery against payment transactions (for purposes of these rules, failed payment against payment (PvP) transactions are also included). The amount is determined by the addition of the amounts arrived at by multiplying the current positive exposure by the applicable capital requirement.

In addition, “no DvP” refers to transactions that do not involve delivery against payment. The amount is determined by the addition of the amounts arrived at by applying the weighting factor (p) on the relevant transactions.

“RCD” refers to requirements for counterparty risk in OTC transactions.

“INC” incremental minimum capital requirements based on any excess in the fixed assets and other ratios, the limitations established under “Major Exposure to Credit Risk Regulations”.

 

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“INC (significant investments in companies)” means the incremental minimum capital requirements based on any excess over the following limits:

 

   

equity interest held in companies: 15%

 

   

total equity interests held in companies: 60%

The established maximum limits will be applied on the financial entity’s computable regulatory capital for the last day before the relevant date, as prescribed in the Central Bank regulations on “Credit Risk Fractioning”.

Each type of asset is weighted according to the level of risk assumed to be associated with it. In broad terms, the weights assigned to the different types of assets are:

 

Type of Asset

   Weighting (%)  

Cash and cash equivalents

  

Cash held in treasury, in transit (when the financial institution assumes responsibility and risk for transportation), in ATMs, in checking accounts and in special accounts with the Central Bank, gold coins or bars

     0  

Cash items in the process of collection, cash in armored cars and in custody at financial institutions

     20  

Exposure to governments and central banks

  

To the Central Bank denominated and funded in Pesos

     0  

To the public non-financial sector denominated and funded in Pesos, including securitized exposures

     0  

To the public non-financial sector arising from financing granted to social security beneficiaries or public employees (with discount code)

     0  

To other sovereign states or their central banks

  

- AAA to AA-

     0  

- A+ to A-

     20  

- BBB+ to BBB-

     50  

- BB+ to B-

     100  

- Below B-

     150  

- Unrated

     100  

Entities of the non-financial public sector from other sovereigns, pursuant to the credit rating assigned to the respective sovereign

  

- AAA to AA-

     20  

- A+ to A-

     50  

- BBB+ to BBB-

     100  

- BB+ to B-

     100  

- Below B-

     150  

- Unrated

     100  

To the Bank for International Settlements, the IMF, the European Central Bank and the European Community

     0  

To the non-financial public sector of the provinces, municipalities and/or the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires arising from the acquisition of sovereign bonds issued in Pesos by the central administration, when they do not have any one of the guarantees described in the regulations on “Financing to Non-Financial Public Sector”, pursuant to the credit rating assigned to the respective jurisdiction

  

- AAA to AA-

     20  

- A+ to A-

     50  

- BBB+ to BBB-

     100  

- BB+ to B-

     150  

- Below B-

     200  

- Unrated

     200  

 

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Type of Asset

   Weighting (%)  

Exposure to the Multilateral Development Banks (MDB)

  

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), among others

     0  

Other

  

- AAA to AA-

     20  

- A+ to A-

     50  

- BBB+ to BBB-

     50  

- BB+ to B-

     100  

- Below B-

     150  

- Unrated

     50  

Exposure to local financial institutions

  

Denominated and funded in Pesos arising from transactions with an initial contractual term of up to 3 months

     20  

Other. The weighting percentage to be applied will be the one for one category less favorable than the one assigned to the exposures with the Argentine government in foreign currency, as provided for the Exposure to the public non-financial sector and the Central Bank, with a maximum of 100%, except that the grade was less than B-, in which case the weighting percentage will be 150%

  

Exposure to foreign financial institutions, pursuant to the credit rating assigned to the sovereign of their jurisdiction of incorporation

  

- AAA to AA-

     20  

- A+ to A-

     50  

- BBB+ to BBB-

     100  

- BB+ to B-

     100  

- Below B-

     150  

- Unrated

     100  

Exposure to companies and other legal entities in the country and abroad, including exchange institutions, insurance companies and stock exchange entities

     100  

Exposures included in the retail portfolio

  

Loans to individuals (provided that installments of loans granted by the institution do not exceed, at the time of the agreements, 30% of borrower’s income) and to Micro, Small- and Medium-Sized Companies (“SMEs”)

     75  

Other

     100  

Exposures guaranteed by reciprocal guaranty companies (sociedades de garantía recíproca) or public security funds registered with the registries authorized by the Central Bank

     50  

First mortgage loans on residential property or mortgage loans with any order of preference provided that the institution remains the creditor, irrespective of the order of preference, to the extent that the debt balance under no circumstances exceeds the valuation price of the mortgaged property

  

If credit facility does not exceed 75% of the appraised value of such real property

  

- Sole, permanently-occupied family home

     35  

- Other

     50  

On the amount exceeding 75% of the appraised value of such real property

     100  

First mortgage loans on other than residential property or mortgage loans with any order of preference provided that the institution is also the creditor of senior loans

  

 

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Type of Asset

   Weighting (%)  

Up to 50% of the lower of the real property market value or 60% of the mortgage loan

     50  

On the remaining portion of the loan

     100  

Past due loans over 90 days

  

Weighting varies according to the loan and specific provisions Created

     50-150  

Equity holdings

     150  

Securitization exposures, failed DvP transactions, non-DvP transactions, exposures to central counterparty institutions (CCP) and derivative transactions not included in said exposures

     *  

Exposures to individuals or companies originated in credit card purchases made in installments of travel tickets to foreign destinations and other touristic services abroad (lodging, car rental), either made directly to the service provider or through a travel agency or web platform

     1250  

Other assets and off-balance categories

     100  

 

*

They receive a special treatment.

Excluded items include: (a) securities granted for the benefit of the Central Bank for direct obligations; (b) deductible assets pursuant to RPC regulations and (c) financings and securities granted by branches or local subsidiaries of foreign financial entities by order and on account of their headquarters of foreign branches or the foreign controlling entity, to the extent: (i) the foreign entity has an investment grade rating, (ii) the foreign entity is subject to regulations that entail consolidated fiscalization, (iii) in the case of finance operations, they shall be repaid by the local branch or subsidiary exclusively with funds received from the aforementioned foreign intermediaries; and (iv) in the case of guarantees granted locally, they are in turn guaranteed by their foreign branch headquarters or the foreign controlling entity and foreclosure on such guaranty may be carried out immediately and at the sole requirement of the local entity.

Credit Risk Regulation – Large Exposures

General Overview

Communication “A” 6599 of the Central Bank, as amended and restated by Communication “A” 6620, effective as of January 1, 2019, abrogated credit risk fractioning regulations (except for the provisions related to the non-financial public sector), and replaced the former regime by regulating “large exposures to credit risk”. The system seeks to limit the maximum loss that a financial entity may suffer upon the occurrence of an unexpected default of a counterparty or group of connected counterparties who do not belong to the non-financial public sector, therefore affecting its solvency. The regulations regarding the exposures to credit risk must be applied at all times with every counterparty of the entity.

In this regard, the regulations have established the concept of group of connected counterparties, which applies to all cases in which one of the counterparties of a financial entity have direct or indirect control over the rest or in those cases in which financial difficulties experimented by one of the counterparties causes a strong likelihood that its subsidiaries may struggle financially as well. According to the regulation, upon the detection of the existence of a group of connected counterparties by the financial entity, such group shall be considered as a single counterparty and the sum of the exposures to credit risk that a financial entity possesses with all the individual counterparties comprehended in that group shall be subject to the information and disclosure requirements provided in section 2.

One of the main aspects of Communication “A” 6620 is the introduction of the concept of large exposure to credit risk in Argentine banking regulations, which is defined as the sum of all values of exposure of a financial entity with a counterparty or group of connected counterparties when it is equal or above 10% of the Tier 1 Capital registered by the financial entity the immediately preceding month of its calculation.

However, the determination of the values of exposure to risk recognize the following exceptions:

 

   

Intraday interbank exposures;

 

   

Exposures of financial entities with qualifying central counterparties, as defined by the Central Bank regulations on minimum capital;

 

   

Exposures with the Central Bank; and

 

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Exposures with the Argentine non-financial public sector.

Regarding the information regime, the Central Bank has established that the financial entities shall inform the Superintendency of all the values of exposure to credit risk before and after the application of mitigation techniques, detailing:

 

   

Exposures to risk with a value equal or above 10% of Tier 1 Capital of the financial entity;

 

   

Every other exposure to risk which value is equal or above 10% of the Tier 1 Capital of the financial entity, without applying credit risk mitigation techniques;

 

   

Excluded exposures to risk which values are equal or above 10% of the financial entity’s Tier 1 Capital; and

 

   

The financial entity’s 20 largest applicable exposures to risk, regardless of its value in relation with the financial entity’s Tier 1 Capital.

Limits

On one side, Communication “A” 6620 sets at 15% the limit of exposure with a counterpart of the non-financial private sector. Nevertheless, the limit will be increased by 10 percentage points for the part of the exposures that are covered by preferred collaterals. Additionally, it sets special limits for operating with financial institutions in the country and abroad (the general rule sets it at 25%). In the case of foreign financial institutions that do not have an international risk rating included in the “investment grade” category, the maximum limit is 5%.

On the other side, Communication “A” 6620 sets the global limit of exposure to risk with respect to affiliate counterparties at 20%. In the case of stock held in an investment portfolio, the sum of all the values of exposure to risk corresponding to the total stocks not related to the portfolio shall not exceed 15% (holdings in public services companies or companies dedicated to complementary services to financial activities are excluded). The total limit of stocks and holdings shall be the sum of all the values of exposure to risk corresponding to the total amount of stock in an investment or negotiation portfolio plus the credits for forward operations and sureties entered into in authorized Argentine markets shall not exceed 50%.

Minimum controls to exposures of affiliates

The regulations set forth three stages for the control of the financial entity’s affiliates exposure:

1) Reports for the entity’s management:

 

   

Report by the CEO;

 

   

Report by the supervisory committee; and

 

   

Acknowledgment of the reports by the entity’s management.

2) Evidence of the affiliation to the financial entity: the personnel responsible for the analysis and resolution of the credit operations shall expressly register whether or not the client is affiliated with the financial entity.

3) Affidavit evidencing affiliation: affiliated clients shall file an affidavit stating if they belong to the lending entity or if its relationship with such entity implies the existence of a controlling influence.

Interest rate risk

Until January 1, 2013, financial entities had to comply with minimum capital requirements regarding interest rate risk. These requirements were intended to capture the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in the interest rates. Communication “A” 5369 removed all rules and regulations regarding minimum capital requirements for interest rate risk. Notwithstanding this change, financial entities must continue to calculate the interest rate risk and remain subject to the Superintendence’s supervision. By virtue of Communication “A” 6534, dated July 3, 2018, the Investment Portfolio Interest Rate (RTCI) risk shall be calculated.

Market risk

Overall capital requirements in relation to market risk are based on the sum of the five amounts of capital necessary to cover the risks. Market risk is defined as the possibility of incurring losses in on- and off-balance sheet recorded positions as a result of adverse changes in market prices. The market risk minimum capital requirement is the arithmetic sum of the minimum capital requirement for interest rate (trading portfolio), stock (trading portfolio), exchange rate, commodities and options risks (trading portfolio). To meet this capital requirement, entities must apply a “Standard Measurement Method” based on an aggregate of components that separately capture the specific and general market risks for securities positions.

 

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General considerations. Risks subject to this minimum capital requirement include risks derived from positions in instruments – such as securities and derivatives – recorded as part of the trading portfolio, and risks from foreign currency and commodities positions recorded, indistinctly, as part of the investment or trading portfolio. For the purpose of the above accounting recording, the trading portfolio of financial entities comprises positions in financial instruments included among an entity’s assets for purposes of trading or of providing hedging to other items contained in the portfolio. Pursuant to Communication “A” 6690, as amended, a financial instrument may be accounted for as part of the trading portfolio – for purposes of meeting the minimum capital requirement for market risk – if such instrument may be traded free from any restriction or if the instrument may be hedged in full. Also, the portfolio must be actively managed, and its positions must be valued on a daily basis and with the required accuracy. Positions kept for trading purposes are those positions that the entity intends to sell in the short term or from which it intends to derive a profit as a result of changes, either actual or expected, in short-term prices, or by means of arbitrage activities. They include both positions that the entities keep for their own use and those they purchase in the course of services performed for customers or “market making’ activities”. Financial entities must calculate the minimum capital requirement for the counterparty credit risk involved in OTC transactions involving derivatives and securities financing transactions, such as repo transactions (repo agreements), recorded as part of the trading portfolio on a separate and additional basis to the calculation of capital requirements for general market risk and specific market risk of the underlying securities. For this purpose, entities will be required to apply the methods and weighting factors usually applicable when those transactions are recorded as part of the investment portfolio. Entities must have clearly defined policies and procedures in place, designed to determine the exposures that are to be included into or excluded from the trading portfolio in order to calculate their minimum capital requirement for market risk. On the other hand, the investment portfolio will include all securities held by the entity which are not included in the trading portfolio.

The minimum capital requirement for exchange rate risk will apply to the total position in each foreign currency. The minimum capital requirement for securities will be computed in respect of the instruments accounted for as part of the trading portfolio, which must be valued prudently (marked to market or marked to model). Instruments whose yield is determined in relation to CER must be considered fixed-rate securities. Whether recorded as part of the trading or of the investment portfolio, items to be deducted for purposes of calculating the RPC will be excluded from the calculation of the market risk minimum capital requirement.

Minimum capital requirement for interest rate risk. The minimum capital requirement for interest rate risk must be calculated in respect of any debt securities and other instruments accounted for as part of the trading portfolio, including any non-convertible preferred shares. This capital requirement is calculated by adding two separately calculated requirements: first, the specific risk involved in each instrument, either a short or a long position, and second, the general market risk related to the effect of interest rate changes on the portfolio. A set off of the long and short positions held in different instruments will be allowed.

Minimum capital requirement for positions in stock. The capital requirement for the risk of holding equity positions in the trading portfolio applies to both long and short positions in ordinary shares, convertible debt securities that function like shares and any call or put options for shares, as well as any other instrument with a market behavior similar to that of shares, excluding non-convertible preferred shares, which are subject to the minimum capital requirement for interest rate described in the preceding paragraph. Long and short positions in the same security may be computed on a net basis.

Minimum capital requirement for exchange rate risk. The capital requirement for exchange rate risk establishes the minimum capital required to hedge the risk involved in maintaining positions in foreign currency, including gold. To calculate the capital requirement for exchange rate risk, entities must first quantify its exposure in each currency, and then estimate the risks inherent in the combination of long and short positions in different currencies.

Minimum capital requirement for commodities risk. The capital requirement for commodities risk establishes the minimum capital required to hedge the risk involved in maintaining positions in commodities – but gold. The calculation of the capital requirement shall express every commodity position in terms of the standard measure unity, and following the rules set forth in Communication “A” 6690.

Minimum capital requirement for positions in options. The calculation of the capital requirement for the risk involved in positions in options may be based on the “simplified method” set forth in Communication “A” 6690 if the entity only purchases options; provided that, the market value of all the options in its portfolio does not exceed 5% of the entity’s RPC for the previous month, or if its positions in sold options are hedged by long positions in options pursuant to exactly the same contractual terms. In all other cases, the entity must use the alternative “delta plus” method, provided for in the regulation.

 

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Consequences of a Failure to Meet Minimum Capital Requirements

In the event of non-compliance with capital requirements by an existing financial institution, Central Bank Communication “A” 6091, as amended, provides the following:

 

  (i)

Non-compliance reported by the institution: the institution must meet the required capital no later than the end of the second month after the date of non-compliance or submit a restructuring plan within thirty (30) calendar days after the end of the month in which such non-compliance was reported. In addition, non-compliance with minimum capital requirements will entail a number of consequences for the financial institution, including a prohibition to open branches in Argentina or in other countries, establish representative offices abroad, or own equity in foreign financial institutions, as well as a prohibition to pay cash dividends. Moreover, the Superintendency may appoint a representative, who shall have the powers set forth by the Financial Institutions Law.

 

  (ii)

Non-compliance detected by the Superintendency: the institution may challenge the non-compliance determination within thirty (30) calendar days after being served notice by the Superintendency. If no challenge is made, or if the defense is dismissed, the non-compliance determination will be deemed to be final and the procedure described in the previous item will apply.

Furthermore, pursuant to Communication “A” 5889, as amended if a financial institution fails to meet market risk daily minimum capital requirements, except for any failure to meet the requirements on the last day of the month, calculated as a sum of VaR of included assets or derived from the calculation of capital requirements for interest rate, exchange rate and stock risks, the financial institution must replace its capital or decrease its financial position until such requirement is met, and has up to ten (10) business days from the first day on which the requirement was not met to meet the requirement. If the financial institution fails to meet this requirement after ten (10) business days, it must submit a regularization and reorganization plan within the following five (5) business days and may become subject to an administrative proceeding initiated by the Superintendency.

Operational risk

The regulation on operational risk (“OR”) recognizes the management of OR as a comprehensive practice separated from that of other risks, given its importance. OR is defined as the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events. The definition includes legal risk but excludes strategic and reputational risk.

Financial institutions must establish a system for the management of OR that includes policies, processes, procedures and the structure for their adequate management. This framework must also allow the financial entity to evaluate capital sufficiency.

Seven OR event types are defined, according to internationally accepted criteria:

 

   

internal fraud;

 

   

external fraud;

 

   

employment practices and workplace safety;

 

   

clients, products and business practices;

 

   

damage to physical assets;

 

   

business disruption and system failures; and

 

   

execution, delivery and process management.

Financial entities are charged with implementing an efficient OR management system following the guidelines provided by the Central Bank. A solid system for risk management must have a clear assignment of responsibilities within the organization of financial entities. Thus, the regulation describes the roles prepared by each level of the organization in managing of OR (such as the roles of the board of directors, senior management and the business units of the financial institution).

A financial institution’s size and sophistication, and the nature and complexity of its products and processes, and the extent of the transaction determines the type of “OR unit” required. For small institutions, this unit may even consist of a single person. This unit may functionally respond to the senior management (or similar) or a functional level with risk management decision capacity that reports to that senior management.

 

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An effective risk management will contribute to prevent future losses derived from operational events. Consequently, financial entities must manage the OR inherent in their products, activities, processes and systems. The OR management process comprises:

 

a)

Identification and assessment: the identification process should consider both internal and external factors that could adversely affect the development of the processes and projections created according to the business strategies defined by the financial institution. Financial entities should use internal data, establishing a process to register frequency, severity, categories and other relevant aspects of the OR loss events. This should be complemented with other tools, such as self-risk assessments, risk mapping and key risk indicators.

 

b)

Monitoring: an effective monitoring process is necessary for quickly detecting and correcting deficiencies in the policies, processes and procedures for managing OR. In addition to monitoring operational loss events, banks should identify forward-looking indicators that enable them to act upon these risks appropriately.

 

c)

Control and mitigation: financial entities must have an appropriate control system for ensuring compliance with a documented set of internal policies, which involve periodic reviews (to occur at least annually) of control strategies and risk mitigation, and adjust these as necessary.

Pursuant to Communication “A” 5282, as amended by Communications “A”6091 and “A”6638, among others, the minimum capital requirements regarding OR are equal to 15% of the annual average positive gross income of the last thirty-six (36) months.

The OR formula is as follow:

 

LOGO

The variables in the OR formula are defined as follows:

 

   

“Cro”: the capital requirement for operational risk.

 

   

“α”: 15%.

 

   

“n”: the number of 12-month consecutive terms with positive IB, based on the 36 months preceding the month of calculation. The maximum value of n is 3.

 

   

“IBt”: gross income from 12-month consecutive terms; provided that, it is a positive figure, corresponding to the 36 months preceding the month of calculation.

Gross income (ingresos brutos) (“IB”, as per its acronym in Spanish) is defined as the sum of (a) financial and service income net of financial and service expenses and (b) sundry gains net of sundry losses.

The following items are excluded from items (a) and (b) above:

 

  (i)

expenses derived from the creation or elimination of reserves during previous fiscal years and recovered credits during the fiscal year that were written off in previous fiscal years;

 

  (ii)

profits or losses from holding equity in other financial institutions or companies, if these were deductible from RPC;

 

  (iii)

extraordinary or unusual gains (i.e., those arising from unusual and exceptional events that resulted in gains) including income from insurance recovery; and

 

  (iv)

gains from the sale of classified species and measures at amortized cost of fair value with changes in other integral gains.

New financial institutions must comply, in their first month, with an OR minimum capital requirement equivalent to 10% of the aggregate requirements determined for credit and market risks, in the latter case, for the positions on the last day of that month. As from the second and up to the thirty-sixth month, the monthly capital requirement will be equivalent to 10% of the average requirements determined for the months elapsed until, and including, the calculation period based on a consideration of the risks referred to in the preceding paragraph, in accordance with the following formula:

 

LOGO

 

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For every t-month:

 

   

“CRCt”: the capital requirement for credit risk.

 

   

“RMP,t”: the capital requirement for market risk for the last day of such t-month.

 

   

“n”: the number of months preceding the month of calculation, inclusive. 2d n d 36.

From the thirty-seventh month onwards, the monthly requirement is calculated based on the OR formula.

Minimum cash reserve requirements

The minimum cash reserve requirement requires that a financial institution keep a portion of its deposits or obligations readily available and not allocated to lending transactions and it is included in the Central Bank “Rules of Minimum Cash”, as amended and supplemented.

Minimum cash requirements are applicable to demand and time deposits and other liabilities arising from financial intermediation denominated in Pesos, foreign currency, or government and corporate securities, and any unused balances of advances in checking accounts under agreements not containing any clauses that permit the bank to discretionally and unilaterally revoke the possibility of using such balances.

Minimum cash reserve obligations exclude (i) amounts owed to the Central Bank, (ii) amounts owed to domestic financial institutions (excluding special deposits related to inflows of funds – Decree No. 616/2005), (iii) amounts owed to foreign banks (including their head offices, entities controlling domestic institutions and their branches) in connection with foreign trade financing facilities, and with multilateral development banks, (iv) cash purchases pending settlement and forward purchases, (v) cash sales pending settlement and forward sales (whether or not related to repurchase agreements), (vi) overseas correspondent banking operations, (vii) demand obligations for money orders and transfers from abroad pending settlement to the extent that they do not exceed a seventy-two (72) business hour term as from their deposit; and (viii) demand obligations with business for the sales made by debt, prepaid, credit card and / or for the purchase.

The liabilities subject to these requirements are computed on the basis of the effective principal amount of the transactions, including differences in rates (either negative or positive), excluding interest accrued, past due, or to become due on the aforementioned liabilities, provided they were not credited to the account of, or made available to, third parties, and, in the case of fixed-term deposit of UVIs and UVAs, the accrued amount resulting from the increment of the value of such unit.

The minimum cash requirement is determined on the basis of the average of the daily balances of the obligations covered:

 

   

recorded at the end of each day during the period prior to that of its integration, when the requirement is in Pesos, except for deposits in Pesos in accounts of payment service providers that offer payment accounts (PSPOCP) in which their clients’ funds are deposited.

 

   

recorded at the end of each day during each calendar month, for demands in foreign currency, securities and deposits in Pesos in accounts of PSPOCP in which their clients’ funds are deposited.

The averages shall be obtained by dividing the aggregate of the daily balances into the total amount of the days of each period. Those days in which no movements are registered shall repeat the balance corresponding to the immediately preceding Business Day.

Such requirement shall be complied with on a separate basis for each currency and/or security and/or instrument under monetary regulation in which the liabilities are denominated.

 

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The table below shows the percentage rates that should be applied to determine the required minimum cash reserve requirement for financial institutions, depending on whether: (i) the financial entities are included in Group “A”, as provided by Section 4 of the regulations on “Authorities of financial entities” (Autoridades de entidades financieras), and/or branches or subsidiaries of foreign banks are classified as systemically important (G-SIB) not included in that group; or (ii) the remaining financial entities. Section 4 of the regulations on “Authorities of financial entities” of the Central Bank classifies the financial entities in: (a) Group “A” which includes those entities in which the amount of their assets is greater than or equal to 1% of the total of the assets of the financial system (for the purposes of calculating this indicator, the average of the assets corresponding to the months of July, August and September of the previous year will be considered, according to the data that arise from the corresponding information regime); (b) Group “B” which includes those entities in which the amount of their assets do not exceed 1% and greater than or equal to 0.25% of the total of the assets of the financial system; and (c) Group “C” which includes those institutions whose deposits do no exceed 0.25% of the total of the assets of the financial system. The following rates arise from Communication “A” 7644:

 

     Group A and G-
SIB
            Remaining financial
institutions
 

Item

   Pesos      Foreign
Currency
     Pesos      Foreign
Currency
 

1- Checking account deposits and demand deposits opened at credit cooperatives

     45           20     

2- Savings account, salary/social security accounts, special accounts (except for deposits included on items 7, 11 and 15), and other demand deposits and liabilities, pension and social security benefits credited by ANSES pending collection and immobilized reserve funds for liabilities covered by these regulations

     45        25        20        25  

3- Unused balances of advances in checking accounts under executed overdraft agreements

     45           20     

4- Deposits in checking accounts of non-bank financial institutions, computed for purposes of meeting their required minimum cash reserve

     100           100     

5- Time deposits, liabilities under “acceptances”, (including responsibilities for sale or transfer of credits to agents different from financial institutions), stock-exchange repos (cautions and stock exchange passive repos), constant-term investments, with an option for early termination or for renewal for a specified term and variable income, and other fixed-term liabilities, except deposits included in the following items 7, 10 y 12 of this table, securities (including negotiable obligations), according to their outstanding term:

           

(i) Up to 29 days

     25        23        11        23  

(ii) From 30 days to 59 days

     14        17        7        17  

(iii) From 60 days to 89 days

     4        11        2        11  

(iv) From 90 days to 179 days

     —          5        —          5  

(v) From 180 days to 365 days

     —          2        —          2  

(vi) More than 365 days

     —          —          —          —    

6- Liabilities owed due to foreign facilities (not including those instrumented by term deposits, unless they are made by residents abroad linked to the entity pursuant to Section 2 of the rules on “Large Exposures to Credit Risk”, nor the acquisition of debt securities, to which they must apply the requirements provided in the previous point)

           

(i) Up to 29 days

        23           23  

(ii) From 30 days to 59 days

        17           17  

(iii) From 60 days to 89 days

        11           11  

(iv) From 90 days to 179 days

        5           5  

(v) From 180 days to 365 days

        2           2  

(vi) More than 365 days

        —             —    

 

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     Group A and G-
SIB
    

 

     Remaining financial institutions  

Item

   Pesos      Foreign
Currency
     Pesos      Foreign
Currency
 

7- Demand and time deposits made upon a court order with funds arising from cases pending before the court, and the related immobilized balances

           

(i) Up to 29 days

     22        15        10        15  

(ii) From 30 days to 59 days

     14        15        7        15  

(iii) From 60 days to 89 days

     4        15        2        15  

(iv) More than 90 days

     —          15        —          15  

8- Special deposits related to inflows of funds. Decree 616/2005

        100           100  

9- Time deposits in nominative, non-transferable Peso-denominated certificates, belonging to public sector holders, with the right to demand early withdrawal in less than 30 days from its setting up

     25           11     

10- Deposits and term investments —including savings accounts and securities (including Notes)— in UVIs and UVAs, according their outstanding term

           

(i) Up to 29 days

     7           7     

(ii) From 30 days to 59 days

     5           5     

(iii) From 60 days to 89 days

     3           3     

(iv) More than 90 days

     —             —       

11- Labor Work Fund for Construction Industry Workers, denominated in UVA

     7           7     

12-Deposits and fixed term investments created in the name of minors for funds they receive freely

           

13- Deposits in Pesos in demand accounts that constitute the assets of mutual funds (money market).

     —             —       

14- Deposits in Pesos in accounts of payment service providers that offer payment accounts (PSPOCP) in which the funds of their clients are deposited

           

15- Deposits in special accounts:

     100           100     

15.1. In Pesos (“Special accounts for holders with agricultural activity” and “Special accounts for exporters”).

     —             —       

15.2. In U.S. dollars (“Special accounts to credit export financing”).

     —             —       

Financial entities included in Group “A” and branches or subsidiaries of G-SIB not included in that group may integrate the period and daily requirement in Pesos with “National Treasury Bonds in Pesos at a fixed rate due May 23, 2027” and “National Treasury Bonds in Pesos at a fixed rate due November 23, 2027” in up to:

 

  a)

5 percentage points of the rates described in points 1, 2 (in Pesos), 3, 9, and sections (i) and (ii) of point 5 and point 7 (both in Pesos).

 

  b)

2 percentage points of the rate described in section (iii) of points 5 and 7 (both in Pesos).

 

  c)

45 percentage points of the rate described in points 14 (both in Pesos).

Financial entities included in Group “A” and branches or subsidiaries of G-SIB not included in that group may integrate period and daily requirement in Pesos with Letras de Liquidez (“LELIQ”), Central Bank´s Notes (“NOBAC”) and/or national government securities in Pesos -including those by the CER and with yield in dual currency (dual bond) and excluding those linked to the evolution of the US dollar—with a residual term (at the time of subscription):

 

  a)

not less than 180 days and not more than 450 calendar days acquired by primary subscription since June 1, 2021,

 

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  b)

not less than 120 days and not more than 450 calendar days acquired by primary subscription since November 1, 2021,

 

  c)

not less than 90 days and not more than 450 calendar days acquired by primary subscription since November 1, 2021. days acquired by primary subscription since July 13, 22 and

 

  d)

not less than 90 days and not more than 630 days acquired by primary subscription since September 27, 2022—which will continue to be computed until their maturity, as long as their integration is maintained.

 

  e)

not less than 90 days and not more than 730 calendar days purchased by primary subscription as of March 9, 2023.

Communication “A” 7177, it provides that financial entities may integrate period and daily requirement in Pesos with LELIQ, NOBAC and/or national government securities in Pesos -including those by the CER and with yield in dual currency (dual bond) and excluding those linked to the evolution of the US dollar—with a residual term (at the time of subscription) of no less than 300 days and no more than 730 days from the time of subscription, received in exchange operations arranged by the National Government for securities acquired both by primary subscription and in the secondary market –in up to:

 

  a)

On demand deposits provided for in items 1, 2 and 3 (in Pesos) 4 percentage points of the rate provided for.

 

  b)

Time deposits and time investments made by holders of the non-financial private and non-financial public sectors and those provided for in item 11: all the requirement, except for the maximum proportion allowed for integration in “National Treasury Bonds in Pesos”.

 

  c)

Term investments with variable remuneration made by clients with agricultural activity -according to item 2.5.2.2.2. of the rules on “Deposits and term investments”-: all the requirement.

 

  d)

Other placements

 

  1)

9 percentage points of the rates provided in section (i) of point 5 (in Pesos)

 

  2)

7 percentage points of the rates provided by section (ii) of point 5 (in Pesos);

 

  3)

3 percentage points of the rates provided by section (i, (ii) and (iii) of point 10; and

 

  4)

2 percentage points of the rates provided by section (iii) of point 5.

Financial entities not included in the last paragraph in up to:

 

  a)

Sight deposits provided for in items 1, 2 and 3 (in Pesos) 10 percentage points of the expected rate

 

  b)

Other placements

 

  b.1)

3 percentage points of the rates provided by sections (i) of point 5, and sections (i) to (iii) of point 10; and

 

  b.2)

2 percentage points of the rates provided in section (ii) of point 5.

In order to be admitted for integration with “National Treasury Bonds in Pesos at a fixed rate due May 23, 2027”, “National Treasury Bonds in Pesos at a fixed rate due November 23, 2027”, and national government securities in Pesos -including those adjustable by the CER and excluding those linked to the evolution of the U.S. dollar –,LELIQ and/or NOBAC, as described above, they must be valued at market prices and be deposited in Sub-account 60, minimum cash enabled in the “Central Registry and Settlement of Public Liabilities and Financial Trusts—CRyL” (Central de Registro y Liquidación de Pasivos Públicos y Fideicomisos Financieros).

The minimum cash requirement will be reduced as explained bellow:

 

  1.

In accordance with the participation in the total of financing operations to the non-financial private sector in Pesos in the entity of financing to SMEs in the same currency;

 

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Participation, in the total of financing operations to

SMEs with respect of total of financing

operations to the non-financial private sector, in the

institution.

   Reductions (over the
total of the concepts
included in Pesos)

%
 

Less than 4

     0.00  

From 4 to less than 6

     1.00  

From 6 to less than 8

     1.25  

From 8 to less than 10

     1.50  

From 10 to less than 12

     1.75  

From 12 to less than 14

     2.00  

From 14 to less than 16

     2.25  

From 16 to less than 18

     2.50  

From 18 to less than 20

     2.75  

From 20 to less than 22

     3.00  

From 22 to less than 24

     3.25  

From 24 to less than 26

     3.50  

26 or more than 26

     3.75  

It will be considered the mobile average balance at the end of the last 12 months prior to the low report of the financings in Pesos (Loans and Credits for Financial Leases) granted to SMEs in respect of the total of such financings to the non-financial private sector of the institution.

 

2.

Depending on the granting of financing under the “Ahora 12” Program (The implementation of the Consumer Promotion Program and the Production of Goods and Services named “Ahora 12” was created by Joint Resolution 671/2014 and 267/2014 of the former Ministry of Economy and Public Finance and the Ministry of Industry), in an amount equivalent to 20% of the sum of the financing in Pesos that the entity grants:

 

  i.

whose destination is the acquisition of goods and services included in the aforementioned resolution and its complementary regulations; or

 

  ii.

to non-financial companies issuing credit cards at an annual interest rate of up to 17%, insofar as these companies are part of the “Ahora 12” Program.

Effective from March 1, 2020, Communication “A” 6916, as amended, increased the 20% decrease of the requirement for “Ahora 12,” to 35% of the aggregate financings in Pesos granted by the relevant institution until September 30, 2020, and 50% of the aggregate financings in Pesos granted from October 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022 and 40% of the aggregate financings in Pesos granted as from February 1, 2022. Additionally, effective from March 19, 2020, Communication “A” 6937 set the limit of the deduction at 6% over the items in Pesos subject to the Central Bank Rules of Minimum Cash. Effective as of July 29, 2021, this limit was expanded to 8% over the items in Pesos subject to the Central Bank Rules of Minimum Cash.

 

3.

Requirements for financings included in the “Line of financings for the productive investments of SMEs”, will be reduced by an amount equivalent to % of the financings foreseen in point 4.1. of such line of credits, provided such financings are agreed at an annual nominal interest rate of up to %, measured on a monthly average of daily balances from the previous month.

4. For financial entities that have implemented the remote and face-to-face opening of the “Universal Free Account (CGU)” provided for in item 3.11. of the rules on “Savings, salary and special deposits”, the requirement will be reduced by an amount equivalent to the financing in Pesos granted as from April 1, 2021 to individuals and SMEs -as defined in the rules on “Determination of the status of micro, small or medium-sized enterprises”- that have not been reported by financial entities in the “Central de of debtors of the financial system” (CENDEU) in December 2020, provided that they have been agreed at an annual nominal interest rate that does not exceed, at that time, the maximum rate established in the first paragraph of point 2.1.1. of the rules on “Interest rates in credit operations”- the case of entities of Groups “A”, “B” and branches or subsidiaries of G-SIBs not included in those groups, and regardless of the amount of financing- or as per point 2.1.2. “A”, “B” and branches or subsidiaries of G-SIB not included in those groups, and regardless of the amount of the financing—or the one in force according to item 2.1.2. of those rules for the rest of the financial entities.

 

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The monthly average balance of the financings reached in the period prior to the integration of the requirement shall be considered.

This deduction may not exceed 3% of the items in Pesos subject to requirement on average of the month prior to the month of integration.

 

5.

Depending on the cash withdrawals made through institution ATMs. By the amount calculated on the basis of the monthly average of total daily cash withdrawals from ATMs, corresponding to the prior month, located in the institution’s operational houses, according to the jurisdiction in which is located, in accordance with the provisions of the “Locations for Financial Institutions Categorization Rules”.

For this purpose, the included ATMs are those that – at least – allow users to make cash withdrawals regardless of the institution in which they are customers and the network managing such equipment and that –on a monthly average, computing business and non-business days – have remained accessible to the public for at least ten hours a day.

By Communication “A” 7616 the validity of this reduction of requirement is until December 31, 2022 and by Communication “A” 7661 it is extended from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023.

 

6.

By Communication “A” 7616 on the basis of the balances of the included financings disbursed up to 9.30.22:

6.1. In the case of financial entities included in Group “A”, the requirement will be reduced by an amount equivalent to the 30% of the aggregate of all financing in Pesos to SMEs – in accordance with the definition contained in the “Determination of the Status of Micro, Small or Medium-Sized Enterprises Rules”- agreed at a maximum interest of:

 

  a.

40% fixed nominal per annum until and including February 16, 2020 (which may continue to be counted until its termination).

 

  b.

35% fixed nominal per annum from February 17, 2020.

For this purpose, the average monthly balance of the financings granted the period before the requirement was calculated that meets the above conditions shall be included. This deduction may not exceed 2% of the items in Pesos subject to the requirement, on average, of the month prior to the calculation.

The financings calculated for the point 1.5.4 deduction cannot be included for the determination of the point 1.5.1 deduction.

 

  6.2.

In accordance with the special treatment provided for financings under Decree No. 260/2020.

The requirement will be reduced by an amount equivalent to 40% of the sum of the financings in Pesos agreed to an annual rate of up to 24% with the following objectives:

 

  a.

SMEs if at least 50% of such financings are allocated to working capital.

 

  b.

Providers of human health services if they provide hospitalization in the framework of the health emergency as provided by Decree No. 260/2020.

 

  c.

Non-SMEs clients that agree such financings for the acquisition of machines and equipment produced by local SMEs.

This deduction may not exceed 4% of the concepts in Pesos subject to demand on average of the month immediately previous of the month of computation, and can be extended up to 6% in the case of the following financings agreed as from July 1, 2020:

 

   

Clients that received the assistance provided for in point (5) a. above, up to the total amount equivalent to the monthly wage bill (without the supplementary annual salary) to be paid by the applicant;

 

   

Clients that did not received such special assistance.

 

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6.3.

In accordance with the special treatment provided for under Decree No. 322/2020. The requirement will be reduced by an amount equivalent to:

 

  a.

60% of the amount of the “Zero Interest-Rate Credits”, “Loans at Subsidized Rate for Companies” and “Zero Interest-Rate Culture Credits” agreed under the framework of Decree No. 322/2020 (as amended) and disbursed until November 5, 2020;

 

  b.

24% of the “Loans at Subsidized Rate for Companies” disbursed until November 6, 2020, at a nominal annual rate of 27%;

 

  c.

7% of the “Loans at Subsidized Rate for Companies” disbursed as of November 6, 2020 at a nominal annual rate of 33%.

 

6.4.

In the case of financings to SMEs not informed at the Financial System’s Debtors Center (Central de Deudores del Sistema Financiero), the requirement will be reduced by an amount equivalent to 40% of the financings in Pesos to SMEs agreed at a nominal annual rate of 24% measured on a monthly average of daily balances from the previous month.

The Executive Power created the Zero Rate Credit Program 2021, which consist on obtaining a credit at zero rate with a subsidy of 100% of the total financial cost, in order to assist workers adhered to the Simplified Regime for Small Taxpayers (RS), to accompany the productive recovery process.

The amount of the credit, according to each category, may not exceed:

 

   

Category “A”, a maximum limit of Ps. 90,000;

 

   

Category “B”, a maximum limit of Ps. 120,000; and

 

   

Other categories, a maximum limit of Ps. 150,000.

The financing computed for the deduction provided in points 1, 3, 4, and points 6.1, 6.2 and 6.4 can only be computed in one of the above-mentioned points.

Whenever there is an excessive concentration of liabilities (in holders and / or terms), which implies a significant risk with respect to the individual liquidity of the financial institution and / or has a significant negative effect on the systemic liquidity, additional minimum cash may be set on the liabilities included in the financial entity and / or those complementary measures that are deemed pertinent.

Likewise, the minimum cash requirement may be increased due to non-compliance with the rules on the “Credit Line for productive investment”.

In addition to the abovementioned requirements, the reserve for any defect in the application of resources in foreign currency net of the balances of cash in the entities, in custody in other entities, in transit and in Transporters of Securities, for a certain month, shall be applied to an amount equal to the minimum cash requirement of the corresponding currency for each month.

The minimum cash reserve must be set up in the same currency or securities or debt instruments for monetary regulation to which the requirement applies, and may include the following:

 

1.

Accounts maintained by financial institutions with the Central Bank in Pesos.

 

2.

Accounts of minimum cash maintained by financial institutions with the Central Bank in U.S. dollars, or other foreign currency.

 

3.

Special guarantee accounts for the benefit of electronic clearing houses and to cover settlement of credit card, vouchers, and ATM transactions and immediate transfer funds.

 

4.

Checking accounts maintained by non-bank financial institutions with commercial banks for the purpose of meeting the minimum reserve requirement.

 

5.

Special accounts maintained with the Central Bank for transactions involving social security payments by the ANSES.

 

6.

Minimum cash sub-account 60, authorized in the Registration and Settlement Central for Public Debt and Financial Trusts – CRYL (“Central de Registro y Liquidación de Pasivos Públicos y Fideicomisos Financieros – CRYL”) for public securities and securities issued by the Central Bank at their market value.

These eligible items are subject to review by the Central Bank and may be changed in the future.

 

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Compliance with the minimum cash reserve requirement will be measured on the basis of the monthly average of the daily balances of eligible items maintained during the period to which the minimum cash reserve refers by dividing the aggregate of such balances by the total number of days in the relevant period. The compensation of deficit positions with surplus positions corresponding to different requirements will not be accepted.

The aggregate balances of the eligible items referred to above, maintained as of each daily closing, may not, on any one day during the month, be less than 25% of the total required cash reserve, determined for the next preceding period, recalculated on the basis of the requirements and items in force in the month to which the cash reserves relate, without considering the effects of the application of the provisions of section “1.7 Transfers” of the “Minimum Cash” rules. The daily minimum required is 50% when a deficit to the admitted transfer margin occurs in the previous period.

Any deficiencies in meeting the required minimum cash reserve and the daily minimum reserve in Pesos, in foreign currency, or securities or debt instruments for monetary regulation are subject to a penalty in Pesos, equal to 1.5 times the average nominal interest rate of the shorter term Peso denominated LELIQs auction published on the last business day of the relevant period or, if not available, the last one available.

LELIQ global daily position

Pursuant to Section 8 “net position in LELIQ and NOTALIQ” of the Central Bank rules “Cash settled and forward transactions, futures, bonds, surety bonds, other derivatives and mutual funds” financial institutions may maintain a net position in short term LELIQ global including those effectively imputed to integrate the minimum cash requirement in Pesos pursuant to points 1.3.7.1. and 1.3.17. of the Central Bank “Rules of Minimum Cash “- up to an amount equivalent to the average daily balance of time deposits in Pesos of the previous period.

Financial institutions that have a percentage of time deposits in Pesos in relation to the total deposits in Pesos -measured as a monthly average of daily balances of the previous period, considering only capital without interest or adjustments- equal to or higher than 20%, may maintain a joint positive net position of longer term LELIQ and variable rate Liquidity Notes (NOTALIQ).

For more information, see “Argentine Banking Regulations—Minimum Cash Reserve Requirements”.

Internal liquidity policies of financial institutions

Pursuant to the Central Bank regulations on the LCR, financial institutions must adopt management and control policies that ensure the maintenance of reasonable liquidity levels to efficiently manage their deposits and other financial commitments and must comply with the liquidity coverage ratio established thereunder, under a 30-day stress test scenario. Such policies should establish procedures for evaluating the liquidity of the institutions in the framework of prevailing market conditions to allow them to revise projections, take steps to eliminate liquidity constraints and obtain sufficient funds, at market terms, to maintain a reasonable level of assets over the long term. Such policies should also address (i) the concentration of assets and liabilities in specific customers, (ii) the overall economic situation, likely trends and the effect on credit availability and (iii) the ability to obtain funds by selling government debt securities and/or own assets.

The organizational structure of the entity must place a specific unit or person in charge of managing liquidity and assign levels of responsibility to the individuals who will be responsible for managing the LCR, which will require daily monitoring. The participation and coordination of the entity’s top management authority (e.g., CEO) will be necessary.

In addition, financial institutions must designate a director or advisor who will receive reports at least weekly, or more frequently if circumstances so require, such as when changes in liquidity conditions require new courses of action to safeguard the entity. In the case of branches of foreign financial institutions, the reports must be delivered to the highest authority in the country.

Appointed officers and managers will be responsible for managing the liquidity policy that, in addition to monitoring the LCR, includes taking the necessary steps to comply with minimum cash requirements.

Financial institutions must report the list of such officers and directors, as well as any subsequent changes, to the Superintendency within ten (10) calendar days from the date of any such change.

 

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Liquidity Parameters

In addition to the LCR, there are other parameters that are used as systematic tools of control. These policies contain specific information regarding cash flows, balance structure and available underlying assets free of charge. These parameters, along with the LCR, offer basic information to evaluate the liquidity risk. The included parameters are:

 

   

gaps in contractual terms;

 

   

funding concentration;

 

   

available assets free of restrictions;

 

   

LCR for relevant currency; and

 

   

Market-related monitoring tools.

Additionally, Communication “A” 6209, as amended, sets forth that financial institutions must have an adequate stock of high-quality liquid assets (“HQLA”) free of any restrictions which can be immediately converted into cash in order to cover their liquidity needs during a period of 30 days in case of a stress scenario. Also, financial institutions must carry out their own stress tests so as to determine the liquidity level they should maintain in other scenarios, considering a period higher than 30 calendar days.

The LCR must be equal to or greater than 1 (that is to say, the stock of HQLA must not be lower than the total net cash outlays) in the absence of a financial stress scenario. If this is not the case, the LCR may fall below 1.

The Central Bank describes how to categorize a stress scenario, taking into account the following: the partial loss of retail deposits; the partial loss of wholesale non-guaranteed funding capacity; the partial loss of guaranteed funding; additional fund outlays due to situations contractually provided for as a consequence of a significant decline in the financial institution’s credit quality; market volatility increases that have an effect on the quality of guarantees or on the potential future exposure of positions in derivatives; the unforeseen use of credit and liquidity facilities compromised and available but not used that the financial institution may have granted to its clients; and/or the need that the financial institution may experience to repurchase debt or to comply with non-contractual obligations so as to mitigate its reputational risk.

The LCR calculation must be made on a permanent basis and informed to the Central Bank on a monthly basis.

The HQLA can only be made up of the following portfolio assets (consider as Tier 1 (An1)) at the day of the calculation of the LCR: cash in hand, in transit, in armored transportation companies and ATMs; deposits with the Central Bank; certain national public bonds in Pesos or in foreign currency; securities issued or guaranteed by the International Payments Bank, the IMF, the European Central Bank, the European Union or Multilateral Development Banks that comply with certain conditions and debt securities issued by other sovereign entities (or their central banks).

Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR)

The purpose of the net stable funding ratio (“NSFR”) is to allow financial institutions to finance their activities with sufficiently stable sources to mitigate the risk of future stress situations derived from their funding requirements. By requiring financial institutions to maintain a stable funding profile relative to the breakdown of their off-balance sheet assets and transactions, the NSFR limits the strong dependence on short term wholesale funding, promotes a better assessment of balance sheet and off-balance sheet items funding risk, and favors funding sources stability. The definitions of the components of the NSFR are similar to those set forth in the “Liquidity Coverage Ratio” regulations, unless otherwise expressly set forth herein.

The NSFR is defined as the available amount of stable funding relative to the required amount of stable funding, where: AASF (Available Amount of Stable Funding) is the capital and liabilities of the financial institution – calculated in the manner set forth in Section 2 – that are expected to be available over a one-year term. RASF (Required Amount of Stable Funding) is the amount of funding necessary for such period – calculated in the manner set forth in Section 3 – based on its liquidity and remaining life of the institution’s assets and its off-balance sheet obligations.

The NSFR shall be at all times greater than or equal to 1 (NSFR > 1). It shall be supplemented with the assessment made by the Superintendency. The Superintendency may demand the institution to adopt stricter standards to reflect its funding risk profile, also taking into account the assessment made in connection with the “Risk Management Guidelines for Financial Institutions” in connection with the institution’s liquidity.

The Financial Institutions shall observe the NSFR all times and report it on a quarterly basis to the Superintendency.

 

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Leverage Ratio

Through Communication “A” 6431, effective as of March 1, 2018, the Central Bank incorporated a ratio to limit the leverage of financial institutions in order to avoid the adverse consequences of an abrupt reduction in leverage in the supply of credit and the economy in general, and reinforce the minimum capital requirement with a minimum capital requirement simple and not based on risk.

The leverage ratio, which must be greater than or equal to 3%, arises from the following expression:

Ratio (as %) = Measure of capital / Measure of exposure where the measure of capital will be the basic net worth, and the measure of the exposure will be the sum of (i) the exposures in the asset (excluding the items corresponding to derivatives and Securities Financing Transactions (SFT)), ( ii) exposures by derivatives; (iii) exposures for SFT transactions and (iv) off-balance-sheet items. Both measures must be calculated based on the closing balances of each quarter.

Interest rate and fee regulations

Maximum lending rates

Since 2020, maximum interest rates applicable to the lending transactions were restated. Currently Communication “A” 7605 stablishes that the maximum interest rate applicable to credit card transactions shall not exceed a nominal annual rate of 77 % in transactions that do not exceed Ps. 200,000. When the financed amount exceeds Ps.200,000 the only applicable limit is the one stablished in Article 16 of the Credit Card Law.

Regulations set forth that the fixed-rate loan agreements shall not contain clauses that allow their modification under certain circumstances, unless those modifications come from decisions taken by the competent authority and the variable-rate loan contracts must clearly specify the parameters that will be used for its determination and periodicity of variation.

With respect to transactions linked to credit cards, in addition to the above mentioned, the Article 16 of the Credit Card Law stablishes that:

 

   

in those granted by financial institutions, the rate may not exceed more than 25% of the average of the interest rates applied by the entity, during the immediately preceding month, weighted by the corresponding amount of personal loans without in rem security interests granted in the same period.

 

   

in those granted by other issuing entities, the rate may not exceed the simple average of the system’s rates for open market personal loan operations (general customers) by more than 25%, with no in rem security interest, published by the Central Bank on a monthly basis, prepared on the basis of information corresponding to the second previous month, taking into account the provisions of the preceding point.

Punitive fees in credit cards linked financing transactions, may not exceed more than 50% to the compensatory interest rate that the issuer charges for the financing of outstanding debt of credit cards.

Zero interest-rate financings policy

By means of Communication “A” 6993, dated April 24, 2020, with the purpose of containing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Bank established a zero interest-rate financing policy, applicable only to the eligible clients to be later determined by the

Federal Public Revenue Administration (“AFIP”) to whom the financial institutions may grant credit card financings to be paid in at least 12 equal and consecutive installments after a 6-month grace period. In regard to these loans, the minimum cash requirement will be reduced in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 332/2020 (as amended and restated). Additionally, companies which are granted a zero interest-rate loan may not, until full repayment: (i) access the foreign exchange market to carry out operations corresponding to the formation of foreign assets, remittance of family aid and derivatives; and, (ii) sell securities with settlement in foreign currency or transfer them to other depositary entities (contado con liquidación). The aforementioned policies are ineffective since April 27, 2021.

 

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Minimum term deposit rates

Pursuant to Communication “A” 7491 (as amended by Communication “A” 7561), for financial institutions included in groups “A” and “B” -for the purposes of the rules on “Minimum Cash”- and branches or subsidiaries of foreign banks rated as systemically important (G-SIBs) not included in those groups, in the case of deposits in Pesos not adjustable by UVA or UVI on behalf of holders of the non-financial private sector, a minimum deposit rate shall apply, which shall be timely disclosed by the Central Bank, in accordance with the following:

As of March 17, 2023, fixed-term deposits that do not exceed a total of Ps. 10 million at the date of constitution of each fixed-term deposit and that are constituted by individuals in financial institutions, will have a passive rate of 100% of the Monetary Policy rate of the day prior to that in which the impositions are made, or the last one disclosed, as the case may be. In the case of fixed-term deposits constituted in the name of two or more individuals, the amount of the fixed-term deposit will be distributed proportionally among its holders.

For fixed term deposits not included in the preceding paragraph, the deposit rate will be 89.10% of the Monetary Policy rate of the day prior to the day on which the deposits are made, or the last one disclosed, as the case may be.

Fees

Central Bank regulations granted broad protection to customers that includes, among other things, the regulation of fees and commissions charged by financial institutions for services provided. Fees and charges must represent a real, direct and demonstrable cost and should be supported by a technical and economic justification. It is worth noting that Communication “A” 5514 sets forth an exception to the enforcement of Communication “A” 5460 for certain credit agreements that have pledges as collateral and are issued before September 30, 2018. Central Bank regulations grant broad protection to financial services customers since 2013. The protection includes, among other things, the regulation of fees and commissions charged by financial institutions for services provided. According to Central Bank rules on “Protection to Financial Services Customers”, fees and charges must represent a real, direct and demonstrable cost and should be supported by a technical and economic justification. It is worth noting that Section 2.3.2.2 of “Protection to Financial Services Customers” Central Bank regulations regarding protection to financial services customers sets forth certain exceptions to the application of fees and charges (for example for insurance services and SMEs for over-the-counter cash deposits).

Also, fees and charges are not applicable for immediate electronic transfers when: (i) they are ordered by final customers of financial services; (ii) the same individual or entity is the one ordering and receiving the transfer; (iii) they are ordered or received in accounts for judicial use, among others.

Central Bank Communication “A” 6212, effective as of April 1, 2017, reduced credit card and debit card sales commissions on a gradual annual plan. Pursuant to Communication “A” 6212, the maximum credit card sales commission rate for 2017 was 2.0% and for 2018, 2019 and 2020, it was 1.85%, 1.65%, 1.50%, respectively, and it was and will be 1.30% for 2021 and after. The maximum debit card sales commissions for 2017 was 1.0% and for 2018, 2019 and 2020, it was 0.90%, 0.80%, 0.70%, respectively, and it was and will be 0.60% for 2021 and after. In June 2022, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7533, whereby it is established that debit cards sales commission fees must not exceed 0,60% and credit cards sales commission fees must not exceed 1.30%.

On February 19, 2020 by means of Communication “A” 6912 the Central Bank stablished that for 180 business days financial entities could not communicate increases in commissions to customers of financial services, nor new commissions, except for those that have already been informed. This regulation was further extended until February 28, 2021 and afterwards by means of Communication “A” 7158 the Central Bank stablished that, until February 28, 2021, financial entities must not communicate to users of financial services increases of more than 9% in January 2021 and 9% in February 2021 in fees for credit cards related services (e.g. issuance, renewal, administration or maintenance services, etc.) and for savings accounts related services.

Later, on March 26, 2020, through Communication “A” 6945 (as amended by Communications “A” 6957, “A” 6963, “A” 7009, “A” 7044, “A” 7107 and lastly by Communication “A” 7181 dated December 17, 2020), the Central Bank determined that until March 31, 2021, any operation effected through ATMs would not be subject to any charges or fees. After such date, banks are authorized to charge commissions for ATM transactions, but these are still free of charge for users with salary accounts, retirement accounts and beneficiaries of social plans, by decision of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic. The free use of ATM networks will be maintained after March 31st for all users of the financial system. After that date, only holders of debit cards associated with salary accounts, retirement payments or social plans will be able to continue using any ATM free of charge, regardless of the bank or network to which they belong. The rest of the users may use the ATM services provided by their bank free of charge.

 

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Maximum term for payments to commerces and providers

By virtue of Communication “A” 6680, effective as of May 1, 2019, the Central Bank established a maximum term of ten business days for financial entities to deposit payments to commerces and providers for sales made via credit cards or purchase cards, calculated from the sale date. Furthermore, financial entities shall not charge any fee or interest related to such payment term, nor block this payment mechanism in any way.

Nevertheless, by virtue of Communication “A” 6680, the Central Bank excluded from the scope of the provisions disclosed by Communication “A” 6680 the credit and/or purchase cards issued to individuals or legal entities that are intended for the payment of purchases with a deferred term or more than one month related to their productive activity, i.e. agricultural o distribution activities.

On the other hand, Communication “A” 7305 issued on June 11, 2021 and effective as from July 1, 2021, provides for new maximum terms for financial entities to credit to the deposit account opened in the name of the supplier or affiliated business the amount of each sale made in one payment through the use of the credit and/or purchase cards issued by them.

The new deadlines are (i) 8 (eight) business days if they are micro or small companies and/or are human persons, (ii) 10 (ten) business days for those categorized as medium-sized companies and those whose activity is “lodging, tourism, gastronomy and/or health services” and (iii) 18 (eighteen) business days for the other cases.

In all cases, such term shall be counted from the date of the corresponding consumption by the card holder or beneficiary. The financial entities will not be able to charge to the adhered merchants any interest or commission linked to the settlement terms indicated, having to observe the provisions of the rules on “Determination of the condition of micro, small or medium-sized company”. Nor shall they impede or hinder in any way the modality of consumption in a payment with these cards.

Loans and Housing Units

The Central Bank has adopted measures for taking deposits and extending loans expressed in a special measuring unit adjustable by the CER. These special units are referred to as UVAs.

In addition, Law No. 27,271 provides for the adjustment of deposits and loans by reference to the construction index, expressed in a special measuring unit referred to as Housing Units (UVIs).

Consequently, UVAs and UVIs coexist and may be used both with respect to bank loans and deposits. The initial value of the UVI was Ps.14.05 (the same as the UVA), representing the cost of construction of one thousandth square meter of housing as of March 31, 2016. As of April 26, 2023 the value of UVI and UVA are Ps. 218.56 and Ps. 231.23, respectively.

Both units are amended based on the indices published by the INDEC and the Central Bank on its website.

Foreign Exchange System

On September 1, 2019, with the purpose of strengthening the normal functioning of the economy, fostering a prudent administration of the exchange market, reducing the volatility of financial variables and containing the impact of the variations of financial flows on the real economy, the Argentine government reinstated exchange controls. The foreign exchange controls apply with respect to access to the foreign exchange market by residents for savings and investment purposes abroad, the payment of external financial debts abroad, the payment of dividends in foreign currency abroad, payments of imports of goods and services, and the obligation to repatriate and settle for Pesos the proceeds from exports of goods and services, among others.

For further information on this topic, please refer to “Item D – Exchange Controls”.

 

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Foreign Currency Lending Capacity

The Regulations on the allocation of deposits in foreign currencies, (including Communication “A” 6428 as amended), establish that the lending capacity from foreign currency deposits, must be applied in the corresponding deposit currency to the following categories:

 

  a.

pre-financing and financing of exports to be made directly or through principals, trustees or other brokers, acting on behalf of the owner of the merchandise;

 

  b.

other financing to exporters, who have a flow of future income in foreign currency and verify, in the year prior to granting the financing, a billing in foreign currency for an amount that is reasonably related to that financing;

 

  c.

financing to producers, processors or goods collectors, provided that:

 

  i.

They have sale contracts of their merchandise to an exporter, with a fixed price or fixed in foreign currency -independently of the currency in which the operation is settled- and in the case of fungible merchandise with quotation, in foreign currency, normal and customary in local or foreign markets, with wide diffusion and easy access to public knowledge;

 

  ii.

Its main activity is the production, processing and / or collection of fungible goods with quotation, in foreign currency, normal and usual in foreign markets, widely disseminated and easy access to public knowledge, and it is found, in the year prior to the granting of financing, a total billing of these merchandise for an amount that is reasonably related to that activity and its financing; and also operations aimed to finance service providers directly used in exporting process of goods (such as those provided at port terminals, international loading and unloading services, leasing containers or port warehouses, international freights ). This, provided it is verified that the flow of future income linked to sales to exporters registers a periodicity and magnitude that it is enough for the cancellation of the financing and it is verified, in the year prior to the granting of the financing, a billing to exporters for an amount that is reasonably related to that activity and its financing.

 

  d.

financing for manufacturers of goods to be exported, as final products or as part of other goods, by third-party purchasers, provided that such transactions are secured or collateralized in foreign currency by third-party purchasers;

 

  e.

financing to suppliers of goods and / or services that are part of the merchandise production process fungibles with quotation, in foreign currency, normal and usual in local or foreign markets, widely disseminated and easy access to public knowledge, provided they have firm sales contracts for those goods and / or services in foreign currency and / or on said merchandise;

 

  f.

financing of investment projects, working capital and / or acquisition of all kinds of goods, including temporary imports of inputs, which increases or are linked to the production of exporting products. Even though the total income of the exporting companies does not come from their sales abroad, the financing may be imputed when the cash flow in foreign currency from their exports, is enough for its cancelation;

 

  g.

financing for commercial and commercial portfolio clients of credits for consumption or housing -according to the provisions established in the rules on “Classification of debtors”, whose destination is the importation of capital goods (“BK” in accordance with the Mercosur’s Common Nomenclature established in Annex I to Decree No. 690/02 and other complementary provisions), which increase the production of merchandise destined for the domestic market;

 

  h.

foreign currency debt securities or financial trust participation certificates including other payment rights specifically recognized on trust agreements whose underlying assets are loans made by the financial entities in the manners set forth in (a) to (d) above and first sentence of (f), or documents in which cash flows in Pesos or foreign currency have been assigned to the trustee, in foreign currency credit agreements, under the terms and conditions set forth in items mentioned before;

 

  i.

financings for purposes other than those mentioned in (a) to (d) above, included under the IDB credit program (“Préstamos BID N° 119/OC-AR”), not exceeding 10% of the lending capacity;

 

  j.

inter-financing loans;

 

  k.

Central Bank bills (Letras y Notas) denominated in U.S. dollars;

 

  l.

direct investments abroad by companies that reside in Argentina, which seek the development of productive activities of non-financial goods and/or services, either through contributions and/or purchases of shares in companies, to the extent that they are constituted in countries or territories considered cooperators for the purposes of fiscal transparency according to the provisions of article 1 of Decree No. 589/13 as amended;

 

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  m.

financing of investment projects, including working capital, which allows the increase of production in the energy sector and have firm sales contracts and/or endorsements or guarantees in foreign currency;

 

  n.

National Treasury bills in foreign currency, up to an amount equivalent to one third of the total of the applications made in accordance with the provisions of this section;

 

  o.

financing of investment projects for bovine cattle, including their working capital, without exceeding 5% of deposits in foreign currency of the entity;

 

  p.

financing of foreign importers for the acquisition of goods and / or services produced in the country, either directly or through credit lines to foreign banks; and

 

  q.

financing of local residents that are secured by letters of credit (“stand-by letters of credit”) issued by foreign banks or multilateral development banks that comply with the provisions of point 3.1. of regulations on “Credit assessments”, requiring for that purpose an international rating of investment grade risk, to the extent that such letters of credit are unrestricted and that the accreditation of the funds is made immediately at the simple request of the beneficiary entity.

The lending capacity shall be determined for each foreign currency raised, resulting from the aggregate of deposits and inter-financial loans received, which have been reported by the granting financial institution as coming from its foreign currency deposit lending capacity net of the minimum cash requirement on deposits, and such determination being made on the basis of the monthly average of daily balances recorded during each calendar month. Any defect in the application shall give rise to an increase in the minimum cash requirement in the relevant foreign currency.

General Exchange Position

The general exchange position (“GEP”) includes all the liquid foreign assets of the institution, such as gold, currency and foreign currency notes reserves, sight deposits in foreign banks, investments in securities issued by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members’ governments with a sovereign debt rating not below “AA,” certificates of time deposits in foreign institutions (rated not less than “AA”), correspondents’ debit and credit balances and the third parties funds pending of settlement. It also includes purchases and sales of these assets already arranged and pending settlement involving foreign exchange purchases and sales performed with customers within a term not exceeding two (2) business days and correspondent balances for third-party transfers pending settlement.

It does not include, however, foreign currency notes held in custody, term sales and purchases of foreign currency or securities nor direct investments abroad.

Pursuant to Communication “A” 6244, as amended, which entered into force on July 1, 2017, entities can freely determine the level and use of their GEP, thus allowing such entities to manage their exchange positions, both regarding the composition of its assets, as well as the possibility to maintain or transfer their holdings out of the country, with its subsequent impact in the reserves.

Furthermore, the aforementioned regulation foresees that the entities shall carry out arbitrage and foreign exchange operations, to the extent that the counterparty is a branch or agency of local official banks, a foreign financial institution, total or majority ownership of an entity in foreign states, a foreign financial or exchange entity that is not incorporated in countries or territories where the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, or a foreign company dedicated to the trading of banknotes from different countries and/or precious metals in coins or bars of good delivery and whose head office is located in a member country of the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision.

Further changes to the GEP regulation have been introduced by Communications “A” 6770, 6780 and 6856. Prior acceptance by the Central Bank is required to increase the ownership of foreign currency from the higher of the average foreign currency owned in August 2019 and at the close of August 31, 2019. Moreover, the institutions are not permitted to buy securities on the secondary market with liquidation on foreign currency.

Foreign Currency Net Global Position

The foreign currency net global position shall consider all assets, liabilities, commitments and other instruments and transactions through financial intermediation in foreign currency or linked to exchange rate movements, including cash, forward transactions and other derivative contracts, deposits in foreign currency in accounts opened with the Central Bank, gold position, the Central Bank monetary regulation instruments in foreign currency, subordinated debt in foreign currency and debt instruments in foreign currency.

 

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Forward transactions under master agreements executed in authorized domestic markets paid by settlement of the net amount without delivery of the underlying asset are also included. Likewise, certificates or notes issued by financial trusts and claims under common trusts are also included in the relevant proportion, provided that the underlying assets are denominated in foreign currency. The value of the position in currencies other than U.S. dollars shall be expressed in that currency, at the respective exchange rate published by the Central Bank.

Decreases in foreign currency assets due to the pre-cancellation of local financing to private sector customers, can only offset the foreign currency net global position up to the original term of maturity with the net increase in holdings of National Treasury securities in foreign currency. At the original maturity of local financing in foreign currency, it may be offset with the purchase of any foreign currency assets computable at the foreign currency net global position.

The following concepts shall be excluded from the calculation when determining a bank’s foreign currency net global position: (i) deductible assets to determine the Banks´s RPC, (ii) the included concepts that the financial entity registers in its branches abroad, (iii) the balances corresponding to the “Special accounts for holders with agricultural activity” and the “Special accounts for exporters”, (iv) the non-transferable domestic bills of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic in Pesos settleable at the Reference Exchange Rate Communication “A” 3500 (“LEDIV”) at zero rate, (v) the public and private securities in Pesos adjustable by the exchange rate -without exceeding the net between the deposits of point 1. 2.4. and the LEDIV– and (vi) the loan agreements in Pesos with variable remuneration based on the variation in the price of the U.S. dollars that are not covered by the term investments with variable remuneration based on the U.S. dollar.

Limits

Negative Foreign Currency Net Global Position (liabilities exceeding assets): the limit is 30% of the RPC of the immediately preceding month (Communication “A” 7417).

Positive Foreign Currency Net Global Position (assets exceeding liabilities): This daily position (daily balance converted to Pesos at the reference exchange rate of the immediately preceding month) cannot exceed 5% of the RPC of the immediately preceding month.

Positive Foreign Currency Net Global Position in Cash: this daily position (daily balance converted to Pesos at the reference exchange rate of the immediately preceding month) cannot exceed the higher of U.S.$ 2,500,000 or the 0% of the RPC of the immediately preceding month.

As of June 18, 2018, the Central Bank allows that the Positive Foreign Currency Net Global Position may reach up to 30% of the RCP, while the total excess over the general limit originates only as a result of:

a) increase in the position in U.S. Treasury bills in U.S. dollars with respect to those held as of June 15, 2018, and/or

b) position in U.S. Treasury bills in U.S. dollars as of June 15, 2018, maintained as excess admitted to the current limit as of that date.

c) increase in the position in National Treasury bills linked to U.S. dollars with respect to those held as of May 13, 2019.

As provided by Communication “A” 7093 (as amended by Communication “A” 7395), it includes national treasury bills denominated in foreign currency that the institutions receive in exchange for National Treasury Bills – under Law 27,556 – that they have imputed to this point on the Business Day immediately preceding the day on which they are delivered in exchange.

The excesses of these ratios are subject to a charge equal to 1.5 times the average nominal interest rate of the shorter-term Peso-denominated LELIQs auction published on the last business day of the relevant period or, if not available, the last one available for a shorter term. Charges not paid when due are subject to a charge equal to one and a half times the charge established for excesses.

In addition to the above-mentioned charge, sanctions set forth in section 41 of the Financial Institutions Law shall apply (including: caution; warning; fine; temporary or permanent disqualification to dispose of a banking current account; temporary or permanent disqualification to act as promoters, founders, directors, administrators, members of surveillance committees, comptrollers, liquidators, managers, auditors, partner or shareholders; and license revocation).

 

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Credit Ratings

Since November 28, 2014, Communication “A” 5671, as amended by Communication “A” 6558, supersedes the provisions issued by the Central Bank containing ratings requirements assigned by a local risk rating company. Where provisions require certain international ratings, the criteria set forth by Communication “A” 5671 govern.

The provisions of Communication “A” 5671 are basic guidelines to properly assess the credit risk that financial institutions must observe when implementing Central Bank Rules including the requirement of a particular rating and do not replace the credit assessment that each financial institution must make to their counterparts. International credit ratings that refer to these provisions shall be issued by rating agencies that have a code of conduct based on the “Principles of the Code of Conduct for Agents Rate Risk” issued by the International Organization of Securities Commissions.

Annex II of Communication “A” 5671 provides a table regarding the new qualification requirements for financial institutions. This table classifies the credit ratings requirements for different transactions.

Debt Classification and Loan Loss Provisions for Regulatory Purposes

Unless otherwise indicated, the regulations explained in this section should be applied to financial information of the banks calculated in accordance with Central Bank Rules. IFRS differs in certain significant respects from Central Bank Rules.

Credit Portfolio

The regulations on debt classification are designed pursuant to Central Bank Rules, which differ from IFRS to establish clear guidelines for identifying and classifying the quality of assets, as well as evaluating the actual or potential risk of a lender sustaining losses on principal or interest, in order to determine (taking into account any loan security) whether the provisions against such contingencies are adequate. Banks must classify their loan portfolios into two different categories: (i) consumer or housing loans and (ii) commercial loans. Consumer or housing loans include housing loans, consumer loans, credit-card financings, loans of up to Ps. 85,260,000 to micro-credit institutions, and commercial loans of up to Ps. 426,300,000 with or without preferred guarantees when the institution elected. All other loans are considered commercial loans. Consumer or housing loans in excess of Ps. 426,300,000, the repayment of which is linked to the evolution of its productive or commercial activity, are classified as commercial loans.

At the entity’s option, financing of a commercial nature of up to Ps.426,300,000, whether or not such financing has preferred guarantees, may be grouped together with credits for consumption or housing, in such case they will receive the treatment provided for the latter. If a customer has both kinds of loans (commercial and consumer or housing loans), the consumer or housing loans will be added to the commercial portfolio to determine under which portfolio they should be classified based on the amount indicated. In these cases, the loans secured by preferred guarantees shall be considered to be at 50% of its face value.

Under the current debt classification system, each customer, as well as the customer’s outstanding debts, are included within one of six sub-categories. The debt classification criteria applied to the consumer loan portfolio are primarily based on objective factors related to customers’ performance of their obligations or their legal standing, while the key criterion for classifying the commercial loan portfolio is each borrower’s paying ability based on their future cash flow.

Commercial loans - Regulatory Classification

The principal criterion used to evaluate a loan pertaining to the commercial portfolio is its borrower’s ability to repay it, whose ability is mainly measured by such borrower’s future cash flow. Pursuant to Central Bank Rules, commercial loans are classified as follows:

 

Classification    Criteria
Normal Situation    Borrowers that demonstrate their ability to comply with their payment obligations. High repayment capacity.

 

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Subject to special

Monitoring/Under observation

   Borrowers that, among other criteria, are up to 90 days past due and, although considered to be able to meet all their financial obligations, are sensitive to changes that could compromise their ability to honor debts absent timely corrective measures.

Subject to special Monitoring/

Under negotiation or

refinancing agreement

   Borrowers who are unable to comply with their obligations as agreed with the bank and, therefore, formally state, within 60 calendar days after the maturity date, their intention to refinance such debts. The borrower must enter into a refinancing agreement with the bank within 90 calendar days (if up to two lenders are involved) or 180 calendar days (if more than two lenders are involved) after the payment default date. If no agreement has been reached within the established deadline, the borrower must be reclassified to the next category according to the indicators established for each level.
Troubled    Borrowers with difficulties honoring their financial obligations under the loan on a regular basis, which, if uncorrected, may result in losses to the bank.
With high risk of insolvency Irrecoverable    Borrowers who are highly unlikely to honor their financial obligations under the loan. Loans classified as irrecoverable at the time they are reviewed (although the possibility might exist that such loans might be collected in the future). The borrower will not meet its financial obligations with the financial institution.
Irrecoverable according to Central Bank’s Rules    (a) Borrower has defaulted on its payment obligations under a loan for more than 180 calendar days according to the corresponding report provided by the Central Bank, which report includes: (1) financial institutions liquidated by the Central Bank, (2) residual entities created as a result of the privatization of public financial institutions, or in the privatization or dissolution process, (3) financial institutions whose licenses have been revoked by the Central Bank and find themselves subject to judicial liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings and (4) trusts in which Seguro de Depósitos S.A. (SEDESA) is a beneficiary; or (b) certain kinds of foreign borrowers (including banks or other financial institutions that are not subject to the supervision of the Central Bank or similar authority of the country in which they are incorporated) that are not classified as “investment grade” by any of the rating agencies approved by the Central Bank.

Consumer or housing loans - Regulatory Classification

The principal criterion applied to loans in the consumer and housing portfolio is the length of period for which such loans remain overdue. Under Central Bank Rules, consumer and housing borrowers are classified as follows:

 

Classification    Criteria
Normal Situation    If all payments on loans are current or less than 31 calendar days overdue and, in the case of checking account overdrafts, less than 61 calendar days overdue.
Low Risk    Loans upon which payment obligations are overdue for a period of more than 31 and up to 90 calendar days.
Medium Risk    Loans upon which payment obligations are overdue for a period of more than 90 and up to 180 calendar days.
High Risk    Loans in respect of which a legal action seeking collection has been filed or loans having payment obligations overdue for more than 180 calendar days, but less than 365 calendar days.

 

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Irrecoverable    Loans in which payment obligations are more than one year overdue or the debtor is insolvent or in bankruptcy or liquidation.
Irrecoverable by Technical Provision    Loans granted to clients who meet the conditions set for irrecoverable by technical provision clients by the Central Bank Rules.

Minimum Credit Provisions

Unless otherwise indicated, the financial regulations described in this section have been prepared in accordance with Central Bank Rules. IFRS differs in certain significant respects from Central Bank Rules. See Item 5B. “Critical accounting policies” and note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

The following minimum credit provisions are required to be made by Argentine banks in relation to the credit portfolio category:

 

Category

   With Preferred
Guarantees
    Without Preferred
Guarantees
 

“Normal situation”

     1     1

“Under observation” and “Low risk”

     3     5

“Under negotiation or refinancing agreement”

     6     12

“With problems” and “Medium Risk”

     12     25

“With high risk of insolvency” and “High Risk”

     25     50

“Irrecoverable”

     50     100

“Irrecoverable by technical provision”

     100     100

The Superintendency may require additional provisioning if it determines that the current level is inadequate.

Financial institutions are entitled to record allowances for loan losses in amounts larger than those required by Central Bank Rules. In such cases and despite the existence of certain exceptions, recording a larger allowance for a commercial loan, to the extent the recorded allowance amount falls into the next credit portfolio category set forth by Central Bank Rules, shall automatically result in the corresponding debtor being recategorized accordingly.

In accordance with Central Bank Rules financial institutions are required to develop procedures for the analysis of the credit facilities assuring an appropriate evaluation of a debtor’s financial situation and a periodic revision of its situation concerning objective and subjective conditions of all the risks taken. The procedures established have to be detailed in a manual called “Manual of Procedures for Classification and Allowances” which shall be permanently available for the Superintendency. The frequency of the review of existing classifications must answer to the importance considering all facilities. The classification analysis shall be duly documented.

In the case of commercial loans, applicable regulations require a minimum frequency of review. Such review must take place: (i) quarterly for clients with indebtedness equal or greater than 5% of the financial entity’s RPC for the prior month and (ii) semi-annually for clients whose indebtedness is higher than (x) the lower of 1% and Ps. 72,640,000 of the financial entity’s RPC for the prior month, and (y) lower than 5% of the financial entity’s RPC for the prior month. At the end of the first calendar semester, the total review under (i) and (ii) should have covered no less than 50% of the financial entity’s commercial loan portfolio and, if less, it shall be completed by incorporating clients (in descending order) whose total indebtedness is inferior to the limits described in the preceding point (ii)(x).

In addition, financial institutions have to review the rating assigned to a debtor in certain instances, such as when another financial institution reduces the debtor classification in the “Credit Information Database” (the “Credit Information Database”) and grants 10% or more of the debtor’s total financing in the financial system. Only one-level discrepancy is allowed in relation to the information submitted by financial institutions to the Credit Information Database and the lower classification awarded by at least two other banks and total lending from such banks account for 40% or more of the total informed; if there is a greater discrepancy, the financial institution will be required to reclassify the debtor.

 

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Allowances for loan losses

The Central Bank Rules establishes minimum requirements for allowances for loan losses, in accordance with the category assigned to the client and the type of guarantee. Entities may have allowances for amounts higher than the minimum requirements, as deemed reasonable. Allowances are designed pursuant to the Central Bank Rules which differ from IFRS. See Item 5B. “Critical accounting policies” and note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Increases in the allowance are based on the level of growth of the loan portfolio, as well as on the deterioration of the quality of existing loans, while decreases in the allowance are based on regulations requiring the write-off of non-performing loans classified as irrecoverable after a certain period of time and on decisions of the management to write off non-performing loans evidencing a very low probability of recovery.

Priority rights of depositors

Under section 49 of the Financial Institutions Law, in the event of judicial liquidation or bankruptcy of a bank all depositors, irrespective of the type, amount or currency of their deposits, will be senior to the other remaining creditors (such as shareholders of the bank), with exceptions made for certain labor liens (section 53 paragraphs (a) and (b)) and for those creditors backed by a pledge or mortgage, in the following order of priority: (a) deposits of up to Ps.50,000 per person (including all amounts such person deposited in one financial entity), or its equivalent in foreign currency, (b) all deposits of an amount higher than Ps. 50,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, and (c) the liabilities originated in commercial lines granted to the financial institution and which directly affect international commerce. Furthermore, pursuant to section 53 of the Financial Institutions Law, as amended, Central Bank claims have absolute priority over other claims, except for pledged or mortgaged claims, certain labor claims, the depositors’ claims pursuant to section 49, paragraph e), points i) and ii), debt granted under section 17, paragraphs (b), (c) and (f) of the Central Bank’s Charter (including discounts granted by financial entities due to a temporary lack of liquidity, advances to financial entities with security interest, assignment of rights, pledges or special assignment of certain assets) and debt granted by the Banking Liquidity Fund backed by a pledge or mortgage.

The amendment to section 35 bis of the Financial Institutions Law by Law No. 25,780 sets forth that if a bank is in a situation where the Central Bank may revoke its authorization to operate and become subject to dissolution or liquidation by judicial resolution, the Central Bank’s Board of Directors may take certain actions. Among these actions, in the case of excluding the transfer of assets and liabilities to financial trusts or other financial entities, the Central Bank may totally or partially exclude the liabilities mentioned in section 49, paragraph (e), as well as debt defined in section 53, giving effect to the order of priority among creditors. Regarding the partial exclusion, the order of priority of paragraph (e), section 49 must be followed without treating liabilities of the same grade differently.

Mandatory deposit insurance system

Law No. 24,485, passed on April 12, 1995, as amended, created a Deposit Insurance System, or “SSGD,” which is mandatory for bank deposits, and delegated the responsibility for organizing and implementing the system to the Central Bank. The SSGD is a supplemental protection to the privilege granted to depositors by means of section 49 of the Financial Institutions Law, as mentioned above.

The SSGD has been implemented through the establishment of a Deposit Guarantee Fund, or “FGD,” managed by a private-sector corporation called Seguro de Depósitos Sociedad Anónima, (Deposit Insurance Corporation, or “SEDESA”). According to Decree No. 1292/96, the shareholders of SEDESA are the government through the Central Bank and a trust set up by the participating financial institutions. These institutions must pay into the FGD a monthly contribution determined by Central Bank Rules. The SSGD is financed through regular and additional contributions made by financial institutions, as provided for in Central Bank Communication “A” 4271, dated December 30, 2004.

The SSGD covers deposits made by Argentine individuals and legal entities in Pesos and foreign currency and maintained in accounts with the participating financial institutions, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and time deposits up to the amount of Ps.1,500,000, as set forth by Central Bank Communication “A” 6973 of the Central Bank, as amended. However, pursuant to Communication “A” 7661, the Central Bank raised the amount covered by the Deposit Insurance System to Ps.6,000,000 since January 1, 2023.

Effective payment on this guaranty will be made within thirty (30) business days after revocation of the license of the financial institution in which the funds are held; such payments are subject to the exercise of the depositor’s priority rights described above.

 

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In view of the circumstances affecting the financial system, Decree No. 214/2002 provided that SEDESA may issue registered securities for the purpose of offering them to depositors in payment of the guarantee in the event it should not have sufficient funds available.

The SSGD does not cover: (i) deposits maintained by financial institutions in other financial institutions, including certificates of deposit bought in the secondary market, (ii) deposits made by persons directly or indirectly affiliated with the institution, (iii) time deposits of securities, acceptances or guarantees, (iv) any transferable time deposits that have been transferred by endorsement, (v) any deposits in which the agreed-upon interest rate is higher than the reference interest rates periodically released by the Central Bank for time deposits, with the exception of those arranged in Pesos at the minimum nominal rate, and they shall also be excluded if these interest rate ceilings are distorted by additional incentives or rewards, and (vi) immobilized balances from deposits and excluded transactions.

Pursuant to Communication “A” 5943, every financial institution is required to contribute to the FGD a monthly amount of 0.015% of the monthly average of daily balances of deposits in local and foreign currency, as determined by the Central Bank.

When fixed term deposits in U.S. dollars of the private non-financial sector are used to purchase Central Bank bills denominated in U.S. dollars, financial institutions must contribute 0.015% of the monthly average of daily balances of the net position of such bills. Prompt contribution of such amounts is a condition precedent to the continuing operation of the financial institution. The first contribution was made on May 24, 1995. The Central Bank may require financial institutions to advance the payment of up to the equivalent of two years of monthly contributions and debit the past due contributions from funds of the financial institutions deposited with the Central Bank. The Central Bank may require additional contributions by certain institutions, depending on its evaluation of the financial condition of those institutions.

When the contributions to the FGD reach the greater of Ps.2 billion or 5.0% of the total deposits of the system, the Central Bank may suspend or reduce the monthly contributions, and reinstate them when the contributions subsequently fall below that level.

Central Bank’s measures in response to the pandemic of COVID-19

The Argentine government and the Central Bank issued a series of preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its economic impact. In this regard, on March 19, 2020, the Executive Branch declared a nationwide lockdown from March 20, 2020 through March 31, 2020, which was extended several times until November 6, 2020, when the country shifted towards a “social distancing” phase (DISPO, per its acronym in Spanish), instead of a strict lockdown.

In this context, the Central Bank issued a series of Communications within the framework of Decree No. 297/2020, as amended, of the Government of Argentina, by which it determined that: (i) financial institutions could open to the public only with prior appointment and provide its services remotely; (ii) financial institutions had to restrain the use of enclosed areas to a maximum of 50% of their capacity; (iii) financial institutions had to adopt all necessary measures to secure the sufficient supply of cash in ATMs and the continuity of operations related to cash withdrawals at out-of-bank withdrawal points; and (iv) money exchange houses could only open for the purchase of foreign currency, the sale of currency of bordering countries and certain arbitrages. These measures were in force until November 2021.

As of November 2021, and to June 30, 2022, in case the appointment system is used by financial entities, they shall clearly display such circumstance in their websites, the appointment must be easily requested trough the website or by any other electronic mean and the date assigned shall not exceed 3 business days from the date the request is being made. If the service capacity of the institutions allows it, customers without an appointment must be attended, giving priority to those who have an appointment and those who have a disability certificate, people with reduced mobility or difficulties in accessing or remaining at the premises, among others. Also, sanitary measures established by means of Decree 678/2021 must be complied with, these include, masks must be used by all people inside closed spaces, distance between people must be maintained, rooms must be adequately and constantly ventilated, among others.

On a different note, by means of Communication “A” 6939, as amended, the Central Bank established that distribution of dividends by financial entities was temporarily suspended until December 31, 2021 On December 2021, the Central Bank authorized financial entities to distribute dividends for up to 20% of accumulated dividends by December 31, 2021 from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Those financial entities authorized by the Central Bank to distribute their profits must make such distribution in 12 equal, monthly and consecutive installments. Notwithstanding the aforementioned temporary authorization, by means of Communication “A” 7659 dated December 15, 2022, the Central Bank provided for the suspension of the distribution of results of financial institutions effective as from January 1, 2023 and until December 31, 2023. However, by means of Communication “A” 7719 dated March 9, 2023, the Central Bank resolved to repeal such suspension, effective as from April 1, 2023, and provided that financial entities authorized by the Central Bank, in accordance with the rules on “Distribution of income”, may distribute income in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments of up to 40% of the amount that would have been applicable if the above mentioned rules had been applied, effective until December 31, 2023. For more information, please see “Argentine Banking Regulations— Requirements applicable to dividend distribution.”

 

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By means of Communication “A” 6993, dated April 24, 2020, the Central Bank established a zero interest-rate financings policy, applicable only to the eligible clients to be determined in the future by the AFIP.

By virtue of Communication “A” 7025, as amended, the Central Bank determined that the unpaid balances of credit card financings due between April 13 and April 30, 2020, shall be automatically refinanced in nine equal consecutive monthly installments beginning after a 3-month grace period. Interest rates on such unpaid balances may not exceed an annual nominal rate of 43% when the amount financed by such concept is lower than Ps.200,000. Additionally, the unpaid balances of credit card financings due between September 1 and September 30, 2020, shall be automatically refinanced in nine equal consecutive monthly installments beginning after a 3-month grace period. Interest rates on such unpaid balances may not exceed an annual nominal rate of 40%. For more information, see “Argentine Banking Regulations— Credit Card Interest Rate.

Furthermore, by means of Communication “A” 7181 the Central Bank extended until March 31, 2021, the following provisions: (i) unpaid installments corresponding to maturities of credit assistance not covered by the Law of Credit Cards granted by financial institutions and operating as from April 1, 2020, may only accrue compensatory interest at the contractually stipulated rate; and (ii) the increase of up to 60 days the period of non-payment before a loan is required to be classified as non-performing for levels 1, 2 and 3 pursuant to Central Bank rules on debtor classification and the suspension of the mandatory reclassification of debtors provided in sections 6.6 and 7.3 of such rules. Moreover, it establishes that financial institutions shall provide the means so that in all ATMs operated by them in the country, individuals and legal entities may withdraw, per day and in a single withdrawal, up to Ps.15,000, without any distinction between customers and non-customers, regardless of the type of demand account on which the corresponding transaction is made and of the financial institution and/or ATM network to which it belongs. These measures were no further extended.

Additionally, on March 25, 2020, the Executive Branch issued Decree No. 312/2020, as amended and supplemented from time to time, by means of which both the obligation to close and inhibit checking accounts, as well the imposition of penalties, were suspended until December 31, 2020. Furthermore, Decree No. 319/2020, as amended and supplemented from time to time, established the freezing of mortgage payments if the mortgaged property is the only and permanent residence of the debtor, until January 31, 2021. The Decree also resolved the freezing of mortgage and UVA pledge loans (créditos prendarios) and the suspension of mortgage foreclosures until January 31, 2021. These measures were subsequently extended by virtue of Decree 66/2021 until March 31, 2021. Although these restrictions are no longer in force as of the date of this annual report, Communication “B”12123 and Communication “A” 7270 established that financial institutions must enable an instance to consider the situation of those customers in which the installment of the UVA loan to be paid exceeds 35% of their income. For more information, please see “Item 3.D—Risk Factors—Risks related to the Argentine financial system—Our asset quality and that of other financial institutions may deteriorate if the Argentine private sector does not fully recover.”

Other measures

 

   

Classification of Debtors: On March 19, 2020, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6938, as amended from time to time, by which new rules regarding the criteria for debtor classification and provisioning are to be adopted until June 1, 2021. These rules provide an additional 60-day period of non-payment before a loan is required to be classified as non-performing and include all financings to commercial portfolio clients and loans granted for consumption or housing purposes. On March 25, 2021, through Communication “A” 7245, the Central Bank established a gradual transition in the definition of debtors for clients who chose to postpone the payment of installments, a benefit was not renewed from the due date at the end March 31, 2021. Financial entities and other obligated parties must increase the grace period to classify their debtors in levels 1, 2 and 3, both for the commercial portfolio and for the consumer or housing portfolio, according to the following schedule: i) Until March 31, 2021, in 60 days, ii) Until May 31, 2021, in 30 days, and iii) As of June 1, 21, financial entities must classify their debtors according to the general debtor classification. On February 2, 2023, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7687 effective until December 31, 2023 and in order to favor the financing of the productive sector affected by the drought, the Central Bank provides -for those producers to whom the provisions related to the Agricultural Emergency Law are applicable- that for the purposes of computing the term in arrears to consider a debtor, as provided in the rules on “Classification of Debtors”, classified in: (i) category 1 (normal situation): it is allowed to incur in up to 75 days in arrears in the payment of its obligations; (ii) category 2 (with special monitoring or low risk): such term will be 76 and up to 75 days in arrears in the payment of its obligations: (i) category 1 (normal situation): it is permissible to incur up to 75 days of arrears in the payments of its obligations; (ii) category 2 (with special follow-up or low risk): such term shall be 76 and up to 135 days of arrears; and (iii) category 3 (with problems or medium risk): such term shall be 136 and up to 225 days of arrears.

 

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Facilities and Government Guarantees to Finance Payment of Salaries: Decree 326/2020 created a fund of specific application within the FOGAR (acronym in Spanish for Fondo de Garantías Argentino), with the aim of backing financings provided to SMEs by financial entities in order to pay salaries. Simultaneously, the Central Bank set limitations on banks’ holdings of notes from the Central Bank (LELIQ), in order to make liquidity available and encourage the provision of credit lines to SMEs. On March 26, 2020, the Central Bank also issued Communication “A” 6946, by means of which the facilities granted at a preferential rate (not more than 24% per year) within the framework of Communication “A” 6937 (as amended by Communications “A” 6943, “A” 7006 and “A” 7157) to SMEs and households may be deducted from reserve requirements, considering 130% of its amount when its proceeds are for the payment of salaries and the granting entity is the agent of payment of those salaries. These assistances will be provisioned in the financial statements until their cancellation based on the classification of the small and medium-sized company at the time of granting. The amounts of: a) the reduction of the provisions by application of this measure; b) the reduction of the provisions due to the suspension of the application of the expected credit losses criterion for Group B entities; and c) the increase in the RPC due to the positive difference between the provisions according to IFRS and according to the Central Bank’s regulatory framework for Group A entities, must be subtracted from the calculation to determine the distributable profit. On October 15, 2020, through Communication “A” 7140, the central bank promoted two new credit lines at a preferential rate for companies, in addition to the existing 24% credit line to SMEs. The two new credit lines are: i) a 30% interest rate credit line to fund capital goods acquisitions and investments in the construction sector, and ii) a 35% credit line to finance working capital needs from SMEs. The 30% interest rate credit line shall represent 30% of total origination under this rule. On January 6, 2021, through Communication “A” 7197, the central bank ruled that the 65% amount of credit lines granted to finance working capital needs from SMEs disbursed since October 16, 2020 may be applied to achieve the abovementioned 30% of total origination of the 30% interest rate credit line. On February 25, 2021, through Communication “A” 7227, the Central Bank increased from 65% to 100% the amount of credit lines granted to fund working capital needs from SMEs disbursed since October 16, 2020 that can be applied to achieve the required origination of the 30% interest rate credit line. In addition, the Central Bank ruled that the balance of credit lines to SMEs shall be equivalent to a minimum of 7.5% of the average balance of deposits from private sector as of September 30, 2020.

 

   

Time deposits minimum rate. By virtue of Communication “A” 6983, the Central Bank ruled that all non-adjustable time deposits under Ps.1 million made by individuals as of April 20, 2020, shall have a minimum rate equivalent to the 70% of the average LELIQ’s tendering during the week prior to the date in which the deposit is made. For more information, see “Argentine Banking Regulations—Liquidity and Solvency Requirements—Minimum Cash Reserve Requirements—LELIQ global daily position.”

 

   

Securities-guaranteed transactions prohibition. By means of Communication “A” 6991, the Central Bank forbid financial institutions to guarantee transactions via securities (caución bursátil). By means of Communication “A” 7683, the Central Bank authorizes financial entities to carry to guarantee transactions via securities (caución bursátil)-passive- in Pesos, in stock exchanges and markets authorized by the CNV. Also, they are excluded from the obligations included for the determination of the minimum cash requirement.

 

   

Credit line for productive investment of SMEs. Pursuant to Communication “A” 7140, as amended, the Central Bank approved the rules for a “Credit line for productive investment of SMEs” (líneas para el financiamiento productivo) destined to the acquisition of capital goods, and/or the construction of facilities necessary for the production of goods and/or services, and the commercialization of goods and/or services, with a maximum annual nominal rate from 35% to 43%. For these credit line, financial institutions are required to maintain a regulatory quota equal to 7.5% of their non-financial private sector deposits. Through Communication “A” 7240, the Central Bank ruled that the balance of credit lines to SMEs shall be equivalent to (i) a minimum quota of 7.5% of the average balance of deposits from private sector as of September 2021, for the 2021/2022 quota, and (ii) a minimum quota of 7.5% of the average balance of deposits from private sector as of March 1, 2022, for the 2022 quota.

 

   

Solidary and Extraordinary Contribution. By means of Decree 42/2021 the Government of Argentina regulated the Solidary and Extraordinary Contribution Law, which established a one-time extraordinary and mandatory contribution for resident individuals and undivided estates, at the country or abroad, whose total value of assets exceed the amounts specified in the Law.

Other restrictions

Pursuant to the Financial Institutions Law, financial institutions cannot create any kind of rights over their assets without the Central Bank’s authorization. Furthermore, in accordance with section 72 of Capital Markets Law, publicly offered companies are forbidden to enter into transactions with their directors, officers or affiliates in terms more favorable than arms-length transactions.

Capital Markets

Commercial banks are authorized to subscribe for and sell shares and debt securities. At present, there are no statutory limitations as to the amount of securities for which a bank may undertake to subscribe. However, under Central Bank Rules, underwriting of debt securities by a bank would be treated as “financial assistance” and, accordingly, until the securities are sold to third parties, such underwriting would be subject to limitations.

 

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On September 9, 2013, the CNV published Resolution No. 622/2013 (the “CNV Rules”) supplementing the Capital Markets Law. On May 9, 2018, the Argentine Congress approved the Argentine Productive Financing Law No. 27,440, which modernized and completed the legal framework of the Argentine capital markets. Law No. 27,440 amended the legal framework of the capital markets (Law No. 26,831), mutual funds (Law No. 24,083), negotiable obligations (Law No. 23,576), the Argentine Civil and Commercial Code (Law No. 26,994), financing of housing and construction (Law No. 24,441), the subjects obliged to report on concealing and asset laundering of criminal origin in the capital market framework (Law No. 25,246), and the tax relief regime for the purchase of private securities (Law No. 20,643).

TM20

Beginning October 5, 2017, the Central Bank has begun to publish on a daily basis a survey of the average interest rates paid by Banks for their fixed-term deposits of over Ps.20 million, for terms of between 30 and 35 days (the “TM20”), in order to reflect the behavior of wholesale depositors.

A TM20 denominated in U.S. dollars will also be published for deposits for the same term that are for U.S.$20 million or more.

The information published by the Central Bank is broken down by public vs. private banks, both for operations in Pesos and foreign currencies.

Financial institutions with economic difficulties

The Financial Institutions Law provides that any financial institution, including a commercial bank, (i) with its solvency or liquidity affected, in the opinion of the Central Bank; (ii) recording deficiencies on the minimum cash reserve requirement during the periods established by the Central Bank; (iii) recording repeated failures to comply with the various limits or technical relations established; or (iv) that could not maintain the minimum asset liability required for its particular class, location or characteristics, must (upon request from the Central Bank and in order to avoid the revocation of its license) prepare a restructuring plan or a remediation and regularization plan. The plan must be submitted to the Central Bank on a specified date, no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the date on which a request to that effect is made by the Central Bank. If the institution fails to submit, secure regulatory approval of, or comply with, a restructuring plan, the Central Bank will be empowered to revoke the institution’s license to operate as such, without prejudice to the application of the penalties provided for in the aforementioned law.

The Central Bank may appoint overseers with veto power, require the provision of guarantees and limit or forbid the distribution or remittance of profits, temporarily admit exceptions to the relevant limits and technical relations; exempt or defer the payment of charges and/or fines as provided by the Financial Institutions Law.

The Central Bank’s charter authorizes the Superintendency to fully or partially suspend, exclusively subject to the approval of the President of the Central Bank, the operations of a financial institution for a term of thirty (30) days if the liquidity or solvency thereof is adversely affected. Such term could be renewed for up to ninety (90) additional days, with the approval of the Central Bank’s Board of Directors. During such suspension term an automatic stay of claims, enforcement actions and precautionary measures is triggered, any commitment increasing the financial institution’s obligations shall be null and void, and debt acceleration and interest accrual shall be suspended.

Institution restructuring to safeguard credit and bank deposits

If a financial institution meets the Central Bank’s criteria and is found to be in any of the situations foreseen by Section 44 of the Financial Institutions Law, the Central Bank may authorize the restructuring of the financial institution in defense of depositors, prior to revocation of the authorization to operate. The restructuring plan may consist of certain steps, including, among others:

 

   

adoption of a list of measures to capitalize or increase the capital of the financial institution;

 

   

revoke the approval granted to the shareholders of the financial institution to hold interests therein;

 

   

exclusion or transfer assets and liabilities;

 

   

judicial intervention of the institution, displacing the statutory administrative authorities, and determine the capabilities needed to comply with the assigned function.

Revocation of the license to operate as a financial institution

The Central Bank may revoke the license to operate as a financial institution (a) as a request of the legal or statutory authorities of the institution; (b) in the cases contemplated by the Argentine Civil and Commerce Code or in the laws governing its existence as a legal entity; (c) when, as opinion of the Central Bank, the affections to the solvency and/or liquidity of the institution cannot be solved through a regularization and sanitation program; (d) in the rest cases provided by the Financial Institutions Law.

 

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Liquidation of financial institutions

As provided in the Financial Institutions Law, the Central Bank must notify the revocation decision to a competent court, which will then determine who will liquidate the entity: the corporate authorities (extrajudicial liquidation) or an independent liquidator appointed by the court for that purpose (judicial liquidation). The court’s decision will be based on whether there are sufficient assurances that the corporate authorities are capable of carrying out such liquidation properly, prior authorization of the Central Bank and in the cases provided by subsections a) and b) of section 44 of the aforementioned law.

Bankruptcy of financial institutions

According to the Financial Institutions Law, financial institutions are not allowed to file their own bankruptcy petitions. In addition, the bankruptcy shall not be adjudged until the license to operate as a financial institution has been revoked.

Once the license to operate as a financial institution has been revoked, a court of competent jurisdiction may adjudge the former financial institution in bankruptcy, or a petition in bankruptcy may be filed by the Central Bank or by any creditor of the bank, in this case after a period of sixty (60) calendar days has elapsed since the license was revoked.

Once the bankruptcy has been adjudged, provisions of the Bankruptcy Law No. 24,522 (the “Bankruptcy Law”) and the Financial Institutions Law shall be applicable. In certain cases, specific provisions of the Financial Institutions Law shall supersede the provisions of the Bankruptcy Law (i.e., priority rights of depositors).

Merger and transfer of goodwill

Merger and transfer of goodwill may be arranged between entities of the same or different type and will be subject to the prior approval of the Central Bank. The new entity or the buyer must submit a financial-economic structure profile supporting the project in order to obtain authorization from the Central Bank.

Holding Companies

On June 28, 2019, the Central Bank ruled, through Communication “A” 6723, with effect from January 1, 2020, that Group “A” financial institutions (in accordance with the “Financial Institutions Authorities” rules) which are controlled by non-financial institutions (as in our case in relation with the Bank) shall comply with the Minimum Capital requirements (please see “Argentine Banking Regulation—Liquidity and Solvency Requirements—Minimum Capital Requirements”), the Major Exposure to Credit Risk regulations (please see “Argentine Banking Regulation—Credit Risk Regulation—Large Exposures”), the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (please see “Argentine Banking Regulation—Internal Liquidity Policies of Financial Institutions”) and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (please see “Argentine Banking Regulation—Liquidity Parameters—Net Stable Funding Ratio”) on a consolidated basis comprising the non-financial holding and all its subsidiaries (excluding insurance companies and non-financial subsidiaries).

Additionally, Group “A” financial institutions may not grant direct or indirect financial assistance of any kind to its holding company whenever it is a non-financial institution.

Financial system restructuring unit

The Financial System Restructuring Unit was created to oversee the implementation of a new approach towards those banks that benefit from assistance provided by the Central Bank. This unit is in charge of rescheduling maturities, determining restructuring strategies and action plans, approving transformation plans, and accelerating repayment of the facilities granted by the Central Bank.

Fintech regulations

The Central Bank issued Communications “A” 6885 (as amended and restated, “Communications “A” 7226”), by means of which it regulates certain aspects of Fintech operations. Through these communications, it defined Payment Service Provider (“PSP”) as those non-financial entities in retail payments, performing under the global framework of the payment system, such as offering payment accounts to order and/or receive payments.

 

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By means of these rules, PSPs operations are regulated and an specific registry for them was created. Particularly, Communication “A” 6885 forbids entities to operate as PSP if (i) they are not properly incorporated in Argentina; (ii) they are incorporated as a stock exchange, clearing chamber or agent under the CNV Rules; or (iii) if its capital, right votes, administrative or inspection body are integrated by people disqualified for performing financial activities in Argentina by the Financial Institutions Law, condemned by crimes against property, the public administration, the economic and financial order or public faith, privacy violations, illicit association or by section 1.b of the Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime. Shareholdings acquired on stock exchanges that do not reach the threshold of 20% of the capital or voting rights are exempt from the provisions of point (iii).

Regarding the registry, Communication “A” 6885 commands that all PSPs that offer payment account must register with the “Registry of Payment Service Providers that Offer Payment Accounts”. Additionally, all PSPs shall comply with a reporting regime to be furthered ruled by the Central Bank.

In what respects to the management of the funds, it provided that all funds credited to payment accounts offered by PSPs shall be (i) available at all times, for an amount at least equivalent to the one credited in the payment account; (ii) deposited in Pesos, in on-sight accounts in Argentine financial entities; and (iii) on an independent on-sight account from the one used for trading for own account (e.g.: creditor or salary payments).

Any breach of the rules as set on the abovementioned communication is submitted to the sanctions of the Financial Institutions Law.

On February 24, 2022, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7462 (as amended and restated, “Communications “A” 7533) providing for the creation of the “Register of interoperable digital wallets” and establishing that any PSP wishing to provide a digital wallet service that allows making transfer payments initiated by reading QR codes must be registered therein. In addition, it defines a “digital wallet” service as the service offered by a financial institution or payment service provider (PSP) through an application on a mobile device or web browser that must allow making payments with transfer (PCT) and/or with other payment instruments.

For more information on minimum cash and reserve requirements see section “Minimum cash reserve requirements”.

Gender Parity Requirements

On September 3, 2020, by means of Communication “A” 7100 (as amended and restated, “Communications “A” 7465), the Central Bank amended the rules on “Guidelines for Corporate Governance in Financial Institutions” (Lineamientos para el gobierno societario en entidades financieras) to include a requirement of gender parity.

By virtue of such Communication, the Central Bank suggested to financial institutions to consider the progressive incorporation of women on new appointments and/or renewals, until gender parity is achieved. In this regard, the Central Bank defined gender parity as the guideline that aims at equalizing the participation of men and women in labor decision-making spaces, ensuring the right to equal opportunities and non-discrimination on the bases of gender.

Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regime

The concept of money laundering is generally used to denote transactions aimed at introducing funds from illicit activities into the institutional system and thus transform gains from illegal activities into assets of a seemingly legitimate source.

Terrorist financing is the act of providing funds for terrorist activities. This may involve funds raised from legitimate sources, such as personal donations and profits from businesses and charitable organizations, as well as from criminal sources, such as drug trade, weapons and other goods smuggling, fraud, kidnapping and extortion.

On April 13, 2000, the Argentine Congress passed Law No. 25,246, (subsequently amended and complemented, the “AML/ CFT Law”), which created at the national level the Anti- Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regime (“AML/CFT Regime”), criminalizing money laundering, creating and designating the UIF as the enforcement authority of the regime, and establishing the legal obligation for various public and private sector entities and professionals to provide information and cooperate with the UIF.

The UIF is a decentralized agency that operates with autonomy and financial independency under the Ministry of Economy, and its mission is to prevent and deter the crimes of money laundering and terrorist financing.

 

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The following are certain provisions relating to the AML/CFT Regime established by the AML/ CFT Law and its amending and complementary provisions, including regulations issued by the UIF, and the CNV and the Central Bank. It is recommended that investors consult their own legal advisors and read the AML/ CFT Law and its complementary regulations.

Money laundering and terrorist financing in the Argentine Criminal Code

a) Money laundering

Section 303 of the Argentine Criminal Code (the “ACC”) defines money laundering as a crime committed whenever a person converts, transfers, manages, sells, encumbers, conceals or in any other way puts into circulation in the market, property derived from an unlawful act, with the possible consequence that the origin of the original property or the subordinate property acquires the appearance of a lawful origin, either in a single act or by the repetition of various acts linked to each other. Section 303 of the ACC establishes the following penalties:

(i) If the amount of the operation exceeds Ps.300,000, imprisonment of three (3) to ten (10) years and fines of two to ten times the amount of the operation shall be imposed. This penalty will be increased by one third of the maximum and half of the minimum, when:

(a) the person performs the act on a habitual basis or as a member of an illicit association constituted for the continuous commission of acts of this nature;

(b) the person is a public official who committed the act in the exercise or on the occasion of his/her functions. In this case, he/she shall also be subject to a penalty of special disqualification of three to ten years. The same penalty shall be imposed to anyone who has acted in the exercise of a profession or occupation requiring special qualification.

(ii) anyone who receives money or other property from a criminal offence for the purpose of applying them in an operation as described above, which gives them the possible appearance of a lawful origin, shall be punished with imprisonment from six (6) months to three (3) years;

(iii) if the value of the goods does not exceed Ps. 300,000, the penalty shall be imprisonment for a term of six months to three years.

b) Penalties for legal persons.

Furthermore, Section 304 of the ACC provides that when the criminal acts have been committed in the name of, or with the intervention of, or for the benefit of a legal person, the following sanctions shall be imposed to the entity jointly or alternatively:

(i) fine of two (2) to ten (10) times the value of the property subject to the offence;

(ii) total or partial suspension of activities, which in no case shall exceed ten (10) years;

(iii) debarment for public tenders or bidding processes or any other State-related activities, which in no case shall exceed ten (10) years;

(iv) dissolution and liquidation of the legal person when it was created for the sole purpose of committing the offense, or such acts constitute the main activity of the entity;

(v) loss or suspension of any State benefit that it may have;

(vi) publication of an extract of the condemnatory sentence at the expense of the legal entity.

In order to calibrate these sanctions, the Court will take into account the failure to comply with internal rules and procedures, the omission of vigilance over the activity of the authors and participants; the extent of the damage caused, the amount of money involved in the commission of the offense, the size, nature and economic capacity of the legal entity. In the cases in which it is essential to maintain the operational continuity of the entity, or of a public work, or particular service, the sanctions of suspension of activities or dissolution and liquidation of the legal person shall not be applicable.

 

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c) Terrorism financing

Section 306 of the ACC criminalizes the financing of terrorism. This offence is committed by any person who directly or indirectly collects or provides property or money, with the intention of it being used, or in the knowledge that it will be used, in full or in part:

(i) To finance the commission of acts which have the aim of terrorizing the population or compelling national public authorities or foreign governments or agents of an international organization to perform or refrain from performing an act (according to section 41.5 of the ACC);

(ii) By an organization committing or attempting to commit crimes for the purpose set out in (i);

(iii) By an individual who commits, attempts to commit or participates in any way in the commission of offences for the purpose set out in (i).

The penalty is imprisonment of five (5) to fifteen (15) years and a fine of two (2) to ten (10) times the amount of the operation. Likewise, the same penalties shall apply to legal persons as described for the crime of money laundering.

Reporting Subjects obliged to inform and collaborate with the UIF

The AML/CFT Law, in line with international AML/CFT standards, not only designates the UIF as the agency in charge of preventing money laundering and terrorism financing, but also establishes certain obligations to various public and private sector entities and individuals, which are designated as Reporting Subjects (“Sujetos obligados”), which are legally bound to inform and collaborate with the UIF.

In accordance with the AML/ CFT Law and the regulations complementing it, the following persons, among others, are Reporting Subjects before the UIF:

 

  (i)

banks, financial entities and insurance companies;

 

  (ii)

exchange agencies and natural and legal persons authorized by the Central Bank to intervene in the purchase and sale of foreign currency with funds in cash or checks issued in foreign currency or through the use of debit or credit cards or in the transfer of funds within or outside the national territory;

 

  (iii)

Settlement and Clearing Agents, Trading Agents; natural and/or legal persons registered with the CNV acting in the placement of investment funds or other collective investment products authorized by such agency; Crowdfunding companies, Global Investment Advisors and the legal persons acting as financial trustees whose trust securities are authorized for public offering by the CNV, and the agents registered by the above mentioned controlling agency that intervene in the placement of negotiable securities issued within the framework of the above mentioned financial trusts;

 

  (iv)

government organizations such as the Central Bank, the AFIP, as per its acronym in Spanish), the Superintendence of Insurance of the Nation (“SSN”, as per its acronym in Spanish), the CNV and the IGJ; and

 

  (v)

professionals in the area of economic sciences and notaries public.

The Reporting Subjects have the following duties:

(i) obtaining from clients’ documents that indisputably prove their identity, legal status, domicile and other information, concerning their operations needed to accomplish the intended activity (know your customer policy);

(ii) conduct due diligence procedure on its clients and report any suspicious operation or fact (which, in accordance with the usual practices of the area involved, as well as the experience and competence of the Reporting Subjects, are operations that are attempted or completed which were previously identified as unusual operations by the regulated entity, as well as any operation without economic or legal justification or of unusual or unjustified complexity, whether performed in isolated or repeated manner, regardless of the amount); and

(iii) refraining from disclosing to the client or third parties the actions being conducted in compliance with the AML/ CFT Law. Within the framework of suspicious operation report analysis, Reporting Subjects shall not refrain from disclosing to UIF any information required from them, alleging that such information is subject to banking, stock market or professional secrecy or confidentiality agreements of a legal or contractual nature.

 

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Pursuant to Annex I of Resolution No. 154/2018 of the UIF (which establishes the supervision and inspection mechanism of the UIF), both the Central Bank and the CNV are considered “Specific Control Agencies” (“Órganos de Contralor Específico”). In such capacity, they must collaborate with the UIF in the evaluation of compliance with AML/CFT procedures by the Reporting Subjects subject to their control. For these purposes, they are entitled to supervise, monitor and inspect these entities. Denial or obstruction of inspections by the Reporting Subjects may result in administrative penalties by the UIF and criminal penalties.

The Central Bank and the CNV must also comply with the AML/CFT regulations established by the UIF, including the reporting of suspicious transactions. In turn, Reporting Subjects regulated by these agencies are subject to UIF Resolutions No. 30/2017 and 21/2018, respectively. Such regulations provide guidelines that such entities shall adopt and apply to manage, in accordance with their policies, procedures and controls, the risk of being used by third parties for criminal purposes of money laundering and financing of terrorism. On February 1, 2023, Resolution UIF 14/2023 was published in the Official Gazette, through which Resolution UIF 30/2017 is rendered null and void, setting changes to the regime for the AML/CFT Regime applicable to financial and exchange entities listed as regulated entities by the nowdays derogated Resolution 30/2017. Resolution UIF 14/2023 sets forth the main guidelines for money laundering and terrorist financing and minimum compliance that each financial entity must adopt and apply to manage the risks of being used by third parties for the execution of crimes related to money laundering and terrorist financing. The purpose of these guidelines is to enable financial institutions to ensure that their measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing are adequate. Resolution UIF 14/2023 also sets forth, among others, the prohibition of keeping anonymous accounts or accounts under fictitious names and the measures required to be adopted by financial institutions with respect to foreign politically exposed persons. The aforementioned resolution is effective as from April 1, 2023.On the other hand, and based on the recommendations of the international organization, the prohibition of keeping anonymous accounts or under fictitious names is established, the measures required with respect to foreign Politically Exposed Persons (“PEPs”) are made explicit, the need to apply Enhanced Due Diligence measures proportional to the identified risks encountered is emphasized and the possibility of financial institutions being able to rely on third parties for the execution of certain due diligence measures is incorporated. The regulation is effective from April 1, 2023.

Essentially, the aforementioned regulations (the Consolidated Texts of which were subsequently approved by UIF Resolution No. 156/18), change the formalistic regulatory compliance approach to a RBA, based on the revised recommendations issued by the FATF in 2012, in order to ensure that the implemented measures are proportional to the identified risks. Therefore, the Reporting Subjects shall identify and evaluate their risks and, based on this, adopt measures for the management and mitigation of such risks, in order to more effectively prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. Likewise, the provisions of UIF Resolution No. 4/17 are adopted, establishing the possibility of conducting special due diligence procedures with respect to clients supervised abroad (formerly called “international investors”) and local clients who are Reporting Subjects to the UIF.

Asset Freezing Regime

Decree No. 918/2012 establishes the procedures for the freezing of assets linked to terrorism financing, and the creation and maintenance procedures (including the inclusion and removal of suspected persons) for registries created in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council’s resolutions.

Additionally, UIF Resolution No. 29/2013, regulates the implementation of Decree No. 918/2012 and establishes: (i) the procedure to report suspicious transactions of terrorism financing and the persons obligated to do so, and (ii) the administrative freezing of assets procedure on natural or legal persons or entities designated by the United Nations Security Council pursuant to Resolution 1267 (1999) and subsequent, or linked to criminal actions under Section 306 of the Argentine Criminal Code, both prior to the report issued pursuant to UIF Resolutions No. 121 and 229, and as mandated by the UIF after receiving such report.

In order to help the Reporting Subjects to fulfil this duties, Executive Decree No. 489/2019 created the Public Registry of Persons and Entities linked to acts of Terrorism and its Financing (RePET, for its acronym in Spanish),which is an official database that includes the consolidated list of the United Nations Security Council.

 

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Politically Exposed Persons

Resolution No. 134/2018 of the UIF (amended by Resolutions No. 15/2019 and 128/2019), establishes the rules that Reporting Parties must follow regarding clients that are Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

Following the aforementioned RBA, Resolution 134/2018 establishes that Reporting Parties must determine the level of risk at the time of beginning or continuing the contractual relationship with a PEP, and must take due diligence measures, adequate and proportional to the associated risk and the operation or operations involved.

In addition, the UIF has issued the Guide for the management of risks of money laundering and financing of terrorism in relation to customers (and ultimate beneficiaries) that are PEPs, which sets up guidelines for Reporting Parties in order to comply with the Resolution No. 134/2018. On February 28, 2023, the UIF issued Resolution 35/2023 by which it updated the provisions referring to PEP´s. Resolution 35/2023 became effective on April 1, 2023, date on which Resolution 134/2018 was repealed. Among the novelties incorporated, it is highlighted that, once the two (2) year term established for the maintenance of the PEP status has expired, the obliged subject will have to evaluate the risk level of the client or beneficial owner taking into consideration the relevance of the function performed. It is also indicated that the affidavit by means of which customers are required to state whether they are PEPs or not, must be subscribed not only at the beginning of the commercial relationship, but also at the time of changing the PEP status (whether they start to be or cease to be PEPs).

CNV Regulations

The CNV Rules stipulate, among other provisions, that the Reporting Subjects under its control shall only perform the operations provided for under the public offering system when these operations are performed or ordered by persons constituted, domiciled or resident in countries, domains, jurisdictions, territories or associated states not considered to be non-cooperative or high risk by the FATF.

Similarly, they establish the payment modalities and control procedures for the reception and delivery of funds from and to clients.

Central Bank Regulations

Pursuant to Communication “A” 6399 of the Central Bank, as amended and supplemented, including without limitation, by Communication “A” 6709, Reporting Subjects must keep—for a period of 10 years—written records of the procedure applied in each case for the discontinuation of a client’s operations. Among these records, they shall keep a copy of any notification sent to the customer requesting further information and/or documentation, the corresponding notices of receipt and the documents identifying the officials who took part in the decision, in accordance with the respective procedural manuals.

Tax Amnesty System

The voluntary system of declaration under the Argentine Tax Amnesty Law No. 27,260 and its Regulatory Decree No. 895/16 (jointly the “Tax Amnesty System”) established that the information voluntarily submitted under the Tax Amnesty System may be used for the investigation and punishment of the crimes of money laundering and financing of terrorism. For such purpose, the UIF has the power to communicate information to other public intelligence or investigation agencies, based on a previous resolution of the UIF’s President and provided that there are serious, precise and concordant indications of the commission of money laundering and/or terrorism financing crimes. Furthermore, the AFIP remains obliged to report to the UIF suspicious operations detected within the framework of the Tax Amnesty System and to provide it with all information required by it, not being able to oppose fiscal secrecy.

Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of Terrorist Financing Program of the Bank

One of the most significant operational risks that is monitored by Banco Macro is that of the activities of “Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of Terrorist Financing.” There is a program designed to safeguard us against any unintentional involvement or participation in criminal or illicit activities or terrorist financing, and to reaffirm the policy of fully cooperating with the strict application of law and cooperation with the authorities and regulatory bodies.

In order to ensure that the financial system is not used as a channel of funds from criminal activities, employees must determine the true identity of all customers and final beneficiaries of the contracted products and services.

 

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Roles and responsibilities of the program

All employees have roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering Program. These roles and responsibilities vary depending on the employee’s business line or business area.

Elements of the Anti-Money Laundering Program

We adopt specific procedures for our various operational and commercial areas as applicable.

The following are the most important components of the Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering Program:

1. Prevention: We carry out different tasks in order to mitigate the risk of money laundering:

a. Generation of policies and procedures;

b. Reliable identification of customers and knowledge of their activities (“Know Your Customer” process);

c. Specific risk analysis in the product and process approval process;

d. Training and ongoing communication to update all relevant staff;

e. Existence of a responsible Officer and a Committee for Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention;

2. Monitoring: We monitor the activity of clients, suppliers, etc., by setting parameters and alerts to be able to identify cases that must be reported to the appropriate authorities.

3. Relationship with regulatory agencies or industry: We maintain relations with the Central Bank/UIF/CNV by carrying out all necessary actions in order to collect and maintain adequate identification of clients and transaction records, in accordance with regulatory requirements. Likewise, we respond to the information requirements of the mentioned entities.

4. Audits and Reviews: this program will be periodically reviewed through by its own assurance program and different types of audits (internal, external, comptroller) to identify opportunities for improvement.

5. Training and Communication: All our staff (including executive staff) who have a relationship with clients or handle their transactions must receive training in anti-money laundering. This training is institutional and mandatory.

6. Know Your Client (KYC): Similar to our efforts to prevent money laundering, and terrorist financing begins with an appropriate “Know Your Customer” process.

a. Customer awareness allows financial institutions to determine if certain customers are included on terrorist lists issued by governments and regulatory agencies. This process also allows us to establish whether we are facing high-risk clients (e.g., Politically Exposed Persons) in order to carry out an Enhanced Due Diligence process).

b. We will not enter into any relationship with any individual or entity who cannot prove their true identity.

7. Recognition and reporting of unusual or suspicious activities: When employees receive indications that make them assume that clients’ funds come from criminal activities, they should report this to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Committee for evaluation in accordance with established procedure.

For a thorough analysis of money laundering regulations in effect as of the date of this document, please consult with your own legal counsel and read Title XIII, Second Book of the ACC and any regulations issued by the UIF, the CNV and the Central Bank in their entirety. For this purpose, interested parties may visit the websites of the Argentine Ministry of Economy, www.economia.gob.ar, the UIF, www.argentina.gob.ar/uif, the CNV, www.cnv.gob.ar or the Central Bank, www.bcra.gov.ar none of which websites are incorporated by reference herein.

Corporate Criminal Liability Law

The Corporate Criminal Liability Law No. 27,401 sets forth a criminal liability regime applicable to legal entities involved in certain corruption offenses directly or indirectly committed in their name, on their behalf or in their interest and from which a benefit may arise. The individual offenders may be employees or third parties — even unauthorized third parties, provided that the company ratified the act, even tacitly.

 

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In accordance with such law, the Board of Directors has approved a Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy that sets forth the ethical and compliance standards regarding officer corruption practices, under the scope of the Corporate Criminal Liability Law and the applicable international laws. The Board of Directors expressly prohibits this kind of practices and applies the same criterion in similar cases where private sector individual acts as counterparty.

In turn, the Board of Directors has implemented a Code of Conduct applicable to all employees, contractors, suppliers and agents, with the prohibitions, restrictions and conditions imposed upon them under the Integrity Program approved by the Bank, which was previously discussed by the Appointment and Corporate Government Committee.

In addition, Ernesto López, our Legal Manager, has been appointed as our Anti-Bribery Policy Officer and our Compliance Department is responsible for the implementation of the Monitoring Program.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

Subsidiaries

We have six subsidiaries: (i) Argenpay S.A.U., through which we provide electronic payment services ; (ii) Macro Bank Limited, our subsidiary in the Bahamas through which we primarily provide private banking services; (iii) Macro Securities S.A.U., which is a member of the BYMA, and through which we provide investment research, securities trading and custodial services to our customers; (iv) Macro Fiducia S.A.U., a subsidiary that acts as trustee and provides financial advisory and analysis services; (v) Macro Fondos S.G.F.C.I. S.A., an asset management subsidiary and (vi) Fintech SGR, through which we facilitate access to credit for SMEs through the grant of guarantees.

 

     Banco Macro’s direct and indirect interest  

Subsidiary

   Percentage of Capital Stock     Percentage of possible votes  

Argenpay S.A.U. (1)

     100.000     100.000

Macro Bank Limited (2)

     100.000     100.000

Macro Securities S.A.U. (1)

     100.000     100.000

Macro Fiducia S.A.U. (1)

     100.000     100.000

Macro Fondos S.G.F.C.I. S.A. (1)

     100.000     100.000

Fintech SGR (1)(3)

     24.999     24.999

 

(1)

Country of residence: Argentina

(2)

Country of residence: The Bahamas

(3)

Structured entity.

D. Property, plants and equipment

Property

Our headquarter consists of 53,293 square meters of office area that we own at Avenida Eduardo Madero 1172, in the City of Buenos Aires, and is used by our management, accounting and administrative personnel. As of December 31, 2022, we have a branch network that consists of 467 branches in Argentina, of which 169 were leased properties.

In 2011 we acquired a site, located at Avenida Eduardo Madero No. 1180, in the City of Buenos Aires, from the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, in which we have developed our headquarters. We have developed a project to build our new corporate offices on this site. Work on the site began in 2012 and was completed in 2019.

The new corporate headquarters were designed to take full advantage of natural light and maximize energy efficiency, while also using materials that do not adversely affect the environment and was built in compliance with the Leed International Sustainability Standards of the “U.S. Green Building Council”. The building has its own environmental policy and an intelligent energy system; it has a state-of-the-art architectural design that prioritizes energy efficiency in accordance with the standards of the LEED sustainable building certification system. In addition to energy efficiency, the tower has a construction mechanism that manages to reduce water consumption through the reuse and controlled use of inputs, thus being considered a building with sustainable criteria and optimization of the use of resources.

Thanks to the process initiated in previous years, during 2022 Banco Macro received the Leed certification for the “Banco Macro Corporate Headquarters”, achieving the Leed GOLD certificate with 64 points.

Selected Statistical Information

The following information is included for analytical purposes and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as well as Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” This information has been extracted from the Bank’s internal documentation that supports our financial records.

 

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Average balance sheets, interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

The following tables show average balances, interest amounts and nominal and real rates for our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 based on results adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022, as explained in our audited consolidated financial statements.

The nominal interest rate has been calculated by dividing the amount of interest gain or loss during the period by the related average balance, both amounts not restated. The nominal rates calculated for each period have been converted into real rates using the following formulas:

 

Rp=

   1 + Np    -1
     1 + I     

Rd=

   (1 + Nd) (1 + D)    -1
     1 + I     

Where:

Rp = real average rate for Peso-denominated assets and liabilities (in Ps.) for the period;

Rd = real average rate for foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities for the period;

Np = nominal average rate for Peso-denominated assets and liabilities for the period;

Nd = nominal average rate for foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities for the period;

D = devaluation rate of the Peso to the U.S. dollar for the period; and

I = inflation rate in Argentina for the period based on the variation of the Consumer Price Index.

 

    2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
    Average
Real
Rate
    Average
Nominal
Rate
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
    Average
Real
Rate
    Average
Nominal
Rate
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
    Average
Real
Rate
    Average
Nominal
Rate
 
    (In thousands of Pesos)  

ASSETS

                       

Interest-earning assets

Cash and Deposits in Banks

                       

Pesos

    0       0       0.00     0.00     0       0       0.00     0.00     0       0       0.00     0.00

Foreign currency

    138,069,298       376,848       3.47     0.27     118,081,124       25,670       (19.08 %)      0.02     78,601,779       400,119       (11.05 %)      0.51

Total

    138,069,298       376,848       3.47     0.27     118,081,124       25,670       (19.08 %)      0.02     78,601,779       400,119       (11.05 %)      0.51

Loans and other financing Non-financial Public Sector

                       

Pesos

    18,383,892       8,683,273       8.15     47.23     7,556,974       3,536,706       (2.74 %)      46.80     3,304,103       1,513,955       (25.14 %)      45.82

Foreign currency

    0       0       0.00     0.00     0       0       0.00     0.00     0       0       0.00     0.00

Total

    18,383,892       8,683,273       8.15     47.23     7,556,974       3,536,706       (2.74 %)      46.80     3,304,103       1,513,955       (25.14 %)      45.82

Other Financial Entities

                       

Pesos

    6,991,747       2,939,385       4.33     42.04     3,883,845       1,315,660       (11.30 %)      33.88     1,453,942       534,608       (29.79 %)      36.77

Foreign currency

    545,664       36,832       10.16     6.75     19,148       1,128       (14.34 %)      5.89     19,869       1,305       (5.69 %)      6.57

Total

    7,537,411       2,976,217       4.75     39.49     3,902,993       1,316,788       (11.31 %)      33.74     1,473,811       535,913       (29.47 %)      36.36

Non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents

                       

Pesos

    649,728,848       236,752,217       0.22     36.44     598,650,970       216,807,170       (9.75 %)      36.22     568,050,149       247,761,599       (26.27 %)      43.62

Foreign currency

    109,257,567       3,151,635       6.16     2.88     50,088,020       1,828,884       (16.15 %)      3.65     30,379,043       1,168,754       (8.10 %)      3.85

Total

    758,986,415       239,903,852       1.08     31.61     648,738,990       218,636,054       (10.24 %)      33.70     598,429,192       248,930,353       (25.35 %)      41.60

Other Debt Securities

                       

Pesos

    507,334,733       189,016,097       0.82     37.26     537,358,425       198,668,618       (9.26 %)      36.97     621,981,652       347,301,619       (20.00 %)      55.84

Foreign currency

    14,382,070       117,418       4.04     0.82     24,553,757       315,090       (18.07 %)      1.28     48,263,257       498,586       (10.59 %)      1.03

Total

    521,716,803       189,133,515       0.91     36.25     561,912,182       198,983,708       (9.64 %)      35.41     670,244,909       347,800,205       (19.32 %)      51.89

Repo Transactions

                       

Pesos

    90,900,531       20,779,821       (9.76 %)      22.86     45,904,554       16,627,589       (9.75 %)      36.22     22,388,438       13,284,829       (18.20 %)      59.34

Foreign currency

    0       0       0.00     0.00     0       0       0.00     0.00     0       0       0.00     0.00

Total

    90,900,531       20,779,821       (9.76 %)      22.86     45,904,554       16,627,589       (9.75 %)      36.22     22,388,438       13,284,829       (18.20 %)      59.34

 

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     2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  
     Average
Balance
     Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
     Average
Real
Rate
    Average
Nominal
Rate
    Average
Balance
     Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
     Average
Real
Rate
    Average
Nominal
Rate
    Average
Balance
     Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
     Average
Real
Rate
    Average
Nominal
Rate
 
     (In thousands of Pesos)  

Total interest-earning assets

                              

Pesos

     1,273,339,766        458,170,793        (0.12 %)      35.98     1,193,354,768        436,955,743        (9.49 %)      36.62     1,217,178,284        610,396,610        (22.92 %)      50.15

Foreign currency

     262,254,599        3,682,733        4.64     1.40     192,742,049        2,170,772        (18.19 %)      1.13     157,263,948        2,068,764        (10.33 %)      1.32

Total

     1,535,594,365        461,853,526        0.69     30.08     1,386,096,817        439,126,515        (10.70 %)      31.68     1,374,442,232        612,465,374        (21.48 %)      44.56
Total non interest-
earning assets
                                                                              

Pesos

     364,295,825        —          —         —         365,783,047        —          —         —         303,830,332        —          —         —    

Foreign currency

     162,798,954        —          —         —         173,367,477        —          —         —         213,382,658        —          —         —    

Total

     527,094,779        —          —         —         539,150,524        —          —         —         517,212,990        —          —         —    

TOTAL ASSETS

                              

Pesos

     1,637,635,591        —          —         —         1,559,137,815        —          —         —         1,521,008,616        —          —         —    

Foreign currency

     425,053,553        —          —         —         366,109,526        —          —         —         370,646,606        —          —         —    

Total

     2,062,689,144        —          —         —         1,925,247,341        —          —         —         1,891,655,222        —          —         —    

LIABILITIES

                              

Interest-bearing liabilities

                              

Deposits

                              

Non financial Public Sector

                              

Pesos

     111,044,860        28,154,557        (7.93 %)      25.35     59,596,729        17,107,530        (14.73 %)      28.71     64,614,564        29,016,452        (25.61 %)      44.91

Foreign currency

     4,225,925        36,694        4.09     0.87     5,978,047        8,980        (18.98 %)      0.15     6,056,325        4,760        (11.43 %)      0.08

Total

     115,270,785        28,191,251        (7.49 %)      24.46     65,574,776        17,116,510        (15.12 %)      26.10     70,670,889        29,021,212        (24.39 %)      41.07

Financial Sector

                              

Pesos

     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00

Foreign currency

     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00

Total

     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00

Non financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents

                              

Pesos

     656,413,857        136,665,269        (11.25 %)      20.82     645,179,361        157,632,930        (17.56 %)      24.43     701,463,187        270,816,048        (28.84 %)      38.61

Foreign currency

     170,181,312        1,356,280        4.02     0.80     133,093,231        197,119        (18.98 %)      0.15     96,936,431        46,839        (11.46 %)      0.05

Total

     826,595,169        138,021,549        (8.11 %)      16.70     778,272,592        157,830,049        (17.80 %)      20.28     798,399,618        270,862,887        (26.73 %)      33.93

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

                              

Pesos

     1,404,320        323,870        (9.61 %)      23.06     2,340,571        316,878        (24.78 %)      13.54     3,315,960        1,298,781        (28.55 %)      39.17

Foreign currency

     2,537,280        152,957        9.42     6.03     1,067,208        34,796        (16.46 %)      3.26     1,500,668        58,162        (8.07 %)      3.88

Total

     3,941,600        476,827        2.64     12.10     3,407,779        351,674        (22.17 %)      10.32     4,816,628        1,356,943        (22.17 %)      28.17

Issued Corporate Bonds

                              

Pesos

     17,069,049        4,551,115        (6.96 %)      26.66     7,721,144        1,679,269        (19.34 %)      21.75     1,835,739        259,358        (41.41 %)      14.13

Foreign currency

     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00     1,783,128        36,085        (9.71 %)      2.02

Total

     17,069,049        4,551,115        (6.96 %)      26.66     7,721,144        1,679,269        (19.34 %)      21.75     3,618,867        295,443        (25.79 %)      8.16

Subordinated Corporate Bonds

                              

Pesos

     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00

Foreign currency

     98,817,810        7,050,034        10.55     7.13     90,741,013        6,321,128        (13.46 %)      6.97     72,232,078        4,628,154        (5.83 %)      6.41

Total

     98,817,810        7,050,034        10.55     7.13     90,741,013        6,321,128        (13.46 %)      6.97     72,232,078        4,628,154        (5.83 %)      6.41

Repo Transactions

     ,                              

Pesos

     2,706,094        575,543        (10.92 %)      21.27     2,028,325        573,794        (15.01 %)      28.29     2,786,655        975,643        (30.69 %)      35.01

Foreign currency

     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00     0        0        0.00     0.00

Total

     2,706,094        575,543        (10.92 %)      21.27     2,028,325        573,794        (15.01 %)      28.29     2,786,655        975,643        (30.69 %)      35.01

Total interest-bearing liabilities

                              

Pesos

     788,638,180        170,270,354        (10.69 %)      21.59     716,866,130        177,310,401        (17.37 %)      24.73     774,016,105        302,366,282        (28.61 %)      39.06

Foreign currency

     275,762,327        8,595,965        6.41     3.12     230,879,499        6,562,023        (16.80 %)      2.84     178,508,630        4,774,000        (9.14 %)      2.67

Total

     1,064,400,507        178,866,319        (6.26 %)      16.80     947,745,629        183,872,424        (17.23 %)      19.40     952,524,735        307,140,282        (24.96 %)      32.24

Total non–interest bearing liabilities and shareholders’ equity

                              

Pesos

     880,171,336        —          —         —         882,522,836        —          —         —         864,999,671        —          —         —    

Foreign currency

     118,117,301        —          —         —         94,978,876        —          —         —         74,130,816        —          —         —    

Total

     998,288,637        —          —         —         977,501,712        —          —         —         939,130,487        —          —         —    

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                              

Pesos

     1,668,809,516        —          —         —         1,599,388,966        —          —         —         1,639,015,776        —          —         —    

Foreign currency

     393,879,628        —          —         —         325,858,375        —          —         —         252,639,446        —          —         —    

Total

     2,062,689,144        —          —         —         1,925,247,341        —          —         —         1,891,655,222        —          —         —    

(1) Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial information”.

 

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Changes in interest income and interest expense; volume and rate analysis

The following tables allocate, by currency of denomination, changes in our interest income and interest expense segregated for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities into amounts attributable to changes in their average volume and their respective nominal interest rates for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, all based on information adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022.

 

     2020 (1)      2021 (1)      2022      December 2021 / December 2020 Increase
(Decrease) Due to Changes in
    December 2022/ December 2021 Increase
(Decrease) Due to Changes in
 
     Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
     Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
     Interest
Earned/
(Paid)
     Volume     Rate     Net Change     Volume     Rate     Net Change  
ASSETS                                                          

Interest-earning assets

                                                         

Cash and Deposits in Banks

                                                         

Pesos

     0        0        0        0       0       0       0       0       0  

Foreign currency

     376,848        25,670        400,119        (58,029     (293,149     (351,178     (9,950     384,399       374,449  

Total

     376,848        25,670        400,119        (58,029     (293,149     (351,178     (9,950     384,399       374,449  

Loans and other financing Non-financial Public Sector

                     

Pesos

     8,683,273        3,536,706        1,513,955        (5,114,114     (32,453     (5,146,567     (1,990,386     (32,365     (2,022,751

Foreign currency

     0        0        0        0       0       0       0       0       0  

Total

     8,683,273        3,536,706        1,513,955        (5,114,114     (32,453     (5,146,567     (1,990,386     (32,365     (2,022,751

Other Financial Entities

                     

Pesos

     2,939,385        1,315,660        534,608        (1,306,617     (317,108     (1,623,725     (823,064     42,012       (781,052

Foreign currency

     36,832        1,128        1,305        (35,540     (164     (35,704     42       135       177  

Total

     2,976,217        1,316,788        535,913        (1,342,157     (317,272     (1,659,429     (823,022     42,147       (780,875

Non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents

                     

Pesos

     236,752,217        216,807,170        247,761,599        (18,603,804     (1,341,243     (19,945,047     (11,059,406     42,013,835       30,954,429  

Foreign currency

     3,151,635        1,828,884        1,168,754        (1,709,100     386,349       (1,322,751     (720,049     59,919       (660,130

Total

     239,903,852        218,636,054        248,930,353        (20,312,904     (954,894     (21,267,798     (11,779,455     42,073,754       30,294,299  

Other Debt Securities

                     

Pesos

     189,016,097        198,668,618        347,301,619        11,203,652       (1,551,131     9,652,521       31,277,999       117,355,002       148,633,001  

Foreign currency

     117,418        315,090        498,586        83,923       113,749       197,672       302,680       (119,184     183,496  

Total

     189,133,515        198,983,708        347,800,205        11,287,575       (1,437,382     9,850,193       31,580,679       117,235,818       148,816,497  

Repo Transactions

                     

Pesos

     20,779,821        16,627,589        13,284,829        (10,286,040     6,133,808       (4,152,232     (8,518,497     5,175,737       (3,342,760

Foreign currency

     0        0        0        0       0       0       0       0       0  

Total

     20,779,821        16,627,589        13,284,829        (10,286,040     6,133,808       (4,152,232     (8,518,497     5,175,737       (3,342,760

Total interest-earning assets

                     

Pesos

     458,170,793        436,955,743        610,396,610        (24,106,923     2,891,873       (21,215,050     8,886,646       164,554,221       173,440,867  

Foreign currency

     3,682,733        2,170,772        2,068,764        (1,718,746     206,785       (1,511,961     (427,277     325,269       (102,008

Total

     461,853,526        439,126,515        612,465,374        (25,825,669     3,098,658       (22,727,011     8,459,369       164,879,490       173,338,859  

LIABILITIES

                     

Interest-bearing liabilities

                     

Deposits

                     

Non financial Public Sector

                     

Pesos

     28,154,557        17,107,530        29,016,452        (13,046,786     1,999,759       (11,047,027     1,443,311       10,465,611       11,908,922  

Foreign currency

     36,694        8,980        4,760        15,315       (43,029     (27,714     104       (4,324     (4,220

Total

     28,191,251        17,116,510        29,021,212        (13,031,471     1,956,730       (11,074,741     1,443,415       10,461,287       11,904,702  

Non financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents

                     

Pesos

     136,665,269        157,632,930        270,816,048        (2,338,926     23,306,587       20,967,661       13,734,527       99,448,591       113,183,118  

Foreign currency

     1,356,280        197,119        46,839        (291,534     (867,627     (1,159,161     (51,714     (98,566     (150,280

Total

     138,021,549        157,830,049        270,862,887        (2,630,460     22,438,960       19,808,500       13,682,813       99,350,025       113,032,838  

 

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     2020 (1)      2021 (1)      2022      December 2021 / December 2020 Increase
(Decrease) Due to Changes in
    December 2022/ December 2021 Increase
(Decrease) Due to Changes in
 
     Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
     Interest
Earned /
(Paid)
     Interest
Earned/
(Paid)
     Volume     Rate     Net Change     Volume     Rate     Net Change  

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

                     

Pesos

     323,870        316,878        1,298,781        215,866       (222,858     (6,992     132,103       849,800       981,903  

Foreign currency

     152,957        34,796        58,162        (88,604     (29,557     (118,161     14,126       9,240       23,366  

Total

     476,827        351,674        1,356,943        127,262       (252,415     (125,153     146,229       859,040       1,005,269  

Issued Corporate Bonds

                     

Pesos

     4,551,115        1,679,269        259,358        (2,492,658     (379,188     (2,871,846     (1,279,996     (139,915     (1,419,911

Foreign currency

     0        0        36,085        0       0       0       0       36,085       36,085  

Total

     4,551,115        1,679,269        295,443        (2,492,658     (379,188     (2,871,846     (1,279,996     (103,830     (1,383,826

Subordinated Corporate Bonds

                     

Pesos

     0        0        0        0       0       0       0       0       0  

Foreign currency

     7,050,034        6,321,128        4,628,154        (580,200     (148,706     (728,906     (1,286,552     (406,422     (1,692,974

Total

     7,050,034        6,321,128        4,628,154        (580,200     (148,706     (728,906     (1,286,552     (406,422     (1,692,974

Repo Transactions

                     

Pesos

     575,543        573,794        975,643        (144,118     142,369       (1,749     214,551       187,298       401,849  

Foreign currency

     0        0        0        0       0       0       0       0       0  

Total

     575,543        573,794        975,643        (144,118     142,369       (1,749     214,551       187,298       401,849  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

                     

Pesos

     170,270,354        177,310,401        302,366,282        (17,806,622     24,846,669       7,040,047       14,244,496       110,811,385       125,055,881  

Foreign currency

     8,595,965        6,562,023        4,774,000        (945,023     (1,088,919     (2,033,942     (1,324,036     (463,987     (1,788,023

Total

     178,866,319        183,872,424        307,140,282        (18,751,645     23,757,750       5,006,105       12,920,460       110,347,398       123,267,858  

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial information”.

Interest-earning assets: net interest margin and spread

The following table analyzes, by currency of denomination, the levels of our average interest-earning assets and net interest income and illustrates the comparative margins and spreads for each of the years indicated all based on information adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  
     (In thousands of Pesos, except percentages)  

Average interest-earning assets

      

Pesos

     1,273,339,766       1,193,354,768       1,217,178,284  

Foreign currency

     262,254,599       192,742,049       157,263,948  

Total

     1,535,594,365       1,386,096,817       1,374,442,232  

Net interest income (2)

      

Pesos

     287,900,439       259,645,342       308,030,328  

Foreign currency

     (4,913,232     (4,391,251     (2,705,236

Total

     282,987,207       255,254,091       305,325,092  
Net interest margin (3)                   

Pesos

     (9.94 %)      (19.33 %)      (35.67 %) 

Foreign currency

     1.26     (20.94 %)      (13.02 %) 

Weighted average rate

     (8.03 %)      (19.55 %)      (33.08 %) 

Yield spread real basis (4)

      

Pesos

     10.57     7,88     5.69

Foreign currency

     (1.77 %)      (1.39 %)      (1.19 %) 

Weighted average rate

     6.95     6.53     3.48

 

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Table of Contents
(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial information”.

(2)

Defined as interest earned less interest paid.

(3)

Calculated by dividing the amount of net interest income/(loss) by the interest-earning assets. The nominal rates calculated for each period have been converted into real rates using the formulas disclosed in “Item 4. Selected Statistical Information—Average balance sheet, interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities.”

(4)

Defined as the difference between the average real rate on interest-earning assets and the average real rate on interest-bearing liabilities.

Remaining maturity of government and private securities

We own, manage and trade a portfolio of securities issued by the Argentine and other governments and private issuers. The following table analyzes the remaining maturities of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2022 in accordance with issuance terms (before allowances). For further information, see “Item 3—Risk Factors—Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets may be limited or costly, which may impair its ability to implement reforms and public policies and foster economic growth”.

 

     Maturing within
1 year
     Maturing
after 1 year
but within 5
years
     Maturing
after 5
year but
within 10
years
     Maturing
after 10
years
     Without
due
date
     Total  
     Book Value (In thousands of Pesos, except percentages)  
DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR
LOSS
                                         

Local

                 

Government securities:

                 

Federal government bonds in dual currency at discount - Maturity: 07-21-2023

     58,946,978        0        0        0        0        58,946,978  

Federal government treasury bonds linked to dollar - Maturity: 04-28-2023

     56,990,201        0        0        0        0        56,990,201  

Federal government bonds in dual currency at discount - Maturity: 09-29-2023

     21,913,191        0        0        0        0        21,913,191  

Federal government bonds in dual currency at discount - Maturity: 06-30-2023

     20,739,047        0        0        0        0        20,739,047  

Federal government treasury bonds in Pesos adjustment by CER - Maturity: 03-25-2023

     14,667,234        0        0        0        0        14,667,234  

Federal government bonds in dual currency at discount - Maturity: 02-28-2024

     0        11,476,239        0        0        0        11,476,239  

Federal government treasury bonds in Pesos adjustment by CER - Maturity: 03-06-2023

     5,841,908        0        0        0        0        5,841,908  

Letters of National Estate in Pesos adjustment by CER at discount - Maturity: 01-20-2023

     2,969,113        0        0        0        0        2,969,113  

Letters of National Estate in Pesos adjustment by CER at discount - Maturity: 02-17-2023

     2,184,546        0        0        0        0        2,184,546  

Federal government treasury bonds in Pesos adjustment by CER - Maturity: 05-19-2023

     2,137,825        0        0        0        0        2,137,825  

Other

     2,532,739        3,542,744        496,300        395,153        0        6,966,936  

Subtotal Government securities

     188,922,782        15,018,983        496,300        395,153        0        204,833,218  

Private securities:

                 

Corporate bonds Genneia SA Class 031 - Maturity: 09-02-2027

     265,918        1,063,680        0        0        0        1,329,598  

Corporate bonds Transportadora de Gas del Sur SA Class 002 - Maturity: 05-02-2025

     0        708,031        0        0        0        708,031  

Corporate bonds Pampa Energía SA Class I - Maturity: 01-24-2027

     0        591,753        0        0        0        591,753  

 

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Table of Contents
     Maturing within
1 year
     Maturing
after 1 year
but within 5
years
     Maturing
after 5
year but
within 10
years
     Maturing
after 10
years
     Without
due
date
     Total  
     Book Value (In thousands of Pesos, except percentages)  
DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR
LOSS
                                         

Corporate bonds Tarjeta Naranja SA Class 53 Series 01 - Maturity: 04-05-2023

     434,678        0        0        0        0        434,678  

Debt Securities in Financial Trust Confibono

     417,426        0        0        0        0        417,426  

Corporate bonds Pan American Energy Argentina S.L Class 21 - Maturity: 07-21-2025

     0        335,505        0        0        0        335,505  

Corporate bonds Telecom Argentina SA Class 001 - Maturity: 07-18-2026

     0        276,554        0        0        0        276,554  

Corporate bonds Pan American Energy Argentina S.L Class 012 - Maturity: 04-30-2027

     0        252,830        0        0        0        252,830  

Corporate bonds Arcor SAIC Class 018 - Maturity: 10-09-2027

     0        244,342        0        0        0        244,342  

Corporate bonds CT Barragan SA Class 006 - Maturity: 05-16-2025

     0        189,080        0        0        0        189,080  

Other

     633,145        807,952        0        0        0        1,441,097  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal local Private securities

     1,751,167        4,469,727        0        0        0        6,220,894  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

     190,673,949        19,488,710        496,300        395,153        0        211,054,112  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Maturing within
1 year
    Maturing
after 1 year
but within 5
years
    Maturing
after 5
year but
within 10
years
    Maturing
after 10
years
    Without
due
date
     Total  

MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGHT OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

             

Local

             

Government securities:

             

Letters of National Estate in Pesos adjusted by CER at discount - Maturity: 02-17-2023

     44,938,818       0       0       0       0        44,938,818  

Bonds of treasury of federal government in Pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 03-25-2023

     34,466,456       0       0       0       0        34,466,456  

Letters of National Estate in Pesos adjustment by CER at discount - Maturity: 01-20-2023

     13,323,179       0       0       0       0        13,323,179  

Letters of National treasury in Pesos at discount - Maturity: 02-28-2023

     11,626,524       0       0       0       0        11,626,524  

Letters of National treasury in Pesos at discount - Maturity: 03-31-2023

     10,732,116       0       0       0       0        10,732,116  

Bonds of treasury of federal government in Pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 08-13-2023

     8,802,301       0       0       0       0        8,802,301  

Bonds of treasury of federal government in Pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 05-19-2023

     2,849,299       0       0       0       0        2,849,299  

Letters of National Estate in Pesos at discount - Maturity: 04-28-2023

     1,406,688       0       0       0       0        1,406,688  

Bonds of treasury of federal government in Pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 03-06-2023

     1,354,629       0       0       0       0        1,354,629  

Bonds of federal government in dollars Step up - Maturity: 07-09-2030

     0       270,538       249,732       0       0        520,270  

Others

     9,272       436,673       14,456       0       0        460,401  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal local Government securities

     129,509,282       707,211       264,188       0       0        130,480,681  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign

             

Government securities:

             

US Treasury Bill – Maturity: 01-10-2023

     3,894,153       0       0       0       0        3,894,153  

US Treasury Bill – Maturity: 01-17-2023

     2,652,942       0       0       0       0        2,652,942  

US Treasury Bill – Maturity: 01-19-2023

     884,217       0       0       0       0        884,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal foreign Government securities

     7,431,312       0       0       0       0        7,431,312  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER DEBT SECURITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

     136,940,594       707,211       264,188       0       0        137,911,993  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average rate (1)

     29.15     24.12     41.72     0.00     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

MEASURED AT AMORTIZED COST

             

Local

             

Government securities:

             

Bonds of treasury of federal government in Pesos - Maturity: 05-23-2027

     0       40,161,419       0       0       0        40,161,419  

Bonds of treasury of federal government in Pesos Badlar x 0.7 - Maturity: 11-23-2027

     0       8,374,568       0       0       0        8,374,568  

Discount bonds denominated in Pesos at 5.83% - Maturity: 12-31-2033

     0       202,755       253,450       50,690       0        506,895  

Debt securities of Province of Río Negro in Pesos - Maturity: 04-12-2023

     200,333       0       0       0       0        200,333  

Treasury bills of Province of Río Negro Series 02 in Pesos - Maturity: 06-15-2023

     198,999       0       0       0       0        198,999  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal local Government securities

     399,332       48,738,742       253,450       50,690       0        49,442,214  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Central Bank of Argentina Bills

             

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos - Maturity: 01-03-2023

     62,250,767       0       0       0       0        62,250,767  

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos - Maturity: 01-04-2023 01-24-2023

     62,080,786       0       0       0       0        62,080,786  

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos - Maturity: 01-05-2023

     62,003,011       0       0       0       0        62,003,011  

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos - Maturity: 01-26-2023

     61,833,224       0       0       0       0        61,833,224  

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos - Maturity: 01-10-2023

     61,386,248       0       0       0       0        61,386,248  

 

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Table of Contents
    Maturing
within 1 year
    Maturing
after 1 year
but within 5
years
    Maturing
after 5
year but
within 10
years
    Maturing
after 10
years
    Without
due date
    Total  

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos—Maturity: 01-12-2023

    61,141,456       0       0       0       0       61,141,456  

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos—Maturity: 01-17-2023

    60,533,736       0       0       0       0       60,533,736  

Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos—Maturity: 01-19-2023

    60,292,343       0       0       0       0       60,292,343  

Internal letters of BCRA exchange rate of reference to rate 0 – Maturity: 09-20-2023

    3,796,524       0       0       0       0       3,796,524  

Internal letters of BCRA exchange rate of reference to rate 0 – Maturity: 09-22-2023

    3,660,475       0       0       0       0       3,660,475  

Other

    36,881,730       504,816       0       0       0       37,386,546  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    535,860,300       504,816       0       0       0       536,365,166  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Central Bank of Argentina Notes

           

Liquidity notes of Central Bank of Argentina in Pesos – Maturity: 01-04-2023

    12,105,932       0       0       0       0       12,105,932  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    12,105,932       0       0       0       0       12,105,932  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Private securities:

           

Corporate Bonds Vista Energy Argentina SAU Class 13—Maturity: 08-08-2024

    0       521,919       0       0       0       521,919  

Corporate Bonds Vista Oil y Gas Argentina SAU Class 15—Maturity: 01-20-2025

    0       481,671       0       0       0       481,671  

Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Confibono Series 65 Class A—Maturity: 07-20-2023

    116,483       0       0       0       0       116,483  

Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Secubono Series 221 Class A—Maturity: 07-28-2023

    90,941       0       0       0       0       90,941  

Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Secubono Series 222 Class A—Maturity: 08-28-2023

    75,880       0       0       0       0       75,880  

Corporate Bonds YPF SA Class 043—Maturity: 10-21-2023

    34,863       0       0       0       0       34,863  

Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Secubono Series 219 Class A—Maturity: 04-28-2023

    24,819       0       0       0       0       24,819  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal local Private securities

    342,986       1,003,590       0       0       0       1,346,576  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER DEBT SECURITIES AT AMORTIZED COST

    548,708,550       50,247,148       253,450       50,690       0       599,259,838  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average rate (1)

    114.34     38.55     11.43     11.43    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

           

Local

           

Mercado Abierto Electrónico SA

    0       0       0       0       462,536       462,536  

C.O.E.L.S.A

    0       0       0       0       87,563       87,563  

Matba Rofex SA

    0       0       0       0       58,306       58,306  

Sedesa

    0       0       0       0       21,291       21,291  

AC Inversora SA

    0       0       0       0       19,583       19,583  

Mercado a Término Rosario SA

    0       0       0       0       14,627       14,627  

Provincanje SA

    0       0       0       0       14,506       14,506  

Pampa Energía SA

    0       0       0       0       721       721  

Argencontrol SA

    0       0       0       0       478       478  

San Juan Tennis Club SA

    0       0       0       0       437       437  

Other

    0       0       0       0       10       10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal local

    0       0       0       0       680,058       680,058  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign

           

Cedear Exxon Mob

    0       0       0       0       22,559       22,559  

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior SA

    0       0       0       0       20,957       20,957  

Cedear Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

    0       0       0       0       19,363       19,363  

Cedear Pepsico

    0       0       0       0       18,785       18,785  

Cedear McDonald

    0       0       0       0       17,874       17,874  

 

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     Maturing
within 1 year
     Maturing
after 1 year
but within
5 years
     Maturing
after 5
year but
within 10
years
     Maturing
after 10
years
     Without
due date
     Total  

Cedear Vista Oil & Gas

     0        0        0        0        14,711        14,711  

Cedear Wells F&C

     0        0        0        0        11,506        11,506  

Cedear Bankof America Corp.

     0        0        0        0        9,267        9,267  

Sociedad de Telecomunicaciones Financieras Interbancarias Mundiales

     0        0        0        0        5,646        5,646  

Cedear Aztrazden

     0        0        0        0        3,657        3,657  

Other

     0        0        0        0        15,075        15,075  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal foreign

     0        0        0        0        159,400        159,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

     0        0        0        0        839,458        839,458  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The average rates are weighted average of the internal rate of return (IRR) at each drop date of the species of each category. These rates can be obtained from market data (IAMC, MAE, CAFCI, etc.) or, otherwise, from the rate calculated for the accounting accrual.

Loans and other financing portfolio

The following table analyzes our loans and other financing portfolio by type as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Due to IFRS 9, as of December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022, we calculate the allowances included in our financial statements under expected credit losses approach. For further information see note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

     As of December 31.  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

To the non-financial government sector

     10,628,397        4,628,306        2,206,935  

To the financial sector (2)

     5,407,849        2,948,987        935,413  

To the non-financial private sector and foreign residents

        

Overdrafts (3)

     50,205,599        45,319,431        45,396,378  

Documents (4)

     76,961,002        77,257,991        75,913,761  

Mortgages loans

     39,643,917        42,883,842        23,461,691  

Pledged loans (5)

     9,581,021        14,270,960        9,320,386  

Consumer loans (6)

     385,079,455        367,336,137        327,366,803  

Other loans

     149,121,650        93,851,526        71,204,582  

Accrued Interest, adjustments, foreign exchange and quoted price differences receivables

     58,102,383        60,095,460        60,046,767  

Other financing

     5,291,118        3,141,732        2,555,171  

Less: Unearned discounts

     (3,951,218      (6,644,706      (8,804,518

Less: Allowances

     (29,191,046      (18,761,457      (11,002,504

Total Loans and other financing

     756,880,127        686,328,209        598,600,865  

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information.”

(2)

Includes loans to financial institutions, inter-financing (granted call) and other financing to Argentine financial institutions.

(3)

Includes overdraft lines of credit resulting from checking accounts.

(4)

Includes the face values of drafts, promissory notes and other bills transferred to us by endorsement for which the assignor is liable, whenever the latter is part of the non-financial private sector.

(5)

Includes the principal amounts actually lent of automobile and other collateral granted, for which the obligor is part of the non-financial private sector and productive investment loans.

(6)

Includes personal loans, credit card loans and other consumer loans. Overdrafts to individuals are included under “Overdrafts”.

 

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Table of Contents

Maturity composition of the loans and other financing portfolio

The following table analyzes our loans and other financing portfolio as of December 31, 2022, by type and by the time remaining to maturity. Loans are stated before deduction of the allowance for loan losses. We expect most loans to be repaid at maturity in cash or through refinancing at market terms.

 

     Maturing  
     Amount as of
December 31,
2022
   

Within

1 Year

   

After 1 Year
but Within

5 Years

   

After

5 Years but
Within 15 Years

   

After

15 Years

 
     (in thousands of Pesos, except percentages)  

To the non-financial government sector

     2,206,935       1,948,843       258,092       0       0  

To the financial sector (1)

     935,413       646,740       288,673       0       0  

To the non-financial private sector and foreign residents

          

Overdrafts (2)

     46,267,199       46,259,147       8,052       0       0  

Documents (3)

     74,183,119       73,255,196       927,923       0       0  

Mortgages loans

     62,427,346       8,380,241       11,750,298       22,746,264       19,550,543  

Pledged loans (4)

     9,582,980       3,273,552       6,263,951       45,477       0  

Consumer loans (5)

     334,528,905       241,127,295       93,362,081       39,529       0  

Other loans

     76,916,430       61,398,810       13,525,030       1,418,268       574,322  

Other financings

     2,555,042       1,455,669       1,098,491       882       0  

Total Loans and other financing

     609,603,369       437,745,493       127,482,591       24,250,420       20,124,865  

Percentage of total loans and other financing portfolio

     100     72     21     4     3

 

(1)

Includes loans to financial institutions, interfinancing (granted call) and other financing to Argentine financial institutions.

(2)

Includes overdrafts lines of credit resulting from checking accounts.

(3)

Includes the face value of drafts, promissory notes and other bills transferred to us by endorsement for which the assignor is liable, whenever the latter is part of the non-financial private sector.

(4)

Includes the principal amount actually lent of automobile and other collateral granted, for which the obligor is part of the non-financial private sector and productive investment loans.

(5)

Includes personal loans, credit card loans and other consumer loans. Overdrafts to individuals are included under “Overdrafts”.

Interest rate sensitivity of outstanding loans and other financing

The following table presents the interest rate sensitivity of our outstanding loans and other financing with maturities over one year as of December 31, 2022:

 

     As of December 31, 2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Loans and other financing with maturities over one year:

  

Variable rate

  

To the non-financial government sector

     258,111  

To the financial sector

     0  

To the non-financial private sector and foreign residents

     58,109,326  

Total

     58,367,437  

Fixed rate

  

To the non-financial government sector

     0  

To the financial sector

     283,333  

To the non-financial private sector and foreign residents

     113,207,106  

Total

     113,490,439  

Total Loans and other financing with maturities over one year

     171,857,876  

 

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Table of Contents
     As of December 31, 2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Loans and other financing with maturities of less than one year:

  

To the non-financial government sector

     1,948,824  

To the financial sector

     652,080  

To the non-financial private sector and foreign residents

     435,144,589  

Total loans and other financing with maturities of less than one year

     437,745,493  
  

 

 

 

Total Loans and other financing

     609,603,369  

Analysis of the allowance for loan losses and other financing

The allowances for the year 2020, 2021 and 2022 were calculated based on the ECL according to IFRS.

The table below sets forth the activity in the allowances for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:

 

     Commercial
portfolio
     Consumer
portfolio
     Total  
     (in thousands of Pesos) (1)  

ECL as of January 1, 2020

     6,457,832        13,835,568        20,293,400  

New assets originated or purchased

     5,542,219        18,131,997        23,674,216  

Assets derecognized or repaid

     (3,454,875      (1,588,809      (5,043,684

Amounts Written Off

     (969,712      (2,234,809      (3,204,521

Monetary effects

     (1,510,360      (5,018,005      (6,528,365

As of December 31, 2020

     6,065,104        23,125,942        29,191,046  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Commercial
portfolio
     Consumer
portfolio
     Total  
     (in thousands of Pesos) (1)  

ECL as of January 1, 2021

     6,065,104        23,125,942        29,191,046  

New assets originated or purchased

     7,841,899        8,615,067        16,456,966  

Assets derecognized or repaid

     (3,711,902      (8,307,740      (12,019,642

Effect of other changes

     1,853,049        (5,168,263      (3,315,214

Amounts Written Off

     (887,973      (1,106,343      (1,994,316

Monetary effects

     (3,766,475      (5,790,908      (9,557,383

As of December 31, 2021

     7,393,702        11,367,755        18,761,457  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Commercial
portfolio
     Consumer
portfolio
     Total  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

ECL as of January 1, 2022

     7,393,702        11,367,755        18,761,457  

New assets originated or purchased

     1,371,004        6,037,335        7,408,339  

Assets derecognized or repaid

     (3,616,188      (2,379,662      (5,995,850

Effect of other changes

     (425,460      2,033,123        1,607,663  

Amounts Written Off

     0        (1,775,444      (1,775,444

Monetary effects

     (2,679,196      (6,324,465      (9,003,661

As of December 31, 2022

     2,043,862        8,958,642        11,002,504  

 

  (1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information.”

 

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Table of Contents

Ratio of net charge-off

The following table presents the ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and other financing by category for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020     2021     2022  

Overdrafts

     2.77     0.30     0.05

Documents

     0.17     0.02     0.01

Mortgage loans

     0.27     0.49     0.26

Pledged loans

     0.30     0.17     0.28

Consumer Loans

     1.30     0.64     0.84

Other loans

     1.05     1.40     0.41

Other financings

     1.31     0.39     1.66

Allocation of the allowances for loans and other financing losses

The following table allocates the allowance for loans and other financing losses by each category of financing and sets forth the percentage distribution of the total allowance for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

    

As of December 31,

 
     2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos, except percentages)  

Overdrafts

     1,991,986        6.82     1,379,888        7.35     527,005        4.79

Documents

     1,523,226        5.22     1,873,118        9.98     564,580        5.13

Mortgage loans

     2,039,210        6.99     3,892,311        20.75     1,193,916        10.85

Pledged loans

     387,477        1.33     240,677        1.28     189,640        1.72

Consumer Loans

     18,525,946        63.46     7,978,369        42.53     6,913,454        62.84

Other loans

     4,624,550        15.84     3,305,307        17.62     1,578,758        14.35

Other financings

     98,651        0.34     91,787        0.49     35,151        0.32

TOTAL ALLOWANCES

     29,191,046        100.00     18,761,457        100.00     11,002,504        100.00

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

Deposits

The following table sets out the composition of each category of deposits that exceeded 10% of average total deposits in each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Deposits in Domestic Bank Offices

        

Non-interest bearing Demand Deposits (2)

        

Average

        

Pesos

     248,523,502        237,531,237        213,149,816  

Foreign currency

     7,122,455        7,440,527        3,920,055  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     255,645,957        244,971,764        217,069,871  

 

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Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Non-interest bearing Other Deposits

      

Average

      

Pesos

     20,845,603       13,710,210       13,618,778  

Foreign currency

     52,609,796       45,414,916       42,944,582  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     73,455,399       59,125,126       56,563,360  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

      

Average

      

Pesos

     214,109,896       201,980,466       207,050,325  

Foreign currency

     75,850,200       68,565,098       56,906,044  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     289,960,096       270,545,564       263,956,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average real rate

      

Pesos

     (23.90 %)      (32.12 %)      (43.88 %) 

Foreign currency

     3.21     (19.09 %)      (11.49 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (16.81 %)      (28.82 %)      (36.90 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Time Deposits

      

Average

      

Pesos

     553,348,820       502,795,624       559,027,426  

Foreign currency

     63,248,557       70,506,179       46,086,712  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     616,597,377       573,301,803       605,114,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average real rate

      

Pesos

     (5.69 %)      (11.38 %)      (22.90 %) 

Foreign currency

     4.64     (18.87 %)      (11.42 %) 

Total

     (4.13 %)      (12.30 %)      (22.03 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deposits in Foreign Bank Offices

      

Non-interest bearing Demand Deposits

      

Average

      

Pesos

     0       0       403  

Foreign currency

     17,679,664       3,490,291       4,239,254  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     17,679,664       3,490,291       4,239,657  

Non-interest bearing Other Deposits

      

Average

      

Pesos

     0       0       0  

Foreign currency

     52,937,294       14,322,523       7,395,674  

Total

     52,937,294       14,322,523       7,395,674  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information.”

(2)

Non-interest-bearing demand deposits consist of checking accounts.

Deposits by Type of Guarantee

The following table sets forth information regarding deposits by type of guarantee as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

    2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (in thousands of Pesos)  
    With
guarantee
    Without
guarantee
    Total     With
guarantee
    Without
guarantee
    Total     With
guarantee
    Without
guarantee
     Total  
                                                        

Checking accounts

    82,799,476       204,355,865       287,155,341       70,346,414       201,047,365       271,393,779       45,258,313       213,726,623        258,984,936  

Savings accounts

    254,388,878       153,847,240       408,236,118       255,249,305       103,786,312       359,035,617       200,241,754       171,761,664        372,003,418  

Time deposits

    264,681,897       389,590,185       654,272,082       235,285,420       243,081,128       478,366,548       227,094,059       368,288,468        595,382,527  

Investment accounts

    1,441,876       66,563,058       68,004,934       3,423,681       15,199,694       18,623,375       3,491,213       47,445,002        50,936,215  

Other

    12,970,240       6,378,244       19,348,484       11,922,325       7,699,384       19,621,709       9,828,082       8,259,891        18,087,973  

Total Deposits

    616,282,367       820,734,592       1,437,016,959       576,227,145       570,813,883       1,147,041,028       485,913,421       809,481,648        1,295,395,069  

 

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(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

All deposits in Pesos and foreign currency placed in participating entities in the form of checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposits or other forms of deposit that the Central Bank may determine from time to time shall be subject to the Deposit Guarantee Insurance System up to the amount of Ps. 1,500,000 (as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022) which must meet the requirements provided for in Presidential Decree 540/1995 and other requirements that the regulatory authority may determine from time to time. On the other hand, the Central Bank provided from the exclusion of the guarantee system, among others, of any deposits made by other financial entities, deposits made by persons related to the Bank and securities deposits. However, pursuant to Communication “A” 7661, the Central Bank raised the amount covered by the Deposit Insurance System to Ps.6,000,000 since January 1, 2023.

Maturity of Deposits Without Guarantee

The following table sets forth information regarding our deposits without guarantee as of December 31, 2022.

 

     Total      Within 3
Months
     Maturing
After 3 but
Within
6 Months
     After 6,
but Within
12 Months
     After 12
Months
 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Deposits without guarantee

  

Checking accounts

              

That exceed the guarantee

     138,369,084        138,369,084        0        0        0  

Without guarantee

     75,357,539        75,357,539        0        0        0  

Savings accounts

              

That exceed the guarantee

     87,231,557        87,231,557        0        0        0  

Without guarantee

     84,530,107        84,530,107        0        0        0  

Time deposits

              

That exceed the guarantee

     224,186,124        220,876,866        2,773,502        524,798        10,958  

Without guarantee

     144,102,344        142,282,690        1,366,178        453,370        106  

Investment accounts

              

That exceed the guarantee

     1,619,552        1,601,301        16,750        1,501        0  

Without guarantee

     45,825,450        36,399,433        9,425,982        35        0  

Other

              

That exceed the guarantee

     6,397,814        6,397,814        0        0        0  

Without guarantee

     1,862,077        1,862,077        0        0        0  

Total Deposits without guarantee

     809,481,648        794,908,468        13,582,412        979,704        11,064  

 

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Return on equity and assets

The following table presents certain selected financial information and ratios for the years indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos, except percentages)  

Net income for the fiscal years

     76,901,094       44,555,592       40,773,666  

Average total assets

     2,062,689,144       1,925,247,341       1,891,655,222  

Average shareholders’ equity

     430,997,517       438,257,094       471,419,807  

Shareholders’ equity at the end of the fiscal year

     445,581,084       466,797,391       512,228,875  

Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of Average total assets

     20.89     22.76     24.92

Net income as a percentage of:

      

Average total assets

     3.73     2.31     2.16

Average shareholders’ equity

     17.84     10.17     8.65

Declared nominal cash dividends (2)

     10,000,426       14,187,873       75,040,918  

Dividend payout ratio (3)

     33.04     52.31     174.33

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information.”

(2)

Figures not restated.

(3)

Declared nominal cash dividends stated as percentage of net income calculated under Central Bank Rules. Net income in nominal value calculated under Central Bank Rules as of December 31, 2020, of Ps. 30,269,354 thousand, as of December 31, 2021, of Ps. 27,123,243 thousand and as of December 31, 2022 of Ps. 43,045,596 thousand.                

Interest rate sensitivity

The following table shows the interest rate sensitivity of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities based on contractual maturities all based on information adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. Variations in interest rate sensitivity may also arise within the repricing periods presented.

 

     Remaining Maturity at December 31, 2022  
     0-1 Year      1-5 Years      5-10 Years      Over 10
years
     Without
due date
     Total  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Interest-earning assets:

                 

Loans and other financing to non-financial Public Sector

     1,948,678        258,092        0        0        0        2,206,770  

Loans and other financing to non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents

     428,027,988        123,802,086        8,481,981        35,154,768        0        595,466,823  

Loans and other financing to other Financial Entities

     638,599        288,673        0        0        0        927,272  

Other Debt Securities

     685,649,144        50,954,359        517,638        50,690        0        737,171,831  

Repo Transactions

     61,929,317        0        0        0        0        61,929,317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

     1,178,193,726        175,303,210        8,999,619        35,205,458        0        1,397,702,013  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                 

Non-financial Public Sector deposits

     56,960,759        0        0        0        0        56,960,759  

Non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents deposits

     959,809,589        20,678        0        0        0        959,830,267  

 

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     Remaining Maturity at December 31, 2022  
     0-1 Year     1-5 Years     5-10 Years     Over 10
years
    Without
due date
    Total  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

     2,449,342       0       0       0       0       2,449,342  

Issued Corporate Bonds

     6,488       2,709,068       0       0       0       2,715,556  

Subordinated Corporate Bonds

     1,420,220       70,709,617       0       0       0       72,129,837  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

     1,020,646,398       73,439,363       0       0       0       1,094,085,761  

Asset (Liability) Gap

     157,547,328       101,863,847       8,999,619       35,205,458       0       303,616,252  

Cumulative Asset/Liability Gap

     157,547,328       259,411,175       268,410,794       303,616,252       303,616,252    

Cumulative sensitivity gap as a percentage of total interest-earning assets

     11.27     18.56     19.20     21.72     21.72  

Interest-earning assets in Pesos

            

Loans and other financing to non-financial Public Sector

     1,948,678       258,092       0       0       0       2,206,770  

Loans and other financing to non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents

     396,986,332       119,003,863       8,381,667       35,154,768       0       559,526,630  

Loans and other financing to other Financial Entities

     638,599       288,673       0       0       0       927,272  

Other Debt Securities

     633,879,103       49,153,733       253,450       50,690       0       683,336,976  

Repo Transactions

     61,929,317       0       0       0       0       61,929,317  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets in Pesos

     1,095,382,029       168,704,361       8,635,117       35,205,458       0       1,307,926,965  

Interest-bearing liabilities in Pesos

            

Non-financial Public Sector deposits

     52,309,479       0       0       0       0       52,309,479  

Non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents deposits

     850,509,000       20,583       0       0       0       850,529,583  

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

     51,705       0       0       0       0       51,705  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities in Pesos

     902,870,184       20,583       0       0       0       902,890,767  

Asset (Liability) Gap

     192,511,845       168,683,778       8,635,117       35,205,458       0       405,036,198  

Cumulative Asset/Liability Gap

     192,511,845       361,195,623       369,830,740       405,036,198       405,036,198    

Cumulative sensitivity gap as a percentage of total interest-earning assets

     14.72     27.62     28.28     30.97     30.97  

Interest-earning assets in foreign currency

            

Loans and other financing to non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents

     31,041,656       4,798,223       100,314       0       0       35,940,193  

Other Debt Securities

     51,770,041       1,800,626       264,188       0       0       53,834,855  

Total Interest-Earning Assets

     82,811,697       6,598,849       364,502       0       0       89,775,048  

Interest-bearing liabilities in foreign currency

            

Non-financial Public Sector deposits

     4,651,280       0       0       0       0       4,651,280  

Non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents deposits

     109,300,589       95       0       0       0       109,300,684  

 

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     Remaining Maturity at December 31, 2022  
     0-1 Year     1-5 Years     5-10 Years     Over 10
years
    Without
due date
    Total  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

     2,397,637       0       0       0       0       2,397,637  

Subordinated Corporate Bonds

     6,488       2,709,068       0       0       0       2,715,556  

Repo Transactions

     1,420,220       70,709,617       0       0       0       72,129,837  

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

     117,776,214       73,418,780       0       0       0       191,194,994  

Asset (Liability) Gap

     (34,964,517     (66,819,931     364,502       0       0       (101,419,946

Cumulative Asset/Liability Gap

     (34,964,517     (101,784,448     (101,419,946     (101,419,946     (101,419,946  

Cumulative sensitivity gap as a percentage of total interest-earning assets

     (38.95 %)      (113.38 %)      (112.97 %)      (112.97 %)      (112.97 %)   

 

(1)

Includes instruments issued by the Central Bank.

(2)

Loan amounts are stated before deducting the allowance for loan losses. Non-accrual loans are included with loans as interest-earning asset.

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

This section contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, those set forth in “Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statements,” “Risk Factors,” and the matters set forth in this annual report in general.

The following discussion is based on, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this annual report and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this annual report.

A. Operating results

FINANCIAL PRESENTATION

Our accompanying consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 have been prepared in accordance with the IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Additionally, our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and the corresponding figures for previous fiscal years and the financial information included in this annual report for all periods reported have been restated for the changes in the general purchasing power of the functional currency of the Bank as established by IAS 29. As a result, those consolidated financial statements and selected financial information are stated in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period (December 31, 2022). Due to the high inflationary level that has prevailed in Argentina in the recent past, our management has analyzed the conditions established by IAS 29 paragraph 3 for an economy to be considered as hyperinflationary. Based on such analysis, our management considers that there is evidence to determinate Argentina’s economy as “hyperinflationary” under IAS 29 for accounting periods ending after July 1, 2018. See “—Risk factors—Risks Relating to Argentina—High inflation levels could have adverse long-term consequences for the Argentine economy” and note 3 “Basis for the preparation of these financial statements and applicable accounting standards” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. In this regard, according to the official data published by INDEC, the annual consumer price inflation rate was 47.6% in 2018, 53.8% in 2019, 36.1% in 2020, 50.9% in 2021 and 94.8% in 2022.

 

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MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Year 2020

In December 2019, COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China, and the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In 2020, global GDP fell by 3.5% according to IMF estimates, with a drop of 4.9% in developed markets and 2.4% in emerging markets. Regarding emerging markets, the decrease was not comparable to that of developed markets’ due to China’s fast recovery. China ended 2020 with a 2.3% increase of GDP, while the United States, the Eurozone, the United Kingdom, Japan, India and Latin America all suffered drops of GDP by 3.4%, 7.2%, 10%, 5.1%, 8% and 7.4%, respectively.

Virtually all countries had swift and strong responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, with important fiscal measures aimed at securing revenues for individuals and business that had to close or downsize. Therefore, fiscal deficits in many countries reached historic highs, as did debt-to-GDP ratios. Meanwhile, the central banks of the major countries lowered the benchmark interest rate to almost zero, enabling many countries and companies to obtain cheap financing. Moreover, many countries implemented highly expansionary monetary policies to provide additional liquidity to their economies.

The COVID-19 pandemic mostly affected the services sector, particularly everything related to tourism, leisure, events and culture, which came to a near-total standstill. Goods manufacturers suffered relatively less and, despite decreases, and the effects of the second wave of infections, manufacturing output in many countries is in expansionary territory in contrast to services which remain in negative.

The IMF forecasts for 2021 a global GDP recovery of 5.5% year-on-year, with a growth of 6.3% in emerging markets, and 4.3% among developed countries. The United States is expected to grow 5.1% and the Eurozone would lag behind with 4.2% and continue to lose share of the world GDP. Among the large emerging economies, India would lead the recovery with more than 11%, followed by China with 8.1%. Latin America would recover with an increase of 4.1%, which implies a decrease by 3.6% if taken 2020 and 2021 as a whole. The region as a whole is unlikely to recover in 2022 the level of activity reached in 2019, although Brazil, the region’s most important economy to Argentina, may do so as it is expected to grow 3.5% in 2021, after a 4.5% drop in 2020. Argentina, Mexico and Peru are facing a much more difficult outlook.

The United States’ economy fell 2.5% in 2020 relative to 2019, but showed greater volatility throughout the year, basically in line with the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second quarter of 2020, the economic activity fell at an annualized rate of 31.4% before recovering by 33.4% in the third quarter and maintaining a much more moderate annualized growth rate of 4% in the last quarter of the 2020 year. Unemployment rose from 4% to 14% in the first month of the health crisis, and then stagnated below 7% for the rest of the year. Inflation ended at 1.4% and, although it accelerated in the last months of the year, it remains below the 2% annual rate set by the monetary authorities as a benchmark for managing monetary policy and eventually tapering the stimulus programs in place.

The United States’ elections may also have had an impact on the economy. However, the financial markets showed no significant signs of concern and expected a recovery of the economy. With Joe Biden’s victory and the control of Congress by the Democratic Party, it is expected that measures to address the pandemic will be intensified and aid programs will be renewed in a framework in which the United States will return to an attitude of greater openness and commitment to global concerns and, particularly, regarding the western hemisphere’s countries.

The first wave of the COVID-19 infections hit several European countries relatively hard, particularly Italy and Spain, which suffered from the collapse of health systems in some of the worst affected regions. Both the United Kingdom and most of the countries in Europe have introduced restrictive measures on the movement of their populations that have affected both their economies and that of the continent.

In the second quarter of 2020, the Eurozone fell 14.7% as from the same period a year earlier. Unemployment climbed from 7.2% in February 2020 to a peak of 8.7% in July. Inflation, which had ended 2019 at 1.3%, turned into deflation as the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy progressed. Since August 2020, prices for the last 12 months showed declines and inflation closed at negative 0.3% with core inflation still positive at 0.2% and food at 0.9%. In almost all major Europeans countries interest rates for sovereign debt are negative. Other debtors that were once considered risky, such as Portugal and Greece, are getting financing at rates close to 0%.

Brazil performed better than most countries in the region, with a fall of around 4.5%. Although the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in many parts of the country, the restrictions were relatively less than in other countries in the region. With an interest rate of 2% (negative in real terms), Brazil started the recovery and is expected to continue strongly, leveraged by good commodity export prices. While down somewhat from the peak of 14.6%, unemployment in Brazil remains high at 14.1% as of November 2020.

 

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The early shutdown of many parts of China in the early 2020 affected global value chains and generated input shortages in several sectors of the global productive apparatus. Nevertheless, the policies of the Chinese government, which were initially very restrictive, enabled a rapid return to a certain degree of normality. China closed 2020 growing at a year-on-year rate of 6.5%, in line with its pre-pandemic growth. Unemployment also returned to pre-pandemic levels while inflation fell to 5.4% year-on-year in January to 0.2% year-on-year in December (12 months period).

Stock markets around the world ended the year positive, despite the pandemic and the global recession. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index increased 16.3% driven by technology companies. The Nasdaq index increased 43.6%, the highest in a decade. Markets took a big tumble at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but by the end of the second quarter they had recovered their losses and optimism prevailed. This contrasts with negative values for European stock markets. The old continent has less technology components and a high preponderance of tourism, a sector very affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Stoxx 600 index drop by 3.8%. The United Kingdom index FTSE fell 14%, the French CAC 40 lost 7%, the Milan Stock Exchange index gave up 5.4% of its value in 2020, while the German DAX was the only positive performer with a 3.5% increase, but underperformed United States stocks.

Fixed income markets also had their share of volatility. The interest rate on the 10-year United States Treasury bond started at 1.8% to fall to 0.6% at the peak of the pandemic to close the year above 1%. This is still a negative yield in real terms, but it began to reflect expectations of some normalizations of the United States economy and, eventually higher inflation. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond is close to 2% per annum, while debt with a maturity of less than 2 years has been stable at around 0.1% per annum. As mentioned above, most large European countries have negative bond yields. In a second group is Spain, with virtually zero returns while Italy pays around 0.6% per annum on its 10-year debt.

Commodities were also volatile during 2020, although they closed the year with improvements. The price of oil plummeted at the beginning of the pandemic to the point that WTI futures traded at negative values, but then recovered to end the year almost as it began, above U.S.$50 per barrel. OPEC countries agreed to cut production to stabilize prices. Gold had an auspicious start, with a peak in August at U.S.$ 2,000 per ounce, which it did not reached again. Among agricultural commodities, soybeans, Argentina’s main crop, averaged U.S.$ 349 per ton, but ended the year close to U.S.$ 500. Corn started the year at 385 cents per bushel and closed at 511 cents.

Among industrial commodities, copper started the year at U.S.$ 2.64 per pound and then fell to a low U.S.$2.10, to close the year at U.S.$3.60.

Part of the good performance of commodities is associated with the weakness of the U.S. Dollar, which went from 1.09 per euro to 1.21 at the end of last year. This also helped strengthen emerging currencies as commodity producers.

With the Economic Emergency Law passed at the end of 2019, the Argentine government sought to improve the fiscal situation by increasing taxes, de-indexing pension spending, restructuring public debt services and betting on the positive impact of the reactivation of the economy.

The economic plan put in place by the Economy Minister Martín Guzmán was basically focused on the short term, as it included emergency measures. Export taxes were increased, a 30% tax on purchases and consumption in foreign currency was imposed, and the rate of personal property tax was increased and income from fixed-term deposits and public debt securities in local currency was eliminated from the income tax base. Regarding expenditure, the main novelty was the suspension until December 31, 2020, the Pension Mobility Law, replacing it with a discretionary regime for increases controlled by the executive branch. By means of Resolution 3/2021, the executive branch established a new formula to calculate the necessary pension adjustments on a trimestral basis with effects from March 1, 2021.

In terms of public debt, the executive branch decided to restructure the maturities of treasury bills issued in U.S. Dollars to institutional investors until August, while continuing to pay the maturities of bills issued in Pesos, and, taking advantage of the market conditions at that time, the Ministry of Economy successfully reopened the placement of the latter.

The Fernández government dedicated its first months to containing the social and economic situation, while seeking to gain time for the restructuring of the foreign debt. Days before the announcement of the lockdown, Economy Minister Guzmán and Production Minister Kulfas had presented an emergency economic package, which included special bonuses for retirees with minimum pensions and social assistance beneficiaries, an increase in unemployment insurance, a public infrastructure plan and a 30-day price freeze on basic goods, as well as a freeze on utility rates.

 

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Nevertheless, the economic and social reality changed dramatically in the second half of March, with the appearance of the first cases of COVID-19 in the country. The crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the restructuring of sovereign debt in foreign currency set the agenda for Argentina’s economic policy in 2020. On March 19, 2020, President Fernández announced a compulsory nationwide lockdown that would begin on March 20, and after successive extensions and reconsiderations would formally end only on November 9, 2020.

As most of the developed countries announced fiscal and monetary stimulus packages to cope with the inevitable recession, Argentina launched measures aimed primarily at assisting families. Around 8 million informal and self-employed workers received transfers of Ps.10,000 from ANSES, which implied a fiscal effort of Ps.80 billion. The first transfer was followed by two more as the year progressed. In addition, through the ANSES, a bonus was granted to retirees receiving the minimum wage and the beneficiaries of the universal child allowance and pregnancy allowance, at a total fiscal cost of Ps. 27.5 billion. On the other hand, it launched a program of loan guarantees to companies at an annual rate of 24% for a total of Ps.350 billion in order to help them pay up to 50% of salaries and other current expenses. In this way, the fiscal cost of the package reached 1.2% of GDP in the first month of the nationwide lockdown alone and ended up at around 4% of GDP with the renewals throughout the year.

The social isolation measures deepened the recession that the economic activity had already been experiencing, and led to the largest monthly and year-on-year drops in the INDEC records. For the first time since the beginning of the official records in 2004, the fifteen activity sectors included in the official indicator showed year-on-year declines. Manufacturing industry recorded falls of more than 30%, construction plummeted by more than 80% and wholesale and retail trade fell by more than 25% year-on-year. One of the most affected sectors was the health industry, which fell by more than 30% year-on-year as, with the exception of pandemic-related care, health centers were not very active. In hotels and restaurants, the most affected by the quarantine, the decrease was over 85%.

The Central Bank’s exchange rate policy continued to focus on avoiding big gaps in the U.S. Dollar by intervening the market with its freely available reserves. In this way, the official exchange rate raised at a constant daily rate of 0.09%, increasing almost 18% of its value in the first half of the year, while reserves fell more than U.S.$ 1.5 billion. In this context, the government decided to further tighten exchange controls in June, especially for imports. Importers would have to use their own U.S. Dollars to make payments in foreign currency, before accessing the foreign exchange market (“FX Market”), and such an access would be subject to approval by the Central Bank. In addition, access to the FX Market was limited to persons who had made foreign currency purchase transactions through debt instruments denominated in foreign currency (U.S. Dollar MEP and spot with liquidation) in the last 90 days, with a commitment to refrain from these transactions during the following 90 days after accessing the official market. On the other hand, the monetary entity relaxed exchange controls for SMEs and some key imports (medicines and fertilizers for the agricultural sector). In this way, the Central Bank was able to buy U.S.$ 672 million during June, although it returned to selling reserves in July after a modest easing of exchange controls.

Prior to the nationwide lockdown in February, the Central Bank extended the maturities of its main liquidity-absorbing instrument, LELIQs, from 7 to 28 days while pushing forward a progressive path of lower interest rates. The monetary policy rate fell from 55% at the end of 2019 to 36% in March, while the Badlar rate on private banks’ wholesale deposits fell from 40% to 29.3%. The financing of the fiscal deficit, increased by the pandemic aid package, led to a strong issuance of cash that conditioned the Central Bank’s monetary policy and, as a by-product of exchange controls, had an impact on the U.S. Dollar rate in the “blue” or parallel market. From April onwards, rates began to rise again, and in June the Central Bank raised the interest rate on time deposits to 30.02%, seeking to sustain the demand for Pesos and reduce the pressure on the exchange rate gap.

Amid efforts to contain the COVID-19 crisis, on May 22, 2020, Argentina defaulted for ninth time in its history its sovereign debt. Through negotiations that required the government to review and extend the swap proposal and the maturity of the offer several times, on August 4 an agreement was reached with holders of 93.5% of the total eligible debt (U.S.$65 billion issued under foreign law) which, by triggering collective action clauses, raised overall acceptance to 99%. Meanwhile, the EMBI country risk indicator, which had reached over 4,300 points in March, stood at around 2,800 points, amid growing expectations of an agreement. In parallel, the government carried out the restructuring of bonds issued under Argentinean law for a value of an equivalent of U.S.$ 41.7 billion with the same conditions offered to those issued under foreign law, achieving an acceptance of 99.4% of the eligible debt.

As a result, a financial relief of almost U.S.$35 billion was achieved over the next decade through the reduction of interest rates and the lengthening of maturities for both interest and principal services, especially for the next three years. The EMBI country risk indicator, meanwhile, fell slightly and stabilized at around 2,000 points.

 

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Despite the successful debt restructuring, problems on the foreign exchange front continued to drain the Central Bank’s reserves. In response, it decided to intervene the market by selling bonds denominated in U.S. Dollar that would come from the restructuring and further tightening restrictions on access to the official FX Market. As a result such measures, companies with monthly maturities of financial debt in excess of U.S.$1 million could only cover 40% of these maturities in the official FX Market and had to negotiate new terms for the remaining debt with an average maturity of up to two years. In addition, a 35% withholding on account of income tax and personal property tax will be applied to those who buy the permitted quota of U.S.$200 per month in the FX Market for personal savings. From the U.S.$ 200 monthly quota, credit card payments and tourist expenses would now have to be deducted, while foreigners would no longer be able to access the foreign currency bond market to settle them abroad, among other restrictive measures.

These measures were taken in a context in which the Central Bank had had to triple the liquidation of reserves in the market from U.S.$568 million in July to U.S.$ 1,618 million in September. Export taxes on soybeans were temporarily reduced to encourage exporters to settle in more foreign exchange, but the pressure on the Central Bank’s reserves remained significant. The gap between the official exchange rate and the quotation of the currency in the MEP and spot markets, which had been very volatile since the beginning of August 2020, raised to around 80%. As for equities, the S&P Merval measured in Pesos contracted by more than 20% in a month and a half and 30% measured in U.S. Dollars, among other factors because it was interpreted that the latest measures would decisively affect private companies’ access to the FX Market.

However, the financial markets stabilized with the announcement of the government’s intention to cover the fiscal gap in November and December without resorting to temporary financial advances from the Central Bank, and successfully rolling over debt maturities in the domestic market. To this end, the Treasury issued new debt tied to the evolution of the U.S. Dollar and inflation and, through two swaps of U.S.$750 million each, allowed foreign investors to exchange Peso-denominated instruments for U.S. Dollar-denominated bonds. In parallel, the Central Bank continued to intervene in the futures market and sold bonds in conjunction with ANSES to provide liquidity to the bond markets used to buy foreign exchange.

With tighter controls on imports and relative tranquility in the FX Market, the Central Bank was able to buy back foreign exchange denominated reserves in early November. Net intervention in the month remained negative (U.S.$ 327 million), although well below October, September or August, when the Central Bank sold more than U.S.$1 billion per month. Likewise, gross international reserves grew up to U.S.$39 billion in mid-November, although U.S. Dollar deposits grew by U.S.$23 million after two months of decreases of over U.S.$ 1 billion.

In December, the raise of the U.S. Dollar and the strengthening of the main emerging markets’ currencies, especially the Brazilian Real, contributed to the calmness in the local FX Market. The demand for Pesos began to rely to the seasonal nature of the end of the year, while U.S. Dollars deposits rose not only because of the relatively calm exchange rate, but also because they are exempt from paying personal property tax on cash holdings at the end of the year. The banks received more than U.S.$ 1.5 billion during the month and closed the year at around U.S.$ 19 billion (private at U.S.$ 16 billion). The Central Bank managed to buy U.S.$ 605 million in the FX Market during December while reserves increased by U.S.$ 757 million to end the year at U.S.$ 39.41 billion, almost U.S.$ 5.4 billion less than at the beginning of 2020. The devaluation of the Peso continued to accelerate so as not to delay the official rate for the U.S. Dollar and the gap with the rest of the exchange markets remained contained. The official exchange rate closed the year at Ps.84.145, 40.5% higher than at the end of 2019, while the U.S. Dollar rates at the MEP, spot and informal markets closed at Ps.139.99 (+93% year-on-year), Ps.140.33 (+88% year-on-year) and Ps.166 (+115% year-on-year), respectively.

December closed with a cumulative inflation of 36.14%. Although it was 17.7 p.p. lower than in 2019, the comparison is not homogeneous since 2020 was a very special year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate its consequences. January and February started with a monthly inflation around 2%, which accelerated to 3.3% in March. The official exchange rate rose 3.6% during the third month of the year and this increase, together with significant rises in regulated and seasonal prices, contributed to the acceleration of inflation in March. However, since the launch of the nationwide lockdown, the monthly inflation figures have been slowing down until the easing of restrictions in the middle of the year and abundant liquidity brought the monthly figures down to 3% in the third quarter. The end-of-year consumption, the announced increase in pensions, the rise in oil prices and the transfer to retail prices of the high wholesale inflation, overheated the number for the last month of the year to close at 4% at the general level, 4.9% for core inflation and 4.35% for food.

For its part, economic activity recovered fast after stopping the decrease in April with a 16% drop in the second quarter compared to the first, indicators show a rebound of over 12% in the third quarter.

Regarding supply, the agriculture industry did not have a significant harvest. Tonnage of the six main crops fell by 9% and the agricultural production and forestry sector as a whole ended the 2020 year with a drop of about 7%. Industrial activity fell by 8%, a couple of percentage points less than the average. Meanwhile, the automotive industry production fell by 18.5%, with the particularity that in the month of April no units were produced during the nationwide lockdown.

 

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Although the pandemic forced an almost total halt of production in April, from May and June onwards production started to recover in unusual circumstances as producers had to face cost overruns due to the transport of personnel, the absenteeism of employees considered at risk and the difficulties inherent to the pandemic situation.

The commercial sector also performed better than average, with a fall of around 6%. This is a result of fewer restrictions and/or the ability to solve the logistical problems caused by the sanitary measures by merchants of food, basic goods, and at certain point in the year, durable goods.

Construction had suffered a high volatile year. Although it fell by around 25% during 2020, in the first months it had fallen by 35%. In recent months there has been a significant recovery in the sector, primarily led by private investment. Lower construction costs in a market traditionally denominated in U.S. Dollars acted as a very effective incentive to boost private construction. Public works also raised in the last quarter of the year.

Regarding demand, investment plummeted by around 20% over the year, although it began to recover towards the end of the year due to private construction. For its part, consumption, which had fallen 2.2% in 2018 and 6.6% in 2019, fell by around 13.5% in 2020, deteriorating in almost all areas. In particular, retail sales closed the year with negative year-on-year records during all months according to data surveyed by the Argentine Chamber of Medium-sized Companies (CAME) and accumulated a drop of 21.3%. For its part, the automotive industry was severely punished and sales of new cars to the domestic market closed 2020 with an accumulated decrease of 16.1%, after plummeting 45.3% in 2019.

On fiscal matters, the government focused its efforts on providing economic assistance to the families and companies most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the package of measures for this purpose amounted to almost 4 points of GDP between increased spending and tax exemptions. For the whole year, a primary deficit of Ps.1,749,957 million was recorded, an equivalent to 6.5% of GDP. Thus, the primary result showed a deterioration of 6.3 p.p. compared to the deficit recorded in 2019 (0.2% of GDP under the current methodology). This increase in the deficit occurred despite the fact that tax revenue grew by more than one point of GDP, from 23.4% to 24.7%, and the share of the national government’s revenue (after tax revenue distribution with the provinces) rose from 16% to 16.4% of GDP. Non-tax revenues fell from 2.4% of GDP to 1.6%.

Total revenues accumulated an increase of 23% year-on-year, well below average inflation for the year (42.7%). Tax revenues rose by 28.2%, led by personal property tax, which grew by more than 500%, following the increase in tax rates. In contrast, export taxes revenues fell by 3.6% in nominal terms, VAT revenues increased by only 21.7%, and Social Security resources by 25.2%.

Primary expenditure closed the year with a nominal increase of 63.5%, which implies a rise of 14.6% adjusted for inflation after four years of consecutive falls in real terms. It also increased 6 p.p. of GDP to 24.5%, although at this point the comparison is relative due to the pandemic situation and because the divisor of the account collapsed and would not be at an equilibrium value. It is clear that expenditure throughout the year has been strongly conditioned by the pandemic. Seasonally adjusted primary expenditure reached very high levels in the second quarter, before falling in the third quarter and returning to the first quarter levels on the fourth quarter of the year with the disappearance of the Emergency Family Income and the Emergency Assistance Program for Work and Production. Nevertheless, public expenditure in the last quarter of the year was much higher than in any of the quarters of the previous year.

Social Security expenditures grew by 67.1%, led by social spending programs which increased fivefold, while pensions and retirement averaged a 40% rise. Capital spending grew by 18.3%, while subsidies increased by 105.9%, well above inflation and as a counterpart to the tariff freeze in force throughout the year. Meanwhile, transfers to the provinces grew by more than 170% to compensate for the lower revenues resulting from the pandemic.

In 2020, the Treasury had to cover a fiscal deficit of 8.5 GDP points, equivalent to around Ps.2.3 trillion. The Treasury obtained net financing of Ps.386 billion, mainly as a result of the debt it managed to place during the second half of the year. More than 70% of maturities in Pesos were concentrated in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, the Central Bank’s monetary issuance to finance the Treasury rose to more than Ps.2 trillion between temporary advances and accounting profit transfers. In return, it sold foreign exchange at the FX Market for a total of Ps. 473 billion and absorbed funds from the financial system through the placement of short-term interest-bearing bonds and passive repos transactions that are renewed on a daily basis for an amount of Ps.1.6 trillion. The monetary base, grew by 30.3% compared to the end of 2019.

 

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In this scenario, net public debt closed the year at levels close to 53% of GDP, up from a year earlier (43.6%). Gross public debt totaled U.S.$333 billion at the end of 2020. In other words, almost 90% of GDP compared with 72.6% in 2019. While this rise is largely explained by the decrease in the level of activity affecting the denominator, the stock also grew in nominal terms by about U.S.$ 13 billion, equivalent to more than 3% of GDP.

Year 2021

Pursuant to the IMF’s estimates, global economy expanded by 5.9% in 2021, overcoming the 3.1% downturn caused by the pandemics in 2020. The GDP of developed countries increased by 5.2%, with the United States at the forefront with a growth of 6%, followed by the Euro zone and Japan with 5% and 2.4%, respectively. The GDP of emerging countries grew by 6,4%, with China standing out with an 8% growth rate, partly because of its initial success in controlling Covid-19, India with a 9.5% expansion and Latin America with a recovery surpassing 6% as compared to the previous year.

Strong recovery from the pandemic was coupled with a disturbing phenomenon, the reappearance of inflation at a global level. Several households turned to the market and, therefore, to the demand of goods and services, to invest savings accumulated throughout 2020 as a consequence of lockdown and the emergency incentives, both fiscal and monetary, implemented by the government. Increases in prices that were initially reflected in real property and other goods whose supply is significantly inelastic in the short term, rapidly spread to the other markets driven by the disruptions caused by the pandemic in global value chains and fiscal and monetary incentive policies. In that context, there was a strong rise in prices of those components associated to post-pandemic economic reopening such as restaurants, recreational services, air fares and other similar lines of business that, along with increases in prices of commodities, in particular, food and energy, boosted and spread the impact of inflation worldwide. Thus, inflation in the United States reached 7% in the year, representing the maximum figure in almost 40 years, whereas it reached 5% in the Euro zone, hitting a record since the monetary union of the bloc. In turn, the emerging world including Turkey (36.1%), Brazil (10%) and Mexico (7.4%), among other countries, also recorded a strong inflationary acceleration.

During 2021, the policy of the central banks in developed countries continued to give priority to the restoration of levels of activity and the recovery of employment in the understanding that the rise in prices was a short-lived fact and the tightening of the monetary and fiscal policies could bring the process to a halt. In that context, the lenient monetary policy was accompanied by new rounds of fiscal incentives, now of less significance and more closely targeted, as compared to those implemented in 2020. The United States extended the increased unemployment benefits and authorized transfers to low- and middle-income individuals, further renewing subsides for education, health and pandemic-stricken small-sized businesses. The European Union extended the suspension of its fiscal pact until 2023, allowing member countries to incur fiscal deficits in excess of 3% of their GDP. Expansionary fiscal policies were also implemented in Latin America: this is the case of Brazil that increased benefits to households and Chile that authorized a third advance withdrawal by members of pension fund administrators.

It was just by the end of the year that the Bank of England adjusted its interest rate providing for a 15 base points increase in December (from 0.1 to 0.25%) and the Federal Reserve of the United States reported a gradual reduction in the purchases of financial assets and the possibility of increasing its reference interest rate during 2022 from 0% to 0.25% that had remained unchanged since the pandemic outbreak. Analysts reckon that there could be 3 or 4 rate increases. The European Central Bank adopted a similar criterion in line with its American counterpart and curtailed purchases of bonds although maintaining its reference rate at 0%. In turn, the monetary authorities of major Latin American countries adopted more aggressive measures in the light of the double risk of inflation acceleration and foreign exchange rate depreciation. The Central Bank of Brazil rose the Selic rate by 725 base points whereas its Chilean, Peruvian and Mexican counterparts rose their reference rates by 350, 225 and 125 points, respectively.

The recovery of the economic activity worldwide was conditional upon the evolution of the pandemic. The United States was among the first major countries to gain access to effective vaccination against Covid-19. By mid-2021, it had successfully immunized almost 50% of its population but it then faced strong resistance from the anti-vaccine movement, thus causing the campaign to come to a standstill. By the end of December, 61% of the population was immunized. The infection and mortality curves declined with the arrival of summer but by the end of 2021 new cases and hospitalizations were reported, in particular in those regions with lower vaccination rate.

The initial implementation of the immunization campaign in the European Union was delayed as concerns production and distribution of vaccines but it gained pace since May and by the end of 2021 almost 71% of the population was immunized. The new variants and winter weather had an impact on the rise in the infection curve in the last months of the year but, in countries such as Spain, with more than 80% of vaccinated population, mortality was considerably lower than in the previous waves. In Central and Eastern Europe, vaccination campaigns were less successful. In late December, hardly 50% of the Russian population was immunized and the rate of daily deaths was higher than that reported at any other time during the pandemic.

 

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Access to vaccines against Covid-19 in Latin America was delayed since suppliers prioritized developed countries with which they had executed contracts. Nevertheless, in the second half of the year it was possible to speed up the vaccination campaign by reason of the greater availability of vaccines; this was widely accepted by the population. By the end of 2021, Chile and Cuba had vaccinated 86% of their population, Uruguay, 76% whereas approximately 70% of the population in Brazil and Argentina was vaccinated. Mortality peak in the region was recorded between April and June, 2021, which a sharp decline in the second semester.

The development of its own vaccines allowed China to reach the highest coverage levels in Asia as almost 84% of its population was immunized in December. Other heavily populated countries such as India and Indonesia hardly exceeded 40% of immunization coverage by the end of the year. Infection and mortality curves followed a similar pattern as those in Latin America in the first semester although Asia underwent a second wave between July and September. Africa retains its role as a continent trailing far behind the others in terms of vaccination, as the immunization coverage continued to be below 10% in December. The greatest numbers of deaths from Covid-19 took place between July and September but limitations on testing and reporting may suggest significant under-reporting.

Just like the pandemic had a very strong impact on the economy of the countries, from a social-political standpoint, a significant increase in social conflicts was recorded as well as certain deterioration in people’s confidence in political systems. Colombia, Ecuador and Cuba were the scene of massive protests. The results of the elections in Peru and Chile indicated the questioning of the traditional political system. 2021 also marked the return of coups d’état: there were five, the highest figure in several years, most of them in Africa.

By the end of the year, tensions between Russia, Ukraine and the NATO member countries escalated, strongly impacting on the price of natural gas in Europe, depending to a great extent on Russian supply. Energy crisis spread all over the world. In addition to the shortage of natural gas in Europe, China was forced to ration energy usage in factories due to lack of coal. The drought in Brazil detrimentally affected hydroelectricity production and resulted in an increase- by more than 30%- in the cost of energy in that country. Moreover, in July, the disagreements between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates within the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), boosted an increase in oil prices. The price of crude oil at the end of the year was U.S.$ 78.6/barrel, with an annual upsurge of 54.5%.

In the international markets, low interest rates helped risk appetite to remain high, boosting the quotation of variable-income financial assets, in particular, in developed countries. The Standard & Poor 500 stock index rose by 26.9% in the year, Nasdaq 100 rose by 26.6% whereas the Euro Stoxx 50 and the MSCI Desarrollados compound index recorded a 21% and 16.8% increase, respectively. Conversely, it was a negative year for the emerging markets. The MSCI Asia index (excluding Japan) dropped by 4.9% and the HangSeng index fell by 23,3%. The ShangaiComposite indicator dropped by 5.2% in the year. It was not a favorable year either for the Latin America stock exchanges. The MSCI LATAM fell by 2.5% in 2021. Brazil’s Bovespa index recorded the steepest decline, that is, 11.9%. The CAP index of Colombia decreased by 1.9%, whereas quotations in the stock exchanges of Santiago and Lima recorded marginal increases, 2.9% and 1.3% respectively. There are two exceptions: Mexico, whose Price and Quotations Index grew by 20.9% in the year and the S&P Merval of Argentina, which rose by 12.6% in 2021, measured in US dollars, bringing a halt to three years of negative figures. In turn, in a context of significantly abundant liquidity worldwide, the prices of commodities and cryptocurrencies gained certain importance in 2021, although in the case of cryptocurrencies such importance should be attributed to the increased quoted prices as well as the extreme volatility of the quotation thereof.

In 2021, the US 10-year Treasury Bond yield fluctuated at around 1.5%, after being below 1% for the most part of 2020. German securities for the same term continued to show negative nominal yields, although ranging from -0.52% in January to -0.18% in December. French bonds regained a positive yield, with a 0.19% return by the end of the year.

The US dollar appreciated by 6.3% in 2021 with respect to a currency basket so that the “dollar-index” at the end of the year showed the same levels as those in mid-2020. This was reflected in the parity with the Euro, ranging from 1.22 dollars in January to 1.14 dollars in late December. In turn, the Chinese Yuan followed the appreciation path that started in 2020, with its exchange rate ranging from 6.52 per US dollar by the end of 2020 to 6.35 per US dollar in December 2021, the lowest exchange rate since 2018.

The Argentine economy started 2021 amid doubts. On the one hand, the risk of drought and slow availability of vaccines created uncertainty and, on the other hand, the economy benefitted from higher international prices of export products. Even though the second wave of Covid-19 had a strong impact in April and May, the fact that the immunization campaign moved forward, facilitating the fast reopening of almost all activities still subject to restrictions, the improvement in the terms of trade and a rather mild drought, allowed the level of economic activity to recover faster than guessed by most analysts, thus ending the year with a growth rate of about 10%, recovering almost all losses in 2020.

 

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It was a very heterogeneous but still incomplete recovery. Some sectors, such as industry or construction, which were at an advantage due to an earlier reopening, reached records close to those in the first half of 2018 despite the foreign exchange fluctuations. Instead, the recovery of services associated to tourism, food and commerce, started only in the first quarter of 2021, after Argentina having overcome the second wave of Covid-19.

On the supply side, the gradual reduction of health restrictions in mid-2021, adjustment in the formal salary late in 2021 and unemployment reduction, steadily boosted domestic consumption, whose level is deemed to have increased by 9.7% in the year, slightly below that of the GDP. It is estimated that there was a significant upsurge in gross investments, approximately 32% in 2021, although it still does not suffice to achieve a sustained growth as it does not exceed 17% of the GDP, measured at current values. Exports of goods and services grew by approximately 8% whereas a 22% increase in imports was recorded, measured in terms of volume, as shown in the domestic accounts. The leap in imports was associated to a recovery of the activity and the regulations in force to make payments abroad.

Improvements in the activity were reflected in almost all the economy sectors. In the first 10 months of 2021, the construction sector grew by 33% as compared to the figures in 2020, followed by the fishing industry that recorded an increase of almost 20% and the manufacturing industry with almost 17%. Hotels and restaurants (one of the hardest-hit sectors in 2020) and retail commerce showed signs of very satisfactory performance. Agriculture, cattle-raising and forestry recorded a drop in growth while financial intermediation growth was set at less than 1 point, seriously affected by low credit demand for much of 2021.

Automotive was the most dynamic sector in the manufacturing industry with a 54% growth throughout the year, benefitting from the sound demand from Brazil, followed by the textile and clothing sector with a 47% expansion. Mention should then be made to the sectors of non-ore minerals and metalworking industry, with a 32% growth in the year. There was an improvement in the use of installed capacity in the industry that reached 68.8% in November 2021, that is, a 5.5 percentage point increase as compared to the previous year. Basic metal industries work closer to full performance with 86.9% of used capacity.

Oil production experienced a strong upsurge, in particular as concerns the Vaca Muerta region. Increased extraction of crude oil was set at above 6.5%, surpassing the 2020 levels. As concerns gas, the recovery rate hardly reached 1%, but the last months of the year showed remarkable dynamism, as compared to the first semester, satisfactorily paving the way for 2022. There is a constraint factor for this sector, that is, the lack of a gas pipeline for the transportation of gas from production areas to consumption centers. Construction of the gas pipeline is underway.

At a retail level, the lifting of health restrictions along with the more intensive use of privately-owned automobiles in lieu of public transport for fear of infection, boosted an increase in fuel consumption. Preliminary estimates indicate that, during 2021, sales of gasoline and diesel fuel would have gone up by 29% and 14%, respectively. In contrast to the foregoing, public transport did not recover the volume recorded prior to the pandemic. The Buenos Aires subway system does not succeed in transporting half of more than 30 million individuals per month who used such means of transport before the outbreak of the pandemic.

The activity of small retailers increased by 14.8% in 2021, as reported by the Argentine Chamber of Medium-sized Businesses (Cámara Argentina de la Mediana Empresa). Shopping malls also recorded a two-digit growth rate in their activity whereas sales in supermarkets at constant prices hardly increased by 1%. These figures are in line with the information that consumers’ confidence declined by almost 4% as compared to the end of 2020, despite the economic growth. Likewise, the demand of durables has steadily increased even though, according to the surveys, the personal situation of consumers has worsened and they have low expectations that the macroeconomic situation may improve as compared to their expectations in December 2020.

The construction sector is more optimistic than consumers. Businessmen in both public and private projects reckon that the activity will get better in the ensuing months at a ratio of 2 to 1 in private works and 5 to 1 in public works. Asphalt, mosaic tiles and concrete were the most demanded products in this sector. Cement production grew by 26% in 2021 whereas manufacturing of steel, which is also used in other high-growing sectors such as the automotive industry, purportedly grew by 33.5%.

Economic recovery permitted employment levels to conspicuously upgrade. The employment rate, which had reached a minimum 33.4% in the pandemic, recovered until reaching a 42.9% rate in the third quarter of 2021. Unemployment ranged from a maximum 13.1% to 8.2%, the lowest rate since 2017. In the third quarter of 2021, 46.7% of the economically active population worked or was looking for a job, this being slightly lower than the 47.2% rate in the third quarter of 2019.

 

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With over 12.3 million individuals, the number of formal workers is at its peak since May 2018. In the first 10 months of 2021, 437,477 job opportunities were created, as per the following breakdown: 135,400 jobs in the private sector under an employment relationship, 92,300 in the public sector (including the federal, provincial and municipal governments) and 212,000 are new workers subject to the simplified regime for small taxpayers (monotributistas). In the private formal sector, the construction industry showed the highest records although the commercial and information technology sectors significantly grew in terms of creation of job opportunities, as well as other branches of manufacturing, such as the metalworking industry.

Prohibitions against dismissal were still in force throughout 2021 although double indemnification amounts were capped at Ps. 500,000. The foregoing represented a relief on costs to be incurred by businesses that had to dismiss their personnel. However, market rigidities did not diminish, as is shown by the fact that a significant part of improvement in employment levels was channeled through unregistered salaried employees who nowadays account for 33% of the total number of workers.

Salaries in the private formal sector were two points above the inflation rate whereas such upsurge in the public sector was slightly higher, thus breaking the streak of 3 years in a row of downfall in real salaries. Informal workers were unable to prevent their income from falling down. They saw their purchasing power decrease by 10 points in accordance with the salary index reported by the INDEC. The RIPTE index that measures the permanent salary of formal workers was Ps. 100,590 in November, increasing a 1.5% as compared to the former year, although it was 13% below the level recorded in the previous five years. In turn, the purchasing power of retirees decreased by 6% in real terms as a consequence of adjustments determined under executive orders and the application of the formula established by law, taking into account past inflation rather than the current figures.

As concerns foreign trade, Argentina was able to achieve a surplus of approximately U.S.$ 14,750 million by the end of the year, in its balance of trade, representing almost 3% of the GDP. In 2021, prices of exports and imports grew by about 42% and 49%, respectively. Both international prices for exports and imports, as well as volumes thereof significantly increased during such year in consistence with certain normalization of the economies in the post-pandemic era. As concerns exports, assessed in US dollars, energy and natural gas exported to Brazil have experienced the highest growth rates, followed by sales of manufactures of industrial origin. Exports of food grew at a slower pace due to harvesting problems. In terms of imports, energy recorded the greatest increase since imports of liquefied gas into the Bahia Blanca port were reinstated. Imports of intermediate goods ranked second whereas consumption goods and automobiles increased the least.

Upon computing real services together with interest and dividends, the result of the balance of payment in 2021 would have been a surplus of about 1% of the GDP, one of the highest levels recorded in the last decade. However, this comparison is not totally accurate since part of such surplus should be attributed to the pandemic and the restrictions imposed on foreign exchange transactions during 2021, quite a different scenario from that of previous years.

From a fiscal standpoint, primary deficit strongly decreased from 6.37% of the GDP in 2020 to approximately 3.1% in 2021, without considering the non-recurring contributions of Special Drawing Rights (Derechos Especiales de Giro, “DEG”) from the IMF in August. Primary expenditure (before interest) dropped from 24% of the GDP to approximately 21.3%. Apart from the increase in the denominator, the decrease in primary expenditure in terms of the GDP is the consequence of reduction in disbursements related to Covid-19 (such programs as the ATP and IFE were no longer in force in 2021) and reduced public pension expenditure, partially offset by increased expenses associated to subsidies to energy and transportation and investments in infrastructure.

Total revenues of the public sector are estimated at 18.1% of the GDP because, among other factors, export duties rose in 2021, partially compensated by a drop in the collection of tax on personal assets. In turn, there was an increase in the tax on financial income and non-tax revenues, in this case by the extraordinary levy on large net worth individuals that raised almost 0.5% of the GDP. Furthermore, the government obtained additional revenues on account of the extraordinary allocation of DGE from the IMF. After adding interest amounts, the aggregate deficit represents 4.6% of the GDP or Ps. 2.1 trillion. Of this aggregate amount, the sum of Ps. 736,000 million was financed by the Peso market by means of public auctions and Ps. 1.7 thousand million from the Central Bank through temporary advances and profit remittances. Such financing also proved useful to pay off international obligations to international organizations that fell due in such year.

The Argentine government sought to issue mainly fixed-interest rate instruments in Pesos. However, the persistent inflation level and foreign exchange tensions forced it to gradually rely on the issuance of CER-index linked bonds or pegged to the dollar quotation (“dollar-linked”). Thus, 58% of debt securities issued in local currency at year-end is adjusted by inflation.

In turn, 70% of the total debt is denominated in foreign currency although 60% thereof is governed by Argentine law. 63% of such debt is documented by bonds whereas the rest consists of loans from international organizations and temporary advances from the Central Bank. Approximately 40% of the gross public debt is in the hands of other governmental agencies.

 

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There were almost no maturities of US dollar debt to the market in 2021 and payment of interest in 2022 did not exceed U.S.$ 2,000 million. However, the country-risk by the end of the year ranged from a minimum of 1,375 to 1,914 base points until reaching 1,700 base points in late 2021, with securities yielding 25% per annum in US dollars.

Inflation significantly accelerated as compared to 2020, from a year-to-year 36.1% to 50.9% in December, after having reached a year-to-year 52.47% cap in September. In addition to the exchange and tariff policy, the government tried to give responses throughout the year, such as export quotas for some products and the freezing of certain prices. Core inflation reached 54.87% in 2021, seasonal products and services increased by 50.08% and prices for regulated goods and services recorded a 37.72% increase. The clothing sector recorded the highest increase in terms of prices that rose by 64.64%. Food, the most important component of the Consumer Price Index increased by 50.35%. Housing and communication expenses, increasing 28.35% and 35.78%, respectively, were the sub-indexes with the lowest increase, in both cases affected by regulations issued by the national and provincial governments.

Wholesale inflation was hardly higher than retail inflation, recording a 51.3% rate in 2021. Domestic products increased by 52% whereas those imported recorded a 44.6% surge, approximately twice the increase of the US dollar quoted price. Among manufactured products, food increased by 45.2% and textile products recorded a year-to-year 58.2% increase. Electricity at a wholesale level grew by 61%. Construction costs grew by 48.5% in 2021, slightly below retail and wholesale inflation on account of an increase in the price of materials, by 55.3%, but costs of labor increased by only 41.53%.

The Gini coefficient that measures the distribution of income continued to be set at 0.44 even though social security plans strongly increased during the pandemic and allowances under the Plan Alimentar rose in 2021. Health restrictions more fiercely affected low-income population and informal workers. 10% of individuals who generate more income obtains 20 times more than 10% of the poorest individuals.

In the first semester in 2021, poverty rate was 40.6% of the population, representing a slight decrease as compared to the 42% rate as of the end of the year. Extreme poverty (indigence) affects 10.7% of the population in Argentina.

The health crisis along with economic distress have caused tensions of all kinds affecting the population. At a political level, the worsening of the pandemic in the second quarter triggered off disagreements between national and provincial authorities in connection with health restrictions. After the success of the opposition in the November mid-term legislative elections (at a national level, the opposition obtained 41.7 % of votes as compared to 33.6% of the governing party) some changes took place, including those in the Ministries of Security, Agriculture, Education, Foreign Affairs and Science.

Year 2022

According to IMF estimates, the world economy grew 3.2% in 2022, sustaining a solid pace after the 6% of 2021, despite facing multiple challenges. These included Russia-Ukraine war conflict and its impact on commodity prices, the distortions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in China which had multiple quarantines throughout the year. To this was added the increase in interest rates by the central banks of developed countries due to the persistence of above-target inflation rates.

Developed countries grew 2.4% during the year. The GDP of the Euro zone expanded 3.1%, while the United States grew 1.6% and Japan 1.7%. Emerging economies advanced 4.4%, but China grew only 3.2%, one of the lowest records in the last 30 years. Latin America grew 3.5%, with a better-than-expected performance in Brazil, whose gross domestic product expanded 2.8%.

In February 2022, start the Russia-Ukraine war conflict, after months of Russian military buildup on the border, in an unprecedented escalation of the territorial conflict that began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea. The United States and the European Union responded with financial sanctions that included disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT financial payments network, freezing Russian Central Bank assets, and a staggered ban on Russian oil and gas imports. In the quarter following the invasion, the price of oil rose 20%, natural gas 75% and coal 56%. Agricultural commodities such as wheat (34%), corn (18%) and soybeans (9%) also rose, adding pressure to international inflation, which was already a concern. At the end of 2022, the war is still going on. Ukraine regained some of its territories and the price of most commodities has returned to pre-war levels. At times, the world was rocked by threats to use nuclear weapons.

The third year of the Covid-19 pandemic was marked by normalization of economic and social activity. With 69% of the world’s population vaccinated, deaths were down 66% from 2021. This allowed the relaxation of the restrictions in force in 2020 and 2021 in much of the world. The big exception was China: under its zero-Covid policy, it imposed strict quarantines in Shanghai, Beijing and other major cities between April and November. As a result, Chinese GDP contracted by 2.6% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter. In late December 2022, amid protests and widespread discontent, China announced the lifting of some of its sanitary restrictions.

 

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The reappearance of high inflation globally observed in 2021 continued in 2022. In the United States, CPI peaked year-on-year at 9.1% in June, although it declined to 6.5% in December. In the Euro zone, it reached 10.6% year-on-year in October and closed the year at 9.2%. According to the IMF, inflation averaged 7.2% in developed countries and was higher in emerging countries, reaching 9.9%. The central banks of developed countries abandoned the lax policy of 2021 and embarked on the most accelerated cycle of interest rate hikes since the 1980s. The Federal Reserve raised the Fed Funds rate from 0-0.25% to 4.25-4.5%, with four consecutive 75 basis point hikes. The European Central Bank moved its refinancing rate from 0% to 2.5%.

The tightening of monetary policy hit international stock markets. The S&P 500 index fell 19% in 2022 and the Euro Stoxx 50 declined 12%. The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds climbed from 1.51% to 3.88%. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin lost 64% of their value. In contrast, the US labor market showed firmness: it added 4.2 million private jobs and unemployment fell from 3.9% to 3.5%. In the Eurozone, unemployment remained at around 6.5%.

The Argentine economy grew about 5.5% in 2022. Private consumption expanded 9% and investment rose more than 11%, reaching 21% of GDP at constant values. Activity normalized after two years of pandemic and practically all sanitary restrictions were lifted.

The lifting of sanitary restrictions especially benefited sectors such as hotels and restaurants, which grew 38.2%, other community, social and personal activities (10.7%) and transport and communications (8.5%), which in 2021 were still well below their pre-pandemic level. Others such as manufacturing (5.1%), trade (6.4%) or construction (6.6%) stretched the previous year’s rebound achieving real growth compared to even 2018. Mining which includes hydrocarbon production (13.8%) stood out as one of the fastest expanding sectors attracting significant foreign investment. Agriculture (-2.2%) was one of the two sectors to contract, heavily affected by the drought starting in the fourth quarter. Financial intermediation (-0.3%) also finished below 2021 levels.

Argentina´s annual inflation almost doubled from 50.9% to 94.8% in December 2022. From an average monthly pace of 3.3% in Q4 2021, it jumped to 6.7% in March with food prices rising above 7% before moderating to levels close to 5% in May and June. The resignation of the Minister of Economy in early July generated great uncertainty, which was reflected in the price of the informal dollar and dollar called CCL, which increased 61%. This rise in unregulated exchange rates had an impact on domestic prices, leading to monthly inflation peaks of 7.4% in July and 7% in August. After a brief transition, the new economic team managed to lower inflation to 5% monthly levels in November and December with a combination of interest rate hikes, reduction of public spending in real terms, various controls and price agreements.

Despite these efforts, 2022 closed with the highest annual increase in the Consumer Price Index since 1991. Wholesale prices grew 94.5% and the cost of construction 97.6%. At the retail level, the highest inflation was recorded in clothing and footwear (120.8%) and restaurants and hotels (108.8%). Core inflation was 90.6%, regulated prices rose 85.7% and seasonal prices 134.1% for the year.

In this context, after dropping from 11% to 7% in 2021, the unemployment rate remained at that level during 2022. The INDEC recorded around one million new employees, however only one fifth of them were salaried employees in the formal private sector. The informality rate exceeded 37%, reaching the highest levels since 2007. Wages continued to deteriorate in real terms: purchasing power fell between 0.5% and 1%, depending on the SIPA or RIPTE index, both from the Ministry of Labor.

Exports increased 13.5% in dollar terms and totaled U.S.$ 88.4 billion in the year, due to a 16.2% increase in prices and a 2.3% decrease in quantities, compared to 2021. Imports rose 29% to U.S.$ 81.5 billion, with an increase of 11% in volume and 16% in prices, despite the fact that the government sought to limit them with measures such as the introduction of the SIRA system in October and the extension of Non-Automatic Licenses. The trade surplus was reduced by 53% to U.S.$ 6.9 billion. Because of the war, energy imports soared 120% and the energy balance was in deficit by U.S.$ 4.5 billion, its worst result since 2015. Exports of primary products increased 9.4% in the year and manufactured goods of agricultural origin, 7.1%, totaling U.S.$ 56.2 billion between both. In September and December, the Central Bank offered special parities of Ps. 200 and Ps. 230 per dollar to soybean exporters, in order to encourage the liquidation of stocks. Through this program, some U.S.$ 10.8 billion were exported.

The Central Bank started the year with U.S.$ 39.7 billion of gross reserves and a very low level of net reserves. The agreement signed with the IMF in March granted U.S.$ 4.4 billion to the Central Bank to strengthen the availability of reserves, established periodic disbursements to cover the maturities of the agreement signed in 2018 and set quarterly targets for the accumulation of reserves. To meet them, the Central Bank had to intensify import restrictions and used the aforementioned incentive programs to boost soybean export settlements. At the end of 2022, gross and net reserves increased by around U.S.$ 5 billion in a scenario for the first half of 2023 that will be conditioned by the drought, whose impact on agricultural exports cannot yet be measured, and the expected payments to international organizations.

 

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The IMF program established an annual target for the primary deficit for 2022 equivalent to 2.4% of GDP. In the first half of the year, primary spending expanded 11.4% in real terms. After the change in the economic team, such spending contracted 9.4% in the second half of 2022, allowing the target to be met. This was possible thanks to the 6.6% real fall in spending on economic subsidies, especially energy subsidies (-4.1%), lower transfers to the provinces (-8.6%) and the erosion of pensions and contributory pensions (-1.5%), although aggregate spending on social benefits expanded at the margin in 2022 (0.6%).

On the revenue side, collection grew 5.3% in real terms thanks to income tax (15.7%), VAT (4.2%) and import duties (1%), while the amount collected from export duties (-2.1%) and fuel tax (-29%) declined. Adding interest payments, the fiscal deficit reached 4.2% of GDP. In addition, the National Treasury faced capital maturities for 8.1% of GDP. Of these 12.3 points of GDP to be financed, the local market contributed 8 points (65%), 3.5 points were covered with loans from the IMF and other multilaterals and the remaining 0.7% had to be financed by the Central Bank with monetary issuance.

At the beginning of 2022, the exchange rate regulated by the Central Bank through Communication A 3500 was quoted at Ps. 102.75 per U.S. dollar while the quote of the CCL dollar reached Ps. 203.11, a gap of almost 100%. The Central Bank accelerated the pace of depreciation of the regulated dollar from 1.7% per month on average in 2021 to 3.4% in the first half of 2022 and 6% per month in the second half of 2022, seeking to avoid further exchange rate arrears, another of the commitments assumed with the IMF. The stability of the CCL dollar in the first months allowed the gap to fall to 76% in May. The monetary expansion and the volatility that prevailed in the Reference Stabilization Coefficient (CER) adjustable bond market during June put pressure on unregulated dollar quotes and the exchange rate gap during the replacement of the economic team, reaching prices around Ps. 300 per dollar for the former and levels above 100% and peaks of 160% for the latter. During the fourth quarter, the fall in public spending in real terms, the rise in interest rates and the accelerated devaluation allowed the Central Bank to keep the gap below 100%. The Central Bank-regulated dollar closed 2022 at Ps. 177.13 while the CCL dollar traded at Ps. 340.85, an annual variation of 72.4% and 67.8% respectively, both below the inflation rate.

Money market and Argentine financial system

Information presented in this section has been prepared in accordance with economic indicators and historical information of the financial system, as published by the Central Bank of Argentina or INDEC and therefore has not been adjusted for inflation.

Year 2020

In order to adapt to the new economic and social reality, the Argentine government gradually shifted its monetary policy in the course of 2020, starting by reducing Central Bank’s assistance to the Treasury to a minimum and the placement of LELIQs, and then financing the fiscal deficit caused by the expenses originated in the pandemic with almost no limitations. The pressures on the FX Market , the monetary imbalance and the insufficient demand for Pesos to absorb the surplus liquidity led the Central Bank to intervene not only in the FX Market by selling reserves but also to continue placing notes (such as LELIQs) in the financial system to avoid a monetary and exchange overflow.

The monetary base expanded in 2020 by Ps.574,879 million compared to the end of 2019. Assistance to the Treasury represented the main expansionary factor since transitory net advances were granted for Ps.407,720 million, and profits were distributed for Ps.1,606,982 million. As a contractionary factor, Ps.900,692 million were absorbed through LELIQs and Ps.710,187 million through passive repos, remunerated liabilities for which a total of Ps.721,559 billion were paid. The other strongly contractionary item was the sale of reserves to the private sector for Ps.312,175 million and to the public sector for Ps.161,011 million. As expected, the combination of a very expansive money supply in the context of an extraordinary situation and a sharp decrease in economic activity, resulted in significant but probable temporary increases in monetary aggregates relative to GDP. The monetary base went from 6.5% of GDP to 8.1% of GDP at the end of the year, as private M2 ranged from 8.4% to 11.8%.

The weakness of monetization is not a phenomenon unknown to Argentina and is explained by recurring macroeconomic crises that in the past undermined the confidence of residents in the local currency. For this reason, the Argentine financial system continues to be one of those with the lowest levels of financial intermediation in Latin America, a condition that has deepened in the last two years. Thus, bank credit to the private sector in Pesos and US dollars represented only 12.1% of GDP in 2020, while the regional average for the last 10 years was around 40%.

 

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During 2020, deposits (private and public sector) denominated in Pesos increased 88.8% in year-on-year terms, while those denominated in US dollars fell 14.2%. In a context of clear abnormality caused by the pandemic, deposits in Pesos rose from 13.5% to 17.2% of GDP. In turn, the dollar segment fell again after their strong decline in 2019, falling from U.S.$ 22,138 billion at the end of 2019, to U.S.$ 18,984 million.

In 2020, total private deposits (pesos plus dollars measured in Pesos) grew 64.5% year-on-year due to the combination of an average increase of 85.7% in Pesos and 13.9% in US dollars (measured in Pesos, favored exclusively by the depreciation of the exchange rate). The performance of the private sector segment in Pesos was led by savings banks (+106%) and current accounts (+84%), in a scenario in which the liquidity preference dominated the behavior of economic agents. Term deposits, meanwhile, grew by a nominal rate of 66%, which was practically aligned with nominal GDP.

Private deposits in foreign currency registered their largest falls in the months of September and October, after the latest tightening of exchange controls. The fall in September reached U.S.$539 million and that of October reached U.S.$869 million. Throughout the year, the decline was U.S.$2,359 million (closed at U.S.$15,956 million).

The weight of the public sector in deposits increased slightly in 2020. Deposits in Pesos increased 102.9% while the total (Pesos plus dollars measured in Pesos) increased 93%. At the end of 2020, public and private sector deposits (Pesos plus dollars) reached Ps.7.5 trillion, of which 18.8% corresponded to the public sector when in 2019 they reached 16% of the total.

As regards credit in 2020, loans measured in both currencies (private and public sector) increased 27.4% year-on-year, totaling Ps.3,235,464 million, which was well below inflation. Credit in Pesos (private and public sector) increased 46.9% year-on-year, and GDP grew by one point to 8.7%, driven mainly by corporate loans granted to endure the economic crisis sharpened by the pandemic (ATP Program and loans to SMEs at subsidized rates). Concerning credit in Us dollars (mostly pre-financing of exports to the private sector), it fell by U.S.$5.4 billion to U.S.$5.3 billion in the year.

Private credit denominated in Pesos grew 49.2%, while private loans in dollars expressed in Pesos fell 30.6%. Within the private sector category in Pesos, commercial loans grew 78.8%, in line with the discounted notes credit lines, which rose 121.5% after the implementation of government financial aid to companies in the context of the pandemic. In turn, consumer loans grew 38.3%, just a few points below average inflation for the year, led by credit card purchases (+59.6%). The fall in real wages, and the fact that many families had little or no income for many weeks, caused families to incur debt via these means of payment and credit, the expiration of which was postponed for three months by several government regulations, including without limitation, the ability to pay interest in installments and with a reduction in the interest rate. Meanwhile, real guarantee loans grew just 7.8%, mainly affected by the mortgage stop (-0.1%), while pledges began to gain momentum towards the end of the year, growing a total of 29.3%.

The interannual growth differential between deposits and loans of the financial system in Pesos (85.7% vs. 46.9%), was reflected in an increase in liquidity ratios and in the growing role that remunerated liabilities of the Central Bank in the hands of banks began to play in the profitability and capitalization of the financial system. Indeed, ample liquidity, measured as availabilities in Pesos, integration of liquidity requirements and Central Bank instruments, reached 61.09% of deposits at the end of 2020. In the year-on-year comparison, ample liquidity increased 1.7%

In this context, interest rates showed some volatility, which was in line with pressures on the exchange rate. In December 2019, the monetary policy rate (LELIQ for 7 days) had closed at 55%. In February, the Central Bank extended the term of the LELIQS to 28 days and the rate closed at 40%. A week before the mandatory stay-at-home order was announced, the Central Bank lowered the policy rate to 38%, where it would remain until mid-October.

In order to take pressure off the foreign exchange market and Central Bank reserves, at the beginning of October, the Central Bank increased the rate of overnight repos from 19% to 24%. At the same time, through Communication “A” 7122, the Central Bank established that financial institutions must reduce their net position in LELIQS by 20% compared to their average position in September. By causing banks to disarm these positions with a remuneration of 3.2% per month and offering them the alternative of a short pass that now paid 2% per month, the weighted cost of sterilization fell slightly from 2.8% to 2.7% monthly. On the other hand, by shortening terms from 28 days to 1 day, the Central Bank became more exposed to the daily renewal of interbank repos, facing a greater relative number of short maturities than before.

A week later, the Monetary Authority decided to raise the passive repo rate by 3% to 27%, complementing the increase of five points from the previous week, and lowered the remuneration of the LELIQS from 38% to 37%. A week later, the minimum rates set for attracting term deposits in Pesos increased by up to Ps.1 million from 33% to 34% per year, and decided to raise the overnight repo rate by 3% to a nominal 30% per year. In addition, the Central Bank announced that it would begin offering 7-day passive repos with

 

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an annual nominal rate of 33% and subsequently reduced the LELIQS rate for new tenders, from 37% to 36% annually. These rate signals were complemented by the announcement of a bill of tax relief for investments in Pesos, which included assets in Pesos indexed (with CER or UVA) and other assets in national currency that are used for productive investments.

A new round of rate increases at the end of October brought the repo rates to one and seven days to 31% and 34.5%, respectively. In mid-November, the last adjustment of the year was carried out, which increased the 28-day LELIQS rate by 2%, placing it again at 38% (its value at the beginning of October), and the rate of the passes to one and seven days at 32% and 36.5%.

The liquidity of the financial system according to the broad definition of the Central Bank reached 65% in 2020, 5% more than at the end of 2019. Net of LELIQS and public securities, the liquidity ratio reaches 39% of assets against 36% at the end of 2019. Part of this increase derives from the weakness of the demand for credit from the private sector that caused a decrease from 40 to 34% of assets including the assistance programs established by the government to address the impact of the mandatory shelter-in-place orders.

Starting in January 2020, financial entities reported all their accounts adjusted for inflation. The financial system as a whole earned 313.7 billion Pesos in 2020, about 40% drop measured in constant currency. The ROE of the banking industry fell from 46.4% to 15.8%, while the ROA went from 5.4% to 2.3%. This decrease in the profitability of the sector is due to the combination of a lower financial margin that fell 17% in the first 11 months of the year in the context of increasing administrative expenses that went from representing 53% of the intermediation margin to more than 60%.

The non-performing ratio of the financial system reaches 4.1% of the total and 3.9% considering the private sector only. Among private banks the number is even lower, standing at 2.2%. Private banking has made allowances for more than 200% of its non-performing portfolio. The numbers are not comparable to previous years for two reasons. First, the morosity terms were softened by the Central Bank. Secondly, the compulsive credit card refinancings that occurred in April and September respectively kept potentially compromised borrowers from falling behind on payments. Likewise, the same situation occurred with borrowers of loans that are adjusted for UVA, which were not adjusted in 2020.

The financial system has a capitalization ratio of 21.4% (level 1 capital indicator), 75% in excess of the Basel standards requirements.

Year 2021

During 2021, the monetary policy was perceived as multifaceted. From a nominal approach, interest rates remained significantly stable. The monetary policy rate remained unchanged throughout 2021, at 38%, whereas the rate for one-day and seven-day swaps was set at 32% and 36.5%, respectively. The Badlar rate remained at about 34%, consistently with the remuneration of corporate time deposits in excess of one million Pesos during the same period. Interest rates for retail time deposits in amounts of less than one million Pesos remained at 37% for the entire period. The rate of interest on advances to companies was not subject to any material changes either, with an average rate of 35%, while interbank rates ranged from 28% to 30% throughout 2021.

The monetary base by the end of the year was Ps. 3.65 trillion, representing a 47.9% increase as compared to the previous year-end (2020), that is, three (3) percentage points below the inflation rate. By the end of the year, the private deseasonalized M2 indicator- as a GDP percentage- recorded a 5% increase compared to the historical average, an indication of certain excess money supply.

The factors for the expansion of the monetary base by Ps. 1.18 billion during 2021 were basically three-fold. The National Treasury financing demanded Ps. 1.76 billion, net, for temporary advances and profit remittance. Furthermore, the issuance of a net amount of Ps. 451,000 million was required to purchase foreign exchange in an amount equal to U.S.$ 5,049 million in the exchange market. For the purposes of neutralizing the monetary impact of this issuance, it was necessary for LELIQS and Swaps to be placed in the financial system in an amount of nearly Ps. 1.9 trillion along with the intervention in the bond market and Rofex for the purpose of sterilizing an additional amount of Ps. 490,000 million. As a compensatory measure, an amount of nearly Ps. 1.4 trillion as interest on the interest-bearing debt was issued.

In 2021, the exchange market retained the same structure that was in place during the previous year with certain additional restrictions on some of its segments. In the official exchange market the US dollar quotation underwent three clearly differentiated stages. In the first quarter, Peso devaluation in that market went hand in hand with inflation figures, even exceeding such figures at times. Since April, devaluation rate decreased, ranging from 1% to 1.2% per month and became delinked from inflation. Such policy lasted until the November midterm legislative elections. In the last month of the year, the Central Bank allowed the Peso to depreciate further until reaching a monthly depreciation of 2%, still below the inflation rate. In the “point to point” measurement, the official dollar grew by 22.1%, as compared to a 41% increase in domestic prices adjusted by a 7% inflation in the United States. This implies a real appreciation of Peso vs. commercial US dollar of over 13% in 2021. Measured in multilateral terms and using the Central Bank´s index, the real exchange rate for commercial transactions appreciated by 21%.

 

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The gap between the official exchange rate and the quoted price of the US dollar in those markets whose counterpart is not the Central Bank, followed the same timeline. Between August and December, the dollar in the market known as blue-chip swap market or “CCL” by its Spanish acronym, was quoted at a price higher -98% in average- than that of the official dollar. Between January and July such gap fluctuated at 70%, partly for reasons proper to the market and also due to the government intervention in the foreign currency denominated bond market. Following the elections, such gap rose again until reaching almost 100% by the end of the year.

Transactions in the official exchange market faced two very dissimilar scenarios throughout the year. Driven by the good international export prices and the settlement of proceeds thereof through the foreign exchange market, during the first half of 2021, the Central Bank accumulated international reserves in excess of 7,100 million dollars, which were partially sold (2,100 million on net basis) during the last months of the year. Moreover, it received an amount of 4,334 million dollars in the nature of Special Drawing Rights (Derechos Especiales de Giro, “DEG”) from the IMF, to which Argentine was entitled as a result of the authorization granted to the Central Bank by the IMF member countries to issue domestic currency on account of the health emergency situation. The cancellation of debt service due to the international organization, payment of some private sector indebtedness and other public sector and market transactions almost totally depleted inflows into reserves during such year, as a result of which the Central Bank could hardly retain 275 million dollars by the end of the year. It is worth mentioning that the Argentine government resolved to postpone the negotiation of a new credit facility program and honor its debts with the international organization that fell due in the last months of the year with the DEGs received from the IMF.

Thus, the Central Bank´s gross reserves, including those associated to the minimum cash requirements for deposits in foreign currency accepted by the banks, amounted to US $39,662 million by the end of the year, virtually the same level of gross and net reserves held at the beginning of the year.

The trend of real growth in Peso deposits recorded in 2020 continued in 2021. Total deposits in Pesos increased by 61.1%, based on a point-to-point measurement, that is, slightly over 6% in real terms. As concerns the private sector deposits, such increase was somewhat lower, that is, a 59.2% nominal growth and 5.2% in real terms. Sight deposits increased by almost 8%, adjusted for inflation, whereas time deposits rose by 3% in similar terms. The increase in time deposits was extremely uneven: the balance of customary deposits rose by 1% in real terms while those adjusted for inflation increased by 91%. Dollar deposits from the private sector marginally fell in nominal terms -1.1% or -7.5% if adjusted for inflation in the United States. Deposits in Pesos and Dollars from the public and private sectors accounted for almost 25% of the GDP.

The minimum cash requirements established by the Central Bank acting as the system´s regulatory authority, reached 45% of the average balance for sight deposits in larger entities, 32% for time deposits with a maturity of less than 29 days, 22% for deposits with a maturity of between 30 and 59 days and 4% for deposits with a maturity of up to 89 days. Smaller-sized entities have a lower minimum cash requirement. Deposits adjusted for inflation (UVA) are subject to a reserve requirement pattern of 7%, 5% and 3% based on their length (less than 29, less than 59 and less than 89 days, respectively). The minimum cash requirement for deposits in foreign currency with a maturity of up to 29 days is set at 23% of the average but, in a context of low demand of loans in foreign currency, liquidity balances in foreign currency are significantly higher.

Loans in Pesos to the private sector increased by 49.2%, based on a point-to-point measurement, that is, a slight 1% decline in real terms. The balance of loans to the private sector in dollars dropped by 25% in view of the private sector expectations that an increase in the quoted price of the US dollar in the official exchange market would surpass interest rates in Pesos. In the consumption segment, credit card financing decreased by 8% whereas personal loans remained unchanged after being adjusted for inflation. There was a 3.7% recovery in the demand of commercial credit facilities, in real terms. In turn, there was a 11% drop in mortgage loans while pledge loans rose by 46%.

Delinquency levels recorded a slight increase until reaching 4.3% by the end of 2021. This represents an increase from the 4.2% reported in December 2020; however, the figures are not totally comparable since the Central Bank had modified the rules for recording late payments during the pandemics and the situation returned to normal after June 2021. Upon comparing such figures with those in 2019, arrearage fell from the 5.7% recorded at that time and even more following a peak of 6.1% in February 2020, just before the outbreak of the pandemics. Coverage of late payments by means of allowances is 110%, a decrease from the 136% recorded at the end of 2020.

 

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Delinquency is quite heterogeneous based on the type of financial institutions. Late payments reported by private banks is only 2.8% with a 151.7% coverage by means of allowances. Likewise, in the case of official banks, such figure has more than doubled, with an uncollectibility ratio of 6.6% and allowances providing arrearage coverage (85%). The uncollectibility charges of the system ranged from an average of Ps. 21,600 million per month in 2020 to Ps.13,500 million per month in 2021, on a constant currency basis, in consistence with late payments reduction.

As part of a set of initiatives aimed at channeling the supply of bank loans to some segments in the market and the National Treasury, the Central Bank has authorized that minimum cash requirements be partially satisfied by means of certain government securities purchased at auctions and debt of the monetary authority that entities may use in accordance with their participation in credit programs under the regulation. Hence, the share of revenues from holdings of debt of the National Treasury and the Central Bank for the entire system in the aggregate financial revenues rose from 50% to 57%, whereas interest on loans dropped from 40% to 34%.

Without experiencing significant changes in expense coverage with revenues from non-financial services, the evolution of bank profitability was driven by the results of financial intermediation. Slow payment recovery fell short in compensating the drop in intermediation margin so that aggregate earnings in 2021 significantly decreased. After recording average monthly profits in an amount of Ps.27,600 million in 2020, an amount equal to Ps.17,600 million per month was recorded in 2021. Mention should be made to the factors that impaired bank profitability during that term such as, among others, low credit demand, subsidized loans, regulated interest rates that impacted on the margin of financial intermediation. There was a 36% decrease in profits for the entire system and 46% for the private sub-system. Thus, accumulated ROA for 2021 adjusted for inflation declined from 2.4% to 1.1%. In turn, accumulated ROE was 7.2% for the total financial system and 8.0% for the private bank subsystem.

The system is capitalized to a very satisfactory extent. Capital integration is 25.6%, that is, 239% more than is required according to the Central Bank´s statistics. Private banks have an excess of capital as payment is higher than 27%. These sound figures with respect to capital are supplemented by the entities´ satisfactory liquidity levels. Liquid assets accounted for as the aggregate of cash and cash equivalents, minimum cash requirements, swaps, securities for minimum cash requirements and drafts issued by the Central Bank (LELIQS), represent 68.7% of total deposits, which figure has remained considerably stable throughout the year.

Year 2022

After two years in which it kept its monetary policy rate fixed at 38%, throughout 2022 the Central Bank increased the Liquidity Bills rate to 75%, accompanying the increase in inflation and the exchange rate gap. The private Badlar rate rose from 34.1% to 69.4% during the year. In this context, the Central Bank’s interest-bearing liabilities increased from Ps. 4,506 billion to Ps. 9,947 billion. The direct issuance by the Central Bank’s transitory advances or transfer of profits to the Treasury totaled Ps. 620 billion or 0.7% of GDP, considerably less than the 3.7% of 2021. But the Central Bank intervened on several occasions in the secondary market for government securities, buying around Ps. 1,850 billion throughout 2022 and had to use LELIQ and passive passes to sterilize the resulting issuance.

The situation of the Peso bond market was at its most pressing between June and July. Uncertainty over a potential default on CER-adjusted securities caused yields on certain bonds in the secondary market to soar from -8% to +11% in a matter of weeks. Volatility spilled over to stocks and dollar-denominated Treasury bonds and began to improve from August onwards, leading to a year of widespread improvement in dollar-denominated Treasury yields. In fact, the Treasury was able to carry out two asset conversion operations that contributed to clear public debt maturities until the end of the year.

The Merval index expressed in dollars at the CCL exchange rate grew 44% in the year and closed at U.S.$ 673, the highest price since August 2019. Sovereign bonds in dollars fell 19% for the full year, although they rose 34% in the last quarter. The JPMorgan country risk index started the year at 1,703 basis points, surpassed 2,800 basis points in July and October, and by the end of December had dropped to 2,196 basis points.

The monetary base grew 42.5% in 2022, or Ps. 1,438 billion. In addition to the assistance to the Treasury and the purchase of government securities, the main factors for the expansion of the monetary base were the payment of interest on Central Bank liabilities (Ps. 3,386 billion) and the purchase of foreign currency (Ps. 1,244 billion), while it absorbed Ps. 5,839 billion through the issuance of Liquidity Bills. The public money in circulation grew 51.9%, almost half the inflation rate, but bank reserve requirements increased only 17.3%, partly because the real growth of Peso deposits observed in 2021 was reversed in 2022 and, on the other hand, because the Treasury offered banks the possibility of integrating reserve requirements with Treasury bonds and with LELIQ for those who grant loans under government-subsidized lines, among other conditions. In this way, the Central Bank encouraged the granting of financing to both the public and private sectors.

 

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Total Peso deposits fell 1.9% in real terms measured on an end-to-end basis, after having grown 4.7% the previous year. Fixed-term deposits rose 12.5% in real terms, but current account deposits fell 14.8% and savings deposits fell 5.6%, a phenomenon that reflects the weakening demand for money during the year.

For their part, dollar deposits fell sharply again, closing the year 10% below the December 2021 level, after having fallen 16.2% during that year. At December 2022 prices, public and private sector Peso and dollar deposits reached Ps. 21,536 billion or 26% of GDP.

On the credit front, demand has continued to fall steadily. The total balance fell for the fifth consecutive year in real terms, ending 2022 at Ps. 7,635 billion, 16% below the December 2021 level. Credit in Pesos to the private sector contracted 13.7% in the year, mainly in mortgages (-31.8%), personal loans (-19.1%) and credit cards (-14.2%). As a result, commercial credit fell 8.8% in real terms and consumer credit fell 16%.

In this context of rising nominal interest rates and falling financial intermediation in real terms, the financial system preserved most of its solvency ratios, maintaining moderate risk exposure and high coverage margins with liquid assets, provisions for uncollectibility and capital.

In particular, the stocks market exposure of all financial institutions to credit risk remained at relatively low levels compared to recent years, around 44% when measured as the ratio of total credit (to the private and public sector) to total assets. At the same time, the ratio of non-performing of financing to the private sector continued to decline, reaching 3.1%.

In terms of profitability, the Central Bank’s decisions regarding interest rates, the behavior of Treasury debt and regulations have become increasingly important factors in determining the results of banking institutions. Nevertheless, banks have generally maintained positive indicators throughout the year, which have reinforced the solvency of the system.

Selected Financial Data

The following tables present summary historical consolidated financial data for each of the periods indicated. You should read this information in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this annual report. We have derived our selected consolidated financial position data for the year ended December 31, 2020, from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this annual report.

 

     As of December 31,  
Selected Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data    2020 (1)      2021(1)      2022  

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

ASSETS

        

Cash and Deposits in Banks

     382,135,611        335,692,114        250,089,093  

Investments in Debt Securities and Equity Instruments

     791,864,581        627,553,904        949,065,401  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,909,301        2,524        42,899  

Repo Transactions

     115,909,275        61,176,357        61,929,317  

Loans and other financing

     756,880,127        686,328,209        598,600,865  

Other Financial Assets

     97,553,204        103,490,368        88,564,801  

Current Income Tax Assets

     —          1,058,582        —    

Investment in associates and joint arrangements

     599,527        953,520        1,141,599  

Property, Plant and Equipment

     101,054,570        102,991,484        101,863,737  

 

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     As of December 31,  
Selected Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data    2020 (1)      2021(1)      2022  

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intangible Assets

     15,007,164        16,370,965        17,439,760  

Deferred Income Tax Assets

     185,790        93,092        73,569  

Other Non-financial Assets

     6,562,773        4,541,843        12,452,870  

Non-current assets held for sale

     6,639,597        6,314,263        8,856,247  

TOTAL ASSETS

     2,277,301,520        1,946,567,225        2,090,120,158  

Average Assets

     2,062,689,144        1,925,247,341        1,891,655,222  

LIABILITIES

        

Deposits

     1,437,016,959        1,147,041,028        1,295,395,069  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          3,170,711        526,027  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     677        4,933        2,371  

Repo Transactions

     1,818,749        —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     144,706,530        131,278,389        135,091,316  

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

     2,702,383        852,660        2,449,342  

Corporate Bonds

     115,337,362        87,588,712        74,845,393  

Current Income Tax Liabilities

     15,128,486        684,304        10,849,439  

Provisions

     3,853,234        3,221,012        2,788,132  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

     21,899,267        12,169,160        13,134,903  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     89,256,789        93,758,925        42,809,291  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     1,831,720,436        1,479,769,834        1,577,891,283  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Net Shareholders’ Equity attributable to controlling interests

     445,575,591        466,723,603        512,144,187  

Net Shareholders’ Equity attributable to non-controlling interests

     5,493        73,788        84,688  

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     445,581,084        466,797,391        512,228,875  

Average Shareholders´Equity

     430,997,517        438,257,094        471,419,807  

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”

 

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     For the year ended December 31,  
Selected Consolidated Statement of Income Data    2020 (1)      2021(1)      2022  

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos, except for number of shares, basic
earnings per share and dividends per share)
 

Net Interest Income

     282,987,207        255,254,091        305,325,092  

Net Commissions income

     66,730,139        65,164,399        67,988,986  

Subtotal (Net Interests income plus Net Commissions income)

     349,717,346        320,418,490        373,314,078  

Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

     41,100,715        32,491,457        45,158,876  

Profit from sold or derecognized assets at amortized cost

     3,801,250        475,397        169,626  

Differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency

     12,436,304        9,053,376        62,273,582  

Other operating income

     15,788,439        15,259,712        21,177,436  

Credit loss expense on financial assets

     (23,114,986      (5,056,287      (6,897,807

Net Operating Income before expenses, depreciation and amortization

     399,729,068        372,642,145        495,195,791  

Total Operating Expenses (2)

     (194,108,208      (196,630,082      (207,101,627

Net operating income after expenses, depreciation and amortization

     205,620,860        176,012,063        288,094,164  

(Loss)/Income from associates and joint arrangements

     (20,155      170,439        (113,516

Loss on net monetary position

     (90,338,449      (129,316,600      (228,837,116

Income before tax on continuing operations

     115,262,256        46,865,902        59,143,532  

Income tax on continuing operations

     (38,361,162      (2,310,310      (18,369,866

Net Income from continuing operations

     76,901,094        44,555,592        40,773,666  

Net Income for the fiscal year

     76,901,094        44,555,592        40,773,666  

Net Income for the fiscal year attributable to controlling interest

     76,900,028        44,554,136        40,766,589  

Net Income for the fiscal year attributable to non-controlling interest

     1,066        1,456        7,077  

Other Comprehensive Income

     2,878,877        2,385,306        (5,561,492

Foreign currency translation differences in financial statements conversion

     352,427        (1,492,767      (718,989

Profit or loss for financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

     2,526,450        3,878,073        (4,842,503

Total Comprehensive Income for the fiscal year

     79,779,971        46,940,898        35,212,174  

Total Comprehensive Income attributable to controlling interest

     79,778,905        46,939,442        35,205,097  

Total Comprehensive Income attributable to non-controlling interests

     1,066        1,456        7,077  

Basic earnings per share (3)

     120.27        69.68        63.76  

Dividends per share approved by the shareholders’ meeting (4)

     15.64        22.18        117.36  

Dividends per share in US$ approved by the shareholders’ meeting (5)

     0.19        0.22        0.66  

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares (in thousands)

     639,413        639,413        639,413  

 

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(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

(2)

Includes employee benefits, administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and other operating expenses.

(3)

Net income for the fiscal year attributable to controlling interest divided by weighted average number of outstanding shares.

(4)

Not adjusted for inflation.

(5)

Dividends per share approved by the shareholders’ meeting divided by the exchange rate as of December 31 of each year.

 

     As of and for the year ended December 31,  
Selected Consolidated Ratios    2020     2021     2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Profitability and performance

      

Net interest margin (%) (1)

     18.43     18.41     22.21

Fee income ratio (%) (2)

     20.45     22.02     19.80

Efficiency ratio (%) (3)

     34.89     38.23     28.79

Fee income as a percentage of administrative expense (%)

     39.78     38.54     40.39

Return on average equity (%)

     17.84     10.17     8.65

Return on average assets (%)

     3.73     2.31     2.16

Liquidity

      

Loans and other financings as a percentage of total deposits (%)

     54.70     61.47     47.06

Liquid assets as a percentage of total deposits (%) (4)

     90.13     90.05     94.60

Capital

      

Total equity as a percentage of total assets (%)

     19.57     23.98     24.50

Regulatory capital as a percentage of risk-weighted assets (%)

     34.23     36.06     39.91

Asset Quality

      

Non-performing loans and other financings included in Stage 3 as a percentage of total loans and other financings (%) (5)

     1.13     0.91     0.82

Allowances for loan losses as a percentage of total loans and other financings

     (3.71 %)      (2.66 %)      (1.80 %) 

Allowances for credit losses as a percentage of non-performing loans and other financings included in Stage 3 (%) (5)

     (327.68 %)      (291.98 %)      (219.52 %) 

Operations

      

Number of branches

     463       466       467  

Number of employees

     8,561       8,005       7,796  

 

  (1)

Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

  (2)

Commissions income divided by the sum of net interest income.

  (3)

The efficiency ratio is equal to operating expenses over operating income. Operating expense includes employee benefits, administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and other operating expenses. Operating income includes net interest income, net commissions income, net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency and other operating income.

  (4)

Liquid assets include cash, cash collateral, reverse repos, instruments issued by Central Bank, other government securities and interbank loans.

  (5)

As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, non-performing loans are calculated according to our internal credit rating grades disclosed in note 52.1 to our consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR YEARS 2022 – 2021

The following discussion of our results of operations is for the Bank as a whole and without reference to any operating segments.

We do not manage our Bank by segments or divisions or by customers, by products and services by regions, or by any other segmentation for purpose of accounting resources or assessing profitability.

During 2022, the Argentine economy grew about 5.5%, private consumption expanded 9% and investment rose more than 11%, reaching 21% of GDP at constant values. Economic activity normalized after two years of pandemic and practically all sanitary restrictions were lifted. Some domestic issues affected the economy with two turning points: in March, the signing of the new agreement with the IMF was jeopardized, and in July and August there were two changes in the government´s economic team, amid exchange rate tensions and an acceleration of inflation.

 

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The year was characterized by an increase in nominal rates and a fall in intermediation in real terms, within a framework of a solid and increasingly liquid financial system, with a large participation of the public sector due to the growing increase of securities portfolios in banks’ balance sheets.

Even though our net income totaled Ps.40,773.7 million in 2022, 8% lower than the Ps.44,555.6 million in 2021 but our net interest margin improved to 22.2% in 2022 from 18.4% in 2021. The Bank´s ROE and ROA of 2.2% and 8.7% respectively, remained healthy and showed the Bank’s earnings´ potential.

As of December 31, 2022, the accumulated efficiency ratio reached 28.8% improving from the 38.2% in 2021, showing the strict cost control policies adopted by the Bank.

On the loan side, our loans and other financing portfolio to the private sector decreased by 13%, compared to 2021. The Peso financing portfolio decreased 14% or Ps.89,432 million and the dollar financing portfolio declined 30% or U.S.$ 88 million.

During 2022, we maintained a leading position in terms of personal loans, with 12.8% of market share. In 2022 we improved our market share in credit card products, reaching 8.8%.

Our coverage ratio reached 219.52% as of December 31, 2022 (considering the internal rating grade), decreasing from the 291.98% reached as the end of 2021. In 2022, the agreement with the IMF was reached and approved by the Argentine Congress, so we began to reverse the additional ECL accounting for Ps. 3,868.6 million as of December 31, 2021, and now there is no additional provision for this item. Therefore, our management decided to record an additional allowance for Ps. 1,837 million as of December 31, 2022 that represents the estimation of the impact that it would have on the ECL for companies (MIPYMES´s) if there is a negative change in the interest rate policy and certain uncertainty mainly related to our long-term holdings of Federal Government instruments.

Although there was an improvement in the quality of the portfolio with respect to the previous year, the reverse of the adjustment in the allowances recorded in the previous year had an impact on the drop in the coverage ratio.

In accordance to the internal rating grade, the delinquency rate reached the 0.82% of the total portfolio as of December 31, 2022, slightly improving from last year level (0.91%) due to the economic reactivation during 2022. This behavior occurred in a context of negative real interest rates and a rising inflation scenario, which favored the repayment of obligations, improving payment conditions for both individuals and companies.

On the funding side, our total deposits increased 13% in 2022 compared to 2021. Regarding the composition of deposits, there was an increase in time deposits and to a lesser extent in demand deposits.

We rank third among private entities with the highest volume of deposits and a market share of 5.7% of the financial system as a whole as of December 31, 2022.

It is worth noting that during 2022 and 2021, we invested part of our excess liquidity in government and private securities, which explain the increase in such portfolio by 51% compared to 2021. As of December 31, 2022, the Bank’s liquidity reached Ps. 1,225,447 million, maintaining a 94.6% of liquidity ratio greater than the one achieved at the end of 2021.

 

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YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021

Net income

The following table sets forth certain components of our statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2022:

 

INCOME STATEMENT

   Year Ended December 31,      Change December 31,  
     2021(1)      2022      2022—2021  
     (in thousands of Pesos, except for number of shares, basic earnings
share and
 dividends per share)
 

Interest income

     439,126,515        612,465,374        173,338,859        39

Interest expense

     (183,872,424      (307,140,282      (123,267,858      67

Net interest income

     255,254,091        305,325,092        50,071,001        20

Commissions income

     72,042,451        75,402,581        3,360,130        5

Commissions expense

     (6,878,052      (7,413,595      (535,543      8

Net commissions income

     65,164,399        67,988,986        2,824,587        4

Subtotal (Net interest income plus Net commissions income)

     320,418,490        373,314,078        52,895,588        17

Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

     32,491,457        45,158,876        12,667,419        39

Profit from sold or derecognized assets at amortized cost

     475,397        169,626        (305,771      (64 %) 

Differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency

     9,053,376        62,273,582        53,220,206        588

Other operating income

     15,259,712        21,177,436        5,917,724        39

Credit loss expense on financial assets

     (5,056,287      (6,897,807      (1,841,520      36

Net operating income before expenses, depreciation and amortization

     372,642,145        495,195,791        122,553,646        33

Employee benefits

     (76,906,728      (77,638,291      (731,563      1

Administrative expenses

     (39,137,679      (39,155,671      (17,992      0

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets

     (13,880,389      (15,248,627      (1,368,238      10

Other operating expenses

     (66,705,286      (75,059,038      (8,353,752      13

Net operating income after expenses, depreciation and amortization

     176,012,063        288,094,164        112,082,101        64

(Loss) / Income from associates and joint arrangements

     170,439        (113,516      (283,955      (167 %) 

Loss on net monetary position

     (129,316,600      (228,837,116      (99,520,516      77

Income before tax on continuing operations

     46,865,902        59,143,532        12,277,630        26

Income tax on continuing operations

     (2,310,310      (18,369,866      (16,059,556      695

Net income from continuing operations

     44,555,592        40,773,666        (3,781,926      (8 %) 

Net income for the fiscal year

     44,555,592        40,773,666        (3,781,926      (8 %) 

Net income for the fiscal year attributable to controlling interest

     44,554,136        40,766,589        (3,787,547      (9 %) 

Net income for the fiscal year attributable to non-controlling interest

     1,456        7,077        5,621        386

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

 

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2022 and 2021

Our consolidated net income from continuing operations for fiscal year ended as of December 31, 2022 totaled Ps.40,773.7 million and decreased Ps. 3,781.9 million or 8% as compared to fiscal year ended as of December 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily attributable to:

 

   

A higher loss on net monetary position of Ps.99,520.5 million or 77%.

 

   

A higher income tax on continuing operations of Ps.16,059.6 million or 695%.

 

   

An increase in other operating expenses of Ps.8,353.7 million or 13%.

 

   

The aforementioned decreases in consolidated net income from continuing operations were partially offset by:

 

   

An increase in net interest income of Ps.50,071 million or 20%.

 

   

A higher difference in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency of Ps.53,220.2 million or 588%.

 

   

A higher net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss of Ps.12,667.4 million or 39%.

 

   

An increase in other operating income of Ps.5,917.7 million or 39%.

 

   

An increase in net commission income of Ps.2,824.6 million or 4%.

The decrease in the net income for the year was the consequence of the increase in the level of inflation. Inflation rate increased approximately 44 pp, eroding the results obtained.

However, the decrease in net income for fiscal year 2022 mentioned above was partially offset by the increase in results from government and private securities, due to the increase in interest income from notes issued by Central Bank (LELIQs/NOTALIQs) and the increase in CER adjusted government securities, and higher gains from bonds issued by the national government. Moreover, during 2022 the interest on loans increased 12%, mainly due to the increase in average interest rate.

In 2022, there was a higher devaluation (72.4%) in comparison to 2021 (22.1%). However, we maintain long dollar position, which resulted in a higher gain on exchange rate differences.

Interest income

The components of our interest income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

 

INTEREST INCOME

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2021 (1)    2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Interest on Cash and bank deposits

   25,670      400,119  

Interest from government securities

   198,393,729      347,607,205  

Interest from debt securities

   589,978      193,000  

Interest on loans and other financing

     

To the financial sector

   1,316,788      535,913  

To the non-financial public sector

   3,536,706      1,513,955  

To the non-financial private sector

     

Interest on overdrafts

   15,724,089      25,399,566  

 

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Interest on documents

     18,258,697        25,583,152  

Interest on mortgages loans

     29,769,780        37,615,857  

Interest on pledged loans

     2,071,557        2,976,314  

Interest on personal loans

     93,771,254        89,374,385  

Interest on credit cards

     28,693,425        40,706,936  

Interest on financial leases

     164,127        344,679  

Interest on other

     30,183,128        26,929,464  

Interest in Repos

     

From the Central Bank

     16,524,972        12,635,845  

Other financial institutions

     102,615        648,984  

Total Interest income

     439,126,515        612,465,374  

(1) Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2022 and 2021

Our interest income increased 39% or Ps. 173,338.8 million as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, due to higher interest income from government securities and higher interest on loans.

Interest from government securities and debt securities combined increased 75% or Ps.148,816.5 million. Interest derived from government securities increased by 75%, or Ps. 149,213.5 million, given the higher gain from LELIQs of the Central Bank for Ps. 142,943 million, due to a higher volume on these instruments (the average placements in instruments issued by the Central Bank increased approximately 37% in 2022) and the higher nominal interest rates of these instruments (increased on average 24.9 percentage points in such year, from 37.5% in 2021 to 62.4% in 2022). On the other hand, we had gains from bonds and notes adjusted by CER for Ps. 33,449 million and loss from others bonds (adjusted by BADLAR and others) for Ps.16,929.6 million. Since 2020 we have been investing the excess of liquidity in others government securities adjusted by Badlar, by CER or Dual bonds.

Interest on repos decreased 20% or Ps. 3,342.7 million as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, due to a decrease of 51% in average volume partially compensated by an increase of 23.1 percentage points in nominal average interest rate.

Interest on loans and other financing increased 12% or Ps. 27,490.7 million, basically due to an increase in average interest rate. This increase was partially offset by 8% drop in the average volume of loans to the private sector in fiscal year 2022 compared to 2021, given the level of economic activity observed in Argentina and deepened by the consequences of the slowly recovery from COVID 19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2022, the interest on loans represented 41% of total interest income, while in fiscal year 2021 it represented 51%.

The average nominal interest rate for private sector loans and other financing increased by 7.9 percentage points (from 33.7% in average in 2021 to 41.6% in average in 2022).

Within commercial loans we observed an increase in interest on overdrafts and in interest on documents, 62% or Ps.9,675.5 million and 40% or Ps 7,324.4 million respectively, in line with the level of economic activity. This increase was partially offset by others (mostly loans to SMEs, as part of the relief package given the Covid-19 pandemic) which declined by 11% or Ps.3,523.7 million. Within consumer loans, interest in mortgage loans increased by 26% or Ps, 7,846.1 million, on credit cards by 42% or Ps. 12,013.5 million and interest on pledge loans by 44% or Ps. 904.8 million (mortgages and pledge were in line with CER adjustment). Conversely, interest on personal loans decreased 5% or Ps.4,396.9 million.

 

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Interest expenses

The components of our interest expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:

 

INTEREST EXPENSE

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2021(1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

From deposits

     

Interest on checking accounts

     2,563,967        15,477,783  

Interest on saving accounts

     2,409,161        3,807,897  

Interest on time deposits and investments accounts

     169,973,426        280,598,419  

Interest on financing received from Central Bank of Argentina and Other financial institutions

     304,567        505,838  

For repo transactions

     

Other financial institutions

     573,796        975,643  

Interest on corporate bonds

     1,679,267        295,443  

Interest on subordinated corporate bonds

     6,321,129        4,628,154  

Interest on other financial liabilities

     47,111        851,105  

Total interest expense

     183,872,424        307,140,282  

(1) Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2022 and 2021

Interest expense increased 67% or Ps. 123,267.8 million as compared to 2021, due to higher average volume of time deposits and higher interest paid on such deposits.

Interest on deposits represented 98% of total interest expense and increased 71% or Ps. 124,937.5 million, as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Interest on time deposits increased 65% or Ps.110,625 million and interest on demand deposits increased 288% or Ps.14,312.5 million. The increase in interest on deposits was mainly due to a higher interest rate for private sector deposits (approximately an increase of 13.7 percentage points). Additionally, during 2022 the average volume of interest-bearing deposits from private sector increased 3%, the deposits in Pesos increased 9% and foreign currency deposits decreased 27%.

The increase in interest on deposits was offset by a 27% or Ps. 1,693 million decrease in interest on subordinated bonds and a 82% or Ps.1,383.8 million decrease in interest on corporate bonds.

Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

2022 and 2021

Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss increased 39% or Ps.12,667.4 million compared to 2021, primarily due to higher gains from private securities by 715% or Ps.17,315.1 million (corporate bonds) and higher gains from investment in equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss by 434% or Ps.8,773.4 million (mainly PRISMA S.A. Ps.6,900 million).

Both concepts were offset by a decrease of 44% or Ps.14,604.1 million in government securities, mainly due to a decrease in CER adjusted bonds issued by the National Government and Letters of National Government adjusted by CER to discount.

 

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Net Commissions income

The following table provides a breakdown of our commissions income by category for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022:

 

NET COMMISSIONS INCOME

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2021 (1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

AFIP & Collection services

     309,819        232,251  

Fees charged on deposit accounts

     27,676,639        28,334,044  

Mutual funds & securities fees

     1,477,199        1,263,515  

ATM transactions fees

     6,732,125        6,299,314  

ANSES fees

     102,247        79,501  

Insurance fees

     4,450,781        4,226,128  

Corporate services fees

     8,039,271        10,197,661  

Financial agent fees (Provinces)

     4,019,844        4,162,691  

Debit card fees

     4,695,725        4,757,908  

Credit card fees

     12,831,234        14,051,495  

Credit related fees

     1,707,567        1,798,073  

Total commissions income

     72,042,451        75,402,581  

Total commissions expense

     (6,878,052      (7,413,595

Net commissions income

     65,164,399        67,988,986  

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2022 and 2021

Net commission income increased 4%, or Ps. 2,824.6 million in 2022, due to an increase in total commissions income by 5% and an increase in total commissions expense by 8%.

Total commissions income increased by 5% or Ps. 3,360.1 million in 2022 compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a 27% or Ps.2,158.4 million increase in corporate service fees, a 10% or Ps.1,220.3 million increase in fees charged on Credit cards and a to 2% or Ps. 657.4 million increase in fees charges on deposits accounts, partially offset by a decrease in ATM transaction of by 6% or Ps. 432.8 million and a decrease in insurance fees of 5% or Ps. 224.7 million. The increase in commissions reflects a slight improvement in economic activity compared to the previous year.

Total commissions expense increased by 8% or Ps. 535.5 million compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, due to an 8% or Ps. 363.1 million increase in commissions paid for ATM exchange and increase in checkbooks commissions and clearing houses by 13% or Ps.153.9 million.

 

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Other Operating Income

The components of our other operating income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2021 (1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Credit and debit cards

     753,006        1,812,046  

Lease of safe deposit boxes

     2,280,348        2,143,135  

Other service related fees

     5,335,173        5,654,590  

Sale of real estate and other non-financial assets

     76,116        —    

Other adjustments and interest from other receivables

     2,860,477        4,058,624  

Sale of property, plant and equipment

     9,162        35,224  

Others

     3,945,430        7,473,817  

Other Operating Income

     15,259,712        21,177,436  

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2022 and 2021

In fiscal year 2022 other operating income totaled Ps.21,177.4 million and increased 39% or Ps.5,917.7 million compared to 2021. The increase due to:

 

  a)

Others: 89% or Ps.3,528.4 million increase in others, due to a difference in quoted prices in gold and foreign currency from loans granted, the sale of PRISMA of Ps.1,080 million and an increase in reversed provisions of Ps.2,477 million (partially connecting with debt cancelation from specific corporate client).

 

  b)

Other adjustment and interests from other receivables: 42% or Ps.1,198.2 million increase in other adjustment and interests from other receivable, due to higher yields from Fintech’s risk fund of Ps.1,077 million and higher results from credit card guarantee funds of Ps.688 million.

 

  c)

Credit and debit cards: 141% or Ps.1,059 million increase in other fees from credit and debit cards.

Differences in quoted prices in gold and foreign currency

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021 (1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency:

     

Translation of FX assets and liabilities to Pesos

     7,984,321        61,080,728  

Income from foreign currency exchange

     1,069,055        1,192,854  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency

     9,053,376        62,273,582  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2022 and 2021

In fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency totaled Ps. 62,273.6 million representing a 588% or Ps. 53,220.2 million increase compared to 2021. This increase was a result of: (i) an increase in income from foreign currency exchange of 12% or Ps. 123.8 million (mainly from government securities) and, (ii) an increase in translation of FX assets and liabilities to Pesos, by 665% or Ps. 53,096.4 million respectively. Our average net foreign exchange position increased around 193% (due to the contraction of dollar deposits), the year-over-year change in the exchange rate increased and generated gains in revaluation results with respect to the previous year (the exchange rate (Ps. per dollar) increased by 22.1% in 2021 and by 72.4% in 2022).

 

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Credit loss expense on financial assets

2022 and 2021 Credit loss expense on financial assets increased 36% or Ps. 1,841.5 million compared to 2021, totaling Ps. 6,897.8 million in 2022. It is important to remember that during 2021 the Central Bank established a gradual transition in the debtors classification for clients who chose to postpone the payment of installments (measures adopted by the Central Bank of Argentina in the pandemic context Covid19). However, during all 2022 the entity must classify their debtor according to the general debtor classification.

At the end of the year 2021, we decided to record an additional adjustment, based on expert credit judgment and on a prospective basis after estimating an incremental effect on ECL allowances in order to cover an uncertain macroeconomic scenario due to the lack of an agreement between the national government and the IMF to restructure the debt for an amount of Ps.3,868.6 million. When the agreement with the IMF was reached and approved by the Argentine Congress we began to reverse the additional ECL. As of December 31, 2022, the circumstances that generated the additional adjustment ceased to exist, therefore no other adjustment was recorded for this concept.

As of December 31, 2022, the ECL were calculated with adjusted parameters considering a reduction in the default rates of MIPYMES that is explained by the application of subsidized interest rates through financing programs to MIPYMES, which benefits the commercial portfolio enabling them to access to loans with negative interest rates, in a growing inflationary context. Our management considers that there is uncertainty about the conditions of the interest rate policy and the access to loans from the portfolio that was able to reduce its default rates. It is also understood that there are elements to doubt if these conditions will prevail in the future. In addition, our management has considered the macroeconomic environment of Argentina, including the actions performed by the Federal Government to manage its debt instruments and certain uncertainty mainly related to our long-term holdings of Federal Government instruments.Therefore, we decided to record an additional allowance for Ps.1,837 million that represents (i) the difference between the ECL amount generated by the application of the adjustment for MIPYMES´s portfolio and the estimation of the impact that it would have on the ECL for companies if there is a negative change in the interest rate policy for an amount of Ps. 1,514 million and (ii) the management estimation related to certain Federal Government securities for an amount of Ps. 323 million.

 

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Employee benefits and administrative expenses

The components of our employee benefits and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:

 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

   Year ended December 31,  
     2021 (1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Employee benefits

     76,906,728        77,638,291  

Remunerations

     54,584,335        53,579,236  

Social Security Contributions taxes

     12,594,534        13,220,901  

Compensation and bonuses to employees

     7,611,677        8,115,316  

Employee services

     2,116,182        2,722,838  

Administrative Expenses

     39,137,679        39,155,671  

Taxes

     5,704,624        6,415,867  

Maintenance, conservation, and repair expenses

     6,461,974        6,236,440  

Fees to directors and syndics

     1,522,421        1,975,113  

Security services

     3,972,295        3,761,984  

Electricity and communications

     3,959,287        3,464,711  

Other fees

     3,317,564        3,778,624  

Leases

     227,280        173,521  

Advertising and publicity

     1,699,823        2,374,900  

Representation, travel, and transportation expenses

     470,077        683,335  

Stationery and office supplies

     245,587        271,787  

Insurance

     529,174        412,674  

Hired administrative services

     242,991        266,705  

Other

     10,784,582        9,340,010  

Total Employee benefits and Administrative Expenses

     116,044,407        116,793,962  

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2022 and 2021

Employee benefits and administrative expenses increased by 1%, or Ps. 749.6 million, in 2022.

Employee benefits increased 1% or Ps. 731.6 million, due to an increase in Social security contributions taxes by 5% or Ps. 626.4 million, compensation and bonuses by 7% or Ps.503.6 million and employee services by 29% or Ps.606.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in remunerations by 2% or Ps. 1,005.1 million, showing the strict cost control policies adopted by the Bank.

Administrative expenses were almost unchanged from the previous year, increasing only Ps. 18 million. Within administrative expenses, fees in taxes increased by 12% or Ps. 711.2 million, fees to directors and syndic by 30% or Ps.452.7 million, advertising and publicity fees increased 40% or Ps.675.1 million and other fees increased 14% or Ps. 461.1 million. These increase in administrative expenses were partially compensated by a decrease in electricity and communications and in others, by 12% or Ps. 494.6 million and 13% or Ps. 1,444.6 million respectively.

 

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Other operating expenses

The components of our other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:

 

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

   Year ended December 31,  
     2021 (1)      2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Turnover tax

     35,193,119        41,332,037  

Charges for other provisions

     3,174,705        2,448,840  

Deposit guarantee fund contributions

     2,029,167        1,913,030  

Donations

     57,492        420,267  

Insurance claims

     174,484        436,033  

Initial loan recognition

     1,952,031        565,294  

Punitive interests and other Central Bank’s penalties

     202        398  

Other

     24,124,086        27,943,139  

Other Operating Expenses

     66,705,286        75,059,038  

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31. 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2022 and 2021

Other operating expenses increased 13% or Ps. 8,353.8 million, mainly due to an increase in turnover tax by 17% or Ps. 6,138.9 million and an increase in other which increased 16% or Ps. 3,819 million and was offset by a decrease in initial loan recognition by 71% or Ps. 1,386.7 million. The increase in other is mainly related to an increase in life insurance of the remain of different kinds of loans by Ps. 1,475 million and higher cost from brands like MasterCard and Visa by Ps.3,587 million.

Loss on net monetary position

2022 and 2021

Loss on net monetary position in fiscal year 2022 was 77% or Ps. 99,520.5 million higher than that recorded in 2021, moving from Ps.129,316.6 million in 2021 to Ps. 228,837.1 million in 2022, as a consequence of the increase of inflation rate around 44 percentage points, moving from 50.94% for 2021 to 94.79% for 2022. Moreover, the monetary assets grew approximately Ps.695 million and monetary liabilities decreased Ps. 573 million, generating a higher revaluation loss.

It is worth noting that monetary assets generate losses for inflation exposure and monetary liabilities generate gains. The net monetary position is the difference between losses and gains.

 

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Income tax

2022 and 2021

Income tax increased 695% or Ps. 16,059.6 million in fiscal year 2022 and the effective income tax rate was 4.9% for 2021 and 31.1% for 2022.

As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, all the conditions established by the income tax Law to practice the inflation adjustment were met and the current and deferred income tax was recognized, including the effects of the application of the inflation adjustment on income taxes established by Law. For more information, please see note 29 “Income Tax” of our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

This table shows the reconciliation between income tax and the amounts obtained by applying the current tax rate in Argentina to the income carrying amount:

 

Composition    Year ended December 31,  
     2021 (1)     2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Income carrying amount before income tax

     46,865,902       59,143,532  

Applicable income tax rate

     35     35

Income tax on income carrying amount

     16,403,066       20,700,236  

Net permanent differences and other tax effects including the fiscal inflation adjustment

     (14,092,756     (2,330,370

Total income tax

     2,310,310       18,369,866  

 

(1)

Figures stated in thousands of Pesos adjusted for inflation as of December 31. 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

In fiscal year 2022 the effective tax rate was affected by the implications of inflation adjustments on accounting and tax balances and the determination of income tax due and deferred income tax. For more information, please see Note 29 “Income Tax” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR YEARS 2021 – 2020

The following discussion of our results of operations is for the Bank as a whole and without reference to any operating segments.

We do not manage our Bank by segments or divisions or by customers, by products and services by regions, or by any other segmentation for purpose of accounting resources or assessing profitability. As evidenced in the abovementioned about “Macroeconomic context” year 2020 and “Money market and Argentine financial system” year 2020, we were immersed in a complex context but continued generating profits nonetheless in a very low level as compared to 2019, despite of the pandemic COVID-19 situation and the different rules and assistances implemented by the government about that.

In 2020 the Bank started to invest in other alternatives, such as CER bond adjusted and BADLAR bond adjusted, considering the pandemic situation and the drop in the private sector loan demand.

As evidenced in the abovementioned about “Macroeconomic context” year 2021 and “Money market and Argentine financial system” year 2021, during the second half of the year 2021 the economy was a gradually opening and, as consequence, we steadily started showing slightly improves in loans and other financing and continue investing in government and private securities. A special situation experienced in the year 2021 was the midterm election and it direct impact in deposits, by means of a reduction in dollars deposits (given the uncertainty about that at that moment).

Our loans and other financing portfolio to the private sector has grown by 38% in 2021 in nominal value, keeping up with the evolution of the financial system. In real terms, the private sector loan portfolio decreased by 8% compared to 2020.

 

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During 2021, we maintained a leading position in terms of personal loans, with Ps. 182,357.6 million, which represent a 13.9% of market share. As to its credit card products, in 2021 we have slightly improved our market share, reaching a market share of 7.4%.

Our coverage ratio reached 291.98% as of December 31, 2021 (considering the internal rating grade), decreasing from the 327.67% reached as the end of 2020. In this regard, it is worth mentioning that in 2020, within the context of COVID-19, the Central Bank had established the mandatory rescheduling of debts, thus allowing financial institutions not to recognize the portfolio deterioration generated as a consequence of the aforementioned context. It should also be clarified that in 2020, our management had made a special adjustment of allowances with prospective vision of Ps. 10,883.7 million, based on the deterioration of customer situation which showed higher levels of vulnerability or symptoms of payment difficulties as a consequence of the pandemic.

At the end of the period established for mandatory rescheduling (March 2021), the portfolio showed the true impact of the pandemic and we started to apply the provisions customers who verified defaults in their financial commitments.

As of December 31, 2021, having considered that the circumstances that originated the adjustment of allowances due to COVID-19 had disappeared, no adjustment for such concept were recorded. However, our management decided to estimate an incremental effect on the ECL, in order to cover an uncertain macroeconomic scenario derived from the rescheduling of the debt held by the National Government with the IMF. To this end, an additional adjustment based on expert judgment of Ps. 3,868.6 million was recorded.

In accordance to the internal rating grade criterion, the delinquency rate reached the 0.9% of the total portfolio as of December 31, 2021. The non-performing of the portfolio decreased in regard to the previous given that during 2021, as a consequence of a measured economic reactivation resulting from the gradual overcome of the pandemic situation, the overall performance of the portfolio improved. It is worth noting that during 2020 and 2021, we have invested part of the liquidity excess on government securities, explaining the increase in such portfolio, considering the lockdown and the down of activity for COVID 19 pandemic and the direct impact in the level of the economy.

Our total deposits increased by 20% in 2021 in nominal value and decreased by 20% in real terms compared to 2020. Regarding the composition of deposits, there was a decrease in time deposits and to a lesser extent in demand deposits.

We rank fourth among private entities with the highest volume of deposits and a market share of 4.9% of the financial system as a whole.

As of December 31, 2021, the Bank’s liquidity reached Ps. 1,032,929.8 million, maintaining a 90% of liquidity ratio similar to that achieved at the end of 2020.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

Net income

The following table sets forth certain components of our statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021:

 

INCOME STATEMENT

   Year Ended December 31,      Change December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021(1)      2021—2020  
     (in thousands of Pesos, except for number of shares, basic
earnings per share and dividends per share)
 

Interest Income

     461,853,526        439,126,515        (22,727,011      (5 %) 

Interest Expense

     (178,866,319      (183,872,424      (5,006,105      3

Net Interest Income

     282,987,207        255,254,091        (27,733,116      (10 %) 

Commissions income

     72,749,668        72,042,451        (707,217      (1 %) 

Commissions expense

     (6,019,529      (6,878,052      (858,523      14

 

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INCOME STATEMENT

   Year Ended December 31,      Change December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021(1)      2021—2020  
     (in thousands of Pesos, except for number of shares, basic
earnings per share and dividends per share)
 

Net commissions income

     66,730,139        65,164,399        (1,565,740      (2 %) 

Subtotal (Net Interest Income + Net Commissions Income)

     349,717,346        320,418,490        (29,298,856      (8 %) 

Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

     41,100,715        32,491,457        (8,609,258      (21 %) 

Profit from sold or derecognized assets at amortized cost

     3,801,250        475,397        (3,325,853      (87 %) 

Differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency

     12,436,304        9,053,376        (3,382,928      (27 %) 

Other operating income

     15,788,439        15,259,712        (528,727      (3 %) 

Credit loss expense on financial assets

     (23,114,986      (5,056,287      (18,058,699      (78 %) 

Net operating income before expenses, depreciation and amortization

     399,729,068        372,642,145        27,086,923        (7 %) 

Employee benefits

     (78,206,282      (76,906,728      1,299,554        (2 %) 

Administrative expenses

     (42,750,706      (39,137,679      3,613,027        (8 %) 

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets

     (12,944,070      (13,880,389      (936,319      7

Other operating expenses

     (60,207,150      (66,705,286      (6,498,136      11

Net operating income after expenses, depreciation and amortization

     205,620,860        176,012,063        (29,608,797      (14 %) 

Income/(Loss) from associates and joint arrangements

     (20,155      170,439        190,594        (946 %) 

Loss on net monetary position

     (90,338,449      (129,316,600      (38,978,151      43

Income before tax on continuing operations

     115,262,256        46,865,902        (68,396,354      (59 %) 

Income tax on continuing operations

     (38,361,162      (2,310,310      36,050,852        (94 %) 

Net income from continuing operations

     76,901,094        44,555,592        (32,345,502      (42 %) 

Net income from continuing operations

     76,901,094        44,555,592        (32,345,502      (42 %) 

Net income for the fiscal year attributable to controlling interest

     76,900,028        44,554,136        (32,345,892      (42 %) 

Net income for the fiscal year attributable to non-controlling interest

     1,066        1,456        390        37

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”

2021 and 2020

Our consolidated net income from continuing operations for fiscal year ended as of December 31, 2021 decreased Ps. 32,345.5 million or 42% as compared to fiscal year ended as of December 31, 2020. This decrease was primarily attributable to:

 

   

A higher loss on net monetary position by 43 % or Ps. 38,978.1 million;

 

   

A decrease in net interest Income by 10% or Ps. 27,733.1 million;

 

   

A lower net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value by 21% or Ps. 8,609.3 million;

 

   

A lower gain from difference in quoted prices on gold and foreign currency by 27% or Ps.3,382.9 million;

 

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A lower profit from sold or derecognized assets at amortized cost by 87% or Ps. 3,325.8 million;

 

   

An increase in operating expenses by 1% or Ps. 2,443.5 million;

 

   

A decrease in net commission income by 2% or Ps. 1,565.7 million.

The aforementioned decrease in consolidated net income from continuing operations was partially offset by:

 

   

A decrease in income tax on continuing operations by 94% or Ps. 36,050.8 million;

 

   

A decrease in credit loss expense on financial assets by 78% or Ps. 18,058.7 million;

The drop in the result for the year is the consequence of the decrease in the level of loans and other financing, which has not yet recovered, given the context of the COVID 19 pandemic. It is worth mentioning that in the last quarter of 2021 there was an increase in the portfolio of loans and other financing. Similar behavior was observed in fee and commission income, which has not yet recovered the levels of fiscal year 2020. The decrease in interest income from loans and other financing was partially offset by the growth in the results from government securities, which improved with respect to the previous year, due to the increase in rates (in the case of LELIQs) and/or the increase in the adjustment coefficients of securities, whether CER or BADLAR.

The inflation level for this year was higher, approximately 14.8 pp, eroding the results obtained. In addition, there was a lower devaluation during the year compared to the previous year, which resulted in a lower gain on exchange rate differences.

Interest income

The components of our interest income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

 

INTEREST INCOME

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Interest on Cash and bank deposits

     376,848        25,670  

Interest from government securities

     184,405,668        198,393,729  

Interest from debt securities

     4,727,847        589,978  

Interest on loans and other financing

     

To the financial sector

     2,975,732        1,316,788  

To the non-financial public sector

     8,683,273        3,536,706  

To the non-financial private sector

     

Interest on overdrafts

     31,792,681        15,724,089  

Interest on documents

     13,991,383        18,258,697  

Interest on mortgages loans

     23,739,549        29,769,780  

Interest on pledged loans

     1,399,622        2,071,557  

Interest on personal loans

     96,117,390        93,771,254  

Interest on credit cards

     33,844,187        28,693,425  

Interest on financial leases

     167,700        164,127  

Interest on other

     38,851,829        30,183,128  

From the Central Bank

     20,498,507        16,524,972  

 

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INTEREST INCOME

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Other financial institutions

     281,310        102,615  

Total Interest income

     461,853,526        439,126,515  

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2021 and 2020

Our interest income decreased 5% or Ps. 22,727.0 million as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, due to lower interest on loans and repos. This decrease was partially offset by the growth of interest from government and debt securities.

Interest from government securities and debt securities combined increased 5% or Ps. 9,850.2 million. Interest derived from government securities increased by 8%, or Ps. 13,988.1 million, given the higher gain from LELIQs of the Central Bank for Ps. 19,395.6 million, due to a higher volume on these instruments (the average placements in instruments issued by the Central Bank increased approximately 39% in 2021) compensated by lower nominal interest rates of these instruments (decreased on average 15.6 percentage points in such year, from 39.1% in 2020 to 37.5% in 2021), the decline in interest rate did not offset the increase in volume. On the other hand, we have gains from bonds and notes adjusted by CER for Ps. 31,102.6 million and from bonds adjusted by Badlar for Ps. 9,891.6 million. It is important to remember that since 2020 we are investing the excess of liquidity in others government securities adjusted by Badlar or by CER.

Interest from debt securities declined 88% or Ps. 4,137.9 million, primarily in regard to the results generated by private securities, mainly due to the maturity during 2021 of a large part of the outstanding portfolio as of December 31, 2020.

Interest on repos decreased 20% or Ps. 4,152.2 million as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, due to a decrease of 50% in average volume partially compensated by an increase of 13,36 percentage points in nominal average interest rate.

Interest on loans and other financing decreased 11% or Ps. 28,073.8 million, basically as a result of the 15% drop in the average volume of loans to the private sector in fiscal year 2021 compared to 2020, given the drop-in economic activity observed in Argentina and deepened by the consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The average nominal interest rate for private sector loans and other financing increased by 178 basis points (from 31.9% in average in 2020 to 33.7% in average in 2021) but failed to reverse the impact of the average drop in the volume of loans and financing granted compared to the previous year. Specifically, we observed a decrease in interest on Overdraft and on Others (mostly are loans to SMEs, as part of the relief package given the Covid-19 pandemic), by 51% or Ps. 16,068.6 million and by 22% or Ps. 8,668.7 million respectively. Within consumer loans, a decrease in interest on credit cards and interest on personal loans by 15% or Ps. 5,150.8 million and 2% or Ps. 2,346.1 million respectively was more in line with the level of the activity. However, interest on documents and mortgage loans grew 30% or Ps 4,267.3 million and 25% or Ps. 6,030.2 million respectively (mortgages are in line with CER adjustment).

Interest expenses

The components of our interest expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 were as follows:

 

INTEREST EXPENSE

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

From deposits

     

Interest on checking accounts

     5,809,585        2,563,967  

Interest on saving accounts

     1,923,326        2,409,161  

Interest on time deposits and investments accounts

     158,479,898        169,973,426  

Interest on financing received from Central Bank of Argentina and other financial institutions

     296,476        304,567  

 

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INTEREST EXPENSE

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

For repo transactions

     

Other financial institutions

     575,543        573,796  

Interest on corporate bonds

     4,551,115        1,679,267  

Interest on subordinated corporate bonds

     7,050,036        6,321,129  

Interest on other financial liabilities

     180,340        47,111  

Total interest expense

     178,866,319        183,872,424  

(1) Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2021 and 2020

Interest expense increased 3% or Ps. 5,006.1 million as compared to 2020, due to higher interest paid on time deposits portfolio.

Interest on deposits represented 95% of total interest expense and increased by 5% or Ps. 8,733.7 million, as compared to fiscal year ended. December 31, 2020. The increase in interest on deposits was mainly due to a higher interest rate for private sector deposits (approximately an increase of 357 basic points). Additionally, during 2021 the average volume of interest-bearing deposits from private sector decreased 6%, the Peso deposits decreased 2% and foreign currency deposits decreased 22%.

On the other hand, interest on corporate bonds fell 63% or Ps. 2,871.8 million, due to the cancellation of Class “C” notes on April 9, 2021.

Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value

2021 and 2020

Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value decreased by 21% or Ps. 8,609.3 million compared to 2020, primarily due to lower gain from equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss (basically Prisma Medios de Pagos S.A- see note 12 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020) and lesser gain from derivative financial instruments (put options) by Ps. 9,442.8 million and Ps. 3,263.2 million respectively, partially offset by an increase in gain from government securities of Ps. 3,320.1 million.

Net Commissions income

The following table provides a breakdown of our commissions income by category for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021:

 

NET COMMISSIONS INCOME

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

AFIP & Collection services

     273,708        309,819  

Fees charged on deposit accounts

     27,133,114        27,676,639  

Mutual funds & securities fees

     1,600,914        1,477,199  

ATM transactions fees

     6,295,015        6,732,125  

ANSES fees

     155,747        102,247  

Insurance fees

     4,708,322        4,450,781  

Corporate services fees

     7,122,532        8,039,271  

Financial agent fees (Provinces)

     3,699,101        4,019,844  

Debit card fees

     4,349,380        4,695,725  

Credit card fees

     15,276,914        12,831,234  

Credit related fees

     2,134,921        1,707,567  

Total commissions income

     72,749,668        72,042,451  

Total commissions expense

     (6,019,529      (6,878,052

 

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NET COMMISSIONS INCOME

   Year Ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Net commissions income

     66,730,139        65,164,399  

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2021 and 2020

Net commission income decreased by 2%, or Ps. 1,565.7 million in 2021, due to a decrease in total commissions income by 1% and increase in total commissions expense by 14%.

Total commissions income decreased by 1% or Ps. 707.2 million in 2021 compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a 16% or Ps. 2,445.7 million decrease in fees charged on credit card and a decrease in credit related fees by 20% or Ps. 427.3 million, partially offset by an increase in fees charged on deposit accounts by 2% or Ps. 543.5 million and an increase in corporate service fees by 13% or Ps. 916.7 million. The drop in commissions reflects the decline in economic activity compared to the previous year.

Total commissions expense increased by 14% or Ps. 858.5 million compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, due to a 24% or Ps. 897.8 million increase in commissions paid for ATM exchange. This increase is partly a reflection of the growth of the ATM network in 2021.

Differences in quoted prices in gold and foreign currency

2021 and 2020

In fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency totaled Ps. 9,053.4 million representing a 27% or Ps. 3,382.9 million decrease compared to 2020, originated as the combination of two factors, reduction in income from foreign currency exchange and a decrease of translation of foreign exchange assets and liabilities to Pesos, by 62% or Ps. 1,729.9 million and 17% or Ps. 1,653.1 million respectively. Although our average net foreign exchange position increased around 79% (due to the contraction of dollar deposits), the year-over-year change in the exchange rate offset this increase, generating a drop in revaluation results with respect to the previous year. The exchange rate (Ps per dollar) increased by 40.5% in 2020 and by 22.1% in 2021.

Credit loss expense on financial assets

2021 and 2020

Credit loss expense on financial assets decreased 78% or Ps. 18,058.7 million compared to 2020, totaling Ps. 5,056.3 million in 2021. During the previous year 2020 the management made adjustments based on an estimate of the impairment of certain financial assets showing greater vulnerability levels or signs of difficulties related to the payment of obligations in order to reflect factors not captured in the results produced by the ECL model to address the expected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, these adjustments were not repeated in fiscal year 2021. In 2021 the management decided to create a loan loss provisions adjustment basically to give the uncertainty macroeconomic scenario arising from the agreement with the International Monetary Fund regarding the restructuring of Argentina’s debt. For further information please see note 52.1.4 “Additional Forward-looking allowances based on expert credit judgment”/Covid-19 adjustment and Adjustment for uncertainty in external obligation restructuring to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

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Employee benefits and administrative expenses

The components of our employee benefits and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 were as follows:

 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

   Year ended December 31,  

 

   2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Employee benefits

     78,206,282        76,906,728  

Remunerations

     57.856,798        54,584,335  

Social Security Contributions taxes

     12,974,633        12,594,534  

Compensation and bonuses to employees

     5,733,506        7,611,677  

Employee services

     1,641,345        2,116,182  

Administrative Expenses

     42,750,706        39,137,679  

Taxes

     5,452,552        5,704,624  

Maintenance, conservation, and repair expenses

     6,675,055        6,461,974  

Fees to directors and syndics

     4,772,748        1,522,421  

Security services

     4,159,323        3,972,295  

Electricity and communications

     4,495,780        3,959,287  

Other fees

     2,611,904        3,317,564  

Leases

     267,226        227,280  

Advertising and publicity

     1,269,859        1,699,823  

Representation, travel, and transportation expenses

     377,227        470,077  

Stationery and office supplies

     268,472        245,587  

Insurance

     501,667        529,174  

Hired administrative services

     278,103        242,991  

Other

     11,620,790        10,784,582  

Total Employee benefits and Administrative Expenses

     120,956,988        116,044,407  

(1) Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31. 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

 

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2021 and 2020

Employee benefits and administrative expenses decreased by 4%, or Ps. 4,912.6 million, in 2021.

Employee benefits declined 2% o Ps. 1,299.6 million, mainly due to a reduction of remunerations by 6% or Ps.3,272.5 million, partially offset by compensation and bonuses increase by 33% or Ps. 1,878.2 million showing the strict cost control policies adopted by our senior management.

Administrative expense declined 8% or Ps.3,613.0 million. Within administrative expenses, fees to directors and syndic decreased by 68% or Ps. 3,250.3 million as compared to fiscal year 2020 and Other decreased 7% or Ps. 836.2 million. These decrease in administrative expenses were partially compensated by an increase in Others fees by 27% or Ps. 705.7 million and advertisement and publicity by 34% or 430.0 million.

Other operating expenses

The components of our other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 were as follows:

 

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

   Year ended December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Turnover tax

     33,093,592        35,193,119  

Charges for other provisions

     3,321,314        3,174,705  

Deposit guarantee fund contributions

     2,174,668        2,029,167  

Donations

     495,577        57,492  

Insurance claims

     185,499        174,484  

Initial loan recognition

     141,004        1,952,031  

Punitive interests and other Central Bank’s penalties

     501        202  

Other

     20,794,995        24,124,086  

Other Operating Expenses

     60,207,150        66,705,286  

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31. 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information”.

2021 and 2020

Other operating expenses increased 11% or Ps. 6,498.1 million, mainly due to an increase in Other which increased 16% or Ps. 3,329.1 million, an increase in turnover tax by 6% or Ps. 2,099.5 million and an increase in initial loan recognition by Ps. 1,811.0 million. The increase in Other is related to an increase in life insurance in life insurance of the remain of different kinds of loans by Ps. 4,470.5 million and higher cost from brands like MasterCard and Visa, Banelco and Prisma.

Loss on net monetary position

2021 and 2020

The loss generated by the net monetary position in fiscal year 2021 was 43% or Ps. 38,978.2 million higher than that recorded in 2020, moving from Ps. 90,338.4 million in 2020 to Ps. 129,316.6 million in 2021, as a consequence of the increase of inflation rate around 14.8 percentage points, moving from 36.14% to 50.94%. Moreover, the monetary assets grew Ps. 109 million and monetary liabilities decreased Ps. 253 million, generating a higher revaluation loss.

 

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It is important to remember that the monetary assets generate losses and monetary liabilities generate gains. The net monetary position is the difference between losses and gains.

Income tax

2021 and 2020

Income tax decreased 94% or Ps.36,050.8 million in fiscal year 2021 and the effective income tax rate was 33.3% for 2020 and 4.9% for 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, all the conditions established by the income tax Law to practice the inflation adjustment were met and the current and deferred income tax was recognized, including the effects of the application of the inflation adjustment on income taxes established by Law and the current and deferred income tax was recognized, including the effects of the application of the inflation adjustment on income taxes established by Law.

This table shows the reconciliation between income tax and the amounts obtained by applying the current tax rate in Argentina to the income carrying amount:

 

 

    

Year ended December 31,

 
     2020     2021  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Accounting Income before tax on continuing operations

     115,262,251       46,865,902  

Applicable income tax rate

     30     35
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax on income carrying amount

     34,578,676       16,403,068  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net permanent differences and other tax effects including the fiscal inflation adjustment

     3,782,486       (14,092,758
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax

     38,361,162       2,310,310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

It should be noted that in FY2021 the effective tax rate was affected by the inflation adjustment determined for accounting and income tax purposes, both current and deferred. For more information, please see Note 29 “Income Tax” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021, and 2020.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our main source of liquidity consists of deposits, which totaled Ps. 1,295,395.1 million as of December 31, 2022, Ps. 1,147,041.0 million as of December 31, 2021, and Ps.1,437,016.9 million as of December 31, 2020 .These deposits include deposits generated by our branch network, from institutional, very large corporate clients and from provincial governments for whom we act as financial agent. We consider the deposits generated by our branch network and the provincial deposits to be stable.

Approximately 8% of our total deposits as of December 31, 2022, were derived from the non-financial public sector, in particular as a consequence of the Bank’s role as financial agent of four provinces. This is an important source of low-cost funding.

Total deposits, which grew in real values 13% in 2022 compared to 2021, represented 82% of our total liabilities as of December 31, 2022. Deposits were used primarily to finance the growth in credit made available to the private sector and the balance was invested in liquid assets. This approach has enabled us to maintain a high liquidity to deposits ratio while we await a return to stronger demand for private sector loans.

As of December 31, 2022, we had liquid assets up to Ps. 1,225,447 million, primarily comprised of cash and due from banks (Ps. 250,089 million), LELIQs (Ps. 491,522 million) and other public securities (Ps. 384,976 million). During 2022, the liquidity ratio

reached a level of 94.6% as of December 31, 2022. Our liquidity ratio exceeds the aggregate liquidity ratio of the Argentine financial system as a whole, which it reached 74.4% at the end of 2022.

 

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With respect to the marketable debt securities issued, during the last three years we cancelled the Class B Notes due May 8, 2022 with an outstanding nominal amount of Ps. 2,889.2 million and the Class C Notes due April 9, 2021 with an outstanding nominal amount of Ps. 2,413 million.

As of December 31, 2022, we have outstanding the following Notes:

- Class A Subordinated Notes issued on November 4, 2016 for a face amount of U.S.$ 400,000,000 at a fixed rate of 6.643% nominal annual rate, with full repayment at maturity on November 4, 2026. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears.

- Class E Unsecured Notes issued on May 2, 2022 for a face amount of U.S.$ 17,000,000 at a fixed rate of 1.45% nominal annual rate, with full repayment at maturity on May 2, 2024. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears.

Additionally, we currently have access to uncommitted lines of credit with foreign banks and to letters of credit. We manage the excess liquidity by analyzing interest rates from a limited number of liquid and short-term assets including Central Bank bills, deposits with the Central Bank and overnight loans to highly rated companies. The amount allocated to overnight loans is determined by the amount of deposits received from institutional investors, and as such, there is a high degree of volatility in our overnight allocations.

We believe that we have adequate working capital to meet our current and reasonably foreseeable needs. As of December 31, 2022, we had excess regulatory capital of Ps. 410,269.4 million. Our excess capital is aimed at supporting growth, and consequently, a higher leverage of our balance sheet.

The following table represents our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, excluding undrawn commitments of credit cards and checking accounts, as of December 31, 2022:

 

                   Maturing                
     (In thousands of Pesos)  
Commercial Commitments    Total      Less than 1 year      1-3 years      3-5 years      After 5 years  

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

     2,449,342        2,449,342        0        0        0  

Issued Corporate Bonds

     2,715,556        6,488        2,709,068        0        0  

Subordinates Corporate Bonds

     72,129,837        1,420,220        0        70,709,617        0  

Other Financial Liabilities

     133,126,058        131,051,165        901,138        887,080        286,675  

Operating Leases

     1,965,258        875,267        683,776        282,686        123,529  

Total Contractual Obligations

     212,386,051        135,802,482        4,293,982        71,879,383        410,204  

Commercial Commitments

              

Lines of Credit

     453,507        453,507        0        0        0  

Guarantees

     7,208,822        6,592,484        379,719        206.619        30,000  

Standby Letters of Credit

     159,787        159,787        0        0        0  

Total Commercial Commitments

     7,822,116        7,205,778        379,719        206,619        30,000  

For additional information, please see the tables with the maturity of the contractual future cash flows of the financial liabilities, including interest and charges to be accrued until maturity of the contracts, in note 52.2 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022, and 2021.

 

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For further information regarding liquidity and capital resources please see note 48 “Corporate Bonds Issuance”. Regarding management and administration guidelines in relation to liquidity risk please see note 52 “Capital Management, Corporate Governance Transparency and Risk Management”. Regarding our restricted assets and trust agreements please see notes 44 “Restricted assets” and 45 “Trust activities” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022, and 2021.

Minimum capital requirements

Our excess capital (representing the amount in excess of minimum reserve requirements of the Central Bank) is as set forth in nominal value in the following table:

 

     As of December 31  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)      2022 (1)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos, except ratios and percentages)  

Calculation of excess capital:

        

Allocated to assets at risk

     28,025,138        36,726,108        60,581,111  

Market risk

     1,555,663        3,585,146        11,708,822  

Operational risk

     11,776,741        17,437,654        32,771,047  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Required minimum capital under Central Bank Rules

     41,357,542        57,748,908        105,060,980  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ordinary capital Level 1 (Con1)

     146,350,388        233,700,159        500,503,912  

Deductible concepts COn1

     (9,149,860      (14,585,034      (27,620,076

Capital Level 2 (COn2)

     36,248,170        36,400,671        42,446,596  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital under Central Bank Rules

     173,448,698        255,515,796        515,330,432  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Excess capital

     132,091,156        197,766,888        410,269,452  

 

(1)

These amounts are not adjusted for inflation.

As of December 31, 2022, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures. We believe that our capital resources are sufficient for our present capital requirements on an individual and a consolidated basis.

Funding

Our principal source of funding is mainly deposits from individuals and corporate clients located in Argentina. Deposits include checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits. The following table sets forth our sources of funding as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021(1)      2022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Deposits

        

From the non-financial government sector

     216,300,004        109,868,280        109,952,253  

From the financial sector

     2,047,627        1,872,336        1,653,447  

From the non-financial private sector and foreign residents Checking accounts

  

 

192,294,949

 

  

 

196,484,984

 

  

 

159,123,762

 

Savings account

     408,236,118        360,846,573        419,740,050  

Time deposits

     534,440,255        447,350,444        569,021,981  

Investment accounts (2)

     64,933,005        13,237,020        20,484,440  

Other (3)

     18,765,001        17,381,391        15,419,136  

Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial entities

        

Central Bank

     58,934        41,992        46,458  

Banks and international institutions

     1,054,354        538,958        2,397,637  

 

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     As of December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021(1)      2022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Financing received from Argentine financial entities

     1,589,095        271,710        5,247  

Other Financial Liabilities

     144,706,530        131,278,389        135,091,316  

Issued Corporate Bonds

     14,486,272        5,825,893        2,715,556  

Subordinated Corporate Bonds

     100,851,090        81,762,819        72,129,837  

Shareholders’ equity

     445,581,084        466,797,391        512,228,875  

Total funding

     2,145,344,318        1,833,558,180        2,020,009,995  

 

(1)

Figures adjusted for inflation as of December 31, 2022. See “Presentation of certain financial and other information.”

(2)

Time deposit payable at the option of the depositor.

(3)

Includes, among others, expired time deposits and judicial deposits.

Critical accounting policies

Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements require management to make, in certain cases, estimates and assumptions to determine the book value of assets and liabilities, income, expenses and contingencies. Our financial position and results of operations are based on the best estimate regarding the probability of occurrence of different future events and, thereof, the final amount may differ from such estimates, which may have a positive or negative impact on future years.

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that require management to make estimates based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made and such estimates reasonably could have a material effect on the financial condition. Several factors are considered in determining whether or not a policy is critical in the preparation of our financial statements. These factors include, among others, whether the estimates are material to our financial statements, the nature of the estimates, the ability to readily validate the estimates with other information including information from third parties or available prices, and sensitivity of the estimates to changes in economic conditions and whether alternative accounting methods may be utilized. Note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements contain a summary of our significant accounting policies. See also section “Accounting judgement, estimates and assumptions” of Note 3 for a discussion of our critical accounting estimates.

Income tax

In estimating accrued taxes, we assess the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment considering statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of the tax position.

On June 16, 2021, through Decree 387/2021, was issued the Law 27630 which established, for fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2021, included, a progressive tax rates scheme of 25%, 30% and 35% which will be applied, on a progressively basis, to the taxable

accumulated net profit at the end of each the fiscal year. Significant matters related to the tax reform are discussed in note 3.14) and 29 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

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Because of the complexity of tax laws and regulations, interpretation can be difficult and subject to legal judgment. It is possible that others, given the same information, may reach different reasonable conclusions regarding the estimated amounts of accrued taxes.

Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of the status of examinations being conducted by various taxing authorities, and newly enacted statutory and regulatory guidance that impact the relative merits and risks of tax positions. These changes, when they affect accrued taxes, can be material to our operating results.

There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2022, and 2021.

Fair Value of financial instruments

As described in note 3 section “Statement of financial position - Disclosure” to our audited consolidated financial statements, a portion of our financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value.

The fair value is the amount at which an asset can be exchanged, or at which a liability can be settled, in mutual independent terms and conditions between participants of the principal market (or most advantageous market) duly informed and willing to transact in an orderly and current transaction. The valuation of financial instruments often involves a significant degree of judgement and complexity, in particular where valuation models make use of unobservable inputs.

To measure fair value, IFRS has established a three-level hierarchy to prioritize the valuation input among (1) quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that we have the ability to access, (2) other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and (3) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

When observable quoted prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. For instruments classified in Levels 1 and 2, where inputs are principally based on observable market data, there is less judgment applied in arriving at the fair value measurement.

For assets and liabilities that do not have similar or identical instruments traded in the market we used an internally developed model to measure significant instruments. Those instruments would be classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, which requires significant management judgment or estimation. In arriving at an estimate valuation policies and procedures for Level 3 instruments are under the direction of the accounting and financial management.

At level 3, we mainly hold Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss, provisional debt securities of financial trusts and corporate bonds. As of December 31, 2021, instruments measured as level 3 mainly included equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss that comprised Prisma Medios de Pago SA. During 2022, all remaining shares held in Prisma were transferred (see notes 12 and 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021).

Management is in charge of developing, reviewing, approving and monitoring the key model inputs, critical valuation assumptions and proposed discount rates utilized for the valuation of Level 3 instruments. In addition, the management is also in charge of monitoring the changes in fair values of Level 3 instruments from period to period.

Our management believes its valuation approach and techniques are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, however, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value could result in a different estimate or fair

value at different reporting dates. For further details, see also Note 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

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Impairment of financial assets

The ECL allowance is a forward-looking approach which is based on the credit losses expected to arise over the life of the financial asset (the lifetime expected credit loss), unless there has been no significant increase in credit risk since origination, in which case, the allowance is based on the 12 months expected credit loss. We are required to record an allowance for ECL for all loans and other financing, other debt financial assets not held at Fair Value through Profit or Loss (FVPL) and other financial assets, together with loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. Inherent in any ECL model is the estimate of the probability that a financial asset will default (probability of default, or PD), the estimate of the loss we expect to experience upon a default, expressed as a percentage of financial asset amount (loss given default, or LGD) and the drawn exposure at the time of default (EAD). We use an expert credit judgment (ECJ) overlay to reflect factors not captured in the results produced by the ECL models, such as market or economic disruptive events.

Considering that the measurement of ECL is based not only on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, and current conditions, but also on reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount, our management developed assumptions and estimations for its calculation. For further detail regarding our impairment method and its quantitative impact, see also note 3.2.4. and note 52.1 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

C. Research and Development,

Patents and Licenses, Etc.

We incur research and development expenses in connection with information technology projects. The amount spent during each of the last three years was not material. We plan infrastructure development (processing, telecommunications, Internet, information security) based upon present and projected future demand of such services. See Item 4. “Information on the Bank—Business Overview—Technology”.

D. Trend Information

We believe that the macroeconomic environment and the following trends in the Argentine financial system and in our business have affected and will, for the foreseeable future, continue to affect our results of operations and profitability. Our continued success and ability to provide value to our shareholders will depend, among other factors, upon the economic growth of the Argentine economy and the related growth of the private sector lending. For information about the macroeconomic environment see Item 5.A. “Operating Results”.

Principal trends related to Argentina

The international context is increasingly adverse for emerging economies, mainly as a result of the normalization process of monetary policy in developed economies after a long period of historically low interest rates. This is in addition to other pre-existing risk factors, such as the persistence of the armed conflict in Ukraine (which injects volatility into commodity prices) and the lingering uncertainty regarding the impact of COVID-19 on global growth (with a focus on the health situation in China).

For 2023, we expect the Argentine economy to contract modestly, decreasing in real terms, based on a deteriorated global economic outlook, higher interest rates and higher energy prices. However, the risks to the economy remain on the downside. The uncertainty around the presidential election together with an extensive drought might affect economic activity.

In the current context, it is unlikely that the Central Bank will be able to relax exchange controls nor the trade secretariat will be able to relax import controls given the expected reduction in exports, considering that the authorities’ priority seems to be to avoid strong

jumps in the exchange rate. In fiscal matters, the government will continue to increase tariffs, which implies a reduction of subsidies, but at the same time it will face pressures to increase social items in view of the elections, generating pressure on tax collection.

 

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Also, we expect inflation levels to be similar or higher than last year, affected by supply chain constraints and disruptions as a consequence of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and by the increase in energy, fuel and food prices as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine war conflict and the massive drought affecting most of Argentina. In this regard, within the framework of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund during 2022, the Argentine government decided to increase nominal interest rates to contain inflation, so as to have positive interest rates in real terms, which could further slowdown the economy.

According to the estimates of the Central Bank (Relevamiento de Expectativas de Mercado) as of March 2023, the Argentine real GDP is expected to fall by 2.7% during 2023 and to grow by 0.7% during 2024. Analysts had also estimated that the inflation rate is expected to increase to 110.0% in 2023, although it is expected to decrease to 90.0% in 2024.

We cannot predict whether future Argentine economic performance will differ materially from the Central Bank, the INDEC and the REM forecasts, particularly due to the uncertainties of the global economic environment. For more information on risks, see“Risk Factors - Risks relating to the Argentina”.

Principal trends related to Argentine Financial System

When considering the potential vulnerabilities of the financial system together with its strengths, there were no significant changes with respect to 2021, highlighting some increase in coverage levels. It is expected that, in the event of an adverse scenario materializing, a systemic response with a high level of resilience will be maintained.

At the same time, the non-performing ratio of financing to the private sector continued to show a downward trend. The eventual materialization of certain risk factors mentioned in this annual report could affect the payment capacity of debtors, generating some degree of stress on the aggregate balance sheet of the financial system. However, in the aggregate, financial institutions maintain comfortable and growing levels of provisions and capital to face possible stress situations.

The performance of financial intermediation activity remains a potential source of vulnerability for the group of institutions. In this context, the Central Bank’s credit policy focused on the neediest sectors, promoting financing under accessible conditions for SMEs through the Line of Financing for the Productive Investment od SMEs (“LFIP”). Looking ahead to 2023, there is room for intermediation activity with the private sector to recover momentum, based on the higher levels of savings in local currency, especially due to the dynamism of traditional time deposits and those denominated in UVA.

An eventual scenario of greater volatility in financial markets or a less dynamic performance of economic activity than expected could generate changes in the level or composition of deposits and challenges for the financial system. In order to offset these potential effects, the group of entities maintains ample liquidity coverage.

The Argentine financial system starts 2023 with an important degree of strength, supported by high solvency, liquidity and coverage margins, which would allow it to act resiliently in the event of a possible stress situation that may arise from the materialization of the identified risk factors.

For more information on risks, see “Risk Factors - Risks relating to the Argentine financial system”.

 

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Principal trends related to our business

Considering the current situation from a political and economic point of view, we observe an acceleration of monthly inflation and currency devaluation, with a consequent loss of purchasing power of wages and a stagnation in the growth rates of economic activity. This, in addition to the impact on the volume of exports and tax collection already perceived, caused by the drought that affected the agro-export chain, as well as the political uncertainty of an election year with internal debates in both the ruling and opposition coalitions. All of this is expected to have a negative impact on the level of economic activity and on the payment capacity of individuals and companies, mainly small and/or linked to the agricultural industry, foreseeing an increase in portfolio risk, a decline in credit quality and an increase in share of uncollectible charges in the results for the year. However, this scenario will be mitigated in the bank, due to the expected losses already recorded, estimated by our management with expert criteria and prospective vision.

For 2023, we estimate that loans will grow below inflation levels, while deposits will grow in line with inflation and margins are expected to expand slightly as a result of the Central Bank’s rate hike. In addition, efficiency measured as expenses over net financial income and fees and commissions is expected to remain stable.

The Argentine Financial System

The Argentine financial system has maintained a consistent positive trend in the last years with our performance improving accordingly, as evidenced by the following indicators:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021(1)      2022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (In millions of Pesos)  

Financial System (Central Bank Rules)

        

Total loans

     3,774,713        5,351,932        8,952,259  

Total deposits

     8,049,027        12,345,095        23,261,846  

Banco Macro (Central Bank Rules)

        

Total loans

     265,377        360,112        606,546  

Total deposits

     488,741        588,851        1,295,395  

Source: Central Bank for Financial System.

 

(1)

Figures detailed in the table above have not been adjusted for inflation nor restated for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Peso as established by IAS 29.

Total loans in the financial system increased in nominal values by 67% in 2022, and amounted to Ps.8,952,259 million as of December 31, 2022, driven by private sector loans. Our portfolio shows the same trend in nominal value that the financial system as a whole increasing 68% year-over-year in nominal values.

Total deposits in the financial system increased in nominal values by 88% in 2022, driven by a significant increase in private sector deposits and a lesser increase of public sector deposits. Private sector deposits increased by 94% in 2022, amounting to Ps. 19,044,404 million as of December 31, 2022 and public sector deposits increased by 57% in 2022, amounting to Ps. 3,687,360 million. Our portfolio shows the same trend that the financial system as a whole but at higher rate achieving a 120% grow year-over-year in nominal values.

Private sector loans

In 2022, loans to the private sector grew 68% in nominal values for the financial system as a whole. This trend was also reflected in the evolution of our portfolio. Our private sector loan portfolio increased also 69% in nominal value compared to the balance as of December 31, 2021, as shown in the following table:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020 (1)      2021 (1)      2022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (In millions of Pesos)  

Financial System (Central Bank Rules)

        

Private sector loans

     3,608,325        5,137,190        8,643,518  

Banco Macro (Central Bank Rules)

        

Private sector loans

     260,065        356,466        603,906  

Source: Central Bank for Financial System.

 

(1)

Figures detailed in the table above have not been adjusted for inflation nor restated for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Peso as established by IAS 29.

 

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Throughout 2022, the LFIP was one of the main tools to boost credit to SMEs under favorable conditions. The estimated balance of the LFIP reached Ps. 1.2 trillion at the end of 2022, equivalent to 13.5% of the total credit balance to the private sector.

Asset Quality

Throughout 2022, the non-performing ratio of credit to the private sector decreased 1.2 p.p., a performance mainly verified in the first half of the year and explained by both the segment of financing to companies and households. The value of the non-performing ratio of financing to companies decreased in all economic sectors, especially those associated with construction and, to a lesser extent, with the industrial and commercial sectors. The fall in the delinquency ratio of loans to households in 2022 was generalized among the different types of assistance, with personal loans and pledge loans standing out.

The financial system as a whole ended the year with an non-performing ratio of 3.1%, remaining low with respect to the values observed in other economies of the region and emerging economies. Regarding the coverage ratio, the provisioning levels of the financial system continue to be high closing the year with a coverage level of 128%.

In our case, we observed a level of non-performing similar to the previous year, lower than that of the financial system, and a decrease in the coverage ratio reaching a level of 152%, continuing to be above the level of the system as a whole.

The table below reflects our asset quality and that of the financial system as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:

 

     As of December 31  
     2020     2021     2022  

Financial System (Central Bank Rules)

      

Non-performing lending ratio (1)

     4.1     4.3     3.1

Coverage ratio (2)

     137     110     128

Banco Macro (Central Bank Rules)

 

 

Non-performing lending ratio (1)

     0.8     1.3     1.3

Coverage ratio (2)

     477     210     152

Source: Central Bank for Financial System.

 

(1)

Non-performing lending includes all lending to borrowers classified as “3—troubled/medium risk,” “4—with high risk of insolvency/high risk,” “5—irrecoverable” and “6—irrecoverable according to Central Bank Rules” under the Central Bank loan classification system.

(2)

Allowances for un-collectability risk as a percentage of non-performing credit portfolio.

Profitability

In 2022 the profitability of the financial system increased by 200% in nominal values, achieving a total of Ps. 631,214 million as of December 31, 2022 representing a 1.9% return on average assets and 10.9% on average equity. The year-over-year increase in profitability was due to higher securities income and, to a lesser extent, higher interest income on loans. These effects were partially offset by an increase in interest expense paid and inflation exposure losses.

The table below reflects our profitability and that of the financial system as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2020 (1)     2021 (1)     2022  

Financial System (Central Bank Rules)

      

Total income (in millions of Pesos)(2)

     318,772       211,277       631,214  

Return on average equity

     16.4     7.2     10.9

Return on average assets

     2.4     1.1     1.9

Banco Macro (Central Bank Rules)

      

Total income (in millions of Pesos)

     36,782       27,123       43,046  

Return on average equity

     16.8     12.3     9.7

Return on average assets

     3.5     2.8     2.3

 

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Source: Central Bank for Financial System.

 

(1)

Figures detailed in the table above have not been adjusted for inflation nor restated for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Peso as established by IAS 29.

(2)

In accordance with Communication “A” 7211, beginning in fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2021, the monetary effect accrued with respect to monetary items measured at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (ORI) is recorded in the results for the period. The results for the year ended December 31, 2020 were not restated in this table.

Commercial and balance sheet strategies

We have the most extensive branch network among private-sector banks in Argentina, with 94% of our branches located outside of the City of Buenos Aires. Our extended presence in Argentine regional economies and sectors that have benefited from Argentina’s economic recovery grant us a key advantage with respect to other banks in terms of competing in the credit expansion service in Argentina. In addition, our strong network of branches and our role as the financial agent of various provinces provide us with a source of growth and low cost in our deposit base.

We will continue our diversification strategy regarding the credit portfolio, thus enabling to obtain satisfactory efficiency, growth, security and profitability in commercial management. We will continue to focus our assistance to SMEs, emphasizing the election of dynamic economic sectors and growth potential in industrial, commercial and service areas for the purpose of contributing to companies’ expansion and ensuring an acceptable return of the funds assigned. At the same time, we will also offer these enterprises a complete range of corporate financial services, including exports and imports financing, letters of credit confirmation and opening, and granting guarantees to third parties on behalf of its customers.

We maintain a strong position with respect to excess capital, the liquidity ratio and the level of our provisions for loan losses. To prevent a run on deposits, one of our main priorities is to give depositors confidence that we would be able to absorb losses and fulfill our obligations to them.

Our practice of maintaining high liquidity levels throughout the business cycles has allowed us to withstand the economic crisis by serving two key purposes. First, we have funds available in the face of adverse systemic events. Second, we give our depositors confidence that they would be able to have access to their deposits at any time, even during the depth of a crisis. We also minimize excess cash deposited in the Central Bank, without harming our overall liquidity position. In this way, we maximize the return on our liquidity stock by keeping funds in more profitable assets, such as instruments issued by the Central Bank.

E. Critical Accounting Estimates

Not Applicable

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A. Directors and Senior Management

We are managed by our Board of Directors, which as of the date of this annual report is comprised of 13 members and 3 alternate members. On April 16, 2012, our shareholders approved a proposal of the Board of Directors and amended our bylaws increasing the maximum size of our Board from 12 to 13 members. Currently, the shareholders may present at any annual ordinary meeting that may determine the size of the Board of Directors, provided that there shall be no less than three and no more than thirteen members of the Board of Directors. Any director so appointed will serve for three fiscal years. If the shareholders elect more than nine board members, each director will be reelected as a staggered board, to be renewed by thirds, provided that in all cases no less than three directors shall be renewed each time. The annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting may also appoint an equal or lesser number of alternate directors, to hold office for the same term than regular directors, to fill any vacancy in the board occurring for any reason whatsoever, and shall further determine the order of substitution. Alternate directors shall hold office until the regular directors in whose place they have acted as substitutes shall resume office, and in case any such absence is permanent, until the next ordinary meeting of shareholders where at directors shall be appointed. Both regular and alternate directors may be re-elected indefinitely.

 

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DUTIES AND LIABILITIES OF DIRECTORS

Under Argentine Corporate Law, directors have the obligation to perform their duties with the loyalty and the diligence of a prudent business person. Directors are jointly and severally liable to a corporation, the shareholders and third parties for the improper performance of their duties, for violating the law, the bylaws and/or regulations, if any, and for any damage caused by fraud, abuse of authority or gross negligence. The following are considered integral to a director’s duty of loyalty: (i) the prohibition on using corporate assets and confidential information for private purposes; (ii) the prohibition on taking advantage, or to allow another to take advantage, by action or omission, of the business opportunities of the Bank; (iii) the obligation to exercise board powers only for the purposes for which the law, the corporation’s bylaws or the shareholders’ or the Board of Directors’ resolutions have intended; and (iv) the obligation to take strict care so that acts of the board do not go, directly or indirectly, against the Bank’s interests. A director must inform the Board of Directors and the supervisory committee of any conflicting interest he may have in a proposed transaction and must abstain from voting thereon.

Under Argentine law, the Board of Directors is in charge of our management and administration and, therefore, makes any and all decisions in connection therewith, as well as those decisions expressly provided for in the Argentine Corporate Law, the Bank’s bylaws and other applicable regulations. Furthermore, the board is generally responsible for the execution of the resolutions passed by shareholders’ meetings and for the performance of any particular task expressly delegated by the shareholders.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The following table sets forth certain relevant information of the members of our board as of the date of this annual report:

 

Name    Position    Age    Year First Appointed
as Director
   Year of
Expiration
of Term
Jorge Pablo Brito    Chairman    43    2002    2024
Carlos Alberto Giovanelli    Vice Chairman    66    2016    2024
Nelson Damián Pozzoli    Director    56    2016    2024
Fabián Alejandro de Paul (1)    Director    59    2019    2024
Guillermo Merediz (1)(2)    Director    46    2020    2024
Constanza Brito    Director    41    2007    2023
Mario Luis Vicens (1)    Director    71    2016    2023
Sebastian Palla (1)    Director    48    2021    2023
Mariano Ignacio Elizondo (1)(2)    Director    50    2020    2023
Delfín Federico Ezequiel Carballo    Director    38    2015    2025
Marcos Brito    Director    40    2007    2025
José Alfredo Sanchez    Director    67    2016    2025
Hugo Raúl Cayetono Lazzarini (1)(2)    Director    74    2023    2025
Santiago Horacio Seeber    Alternate Director    46    2012    2024
Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo    Alternate Director    70    2002    2024
Guido Agustín Gallino (1)(2)    Alternate Director    35    2023    2024

 

(1)

Independent Director.

(2)

Proposed by ANSES-FGS.

 

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The following family relationships currently exist within our Board of Directors:

 

  (i)

Jorge Pablo Brito and Marcos Brito are the nephews of Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo;

 

  (ii)

Constanza Brito is the niece of Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo;

 

  (iii)

Jorge Pablo Brito, Marcos Brito and Constanza Brito are siblings;

 

  (iv)

Delfín Federico Ezequiel Carballo is the son of Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo;

 

  (v)

Delfín Federico Ezequiel Carballo and Jorge Pablo Brito, Marcos Brito and Constanza Brito are cousins.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Our senior management oversees our day-to-day operations to ensure that our overall strategic objectives are being implemented. The actual composition is a deputy general manager that reports to the Board of Directors and Senior managers that report to the general manager. In addition, we have, among others the following committees comprised of different directors and senior management:

 

   

internal audit committee,

 

   

systems committee,

 

   

senior credit committee,

 

   

assets and liabilities committee,

 

   

asset laundering and terrorist financing prevention committee,

 

   

senior recovery committee,

 

   

risk management committee,

 

   

ethics and compliance committee,

 

   

corporate governance and appointments committee,

 

   

personnel incentives committee,

 

   

crisis committee, and

 

   

financial services users protection committee

The following table sets forth certain relevant information on our executive officers and our senior management, of the date of this annual report:

 

Name

  

Position

   Age  

Gustavo Alejandro Manriquez

   Chief Executive Officer and General Manager      53  

Jorge Francisco Scarinci

   Chief Financial Officer and Finance Manager      52  

Gerardo Adrián Álvarez

   Human Resources and Administration Manager      53  

Marcelo Agustín Devoto

   Investment Banking Manager      47  

Alberto Figueroa

   Comprehensive Risk Manager      62  

Ana María Magdalena Marcet

   Credit risk Manager      62  

Brian Anthony

   Commercial Banking Manager      50  

Juan Domingo Mazzon

   Government Banking and Management Control Manager      49  

Ernesto Eduardo Medina

   Technology Manager      56  

Francisco Muro

   Distribution and sales Manager      50  

Adrián Mariano Scosceria

   Corporate Banking Manager      57  

Ernesto López

   Legal Manager      50  

Set forth below are brief biographical descriptions of members of our directors and our senior management:

Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo was born on November 21, 1952. Mr. Carballo has communicated his resignation as Regular Director and Chairman of our Board for personal reasons, effectively since March 15, 2023. On April 25, 2023, he was appointed as alternate director for two years. Mr. Carballo was the Chairman of our Board since November 30, 2020 until March 15, 2023 and previously he

 

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was the vice chairman since April 30, 2020 until November 30, 2020, the chairman since April 27, 2018 until April 30, 2020 and the vice chairman of our Board of Directors until April 27, 2018. He holds a law degree from Universidad Católica Argentina. He joined our board in June 1988. Mr. Carballo currently holds the position of alternate director of BYMA S.A. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Santa Genoveva S.A. and as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Nuevo Banco Suquía S.A., Nuevo Banco Bisel S.A., Banco del Tucumán S.A. and Banco Privado de Inversiones S.A.

Jorge Pablo Brito was born on June 29, 1979. Mr. Brito is the Chairman of our Board of Directors since March 15, 2023. Previously he was the Vice Chairman of our Board since November 30, 2020, Director since April 30, 2020 until November 30, 2020 and the vice chairman of our board since April 27, 2018 until April 30, 2020. He has been a member of our Board of Directors since 2002 and our Chief Financial Officer since April 16, 2012 until November 8, 2017. He also serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of Inversora Juramento S.A., Genneia S.A. and Fiduciaria JHB S.A.

Carlos Alberto Giovanelli was born on April 6, 1957. He is a Vice Chairman of our Board of Directors since March 15, 2023 and he has been a member of our Board since April 26, 2016. In the financial sector, he worked as Deputy Credit Manager (1980-1983), Branch Deputy Manager (1983-1986), Credit Officer (1986-1989) and Deputy Commercial Manager (1991-1997) of La Sucursal de Citibank N.A., established in Argentina. He was Vice President of Investment Banking in Citibank, N.A. (1989-1991) and Vice President of Planning in La Sucursal de Citibank N.A., established in Argentina (1997-2002). He also held the position of Deputy Chairman of Asociación de Bancos (2001-2002) and incumbent director of Banco Patagonia S.A. (2007-2016). Mr. Giovanelli also serves as chairman of Havanna S.A, Desarrollo PI S.A., and Inverlat Investments S.A. He is also Vice-Chairman of Impresora Contable S.A, Havanna Holding S.A., Aspro Servicios Petroleros S.A. and QSR S.A. and as incumbent director of Desarrollo Epsilon S.A.

Nelson Damián Pozzoli was born on May 6, 1966. He has been a member of our Board of Directors since April 26, 2016. Mr. Pozzoli holds a degree in public accounting from Universidad Católica Argentina. In the financial sector, he was Director of La Sucursal de Citibank N.A., established in the República Argentina (1989-1992), Head of Capital Markets (1992-1994) and Corporate Banking Manager (1996-1997) of ABN AMRO Bank Argentina, Head of Equity (LATAM origination) of ABN AMRO Netherlands (1994- 1995) and Corporate Banking Manager of ABN AMRO Bank USA (1995-1996). He also held the position of Director of Banco Liniers Sudamericano (1997-1998), Investment Banking Manager of the Bankers Trust (1997-1999) and worked for the Chase Manhattan Bank and the First National Bank of Chicago from 1998 to 1999. He was also General Manager of Deutsche Bank Argentina (1999-2003). He also serves as chairman of Aspro Servicios Petroleros S.A. He is also Vice-Chairman of Inverlat Investments S.A. and Desarrollo Epsilon S.A and he is incumbent director of Macro Bank Limited, Impresora Contable S.A., QSR S.A., Desarrollo Pi S.A. and Cablevisión Holding S.A. Furthermore, he serves as alternate Director of Havanna S.A. and Havanna Holding S.A.

Fabián Alejandro de Paul was born on September 6, 1963. He was appointed as director on April 30, 2019. He has been an alternate member of our Board of Directors since April 28, 2017. Mr. de Paul holds a degree in accounting from Universidad de Buenos Aires. Mr. de Paul worked in the Corporate Finance area of Citibank, N.A. (1989-1994), was Director of Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch & Co. (1994-1997), was Manager of CEI Citicorp Holdings S.A. (1997-2000), he served as Regional Financial Director of Louis Dreyfus Commodities (2001-2009) and served as Regional Executive Director of Louis Dreyfus Commodities (2007-2009).

Guillermo Merediz was born on December 12, 1976. He was appointed as director on April 30, 2020, as representative of the ANSES-FGS. Mr. Merediz holds a degree in economics from the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales. Mr. Merediz was appointed on December, 2019, Secretary of SMEs at the Ministry of Production.

Constanza Brito was born on October 2, 1981. Ms. Brito has been a member of our Board of Directors since April 27, 2018. Previously, she served as Director from 2007 through 2015 and as alternate director since April 2016. She joined us in May 2005. Ms. Brito holds a degree in Human Resources Administration from Universidad del Salvador. Ms. Brito also serves as director of Visora Desarrollos Inmobiliarios S.A and Fiduciaria JHB S.A. Previously, he served as Vice-Chairman of Mediainvest S.A.

Mario Luis Vicens was born on July 14, 1951. He has been a member of our Board of Directors since April 26, 2016. Mr. Vicens holds a degree in economics from Universidad Católica Argentina and a superior course degree in monetary and banking finance of Universidad Católica Argentina. In the financial industry, he worked assessing investment projects for Caja Nacional de Ahorro y Seguro/Consejo Federal de Inversiones (1975-1978). In the Public Sector, he served as economist at the Central Bank (1980-1981) and incumbent director (1986-1988) and as Treasury Secretary of the Ministry of Economy (1999-2001). In the banking sector, he served as Planning Manager of Banco de Crédito Argentino (1981-1986), incumbent director of Banco Sudameris (2001-2002), chief executive officer of Asociación de Bancos de la Argentina (2002-2011), incumbent director of Federación Latinoamericana de Bancos (2002-2004/2008-2010), incumbent director of Seguro de Depósitos S.A. (2008-2011), incumbent director of BBVA Consolidar

 

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Seguros S.A. (2012-2016), incumbent director of Generali Arg. Cia. de Seguros (2014-2015), incumbent director of PSA Finance Arg. Cia. Financiera S.A. (2012), incumbent director of Rombo Cía. Financiera S.A. (2012-2016) and incumbent director of BBVA Francés S.A. (2012-2016). He also acted as advisor on economic and financial matters for companies and banks (1989-1999).

Sebastian Palla was born on June 12, 1974. He has been a member of our Board of Directors since April 30, 2021. Mr. Palla holds a degree in Economics from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and an International General Certificate of School Education (IGCSE) from the University of Cambridge. He currently holds the position of CPO—Chief Procurement Officer of Telecom S.A. since August 2016. Previously, he served in the Bank as Advisor to the President from February 2009 to July 2010, as Investment Banking and New Projects Manager from July 2010 to March 2015 and as Government Banking from April 2015 to July 2016. In turn, he served as President of Unión de Administradoras de Fondos de Jubilaciones y Pensiones from April 2007 to January 2009 and as Executive Director from February 2006 to April 2007. In the public sector he served as Undersecretary of Financing of the Ministry of Economy, Secretariat of Finance from May 2003 to November 2005 and as Chief of Staff of Advisors to the Secretary of Finance of the Ministry of Economy, Secretariat of Finance, from May 2002 to May 2003. He is also a member of the Young Global Leaders Forum since 2005 and of the Eisenhower Fellowships Community since 2008.

Mariano Ignacio Elizondo was born on June 18, 1972. He was appointed as Director on May 27, 2020, as a representative of the ANSES-FGS. Mr. Elizondo holds a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He also holds a Master’s degree in Financial Assets Management from ESEADE. From 2004 through 2014 he has been the general manager of Ideas del Sur, the leading media production company of South America. Mr. Elizondo was later manager of a group of media companies. From 2017 to 2020 he was president of the Superliga Argentina de Fútbol.

Delfín Federico Ezequiel Carballo was born on July 4, 1984. He has been a member of our Board of Directors since April 26, 2016, and previously served on our Board from 2009 through 2011. He holds a degree in business economics from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. Mr. Carballo also serves as incumbent director of Colbrey S.A., Milsbor Corporation S.A., Havanna S.A. and Havanna Holding S.A. and as alternate director of Genneia S.A. Previously, he served as vice chairman of Argenpay S.A. and Santa Genoveva S.A.

Marcos Brito was born on October 5, 1982. He was appointed as Director on April 21, 2009 and previously served as an alternate director of the Bank from April through July 2021, as a director from April 2009 through April 2020, and as an alternate director from November 2007 through April 2009. He joined us in October 2005. Mr. Brito holds a degree in Business Economics from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. Additionally, he is Chairman of Comercio Interior S.A., Argenpay S.A.U. and Macro Fiducia S.A.U. and Vice-Chairman of Vizora Desarrollos Inmobiliarios S.A. and Inversora Juramento S.A. He also serves as a director of Fiduciaria JHB S.A. and as an alternate director of Genneia S.A. Previously, he served as a director of Nuevo Banco Bisel S.A. from November 2007 to August 2009, as a director of Banco Privado de Inversiones S.A. from September 2010 to December 2013 and as an alternate director of Banco del Tucumán S.A. from January 2014 to December 2018.

José Alfredo Sanchez was born on January 27, 1956. He was appointed as Director on April 25, 2023 and previously he has been a member of our Board from 2016 through 2019. Mr. Sanchez holds an actuary degree from Universidad de Buenos Aires, he graduated with a Gold Medal from Colegio de Graduados de Ciencias Económicas (1979) and holds a Master Degree in of Business Administration (M.B.A.) specialized in international business and finance from Chicago University, Dean’ s Honor List (1983). In the financial industry, he was a Trainee in Citibank N.A. Argentina (1983-1986), Vice President of Citibank N.A. USA (1987-1988), Vice President of Banque Nationale de Paris USA (1988-1990), Investment Banking Responsible Officer of Banque Nationale de Paris Argentina (1990-1998), Assistant Director in West Merchant Bank LTD (representation office in Argentina) (1998), consultant of Banco Comafi S.A. (1998-1999), Director of Comafi Soc. Gte. Fondo Común de Inversión (1999-2001), Investment Banking Responsible Officer of Banco Comafi S.A. (2000-2001), Incumbent Director of Banco Comafi S.A. (2002-2006), Seconded Director of Banco Comafi S.A. (2014-2016), Alternate Director of Banco del Tucumán S.A. (2000-2001), Incumbent Director of The Capita Corporation (2004-2006), Incumbent Director of MBA Asset Management S.G.F.C.I.S.A. (2008-2010), Incumbent Director of MBA Lazard Soc. de Bolsa S.A. (2008-2014), Incumbent Director of MBA Lazard Banco de Inversiones S.A. (2010-2014) and Alternate Director of MBA Lazard Holdings S.A. (2010-2011). He also served as director of Banco Macro S.A. (2016-2018), Macro Securities S.A., Argencontrol S.A. and Mercado Abierto Electrónico S.A. He acted as regular director of Camuzzi Gas Pampeana and Camuzzi Gas del Sur from June 2020 to April 2023. He is manager and controlling partner of Del San SRL, a company dedicated to the cattle breeding business in Entre Ríos, Republic of Argentina, from the year 2000 to date.

Hugo Raúl Lazzarini was born on August 7, 1948. He was appointed as Director on April 25, 2023, as a representative of the ANSES-FGS. Mr. Lazzarini holds a degree in Architecture from the Universidad Católica de Santa Fé. He served in the Public Administration as General Director of the General Directorate of Housing and Urbanism of the Province of Santa Fe (1995-1999), as technical advisor of the Judicial Infrastructure Commission of the Judiciary - Council of the Judiciary (2010-2012) and as General Director of Judicial Infrastructure of the Judiciary - Council of the Judiciary (2012-2015).

 

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Santiago Horacio Seeber was born on March 27, 1977. Mr. Seeber was appointed as alternate director on April 29, 2022 and previously was appointed as director from November 30, 2020 through April 29, 2022 and he has been an alternate member since 2018 to 2020 and since 2012 to 2016. Mr. Seeber served in different positions in the Bank since November 2002. He also serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of LAB Real Estate S.A., as vice-chairman of Comercio Interior S.A. and Anglia S.A. and as director of Inversora Juramento S.A. and Frigorífico Bermejo S.A. and MediaInvest S.A.

Guido Agustín Gallino was born on March 16, 1988. He was appointed as Alternate Director on April 25, 2023, as a representative of the ANSES-FGS. He holds a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a diploma in Family Law from the Universidad Austral Argentina. He serves as Legal Coordinator of Financial and Diversified Entities (DGAS/FGS-ANSeS) since August 2022.

Gustavo Alejandro Manriquez was born on August 23, 1969. He has been our General Manager since May 2016 and our Chief Executive Officer since November, 2017. He is a member of the Assets and Liabilities Committee, the Senior Credit Committee, the Systems Committee, and the Risk Management Committee. Mr. Manriquez holds a degree in Business Management from Universidad de Belgrano and a Master’s degree in Finance from Universidad del CEMA, as well as a Management degree and a Directive Development degree from IAE. Mr. Manriquez joined us in February 2015. He also is a member of the board of directors of Play Digital S.A.

Jorge Francisco Scarinci was born on May 19, 1970. He is our Finance Manager since October 2006 and our Chief Financial Officer since November 2017. He is a member of the Assets and Liabilities Committee and the Risk Management Committee. Mr. Scarinci holds a BA in Economics from Universidad de Belgrano and a Master’s degree in Finance from Universidad del CEMA and a CFA degree from Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR). Mr. Scarinci joined us in May 2006. He also is a member of the board of directors of Argecontrol S.A. and Compensadora Electrónica S.A.

Gerardo Adrián Alvarez was born on December 13, 1969. He is our Human Resources Manager since October 2020 and our Administration Manager since April 2010, and a member of the Ethics and Compliance Committee. Mr. Alvarez holds a law degree from the Instituto Universitario Policía Federal Argentina and a post-graduate degree in Money Laundering from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. He has been with us since January 2006.

Marcelo Agustín Devoto was born on April 11, 1976. He is our Investment Banking Manager since May 2015. Mr. Devoto holds a degree in Business Management from Universidad Católica Argentina and a post-graduate degree in Finance from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. He joined us in December 2000. He also serves as chairman of Macro Bank Limited, as vice chairman of Macro Securities S.A.U., as director of Macro Fiducia S.A.U. and alternate member of the administrative council of Fintech SGR.

Alberto Figueroa was born on September 1, 1960. He is our Comprehensive Risk Manager since October 2019. Mr. Figueroa holds a degree in Public Accounting from Universidad de Buenos Aires. Mr. Figueroa joined us in March 2007 and was our Manager of Comprehensive Risk Management since March 2009 until October 2019.

Ana María Magdalena Marcet was born on February 24, 1961. She is our Credit Risk Manager since January 2002 and a member of the Senior Credit Committee, the Risk Management Committee and the Senior Recovery Committee. Mrs. Marcet holds a degree in Public Accounting, Economics and Business Management from Universidad de Buenos Aires and a Master’s degree in Bank Management from Universidad del CEMA. Mrs. Marcet joined us in December 1996. She also serves as Vice-Chairman of the administrative council of Fintech SGR and as director of Macro Warrants and Finova S.A.

Brian Anthony was born on April 17, 1973. He has been Manager of Commercial Banking since March 2021. Mr. Anthony has held various positions in the bank in the past, such as Manager of Distribution and Sales, Human Resources, Management Control and Strategic Planning. Mr. Anthony holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CAECE University. He also serves as vice chairman of Argenpay S.A.U. and as alternate director of Play Digital S.A.

Juan Domingo Mazzon was born on April 14, 1974. He is our Manager of Government Banking and Management Control since August 2019 and member of the Assets and Liabilities Committee and the Systems Committee. Mr. Juan Mazzon holds a degree in Public Accounting from Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE) and holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University (USA). Mr. Mazzon joined us in October 2017.

Ernesto Eduardo Medina was born on January 9, 1967. He is our Technology Manager since August 2020 and has been our Human Resources Manager since October 2016. He is a member of the Systems Committeee and the Risk Management Committee. Mr. Medina holds degrees in Public Accounting and Business Management from Universidad de Buenos Aires. He also has a degree in computer science from Universidad de Buenos Aires and a Psychology degree from Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales. He holds two Master’s degree in Renewable Energies and Environment Management, both from Universidad de Cádiz and a Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from Universidad Europea Miguel Cervantes. Mr. Medina joined us in February 1989.

 

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Francisco Muro was born on March 2, 1973. He is our Distribution and Sales Manager since October 2014. Mr. Muro holds a degree in Accounting from Universidad de Buenos Aires and a Master’s degree from IAE (Universidad Austral). Mr. Muro joined us in August 2004.

Adrian Mariano Scosceria was born on January 22, 1966. He is our Corporate Banking Manager since May 2017 and a member of the Senior Credit Committee. Mr. Scosceria holds a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Católica Argentina and a specialization in Administration and Management from Harvard University.

Ernesto López was born on October 5, 1972. He is our Legal Manager since December 2019 and a member of the Asset Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Committee, the Senior Recovery Committee, the Ethics and Compliance Committee, the Senior Credit Committee and the Financial Services Users Protection Committee. Mr. López holds a Law degree from University of Buenos Aires. He also serves as director of Argenpay S.A.U. and as syndic of Mediainvest S.A.

B. Compensation

General Corporation Law provides that the compensation paid to all directors and syndics in a financial year may not exceed 5.0% of the company earnings if we are not paying dividends in respect of such net income. General Corporation Law increases the annual limitation on director compensation to up to 25.0% of net income based on the amount of such dividends, if any are paid. In the case of directors that perform duties at special commissions or perform administrative or technical tasks, the aforesaid limits may be exceeded if a shareholders’ meeting so approves and such issue is included in the agenda and is in accordance with the CNV Rules. In any case, the compensation of all directors and members of the supervisory committee requires shareholders’ approval at an ordinary meeting.

The aggregate amount of compensation to all directors, alternate directors and members of supervisory committee for fiscal year 2022 was Ps. 1,975.1 million. The aggregate nominal amount of compensation paid by Banco Macro to its senior management during 2022 was Ps. 711.6 million, including salaries and bonuses. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries have entered into any agreement that provides for any benefit or compensation to any director after the expiration of his term or upon his retirement.

C. Board Practices

Corporate Governance

As a listed company on the NYSE, we are required under the rules governing listed companies to:

 

  (i)

comply with SEC’s requirements concerning an audit committee,

 

  (ii)

submit an annual written affirmation to the NYSE and interim written affirmations, if applicable,

 

  (iii)

disclose any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the NYSE listing standards, and

 

  (iv)

our CEO must promptly notify the NYSE in writing after any executive officer becomes aware of any non-compliance with any of the applicable NYSE corporate governance rules.

We incorporate the information regarding the significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the NYSE listing standards by reference to our website www.macro.com.ar. For further information see item 16.G.

Independence of the Members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Committee

Within ten (10) business days from the date of the appointment of members of the Board of Directors and supervisory committee such members of the Board of Directors and/or the supervisory committee shall inform the CNV whether they are “independent” pursuant to CNV Rules.

In accordance with the general principles of corporate governance established by the CNV, the Board of Directors shall have adequate levels of independence and diversity to enable it to make decisions in the best interest of the company, avoiding groupthink and decision-making by dominant individuals or groups within the Board.

 

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Pursuant to CNV Rules, a director is not considered independent in certain situations, including where a director:

(a) is a member of the board of directors the parent company or another company belonging to the same economic group of the issuer through a pre-existing relationship at the time of his or her election, or if said relationship had ceased to exist during immediately the previous three years;

(b) is or has been associated with the company or any of its shareholders having a direct or indirect “significant participation” on the same, or with corporations with which also the shareholders also have a direct or indirect “signification participation”; or if he or she was associated with them through an employment relationship during the last three years;

(c) has any professional relationship or is a member of a corporation that maintains frequent professional relationships of significant nature and volume, or receives remuneration or fees (other than the one received in consideration of his performance as a director) from the issuer or its shareholders having a direct or indirect “significant participation” on the same, or with corporations in which the shareholders also have a direct or indirect “significant participation.” This prohibition includes professional relationships and affiliations during the last three years prior to his or her appointment as director;

(d) directly or indirectly owns 5% or more of shares with voting rights and/or a capital stock of the issuer or any company with a “significant participation” in it;

(e) directly or indirectly sells and/or provides goods and/or services (different from those accounted for in section c)) on a regular basis and of a significant nature and volume to the company or to its shareholders with direct or indirect “significant participation”, for higher amounts than his or her remuneration as a member of the board of directors. This prohibition includes business relationships that have been carried out during the last three years prior to his or her appointment as director;

(f) has been a director, manager, administrator or principal executive of not-for-profit organizations that have received funds, for amounts greater than those described in section I) of article 12 of Resolution No. 30/2011 of the UIF and its amendments, from the issuer, its parent company and other companies of the same group of which it is a part, as well as of the principal executives of any of them;

(g) receives any payment, including the participation in plans or stock option schemes, from the company or companies of the same economic group, other than the compensation paid to him or her as a director, except dividends paid as a shareholder of the company in the terms of section d) and the corresponding to the consideration set forth in section e);

(h) has served as member of the board of director of the issuer, its parent company or another company belonging to the same economic group for more than ten years. If said relationship had ceased to exist during the previous three years, the independent condition will be recovered;

(i) is the spouse or legally recognized partner, relative up to the third level of consanguinity or up to the second level of affinity of persons who, if they were members of the board of directors, would not be independent, according to the above listed criteria;

Pursuant to the CNV Rules, a director who, after his or her appointment, falls into any of the circumstances indicted above, must immediately report to the issuer, which must inform the CNV and the authorized markets where it lists its negotiable securities immediately upon the occurrence of the event or upon the instance becoming known.

In all cases, the references made to “significant participation” set forth in the aforementioned independence criteria will be considered as referring to those individuals who hold shares representing at least 5% of the capital stock and or the vote, or a smaller amount when they have the right to elect one or more directors by share class or have other shareholders agreements relating to the government and administration of the company or of its parent company.

The Argentine independence standards under the CNV Rules differ in many ways from U.S. federal securities law standards.

The structure of the Board of Directors must be in conformity with the foregoing by the first shareholders’ meeting held after December 31, 2018. As of the date of this annual report, Mario Luis Vicens, Fabián Alejandro de Paul, Guillermo Merediz, Sebastián Palla, Mariano Ignacio Elizondo, Hugo Raúl Lazzarini and Guido Agustín Gallino qualified as independent members of our Board of Directors under these criteria specified by the CNV.

Pursuant to the Capital Markets Law, all of the members of the supervisory committee of companies admitted to the public offering regime shall have independent status.

Additionally, the Buenos Aires Professional Council of Economic Sciences (Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires or “CPCECABA”) also established certain requirements regarding the independence of public accountants which act as members of the supervisory committee. Pursuant to regulations issued by the CPCECABA and the CNV, syndics must be independent from the company they are auditing. A syndic will not be independent if he/she:

 

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  (i)

is the owner, partner, director, administrator, manager or employee of the company or economically related entities;

 

  (ii)

is the spouse or relative (collateral until fourth grade), or relatives by affinity until second grade, of one of the owners, partners, directors, administrators or managers;

 

  (iii)

is a shareholder, debtor, creditor or guarantor of the company or economically related entities, representing a significant amount if compared with its own wealth or the company’s net equity;

 

  (iv)

possesses a significant amount of interest in the company or economically related entities (or if it has had such interest during the period to be audited);

 

  (v)

if the remuneration depends on or is contingent with the conclusions or results of its auditing work;

 

  (vi)

if the remuneration agreed depends on the result of the operations of the company.

As of the date of this annual report, Alejandro Almarza, Carlos Javier Piazza, Enrique Alfredo Fila, Leonardo Pablo Cortigiani, Horacio Roberto Della Rocca and Claudia Inés Siciliano are qualified as independent members of our supervisory committee under these criteria.

Banco Macro’s Board of Directors is responsible for approving policies that promote inclusion and diversity, ensuring the existence of training and coaching policies on gender issues and prevention or treatment of gender violence.

For information on the expiration of current terms of directors see Item 6.A “Directors and Senior Management.” For information on service contracts with directors providing benefits upon termination of employment see Item 6.B “Compensation.”

Supervisory Committee

Our bylaws provide for a supervisory committee, which consists of three syndics and three alternate syndics that serve for a term of one fiscal year. Pursuant to the Argentine Corporate Law, only lawyers and accountants admitted to practice in Argentina or civil partnerships composed of such persons may serve as syndics of an Argentine sociedad anónima, or limited liability corporation.

The primary responsibilities of the supervisory committee are to monitor the management’s compliance with the Argentine Corporate Law, the bylaws, its regulations, if any, and the shareholders’ resolutions, and to perform other functions, including:

 

  (i)

attending meetings of the Board of Directors, and shareholders meetings,

 

  (ii)

calling special shareholders’ meetings when deemed necessary and ordinary and special shareholders’ meetings when not called by the Board of Directors and

 

  (iii)

investigating written complaints of shareholders. In performing these functions, the supervisory committee does not control our operations or assess the merits of the decisions made by the Board of Directors.

The supervisory committee has unlimited access to our books and registers and a right to request as much information as necessary for the performance of its duties.

The following table sets forth certain relevant information of the members of our supervisory committee as of the date of this annual report:

 

Name

  

Position

  

Age

  

Year of
Appointment

  

Current Term Ends

Alejandro Almarza    Syndic    65    2023    April 2024
Carlos Javier Piazza    Syndic    64    2023    April 2024
Enrique Alfredo Fila (1)    Syndic    64    2023    April 2024
Horacio Della Rocca    Alternate syndic    69    2023    April 2024
Leonardo Pablo Cortigiani    Alternate syndic    54    2023    April 2024
Claudia Ines Siciliano (1)    Alternate syndic   

64

   2023    April 2024

 

(1)

Appointed by ANSES—FGS, as instructed by the Sindicatura General de la Nación.

 

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The business address of the members of the Supervisory Committee is Eduardo Madero 1172, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Set forth below are brief biographical descriptions of the members of our supervisory committee:

Alejandro Almarza was born on January 16, 1958. Mr. Almarza holds an accounting degree from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Mr. Almarza also serves as a member of the supervisory committee of Macro Securities S.A.U., Macro Fiducia S.A.U., Argenpay S.A.U. and Seguro de Depósitos S.A. and as alternate member of the supervisory committee of Banco de Valores S.A., Empresa de Energía Río Negro S.A. and Opción Seguros S.A. Mr. Almarza was admitted to the Accountants Professional Association of the City of Buenos Aires in 1983.

Carlos Javier Piazza was born on September 16, 1958. Mr. Piazza holds an accounting degree from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Mr. Piazza serves as a member of the supervisory committee of Central Tucumano S.A. Macro Securities S.A.U., Macro Fiducia S.A.U., Argenpay S.A.U., Banco de Valores S.A. and Mercado de Futuros y Opciones S.A. Mr. Piazza was admitted to the Accountants Professional Association of the City of Buenos Aires in 1983.

Enrique Fila was born on April 5, 1959. Mr. Fila holds an accounting degree from Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Mr. Fila served as member of the supervisory committee of Nación Seguros S.A., Nación Seguros de retiro S.A. and Nación Reaseguros S.A.

Leonardo Pablo Cortigiani was born on July 21, 1968. Mr. Cortigiani holds an accounting degree from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Mr. Cortigiani also serves as a member of the supervisory committee of Macro Fiducia S.A., Macro Fondos Sociedad Gerente de Fondos Comunes de Inversion S.A., Macro Securities S.A., Empresa de Energía Río Negro S.A., Argenpay S.A.U. and Schweber Securities. He also serves as alternate syndic of Havanna S.A. Mr. Cortigiani was admitted to the Accountants Professional Association of the City of Buenos Aires in 1995.

Horacio Roberto Della Rocca was born on June 25, 1953. Mr. Della Rocca holds an accounting degree and a degree in Business Administration from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Mr. Della Rocca also serves as a member of the supervisory committee of Culturagro S.A., Guadiamar, Otoba S.A., Santa Olimpia S.A., Tikalar, Macro Fondos S.G.F.C.I.S.A. and Argentina Sono Film and as alternate member of the supervisory committee of Gativideo, Legal Video S.A., Videoman Internacional, Casino Buenos Aires S.A., Argenpay S.A.U., Macro Fiducia S.A.U., Macro Securities S.A.U. and CRIBA Sociedad Anonima.

Claudia Siciliano was born on July 28, 1958. Ms. Siciliano holds an accounting degree from Universidad Católica Argentina and the title of Certified Financial Advisor at the Spanish Institute of Financial Analysts and the Argentine Institute of Finance Executives.

Audit Committee

As of the date of this annual report, our audit committee is comprised of three directors, Sebastián Palla, Fabián Alejandro de Paul and Mario Luis Vicens, all of which satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3. The Argentine independence standards under the CNV Rules differ in many ways from the NYSE and U.S. federal securities law standards. See item 16.G “Corporate Governance.”

The audit committee is responsible for the fulfillment of the duties within its powers, as set forth under the Capital Markets Law, including, among others, the following:

 

  (i)

delivering an opinion regarding the board of director’s proposal of appointment of our external auditors and controlling their independent status,

 

  (ii)

supervising the correct performance of our internal control and accounting systems,

 

  (iii)

supervising the observance of the policies regarding information about our risk management and

 

  (iv)

delivering an opinion regarding transactions with related parties or transactions that may threaten any conflicts of interest.

We currently comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder, as applicable to foreign private issuers with respect to the composition and functions of our audit committee.

Committees Reporting to the Board of Directors and to the CEO and the CFO

The following committees are under the supervision of our Board of Directors:

Internal Audit Committee. The internal audit committee is comprised of at least two directors (a majority of them satisfies the independence requirements as per the CNV Rules), and the Internal Audit Manager of the Bank. The term of each member is for a minimum period of two years (provided their directorship does not expire beforehand) and a maximum of three years. The internal audit committee is responsible for supervising the correct functioning of our internal control systems and procedures. Furthermore, this committee takes notice of our annual and quarterly financial statements, the external auditor’s reports, the syndic’s reports, the relevant financial information and the audit committee’s reports.

 

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Systems Committee. The systems committee must be composed of, at least, one director or equivalent authority and the manager of the informatics technology and systems area. Our system committee has three directors, the General Manager, the Technology Manager and the Government Banking and Management Control Manager. The systems committee is responsible for the issuance of the systems and operations management policies. Furthermore, this committee verifies that the several management plans are in accordance with our business strategy and oversees the implementation of our strategic projects.

The main functions of the systems committee are to:

 

  (i)

oversee the proper functioning of Information Technology and Systems,

 

  (ii)

contribute to the improvement of the information technology and systems environment effectiveness;

 

  (iii)

take notice of the Information Technology and Systems Plan;

 

  (iv)

periodically evaluate the Information Technology and Systems Plan and review its compliance;

 

  (v)

review the reports issued by environmentally related audits of Information Technology and Systems and oversee the implementation of corrective actions designed to stabilize or minimize any weaknesses observed; and

 

  (vi)

maintain timely communication with officials of the External Audit Management Systems Division of the Superintendence in relation with any problems identified in inspections and monitor actions undertaken to solve such problems.

Senior Credit Committee. The senior credit committee is comprised of two directors, the General Manager, the Credit Risk Manager, the Corporate Credit Risk Manager, the Corporate Banking Manager, the Commercial Banking Manager and the Legal Manager.

The senior credit committee is responsible for the issuance of our credit policy and credit analysis guidelines. Furthermore, this committee reviews and approves margins of credit and/or extraordinary operations which exceed Ps.540,000,000 and examines periodic reports related to our loan portfolio.

Assets and Liabilities Committee. The assets and liabilities committee is comprised of three directors, the General Manager, the Commercial Banking Manager, the Government Banking and Management Control Manager and the Finance Manager. The committee is responsible for the financial strategy of the Bank. In addition, it carries on deep market analysis and establishes strategic policies related to our liquidity, market, interest rate and currency risks.

Asset Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Committee. The Committee is made up of four directors, one of whom is a responsible officer designated as Compliance Officer, the Legal Manager and the senior officer responsible for the anti-laundering unit. The asset laundering and terrorist financing prevention committee is responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering policies approved by the Board of Directors and its powers include to:

 

  (i)

define policies for compliance with anti-money laundering corporate guidelines,

 

  (ii)

be a permanent forum for the discussion of money laundering and terrorist financing risks that affect the Bank,

 

  (iii)

promote the definition of strategies controls to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing and implement such controls,

 

  (iv)

be responsible for the continued update of the manual of procedures for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, in accordance with regulatory changes and new Bank needs,

 

  (v)

monitor the implementation of a program designed to provide training and raise awareness regarding the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing,

 

  (vi)

establish appropriate mechanisms for internal reporting of unusual or suspicious activities,

 

  (vii)

analyze any unusual or suspicious transactions to be reported to the relevant governmental agencies in compliance with applicable regulations, and subsequently inform to the Board of Directors,

 

  (viii)

provide support to the head of the asset laundering and terrorist financing prevention committee in the examination of unusual or suspicious transactions,

 

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  (ix)

approve and follow-up on the work program submitted by the asset laundering and terrorist financing prevention committee for the relevant fiscal year, for which it will report to the Board of Directors and

 

  (x)

perform any other duties that may be imposed under applicable laws and regulations.

Senior Recovery Committee. The senior recovery committee is made up of two directors, the Credit Risk Manager and the Legal Manager. The committee manages outstanding loans on behalf of the Board of Directors, which nevertheless retains its power in that regard. This committee is in charge of the implementation of the predefined policies for the granting of withdrawals and refinancing, to define the payment arrangements that exceed the preferential parameters, as well as the decisions of which portfolios are transferred to judicial management or accounting losses.

Risk Management Committee. The risk management committee is made up of three directors, the General Manager, the Risk Management Manager, the Finance Manager, the Credit Risk Manager, the Banking Operations Manager and the Technology Manager.

The committee is responsible for monitoring senior management activities involving the management of credit, market, liquidity, operational, compliance and reputational risks, among others. The committee’s mission is to supervise and ensure that the controls and procedures in place are adequate to mitigate any risk, and to recommend and implement updates to risk management policies and procedures. In addition, this committee gives advice to the Board of Directors regarding the Bank’s overall risk. This committee is also responsible for notifying the Board of Directors and senior management about any failure to comply with applicable limits to risk exposure, suggesting remedies, such as assuming the risk or mitigating the risk.

Ethics and Compliance Committee. The ethics and compliance committee is comprised of three directors, the Compliance Manager, the Human Resources Manager and the Legal Manager.

This committee is responsible for implementing ethic guidelines set forth by the Board of Directors and supervising compliance. In addition, this committee promotes the implementation of our social responsibility policies and fosters the adoption of such policies by setting forth tools and procedures that will enable our management to incorporate social responsibility policies and consequently implement those policies within the Bank.

Corporate Governance and Appointments Committee. The committee is comprised of three directors.

This committee is responsible for processes related to the renewal, substitution and succession of members of our senior management. This committee is also responsible for the implementation of our corporate governance code at the Bank and its subsidiaries.

Personnel Incentives Committee. The personnel incentives committee is comprised of three directors.

The committee’s main functions are to control those incentives plans to all personnel, excluding directors, are consistent with our business culture, goals, long term business plan, business strategy, control environment of the Bank.

Crisis Committee. The committee meets upon request and is convened by the General Manager in accordance with the needs that arise from time to time. This committee is composed of directors and senior managers.

Financial Services Users Protection Committee. The Committee is comprised of one director, the Institutional Relations and Customer Services Manager, the Legal Manager, the Compliance Manager and the Operational Risk Management Coordinator. The committee is responsible for complying with the data protection standard of the User of Financial Services and Analysis of Existing Claims.

Advisors and Auditors

Advisors

Our main legal advisor is Bruchou & Funes de Rioja, at 12th floor, Ing. Butty 275, City of Buenos Aires (C1001AFA). Bruchou, & Funes de Rioja provides us legal advice in the creation of the Program and the issuance of negotiable obligations. Our tax advisor in Argentina is Estudio Della Roca-Piazza-Almarza, 15th floor, 432, 25 de Mayo St., City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

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Auditors

Banco Macro’s auditors for the last three fiscal years were:

 

Financial Statements as of

 

Auditor

 

Tax ID

  

Firm

 

Address

 

Enrollment

December 31, 2020   Carlos M. Szpunar   20-17802096-0    Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited)   487 25 de Mayo  

C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A.

T°192 F°110

December 31, 2021   Leonardo D. Troyelli   20-26822478-6    Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited)   487 25 de Mayo  

C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A.

T°287 F°155

December 31, 2022   Leonardo D. Troyelli   20-26822478-6    Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited)   487 25 de Mayo  

C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A.

T°287 F°155

Banco Macro’s alternate auditor was:

 

Auditor

  

Tax ID

  

Firm

  

Address

  

Enrollment

Ignacio A. Hecquet    20-21538355-6    Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited)    487 25 de Mayo   

C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A.

T°279 F°222

All the auditing firm’s members are enrolled in the Professional Council in Economic Sciences of the City of Buenos Aires (C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A.).

D. Employees

Regarding our organizational structure, as of December 31, 2022, we had 7,796 employees, 32% of whom worked at our headquarters and the remaining 68% at our branches and 40% of the staff are women. Our employees are represented by a national bank union, which negotiates a collective bargaining agreement setting minimum wages for all of its members. We maintain good relationship with our employees and have never experienced a work stoppage.

 

     As of December 31,  
Employees    2020      2021      2022  

Headquarters

     3,202        3,185        2,499  

Branches

     5,359        4,820        5,297  

Total

     8,561        8,005        7,796  

E. Share Ownership

As of December 31, 2022, the persons who were members of Banco Macro S.A.’s Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee held as a group a total of 128,205,563 shares of our capital stock, representing 20.05% of the Bank’s share capital and 21.60% of the votes. With the exception of Delfín Jorge E. Carballo, Delfín Federico E. Carballo, Jorge Pablo Brito, Sebastián Palla, Santiago H. Seeber and Leonardo Pablo Cortigiani, no member of the Board of Directors or the Supervisory Committee owned shares of the Bank. In addition, Alberto Figueroa, Ernesto López and Juan Domingo Mazzon, members of our senior management, owned less than one per cent (1%) of Class B Shares.

 

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The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our shares by the members of Banco Macro S.A.’s Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, as of December 31, 2022:

 

Shareholder Name

   Number of Class A
shares owned
     Number of Class B
shares owned
     Percentage of
Capital stock (%)
    Percentage of
Voting rights (%)
 

Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo

     4,901,060        112,609,796        18.38     20.04

Other members

     —          10,694,707        1.67     1.56

Total

     4,901,060        123,304,503        20.05     21.60

F. Disclosure of a Registrant’s Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

Not Applicable

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A. Major Shareholders

As of December 31, 2022, we had 639,413,408 outstanding shares of common stock, consisting of 11,235,670 Class A shares and 628,177,738 Class B shares. Each share of our common stock represents the same economic interests, except those holders of our Class A shares are entitled to five votes per share and holders of our Class B shares are entitled to one vote per share. Other than noted differences among holders of Class A shares and holders of Class B shares, the holders of these shares listed in the table below do not have different voting rights.

The following table sets forth information regarding the ownership of our Class A and Class B shares as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Class A      Class B     Total      % of capital     % of votes  

ANSES

     —          184,156,124       184,156,124        28.80     26.91

Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo

     4,901,060        112,609,796       117,510,856        18.38     20.04

JHB BMA Guarantee Trust (1)

     5,995,996        104,473,881       110,469,877        17.28     19.65

Other

     338,614        226,937,937  (2)      227,276,551        35.54     33.41

Total

     11,235,670        628,177,738       639,413,408        100.00     100.00

 

(1)

Upon the death of Jorge Horacio Brito, his shares were transferred ad referendum of the Central Bank of Argentina to a Trust whose beneficiaries are his forced heirs.

(2)

Includes The Bank of New York Mellon as depositary of our ADSs. The Bank of New York Mellon holds 151,851,330 Class B shares, 23.75% of capital and 22.19% of votes.

The table below represents the evolution of our capital stock and the material changes in equity participation of the significant shareholders, in both cases, for the last three years:

 

Date

  

Capital Stock (Shares)

  

Event

  

Significant Shareholders

December 31, 2020    639,413,408       JHB BMA Guarantee Trust (1) 17.28%; Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo 17.47%; ANSES (as manager of the Fondo de Garantía de Sustentabilidad) 28.80%
December 31, 2021    639,413,408       JHB BMA Guarantee Trust (1) 17.28%; Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo 17.47%; ANSES (as manager of the Fondo de Garantía de Sustentabilidad) 28.80%
December 31, 2022    639,413,408       JHB BMA Guarantee Trust (1) 17.28%; Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo 18.38%; ANSES (as manager of the Fondo de Garantía de Sustentabilidad) 28.80%

 

(1)

Upon the death of Jorge Horacio Brito, his shares were transferred ad referendum of the Central Bank of Argentina to a Trust whose beneficiaries are his forced heirs.

 

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B. Related Party Transactions

We are not party to any transactions with, and have not made any loans to, any of our directors, key management personnel or other related parties, nor are there any proposed transactions with such persons, except for those permitted by applicable law. Some of our directors have been involved in certain credit transactions with us. The Argentine Corporate Law and Central Bank Rules allow directors of a corporation to enter into a transaction with such corporation if the transaction is in line with prevailing market practice.

A related party is a person or entity that is related to us that:

 

   

has control or joint control of the Bank;

 

   

has significant influence over the Bank;

 

   

is a member of the key management personnel of the Bank or of the parent of the Bank;

 

   

are members of the same group; or

 

   

in which one entity is an associate (or an associate of a member of a group of which the other entity is a member).

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Bank, directly or indirectly. We consider as key management personnel, for the purposes of IAS 24, the members of the Board of Directors and the senior management members of the Risk Management Committee, the Assets and Liabilities Committee and the Senior Credit Committee.

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 an aggregate of Ps. 5,322.7 million, Ps. 6,745.8 million and Ps. 4,419.1 million, respectively, in financial assistance granted by us (including loans, leases and guarantees granted) was outstanding to related parties (not including main subsidiaries). All financial assistance to related parties (a) were made in the ordinary course of business; (b) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and (c) did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

Likewise, as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the total amount of deposits made by related parties (not including main subsidiaries) to us amounted to Ps. 13,058.4 million, Ps. 10,639.4 million and Ps. 6,545.8 million respectively.

For further information regarding related party transactions see note 20 “Related parties” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022, and 2022.

C. Interest of experts and counsel

Not applicable.

Item 8. Financial Information

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See Item 18 and our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 included in this annual report.

Legal Proceedings

We are involved in normal collection proceedings and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Also, we are involved in some class actions, some of which have been settled and others appealed by the Bank. However, we are not involved in any litigation or other legal proceedings that, if adversely determined, would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our operations.

For further information regarding legal proceedings, see note 50 “Tax and other claims” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. In connection with such claims, our management and its tax and legal advisors believe there are no additional significant effects to those already recognized in the books that may result from the final outcome of such claims.

 

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Please note that we have been subject to the imposition of certain sanctions imposed by the Central Bank or the UIF and summaries at CNV or UIF. Nevertheless, these potential penalties would not involve the payment of material amounts. As of the date of this annual report, the total amount of monetary penalties received, pending to be paid for being appealed amount to Ps.500 thousand, which was registered according to Communication “A” 5689 and 5940 of the Central Bank, as amended or supplemented from time to time. Our management and our legal advisors believe that no further significant accounting effects could arise from the effect of the mentioned situations.

Dividend Policy

The decision to distribute the dividends also corresponds to the Shareholders’ Meeting, based pursuant to the Central Bank Rules and on the recommendation of the Board of Directors. The Bank is not obliged to distribute profits, being at the exclusive discretion of the Shareholders’ Meeting the determination of the maximum amount, pursuant to the Central Bank Rules and opportunity and the form of payment of the dividends to the network, being able to delegate this power to the Board of Directors. Likewise, the Shareholders’ Meeting may create special reserves for future distributions of dividends, provided that they are reasonable and respond to a prudent administration, which it can disaffect if it considers its distribution pertinent. Article 32 of the Bank’s bylaws establishes the purpose that the Shareholders’ Meeting should give to the net and realized profits, resulting from the financial statements approved by such body.

The Bank’s dividend distribution policy is based on maintaining an adequate balance between the amounts distributed and the investment and expansion policies. It should be noted that this dividend policy may be conditioned in the future by the existence of regulations in the market and/or by the strategic plans that the Bank adopts at any time.

Dividends are distributed under financial results calculated under Central Bank Rules, which may differ in certain significant respects from IFRS.

The following table sets forth the cash dividends paid to our shareholders from 2003 through 2022. All banks were prohibited by the Central Bank from paying dividends in respect of the results of 2001 and 2022.

 

Based on financial statements for year

ended December 31,

   Payment Dates     

Dividends per

Share (in Pesos,

not adjusted

for inflation)

   

Aggregate Dividend

Payment

(in millions of Pesos,

not adjusted for

inflation)

 

2003

     July 2004        0.10       60.9  

2004

     April 2005        0.05       30.4  

2005

     May 2006        0.10       68.4  

2006

     May 2007        0.15       102.6  

2007

     May 2008        0.25       171.0  

2008

     September 2009        0.25       149.9  (1) 

2009

     June 2010        0.35       208.1  

2010

     May 2011        0.85       505.3  

2011

     —          0.00       0.0  

2012

     —          0.00       0.0  

2013

     July 2014        1.02       596.3  

2014

     March 2016        0.39       227.7  (2) 

2015

     August 2016        1.10       643.0  

2016

     June 2017        1.20       701.5  

2017

     May 2018        5.00       3,348.3  

2018

     May 2019        10.00       6,394.0  

2019

     (3      (3     (3

2020

     (4      (4     (4

2021

     (5      30.89 (5)      19,751.4 (5) 

2022

     (6      (6     (6

 

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(1)

For fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, dividends paid in cash were Ps.148.3 million based on the outstanding number of shares on the payment dates.

(2)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we sought authorization from the Central Bank to distribute Ps.596.3 million (Ps.1.02 per share) and in February 2016 we received authorization to distribute Ps.227.70 million (Ps.0.3895 per share).

(3)

The shareholders’ meeting held on April 30, 2020 resolved to approve a cash dividend in the total amount of Ps. 12,788.3 million, Ps. 20 per share, subject to the prior authorization of the Central Bank. In addition, the shareholders’ meeting held on October 21, 2020 resolved to approve a final dividend in an aggregate amount not to exceed Ps. 3,791.7 million (Ps. 5.93 per share) subject to the prior authorization of the Central Bank. Pursuant to Central Bank Communication “A” 7312, profit distributions were suspended until December 31, 2021. See more information in (5).

(4)

The shareholder´s meeting held on April 30, 2021, resolved to approve a cash dividend for a total amount of Ps. 10,000.4 million which represented Ps.15.64 per shares subject to prior authorization of the Central Bank. Pursuant to Communication “A” 7312 of the Central Bank, the distributions of profits were suspended until December 31, 2021. See more information in (5).

(5)

The shareholder´s meeting held on April 29, 2022, resolved to approve a dividend (in cash or kind) for an amount of Ps. 22.18 per share, which shall mean a total amount to be distributed of Ps. 14,187.9 million subject to prior authorization of the Central Bank.As of April 29, 2022, a total amount of Ps. 26,580.4 million (Ps 41.57 per share) was pending distribution, which was approved by the Meetings held on April 30 and October 21, 2020, and April 30, 2021.Through Communication “A” 7421”, the Central Bank provided that the entities could distribute profits, with prior authorization, from 1.1.22 to 12.31.22 for up to 20% of distributable profits. On May 12, 2022, the Bank obtained the authorization for the partial distribution of the dividends already approved by the aforementioned meetings, for a total amount of Ps. 19,751.4 million, which represented a value of Ps. 30.89 per share and 20% of the total distributable profits. The payment was made in 12 equal installments, with the first payment for the first 6 installments to be made on June 7, 2022.

(6)

The shareholder´s meeting held on April 25, 2023, resolved to approve a dividend (in cash or kind) for an amount of Ps. 117,359 per share, which shall mean a total amount to be distributed of Ps. 75,040.9 million subject to prior authorization of the Central Bank.

For fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 we were not able to distribute dividends because we did not reach the regulatory threshold for dividend distribution under Central Bank Rules. For more information, see “Item 4.B—Argentine Banking Regulation—Liquidity and Solvency Requirements—Requirements Applicable to Dividend Distribution.

Amounts available for distribution and distribution approval process

Under the Argentine Corporate Law, declaration and payment of annual dividends, to the extent funds are legally available, is determined by our shareholders at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Generally, but not necessarily, our Board of Directors makes a recommendation with respect to the payment of dividends.

Dividends may be lawfully declared and paid only out of our retained earnings stated in our yearly financial statements according to Central Bank Rules and approved by a shareholders’ meeting as described below.

The Board of Directors submits our financial statements for the preceding fiscal year, together with reports thereon by the supervisory committee, at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting for approval. Within four months of the end of each fiscal year, an ordinary shareholders’ meeting must be held to approve the financial statements and determine the allocation of our net income for such year.

In accordance with the applicable CNV Rules, cash dividends must be paid to shareholders within thirty (30) days of the shareholders’ meeting approving such dividends. According to the BYMA rules, entities whose pay their dividends in cash, must start with the payments within ten (10) days as of the shareholders´ meeting approval. In the case of stock dividends, shares are required to be delivered within three months of our receipt of notice of the CNV authorization for the public offering of the shares arising paid as dividends.

Central Bank and contractual limitations on distribution of dividends

In the past, the Central Bank has imposed restrictions on the payment of dividends, substantially limiting the ability of financial institutions to distribute such dividends without its prior consent.

 

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The Central Bank has eased these restrictions through Communication “A” 4589, as amended by Communication “A” 4591, “A” 5072, “A” 5827 and others, by providing for a mechanism for the calculation of distributable profits of the financial institutions.

The amount to be distributed, may be limited to Central Bank Rules, which may differ in certain significant aspects with IFRS and shall not compromise the liquidity and solvency of the entity, pursuant to the aforementioned.

This requirement shall be deemed fulfilled only if there are no defects in the integration of the minimum capital position, both individual and consolidated, for the closing for the corresponding year to the unassigned results considered or in the last closed position verified, both of which present less excess of integration with respect to the requirement. We have obtained authorization from the Central Bank to distribute dividends for fiscal years 2003 through 2010. For fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 we were not able to distribute dividends because we did not reach the regulatory threshold for dividend distribution under Central Bank Rules. For fiscal year 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we sought authorization from the Central Bank to distribute dividends, which we paid in July 2014, March 2016, August 2016 and June 2017. As a result of certain regulatory modifications introduced by the Central Bank, dividend payments made for the years 2017 and 2018 did not require prior authorization.

On January 31, 2020, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6886, pursuant to which financial entities must obtain prior approval of the Central Bank in order to distribute dividends.

On March 19, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6939, as amended from time to time, by virtue of which the distribution of dividends by financial entities was temporarily suspended until December 31, 2021.

On December 2021, by means of Communication “A” 7421, as amended, the Central Bank authorizes financial entities to distribute dividends up to 20% of the accumulated profits up to December 31, 2021 from January 1, 2022 to December 12, 2022. Those financial entities authorized by the Central Bank to distribute their profits must make such distribution in 12 equal, monthly and consecutive installments.

On March 9, 2023 by means of Communication “A” 7719, the Central Bank repeals the suspension of the distribution of results of financial institutions (item 4. of Communication “A” 7659), and it provides that as from April 1, 2023 and until December 31, 2023, those financial institutions that have the authorization of the Central Bank may distribute profits in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments for up to 40% of the amount that would have corresponded.

Legal reserve requirement

Pursuant to the Financial Institutions Law, we are required to maintain a legal reserve which must be funded with no more than 20% and no less than 10% of yearly income (which is calculated over the income that arise from the statutory financial statements), in accordance with Central Bank Rules. Pursuant to Central Bank Rules, we maintain a legal reserve which is funded with 20% of our yearly income, which may differ in certain significant aspects with IFRS (For more information see note 51 “Restriction on dividends distribution” of our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021”). This reserve can only be used during periods in which a financial institution has incurred losses and has exhausted all other reserves. If a financial institution does not comply with the required legal reserve, it is not allowed to pay dividends to its shareholders.

Under the Argentine Corporate Law and our bylaws, our yearly net income (as adjusted to reflect changes in prior results) is allocated in the following order:

 

  (i)

to comply with the legal reserve requirement,

 

  (ii)

to pay the accrued fees of the members of the Board of Directors and statutory supervisory committee;

 

  (iii)

to pay fixed dividends, which are applied first to pending and unpaid dividends and holders of preferred stock (if applicable);

 

  (iv)

for voluntary or contingent reserves, as may be resolved from time to time by our shareholders at the annual ordinary or special shareholders’ meeting; and

 

  (v)

the remainder of the net income for the year may be distributed as dividends on common stock or as otherwise decided by our shareholders at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting.

 

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B. Significant Changes

Except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report, there has been no undisclosed significant change since the date of the most recent annual financial statements included herein.

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

A. Offer and listing details

Not applicable

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

C. Markets

Our Class B shares are currently traded on the BYMA (since November 1994) and MAE (since October 2015) under the symbol “‘BMA”’. Additionally, our ADSs have been trading on the NYSE since March 2006 under the symbol “‘BMA”’.

Our notes are currently listed on the BYMA and MAE. Our Series A Subordinated Resettable Notes are also currently listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

D. Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

E. Dilution

Not applicable.

F. Expenses of the issue

Not applicable.

Item 10. Additional Information

A. Share Capital

Not applicable

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

General

We are a financial institution incorporated under the laws of Argentina on November 21, 1966 as a sociedad anónima, or a stock corporation, for a 99-year period and registered on March 8, 1967 with the Public Registry of Commerce of Bahía Blanca, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, under No. 1154 of Book 2, Folio 75 of Estatutos. We subsequently changed our legal address to the City of Buenos Aires and registered it with the IGJ on October 8, 1996 under No. 9777 of Book 119, Volume A of Sociedades Anónimas.

As of December 31, 2022, our capital stock consisted of Ps.639,413,408, represented by 11,235,670 common, book-entry Class A shares, with a par value of one Peso each and the right to five votes per share, and 628,177,738 common, book-entry Class B shares, with a par value of one Peso each and the right to one vote per share.

According to our bylaws, we may issue different classes of shares of common stock entitled with one or five votes per share. However, as long as we remain in the public offering regime, we cannot issue additional shares of any class of capital stock that could entitle the holder thereof to more than one vote per share. All outstanding shares are fully paid.

 

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Our Class B shares are listed on the BYMA since November 1994 and on the MAE since October 2015. Our ADSs are listed in the NYSE since March, 2006. Holders of Class A shares are permitted to convert their shares into Class B shares on a one-for-one basis.

Corporate Purpose

Our bylaws provide that our corporate purpose is to engage within or outside of Argentina in any banking transaction contemplated and authorized under the Financial Institutions Law and any other laws, rules and regulations governing banking activities in the place of performance, under the guidelines and with prior authorization, if appropriate, of the Central Bank. In addition, we are capable of acting as any category of “agent” under the Capital Markets Law and supplementing regulations, in connection with securities in the transactions contemplated under the legal provisions in effect governing the activity, under the guidelines and with the prior authorization, if appropriate, of the CNV. To that effect, we have full legal capacity to develop rights, incur obligations, and execute any kind of act and transaction related thereto. Furthermore, we are capable of having interests in other domestic or foreign financial institutions and or companies with the prior authorization of the Central Bank and in compliance with the rules of such entity, as applicable.

In respect of the different categories of agents established by the Capital Markets Law, and the CNV Rules, Banco Macro, and certain of their subsidiaries are registered with the CNV in one or more of the following categories: negotiation, clearing and settlement agent (ALyC), custody of collective investment products agent (AC PIC FCI), placement and distribution of mutual funds agent (ACYD FCI), financial trustees agent (FF) and nonfinancial trustees agent (FNOF), as applicable. In addition, on November 4, 2022, the CNV authorized Banco Macro to be included in the “List of Entities Qualified to Guarantee Capital Market Instruments”, under the Regime set forth in Chapter VII of Title II of the CNV Rules.

Shareholders’ liability

Shareholders’ liability for losses of a company is limited to the value of their shareholdings in the company. Under the Argentine Corporate Law, however, shareholders who voted in favor of a resolution that is subsequently declared void by a court as contrary to Argentine laws or a company’s bylaws (or regulations, if any) may be held jointly and severally liable for damages to such company, other shareholders or third parties resulting from such resolution. See also Item 3.D Risk Factors—Risks relating to our Class B shares and the ADSs—Our shareholders may be subject to liability for certain votes of their securities.

Redemption and rights of withdrawal

Our shares are subject to redemption in connection with a reduction in capital by the vote of a majority of shareholders at a special shareholders’ meeting. Whenever our shareholders approve a spin-off or merger in which we are not the surviving corporation, the change of our corporate legal status, a fundamental change in our corporate purpose, change of our domicile outside of Argentina, voluntary withdrawal from public offering or delisting, our continuation in the case of mandatory delisting or cancellation of the public offering authorization, or a total or partial recapitalization following a mandatory reduction of our capital or liquidation, any shareholder that voted against such action that was approved or did not attend the meeting at which the decision was taken, may withdraw and receive the book value of its shares, determined on the basis of our latest balance sheet prepared or that should have been prepared in accordance with Argentine laws and regulations, provided that such shareholder exercises its appraisal rights within a determined period. However, because of the absence of legal precedent directly on point, there is doubt as to whether holders of ADSs will be able to exercise appraisal rights either directly or through the depositary with respect to Class B shares represented by ADSs. rights of withdrawal must be exercised within the five (5) days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted, in the event that the dissenting shareholder voted against such resolution, or within fifteen (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 merger or spin-off, appraisal rights may not be exercised if the shares to be received as a result of such transaction are authorized for public offering or listed. Appraisal rights are extinguished if the resolution giving rise to such rights is revoked at another shareholders’ meeting held within seventy-five (75) days of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted.

Payment on the appraisal rights must be made within one year of the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the resolution was adopted, except when the resolution was to delist our stock or to continue following a mandatory delisting, in which case the payment period is reduced to sixty (60) days from the resolution date.

Preemptive and accretion rights

In the event of a capital increase, a holder of existing common shares of a given class has a preemptive right to subscribe for a number of shares of the same class sufficient to maintain the holder’s existing proportionate holdings of shares of that class.

 

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In addition, shareholders are not entitled to the right to subscribe on pro-rata basis for the unsubscribed shares remaining at the end of a preemptive rights offering, known as accretion rights.

Holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to exercise preemptive rights if an annual report under the Securities Act relating thereto has not been filed or is not effective or an exemption is not available. Preemptive rights are exercisable during the thirty (30) days following the last publication of notice to the shareholders in the Official Bulletin of the Republic of Argentina, or the Official Gazette and an Argentine newspaper of wide circulation. Pursuant to the Argentine Corporate Law, in the case of public companies, such thirty (30) days period may be reduced to a minimum of ten (10) days if approved by the company’s shareholders at a special shareholders’ meeting.

Shares not subscribed by the shareholders by virtue of their exercise of preemptive rights may be offered to third parties.

Voting rights

Under our bylaws, each Class A share entitles the holder thereof to five votes at any meeting of our shareholders and Class B shares entitle the holders thereof to one vote per share. However, according to the Argentine Corporate Law, shares entitle the holder to only one vote per share to vote the approval of: an early dissolution, a merger or spin-off when we are not the surviving entity, a reduction of capital stock and redemption of shares, a transformation from one type of entity to another, a limitation of shareholders’ preemptive rights, a transfer of our domicile outside Argentina, and a fundamental change of our corporate purpose set forth in our bylaws. In such cases Class A shares are entitled to only one vote per share and Class B shares are entitled to only one vote per share. In addition, pursuant to Argentine applicable law, as long as we remain public we cannot issue additional shares of any class of capital stock that could entitle the holder thereof to more than one vote per share.

Registration requirements of foreign companies that hold Class B shares directly

There are no restrictions imposed by Argentine law or our by-laws or other organizational documents regarding the rights of non-residents or foreign persons to hold or vote our shares or our ADSs.

Under Argentine regulations, foreign companies that hold shares directly (and not as ADSs) in an Argentine company must be registered with the IGJ to exercise certain shareholder rights, including voting rights. The registration requires the filing of corporate and accounting documents in order to demonstrate that the foreign shareholder’s main activity is conducted outside of Argentina.

Liquidation rights

In the case of our liquidation or dissolution we are requested to communicate such event to the Central Bank, and our assets will be applied to satisfy our outstanding liabilities and proportionally distributed first among our holders of preferred stock as per the terms of the preferred stock, if any. If any surplus remains, it will be proportionally distributed among holders of our common stock.

Other shareholders’ rights

In addition to the rights mentioned above, the shareholders of Argentine corporations are entitled to the following additional rights that cannot be subject to any kind of limitation or suspension as they protect the minority shareholders in such capacity:

 

  (i)

the right to participate in the company’s profits;

 

  (ii)

the right to be informed and receive information from the company through the syndics or supervisory committee, including the right to request information or reports (shareholders representing at least 2% of the capital stock of the company are entitled to request the syndic or the members of the supervisory committee information related to their functions and certain investigations);

 

  (iii)

the right to request a shareholders’ meeting (shareholders representing at least 5% of the capital stock of the company may request the call of a shareholders’ meeting);

 

  (iv)

the right to disapprove the performance of the members of the Board of Directors (the liability of the company’s directors and managers shall be extinguished if their performance is later approved by the shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting, or if they resign, provided that such liability is not incurred as a consequence of the violation of the applicable laws or the company’s bylaws and if it does not mediate opposition of at least 5% of the capital stock); and

 

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  (v)

the right to judicially object those shareholders’ meetings resolutions violating the law or company’s regulations and a right to ask for a judicial or administrative intervention when the administrator or administrators of a company execute acts or neglect acts whose omission places the company in serious danger.

Ordinary and extraordinary meetings

Shareholders’ meetings may be ordinary or extraordinary. We are required to convene and hold an ordinary meeting of shareholders within four months of the close of each fiscal year to consider the matters specified in the first two paragraphs of Section 234 of the Argentine Corporate Law, such as the approval of our financial statements, allocation of net income for such fiscal year, approval of the reports of the board of directors and the supervisory committee and election and remuneration of directors and members of the supervisory committee. In addition, pursuant to the Capital Markets Law, at an ordinary shareholders’ meetings, our shareholders must consider:

 

  (i)

the disposition of, or creation of any lien over, our assets as long as such decision has not been performed under the ordinary course of business;

 

  (ii)

the execution of administration or management agreements; and

 

  (iii)

whether to approve the payment of any agreement providing assets or services to us as long as such payment is material when measured against the volume of the ordinary course of business and our shareholders’ equity.

Other matters which may be considered at an ordinary meeting convened and held at any time include the responsibility of directors and members of the supervisory committee, capital increases and the issuance of certain corporate bonds. Special shareholders’ meetings may be called at any time to consider matters beyond the authority of an ordinary meeting, including amendment of the bylaws, issuance of debentures, early dissolution, merger, spin off, reduction of capital stock and redemption of shares, transformation from one type of entity to another and limitation of shareholders’ preemptive rights.

Notices of meetings

Notices of shareholders’ meetings are governed by the provisions of Argentine Corporations Law, and in case of publicly traded companies, Capital Markets Law. Furthermore, notice of shareholders’ meetings must be published for five (5) days in the Official Gazette, in an Argentine newspaper of wide circulation and in the publications of Argentine exchanges or securities markets in which our shares are traded, at least twenty (20) but not more than forty-five (45) days prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held. Such notice must include information regarding the type of meeting to be held, the date, time and place of such meeting and the agenda. If a quorum is not available at such meeting, a notice for a second meeting, which must be held within thirty (30) days of the date on which the first meeting was called, must be published for three (3) days, at least eight (8) days before the date of the second meeting. The above-described notices of shareholders’ meetings may be effected simultaneously for the second meeting to be held on the same day as the first meeting, only in the case of ordinary meetings. Shareholders’ meetings may be validly held without notice if all shares of our outstanding capital stock are present and resolutions are adopted by unanimous vote of such shares.

Quorum and voting requirements

The quorum for ordinary meetings of shareholders on first call is a majority of the shares entitled to vote, and action may be taken by the affirmative vote of an absolute majority of the shares present that are entitled to vote on such action. If a quorum is not available at the first meeting a second meeting may be held at which action may be taken by the holders of an absolute majority of the shares present, regardless of the number of such shares. The quorum for a special shareholders’ meeting on first call is 60% of the shares entitled to vote, and if such quorum is not available, a second meeting may be held, for which the quorum is 30% of the shares entitled to vote.

Action may be taken at special shareholders’ meetings by the affirmative vote of an absolute majority of shares present that are entitled to vote on such action, except that: the approval of a majority of shares with voting rights (for these purposes non-voting preferred shares shall have voting rights), without application of multiple votes, is required at both the first and second meeting for:

 

  (i)

the transfer of our domicile outside Argentina,

 

  (ii)

a fundamental change of the corporate purpose set forth in our bylaws,

 

  (iii)

our anticipated dissolution,

 

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  (iv)

the total or partial redemption of shares,

 

  (v)

our merger or spin-off, if we are not the surviving entity, or

 

  (vi)

the transformation of our corporate legal status, in which cases resolutions shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority of shares with the right to vote.

Preferred shares will be entitled to one vote in these circumstances.

The Argentine Corporate Law permits companies to establish cumulative voting in order to elect up to one third of the directors and one third of the members of the supervisory committee to fill vacancies of the board of directors and of the supervisory committee, respectively, sharing such part with candidates voted for by means of the plural system. Cumulative voting is a system designed to protect minority interests, as it gives rise to the possibility, but does not ensure, that minority interests will be able to elect some of their candidates. Each shareholder who votes cumulatively shall have a number of votes equal to the result of multiplying his/her own votes by the number of vacancies. On the other hand, shareholders who vote by the ordinary procedure and those who vote by cumulative vote will compete for the election of one third of the vacancies. The larger the number of vacancies, the greater the possibility that minority groups or shareholders will win positions in the board of directors or the supervisory committee.

Shareholders’ meetings may be called by the board of directors or the members of the supervisory committee whenever required by law or whenever they deem it necessary. Also, the board or the members of the supervisory committee are required to call shareholders’ meetings upon the request of shareholders representing an aggregate of at least five percent of our outstanding capital stock. If the board or the supervisory committee fails to call a meeting following such a request, a meeting may be ordered by the CNV or by the courts. In order to attend a meeting, a shareholder must also deposit with us a certificate of book-entry shares registered in its name and issued by Caja de Valores S.A. at least three (3) business days prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held. If so entitled to attend a meeting, a shareholder may be represented by proxy. Proxies may not be granted to our board, members of the supervisory committee, officers or employees.

By means of CNV’s General Resolution No. 830/2020, dated April 3, 2020, publicly offered entities are allowed to hold remote shareholders and board of directors’ meetings, via electronic means, even if their respective bylaws do not provide for this, respecting the minimum requirements to ensure the integrity of the vote of each participant and the presence of all shareholders and members, respectively. By means of CNV´s interpretation No. 80 the provisions of CNV’s General Resolution No. 830/2020 were restated. According to this, and as a consequence of Decree 867/2021 extending the sanitary emergency until 12/31/2022, General Resolution 939/2022 CNV maintains the provisions of General Resolution 830/2020 of the CNV, which regulates the holding of virtual meetings under the terms and conditions set forth therein. The management bodies must evaluate the particular conditions and situations of each company and choose whether to hold the meeting in person or virtually, ensuring due compliance with the corresponding legal and sanitary requirements.

CNV´s General Resolution No. 939/2022 provided that remote meetings must be held from the corporate headquarters or the place corresponding to the jurisdiction of the corporate domicile, guaranteeing the possibility of participation in person by the shareholders who so wish. This Resolution shall be applicable to the extent that virtual assemblies are provided for in the Bylaws.

Election of directors

The shareholders present at any annual ordinary meeting may determine the size of the board of directors, provided that there shall be no less than three (3) and no more than thirteen (13) directors. Any director so appointed will serve for three fiscal years. If the shareholders elect nine or more board members, each director will be re-elected as a staggered board, to be renewed by thirds, provided that in all cases no less than three directors shall be renewed each time. The annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting may also appoint an equal or lesser number of alternate directors, to hold office for the same term than regular directors, to fill any vacancy in the board occurring for any reason, and shall further determine the order of substitution. Alternate directors shall hold office until the regular directors in whose place they have acted as substitutes shall resume office, and in case any such absence is permanent, until the next ordinary meeting of shareholders where at directors shall be appointed. Both regular and alternate directors may be re-elected indefinitely.

Change in capital

Our by-laws do not establish conditions for the changes in our capital more stringent than those conditions imposed by the Argentine Corporate Law. For a description of conditions for the changes in our capital imposed by the Argentine Corporate Law see “—Ordinary and extraordinary meetings.”

 

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

According to the Argentine Corporations Law, the Capital Markets Law and the CNV Rules, a stock corporation may acquire the shares it issued, 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 subscribed and paid-off;

 

  (b)

there shall be a resolution signed by the board of directors to such effect (duly reported to the supervisory committee and the audit committee);

 

  (c)

the acquisition shall be made using the net profits or free or voluntary reserves; and

 

  (d)

the total amount of shares acquired by the issuer, including previously acquired shares (and are held as treasury stock by the issuer), shall not exceed 10% of the capital stock or such lower percentage determined by the CNV.

The shares acquired by the issuer in excess of such limit shall be disposed of within a period of ninety (90) days after the date of the acquisition originating such excess. The shares acquired by the issuer shall be disposed of by the issuer within the maximum term of three years counted as from the date of acquisition thereof or cancelled. Upon disposing of the shares, the issuer shall make a preemptive offer thereof. Such preemptive offer will not be mandatory in certain specific cases, pursuant to which shares may be sold in the open market. For more information, please see Item 16E. “Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.”

Anti-takeover provisions

Our bylaws do not contain any provision that would (i) oblige us to disclose information regarding our shareholders; and (ii) have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, the last of which may happen only in the event of a merger, acquisition or public offering for acquisition.

Tender offer regime

Tender offer regime in the case of a change in control

Mandatory tender offer or exchange in Argentina

Pursuant to the rules set forth in the Capital Markets Law, the Productive Financing Law and the CNV Rules, anyone who, either individually or collectively, effectively achieves a “controlling interest” in a publicly traded company, will be bound to submit a mandatory tender offer (“OPA”, acronym in Spanish for Oferta Pública de Adquisición Obligatoria) in any of the scenarios set forth below:

 

  a)

acquisition of shares or share subscription rights or options granted by the company, corporate bonds convertible into shares or similar securities which, directly or indirectly, may give a right a controlling interest in the company;

 

  b)

execution of agreements by and among other holders of securities, which grant the necessary votes to control the company’s decisions or to appoint or revoke a majority of the members of the Supervisory Committee, as well as any other agreement which regulates the right to vote in the Board of Directors or in any of its delegate bodies. This scenario shall be applicable when the parties to the agreement have acquired the voting shares of the company, acting either individually or jointly, within the 12 months prior to the execution of the agreement; or when a new shareholder agrees to a joint control of the company with existing shareholders. Furthermore, this scenario shall not be applicable when the acquired interest is below 50% of a controlling subsidiary of a publicly traded company; or

 

  c)

indirectly or contingently, including the cases of mergers or other corporate reorganizations, involving a company that has direct or indirect shareholding with the right to vote in a publicly traded third party.

The OPA must be addressed to any and all shareholders of the company and any person with rights to share subscription or stock options granted by the company, corporate bonds or other similar securities which directly or indirectly may give right to share subscription and/or acquisition of securities, or conversion of voting shares. The addressees of the OPA must be offered an equitable price, in the terms of section 88 of the Capital Markets Law, and section III, Chapter II, Title III of the CNV Rules.

In the above mentioned cases, the prospective purchase must file the request to submit a mandatory tender offer before the CNV no later than one month after the takeover has been completed.

 

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The mandatory tender offer must be launched by the prospective purchaser within five (5) days of obtaining the approval of the CNV. The term for the investors to accept or reject the offer will have to be at least ten (10) days and no more than twenty (20).

Concept of “Controlling Interest”

In accordance with the Capital Markets Law, a person can be considered to have a controlling interest, either individually or collectively, if:

i) voting rights exceed 50% of the company, excluding the shares owned directly or indirectly by the affected Company from the calculation base; or

ii) even though the shareholding is below 50%, the person acts as the “controller” of the Company in the terms of the capital markets law.

Determination of the price of the OPA in the case of a change in control

The equitable price of mandatory tender offers must be the higher between:

 

  (i)

the higher price that the offeror, acting individually or jointly, may have payed or agreed to pay for the securities to be offered by virtue of the OPA during the 12 months prior to the beginning of the period during which the OPA must take place;

 

  (ii)

the average price of the shares for the last six months before the “offer.”

Determination of the price of the OPA in other cases (minority drag along right, for example)

The equitable price in this scenario must considered the same criteria as in a change of control event, but also should bear into account (i) the face value of shares; (ii) the value of the company according to international valuation standards; and (iii) the value of liquidation of the company.

Penalties for breach

Without prejudice to the penalties established by the CNV, the Capital Markets Law provides that purchases of shares of a company in violation of the OPA regime shall be declared irregular and ineffective for administrative purposes by the CNV and cause the invitation of an auction of the shares acquired on infringement, without prejudice to the penalties that may correspond.

Tender offer regime in the case of a voluntary withdrawal from the public offering and listing system in Argentina

The Capital Markets Law and its regulations also established that when a company whose shares are publicly offered and listed in Argentina, agrees to voluntarily withdraw from the public offering and listing system in Argentina, it must follow the procedures provided for in the CNV’s regulations and it must likewise launch an OPA for its aggregate shares and/or subscription rights or securities convertible into shares or stock options under the terms provided for in such regulation. It is not necessary to extend the public offering to those shareholders that voted for the withdrawal at the shareholders’ meeting. The public offering can only be made as a purchase and sale and the consideration must be cash.

The acquisition of one’s own shares must be made with liquid and realized profits or with free reserves, whenever paid up in full, and for the amortization or disposition thereof, within the term set forth in section 221 of the Argentine Companies Law and the company must present the CNV with evidence that it has the necessary solvency to effect such purchase and that the payment for the shares will not affect its solvency. The price offered should be an equitable price. To determine if an equitable price is offered, the criteria set forth for mandatory tender offers must be followed.

Form and transfer

Our current capital stock is represented by book-entry shares. Our shareholders are required to hold their shares through book-entries directly made by Caja de Valores S.A. in the stock registry of the company carried by Caja de Valores S.A. or through book-entries with brokers, banks and other entities approved by the CNV that have accounts with Caja de Valores S.A., or with the participants of the Caja de Valores S.A.

 

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Caja de Valores S.A. is in charge of maintaining a stock registry on our behalf based on information received from shareholders that choose to hold their shares directly by registration on the stock registry of the company and from participants of the Caja de Valores S.A. Under Argentine law, only those holders listed in the stock registry, either directly or through participants of the Caja de Valores S.A., will be recognized as shareholders. Shares held by participants of the Caja de Valores S.A. have the same rights as shares recorded in our shareholders’ register.

C. Material Contracts

In 2020, several banks of the Argentine financial system constituted Play Digital S.A., a company that developed the fintech platform called “Modo”. Initially, the shareholders were Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires SAU, Banco BBVA Argentina SA, Banco Santander Argentina SA and Banco Macro SA. Subsequently, other banks were accepted as shareholders together with the abovementioned, and at the date of this annual report there are 32 shareholder banks. Modo is an online wallet that allows its users to send and request money between contacts, integrate all their cards and bank accounts into a single software application and pay through Quick Response (QR) codes. At the date of this annual report, the Bank holds 9.6984% of the total shareholder equity of Play Digital S.A.

During the past two years we did not enter into or became party to another contract that is required to be disclosed under this item, other than the above-mentioned company. For further information, see “History and Description of the Bank’s Business—History—Banco Macro S.A.” and Item 4.B “Business Overview”/ Technology, automated channels and credit cards processing systems.

D. Exchange Controls

On September 1, 2019, after the market disruptions caused by the results of the primary elections, with the purpose of strengthening the normal functioning of the economy, fostering a prudent administration of the exchange market, reducing the volatility of financial variables and containing the impact of the variations of financial flows on the real economy, the Argentine government issued Decree No. 609/2019 whereby foreign exchange controls were temporarily reinstated. The decree: (i) reinstated, originally until December 31, 2019, the exporters’ obligation to repatriate the proceeds from exports of goods and services in the terms and conditions set forth by the Central Bank’s implementing regulations and settle for Pesos through the FX Market; and (ii) authorized the Central Bank to (a) regulate access to the FX Market for the purchase of foreign currency and outward remittances; and (b) set forth regulations to avoid practices and transactions aimed to circumvent, through the use of securities and other instruments, the measures adopted through the decree. On the same date, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6770, which was subsequently amended and supplemented by further Central Bank communications.

At present, foreign exchange regulations have been consolidated in a single regulation, Communication “A” 7490, as subsequently amended and supplemented from time to time by Central Bank’s communications (the “FX Regulations”). Below is a description of the main exchange control measures implemented by the FX Regulations:

Specific Provisions for Inward Remittances

Repatriation and settlement of the proceeds of exports of goods

In accordance with section 7.1 of the FX Regulations, exporters must repatriate, and settle for Pesos through the FX Market, the proceeds from exports of goods cleared through customs as from September 2, 2019. Notwithstanding the maximum terms for settlement as of obtaining the “shipping fulfillment” (cumplido de embarque) established in section 7 of the FX Regulations, export proceeds must be entered and settled through the FX Market within 5 business days following payment thereof.

Although the FX Regulations maintain the obligation to repatriate export proceeds to Argentina through the FX Market, in accordance with section 2.6, exporters are authorized to avoid the settlement in Pesos to the extent that: (a) the funds are credited in foreign-denominated accounts in the name of the exporter, opened at local banks; (b) the funds are brought to Argentina within the applicable terms; (c) the funds are simultaneously applied to the making of payments for which the regulations grant access to the FX Market, subject to any applicable caps; (d) if the funds correspond to the proceeds of new external financial indebtedness and are applied to the prepayment of foreign currency-denominated loans with local banks, the new indebtedness must have a longer average life than the local indebtedness, and (e) the mechanism is tax-neutral.

Amounts collected in foreign currency for insurance claims related to the exported goods must also be repatriated and settled in Pesos in the FX Market, up to the amount of the insured exported goods.

 

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Moreover, through section 8 of the FX Regulations, the Central Bank reinstated the export proceeds monitoring system, setting forth rules governing such monitoring process and exceptions thereof. Exporters will need to appoint a financial entity in charge of monitoring compliance with the aforementioned obligations.

Application of exports proceeds

FX Regulations authorize the application of export proceeds to the repayment of: (i) pre-export financings and export financings granted or guaranteed by local financial entities; (ii) foreign pre-export financings and export advances settled in the FX Market, provided that the relevant transactions were entered into through public deeds or public registries; (iii) financial indebtedness under contracts executed prior to August 31, 2019 providing for cancellation thereof through the application abroad of export proceeds; (iv) other foreign financial indebtedness subject to certain requirements as established in sections 7.9 and 7.10 of the FX Regulations. All other uses of export proceeds shall be subject to Argentine Central Bank prior approval.

Local collections for exports of on-board supplies to foreign flagged means of transport (regimen de ranchos)

Section 8.5.18 establishes that, regarding local collections for exports of on-board (regimen de ranchos) supplies to foreign flagged means of transport, it shall be considered that the follow-up of the shipment permit is totally or partially complied with, for an amount equivalent to the amount paid locally in Pesos and/or in foreign currency to the exporter by a local agent that owns the foreign flagged means of transport, as long as the following conditions are met:

A) The documentation allows to verify that the delivery of the exported merchandise has taken place in the country, that the local agent of the company that owns the foreign flagged means of transport made the payment to the exporter locally and in which currency the payment was made.

B) An financial entity shall issue a certification stating that the company that owns the foreign flagged means of transport would have had access to the FX Market pursuant to Section 3.2.2. of the FX Regulations for the equivalent amount in foreign currency which is intended to be computed to the shipment permit.

The entity which states the precedent shall previously verify compliance with all the other requirements stablished in Section 3.2.2. of the FX Regulations except for provisions of Section 3.16.13. and the local agent of the company that owns the foreign flagged means of transport shall have filed an affidavit stating that it has not transferred or will transfer funds abroad for the proportional amount of the operations included in the certification.

C) In the event that the funds have been received in the country in foreign currency, a certification that the settlement of the funds through the FX Market has been made is needed.

The local agent of the company that owns the foreign flagged means of transport shall not have used this mechanism for an amount greater than U.S.$200,000.000 in the calendar month.

Repatriation and settlement of proceeds from exports of services

Section 2.2 of the FX Regulations imposes to exporters the obligation to repatriate and settle in the FX Market, the proceeds from exports of services within 5 business days following payment thereof.

Proceeds from exports of services may be applied to principal and services repayment of foreign financial indebtedness or securities denominated in foreign currency registered in Argentina and with services payments in foreign currency in Argentina or to the repatriation of foreign direct investments, to the extent requirements set forth in section 7.9 of the FX Regulations are met.

Sale of non-financial non-produced assets

Pursuant to section 2.3 of the FX Regulations, the proceeds in foreign currency of the sale of non-financial non-produced assets must be repatriated and settled in Pesos in the FX Market within 5 business days following either the perception of funds in the country or abroad, or their accreditation in foreign accounts.

 

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Foreign financial indebtedness

Pursuant to Section 2.4 of the FX Regulations in order for resident debtors to have access to the FX Market to repay foreign financial indebtedness disbursed as of September 1, 2019, the loan proceeds must have been settled through the FX Market and the operation must have been declared under the Foreign Assets and Liabilities Reporting Regime. As a result, although settlement of the loan proceeds is not mandatory (i.e., the loan proceeds may be kept and applied directly abroad), failure to settle them shall preclude future access to the FX Market for repayment purposes.

Access to the FX Market to make such payments more than three days prior to the due date (e.g., due to voluntary or mandatory prepayment provisions) is, as a rule, subject to prior Central Bank´s approval. Prepayments done with funds from new, duly settled, foreign loans or in connection with debt refinancing or liability management processes may be exempted from such prior Central Bank´s approval to the extent they comply with several requirements as set forth in section 3.5 of the FX Regulations.

Until December 31, 2023, prior Central Bank´s approval is required in order for local residents to access the FX Market to make principal payments under cross-border financial indebtedness with related parties (unless the loan proceeds were settled through the FX Market after October 1, 2020, and the loan has an average life of at least 2 years).

Exceptions to the repatriation and settlement requirement

Although the FX Regulations maintain the obligation to repatriate export proceeds to Argentina through the FX Market, in accordance with section 2.6, exporters are authorized to avoid the settlement in Pesos to the extent that: (a) the funds are credited to foreign-denominated accounts in the name of the exporter, opened at local banks; (b) the funds are brought to Argentina within the applicable period established; (c) the funds are simultaneously applied to conduct payments for which the regulations grant access to the FX Market, subject to any applicable caps; (d) if the funds correspond to the proceeds of new external financial indebtedness and are applied to the prepayment of foreign currency-denominated loans with local banks, the new indebtedness must have a longer average life than the local indebtedness, and (e) the mechanism is tax-neutral.

Specific Provisions Regarding Access to the FX Market

General Requirements

As a general rule, and in addition to any rules regarding the specific purpose for access, certain general requirements must be met by a local company or individual to access the FX Market for the purchase of foreign currency or its transfer abroad (i.e., payments of imports and other purchases of goods abroad; payment of services rendered by non-residents; remittances of profits and dividends; payment of principal and interest on external indebtedness; payments of interest on debts for the import of goods and services, among others) without need of prior Central Bank of Argentina prior approval. These include the following:

 

  (i)

during the 90 days preceding the date of said access, the local company must not have:

 

  (a)

sold securities in Argentina issued by residents for foreign currency, (ii) transferred such securities to a foreign depositary, (iii) exchanged such securities for other foreign assets, (iv) purchased with Pesos in Argentina securities issued by non-resident issuers, or (v) as of July 22, 2022, (x) acquired Argentine depositary certificates representing shares issued by non-resident companies, (y) acquired corporate debt securities (i.e., securities issued by private-sector issuers, as opposed to public-sector issuances) issued outside Argentina, or (z) delivered Pesos or any other local assets (other than foreign currency funds deposited in Argentine banks) to any person, receiving in exchange thereof, whether prior to or after such delivery, and whether directly or indirectly through a related, controlled or controlling entity, foreign assets, crypto assets or securities deposited abroad (any of the trades listed in (i) through (v), a “Restricted Securities Trade”); or

 

  (b)

delivered Pesos or other local liquid assets (e.g., Argentine sovereign bonds) to any individual or legal entity having a direct controlling interest in it, unless: (i) such delivery resulted from regular purchases of goods or services executed in its ordinary course of business, or (ii) it provides an affidavit from each such controlling individual or legal entity pursuant to which such persons declare they comply with the restrictions set forth in (i)(a) above, and undertake to comply with (ii)(d) below; and

 

  (ii)

on the date of said access, the local company must:

(a) not have any available foreign liquid assets in excess of U$S 100,000, Central Bank Communication “A” 7030 contains a non-exhaustive list of assets that qualify as “foreign liquid assets” for purposes thereof, which include foreign currency bills and coins, gold bars, sight deposits with foreign banks and, generally, any other investment that allows for immediate availability of foreign currency (e.g., foreign bonds and securities, investment accounts with foreign investment managers, crypto-assets, cash held with payment service providers, etc.).

 

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(b) deposit all its local holdings of foreign currency in accounts held with local financial institutions,

(c) undertake to settle through the FX Market within 5 business days as from receipt thereof, any funds received abroad as a result of the repayment of loans, the release of term-deposits or the sale of any type of asset, to the extent the asset was originally acquired, the deposit made or the loan granted, as applicable, after May 28, 2020,

(d) undertake to, during the 90 days following said access to the FX Market, not to carry out any Restricted Securities Trade, and

(e) not be included in the list of “issuers of fake invoices and similar documents” (base de facturas o documentos equivalentes calificados como apócrifos) kept by the Argentine Tax Authority (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos).

Payment of Imports

Residents are authorized to access the FX Market for the payment of import of goods in accordance with section 10.1 of the FX Regulations. This regulation sets forth different requirements depending on whether it relates to the payment of imports of goods with customs clearance or the payments of import of goods pending customs clearance. Also, the imports and import payments monitoring system (SEPAIMPO) has been reinstated, setting forth rules governing such monitoring process and exceptions thereof.

Pursuant to the FX Regulations, the local importer must appoint a local financial entity to act as a monitoring bank, which will be responsible for verifying compliance with the applicable regulations, including, among others, the liquidation of import financing and the entry of imported goods.

Pursuant to section 10.11.1 of the FX Regulations, for the purposes of accessing the FX Market to pay imports of goods or the principal amount of debts arising from the import of goods, Central Bank prior approval will be required as of January 1st, 2023, unless any of the conditions stated in sections 10.11.1 to 10.11.11 are met. Some of these conditions are:

 

  a)

the entity has received an affidavit from the client stating that the total amount of payments associated with its imports of goods processed through the FX Market as of January 1, 2020, including the payment for which approval is sought, does not exceed in more than Ps. 250,000 the amount by which the importer would have access to the exchange market when computing: (i) the amount for which the importer would have access to the FX Market when computing imports of goods that are registered in its name in the SEPAIMPO and that were officialized between 1 January 2020 and the day before access to FX Market, imports of goods associated with a declaration made through the officialized Integrated Import Monitoring System (SIMI) shall be computed to the extent that any of the conditions set out in sections 10.3.2.7.i) to 10.3.2.7. vii) of th FX Regulations; (ii) plus the amount of payments made through FX Market as from 6 July 2020 corresponding to imports of goods entered by particular request or courier which have been shipped as from 1 July 2020 or which, having been shipped prior to that date, had not arrived in the country before that date, (iii) plus the amount of payments made under points (b) to (d) below, not associated with imports covered by points (i) and (ii) of this paragraph, (iv) minus the amount outstanding for payments for imports with pending customs registration made between 1 September 2019 and 31 December 2019;

 

  b)

filing a SIMI (Sistema Integral de Monitoreo de Importaciones declarations) approved that meets the requirements described in the FX Regulations;

 

  c)

in the case of a “deferred payment” of imports corresponding to goods that have been shipped as of July 1, 2020, or that, having been shipped previously, have not arrived in the country before that date, provided any of the conditions set out in points 10.3.2.7.i) to 10.3.2.7.vii) of the FX Regulations are met;

 

  d)

It is a payment associated with a transaction not included in point c) to the extent that it is intended for the cancellation of a commercial debt for imports of goods with an export credit agency or a financial institution abroad or that has a guarantee granted by them

 

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  e)

in the case of “demand payments” of imports of goods or for commercial debt arising from imports of goods that do not have custom registration evidencing entry of the goods into Argentina, provided that, among others:

 

   

the import corresponds to the importation of materials/supplies to be used for the production of goods in the country; and

 

   

the payments made under this section do not exceed, in the current calendar month and for the financial entities as a whole, the amount obtained by considering the average of the total amount of imports of materials/supplies computed by the company in the formula stated in a) above in the last twelve months, minus the amount of imports of goods that do not have custom registration evidencing entry of the goods into Argentina in a situation of delay recorded by the importer.

Prior to authorizing payments for imports of goods, the intervening financial entity must, in addition to requesting the client’s affidavit, verify that such statement is compatible with the existing data in the relevant online Central Bank of Argentina’s databases.

In addition, it should be noted that on October 13, 2022 the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7622 (subsequently supplemented by Communications “A” 7629, 7638 and 7643) which introduced various amendments regarding access to the FX Market to make payments for imports of goods and services, respectively (hereinafter, and together with its supplements, “Communication A 7622”).

Communication A 7622 provides that, as from October 17, 2022, access to the FX Market to make payments for imports of goods may be granted to transactions associated with a declaration in the Argentine Republic’s Import System (“SIRA”) to the extent that:

a) The payment is made once the term in calendar days has expired, counted as from the date of registration of the customs entry of the goods;

b) The payment is made by means of exchange and/or arbitration against a local account in foreign currency of the customer and the SIRA declaration states that such option would be used; or

c) When it is verified that the transaction is validated in the “Single Current Account for Foreign Trade” computer system implemented by AFIP and the payment falls under any of the situations provided for in section 8 of the aforementioned rule;

d) the payment is included by the client within the amount available in each calendar year, up to the equivalent of U.S.$ 50,000, to make payments of imports of goods in advance, on sight or deferred before the deadline foreseen in the SIRA declaration.

The possibility of using this annual limit shall be subject to its validation by the “Single Current Account for Foreign Trade” system.

Entities shall verify the requirements foreseen for each type of import payment, including those contemplated in point 3.16. of the FX Regulations, with the exception of those referring to the provisions of sections 10.11. and 10.14. and point 2.1. of Communication A 7532.

Communication A 7622 provides that access to financial entities to cancel obligations arising from letters of credit or guaranteed letters issued or granted on or after October 17, 2022, in the framework of an import transaction for which a SIRA declaration is required, shall be conditional upon the institution having documentation proving, at the time of opening or issuance by the institution, that the conditions detailed in section 4 of the rule were complied with.

Finally, section 9 of Communication A 7622 establishes several situations that will allow access to the FX Market prior to the payment term authorized in the SIRA declaration:

(i) access with funds originating from a financing of imports of goods granted by a local financial institution from a foreign credit line. Provided that the maturity of the financing is equal to or later than the estimated date of arrival of the goods in the country plus the term provided in the SIRA declaration plus 15 (fifteen) calendar days;

(ii) access to make a deferred payment to cancel a commercial debt for the importation of goods with a foreign financial institution and the maturity date of the debt is equal to or later than the estimated date of arrival of the goods in the country at the time the financing is granted plus the term provided for in the SIRA declaration plus 15 (fifteen) calendar days; or to the payment term authorized in the SIRA declaration:

 

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(iii) the importer has a “Certification of increase of exports of goods” for the amount for which it intends to access;

(iv) in the case of payments for imports of goods made by: i) the national public sector, ii) all business organizations, regardless of their corporate form, in which the National State has a majority shareholding in the capital or in the formation of corporate decisions and iii) trusts constituted with contributions from the national public sector;

(v) access simultaneously with the liquidation of funds in the form of advances or pre-financing of exports from abroad or pre-financing of exports granted by local financial institutions with funding in foreign credit lines, and to the extent that the conditions set forth in sections 9.5.1., 9.5.2. and 9.5.3. of the regulation are met;

vi) it is a payment with pending customs registration for an operation for which the presentation of a declaration in the SIRA or SIMI is not a requirement for the registration of the customs entry of the goods, to the extent that such goods are included in the situations provided for in section 8 of Communication “A” 7622 and the conditions provided for in each case are met; or

(vii) It is a payment of goods under the Import Regime for Inputs Destined to Scientific and Technological Research of Law 25.613 that is made before the minimum access date required; to the extent that the customer has the certificate of the Registry of Scientific and Technological Organisms and Entities (ROECyT) issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Nation for those goods.

Payment of services provided by non-residents

Pursuant to section 3.2 of the FX Regulations, residents may access the FX Market for payment of services rendered by non-residents (except intercompany services), as long as it is verified that the operation has been declared, if applicable, in the last overdue presentation of the Foreign Assets and Liabilities Reporting Regime. Access to the FX Market for payment of intercompany imports of services is, as a general rule, subject to prior Central Bank of Argentina approval.

In addition to the above, on June 27, 2022 the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7532, which, as amended by Communication “A” 7606 dated September 15, 2022, incorporated as an additional requirement for customer transactions covered by the Integrated Monitoring System for Foreign Payments of Services (“SIMPES”) or the entity’s own transactions for the concepts for which the declaration in said system is required for customers, that the entity may only provide access to the FX Market to the extent that any of the following conditions are met:

a) the entity has an affidavit from the client stating that the cumulative amount, including the payment intended to be made, of the payments made by the client through FX Market for the items of services covered by the SIMPES, in the current calendar year and in the group of entities, does not exceed the amount arising from considering the following: (i) the proportional part, accrued up to and including the current month, of the total amount of the payments made by the importer during the year 2021 for all the items covered. (in the event that such amount is less than U.S.$ 50,000, the latter amount or the annual limit, whichever is lower, shall be adopted) (ii) minus the amount outstanding to date for letters of credit or guaranteed bills of exchange issued in its name by local financial institutions for the importation of services.

b) the payment falls under the mechanisms provided for in points 3.18. and 3.19.

c) the payment corresponds to items “S08. Insurance premium” and ‘S09. Payment of claims”.

d) the payment is made 180 calendar days after the date of the effective provision of the service.

e) the client accesses simultaneously with the settlement of a new financial indebtedness abroad with an average life of not less than 180 days and at least 50% of the capital matures after the date of effective provision of the service plus a term of 90 days.

f) the customer accesses with funds originating from a financing of imports of services granted by a local financial institution from a commercial credit line from abroad with an average life of not less than 180 days and at least 50% of the capital of the financing has a maturity date after the date of effective provision of the service plus a term of 90 days.

 

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Finally, it should be noted that section 3 of Communication A 7622 establishes that in those cases where access to the FX Market to make payments for services rendered by non-residents requires the presentation of a declaration made through SIMPES in “APPROVED” status, the entities may also accept the presentation of a declaration made in the System of Imports of the Argentine Republic and Payments of Services Abroad in the aforementioned status.

Access to the FX Market for the prepayment of debts for services requires prior authorization by the Central Bank of Argentina.

Foreign financial indebtedness

As abovementioned under “Specific Provisions for Inward Remittances – Foreign financial indebtedness” in order for resident debtors to have access to the FX Market to repay foreign financial indebtedness disbursed as of September 1, 2019, the loan proceeds must have been settled through the FX Market and the operation must have been declared under the Foreign Assets and Liabilities Reporting Regime.

Until June 30, 2023, prior Central Bank´s approval is required in order for local residents to access the FX Market to make principal payments under cross-border financial indebtedness with related parties (unless the loan proceeds were settled through the FX Market after October 1, 2020, and the loan has an average life of at least 2 years).

Section 3.17 of FX Regulations establishes that debtors with scheduled principal payments maturing between October 15,

2020 and June 30, 2023 relating to (i) foreign financial indebtedness of the non-financial private sector with a creditor who is not a counterparty related to the debtor; (ii) foreign financial indebtedness on account of transactions of the debtor and/or (iii) issuances of debt securities publicly registered in Argentina, denominated in foreign currency, of private sector customers or of the financial entities themselves, had to submit a refinancing plan to the Central Bank in line with the following criteria (the “Refinancing Plan”):

(a) debtors were given access to the FX Market on the original maturity dates to make payments of net principal amounts not exceeding forty percent (40%) of the principal amounts due; and

(b) the balance of the principal amount shall have to be refinanced, at least, by means of a new foreign indebtedness with an average life of two (2) years.

Further, in addition to the refinancing granted by the original creditor, proceeds from new foreign financial indebtedness with other creditors shall also be computed, provided that the proceeds obtained therefrom be transferred and settled through the FX Market. In the case of issuances of debt securities publicly registered in Argentina and denominated in foreign currency, new issuances shall also be computed provided that certain conditions are met

The abovementioned provisions shall not apply to: (i) indebtedness with international organizations or associated agencies thereof or secured by them; (ii) indebtedness granted to the debtor by official credit agencies or secured by them; and (iii) when the amount for which access to the FX Market is requested for repayment of principal under such indebtedness does not exceed the equivalent of U.S.$ 2,000,000 (two million U.S. dollars) per calendar month, and (iv) indebtedness originated as from 01.01.2020 and whose funds have been deposited and settled in the foreign exchange market; (v) indebtedness originated on or after 01.01.2020 and which constitute refinancing of principal maturities subsequent to that date, to the extent that the refinancing has made it possible to reach the parameters set forth in said point; and (vi) the remaining portion of maturities already refinanced to the extent that the refinancing has made it possible to reach the parameters set forth in said item.

Foreign financial indebtedness principal and services prepayment:

(1) access to the FX Market up to 45 calendar days prior to the maturity date for the payment of principal and services of foreign financial debts or debt securities publicly registered in Argentina and denominated in foreign currency will be allowed if the prepayment is made by virtue of a debt refinancing process that complies with the provisions set forth in section 3.17 mentioned above and, additionally, when all of the following conditions are met: (a) the amount of interest paid does not exceed the amount of interest accrued on the refinanced indebtedness up to the date the refinancing was settled, and (b) the accumulated amount of the principal maturities of the new debt does not exceed the amount that the principal maturities of the refinanced debt would have accumulated;

(2) access to the FX Market prior to the maturity date for payment of interest on foreign financial debts or debt securities publicly registered in Argentina and denominated in foreign currency will be allowed if the prepayment is consummated as part of a process for the exchange of debt securities issued by the customer and all of the following conditions are met: (a) the amount paid before

 

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maturity corresponds to interest accrued as at the closing date of the exchange; (b) the average life of the new debt securities is longer than the remaining average life of the exchanged security; and (c) the accumulated amount of the principal maturities of the new securities does not exceed at any time the amount that the principal maturities of the exchanged securities would have accumulated; and

(3) concerning scheduled principal repayments maturing between October 15, 2020 and June 30, 2023: (a) the Central Bank will consider the Refinancing Plan established therein completed when the debtor accesses the FX Market to pay off capital in an amount exceeding 40% of the principal amount that was then due, to the extent that the debtor settles currency on the FX Market as from October 9, 2020, in an amount equal to or greater than the excess over such 40%, on account of (i) foreign financial indebtedness, (ii) issuance of debt securities publicly registered abroad, (iii) issuance of debt securities publicly registered in Argentina and denominated in foreign currency that meet the conditions set forth in section 3.6.1.3 of the FX Regulations, (b) in the case of debt securities publicly registered in Argentina or abroad, issued on or after October 9, 2020, with an average life of not less than two years, and the delivery of which to the creditors has allowed to reach the parameters provided in the proposed Refinancing Plan, the foreign currency settlement requirement was considered fulfilled for the purposes of being allowed access to the FX Market for the service of principal and interest thereon, and (c) the debtor has a certificate of increase of exports issued pursuant to section 3.18 of the FX Regulations.

In line with the Argentine Central Bank, the CNV issued General Resolution No. 861 to facilitate the refinancing of debt through the capital markets. In this regard, the CNV provided that whenever the issuer intends to refinance debt through an exchange offer or new issues of debt securities, in both cases in exchange for or to be paid with debt securities previously issued by the company and placed privately and/or with preexisting credits against such company, the requirement of placement through public offering will be regarded as met if the new issue is underwritten in this way by the creditors of the company whose debt securities without public offering and/or preexisting credits represent a percentage that does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate amount actually placed, and the remaining percentage is underwritten and paid in cash or in kind by tendering debt securities originally placed through public offering, or other debt securities publicly offered and listed and/or traded on markets authorized by the CNV, issued by the same company, by persons who are domiciled in Argentina or in countries that are not included in the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, listed in section 24 of the Annex to Decree No. 862/2019 or anyone that may replace it in the future. Additionally, General Resolution No. 861 provided for mandatory compliance with certain conditions to consider that the public offering requirement has been met.

Prepayment of financing denominated in foreign currency granted by local financial institutions

The Argentine Central Bank’s prior approval shall be required to access the FX Market to prepay foreign currency financing granted by local financial institutions, unless they relate to payments of credit card purchases made in foreign currency.

Payments of local debt securities denominated in foreign currency among residents

In accordance with section 3.6 of the FX Regulations, establishes the prohibition of access to the FX Market for the payment of debts and other obligations in foreign currency between residents, entered into as from September 1, 2019. However, it sets as exceptions the cancellation as from their maturity of principal and interest of:

 

   

Financing in foreign currency granted by local financial entities (including payments for consumption in foreign currency through credit cards).

 

   

Obligations in foreign currency between residents instrumented through public registries or deeds as of August 30, 2019.

 

   

Issuances of debt securities made on or after September 1, 2019, for the purpose of refinancing foreign currency obligations between residents instrumented through public registers or deeds as of August 30, 2019, and that entail an increase in the average life of the obligations.

 

   

Payment, at maturity, of principal and interest services under new issues of debt securities made as of November 29, 2019, with public registration in the country, denominated and payable in foreign currency in the country, to the extent that: (i) they are denominated and subscribed in foreign currency, (ii) the respective principal and interest services are payable in the country in foreign currency and (iii) the totality of the funds obtained with the issuance are settled through the foreign exchange market.

 

   

The issues made as from October 9, 2020, of debt securities with public registration in the country, denominated in foreign currency and whose services are payable in foreign currency in the country, to the extent that their average life is not less than 2 (two) years and their delivery to creditors has allowed reaching the refinancing parameters set forth in Section 3.17 of the FX Regulations.

 

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The issues made as from January 7, 2021 of debt securities with public registration in the country denominated in foreign currency and whose services are payable in foreign currency in the country, to the extent that they were delivered to creditors to refinance pre-existing debts with an extension of the average life, when it corresponds to the amount of capital refinanced, interest accrued up to the refinancing date and, to the extent that the new debt securities do not mature before 2023, the amount equivalent to the interest that would accrue until December 31, 2022 on the indebtedness that is refinanced early and/or on the deferral of the refinanced principal and/or on the interest that would accrue on the amounts so refinanced.

Payments of local debt securities denominated in foreign currency among residents

In accordance with section 3.6 of the FX Regulations, access to the FX Market for the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations between Argentine residents as of September 1, 2019 is subject to prior approval from the Central Bank. With regard to existing transactions as of such date, access shall be granted; provided that the relevant transactions were entered into through public deeds or public registries. These prohibitions do not apply to loans in foreign currency granted by local financial entities, including payments of credit cards.

Payments of principal under debts with related counterparties until December 31, 2023

The Argentine Central Bank’s prior approval is required to access the FX Market to make payments abroad of principal of financial debts when the creditor is a counterparty related to the debtor. This requirement is applicable until December 31, 2023, pursuant to Section 3.5.7 of the FX Regulations. Such requirement shall not apply to the local financial institutions’ own transactions.

Section 3.5.4 of the FX Regulations establishes that, for as long as the requirement to obtain prior approval to access the FX Market to pay, at maturity, principal of foreign financial indebtedness of the non-financial private sector when the creditor is a counterparty related to the debtor continues to be in place, such requirement will not be applicable if the funds have been entered and settle through the FX Market as of October 2, 2020 and the average life of the indebtedness is not less than 2 (two) years.

Access to the FX Market for the payment of new issuances of debt securities

Access to the FX Market for the payment of principal and services of foreign-denominated debt securities publicly registered abroad when the debtor has settled through the FX Market an amount equivalent to the nominal value of the foreign indebtedness.

The above-mentioned requirement shall be considered complied with for the portion of debt securities publicly registered abroad issued as of January 7, 2021, intended to refinance pre-existing debt by extending its average life, for an amount equivalent to the refinanced principal, and provided that the new securities do not have principal maturities schedule within 2 years, for the interest accrued up to the date of the refinancing and, the interest that would accrue during the first two years for the refinanced indebtedness and/or by the deferment of the refinanced principal and/or by the interest which would accrue on the amounts refinanced.

Duly registered securities that are denominated and payable in foreign currency in Argentina

In accordance with section 2.5 of the FX Regulations, resident debt issuers shall be granted access to the FX Market for the payment at maturity of principal and interest under duly registered issuances of debt securities that are denominated and payable in foreign currency in Argentina, to the extent they (i) are fully subscribed in foreign currency, and (ii) provided that the proceeds from the issuance are previously settled through the FX Market. However, the settlement of the proceeds from the issuance shall not be required as a condition for the future access to the FX Market, provided that certain conditions are met (i.e., the proceeds are deposited in local foreign currency-denominated bank accounts within the period established for the settlement of the proceeds, and the proceeds are simultaneously applied to operations that for which access to the FX Market would be granted, and the mechanism is tax neutral, among others).

Access to the FX Market by non-residents

In accordance with section 3.13 the FX Regulations, prior approval by the Argentine Central Bank will be required for access to the FX Market by non-residents for the purchase of foreign currency, except for the following operations: (a) international organizations and institutions that perform functions of official export credit agencies, (b) diplomatic representations and consular and diplomatic personnel accredited in the country for transfers made in the exercise of their functions, (c) representatives of courts, authorities or

 

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offices, special missions, commissions or bilateral bodies established by Treaties or International Agreements, in which the Argentine Republic is part, to the extent that transfers are made in the exercise of their functions, (d) foreign transfers in the name of individuals who are beneficiaries of retirement and/or pensions paid by the ANSES, for up to the amount paid by said agency in the calendar month and to the extent that the transfer is made to a bank account owned by the beneficiary in its registered country of residence, (e) purchase of foreign currency (in cash) by non-resident individuals for tourism and travel expenses, up to a maximum amount of U$S100 dollars, to the extent the financial entity can verify in the online system implemented by the Argentina Central Bank that the client has settled an amount equal or higher than the sum to be purchased within 90 days prior to the operation; (f) transfers to offshore bank accounts by individuals that are beneficiaries of pensions granted by the National Government pursuant to Laws Nos. 24,043, 24,411 and 25,914, as supplemented; and (g) repatriations of direct investments of non-residents in companies that are not controlling companies of local financial entities, to the extent that the capital contribution has been entered and settled through the FX Market as of October 2, 2020 and the repatriation tales place at least two years after its entry.

Access to the FX Market for savings or investments purposes of individuals

Pursuant to section 3.8 of the FX Regulations, Argentine residents may access the FX Market for the purposes of foreign assets’ formation, family assistance or derivative operations (with some exceptions expressly set forth) for up to U$S 200 (through debits to local bank accounts) or U$S 100 (in cash) per person per month through all authorized exchange entities. If the access entails a transfer of the funds abroad, the destination account must be an account owned by the same person.

In all cases, general requirements detailed under section “Specific Provisions Regarding Access to the FX Market—General Requirements” apply.

Purchases in Pesos made abroad with a debit card and amounts in foreign currency acquired by individuals in the FX Market as of September 1, 2020, for the payment of obligations between residents under section 3.6 of the FX Regulations, including payments for credit card purchases in foreign currency, will be deducted, as from the subsequent calendar month, from the U.S.$ 200 monthly quotas. If the amount of such purchases exceeds the quota available for the following month or such quota has been already absorbed by other purchases made since September 1, 2020, such deduction will be made from the quotas of the following months until completing the amount of those purchases.

The relevant institution shall check the online system implemented by the Argentine Central Bank to verify whether the person has not reached the limits set for the applicable calendar month or has not exceeded them in the previous calendar month and is thus entitled to enter into the foreign exchange transaction, and shall request the customer to provide an affidavit stating that such person is not a beneficiary of any “Zero Interest-Rate Loans” contemplated in section 9 of Decree No. 332/2020, as amended, “Subsidized Loans for Companies” and/or “Zero Interest-Rate Loans for Independent Workers Engaged in Cultural Activities.”

Access to the FX Market by other residents -excluding entities- for the formation of foreign assets and for derivatives transactions

Section 3.10 of the FX Regulations sets forth that access to the FX Market for the constitution of foreign assets and for derivatives transactions by local governments, mutual funds, other universalities established in Argentina, requires prior authorization by the Argentine Central Bank.

Access to the FX Market by security trusts for principal and interest payments.

Pursuant to section 3.7 of the FX Regulations, Argentine security trusts created to guarantee principal and interest payments by resident debtors may access the FX Market in order to make such payments at their scheduled maturity, to the extent that, pursuant to the current applicable regulations, the debtor would have had access to the FX Market to make such payments directly. Also, subject to certain conditions, a trustee may access the FX Market to guarantee certain capital payments and interest on financial debt abroad and anticipate access to it.

Derivatives transactions

Section 3.12 of the FX Regulations requires that as of September 11, 2019, settlement of futures transactions in regulated markets, forwards, options and any other type of derivatives, entered into in the country to be made in local currency (i.e., Pesos).

 

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Likewise, access to the FX Market shall be granted for the payment of premiums, creation of guarantees and payments in connection with interest rate hedge agreements entered into by residents and foreign creditors that are reported and validated, as applicable, under the Foreign Assets and Liabilities Reporting Regime, provided that such collateral does not cover higher risks than the external liabilities incurred by the debtor at the interest rate of the risk being hedged through such transaction. The customer who accesses the local market using this mechanism shall designate an institution authorized to deal in the FX Market which shall follow up the transaction and shall file an affidavit undertaking to repatriate and settle the funds payable to it as a result of such transaction or as a result of the release of the collateral money, within 5 business days following the date such payment or release occurs.

Payment of dividends and corporate profits

In accordance with section 3.4 of the FX Regulations, access is granted to the FX Market to pay dividends to non-resident shareholders, subject to the following conditions:

i. The dividend payment must result from closed and audited financial statements

ii. The total amount paid to non-resident shareholders shall not exceed the corresponding amount denominated in Pesos determined by the shareholders’ meeting to be distributed as dividends.

iii. If applicable, the Foreign Assets and Liabilities Reporting Regime shall have been complied with.

iv. The dividend payment must not exceed 30% of new capital contributions made by non-residents that have been duly settled through the local exchange market since January 17, 2020.

v. Access to the local exchange market for such purpose must be done no earlier than 30 days as from settlement of the last of said capital contributions.

vi. Evidence of registration of the capitalization (or, if unavailable, evidence of the request for said registration, provided, that evidence of final registration must be filed within 365 calendar days as from the request for registration).

On March 9, 2023 by means of Communication “A” 7719, the Central Bank repeals the suspension of the distribution of results of financial institutions (item 4. of Communication “A” 7659), and it provides that as from April 1, 2023 and until December 31, 2023, those financial institutions that have the authorization of the Central Bank may distribute profits in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments for up to 40% of the amount that would have corresponded.

Other Specific Provisions

Swap, arbitrage and securities transactions

Financial institutions may carry out currency swap and arbitrage transactions with their customers in the following cases:

(i) an individual transfers funds from their local accounts (which are already held in foreign currency) to its own bank accounts outside Argentina.

(ii) transfer of foreign currency abroad by local common depositaries of securities in connection with proceeds received in foreign currency on account of services of principal and interest on Argentine Treasury bonds, when such transaction forms part of the payment procedure at the request of the foreign common depositaries;

(iii) transfers of foreign currency abroad made by individuals from their local accounts denominated in foreign currency to offshore collection accounts up to an amount equivalent to U.S.$ 500 in any calendar month, provided that the individual files an affidavit stating that the transfer is made to assist in the maintenance of Argentine residents who were forced to remain abroad in compliance with the measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;

(iv) arbitrage transactions not originated in transfers from abroad may be made without any restrictions, to the extent that the funds are debited from an account in foreign currency held by the customer with a local financial institution. To the extent that the funds are not debited from an account denominated in foreign currency held by the customer, these transactions may be made by individuals, without the Argentine Central Bank’s prior approval, up to the amount allowed for the use of cash under items 3.8. and 3.13 of the FX Regulations;

 

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(vi) swap and arbitrage transactions by non-residents individual may be made without restrictions to the extent that the fonds be credited in a “Caja de ahorro para turistas” in accordance with the “Despositos de ahorrro, cuenta sueldo y especiales” regulations;

(vi) all other swap and arbitrage transactions may be made by customers without the Argentine Central Bank’s prior approval to the extent that they would be allowed without need of such approval in accordance with other FX Regulations. This also applies to local common depositaries of securities with respect to the proceeds received in foreign currency as payments of principal of and interest on foreign currency securities paid in Argentina.

If the transfer is made in the same currency as that in which the account is denominated, the financial institution shall credit or debit the same amount as that received from or sent abroad. When the financial institution charges a commission or fee for these transactions, it shall be instrumented under a specifically designated item.

In addition, any person who has outstanding facilities in Pesos under the scope of Communications “A” 6937, “A” 6993, “A” 7006, “A” 7082 of the Central Bank, as supplemented (i.e., credit facilities at subsidized interest rates) will be prevented from selling securities to be settled in foreign currency or transferring such securities to foreign depositaries, until such facilities have been fully repaid.

Export proceeds to guarantee new indebtedness

Section 7.9.5 of the FX Regulations allows for proceeds from exports of goods and services held in local or foreign financial institutions to guarantee payment of new indebtedness that has complied with the mandatory repatriation and settlement obligation, as from January 7, 2021. Funds in these accounts shall not exceed at any time 125% of the principal and interest to be paid in the current month and the following six calendar months, in accordance with the scheduled of payments as agreed upon with the creditors. Funds exceeding such amount must be repatriated and settled through the FX Market subject to the applicable foreign exchange rules.

In the event the financial agreement entered into requires the funds to be deposited for a period exceeding that which has been established for its mandatory settlement, the exporter may request this latter period be extended up until five business day after the former.

Securities-related Operations

Pursuant to General Resolution No. 895/2021 of the Argentine Securities Commission (CNV, per its acronym in Spanish), sales of securities with settlement in foreign currency and in a foreign jurisdiction may be carried out, provided that a minimum holding period of 2 business days is observed from the date such securities are credited with the relevant depositary. With respect to sales of securities with settlement in foreign currency carried out locally, the minimum holding period will be of 1 business day as from the date on which such securities were credited with the relevant depositary. These minimum holding periods shall not be applicable in the case of purchases of securities with settlement in foreign currency.

In addition, transfers of securities to foreign depositaries purchased with Pesos shall comply with a minimum holding period of at least 2 business counting as from the date the deposit of such securities, unless such crediting results from a primary placement of securities issued by the National Treasury or refers to shares and/or Argentine deposit certificates (CEDEARs) traded on markets regulated by the CNV. Brokers and trading agents must verify compliance with the aforementioned minimum holding period of the securities.

As regards incoming transfers, the FX Regulations prevent securities deals executed outside Argentina from being settled in Pesos in Argentina.

With respect to incoming transfers, General Resolution No. 895/2021 of the CNV establishes that securities transferred by foreign depositaries and credited with the Agente Depositario Central de Valores Negociables (ADCVN) may not be allocated to the settlement of transactions in foreign currency and in a foreign jurisdiction until 2 business days after such crediting into sub-account(s) in the local custodian. If such securities are allocated to the settlement of transactions in foreign currency and in local jurisdiction, the minimum holding period will be 1 business day after such crediting into sub-account(s) in the local custodian.

General Resolution No. 911/2021 of the CNV, stablishes that in the price-time priority order matching segment, transactions for the purchase and sale of fixed-income securities denominated and payable in foreign currency issued by the Republic of Argentina under local laws by sub-accounts subject to section 6 of the CNV Rules and that are also regarded as qualified investors, at the closing of

 

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each calendar week the amount of sales with settlement in foreign currency may not exceed fifty thousand (50,000) nominal with respect to the amount of securities purchased with settlement in such currency, with this limit operating for each sub-account as well as for the aggregate of principal sub-accounts owned or co-owned by the same individual.

In order to enter into transactions with securities with settlement in foreign currency not covered by the abovementioned provisions, or to transfer securities from or to foreign depository entities in the price-time priority order matching segment, one must not performed sales with settlement in foreign currency in the same segment, of securities denominated and payable in in foreign currency, issued by the Argentine Republic under local law, in the previous 30 days and to undertake not to do so in the following 30 days.

In addition, (i) any beneficiaries of refinancing under point 1.1.1. of the rules on “Financial services in the context of a health emergency Financial Services within the framework of the sanitary emergency provided by Decree No. 260/2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19)”, until their total cancellation; (ii) the beneficiaries of “Credits at Zero Rate”, “Credits at Zero Rate 2021”, “Credits at Zero Rate Culture” or “Credits at Subsidized Rate for Companies”, provided for in points 1.1.2. and 1.1.3. of the rules on “Financial Services within the framework of the sanitary emergency provided for by Decree No. 260/2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19)”, until their total cancellation; (iii) the beneficiaries of financing in Pesos within Section 2 of Communication “A” 6937, Sections 2 and 3 of Communication “A” 7006, as supplemented; until their total cancellation; (iv) the beneficiaries of Section 2 of Decree 319/2020 and complementary and regulatory norms, for the duration of the benefit with respect to the update of the value of the installment; and (v) those persons covered by the Joint Resolution of the President of the Honorable Senado de la Nación and the President of the Honorable Cámara de Diputados de la Nación No. 12/2020 of October 1, 2020; will be prevented from selling securities issued by residents to be settled in foreign currency in Argentina or transferring such securities to foreign depositaries or swap securities issued by residents for foreign assets or the acquisition in the country with settlement in Pesos of securities issued by nonresidents.

Access to the FX Market for the constitution of guarantees

Residents with foreign financial indebtedness under section 9.1 of the FX Regulations or local trusts created to guarantee principal and interest payments of such indebtedness may access the FX Market for the constitution of guarantees in connection to new indebtedness entered into as of January 7, 2021, in accordance with Section 7.9.6 of the FX Regulations. Such guarantees are to be held in local financial institutions or, in the event of foreign indebtedness, in foreign financial institutions, in an amount equal to that established in the agreement, pursuant to the following conditions:

i. concurrently to such access, foreign currency-denominated funds are being repatriated and settled through the FX Market and/or funds credited to the correspondent account of a local financial institutions, and

ii. the guarantees shall not exceed at any time 125% of the principal and interest to be paid in the current month and the following six calendar months, in accordance with the scheduled of payments as agreed upon with the creditors.

Funds which are not applied to the payment of principal and interest or the conservation guarantee detailed herein must be settled through the FX Market within five business days from its maturity date.

Argentine Central Bank’s Reporting Systems

Advance information on foreign exchange transactions

On December 28, 2017, the Central Bank replaced the reporting regimes set forth on Communications “A” 3602 and “A” 4237 with Communication “A” 6401 (and supplemental Communication “A” 6795), a unified regime applicable from December 31, 2017 (the “Foreign Assets and Liabilities Reporting Regime”). Under such regime, Argentine residents (both legal entities and individuals) having foreign debt (both financial and otherwise) that is outstanding or that has been cancelled within a given calendar quarter, are required to report to the Central Bank on a quarterly basis their foreign holdings of shares and other equity participations, non-negotiable and negotiable debt securities, financial derivatives, and real estate. If their balance of foreign assets and liabilities equals or exceeds U.S.$50 million at the end of the calendar year, they must also file an annual presentation. In all cases, such reports qualify as “sworn statements” for foreign exchange purposes.

Access to the FX Market for repayment of external financial indebtedness and other transactions are conditioned to the debtor’s compliance with the Foreign Assets and Liabilities Reporting Regime. Please see “Specific Provisions for inward remittances—Foreign financial indebtedness” above.

 

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Moreover, the institutions authorized to deal in foreign exchange shall provide the Argentine Central Bank, at the end of each business day and two business days in advance, with information on outflows transactions through the FX Market in daily amounts equal to or in excess to the equivalent of U.S.$ 10,000 (ten thousand U.S. Dollars). Clients shall inform financial entities sufficiently in advance so that they can comply with the requirements under this reporting regime and, accordingly, to the extent any further requirements set forth in the exchange regulations are simultaneously satisfied, they may process the exchange transactions.

Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime

Foreign exchange regulations are characterized as “public policy” rules in Argentina. Failure to comply with such provisions could result in penalties pursuant to Foreign Exchange Criminal Law No. 19,359.

Notwithstanding the above-mentioned measures adopted by the current administration, the Central Bank and the federal government in the future may impose additional exchange controls that may further impact our ability to transfer funds abroad and may prevent or delay payments that our Argentine subsidiaries are required to make outside Argentina.

E. Taxation

Material Argentine tax considerations relating to our Class B shares and ADSs

The following discussion is a summary of the material Argentine tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class B shares or ADSs. The following summary is based upon tax laws of Argentina as in effect on the date of this document and is subject to any change in Argentine law that may come into effect after such date any change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary. On December 6, 2019, Decree No. 824/2019 was published in the official Gazette, which approves a new ordered text of the Income Tax Law. On December 9, 2019, Decree No.862/2019 was published in the Official Gazette, which approves a new ordered text of the regulatory decree of the Income Tax Law, with certain modifications. On December 23, 2019, Law No. 27,541 was published in the Official Gazette, which introduced several modifications to the Argentine tax regime, such as the income tax applicable to income obtained by Argentine resident individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina derived from financial operations, among other aspects.

This law has been regulated by the Decree No.99/2019 (published in the Official Gazette on December 28, 2019), General Resolution (AFIP) No.4659/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on January 7, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No.4664/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on January 15, 2020), Decree No. 116/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on January 30, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4667/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on January 31, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4673/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on February 7, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4690/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on April 1, 2020), Decree No. 330/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on April 1, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4691/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on April 2, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4815/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on September 16, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4816/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on September 16, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4850/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on November 6, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4855/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on November 10, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 4873/2020 (published in the Official Gazette on December 4, 2020), General Resolution (AFIP) No. 5123/2021 (published in the Official Gazette on December 27, 2021), among others. On August 26, 2020, on October 31, 2020 and on December 1, 2020, Law No. 27,562 and Decrees No. 833/2020 and 966/2020, were published in the Official Gazette, respectively, which extended the scope and validity of the moratorium established in Law No. 27,541.

Additionally, on June 16, 2021 and on August 4, 2021, Laws No. 27,630 and 27,638 were published in the Official Gazette, respectively, which also introduce modifications to the Income Tax Law. General Resolution (AFIP) No. 5060 (published in the Official Gazette on August 30, 2021) regulated inter alia, the Income Tax withholding rates applicable to dividends and profits pursuant to the modifications introduced by Law No.27,630 to the Income Tax Law. In addition, Decree No. 621/2021 (published in the Official Gazette on September 23, 2021) regulates the modifications introduced by Law No. 27,638 to the Income Tax Law and Personal Assets Tax Law. General Resolution (CNV) No. 917 (published in the Official Gazette on January 3, 2021) regulates the application of Law No. 27,638 and Decree No. 621/2021, establishing, among other issues, a list of instruments issued in national currency that are within the scope of the tax exemptions foreseen in Law No. 27,638. In relation to the Personal Assets Tax Law No. 27,667 (published in the Official Gazette on December 31, 2021) introduces modifications to said law, which are regulated by Decree No. 912/2021 (published in the Official Gazette on December 31, 2021)

This summary includes the modifications under the mentioned regulations, nevertheless, please note it does not include all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to you or your situation, particularly if you are subject to special tax rules.

 

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This summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the Argentine tax considerations that may be relevant to a holder of such securities. No assurance can be given that the courts or tax authorities responsible for the administration of the laws and regulations described in this report will agree with this interpretation. In this regard, it is important to highlight that, notwithstanding the issuance of the above mentioned regulations, it is expected that more regulations and explanations would be issued shortly, since to date it is not possible to determine how the recent modifications incorporated to the Argentine tax regime will be applied and/or construed by the tax authorities of Argentina. Holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax treatment of our ADSs or common shares as it relates to their particular situation.

Income Tax

Taxation on Dividends

According to the amendments introduced to the Income Tax Law by virtue of the aforementioned regulations, the taxation applicable on the distribution of dividends from Argentine Companies would be as follows:

(i) Dividends originated in profits obtained during fiscal years initiated after January 1, 2018 and up to December 31, 2020: dividends on Argentine shares paid to Argentine resident individuals and/or non-Argentine residents would be subject to a 7% income tax withholding on the amount of such dividends (“Dividend Tax”) (please note that according to Section 48 of Law N° 27,541, the application of the corporate 25% rate was suspended for one tax period; thus the 7% rate would also apply for dividend distributions involving profits obtained during fiscal years initiated after January 1, 2018 and up to December 31, 2020). However, if dividends are distributed to Argentine Entities (in general, entities organized or incorporated under Argentine law, certain traders and intermediaries, local branches of non-Argentine entities, sole proprietorships and individuals carrying on certain commercial activities in Argentina), no Dividend Tax should apply. Equalization Tax is not applicable.

Argentine individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina are not allowed to offset income arising from the distribution of dividends on Argentine shares with other losses arisen in other type of operations.

(ii) Dividends originated in profits obtained during fiscal years initiated after January 1, 2021 onward: Due to the amendments introduced by Law No. 27,630, dividends on Argentine shares paid to Argentine individuals and non-Argentine residents would be subject to a 13% income tax withholding on the amount of such dividends. However, if dividends are distributed to Argentine Entities, no Dividend Tax should apply. Equalization Tax is not applicable.

(iii) Dividends originated in profits obtained during tax periods before those contemplated above: no Argentine income tax withholding would apply on dividends distribution except for the application of the “Equalization Tax” (as defined below).

The equalization tax (the “Equalization Tax”) is applicable when the dividends distributed are higher than the “net accumulated taxable income” of the immediate previous fiscal period from when the distribution is made. In order to assess the “net accumulated taxable income” from the income calculated by the Income Tax Law, the income tax paid in the same fiscal period should be subtracted and the local dividends received in the previous fiscal period should be added to such income. The Equalization Tax would be imposed as a 35% withholding tax on the shareholder receiving the dividend. Dividend distributions made in property (other than cash) would be subject to the same tax rules as cash dividends. Stock dividends on fully paid shares (“acciones liberadas”) are not subject to Equalization Tax.

For Argentine individuals and undivided estates not registered before the Argentine tax authorities as taxpayers for income tax purposes as well as for non-Argentine residents, the Dividend Tax withholding will be considered a final payment. Argentine individuals and undivided estates are not allowed to offset income arising from the distribution of dividends on Argentine shares with losses from other types of operations.

The Income Tax Law provides a first in-first out rule pursuant to which distributed dividends correspond to the former accumulated profits of the distributing company.

Holders are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the particular Argentine income tax consequences derived from profit distributions made on Class B shares and ADSs.

Capital gains tax

According to Income Tax regulations, the results derived from the transfer of shares, quotas and other equity interests, titles, bonds and other securities, are subject to Argentine income tax (unless an exemption applies), regardless of the type of beneficiary who realizes the gain.

 

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Capital gains obtained by Argentine corporate entities (in general, entities organized or incorporated under Argentine law, certain traders and intermediaries, local branches of non-Argentine entities, sole proprietorships and individuals carrying on certain commercial activities in Argentina, among others) derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares in Argentine entities are subject to income tax on the net income at the rate of 30% for fiscal years initiated after January 1, 2018 and up to December 31, 2020. As from fiscal periods initiated from January 1, 2021, the corporate income tax rate was amended, establishing a progressive tax rate system (rates from 25% to 35% depending on the net accumulated taxable income). The current progressive rates apply as indicated below:

 

Accumulated net taxable income

  

Shall pay ARS

  

Plus %

  

On the amount exceeding

More than ARS

   To ARS

ARS 0

   ARS 14,301,209. 21    ARS 0    25%    ARS 0

ARS 14,301,209. 21

   ARS 143,012,092.08    ARS 3,575,302.30    30%    ARS 14,301,209. 21

ARS 143,012,092.08

   Onwards    ARS 42,188,567.16    35%    ARS 143,012,092.08

The amounts stated in the chart above will be annually updated since January 1, 2022 based on an inflation index.

Losses arising from the sale of shares can only be offset against income derived from the same type and source of operations, for a five-year carryover period. Starting in 2018, income obtained by Argentine resident individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina from the sale of shares and other securities are exempt from capital gains tax in the following cases: (i) when the shares are placed through a public offering authorized by the CNV; and/or (ii) when the shares are traded in stock markets authorized by the CNV, under segments that ensure priority of price-time and interference of offers; and/or (iii) when the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares is made through a tender offer regime and/or exchange of shares authorized by the CNV. In addition, Section 34 of Law N° 27,541, provides that since tax period 2020, in the case of securities under the provisions of Section 98 of the Income Tax Law, not included in the first paragraph of Section 26 subsection u) of the Income Tax Law, Argentine resident individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina are exempt from capital gains tax derived from their sale, exchange, or disposal to the extent said securities are listed on stock exchanges or securities markets authorized by the CNV, without being applicable the provisions of Section 109 of the Income Tax Law. In this sense, Section 109 of the Income Tax Law provides that the total or partial exemptions established or that will be established in the future by special laws regarding securities, issued by the National, Provincial, or Municipal States or the City of Buenos Aires, will not have effects on income tax for Argentine resident individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina. ADSs would not qualify for the exemption applicable to Argentine resident individuals since the referred conditions would not apply. If the exemption does not apply, the income derived by Argentine resident individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADSs (and shares, if applicable) is subject to income capital gains tax at a 15% rate on net income (calculated in Argentine currency). The acquisition cost may be updated pursuant to the IPC inflationary index rate to the extent the equity participation was acquired after January 1, 2018. Losses arising from the sale of non-exempt Argentine shares can only be offset by Argentine individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina against income derived from operations of the same source and type (understanding by “type” the different concepts of income included under each article of Chapter II, Title IV of the Income Tax Law), for a five-year carryover period.

If Argentine resident individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina perform a conversion procedure of securities representing shares, that do not meet the exemption requirements stated in the conditions mentioned in points (i), (ii) and (iii) of the paragraph above, to hold instead the underlying shares that do comply with said requirements, such conversion would be considered a taxable transfer of the securities representing shares for which the fair market value by the time the conversion takes place should be considered. The same tax treatment will apply if the conversion process involves shares that do not meet the exemption requirements stated above that are converted into securities representing shares to which the exemption is applicable. Once the underlying shares or securities representing shares are converted, the results obtained from the sale, exchange, swap or any other disposition thereof would be exempt from income tax provided that the conditions mentioned in points (i), (ii) and (iii) of the paragraph above are met. Pursuant to amendments introduced by Law N° 27,541, it could also be construed that a capital gains exemption could also apply for Argentine resident individuals and undivided estates located in Argentina if the securities involved are listed on stock exchanges or securities markets authorized by the CNV (although the matter is not free from doubt and further clarifications should be issued). Due to the

 

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amendments introduced to the Income Tax Law, as from 2018, non-Argentine resident individuals or legal entities (“Foreign Beneficiaries”) are also exempt from income tax derived from the sale of Argentine shares in the following cases: (i) when the shares are placed through a public offering authorized by the CNV; and/or (ii) when the shares are traded in stock markets authorized by the CNV, under segments that ensure priority of price-time and interference of offers; and/or or (iii) when the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares is made through a tender offer regime and/or exchange of shares authorized by the CNV. The exemption applies to the extent the Foreign Beneficiaries reside in a “cooperative jurisdiction” and, in accordance with Section 90 of the regulatory decree of the Income Tax Law, if their funds come from “cooperative jurisdictions” (as defined below).

In addition, Law No. 27,430 stated that income derived from the sale of ADSs gives rise to Argentine source income. However, capital gains obtained from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADSs by Foreign Beneficiaries that reside in a cooperative jurisdiction and, in accordance with Section 90 of the regulatory decree of the Income Tax Law, their funds come from cooperative jurisdictions, are exempt from income tax on capital gains derived from the sale of ADSs to the extent the underlying shares are authorized for public offering by the CNV.

In case Foreign Beneficiaries conduct a conversion process of shares that do not meet the exemption requirements, into securities representing shares that are exempt from income tax pursuant to the conditions stated above, such conversion would be considered a taxable transfer for which the fair market value by the time the conversion takes place should be considered.

In case the exemption is not applicable and the Foreign Beneficiaries are resident in a cooperative jurisdiction and their funds were channeled through cooperative jurisdictions, the gain derived from the disposition of ADSs would be subject to Argentine income tax at a 15% rate on the net capital gain or at a 13.5% effective rate on the gross price.

For Foreign Beneficiaries resident in or whose funds come from jurisdictions considered as non-cooperative for purposes of fiscal transparency, the tax rate applicable to the sales of shares and/or ADSs is assessed at 35%. Pursuant to General Resolution (AFIP) No.4227/2018, the presumed net basis on which the 35% rate should apply in the case of sale or disposition of securities is assessed at 90%. Such General Resolution also provides different payment mechanisms depending on the specific circumstances of the sale transaction. Pursuant to Section 252 of the regulatory decree of the Income Tax Law, in the cases included in the last paragraph of Section 98 of the Income Tax Law, (i.e. when the acquirer and the seller of the security involved are non-Argentine residents), the tax shall be paid by the foreign seller directly through the mechanism established for such purpose by the tax authorities, or (i) through an Argentine individual resident with sufficient mandate or (ii) by the foreign seller’s legal representative domiciled in Argentina.

As a result of the enactment of Law N° 27,541, certain clarifications and definitions are still pending and expected to be issued shortly.

Holders are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the particular Argentine income tax consequences derived from holding and disposing of Class B shares and ADSs and whether any different treatment under a treaty to avoid double taxation could apply.

Tax treaties

Argentina has signed tax treaties for the avoidance of double taxation with Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and Uruguay. The treaties signed with China, Luxembourg, Turkey, Austria and Japan are still undergoing the respective ratification procedures. There is currently no tax treaty for the avoidance of double taxation in effect between Argentina and the United States. Holders are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the potential application of the provisions of a treaty in their specific circumstances.

Personal assets tax

Argentine entities have to pay the personal assets tax corresponding to Argentine and foreign resident individuals and foreign resident entities for the holding of company shares by December 31 of each year. Law N° 27,541 (published in the Official Gazette on December 23, 2019) changed the “domicile” criterion for the “residence” criterion as stipulated under income tax rules. Also, according to Section 13 of the Decree No. 99/2019 any reference to “domicile” criterion in relation to the personal assets tax should be understood as referring to “residence”. For tax period 2019, inclusive, and onwards the applicable tax rate is 0.50% and is levied on the proportional net worth value (“valor patrimonial proporcional”) by December 31st of each year, of the shares arising from the last balance sheet. Pursuant to the Personal Assets Tax Law, the Argentine company is entitled to seek reimbursement of such paid tax from the applicable Argentine resident individuals and/or foreign resident shareholders. The Argentine company may seek this reimbursement of Personal Assets Tax by setting off the applicable tax against any amount due to its shareholders or in any other way or, under certain circumstances, waive its right under Argentine law to seek reimbursement from the shareholders.

 

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Holders are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the particular Argentine personal assets tax consequences derived from the holding of Class B shares and ADSs.

Value added tax

The sale, exchange or other disposition of our Class B shares or ADSs and the distribution of dividends are exempted from the value added tax.

Tax on debits and credits on Argentine bank accounts

All credits and debits originated in bank accounts held at Argentine financial institutions, as well as certain cash payments, are subject to this tax, which is assessed at a general rate of 0.6%. There are also increased rates of 1.2% and reduced rates of 0.075%. According to Section 45 of Law N° 27,541, the applicable rate of tax on debits and credits on Argentine bank accounts (the “TDC”) is doubled for certain cash withdrawals made by certain Argentine legal entities. Owners of bank accounts subject to the general 0.6% rate may consider 33% of the tax paid as a tax credit against specific taxes. The taxpayers that are subject to the 1.2% rate may consider 33% of all tax paid as a credit against specific taxes. Such amounts can be utilized as a credit for income tax or for the special contributions on cooperatives capital. The remaining amount is deductible for income tax purposes. If lower rates were applied, the available credit would be reduced to 20%. Additionally, Law No. 27,264 establishes that the 100% of the tax paid may be considered as credit against income tax by entities that are characterized as “micro” and “small” and a 60% of the tax paid by those entities related to the manufacturing industry that are characterized as “medium- stage 1-” by means of section 1 of Law No. 25,300 and its complementary ones.

TDC has certain exemptions. Debits and credits in special checking accounts (created under Communication “A” 3250 of the Argentine Central Bank) are exempted from this tax if the accounts are held by foreign legal entities and if they are exclusively used for financial investments in Argentina. For certain exemptions and/or tax rate reductions to apply, bank accounts must be registered with the Tax Authority (AFIP-DGI) in accordance with General Resolution (AFIP) No.3900/2016.

Pursuant to Law No. 27,432 (published in the Official Gazette on December 29, 2017), the TDC shall apply until December 31, 2022, inclusive. Whenever financial institutions governed by Law No. 21,526 make payments acting in their own name and behalf, the application of this tax is restricted to certain specific transactions. Such specific transactions include, among others, dividends or profits distributions.

It is noted that according to Decree No. 796/2021, the TDC exemptions foreseen in Decree No. 380/2001 and other regulations of the same nature shall not be applicable in those cases where cash payments are related to the purchase, sale, exchange, intermediation and/or any other type of operation on crypto assets, cryptocurrencies, digital currencies or similar instruments, in the terms defined by the applicable rules.

By means of Law 27.702 (B.O. 11/30/2022), those taxes whose validity expired on 12/31/2022 were extended until 12/31/2027: Income Tax, Personal assets tax and TDC

Whenever financial institutions governed by Law No. 21,526 make payments acting in their own name and behalf, the application of this tax is restricted to certain specific transactions. Such specific transactions include, among others, dividends or profits distributions.

Tax on minmum presumed income

Pursuant to Law No. 27,260, passed by the Argentine Congress on June 29, 2016, the tax on minimum presumed income was eliminated for tax periods beginning as of January 1, 2019.

PAIS Tax (“Impuesto para una Argentina inclusiva y solidaria”)

Law N° 27,541 establishes, on an emergency basis and for the term of five fiscal periods from the entry into force of said law (i.e. December 23,2019), a federal tax applicable to certain transactions for the purchase of foreign currency for saving purposes or without

a specific destination and other operations of currency exchange and acquisition of services performed by Argentine tax residents (individuals, undivided estates, legal entities, among others). The applicable rate is, in general, 30%.

 

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Investors should consider the provisions that apply to them according to their specific case.

In addition, General Resolution (AFIP) N° 4815/2020 established on the operations subject to PAIS Tax and for the taxpayers defined in Article 36 of Law N° 27,541 that qualify as Argentine residents, in the terms of Article 116 and subsequent of the Income Tax Law, the application of a thirty-five percent (35%) income tax collection on the amounts in Ps. that, for each case, are detailed in Article 39 of the Law 27,541.

Said collection will have the character of payment on account and will be computable in the annual income tax return or, where appropriate, the annual personal assets tax return, corresponding to the fiscal period in which they were incurred.

Additionally, this general resolution establishes a refund regime for those persons or entities to whom the established collection has been applied and who are not taxpayers of income tax or, where appropriate, personal assets tax.

Gross turnover tax

This tax is a provincial tax, which is also levied in the City of Buenos Aires, applicable to gross revenues resulting from the regular and onerous exercise of commerce, industry, profession, business, services or any other onerous activity conducted on a regular basis within the respective Argentine jurisdiction. Each of the provinces and the City of Buenos Aires apply different tax rates depending on the type of activity.

In addition, gross turnover tax could be applicable on the transfer of Class B shares or ADSs and on the perception of dividends to the extent, such activity is conducted on a regular basis within an Argentine province or within the City of Buenos Aires. However, under the Tax Code of the City of Buenos Aires, any transaction with shares as well as the perception of dividends are exempt from gross turnover tax.

In accordance with the stipulations of the Fiscal Consensus entered into by and amongst the Argentine Executive Branch, the representatives of the Provinces and the City of Buenos Aires on November 16, 2017 and approved by the Argentine Congress on December 21, 2017 (the so-called “Fiscal Consensus” and/or the “Consensus”), local jurisdictions took on certain commitments in connection with certain taxes that are within their powers. The Consensus shall be effective only in connection with the jurisdictions that have their legislative branches approve the Consensus and such effectiveness shall not commence if such approval has not been granted. When it comes to the impact of the Consensus on gross turnover tax, the Argentine provinces and the City of Buenos Aires agreed to grant exemptions and impose maximum tax rates on certain businesses and for certain periods.

However, it is important to point out that later, the Argentine Executive Branch, the representatives of the Provinces and the City of Buenos Aires signed three agreements to suspend the Fiscal Consensus. Recently, Fiscal Consensus 2021 was signed between the Argentine Executive Branch and the representatives of the Provinces -except for the City of Buenos Aires- (the “Fiscal Consensus 2021”) in which it was agreed to suspend all the commitments made the parties by means of the previous Fiscal Consensus 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, maintaining only its enforcement those that have been complied with at the date of signing of the Fiscal Consensus 2021. These agreements shall be effective only in connection with the jurisdictions that have their legislative branches approve them and such effectiveness shall not commence if such approval has not been granted.

Holders of Class B shares and ADSs are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the particular gross turnover tax consequences of holding and disposing of Class B shares and ADSs in the involved jurisdictions.

Regimes for the Collection of Provincial Tax Revenues on the Amounts Credited to Bank Accounts

Different tax authorities (i.e., City of Buenos Aires, Corrientes, Córdoba, Tucumán, Province of Buenos Aires and Salta, among others) have established collection regimes for gross turnover tax purposes applicable to those credits verified in accounts opened at financial entities, of any type and/or nature and including all branch offices, irrespective of territorial location. These regimes apply to those taxpayers included in the lists provided monthly by the tax authorities of each jurisdiction. The applicable rates may vary depending on the jurisdiction involved. Collections made under these regimes shall be considered as a payment on account of the gross turnover tax. Note that certain jurisdictions have excluded the application of these regimes on certain financial transactions.

 

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By means of Fiscal Consensus 2021, the parties assumed the commitment to take the necessary measures according to the procedures established in each jurisdiction with the aim to apply any Turnover Tax automatic refund or compensation mechanism for those taxpayers (either local or subject to the Multilateral Convention rules) that have outstanding balances in their favor generated by withholdings, collections and/or similar ones, to the extent certain specific requirements are met in each case.

Holders of Class B shares and ADSs shall corroborate the existence of any exclusions to these regimes in accordance with the jurisdiction involved.

Stamp tax

Stamp tax is a provincial tax, which is also levied in the City of Buenos Aires, applicable to the execution of onerous transactions within an Argentine provincial jurisdiction or the City of Buenos Aires or outside an Argentine provincial jurisdiction or the City of Buenos Aires but with effects in such jurisdiction.

In the City of Buenos Aires, acts or instruments related to the negotiation of shares and other securities duly authorized for its public offering by the CNV are exempt from stamp tax to the extent their placement is made within a 180-days term counting as from such authorization is granted.

Regarding the Fiscal Consensus, almost all the provinces in Argentina and the City of Buenos Aires have committed to establish for the stamp tax a maximum tax rate of 0.75% as from January 1, 2019, 0.5% as from January 1, 2020, 0.25% as from January 1,2021 and abrogate the stamp tax starting from January 1, 2022. However, such commitment was delayed by one calendar year pursuant Law No 27,469 “Fiscal Consensus 2018” (published in the Official Gazette on December 4, 2018). Fiscal Consensus 2018 shall be effective only in connection with the jurisdictions that have their legislative branches approve it and such effectiveness shall not commence if such approval has not been granted. However, later the Argentine Executive Branch, the representatives of the Provinces and the City of Buenos Aires signed Fiscal Consensus 2019 and 2020 to suspend the Fiscal Consensus 2017 and the Fiscal Consensus 2018. Recently, Fiscal Consensus 2021 was signed between Argentine Executive Branch and the representatives of the Provinces -except for the City of Buenos Aires- in which it was agreed to suspend all the commitments made the parties by means of the previous Fiscal Consensus 2017,2018, 2019 and 2020, maintaining only its enforcement those that have been complied with at the date of signing the Fiscal Consensus 2021. These agreements shall be effective only in connection with the jurisdictions that have their legislative branches approve them and such effectiveness shall not commence if such approval has not been granted.

Holders of Class B shares and ADSs are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the particular stamp tax consequences arising in the involved jurisdictions.

Prospective investors should consider the tax consequences in force in the above mentioned jurisdictions at the time the concerned document is executed and/or becomes effective.

Other taxes

There are no federal inheritance or succession taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of our Class B shares or ADSs. However, it is noted that pursuant to the Fiscal Consensus 2021 signed between Argentine Executive Branch and the representatives of the Provinces – except for the City of Buenos Aires – by means of which the parties assumed the commitment to legislate during 2022 a tax applicable on any increase in wealth obtained as a result of any free transmission or act of such nature, which includes assets located in their territory and/or that benefits individuals or legal entities domiciled in them. Increasing marginal rates would be applicable as the amount transferred increases in order to grant progressiveness to the tax, reaching all transmissions that imply a patrimonial enrichment for free, including, but not limited to, inheritances, donations, legacies and inheritance advances. At the provincial level, the province of Buenos Aires imposes a tax on free transmission of assets, including inheritance, legacies, donations, etc. For tax period 2022, any gratuitous transfer of property lower than or equal to Ps.468,060 is exempt. This amount is increased to Ps.1,948,000 in the case of transfers among parents, sons, daughters and spouses. The amount to be taxed, which includes a fixed component and a variable component that is based on differential rates (which range from 1.6026% to 9.5131%), varies according to the property value to be transferred and the degree of kinship of the parties involved. Free transmission of Class B shares or ADSs could be subject to this tax. Holders of Class B shares and ADSs are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences arising in the involved jurisdictions.

Court tax

In the event that it becomes necessary to institute enforcement proceedings in relation to our Class B shares and ADSs in the federal courts of Argentina or the courts sitting in the City of Buenos Aires, a court tax (currently at a rate of 3.0%) will be imposed on the amount of any claim brought before such courts. Certain court and other taxes could be imposed on the amount of any claim brought before the Province courts.

 

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Incoming Funds Arising from Non-Cooperative or Low or Nil Tax Jurisdictions

According to Section 82 of the Law No. 27,430, for fiscal purposes, any reference to “low tax or no tax countries” or “non-cooperative countries” should be understood to be “non-cooperative jurisdictions or low or nil tax jurisdictions,” as defined in Section 19 and Section 20 of the Income Tax Law.

As defined under Section 19 of the Argentine Income Tax Law, non-cooperative jurisdictions are those countries or jurisdictions that do not have an agreement in force with the Argentine government for the exchange of information on tax matters or a treaty to avoid international double taxation with a broad clause for the exchange of information. Likewise, those countries that, having an agreement of this type in force, do not effectively comply with the exchange of information will also be considered as non-cooperative. The aforementioned treaties and agreements must comply with international standards of transparency and exchange of information on fiscal matters to which the Argentine Republic has committed. The Executive Branch published a list of the non-cooperative jurisdictions based on the criteria above. In this sense, according to Section 24 of the regulatory decree of the Income Tax Law, the following jurisdictions should be considered as “non-cooperative” under the disposition of Section 19 of the aforementioned law:

 

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1. Bosnia and Herzegovina

2. Brecqhou

3. Burkina Faso

4. State of Eritrea

5. State of the Vatican City

6. State of Libya

7. Independent State of Papua New Guinea

8. Plurinational State of Bolivia

9. Ascension Island

10. Sark Island

11. Santa Elena Island

12. Solomon Islands

13. The Federated States of Micronesia

14. Mongolia

15. Montenegro

16. Kingdom of Bhutan

17. Kingdom of Cambodia

18. Kingdom of Lesotho

19. Kingdom of Swaziland

20. Kingdom of Thailand

21. Kingdom of Tonga

22. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

23. Kyrgyz Republic

24. Arab Republic of Egypt

25. Syrian Arab Republic

26. Algerian Democratic and Popular Republic

27. Central African Republic

28. Cooperative Republic of Guyana

29. Republic of Angola

30. Republic of Belarus

31. Republic of Botswana

32. Republic of Burundi

33. Republic of Cape Verde

34. Republic of Ivory Coast

35. Republic of Cuba

36. Republic of the Philippines

37. Republic of Fiji

38. Republic of the Gambia

39. Republic of Guinea

40. Republic of Equatorial Guinea

41. Republic of Guinea-Bissau

42. Republic of Haiti

43. Republic of Honduras

44. Republic of Iraq

45. Republic of Kenya

46. Republic of Kiribati

47. Republic of the Union of Myanmar

48. Republic of Liberia

49. Republic of Madagascar

50. Republic of Malawi

51. Republic of Maldives

52. Republic of Mali

53. Republic of Mozambique

54. Republic of Namibia

55. Republic of Nicaragua

56. Republic of Palau

57. Republic of Rwanda

58. Republic of Sierra Leone

59. Republic of South Sudan

60. Republic of Suriname

61. Republic of Tajikistan

62. Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

63. Republic of Uzbekistan

64. Republic of Yemen

65. Republic of Djibouti

66. Republic of Zambia

67. Republic of Zimbabwe

68. Republic of Chad

69. Republic of the Niger

70. Republic of Paraguay

71. Republic of the Sudan

72. Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

73. Democratic Republic of East Timor

74. Republic of the Congo

75. Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

 

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76. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

77. Lao People’s Democratic Republic

78. Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka

79. Federal Republic of Somalia

80. Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

81. Gabonese Republic

82. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

83. Islamic Republic of Iran

84. Islamic Republic of Mauritania

85. People’s Republic of Bangladesh

86. People’s Republic of Benin

87. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

88. Socialist Republic of Vietnam

89. Togolese Republic

90. United Republic of Tanzania

91. Sultanate of Oman

92. British Overseas Territory Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands

93. Tristan da Cunha

94. Tuvalu

95. Union of the Comoros

 

 

In turn, low or nil tax jurisdictions are defined as those countries, domains, jurisdictions, territories, associated states or special tax regimes in which the maximum corporate income tax rate is lower than 60% of the minimum corporate income tax rate established in the first paragraph of Section 73 of the Income Tax Law.

Pursuant to Section 25 of the regulatory decree of the Income Tax Law, for purposes of determining the taxation level referred to in Article 20 of the Income Tax Law, the aggregate corporate tax rate in each jurisdiction, regardless of the governmental level in which the taxes were levied must be considered. In turn, “special tax regime” is understood as any regulation or specific scheme that departs from the general corporate tax regime applicable in said country and results in an effective rate below that stated under the general regime. According to the legal presumption under Section 18.2 of Law No. 11,683, as amended, incoming funds from non-cooperative or low or nil jurisdictions could be deemed unjustified net worth increases for the Argentine party, no matter the nature of the operation involved. Unjustified net worth increases are subject to the following taxes:

 

   

income tax would be assessed at 110% of the amount of funds transferred.

 

   

value added tax would be assessed at 110% of the amount of funds transferred.

Although the concept of “incoming funds” is not clear, it should be construed as any transfer of funds:

(i) from an account in a non-cooperative/low or nil tax jurisdiction or from a bank account opened outside of a non-cooperative or low or nil tax jurisdiction but owned by an entity located in a non-cooperative or low or nil tax jurisdiction;

(ii) to a bank account located in Argentina or to a bank account opened outside of Argentina but owned by an Argentine party.

The Argentine party may rebut such legal presumption by duly evidencing before the Argentine tax authority that the funds arise from activities effectively performed by the Argentine party or by a third party in such jurisdiction, or that such funds have been previously declared.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

H. Documents on Display

We are required to file annual reports, including exhibits, and other information with the SEC and to furnish interim information on Form 6-K. You may read and copy any documents filed by the Company at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov which contains reports and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.

 

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We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, as applied to foreign private issuers. Because we are a foreign private issuer, the SEC’s rules do not require us to deliver proxy statements or to file quarterly reports. In addition, our “insiders” are not subject to the SEC’s rules that prohibit short-swing trading.

We prepare quarterly and annual reports containing consolidated financial statements in accordance with Central Bank Rules which are translated into English and filed with the SEC. Our annual consolidated financial statements are certified by an independent accounting firm.

We have appointed The Bank of New York Mellon to act as depositary for our ADSs. During the time the deposit agreement remains in force, we will furnish the depositary with:

 

   

our annual reports; and

 

   

summaries of all notices of general meetings of shareholders and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders.

The depositary will, as provided in the deposit agreement, if we so request, arrange for the mailing of summaries in English of the reports and communications to all record holders of our ADSs. Any record holder of ADSs may read the reports, notices, or summaries thereof, and communications at the depositary’s office located at 101 Barclay Street, 22W, New York, New York 10286.

I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

J. Annual Report to Security Holder

Not applicable.

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Market Risk

As of August 1, 2016, we define market risk as the possibility of incurring losses in on- and off-balance sheet recorded positions as a result of adverse changes in market prices. The market risk minimum capital requirement is the arithmetic sum of the minimum capital requirement for interest rate, stock price, exchange rate and options risks.

The risks subject to the requirement for market risk are the risks of positions in instruments—securities and derivatives—imputed to the trading portfolio and the risks of positions in foreign currencies, regardless of the portfolio—investment or trading—to which they are charged.

To meet this capital requirement, entities must apply a “Standard Measurement Method” based on an aggregate of components that separately capture the specific and general market risks for securities positions. The capital requirement for general market risk is obtained through the residual term method, which consists of the arithmetic sum of the absolute value of the net weighted position in the trading book, the vertical rejection (percentage of positions offset within each time band), horizontal rejection (percentage of positions offset through different time bands) and the net change in option positions.

The requirements are calculated separately for positions in Pesos and in foreign currency, depending on the applicable area, term and coupon value.

The capital requirement for stock price risk is equivalent to the arithmetic sum of the requirement for specific stock price risk (equivalent to 8% of the gross position in shares) and the requirement for general market risk (equivalent to 8% of the net position in shares—total long position minus total short positions in each stock). The capital requirement for exchange rate risk is equivalent to 8% of the total net position.

 

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For measuring options risk, entities that only buy options (and their value is less than 5% of the computable equity liability of the previous month) or whose positions are covered by positions purchased under the same conditions, may use the option so-called “Simplified method”. This requirement incorporates both the general market risk and the specific risk. In the remaining cases, entities must use the delta-plus method, which uses Greek letters (delta, gamma and vega) to determine the delta equivalent of each position

The chart below, shows the maximum, minimum, average and closing values for the years 2022 and 2021 of the market risk requirements of foreign currency status and status in securities charged to the Trading portfolio:

 

     2021      2022      Variation 2022  
     (in million Pesos)  

Minimum

     1,432.0        3,845.2        2,413.2  

Maximum

     3,585.1        11,708.8        8,123.7  

Average

     1,990.2        6,628.9        4,638.7  

December 31,

     3,585.2        11,708.8        8,123.6  
Market risk for foreign exchange position    2021      2022      Variation 2022  
     (in million Pesos)  

Minimum

     970.3        2,948.0        1,977.7  

Maximum

     2,866.5        8,930.8        6,064.3  

Average

     1,477.7        4,977.9        3,500.2  

December 31,

     2,866.5        8,930.8        6,064.3  
Market risk for securities position    2021      2022      Variation 2022  
     (in million Pesos)   

Minimum

     347.6        729.8        382.2  

Maximum

     716.2        3,140.2        2,424.0  

Average

     511.5        1,633.2        1,121.7  

December 31,

     709.9        2,756.6        2,046.7  

The increase in market risk year over year (Ps. 8,123.6 million or 227%) was mainly due to an increase in the market risk for foreign exchange position by Ps. 6,064.3 million or 212% and to an increase in the market risk for securities position by Ps. 2,046.7 million or 288%.

Regarding market risk for foreign exchange position, the main reason for the VaR increase was the increase in the forex exchange rate from Ps.102.75 in 2021 to Ps.177.12 in 2022, generating an increase in the VaR of Ps. 3,747.2 million. The growth in dollar position, with 82% increase year over year, resulted in an increase in VaR of Ps. 2,317.1 million.

Regarding market risk for securities position, the main reason for the VaR increase was the growth of government securities portfolio generating an increase in the Var of Ps. 2,062.9 million, basically due to the addition to the portfolio of VN 572.7 million of dual National Treasury bonds maturing in 2023 and 2024 whose VaR as of December 31, 2022 amounted to Ps. 1,514.8 million.

The average increase in market risk year over year (Ps. 4,638.7 million or 233%) was due to 237% increase in average of foreign exchange risk and 219% increase in average of market risk for securities.

Sensitivity to interest rate

Sensitivity to interest rate arises in our normal course of business as the re-pricing characteristics of its interest-earning assets do not necessarily match those of its interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings. The re-pricing structure of assets and liabilities is matched when an equal amount of assets and liabilities re-price for any given period. Any excess of assets or liabilities over these matched items results in a gap or mismatch.

Our interest rate sensitivity analysis measures the risk arising from the different sensitivity of assets and liabilities when interest rate changes occur (“duration” approach). It covers all the assets and liabilities excluding tradable portfolios.

 

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The following table shows changes in economic value of equity (‘EVE) for last two years (in millions of Pesos):

 

     2021      2022  

Minimum

     3,708.6        3,125.0  

Maximum

     4,546.4        6,526.6  

Average

     4,065.2        4,937.9  

December 31

     4,178.6        6,526.6  

For the year 2022, in average as well as in the maximum and closing values, the Delta EVE measure increased when compared to the previous year. This variation observed in 2022 is primarily justified by the increase in balances at nominal values, due to the impact of inflation and depreciation during the year.

Furthermore, changes in interest rate curves during 2022 caused an increase in the economic value of equity and consequently in the mentioned measure.

The Central Bank removed all rules and regulations regarding minimum capital requirements for interest rate risk. Notwithstanding this, financial entities must continue to calculate the interest rate risk and remain subject to the Superintendency’s supervision.

For additional information regarding market and interest rate risk management see note 52 “Capital Management, Corporate Governance Transparency and Risk Management” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

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

 

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D. American Depositary Shares

1. – 2. See Exhibit 2.1.

3. 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 also collects fees for making distributions to investors, by deducting those fees from amounts being distributed or by selling a portion of the distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares may be requested to pay:    For:
U.S.$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)   

•  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

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed 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

U.S.$0.02 (or less) per ADS (or portion thereof)   

•  Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders

Registration fees   

•  Registration of transfer of shares on our stock registry to or from the name of the depositary or its nominee or the custodian, or its nominee when making deposits or withdrawals

Expenses of the depositary   

•  Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions

 

•  Conversion of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian, have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS   

•  As necessary

Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents, including the custodian, for servicing the deposited securities   

•  As necessary

4. Fees and Direct and Indirect Payments Made by the Depositary to us

Future Fees and Payments

The depositary has agreed to reimburse us for expenses incurred by us in connection with the administration and maintenance of the ADSs program, including, but not limited to, investor relation expenses, annual NYSE listing fees or other program related expenses. The depositary has also agreed to pay its standard out-of-pocket administrative, maintenance and shareholder services expenses for providing services to the registered American depositary receipts holders, which consist, without limitation, of expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls. There are limits and conditions on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us. In 2022, we have received the agreed reimbursement from the Depositary.

PART II

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None.

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

None.

 

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Item 15. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of December 31, 2022. There are, as described below, inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Based upon and as of the date of our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Bank’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our 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 the assets of the Bank;

 

  b)

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Bank; and

 

  c)

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Bank’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment and those criteria, the Bank’s management concluded that, as of December 31, 2022 the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, has been audited by Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited), an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited), has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. The report follows below:

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of BANCO MACRO S.A. and its subsidiaries

 

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Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited BANCO MACRO S.A. and its subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, BANCO MACRO S.A. and its subsidiaries (the Bank) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statement of financial position of BANCO MACRO S.A. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022, and the related notes and our report dated April 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Bank’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Bank 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.

 

/s/ Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L.

PISTRELLI, HENRY MARTIN Y ASOCIADOS S.R.L.

Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited

City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 28, 2023

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

As of the date of this annual report, Fabián Alejandro de Paul, independent member of the audit committee, met the standards set forth in Item 16A of Form 20-F for “audit committee financial experts.”

 

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Item 16B. Code of Ethics

We have established a Code of Ethics for directors and senior management, including specifically to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, as well as persons performing similar functions, expecting that their members act according to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity in all aspects of their activities; to comply with the applicable law, to discourage reproachable behaviors and to comply with our Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures governing employee conduct. This Code of Ethics is supplemental to our Code of Conduct.

Our Code of Ethics for our directors and senior management was published on our website at https://www.macro.com.ar/relaciones-inversores/en/corporate-governance/corporate-governance-policy.

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Fees Paid to Our Principal Accountant

Since 2006 Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited) has served as our principal external auditor. Fees payable to Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. (Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited) in 2021 and 2022 are detailed below.

 

     2021
(not restated)
     2022  
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Audit Fees

     154,160        284,103  

Audit Related Fees

     —          990  

Tax Fees

     110        2,002  

All Other Fees

     659        1,252  

Total

     154,929        288,347  

Note: figures detailed in the table above have not been adjusted for inflation.

Audit Fees

Audit fees were paid for professional services rendered by the auditors for the audit and limited review of our consolidated financial statements and services.

Audit-Related Fees

Audit-related fees are typically services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the consolidated financial statements and are not reported under the audit fees item above. This item includes fees for attestation services on our financial information.

Tax Fees

Tax fees consist of tax advisory services.

All Other Fees

Fees disclosed in the table above under “All Other Fees” consisted of other fees paid for professional services.

Audit Committee’s Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee is responsible for, among other things, the oversight of our independent auditors. During the year, the audit committee reviews together with management and the independent auditor, the audit plan, audit related services and other non-audit services. The Audit Committee has approved policies and procedures for pre-approving all non-audit work that would be performed by the Bank’s external auditor. All of the services provided by Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L. were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to these approval policies. None of the hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit our financial statements for 2022 were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.

 

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Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Not applicable.

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

None.

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

NYSE Corporate Governance Rules

Companies listed on the NYSE must comply with certain standards regarding corporate governance as codified in Section 303A of NYSE’s Listed Company Manual, as amended. Nevertheless, the Bank, while a listed company, qualifies also as a foreign private issuer and, as such, is permitted to follow its home country corporate governance practices, governed by the Argentine Corporate Law, the Capital Markets Law and the standards of the CNV and the Central Bank, in lieu of the provisions of Section 303A, except that it is required to comply with the requirements of Sections 303A.06, 303A.11 and 303A.12 (b) and (c). Accordingly: we must comply with four principal NYSE corporate governance rules: (i) we must satisfy the audit committee requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) (Section 303A.06); (ii) we must provide a brief description of any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards (Section 303A.11); (iii) our Chief Executive Officer must promptly notify the NYSE in writing after any of our executive officers become aware of any non-compliance with the applicable NYSE corporate governance rules (Section 303A.12(b)); and (iv) we must submit an executed written affirmation (in relation to the members of our audit committee) annually or interim written affirmations, if required by the NYSE (Section 303A.12(c)).

 

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The table below discloses any significant differences between the NYSE rules and our corporate governance practices pursuant to Argentine corporate governance rules.

 

Section   

NYSE corporate governance rule for U.S.

domestic issuers

   Banco Macro Corporate Practices
303A.01-Independent Directors    Listed companies must have a majority of independent directors on their Boards of Directors.    Neither Argentine law nor our bylaws require us to have a majority of independent directors.
303A.02-Independence Tests   

This section establishes general standards to determine directors’ independence.

 

(a)   (i) No director qualifies as “independent” unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company). The board of directors is required to identify its independent directors.

 

(ii)  In addition, in affirmatively determining the independence of any director who will serve on the compensation committee of the listed company’s board of directors, the board of directors must consider all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a relationship to the listed company which is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a compensation committee member, including, but not limited to:

 

(A)  the source of compensation of such director, including any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee paid by the listed company to such director; and

 

(B)  whether such director is affiliated with the listed company, a subsidiary of the listed company or an affiliate of a subsidiary of the listed company.

 

(b)   In addition, a director is not independent if:

 

A. the director is or has been within the last three years, an employee, or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, an executive officer, of the listed company, its parent or a consolidated subsidiary. Employment as interim chairman or CEO or other executive officer shall not disqualify a director from being considered independent;

  

Pursuant to the CNV Rules, a director will be considered as “independent” if its main relation with the listed company is his / her position in the board of directors. He / she will be appointed taking into account his professional career, suitability, qualified knowledge, and criteria, economic and interest independence, considering also that he can perform his functions objectively and impartially.

 

For the purposes of this definition, it shall be understood that a director does not meet the condition of independent, when one or more of the following circumstances apply to him / her:

 

(a) is a member of the board of directors the parent company or another company belonging to the same economic group of the issuer through a pre-existing relationship at the time of his or her election, or if said relationship had ceased to exist during immediately the previous three years;

 

(b) is or has been associated with the company or any of its shareholders having a direct or indirect “significant participation” on the same, or with corporations with which also the shareholders also have a direct or indirect “signification participation”; or if he or she was associated with them through an employment relationship during the last three years;

 

(c) has any professional relationship or is a member of a corporation that maintains frequent professional relationships of significant nature and volume, or receives remuneration or fees (other than the one received in consideration of his performance as a director) from the issuer or its shareholders having a direct or indirect “significant participation” on the same, or with corporations in which the shareholders also have a direct or indirect “significant participation.” This prohibition includes professional relationships and affiliations during the last three years prior to his or her appointment as director;

 

(d) directly or indirectly owns 5% or more of shares with voting rights and/or a capital stock of the issuer or any company with a “significant participation” in it;

 

(e) directly or indirectly sells and/or provides goods and/or services (different from those accounted for in section c)) on a regular basis and of a significant nature and volume to the company or to its shareholders with direct or

 

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B. the director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than U.S.$120,000 in direct compensation from the listed company, its parent or a consolidated subsidiary, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior services (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service);

 

C. (i) the director is a current partner or employee of a firm that is the listed company’s internal or external auditor; (ii) the director has an immediate family member who is a current partner of such firm; (iii) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such firm and personally works on the company’s audit; or (iv) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years a partner or employee of such firm and personally worked on the company’s audit within that time;

 

D. the director, or an immediate family member is, or has been with the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the listed company’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company’s compensation committee;

 

E.  the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from the listed company its parent or a consolidated subsidiary for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of U.S.$1 million, or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues.

 

A non-independent director will only be deemed independent upon the elapse of a three-year look-back period.

 

“Immediate family member” includes a person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers and fathers-in law, sons and daughters-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law and anyone (other than domestic employees) who share such person’s home.

  

 

indirect “significant participation”, for higher amounts than his or her remuneration as a member of the board of directors. This prohibition includes business relationships that have been carried out during the last three years prior to his or her appointment as director;

 

(f) has been a director, manager, administrator or principal executive of not-for-profit organizations that have received funds, for amounts greater than those described in section I) of article 12 of Resolution No. 30/2011 of the UIF and its amendments, from the issuer, its parent company and other companies of the same group of which it is a part, as well as of the principal executives of any of them;

 

(g) receives any payment, including the participation in plans or stock option schemes, from the company or companies of the same economic group, other than the compensation paid to him or her as a director, except dividends paid as a shareholder of the company in the terms of section d) and the corresponding to the consideration set forth in section e);

 

(h) has served as member of the board of director of the issuer, its parent company or another company belonging to the same economic group for more than ten years. If said relationship had ceased to exist during the previous three years, the independent condition will be recovered;

 

(i) is the spouse or legally recognized partner, relative up to the third level of consanguinity or up to the second level of affinity of persons who, if they were members of the board of directors, would not be independent, according to the above listed criteria;

 

In all cases, the references made to “significant participation” set forth in the aforementioned independence criteria will be considered as referring to those individuals who hold shares representing at least 5% of the capital stock and or the vote, or a smaller amount when they have the right to elect one or more directors by share class or have other shareholders agreements relating to the government and administration of the company or of its parent company.

 

In accordance with the provisions of the Central Bank in Communication “A” 5201 and amendments—“Guidelines for Corporate Governance in Financial Entities”, a director does not meet the status of independent if any of the following situations are met:

 

(a)   a control relationship according to the guidelines established in point 2.2.1. of the rules on “Large exposures to credit risk”.

 

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(b)   performs executive functions or has performed the aforementioned during the last three years as from the day following the last one in which he/she has effectively exercised such position. In the case of public financial entities, this term will be one year.

 

In accordance with the provisions of the Central Bank in Communication “A” 5201 and amendments—“Guidelines for Corporate Governance in Financial Entities”, a director does not meet the status of independent if any of the following situations are met:

 

(a)   a control relationship according to the guidelines established in point 2.2.1. of the rules on “Large exposures to credit risk”.

 

(b)   performs executive functions or has performed the aforementioned during the last three years as from the day following the last one in which he/she has effectively exercised such position. In the case of public financial entities, this term will be one year.

 

(c)   is a spouse or relative up to the second degree of consanguinity or first of affinity of those who are in the condition of the preceding points.

 

In this regard, the following individuals and entities shall be considered “related” to the Bank:

 

i) any entity or person other than from the non-financial public sector of the country, having direct or indirect control over the Bank.

 

ii) any entity or person, other than from the non-financial public sector of the country, directly or indirectly controlled by an entity or person having direct or indirect control over the Bank.

 

iii) any entity or person directly or indirectly controlled by the Bank, pursuant to the provisions of section 28, subsection a) of the Law on Banks and the regulations on “Services supplementary to the financial activity and permitted activities” and “Credit Grading.”

 

iv) any Bank or entity engaged in the provision of supplementary services to the financial activity other than those contemplated in the preceding items, subject to consolidated supervision with the Bank.

 

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v) any entity other than those contemplated in the preceding items, having directors in common with the institution or entity, other than from the non-financial public sector of the country, having direct or indirect control over of with the Bank, to the extent such directors represent a simple majority of the members of the boards of each such entities or the Bank.

 

To this end, it shall be considered “related” to the director who holds such office in another legal entity or his spouse or partner (by registered cohabiting union) or a relative up to the second degree of consanguinity or first degree of affinity or have exercised it. during the period referred to in item i) of section 1.2.2.2 of the aforementioned rule.

 

vi) The parent company and the other branches thereof, in the case of local branches of financial entities abroad.

 

vii) Exceptionally, any person who has a relationship with the financial institution or its direct or indirect controller, which may result in financial loss to the financial institution, as of the effective date of the resolution in which it determine the Board of the Central Bank, at the proposal of the Superintendent of Financial and Exchange Institutions.

 

Likewise, control by one person or entity over another is defined as:

 

i) holding or controlling, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total voting stock in the other entity.

 

ii) having held, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total voting stock in the other entity, at the last election of directors or managers.

 

iii) holding a direct or indirect interest in the other entity, even if its voting rights do not amount to 25%, sufficient to adopt resolutions in shareholders’ meetings or meetings of the board or a similar corporate body.

 

iv) having direct or indirect controlling influence over the management and/or policies of the other entity, as of the effective date of the relevant resolution of the board of directors of the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina, based on the recommendation of the Head of the Supervisory Board of Financial and Exchange Institutions (Superintendencia de Entidades Financieras y Cambiarias).

 

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303A.03-Executive Sessions    Non-management directors of each listed company must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.    Neither Argentine law nor our by-laws require the holding of such meetings and we do not hold non-management directors’ meetings. Our by-laws provide, however, that the board shall meet as often as required in the best interest of the Bank and at least once a month.
303A.04-Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee    Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors, with a written charter that covers certain minimum specified duties and details about committee members and the committee structure.   

Neither Argentine law nor our by-laws require a nominating/corporate governance committee, however, our by-laws provide for the possibility to create a nominating/corporate governance committee. As a result of a general recommendation issued by the Central Bank to all financial institutions, we have created a Corporate Governance and Appointments Committee.

 

The Committee will be formed so that the independent Directors constitute the majority. It has been defined that this Committee is chaired by an independent director.

 

This Committee has an approved charter establishing its functions and responsibilities.

 

Directors are nominated and appointed by the shareholders, with no involvement of the Corporate Governance and Appointments Committee.

303A.05-Compensation Committee    Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors, with a written charter that covers certain minimum specified duties and details about committee members and the committee structure.   

Neither Argentine law nor our by-laws require the establishment of a compensation committee. The compensation of our directors is determined at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Additionally, the audit committee must issue an opinion regarding the reasonableness of such compensation.

 

However, as a result of a general recommendation issued by the Central Bank to all financial institutions, we have created a Personnel Incentives Committee. The Committee will be formed so that the independent Directors constitute the majority. This Committee has an approved charter establishing its functions and responsibilities, and shall meet at least bi-annually.

 

This Committee is chaired by an independent director.

 

The Committee’s main function is to control that the fixed and variable staff incentives – excluding directors- are consistent with the business culture, long term business plan, goals and business strategy of the Bank as well as with the applicable regulations governing the Bank.

 

The Bank has a Compensation Policy that covers both fixed remuneration and variable remuneration, the latter in the framework of an evaluations process of targets and skills

303A.06/07- Audit Committee/Requirements   

Listed companies must have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

(a)   The audit committee must have a minimum of three members. All of its members shall be financially literate or must acquire such financial knowledge within a reasonable

  

(a)   Argentine law requires that the audit committee be composed of three or more members from the Board of Directors (with a majority of independent directors), all of whom must be well-versed in business, financial or accounting matters.

 

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period of time after the appointment and at least one of its members shall have experience in accounting or financial management. In addition to meeting any requirement of Rule 10A-3 (b) (1), all audit committee members must satisfy the independence requirements set out in Section 303A.02.

 

(b)   The audit committee must have a written charter that establishes the duties and responsibilities of its members, including, at a minimum, some of the duties and responsibilities required by Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the following responsibilities set forth in NYSE Sections 303A.07(b)(iii)(A)-H) of the NYSE Manual.

 

A. at least annually, obtain and review a report by the independent auditor describing: the firm’s internal quality-control procedures; any material issues raised in the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, with respect to one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (to assess the auditor’s independence) all relationships between the independent auditor and the listed company;

 

B. meet with management and the independent auditor to review and discuss the listed company’s annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, including a review of the company’s specific disclosures under Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”;

 

C. discuss the listed company’s earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies;

 

D. discuss risk assessment and risk management policies;

 

E.  hold separate regular meetings with management, the internal auditors (or other personnel responsible for the internal audit function) and the independent auditors;

 

F.  review any issue or difficulty arising from the audit or management’s response with the independent auditor;

 

G. set clear policies for the recruitment of employees or former employees of the independent auditors; and

 

H. report regularly to the board of directors.

  

Our Audit Committee is composed by three directors and the Committee’s presidency is in charge of an independent Director. All the members of the Audit Committee, according to its designation on April 25, 2023, satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3.

 

(b)   Neither Argentine law nor the CNV Rules contain provisions relating to an audit committee member’s simultaneous service on the audit committee of other public companies.

 

(c)   The responsibilities of the audit committee, as provided for in the Capital Markets Law, as regulated by Decree No. 1023 and the CNV Rules regarding the functions of the Committee, are essentially the same as those provided for under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, the following:

 

i. issuing an opinion about the Board of Directors’ proposal for the appointment of the external auditors to be retained by the Bank, and ensuring that auditors are independent;

 

ii. overseeing the performance of the internal control systems and the administrative-accounting system as well as the reliability of the latter and of all financial information or other facts which could be submitted to the CNV and self-regulated entities in compliance with the applicable reporting regime;

 

iii. supervising the enforcement of the Bank’s risk management information policies;

 

iv. providing the market with full disclosure with respect to transactions that give rise to conflict of interests with the members of the Bank’s corporate bodies or controlling shareholders;

 

v. issuing an opinion on the reasonableness of any proposal regarding the Directors’ and management fees and stock option plans proposed by the Board of Directors;

 

vi. issuing an opinion on the compliance with applicable legal requirements and on the reasonableness of the terms of any issuance of stock or convertible securities in case of capital increase excluding or limiting pre-emptive rights;

 

vii. assessing compliance with relevant rules of conduct;

 

viii. Issuing a well-founded opinion on transactions with related parties as established in this Decree. Issue a well-founded opinion and inform the same to the self-regulated entities as determined by the CNV in the event of a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.

 

 

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(c) Rule 303A.07(c) establishes that each listed company must have an internal audit function to provide management and the audit committee with ongoing advice on the company’s risk management processes and internal control systems

 

If a member of the audit committee is simultaneously a member of the audit committee of more than three public companies the board of directors shall determine whether such simultaneous service would prevent such members from effectively serving on the listed company’s audit committee, and disclose such determination in the order of business of the annual shareholders’ meeting of the listed company or in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

  

In addition, pursuant to the provisions of the CNV Rules, the audit committee is responsible for:

 

•  reviewing external and internal auditors’ plans, evaluating their performance, and issuing an opinion on such regard upon the publication of the annual financial statements;

 

•  analyzing the various services provided by the external auditors and their independence, as established in the Professional Technical Resolutions of the Federación Argentina De Consejos Profesionales De Ciencias Económicas and any other regulations of the applicable supervisory authorities;

 

•  reporting on invoiced fees, broken down as follows: 1) external audit and other related services aiming to ensure reliability (e.g. special analyses on the verification and assessment of internal controls, taxes, involvement in offering memorandums, certifications and special reports required by supervisory authorities, etc.); 2) special services other than those mentioned in item 1) above (e.g. design and implementation of information systems, legal, financial aspects, etc.). Said assessment shall be made by the audit committee including a verification of their respective independence policies to ensure compliance therewith.

303A.08-Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans-    Shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity compensation plans and material amendments thereto, except for employment inducement awards, certain grants, plans and amendments in the context of mergers and acquisitions, and certain specific types of plans.    We do not currently offer equity-based compensation to our directors, executive officers or employees; therefore, we have no policy on this matter.
303A.09-Corporate Governance Guidelines    Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. The corporate governance guidelines must address director qualification standards, director responsibilities, director access to management, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, management succession, and annual performance evaluation of the board.    Neither Argentine law nor our by-laws require the adoption or disclosure of corporate governance guidelines. However, due to our size and the importance of our business we have implemented a Corporate Governance Code based on the recommended Code of Corporate Governance for listed companies issued by the CNV and the recommended corporate governance guidelines for financial institutions issued by the Central Bank.
303A.10-Code of Business Conduct and Ethics    Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for the benefit of directors or executive officers. Each listed company may determine its own policies, which should address conflicts of interest, corporate opportunities, confidentiality, fair dealing, protection and proper use of listed company assets, compliance with laws, rules and regulations, and encouraging the reporting of any illegal or unethical behavior.   

Neither Argentine law nor our by-laws require the adoption or disclosure of a code of business conduct and ethics.

 

However, we have adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all our employees. In addition, we have adopted a specific Code of Ethics applicable to our Directors and Senior Management.

 

Regarding the ethical standards, we have implemented an Ethical Line or channel for reports that is managed by a third party who assures the confidentiality and anonymity.

 

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303A.12-Certification Requirements   

(a) The CEO of each listed company must certify to the NYSE, on an annual basis, that he or she is not aware of any breach by the company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards, qualifying the certification to the extent necessary.

 

(b) The CEO of each listed company must promptly notify the NYSE in writing upon any executive officer of the listed company becoming aware of any non-compliance with any applicable provisions of this Section 303A.

 

(c) Each listed company must submit an annual executed Written Affirmation to the NYSE. In addition, each listed company must submit an interim written affirmation as and when required and using the interim written affirmation form specified by the NYSE.

  

No comparable provisions exist under Argentine law.

 

However, the Bank is in compliance with the certification requirements of Section 303A.12 (b) and (c) of the NYSE rules.

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure.

Not applicable.

Item 16I. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection.

Not applicable

PART III

Item 17. Financial Statements

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.

Item 18. Financial Statements

See pages F-1 through F-128 of this annual report.

 

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Item 19. Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

    1.1    Restated Bylaws of the Bank, as amended and restated on April 30, 2019, incorporated by reference to the Form 6-K filed by the Bank on July 24, 2019 (File No. 199-70013).
    2.1    Deposit Agreement among the registrant, The Bank of New York, as depositary, and the holders from time to time of American depositary shares issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipts, incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended, filed by the Bank on March 20, 2006 (File No. 333-130901).
    8.1*    List of subsidiaries of the Bank as of December 31, 2022.
  12.1*    Certification by the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  12.2*    Certification by the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  13.1*    Certification by the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  13.2*    Certification by the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101. INS*    XBRL Instance Document.
101. SCH*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101. CAL*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101. LAB*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101. PRE*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101. DEF*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

*

Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURE

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

BANCO MACRO S.A.
By:  

/s/ Gustavo Alejandro Manriquez

Name:   Gustavo Alejandro Manriquez
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 28 , 2023.


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021, TOGETHER WITH THE REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022
CONTENT
 
        
   
Consolidated Financial Statements
        
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022
CONTENT (contd.)
 
Notes to the consolidated Financial Statements (contd.)
 
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
BANCO MACRO S.A. and its subsidiaries
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of BANCO MACRO S.A. (a bank organized under Argentine legislation) and its subsidiaries (the Bank) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Bank at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the internal control over financial reporting of the Bank as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated April 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Bank 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits 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 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter 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 matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Impairment of financial assets
Description of the matter
As more fully described in Note 3.2.4. to the consolidated financial statements, the Bank recognized an allowance for credit losses related to loans and investments in private and government debt securities not held at fair value through profit or loss, together with loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts, using an expected credit loss model (ECL). This allowance, that amounts to 12,229,565 thousand pesos as disclosed in note 52.1., represents a probability-weighted amount, which is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes and reasonable and supportable information about past events, current conditions and forecasts of economic conditions including the usage of an expert credit judgment (ECJ) overlay to reflect factors not captured in the results produced by the ECL model. The allowance is based on the portion of the lifetime ECL associated with the probability of default in the next twelve months unless there has been a significant increase in credit risk since origination or there is objective evidence of impairment. In those cases, the allowance is based on the change in the ECL over the life of the financial instrument.

Auditing the allowance for credit losses was complex and required the application of significant judgment due to the inherent complexity of the models, assumptions and the interrelationship of the variables used in measuring the ECL, including the effects of the current and future Argentine macroeconomic and financial environment in relation to the Bank’s exposure to government securities and Argentine Central Bank bills. Significant assumptions and judgments with respect to the estimation of the allowance for credit losses include the determination of significant changes in credit risk; the forecast of multiple alternative economic scenarios and the probability weighting of those scenarios, and the application of management’s ECJ to reflect factors not captured in the results produced by the ECL models. The allowance for credit losses is a significant estimate for which variations in model methodology, underlying assumptions and judgments could have a material effect on its measurement.
How we addressed the matter in our audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the Bank’s controls, including those related to information systems used in the determination of the allowance for credit losses. The controls we tested included, among others, controls over the development and review of inputs and models used to calculate the ECL, data completeness and accuracy, economic forecasting, including the probability weighting of the economic scenarios and the governance and oversight over the modelled results and the use of ECJ.
To test the allowance for credit losses, our audit procedures included, among others, involving our credit risk modelling specialists to assist in assessing whether the methodology and assumptions used to estimate ECL are consistent with the requirements of IFRS, the Bank’s own historical data and industry standards; assessing significant changes in credit risk triggers; evaluating management’s forecasting methodology and comparing management’s forward-looking information to independently derived forecasts and publicly available information; evaluating the scenario probability weights used in the ECL models and performing independent recalculations to test the mathematical accuracy of management’s models; evaluating whether the assumptions used were reflective of the credit quality and macroeconomic trends and testing the completeness and accuracy of data used in the measurement of the ECL and the ECJ overlays to the ECL used by the Bank by applying our knowledge of the industry and credit judgment to evaluate the Bank’s underlying considerations. We also assessed the adequacy of the allowance for credit loss financial statement disclosures.
 
/s/ Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L.
 
Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited
 
We have served as the Bank’s auditor since 2003
 
City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 28, 2023

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Items
  
Notes
   
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
ASSETS
                         
Cash and Deposits in Banks
     13       250,089,093        335,692,114  
Cash
             27,612,616        51,862,712  
Central Bank of Argentina
             143,526,540        207,729,609  
Other Local and Foreign Entities
             78,937,819        76,087,274  
Other
             12,118        12,519  
Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss
     5 and 13       211,054,112        63,125,824  
Derivative Financial Instruments
     6 and 13       42,899        2,524  
Repo transactions
     7 and 13       61,929,317        61,176,357  
Other Financial Assets
     8, 9, 13 and 52.1       57,944,523        68,497,221  
Loans and other financing
     9, 13, 52.1 and 52.2       598,600,865        686,328,209  
Non-financial Public Sector
             2,206,770        4,628,089  
Other Financial Entities
             927,272        2,941,876  
Non-financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents
             595,466,823        678,758,244  
Other Debt Securities
     9, 10, 13 and 52.1       737,171,831        557,062,936  
Financial Assets delivered as guarantee
     11, 13 and 44       30,620,278        34,993,147  
Current Income Tax Assets
     29.c)                1,058,582  
Equity Instruments at fair value through profit or loss
     12 and 13       839,458        7,365,144  
Investment in associates and joint arrangements
     15       1,141,599        953,520  
Property, plant and equipment
     16       101,863,737        102,991,484  
Intangible Assets
     18       17,439,760        16,370,965  
Deferred Income Tax Assets
     29.c)       73,569        93,092  
Other Non-financial Assets
     17 and 19       12,452,870        4,541,843  
Non-current Assets held for sale
             8,856,247        6,314,263  
            
 
 
    
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
          
 
2,090,120,158
 
  
 
1,946,567,225
 
            
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 1 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND
2021
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Items
  
Notes
   
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
 
LIABILITIES
                        
Deposits
     13 and 52.2       1,295,395,069       1,147,041,028  
Non-financial Public Sector
             109,952,253       109,868,280  
Financial Sector
             1,653,447       1,872,336  
Non-financial Private Sector and Foreign
Residents
             1,183,789,369       1,035,300,412  
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
     13 and 52.2       526,027       3,170,711  
Derivative Financial Instruments
     6, 13 and 52.2       2,371       4,933  
Other Financial Liabilities
     13, 21 and 52.2       135,091,316       131,278,389  
Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial institutions
     13 and 52.2       2,449,342       852,660  
Issued Corporate Bonds
     13, 48 and 52.2       2,715,556       5,825,893  
Current Income Tax Liabilities
     29.c)       10,849,439       684,304  
Subordinated Corporate Bonds
     13, 48 and 52.2       72,129,837       81,762,819  
Provisions
     23       2,788,132       3,221,012  
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
     29.c)       13,134,903       12,169,160  
Other Non-financial Liabilities
     24       42,809,291       93,758,925  
            
 
 
   
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
          
 
1,577,891,283
 
 
 
1,479,769,834
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                        
Capital Stock
     41       639,413       639,413  
Non-capital contributions
             12,429,781       12,429,781  
Adjustments to Shareholders’ Equity
             173,290,106       173,290,106  
Earnings Reserved
             406,008,913       360,473,453  
Unappropriated Retained Earnings
             (121,041,077     (130,275,240
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
             50,462       5,611,954  
Net Income for the fiscal year
             40,766,589       44,554,136  
            
 
 
   
 
 
 
Net Shareholders’ Equity attributable to controlling interest
             512,144,187       466,723,603  
Net Shareholders’ Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
             84,688       73,788  
            
 
 
   
 
 
 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
          
 
512,228,875
 
 
 
466,797,391
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
 
 
 
2,090,120,158
 
 
 
1,946,567,225
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes 1 to 54 to the consolidated Financial Statements are integral part of these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 2 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022, 2021 AND 2020
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Items
  
Notes
 
12/31/2022
 
 
12/31/2021
 
 
12/31/2020
 
Interest income
   30     612,465,374       439,126,515       461,853,526  
Interest expense
   31     (307,140,282     (183,872,424     (178,866,319
Net Interest Income
      
 
305,325,092
 
 
 
255,254,091
 
 
 
282,987,207
 
Commissions income
   32     75,402,581       72,042,451       72,749,668  
Commissions expense
   33     (7,413,595     (6,878,052     (6,019,529
Net Commissions Income
      
 
67,988,986
 
 
 
65,164,399
 
 
 
66,730,139
 
Subtotal (Net Interest income plus Net Commissions income)
      
 
373,314,078
 
 
 
320,418,490
 
 
 
349,717,346
 
Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss
   34     45,158,876       32,491,457       41,100,715  
Profit from sold or derecognized assets at amortized cost
         169,626       475,397       3,801,250  
Difference in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency
   35     62,273,582       9,053,376       12,436,304  
Other operating income
   36     21,177,436       15,259,712       15,788,439  
Credit loss expense on financial assets
         (6,897,807     (5,056,287     (23,114,986
Net Operating Income before expenses, depreciation and amortization
      
 
495,195,791
 
 
 
372,642,145
 
 
 
399,729,068
 
Employee benefits
   37     (77,638,291     (76,906,728     (78,206,282
Administrative expenses
   38     (39,155,671     (39,137,679     (42,750,706
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
   16, 17 and 18     (15,248,627     (13,880,389     (12,944,070
Other operating expenses
   39     (75,059,038     (66,705,286     (60,207,150
Net Operating Income after expenses, depreciation and amortization
      
 
288,094,164
 
 
 
176,012,063
 
 
 
205,620,860
 
(Loss) / Income from associates and joint arrangements
   15     (113,516     170,439       (20,155
Loss on net monetary position
         (228,837,116     (129,316,600     (90,338,449
Income before tax on continuing operations
      
 
59,143,532
 
 
 
46,865,902
 
 
 
115,262,256
 
Income tax on continuing operations
   29.c)     (18,369,866     (2,310,310     (38,361,162
Net Income from continuing operations
      
 
40,773,666
 
 
 
44,555,592
 
 
 
76,901,094
 
        
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Net Income for the fiscal year
 
 
40,773,666
 
 
 
44,555,592
 
 
 
76,901,094
 
        
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Net Income for the fiscal year attributable to controlling interest
 
 
40,766,589
 
 
 
44,554,136
 
 
 
76,900,028
 
        
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Net Income for the fiscal year attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
7,077
 
 
 
1,456
 
 
 
1,066
 
        
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
   42  
 
63.7563
 
 
 
69.6797
 
 
 
120.2666
 
        
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
- 3 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022, 2021 AND 2020
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Items
  
Notes
   
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
   
12/31/2020
 
Net Income for the fiscal year
          
 
40,773,666
 
 
 
44,555,592
 
 
 
76,901,094
 
Items of Other Comprehensive Income that will be reclassified to profit or loss
                                
Foreign currency translation differences in Financial Statements conversion
          
 
(718,989
 
 
(1,492,767
 
 
352,427
 
Foreign currency translation differences for the fiscal year
             (718,989     (1,492,767     352,427  
Profit or loss from financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) (IFRS 9 (4.1.2) (a))
          
 
(4,842,503
 
 
3,878,073
 
 
 
2,526,450
 
Profit or loss for the fiscal year from financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)
             (3,081,609     1,069,361       (4,076,880
Reclassification to profit or loss
             (4,208,221     5,164,359       6,979,702  
Income tax
     29.c     2,447,327       (2,355,647     (376,372
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) / Income that will be reclassified to profit or loss
          
 
(5,561,492
 
 
2,385,306
 
 
 
2,878,877
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) / Income
 
 
 
(5,561,492
 
 
2,385,306
 
 
 
2,878,877
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Comprehensive Income for the fiscal year
 
 
 
35,212,174
 
 
 
46,940,898
 
 
 
79,779,971
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Comprehensive Income attributable to controlling interest
 
 
 
35,205,097
 
 
 
46,939,442
 
 
 
79,778,905
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Comprehensive Income attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
 
7,077
 
 
 
1,456
 
 
 
1,066
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes 1 to 54 to the consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 4 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Changes
  
Notes
 
  
Capital
stock
 
  
Non-capital
Contributions
 
  
 
 
  
Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
Earnings Reserved
 
  
Unappropriated

Retained

Earnings
 
 
Total
Controlling
interests
 
 
Total Non-
controlling
interests
 
  
Total Equity
 
  
Outstanding
shares
 
  
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
  
Adjustments to
Shareholders’
Equity (1)
 
  
Accumulated
foreign currency
translation
difference in
Financial
Statements
conversion
 
 
Other
 
 
Legal
 
  
Other
 
Restated amount at the beginning of the fiscal year
              639,413        12,429,781        173,290,106        1,169,053       4,442,901       125,776,490        234,696,963        (85,721,104     466,723,603       73,788        466,797,391  
Total comprehensive income for the fiscal year
                                                                                                       
- Net income for the fiscal year
                                                                           40,766,589       40,766,589       7,077        40,773,666  
- Other comprehensive loss for the fiscal year
                                         (718,989     (4,842,503                               (5,561,492              (5,561,492
Distribution of unappropriated retained earnings as approved by Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 29, 2022:
     42 and 51                                                                                                 
- Legal reserve
                                                         7,091,317                 (7,091,317                         
- Reserve for dividends pending authorization from the BCRA
                                                                  38,444,143        (27,637,010     10,807,133                10,807,133  
- Personal property tax on business corporation
                                                                  0        (591,646     (591,646              (591,646
Other changes
                                                                                           3,823        3,823  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
Amount at the end of the fiscal year
 
  
 
639,413
 
  
 
12,429,781
 
  
 
173,290,106
 
  
 
450,064
 
 
 
(399,602
 
 
132,867,807
 
  
 
273,141,106
 
  
 
(80,274,488
)
 
 
 
512,144,187
 
 
 
84,688
 
  
 
512,228,875
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Changes
  
Notes
 
  
Capital
stock
 
  
Non-capital
Contributions
 
  
Adjustments to
Shareholders’
Equity (1)
 
  
Other Comprehensive Income
 
  
Earnings Reserved
 
 
Unappropriated
Retained

Earnings
 
 
Total
Controlling
interests
 
 
Total Non-
controlling
interests
 
  
Total Equity
 
  
Outstanding
shares
 
  
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
  
Accumulated
foreign currency
translation
difference in
Financial
Statements
conversion
 
 
Other
 
  
Legal
 
  
Other
 
Restated amount at the beginning of the fiscal year
              639,413        12,429,781        173,290,106        2,661,820       564,828        125,776,490        320,274,800       (190,061,647     445,575,591       5,493        445,581,084  
Total comprehensive income for the fiscal year
                                                                                                       
- Net income for the fiscal year
                                                                           44,554,136       44,554,136       1,456        44,555,592  
- Other comprehensive income for the fiscal year
                                         (1,492,767     3,878,073                                 2,385,306                2,385,306  
Distribution of unappropriated retained earnings as approved by Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 30, 2021:
                                                                                                       
- Cash dividends
                                                                   (25,011,252             (25,011,252              (25,011,252
- Absorption of accumulated losses
                                                                                                       
Facultative reserve
                                                                   (1,300     1,300                           
Facultative reserve for future distribution of earnings
     42                                                             (59,785,107     59,785,107                           
Personal property tax on business corporation
                                                                   (780,178             (780,178              (780,178
Other changes
                                                                                           66,839        66,839  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
Amount at the end of the fiscal year
 
  
 
639,413
 
  
 
12,429,781
 
  
 
173,290,106
 
  
 
1,169,053
 
 
 
4,442,901
 
  
 
125,776,490
 
  
 
234,696,963
 
 
 
(85,721,104
 
 
466,723,603
 
 
 
73,788
 
  
 
466,797,391
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 5 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Changes
  
Notes
 
  
Capital
stock
 
  
Non-capital
Contributions
 
  
 
 
  
Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
Earnings Reserved
 
 
Unappropriated
Retained

Earnings
 
 
Total
Controlling
interests
 
 
Total Non-
controlling
interests
 
 
Total Equity
 
  
Outstanding
shares
 
  
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
  
Adjustments
to
Shareholders’
Equity (1)
 
  
Accumulated
foreign currency
translation
difference in
Financial
Statements
conversion
 
  
Other
 
 
Legal
 
  
Other
 
Restated amount at the
beginning of the fiscal
year
              639,413        12,429,781        173,290,106        2,309,393        (1,961,622     93,113,325        249,912,397       (105,188,812     424,543,981       5,608       424,549,589  
Total comprehensive
income for the fiscal year
                                                                                                      
-   Net income for the
fiscal year
                                                                           76,900,028       76,900,028       1,066       76,901,094  
-   Other
comprehensive
income for the
fiscal year
                                         352,427        2,526,450                                2,878,877               2,878,877  
Distribution of
unappropriated retained
earnings as approved by
Shareholders’ Meeting
held on April 30, 2020:
                                                                                                      
-   Legal reserve
                                                          32,663,165                (32,663,165                        
-   Facultative reserve
                                                                   129,109,698       (129,109,698                        
-   Cash dividends (2)
                                                                   (58,747,295             (58,747,295             (58,747,295
Other changes
                                                                                           (1,181     (1,181
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Amount at the end of the fiscal
year
 
  
 
639,413
 
  
 
12,429,781
 
  
 
173,290,106
 
  
 
2,661,820
 
  
 
564,828
 
 
 
125,776,490
 
  
 
320,274,800
 
 
 
(190,061,647
 
 
445,575,591
 
 
 
5,493
 
 
 
445,581,084
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)
Inflation adjustment of capital stock and additional paid-in capital.
(2)
Includes a supplementary cash dividend approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting dated on October 21, 2020. See also notes 42 and 51.
The accompanying Notes 1 to 54 to the consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 6 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022, 2021 AND 2020
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Items
  
Notes
    
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
   
12/31/2020
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                                 
Income for the fiscal year before income tax
              59,143,532       46,865,902       115,262,256  
Adjustment for the total monetary effect for the fiscal year
              228,837,116       129,316,600       90,338,449  
Adjustments to obtain cash flows from operating activities:
                                 
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
              15,248,627       13,880,389       12,944,070  
Credit loss expense on financial assets
              6,897,807       5,056,287       23,114,986  
Difference in quoted prices of foreign currency
              (84,617,122     (33,568,600     (50,394,310
Other adjustments
              146,021,114       93,752,895       86,616,719  
Net (decrease) / increase from operating assets:
                                 
Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss
              (147,937,755     98,545,297       (208,665,677
Derivative Financial Instruments
              (40,375     2,906,777       (443,930
Repo transactions
              (752,960     54,732,918       (111,554,496
Loans and other financing
                                 
Non-Financial Public Sector
              2,421,319       5,999,748       15,193,192  
Other Financial Entities
              2,014,604       2,422,881       10,455,367  
Non-Financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents
              76,198,446       55,282,722       78,476,350  
Other Debt Securities
              45,421,308       (66,867,779     (80,990,311
Financial Assets delivered as guarantee
              4,372,869       7,029,825       700,892  
Equity Instruments at fair value through profit or loss
              6,525,686       7,977,911       (4,868,663
Other Assets
              9,927,205       (14,255,818     (33,107,600
Net increase / (decrease) from operating liabilities:
                                 
Deposits
                                 
Non-Financial Public Sector
              83,973       (106,431,724     146,008,643  
Financial sector
              (218,889     (175,291     790,083  
Non-Financial Private Sector and Foreign Residents
              148,488,957       (183,368,916     238,004,968  
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
              (2,644,684     3,170,711          
Derivative Financial Instruments
              (2,562     4,256       (3,076,449
Repo Transactions
                       (1,818,749     (2,194,164
Other Liabilities
              5,031,554       (11,633,468     53,831,027  
Income tax payments
              (2,690,271     (21,553,893     (24,545,800
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total cash from operating activities (A)
           
 
517,729,499
 
 
 
87,270,881
 
 
 
351,895,602
 
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
- 7 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022, 2021 AND 2020
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
Items
  
Notes
    
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
   
12/31/2020
 
Cash flows from investing activities Payments:
                                 
Net payments of acquisition of PPE, intangible and other assets
              (24,326,413     (13,426,063     (10,808,646
Control obtained in subsidiaries and other businesses
                      (69,450        
Other payments related to investing activities
              (3,823                
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total cash used in investing activities (B)
  
 
(24,330,236
 
 
(13,495,513
 
 
(10,808,646
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Cash flows financing activities
                                 
Payments:
                                 
Dividends
              (19,094,765             (1,182
Non-subordinated corporate bonds
     40        (5,096,519     (7,966,533     (5,804,103
Financing from local financial entities
     40                (1,546,812     (5,993,832
Subordinated corporate bonds
     40        (4,654,071     (5,870,991     (6,604,039
Other payments related to financing activities
              (1,037,329     (1,520,684     (1,668,406
Collections/Incomes:
                                 
Non-subordinated corporate bonds
              2,949,563                  
Central Bank of Argentina
                              20,546  
Financing from local financial entities
              1,954,296                  
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total cash used in financing activities (C)
  
 
(24,978,825
 
 
(16,905,020
 
 
(20,051,016
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations (D)
  
 
126,319,062
 
 
 
52,772,391
 
 
 
85,783,866
 
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Monetary effect on cash and cash equivalents (E)
 
  
 
(448,538,096
 
 
(280,977,767
 
 
(221,743,037
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (A+B+C+D+E)
           
 
146,201,404
 
 
 
(171,335,028
 
 
185,076,769
 
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the fiscal year
     40     
 
603,726,214
 
 
 
775,061,242
 
 
 
589,984,473
 
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year
     40     
 
749,927,618
 
 
 
603,726,214
 
 
 
775,061,242
 
             
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes 1 to 54 to the consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 8 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
(Figures stated in thousands of pesos in constant currency)
 
1
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Banco Macro SA (hereinafter, the Bank) is a stock corporation (
sociedad anónima
), organized in the Argentine Republic, with headquarters at Avenida Madero 1182, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA, for its acronym in Spanish). Its by-law expiry date is on March 8, 2066.
The Bank offers traditional banking products and services to companies, including those companies operating in regional economies as well as to individuals, thus strengthening its goal to be a multiservice bank. In addition, through its subsidiaries, the Bank performs transactions as a trustee agent, manager and administrator of mutual funds, renders stock exchange services, electronic payments services and granting of guarantees.
Macro Compañía Financiera SA was created in 1977, as a non-banking financial institution. In May 1988, it received the authorization to operate as a commercial bank and was incorporated as Banco Macro SA. Subsequently, as a result of the merger process with other entities, it adopted other names (among them, Banco Macro Bansud SA) and since August 2006, Banco Macro SA.
The Bank’s shares have been publicly listed on Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos (BYMA) since November 1994; and as from March 24, 2006, they are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Additionally, on October 15, 2015, they were authorized to be listed on the Mercado Abierto Electrónico SA (MAE).
Since 1994, Banco Macro SA’s market strategy has mainly focused on the regional areas outside the CABA. Following this strategy, in 1996, Banco Macro SA started the process to acquire entities and assets and liabilities during the privatization of provincial and other banks.
During 2020 and 2021, the Bank made contributions in the company Play Digital SA for a total amount of 253,557 (not restated). On July 21 and January 17, 2022, the Bank made irrevocable capital contributions for an amount of 245,539 and 130,758 (not restated), respectively. On October 4, 2022, the Bank sold 22,112,340 shares for an amount of 61,889. As a consequence, the Bank’s new interest in this company is 8.9927% (see also note 15). Additionally, on October 27, 2022, the Bank subscribed 104,879,045 and 74,032,267 common, registered shares, with a face value of Ps. 1, of the irrevocable capital contribution abovementioned. Consequently, the Bank’s new interest in this company is 9.6984%. In addition, on February 23, 2023, the Bank made an irrevocable capital contribution for an amount of 347,371. The company’s purpose is to develop and market a payment solution linked to bank accounts held by financial system users in order to bring significant improvement to their payment experience.
Additionally, on October 1, 2021, Banco Macro SA decided to exercise a call option to reach 24.99% of the equity interest in Fintech SGR. The amount paid on October 15, 2021 was 33,488
 (not restated). As it is explained in note 3 section “Basis for consolidation”, Fintech SGR is a structured entity in which the Bank has control. The purpose of this company is to enable small and medium-sized companies (PyMES, for its acronym in Spanish), to have access to credit by granting guarantees.
In addition, on October 1, 2021 Banco Macro SA paid 50,850 (not restated) in order to purchase shares representing 50
% of the capital stock and votes of Finova SA. The main purpose of this company is to develop and market the website www.facturbo.com.ar, a digital solution that allows customers to negotiate credit instruments issued and accepted by large companies in favor of small and medium-sized companies (MIPYMES, for its acronym in Spanish). See also note 15.
These consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, were authorized for issue by the Management on April 28, 2023. Even when the Shareholders’ Meeting has the power to amend these consolidated Financial Statements after issuance, in Management’s opinion it will not happen.
 
2
OPERATIONS OF THE BANK
 
  2.1.
Agreement with the Misiones Provincial Government
The Bank and the Misiones Provincial Government entered into a special-relationship agreement whereby the Bank was appointed, for a five-year term since January 1, 1996, as the Provincial Government’s exclusive financial agent as well as revenue collection and obligation payment agent.
 
- 9 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
On November 25, 1999, December 28, 2006 and October 1, 2018, extensions to such agreement were agreed upon, making it currently effective through December 31, 2029.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the deposits held by the Misiones Provincial Government with the Bank amounted to 21,301,169 and 17,672,411 (including 1,615,790 and 2,017,923, related to court deposits), respectively.
 
  2.2.
Agreement with the Salta Provincial Government
The Bank and the Salta Provincial Government entered into a special-relationship agreement whereby the Bank was appointed, for a ten-year term since March 1, 1996, as the Provincial Government’s exclusive financial agent as well as revenue collection and obligation payment agent.
On February 22, 2005, and August 22, 2014, extensions to such agreements were agreed upon, making it currently effective through February 28, 2026.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the deposits held by the Salta Provincial Government with the Bank amounted to 34,510,592 and 12,575,320 (including 3,456,827 and 4,287,043, related to court deposits), respectively.
 
  2.3.
Agreement with the Jujuy Provincial Government
The Bank and the Jujuy Provincial Government entered into a special-relationship agreement whereby the Bank was appointed, for a ten-year term since January 12, 1998, as the Provincial Government’s exclusive financial agent as well as revenue collection and obligation payment agent.
On April 29, 2005 and July 8, 2014, extensions to such agreement were agreed upon, making it currently effective through September 30, 2024.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the deposits held by the Jujuy Provincial Government with the Bank amounted to 7,776,867 and 16,415,761 (including 2,224,501 and 3,718,351, related to court deposits), respectively.
 
  2.4.
Agreement with the Tucumán Provincial Government
The Bank acts as an exclusive financial agent and as revenue collection and obligation payment agent of the Tucumán Provincial Government, the Municipality of San Miguel de Tucumán and the Municipality of Yerba Buena. The services agreements with the Provincial and Municipal Governments are effective through years 2031, 2028 and 2025, respectively. As established in the original agreement, the service agreement with the Municipality of San Miguel de Tucumán was extended until 2028.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the deposits held by the Tucumán Provincial Government, the Municipality of San Miguel de Tucumán and the Municipality of Yerba Buena with the Bank amounted to 34,684,101 and 34,098,539 (including 9,263,053 and 9,992,623, related to court deposits), respectively.
Additionally, the Bank granted loans to the Tucumán Provincial Government, the Municipality of San Miguel de Tucumán and the Municipality of Yerba Buena as of December 31, 2022 for an amount of 524,301
, as well as
 
to the Tucumán Provincial Government and the Municipality of Yerba Buena as of December 31, 2021 for an amount of
3,580,730.
 
3
BASIS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND APPLICABLE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Presentation basis
Applicable Accounting Standards
These consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
 
- 10 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The consolidated Financial Statements of the Bank comprise the Standards and Interpretations adopted by the IASB and includes:
 
   
the IFRS;
 
   
the International Accounting Standards (IAS); and
 
   
the interpretations developed by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) or former IFRIC (SIC).
Going concern
The Bank’s management has made an assessment of its ability to continue as a going concern and is satisfied that it has the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, management is not aware of any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the Bank’s ability to continue as a going concern. Therefore, these consolidated Financial Statements continue to be prepared on the going concern basis.
Figures expressed in thousands of pesos
These consolidated Financial Statements are presented in thousands of Argentine pesos in terms of purchasing power as of December 31, 2022, unless otherwise expressly stated, and are rounded up to the nearest amount in thousands of pesos, except as otherwise indicated (see “Measuring unit” section of this note).
Statement of financial position—Disclosure
The Bank presents its consolidated statements of financial position in order of liquidity based on the Bank’s intention and perceived ability to recover/settle the majority of assets/liabilities of the corresponding consolidated financial statement line item. An analysis regarding recovery or settlement within 12 months after the reporting date and more than 12 months after the reporting date is disclosed in note 26.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are generally reported in gross figures in the consolidated statement of financial position. They are only offset and reported in net figures when there is a legal and enforceable right to offset such financial assets and liabilities and the Management also intends to settle them on a net basis or to realize assets and settle liabilities simultaneously.
These consolidated Financial Statements were prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments, which were valued at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) or at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss. For further information see note 13. In addition, in the case of derivative instruments (Futures and Forwards) both assets and liabilities were valued at Fair Value through Profit or Loss.
Comparative information
The statement of financial position as of December 31, 2022 is presented comparatively with the immediately preceding fiscal year and the statements of income and other comprehensive income, the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity and the statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, are presented comparatively with those as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The figures related to comparative information have been restated to consider the changes in the general purchasing power of the functional currency and, as a result, are stated in terms of the current measuring unit at the end of the reporting period (see the section “Measuring unit”).
Measuring unit
These consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2022 have been restated for the changes in the general purchasing power of the functional currency (Argentine pesos) of the Bank, as of that date, as established by IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies”.
According to IFRS, the restatement of Financial Statements is needed when the functional currency is the currency of a hyperinflationary economy. To achieve consistency in identifying an economic environment of that nature, IAS 29 establishes (i) certain nonexclusive qualitative indicators consisting in analyzing the general population behavior, prices, interest rates and wages with changes in price indexes and the loss of purchasing power, and (ii) as quantitative characteristic, which is the most used condition in practice, to test if a three-year cumulative inflation rate is around 100% or more. Due to miscellaneous macroeconomic factors, the three-year inflation rate exceeded that figure and the Argentine government goals and other available estimates also indicate that this trend will not be reversed in the short term.
 
- 11 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The restatement was applied as if the economy had always been hyperinflationary, using a general price index that reflects changes in general purchasing power. To apply the restatement, a series of indexes were used, as prepared and published on a monthly basis by the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils of Economic Sciences (FACPCE, for its acronym in Spanish), which combines the consumer price index (CPI) on a monthly basis published by the Argentine Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC, for its acronym in Spanish) since January 2017 (baseline month: December 2016) with the wholesale prices indexes published by the INDEC until that date. For the months of November and December 2015, for which the INDEC did not publish the wholesale price index (WPI) variation, the CPI variation for CABA was used.
Considering the abovementioned indexes, the inflation rate was 94.79% and 50.94% for the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Below is a description of the restatement mechanism provided by IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies”:
Description of the main aspects of the restatement process for statements of financial position:
 
  (i)
Monetary items (the ones that are already stated in terms of the current measuring unit) are not restated because they are already expressed in terms of the monetary unit current at the end of the reporting period. In an inflationary period, an entity holding monetary assets generates purchasing power loss and holding monetary liabilities generates purchasing power gain, provided that the assets and liabilities are not linked to an adjustment mechanism that offsets, to some extent such effects. The net gain or loss on a monetary basis is included in profit or loss for the fiscal year.
 
  (ii)
Assets and liabilities subject to adjustments based on specific agreements are adjusted in accordance with such agreements.
 
  (iii)
Non-monetary items stated at current cost at the end of the reporting period, are not restated for presentation purposes in the statement of financial position, but the adjustment process must be completed to determine, in terms of constant measurement unit, the income or loss produced by holding these non-monetary items.
 
  (iv)
Non-monetary items carried at historical cost or at current cost at some earlier date before the reporting date, are restated by an index that reflects the general level of price variation from the acquisition or revaluation date to the closing date, proceeding then to compare the restated amounts of those assets with their recoverable amounts. Income or loss for the period related to depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of Intangible Assets and other non-monetary assets cost are determined over the new restated amounts.
 
  (v)
When an entity capitalizes borrowing cost in the non-monetary assets, the part of the borrowing cost that compensates for the inflation during the same fiscal year is not capitalized.
 
  (vi)
The restatement of non-monetary assets in terms of a current measurement unit at the end of the reporting period, without an equivalent adjustment for tax purposes generates a taxable temporary difference and a deferred income tax liability is recognized and the contra account is recognized as profit or loss for the fiscal year. When, beyond the restatement, there is a revaluation of non-monetary assets, the deferred tax related to the restatement is recognized in profit or loss for the period and deferred tax related to the revaluation is recognized in other comprehensive income for the fiscal year.
Description of the main aspects of the restatement process for statements of income and other comprehensive income:
 
  (i)
Income and expenses are restated from the date the items were recorded, except for those income or loss items that reflect or include, in their determination, the consumption of assets measured at the currency purchasing power from a date prior to that which the consumption was recorded, which is restated using as a basis the acquisition date of the assets related to the item, except for income or losses arising from comparing the two measurements at currency purchasing power of different dates, for which it requires to identify the compared amounts, to restate them separately and to repeat the comparison, with the restated amounts.
 
- 12 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  (ii)
The gain or loss for holding monetary assets and liabilities, is separately disclosed in the consolidated statement of income.
Description of the main aspects of the restatement process for the statements of changes in shareholders’ equity:
 
  (i)
All equity´s components are restated by applying a general price index, as mentioned before, from the beginning of the fiscal year and each variation of those components is restated from the contribution date or from the moment it was produced by any other way. The inflation adjustment related to “Capital stock” and “Additional paid-in capital” is accumulated in “Adjustment to Shareholders’ Equity”.
 
  (ii)
Other comprehensive income generated after the transition date are presented in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period.
Description of the main aspects of the restatement process for the statement of cash flows:
 
  (i)
All items are restated in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period.
 
  (ii)
The monetary gain or losses generated by cash and cash equivalents are separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows after the cash flow from operating investment activities and financing activities, in a separate and independent line, under the description “Monetary effect on cash and cash equivalents”.
As a consequence, the application of IAS 29 results in an adjustment for the loss of purchasing power of the Argentine peso recorded in the consolidated statement of income as a loss on the net monetary position. In a period of inflation, as the Bank holds an excess of monetary assets over monetary liabilities, it loses purchasing power, which results in a loss on the net monetary position. This loss is derived as the difference resulting from the restatement of non-monetary assets and liabilities, equity and items in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Basis for consolidation
These consolidated Financial Statements include the Financial Statements of the Bank and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022.
Subsidiaries are all the entities controlled by the Bank. The Bank controls another entity when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its continuing involvement with such other entity, and has the ability to use its power to direct the operating and financing policies of such other entity, to affect the amounts of such returns.
This generally happens when there is a shareholding of more than half of its shares having voting rights.
Notwithstanding the above, under certain particular circumstances, the Bank may still have control with less than a 50% interest or may not have the control even if it holds more than half of the shares of such other entity. Upon evaluating whether it has power over the controlled entity, and therefore controls the variation of its returns, the Bank shall consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including:
 
   
The purpose and design of the controlled entity.
 
   
What the relevant activities are and how decisions about those activities are made and whether the Bank has the ability to direct such relevant activities.
 
   
Contractual arrangements such as call rights, put rights and liquidation rights.
 
   
Whether the Bank is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with such controlled entity, and whether the Bank has the ability to use its power over the controlled entity to affect the amount of the Bank’s returns.
The structured entities have been designed to reach a specific business goal and for voting or similar rights, not to be the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity, such as when any voting rights are related to the administrative tasks only and the relevant activities are directed by means of contractual agreements.
As explained in note 1, on October 1, 2021, the Bank acquired an investment in Fintech SGR. Even though the Bank holds 49.9939% of Class B shares held by the protector partners, and the 24.99% in the total capital stock of this company, the Bank has the power to direct Fintech’s relevant activities. Therefore, the Bank controls this structured entity and consolidates its Financial Statements together with the risk funds (“Fondo de Riesgo”).
 
- 13 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Subsidiaries are completely consolidated since the date of the effective transfer of the control over them to the Bank and consolidation ceases when the Bank loses control over the subsidiaries. These consolidated Financial Statements include the assets, liabilities, income and each component of other comprehensive income of the Bank and its subsidiaries. Transactions between consolidated entities are completely eliminated.
Changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in the parent losing control of the subsidiary are equity transactions. However, if a parent company loses control of a subsidiary, it shall derecognize the assets (including any goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary, any non-controlling interests in the former subsidiary and other capital components, while any profit or loss derived from the transaction, event or circumstances that resulted in the loss of control shall be recognized as in profit or loss, and any investment retained in the former subsidiary shall be recognized at its fair value on the date control is lost.
The Financial Statements of the subsidiaries have been prepared as of the same dates and for the same accounting periods as those of the Bank, using uniform accounting policies consistent with those applied by the Bank. If necessary, adjustments shall be made to the Financial Statements of the subsidiaries so that the accounting policies used by the group are uniform.
The Bank considers the Argentine peso as its functional and presentation currency. To such effect, before consolidation, the Financial Statements of its subsidiary Macro Bank Limited, originally stated in US dollars, were translated to pesos (presentation currency) using the following method and applying the inflation adjustment above explained in section “Measuring unit” of this note:
 
  a)
Assets and liabilities were converted at the reference exchange rate of the BCRA, in force for US dollars at the closing of business on the last business day of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
 
  b)
Figures related to the owners’ contributions (capital stock, non-capital Contributions and irrevocable capital contributions) were translated applying the effective exchange rates as of the date on which such contributions were paid in.
 
  c)
Income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, were translated into pesos on a monthly basis, using the monthly average of the reference exchange rate of the BCRA.
 
  d)
Foreign currency translation differences arising as a result of the preceding paragraphs are recognized as a separate component within the Shareholders’ Equity account reporting them in the statement of other comprehensive income, which is called “Foreign currency translation differences in Financial Statements conversion”.
On the other hand, non-controlling interests represent the portion of income and equity not directly or indirectly attributable to the Bank. In these consolidated Financial Statements they are disclosed as a separate line in the statement of financial position, the statement of income, the statement of other comprehensive income and the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.
The Bank has consolidated into its Financial Statements the Financial Statements of the following companies:
 
Subsidiaries
 
Principal Place of Business
 
Country
 
Main Activity
Macro Securities SAU (1)   Ave. Eduardo Madero 1182 – CABA   Argentina   Stock exchange services
       
Macro Fiducia SAU   Ave. Eduardo Madero 1182 – 2nd floor. CABA   Argentina   Services
       
Macro Fondos SGFCISA   Ave. Eduardo Madero 1182 – 24th floor, Office B–. CABA   Argentina   Management and administration of mutual funds
       
Macro Bank Limited (2)   Caves Village, Building 8 Office 1 – West Bay St., Nassau   Bahamas   Banking entity
       
Argenpay SAU   Ave. Eduardo Madero 1182 – CABA   Argentina   Electronic payments services
       
Fintech SGR (Structured entity)   San Martín 140 – 2
th
floor – Office A – CABA
  Argentina   Granting of guarantees
 
(1)
Consolidated with Macro Fondos SGFCISA (80.90% equity interest and voting rights).
(2)
Consolidated with Sud Asesores (ROU) SA (100% voting rights – Equity interest: 34,063).
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank’s equity interest and voting rights in the companies it consolidates, is as follows:
 
   
As of December 31, 2022:
 
Subsidiaries
  
Shares
    
Bank’s interest
   
Non-controlling interest
 
  
Type
    
Number
    
Total capital
stock
   
Voting

rights
   
Total capital
stock
   
Voting

rights
 
Macro Securities SAU
     Common        12,885,683        100.00     100.00                
Macro Fiducia SAU
     Common        47,387,236        100.00     100.00                
Macro Fondos SGFCISA
     Common        327,183        100.00     100.00                
Macro Bank Limited
     Common        39,816,899        100.00     100.00                
Argenpay SAU (1)
     Common        341,200,000        100.00     100.00                
Fintech SGR (Structured entity)
     Common        119,993        24.999     24.999     75.001     75.001
 
(1)
On January 30 and on March 15, 2023, the Bank made irrevocable capital contributions in this company for an amount of 330,000 and 330,000, respectively.
 
   
As of December 31, 2021:
 
Subsidiaries
  
Shares
    
Bank’s interest
   
Non-controlling interest
 
  
Type
    
Number
    
Total capital
stock
   
Voting

rights
   
Total capital
stock
   
Voting

rights
 
Macro Securities SAU
     Common        12,776,680        99.925     99.932     0.075     0.068
Macro Fiducia SAU
     Common        46,935,318        99.046     99.046     0.954     0.954
Macro Fondos SGFCISA
     Common        327,183        99.939     100.00     0.061        
Macro Bank Limited
     Common        39,816,899        99.999     100.00     0.001        
Argenpay SAU
     Common        341,200,000        100.00     100.00                
Fintech SGR (Structured entity)
     Common        119,993        24.999     24.999     75.001     75.001
Total assets, liabilities and Shareholders’ equity of the Bank and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
 
Balances as of
12/31/2022
  
Banco

Macro SA
    
Macro Bank
Limited
    
Macro
Securities
SAU
    
Macro

Fiducia SAU
    
Argenpay

SAU
    
Fintech

SGR
    
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Assets
     2,057,551,576        16,056,324        33,920,825        197,691        2,534,924        5,311,270        (25,452,452     2,090,120,158  
Liabilities
     1,545,407,389        11,096,822        23,422,991        4,926        1,598,066        5,198,348        (8,837,259     1,577,891,283  
Equity attributable to the owners of the Bank
     512,144,187        4,959,502        9,991,335        192,765        936,858        112,922        (16,193,382     512,144,187  
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
                       506,499                                   (421,811     84,688  
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Balances as of
12/31/2021
  
Banco

Macro SA
    
Macro Bank
Limited
    
Macro
Securities
SAU
    
Macro

Fiducia SAU
    
Argenpay

SAU
    
Fintech

SGR
    
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Assets
     1,916,488,700        17,819,385        29,383,987        238,359        2,307,368        2,717,603        (22,388,177     1,946,567,225  
Liabilities
     1,449,765,097        12,034,621        22,812,220        5,591        1,353,194        2,627,811        (8,828,700     1,479,769,834  
Equity attributable to the owners of the Bank
     466,723,603        5,784,764        6,236,163        232,768        954,174        89,792        (13,297,661     466,723,603  
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
                       335,604                                   (261,816     73,788  
The Bank’s Management considers there are no other companies or structured entities to be included in the consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2022.
Summary of significant accounting policies
Below there is a description of the principal valuation and disclosure criteria used for the preparation of these consolidated Financial Statements as December 31, 2022:
 
3.1
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency
The Bank considers the Argentine Peso as its functional and presentation currency. The assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency, mainly in US dollars, were valued at BCRA benchmark US dollar exchange rate effective as of the closing date of transactions on the last business day of each fiscal year.
Additionally, assets and liabilities denominated in other foreign currencies were translated at the repo exchange rate in US Dollars communicated by the BCRA’s dealing room. Foreign exchange differences were recorded in the related Statements of income as “Difference in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency”.
 
3.2
Financial Instruments
Initial Recognition and Measurement
The Bank recognizes a financial instrument when it becomes party to the contractual provisions thereof.
The purchase and sale of financial assets requiring the delivery of assets within the term generally established by the rules and regulations or the market conditions are recorded on the transaction’s trading date, i.e. on the date the Bank undertakes to acquire or sell the relevant asset.
At initial recognition, the financial assets and liabilities were recognized at fair value. Those financial assets and liabilities not recognized at fair value through profit or loss, were recognized at fair value adjusted for transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset or liability.
At initial recognition, the fair value of a financial instrument is generally the transaction price. Nevertheless, if part of the consideration received or paid is for something other than the financial instrument, the Bank estimates the fair value of the financial instrument. If the fair value is based on a valuation technique that uses only data from observable markets, the Bank shall recognize the difference between fair value at the initial recognition and the transaction price as gain or loss. When the fair value is based on a valuation technique that uses data from non-observable markets, the Bank shall recognize that deferred difference in profit or loss only to the extent that it arises from a change in a factor (including time) that market participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability, or when the instrument is derecognized.
Finally, in the normal course of business, the Bank arranges repo transactions. According to IFRS 9, assets involved in repurchase and reverse repurchase transactions and received from or delivered to third parties, respectively, do not qualify to be recognized or derecognized, respectively (see note 7).
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Subsequent measurement – Business Model
The Bank established three categories for the classification and measurement of its debt instruments, in accordance with the Bank’s business model to manage them and the contractual cash flow characteristics thereof:
 
   
At amortized cost: the objective of the business model is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows.
 
   
At fair value through other comprehensive income: the objective of the business model is both collecting the contractual cash flows of the financial asset and/or of those derived from the sale of the financial asset.
 
   
At fair value from profit or loss: the objective of the business model is generating income derived from the purchase and sale of financial assets.
Therefore, the Bank measures its financial assets at fair value, except for those that meet the following two conditions and are measured at amortized cost:
 
   
The financial assets are held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows.
 
   
The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
The Bank’s business model is determined at a level that reflects how groups of financial assets are managed together to achieve a particular business objective.
The business model is not assessed on an instrument-by-instrument approach, but it should rather be determined on a higher level of aggregation and is based on observable factors such as:
 
   
How the performance of the business model and the financial assets held within that business model are evaluated and reported to the Bank’s key management personnel.
 
   
The risks that affect the performance of the business model (and the financial assets held within that business model) and, in particular, the way in which those risks are managed.
 
   
The expected frequency, value, timing and reasons of sales are also important aspects.
The assessment of the business model is performed on the basis of scenarios that the Bank reasonably expects to occur, without taking into account the scenarios such as the so-called ‘worst case’ or ‘stress case’ scenarios. If after the initial recognition cash flows are realized in a way that is different from the Bank’s expectations, the classification of the remaining financial assets held in that business model does not change, but it rather considers all relevant information to assess the newly originated or newly purchased financial assets.
Test of solely payments of principal and interest (the SPPI test)
As part of the classification process, the Bank assessed the contractual terms of its financial assets in order to determine if such financial instruments give rise to cash flows on specific dates, which are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
For the purposes of this assessment, “principal” is defined as the fair value of the financial asset at initial recognition, provided such amount may change over the life of the financial instrument, for example, if there are repayments of principal or premium amortization or discount.
The most significant elements of interest within a loan agreement are typically the consideration for the time value of money and credit risk.
For the SPPI test, the Bank applies judgment and considers relevant factors such as the currency in which the financial asset is denominated and the period for which the interest rate is set.
However, contractual terms that introduce exposure to risks or volatility in the contractual cash flows that are unrelated to a basic lending arrangement do not give rise to contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. In such cases, financial assets are required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Therefore, the financial assets were classified pursuant to the above expressed as “Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss”, “Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” or “Financial assets at amortized cost”. Such classification is disclosed in note 13.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
This category presents two subcategories: financial assets at fair value held for trading and financial assets initially designated at fair value by the Management or under section 6.7.1. of IFRS 9. The Bank’s Management has not designated, at the beginning, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.
The Bank classifies the financial assets as held for trading when they have been acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing them in the short term or when they are part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term profit-taking.
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognized at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position. Changes in fair value are recognized under the item “Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss” in the consolidated statement of income, as well as interest income or expenses and dividends pursuant to the contractual terms and conditions, or when the right to receive payment of the dividend is established.
The fair value estimation is explained in detail in section “Accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions” of this note, and note 13 describes the valuation process of financial instruments at fair value.
 
   
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI)
A financial asset shall be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if (i) the financial instrument is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets and (ii) the contractual terms of the financial asset meet the determination that cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income are recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position at fair value. Profit and loss derived from changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income as “Profit or loss from financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income”. Interest income (calculated by the “effective interest method”, which is explained in the following section), profit and loss from translation differences and impairment are recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the same manner as for financial assets measured at amortized cost and are disclosed as “Interest income”, “Differences in quoted prices of gold and foreign currency” and “Credit loss expense on financial assets”, respectively.
When the Bank has more than one investment on the same security, it must be considered that they shall be disclosed using the first-in first-out costing method.
On derecognition, accumulated gains and losses previously recognized in OCI are reclassified to profit or loss.
 
   
Financial assets at amortized cost – Effective interest method
They represent financial assets held in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of which give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
After initial recognition, these financial assets are recognized in the statement of financial position at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less a loss allowance for expected credit losses (ECL).
Interest income and impairment are disclosed in the consolidated statement of income as “Interest income” and “Credit loss expense on financial assets”, respectively. Changes in the allowance for ECL are presented in note 9.
The effective interest method uses the rate that allows the discount of estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or lesser term, if applicable, to the net carrying amount of such financial instrument. When applying this method, the Bank identifies points paid or received, fees, premiums, discounts and transaction costs, incremental and direct costs as an integral part of the effective interest rate (hereinafter, EIR). For such purposes, interest is the consideration for the time value of money and for the credit risk associated with the amount of principal outstanding during a specific period of time.
 
- 18 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
When a financial asset becomes credit-impaired (as set out in note 3.2.4) and is therefore regarded a ‘Stage 3’, the Bank calculates interest income by applying the effective interest method to the net amortized cost of the financial asset. If the financial asset cures (as outlined in note 3.2.4) and is no longer credit-impaired, the Bank reverts to calculating interest income on a gross basis.
 
  3.2.1
Cash and deposits in Banks
They were valued at their nominal value plus the relevant accrued interest, if applicable. Accrued interests were allocated in the consolidated statement of income as “Interest income”.
 
  3.2.2
Repo transactions (purchase and sale of financial instruments)
These transactions were recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position as financing granted (received), under “Repo transactions”.
The difference between purchase and sale prices of such instruments were recognized as interest accrued during the effective term of the transactions using the effective interest method and were allocated in the consolidated statement of income as “Interest income” and “Interest expense”.
 
  3.2.3
Loans and other financing
They are non-derivative financial assets that the Bank holds within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of which give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
After initial recognition, loans and other financing were measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less a loss allowance for ECL. The amortized cost was calculated taking into account any discount or premium incurred in the origination or acquisition, and origination fees or commissions, which are part of the EIR. Income from interest was allocated in the consolidated statement of income as “Interest income”.
 
  3.2.4
Impairment of financial assets
The accounting policy adopted on the impairment of financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss is detailed below:
3.2.4.1.
Overview of the ECL principles
The Bank recognizes a loss allowance for ECL on loans, other financing and other debt instruments not measured at fair value through profit or loss along with loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts (not measured at fair value through profit or loss) and contract assets and accounts receivable on loans; hereinafter, the “financial instruments”. Investments in Equity instruments are not subject to impairment under IFRS 9.
The loss allowance for ECL is based on credit losses expected to arise during the life of a financial asset (lifetime ECL), unless there was no significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, in which case the loss allowance is based on 12-month ECL. The Bank’s policies to determine whether credit risk increased significantly are included in note 52.1.1 “Assessment of credit risk impairment” section “Definitions of significant increase in risk (SICR), impairment and default”.
12-month ECL is the portion of lifetime ECL that results from default events on a financial instrument that are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date.
Lifetime ECL and 12-month ECL are calculated on individual or collective bases according to the nature of the portfolio of financial instruments. The Bank’s policy to group the financial assets measured on a collective basis are explained in note 52.1.1 sections “Customers analyzed on a collective basis” and “Customers analyzed on an individual basis”.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The Bank adopted a policy to assess, at the end of each reporting period, whether there was a significant increase in the credit risk of a financial instrument since initial recognition considering the change in risk that the default may occur during the remaining life of a financial instrument. This is further explained in note 52.1.1 section “Definitions of significant increase in risk (SICR), impairment and default”.
According to the aforementioned process, the Bank groups its financial instruments into Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3, also covering purchased or originated financial instruments that are credit impaired, as described below:
 
   
Stage 1: When financial instruments are recognized for the first time, the Bank recognizes a loss allowance according to 12-month ECL. Stage 1-financial instruments also include credit lines in which credit risk improved within the parameters established by the Bank and the financial instrument was reclassified to another stage.
 
   
Stage 2: When a financial instrument shows a SICR since initial recognition, the Bank books a loss allowance for lifetime ECL. Stage 2-financial instruments also include credit lines in which credit risk improved within the parameters established by the Bank and the financial instrument was reclassified to Stage 3.
 
   
Stage 3: Financial instruments which credit value is impaired (as described in note 52.1.1 section “Definitions of significant increase in risk (SICR), impairment and default”.) The Bank books a loss allowance for lifetime ECL.
 
   
Purchased or originated financial instruments that are credit impaired: financial instruments that are credit impaired upon initial recognition. Purchased or originated financial instruments that are credit impaired are booked at fair value upon initial recognition and interest income is recognized subsequently at a credit-adjusted effective interest rate. The loss allowance of ECL is only recognized or reversed provided that there is a subsequent change in ECL. The Bank did not purchase or generate credit-impaired financial instruments.
The Bank reduces the carrying amount of the financial instruments which amount owed it does not expect to recover in part or in full. This is considered a derecognition of the financial instrument.
 
  3.2.4.2
The calculation of ECL
The key parameters to calculating ECL are as follows:
 
   
Probability of default (PD): It is an estimate of the probability of default during a certain time horizon. A default may occur only at a certain time during the period assessed if the credit line was not derecognized before and is still part of the portfolio. The concept of probability of default is explained in note 52.1.1 section “Probability of default (PD)”.
 
   
Exposure at default (EAD): It is an estimate of the exposure to a future default date considering the expected changes in exposure after reporting date, including the settlement of principal and interest, whether they are scheduled by the agreement or otherwise, the expected disbursements on committed credit lines and interest accrued on late payments. The exposure at default is explained in note 52.1.1 section “Exposure at default (EAD)”.
 
   
Loss given default (LGD): It is an estimate of the loss arising in the event of default in a certain term. It is based on the difference between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected by the lender, including the performance of a guarantee or credit improvements related to the loan. In general, it is expressed as a percentage of the exposure at default. Further information of LGD is included in note 52.1.1 section “Loss given default (LGD)”.
For overdrafts, which include both a loan and an unused loan commitment, ECL are calculated and disclosed with the loan. For loan commitments (including credit cards) and financial guarantee contracts, ECL are recognized in “Provisions”.
 
- 20 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The method for calculating ECL is summarized below:
 
   
Stage 1: 12-month ECL are calculated as a portion of lifetime ECL, accounting for the ECL of financial instruments from default within the 12 months subsequent to year-end. The Bank calculates the allocation of 12-month ECL based on the expectation of default within 12 months after year-end. These expected 12-month probabilities of default are applied to an EAD and multiplied by the expected LGD and discounted to the original effective interest rate.
 
   
Stage 2: When a financial instrument shows a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, the Bank books a loss allowance for lifetime ECL. The method is similar to the one explained above, including the use of different scenarios, but PD is estimated over the remaining life of the instrument. Expected cash shortfalls are discounted to the original effective interest rate.
 
   
Stage 3: For financial instruments considered credit-impaired, the Bank recognizes the ECL for the remaining life of these financial instruments. The method is similar to those used by Stage 2-financial instruments, with a PD set at 100%.
 
   
Loan commitments and credit cards: Upon estimating the lifetime ECL for loan commitments, the ECL are the present value of the difference between the cash flows owed to the bank and the expected cash flows if the loan is withdrawn during the 12 months or expected lifetime. The cash flows are discounted at the original effective interest rate of each transaction.
 
   
Guarantees and other commitments: The Bank’s liability under each guarantee is measured at the higher of the amount initially recognized less cumulative amortization recognized in the statement of income and the ECL provision. To such end, the Bank estimates the ECL based on the present value of the payments expected to be disbursed to the guarantee holder should the debtor fail to pay the debt. Cash flows are discounted by the risk-adjusted interest rate relevant to the disclosure. The ECL related to financial guarantee contracts are recognized in “Provisions”.
In all these scenarios, the ECL are adjusted on a forward-looking base, weighing the three probable macroeconomic scenarios, as explained in section 3.2.4.3 “Prospective information”.
 
  3.2.4.3
Prospective information
To determine a loss allowance in the calculation of ECL, the impact of the main macroeconomic variables should be analyzed to adjust historical information to the current conditions and short-term prospects. To such end, different and probable macroeconomic scenarios (base case, favorable and downside) should be weighed upon using relevant variables in assessing credit risk (such as GDP growth, interest rate and CPI).
The inputs and models used for calculating ECL may not always capture all market characteristics as of the date of these consolidated Financial Statements. Consequently, the Bank may consider certain qualitative temporary adjustments to ensure that they are taken into account if they are material. Further information is included in note 52.1.2 “Prospective information used in ECL models”.
 
  3.2.4.4
Debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income
The ECL of the debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income does not reduce the carrying amount of these financial instruments in the statement of financial position, which remains at fair value. Instead, an amount equal to the correction of value from these assets measured at amortized cost is recognized in “Other comprehensive income” as a cumulative impairment amount with the related charge to income. Cumulative loss recognized in “Other comprehensive income” is reclassified to the statement of income when the assets are derecognized.
 
- 21 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  3.2.4.5
Credit cards and other revolving credit lines
In the case of credit cards and other revolving lines of credit, the Bank does not limit its exposure to expected losses to the contractual notice period, but rather calculates ECL over a period that reflects the Bank’s expectations of customer behaviors, their unused credit commitments, the probability of default and the Bank’s future risk mitigation expectations, which may include reducing or settling the lines of credit.
The interest rate used to discount the ECL for credit cards is based on the average effective interest rate that is expected to be charged over the expected period of exposure to these lines of credit. This estimate considers that some of these lines of credit may be settled every month fully and consequently no interest would be charged.
 
  3.2.4.6
Write offs
Financial instruments are settled in part or in full after the first month in which the Bank has no reasonable expectations of recovering the financial instrument or part of the instrument. Should the amount to be settled be higher than the loss allowance for accumulated losses, the difference is considered an addition to the loss allowance that is then applied against the gross carrying amount. Any subsequent recovery is disclosed in the consolidated statement of income for the year of recovery in “Other operating income - Other”.
 
  3.2.4.7
Forborne and modified loans
The Bank considers a loan forborne when such modification is a result of the borrower’s present or expected financial difficulties. The renegotiation may include the extension of the payment terms and the agreement of new loan conditions. Once the conditions are renegotiated, the impairment is measured using the original effective interest rate as calculated before the conditions were amended. The Bank monitors forborne loans to ensure the continuity of future payments. Derecognition decisions and the classification between Stages 2 and 3 are determined on a case-by-case basis for the commercial portfolio and collectively for consumer portfolio. Should these procedures identify a loss related to a loan, it is disclosed and managed as an impaired Stage 3 forborne asset until it is collected or derecognized.
When the loan is renegotiated or modified but is not derecognized, the Bank also considers whether the assets should be classified in Stage 3. Once an asset is classified as renegotiated, it will continue in Stage 2 until it is collected in full or impaired (Stage 3).
If the modifications are substantial, the loan is derecognized and a new loan with different conditions is recognized.
 
  3.2.4.8
Valuation of collaterals
To mitigate the risks of its financial instruments, the Bank seeks to use, when possible, collaterals. Collateral comes in various forms, such as cash, securities, letters of credit, real estate, receivables, other non-financial assets and credit enhancements, such as netting arrangements. Collateral, except for attached assets, is not recorded in the Bank’s statement of financial position. However, the fair value of collateral affects the calculation of ECL in certain products and customers assessed on an individual basis. The assessment is usually made at least at the beginning date and it is reassessed on a regular basis.
Whenever possible, the Bank uses active market data to assess the financial instruments maintained as collateral. Other financial instruments that do not have readily determinable market values are valued using internal methods. Non-financial collateral, such as real estate, is valued based on data provided by third parties, such as mortgage brokers.
 
  3.2.5
 
Collateral repossessed
The Bank’s policy is to determine whether an attached asset can be best used internally or should be sold. Assets determined to be useful internally are transferred to their relevant asset category at the lower of their attached value or the carrying value of the original secured asset.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The assets for which selling is determined to be a better option are transferred to assets held for sale at their fair value (if financial assets) and fair value less cost of sales for non-financial assets at attachment date according to the Bank’s policy.
During the normal course of business, the Bank does not include in its portfolio the properties and other attached assets but rather uses external agents to recover the funds, generally through auctions, to settle the outstanding payable. Any surplus fund is reimbursed to the customer/debtor. Hence, residential properties under attachment proceedings are not booked in the balance sheet.
 
  3.2.6
Financial liabilities
After initial recognition, certain financial liabilities were measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, except for derivatives that were measured at fair value through profit or loss. Interests were allocated in the consolidated statement of income as “Interest expense”.
Within other financial liabilities the Bank included guarantees granted and eventual liabilities, which must be disclosed in the notes to the Financial Statements, when the documents supporting such credit facilities are issued and are initially recognized at fair value of the commission received, in the statement of financial position. After initial recognition, the liability for each guarantee was recognized at the higher of the amortized commission and the best estimate of the disbursement required to settle any financial obligation arising as a result of the financial guarantee.
Any increase in the liabilities related to a financial guarantee was recognized as income. The commission received has been recognized as “Commissions income” in the consolidated statement of income, based on the amortization thereof following the straight-line method over the effective term of the financial guarantee granted.
 
  3.2.7
Derivative financial instruments
Receivables and payables from forward transactions without delivery of underlying assets
It includes forward purchase and sale transactions of foreign currency without delivery of the traded underlying asset. Such transactions were measured at the fair value of the contracts and were performed by the Bank for intermediation purposes on its own account. The originated income was allocated in the consolidated statement of income as “Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss”.
Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
A financial asset (or, if applicable, a part of a financial asset or a part of a group of similar financial assets) shall be derecognized when: (i) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or (ii) the Bank transfers the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the financial asset or retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the financial asset, but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows received immediately to a third party pursuant to a transfer agreement.
A transfer shall qualify for derecognition of the financial asset only if (i) the Bank has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or (ii) it has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, but has transferred the control of the financial asset, considering that the control is transferred if, and only if, the transferee has the practical ability to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party and is able to exercise that ability unilaterally and without needing to impose additional restrictions on the transfer.
If the Bank neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred asset, and has retained the control over it, the Bank shall continue to recognize such transferred asset to the extent to which it is exposed to changes in the value of the transferred asset.
The Bank derecognizes a loan when the terms and conditions have been renegotiated and if, substantially, it becomes a new loan, recognizing the difference for derecognition in profit or loss. If the modification does not generate substantially different cash flows, the modification does not result in derecognition of the loan. The Bank recalculates the gross carrying amount of the assets as present value of modified contractual cash flows, using for the discount the original EIR and recognizes profit or loss from modification as explained in section 3.2.4.7 “Forborne and modified loans”.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
On the other hand, a financial liability is derecognized when the obligation specified in the relevant contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. When there is an exchange between an existing borrower and lender of debt instruments with substantially different terms, or the terms are substantially modified, such exchange or modification shall be accounted for as an extinguishment of the original financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability, recognizing the difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid, in the consolidated statement of income as “Other operating income”.
Reclassification of financial assets and liabilities – Changes in business model
During the fiscal year, the Bank’s Management decided to update the objective related to certain investments, which were reclassified from fair value through OCI to fair value through profit or loss.
In June 2022, the investments reclassified were the Federal government bonds in pesos adjusted by CER 2022 and Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER
at
 discount matured on July 29, 2022 and August 16, 2022.
 
The change in the business model was performed with the objective to optimize the administration of the bonds portfolio, considering the short-duration of the instruments adjusted by CER, maturing in the third quarter of the year and in a context of a narrow volatility for instruments with close maturities. At the reclassification date abovementioned, the fair value of these investments amounted to 
88,734,390.
In addition, in August 2022, the investments reclassified were the Federal government treasury bonds linked to dollar 0.30% maturing April 28, 2023 (TV23).
The change in the business model was performed as a result of internal changes in order to optimize the administration of the bonds portfolio. At the reclassification date abovementioned, the fair value of these investments amounted to 
48,064,512.
 
  3.3
Leases
The Bank assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.
 
  3.3.1
The Bank as a lessee
The Bank applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets, which payments are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis. The Bank recognizes lease liabilities to make lease payments and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.
 
   
Right-of-use assets
The Bank recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received. The right of use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of its estimated useful life and the lease term. Right-of-use assets are subject to impairment, in line with the Bank’s policy as described in section 3.10 of this note.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Bank recognizes lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised by the Bank and payments of penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects the Bank exercising the option to terminate. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognized as expense in the period on which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Bank uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the in-substance fixed lease payments or a change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset.
 
  3.3.2
The Bank as a lessor
The Bank grants loans through financial leases, recognizing the current value of lease payments as a financial asset, which is registered in the consolidated statement of financial position in the item “loans and other financing”. The difference between the total lease receivables and the current value of financing is recognized as interest to be accrued. This income is recognized during the term of the lease using the EIR method, which reflects a constant rate of return and is recognized in the consolidated statement of income as “Interest income”. Losses originated for impairment are included in the consolidated statement of income as “Credit loss expense on financial assets”.
 
  3.4
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquired company, measured under IFRS.
The Bank determines that it has acquired a business when the acquired set of activities and assets include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The acquired process is considered substantive if it is critical to the ability to continue producing outputs, and the inputs acquired include an organized workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to perform that process or it significantly contributes to the ability to continue producing outputs and is considered unique or scarce or cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay in the ability to continue producing outputs.
When the Bank acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as of the acquisition date.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of IFRS 9, is measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in the statement of profit or loss. Other contingent consideration that is not within the scope of IFRS 9 is measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Goodwill is initially measured at cost (being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognized for non-controlling interests and any previous interest held over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed). If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Group re-assesses whether it has correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used to measure the amounts to be recognized at the acquisition date. If the reassessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over the aggregate consideration transferred, then the gain is recognized in profit or loss.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses as explained in section 3.10.
 
  3.5
Investment in associates and joint arrangements
An associate is an entity over which the Bank has significant influence, i.e. the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of such controlled entity, but without having the control thereof.
A joint arrangement is an arrangement of which the Bank and other party or parties have joint control. Under IFRS 11 “Joint Arrangements”, investments in these arrangements are classified as joint ventures or joint operations depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor, regardless of the legal structure of the arrangement. A joint venture is an arrangement pursuant to which the parties having joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of such arrangement. A joint operation is an arrangement pursuant to which the parties having joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. The Bank has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined that they are joint ventures.
These investments are accounted for using the equity method from the date on which they become an associate or a joint venture. On acquisition of the investment, any difference between the cost of the investment and the Entity’s share of the net fair value of the investee’s identifiable assets and liabilities are accounted: (i) as a goodwill, which is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is under impairment as explained in section 3.10; or (ii) any excess of the Entity´s share of the net fair value of the investee’s identifiable assets and liabilities over the cost of the investment is included as income. The Bank’s share in the profit or loss after the acquisition of its associates was accounted in the statement of income, and its share in other comprehensive income after the acquisition was accounted for in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income. See also note 15.
 
  3.6
Property, plant and equipment
The Bank chose the cost model for all kinds of assets accounted for in this accounting item. These assets were carried at their cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, if applicable. The historical cost of acquisition includes all expenses directly attributable to the acquisition of the assets. Maintenance and repair costs were accounted for in the consolidated statement of income as incurred. Any replacement and significant improvement of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized as an asset only when it is likely to produce any future economic benefits exceeding the return originally assessed for such asset.
Depreciation of the items of property, plant and equipment was assessed in proportion to the estimated months of useful life, depreciating completely the acquisition month of the assets and not the derecognition date. In addition, at least at each financial year-end, the Bank reviews if expectations regarding the useful life of each item of property, plant and equipment differ from previous estimates, in order to detect any material changes in useful life which, if confirmed, shall be adjusted applying the relevant correction to the depreciation of property, plant and equipment accounting item. Depreciation charges are recorded in the related statement of income as “Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets”.
The residual value of the assets, as a whole, does not exceed their recoverable amount.
 
  3.7
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets acquired separately were initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, they were accounted for at cost less any accumulated depreciation (for those to which finite useful lives have been allocated) and any accumulated impairment losses, if applicable.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
For internally generated intangible assets, only disbursements related to development are capitalized while the other disbursements are not capitalized and are recognized in the statement of income for the period in which such expenditure is incurred.
Useful lives of intangible assets may be finite or indefinite.
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their economic useful lives and are reviewed in order to determine whether they had any impairment loss to the extent there is any evidence that indicates that the intangible asset may be impaired. The period and method of amortization for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at least at the financial year-end of each reporting period. Depreciation charges of intangible assets with finite useful lives are accounted for in the statement of income as “Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets”.
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized and are subject to annual tests in order to determine whether they are impaired, either individually or as part of the cash-generating unit to which such intangible assets were allocated. The Bank has no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an intangible asset shall be determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount of the asset, and it shall be recognized in the statement of income when the asset is derecognized.
Development expenditure incurred in a specific project shall be recognized as intangible asset when the Bank can demonstrate all of the following:
 
   
the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale,
 
   
its intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it,
 
   
how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits,
 
   
the availability of adequate resources to complete the development, and
 
   
its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.
After initial recognition of the development expenditure as an asset, such asset shall be carried at its cost less any accumulated amortization and any applicable accumulated impairment losses. Amortization shall begin when the development phase has been completed and the asset is available for use. The asset amortizes over the period in which the asset is expected to generate future benefits. Amortization is accounted for in the statement of income as “Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets”. During the development phase, the asset is subject to annual tests to determine whether there is any impairment loss.
 
  3.8
Investment Property
The Bank included certain real properties that holds for undetermined future use, which were recognized pursuant to IAS 40 “Investment Property”.
For this kind of property, the Bank chose the cost model as described in note 3.6 Property, plant and equipment.
An investment property is derecognized on disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefits are expected from its disposal. The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the period of the retirement or disposal as “Other operating income”.
An entity shall transfer a property to, or from, investment property when, and only when, there is a change in use. For a transfer from investment property to an item of property, plant and equipment, the property’s deemed cost for subsequent accounting is its fair value on the date of change in use. If an item of property, plant and equipment becomes an investment property, the Bank recognizes the asset up to the date of change in use in accordance with the policy established for property, plant and equipment.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  3.9
Non-current Assets Held for Sale
The Bank reclassifies in this category non-current assets of which the carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. The asset (or disposal group) must be available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets (or disposal groups) and its sale must be highly probable.
Non-current assets classified as held for sale are measured, when they are reclassified to this category, at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell and are disclosed in a separate item in the statement of financial position. Once these assets are classified as held for sale, depreciation and amortization ceased.
Profit or loss generated in the sale of assets held for sale is recorded in the consolidated statement of income as “Other operating income”.
 
  3.10
Impairment of Non-financial Assets
The Bank evaluates, at least at each fiscal year-end, whether there are any events or changes in the circumstances that may indicate the impairment of non-financial assets or whether there is any evidence that a non-financial asset may be impaired.
When there is any evidence or when an annual impairment test is required for an asset, the Bank shall estimate the recoverable amount of such asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, such asset is deemed impaired and its carrying amount shall be reduced to its recoverable amount. As of the date of the issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, there is no evidence of impairment of non-financial assets.
 
  3.11
Provisions
The Bank recognizes a provision if and only if the following circumstances are met: (a) the Bank has a present obligation as a result of a past event; (b) it is probable (i.e. it is more likely than not) that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and (c) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
In order to determine the amount of provisions, the risks and uncertainties were considered taking into account the opinion of independent and internal legal advisors of the Bank. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provisions shall be discounted using a pre-tax rate that reflects, if applicable, current risks specific to the liability. When the discount is recognized, the effect of the provision derived from the lapse of time is accounted for as “Interest expense” in the statement of income. Based on the analysis carried out, the Bank recognized as provision the amount of the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of each fiscal year.
The provisions accounted for by the Bank are reviewed at the end of each reporting period or fiscal year, as applicable, and adjusted to reflect the current best available estimate. In addition, provisions are recognized with specific allocation to be used only for the expenditures for which they were originally recognized.
In the event: a) the obligation is possible; or b) it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required for the Bank to settle the obligation; or c) the amount of the obligation cannot be estimated reliably, the contingent liability shall not be recognized and shall be disclosed in notes. Nevertheless, when the possibility of an outflow of resources is remote, no disclosures shall be made.
 
  3.12
Recognition of income and expenses
The Bank recognized its streams of income and expenses as is explained below, in accordance with IFRS 9 and 15. The majority of Bank’s income and expenses are related to financial instruments, in general recorded using the effective interest method. The remaining income and expenses are recorded depending on the period in which the performance obligation is satisfied. In notes 30 to 33 are disclosed the streams and amounts for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  3.12.1.
Revenue from interest income and interest expense
Revenue from interest received and expenses for interest paid were recognized according to their accrual period, applying the effective interest method, which is explained in section “Financial assets at amortized cost – Effective interest method”.
Revenue from interest received includes the return on fixed income investments and negotiable instruments, as well as the discount and premium on financial instruments.
Bond coupons were recognized at the time they were declared.
 
  3.12.2.
Loan commissions
Commission charges and direct incremental costs related with the granting of financing facilities were deferred and recognized adjusting the EIR thereof.
 
  3.12.3.
Service commissions
The Bank earns service commissions from a diverse range of financial services it provides to its customers. Service commissions are recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Bank expects to be entitled in exchange for providing the services.
The performance obligation, as well as the timing of their satisfaction, are identified, and determined, at the inception date of the contract.
The Bank has generally concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangement because it typically controls the services before transferring them to customers.
 
  3.12.3.1
Service commissions where performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time
Services provided where the Bank’s performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time are recognized once control of the services is transferred to the customer. This is typically on completion of the underlying transaction or service or, for fees or components of fees that are linked to a certain performance, after fulfilling the corresponding performance criteria.
The Bank typically has a single performance obligation with respect to these services, which is to successfully complete the transaction specified in the contract.
 
  3.12.3.2
Service commissions where performance obligations are satisfied over certain period of time
Performance obligations satisfied over time are where the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Bank’s performance as the Bank performs.
 
  3.12.4.
Non-financial revenue and expenses
These items are recognized according to the recognition criteria established in the Conceptual Framework, e.g. the requirement that revenues and expenses should be accrued.
 
  3.13
Customer Loyalty Program
The loyalty program offered by the Bank consists in accumulating points generated by purchases made with the credit cards, which can be exchanged by any reward (including, among other offers, products, benefits and awards) available in the program platform.
The Bank concluded that the rewards to be granted originate a separate performance obligation. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal year, the Bank recognized a provision for the rewards to be granted in “Other financial liabilities”.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Based on the variables that the Bank takes into account in order to estimate the fair value of the points granted to customers (and the relation thereof with the exchange of the reward), it is worth mentioning that such estimates are subject to a significant level of uncertainty (and variation) that should be considered. These considerations are described in detail in the section “Accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions” of this note.
 
  3.14
Income Tax (see note 29)
Tax expense (tax income) comprises current tax expense (current tax income) and deferred tax expense (deferred tax income). This tax is accounted in the consolidated statement of income, except in the case of accounting items that are to be recognized directly in the consolidated statements of other comprehensive income. In this case, each accounting item is presented before assessing their impact on Income Tax, which is accounted for in the relevant accounting item.
 
   
Current income tax: the consolidated current income tax expense is the sum of the income tax expenses of the different entities that compose the Group (see note 1), which were assessed, in each case, by applying the tax rate to taxable income, in accordance with Income Tax Law, or equivalent rule or provision, of the countries in which any subsidiary operates.
 
   
Deferred income tax: it is assessed based on the separate Financial Statements of the Bank and of each of its subsidiaries and reflects the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and its tax base. Assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rate that is expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which these differences are expected to be settled or recovered. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets reflects the tax consequences that will follow from the manner in which the Bank and its subsidiaries expect, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of their assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured by their nominal figures, without discount, the tax rates that are expected to be applied in the fiscal year in which the asset shall be realized or the liability shall be settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized when it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized.
 
  3.15
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share shall be calculated by dividing Net profit attributable to parent’s shareholders of the Bank by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the fiscal year. See also note 42.
 
  3.16
Fiduciary activities and investment management
The Bank renders custody, administration, investment management and advisory services to third parties that originate the holding or placement of assets in the name of such third parties. These assets and income on them are not included in these consolidated Financial Statements, since they are not owned by the Bank. The commissions derived from these activities are accounted for as “Commissions income” in the consolidated statement of income. See also notes 45, 46 and 49.
Accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of these consolidated Financial Statements requires the Bank’s Management to consider significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions that impact on the reported assets and liabilities, income, revenues and expenses, as well as the assessment and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the end of the fiscal year. The Bank’s reported amounts are based on the best estimate regarding the probability of occurrence of different future events and, therefore, the uncertainties associated with the estimates and assumptions made by the Bank’s Management may drive in the future to final amounts that may differ from those estimates and may require material adjustments to the reported amounts of the affected assets and liabilities.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
In certain cases, the Financial Statements prepared in accordance IFRS, require that the assets and liabilities to be recognized and/or presented at their fair value. The fair value is the amount at which an asset can be exchanged, or at which a liability can be settled, in mutual independent terms and conditions between participants of the principal market (or most advantageous market) duly informed and willing to transact in an orderly and current transaction. When prices in active markets are available, the Bank has used them as basis for valuation. When prices in active markets are not available, the Bank estimates those values as values based on the best available information, including the use of models and other assessment techniques (for additional information regarding fair value estimates see note 13).
In estimating accrued taxes, the Bank assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment considering statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of the tax position. Because of the complexity of tax laws and regulations, interpretation can be difficult and subject to legal judgment. It is possible that others, given the same information, will reach different reasonable conclusions regarding the estimated amounts of accrued taxes (for additional information regarding income tax see note 29).
In the normal course of business, the Bank is a party to lawsuits of various types. In note 50 contingent liabilities are disclosed with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings, and is booked an accrual for litigation when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and these costs can be reasonably estimated.
Additionally, the measurement of impairment losses under IFRS 9 across all categories of financial instruments requires judgment, in particular, the estimation of the amount and timing of future cash flows and collateral values when determining impairment losses and the assessment of a significant increase in credit risk. These estimates are driven by a number of factors, changes that can result in different levels of allowances (for additional information regarding impairment losses under IFRS 9, see notes 3.2.4 and 52.1.1).
New standards adopted in the fiscal year
For the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2022, the following amendments to IFRS are effective:
Amendments to IFRS 3 - Reference to the Conceptual Framework.
The amendments are intended to replace a reference to a previous version of the IASB’s Conceptual Framework with a reference to the current version issued in March 2018 without significantly changing its requirements. The amendments add an exception to the recognition principle of IFRS 3 to avoid the issue of potential ‘day 2’ gains or losses arising for liabilities and contingent liabilities that would be within the scope of IAS 37 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets” or IFRIC 21 “Levies”, if incurred separately. The exception requires entities to apply the criteria in IAS 37 or IFRIC 21, respectively, instead of the Conceptual Framework, to determine whether a present obligation exists at the acquisition date. At the same time, the amendments add a new paragraph to IFRS 3 to clarify that contingent assets do not qualify for recognition at the acquisition date.
This amendment did not have a material impact on these consolidated Financial Statements since the Bank has not performed business combination transactions with contingent assets and liabilities.
Amendments to IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment (PP&E): proceeds before Intended Use
.
The amendment prohibits entities to deduct from the cost of an item of PP&E any proceeds of the sale of items produced while bringing that asset to the location and under the conditions required to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, an entity recognizes the proceeds from selling such items, and the costs of producing those items, in profit or loss.
This amendment did not have a material impact on these consolidated Financial Statements considering that the Bank does not have this type of item.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Amendments to IAS 37 - Onerous Contracts – Costs of Fulfilling a Contract.
The IASB issued amendments to IAS 37 to specify which costs an entity needs to include when assessing whether a contract is onerous or loss-making. The amendments apply a ‘directly related cost approach’. The costs that relate directly to a contract to provide goods or services include both incremental costs and an allocation of costs directly related to contract. The impact of these amendments on entities that previously applied the incremental cost approach is that they will see provisions increase to reflect the inclusion of costs related directly to contract activities, whilst entities that previously recognized contract loss provisions using the guidance from the former standard, IAS 11 Construction Contracts, will be required to exclude the allocation of indirect overheads from their provisions.
This amendment did not have a material impact on these consolidated Financial Statements considering that the Bank does not have this type of contract.
Annual improvement cycle (2018-2020): the following is a summary of the amendments from the 2018-2020 annual improvements cycle.
 
   
IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting – Subsidiary as a first-time adopter: the amendment permits a subsidiary that elects to apply paragraph D16(a) of IFRS 1 to measure cumulative translation differences using the amounts reported by the parent, based on the parent’s date of transition to IFRS. This amendment is also applied to an associate or joint venture that elects to apply paragraph D16(a) of IFRS 1.
This amendment did not have a material impact on these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
   
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments Fees in the ’10 percent’ test for derecognition of financial liabilities: the amendment clarifies the fees that an entity includes when assessing whether the terms of a new or modified financial liability are substantially different from the terms of the original financial liability. These fees include only those paid or received between the borrower and the lender, including fees paid or received by either the borrower or lender on the other’s behalf.
This amendment did not have a material impact on these consolidated Financial Statements.
New pronouncements
The new and amended standards and interpretation that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements are disclosed below. The Bank intends to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective.
 
  a)
Amendments to IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” and IFRS Practice Statement 2 – Disclosures to accounting policies: the amendments require that an entity discloses its material accounting policies, instead of its significant accounting policies. Further amendments explain how an entity can identify a material accounting policies and examples of when an accounting policy likely. Therefore, a guidance with explanations and examples denominated “four-step materiality process” was developed. This amendment is applicable as of January 1, 2023. The Bank does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Financial Statements.
 
  b)
Amendments to IAS 8 “Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and Errors” – Definition of Accounting Estimates: the amendments clarify the distinction between changes in accounting estimates and changes in accounting policies and the correction of errors. In addition, they clarify how entities use measurement techniques and inputs to develop accounting estimates. The amended standard clarifies that the effects on an accounting estimate of a change in an input or a change in a measurement technique are changes in accounting estimates if they do not result from the correction of prior period errors. The previous definition of a change in accounting estimate specified that changes in accounting estimates may result from new information or new developments. Therefore, such changes are not corrections of errors. This amendment is applicable as of January 1, 2023. The Bank does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Financial Statements.
 
- 32 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  c)
Amendments to IAS 12 “Income Tax” – Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction: the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12, which narrow the scope of the initial recognition exception under IAS 12, so that it no longer applies to transactions that give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences. The amendments clarify that where payments that settle a liability are deductible for tax purposes, it is a matter of professional judgment (having considered the applicable tax law) whether such deductions are attributable for tax purposes to the liability recognized in the Financial Statements (and interest expense) or to the related asset component (and interest expense). Professional judgment is important in determining whether any temporary differences exist on initial recognition of the asset and liability. This amendment is applicable as of January 1, 2023. The Bank does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Financial Statements.
 
  d)
Amendments to IFRS 16 “Leases” – Sale and Leaseback: the amendment to IFRS 16 specifies the requirements that a seller-lessee uses in measuring the lease liability arising in a sale and leaseback transaction, to ensure the seller-lessee does not recognize any amount of the gain or loss that relates to the right of use it retains. The amendment does not prescribe specific measurement requirements for lease liabilities arising from a leaseback. The initial measurement of the lease liability arising from a leaseback may result in a seller-lessee determining ‘lease payments’ that are different from the general definition of lease payments. The seller lessee will need to develop and apply an accounting policy that results in information that is relevant and reliable in accordance with IAS 8. This amendment is applicable as of January 1, 2024. The Bank does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Financial Statements.
 
4
CONTINGENT TRANSACTIONS
In order to meet specific financial needs of customers, the Bank’s credit policy also includes, among others, the granting of guarantees, securities, bonds, letters of credit and documentary credits. The Bank is also exposed to overdrafts and unused agreed credits on credit cards of the Bank. Since they imply a contingent obligation for the Bank, they expose the Bank to credit risks other than those recognized in the statement of financial position and therefore, they are an integral part of the total risk of the Bank.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank maintains the following maximum exposures to credit risk related to this type of transactions:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Undrawn commitments of credit cards and checking accounts
     668,911,187        432,278,523  
Guarantees granted
     7,208,822        4,424,104  
Overdraft and unused agreed commitments
     613,294        1,699,653  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal
  
 
676,733,303
 
  
 
438,402,280
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Less: Allowance for ECL
     (771,821      (687,783
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
675,961,482
 
  
 
437,714,497
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Disclosures related to the allowance for ECL are detailed in item 9.5 of note 9 “Loss allowance for expected credit losses on credit exposures not measured at fair value through profit or loss”.
Risks related to the contingent transactions described above have been evaluated and are controlled within the framework of the Bank’s credit risk policy, as described in note 52.
 
- 33 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
5
DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS
The following table shows the bank’s holdings of debt securities at fair value through profit or loss as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
    
Holdings
 
    
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Name
  
Fair
value
level
    
Book

amounts
    
Book
amounts
 
Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss
                          
- Local
                          
Government securities
                          
Federal government bonds in dual currency
at
 discount—Maturity: 07-21-2023
     1        58,946,978           
Federal government treasury bonds linked to dollar—Maturity: 04-28-2023
     1        56,990,201        49  
Federal government bonds in dual currency at discount—Maturity: 09-29-2023
     1        21,913,191           
Federal government bonds in dual currency at discount—Maturity: 06-30-2023
     1        20,739,047           
Federal government treasury bonds in pesos adjusted by CER—Maturity: 03-25-2023
     1        14,667,234        7,499,991  
Federal government bonds in dual currency
at
 discount—Maturity: 02-28-2024
     1        11,476,239           
Federal government treasury bonds in pesos adjusted by CER—Maturity: 03-06-2023
     1        5,841,908        3,334,906  
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER
at
 discount—Maturity: 01-20-2023
     1        2,969,113           
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER
at
 discount—Maturity: 02-17-2023
     1        2,184,546           
Federal government treasury bonds in pesos adjusted by CER—Maturity: 05-19-2023
     1        2,137,825           
Other
              6,966,936        48,832,493  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal local government securities (1)
           
 
204,833,218
 
  
 
59,667,439
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Private securities
                          
Corporate bonds Genneia SA Class 031—Maturity: 09-02-2027
     1        1,329,598           
Corporate bonds Transportadora de Gas del Sur SA Class 002—Maturity: 05-02-2025
     2        708,031           
Corporate bonds Pampa Energía SA Class I—Maturity: 01-24-2027
     2        591,753           
Corporate bonds Tarjeta Naranja SA Class 53 Series 01—Maturity: 04-05-2023
     3        434,678           
Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Confibono
     3        417,426           
Corporate bonds Pan American Energy Argentina S.L Class 21—Maturity: 07-21-2025
     2        335,505           
Corporate bonds Telecom Argentina SA Class 001—Maturity: 07-18-2026
     1        276,554        78,938  
Corporate bonds Pan American Energy Argentina S.L Class 012—Maturity: 04-30-2027
     1        252,830        257,440  
Corporate bonds Arcor SAIC Class 018—Maturity: 10-09-2027
     1        244,342           
Corporate bonds CT Barragan SA Class 006—Maturity: 05-16-2025
     1        189,080           
Other
              1,441,097        3,122,007  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal local private securities
           
 
6,220,894
 
  
 
3,458,385
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss
 
  
 
211,054,112
 
  
 
63,125,824
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)
During March 2023,
the Argentine Ministry of Economy, in terms of the Article 11 of the Decree No. 331/2022, invited the holders of certain investments to enter into a voluntary debt swap. The Bank decided to enter into that swap with the following instruments:
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos at discount – Maturity: 03-31-2023 (S31M3) for a nominal amount of 200,000,000.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos at discount – Maturity: 04-28-2023 (S28A3) for a nominal amount of 210,000,000.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER – Maturity: 05-19-2023 (X19Y3) for a nominal amount of 1,145,882,575.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos at discount – Maturity: 05-31-2023 (S31Y3) for a nominal amount of 295,000,000.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER – Maturity: 06-16-2023 (X16J3) for a nominal amount of 159,305,395.
As a consequence of the swap, the Bank booked a gain amounted to 675,939. In addition, with almost all the instruments received, the Bank purchased put options with the BCRA that could be exercised up to one day before the maturity of the underlying instrument. 
 
- 34 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
6
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Bank performs derivative transactions for trading purposes through Futures and Forwards. These are contractual agreements to buy or sell a specific financial instrument at a given price and a fixed date in the future. Future contracts, in turn, correspond to transactions for standardized amounts, executed in a regulated market and subject to daily cash margin requirements. Forward contracts are customized contracts traded on an over-the-counter market. The main differences in risks associated with these types of contracts are the credit risk and the liquidity risk. In forward contracts there is counterparty risk since the Bank has credit exposure to counterparties of the agreements. The credit risk related to futures contracts is deemed very low because daily cash margin requirements help guarantee these contracts are always fulfilled. In addition, forward contracts are generally settled in gross terms and, therefore, they are deemed to have a higher settlement risk than future contracts that, unless they are chosen to be performed by delivery, are settled on a net basis. Both types of contracts expose the Bank to market risk.
At the beginning, derivatives often imply only a mutual exchange of promises with little or no investment. Nevertheless, these instruments frequently imply high levels of leverage and are quite volatile. A relatively small movement in the value of the underlying asset could have a significant impact in profit or loss. Furthermore, over-the-counter derivatives may expose the Bank to risks related to the absence of an exchange market in which to close an open position. The Bank’s exposure for derivative contracts is monitored on a regular basis as part of its general risk management framework. Information on the Bank’s credit risk management objectives and policies is included in note 52.
Notional values indicate the amount of the underlying pending transactions at year-end and are not indicative of either the market risk or the credit risk. The fair value of the derivative financial instruments recognized as assets or liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position is presented as follows. Changes in fair values were accounted for in profit or loss, the breakdown of which is disclosed in note 34.
 
Derivative financial assets
  
Underlying
Notional
Value
    
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Notional
Value (in
thousand)
    
Fair

Value
    
Notional
Value (in
thousand)
    
Fair

Value
 
Transactions of foreign currency contract without delivery of underlying asset
     US Dollars        62,971        42,899        1,270        2,524  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total derivatives held for trading
           
 
62,971
 
  
 
42,899
 
  
 
1,270
 
  
 
2,524
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial liabilities
  
Underlying
Notional

Value
    
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Notional
Value (in
thousand)
    
Fair

Value
    
Notional
Value (in
thousand)
    
Fair

Value
 
Transactions of foreign currency contract without delivery of underlying asset
     US Dollars        985        2,371        870        4,933  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total derivatives held for trading
           
 
985
 
  
 
2,371
 
  
 
870
 
  
 
4,933
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Derivatives held for trading are generally related to products offered by the Bank to its customers. The Bank shall also take positions expecting to benefit from favorable changes in prices, rates or indexes, i.e. take advantage of the high level of leverage of these contracts to obtain yields, assuming at the same time high market risk. Additionally, they may be held for arbitrage, i.e. to obtain a benefit free of risk for the combination of a derivative product and a portfolio of financial assets, trying to benefit from anomalous situations in the prices of assets in the markets.
 
- 35 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
7
REPO TRANSACTIONS
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase at a specified future date are not derecognized from the statement of financial position as the Bank retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership. The corresponding cash received is recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position as an asset with a corresponding obligation to return it, including accrued interest as a liability within cash collateral on securities lent and repurchase agreements, reflecting the transaction’s economic substance as a loan to the Bank. The difference between the sale and repurchase prices is treated as interest expense and is accrued over the life of agreement using the effective interest method. When the counterparty has the right to sell or re-pledge the securities, the Bank reclassifies those securities in its statement of financial position to “Financial Assets delivered as guarantee”.
Conversely, securities purchased under agreements to resell at a specified future date are not recognized in the statement of financial position. The consideration paid, including accrued interest, is recorded in the statement of financial position, within cash collateral on securities borrowed and reverse repurchase agreements, reflecting the transaction’s economic substance as a loan by the Bank. The difference between the purchase and resale prices is recorded in net interest income and is accrued over the life of the agreement using the effective interest method.
If securities purchased under an agreement to resell are subsequently sold to third parties, the obligation to return the securities is recorded in “Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss”.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank has agreed-upon reverse repurchase transactions of government securities for an amount of 61,929,317 and 61,176,357, respectively, and are recorded in “Repo Transactions”. Maturity of the agreed-upon transactions as of December 2022 occurred during the month of January 2023.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, securities received guarantee repurchase transactions, total 68,130,397 and 68,389,352, respectively, and were recognized as an off balance sheet transaction.
Profit generated by the Bank as a result of its repurchase transactions arranged during the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, total 13,284,829, 16,627,587 and 20,779,817, respectively, and were accounted for in “Interest income” in the consolidated statement of income. In addition, losses generated by the Bank as a result of its reverse repurchase transactions arranged during the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, total 975,643, 573,796 and 575,543, respectively, and were recognized in “Interest expense” in the consolidated statement of income.
 
8
OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS
The composition of the other financial assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Sundry debtors (see note 12)
     26,404,763        19,599,371  
Receivables from spot sales of foreign currency pending settlement
     16,005,430        30,130,186  
Receivables from other spot sales pending settlement
     10,245,861        13,401,002  
Private securities
     4,508,266        4,033,290  
Receivables from spot sales of government securities pending settlement
     488,596        176,965  
Other
     382,648        1,207,925  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal
  
 
58,035,564
 
  
 
68,548,739
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Less: Allowances for ECL
     (91,041      (51,518
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
57,944,523
 
  
 
68,497,221
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Disclosures related to allowance for ECL are detailed in item 9.4 of note 9 “Loss allowance for credit losses on credit exposures not measured at fair value through profit or loss”.
 
- 36 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
9
LOSS ALLOWANCE FOR EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES ON CREDIT EXPOSURES NOT MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS
The Bank recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on all credit exposures not measured at fair value through profit or loss, like debt instruments measured at amortized cost, debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts (not measured at fair value through profit or loss), contract assets and lease receivables.
Note 13 discloses financial instruments classified as “measured at amortized cost”, “measured at fair value through other comprehensive income” and “measured at fair value through profit or loss”. This classification is made pursuant to what was detailed in note 3.2. Additionally, in note 13 the information related to the valuation process is also explained.
Moreover, the Bank applies the impairment requirements for guarantees granted, undrawn commitments of credit cards and checking accounts, letter of credits, which are not recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position.
 
This impairment is disclosed in the consolidated statement of income as “Other operating expenses”.
For the purpose of assessing the Bank’s credit risk exposure and identifying material credit risk concentration, disclosures regarding credit risk of financial assets and items not recognized in the statement of financial position are as follows:
 
  9.1.
Exposure to credit risk
According to the nature of the information to be disclosed and the loan characteristics, the Bank groups them as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Loans and other financing
  
 
609,603,369
 
  
 
705,089,666
 
Individual assessment
     108,933,970        167,931,016  
Collective assessment
     500,669,399        537,158,650  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Less: Allowance for ECL
  
 
(11,002,504
  
 
(18,761,457
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
598,600,865
 
  
 
686,328,209
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
As explained in note 52.1.4 “Additional Forward-looking allowances based on expert credit judgment”, section “Adjustment for uncertainty about conditions of accessing loans to MIPYMES and Federal Government securities” (see also note 9.2), as of December 31, 2022, the Bank decided to record an adjustment on a forward-looking basis for an amount of
1,837,000.
The following table shows the credit quality and the carrying amount of credit risk, based on the Bank’s credit risk rating system, the probability of default (PD) and the year-end stage classification, taking into account what was mentioned in the previous paragraph. The amounts are presented gross of the impairment allowances.
 
- 37 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Internal rating grade
       
12/31/2022
 
    
Range PD
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Performing
       
 
580,654,510
 
  
 
12,586,012
 
           
 
593,240,522
 
  
 
97.32
 
High grade
  
0.00% - 3.50%
     540,102,835        2,466,546                 542,569,381        89.00  
Standard grade
   3.51% - 7.00%      23,952,353        3,046,375                 26,998,728        4.43  
Sub-standard grade
  
7.01% - 33.00%
     16,599,322        7,073,091                 23,672,413        3.89  
Past due but not impaired (1)
  
33.01% - 99.99%
  
 
3,787,155
 
  
 
7,563,530
 
           
 
11,350,685
 
  
 
1.86
 
Impaired
   100%                     
 
5,012,162
 
  
 
5,012,162
 
  
 
0.82
 
         
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
       
 
584,441,665
 
  
 
20,149,542
 
  
 
5,012,162
 
  
 
609,603,369
 
  
 
100
 
         
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
95.87
 
  
 
3.31
 
  
 
0.82
 
  
 
100
 
        
         
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
Internal rating grade
       
12/31/2021
 
    
Range PD
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Performing
       
 
665,422,537
 
  
 
16,843,145
 
           
 
682,265,682
 
  
 
96.76
 
High grade
  
0.00% - 3.50%
     559,233,631        1,616,123                 560,849,754        79.54  
Standard grade
   3.51% - 7.00%      82,840,667        4,895,725                 87,736,392        12.44  
Sub-standard grade
  
7.01% - 33.00%
     23,348,239        10,331,297                 33,679,536        4.78  
Past due but not impaired (1)
  
33.01% - 99.99%
  
 
6,163,005
 
  
 
10,235,284
 
           
 
16,398,289
 
  
 
2.33
 
Impaired
   100%                       
6,425,695
    
 
6,425,695
 
  
 
0.91
 
         
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
       
 
671,585,542
 
  
 
27,078,429
 
  
 
6,425,695
 
  
 
705,089,666
 
  
 
100
 
         
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
       
 
95.25
 
  
 
3.84
 
  
 
0.91
 
  
 
100
 
        
         
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
(1)
It also includes transactions which are more than 5 days past due independently of the PD range assigned.
 
  9.1.1
Loans on an individual assessment
The table below shows the credit quality and the debt balance to credit risk of commercial loans by grade on the Bank’s internal credit rating system, PD range and year-end stage classification. The Bank’s internal credit rating systems and the evaluation and measurement approaches are explained in note 52.1 “Credit risk” section.
 
Internal rating grade
         
12/31/2022
 
    
Range PD
    
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Performing
           
 
104,988,725
 
  
 
2,570,188
 
           
 
107,558,913
 
  
 
98.74
 
High grade
    
0.00% - 3.50%
       98,109,324        1,240,943                 99,350,267        91.20  
Standard grade
     3.51% - 7.00%        3,643,178        626,775                 4,269,953        3.92  
Sub-standard grade
    
7.01% - 33.00%
       3,236,223        702,470                 3,938,693        3.62  
Past due but not impaired
    
33.01% - 99.99%
                                              
Impaired
     100%                         
1,375,057
    
 
1,375,057
 
  
 
1.26
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
           
 
104,988,725
 
  
 
2,570,188
 
  
 
1,375,057
 
  
 
108,933,970
 
  
 
100
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
           
 
96.38
 
  
 
2.36
 
  
 
1.26
 
  
 
100
 
        
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
- 38 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Internal rating grade
         
12/31/2021
 
    
Range PD
    
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Performing
           
 
157,218,100
 
  
 
6,971,767
 
           
 
164,189,867
 
  
 
97.77
 
High grade
     0.00%
-
3.50%
       118,533,334        842,799                 119,376,133        71.09  
Standard grade
     3.51% - 7.00%        31,814,097        2,447,336                 34,261,433        20.40  
Sub-standard grade
     7.01%
-
33.00%
       6,870,669        3,681,632                 10,552,301        6.28  
Past due but not impaired
    
33.01% - 99.99%
             
 
2,253,730
 
           
 
2,253,730
 
  
 
1.34
 
Impaired
     100%                         
1,487,419
    
 
1,487,419
 
  
 
0.89
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
 
  
 
157,218,100
 
  
 
9,225,497
 
  
 
1,487,419
 
  
 
167,931,016
 
  
 
100
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
 
  
 
93.62
 
  
 
5.49
 
  
 
0.89
 
  
 
100
 
        
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
An analysis of changes in the gross carrying amount and the corresponding ECL allowances in relation to commercial lending is as follows:

 
    
Stage
    
Total
 
  
1
    
2
    
3
 
Gross Carrying amount as of January 1, 2022
  
 
157,218,100
 
  
 
9,225,497
 
  
 
1,487,419
 
  
 
167,931,016
 
Assets originated or purchased
     110,051,143        918,330              
 
110,969,473
 
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (83,250,192      (3,486,405      (1,059,159   
 
(87,795,756
Other changes
     3,784,056        482,144        602,840     
 
4,869,040
 
Transfers to Stage 1
     24,929        (24,929                  
Transfers to Stage 2
                                   
Transfers to Stage 3
     (149,925      (1,602,141      1,752,066           
Amounts Written Off
                                   
Monetary effects
     (82,689,386      (2,942,308      (1,408,109   
 
(87,039,803
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022
  
 
104,988,725
 
  
 
2,570,188
 
  
 
1,375,057
 
  
 
108,933,970
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
Stage
    
Total
 
  
1
    
2
    
3
 
Gross Carrying amount as of January 1, 2021
  
 
200,916,176
 
  
 
12,926,836
 
  
 
4,594,640
 
  
 
218,437,652
 
Assets originated or purchased
     188,354,437        7,261,763                 195,616,200  
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (140,692,431      (6,547,588      (2,542,349      (149,782,368
Other changes
     (9,233,002      353,631        (93,531      (8,972,902
Transfers to Stage 1
     1,051        (1,051                  
Transfers to Stage 2
              255,556        (255,556         
Transfers to Stage 3
     (2,014,633      (324,031      2,338,664           
Amounts Written Off
                       (1,796,735      (1,796,735
Monetary effects
     (80,113,498      (4,699,619      (757,714      (85,570,831
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2021
  
 
157,218,100
 
  
 
9,225,497
 
  
 
1,487,419
 
  
 
167,931,016
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 39 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
    
Stage
    
Total
 
  
1
    
2
    
3
 
ECL amount as of January 1, 2022
  
 
1,297,163
 
  
 
4,892,299
 
  
 
1,204,240
 
  
 
7,393,702
 
Assets originated or purchased
     1,075,815        295,189                 1,371,004  
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (596,124      (2,150,293      (869,771      (3,616,188
Other changes
     (69,512      (515,977      160,029        (425,460
Transfers to Stage 1
     15,564        (15,564                  
Transfers to Stage 2
                                   
Transfers to Stage 3
     (113,621      (1,064,701      1,178,322           
Amounts Written Off
                                   
Monetary effects
     (666,481      (1,108,839      (903,876      (2,679,196
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022
  
 
942,804
 
  
 
332,114
 
  
 
768,944
 
  
 
2,043,862
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
Stage
    
Total
 
  
1
    
2
    
3
 
ECL amount as of January 1, 2021
  
 
1,801,305
 
  
 
1,962,682
 
  
 
2,301,117
 
  
 
6,065,104
 
Assets originated or purchased
     3,279,398        4,562,501                 7,841,899  
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (1,391,878      (963,890      (1,356,134      (3,711,902
Other changes
     (96,662      1,838,541        111,170        1,853,049  
Transfers to Stage 1
     23        (23                  
Transfers to Stage 2
              57,010        (57,010         
Transfers to Stage 3
     (1,634,225      (72,305      1,706,530           
Amounts Written Off
                       (887,973      (887,973
Monetary effects
     (660,798      (2,492,217      (613,460      (3,766,475
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2021
  
 
1,297,163
 
  
 
4,892,299
 
  
 
1,204,240
 
  
 
7,393,702
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  9.1.2.
Loans on a collective assessment
The table below shows the credit quality and the debt balance to credit risk of loans portfolio under collective assessment, by grade of credit risk classification based on the Bank’s internal credit rating system, PD range and year-end stage classification. The Bank’s internal credit rating systems and the evaluation and measurement approaches are explained in note 52.1 “Credit risk” section.
 
Internal rating grade
  
Range PD
    
12/31/2022
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Performing
           
 
475,665,785
 
  
 
10,015,824
 
           
 
485,681,609
 
  
 
97.01
 
High grade
     0.00%
-
3.50%
       441,993,511        1,225,603                 443,219,114        88.53  
Standard grade
     3.51% - 7.00%        20,309,175        2,419,600                 22,728,775        4.54  
Sub-standard grade
     7.01%
-
33.00%
       13,363,099        6,370,621                 19,733,720        3.94  
Past due but not impaired (1)
  
 
33.01% - 99.99%
 
  
 
3,787,155
 
  
 
7,563,530
 
           
 
11,350,685
 
  
 
2.27
 
Impaired
  
 
100%
 
                    
 
3,637,105
 
  
 
3,637,105
 
  
 
0.72
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
 
  
 
479,452,940
 
  
 
17,579,354
 
  
 
3,637,105
 
  
 
500,669,399
 
  
 
100
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
 
  
 
95.76
 
  
 
3.51
 
  
 
0.73
 
  
 
100
 
        
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
- 40 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Internal rating grade
  
Range PD
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Performing
           
 
508,204,437
 
  
 
9,871,378
 
           
 
518,075,815
 
  
 
96.45
 
High grade
     0.00%
-
3.50%
       440,700,297        773,324                 441,473,621        82.19  
Standard grade
     3.51% - 7.00%        51,026,570        2,448,389                 53,474,959        9.95  
Sub-standard grade
     7.01%
-
33.00%
       16,477,570        6,649,665                 23,127,235        4.31  
Past due but not impaired (1)
    
33.01% - 99.99%
    
 
6,163,005
 
  
 
7,981,554
 
           
 
14,144,559
 
  
 
2.63
 
Impaired
     100%                       
 
4,938,276
 
  
 
4,938,276
 
  
 
0.92
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
 
  
 
514,367,442
 
  
 
17,852,932
 
  
 
4,938,276
 
  
 
537,158,650
 
  
 
100
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
 
  
 
95.76
 
  
 
3.32
 
  
 
0.92
 
  
 
100
 
        
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
(1)
It
 also
includes transactions which are more than 5 days past due independently of the PD range assigned.
An analysis of changes in the gross carrying amount and the corresponding ECL allowances in relation to consumer lending is as follows:
 
    
Stage
   
Total
 
  
1
   
2
   
3
 
Gross Carrying amount as of January 1, 2022
  
 
514,367,442
 
 
 
17,852,932
 
 
 
4,938,276
 
 
 
537,158,650
 
Assets originated or purchased
     288,490,127       8,420,068               296,910,195  
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (96,459,896     (3,043,530     (976,439     (100,479,865
Other changes
     96,766,304       2,667,728       285,669       99,719,701  
Transfers to Stage 1
     6,163,988       (6,037,876     (126,112        
Transfers to Stage 2
     (10,086,276     10,262,716       (176,440        
Transfers to Stage 3
     (3,693,933     (782,064     4,475,997          
Amounts Written Off
     (276,975     (516,975     (2,003,678     (2,797,628
Monetary effects
     (315,817,841     (11,243,645     (2,780,168     (329,841,654
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022
  
 
479,452,940
 
 
 
17,579,354
 
 
 
3,637,105
 
 
 
500,669,399
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
    
Stage
   
Total
 
  
1
   
2
   
3
 
Gross Carrying amount as of January 1, 2021
  
 
530,585,897
 
 
 
32,733,729
 
 
 
4,313,911
 
 
 
567,633,537
 
Assets originated or purchased
     369,226,413       11,456,218               380,682,631  
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (174,000,395     (13,763,462     (1,322,504     (189,086,361
Other changes
     55,039,746       (819,838     (486,044     53,733,864  
Transfers to Stage 1
     12,852,151       (12,593,668     (258,483        
Transfers to Stage 2
     (11,600,897     11,752,016       (151,119        
Transfers to Stage 3
     (5,413,498     (1,261,765     6,675,263          
Amounts Written Off
     (294,800     (555,723     (1,317,105     (2,167,628
Monetary effects
     (262,027,175     (9,094,575     (2,515,643     (273,637,393
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2021
  
 
514,367,442
 
 
 
17,852,932
 
 
 
4,938,276
 
 
 
537,158,650
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
- 41 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
    
Stage
    
Total
 
  
1
    
2
    
3
 
ECL amount as of January 1, 2022
  
 
5,466,642
 
  
 
1,955,166
 
  
 
3,945,947
 
  
 
11,367,755
 
Assets originated or purchased
     5,098,116        939,219                 6,037,335  
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (1,255,647      (364,153      (759,862      (2,379,662
Other changes
     (503,386      952,100        1,584,409        2,033,123  
Transfers to Stage 1
     697,130        (593,329      (103,801         
Transfers to Stage 2
     (212,325      314,878        (102,553         
Transfers to Stage 3
     (1,752,493      (139,670      1,892,163           
Amounts Written Off
     (16,666      (114,855      (1,643,923      (1,775,444
Monetary effects
     (3,063,375      (1,137,933      (2,123,157      (6,324,465
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022
  
 
4,457,996
 
  
 
1,811,423
 
  
 
2,689,223
 
  
 
8,958,642
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
Stage
    
Total
 
  
1
    
2
    
3
 
ECL amount as of January 1, 2021
  
 
13,616,288
 
  
 
6,935,515
 
  
 
2,574,139
 
  
 
23,125,942
 
Assets originated or purchased
     7,366,506        1,248,561                 8,615,067  
Assets derecognized or repaid
     (4,410,015      (3,103,316      (794,409      (8,307,740
Other changes
     (7,721,698      284,584        2,268,851        (5,168,263
Transfers to Stage 1
     2,482,521        (2,322,945      (159,576         
Transfers to Stage 2
     (548,726      629,826        (81,100         
Transfers to Stage 3
     (2,499,984      (493,121      2,993,105           
Amounts Written Off
     (33,470      (227,944      (844,929      (1,106,343
Monetary effects
     (2,784,780      (995,994      (2,010,134      (5,790,908
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2021
  
 
5,466,642
 
  
 
1,955,166
 
  
 
3,945,947
 
  
 
11,367,755
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Over the course of 2022 and 2021, the Bank generated from loan portfolio sales, profit for 169,632 and 176,664, respectively.
The contractual amount outstanding on loans and other financing that have been written off by the Bank as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 that were still subject to enforcement activity was 6,501,526 and 9,724,143, respectively.
 
  9.2
Other debt securities at amortized cost
For local government securities, EAD is considered equal to the debt balance, because there is not available information of such instruments’ behavior when they defaulted. For PD and LGD parameters, they were calculated using Basel regulatory parameters (see note 52.1.4).
For purchase corporate bonds, PD and LGD parameters calculated for loan exposures of those issuers were used. The corporate bonds’ EAD is considered equal to the debt balance.
For financial trusts at amortized cost, the criteria that was used in the calculation of ECL is based on credit risk ratings given by a credit rating agency for each type of debt securities that compose each financial trust. That is, the factor to be used will vary in relation to the holding debt securities class (A or B). It is assumed that the EAD is equal to the debt balance.
The table below shows the exposures gross of impairment allowances by stage:
 
- 42 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Local government securities and Central Bank of Argentina Bills and Notes
     598,247,462                          598,247,462     
 
99.78
 
Corporate bonds
     1,039,008                          1,039,008     
 
0.17
 
Financial trust
     308,364                          308,364     
 
0.05
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
599,594,834
 
                    
 
599,594,834
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
100
 
                    
 
100
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Composition
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Local government securities and Central Bank of Argentina Bills and Notes
     46,323,989                          46,323,989     
 
98.90
 
Corporate bonds
     168,471                          168,471     
 
0.36
 
Financial trust
     347,130                          347,130     
 
0.74
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
46,839,590
 
                    
 
46,839,590
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
100
 
                    
 
100
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The related ECL for local government securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to 334,200 and 6,254, respectively. The related ECL for corporate bonds as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to 555 and 1,032, respectively. The ECL related to financial trusts as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to 241 and 25, respectively. During 2022 and 2021, there were
no
transfers between stages. A detail of these investments is disclosed in note 10.
 
  9.3
Other debt securities at fair value through OCI
This group includes federal and foreign government securities, provincial or BCRA instruments measured at fair value through OCI. For these assets, an individual assessment of the related parameters was performed.
The table below shows the exposures gross of impairment allowances by stage:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Local government securities
     130,480,681                          130,480,681     
 
94.61
 
Foreign government securities
     7,431,312                          7,431,312     
 
5.39
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
137,911,993
 
                    
 
137,911,993
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
100
 
                    
 
100
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Composition
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Local government securities
     243,206,773                          243,206,773     
 
47.67
 
Central Bank of Argentina Bills
     259,017,957                          259,017,957     
 
50.76
 
Foreign government securities
     8,005,927                          8,005,927     
 
1.57
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
510,230,657
 
                    
 
510,230,657
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
100
 
                    
 
100
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 43 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The related ECL for local government securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to 29,203 and 31,759,
respectively. During 2022 and 2021, there were no transfers between stages. A detail of these investments is disclosed in note 10. 
 
  9.4
Other financial assets
The table below shows the exposures gross of impairment allowances by stage:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Other financial assets
     53,527,298                          53,527,298     
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
53,527,298
 
                    
 
53,527,298
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
100
 
                    
 
100
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
Composition
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Other financial assets
     64,515,449                          64,515,449     
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
64,515,449
 
                    
 
64,515,449
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
100
 
                    
 
100
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
The ECL related to these types of instruments amounted 91,041 and 51,518 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including the ECL related to the payments to be collected for the transaction mentioned in note 12.
 
During 2022 and 2021, there were no transfers between stages.
 
  9.5
Loans commitment
The table below shows the exposures gross of impairment allowances by stage:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Undrawn commitments of credit cards and checking accounts
     658,112,548        10,797,137        1,502        668,911,187     
 
98.92
 
Guarantees granted
     7,171,911                          7,171,911     
 
1.06
 
Overdraft and unused agreed commitments
     159,787                          159,787     
 
0.02
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
665,444,246
 
  
 
10,797,137
 
  
 
1,502
 
  
 
676,242,885
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
98.4
 
  
 
1.6
 
  
 
0.0
 
  
 
100
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
Composition
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Stage 1
    
Stage 2
    
Stage 3
    
Total
    
%
 
Undrawn commitments of credit cards and checking accounts
     428,815,172        3,456,762        6,589        432,278,523     
 
98.65
 
Guarantees granted
     4,261,606        111,672                 4,373,278     
 
1.00
 
Overdraft and unused agreed commitments
     1,512,244                          1,512,244     
 
0.35
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
434,589,022
 
  
 
3,568,434
 
  
 
6,589
 
  
 
438,164,045
 
  
 
100
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
%
  
 
99.2
 
  
 
0.8
 
  
 
0.0
 
  
 
100
          
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
- 44 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The related ECL for undrawn commitments of credit cards and checking accounts as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to 726,301 and 649,157, respectively. The ECL related to guarantees granted as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to 45,447 and 32,783, respectively. The ECL related to overdraft and unused agreed commitments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to 73 and 5,843, respectively.
For undrawn commitments of credit cards and checking accounts, during 2022 there were transfers of the carrying amounts to Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 for an amount of (5,850,199), 5,793,518 and 56,681, respectively, and there were transfers of the ECL to Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 for an amount of 49,643, (49,896) and 253, respectively. For the other items, there were no transfers between stages during 2022 and 2021.
 
10
OTHER DEBT SECURITIES
The following table shows the bank’s holdings of other debt securities, net of the impairment allowances, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
Name
  
Holdings
 
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Fair value
level
    
Book

amounts
    
Book

amounts
 
Other debt securities
 
        
Measured at fair value through other comprehensive income
 
        
- Local
 
        
Government securities
                          
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER
at
 discount - Maturity: 02-17-2023
     1        44,938,818           
Bonds of treasury of federal government in pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 03-25-2023
     1        34,466,456        20,285,891  
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by C
ER
a
t discount - Maturity: 01-20-2023
     1        13,323,179           
Letters of National treasury in pesos
at
 discount - Maturity: 02-28-2023
     1        11,626,524           
Letters of National treasury in pesos
at
 discount - Maturity: 03-31-2023
     1        10,732,116           
Bonds of treasury of federal government in pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 08-13-2023
     1        8,802,301        6,030,797  
Bonds of treasury of federal government in pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 05-19-2023
     1        2,849,299           
Letters of National Estate in pesos
at
 discount - Maturity: 04-28-2023
     1        1,406,688           
Bonds of treasury of federal government in pesos adjusted by CER - Maturity: 03-06-2023
     1        1,354,629           
Bonds of federal government in dollars Step up - Maturity: 07-09-2030
     1        520,270        793,058  
Other
              460,401        216,097,027  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal local government securities (1)
           
 
130,480,681
 
  
 
243,206,773
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Central Bank of Argentina Bills
                          
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-04-2022
                       41,921,012  
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-27-2022
                       36,776,261  
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-18-2022
                       36,305,152  
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-11-2022
                       34,527,730  
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-13-2022
                       34,092,263  
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-25-2022
                       32,241,669  
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-06-2022
                       30,950,258  
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-20-2022
                       12,203,612  
                      
 
 
 
Subtotal Central Bank of Argentina Bills
                    
 
259,017,957
 
                      
 
 
 
 
- 45 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Name (contd.)
  
Holdings
 
  
12/31/2022
 
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Fair value
level
 
  
Book

amounts
 
  
Book

amounts
 
Other debt securities
 
  
  
Measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (contd.)
 
  
  
- Foreign
 
  
  
Government securities
  
  
  
US Treasury Bill – Maturity: 01-10-2023
  
1

       3,894,153           
US Treasury Bill – Maturity: 01-17-2023
  
1

       2,652,942           
US Treasury Bill – Maturity: 01-19-2023
  
1

       884,217           
US Treasury Bill – Maturity: 01-20-2022
                       8,005,927  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal foreign government securities
           
 
7,431,312
 
  
 
8,005,927
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total Other debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (2)
 
  
 
137,911,993
 
  
 
510,230,657
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Measured at amortized cost
                          
- Local
                          
Government securities
                          
Bonds of treasury of federal government in pesos - Maturity: 05-23-2027
              40,161,419           
Bonds of treasury of federal government in pesos Badlar x 0.7 - Maturity: 11-23-2027
              8,374,568           
Discount bonds denominated in pesos at 5.83% - Maturity: 12-31-2033
              506,895        517,805  
Debt securities of Province of Río Negro in pesos - Maturity: 04-12-2023
              200,333           
Treasury bills of Province of Río Negro Series 02 in pesos - Maturity: 06-15-2023
              198,999           
Bonds of treasury of federal government in pesos at
22
% - Maturity: 05-21-2022
                       44,300,564  
Treasury bills of Province of Neuquén Series 1 Class 1 - Maturity: 04-07-2022
                       607,203  
Debt securities of Province of Río Negro in pesos - Maturity: 04-12-2022
                       425,779  
Treasury bills of Province of Río Negro Series 02 Class 01 - Maturity: 06-15-2022
                       377,074  
Treasury bills of Province of Neuquén Series 4 Class 1 in pesos - Maturity: 02-28-2022
                       89,310  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal local government securities
           
 
49,442,214
 
  
 
46,317,735
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Central Bank of Argentina Bills
                          
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-03-2023
  

       62,250,767           
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-24-2023
  

       62,080,786           
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-05-2023
  

       62,003,011           
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-26-2023
  

       61,833,224           
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-10-2023
  

       61,386,248           
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-12-2023
  

       61,141,456           
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-17-2023
  

       60,533,736           
Liquidity letters of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos - Maturity: 01-19-2023
  

       60,292,343           
Internal letters of BCRA exchange rate of reference to rate 0 - Maturity – Maturity: 09-20-2023
  

       3,796,524           
Internal letters of BCRA exchange rate of reference to rate 0 - Maturity – Maturity: 09-22-2023
  

       3,660,475           
Other
  

       37,386,546           
    

    
 
 
          
Subtotal local Central Bank of Argentina Bills
  

    
 
536,365,116
 
        
    

    
 
 
          
Central Bank of Argentina Notes
  

                   
Liquidity notes of Central Bank of Argentina in pesos—Maturity: 01-04-2023
  

       12,105,932           
             
 
 
          
Subtotal local Central Bank of Argentina Notes
           
 
12,105,932
 
        
             
 
 
          
 
- 46 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Name (contd.)
  
Holdings
 
  
12/31/2022
 
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Fair value
level
 
  
Book

amounts
 
  
Book

amounts
 
Private securities
  
  
  
Corporate Bonds Vista Energy Argentina SAU Class 13 - Maturity:
08-08-2024
              521,919           
Corporate Bonds Vista Oil & Gas Argentina SAU Class 15 - Maturity:
01-20-2025
              481,671           
Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Confibono Series 65 Class A - Maturity:
07-20-2023
              116,483           
Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Secubono Series 221 Class A - Maturity:
07-28-2023
              90,941           
Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Secubono Series 222 Class A - Maturity:
08-28-2023
              75,880           
Corporate Bonds YPF SA Class 043 - Maturity:
10-21-2023
              34,863        108,511  
Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Secubono Series 219 Class A - Maturity:
04-28-2023
              24,819           
Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Red Surcos Series 020 Class A - Maturity:
07-15-2022
                       83,953  
Debt Securities in Financial Trusts Secubono Series 209 Class A - Maturity:
05-30-2022
                       60,149  
Corporate Bonds Banco Santander Rio SA Class 021 - Maturity:
01-26-2022
                       51,914  
Other
                       210,017  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal local private securities
           
 
1,346,576
 
  
 
514,544
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total Other debt securities measured at cost amortized (3)
           
 
599,259,838
 
  
 
46,832,279
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total Other debt securities
           
 
737,171,831
 
  
 
557,062,936
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  (1)
The Argentine Ministry of Economy, in terms of the Article 11 of the Decree No. 331/2022, invited the holders of certain investments to enter into a voluntary debt swaps. The Bank decided to enter into those swaps, as explained as follows:
 
 
During January 2023, the following instruments entered into the swap:
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER – Maturity: 02-17-2023 (X17F3) for a nominal amount of 20,900,000,000.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos
at
 discount – Maturity: 02-28-2023 (S28F3) for a nominal amount of 12,893,000,000.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER – Maturity: 01-20-2023 for a nominal amount of 290,000,000.
As a consequence of the swap, the Bank booked a gain amounted to 979,729.
 
 
As mentioned in note 5, during March 2023, the following instruments entered into the swap:
 
   
Letters of National treasury in pesos
at
 discount – Maturity: 06-30-2023 (S3OJ3) for a nominal amount of 26,640,975,851.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER – Maturity: 06-16-2023 (X16J3) for a nominal amount of 4,516,000,000.
 
   
Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER – Maturity: 05-19-2023 (X19Y3) for a nominal amount of 1,759,369,713.
As a consequence of the swap, the Bank booked a loss amounted to 233,960. In addition, with almost all the instruments received, the Bank purchased put options with the BCRA that could be exercised up to one day before the maturity of the underlying instrument.
 
  (2)
The gross carrying amount of these investments, their stages and the related allowance for ECL are disclosed in note 9.3.
 
  (3)
The gross carrying amount of these investments, their stages and the related allowance for ECL are disclosed in note 9.2.
As of December 31,
202
2 the unrealized gains and losses from government securities amounted to 549,377 and 948,979. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, the unrealized gains and losses from government securities amounted to 5,280,962 and 520,052, respectively, and the unrealized losses related to Central Bank Bills amounted to 318,009. All the abovementioned amounts are net of income tax effects.
 
11
FINANCIAL ASSETS DELIVERED AS GUARANTEE
The composition of financial assets delivered as guarantee as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
 
Composition
  
Carrying amount
 
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
For transactions with the BCRA
     24,824,547        30,242,005  
For guarantee deposits
     5,795,731        4,751,142  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
30,620,278
 
  
 
34,993,147
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 47 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The Bank’s Management considers there shall be no losses due to the restrictions on the above listed financial assets.
 
12
EQUITY INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS. PRISMA MEDIOS DE PAGO SA
The following table shows the bank’s holdings of equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
    
Holdings
 
Name
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Fair value
level
    
Book
amounts
    
Book
amounts
 
Equity Instruments
                          
       
Measured at fair value through profit or loss
                          
- Local
                          
Mercado Abierto Electrónico SA
     3        462,536        400,992  
C.O.E.L.S.A.
     3        87,563        73,232  
Matba Rofex SA
     3        58,306        61,161  
Sedesa
     3        21,291        29,835  
AC Inversora SA
     3        19,583        19,826  
Mercado a Término Rosario SA
     3        14,627        14,442  
Provincanje SA
     3        14,506        17,253  
Pampa Energía SA
     1        721        531  
Argencontrol SA
     3        478        793  
San Juan Tennis Club SA
     3        437        851  
Other (1)
              10        6,609,877  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal local
           
 
680,058
 
  
 
7,228,793
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
- Foreign
                          
Cedear Exxon Mob
     1        22,559        6,298  
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior SA
     1        20,957        24,266  
Cedear Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
     1        19,363        9,384  
Cedear Pepsico
     1        18,785        9,348  
Cedear McDonald
     1        17,874        9,425  
Cedear Vista Oil & Gas
     1        14,711        2,556  
Cedear Wells F&C
     1        11,506        6,407  
Cedear Bank of America Corp.
     1        9,267        6,348  
Sociedad de Telecomunicaciones Financieras Interbancarias Mundiales
     3        5,646        5,415  
Cedear Aztrazden
     1        3,657        2,435  
Other
              15,075        54,469  
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal foreign
           
 
159,400
 
  
 
136,351
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total measured at fair value through profit or loss
           
 
839,458
 
  
 
7,365,144
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total equity instruments
           
 
839,458
 
  
 
7,365,144
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)
It includes the Bank’s holding in Prima Medios de Pago SA, which, on January 21, 2019 the Bank, together with the other shareholders, accepted a purchase offer made by AI ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. (a company related to Advent International Corporation) for the acquisition of 1,933,051 common shares of par value Ps.1 each and entitled to one vote, representing 4.6775 % of its share capital, equivalent to 51% of the Bank’s capital stock in such company.
 
- 48 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
On February 1, 2019, the Bank completed the transfer of such shares for a total purchase price of (in thousands) USD 64,542 out of which the Bank received on the date hereof (in thousands) USD 38,311 and the payment of the balance for an amount of (in thousands) USD 26,231 shall be deferred for 5 years as follows: (i) 30
% of such amount in pesos adjusted by Unit of Purchasing Power (UVA, for its acronym in Spanish) at a
15% nominal annual rate; and (ii) 70% in US Dollars at a 10% nominal annual rate. The purchase price is guaranteed by the issuance of notes in favor of the Bank and pledges of the transferred shares.
During July 2019, the process to determine the final selling price of the shares of Prisma was completed and the final price was (in thousands) USD 63,456. The difference arising from a final price lower than the estimated price was deducted from the price balance, therefore there was no need for the Bank to return any amounts received. All other payment conditions were not modified and remain in full force and effect under the terms described in this note.
On October 1, 2021, the Bank, together with the other class B Shareholders of Prisma, gave notice with respect to the exercise of the existing put option and therefore started the procedure to sell the remaining 49% of the capital stock of such company.
On March 18, 2022, the Bank completed the transfer of all remaining shares held in Prisma in favor of AI ZENITH (Netherlands) BV, representing 4.4941% of Prisma’s capital stock.
The price of such shares is (in
thousands
) USD 33,018 and shall be paid as follows: (i) 30% in
pesos
at UVA plus a nominal annual rate of 15% that shall be paid 50% on March 18, 2027 and the remaining on March 18, 2028, and (ii) 70% in US Dollars at a nominal annual rate of 10% that shall be paid 50% on March 18, 2027 and the remaining on March 18, 2028.
As of December 31, 2021, the holding of the Bank in Prisma (equivalent to 49%), was recorded in “Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss”. The fair value corresponds to the final price of such shares, mentioned in the previous paragraph that was determined pursuant to proceeding contractually agreed between the parties as mentioned below.
On the other hand, the parties agreed that: (i) the 40% of the outstanding balance of the sale of 51% mentioned in the first paragraph of this note was paid on March 30, 2022 and (ii) the remaining balance shall be paid in two installments, on January 31, 2026 and January 31, 2027, respectively.
Finally, sellers retained the usufruct (dividends) of the shares sold to be declared by Prisma for the year ended December 31, 2018, which were collected on April 26, 2019. Besides the proportion applicable to the buyer of the dividends to be reported for the following fiscal years –with the buyer’s commitment to voting in favor of the distribution of certain minimum percentages– will be used to create a guarantee trust to repay the deferred price amount through the concession by the buyer and Prisma of a usufruct over the economic rights of the shares in favor of such trust. On March 18, 2022, an agreement updated was performed for the 100% of the shares.
 
13
FAIR VALUE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
The fair value is the amount at which an asset can be exchanged, or at which a liability can be settled, in mutual independent terms and conditions between participants of the principal market (or the most advantageous market) who are duly informed and willing to transact in an orderly and current transaction, at the measurement date under the current market conditions whether the price is directly observable or estimated using a valuation technique under the assumption that the Bank is an ongoing business.
When a financial instrument is quoted in a liquid and active market, its price in the market in a real transaction provides the most reliable evidence of its fair value. Nevertheless, when there is no quoted price in the market or it cannot be evidence of the fair value of such instrument, in order to determine such fair value, the entities may use the market value of another instrument with similar characteristics, the analysis of discounted cash flows or other applicable techniques, which shall be significantly affected by the assumptions used.
Notwithstanding the above, the Bank’s Management has used its best judgment to estimate the fair values of its financial instruments; any technique to perform such estimate implies certain inherent fragility level.
Fair value hierarchy
The Bank uses the following hierarchy to determine and disclose the fair value of financial instruments, according to the valuation technique applied:
 
- 49 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) observable in active markets that the Bank accesses to at the measurement day for identical assets or liabilities. The Bank considers markets as active only if there are sufficient trading activities with respect to the volume and liquidity of the identical assets or liabilities and when there are binding and exercisable price quotes available at each reporting period.
 
   
Level 2: Valuation techniques for which the data and variables having a significant impact on the determination of the fair value recognized or disclosed are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Such inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical instruments in inactive markets and observable inputs other than quoted prices such as interest rates and yield curves, implied volatilities, and credit spreads. In addition, adjustments to level 2 inputs may be required for the condition or location of the asset or the extent to which it relates to items that are comparable to the valued instrument. However, if such adjustments are based on unobservable inputs, which are significant to the entire measurement, the Bank will classify the instruments as Level 3.
 
   
Level 3: Valuation techniques for which the data and variables having a significant impact on the determination of the fair value recognized or disclosed are not based on observable market information.
The following tables show the hierarchy in the Bank’s financial asset and liability at fair value measurement, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Categories of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2022
 
Item
  
Amortized cost
    
Fair value
through OCI
    
Fair value
through P/L
    
Fair value hierarchy
 
  
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
 
Financial assets
                                                     
Cash and deposits in Banks
                                                     
Cash
     27,612,616                                               
Financial institutions
     222,464,359                                               
Other
     12,118                                               
Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss
                       211,054,112        206,559,906        3,462,342        1,031,864  
Derivative financial instruments
                       42,899        19,193        23,706           
Repo transactions
                                                     
BCRA
     61,929,317                                               
Other financial assets
     53,436,257                 4,508,266        4,458,851                 49,415  
Loans and other financing
                                                     
To the non-financial government sector
     2,206,770                                               
Other financial institutions
     927,272                                               
To the non-financial private sector and foreign residents
                                                     
Overdraft
     49,250,055                                               
Documents
     81,773,760                                               
Mortgage loans
     61,905,907                                               
Pledge loans
     9,581,277                                               
Personal loans
     142,529,651                                               
Credit cards
     190,779,144                                               
Leases
     1,386,801                                               
Other (1)
     58,260,228                                               
Other debt securities
     599,259,838        137,911,993                 137,911,993                    
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
     30,620,278                                               
Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss
                       839,458        154,475                 684,983  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total financial assets
  
 
1,593,935,648
 
  
 
137,911,993
 
  
 
216,444,735
 
  
 
349,104,418
 
  
 
3,486,048
 
  
 
1,766,262
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes the total allowances to the non-financial private sector and foreign residents.
 
- 50 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Categories of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2022
 
Item
  
Amortized cost
    
Fair value
through OCI
    
Fair value
through P/L
    
Fair value hierarchy
 
  
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
 
Financial liabilities
                                                     
Deposits
                                                     
From the non-financial government sector
     109,952,253                                               
From the financial sector
     1,653,447                                               
From the non-financial private sector and foreign residents
                                                     
Checking accounts
     159,123,762                                               
Savings accounts
     419,740,050                                               
Time deposits and investment accounts
     569,021,981                                               
Other
     35,903,576                                               
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
                       526,027        526,027                    
Derivative financial instruments
                       2,371        2,371                    
Other financial liabilities
     135,091,316                                               
Financing received from BCRA and other financial entities
     2,449,342                                               
Issued corporate bonds
     2,715,556                                               
Subordinated corporate bonds
     72,129,837                                               
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
                   
Total financial liabilities
  
 
1,507,781,120
 
           
 
528,398
 
  
 
528,398
 
                 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
                   
Categories of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021
 
Item
  
Amortized cost
    
Fair value
through OCI
    
Fair value
through P/L
    
Fair value hierarchy
 
  
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
 
Financial assets
                                                     
Cash and deposits in Banks
                                                     
Cash
     51,862,712                                               
Financial institutions
     283,816,883                                               
Other
     12,519                                               
Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss
                       63,125,824        60,387,495        562,970        2,175,359  
Derivative financial instruments
                       2,524        771        1,753           
Repo transactions
                                                     
BCRA
     61,176,357                                               
Other financial assets
     64,463,931                 4,033,290        3,972,863                 60,427  
Loans and other financing
                                                     
To the non-financial government sector
     4,628,089                                               
Other financial institutions
     2,941,876                                               
To the non-financial private sector and foreign residents
                                                     
Overdraft
     47,516,346                                               
Documents
     82,408,943                                               
Mortgage loans
     81,213,071                                               
Pledge loans
     14,727,607                                               
Personal loans
     190,678,438                                               
Credit cards
     184,981,594                                               
Leases
     931,091                                               
Other (1)
     76,301,154                                               
 
- 51 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Categories of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021
 
Item (contd.)
  
Amortized cost
    
Fair value
through OCI
    
Fair value
through P/L
    
Fair value hierarchy
 
  
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
 
Financial assets (contd.)
                                                     
Other debt securities
     46,832,279        510,230,657                 283,454,369        226,776,288           
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
     34,993,147                                               
Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss
                       7,365,144        131,468                 7,233,676  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total financial assets
  
 
1,229,486,037
 
  
 
510,230,657
 
  
 
74,526,782
 
  
 
347,946,966
 
  
 
227,341,011
 
  
 
9,469,462
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
             
Financial liabilities
                                                     
Deposits
                                                     
From the non-financial government sector
     109,868,280                                               
From the financial sector
     1,872,336                                               
From the non-financial private sector and foreign residents
                                                     
Checking accounts
     196,484,984                                               
Savings accounts
     360,846,573                                               
Time deposits and investment accounts
     447,350,444                                               
Other
     30,618,411                                               
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
             
       3,170,711        3,170,711                    
Derivative financial instruments
                       4,933                 4,933           
Other financial liabilities
     131,278,389                                               
Financing received from BCRA and other financial entities
     852,660                                               
Issued corporate bonds
     5,825,893                                               
Subordinated corporate bonds
     81,762,819                                               
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
Total financial liabilities
  
 
1,366,760,789
 
  
 

 
  
 
3,175,644
 
  
 
3,170,711
 
  
 
4,933
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
  (1)
Includes the total allowances to the non-financial private sector and foreign residents.
Description of the valuation process
The fair value of instruments categorized as Level 1 was assessed by using quoted prices effective at the end of each fiscal year in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, if representative. Currently, for most of the government and private securities, there are two principal markets in which the Bank operates: BYMA and MAE. Additionally, in the case of derivatives, both MAE and Mercado a Término de Rosario SA (ROFEX) are deemed active markets.
On the other hand, for certain assets and liabilities that do not have an active market, categorized as Level 2, the Bank used valuation techniques that included the use of market transactions performed under mutual independent terms and conditions, between interested and duly informed parties, provided that they are available as well as references to the current fair value of another instrument being substantially similar, or otherwise the analysis of cash flows discounted at rates built from market information of similar instruments. In addition, certain assets and liabilities included in this category were valued using price quotes of identical instruments in “less active markets”.
Finally, the Bank has categorized as level 3 those assets and liabilities for which there are no identical or similar transactions in the market. For this approach, the Bank mainly used the cash flow discount model.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank has neither changed the techniques nor the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments.
Below is the reconciliation between the amounts at the beginning and at the end of the fiscal year of the financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value categorized as level 3:
 
- 52 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
    
As of December 31, 2022
 
Reconciliation
  
Debt instruments
    
Other financial
assets
    
Equity instruments

at fair value

through profit or
loss
 
Amount at the beginning
    
2,175,359
      
60,427
      
7,233,676
 
Transfers to Level 3
                          
Transfers from Level 3
                          
Profit and loss (1)
     731,241        5,064        (5,689,970
Recognition and derecognition
     (801,964      21,061        497,804  
Monetary effects
     (1,072,772      (37,137      (1,356,527
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Amount at the end of the fiscal year
  
 
1,031,864
 
  
 
49,415
 
  
 
684,983
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
As of December 31, 2021
 
Reconciliation
  
Debt instruments
    
Other financial
assets
    
Equity instruments
at fair value

through profit or
loss
    
Derivative
financial
instruments
 
Amount at the beginning
    
1,112,717
      
76,973
      
15,314,079
      
2,888,037
 
Transfers to Level 3
                                   
Transfers from Level 3
                                   
Profit and loss (1)
     686,775        3,562        (2,837,282      (2,037,074
Recognition and derecognition
     978,699        10,002        (43,437         
Monetary effects
     (602,832      (30,110      (5,199,684      (850,963
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Amount at the end of the fiscal year
  
 
2,175,359
 
  
 
60,427
 
  
 
7,233,676
 
        
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
          
 
  (1)
Profit and loss are recorded in “Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss”.
Instruments measured as level 3 mainly include equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss that comprise Prisma (see note 12). As of December 31, 2021, the fair value is the final price of such shares that was determined pursuant to proceeding contractually agreed between the parties (see note 12).
As of December 31, 2022, the Bank completed the transfer of all remaining shares held in Prisma (see note 12). Additionally, the other instruments measured as level 3 include debt securities of financial trusts and corporate bonds, for which the construction of fair values was obtained based on the Bank’s own assumptions that are not easily available in the market. The most significant assumption was the placement cutoff rate of such instruments in the market at the end of the period, used to determine the actual value of cash flows.
Quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Debt securities
The following table provides quantitative information about the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the main of debt securities of financial trusts for which the Bank uses an internal model.
 
- 53 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Fair value of
              
Range of inputs
 
   
Level 3 Assets
    
Valuation
  
Significant unobservable
  
12/31/2022
 
Composition
 
12/31/2022
    
technique
  
inputs
  
Range of inputs
 
                    
Low
    
High
    
Unit
 
Provisional Debt Securities of Financial Trusts
    593,120      Income approach (discounted cash flow)    Discount rate in pesos      69.99        83.83            
Corporate bonds
    434,678      Income approach (discounted cash flow)    Discount rate in pesos      76.98        86.47            
 
   
Fair value of
              
Range of inputs
        
   
Level 3 Assets
    
Valuation
  
Significant unobservable
  
12/31/2021
        
Composition
 
12/31/2021
    
technique
  
inputs
  
Range of inputs
 
                    
Low
    
High
    
Unit
 
Provisional Debt Securities of Financial Trusts
    626,600      Income approach (discounted cash flow)    Discount rate in pesos      43.32        46.14            
Corporate bonds
    1,543,003      Income approach (discounted cash flow)    Discount rate in pesos      26.19        40.99            
The table below describes the effect of changing the significant unobservable inputs to reasonably possible alternatives. Sensitivity data were calculated using a number of techniques including analyzing price dispersion of different price sources, adjusting model inputs to analyze changes within the fair value methodology.
 
    
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
 
    
Favorable
changes
    
Unfavorable
changes
   
Favorable

changes
    
Unfavorable
changes
 
Provisional Debt Securities of Financial Trusts
     1,223        (1,176     300        (295
Corporate bonds
     2,622        (2,537     29,777        (27,449
Changes in fair value levels
The Bank monitors the availability of information in the market to evaluate the classification of financial instruments into the fair value hierarchy as well as the resulting determination of transfers between levels 1, 2 and 3 at each period end.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank has not recognized any transfers between levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value
Next follows a description of the main methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values of financial instruments not recognized at their fair value in these consolidated Financial Statements:
 
   
Instruments with fair value similar to the carrying amount: financial assets and liabilities that are liquid or have short-term maturities (less than three months) were deemed to have a fair value similar to the carrying amount.
 
- 54 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Fixed and variable rate of financial instruments: the fair value of financial assets was recognized discounting future cash flows at current market rates, for each fiscal year, for financial instruments of similar characteristics. The estimated fair value of fixed-interest rate deposits and liabilities was assessed discounting future cash flows by using estimated interest rates for deposits or placings with similar maturities to those of the Bank’s portfolio.
 
   
For public listed assets and liabilities, or those for which the prices are reported by certain renowned pricing providers, the fair value was determined based on such prices.
The following table shows a comparison between the fair value and the carrying amount of financial instruments not measured at fair value as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
    
12/31/2022
 
Composition
  
Carrying
amount
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Fair value
 
Financial assets
                                            
Cash and deposits in Banks
     250,089,093        250,089,093                          250,089,093  
Repo transactions
     61,929,317        61,929,317                          61,929,317  
Other financial assets
     53,436,257        53,436,257                          53,436,257  
Loans and other financing
     598,600,865                          521,939,679        521,939,679  
Other debt securities
     599,259,838        511,722,746        82,669,663        96,304        594,488,713  
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
     30,620,278        30,620,278                          30,620,278  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
    
1,593,935,648
      
907,797,691
      
82,669,663
      
522,035,983
      
1,512,503,337
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Financial liabilities
                                            
Deposits
     1,295,395,069        649,076,325                 645,261,404        1,294,337,729  
Other financial liabilities
     135,091,316        130,781,463        4,371,904                 135,153,367  
Financing received from the BCRA and other financial entities
     2,449,342        2,382,151        51,963                 2,434,114  
Issued corporate bonds
     2,715,556                 2,638,551                 2,638,551  
Subordinated corporate bonds
     72,129,837                 58,815,433                 58,815,433  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
    
1,507,781,120
      
782,239,939
      
65,877,851
      
645,261,404
      
1,493,379,194
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
12/31/2021
 
Composition
  
Carrying
amount
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Fair value
 
Financial assets
                                            
Cash and deposits in Banks
     335,692,114        335,692,114                          335,692,114  
Repo transactions
     61,176,357        61,176,357                          61,176,357  
Other financial assets
     64,463,931        64,416,765                          64,416,765  
Loans and other financing
     686,328,209                          637,724,702        637,724,702  
Other debt securities
     46,832,279        44,550,843        1,265,887        304,156        46,120,886  
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
     34,993,147        34,993,147                          34,993,147  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
    
1,229,486,037
      
540,829,226
      
1,265,887
      
638,028,858
      
1,180,123,971
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 55 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Composition
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Carrying
amount
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Fair value
 
Financial liabilities
                                            
Deposits
     1,147,041,028        650,045,751                 496,348,778        1,146,394,529  
Other financial liabilities
     131,278,389        129,516,534        2,794,914                 132,311,448  
Financing received from the BCRA and other financial entities
     852,660        771,790        74,752                 846,542  
Issued corporate bonds
     5,825,893                 5,128,186                 5,128,186  
Subordinated corporate bonds
     81,762,819                 67,123,964                 67,123,964  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
    
1,366,760,789
      
780,334,075
      
75,121,816
      
496,348,778
      
1,351,804,669
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
14
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
On October 1, 2021, the Bank exercised a call option to reach 24.99% of the equity interest in Fintech SGR, being this a structured entity in which the Bank has control (see also notes 1 and 3 item “consolidation basis”).
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
The fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Fintech SGR and the risk fund (“Fondo de Riesgo”), as of the date of acquisition, were as follows (figures stated in terms of purchasing power at the acquisition date):
 
Composition
  
Fair value recognized on acquisition
 
  
SGR
    
Risk fund
 
Assets
  
 
115,632
 
  
 
1,673,303
 
Cash and deposits in Banks
     487        180,729  
Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss
              1,211,953  
Other financial assets
     77,082        279,840  
Property, plant and equipment
     1,108           
Deferred tax assets
     7,724           
Other non-financial assets
     29,231        781  
Liabilities
  
 
97,776
 
  
 
1,673,303
 
Other financial liabilities
              1,658,508  
Other non-financial liabilities
     97,776        14,795  
Net assets acquired at fair value
  
 
17,856
 
        
The goodwill generated by the acquisition of Fintech SGR arising from the acquisition date amounted to 44,460.
The total consideration transferred amounted to 33,488 (not restated) and it was performed through an irrevocable capital contribution made by the Bank in order to increase the capital stock of Fintech SGR, which was approved by the Fintech SGR’s Ordinary and Special Shareholders’ Meeting involving class “A” and class “B”, held on October 18, 2021.
 
- 56 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
15
INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT ARRANGEMENTS
 
  15.1
Associates
 
  a)
Macro Warrants SA
The Bank holds an investment in the associate Macro Warrants SA. The existence of significant influence is evidenced by the representation the Bank has in the Board of Directors of the associate. In order to measure this investment, the Bank used accounting information of Macro Warrants SA as of September 30, 2022. Additionally, the Bank has considered, when applicable, the material transactions or events occurring between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
The following table presents the summarized financial information on the Bank’s investment in the associate:
 
Summarized statement of financial position
  
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
 
Total assets
     127,243       173,171  
Total liabilities
     15,965       24,560  
Shareholders’ equity
     111,278       148,611  
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Proportional Bank’s interest
     5     5
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Investment carrying amount
  
 
5,564
 
 
 
7,431
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the investment carrying amount in the net income for the fiscal years amounted to (1,621), 549 and 2,191, respectively.
 
  b)
Play Digital SA
As explained in note 1, the Bank holds an investment in the associate Play Digital SA. The existence of significant influence is evidenced by the representation the Bank has in the Board of Directors of the associate. In order to measure this investment, the Bank used accounting information of Play Digital SA as of September 30, 2022. Additionally, the Bank has considered, when applicable, the material transactions or events occurring between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
The following table presents the summarized financial information on the Bank’s interest in the associate:
 
Summarized statement of financial position
  
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
 
Total assets
     4,321,080       3,630,568  
Total liabilities
     446,741       306,601  
Shareholders’ equity
     3,874,339       3,323,967  
Irrevocable capital contributions made during 2022 pending capitalization (see note 1)
     (4,596,480        
Adjusted Shareholders’ equity
     (722,141     3,323,967  
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Proportional Bank’s interest (see note 1)
     8.9927     10.0197
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Equity interest
  
 
(64,940
 
 
333,052
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Irrevocable capital contribution made in January and July 2022 (see note 1)
  
 
487,899
 
       
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Investment carrying amount
  
 
422,959
 
 
 
333,052
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the investment carrying amount in the net income for the fiscal years amounted to and (414,107), (146,964) and (235,996), respectively.
 
- 57 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  15.2
Joint ventures
The Bank participates in the following joint ventures:
 
  a)
Banco Macro SA – Wordline Argentina SA Unión transitoria
On April 7, 1998, the Bank executed an agreement with Siemens Itron Services SA to organize an joint venture (UTE, for its acronym in Spanish) controlled on a joint basis through a 50% interest, the purpose of which is to facilitate a data processing center for the tax administration, to modernize the systems and tax collection processes of the Province of Salta and manage and recover municipal taxes and fees.
The following table presents the summarized financial information on the Bank’s investment in the UTE:
 
Summarized statement of financial position
  
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
 
Total assets
     1,551,310       1,381,302  
Total liabilities
     265,824       321,017  
Shareholders’ equity
     1,285,486       1,060,285  
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Proportional Bank’s interest
     50     50
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Investment carrying amount
  
 
642,743
 
 
 
530,143
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the investment carrying amount in the net income for the fiscal years amounted to 322,924, 339,521 and 218,172, respectively.
 
  b)
Finova SA
As explained in note 1, on October 1, 2021, the Bank acquired the 50% of Finova SA. The Bank has common control over this company, as the decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent. In order to measure this investment, the Bank used accounting information of Finova SA as of September 30, 2022. Additionally, the Bank has considered, when applicable, the material transactions or events occurring between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
The following table presents the summarized financial information on the Bank in this company, which as explained in note 3, section 3.5 “Investment in associates and joint arrangements”, is measured at equity method plus goodwill:
 
Summarized statement of financial position
  
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
 
Total assets
     50,945       75,747  
Total liabilities
     8,287       7,967  
Shareholders’ equity
     42,658       67,780  
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Proportional Bank’s interest
     50     50
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Equity interest
  
 
21,329
 
 
 
33,890
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Goodwill
  
 
49,004
 
 
 
49,004
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Investment carrying amount
  
 
70,333
 
 
 
82,894
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the investment carrying amount in the net income for the fiscal years amounted to (12,562) and (22,562), respectively.
 
- 58 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
16
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The changes in property, plant and equipment during the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
 
Item
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Original

value at
beginning of
fiscal year
    
Total life
estimated

in years
    
Increases
    
Decreases
    
Transfers
   
Exchange
differences
   
Depreciation for the fiscal year
    
Residual value
at the end of
the fiscal year
 
 
Accumulated
    
Transfers
   
Decrease
    
Exchange
differences
   
For the fiscal
year
    
At the

end
 
Cost
                                                                                                                
Real property
     93,362,070        50        595,519        122,169        1,368,237               9,384,580        (78,527     20,995                2,047,203        11,332,261        83,871,396  
Furniture and facilities
     12,879,168        10        413,627        1,654        1,491,837       (181     6,344,990        4       549        (145     1,149,876        7,494,176        7,288,621  
Machinery and equipment
     18,318,136        5        2,098,953        5,590        1,052,134       (179     12,646,651        (1,535     5,358        (457     2,692,115        15,331,416        6,132,038  
Vehicles
     2,602,997        5        449,948        176,501        (9,208     7,739       2,134,400        (699     115,344        14       263,049        2,281,420        593,555  
Other
     1,739        3                                  (911     828                         (1,058     558        328        500  
Work in progress
     3,089,819                 2,709,731                 (4,503,132                                                                 1,296,418  
Right of use real property
     7,353,968        5        867,251        96,195                (3,095     4,104,964                59,692        (255     1,395,703        5,440,720        2,681,209  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
            
 
 
   
 
 
            
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total property, plant and equipment
  
 
137,607,897
 
           
 
7,135,029
 
  
 
402,109
 
  
 
(600,132
 
 
3,373
 
 
 
34,616,413
 
  
 
(80,757
 
 
201,938
 
  
 
(1,901
 
 
7,548,504
 
  
 
41,880,321
 
  
 
101,863,737
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Item
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Original

value at
beginning of
fiscal year
    
Total life
estimated

in years
    
Increases
    
Decreases
    
Transfers

(1)
   
Exchange
differences
   
Depreciation for the fiscal year
    
Residual value
at the end of
the fiscal year
 
 
Accumulated
    
Transfers
(1)
   
Decrease
    
Exchange
differences
   
For the fiscal
year
    
At the

end
 
Cost
                                                                                                                
Real property
     89,603,312        50        581,468        170,251        3,347,541               7,337,992        191,404       21,520                1,876,704        9,384,580        83,977,490  
Furniture and facilities
     11,676,005        10        378,954        3,915        828,386       (262     5,253,668        261       2,039        (218     1,093,318        6,344,990        6,534,178  
Machinery and equipment
     16,148,014        5        1,244,554        59,966        987,034       (1,500     10,158,717        (1,371     9,007        (984     2,499,296        12,646,651        5,671,485  
Vehicles
     2,508,068        5        250,176        161,513        6,266               2,052,788        348       142,235                223,499        2,134,400        468,597  
Other
     2,591        3        614        808                (658     1,199                808        (354     791        828        911  
Work in progress
     2,465,445                 4,292,728                 (3,668,354                                                                 3,089,819  
Right of use real property
     6,104,186        5        1,274,776        47,589        31,279       (8,684     2,648,786        1,423       40,239        (2,628     1,497,622        4,104,964        3,249,004  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total property, plant and equipment
  
 
128,507,621
 
           
 
8,023,270
 
  
 
444,042
 
  
 
1,532,152
 
 
 
(11,104
 
 
27,453,150
 
  
 
192,065
 
 
 
215,848
 
  
 
(4,184
 
 
7,191,230
 
  
 
34,616,413
 
  
 
102,991,484
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  (1)
During the fiscal year 2021, under this item transfers were made to non-current assets held for sale.
 
- 59 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
17
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
The changes in investment property (including in “Other non-financial assets” – see note 19) during the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follow:
 
Item
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Original
Value at
beginning of
fiscal year
    
Useful life
estimated
in years
    
Increase
    
Decrease
    
Transfers

(1)
   
Exchange
differences
   
Depreciation for the fiscal year
    
Residual
value at the
end of the
fiscal year
 
 
Accumulated
    
Transfers
(1)
   
Decrease
    
Exchange
differences
    
For the
fiscal
year
    
At the
end
 
Cost
                                                                                                                 
Leased properties
     449,989        50        1,156                 (54,526             16,256        38,437                         5,268        59,961        336,658  
Other investment
properties
     1,370,837        50        9,976,486        26,330        (2,688,777     (4     110,434        (5,699     2,297                 176,486        278,924        8,353,288  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total investment
property
  
 
1,820,826
 
           
 
9,977,642
 
  
 
26,330
 
  
 
(2,743,303
 
 
(4
 
 
126,690
 
  
 
32,738
 
 
 
2,297
 
           
 
181,754
 
  
 
338,885
 
  
 
8,689,946
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Item
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Original
Value at
beginning of
fiscal year
    
Useful life
estimated
in years
    
Increase
    
Decrease
    
Transfers
   
Exchange
differences
   
Depreciation for the fiscal year
    
Residual value
at the end of
the fiscal year
 
 
Accumulated
    
Transfers
   
Decrease
    
Exchange
differences
    
For the
fiscal
year
    
At the
end
 
Cost
                                                                                                                 
Leased properties
     647,497        50                          (197,508             106,305        (96,629                       6,580        16,256        433,733  
Other investment
properties
     2,490,034        50        247,628        46,210        (1,320,485     (130     149,274        (94,776     7,571                 63,507        110,434        1,260,403  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total investment
property
  
 
3,137,531
 
           
 
247,628
 
  
 
46,210
 
  
 
(1,517,993
 
 
(130
 
 
255,579
 
  
 
(191,405
 
 
7,571
 
           
 
70,087
 
  
 
126,690
 
  
 
1,694,136
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  (1)
During the fiscal year 2022, under this item transfers were made to non-current assets held for sale.
 
18
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The changes in intangible assets during the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follow:
 
Item
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Original
Value at
beginning of
fiscal

year
    
Useful life
estimated
in years
    
Increases
    
Decreases
    
Transfers
   
Depreciation of the fiscal year
    
Residual
value at
the end of
the fiscal
year
 
 
Accumulated
    
Transfers
   
Decrease
    
Of the
fiscal year
    
At the end
 
Cost
                                                                                                
Licenses
     9,760,068        5        1,311,705                 89,994       5,970,420        3,376                1,842,469        7,816,265        3,345,502  
Other intangible assets
     31,680,407        5        7,299,511        33,558        (79,756     19,099,090        (1,330     1,314        5,675,900        24,772,346        14,094,258  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total intangible assets
  
 
41,440,475
 
           
 
8,611,216
 
  
 
33,558
 
  
 
10,238
 
 
 
25,069,510
 
  
 
2,046
 
 
 
1,314
 
  
 
7,518,369
 
  
 
32,588,611
 
  
 
17,439,760
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 60 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Item
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Original
Value at
beginning

of fiscal

year
    
Useful

life
estimated
in years
    
Increases
    
Decreases
    
Transfers
   
Depreciation of the fiscal year
    
Residual
value at

the end of
the fiscal
year
 
 
Accumulated
    
Transfers
   
Decrease
    
Of the
fiscal

year
    
At the end
 
Cost
                                                                                                
Licenses
     8,084,142        5        1,695,543                 (19,617     4,193,712        (660              1,777,368        5,970,420        3,789,648  
Other intangible
assets
     25,374,163        5        6,306,426        182                14,257,429                43        4,841,704        19,099,090        12,581,317  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
            
 
 
            
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total intangible
assets
  
 
33,458,305
 
           
 
8,001,969
 
  
 
182
 
  
 
(19,617
 
 
18,451,141
 
  
 
(660
 
 
43
 
  
 
6,619,072
 
  
 
25,069,510
 
  
 
16,370,965
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
19
OTHER NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
The composition of the other non-financial assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Investment property (see note 17)
     8,689,946        1,694,136  
Advanced prepayments
     2,347,616        1,617,108  
Tax advances
     1,230,143        855,688  
Other
     185,165        374,911  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
12,452,870
 
  
 
4,541,843
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
20
RELATED PARTIES
A related party is a person or entity that is related to the Bank:
 
   
has control or joint control of the Bank;
 
   
has significant influence over the Bank;
 
   
is a member of the key management personnel of the Bank or of the parent of the Bank;
 
   
members of the same group;
 
   
one entity is an associate (or an associate of a member of a group of which the other entity is a member).
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Bank, directly or indirectly. The Bank considers as key management personnel, for the purposes of IAS 24, the members of the Board of Directors and the senior management members of the Risk Management Committee, the Assets and Liabilities Committee and the Senior Credit Committee.
 
- 61 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The amounts balances as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and the profit or loss for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, related to transactions generated with related parties are as follows:
 
    
As of December 31, 2022
 
  
Main subsidiaries (1)
    
Associates
    
Key
management
personnel (2)
    
Other
related
parties
    
Total
 
  
Macro Bank
Limited
    
Macro
Securities
SAU
    
Macro
Fondos
SGFCISA
    
Argenpay
SAU
    
Fintech
SGR
 
Assets
                                                                                
Cash and deposits in Banks
     1,419                                                                       1,419  
Other financial assets
                                         3,017,035                 232,533        19        3,249,587  
Loans and other financing (3)
                                                                                
Overdraft
                                                           56,268        420,910        477,178  
Credit cards
                                                           189,716        49,820        239,536  
Lease
                                                                    66,686        66,686  
Personal loans
                                                           1,162                 1,162  
Mortgage loans
                                                           542,582                 542,582  
Other loans
              2,113,373                                            151,849        1,400,121        3,665,343  
Guarantee granted
                                                                    1,540,021        1,540,021  
Other non-financial assets
                                                                                
    
 
 
    
 
 
                      
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total assets
  
 
1,419
 
  
 
2,113,373
 
                    
 
3,017,035
 
           
 
1,174,110
 
  
 
3,477,577
 
  
 
9,783,514
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
                      
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
                                                                       
Deposits
     2,936,305        65,353        58,138        116        84,710        4,161,737        2,299,339        9,605,698  
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
                                                           164,605        164,605  
Other financial liabilities
                                                  51,690        12,028        63,718  
Issued corporate bonds
     109,275        178,907                                                     288,182  
Subordinated corporate bonds
                                144,549                                   144,549  
Other non-financial liabilities
                                                           20,216        20,216  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  
 
3,045,580
 
  
 
244,260
 
  
 
58,138
 
  
 
144,665
 
  
 
84,710
 
  
 
4,213,427
 
  
 
2,496,188
 
  
 
10,286,968
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Income / (loss)
                                                                           
Interest income
              4,323                                         293,908       1,983,298       2,281,529  
Interest expense
                                                (22,970     (104,453     (69,030     (196,453
Commissions income
              24,841       156                 792       345       61       105,069       131,264  
Commissions expense
                                        (10,647             (51     (1,143     (11,841
Other operating income
     5                         40        1,304,736                       52       1,304,833  
Credit loss expense on financial assets
              (374                                                       (374
Administrative expense
                                                                (585,739     (585,739
Other operating expense
              (14,511                                               (70,829     (85,340
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Income / (loss)
  
 
5
 
  
 
14,279
 
 
 
156
 
  
 
40
 
  
 
1,294,881
 
 
 
(22,625
 
 
189,465
 
 
 
1,361,678
 
 
 
2,837,879
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)
These transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process.
(2)
Includes close family members of the key management personnel.
(3)
The maximum financing amount for loans and other financing as of December 31, 2022 for Macro Securities SAU, Fintech SGR, Key management personnel and other related parties amounted to 4,528,425, 2,535,472, 1,319,372 and 16,840,167, respectively.
 
- 62 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
    
As of December 31, 2021
 
  
Main subsidiaries (1)
    
Associates
    
Key
management
personnel (2)
    
Other
related
parties
    
Total
 
  
Macro Bank
Limited
    
Macro
Securities
SAU
    
Macro
Fondos
SGFCISA
    
Argenpay
SAU
    
Fintech
SGR
 
Assets
                                                                                
Cash and deposits in Banks
     1,603                                                                       1,603  
Other financial assets
                                         1,477,165                 290,117        281,735        2,049,017  
Loans and other financing (3)
                                                                                
Documents
                                                                    55,596        55,596  
Overdraft
                                                           156,620        492,704        649,324  
Credit cards
                                                           139,924        105,138        245,062  
Lease
                                                                    55,956        55,956  
Personal loans
                                                           2,776                 2,776  
Mortgage loans
                                                           499,837                 499,837  
Other loans
              2,697,732                                            148,709        3,095,126        5,941,567  
Guarantee granted
                                                                    1,993,430        1,993,430  
Other non-financial assets
                                                           47                 47  
    
 
 
    
 
 
                      
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total assets
  
 
1,603
 
  
 
2,697,732
 
                    
 
1,477,165
 
           
 
1,238,030
 
  
 
6,079,685
 
  
 
11,494,215
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
                      
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
                                                                                
Deposits
     8        3,097,952        318,915        133,622        60        102,927        7,197,104        3,339,357        14,189,945  
Financial liabilities at fair
value through profit or loss
                                                                    3,169,891        3,169,891  
Other financial liabilities
                                                           95,016        485,510        580,526  
Subordinated corporate bonds
                                         81,844                                   81,844  
Other non-financial liabilities
                                                                    29,963        29,963  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  
 
8
 
  
 
3,097,952
 
  
 
318,915
 
  
 
133,622
 
  
 
81,904
 
  
 
102,927
 
  
 
7,292,120
 
  
 
7,024,721
 
  
 
18,052,169
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Income / (loss)
                                                                  
Interest income
              6,960                                317,425       2,798,993       3,123,378  
Interest expense
              (8,205                      (33,765     (74,764     (109,111     (225,845
Commissions income
              42,841       232        56       434       37       196,373       239,973  
Commissions expense
                               (699             (45     (343     (1,087
Net gain from measurement of
financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss
                               45,691                               45,691  
Other operating income
     8        6,693                13,049                       62       19,812  
Administrative expense
                                                       (468,070     (468,070
Other operating expense
                                                       (144,963     (144,963
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Income / (loss)
  
 
8
 
  
 
48,289
 
 
 
232
 
  
 
58,097
 
 
 
(33,331
 
 
242,653
 
 
 
2,272,941
 
 
 
2,588,889
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)
These transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process.
(2)
Includes close family members of the key management personnel.
(3)
The maximum financing amount for loans and other financing as of December 31, 2021 for Macro Securities SAU, Fintech SGR, Key management personnel and other related parties amounted to 2,720,419, 1,477,165, 1,395,627 and 11,912,135, respectively.
 
- 63 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
    
As of December 31, 2020
 
  
Main subsidiaries (1)
    
Associates
   
Key
management
personnel
(2)
   
Other
related
parties
   
Total
 
  
Macro
Bank
Limited
    
Macro
Securities
SAU
   
Macro
Fondos
SGFCISA
    
Argenpay
SAU
 
Income / (loss)
                                                                   
Interest income
              138,247                                 177,940       1,868,020       2,184,207  
Interest expense
              (1,844                       (26,062     (2,627,002     (2,168,471     (4,823,379
Commissions income
              31,569       903                 262       456       181,078       214,268  
Commissions expense
                                                (397     (691     (1,088
Net gain from measurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss
                                                         52,516       52,516  
Other operating income
     12                         3                        68       83  
Credit loss expense on financial assets
              (20,246                                               (20,246
Administrative expense
                                                        (491,664     (491,664
Other operating expense
                                                        (225,696     (225,696
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Income / (loss)
  
 
12
 
  
 
147,726
 
 
 
903
 
  
 
3
 
  
 
(25,800
 
 
(2,449,003
 
 
(784,840
 
 
(3,110,999
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)
These transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process.
(2)
Includes close family members of the key management personnel.
Transactions generated by the Bank with its related parties for transactions arranged within the course of the usual and ordinary course of business were performed in normal market conditions, both as to interest rates and prices and as to the required guarantees.
The Bank does not have loans granted to directors and other key management personnel secured with shares.
Total remunerations received as salary and bonus by the key management personnel as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, totaled 1,057,003, 1,131,565 and 952,030, respectively.
In addition, fees received by the Directors as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 amounted to 1,802,678, 2,227,536 and 5,010,554, respectively.
Additionally, the composition of the Board of Directors and key management personnel of the Bank and its subsidiaries is as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Board of Directors
     22        21  
Senior managers of the key management personnel
     12        12  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
34
 
  
 
33
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 64 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
21
OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
The composition of the other financial liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Credit and debit card settlement—due to merchants
     73,511,478        64,371,122  
Amounts payable for spot purchases of foreign currency pending settlement
     16,050,423        30,215,931  
Amounts payable for other spot purchases pending settlement
     14,735,430        13,776,398  
Amounts payable for spot purchases of government securities pending settlement
     9,780,493        3,161,103  
Payment orders pending to foreign exchange settlement
     5,692,820        5,793,940  
Collections and other transactions on account and behalf of others
     2,805,941        4,736,909  
Finance leases liabilities (see note 22)
     1,965,258        2,766,394  
Other
     10,549,473        6,456,592  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
135,091,316
 
  
 
131,278,389
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
22
LEASES
 
  22.1
The Bank as a lessee
The Bank has lease contracts mainly for real properties recognized in the item “Property, plant and equipment”. Generally, the Bank is restricted from assigning or subleasing the leased assets.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying amount of assets recognized for the right-of-use assets identified in the lease contracts, depreciation expense for the fiscal year and the additions to right-of-use assets are disclosed in note 16.
Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during the fiscal year:
 
Movements
  
2022
    
2021
    
2020
 
At the beginning of the fiscal year
     2,766,394        3,456,332        3,670,412  
Additions
     636,104        962,042        1,119,825  
Accretion of interest
     385,368        426,069        531,554  
Difference in foreign currency
     710,151        435,238        858,570  
Payments
     (1,023,305      (1,505,130      (1,651,745
Monetary effects
     (1,509,454      (1,008,157      (1,072,284
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
At the end of the fiscal year (see note 21)
  
 
1,965,258
 
  
 
2,766,394
 
  
 
3,456,332
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The short-term leases were recognized as expense for an amount of 14,024, 15,554 and 16,661 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The table below shows the maturity of the lease liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
Lease
liabilities
   Up to 1
month
     Over 1
month and
up to 3
months
     Over 3
months
and up to
6 months
     Over 6
months and
up to 12
months
    
Total up to
12 months
     Over 12
months
and up to
24 months
     Over 24
months
    
Total

over 12
months
 
Balances as of 12/31/2022
     102,002        167,767        230,466        375,032     
 
875,267
 
     459,239        630,752     
 
1,089,991
 
Balances as of 12/31/2021
     117,881        205,207        281,639        477,223     
 
1,081,950
 
     719,887        964,557     
 
1,684,444
 
 
- 65 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  22.2
The Bank as a lessor
The Bank, as lessor, entered into financial lease contracts, under the usual characteristics of this kind of transactions, without there being any issues that may differentiate them in any aspect from those performed in the Argentine financial market in general. The lease contracts in force do not represent significant balances with respect to the total financing granted by the Bank.
The following table shows the reconciliation between the total gross investment of financial leases and the current value of the minimum payment receivables for such leases:
 
    
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Current value
of minimum
payments
    
Total gross

Investment
    
Current value
of minimum
payments
    
Total gross

Investment
 
Up to 1 year
     1,045,035        694,131        449,698        217,952  
From 1 to 5 years
     1,151,911        692,670        1,073,166        713,139  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
2,196,946
 
  
 
1,386,801
 
  
 
1,522,864
 
  
 
931,091
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income for non-accrued interests amounted to 810,145, 591,773 and 126,454 for the years ended December 31, 2022 2021 and 2020, respectively.
 
23
PROVISIONS
This item includes the amounts estimated to face a liability of probable occurrence, which if occurring, would originate a loss for the Bank.
The changes in provisions during the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follow:
 
Item
  
Amounts at
beginning of
fiscal year
 
  
Increases
 
  
Decreases
 
  
Monetary
effects
 
 
12/31/2022
 
  
Reversals
 
  
Charge off
 
For administrative, disciplinary and criminal penalties
     972                                   (472     500  
Letters of credit, guarantees and other commitments (1)
     687,783        597,408                        (513,370     771,821  
Commercial claims in progress
     618,540        359,718                 123,645        (360,003     494,610  
Labor lawsuits
     419,573        566,056                 484,148        (235,115     266,366  
Pension funds—reimbursement
     206,987        556,916                 23,843        (221,570     518,490  
Other
     1,287,157        877,826                 541,898        (886,740     736,345  
    
 
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total provisions
  
 
3,221,012
 
  
 
2,957,924
 
           
 
1,173,534
 
  
 
(2,217,270
)
 
 
 
2,788,132
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
- 66 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Item
  
Amounts at
beginning of
fiscal year
    
Increases
    
Decreases
    
Monetary
effects
   
12/31/2021
 
  
Reversals
    
Charge off
 
For administrative, disciplinary and criminal penalties
     2,112        81,094        491        80,987        (756     972  
Letters of credit, guarantees and other commitments (1)
     68,213        733,472                 2,476        (111,426     687,783  
Commercial claims in progress
     2,026,171        725,219                 1,666,413        (466,437     618,540  
Labor lawsuits
     669,642        518,976                 548,277        (220,768     419,573  
Pension funds—reimbursement
     261,241        80,570                 35,614        (99,210     206,987  
Other
     825,855        1,511,860                 673,328        (377,230     1,287,157  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total provisions
  
 
3,853,234
 
  
 
3,651,191
 
  
 
491
 
  
 
3,007,095
 
  
 
(1,275,827
 
 
3,221,012
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  (1)
These amounts correspond to the ECL calculated for contingent transactions, which are mentioned in note 4.
The expected terms to settle these obligations are as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Within 12
months
    
Over 12

months
 
For administrative, disciplinary and criminal penalties
              500        500        972  
Letters of credits, guarantees and other commitments (1)
     771,821                 771,821        687,783  
Commercial claims in progress (2)
     170,878        323,732        494,610        618,540  
Labor lawsuits
     220,529        45,837        266,366        419,573  
Pension funds—reimbursement
     303,631        214,859        518,490        206,987  
Other
     12,370        723,975        736,345        1,287,157  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
1,479,229
 
  
 
1,308,903
 
  
 
2,788,132
 
  
 
3,221,012
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)
These amounts correspond to the ECL calculated for contingent transactions are mentioned in note 4.
(2)
See also note 50.2.
In the opinion of the Bank’s Management and its legal counsel, there are no other significant effects other than those disclosed in these consolidated Financial Statements, the amounts and settlement terms of which have been recognized based on the current value of such estimates, considering the probable settlement date thereof.
 
- 67 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
24
OTHER NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
The composition of other non-financial liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Withholdings
     15,864,725        13,681,499  
Salaries, bonuses and payroll taxes payables (see note 25)
     10,968,737        12,823,688  
Taxes payables
     7,711,416        6,263,018  
Miscellaneous payables
     2,954,543        3,700,097  
Retirement pension payment orders pending settlement
     1,124,896        824,014  
Fees payables
     686,058        606,697  
Dividends payables (see note 42)
              51,776,837  
Other
     3,498,916        4,083,075  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
42,809,291
 
  
 
93,758,925
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
25
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PAYABLE
The table below presents the amounts of employee benefits payable as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
Short-term employee benefits
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Salaries, bonuses and payroll taxes payables
     6,274,225        6,276,869  
Vacation accrual
     4,694,512        6,546,819  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total short-term employee benefits
  
 
10,968,737
 
  
 
12,823,688
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The Bank has not long-term employee benefits or post-employment benefits as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
 
26
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS TO BE RECOVERED AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES TO BE SETTLED
The following tables show the analysis of financial assets and liabilities the Bank expects to recover and settle as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
12/31/2022
 
Without due
date
    Up to 1
month
    Over 1
month and
up to 3
months
    Over 3
months
and up to 6
months
    Over 6
months and
up to 12
months
   
Total up to

12 months
    Over 12
months
and up to
24 months
    Over 24
months
   
Total over

12 months
 
Assets
                                                                       
Cash and deposits in banks
 
 
250,089,093
 
                                                               
Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss
            3,606,944       23,020,407       81,818,949       82,227,649    
 
190,673,949
 
    13,052,363       7,327,800    
 
20,380,163
 
Derivative financial instruments
            8,486       15,431       18,982            
 
42,899
 
                       
Repo transactions
            61,929,317                            
 
61,929,317
 
                       
Other financial assets
 
 
11,450,388
 
    34,052,024       13,881       670,485            
 
34,736,390
 
            11,757,745    
 
11,757,745
 
Loans and other financing (1)
 
 
1,456,402
 
    263,317,125       49,526,049       56,306,665       60,009,135    
 
429,158,974
 
    58,903,976       109,081,513    
 
167,985,489
 
Other debt securities
            524,429,286       103,215,492       4,794,898       53,209,468    
 
685,649,144
 
    13,647,213       37,875,474    
 
51,522,687
 
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
 
 
30,620,278
 
                                                               
Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss
 
 
839,458
 
                                                               
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total assets
 
 
294,455,619
 
    887,343,182       175,791,260       143,609,979       195,446,252    
 
1,402,190,673
 
    85,603,552       166,042,532    
 
251,646,084
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
- 68 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
12/31/2022
 
Without due
date
    Up to 1
month
    Over 1
month and
up to 3
months
    Over 3
months
and up to 6
months
    Over 6
months
and
up to 12
months
   
Total up to

12 months
    Over 12
months
and up to
24
months
    Over 24
months
   
Total over

12 months
 
Liabilities
                                                                       
Deposits
 
 
640,314,252
 
    533,536,796       104,045,528       16,006,720       1,471,095    
 
655,060,139
 
    6,295       14,383    
 
20,678
 
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
            526,027                            
 
526,027
 
                       
Derivative financial instruments
            1,715       656                    
 
2,371
 
                       
Other financial liabilities
            130,625,153       361,232       307,095       632,952    
 
131,926,432
 
    882,492       2,282,392    
 
3,164,884
 
Financing received from the BCRA and other financial institutions
            291,701       511,370       1,603,567       42,704    
 
2,449,342
 
                       
Issued corporate bonds
                    6,488                    
 
6,488
 
    2,709,068            
 
2,709,068
 
Subordinated corporate bonds
                            1,420,220            
 
1,420,220
 
            70,709,617    
 
70,709,617
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
 
640,314,252
 
    664,981,392       104,925,274       19,337,602       2,146,751    
 
791,391,019
 
    3,597,855       73,006,392    
 
76,604,247
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
12/31/2021
 
Without due
date
    Up to 1
month
    Over 1
month and
up to 3
months
    Over 3
months
and up to 6
months
    Over 6
months and
up to 12
months
   
Total up to

12 months
    Over 12
months
and up to
24
months
    Over 24
months
   
Total over

12 months
 
Assets
                                                                       
Cash and deposits in banks
 
 
335,692,114
 
                                                               
Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss
            1,525,952       1,474,529       20,176,091       19,065,153    
 
42,241,725
 
    11,294,313       9,589,786    
 
20,884,099
 
Derivative financial instruments
                            2,524            
 
2,524
 
                       
Repo transactions
            61,176,357                            
 
61,176,357
 
                       
Other financial assets
 
 
7,874,914
 
    49,496,919       111,957       1,528,837            
 
51,137,713
 
            9,484,594    
 
9,484,594
 
Loans and other financing (1)
 
 
319,135
 
    253,753,643       59,795,230       64,027,592       73,753,391    
 
451,329,856
 
    77,414,659       157,264,559    
 
234,679,218
 
Other debt securities
            274,716,307       866,320       102,867,349       87,212,086    
 
465,662,062
 
    83,487,292       7,913,582    
 
91,400,874
 
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
 
 
34,993,147
 
                                                               
Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss
 
 
7,365,144
 
                                                               
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total assets
 
 
386,244,454
 
    640,669,178       62,248,036       188,602,393       180,030,630    
 
1,071,550,237
 
    72,196,264       184,252,521    
 
356,448,785
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
                   
Liabilities
                                                                       
Deposits
 
 
638,343,581
 
    399,889,458       96,274,539       11,568,297       903,931    
 
508,636,225
 
    60,388       834    
 
61,222
 
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
            3,170,711                            
 
3,170,711
 
                       
Derivative financial instruments
                            4,933            
 
4,933
 
                       
Other financial liabilities
            127,634,084       342,630       328,624       772,335    
 
129,077,673
 
    1,231,714       969,002    
 
2,200,716
 
Financing received from the BCRA and other financial institutions
            458,183       349,829       22,788       11,922    
 
842,722
 
    9,938            
 
9,938
 
Issued corporate bonds
                            5,825,893            
 
5,825,893
 
                       
Subordinated corporate bonds
                            1,782,882            
 
1,782,882
 
            79,979,937    
 
79,979,937
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
 
638,343,581
 
    531,152,436       96,966,998       19,533,417       1,688,188    
 
649,341,039
 
    1,302,040       80,949,773    
 
82,251,813
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)
The amounts included in “without due date” are related to the non-performing portfolio.
 
- 69 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
27
FOREIGN CURRENCY AMOUNTS
The following tables show the amounts of assets and liabilities in foreign currency as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
           
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
    
Total parent
company and
local

branches
    
Total per currency
        
Item
  
US dollar
    
Euro
    
Real
    
Other
    
Total
 
Assets
                                                     
Cash and deposits in banks
     210,633,760        209,280,210        906,888        39,623        407,039        237,705,445  
Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss
     177,936,106        177,936,106                                   2,403,624  
Other financial assets
     15,674,298        15,673,799        499                          11,667,552  
Loans and other financing
     35,940,193        35,940,193                                   29,871,080  
From the non-financial private sector and foreign residents
     35,940,193        35,940,193                                   29,871,080  
Other debt securities
     53,834,855        53,834,855                                   65,977,832  
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
     4,897,889        4,886,503        11,386                          4,474,038  
Equity Instruments at fair value through profit or loss
     159,400        159,400                                   136,351  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total assets
  
 
499,076,501
 
  
 
497,711,066
 
  
 
918,773
 
  
 
39,623
 
  
 
407,039
 
  
 
352,235,922
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Liabilities
                                                     
Deposits
     171,020,993        170,830,412        190,581                          188,175,885  
Non-financial government sector
     6,163,095        6,163,095                                   14,953,269  
Financial sector
     1,399,299        1,399,299                                   1,481,552  
Non-financial private sector and foreign residents
     163,458,599        163,268,018        190,581                          171,741,064  
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
     526,027        526,027                                   246,045  
Other financial liabilities
     16,098,638        15,901,667        175,733                 21,238        12,676,197  
Financing from Central Bank and other financial Institutions
     2,397,637        2,397,637                                   538,958  
Issued corporate bonds
     2,715,556        2,715,556                                      
Subordinated corporate bonds
     72,129,837        72,129,837                                   81,762,819  
Other non-financial liabilities
     54,067        54,067                                   78,773  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  
 
264,942,755
 
  
 
264,555,203
 
  
 
366,314
 
           
 
21,238
 
  
 
283,478,677
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
28
DISCLOSURES BY OPERATING SEGMENT
For management purposes, the Bank’s Management has determined that it has only one operating segment related to the banking business. In this sense, the Bank supervises the operating segment income (loss) for the period in order to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, which is measured on a consistent basis with the profit or loss in the Financial Statements.
 
- 70 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
29
INCOME TAX
 
  a)
Inflation adjustment on income tax
Tax Reform Law 27,430, amended by Laws 27,468 and 27,541, established the following, regarding inflation adjustment on income tax for the fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2018.
 
  i)
Such adjustment will be applicable in the fiscal year in which the variation of the IPC is higher than 100% for the thirty-six months before the end of the tax period.
 
  ii)
Regarding the first, second and third fiscal year after its effective date, this procedure will be applicable if the variation of the abovementioned index, calculated from the beginning until the end of each of those fiscal years exceeds 55%, 30% and 15% for the first, second and third fiscal years of application, respectively.
 
  iii)
The positive or negative inflation adjustment, as the case may be, corresponding to the first, second and third fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2018, shall be allocated one third in the fiscal year for which the adjustment is calculated and the remaining two thirds in equal parts in the following two immediate fiscal years.
 
  iv)
The positive or negative inflation adjustment, corresponding to the first and second fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2019, shall be allocated one sixth to the fiscal year in which the adjustment is determined and the remaining five sixth in the following immediate fiscal years.
 
  v)
For fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2021, 100% of the adjustment may be deducted in the year in which it is determined.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, all the conditions established by the income tax Law to practice the inflation adjustment are met and the current and deferred income tax was recognized, including the effects of the application of the inflation adjustment on income taxes established by Law (see section “Fiscal years 2019 and 2020” of this note).
 
  b)
Income tax rate
On June 16, 2021, through Decree No. 387/2021, Law No. 27,630 was issued. This law established for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2021, a progressive tax rates scheme of 25%, 30% and 35% which will be applied, on a progressively basis, to the taxable accumulated net profit at the end of each fiscal year.
 
  c)
The main items of deferred income tax
This tax shall be recognized following the liability method, recognizing (as credit or debt) the tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of an asset or liability and its tax base, and its subsequent recognition in profit or loss for the fiscal year in which the reversal of such differences occurs, considering as well the possibility of using tax losses in the future.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities in the statement of financial position are as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Deferred tax assets
                 
Loans and other financing
     3,767,723        5,130,863  
Provisions and employee benefits
     1,547,519        2,131,922  
Allowances for contingencies
     895,959        894,586  
Leases
     333,342        342,289  
Investments in other companies
     62,489           
Other
     731,636        774,998  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total deferred tax assets
  
 
7,338,668
 
  
 
9,274,658
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 71 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Deferred tax liabilities
                 
Property, plant and equipment and other non-financial assets
     11,098,037        10,996,257  
Intangible assets
     6,062,959        5,712,777  
Investments in other companies
              2,398,004  
Tax effects on forward sales
     3,093,064        1,816,643  
Other
     145,942        427,045  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
  
 
20,400,002
 
  
 
21,350,726
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net deferred tax liabilities
  
 
13,061,334
 
  
 
12,076,068
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
In the consolidated Financial Statements, tax assets (current and deferred) of an entity of the Group shall not be offset with the tax liabilities (current and deferred) of another entity of the Group because they correspond to income tax applicable to different taxpayers and also they are not legally entitled before the tax authority to pay or receive only one amount to settle the net position.
Changes in net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Net deferred tax liabilities at beginning of the fiscal year
     12,076,068        21,713,475  
Loss / (Profit) for deferred taxes recognized in the statement of income
     985,266        (9,637,407
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net deferred tax liabilities at fiscal year end
  
 
13,061,334
 
  
 
12,076,068
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The main items of income tax expense in the consolidated Financial Statements are as follows:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Current income tax expense (1)
     17,384,600        11,947,717        18,717,802  
Loss / (Profit) for deferred taxes
     985,266        (9,637,407      19,643,360  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income tax loss recorded in the statement of income
     18,369,866        2,310,310        38,361,162  
Income tax (profit) / loss recorded in other comprehensive income
     (2,447,327      2,355,647        376,372  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
15,922,539
 
  
 
4,665,957
 
  
 
38,737,534
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  (1)
See section “Fiscal years 2019 and 2020” of this note.
The table below shows the reconciliation between income tax and the amounts obtained by applying the current tax rate in Argentina to the income carrying amount:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
   
12/31/2020
 
Income carrying amount before income tax
     59,143,532       46,865,902       115,262,256  
Applicable income tax rate
     35     35     30
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Income tax on income carrying amount
     20,700,236       16,403,066       34,578,677  
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Net permanent differences and other tax effects including the fiscal inflation adjustment
     (2,330,370     (14,092,756     3,782,485  
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total income tax
  
 
18,369,866
 
 
 
2,310,310
 
 
 
38,361,162
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
- 72 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 the effective income tax rate is 31.1%, 4.9% and 33.3%, respectively. During fiscal year 2021, the effective income tax rate was affected by the inflation adjustment determined for accounting and income tax purposes, both current and deferred.
Fiscal years 2019 and 2020
As decided by the Board of Directors in the meeting held on May 11, 2020, considering certain case law on the matter assessed by its legal counsel and tax advisors, on May 26 of that year, the Bank filed with the Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP, for its acronym in Spanish) its annual income tax return considering the total effect of the inflation adjustment on income tax (see section a) iv) of this note). As a result, the current income tax determined by Banco Macro SA for fiscal year 2019 amounted to 7,002,124 (not restated). The same criterion was applied to determine the annual income tax report for 2020, which generated accrued income tax for Banco Macro SA for such fiscal year that amounted to 9,933,210 (not restated).
In addition, on July 23, 2021, the Bank filed a reimbursement action with the AFIP requesting that 254,305 (not restated) paid as income tax for the 2020 tax period be reimbursed.
As to the tax periods mentioned in previous paragraphs, on November 1, 2021, the AFIP notified the beginning of an income tax audit, which is in progress.
Along with the filings mentioned in the first paragraph of this section, on December 28, 2021, the Bank filed petitions for declaratory judgment with the Federal Administrative Contentious Court for the periods under analysis. The file 22274/2021, for the fiscal year 2019, is in process in Court No. 12 and the file 22278/2021, for the fiscal year 2020, is in process in Court No. 1.
Fiscal year 2021
On October 17, 2022, Banco Macro SA filed a reimbursement action with the AFIP requesting that 382,189 paid as income tax for the 2021 tax period be reimbursed.
On January 3, 2023, the AFIP notified the beginning of an income tax audit related to the abovementioned fiscal year, which is in progress.
Reimbursement actions – Fiscal years 2013 to 2017 and 2018
On October 24, 2019, Banco Macro SA filed with the AFIP-DGI (Argentine tax authorities) two reimbursement actions under the terms established by the first paragraph of section 81, Law No. 11,683 requesting the reimbursement of 4,782,766 and 5,015,451 (not restated amounts) paid to tax authorities as income tax during tax periods 2013 through 2017 and 2018, respectively, arising from the impossibility to apply the adjustment for inflation and other adjustment mechanisms set forth by Income Tax Law (prior to the amendments introduced by Laws No. 27,430 and 27,468 for periods 2013 through 2017, and as revised in 2019 and amended for the 2018 tax period), plus the related compensatory interest (SIGEA [case and file management system] files No. 19144-14224/2019 and 19144-14222/2019). Since tax authorities have not yet issued a resolution with respect to the abovementioned claims, on August 7, 2020, the Bank filed both reimbursement requests under the terms of section 81, Law No. 11,683 with the Federal Contentious and Administrative Trial Courts, which are pending in Courts No. 8 and 2 of such jurisdiction, respectively (cases No. 11285/2020 and 11296/2020).
Currently, the file for the fiscal year 2018 is in the evidence stage.
In connection with the tax periods mentioned in the previous paragraph, on December 19, 2019, the AFIP notified the beginning of the income tax audit for the 2018 tax period, and on May 3, 2021, it notified the beginning of the income tax audit for periods 2013 through 2017. On October 4, 2021, the AFIP ended the audit for periods 2013 through 2017 as the Bank had exercised in due time its right to resort to justice, and that the admission of reimbursement is subject to a court decision.
 
- 73 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
30
INTEREST INCOME
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Interest income
                          
For cash and bank deposits
     400,119        25,670        376,848  
For government securities
     208,959,332        14,675,564        18,885,906  
For debt securities
     193,000        589,978        4,727,847  
For loans and other financing
                          
Non-financial public sector
     1,513,955        3,536,706        8,683,273  
Financial public sector
     535,913        1,316,788        2,975,732  
Non-financial private sector
                          
Overdrafts
     25,399,566        15,724,089        31,792,681  
Documents
     25,583,152        18,258,697        13,991,383  
Mortgage loans
     37,615,857        29,769,780        23,739,549  
Pledge loans
     2,976,314        2,071,557        1,399,622  
Personal loans
     89,374,385        93,771,254        96,117,390  
Credit cards
     40,706,936        28,693,425        33,844,187  
Leases
     344,679        164,127        167,700  
Other
     26,929,464        30,183,128        38,851,829  
For repo transactions
                          
BCRA
     12,635,845        16,524,972        20,498,507  
Other financial institutions
     648,984        102,615        281,310  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal Interest and adjustment for the application of the effective interest rate of financial assets measured at amortized cost
  
 
473,817,501
 
  
 
255,408,350
 
  
 
296,333,764
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Interest and adjustment for the application of the effective interest rate of financial assets measured at fair value through OCI From debt government securities
     138,647,873        183,718,165        165,519,762  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal Interest and adjustment for the application of the effective interest rate of financial assets measured at fair value through OCI
  
 
138,647,873
 
  
 
183,718,165
 
  
 
165,519,762
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
612,465,374
 
  
 
439,126,515
 
  
 
461,853,526
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
31
INTEREST EXPENSE
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Interest expense
                          
For deposits
                          
Non-financial private sector
                          
Checking accounts
     15,477,783        2,563,967        5,809,585  
Saving accounts
     3,807,897        2,409,161        1,923,326  
Time deposits and investments accounts
     280,598,419        169,973,426        158,479,898  
For Financing received from BCRA and other financial institutions
     505,838        304,567        296,476  
 
- 74 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Composition (contd.)
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
For repo transactions
                          
Other financial institutions
     975,643        573,796        575,543  
For other financial liabilities
     851,105        47,111        180,340  
Issued corporate bonds
     295,443        1,679,267        4,551,115  
For subordinated corporate bonds
     4,628,154        6,321,129        7,050,036  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
307,140,282
 
  
 
183,872,424
 
  
 
178,866,319
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
32
COMMISSIONS INCOME
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Performance obligations satisfied at a point in time
                          
Commissions related to obligations
     42,688,825        39,677,960        38,203,565  
Commissions related to credit cards
     24,778,637        23,596,621        24,728,939  
Commissions related to insurance
     4,226,128        4,450,781        4,708,322  
Commissions related to trading and foreign exchange transactions
     1,527,054        1,701,807        1,578,214  
Commissions related to securities value
     1,263,515        1,477,199        1,600,914  
Commissions related to loans and other financing
     432,533        322,779        540,196  
Commissions related to financial guarantees granted
     10,385        11,527        3,406  
Performance obligations satisfied over certain time period
                          
Commissions related to credit cards
     407,727        716,392        1,258,287  
Commissions related to trading and foreign exchange transactions
     59,020        75,697        123,195  
Commissions related to loans and other financing
     7,186        9,377        2,151  
Commissions related to obligations
     1,571        2,127        2,478  
Commissions related to financial guarantees granted
              184        1  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
75,402,581
 
  
 
72,042,451
 
  
 
72,749,668
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
33
COMMISSIONS EXPENSE
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Commissions related to trading with debt securities
     66,660        3,743           
Commissions related to trading and foreign exchange transactions
     249,774        298,075        345,534  
Commissions paid ATM exchange
     4,974,761        4,611,640        3,713,775  
Checkbooks commissions and clearing houses
     1,385,594        1,231,636        1,189,180  
Credit cards and foreign trade commissions
     736,806        732,958        771,040  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
7,413,595
 
  
 
6,878,052
 
  
 
6,019,529
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 75 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
34
NET GAIN FROM MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
For measurement of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
                          
Gain from government securities
     18,344,550        32,948,560        29,628,460  
Gain from private securities
     19,736,146        2,421,028        2,492,791  
(Loss) / Gain from derivative financial instruments
                          
Forward transactions
     752,927                 223,311  
Put options
              (2,037,074      1,226,165  
(Loss) / Gain from other financial assets
     (26,383      (28,187      7,816  
Gain / (Loss) from equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss
     6,750,429        (2,022,949      7,419,946  
(Loss) / Gain from sales or derecognition of financial assets at fair value
     (398,793      1,392,532        102,226  
For measurement of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
                          
Loss from derivative financial instruments
                          
Forwards transactions
              (182,453         
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
45,158,876
 
  
 
32,491,457
 
  
 
41,100,715
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
35
DIFFERENCES IN QUOTED PRICES OF GOLD AND FOREIGN CURRENCY
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Translation of foreign currency assets and liabilities into pesos
     61,080,728        7,984,321        9,637,394  
Income from foreign currency exchange
     1,192,854        1,069,055        2,798,910  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
62,273,582
 
  
 
9,053,376
 
  
 
12,436,304
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
36
OTHER OPERATING INCOME
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Services
     9,657,167        8,395,016        8,447,468  
Adjustments and interest from other receivables
     2,379,227        2,179,393        2,124,241  
Adjustments from other receivables with CER clauses
     1,679,397        681,084        517,870  
Other receivables from financial intermediation
     947,942        1,833,714        1,497,314  
Sale of investment properties and other non-financial assets
              76,116           
For derecognition or substantial modification of financial liabilities
                       673,265  
Other
     6,513,703        2,094,389        2,528,281  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
21,177,436
 
  
 
15,259,712
 
  
 
15,788,439
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 76 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
37
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Remunerations
     53,579,236        54,584,335        57,856,798  
Payroll taxes
     13,220,901        12,594,534        12,974,633  
Compensations and bonuses to employees
     8,115,316        7,611,677        5,733,506  
Employee services
     2,722,838        2,116,182        1,641,345  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
77,638,291
 
  
 
76,906,728
 
  
 
78,206,282
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
38
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Taxes
     6,415,867        5,704,624        5,452,552  
Maintenance, conservation and repair expenses
     6,236,440        6,461,974        6,675,055  
Armored truck, documentation and events
     5,273,648        5,650,513        6,009,747  
Other fees
     3,778,624        3,317,564        2,611,904  
Security services
     3,761,984        3,972,295        4,159,323  
Electricity and communications
     3,464,711        3,959,287        4,495,780  
Software
     2,492,439        3,103,996        3,139,455  
Advertising and publicity
     2,374,900        1,699,823        1,269,859  
Fees to directors and syndics
     1,975,113        1,522,421        4,772,748  
Representation, travel and transportation expenses
     683,335        470,077        377,227  
Insurance
     412,674        529,174        501,667  
Stationery and office supplies
     271,787        245,587        268,472  
Hired administrative services
     266,705        242,991        278,103  
Leases
     173,521        227,280        267,226  
Other
     1,573,923        2,030,073        2,471,588  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
39,155,671
 
  
 
39,137,679
 
  
 
42,750,706
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
39
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Turnover tax
     41,332,037        35,193,119        33,093,592  
From credit cards
     17,189,552        14,978,007        13,388,756  
Charges for other provisions
     2,448,840        3,174,705        3,321,314  
Deposit guarantee fund contributions
     1,913,030        2,029,167        2,174,668  
Other adjustments and interests for miscellaneous obligations
     1,205,618        504,379        531,554  
Taxes
     842,900        921,221        1,587,121  
Loss from sale or impairment of investments in properties and other non-financial assets
     542,323        140,151        389,234  
Insurance claims
     436,033        174,484        185,499  
Donations
     420,267        57,492        495,577  
From administrative, disciplinary and criminal penalties
              81,094           
Other
     8,728,438        9,451,467        5,039,835  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
75,059,038
 
  
 
66,705,286
 
  
 
60,207,150
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 77 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
40
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES IN THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
The statement of cash flows presents the changes in cash and cash equivalents derived from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities during the fiscal year. For the preparation of the statement of cash flows, the Bank adopted the indirect method for operating activities and the direct method for investment activities and financing activities.
The Bank considers as “Cash and cash equivalents” the item Cash and deposits in banks and those financial assets that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
For the preparation of the statement of cash flows the Bank considered the following:
 
   
Operating activities: the normal revenue-producing activities of the Bank as well as other activities that cannot qualify as investing or financing activities.
 
   
Investing activities: the acquisition, sale and disposal by other means of long-term assets and other investments not included in cash and cash equivalents.
 
   
Financing activities: activities that result in changes in the size and composition of the shareholders’ equity and liabilities of the Bank and that are not part of the operating or investing activities.
The table below presents the reconciliation between the item “Cash and cash equivalents” in the consolidated statement of cash flows and the relevant accounting items of the statement of financial position:
 
Reconciliation
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Cash and deposits in banks
     250,089,093        335,692,114        382,135,611  
Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss
              9,467           
Other debt securities
     498,952,883        267,023,884        391,688,599  
Loans and other financing
     885,642        1,000,749        1,237,032  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
749,927,618
 
  
 
603,726,214
 
  
 
775,061,242
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The following table shows additional information on operational cash flows interest:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
 
  
12/31/2021
 
  
12/31/2020
 
Interest paid
     (235,160,098 )      (240,828,233 )      (110,564,565 )
Interest collected
     586,086,380        420,732,099        453,862,367  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
350,926,282
 
  
 
179,903,866
 
  
 
343,297,802
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 78 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The following table shows further information of changes in liabilities arising from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 (lease liabilities changes are disclosed in note 22):
 
Composition
  
Financing
received from
the Central Bank
of Argentina and
other financial
institutions
    
Issued
Corporate
Bonds
    
Subordinated
Corporate
Bonds
 
Opening balance
     852,660        5,825,893        81,762,819  
Cash flow items
                          
Proceeds
     1,954,296        2,949,563           
Payments
              (5,096,519      (4,654,071
Non-cash flow items
                          
Movement in accrued interest
     289,843        295,443        4,628,154  
Derecognition or substantial modification of financial liabilities
     4,466        (42,595      (16,004
Difference in quoted prices of foreign currency
     965,718        1,228,130        38,797,943  
Monetary effects
     (1,617,641      (2,444,359      (48,389,004
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Ending balance
  
 
2,449,342
 
  
 
2,715,556
 
  
 
72,129,837
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
41
CAPITAL STOCK
The Bank’s subscribed and paid-in capital from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, amounted to 639,413. The capital stock composition is as follows:
 
Shares
    
Capital stock
 
Class
  
Number of
shares
    
Votes per
share
    
Issued and
outstanding
    
In treasury
    
Paid-in
 
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
                                            
Registered Class A shares of common stock
     11,235,670        5        11,236                 11,236  
Registered Class B shares of common stock
     628,177,738        1        628,177                 628,177  
    
 
 
             
 
 
             
 
 
 
Total 2022, 2021 and 2020
  
 
639,413,408
 
           
 
639,413
 
           
 
639,413
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
42
EARNINGS PER SHARE. DIVIDENDS
Basic earnings per share were calculated by dividing net profit attributable to common shareholders of the Bank by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the fiscal year.
To determine the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the fiscal year, the Bank used the number of common shares outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year adjusted, if applicable, by the number of common shares bought back or issued during the fiscal year multiplied by the number of days that the shares were outstanding in the fiscal year. Note 41 provides a breakdown of the changes in the Bank’s capital stock.
 
- 79 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The following table reflects the income and shares data used in the basic earnings per share:
 
    
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
    
12/31/2020
 
Net Income attributable to controlling interest
  
 
40,766,589
 
  
 
44,554,136
 
  
 
76,900,028
 
Plus: Potential diluted earnings per common share (1)
                          
Net Income attributable to controlling interest adjusted as per diluted earnings
  
 
40,766,589
 
  
 
44,554,136
 
  
 
76,900,028
 
Weighted average of outstanding common shares for the fiscal year (in thousands)
     639,413        639,413        639,413  
Weighted average of outstanding common shares for the fiscal year adjusted as per dilution effect (in thousands)
  
 
639,413
 
  
 
639,413
 
  
 
639,413
 
Basic earnings per share (in pesos)
  
 
63.7563
 
  
 
69.6797
 
  
 
120.2666
 
 
(1)
The Bank does not have any financial instrument that should be considered as dilut
ed
. Therefore, basic and dilutive earning per share is the same amount.
Dividends paid and proposed
During 2020 and 2021, the BCRA issued Communiqués that suspended the payment of earnings distributions resolved by the Shareholders’ Meetings. As a consequence of the abovementioned suspensions, as of December 31, 2021 dividends pending distribution amounted to 26,580,415 (not restated), which had been approved by the Shareholders’ Meetings held on April 30 and October 21, 2020 and April 30, 2021, and were recorded under other non-financial liabilities (see note 21).
In addition, on December 16, 2021, the BCRA issued Communiqué “A” 7421, which established as follows: (i) from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, financial institutions will be allowed to distribute up to 20% of the amount of earnings that should have been distributed if the “Earnings distributions” rules had been applied, and (ii) financial institutions that have the BCRA’s authorization for the earnings distributions have to perform it in 12 equal, monthly and consecutive installments.
On May 12, 2022, the BCRA approved the dividends distribution requested by the Bank in accordance with the Communiqué mentioned in the previous paragraph for an amount of 19,751,444
 (not restated), which were paid during the fiscal year according to the schedule. Additionally, the balance of the dividends approved that are still to be paid because they exceed the abovementioned limit, amounted to
6,828,971 (not restated).
Moreover, the Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 29, 2022, resolved to distribute cash dividends or dividends in kind, in this case, measured at market value for an amount of 14,187,873 (not restated),
representing
22.18
pesos per share, subject to prior authorization from the BCRA which, added to the dividends still to be paid because they exceed the abovementioned limited, amounted to
21,016,844
 (not restated) and were recorded in a “Reserve for dividends pending authorization from the BCRA”. Through Communiqué “A” 7719 issued on March 9, 2023, the BCRA established that from April 1, 2023 up to December 31, 2023, financial institutions, which have the BCRA’s authorization, will be allowed to distribute up to
40% of the amount of earnings that should have been distributed if the “Earnings distributions” rules had been applied, in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments. For further information see also note 51.
Finally, the Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2023, decided to distribute an amount of 75,040,918 to pay a cash dividend and/or a dividend in kind, representing 
117.359
pesos per share, prior BCRA authorization. 
 
43
DEPOSIT GUARANTEE INSURANCE
Law No. 24485 and Decree No. 540/1995 created the Deposit Guarantee Insurance System, which was featured as a limited, compulsory and onerous system, aimed at covering the risks of bank deposits, as subsidiary and supplementary to the deposit privilege and protection system established under the Financial Entities Law. The abovementioned legislation also provided for the incorporation of Sedesa with the exclusive purpose of managing the Deposit Guarantee Fund (DGF). Sedesa was incorporated in August 1995.
Banco Macro SA holds a 7.6859% interest in the capital stock of Sedesa according to the percentages disclosed by BCRA Communiqué “B” 12503 on March 22, 2023.
 
- 80 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
All deposits in pesos and foreign currency placed in participating entities in the form of checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposits or other forms of deposit that the BCRA may determine from time to time shall be subject to the abovementioned Deposit Guarantee Insurance System up to the amount of 1,500 which must meet the requirements provided for in Presidential Decree 540/1995 and other requirements that the regulatory authority may determine from time to time. In addition, through Communiqué “A” 7661 issued on December 22, 2022, the BCRA resolved that from January 1, 2023, the guarantee will be up to 6,000.
On the other hand, the BCRA provided from the exclusion of the guarantee system, among others, of any deposits made by other financial entities, deposits made by persons related to the Bank and securities deposits.
 
44
RESTRICTED ASSETS
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the following Bank’s assets are restricted:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Cash and Deposits in Banks
                 
•  Fondo de Riesgo Fintech SGR – Deposits in other entities (1).
     58        2  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal Cash and Deposits in Banks
  
 
58
 
  
 
2
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss and other debt securities
                 
•  Fondo de Riesgo Fintech SGR – Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss and other debt securities (1).
     4,741,056        2,065,517  
•  Letters of National Estate in pesos adjusted by CER – Maturity: 02/17/2023.
     148,920           
•  Discount bonds in pesos regulated by Argentine legislation, maturing in 2033 for the minimum statutory guarantee account required for Agents to act in the new categories contemplated under Resolution No. 622/2013, as amended, of the Argentine Securities Commission (CNV).
     92,856        94,847  
•  Federal Government Treasury Bonds in pesos adjusted by CER 1.40%, maturity 03/27/2023, securing the sectoral Credit Program of the Province of San Juan, production investment financing fund.
     83,319        86,975  
•  Federal Government Treasury Bonds in pesos adjusted by CER 1.40%, maturity 03/27/2023, securing the regional economies Competitiveness Program – IDB loan No. 3174/OC-AR.
     33,682        35,160  
•  Federal Government Treasury Bonds in pesos adjusted by CER 1.40%, maturity 03/27/2023, for the contribution to the Guarantee Fund II in BYMA according to section 45, Law 26,831, and supplementary regulations established by CNV standards (NT 2013, as amended).
     14,891        15,545  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal debt securities at fair value through profit or loss and other debt securities
  
 
5,114,724
 
  
 
2,298,044
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Other financial assets                  
•  Interests derived from contributions made as protector partner (2).
     2,413,559        1,485,299  
•  Mutual fund shares for minimum statutory guarantee account required for Agents to act in the new categories contemplated under Resolution No. 622/2013, as amended, of the CNV.
     145,451        293,643  
•  Fondo de Riesgo Fintech SGR – Mutual fund shares (1).
     120,502        396,548  
•  Sundry debtors – Other.
     8,787        9,792  
•  Sundry debtors – attachment within the scope of the claim filed by the DGR against the CABA for turnover tax differences.
     827        1,610  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal Other financial assets
  
 
2,689,126
 
  
 
2,186,892
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 81 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Composition (contd.)
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Loans and other financing – non-financial private sector and foreign residents
                 
•  Fondo de Riesgo Fintech SGR – Loans and other financing (1).
     5,100        4,036  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal loans and other financing
  
 
5,100
 
  
 
4,036
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Financial assets delivered as a guarantee                  
•  Special guarantee checking accounts opened in the BCRA for transactions related to the electronic clearing houses and similar entities.
     24,824,547        30,242,005  
•  Guarantee deposits related to credit and debit card transactions.
     4,043,563        2,567,119  
•  Other guarantee deposits.
     1,752,168        2,184,023  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal Financial assets delivered as guarantee
  
 
30,620,278
 
  
 
34,993,147
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Other non-financial assets                  
•  Real property related to a call option sold.
     2,456,151        421,571  
•  Fondo de Riesgo Fintech SGR – Other non-financial assets (1).
     12,958        654  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal other non-financial assets
  
 
2,469,109
 
  
 
422,225
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
40,898,395
 
  
 
39,904,346
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)
According to Law
 No
.
24,467, as amended, and Fintech SGR By-Law, this entity has a risk fund (“Fondo de Riesgo”) which its main objective is to cover the guarantees granted to the protector partners and third parties. The assets of the risk fund could only be applied to partners’ withdrawals, to cover guarantees and other direct expenses.
(2)
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, it is related to the risk fund Fintech SGR and Garantizar SGR. In order to keep tax benefits related to these contributions, they must be maintained between two and three years from the date they were made.
 
45
TRUST ACTIVITIES
The Bank is related to several types of trusts. The different trust agreements according to the business purpose sought by the Bank are disclosed below:
 
  45.1
Financial trusts for investment purposes
Debt securities include mainly prepayments towards the placement price of provisional trust securities of the financial trusts under public and private offerings (Confibono and Secubono). The assets managed for these trusts are mainly related to securitizations of consumer loans. Trust securities are placed once the public offering is authorized by the CNV. Upon expiry of the placement period, once all trust securities have been placed on the market, the Bank recovers the disbursements made, plus an agreed-upon compensation. If after making the best efforts, such trust securities cannot be placed, the Bank will retain the definitive trust securities.
In addition, the Bank’s portfolio is completed with financial trusts for investment purposes, trust securities of definitive financial trusts in public and private offering (Secubono, and Confibono) and certificates of participation (Arfintech).
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, debt securities and certificates of participation in financial trusts for investment purposes amounted to 950,899 and 1,034,155, respectively.
According to the latest accounting information available as of the date of the issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the corpus assets of the trusts exceed the carrying amount in the related proportions.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  45.2
Trusts created using financial assets transferred by the Bank (securitization)
The Bank transferred financial assets (loans) to trusts for the purpose of issuing and selling securities for which collection is guaranteed by the cash flow resulting from such assets or group of assets. Through this way, the funds that were originally used by the Bank to finance the loans are obtained earlier.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, considering the latest available accounting information as of the date of the issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the assets managed through Macro Fiducia SA (subsidiary) of this type of trusts amounted to 11,680 and 18,708, respectively.
 
  45.3
Trusts guaranteeing loans granted by the Bank
As it is common in the Argentine banking market, the Bank requires, in some cases, that the debtors present certain assets or entitlements to receive assets in a trust as a guarantee for the loans granted. This way, the risk of losses is minimized and access to the security is guaranteed in case of the debtor’s non-compliance.
Trusts usually act as conduits to collect cash from the debtor’s flow of operations and send such cash to the Bank for the payment of the debtor’s loans and thus ensure compliance with the obligations assumed by the trustor and guaranteed through the trust.
Additionally, other guarantee trusts manage specific assets, mainly real property.
Provided there is no non-compliance or delays by the debtor in the obligations assumed with the beneficiary, the trustee shall not execute the guarantee and all excess amounts as to the value of the obligations are reimbursed by the trustee to the debtor.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, considering the latest available accounting information as of the date of the issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the assets managed by the Bank amounted to 2,721,267 and 3,942,468, respectively.
 
  45.4
Trusts in which the Bank acts as trustee (management)
The Bank, through its subsidiaries, performs management duties of the corpus assets directly according to the agreements, performing only trustee duties and has no other interests in the trust.
In no case shall the Trustee be liable with its own assets or for any obligation deriving from the performance as trustee. Such obligations do not imply any type of indebtedness or commitment for the trustee and they will be fulfilled only through trust assets. In addition, the trustee will not encumber the corpus assets or dispose of them beyond the limits established in the related trust agreements. The fees earned by the Bank from its role as trustee are calculated according to the terms and conditions of the agreements.
Trusts usually manage funds derived from the activities performed by trustors, for the following main purposes:
 
   
Guaranteeing, in favor of the beneficiary the existence of the resources required to finance and/or pay certain obligations, such as the payment of amortization installments regarding work or service certificates, and the payment of invoices and fees stipulated in the related agreements.
 
   
Promoting the production development of the private economic sector at a provincial level.
 
   
Being a party to public work concession agreements granting road exploitation, management, keeping and maintenance.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, considering the latest available accounting information as of the date of the issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the assets managed by the Bank amounted to 17,810,671 and 23,690,901, respectively.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
46
MUTUAL FUNDS DEPOSITARY FUNCTION
As of December 31, 2022 Banco Macro SA, in its capacity as depositary company, holds in custody the shares in mutual funds subscribed by third parties and assets from the following mutual funds:
 
Funds
  
Number of shares
    
Equity
 
Argenfunds Abierto Pymes
     3,368,464,766        13,209,510  
Argenfunds Ahorro Pesos
     68,665,665        1,483,665  
Argenfunds Infraestructura
     124,707,305        200,913  
Argenfunds Liquidez
     10,487,802,190        35,478,857  
Argenfunds Renta Argentina
     95,229,288        1,716,424  
Argenfunds Renta Balanceada
     714,552,012        7,640,633  
Argenfunds Renta Capital
     17,579,499        3,156,160  
Argenfunds Renta Crecimiento
     7,416,062        1,243,800  
Argenfunds Renta Dinámica
     55,111,867,139        3,110,104  
Argenfunds Renta Fija
     268,962,626        7,901,050  
Argenfunds Renta Flexible
     136,970,768        939,800  
Argenfunds Renta Global
     223,046,965        1,858,292  
Argenfunds Renta Mixta
     2,456,709,951        3,110,839  
Argenfunds Renta Mixta Plus
     1,165,105        177,582  
Argenfunds Renta Pesos
     204,190,813        4,657,582  
Argenfunds Renta Total
     548,961,979        1,311,417  
Argenfunds Renta Variable
     2,281,738,860        149,062  
Argenfunds Retorno Absoluto
     214,491,575        956,396  
Pionero Acciones
     13,492,368        1,665,300  
Pionero Ahorro Dólares
     10,920,588        1,818,596  
Pionero Argentina Bicentenario
     424,876,097        2,746,821  
Pionero Capital
     2,091,257,043        4,283,954  
Pionero Desarrollo
     4,815,845,697        5,869,207  
Pionero Empresas FCI Abierto Pymes
     204,630,659        2,329,663  
Pionero FF
     46,155,016        1,635,163  
Pionero Gestión
     1,871,950,929        5,661,357  
Pionero Pesos
     1,231,510,642        22,630,750  
Pionero Pesos Plus
     15,160,985,615        167,680,294  
Pionero Renta
     39,925,450        5,399,159  
Pionero Renta Ahorro
     242,765,317        10,689,989  
Pionero Renta Ahorro Plus
     811,963,183        6,338,065  
Pionero Renta Balanceado
     12,507,475,184        21,234,806  
Pionero Renta Estratégico
     702,329,083        5,867,099  
Pionero Renta Fija Dólares
     2,863,198        353,113  
Pionero Renta Mixta I
     77,051,608        870,677  
Pionero Retorno
     1,391,845,010        1,674,448  
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
47
ACCOUNTING ITEMS THAT IDENTIFY THE COMPLIANCE WITH MINIMUM CASH REQUIREMENTS
The items recognized by the Bank to constitute the minimum cash requirement effective for December 2022 are listed below, indicating the amounts as of month-end of the related items:
 
Items
  
Banco Macro SA
 
Cash and deposits in Banks
        
Amounts in BCRA accounts
     143,526,540  
Other debt securities
        
Government securities computable for the minimum cash requirements
     159,809,912  
Financial assets delivered as guarantee
        
Special guarantee accounts with the BCRA
     24,824,547  
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
328,160,999
 
    
 
 
 
 
48
CORPORATE BONDS ISSUANCE
The corporate bonds liabilities recorded by the Bank are as follows:
 
Corporate Bonds
  
Original value
   
Residual face

value as of
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Subordinated Resettable – Class A
     USD 400,000,000 (1)      USD 400,000,000        72,129,837        81,762,819  
Non-subordinated – Class E
     USD 17,000,000 (2)      USD 17,000,000        2,715,556           
Non-subordinated – Class B
   $ 4,620,570,000 (3)                        5,825,893  
                     
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
                   
 
74,845,393
 
  
 
87,588,712
 
                     
 
 
    
 
 
 
On April 26, 2016, the general regular shareholders’ meeting approved the creation of a Global Program for the Issuance of Medium-Term Debt Securities, in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 23,576, as amended and further applicable regulations, up to a maximum amount outstanding at any time during the term of the program of USD 1,000,000,000 (one billion US dollars), or an equal amount in other currencies or power units, under which it is possible to issue simple corporate bonds, not convertible into shares in one or more classes. Also, on April 28, 2017, the General and Special Shareholder’ Meeting resolved to extend the maximum amount of the abovementioned Global Program up to USD 1,500,000,000
(one thousand five hundred millions US dollars), and on April 27, 2018, the abovementioned Shareholders’ Meeting resolved to increase the maximum amount of the Global Program for the Issuance of Corporate Bonds, in face value, from USD
1,500,000,000 to USD 2,500,000,000 or an equal amount in other currencies, as determined by the Board of Directors in due time. Finally, on October 20, 2021 due to a Board of Director resolution, the Bank required from the CNV a five-year extension of the abovementioned program, which was approved by the Regulator through a note issued on December 15, 2021.
 
(1)
On November 4, 2016, under the abovementioned Global Program, the Bank issued Subordinated Resettable Corporate Bonds, class A, at a fixed rate of 6.750% p.a. until reset date, fully amortizable upon maturity (November 4, 2026) for a face value of USD 400,000,000 (four hundred million US dollars), under the terms and conditions set forth in the pricing supplement dated October 21, 2016. Interest is paid semiannually on May 4 and November 4 of every year and the reset date was November 4, 2021.
As of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the reset rate was established until the maturity date at 6.643% as a result of the benchmark reset rate plus 546.3 basis points, according to the abovementioned terms and conditions. As the Bank had not exercised the option to fully or partially redeem the issuance on the reset date and under the conditions established in the pricing supplement, it was established up to maturity.
On the other hand, it could be fully redeemed, not partially, and only for tax or regulatory purposes. The Bank used the funds derived from such issuance to grant loans in accordance with BCRA guidelines.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
(2)
On May 2, 2022, under the abovementioned Global Program, the Bank issued Class E non-subordinated simple corporate bonds not convertible into shares, for a face value of USD
17,000,000 at a fixed rate of 1.45%, fully amortizable upon maturity (May 2, 2024), under the terms and conditions set forth in the price supplement dated April 21, 2022. Interest is paid quarterly on August 2, 2022, November 2, 2022, February 2, 2023, May 2, 2023, August 2, 2023, November 2, 2023, February 2, 2024, and May 2, 2024.
At any time, according to the current regulations, particularly the BCRA’s foreign exchange regulations, the Bank may opt to redeem, Class E Corporate Bonds in full, not partially, at a price equal to (a) 
102
% of the outstanding principal if the Bank decides to make the redemption from the date of issuance and settlement through the term of 9 months therefrom, including the last business day; (b) 
101
% of outstanding principal if the Bank decides to make the redemption within the term starting 9 months after the date of issuance and settlement until the Class E maturity date, in all cases, along with the additional amount and accrued and unpaid interest, excluding the redemption date.
 
(3)
On May 8, 2017, under the
 
abovementioned 
Global Program, Banco Macro SA issued non-subordinated simple corporate bonds Class B not convertible into shares, at a fixed rate of 17.50%, fully amortizable upon maturity (May 8, 2022) for a face value of pesos 4,620,570,000 equivalent to USD 300,000,000 (three hundred million US dollars), under the terms and conditions set forth in the price supplement dated April 21, 2017. Interest is paid semiannually on November 8 and May 8 of every year, beginning on November 8, 2017.
On the other hand, the Bank may fully redeem the issuance for tax matters, but not partially. The Bank used the funds derived from such issuance to grant loans in accordance with BCRA guidelines.
On October 17, 2018 and October 16, 2019, the Board of Directors decided to pay off these corporate bonds for a face value of 1,229,518,000 and 501,861,000, respectively, equivalent to the amount of purchases made as of those dates.
On May 9, 2022, the Bank fully paid the principal and interest for a face value of 2,889,191,000.
 
49
OFF BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS
In addition to note 4, the Bank maintains different off balance sheet transactions, pursuant to the BCRA standards. Below are the amounts of the main off Balance sheet transactions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
 
  
12/31/2021
 
Custody of government and private securities and other assets held by third parties
     724,968,797        757,383,931  
Preferred and other collaterals received from customers (1)
     187,502,326        234,703,412  
Securities received guarantee repurchase transactions (see note 7)
     68,130,397        68,389,352  
Outstanding checks not yet paid
     19,943,141        15,796,202  
Checks already deposited and pending clearance
     16,828,520        21,715,717  
Written-off credits
     6,501,526        9,724,143  
 
(1)
Related to collaterals used to secure loans transactions and other financing, under the applicable rules in force on this matter.
 
50
TAX AND OTHER CLAIMS
 
  50.1.
Tax claims
The AFIP and tax authorities of the relevant jurisdictions have reviewed the tax returns filed by the Bank related to income tax, minimum presumed income tax and other taxes (mainly turnover tax). As a result, there are claims pending at court and/or administrative levels, either subject to discussion or subject to appeal. The most significant claims are summarized below:
 
  a)
AFIP’s challenges against the income tax returns filed by former Banco Bansud SA (for the fiscal years from June 30, 1995, through June 30, 1999, and for the irregular six-month period ended December 31, 1999) and by former Banco Macro SA (for the fiscal years ended from December 31, 1998, through December 31, 2000).
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The matter under discussion that has not been resolved as yet and on which the regulatory agency bases its position is the impossibility of deducting credits that have collateral security, an issue that has been addressed by the Federal Administrative Tax Court and CSJN in similar cases, which have issued resolutions that are favorable to the Bank’s position.
 
  b)
The AFIP’s ex-officio undocumented expenses determinations for the periods February, April, May 2015 and from July 2015 through January 2018, both included of date April 19, 2021. On October 5, 2021, the Bank filed an appeal to the Federal Tax Court which is in process in Courtroom B, Office 6, under file 2021-96970075.
 
  c)
Ex-officio turnover tax determinations in progress and/or adjustments, as a withholding agent and over municipal fees, pending resolution by the tax authorities of certain jurisdictions.
The Bank’s Management and its legal counsel consider no further significant accounting effects could arise from the final outcome of the abovementioned proceedings other than those disclosed in these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
  50.2.
Other claims
Before merging with and into the Bank, Banco Privado de Inversiones SA (BPI) had a pending class action styled “Adecua v. Banco Privado de Inversiones on ordinary proceedings”, File No. 19073/2007, pending with Commercial Court No. 3 in and for the CABA, Clerk’s Office No. 5, whereby it was required to reimburse to its clients the life insurance amounts overcharged to amounts payable as well as to reduce the amounts charged in this regard in the future; this legal proceeding was concluded upon the abovementioned merger because BPI complied in full with the terms of the court-approved agreement reached with Adecua before answering the complaint. However, in March 2013, when BPI had already been merged with and into the Bank, the trial court resolved to amend the terms of the agreement and ordered the reimbursement of amounts of money to a larger number of clients as compared to the number arising from the terms approved by the court in due time. Such resolution was appealed by the Bank as BPI’s surviving company. The appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeals, which abrogated both the trial court decision and the court-approved agreement, thus ordering the Bank to answer the complaint. This gave rise to the filing of an extraordinary appeal against such decision as well as the subsequent filing of a complaint for the extraordinary appeal denied. On May 5, 2021, the Bank was notified of the dismissal of the complaint appeal, ordering the return of the main process to the CNACAF for continuing with the proceedings, who also submitted them to the trial court, which received them on 09/27/2021 and were requested as effectum vivendi in proceedings “Estado Nacional – Ministerio Producción de la Nación c/ Asociación de Defensa de los Consumidores y Usuarios de la R.A y otros s/Ordinario” (File No. 6757/2013), in which the Bank is not a party, by the commercial court, clerk’s office No. 11. As of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, resolution is still pending.
Moreover, the Bank is subject to a class actions for the same purpose, currently pending with Commercial Court No. 7 in and for the CABA, Clerk’s Office No. 13, styled Unión de Usuarios y Consumidores v. Nuevo Banco Bisel on ordinary proceedings, File No. 44704/2008.
There are also other class actions initiated by consumer protection associations in relation to the collection of certain commissions and/or financial charges or practices and certain withholdings made by the Bank to individuals as CABA stamp tax withholding agent.
The Bank’s Management and its legal counsel consider no further significant accounting effects could arise from the final outcome of the abovementioned proceedings other than those disclosed in these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
51
RESTRICTION ON DIVIDENDS DISTRIBUTION
 
  a)
According to BCRA regulations, 20% of Banco Macro SA income for the year (calculated in accordance with BCRA rules), without including Other comprehensive income, for the year plus/less prior-year adjustments and less accumulated losses as for the prior year-end, if any, should be allocated to the legal retained earnings.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  b)
Through Communiqué “A” 6464, as amended, the BCRA establishes the general procedure to distribute earnings. According to that procedure, earnings may only be distributed if certain circumstances are met, such as no records of financial assistance from the BCRA due to illiquidity or shortages in payments of minimum capital or minimum cash requirement deficiencies and not being subject to the provisions of sections 34 and 35 bis of the Financial Entities Law (sections dealing with tax payment and restructuring agreements and reorganization of the Bank), among other conditions listed in the abovementioned communiqué that must be met. In addition, the earnings distribution approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting of the Bank could only be formalized once the Superintendence of Financial and Foreign Exchange Institutions approved it.
In addition, profits may only be distributed to the extent that the financial institution has positive results, after deducting, on a non-accounting basis, from retained earnings and the optional reserves for the future distribution of profits, (i) the amounts of the legal and other earnings reserves which are mandatory, (ii) all debit amounts of each one of the accounting items recognized in “Other Comprehensive Income”, (iii) income from of the revaluation of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investment property, (iv) the positive net difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of government debt instruments and/or monetary regulation instruments issued by the BCRA for those instruments recognized at amortized cost, (v) the adjustments identified by the Superintendence of Financial and Exchange Entities of the BCRA or by the independent external auditor and that have not been recognized in the accounting records and (vi) certain franchises granted by the BCRA. Additionally, no profit distributions shall be made out of the profit originated as a result of the first-time application of the IFRS, for which a normative reserve was created, and its balance as of December 31, 2022 was 21,402,113 (nominal value: 3,475,669).
As of December 31, 2022, the related adjustments to be made on unappropriated retained earnings of Banco Macro SA are as follows:
 
  i.
Other comprehensive income for 816,164.
 
  ii.
The positive net difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of government debt instruments and/or monetary regulation instruments issued by the BCRA for those instruments recognized at amortized cost for 6,145,736.
The Bank must verify that, after completion of the earning distribution, a capital maintenance margin equal to 3.5% of risk-weighted assets is kept, apart from the minimum capital required by law, to be integrated by Tier 1(Con1) ordinary capital, net of deductible items (CDCOn1).
According to BCRA Communiqué “A” 7312, the earning distribution was suspended up to December 31, 2021. Through Communiqué “A” 7421, effective since January 1 and up to December 31, 2022, the BCRA allowed financial institutions, which had its authorization, to distribute their earnings up to 20% of the amount that would have been distributed in 12 equal, monthly and consecutive installments.
In addition, through Communiqué “A” 7719 issued on March 9, 2023, the BCRA established that from April 1, 2023 up to December 31, 2023, financial institutions, which have the BCRA’s authorization, will be allowed to distribute up to 40% of the amount of earnings that should have been distributed if the “Earnings distributions” rules had been applied, in 6
equal, monthly and consecutive installments. Lastly, it is worth noting that the BCRA, in the process of authorization of the earning distribution for an amount of
 19,751,444
(not restated), as explained in note 42, required to the Bank to deduct the outstanding balance from the sale of Prisma Medios de Pago SA (see note 12). As of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the BCRA has not issued a decision about the application of the abovementioned situation for the fiscal year 2022.
 
  c)
Pursuant to CNV General Resolution No. 622, the Shareholders’ Meeting in charge of analyzing the annual Financial Statements will be required to decide on the application of the Bank’s retained earnings, such as the actual distribution of dividends, the capitalization thereof through the delivery of bonus shares, the creation of earnings reserves additional to the legal earnings retained or a combination of any of these applications.
In compliance with the previous comments, the General Regular Shareholders’ Meeting of Banco Macro SA held on April 29, 2022 considering that at the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the Bank recorded a negative adjustment to unappropriated retained earnings as of December 31, 2021 for
 8,920,325
(not restated) because the monetary effect accrued in relation to monetary items measured at fair value through other comprehensive income had been recorded in the previous period, resolved to distribute the unappropriated retained earnings for
 18,202,171
(not restated) as follows (the abovementioned figures are stated in constant pesos as of December 31, 2021):
a) 3,640,434 to the legal reserve;
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
b) 373,864 to the Personal Asset Tax on Business Companies (Impuesto sobre los Bienes Personales Sociedades y Participaciones), and;
c) 14,187,873 to pay a cash dividend and/or a dividend in kind, in the latter case valued at market value, prior BCRA authorization.
Moreover, as mentioned in note 42, the Shareholders’ meeting dated on April 25, 2023 resolved to distribute the unappropriated retained earnings for an amount of 43,175,125 as follows:
a) 8,607,704 to the legal reserve;
b) 808,505 to the Personal Asset Tax on Business Companies (Impuesto sobre los Bienes Personales Sociedades y Participaciones), and;
c) 33,758,916 to a Facultative reserve for future distribution of earnings.
Additionally, the abovementioned Shareholders’ decided to partially reverse the Facultative reserve for future distribution of earnings for an amount of 75,040,918 to pay a cash dividend and/or a dividend in kind, prior BCRA authorization.
 
52
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRANSPARENCY POLICY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
As financial institution, the activities of Banco Macro SA are governed by Financial Entities Law No. 21,526, as supplemented, and the regulations issued by the BCRA. Moreover, the Bank adheres to the good banking practices included in the Financial Entities Corporate Governance Guidelines, as supplemented of the BCRA.
The Bank publicly trades its shares on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange (BCBA, for its acronym in Spanish) and, thus, it is subject to the regulations issued by the CNV.
Through General Resolution No. 797/19, the CNV established the minimum contents of the Corporate Governance Code, adding notions of good corporate governance to corporate management as guidelines or recommendations that seek to provide transparency thereto. The CNV annually requires the issuance of a report in which financial institutions have to explain how the recommendations are implemented or to explain the reasons why it decided not to adopt the good practices described in such resolution. The Bank annually publishes a document called Corporate Governance Explanatory Report together with the Annual Report to the Shareholders for the fiscal year, required by regulations, which is available on the Bank’s website and on that of such enforcement agency.
This regulation reinforces the notions contained in Capital Markets Law establishing principles such as “full disclosure”, “transparency”, “efficiency”, “public investor protection”, “equal footing between investors” and “protection of the stability of financial entities and financial intermediaries”.
On the other hand, as the Bank lists its shares on the NYSE, qualifying as a foreign private issuer, it is required to comply with certain corporate governance standards as established in section 303A of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual, as amended.
The main guidelines under the BCRA standards contemplated in the revised text “Financial Entities Corporate Governance Guidelines”, as supplemented, are as follows:
 
   
Ownership structure
As of December 31, 2022, the Bank’s shareholders are:
 
Full name / corporate name
  
Participating
Interest
    
Voting
Interest
 
Fideicomiso de Garantía JHB BMA (1)
     17.28        19.65  
Carballo Delfín Jorge Ezequiel
     18.38        20.04  
ANSES FGS Law No. 26425
     28.80        26.91  
Grouped shareholders (Local Stock Exchanges)
     11.79        11.21  
Grouped shareholders (Foreign stock exchanges)
     23.75        22.19  
 
(1)
As of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements and due to the passing of Mr. Jorge Horacio Brito on November 20, 2020 and as a testamentary disposition, his shares were transferred, ad referendum of BCRA, to Fideicomiso de Garantía JHB BMA, which the beneficiaries are his forced heirs.
 
   
Board of Directors and Senior Management
The Bank’s Board of Directors, as of December 31, 2022, is made up of
 12
regular members and 2 alternate directors. Members are renewed by thirds and the appointed Directors remain in office for three fiscal years. Directors are selected and appointed by the Shareholders’ Meeting. Once elected, the BCRA must confirm the designation of the Directors, expressly authorizing them to accept the designation, pursuant to the terms as to experience and knowledge, contained in the rules CREFI 2-Creation, Operation and Expansion –XV- Financial Entities Authorities. The following table shows the Bank’s Board of Directors as of December 31, 2022:

 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Name
  
Position
Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo (1)(2)
  
Chairperson
Jorge Pablo Brito (1)
  
Vice chairperson
Carlos Alberto Giovanelli (1)
  
Director
Nelson Damián Pozzoli
  
Director
Fabian Alejandro De Paul (3)
  
Director
Constanza Brito
  
Director
Sebastián Palla (3)
  
Director
Mario Luis Vicens (3)
  
Director
Delfín Federico Ezequiel Carballo
  
Director
Marcos Brito
  
Director
Mariano Ignacio Elizondo (3)(4)
  
Director
Guillermo Merediz (3)(4)
  
Director
Santiago Horacio Seeber
  
Alternate director
Alan Whamond (1)(2)(3)
  
Alternate director
 
(1)
On March 15, 2023 Mr. Delfín Jorge Ezequiel Carballo communicated to the Board of Directors his resignation as Regular Director and Chairperson. The Board accepted his resignation and resolved that Mr. Jorge Pablo Brito shall hereinafter act as Chairperson of the Board and Mr. Carlos Alberto Giovanelli as Vice Chairperson. Additionally, on the same date, Alan Whamond also communicated his resignation as alternate director, which was accepted by the Board.
(2)
The Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2023 decided the designation of José Alfredo Sánchez as director to fill the vacancy created as a consequence of the resignation submitted by Delfĺn Jorge Ezequiel Carballo and the designation of Delfĺn Jorge Ezequiel Carballo as alternate director to fill the vacancy created as a consequence of the resignation submitted by Alan Whamond. Moreover, and as a proposal of Anses – FGS, the mentioned Shareholder also decided the designation of Hugo Raul Lazarini, as regular director, and Guido Agustĺn Gallino, as alternate director.
(3)
Independent directors.
(4)
Designated by Anses-Fgs proposal.
Directors should be morally suitable, experienced and knowledgeable in the banking business and meet the requirements established in the effective regulations, issued by the BCRA. Compliance with these requirements is assessed when the Shareholders’ Meeting appoints the directors and on a regular basis during their term of office.
At present, six Directors are independent, pursuant to the provisions of the CNV rules and regulations and the provisions of the Financial Entities Corporate Governance Guidelines issued by the BCRA.
Senior Management is directed by a General Manager appointed by the Board and also includes officers reporting directly to the general manager, forming the Senior Management, as well as officers of four staff areas reporting directly to the Board. Members are detailed below:
 
Name
  
Position
Gustavo Alejandro Manriquez    CEO
Gerardo Adrian Álvarez    Human resources and administration manager
Alberto Figueroa    Comprehensive Risk manager
Ernesto López    Legal manager
Ana María Magdalena Marcet    Credit risk manager
Juan Domingo Mazzon    Government and Management control manager
Ernesto Eduardo Medina    Technology manager
Brian Anthony    Commercial banking manager
Francisco Muro    Distribution and sales manager
Jorge Francisco Scarinci    CFO
Marcelo Agustín Devoto    Investment banking manager
Adrian Mariano Scosceria    Corporate banking manager
 
   
Committees
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The corporate by-laws state that the Board of Directors may establish the Committees that it deems appropriate for the business of the Bank, as well as appoint their members. The Bank currently features the following Committees:
 
Committee
  
Functions
CNV Audit / SEC    They are established in Capital Markets Law, as supplemented.
Internal Audit    Overseeing the proper operation of the internal control systems defined at the Bank through a periodic assessment thereof and contributing to improving the effectiveness of internal controls.
Risk Management    It is in charge of monitoring Senior Management’s activities involving the management of credit, market, liquidity, operational, compliance and reputation risks, among others. It advises the Board of Directors on the Bank’s risks.
Assets and Liabilities    Setting out the Bank’s financial strategy, analyzing the markets and establishing the policies on assets and liabilities, management of market, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks.
IT    Overseeing the proper operation of the information technology environment and contributing to improving the effectiveness thereof.
Credit    Approving credit transactions based on credit capacity.
Legal Recovery    Engaged in defining payment arrangements exceeding the predetermined parameters, as well as reclassifying portfolio to be subject to legal proceedings or accounting derecognitions
Personnel Incentives    Ensuring the financial incentives for personnel system is consistent with the culture, the objectives, the business in the long term, the strategy and the control environment of the Bank.
Ethics and Compliance    Ensuring the Bank has the proper means to promote correct decision-making and compliance with internal and external regulations.
Corporate Governance and Designations    The Committee’s duties include those related to the process of renewing and replacing Senior Management members and the succession plans. It is also in charge of applying the Corporate Governance Code at the Bank and at its subsidiaries.
Anti-money Laundering of assets and terrorism financing    Planning and coordinating compliance with the policies established by the Board of Directors on the matter.
Financial Services User Protection    The duties of this Committee include those related to ensure the existence and maintenance of a financial services user protection process and a customer service system.
 
   
Code of ethics
The Bank has established a Code of Ethics for directors and senior management, expecting that their members act according to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity in all aspects of their activities; to comply with the applicable law, to discourage reproachable behaviors and to comply with the Bank’s Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures governing employee conduct. This Code of ethics is supplemental to the Bank’s Code of Conduct.
 
   
Code of Conduct
The Entity promotes a work environment where responsibility, execution, commitment, results, loyalty, honesty, good communication and teamwork are encouraged.
The goal is to base daily relationships on mutual respect, trust and cordial and simple behavior between coworkers and bosses as well as with suppliers and customers, developing all the activities with the highest ethical working and personal principles.
In that direction, the Code of Conduct is intended to establish the principles and values that all Bank members must comply with. The trust provided by shareholders, customers and the general public depends to a large extent on compliance with these principles.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Ethical line
According to ethical behavior standards, an Ethical line or a report channel was implemented for the Bank and its subsidiaries, Macro Securities SA, Macro Fondos SGFCI SA, Macro Fiducia SA, Argenpay SAU and Fintech SGR, which is managed by an external third party, ensuring compliance with anonymity and confidentiality principles.
Reports are received by the Ethical and Compliance Committee, which becomes aware of them, as well as the resolution of cases, following the protocols.
Branches
As of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the Bank has 467 branches throughout the entire country.
Subsidiaries
The Bank carries out certain transactions through its subsidiaries, which are identified in note 3 to these consolidated Financial Statements.
Business lines
The Bank’s business lines and transactions with trusts are mentioned in notes 1 and 45, respectively.
 
   
Incentive practices
The Bank adopts a compensation policy that comprises fixed and variable compensation; the latter is granted within the framework of an objective and competency assessment process.
The variable compensation program, in the context of the compensation policy, is consistent with the Bank’s mission, values, organization, objectives, long-term business sustainability, strategy, control environment and the prudent assumption of risk. It is aimed at recognizing the extraordinary performance displayed by employees according to:
 
 
Their contribution to the results reached.
 
 
Their management in keeping with the Bank’s mission and values.
The key variables in determining compensation are:
 
 
The level of responsibility and complexity of the position.
 
 
The person’s competencies and potential.
 
 
The person’s performance and outcomes.
 
 
The position with respect to the benchmark market.
 
 
The results reached by the Bank.
The Incentives Committee is in charge of ensuring the financial incentives for personnel system are consistent with the culture, the objectives, the business in the long term, the strategy and the control environment of the Bank, and the prudent assumption of risks.
The Bank aims at compensating personnel ensuring performance recognition, internal equity, competitiveness, productivity, efficiency and added value.
 
   
Role of financial agent
The Bank acts as financial agent in the Provinces of Misiones, Salta, Jujuy and Tucumán and the Municipalities of San Miguel de Tucumán and Yerba Buena.
 
   
Corporate Sustainability Policy
The Bank is aware of its responsibility towards the surrounding communities. The Corporate Sustainability area promotes this development by fostering and implementing policies and actions that exert a positive social, environmental and economic impact.
Thus, it engages in constant dialogue with the different areas and stakeholders with the ultimate goal of creating social value and drafting policies aimed at promoting a fair, supporting and equal world.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
These sustainability values are disclosed in the Comprehensive Report as a major milestone to align the financial information (in documents such as the Letter to the Shareholders and Financial Statements) and ensure their integration and consistency with corporate sustainability.
 
   
Anticorruption policy
Pursuant to Law No. 27401 (Law on Corporate Criminal Liability), the Board establishes that officers and employees of the Bank and its subsidiaries shall not offer to pay, pay or authorize the payment of money or anything of value to (public) officers to obtain or keep a business. It also extends these guidelines to the private sphere. These principles are contained in the Code of Ethics for directors and senior managers, and the Code of Conduct for all employees. Besides, the Bank has a Code of Conduct for suppliers.
The laws of other jurisdictions with similar prohibitions apply, especially the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), because Banco Macro SA is a foreign company that lists its shares in the NYSE and is subject to SEC control and oversight.
The Group companies that wish to perform any transaction involving any public administration officer, public agency or public company, either Argentine or foreign, shall communicate this event in advance to the Board through the General Manager and inform, before the transaction is conducted, the agents or intermediaries that may be involved in the transaction. The Bank also has a manual with guidelines for interacting with public officers.
This communication duty is not mandatory for the transactions derived from agreements with provincial financial agents (except for the subscription of framework agreements), ordinary bank transactions (for example, payroll processing) and the transactions that do not pose any major risk due to the minimum amounts involved.
Although these anticorruption policies are aimed at transactions within the public sector, they also apply to transactions between private parties, as specifically set forth in the Code of Ethic and the Code of Conduct.
The Bank has in place an Anticorruption Policy and an Integrity Program. The Ethics and Compliance Committee will be responsible for its adoption, follow-up and period reporting to the Board.
 
   
Transactions with related parties – Policy on conflict of interest
As an authorized financial institution, Banco Macro SA complies with the provisions and reporting requirements established in Financial and Foreign Exchange Entities Law No. 21526 and the regulations issued by the regulatory agency (BCRA).
As established by law (Argentine Business Company Law No. 19550), specific applicable regulations (Capital Markets Law, as supplemented), professional accounting standards (Technical Resolution No. 21), IAS 24 and best practice recommendations, the Bank reports on the transactions with related parties in notes to the Financial Statements. Such transactions are carried out under usual market conditions. See also note 20.
Under current Argentine legislation, directors are required to perform their duties with the loyalty and diligence of a prudent businessman. Directors are jointly and severally liable to the Bank, the shareholders and third parties for a poor performance of duties and infringements to the law, bylaws and regulations, as the case may be, and are responsible for repairing the damages caused by fraud, abuse of authority or negligence.
The loyalty duties of a director are considered to include: (i) the ban from using corporate assets and the confidential information to which he/she may have access for personal purposes; (ii) the ban from taking advantage or, due to errors or omissions, allowing a third party to take advantage of the Bank’s business opportunities, (iii) the obligation of acting as director only for the purposes established in the law, the Bank’s bylaws or the intention of the shareholders or the Board of Directors; and (iv) the obligation of taking extreme care so that the acts conducted by the Board of Directors have no direct or indirect effects against the Bank’s interests.
A director should notify the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee about any conflict of interest such director may have in a transaction proposal and should refrain from voting on the matter.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Public information
The information related to corporate governance at the Bank is included within the transparency policy contained in such precepts and, hence, is available to interested members of the public on the website www.macro.com.ar (“
Conocenos” – Relaciones con Inversores
) and additionally, some guidelines are disclosed in other notes to these consolidated Financial Statements. Moreover, the Bank’s public information is disclosed on the websites of the BCRA (www.bcra.gob.ar) and the CNV (www.cnv.gob.ar).
In addition, the Bank publishes the Market Discipline Report, pursuant to the guidelines established by the BCRA for such information regime, in accordance with the criteria of the Basel Banking Supervision Committee, which is available at the Bank’s website.
Integral Risk management
Within the framework of the Corporate Governance policy, the Board of Directors of the Bank resolved the creation of a Risk Management Committee. The Bank has appointed a Risk Manager who reports directly to the Board of Directors.
Its duties include ensuring that an independent risk management be established, establishing policies, procedures and measurement methodologies and report systems, which allow the identification, measurement, and monitoring of the risk under its charge and also the duties of each organizational level in the process.
The risk management process includes the establishment of the exposure limits for each risk by the Board of Directors, a follow-up on the exposure to each limit by the persons in charge, the preparation of regular reports for the Risk Management Committee, a follow-up on the alerts and the implementation of action plans regarding the alerts and the guidelines for developing stress tests.
The system supplements the policies and procedures specific to each risk (Financial, Credit, Operational, Counterparty Credit, Country Risk, Securitization, Reputational, Compliance, Strategic Risks, among others).
In addition, the Credit Risk Management area is in charge of interpreting, executing and guaranteeing the application of the General Credit Policy as approved by the Board of Directors, pursuant to the internal and external standards and regulations on the matter. Credit Risk Management reports functionally to the General Manager.
Risk Management
The Risk Management area is in charge of the Financial Risk, Credit Risk and Operating and Technology Risk areas.
The main procedures carried out by the Risk Management Department are:
 
   
Stress tests
The process of stress test includes documenting and formalizing the program as well as the persons in charge of carrying it out, the frequency of testing and the validation of the system. It also contemplates the Contingency Plan based on the test results. The Risk Management Committee leads and coordinates this application.
 
   
Economic Capital Calculation
The Risk Management Department estimates the economic capital for each one of the individual risks (Market, Liquidity, Interest Rate, Credit, Counterparty Credit, Concentration, Operational, Securitization, Strategic and Reputational) determined for the Bank on a consolidated basis with its subsidiaries with the same scope as the regulation. The methods used to deal with subsidiaries are exactly the same.
The economic capital sufficiency evaluation process is an integral part of the corporate governance and risk management culture of the entities.
Quantified economic capital was implemented as a formal procedure, both currently and prospectively, and is a tool used in the day-to-day management of risks, in preparing the Business Plan and the Stress Tests.
The methods used to measure the economic capital of each risk were documented and approved by the Management, pursuant to the internal rules on Corporate Governance and Risk Management.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The results must serve to support decision-making, including strategic decisions adopted by the Board and the Senior Management. In this way they may:
 
   
Estimate the level and trend of the relevant risks and the effects thereof on capital needs.
 
   
Evaluate the reasonability of the basic assumptions used in the capital measuring system and the sensitivity of the results to changes in those assumptions.
 
   
Determine whether the Bank has sufficient regulatory capital to cover the different risks and if it meets the capital sufficiency goals required.
 
   
Consider its future capital requirements based on the risk profile and, according thereto, introduce the necessary adjustments into the strategic plan.
The essential elements of the capital evaluation include:
 
   
Policies and proceedings ensuring the risk management process.
 
   
A process connecting economic capital with risk level.
 
   
A process establishing capital sufficiency goals based on the risks, taking into account the strategic approach and the business plan.
 
   
An internal control process, in order to secure a comprehensive risk management.
The Bank actively uses guarantees to mitigate its credit risk.
Excessive risk concentration:
To avoid excessive risk concentrations, the Bank’s policies and procedures include specific guidelines to focus on keeping a diversified portfolio. The identified credit risk concentrations are controlled and managed accordingly. The selective coverage is used at the Bank to manage risk concentrations both in terms of relationships and industry.
In addition, note that the Bank meets the provisions established by the BCRA as regards maximum assistance limits to given groups of debtors, in order to atomize the portfolio, reducing credit risk concentration.
The main types of risks that the Bank is exposed to are those related to credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, and operational risk.
Minimum capital requirements:
The table below shows the minimum capital requirements measured on a consolidated basis, effective for the month of December 2022, together with the integration thereof (computable equity) as of the end of such month:
 
Item
  
12/31/2022
 
Minimum capital requirements
     105,060,980  
Computable equity
     515,330,432  
    
 
 
 
Capital surplus
  
 
410,269,452
 
    
 
 
 
The following are the policies and processes aimed at identifying, assessing, controlling and mitigating each one of the main risks:
 
 
52.1
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that the Bank incurs a loss because its customers or counterparties fail to discharge their contractual obligations.
The Bank manages and controls credit risk by setting limits on the amount of risk it is willing to accept and by establishing indicators for monitoring.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The Board approves the credit and risk assessment policy to provide a framework to generate businesses to achieve a proper relationship between the risk assumed and profitability. The Bank has procedure manuals detailing the related guidelines, compliance with effective regulations and limits set. The goals are:
 
   
Achieving an adequate portfolio segmentation per type of customer and economic sector.
 
   
Enhancing the use of tools to analyze and assess risk that best adjust to the customer’s profile.
 
   
Establishing consistent guidelines to grant loans following conservative parameters based on the customer’s solvency, cash flows and profitability in the case of companies, and revenues and equity in the case of individuals.
 
   
Establishing limits to individual powers to grant credits according to their amount, tending to the existence of specific committees, which, according to their scope of influence, will define the levels of assistance.
 
   
Enhancing the quality of the risk assumed, with proper guarantees according to the term of the loan and the level of risk involved.
 
   
Monitoring on an ongoing basis the loan portfolio and customer level of compliance.
Credit risk management involves the existence of a structure with the characteristics needed to attain the organizational goals during the stages of the credit cycle: admission, follow-up, monitoring and recovery.
The risk assessment process is differentiated based on whether customers belong to Corporate Banking or Retail Banking.
To assess Corporate Banking customers, the Bank has different methods involving different responsibility levels that become increasingly complex according to the size of the transactions in terms of assistance types and amounts, weighed by terms and hedges with guarantees.
For the authorization of assistance involving small amounts, self-liquidating collaterals or temporary assistance, the Bank grants special credit powers, on a personal basis, to higher-ranking officials based on their knowledge, experience and training. At any rate, the use of these powers is associated with the outcome of an objective assessment, avoiding any discretion in the credit approvals.
To grant predefined products and restricted amounts to the Small Companies and Agro segments, the Bank has standardized assessment systems that are used on a decentralized manner and include origination scoring and screening methods to admit and assign limits, based on the customers’ economic, financial and equity information. There is also a centralized massive qualification periodic process that Credit Risk Management makes available to branches on a continuous basis.
When transactions in amount the instances of authorization by delegated powers or through the decentralized risk analysis, ratings are approved in the Credit Committees. The powers vested on the different decision-making bodies are continuously reviewed to adjust them to the Bank’s volume of transactions and thus improve credit rating.
The risk analysis of assistance addressed in the Credit Committees is carried out at the Corporate Risk Management Department by specialized risk analysts that prepare separate risk reports per customer or group of companies, which are provided to Committee members to support the credit decisions made.
Risk reports include, at least, information regarding the use of loans and their source of repayment, the debtor’s historical and current behavior and the group of companies to which it belongs; the debtor’s repayment capacity based on cash flows; the guarantees that will cover the transactions, the ownership status, the enforcement possibilities and their sensibility to the changes in the economy; the market in which the debtor operates and the debtor’s position, and the debtor’s equity, economic and financial position and possibility of accessing loans.
The Committees’ resolutions include the terms and conditions applicable to the assistance in terms of the amount, currency, terms, guarantees and follow-up provisions, among others. The decisions are based on the debtor’s cash flows and payment capacity and only to a secondary extent on debtor’s equity and risk mitigating factors.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Credit risk assessment for Retail Banking customers, is governed by specific policies that consider customers’ inclusion in one of the following segments:
 
   
Salary Plan customers (Public and Private) and retirees whose their retirements and pensions are deposited in the Bank.
 
   
Open Market customers.
To speed up origination circuits, the Credit Risk Management has widened the use of scoring methods, which impose a minimum limit for the customer to be admitted for credit purposes, considering an acceptable delinquency level.
Consumer portfolio qualifications are available on a permanent basis to branches in the system called Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and to customers through digital channels, which allows operating within the limits and conditions approved by the Credit Risk Management on a centralized basis. This modality restricts the operating risks that are inherent to the assessment.
For new nonprequalified customers, the originator enters the requested transactions in the risk assessment system related to the customer segment, which approves or rejects the transaction; if approved, maximum assistance amounts by product are provided. Assessment systems are mainly based on an admission and certain maximum indebtedness rules and installment/income ratio. The assessment systems are based mainly on a qualification score and certain maximum indebtedness and installment/income relationship rules.
There are specific rules regarding the debtor’s file integration to duly document the data entered into the assessment systems. Credit risk officers also define a credit power system based on the margins to be approved and, if applicable, the exceptions admitted.
The assessment process and its relationship with the loan settlement process, is fully automated: all customers must have a CRM-approved (individual or massive) assessment, an essential requirement to be granted a credit product. In addition, as part of the assessment process, the exception flow and the control of credit powers are also automated. These actions managed to reduce operating risks and allowed tracing transactions and their approval levels.
The Bank adopts processes to detect interrelated debtor groups with correlated risk (group of companies) and to group risk exposures with the same debtor or counterparty in different lines of credit.
Before the transactions are settled, a series of controls are implemented to reduce related credit and operating risks and classify transactions within the technical relationships regulatory framework.
The Bank implements a formal, robust and well-defined process to manage nonperforming loans. These procedures are differentiated based on the type of portfolio and delinquency status.
To mitigate credit risk, guarantees are requested on agreed financing. A particular area of the Credit Risk Management Department manages all guarantees received by the Bank and assesses and updates regularly the appraisal value and effective term to monitor the quality of risk mitigators.
Credit risk allowances of the loan portfolio
As from 2020, the Bank’s policy concerning credit risk allowances is based on the calculation of ECL based on analytical models (statistical models related to loan portfolio management) pursuant to IFRS 9. According to the guidelines in section 5.5. on Impairment (including the principles and methods to recognize ECL due to significant increases in credit risk and the subsequent impairment of financial assets for ECL), the Bank recognizes the impairment of its financial assets.
The criterion to assess whether an instrument is impaired will depend on the type of analysis to which customers are exposed: to estimate ECL on a collective basis, disclosures are grouped based on customer segments showing similar risk characteristics that are relevant for their analysis, while the purpose of the individual assessment is the ECL estimate for customers with significant risk or customers which require a specific treatment, or do not have consistent characteristics with other portfolio segments for which the statistic information is insufficient to predict future behavior.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The following chart shows the composition of loan loss allowances according to the type of financial instrument as of December 31, 2022, and 2021:
 
Composition
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Loans and other financing
     11,002,504        18,761,457  
Loans commitment
     771,821        687,783  
Other financial assets
     91,041        51,518  
Other debt securities at amortized cost
     334,996        7,311  
Other debt securities at fair value through OCI
     29,203        31,759  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
12,229,565
 
  
 
19,539,828
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The Credit Risk Management manages credit risk, which consists of identifying, assessing, following up, controlling and mitigating this risk across credit cycle stages.
The Credit Risk Management Office designs and develops ECL models. It reports to the Credit Risk Management, which is also in charge of designing and calculating rating and scoring models to quantify credit risk and the measures to calculate PD, EAD and LGD, as well as other models to calculate the impact of the prospective view.
The Administration and Credit Operation Management, through the Credit Review area, analyze the entire portfolio under individual assessment and classifies customers in different credit risk stages. Together with the Corporate Risk and Credit Recovery Management Departments (that contribute their view from a standpoint of risk assessment and recovery management), they calculate ECL for corporate customers in stage 2 and stage 3.
The definitions and assessment of ECL are regularly presented to the Risk Management Committee, which approves the model methodologies, adjustments and validation.
 
  52.1.1
Assessment of credit risk impairment
 
 
Definitions
of significant increase in risk (SICR), impairment and default
The Bank recognizes the impairment of its financial assets according to point 5.5. of IFRS 9. To such end, the Bank calculates the ECL of financial instruments over a three stage risk model based on the changes in credit quality detected since the initial recognition, as summarized below:
 
   
Stage 1: includes financial instruments which credit risks have not increased significantly since initial recognition;
 
   
Stage 2: includes financial instruments which significantly SICR but it is not yet considered credit-impaired, and
 
   
Stage 3: comprises credit-impaired financial instruments.
The Bank measures ECL according to the following definitions:
 
   
For financial instruments included in Stage 1, the Bank measures ECL as the portion of lifetime ECL that result from potential default events within the next 12 months.
 
   
For financial instruments included in Stages 2 and 3, the Bank measures lifetime ECL.
 
   
To calculate ECL, prospective information is considered according to IFRS 9.
Default
The default status is defined according to the type of portfolio and segment, and thus, the impairment model is applied in accordance with the risk of each transaction. The default status is defined as follows:
 
   
For the Commercial Portfolio: there is a “Default” if the customer, based on an individual analysis, has been classified in Stage 3, as described in “Customers analyzed on an individual basis.”
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
For the Medium-sized and large companies and Corporate segments of the Commercial Portfolio Comparable to Consumer: there is a “Default” if the customer has a transaction that is more than 90 days past due or if a refinancing loan has been granted.
 
   
For the Consumer Portfolio or the Commercial Portfolio Comparable to Consumer (excluding Medium-sized and large companies and Corporate segments): there is a “Default” if the transaction is more than 90 days past due or if a refinancing loan has been granted in relation to the product assessed in the performance period.
Customers analyzed on a collective basis
:
For the group of transactions in the Consumer portfolio and the Commercial Portfolio Comparable to Consumer, which is deemed a collective analysis portfolio, the Bank defined the application of the following delinquency criteria under IFRS 9:
 
   
Stage 2: it involves the transactions that are more than 30 days past due, refinanced transactions that are more than 90 days past due, and those with PD differences between the time of transaction observation and origination and implying a SICR in absolute and relative terms.
 
   
Stage 3: transactions that are more than 90 days past due.
Thus, summing up, the criterion used by the Bank to define the different transaction staging rules, according to its reporting structure, depend on the following characteristics:
 
   
Type of product
 
   
Segment
 
   
Portfolio
 
   
Delinquency
 
   
Refinancing
 
   
SICR under qualitative criterion
ECL calculation:
The ECL is calculated using the following formula, the parameters of which are described below:
ECL = PD × EAD × LGD
Probability of default (PD)
The PD represents the probability of not paying for a transaction within a given term.
To calculate expected losses, the Bank considers the creation of two types of probabilities of default:
 
   
PD at 12 months (Point in Time – PIT): this is the estimated probability of occurrence of a default in the next 12 months of life of the instrument after the analysis date. The Bank uses this criterion for the transactions with no SICR.
 
   
PD Lifetime: this is the estimated probability of occurrence of a default throughout the remaining life of an instrument, i.e. the PD referring to the maximum contractual term during which the entity is exposed to the credit risk. The Bank applies this criterion to transactions with SICR (Stage 2), as established in IFRS 9.
The PDs are assessed per customer in individual analyses and per product in the case of customers analyzed collectively.
The PDs are amended by the macroeconomic models applied for the prospective vision.
The proposals to implement PD models are submitted for approval to the Risk Management Committee. The methods, variables, development population, observation windows and results that support the preparation of these models are tested and adjusted at least once a year.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The following table discloses the risk levels score and rating arising from the Bank’s models:
 
Category
  
12/31/2022
   
12/31/2021
 
  
Weighted

PD
   
% Gross
Carrying
Amount
   
Weighted

PD
   
% Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Performing
  
 
1.54
 
 
97.32
 
 
2.05
 
 
96.76
High grade
     0.93     89.00     1.02     79.54
Standard grade
     5.00     4.44     5.05     12.44
Sub-standard grade
     11.58     3.88     11.26     4.78
Past due but not impaired
  
 
29.73
 
 
1.86
 
 
30.27
 
 
2.33
Impaired
  
 
100.00
 
 
0.82
 
 
100.00
 
 
0.91
            
 
 
           
 
 
 
Total
          
 
100.00
 
         
 
100.00
 
            
 
 
           
 
 
 
Exposure at default (EAD)
The EAD represents the exposure of a financial instrument on the date of the analysis, i.e. the level to which the Bank is exposed to credit risk in the event of a potential default by the counterparty.
To calculate the EAD, segmentation is performed at product level, according to the following differentiation:
 
   
Products with no exposure certainty: in the case of revolving products (credit cards and saving accounts) in stages 1 and 2, in order to calculate the EAD, it is necessary to estimate a credit conversion factor (CCF). For these transactions, the CCF represents the average percentage of exposure increase that may be observed in a contract from measurement to default. For these products, in stage 3, no additional increase is considered in the exposure.
 
   
Products with exposure certainty: in these types of products (generally amortizable loans), future exposure is known because the counterparty cannot increase its exposure beyond what was agreed upon in the contractual schedule. Therefore, the CCF does not apply to these products, and the EAD varies at each moment in time by reflecting the amortization of the loan balance due.
Loss given default (LGD)
LGD is the estimated loss in the case of default. It is based on the difference between all contractual cash flows and the cash flows expected by the lender (i.e., all cash shortfalls), considering the proceeds from the realization of collateral.
It is the supplement to the unit of the recovery rate; that is, the proportion not collected by the Bank with respect to the EAD. Consequently, the amount at default is compared with the present value of the amounts recovered after the date of default.
LGD varies based on the type of counterparty, aging, type of claim and the existence of guarantees securing credits. It is expressed as a percentage of the loss for EAD.
Just as the PDs, to assess the LGD, a distinction is made per customer in individual analyses and per product in the case of customers analyzed collectively. The Bank bases its estimates on the historical information observed regarding the recoveries obtained on customers or default transactions, discounted at the effective interest rate of such agreements and measured upon default.
Once the recovery rates are obtained, this behavior is projected through the triangle method to estimate the periods with less maturity. Finally, the weighted average of the loss for each portfolio is determined.
The LGDs are also amended by the macroeconomic models applied for the prospective vision.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Customers analyzed on an individual basis:
The Bank’s credit risk impairment assessment model is set to analyze individually all Corporate Portfolio customers, as defined by the BCRA, financial institutions, the public sector and government and private securities.
To make such an assessment, some objective data were defined to analyze whether there is a SICR and to determine whether it should be reclassified to stage 2 or to stage 3 when a default is produced or expected, or whether they should remain in stage 1. Those events comprise mainly material delays in the main credit lines granted, the Bank’s legal action for the assistance granted, the petition for insolvency proceedings or bankruptcy, and past due loans with pending principal, among others.
All the customers subject to the individual analysis are examined on a monthly basis to define the stage, following different criteria for each one of them:
Stage 1: the customers whose individual assessment reflects the following characteristics are deemed included:
 
   
The financial instruments did not experience significant risk increases.
 
   
The customer’s cash flow analysis shows that it has the ability to meet all its obligations adequately.
 
   
It has a liquid financial position, with low level of indebtedness.
 
   
Cash flows are not subject to drastic changes in the event of major variations in the behavior of own and sector variables.
 
   
It regularly pays its obligations, even when it suffers minor and insignificant delays.
This stage also includes:
 
   
The customers previously included in stages 2 or 3 who improved their credit risk indicators and meet the parameters defined for stage 1.
Stage 2: this stage includes the customers that, based on the individual analysis of their payment capacity, have a SICR that is not sufficiently severe to set default as defined for stage 3.
Some elements considered upon defining the existence of a significant increase in credit risk are:
 
   
Profitability, liquidity and solvency indicators that tend to weaken, or some of the indications of impairment:
 
   
There is a significant increase in payables without a consistent rise in revenues.
 
   
There is a major decline in operating margins, or existence of operating loss.
 
   
There are adverse changes in the context that exert a negative effect on future financial flows.
 
   
There is a drastic decline in demand or negative changes in the business plans.
 
   
There are significant changes in the value of the guarantees received
 
   
The arrears in payment to the Bank are due to current operating or extraordinary circumstances, and a prompt resolution is expected.
This stage also includes:
 
   
The customers that, having been included in stage 3, improved their credit risk indicators and are no longer at default, but which status prevents them from being reclassified to stage 1.
Stage 3: it includes the customers that, after an individual analysis, experience some of the following situations:
 
   
Significant delays in the main credit lines granted, with no agreement with the Bank.
 
   
Have been subject to complaints filed the Bank for the recovery of the assistance granted.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
Filed for insolvency proceedings or went into bankruptcy
 
   
Refinance their payables systematically and have still not settled over 5% of the refinanced principal.
 
   
Cash flows analysis shows that it is highly unlikely that the customer may meet all its obligations in the agreed-upon conditions.
The Credit Administration and Transactions Department analyzes all the portfolio under this approach, with special emphasis on customers in stages 2 and 3 in the previous month and those showing objective data that could evidence the existence of a SICR. The study is supplemented with the macroeconomic context and other news in relation to the performance of customers. Its staging proposal is submitted to the consideration of Corporate Risk and Credit Recovery Management Departments, which incorporate their own vision of the customer or the activity sector. The final assessment of the stage assigned to each customer is approved by the Credit Risk Management and is used as an input to estimate the ECL of the customers analyzed on an individual basis.
ECL calculation for customers included in an individual analysis:
Stage 1: the estimates of the customers classified in stage 1 arise from the parameters under expected credit loss models, whose characteristics are described in the previous sections on PD, EAD and LGD.
Stages 2 and 3: based on the evidence gathered upon the analysis, the Credit Risk Management –considering the level of progress of collection negotiations, as well as the evidence from a potential sale of collateral received or other credit improvements making up the contractual terms– prepares three potential recovery scenarios for each credit transaction of stage 2 and 3 customers, calculating the current value of expected flows for each scenario, which are weighted in view of their probability of occurrence. The expected loss of each transaction is the difference between the book payable of each transaction and the present weighted value of expected cash flows.
 
  52.1.2
Prospective information used in ECL models
The calculation of ECL for risk impairment includes and is adjusted prospectively with respect to the portfolio behavior. To such end, the Bank examines the macroeconomics variables which have an impact on PD and LGD and designed 4 models which differ by customer type: Retail, Agro, Pymes and Commercial.
The main economic variables that impact on the expected losses used to calculate ECL for each economic scenario are changes in GDP, changes in interest rates, among others.
As established in IFRS 9, impact is calculated based on the different behavior scenarios of the variables; to such end, a 36-month estimate on the variables used for the models is requested from a well-known economic consulting firm. This estimate is prepared for three alternative macroeconomic scenarios, to which a likelihood of occurrence is assigned.
Finally, the Bank calculates ECL by applying the alternative scenarios on a weighted basis, which are updated on a quarterly basis in each calendar quarter.
The value of the macroeconomic variables used in calculating the forward-looking adjustment is restricted to econometric model calculations and the estimates of the independent consultant in relation to those variables. However, in line with the “Guidance on credit risk and accounting for expected credit losses” of the Basel Banking Supervision Committee, the Bank applies its own criterion based on experience in order to consider reasonable and sustainable prospective information in due manner (including macroeconomic factors) and, as applicable, to determine the proper level of value corrections.
 
- 102 -
BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The following table shows the estimated values for macroeconomic variables used in the models for each scenario (base case, favorable and downside), with the assigned probability of occurrence to each scenario for the fiscal year 2023:
 
Key Drivers
  
ECL
Scenario
    
Assigned
Probabilities
    
2023
 
           
%
    
%
 
GDP growth %
     Base case        70        1.00  
     Favorable        10        2.48  
     Downside        20        (3.01
Interest rates %
     Base case        70        67.97  
     Favorable        10        58.72  
     Downside        20        88.19  
CPI %
     Base case        70        107.45  
     Favorable        10        85.82  
     Downside        20        170.55  
 
  52.1.3
Overview of modified and forborne loans
From a risk management point of view, once an asset is forborne or modified, the Bank’s special department for distressed assets continues to monitor the exposure until it is completely and ultimately derecognized.
The amortized cost of loans modified during 2022 and the associated net modification amounted to 1,608,310 and 431,500, respectively. The Bank does not consider loans using the mandatory extensions and payment facilities provide by BCRA as part of such modified loans. The amortized cost of loans modified during 2021 and the associated net modification amounted to 4,401,417 and 722,238, respectively.
 
  52.1.4
Additional Forward-looking allowances based on expert credit judgment
Adjustment for uncertainty in external obligation restructuring
At the end of the fiscal year 2021, the Bank decided to record an additional adjustment, based on expert credit judgment and on a prospective basis after estimating an incremental effect on ECL allowances in order to cover an uncertain macroeconomic scenario due to the lack of an agreement between the Argentine Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restructure the debt. As of December 31, 2021, this adjustment amounted to
3,868,593.
When the agreement with the IMF was reached and approved by the Federal Congress, the Bank began to reverse the additional ECL. As of December 31, 2022, the Bank decided that the circumstances that generated the additional adjustment ceased to exist, therefore no other adjustment was recorded for this concept.
Adjustment for uncertainty about conditions of accessing loans to MIPYMES
and Federal Government Securities
As of December 31, 2022, the ECL were calculated with adjusted parameters considering the period November 2020 through October 2022. This adjustment determined a reduction in the default rates of MIPYMES that is explained by the application of the government policies of regulated and subsidized interest rates through financing programs to MIPYMES, which benefits the Commercial Portfolio Comparable to Consumer and MIPYMES’s natural persons from the Consumer Portfolio, enabling them to have access to loans with negative interest rates, in an growing inflationary context.
As of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements, the Management considers that there is uncertainty about the conditions of the interest rate policy and the access to loans from the portfolio that was able to reduce its default rates. It is also understood that there are doubts as to whether these conditions will prevail in the future.
In addition, the Bank’s Management has considered the macroeconomic environment of Argentina, including the actions performed by the Federal Government to manage its debt instruments and certain uncertainty mainly related to the Bank’s long-term holdings of Federal Government instruments.
Therefore, the Bank decided to record an additional allowance for
1,837,000
that arises from (i) the difference between the ECL amount generated by the application of the adjustment for MIPYMES´s portfolio and the estimated impact that it would have on the ECL for companies on an individual basis if there is a negative change in the interest rate policy for an amount of 1,514,000 and (ii) the Management estimation related to certain Federal Government securities for an amount of 323,000.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
  52.1.5
Portfolio quality
The table below shows the analysis by aging of performing loans in arrears (in days):
 
Portfolio Type
  
12/31/2022
 
  
Delinquent, performing (in days)
 
  
0 to 31
   
From 32 to
90
   
From 91 to
180
   
From 181 to
360
   
Over 360
 
Commercial loans
     98.8     1.2     0.0     0.0     0.0
Commercial loans comparable to consumer
     99.9     0.1     0.0     0.0     0.0
Consumer loans
     100.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total
  
 
99.8
 
 
0.2
 
 
0.0
 
 
0.0
 
 
0.0
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Portfolio Type
  
12/31/2021
 
  
Delinquent, performing (in days)
 
  
0 to 31
   
From 32 to
90
   
From 91 to
180
   
From 181 to
360
   
Over 360
 
Commercial loans
     98.9     0.9     0.0     0.2     0.0
Commercial loans comparable to consumer
     99.7     0.3     0.0     0.0     0.0
Consumer loans
     99.5     0.5     0.0     0.0     0.0
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total
  
 
99.4
 
 
0.5
 
 
0.0
 
 
0.1
 
 
0.0
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
The following table shows the loans and other financing portfolio under credit risk by industry sector, classified by risk stage and identifying the expected loss calculated under individual or collective basis:
 
    
1
    
2
    
3
    
12/31/2022
 
  
Collective
    
Individual
    
Collective
    
Individual
 
Loans and other financing
  
 
479,452,940
 
  
 
104,988,725
 
  
 
17,579,354
 
  
 
2,570,188
 
  
 
5,012,162
 
  
 
609,603,369
 
Non-financial public sector
     213,611        1,993,184        29                 111        2,206,935  
Other financial entities
     127        935,286                                   935,413  
Non-financial private sector
     479,239,202        102,060,255        17,579,325        2,570,188        5,012,051        606,461,021  
Individuals
     274,924,089        3,148,236        12,067,795                 2,668,258        292,808,378  
Manufacturing Industry
     31,183,788        24,274,647        746,964        1,329,244        403,405        57,938,048  
Agricultural and cattle industry
     44,869,029        17,883,431        799,999        1,240,944        1,268,562        66,061,965  
Services
     65,880,196        8,552,942        2,522,295                 351,183        77,306,616  
Commercial activities
     44,682,587        23,420,277        1,061,948                 226,414        69,391,226  
Exploration of mines and quarries
     2,247,027        7,225,151        21,074                 3,182        9,496,434  
Financial intermediation
     2,480,513        9,527,822        60,956                 25,963        12,095,254  
Construction activities
     9,787,338        7,874,875        184,136                 43,311        17,889,660  
Electricity supply and gas
     503,461        152,874        7,295                 1,609        665,239  
Public administration
     2,496,835                 104,849                 20,125        2,621,809  
Water supply and public sanitation
     184,339                 2,014                 39        186,392  
 
- 104 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
    
1
    
2
    
3
    
12/31/2021
 
  
Collective
    
Individual
    
Collective
    
Individual
 
Loans and other financing
  
 
514,367,442
 
  
 
157,218,100
 
  
 
17,852,932
 
  
 
9,225,497
 
  
 
6,425,695
 
  
 
705,089,666
 
Non-financial public sector
     139,590        4,488,641        75                          4,628,306  
Other financial entities
     4,086        2,944,901                                   2,948,987  
Non-financial private sector
     514,223,766        149,784,558        17,852,857        9,225,497        6,425,695        697,512,373  
Individuals
     323,205,610        2,745,926        10,040,814                 3,296,663        339,289,013  
Manufacturing Industry
     31,780,091        46,464,909        845,026        3,533,350        193,016        82,816,392  
Agricultural and cattle industry
     40,312,462        22,054,630        3,065,295        5,692,147        1,015,275        72,139,809  
Services
     61,670,626        19,022,152        2,421,080                 578,179        83,692,037  
Commercial activities
     39,999,096        27,407,746        1,011,514                 304,296        68,722,652  
Exploration of mines and quarries
     2,312,433        12,006,425        35,904                 908,802        15,263,564  
Financial intermediation
     2,817,845        11,867,948        94,079                 10,206        14,790,078  
Construction activities
     8,346,506        7,923,998        221,929                 93,261        16,585,694  
Electricity supply and gas
     643,481        290,824        25,968                 3,348        963,621  
Public administration
     3,025,323                 69,117                 22,184        3,116,624  
Water supply and public sanitation
     110,293                 22,131                 465        132,889  
 
  52.1.6
Collateral and other credit improvements
 
   
Guarantees received for the entirely portfolio
The following table shows the amounts of guarantees received for the entire portfolio as of December 31, 2022.
 
Class of financial
instrument
  
Maximum
exposure to
credit risk
    
Fair value of collateral
    
Total
collateral
    
Net exposure
    
Associated
ECL
 
  
Pledges

on time
deposits
    
Deferred
payment
checks
    
Mortgage

on real
property
    
Pledges on
vehicles and
machinery
    
Pledges on
personal
property
    
Other
 
Loans and other financing
     609,603,369        1,892,396        28,716,066        39,795,825        9,011,936        3,284,991        100,749,510        183,450,724        426,152,645        11,002,504  
Loans commitment
     676,242,885        130,635                 61,354        6,517        376,514        3,476,582        4,051,602        672,191,283        771,821  
Other financial assets
     53,527,298                                                                       53,527,298        91,041  
Other debt Securities at amortized cost
     599,594,834                                                                       599,594,834        334,996  
Other debt Securities at fair value through OCI
     137,911,993                                                                       137,911,993        29,203  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
2,076,880,379
 
  
 
2,023,031
 
  
 
28,716,066
 
  
 
39,857,179
 
  
 
9,018,453
 
  
 
3,661,505
 
  
 
104,226,092
 
  
 
187,502,326
 
  
 
1,889,378,053
 
  
 
12,229,565
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
Guarantees received for the portfolio in Stage 3
The following table shows the amounts of guarantees for the portfolio in Stage 3 as of December 31, 2022.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Class of financial
instrument
  
Maximum
exposure
to credit

risk
    
Fair value of collateral
    
Total
collateral
    
Net exposure
    
Associated
ECL
 
  
Pledges
on time
deposits
    
Deferred
payment
checks
    
Mortgage on
real property
    
Pledges on
vehicles and
machinery
    
Pledges on
personal
property
    
Other
 
Loans and other financing
     5,012,162                          1,084,295        85,325        26,074        345,272        1,540,966        3,471,196        3,458,167  
    
 
 
                      
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
5,012,162
 
                    
 
1,084,295
 
  
 
85,325
 
  
 
26,074
 
  
 
345,272
 
  
 
1,540,966
 
  
 
3,471,196
 
  
 
3,458,167
 
    
 
 
                      
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
Guarantees received for the entirely portfolio
The following table shows the amounts of guarantees received for the entire portfolio as of December 31, 2021.
 
Class of financial
instrument
  
Maximum
exposure to
credit risk
    
Fair value of collateral
    
Total
collateral
    
Net

exposure
    
Associated
ECL
 
  
Pledges on
time
deposits
    
Deferred
payment
checks
    
Mortgage
on real
property
    
Pledges on
vehicles
and
machinery
    
Pledges on
personal
property
    
Other
 
Loans and other financing
     705,089,666        2,637,950        34,658,789        63,571,524        13,880,051        3,377,363        115,127,408        233,253,085        471,836,581        18,761,457  
Loans commitment
     438,164,045        4,543                 146,385                 115,666        1,183,729        1,450,323        436,713,722        687,783  
Other financial assets
     64,515,449                                                                       64,515,449        51,518  
Other debt Securities at amortized cost
     46,839,590                                                                       46,839,590        7,311  
Other debt Securities at fair value through OCI
     510,230,657                                                                       510,230,657        31,759  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
1,764,839,407
 
  
 
2,642,493
 
  
 
34,658,789
 
  
 
63,717,909
 
  
 
13,880,051
 
  
 
3,493,029
 
  
 
116,311,137
 
  
 
234,703,408
 
  
 
1,530,135,999
 
  
 
19,539,828
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
Guarantees received for the portfolio in Stage 3
The following table shows the amounts of guarantees for the portfolio in Stage 3 as of December 31, 2021.
 
Class of financial
instrument
  
Maximum
exposure to
credit risk
    
Fair value of collateral
    
Total
collateral
    
Net

exposure
    
Associated
ECL
 
  
Pledges on
time
deposits
    
Deferred
payment
checks
    
Mortgage on
real property
    
Pledges on
vehicles and
machinery
    
Pledges on
personal
property
 
Loans and other financing
     6,425,695                 613,180        161,038        29,463        1,689,672        2,493,353        3,932,342        5,150,187  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
6,425,695
 
           
 
613,180
 
  
 
161,038
 
  
 
29,463
 
  
 
1,689,672
 
  
 
2,493,353
 
  
 
3,932,342
 
  
 
5,150,187
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
52.2
Liquidity Risk
The liquidity risk is defined as the possibility that the Bank may not be able to comply with expected and unexpected current and future cash flows effectively, as well as guarantees, without affecting daily transactions or its financial position.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
In addition, the market liquidity risk refers to the risk that the Bank may not be able to clear or delete a position at market price:
 
   
because the assets involved have no sufficient secondary market; or
 
   
due to market variations.
The Bank features policies regarding liquidity, the purpose of which is to manage liquidity efficiently, optimizing cost and diversification of funding sources, and maximizing the profit from placements through prudent management that ensures the necessary funds to allow the continuity of transactions and compliance with the rules and regulations in force.
In order to reduce the liquidity risk, the Bank has been established a policy with the following main aspects:
Assets: a high-liquidity assets portfolio will be maintained to cover at least 25% of total liabilities, comprising deposits, the corporate bonds issued by the Bank, the repo agreements taken and the financial and interbank loans borrowed.
Liabilities: to minimize the unintended effects of illiquidity, deriving from the possible withdrawal of deposits and the repayment of interbank loans taken, the Bank:
 
   
Seeks the proper diversification of financing sources to enable the constant availability of funds and fulfill institutional obligations within a market variability environment.
 
   
Gives priority to attracting retail deposits to have an atomized deposit portfolio and lower risks in relation to material withdrawals concentrated in a few depositors.
 
   
Does not depend excessively on obtaining repo transactions and interfinancial loans as a permanent funding source.
In addition, the Bank implemented a series a risk measurement and control tools, including the regular monitoring of liquidity gaps, separated by currency, as well as different liquidity ratios, including the “bi-monetary liquidity ratio”, “Liquidity Coverage Ratio” (LCR) and “Net Stable Funding Ratio” (NSFR), among others.
The Executive Risk Management Department regularly monitors compliance of the different levels set by the Board of Directors in relation to liquidity risk, which include minimum levels of liquidity, maximum concentration levels allowed by type of deposit and by type of customer, among others.
In the event of a liquidity crisis, the Bank has a contingency plan with different actions, like as follows:
 
   
Financing through call banking and repo agreements with the BCRA.
 
   
Spot sale of securities government portfolio.
 
   
Limit credit assistance to private sector.
 
   
Increase deposit rates in order to capture deposits.
The following table shows the liquidity ratios during the fiscal years 2022 and 2021, which arise from dividing net liquid assets, made up of cash and cash equivalents, by total deposits:
 
    
2022
   
2021
 
December, 31
     93.65     87.37
Average
     93.59     88.63
Max
     95.25     92.77
Min
     92.45     85.50
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The tables below summarize the maturity of the contractual cash flows of loans and other financing, before ECL, including interest and charges to be accrued until maturity of the contract as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
Item
  
As of December 31, 2022
 
  
Matured
    
Remaining terms to maturity
    
Total
 
  
Up to 1

month
    
Over 1
month and
up to 3
months
    
Over 3
months
and up to
6 months
    
Over 6
months and
up to 12
months
    
Over 12
months and
up to 24
months
    
Over 24
months
 
Non-financial government sector
     108        1,354,472        574,763        104,041        186,988        292,711        172,905        2,685,988  
Financial sector
              49,118        66,153        558,685        203,511        305,741        93,406        1,276,614  
Non-financial private sector and foreign residents
     3,479,647        262,631,874        72,764,504        88,437,289        111,848,422        119,772,924        151,596,150        810,530,810  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
3,479,755
 
  
 
264,035,464
 
  
 
73,405,420
 
  
 
89,100,015
 
  
 
112,238,921
 
  
 
120,371,376
 
  
 
151,862,461
 
  
 
814,493,412
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Item
  
As of December 31, 2021
 
  
Matured
    
Remaining terms to maturity
    
Total
 
  
Up to 1

month
    
Over 1
month and
up to 3
months
    
Over 3
months
and up to
6 months
    
Over 6
months and
up to 12
months
    
Over 12
months and
up to 24
months
    
Over 24
months
 
Non-financial government sector
              451,655        1,215,393        948,547        2,397,187        930,619                 5,943,401  
Financial sector
              498,131        1,297,578        72,892        252,966        1,419,953        261,144        3,802,664  
Non-financial private sector and foreign residents
     2,947,910        262,744,595        82,388,879        94,106,166        124,267,841        146,635,855        223,868,192        936,959,438  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
2,947,910
 
  
 
263,694,381
 
  
 
84,901,850
 
  
 
95,127,605
 
  
 
126,917,994
 
  
 
148,986,427
 
  
 
224,129,336
 
  
 
946,705,503
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
Additionally, the tables below disclose the maturity of the contractual future cash flows of the financial liabilities, including interest and charges to be accrued until maturity of the contracts, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
Item
  
As of December 31, 2022
 
  
Remaining terms to maturity
    
Total
 
  
Up to 1

month
    
Over 1

month and
up to 3
months
    
Over 3
months
and up to 6
months
    
Over 6
months
and up to
12 months
    
Over 12
months
and up to
24

months
    
Over 24
months
 
Deposits
  
 
1,186,832,473
 
  
 
113,538,635
 
  
 
19,753,491
 
  
 
1,902,154
 
  
 
12,295
 
  
 
36,840
 
  
 
1,322,075,888
 
From the non-financial government sector
     107,790,689        3,384,960        1,019,697        4,497                          112,199,843  
From the financial sector
     1,653,447                                                     1,653,447  
From the non-financial private sector and foreign residents
     1,077,388,337        110,153,675        18,733,794        1,897,657        12,295        36,840        1,208,222,598  
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
  
 
526,027
 
                                               
 
526,027
 
Derivative instruments
  
 
1,715
 
  
 
656
 
                                      
 
2,371
 
Other Financial Liabilities
  
 
130,773,020
 
  
 
426,282
 
  
 
387,072
 
  
 
736,506
 
  
 
1,225,622
 
  
 
2,830,997
 
  
 
136,379,499
 
Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial institutions
  
 
292,382
 
  
 
517,458
 
  
 
1,616,892
 
  
 
44,969
 
                    
 
2,471,701
 
Issued corporate bonds
           
 
9,974
 
  
 
9,649
 
  
 
19,948
 
  
 
2,748,859
 
           
 
2,788,430
 
Subordinated corporate bonds
                    
 
2,349,534
 
  
 
2,349,534
 
  
 
4,699,067
 
  
 
80,135,250
 
  
 
89,533,385
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
1,318,425,617
 
  
 
114,493,005
 
  
 
24,116,638
 
  
 
5,053,111
 
  
 
8,685,843
 
  
 
83,003,087
 
  
 
1,553,777,301
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Item
  
As of December 31, 2021
 
  
Remaining terms to maturity
    
Total
 
  
Up to 1

month
    
Over 1

month and
up to 3
months
    
Over 3
months
and up to 6
months
    
Over 6
months
and up to 12
months
    
Over 12
months
and up to
24

months
    
Over 24
months
 
Deposits
  
 
1,040,999,187
 
  
 
101,780,527
 
  
 
12,548,302
 
  
 
1,071,555
 
  
 
84,281
 
  
 
2,462
 
  
 
1,156,486,314
 
From the non-financial government sector
     104,125,831        4,116,058        2,304,904        5,076                          110,551,869  
From the financial sector
     1,872,336                                                     1,872,336  
From the non-financial private sector and foreign residents
     935,001,020        97,664,469        10,243,398        1,066,479        84,281        2,462        1,044,062,109  
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
  
 
3,170,711
 
                                               
 
3,170,711
 
Derivative instruments
                    
 
4,933
 
                             
 
4,933
 
Other Financial Liabilities
  
 
129,482,229
 
  
 
343,991
 
  
 
308,099
 
  
 
502,578
 
  
 
736,092
 
  
 
969,392
 
  
 
132,342,381
 
Financing received from the Central Bank of Argentina and other financial institutions
  
 
458,364
 
  
 
356,378
 
  
 
26,334
 
  
 
16,203
 
  
 
11,150
 
           
 
868,429
 
Issued corporate bonds
                    
 
6,120,392
 
                             
 
6,120,392
 
Subordinated corporate bonds
                    
 
2,657,150
 
  
 
2,657,152
 
  
 
5,314,305
 
  
 
95,941,472
 
  
 
106,570,079
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
  
 
1,174,110,491
 
  
 
102,480,896
 
  
 
21,665,210
 
  
 
4,247,488
 
  
 
6,145,828
 
  
 
96,913,326
 
  
 
1,405,563,239
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
- 109 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
52.3
Market Risk
Market risk is defined as the possibility of suffering losses in positions on and off the Bank’s balance sheet as a result of the adverse fluctuations in the market prices of different assets.
Market risks arise from interest rate, currency and price positions, all of which are exposed to general and specific market changes and changes in the price volatility such as interest rates, credit margins, foreign currency exchange rates and prices of shares and securities, among others.
The Bank determines the market risk exposure arising from the fluctuation in the value of portfolios of investments for trading, which result from changes in market prices, the Bank’s net positions in foreign currency, and government and private securities with normal quoted prices.
These risks arise from the size of the Bank’s net positions and/or the volatility of the risk factors involved in each financial instrument.
The Bank features Market Risk Management Policies in which the Bank establishes the proceedings to monitor and control risks derived from the variations in the quotes of financial instruments in order to optimize the risk-return ratio, making use of the appropriate structure of limits, models and management tools. In addition, the Bank features proper tools and proceedings allowing the Risk Management Committee and the Assets and Liabilities Committee to measure and administer this risk.
Risks to which those investment portfolios are exposed are monitored through Montecarlo simulation techniques of “Value at Risk” (VaR). The Bank applies the VaR methodology to calculate the market risk of the main positions adopted and the expected maximum loss based on a series of assumptions for a variety of changes in market conditions.
In order to carry out the abovementioned simulation, the Bank needs to have the Price historical series of those instruments that compose the portfolio.
Prices are corrected by purging the effects of coupon payments and dividend payments, in the case of shares, in order to avoid affecting returns.
The method consists in creating return or price scenarios concerning an asset through the generation of random numbers. This is based on the selection of a stochastic model describing the performance of prices for each asset with the resulting specification of certain parameters required for calculation purposes. The model used is the geometric Brownian motion.
Once all “n” potential scenarios are obtained for valued positions, the P&L vector must be calculated as the difference between the estimated value of the future portfolio and its value upon calculation. Then profit and loss will be placed in order to obtain the value at risk according to the 99% percentage applied.
Finally, the Economic Capital by market risk is obtained as the difference between the current value of the portfolio and the critical value previously obtained.
 
 
52.4
Interest Rate Risk
The interest rate risk is defined as the possibility that changes occur in the Bank’s financial condition as a result of adverse interest rate fluctuations with a negative impact on the Shareholders’ equity and profit or loss.
Within the framework of the interest rate risk management the Bank features a series of policies, procedures and internal controls included in the Structural Risk Management.
The Bank monitors the net present value of its assets, liabilities and off balance sheet items, upon certain disturbance scenarios and interest rate stress through Montecarlo simulation techniques.
For this purpose, the maximum potential loss is determined considering a temporal line of three months and 99% confidence level interval.
 
- 110 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
The Equity Value Model (EVM) is determined as the net sum of cash flows (interest and principal losses) that the Bank can generate, discounted at market interest rate curve. If the market interest rate curve used for the discount is affected, the effect of such variation impacts directly on the value of the Bank. Generally speaking, reports related to EVM seek to analyze the Bank’s long-term solvency.
It is noteworthy that the use of that approach does not avoid losses beyond those limits in the event of the most significant market changes.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Bank’s economic capital by type of risk is as follows:
 
Economic capital (EC – in millions)
  
12/31/2022
    
12/31/2021
 
Interest rate risk
     12,656        9,124  
Currency Exchange rate risk
     10,687        7,454  
Price risk
     12,362        3,719  
 
 
52.5
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
The Bank is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies exchange rates in its financial position and cash flows. The larger proportion of assets and liabilities kept are related to US dollars.
The foreign currency position includes assets and liabilities expressed in pesos at the exchange rate as of the closing dates mentioned below. An institution’s open position comprises assets, liabilities and memorandum accounts stated in foreign currency, where an institution assumes the risk. Any devaluation / revaluation of those currencies affect the Bank’s statement of income.
The Bank’s open position, stated in Argentine pesos by currency, is disclosed in note 27.
 
 
52.6
Operational Risk
Operational risk is defined as the risk of loss arising from the inadequacy or failure of internal processes, human errors and/or internal system failures, or those originated by external events. This definition includes the Legal Risk but excludes the Strategic Risk and Reputational Risk.
Within such framework, the legal risk (which may occur from within the Bank or externally) comprises, among other aspects, the exposure to penalties, sanctions or other economic consequences or results for failure to comply with any rule or regulation or contractual obligation.
On the other hand, the Bank implemented an operational risk management system that meets the guidelines and provisions established by the BCRA in its Communiqué “A” 5398, as amended, and under Communiqué “A” 5272 the BCRA provided for a minimum capital requirement under this description, effective as of February 1, 2012.
The operating risk management system is formed by:
 
  a)
Organizational structure: the Bank has an Operational Risk Management that is in charge of managing operational risk and a Risk Management Committee.
 
  b)
Policies: the Bank has a “Manual for the Operational Risk Management” approved by the Board of Directors, which define the main concepts, roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors, the Senior Management and all the areas involved in this risk management.
 
  c)
Procedures: the Bank features a procedure for the “Collection of events and losses from Operational Risk” that includes a process to gather the Operational Events and Losses to register on a systematic basis the frequency, severity, category and other relevant aspects related to the events and losses from Operational Risk.
 
  d)
The objective is to assess the Bank’s situation upon occurrence of events, in order to better understand the Operational Risk profile and, if applicable, take the necessary corrective actions.
 
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BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
In addition, the Bank has a procedure that establishes the guidelines to prepare risk self-assessments and, in the event of risks exceeding allowed tolerance levels, guidelines to establish risk indicators and action plans.
 
  e)
Computer Systems: the Bank has computer systems that allow managing all Operational and Technology Risks.
 
  f)
Database: the Bank has an operational risk event database prepared pursuant to the guidelines established in Communiqué “A” 4904, as supplemented.
 
  g)
Information systems to measure risks: the Risk Management Department generates and sends, on a regular basis, reports to the Board of Directors, the Risk Management Committee and the Senior Management. With such reports the Risk Management Department communicates the results of the follow-up of the management of the main risks to which the Bank is exposed. Each report contains information on risk measurement, evolution, trends, principal exposures, control of main limits and the capital level required for each type of risk.
At the meeting of the Risk Management Committee, the Comprehensive Risk Management Department shall submit for consideration the results of the performance of such department and the reports issued during the period under analysis. The resolutions adopted by the Committee shall be recorded in Minutes to be considered by the Board of Directors, who shall subsequently approve, in this manner, the performance and risk level of the analyzed period.
 
  h)
Stress tests: stress tests are a support tool to manage risks and a supplement of the results reported by the measurement models of the different risks, which in general show risk measurements that are valid for “normal situations”.
They are also an instrument to evaluate the risk profile since they are used to quantify the potential impact in a situation of significant fluctuation of the variables affecting each risk. Stress tests are as well used in the process of internal assessment of economic capital sufficiency.
Stress tests are aimed at evaluating the Bank’s financial vulnerability potential faced with the sensibility of the main variables affecting each risk. Generally, it is considered a variation of low probability of occurrence, but if materialized may cause significant excess of the tolerance limits established for each risk.
 
  i)
Assessment of economic capital sufficiency: each year, the Bank calculates the economic capital for those risks that, for their significance, may eventually affect the Bank’s solvency.
At present, the Bank calculates the economic capital of the following risks: Credit, Concentration, Market, Operational, Interest Rate, Liquidity and Concentration of Funding Sources, Securitization, Reputational and Strategic.
Risk management is directly related to economic capital assessment. Thus, it is expected that with a better management and follow-up, the Bank will need to allocate less amount of capital.
Based on the internal models developed, Banco Macro manages its risks, determines its risk profile and calculates, therefore, the necessary capital to develop its activities and businesses, adjusting each risk to its relevant exposure level.
 
  j)
Transparency: as a supplement to this Manual and as part of the Corporate Governance policy, the Bank features an Information Policy aimed at allowing shareholders, investors and the market in general to evaluate aspects of the Bank related to capital, risk exposure, risk assessment procedures and capital adequacy.
 
- 112 -

BANCO MACRO SA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
 
53
CHANGES IN THE ARGENTINE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE FINANCIAL AND CAPITAL MARKETS
During the second half of 2019, in a political context of federal general elections, which gave rise to a change in the federal authorities, the existing volatility was accentuated for the market values of government and private financial instruments and a process of rescheduling maturities and swaps of certain government debt instruments started. In addition, material increases were observed in the country’s risk and in the exchange rate between the Argentine peso and the US dollar.
Subsequently, among other regulations, relevant modifications to the tax regulation system were introduced, including changes in the income tax, withholdings related to foreign exchange transactions and for the acquisition of foreign currency for hoarding purposes, and material restrictions to the exchange market access were also established.
At the same time, the government’s debt restructuring process continued under domestic and foreign legislation, including several voluntary swaps and the reached agreements regarding the country’s indebtedness with the IMF and the Paris Club, among others. In particular, during March 2023, it was established that the jurisdictions, entities and funds related to the National Public Sector must proceed to the sale or auction of their holdings of certain national government securities denominated and payable in US dollars under domestic legislation. In turn, it was provided that the certain holdings of securities under foreign legislation held by such jurisdictions, entities and funds must be delivered in exchange to the National Treasury for the government securities issued. Finally, the issuance of government securities payable in Pesos of the National Treasury was authorized up to the amount necessary for the exchange.
Particularly, regarding to the price of US dollar, since the end of 2019, the gap between the official price of the US dollar -used mainly for foreign trade- and the alternative values that arise through the stock market operation and also with respect to the unofficial value, began to widen around 100% as of the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements.
Even though, at the date of issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements certain volatility levels previously mentioned have been decreased, the local and international macroeconomic context generates certain degree of uncertainty regarding its future progress, considering the effects of the pandemic declared for Coronavirus (COVID – 19) that recently has significantly affected the international economy activity and the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the level of the global economic recovery.
Therefore, the Bank’s Management permanently monitors any changes in the abovementioned situations in international and local markets, to determine the possible actions to adopt and to identify the possible impact on its financial situation that may need to be reflected in the future Financial Statements.
 
54
EVENTS AFTER REPORTING PERIOD
No other significant events occurred between the end of the fiscal year and the issuance of these consolidated Financial Statements that may materially affect the financial position or the profit and loss for the fiscal year, not disclosed in these consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 113 -