AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 26, 2024
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________
FORM 20-F
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(Mark One)
| Registration Statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
or
| Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
for the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2023
or
| Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
or
| Shell Company Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
Commission File Number 000-30852
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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GALICIA FINANCIAL GROUP
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
REPUBLIC OF AR GENTINA
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Grupo Financiero Galicia SA
Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 25th floor
(Address of principal executive offices)
Tel: 54 11 4 343 7528 , drivas@gfgsa.com
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
__________________________
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
American Depositary Shares, each representing ten Class B ordinary Shares
Name of each exchange on which registered
Nasdaq Capital Market
Title of each class
Class B Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value, (not for trading but only in connection with the listing of the American Depositary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market)
__________________________
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
*Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares on the NASDAQ.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
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Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
| Class A Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value | |||||||||||
| Class B Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value | |||||||||||
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o
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 o No x
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 x No o
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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
| x | Accelerated Filer | o | Non-accelerated Filer | o | |||||||||||||
| 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. o
† 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. x
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. o
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). o
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
| U.S. GAAP | o | Other | o | ||||||||||||||
| As issued by the International Accounting Standards Board | x | ||||||||||||||||
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 | o | Item 18 | o | |||||||||||
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 o No x
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (“Grupo Financiero Galicia”, “Grupo Galicia”, “GFG” or the “Company”) is a financial services holding company incorporated in Argentina and is one of Argentina’s largest financial services groups. In this annual report, references to “we”, “our”, and “us” are to Grupo Financiero Galicia and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where otherwise noted. Our consolidated financial statements consolidate the accounts of the following companies:
•Grupo Financiero Galicia;
•Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. (“Banco Galicia” or the “Bank”), our largest subsidiary;
•Tarjetas Regionales S.A. (“Tarjetas Regionales”) and its subsidiaries;
•Sudamericana Holding S.A. ("Sudamericana Holding" or “Sudamericana”) and its subsidiaries;
•Galicia Warrants S.A. (“Galicia Warrants”);
•Galicia Asset Management S.A.U. (“Galicia Asset Management”);
•IGAM LLC (“IGAM") and its subsidiaries;
•Galicia Securities S.A.U. (“Galicia Securities”);
•Agri Tech Investments LLC ("Agri Tech") and its subsidiaries;
•Galicia Ventures LP ("Galicia Ventures");
•Galicia Investments LLC ("Galicia Investments"); and
•Galicia Holdings US, Inc. ("Galicia Holdings").
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and in compliance with the IFRS Accounting Standards (“IFRS”) issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Board (“IASB”) and the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”). IFRS in force as of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 have been applied. We maintain our financial books and records in Argentine Pesos and prepare our financial statements in conformity with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, effective as of the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018.
As of July 1, 2018, Argentina qualified as a hyperinflationary economy for accounting purposes. Grupo Galicia’s functional currency is the Argentine peso and its financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies as if the Argentine economy had always been hyperinflationary. The financial position and results of operations as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are reflected in terms of current purchasing power using the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) as of December 31, 2023.
In this annual report, references to “US$” and “Dollars” are to United States Dollars and references to “Ps.” or “Pesos” are to Argentine Pesos. The exchange rate used in translating Pesos into Dollars and used in calculating the convenience translations included in the following tables is the “Reference Exchange Rate” that is published by the Argentine Central Bank (commonly referred to as “BCRA” for its Spanish acronym) and that was Ps.808.4833, Ps.177.1283 and Ps.102.7500 per US$1.00 as of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The exchange rate translations contained in this annual report should not be construed as representations that the stated Peso amounts actually represent or have been or could be converted into Dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate.
Our fiscal year ends on December 31, and references in this annual report to any specific fiscal year are to the twelve-month period ended December 31 of such year.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information regarding deposit and loan market shares and other financial industry information has been derived from information published by the BCRA, which is not adjusted according to the IAS 29.
We have expressed all amounts in millions of Pesos, except percentages, ratios, multiples and per-share data.
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Certain figures included in this annual report have been rounded for purposes of presentation. Percentage figures included in this annual report have been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures. Certain numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them due to rounding.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the captions Item 4. “Information on the Company”-A. “History and Development of the Company”-“Capital Investments and Divestitures,” Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A. “Operating Results-Principal Trends” and B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this annual report (including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and management’s plans and objectives for future operations) are forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of such words as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue” or other similar terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be provided with respect to these statements. Because these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
•changes in general political, legal, social or other conditions in Argentina, Latin America or other countries or regions;
•changes in the macroeconomic situation at the regional, national or international levels, and the influence of these changes on the microeconomic conditions of the financial markets in Argentina;
•changes in capital markets in general that may affect policies or attitudes toward lending to Argentina or Argentine companies, including expected or unexpected turbulence or volatility in domestic or international financial markets;
•financial difficulties of the Argentine government (“Government”) and its ability (or inability) to restructure or rollover its outstanding debt that is held by international credit entities;
•changes in Government regulations applicable to financial institutions, including tax regulations and changes in or failures to comply with banking or other regulations;
•volatility of the Peso and the exchange rates between the Peso and foreign currencies;
•fluctuations in the Argentine rate of inflation, including hyperinflation;
•increased competition in the banking, financial services, credit card services, insurance, asset management, mutual funds and related industries;
•Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries’ inability to sustain or improve their performance;
•a loss of market share by any of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s main businesses;
•a change in the credit cycle, increased borrower defaults and/or a decrease in the fees charged to clients;
•changes in the saving and consumption habits of its customers and other structural changes in the general demand for financial products, such as those offered by Banco Galicia;
•changes in interest rates which may, among other things, adversely affect margins;
•Banco Galicia’s inability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on attractive conditions or at all, which may limit its ability to fund existing operations and to finance new activities;
•technological changes and changes in Banco Galicia’s ability to implement new technologies;
•impact of epidemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19 or other future outbreaks) on the global, regional and national economy, on financial activity, on global trade -both in terms of volume and prices-, and on the Company’s ability to recover from the negative effects of the pandemic (or other future outbreak);
•other factors discussed under Item 3. “Key Information” - D.“Risk Factors” in this annual report.
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You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. Moreover, you should consider these cautionary statements in connection with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements after completion of this annual report to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this annual report might not occur and are not guarantees of future performance.
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PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
A. [Reserved]
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information contained in this annual report. In addition, most, if not all, of the risks described below must be evaluated bearing in mind that our most important asset is our equity interest in Banco Galicia. Thus, a material change in Banco Galicia’s shareholders’ equity or income statement would also adversely affect our businesses and results of operations. We may also face risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, which may impair our business. Our operations, property and customers are located in Argentina. Accordingly, the quality of our customer portfolio, loan portfolio, financial condition and results of operations depend, to a significant extent, on the macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. In general, the risk assumed when investing in the securities of issuers from countries such as Argentina is higher than when investing in the securities of issuers from developed countries.
Risk Factors Relating to Argentina
The current state of the Argentine economy, together with uncertainty regarding the government, may adversely affect our business and prospects.
Grupo Galicia’s results of operations may be affected by inflation, fluctuations in the exchange rate, modifications in interest rates, changes in the Argentine government’s policies and other political or economic developments either internationally or in Argentina.
During the course of the last decades, Argentina’s economy has been marked by a high degree of instability and volatility, periods of low or negative economic growth and high, fluctuating levels of inflation and currency devaluation. Grupo Galicia’s results of operations, the rights of holders of securities issued by Grupo Galicia and the value of such securities could be materially and adversely affected by a number of possible factors. Some of these factors include Argentina’s inability to achieve a sustainable economic growth path, high inflation rates, Argentina’s ability to obtain financing, a decline in the international prices for Argentina’s main commodity exports, fluctuations in the exchange rates of other countries (which affects local commercial competitiveness) and the vulnerability of the economy to external shocks.
During the past decade Argentina experienced economic stagnation as a result of unstable monetary, fiscal and economic regulatory policies. This, combined with a lack of institutional transparency, led to increasing inflation rates, lack of economic growth, currency instability and low investment levels, among others. In addition to such possible new
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policies, no assurance can be provided regarding other events, such as the enactment of other governmental policies, that may occur in the future and their impact on the Argentina economy and on the results of Grupo Galicia’s operations.
As a result of the current state of the Argentine economy as described above and herein and the uncertainty regarding the Government and policies it may enact, the financial position and results of operations of private sector companies in Argentina, including Grupo Galicia, the rights of the holders of securities issued by such institutions and the value thereof may be negatively and adversely impacted.
Economic conditions in Argentina may deteriorate, which may adversely impact Grupo Galicia’s business and financial condition.
Economic conditions in Argentina may deteriorate. In particular, a less favorable international economic environment, a decrease in the competitiveness of the Peso as compared to foreign currencies, low consumer confidence and low confidence from both local and foreign investors together with high inflation rates, among other factors, may affect the development and growth of the Argentine economy and cause volatility in the local capital markets. Such events may adversely impact Grupo Galicia’s business and financial condition.
In particular, the Argentine economy has proven to be and continues to be vulnerable to several factors, including:
•economic growth rate volatility;
•high inflation rates;
•regulatory uncertainty for certain economic activities and sectors;
•volatility in Argentina's main export commodities’ prices. The economic recovery has depended in the past, in part, on the high prices of commodities produced by Argentina, which are volatile and beyond the control of the Government;
•The stability and competitiveness of the Peso with respect to other currencies;
•external financial conditions;
•fluctuations in the BCRA’s international reserves; and
•uncertainty with respect to exchange and capital controls
We cannot provide assurance that a decline in economic growth or certain economic instability will not occur. Any stagnation, slowdown or economic and political instability could have a significant adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations, and the trading price for its ADSs.
The ability of the current administration to implement economic policy reforms, and the impact that these measures and any future measures taken by a new administration will have on the Argentine economy, remains uncertain.
As of the date of this annual report, the impact that the reforms adopted by the Government will have on the Argentine economy as a whole, and the financial sector in particular, cannot be predicted. In addition, it is currently unclear what additional measures the current administration may implement in the future and what the effects of the same may be on the Argentine economy.
It is not possible to predict the impact of any present or future measures that may be adopted will have on the Argentine economy overall and the financial sector in particular.
Measures adopted by the Government or future measures implemented may be disruptive to the economy and may fail to benefit, or may harm, our business. In particular, Grupo Galicia has no control over the implementation of reforms to the regulatory framework that governs its operations and cannot guarantee that these reforms will be beneficial, will be implemented or that they will be implemented in a manner that will benefit its business. The failure of these measures to achieve their intended goals could adversely affect the Argentine economy and Grupo Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations and the trading price for its ADSs.
If high levels of inflation continue, the Argentine economy and Grupo Galicia’s financial position and business could be adversely affected.
Since 2007, Argentina has experienced increasing inflation rates. Moreover, between 2007 and 2015 official figures became unreliable and private estimates of inflation were more frequently used.
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Specifically, the national statistics agency INDEC (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos; “INDEC” for its acronym in Spanish), is the only institution in Argentina with legal power to produce official national statistics.
Despite the fact that, due to the reforms implemented since 2016, current inflation rates calculated by INDEC are generally accepted, the possibility that they may be manipulated in the future cannot be ruled out. Any such future manipulation could affect the Argentine economy in general and the financial sector in particular.
In addition to concerns related to the trustworthiness of inflation figures, in the past, inflation has materially undermined the Argentine economy and the Government’s ability to generate conditions that fostered economic growth. In particular, high inflation rates or a high level of volatility with respect to the same, may materially and adversely affect the business volume of the financial system and prevent the growth of financial intermediation activity. This, in turn, could adversely affect economic activity and employment levels in Argentina.
Combined with high inflation rates, Argentina has also displayed high volatility in its currency valuation, as a consequence of local imbalances and external shocks. Both high inflation rates and high levels of volatility in the inflation rate impact Argentina’s competitiveness abroad, as well as real salaries, employment rates, consumption rates and interest rates. A high level of uncertainty with regard to these economic variables, and lack of stability in terms of inflation, could lead to shortened contractual terms and affect the ability to plan and make decisions. This may have a negative impact on economic activity and the income of consumers and their purchasing power. All of the above could materially and adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s financial position, results of operations and business, and the trading price for its ADSs.
Argentina’s and Argentine companies’ ability to obtain financing and to attract direct foreign investment is limited and may adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s financial position, results of operations and business.
In the past, Argentina has had and continues to have limited access to external financing, and has had different debt restructuring processes with foreign bondholders, multilateral financial institutions and other financial institutions. In September 2020, Argentina renegotiated debt terms with foreign bondholders. In March 25, 2022, Argentina and the International Monetary Fund signed an arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility, whereby a credit line was granted in order to meet payments under the Stand-By Arrangement signed in 2018 with the international organization.
Argentina has recently gained access to additional sources of financing, such as loans from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and a currency swap with the People's Bank of China. In addition, the Extended Fund Facility Agreement with the International Monetary Fund is estimated to continue until December 31, 2024.
Notwithstanding the above mentioned recent but limited increased access to sources of financing, new or more onerous regulations and restrictions that limit access to international financing for the private sector could arise again in the future. Such an event could have a negative impact on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, Argentina may be unable to service its debt, may again be unable to access the markets or other sources of financing or may need to go through a debt restructuring process again. All of such scenarios could have an adverse effect on the Argentine economy and, consequently, on Grupo Galicia's operations.
A decline in the international prices of Argentina’s main commodity exports and a real appreciation of the Peso against the Dollar could affect the Argentine economy and create new pressures on the foreign exchange market, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition, prospects and operating results.
The Argentine economy’s reliance on the export of certain commodities, particularly soybeans and its by products, corn and wheat, has made the country more vulnerable to fluctuations in their prices. A decrease in commodity prices may adversely affect the Government’s fiscal revenues and the Argentine economy as a whole. Given its reliance on such agricultural commodities, the country is also vulnerable to weather events that may negatively affect production, reducing fiscal revenues and the inflow of Dollars derived from such exports.
In order to counterbalance and diversify its reliance on the above noted agricultural commodities as well as to add another source of revenue, Argentina has focused on increasing its oil and gas exports. A long-term decrease in the international price of oil would negatively impact such prospects and result in a decrease in foreign investment in such sectors.
Additionally, a significant increase in the real appreciation of the Peso could affect Argentina’s competitiveness. Such an increase could substantially affect the price (and thus attractiveness) of its exports, prompt new recessionary
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pressures on Argentina’s economy, create a new imbalance in the foreign exchange market and exacerbate exchange rate volatility. A significant appreciation of the real exchange rate could adversely affect the Argentine public sector’s tax revenues in real terms. The occurrence of the foregoing could potentially materially and adversely affect the Argentine economy, as well as Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and operating results and, thus, the trading prices for its ADSs.
Volatility in the regulatory framework could have a material and adverse effect on Argentina’s economy in general, and on Grupo Galicia’s financial position, specifically.
From time to time the Argentine government has enacted several laws amending the regulatory framework governing a number of different activities as a measure to stimulate the economy, some of which have had adverse effects on Grupo Galicia’s business. Although the new administration eliminated some of these regulations, political and social pressures could inhibit the Argentine government’s implementation of policies designed to generate growth and enhance consumer and investor confidence.
No assurance can be provided that future regulations, especially those related to the financial system, will not materially and adversely affect the assets, revenues and operating income of Argentine private sector companies, including Grupo Galicia, the rights of holders of securities issued by those entities, or the value of those securities. The lack of regulatory foresight could impose significant limitations on activities of the financial system and Grupo Galicia’s business, and thus generate uncertainty regarding its future financial position and result of operations and trading price for its ADSs.
The Argentine economy and its goods, financial services and securities markets remain vulnerable to external factors, which could affect Argentina’s economic growth and Grupo Galicia’s prospects.
The financial and securities markets in Argentina are influenced, to varying degrees, by economic and market conditions in other countries. Although such conditions may vary from country to country, investor reactions to events occurring in one country may affect capital flows to issuers in other countries, and consequently affect the trading prices of their securities. Decreased capital inflows and lower prices in the stock market of a country may have a material adverse effect on the real economy of those countries in the form of higher interest rates and foreign exchange volatility.
During periods of uncertainty in international markets, investors generally choose to invest in high-quality assets (“flight to quality”) over emerging market assets. This has caused and could continue to cause an adverse impact on the Argentine economy and could continue to adversely affect the country’s economy in the near future.
The monetary and fiscal policies implemented by the world’s leading economies, such as the US, China and the European Union have an affect on the Argentine economy through impacts on its interest rates, commodity prices and economic growth rates. Current higher interest rates in leading economies negatively affect emerging markets such as Argentina.
The economic activity of Brazil, one of Argentina’s main trade partners, also has an impact on Argentina’s economy. A depreciation of the Brazilian Real against the Dollar has in the past and would again in the future put additional pressure on the exchange rate for the Argentine Peso against the Dollar. Likewise, a weak economic performance from Brazil would affect Argentine exports, particularly in the case of industrial goods, many of which Argentina exports to Brazil.
Adverse climate conditions and events may also affect Argentina’s economy, either by negatively impacting the local harvest and thus reducing export volumes or by impacting other competing countries and affecting international commodities’ prices, which determine Argentine agricultural exports’ value.
The international financial environment may also result in a devaluation of regional currencies and exchange rates, including the Peso, which would also cause economic volatility in Argentina. A new global economic or financial crisis or the effects of deterioration in the current international context, could negatively affect the Argentine economy and, consequently, Grupo Galicia’s results of operations, financial conditions and the trading price for its ADSs.
A potential additional devaluation of the Peso may hinder or potentially prevent Grupo Galicia from being able to honor its foreign currency denominated obligations.
The Argentine Peso depreciated 98.2 % as compared to the Dollar between December 31, 2016 and April 3, 2024, according to the official quotation of the BCRA. If the Peso further depreciates against the Dollar, as has recently occurred
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and which could occur again in the future, this could have an adverse effect on the ability of Argentine companies to make timely payments on their debts denominated in or indexed or otherwise connected to a foreign currency, generate very high inflation rates, reduce real salaries significantly, and have an adverse effect on companies focused on the domestic market, such as public utilities and the financial industry. Such a potential devaluation could also adversely affect the Argentine government’s capacity to honor its foreign debt, with adverse consequences for Grupo Galicia’s and Banco Galicia’s businesses, which could, in turn, affect Grupo Galicia’s capacity to meet obligations denominated in a foreign currency. All of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the trading prices for Grupo Galicia’s ADSs.
Additionally, the BCRA may intervene in the foreign exchange market to influence exchange rates. Purchases of Pesos by the BCRA could result in a decrease of its international reserves. A significant decrease in the BCRA’s international reserves may have an adverse impact on Argentina’s ability to withstand external shocks to the economy, and any adverse effects to the Argentine economy could, in turn, adversely affect the financial position and business of Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries.
In order to control the depreciation of the Peso, on September 1, 2019 the Executive Branch introduced capital controls, which allows the BCRA to exercise control over the Peso and therefore to prevent the Argentine currency from depreciating. Throughout 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the capital controls initially imposed in 2019 were bolstered while additional restrictions limited personal and corporate access to foreign currencies in the official market. A further depreciation of the Peso could adversely affect the Argentine economy and Grupo Galicia’s financial condition, its business, and its ability to service its existing debt obligations. Moreover, an acceleration of inflation caused by an exchange rate crisis would raise the costs associated with Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries servicing their foreign currency-denominated debt. All or any of the above which could increase Grupo Galicia’s costs and therefore have a material adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations and, thus, the trading value of its ADSs.
Changes or new regulations in the Argentine foreign exchange market may adversely affect the ability and the manner in which Grupo Galicia repays its obligations denominated in, indexed to or otherwise connected to a foreign currency.
In the last two decades, different Argentine government administrations have established and implemented various restrictions on foreign currency transfers (both in respect of transfers into and out of Argentina).
The impact that these measures or potential future measures will have on the Argentine economy and Grupo Galicia is uncertain. No assurance can be provided that the current regulations will not be amended, or that no new regulations will be enacted in the future imposing greater limitations on funds flowing into and out of the Argentine foreign exchange market. Any such new measures, as well as any additional controls and/or restrictions, could materially adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s ability to access the international capital markets and may undermine its ability to make payments of principal and/or interest on its obligations denominated in a foreign currency or transfer funds abroad (in total or in part) to make payments on its obligations (which could negatively affect Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations). Therefore, Argentine resident or non-resident investors should take special notice of these regulations (and their amendments) that limit access to the foreign exchange market. In the future Grupo Galicia may be prevented from making payments in Dollars and/or making payments outside of Argentina due to the restrictions in place at that time in the foreign exchange market and/or due to the restrictions on the ability of Argentine companies to transfer funds abroad.
It may be difficult to effect service of process against Grupo Galicia’s executive officers and directors, and foreign judgments may be difficult to enforce or may be unenforceable.
Service of process upon individuals or entities which are not resident in the United States may be difficult to obtain in the United States. Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries are companies incorporated under the laws of Argentina. Most of their shareholders, directors, members of the Supervisory Syndics’ Committee, officers, and some specialists named herein are domiciled in Argentina and the most significant part of their assets is located in Argentina. Although Grupo Galicia has an agent to receive service of process in any action against it in the United States with respect to its ADSs, none of its executive officers or directors has consented to service of process in the United States or to the jurisdiction of any United States court. As a result, it may be difficult to effect service of process against Grupo Galicia’s executive officers and directors. Additionally, under Argentine law, the enforcement of foreign judgments will only be allowed if the requirements in sections 517 to 519 of the National Code of Civil and Commercial Procedures or the applicable local code of procedures are met, and provided that the foreign judgment does not infringe on concepts of public policy in Argentine law, as determined by the competent courts of Argentina. As such, an Argentine court may find that the enforcement in Argentina of a foreign judgment (including a U.S. court) that requires payment be made by an Argentine individual to holders of its foreign currency-denominated securities outside of Argentina is contrary to the public policy if,
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for instance, there are legal restrictions in place prohibiting Argentine debtors from transferring foreign currency abroad to pay off debts.
The intervention of the Argentine government in the electric power sector could have a material adverse impact on the Argentine economy, which may have a material adverse impact on Grupo Galicia’s results of operations.
Historically, the Argentine government has played an active role in the electric power sector through the holding and management of state-owned companies engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. To address the Argentine economic crisis of 2001 and 2002, the Government adopted regulations which made several material changes to the regulatory framework applicable to the electric power sector and distorted supply and demand in the sector. These changes included the freezing of distribution margins, the reversal of adjustment and inflation indexation mechanisms for tariffs, a limitation on the ability of electric power distribution companies to pass on to the consumer increases in costs and the introduction of a new price-setting mechanism in the wholesale electricity market, all of which had a significant impact on electric power generators and caused substantial price differences within the market.
The Macri administration began significant reforms in the electric power sector. As part of such reforms, the administration took actions designed to guarantee the supply of electric power in Argentina, instructing the Ministry of Energy and Mining to develop and implement a coordinated program to guarantee the quality of the electric power system and ration individuals’ and public entities’ consumption of energy by increasing tariffs.
However, between 2019 and 2023, the tariffs that electrical power companies can charge were kept virtually unchanged. As such, the increasing costs incurred by these electrical power companies that are not covered by the current tariffs have been paid for using governmental subsidies. This use of governmental subsidies instead of increases in tariffs has led to an increase in the level of public spending by the Government. In recent months, tariffs began a gradual recovery process in order to reduce subsidies, and are expected to continue rising until the subsidy reaches zero for the majority of the population, which could have a material adverse effect on inflation and, thus, on Argentine consumers’ disposable income and the financial and operating performance of Argentine companies. A similar situation has occurred or has been in effect with public transportation, which up until the current government, had been continuously subsidized. As of the date hereof, gradual adjustments are expected until the ride fare paid by the user reflects the true value of the ticket. The reduction of subsidies on the ride fares could have a material adverse effect on inflation and, thus, on Argentine users real income and the financial and operating performance of Argentine companies. As a result, such aforementioned changes could, in turn, affect Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our ADSs as well.
The measures adopted by the Argentine government and the claims filed by workers on an individual basis or as part of a labor union action may lead to pressures to increase salaries or additional benefits, which would increase companies’, including Grupo Galicia’s, operating costs. Additionally, labor union activity could lead to strikes or work stoppages, which may materially and adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s results of operations.
In the past, the Argentine government has passed laws and regulations requiring private sector companies to maintain certain salary levels and provide their employees with additional work-related benefits. Furthermore, employers, both in the public sector and in the private sector, have been experiencing intense pressure from their personnel, or from the labor unions representing such personnel, demanding salary increases and certain benefits for the workers, given the prevailing high inflation rates.
For example, in the recent history of Argentina there have been strikes promoted by the union representing Argentine bank employees. Some of these strikes did not have a direct effect on banks (including our principal subsidiary, Banco Galicia) but did impact banks’ clients who were not able to access branches. Such strikes can also lower the perception the public has of banks, which could have a reputational cost for Banco Galicia (the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia) and, consequently, for Grupo Galicia. Labor movements are active in Argentina and can potentially lead to further strikes or work stoppages if demands are not satisfied, which could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s operations and operating costs.
There can be no assurance that the Argentine government will not adopt measures in the future mandating salary increases or the provision of additional employee benefits, or that employees or their unions will not exert pressure on companies, such as Grupo Galicia or its subsidiaries, in demanding the implementation of such measures. The implementation of any such measures could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.
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High levels of public expenditures in Argentina could generate long lasting adverse consequences for the Argentine economy.
Since 2007, Argentina increased its spending to Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) ratio to reach a maximum of 24% in 2015, quite above the ratio of the rest of the countries in the region. Between 2016 and 2019, a decreasing trend in expenditures was observed. However, in 2020 the spending-to-GDP ratio increased again, as the fiscal stimulus package implemented to deal with COVID-19 and the mobility restrictions resulting from COVID-19 put pressure on the fiscal balance and resulted in increased expenditures. In 2020, the primary deficit amounted to 6.5% of GDP and it was mainly financed by assistance from the BCRA. The primary deficit was reduced to 3.0% of GDP in 2021 and to approximately 2.5% of GDP in 2022. However, the primary deficit in 2023 increased to 2.9% of GDP.
If the fiscal deficit is not reduced and debt financing is insufficient, the Government may be forced to continue its reliance on BCRA financing.
The lack of reduction in Argentina’s deficit could have a negative effect on the Government’s ability to access and incur the long-term debt in the financial markets, and in turn, could limit the access to such markets for Argentine companies, such as Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries. The same may have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition, results of operations and the trading price for its ADSs.
Exposure to multiple provincial and municipal tax legislation and regulations could adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s business or results of operations.
Argentina has a federal system of government with 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Each of these, under the Argentine National Constitution, has full power to enact legislation concerning taxes. Likewise, within each province, municipal governments have broad powers to regulate said matters. Given that the bank branches of our primary subsidiary, Banco Galicia, are located in multiple provinces, we are subject to various provincial and municipal legislation and regulations that may vary from time to time. Future developments in provincial and municipal legislation concerning taxes, provincial regulations or other matters could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and thus the trading price for its ADSs could decrease.
Epidemics and pandemics, could have an adverse effect on our business operations.
An outbreak of another pandemic, or epidemics disease or similar public health threat could have material adverse effects on global economic, financial and business conditions, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The long-term effects to the global economy and to Grupo Galicia of epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises, are difficult to assess or predict, and may include risks to employee’s health and safety, and reduce our business operations. Also, such long-term effects depend on several other factors which are uncertain (such circumstances may include further waves of infection, further variants of the Covid-19 virus, the lasting effects of vaccines, the global roll out of vaccination programs, the percentage of vaccinated population, possible lockdowns or other restrictions, and the speed and stability of the economic recovery, among others).
Epidemics, pandemics and other health crises, may negatively impact the business and operations of third-party service providers who perform services critical for our business. Furthermore, in such cases, the Government may impose certain measures such as travel restrictions, border closures and lock-downs, which may force us to set in place work from home arrangements for our employees and may also have a material impact on our ability to operate and achieve our business goals.
If the global and Argentine economies are unable to sustain the post-pandemic recovery, we may also experience higher default rates on our customer financing, liquidity shortfalls, and difficulties in our ability to service our debt and other financial obligations. We may also encounter difficulties in accessing the debt and capital markets and be forced to refinance pre-existing financing arrangements. Although the actual impact is impossible to assess, the occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Finally, it is unclear whether these challenges and uncertainties will increase or diminish, and what effects they may have on long-term global political and economic conditions. The impact of health crises could have a material and
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adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s business, results of operations, and financial condition and, therefore, on the trading prices of its ADSs.
Failure to adequately address actual and perceived risks arising from institutional deterioration and corruption could adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial position and the ability of Argentine companies to attract foreign investment.
The lack of a solid institutional framework governing contracts entered into by the Government and its agencies and allegations of corruption have affected and continue to affect Argentina. The International Corruption Perceptions and Transparency Index, which measures corruption in 180 countries, has ranked Argentina No. 98 in 2023, with a score of 37 points out of a possible 100. In addition, as of the date of this report, Argentina has been invited to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). However, if the country is not able to carry out the reforms and assume the commitments required by this organization, its membership could be rejected. Failure to address these issues could increase the risk of political instability and distort the decision-making process, adversely affecting Argentina’s international reputation and the ability of its companies to attract foreign investment.
A deterioration in the Argentine reputation could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations and, thus, on the trading price for its ADSs.
The Argentine economy could be negatively affected by external factors, such us epidemics and pandemics, which have an impact in the whole world, and the consequent implementation of measures destined to deal with the mentioned external factors, and their economic impact both on a local and an international level.
The Argentine economy is vulnerable to external factors the Argentine government may adopt measures to protect the health of the population.
These measures, and any others the Argentine government may implement in the future, could have a negative and direct impact on the country’s economy, by reducing both aggregate supply and demand.
Higher uncertainty levels associated with an unexpected external shock, such as a global pandemic, could exacerbate the volatility of financial conditions, particularly in emerging markets, which could pose a threat to Argentina’s currency and financing availability.
Any of these potential risks to the Argentine economy could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.
Risk Factors Relating to the Argentine Financial System
The stability of the Argentine financial system is dependent upon the ability of financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia, to maintain and increase the confidence of depositors.
The measures implemented by the Argentine government in late 2001 and early 2002, in particular the restrictions imposed on depositors to withdraw money freely from banks and the “pesification” and restructuring of their deposits, were strongly opposed by depositors due to the losses on their savings and undermined their confidence in the Argentine financial system and in all financial institutions operating in Argentina.
If depositors once again withdraw their money from banks in the future, there may be a substantial negative impact on the manner in which financial institutions, including Banco Galicia (our main subsidiary), conduct their business, and on their ability to operate as financial intermediaries. Loss of confidence in the international financial markets may also adversely affect the confidence of Argentine depositors in local banks.
An adverse economic situation, even if it is not related to the financial system, could trigger a massive withdrawal of capital from local banks by depositors, as an alternative to protect their assets from potential crises. Any massive withdrawal of deposits could cause liquidity issues in the financial sector and, consequently, a contraction in credit supply.
The occurrence of any of the above could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.
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If financial intermediation activity volumes relative to GDP are not restored to significant levels, the capacity of financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia, to generate profits may be negatively affected.
As a result of various economic crises, financial intermediation activity has declined in Argentina; private sector loans and deposits have fallen both in volume and as a percentage of GDP. The ratio of the total financial system’s private-sector deposits and loans to GDP remains low when compared to international levels. Private-sector deposits and loans in pesos amounted to 17.2% and 8.1% of GDP, respectively, as of December, 2023.
There is no assurance that financial intermediation activities will continue in a manner sufficient to reach the necessary volumes to provide financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, with sufficient capacity to generate income, or that those actions will be sufficient to prevent Argentine financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia, from having to assume excessive risks in terms of maturity mismatches.
Under these circumstances and for an undetermined period of time, the (i) scale of the operations of financial institutions operating in Argentina, including Banco Galicia, (ii) volume of their business, (iii) size of their assets and liabilities or (iv) their ability to generate results, could be limited and/or restricted, would may, in turn, impact the results of operations of Banco Galicia and potentially the trading price for Grupo Galicia's ADSs.
The Argentine financial system’s growth and income, including that of Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia, depend in part on the development of medium- and long-term funding sources.
In spite of the fact that the financial system’s and Banco Galicia’s deposits continue to grow, they are mostly demand or short-term time deposits and the sources of medium- and long-term funding for financial institutions are currently limited. If Argentine financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia, are unable to access adequate sources of medium and long-term funding or if they are required to pay high costs in order to obtain the same and/or if they cannot generate profits and/or maintain their current volume and/or scale of their business, this may adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s ability to honor its debts. Additionally, this could negatively affect the trading prices for its ADSs.
Argentine financial institutions (including Banco Galicia) continue to have exposure to public sector debt (including securities issued by the BCRA) and its repayment capacity, which in periods of economic recession, may negatively affect their results of operations.
Argentine financial institutions continue to be exposed, to some extent, to public sector debt and the public sector’s repayment capacity. The Argentine government’s ability to honor its financial obligations is dependent on, among other things, its ability to establish economic policies that succeed in fostering sustainable growth and development in the long term, generating tax revenues and controlling public expenditures, which could, either partially or totally, fail to take place.
Banco Galicia’s (our main subsidiary) exposure to the public sector as of December 31, 2023 was Ps3,583,823 million, representing approximately 41% of its total assets and 217% of its shareholders’ equity. Of this total, Ps.386,299 million were BCRA debt instruments, Ps.2,132,387 million corresponded to debt securities issued by the public sector, and Ps1,064,534 million corresponded to repurchase agreement transactions issued by the BCRA, while the remaining corresponded to other receivables resulting from financial brokerage. As a result, Grupo Galicia’s income-generating capacity may be materially impacted or may be particularly affected by the Argentine public sector’s repayment capacity and the performance of public sector bonds, which, in turn, is dependent on the factors referred to above.
The Consumer Protection Law may limit some of the rights afforded to Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries.
Argentine Law No.24,240 (as amended by Law No. 26,361, Law No. 27,250, Law No. 27,265 and Law No. 27,266, the “Consumer Protection Law”) sets forth a series of rules and principles designed to protect consumers, which include Banco Galicia’s customers. Additionally, Law No.25,065 (as amended by Law No.26,010, Law No.26,361, and the Decree of Necessity and Urgency No. 70/2023 the “Credit Card Law”) also sets forth public policy regulations designed to protect credit card holders. Additionally, the Civil and Commercial Code captured the principles of Consumer Protection Law and established their application to banking agreements.
Furthermore, Law No.26,993 created the “System to Solve Disputes in Consumer Relationships”, an administrative and legal procedure within the framework of the Consumer Protection Law; namely, an administrative and a
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judicial regime for such matters. Additionally, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 6072, as supplemented and amended, granting broad protection to financial services customers, limiting fees and charges that financial institutions may validly collect from their clients.
The application of both the Consumer Protection Law and the Credit Card Law by administrative authorities and courts at the federal, provincial and municipal levels has increased. This trend has led to an increase in general consumer protection levels. In the event that Grupo Galicia and/or its subsidiaries are found to be liable for violations of any of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law or the Credit Card Law, the potential penalties could limit some of Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries’ rights, for example, with respect to their ability to collect payments due from services and financing provided by Grupo Galicia or its subsidiaries, and adversely affect their financial results of operations. There can be no assurance that court and administrative rulings based on the regulation or measures adopted by the enforcement authorities will not increase the degree of protection given to its debtors and other customers in the future, or that they will not favor the claims brought by consumer groups or associations.
The implementation of the Consumer Protection Law, the Credit Card Law and other applicable regulations by administrative authorities and courts may prevent or hinder the collection of payments resulting from services rendered and financing granted by Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries, which may have an adverse effect on their results and operations and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.
The maintenance or implementation of measures regarding the charging of fees and regulated rates could materially and adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations
The BCRA has various regulations regarding the fees and interest rates that entities can charge in the banking business. One of Grupo Galicia’s primary subsidiaries, Banco Galicia, is required to comply with the applicable regulations. Interest rates and regulated fees (e.g. setting caps on the rates and fees that an entity can charge its customers) could affect the interest rates and fees earned by Banco Galicia, which could result in a reduction in Grupo Galicia’s consolidated income or a decrease in customer demand for Banco Galicia’s loan or deposit products. In addition, if Banco Galicia were permitted to (and actually did) increase the interest rates and fees it charged (or if the same were otherwise raised by the BCRA or otherwise), such increases could result in higher debt service obligations for Banco Galicia’s customers; which could, in turn, result in higher levels of delinquent loans or discourage customers from borrowing. Interest rates and regulated fees are highly sensitive to many factors beyond Banco Galicia’s control, such as regulation of the financial sector in Argentina, domestic and international economic and political conditions, among other factors. Changes in the demand for our subsidiaries services and/or increases in the levels of delinquency of their customers could have a material and adverse effect on their businesses and, in turn, on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, results of operations and financial condition and on the trading price for it ADSs.
Class actions against financial institutions for an indeterminate amount may adversely affect the profitability of the financial system and of Banco Galicia, specifically.
Certain public and private organizations have initiated class actions against financial institutions in Argentina, including Banco Galicia. Class actions are contemplated in the Argentine National Constitution and the Consumer Protection Law, but their guidance with respect to procedural rules for instituting and trying class action cases is limited. The courts, however, have admitted class actions in spite of lacking specific regulations, providing some guidelines with respect to the procedures for the same. These courts have admitted several complaints filed against financial institutions to defend collective interests, based on arguments that object to charges applied to certain products, applicable interest rates and the advisory services rendered in the sale of government securities, among others.
Final judgments entered against financial institutions under these class actions may affect the profitability of financial institutions in general and of Banco Galicia specifically in relation to class actions filed against Banco Galicia. For further information regarding class actions brought against Banco Galicia, please refer to the Item 8. “Financial Information”─A. “Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information”—“Legal Proceedings”— “Banco Galicia”. To the extent that the profitability of Banco Galicia is impacted by the foregoing, the same could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s business, results of operations and financial condition and on the trading price for it ADSs.
Administrative procedures filed by the tax authorities of certain provinces against financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia (the primary subsidiary of Grupo Galicia) and amendments to tax laws applicable to Grupo Galicia could generate losses for Grupo Galicia.
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In the last years, the City of Buenos Aires tax authorities, as well as certain provincial tax authorities, have initiated administrative proceedings against financial institutions in order to collect higher gross income taxes from such financial institutions.
Although Banco Galicia (the primary subsidiary of Grupo Galicia) believes it has met its tax obligations regarding current regulations and has properly recorded provisions for those risks based on the opinions and advice of its external legal advisors and pursuant to the applicable accounting standards, certain risks may render those provisions inadequate. Tax authorities may not agree with Banco Galicia’s tax treatment, possibly leading to an increase in its tax liabilities.
Moreover, amendments to existing regulations may increase Grupo Galicia’s tax rate and a material increase in the tax burden could adversely affect its financial results, results of operations and the trading price for its ADSs.
Restriction on the distribution of results by financial institutions.
Financial institutions must obtain prior authorization from the BCRA before they can pay distributions. The distribution of results from financial institutions was suspended from January 1, 2023 until March 31, 2023. Starting from April 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023, financial institutions that had the BCRA's authorization – in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the regulations on "Distribution of Results" – may distribute results in 6 equal, monthly, and consecutive installments, representing up to 40% of the amount that would have been applicable under the current regulations. Likewise, pursuant to Communication "A" 7984, the BCRA has determined that, from March 21, 2024, to December 31, 2024, financial institutions with prior authorization from the BCRA - in accordance with Section 6 of the regulations on "Distribution of Results" - may distribute results in 6 equal, monthly, and consecutive installments for up to 60% of the amount that would have corresponded if said regulations had been applied.
Current or future restrictions on the distribution of dividends by Argentine financial institutions could affect the distribution of dividends of Banco Galicia, our main subsidiary, which would, in turn, adversely impact the dividends received by Grupo Galicia and, thus, distributions on its ADSs.
Risk Factors Relating to Us
Grupo Galicia may be unable to repay its financial obligations due to a lack of liquidity it may suffer because of being a holding company.
Grupo Galicia, as a holding company, conducts its operations through its subsidiaries. Consequently, it does not operate or hold substantial assets, except for equity investments in its subsidiaries. Except for such assets, Grupo Galicia’s ability to invest in its business development and/or to repay obligations is subject to the funds generated by its subsidiaries and their ability to pay cash dividends. In the absence of such funds, Grupo Galicia may be forced to resort to financing options at unappealing prices, rates and conditions. Additionally, such financing could be unavailable when Grupo Galicia may need it.
Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are under no obligation to pay any amount to enable Grupo Galicia to carry out investment activities and/or to pay its liabilities or to give Grupo Galicia funds for such purposes. Each of the subsidiaries is a legal entity separate from Grupo Galicia, and due to certain circumstances, legal or contractual restrictions, as well as to the subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating requirements, Grupo Galicia’s ability to receive dividends and its ability to develop its business and/or to comply with payment obligations could be limited. Under certain regulations, Banco Galicia has restrictions relating to dividend distributions.
Investors should take notice of the above, prior to deciding on their investment in equity in Grupo Galicia as a failure to receive the noted dividends may materially and adversely impact the ability of Grupo Galicia to pay any amounts in respect of the ADSs. For further information on dividend distribution restrictions, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”─B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
Corporate governance standards and disclosure policies that govern companies listing their shares pursuant to the public offering system in Argentina may differ from those regulating highly developed capital markets, such as the U.S. As a foreign private issuer, Grupo Galicia applies disclosure policies and requirements that differ from those governing U.S. domestic registrants.
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As a foreign private issuer, Grupo Galicia is subject to different disclosure policies and other requirements than a domestic U.S. registrant. For example, as a foreign private issuer in the U.S., Grupo Galicia is not subject to the same requirements and disclosure policies as a domestic U.S. registrant under the Exchange Act, including the requirements to prepare and issue financial statements, report on significant events and the standards applicable to domestic U.S. registrants under Section 14 of the Exchange Act or the insider reporting and short-swing profit rules applicable to domestic U.S. registrants.
In addition, although Argentine laws provide for certain requirements that are similar to those prevailing in the U.S. in relation to publicly listed companies (including, for example, those related to price manipulation), in general, applicable Argentine laws are different to those in the U.S. and in certain aspects may provide different or fewer protections or remedies as compared to U.S. laws. Further, Grupo Galicia relies on exemptions from certain Nasdaq rules that are applicable to domestic companies.
Accordingly, the corporate information available about Grupo Galicia is not the same as, and may be more limited than, the information available to shareholders of a U.S. company.
The price of Grupo Galicia’s ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly, and your investment may decline in value.
The price of Grupo Galicia´s ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly in response to several factors, many of which are beyond our control, including those described in this annual report under “Risk Factors Relating to Argentina” and “Risk Factors Relating to the Argentine Financial System”.
The stock markets in general, and the shares of emerging markets in particular, have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies involved. Grupo Galicia cannot assure that any trading price or valuation will be sustained. These factors may materially and adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling Grupo Galicia’s ordinary shares and may otherwise affect liquidity, regardless of Grupo Galicia’s operating performance.
Market fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, such as recessions or currency exchange rate fluctuations, may also adversely affect the market price of Grupo Galicia’s ordinary shares and the ADSs.
Adverse conditions in the credit, capital and foreign exchange markets may have a material adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial position and results of operations and adversely impact it by limiting its ability to access funding sources.
Grupo Galicia may sustain losses relating to its investments in fixed- or variable-income securities on the exchange market and its monetary position due to, among other reasons, changes in market prices, defaults and fluctuations in interest rates and in exchange rates. A deterioration in the capital markets may cause Grupo Galicia to record net losses due to a decrease in the value of its investment portfolios, in addition to losses caused by the volatility in financial market prices, even if the economy overall is not affected. Any of these losses could have an adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s results of operations, business and financial condition and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.
The occurrence of an operational risk impacting any of Grupo Galicia’s businesses, could disrupt its business functions and have a negative impact on its results of operations.
As with other financial institutions, operational risks could arise in any of Grupo Galicia’s businesses. These risks may include losses resulting from inadequate or failed internal and external processes, systems or human error, fraud, the effects of natural or man-made catastrophic events (such as natural disasters or pandemics) or from other external events. Exposure to such events could disrupt Grupo Galicia’s systems and operations significantly, which may result in financial losses and reputational damage.
Pandemics and other material public health problems could result in social, economic or labor instability in the world and domestically and disrupt the operations of our business. These events could have a material adverse impact on the Bank's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The main risk factors identified in the last risk assessment undertaken by our Risk Management Division were system failures, adverse legal decisions and economic losses generated by fraud. Although we have implemented numerous
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controls to avoid the occurrence of inefficient or fraudulent operations, errors can occur and compound even before being detected and corrected. In addition, some of our transactions are not fully automatic, which may increase the risk of human error or manipulation, and it may be difficult to detect losses quickly. The occurrence of any one or more of the above events could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.
Possible negative effects on the results of Banco Galicia (the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia) due to an increase in the default rate may occur, with a corresponding negative impact on the results of Grupo Galicia.
Delinquency represents a significant factor in the profitability of banks. An increase in the delinquency rate of Banco Galicia's clients or in the volume of problem loans would result in an increase in the level of risk and, therefore, a potential increase in the reserves required by bank regulators, that is, an increase in frozen money that Banco Galicia cannot lend.
This would negatively impact Banco Galicia’s economic-financial management, and would result, among others, in (i) a need to increase the allowance for losses due to loan defaults, (ii) a need to reallocate or hire personnel with respect to collection efforts, and (iii) a decrease in total net income of Banco Galicia.
An increase in Banco Galicia’s allowance for loan losses coupled with a reduction in profitability would either lead to an increase in the cost of credit, resulting in existing clients and new clients being affected by higher interest rates for the loans they request, or result in Banco Galicia assuming a loss of profits. A reduction in Banco Galicia’s profits would adversely impact the dividends received by Grupo Galicia and, thus, distributions on its ADSs.
Banco Galicia (the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia) uses models to make business decisions that could have an adverse effect on its profitability, consequently, on Grupo Galicia and the value of the ADSs.
Financial entities, such as Banco Galicia (the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia), have increased the use of database decision-making models. There is a growing need for financial institutions to have robust models that can accurately measure and control risk, and proactively detect and prevent situations that could adversely affect the corresponding financial institution's profits.
Banco Galicia is exposed to potential losses caused by a variety of non-systematic risks resulting from errors in the implementation of database decision-making models, errors in the assumptions used to run such models, which result in misleading, confusing, or incorrect results, or errors due to the improper use of said models. All of these risks could create deviations and a material adverse effect on Banco Galicia’s profitability and, consequently, on Grupo Galicia’s and the value of the ADSs.
The lack of commitment and understanding of environmental, social and economic issues could cause significant reputational damage to Grupo Galicia.
Grupo Galicia promotes sustainable management based on the conviction that its business can only prosper as long as the social and environmental impact of its operations (and those of its subsidiaries) is taken into account. This responsibility is based on principles and values that guide the conduct of Grupo Galicia's (and its subsidiaries’) employees, and are reflected in Grupo Galicia's (and its subsidiaries’) policies, practices and programs.
Grupo Galicia's commitment to sustainable development is a pillar that is reflected in each of its actions and in its daily work to generate a positive impact on the economic development of communities, the care for nature and the well-being of people. Grupo Galicia's sustainability strategy is mainly focused on local development, financial inclusion and education, impact finance, diversity and climate change. Grupo Galicia uses internationally recognized sustainability guidelines, standards and certifications as a guide to achieving its sustainability goals.
Additionally, Grupo Galicia is committed to incorporating criteria for the management of environmental and social risks in its financing-related decisions. Galicia carries out indirect risk management in the granting of financing by analyzing the potential environmental and social risks that may result from the investment projects that are being financed. Grupo Galicia manages its business and subsidiaries so as to generate real and sustainable value and achieve a positive impact on people, communities and the planet.
Impact of new Environmental, Social and Governance rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 6, 2024, adopted a new slate of standardized climate-related disclosure rules for public companies and foreign private issuers aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability practices among publicly traded companies. As a foreign issuer based in Argentina, Grupo Galicia is subject to these evolving regulatory framework starting on January 1, 2025.
As mentioned in the prior risk factor, Grupo Galicia has been working on promoting a sustainable management and development. However, the implementation of new ESG rules by the SEC may present compliance challenges for Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries. Compliance with these rules may require changes to the Company's corporate governance practices and controls, disclosure requirements, risk management frameworks, and operational processes. Additionally, the new policies may require GFG to provide additional disclosures regarding its environmental impact, social initiatives, diversity and inclusion efforts, and governance structures. Failure to comply with these disclosure requirements could result in reputational damage, regulatory sanctions, and potential legal liabilities, which could adversely affect Grupo Galicia's business operations and financial performance.
Adapting to the new ESG rules may also necessitate operational changes across Grupo Galicia's subsidiaries, including modifications to business practices, investment strategies, product offerings, and customer relationships. These changes could entail significant costs, resource allocations, and disruptions to the companies ongoing operations, which could negatively impact the profitability and competitive position. Non-compliance with or perceived inadequacy in meeting ESG standards established by the SEC could lead to reputational risks for GFG and its subsidiaries. Negative publicity, stakeholder scrutiny, and investor concerns about Grupo Galicia's ESG practices may result in diminished investor confidence, reduced market valuation, and difficulty accessing capital markets, which could impair the Company's ability to fund operations and pursue growth opportunities.
Finally, the evolving nature of ESG regulation and the potential for further changes in SEC rules create uncertainty regarding future compliance requirements and enforcement actions. Failure to anticipate or adapt to regulatory developments in a timely manner could expose Grupo Galicia to regulatory scrutiny, penalties, and legal disputes, which could have material adverse effects on Grupo Galicia's business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Grupo Galicia is committed to proactively monitoring and assessing the impact of new SEC ESG policies on its business operations and subsidiaries. GFG will endeavor to enhance its ESG disclosure practices, strengthen governance structures, and implement sustainable business strategies to align with evolving regulatory expectations and stakeholder interests. Additionally, Grupo Galicia will continue to engage with regulators, industry associations, and other stakeholders to stay informed about emerging ESG trends and best practices, and to advocate for policies that promote long-term value creation and sustainable development.
The management of Banco Galicia's business (the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia) could be affected by its shareholder composition.
Grupo Galicia has full control of the shares (and voting rights related thereto) of Banco Galicia, being its sole shareholder with a 100% equity interest. Grupo Galicia is a company whose purpose is exclusively financial and investment related. In other words, it is a holding company, whose activity mainly consists of managing the equity interests it owns in its subsidiaries, its equity and its resources.
Grupo Galicia's capital structure is comprised of class A shares, each of which grants its holder five votes, and class B shares, each of which grants its holder one vote. As of December 31, 2023, a total of 1,474,692,091 of Grupo Galicia's shares were outstanding, of which 281,221,650 were class A shares and 1,193,470,441 were class B shares.
Grupo Galicia, in turn, is controlled by another pure holding company called EBA Holding S.A., which holds the necessary number of votes required to take all decisions at Grupo Galicia’s the shareholders' meeting, but does not perform any management activities related to Grupo Galicia.
As of December 31, 2023, EBA Holding S.A. held 100% of the class A shares representing 19.1% of the total outstanding shares of Grupo Galicia, and 9.5% of the class B shares representing 7.4% of the total outstanding shares of Grupo Galicia. Each class A share entitles its holder to five votes and each class B share entitles its holder to one vote, resulting in EBA Holding S.A. holding, directly and indirectly, 26.5% of the outstanding shares of Grupo Galicia and 58.3% of the total voting power in such company.
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Given the particular shareholder composition of Grupo Galicia (and the dominance of multiple voting shares), failure to achieve a voluntary agreement among Grupo Galicia’s shareholders could have an impact on Grupo Galicia’s normal decision-making process. This could affect the making of major decisions, including, among others, the election of directors, effecting or preventing a merger, the sale or acquisition of assets, the issuance of additional equity securities, the carrying out of related party transactions and distribution of dividends, if any.
An increase in cybersecurity breaches or fraudulent and other illegal activity involving Grupo Galicia or its subsidiaries could lead to reputational damage to Grupo Galicia’s (or its subsidiaries’) brands and could reduce the use and acceptance of its and its subsidiaries’ products, therefore adversely affecting its business and results of operations.
The business of many of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its data processing systems, its platforms for the exchange of information and its digital networks. Many of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries have access to a large amount of confidential information about their respective clients. Therefore, cybersecurity breaches represent a potential risk for Grupo Galicia.
Cybersecurity breaches can result in, for example, identity fraud, phishing, ransomware, information leaks, APT (Advanced Persistent Threat), DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) or the theft of sensitive and confidential information, and may affect negatively the security of information that is stored and transmitted through the information systems and network infrastructure of Grupo Galicia and negatively affect the reputation of Grupo Galicia’s brands, thereby causing existing and potential clients to refrain from conducting business with Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries.
In spite of all existing security measures, Grupo Galicia cannot provide any assurance that the systems are not vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches or that the mentioned measures will be successful in protecting against any such breach. In addition, any of the aforementioned events could lead to an increase in compliance costs for Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries. If any of the above described events were to occur, it could lead to monetary losses and reputational damage to Grupo Galicia’s brands, which could reduce the use and acceptance of its products, greater regulation, and increased compliance costs, therefore adversely affect its business and results of operation and the trading price for its ADSs.
Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries estimate and establish reserves for potential credit risk or future credit losses, which may be inadequate or insufficient, and which may, in turn, materially and adversely affect its financial position and results of operations.
Pursuant to the implementation of IFRS 9, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries establish reserves for potential credit risk and losses related to changes in the levels of income of debtors/borrowers, increased rates of inflation, increased levels of non-performing loans or an increase in interest rates. This process requires a complex methodology combining probability of default (“PD”), loss given default (“LGD”) and exposure at default (“EAD”), including economic projections and assumptions regarding the ability of debtors to repay their loans.
Therefore, if in the future Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are unable to effectively control the level of quality of their loan portfolio, if loan loss reserves are inadequate to cover future losses, or if they are required to increase their loan loss reserves due to an increase in the amount of their non-performing loans, the financial position and the results of operations of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries may be materially and adversely affected and, in turn, the trading prices for the ADSs.
If Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries should fail to meet regulatory standards or expectations or detect money laundering and other illegal or inappropriate activities in a comprehensive or timely manner, Grupo Galicia´s subsidiaries may incur fines, penalties, reputational harm and other negative consequences which may, in turn, negatively impact dividends received by Grupo Galicia.
Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries must be in compliance with all applicable laws against money laundering, funding of terrorist activities and other regulations. These laws and regulations require, among other things, that Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries adopt and implement control policies and procedures which involve “know your customer” principles that comply with the applicable regulations and reporting suspicious or unusual transactions to the applicable regulatory authorities. As such, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries maintain systems and procedures designed to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations. However, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are subject to heightened compliance and regulatory oversight and expectations, particularly due to the evolving and increasing regulatory landscape that they operate in. Further, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries could become subject to future regulatory requirements beyond those currently proposed, adopted or contemplated. The cumulative effect of all of the legislation and regulations on their business, operations and profitability remains uncertain. This uncertainty necessitates that Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries
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make certain assumptions with respect to the scope and requirements of the proposed rules in their business planning. If these assumptions prove incorrect, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries could be subject to increased regulatory and compliance risks and costs as well as potential reputational harm.
In addition, a single event or issue may give rise to numerous and overlapping investigations and proceedings in different jurisdictions. Also, the laws and regulations in jurisdictions in which Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries operate may be different or even conflict with each other as to the products and services offered by Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries or other business activities Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries may engage in, which can lead to compliance difficulties or issues. Furthermore, many legal and regulatory regimes require Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries to report transactions and other information to regulators and other governmental authorities’ self-regulatory organizations, exchanges, clearing houses and customers. Grupo Galicia´s subsidiaries may be subject to fines, penalties, restrictions on our business, or other negative consequences if they do not timely, completely, or accurately provide regulatory reports, customer notices or disclosures, or make tax-related withholdings or payments, on behalf of themselves or their customers.
While Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries have adopted policies and procedures intended to detect and prevent the use of their networks for money laundering activities and by terrorists, terrorist organizations and other types of organizations, those policies and procedures may fail to fully eliminate the risk that Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries have been or are currently being used by other parties, without their knowledge, to engage in activities related to money laundering or other illegal activities. Moreover, some legal/regulatory frameworks provide for the imposition of fines or penalties for noncompliance even though the noncompliance was inadvertent or unintentional and even though there was in place at the time, systems and procedures designed to ensure compliance. For example, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are subject to regulations issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) that prohibit financial institutions from participating in the transfer of property belonging to the governments of certain foreign countries and designated nationals of those countries. OFAC may impose penalties or restrictions on certain activities for inadvertent or unintentional violations even if reasonable processes are in place to prevent the violations. Any violation of the applicable laws or regulatory requirements, even if inadvertent or unintentional, or any failure to meet regulatory standards or expectations, including any failure to satisfy the conditions of any consent orders, could result in fees, penalties, restrictions on Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries ability to engage in certain business activities, reputational harm, loss of customers or other negative consequences all of which could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s business, financial condition and operations and, in turn, on the trading price for the ADSs.
A disruption or failure in Grupo Galicia’s information technology system could adversely affect its operations and financial position.
The success of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries is dependent upon the efficient and uninterrupted operation of their communications and computer hardware systems, including those systems related to the operation of their ATM networks and digital channels. Grupo Galicia’s communications, systems or transactions could be harmed or disrupted by power failures, data breaches, cyber-attacks, acts of terrorism, physical theft, reputational damage and similar events or disruptions. Any of the foregoing events may cause disruptions in Grupo Galicia’s systems, delays in the provision of and/or the loss of critical data and could prevent it from operating at optimal levels. In addition, the contingency plans in place may not be sufficient to cover all those events and, therefore, this may mean that the applicable insurance coverage is limited or inadequate, preventing Grupo Galicia (or its subsidiaries) from receiving full compensation for the losses sustained as a result of such a global disruption. If any of these events occur, it could damage the reputation, entail serious costs and affect Grupo Galicia’s transactions, as well as its results of operations, business and financial position and, in turn, the trading price for the ADSs.
The Argentine Peso qualifies as a currency of a hyperinflationary economy, and Grupo Galicia is required to apply inflationary adjustments to its financial statements, which adjustments could adversely affect its financial statements, results of operations and financial condition.
Pursuant to IAS 29 (Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies), the financial statements of entities whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy must be restated using a suitable general price index to control for the effects of changes. Further, such regulation requires that the financial statements of an entity whose functional currency is one of a hyperinflationary economy be measured in terms of the current unit of measurement at the closing date of the reporting period. In June 2018, the International Practices Task Force of the Centre for Quality, which monitors “highly inflationary countries”, categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Additionally, some of the other qualitative factors of IAS 29 were present. Argentine companies applying IFRS are required to apply IAS 29 to their financial statements for periods ending on and after July 1,
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2018. In addition, the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) (“CNV”), through Resolution No. 777/18 established the method to restate financial statements in constant currency to be applied by issuers subject to oversight of the CNV, in accordance with IAS 29.
Law No. 27,468 delegated to the BCRA, in the case of financial entities, the entry into force of new regulations. Likewise, for purposes of the determination of the indexation for tax purposes, Law No.27,468, enacted on December 4, 2018, substituted the Wholesale Price Index for CPI and modified the standards triggering tax indexation procedures. From January 1, 2021 onwards, the tax indexation procedure will be triggered under similar standards as those set forth by IAS 29.
Because of the fluctuating levels of inflation, Grupo Galicia cannot predict the full impact of the application of such tax indexation procedures and the related adjustments on its financial statements or the effects of such tax indexation procedures on its business, results of operations and financial condition (or on the trading price for its ADSs).
Small spreads in interest rates between loans and deposits, could harm our financial position and results of operations.
We carry out our operations in a country that is subject to frequent regulatory changes, high inflation and frequent currency devaluations. As a result, interest rates fluctuate frequently with direct impacts on the main source of income for the business of our subsidiaries.
These fluctuations may generate losses based on the type of financing granted, the value of the interest rate for the financing and the other terms of the loans extended. For example, in such a volatile country, the granting of long-term loans with fixed rates can result in severe monetary losses if the interest rate earned on the loans extended does not exceed the interest that we (or our subsidiaries) pay on deposits we or they hold.
In addition to this, the increasing competition we face from digital banks has forced us to offer lower interest rates than we otherwise would in order to remain competitive in the market. If we are not able to maintain profitable spreads between interest that we earn on the loans that we and our subsidiaries grant and the interest that we pay on the deposits that we and our subsidiaries hold, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely impacted and, in turn, the trading price for our ADSs.
Problems in operations due to failures in services contracted from external suppliers.
Due to the nature of the business and the size of our business, many of our computer systems and operations depend on services contracted from external suppliers. This prevents us from controlling, in depth, the operation and provision of such services. Performance or operational failures of outsourced services may result in operational losses or system failures, with subsequent negative impacts on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations and, in turn, on the trading price for our ADSs.
Payments on class B shares or ADSs may be subject to FATCA withholding.
Pursuant to certain provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commonly known as FATCA, a “foreign financial institution” may be required to withhold on certain payments it makes (“foreign pass thru payments”) to persons that fail to meet certain certification, reporting, or related requirements. We are a foreign financial institution for these purposes. Several jurisdictions have entered into, or have agreed in substance to, intergovernmental agreements with the United States to implement FATCA (“IGAs”), which modify the way in which FATCA applies in their jurisdictions. Certain aspects of the application of the FATCA provisions to instruments such as the class B shares and the ADSs, including whether withholding would ever be required pursuant to FATCA with respect to payments on instruments such as the class B shares or the ADSs, are uncertain and may be subject to change.
Even if withholding would be required pursuant to FATCA with respect to payments on instruments such as the class B shares and the ADSs, proposed regulations have been issued that provide that such withholding would not apply prior to the date that is two years after the date on which final regulations defining “foreign passthru payments” are published in the U.S. Federal Register. In the preamble to the proposed regulations, the U.S. Treasury Department indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations until the issuance of final regulations. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding how these rules may apply to their investment in the class B shares and the ADSs.
Item 4. Information on the Company
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A. History and Development of the Company
Our legal name is Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. Our commercial name is Grupo Financiero Galicia or Grupo Galicia. We are a financial services holding company that was incorporated on September 14, 1999, as a sociedad anónima (which is a stock corporation) under the laws of Argentina. As a holding company we do not have operations of our own and conduct our business through our subsidiaries. Banco Galicia is our main subsidiary and one of Argentina’s largest full-service banks.
Naranja X is a commercial umbrella that is comprised of the operating subsidiaries of Tarjetas Regionales. Through it we provide proprietary brand credit cards, consumer finance and digital banking services to the underbanked population of Argentina. For further information, see Item 4. Information on the Company – A.1. History – iii) Tarjetas Regionales below.
Through Galicia Asset Management, we provide mutual funds as know as Fondos Fima.
Through Sudamericana Holding and its subsidiaries, we provide insurance products in Argentina.
Through Galicia Securities and Inviu we provide financial, and brokerage related products as explained herein. In order to strengthen our financial and brokerage services in the region and in the United States market, we are working on establishing a new subsidiary “Galicia Holdings” in Miami, United States of America.
Through Agri Tech we provide a new set of products and services that offer payment and financing options and solutions oriented to the agricultural sector.
Through Galicia Investments and Galicia Ventures, Grupo Galicia started to invest in startups with venture capital funds in a variety of industries related to the activities developed by some of our subsidiaries in order to find and develop synergies and business opportunities.
We are one of Argentina’s largest financial services groups with consolidated assets of Ps.10,216,058 million as of December 31, 2023.
Our goal is to consolidate our position as one of Argentina’s leading comprehensive financial services providers while continuing to strengthen Banco Galicia’s position as one of Argentina’s leading banks. We seek to broaden and complement the operations and businesses of Banco Galicia, through holdings in companies and undertakings whose objectives are related to and/or can produce synergies with financial activities. Our non-banking subsidiaries operate in financial and related activities in which Banco Galicia either cannot participate or in which it can participate only on a limited basis due to restrictive banking regulations.
We are domiciled in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under our bylaws, our corporate duration is until June 30, 2100. Our duration may be extended by a resolution passed at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting. Our principal executive offices are located at Teniente General Juan D. Perón 430, Twenty-Fifth floor, (C1038AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our telephone number is (54-11) 4343-7528 and our website is www.gfgsa.com.
Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System, presently located at 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005.
A.1 History
i) Grupo Financiero Galicia
Grupo Financiero Galicia was formed on September 14, 1999 as a financial services holding company to hold all the shares of the capital stock of Banco Galicia held by members of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families. Its initial nominal capital amounted to 24,000 common shares, 12,516 of which were designated as class A ordinary (common) shares (the “class A shares”) and 11,484 of which were designated as class B ordinary (common) shares (the “class B shares”).
Following Grupo Financiero Galicia’s formation, the holding companies that held the shares in Banco Galicia on behalf of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families were merged into Grupo Financiero Galicia. Following the merger,
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Grupo Financiero Galicia held 46.34% of the outstanding shares of Banco Galicia. In addition, and due to the merger, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s capital increased from 24,000 to 543,000,000 common shares, 281,221,650 of which were designated as class A shares and 261,778,350 of which were designated as class B shares. Following this capital increase, all of our class A shares were held by EBA Holding S.A. ("EBA Holding" or "EBA"), an Argentine corporation that is 100% owned by our controlling shareholders, and our class B shares were held directly by our controlling shareholders in an amount equal to their ownership interests in the holding companies that were merged into Grupo Financiero Galicia.
On May 16, 2000, our shareholders held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting during which they unanimously approved a capital increase of up to Ps.628,704,540 and the public offering and listings of our class B shares. All the new common shares issued as a result of such capital increase were designated as class B shares, with a par value of Ps.1. During this extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, all of our existing shareholders waived their preemptive rights. In addition, the shareholders determined that the exchange ratio for the exchange offer would be one class B share of Banco Galicia for 2.5 of our class B shares and one ADS of Banco Galicia for one of our ADSs. The exchange offer was completed in July 2000 and the resulting capital increase was of Ps.549,407,017. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, our only significant asset was our 93.23% interest in Banco Galicia.
On January 2, 2004, our shareholders held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting during which they approved a capital increase of up to 149,000,000 preferred shares, each of them mandatorily convertible into one of our class B shares on the first anniversary of the date of issuance. Such shares were to be subscribed for in up to US$100 million of face value of subordinated notes to be issued by Banco Galicia to its creditors in the restructuring of the foreign debt of its head office in Argentina (the “Head Office”) and its Cayman Branch, or in cash. This capital increase was carried out in connection with the restructuring of Banco Galicia’s foreign debt. On May 13, 2004, we issued 149,000,000 preferred non-voting shares, with preference over the ordinary shares in the event of liquidation, each with a face value of Ps.1. The preferred shares were converted into class B shares on May 13, 2005. With this capital increase, our capital increased to Ps.1,241,407,017.
In August 2007, Grupo Financiero Galicia exercised its preemptive rights in Banco Galicia’s issuance of shares and subscribed for 93.6 million shares of Banco Galicia. The consideration paid for such shares consisted of: (i) US$102.2 million face value of notes due 2014 issued by Banco Galicia in May 2004, and (ii) cash. After the capital increase, Grupo Financiero Galicia increased Banco Galicia’s shares from 93.60% to 94.66%.
In September 2013, Grupo Financiero Galicia announced that it had reached an agreement to absorb Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. (entities that were shareholders of Banco Galicia at the moment of the merger). The consolidated financial statements prepared specifically for this merger were issued as of June 30, 2013 and the effective date of such merger was September 1, 2013.
This merger resulted in an increase of the ownership interest Grupo Financiero Galicia had in its principal subsidiary Banco Galicia in the amount of 25,454,193 class B shares, which also represented all of the total capital stock (4.526585%) Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. had in Banco Galicia.
Consequently, Grupo Financiero Galicia agreed to increase its capital stock by issuing 58,857,580 new class B shares representing 4.526585% of the outstanding capital stock of Grupo Financiero Galicia to be delivered to the shareholders of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A.
All documentation related to the merger by absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. by Grupo Financiero Galicia was approved at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of Grupo Financiero Galicia held on November 21, 2013, including the exchange ratio and the above mentioned capital increase of Ps.58,857,580 through the issuance of 58,857,580 class B shares, with a face value of Ps.1, one vote per share, entitling its owners to participate in the profits of the financial year beginning on January 1, 2013.
On December 18, 2013, the definitive merger agreement contemplating the absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. was registered in a public deed pursuant to the terms of paragraph 4 of article 83 of the Ley General de Sociedades (Law No. 19,550, as amended, the General Corporations Law or “Corporations Law”), and effective as of September 1, 2013. Therefore, 25,454,193 class B shares of Banco Galicia, representing 4.526585 % of its capital stock previously owned by Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus and S.A. were transferred to Grupo Financiero Galicia. As a result, Grupo Financiero Galicia then owned 560,199,603 shares of Banco Galicia, representing 99.621742% of its capital stock and voting rights.
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On February 27, 2014, by Resolution No. 17,300, the Board of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (the “National Securities Commission”, or the “CNV”) consented to the absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A and to the above mentioned increase in capital of Grupo Financiero Galicia.
On February 25, 2014, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia resolved to offer to acquire all of the remaining shares of Banco Galicia owned by third parties, amounting to 2,123,962 shares, at an amount of Ps.23.22 per share, which was approved by the CNV on April 24, 2014.
In compliance with Argentine regulations, Grupo Financiero Galicia made all required communications and paid the amounts corresponding to the remaining shares of Banco Galicia held by third parties. On August 4, 2014, Grupo Financiero Galicia became the owner of 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Banco Galicia when the relevant unilateral declaration to acquire the remaining shares of Banco Galicia held by third parties was recorded as a public deed pursuant to Article 95 of the Law No. 26,831 (the “Capital Markets Law”, in Spanish “Ley de Mercado de Capitales”).
On August 15, 2017, the shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved an increase of its share capital by issuing up to a maximum of 150,000,000 of new Class B shares, book-entry, with a right to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share.
On September 26, 2017, the global primary follow-on offering period for Grupo Financiero Galicia’s new Class B shares ended and 109,999,996 class B shares were subscribed for a price of US$5 per share. Such shares were issued on September 29, 2017. The Company granted the underwriters the option to purchase additional class B ordinary shares at the offering price, and on October 2, 2017, the underwriters exercised such option and 16,500,004 additional class B shares at US$5 per share were issued on October 4, 2017.
As a result of the foregoing offering, a total of 126,500,000 ordinary class B shares, book-entry, with a right to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share were issued. The new issued and outstanding capital of Grupo Financiero Galicia was therefore Ps.1,426,764,597, represented by 281,221,650 ordinary class A shares, book-entry, entitled to five votes per share and a face value of Ps.1 per share and 1,145,542,947 ordinary class B shares, book-entry, entitled to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share.
On May 28, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved a capital contribution to Tarjetas Regionales for Ps.500,000,000 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.8,045,740,954 as of December 31, 2023) to fund the creation of a new digital financial company, called “Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.” ("Naranja Digital") designed to reach and offer digital banking services to the underbanked population of Argentina. Said capital contribution was effective in two payments of Ps.250,000,000 each, the first one made in June 2019 and the second one made in December 2019. The formation of said company was approved on September 16, 2019, by Resolution 205 of the BCRA.
On July 2, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted an offer made by Inviu, to acquire 5% of the stock of Galicia Asset Management for US$920,000. Such acquisition made Grupo Financiero Galicia the sole shareholder of Galicia Asset Management. Likewise, on the same date, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved the creation of a new company denominated IGAM, to be registered in the State of Delaware, United States of America, to provide brokerage, investing and other financial services in Argentina and in other countries. The registration of IGAM took place on July 3, 2019.
On August 15, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted a purchase offer made by Banco Galicia to sell 10,000 shares, representing 1% of the capital stock of Inviu, for Ps.695,308.54 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.10,252,837 as of December 31, 2023). With this share purchase, Inviu is 100% owned by our subsidiary Banco Galicia.
On September 20, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved a capital contribution to IGAM for Ps.71,000,000, (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.988,752,704 as of December 31, 2023), to be applied to the purchase of the total stake in Inviu owned by Banco Galicia. Said operation was closed at a total price of Ps.69,530,854 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.968,293,238 as of December 31, 2023).
On May 5, 2020, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia, with the goal of strengthening its brokerage service offerings approved a sale offer to purchase the entire capital stock of a brokerage company (an ALYC company -Agente de Liquidación y Compensación- meaning those Argentine entities with a broker-dealer license given by the
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Argentine Market Regulator) called 34 Grados Sur Securities S.A. Said operation was closed for a total price of US$441,230 and the company was re named Galicia Securities.
On May 28, 2020, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia. agreed with the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales to proceed with a corporate reorganization process. Through this corporate reorganization, the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales, Fedler S.A. and Dusner S.A., holders of 17% of Tarjetas Regionales’s shares spun- off its shares in Tarjetas Regionales and they were absorbed, through a merger by Grupo Financiero Galicia.
On September 14, 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia and the companies Dusner S.A. and Fedler S.A. signed the Preliminary Spin off - Merger Agreement and on December 15, 2020 the definitive Spin off - Merger Agreement was executed. As a result of said corporate reorganization, the shareholders of Fedler S.A. and Dusner S.A received GFG’s 47,927,494 Class B common shares, book-entry, with a par value of Ps.1 per share and 1 vote per share, representing their equity interest in Tarjetas Regionales and Grupo Financiero Galicia acquired the control of the 100% equity of Tarjetas Regionales. The new issued and outstanding capital of Grupo Financiero Galicia was therefore Ps.1,474,692,091, represented by 281,221,650 ordinary class A shares, book-entry, entitled to five votes per share and a face value of Ps.1 per share and 1,193,470,441 ordinary class B shares, book-entry, entitled to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share.
Additionally, on June 8, 2021, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. agreed to make a sale offer of 10,000 Class B book-entry ordinary shares, with a Par Value 1 and $1 per share, representing 0.000569% of Tarjetas Regionales to Galicia Securities for a total price of Ps.175.9 million, (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.1,285.1 million as of December 31, 2023). The price was set based on a book value per share of $17.59 resulting from the Net Assets of Tarjeta Regionales as of April 30, 2021. The sale offer was accepted and implemented on June 15, 2021 by Galicia Securities.
On March 22, 2022, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved the creation of Agri Tech, to develop agricultural business opportunities through a digital platform that makes agro-financial management easy to use through digital payment and financing functionalities. The company was registered in Delaware, USA, on April 1, 2022 and locally is developing its commercial activities under the trademark Nera. Grupo Financiero Galicia made an initial capital contribution of Ps.200 million during September 2022 to the company (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.730.5 million as of December 31, 2023) and owns the 100% equity of the company. Likewise, during February 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia made a new capital contribution to Agri Tech of Ps.300 million (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.826.3 million as of December 31, 2023).
On May 19, 2022, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia, within the framework of agricultural business, entered into an investment agreement for participating in Agripay S.A. ("Agripay"). Agripay is a company linked to agricultural fintech oriented activities that, through a digital platform, facilitates grain transactions and electronic payments. An investment framework agreement was signed pursuant to which Grupo Financiero Galicia agreed to make an irrevocable contribution on account of a future capitalization. Said capitalization was finally made in September 2022, for an amount of Ps.276.7 million, (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.1,010.7 million as of December 31, 2023) and in return now holds the 15% of the equity of Agripay.
During the first quarter of 2023, the Board of Directors of Grupo Galicia resolved to create two companies, Galicia Investments, incorporated in the state of Delaware, United States of America and Galicia Ventures, incorporated in Ontario, Canada, in order to channel the investment initiatives within the open innovation and corporate venturing program.
On October 11, 2023, Grupo Galicia acquired 99.43% of the share capital of Sudamericana Seguros Galicia (also known as Seguros Sura S.A., pending approval for change of name by the Superintendence of Insurances, hereinafter "Sudamericana Seguros Galicia"), an insurance company that has insurance solutions and services for individuals and families, SMEs, large companies and the agricultural segment, served by a wide network of insurance advisory producers. On September 21, 2023, the National Insurance Superintendency approved the operation, and as a consequence, on October 11, 2023, it was carried out through the transfer of 4,512,697,946 ordinary shares with a nominal value of $1 (expressed in pesos) and with the right to one vote per share, representing 99.43% of the capital and votes of Sudamericana Seguros Galicia. Finally, on October 30, 2023, the General Shareholders' Meeting of Sudamericana approved an increase in share capital for Sudamericana through the capitalization of the capital adjustment account and the issuance of new shares. After said approval, the percentage of Banco Galicia's participation on Sudamericana amounts to 9.61% and the participation of Grupo Financiero Galicia amounts to 90.39%.
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On October 23, 2023, the Grupo Galicia's Board of Directors approved the creation of two companies in the United States, Galicia Holdings. in the state of Delaware, parent company of Galicia Capital US LLC ("Galicia Capital"), in the state of Florida. The latter is a company aimed at attracting new clients by incorporating a wide range of financial instruments and enabling the development of innovative credit products.
ii) Banco Galicia
Banco Galicia is a banking corporation organized as a stock corporation under Argentine law and supervised and licensed to operate as a commercial bank by the Superintendencia de Entidades Financieras y Cambiarias (Superintendency of Financial Institutions and Exchange Bureaus or, the “Superintendency”).
Banco Galicia was founded in September 1905 by a group of businessmen in Argentina and began operations in November 1905. Banco Galicia’s business and branch network increased significantly by the late 1950s and continued expanding in the following decades, after regulatory changes allowed Banco Galicia to exercise its potential and gain a reputation for innovation, thereby achieving a leading role within the domestic banking industry.
In the late 1950s, Banco Galicia launched the equity mutual fund Fima Acciones and founded the predecessor of the asset manager Galicia Asset Management.
As part of its growth strategy, Banco Galicia began expanding into rural areas in the Interior, where there was believed to be a high potential for growth. Historically, the Interior was underserved relative to Buenos Aires and its surroundings with respect to access to financial services, and its population tends to use fewer banking services. Between 1995 and 1999, Banco Galicia acquired equity interests in entities and formed several non-banking companies providing financial services to individuals in the Interior through the issuance of proprietary brand credit cards. See “—Tarjetas Regionales” below.
On December 27, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia, in its capacity as sole shareholder and holder of 100% of the capital of Banco Galicia, integrated a capital contribution of Ps.10,000,000,000 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.283,118,331,095 as of December 31, 2023). The BCRA, through its Resolution No.35 dated January 11, 2018, approved the capital contribution and its consideration as computable capital.
On January 21, 2019 Banco Galicia, sold to AI Zenith (Netherlands) B.V. 3,182,444 book-entry common shares, with face value of Ps.1 each and one vote per share, representing 7.7007% of Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. (“Prisma”) capital stock. Banco Galicia continues to hold 3,057,642 shares in Prisma, which represents 7.3988% of its capital stock.
In September 2019, Banco Galicia accepted an offer to acquire 100% of the shareholding in Inviu made by IGAM. The price of the operation amounted to Ps.69,530,854 (which as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.968,293,238 as of December 31, 2023). See “—Grupo Financiero Galicia”.
During the fiscal year 2020, Banco Galicia, together with other financial institutions, formed a company named Play Digital S.A. (“Play Digital”) with the corporate purpose of developing and marketing a payment solution linked to the bank accounts of the financial system users, which will significantly enhance their payment experience. As of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia held 1569.30% of Play Digital.
On October 1, 2021, the Bank, together with the other Prisma Class B shareholders, provided a notification that the put option had been exercised, and thus that they had initiated the procedure to sell 49% of the capital stock and votes to AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. (a company related to Advent International Global Private Equity). In March 2022, the Bank executed the transfer of all of the remaining capital stock. The price of said shares amounts to US$54,358 and will be paid as follows: (i) 30% in Pesos, adjusted by a CER (UVA) rate plus a nominal annual rate of 15% and (ii) 70% in US Dollars at a nominal annual rate of 10% for a term of six years.
On August 10, 2023, Banco Galicia made an irrevocable equity contribution in the amount of $86.4 million to Sudamericana. Subsequently, on August 11, 2023 Sudamericana entered into a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of 99.43% of Sudamericana Seguros Galicia for US$19 million. On September 21, 2023, the National Insurance Superintendency approved the transaction, and as a consequence, on October 11, 2023, it was carried out through the transfer of 4,512,697,946 ordinary shares with a nominal value of $1 (expressed in pesos) and with the right to one vote per share, representing 99.43% of the capital and votes of Sudamericana Seguros Galicia. Finally, on October 30, 2023, the General Shareholders' Meeting of Sudamericana approved an increase in share capital for Sudamericana through the
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capitalization of the capital adjustment account and the issuance of new shares. After said approval, the percentage of Banco Galicia's participation in Sudamericana amounts to 9.61% and its percentage participation in Grupo Financiero Galicia amounts to 90.39%.
iii) Tarjetas Regionales
In the mid-1990s, Banco Galicia made the strategic decision to target the “non-account holding” individuals market, which, in Argentina, typically includes the low and medium-low income segments of the population who live in the Interior of the country, in addition to certain parts of Greater Buenos Aires. To implement this strategic decision, in 1995 Banco Galicia began investing in non-bank companies (the “Regional Credit Card Companies”) operating in certain regions of the Interior. These companies provided financial services to individuals through the issuance of credit cards with proprietary brands and extended credit to its customers through such cards.
In 1995, Banco Galicia made the first investment in this business by acquiring a minority stake in Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. (“Naranja”) and in 1997 increased its ownership to 80%. This company had begun operations in 1985 in the city of Córdoba, where it marketed “Naranja”, its proprietary brand credit card, and had enjoyed local growth.
In 1996, Banco Galicia formed Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A. (“Tarjetas Cuyanas”), to operate in the Cuyo Region (the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis) in partnership with local businessmen. This company launched the “Nevada Card” in May 1996 in the city of Mendoza. Also, in 1996, Banco Galicia formed a new company, Tarjetas del Mar, to operate in the city of Mar del Plata and its area of influence. Tarjetas del Mar began marketing the “Mira Card” in March 1997.
In early 1997, Banco Galicia purchased an interest in Comfiar S.A., a consumer finance company operating in the provinces of Santa Fe and Entre Ríos, which was merged into Naranja in January 2004.
In 1999, Banco Galicia reorganized its participation in this business by forming Tarjetas Regionales S.A (“Tarjetas Regionales”). Tarjetas Regionales became the holding company, of Naranja, Comfiar S.A., Tarjetas Cuyanas, and Tarjetas del Mar. In addition, between 1999 and 2000, Tarjetas Regionales acquired Tarjetas del Sur S.A. , a credit card company operating in southern Argentina. In March 2001, Tarjetas del Sur S.A. merged into Naranja.
During 2012, the ownership interests in Tarjetas Regionales and its operating subsidiaries were modified due to the following events:
•Naranja’s board of directors approved the merger of Tarjeta Mira S.A. (merged company) into Naranja (merging company).
•Tarjetas Regionales carried out a capital increase that was mainly paid by the contribution of the minority shareholders’ holdings in its subsidiaries Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas. Therefore, Banco Galicia’s direct and indirect interest decreased to 77% of the capital stock and the remaining 23% is held by the shareholders who, by means of the above-mentioned contribution, became Tarjetas Regionales’ minority shareholders.
As of December 31, 2016, Banco Galicia held a 77% ownership interest in Tarjetas Regionales. Tarjetas Regionales directly and indirectly held 100% of Naranja and 100% of Tarjetas Cuyanas.
On March 31, 2017, Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors approved the sale of its stake (58.8% of the issued and outstanding shares) in its subsidiary Tarjetas del Mar to Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia (which already owned 40% of the total shares of Tarjetas del Mar). Compañia Financiera Argentina S.A. ("CFA") also sold its stake (1.2% of the issued and outstanding shares) in Tarjetas del Mar to Federico Braun. Banco Galicia received approximately US$5,000,000 in respect of such sale.
On August 10, 2017, the Board of Directors of each of Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas approved the merger of such subsidiaries, by which Tarjetas Cuyanas would merge into Naranja. On September 5, 2017, Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas executed a supplemental merger agreement pursuant to which Naranja acquired the assets and liabilities of Tarjetas Cuyanas effective as of October 1, 2017. Such merger was approved by the shareholders of each subsidiary at Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meetings held in October 2017.
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Additionally, in October 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia publicly announced its plan to undertake a corporate reorganization between Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia as discussed above in “History and Development of the Company”.
Finally, in February 2019 and December 2019, Cobranzas Regionales S.A. ("Cobranzas Regionales") received capital contributions from its shareholders, Naranja and Tarjetas Regionales, with the main purpose of maximizing the growth of the “NPOS” (a new service of Naranja mainly used by merchants to accept payments made from clients with any debit or credit card through a wireless device) business and the subsequent launch of the virtual wallet “Naranja X”. As a result of such capital contributions, Cobranzas Regionales capital stock increased from Ps.1 million to Ps.391 million, represented by 391,000,000 shares of face value of Ps.1 each.
In 2019, Tarjetas Regionales, created a new digital financial company, called “Naranja Digital” designed to reach and offer digital banking services to the underbanked population of Argentina. The formation of said company was approved by the BCRA on September 16, 2019, by Resolution 205 of the BCRA. Naranja Digital obtained the license to commence operations from BCRA. For further information see “Item 4. “Information on the Company” – A. “History and Development of the Company” – A.1 “History” -Grupo Financiero Galicia”.
On May 28, 2020, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia agreed with the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales to proceed with a corporate reorganization process. Through this corporate reorganization, the minority shareholders of Tarjetas Regionales, Fedler S.A. and Dusner S.A., holders of 17% of Tarjetas Regionales’s shares, spun-off their shares and were absorbed, through a merger by Grupo Financiero Galicia. On September 14, 2020, Grupo Financiero Galicia and the companies Dusner S.A. and Fedler S.A. executed the Preliminary Spin off - Merger Agreement and on December 15, 2020 the definitive spin off - Merger Agreement took place. For further information see “Item 4. “Information on the Company” – A. “History and Development of the Company” – A.1 “History” - “—Grupo Financiero Galicia”.
In September 2020 and October 2020, Cobranzas Regionales received from its shareholders, Naranja and Tarjetas Regionales, irrevocable equity contributions that were designed to absorb losses in a total amount of Ps.368,421,052.64 (which, as adjusted for inflation, is equal to Ps.3,619,288,348 as of December 31, 2023). At the same time Cobranzas Regionales launched “toque” a new service of Naranja mainly used by merchants to accept payments made from clients with any debit or credit card through a wireless device and totally integrated with the electronic wallet, Naranja X.
On September 15, 2020, Tarjetas Regionales signed an irrevocable equity contribution agreement with Grupo Financiero Galicia for a total amount of Ps.1,000,000,000 (which as adjusted for inflation is equal to Ps.10,193,252,163 as of December 31, 2023) to be paid in two tranches. On the aforementioned date, Tarjetas Regionales received the first tranche of the irrevocable contribution in a total amount of Ps.175,000,000 (which as adjusted for inflation is equal to Ps.1,783,819,129 as of December 31, 2023). Tarjetas Regionales received the second tranche on October 30, 2020, in a total amount of Ps.825,000,000 (which as adjusted for inflation is equal to Ps.8,104,620,694 as of December 31, 2023).
In terms of funding, Naranja, has historically used one or more of the following third-party sources of financing: merchants, bond issuances, bank loans and other credit lines, financial leases and securitizations using financial trust vehicles. This diversification has allowed Naranja to maintain and expand their business without depending excessively on one single source or provider.
The business operation of Naranja is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate fluctuations; however, Naranja mitigates the foreign exchange rate risk in respect of its business and operations through hedging transactions and tries to offset its interest rate exposure with assets that bear interest at similar floating rates. In addition, Naranja has an overall liquidity policy requiring it to maintain sufficient liquidity to cover at least three months of future operations and to formulate a cash flow projection for each upcoming year. These internal policies and practices ensure adequate working capital through which Naranja protects its operations against short-term cash shortages, allowing Naranja to focus on expanding its business and continuously better serving their clients. During 2020, Naranja continued to experience a significant expansion of its customer base, in absolute terms and with respect to the range of customers served, number of cards issued, distribution networks and size of operations, as well as a technological upgrade and general modernization. As of December 31, 2020, Naranja, had approximately 8.6 million issued cards and was the largest proprietary brand credit card operation in Argentina.
Finally, with all the businesses that Tarjetas Regionales oversees, since 2020 and going forward, the goal has been to become the preferred technological and financial platform by Argentines. In order to work towards this goal, during
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2020 Tarjetas Regionales redefined its purpose. It is now focused on meeting the noted goal, which it believes will allow it to offer new products and services in a streamlined and straightforward manner that will result in mass appeal and facilities an efficient customer and best-in-class customer experience. Related to this new approach, during 2020 Tarjetas Regionales launched a new umbrella brand for the entire business called Naranja X, which includes all the businesses such as credit card, merchants and financial services.
During 2021, new technological tools were added, and new products were designed that were tailored to the way that people spend their money, and a platform was developed that helps them with their daily needs. To face future challenges and expected growth, Naranja X will continue seeking to add talent with a technological background to its Engineering, Architecture and Data & Analytics teams.
Throughout 2022, Naranja X made the decision to provide financial education support to its existing and potential clients and to the public in general. During 2022, Naranja X shared basic financial advice and tips related to day-to-day money management for the general public, through social networks and other digital platforms, including the blog "Hablemos de plata" ("Let's talk about money"), which was created in October 2021. The purpose behind this financial education support was to create general public interest and interaction with Naranja X and its publications about savings, investments and debunking myths. In this way, Naranja X intended to strengthen its goal of democratizing financial and investment services opportunities for everyone.
On July 14, 2023, Naranja X''s Board of Directors resolved to initiate the necessary internal actions in order to carry out a merger by absorption, whereby Naranja (absorbing company) absorbed Cobranzas Regionales (absorbed company) effective from October 1, 2023 (the "Merger") and to instruct the performance of all the necessary acts for such purpose. On July 14, 2023, the Board of Directors of Cobranzas Regionales adopted similar resolutions in connection with the Merger. The Merger was carried out within the provisions established by Articles 80, paragraph c), and concordant articles of the Income Tax Law No. 20. 628 (Text as amended in 2019) and its regulations and is intended to, among other matters: (i) streamline the administration and management of both companies, with the consequent optimization of services and reduction of costs, (ii) consolidate the commercial and marketing programs, (iii) optimize the synergies and efficiency to provide a better and more effective customer service and a more efficient rendering of services, (iv) strengthen the position of the payment terminal business (i.e. credit card readers) within the Grupo Galicia economic group, through the exposure to the commercial experience that Naranja X has with its network of physical branches (more than 140 throughout the country) and (v) improve the organization and use of resources. This corporate reorganization was entered into as of October 1, 2023 and the the Pre-Merger Commitment Agreement was approved on February 26, 2024. However, the Definitive Merger Commitment remain subject to the approval by the respective Shareholders' Meetings and such agreement requires subsequent registration in the Public Registry of Commerce of the corresponding jurisdiction.
iv) Sudamericana Holding
In 1996, Banco Galicia entered the bank insurance business, through the establishment of a joint venture with Hartford Life International to sell life insurance and annuities, in which it had a 12.5% interest. In December 2000, Banco Galicia sold its interest in this company and purchased 12.5% of Sudamericana, a subsidiary of Hartford Life International. As a result of various acquisitions, Grupo Financiero Galicia owns 90,39% of Sudamericana (with the remaining 9.61% being held by Banco Galicia) which offers life, retirement, property and casualty insurance products in Argentina through its subsidiaries Galicia Seguros S.A.U. (“Galicia Seguros”), which provides property, casualty and life insurance, Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.U. ("Galicia Retiro"), which provides retirement insurance, Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. ("Galicia Broker"), an insurance broker, Well Assistance S.A.U. ("Well Assitance") which provides assistance services and Seguros Sura S.A. ("Seguros Sura") which provides property, casualty and life insurance.
On November 7, 2022, Well Assistance, was established; (a) it's target audience is the general public; and (ii) it provides services related to personal or organizational well-being directly aimed at achieving a healthier, fuller and more balanced life. On December 28, 2022, it was registered in the Public Registry of Commerce (Registro Público de Comercio).
On August 10, 2023, Sudamericana shareholders made equity contributions for the purpose of acquiring 99.43% of Seguros Sura which provides property, casualty and life insurance through agents, brokers, affinities and directly to local customers. On August 11, 2023, Sudamericana executed a Share Purchase Agreement with the shareholders of Seguros Sura for the purchase of part of its equity, provided the Insurance Superintendence of Argentina approved such transaction. Such approval was granted on September 21, 2023 and on October 11, 2023, the acquisition was agreed upon and consummated. Following this transaction, Grupo Financiero now owns 90.39% of Sudamericana and the remaining 9.61% is owned by Banco Galicia.
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In December, 2023, Galicia Seguros made a request to the Insurance Superintendence of Argentina to change Seguros Sura corporate name to Sudamericana Seguros Galicia. As of the date hereof, such approval is still pending.
v) Galicia Asset Management
Incorporated in 1958, Galicia Asset Management manages the Fima family mutual funds that are distributed by Banco Galicia through its multiple channels (network of branches and home banking and investment centers, among others). Galicia Asset Management’ team is comprised of asset management professionals whose goal is to manage the Fima family funds in order to meet the demand of individuals, companies and institutions. The assets of each fund are distributed across a variety of assets, such as bonds, negotiable obligations, trusts, shares and deposits, among others, in line with the fund’s investment objective.
On April 15, 2014, Banco Galicia sold its 95% interest in Galicia Asset Management to Grupo Financiero Galicia.
On July 2, 2019, Banco Galicia sold its 5% interest in Galicia Asset Management to Grupo Financiero Galicia.
In August 2021, the company received approval for the request to change its corporate name from the Inspección General de Justicia, changing from Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. to Galicia Asset Management S.A.U.
vi) Galicia Warrants
Incorporated in 1993, Galicia Warrants has been providing a wide range of financial services to the agricultural and industrial sectors. Its administrative headquarters are located in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and it has an important logistics and storage center in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán that is currently rented. Its shareholders are Grupo Financiero Galicia, which holds 87.5% of the outstanding equity interests of Galicia Warrants, and Banco Galicia, which holds the remaining 12.5% outstanding equity interests.
vii) IGAM
Incorporated in 2019, IGAM is the holding company of Inviu and Inviu Uruguay. IGAM is registered in Delaware, USA.
Inviu operates in the investment management industry. Its purpose is to provide broker and financial advisory services while working to build trustworthy and long-term relationships with its clients and prospects. Inviu scope of business is mostly local.
On July 23, 2021, Inviu Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A. obtained authorization from the Central Bank of Uruguay to operate as a securities agent, becoming, as of such date, a regulated financial institution under the provisions of the Financial Intermediation Law and the regulations issued by the Central Bank of Uruguay.
viii) Galicia Securities
Galicia Securities was incorporated on December 23, 2015, under the name of 34 Grados Sur Securities S.A. and was acquired by Grupo Financiero Galicia on May 5, 2020.
On May 6, 2020, during an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Galicia Securities, the shareholders of Galicia Securities approved a name change to Galicia Securities S.A.
Additionally, on September 10, 2020, in the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting, the company's name was amended to Galicia Securities S.A.U.
Galicia Securities is authorized to act as a settlement and compensation agent and placement and distribution agent of mutual funds in Argentina. The stated purpose of Galicia Securities is to conduct on its own behalf, on behalf of third parties, or through agents, agencies or branches, the operations which are typically performed by settlement and compensation agents and distribution agents and those authorized by current Argentine laws.
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Galicia Securities is a member of the Argentine Stock Exchange Market (“BYMA”) and the Argentine Electronic Open Market.
ix) Agri Tech
Agri Tech Investments LLC was incorporated on April 1, 2022 in the United States of America, under the laws of the State of Delaware. Nera is a digital ecosystem of payments and financing for agriculture, which connects producers, suppliers and financial entities. It provides, in a fully digitalized singular platform, multiple alternatives to finance the purchase of inputs or livestock.
Agri Tech is the holding company of Agri Tech Investments Argentina S.A.U. It was incorporated in Argentina on August 16, 2022, and Nera Uruguay S.A. (formerly Halsiuk S.A.), which is a Uruguayan company acquired by Agri Tech in June 2023.
Halsiuk S.A., a public limited company based in Montevideo Uruguay, was acquired by Agri Tech in June 2023, in accordance with Nera´s regionalization strategy for 2024. In August 2023, the name name was changed to Nera Uruguay SA, which is in the process of finalizing its legal incorporation and, thus, not yet running local operations.
x) Galicia Ventures and Galicia Investments
On January 10, 2023, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia resolved to create two companies, (i) Galicia Investments, established in Delaware, United States of America and (ii) Galicia Ventures, established in Ontario, Canada. These two companies were created with the purpose of investing in venture capital startups that could provide synergies to our subsidiaries with local and foreign entrepreneurs in different stages of evolution, focusing on fintech, agtech and insurtech business.
Grupo Financiero Galicia owns the 100% of Galicia Investments' shares.
Galicia Investments owns a 1% stake in Galicia Ventures, and the remaining 99% is owned by Grupo Financiero Galicia.
A.2 Capital Investments and Divestitures
During 2023, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.74,019 million, allocated as follows:
•Ps.35,875 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fixtures);
•Ps.38,143 million in licenses and other intangible assets.
During 2022, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.57,705 million, allocated as follows:
•Ps.26,440 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and
•Ps.31,265 million in licenses and other intangible assets.
During 2021, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.63,971 million, allocated as follows:
•Ps.31,273 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and
•Ps.32,698 million in licenses and other intangible assets.
These capital expenditures were primarily made in Argentina.
For a description of our divestitures in 2023, 2022 and 2021, please see “—History” —“Grupo Financiero Galicia”, “Banco Galicia” and “Tarjetas Regionales”.
A.3 Investment Planning
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We have budgeted capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, for the following purposes and amounts:
| December 31, 2024 | |||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||
Infrastructure of Corporate Buildings, Tower and Branches (construction, furniture, equipment and other fixed assets) | 20,818 | ||||
| Organizational and IT System Development | 166,315 | ||||
| Total Investment Planning | 187,133 | ||||
These capital expenditures will primarily be made in Argentina. Management believes that internal funds will be sufficient to finance capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2024.
The SEC maintains the following website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC: http:// www.sec.gov.
B. Business Overview
B.1 Business
We are a financial services holding company and conduct our business through the following subsidiaries:
•Banco Galicia;
•Tarjetas Regionales, commercially known as "Naranja X";
•Galicia Asset Management, commercially known as "Fondos Fima";
•Sudamericana Holding, commercially known as "Galicia Seguros";
•IGAM, commercially known as "Inviu";
•Galicia Securities;
•Agri Tech, commercially known as "Nera"; and
•Galicia Ventures and Galicia Investments, collectively known as "Galicia Ventures".
Please refer to the aforementioned commercial names for the purposes of identifying the different entities when reviewing this Item 4. "Information on the Company" – Section B. "Business Overview".
(i) Banco Galicia
Banco Galicia is one of Argentina’s largest full-service banks and is a leading provider of financial services in Argentina. It is also our largest subsidiary. According to information provided by the BCRA, as of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia ranked first in terms of assets, and second in terms of loans, deposits and in terms of net worth within private-sector banks in Argentina. As of the same date, Banco Galicia also ranked first among private-sector domestic banks in terms of assets, in terms of loans and in terms of deposits. Its market share of private sector deposits and of loans to the private sector was 9.90% and 10.90%, respectively, as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia had total assets of Ps.8,654,510 million, total loans and other financing of Ps.2,231,642 million, total deposits of Ps.5,544,973 million, and its shareholders’ equity amounted to Ps.1,643,025 million.
Banco Galicia provides a full range of financial services through one of the most extensive and diversified distribution platforms amongst private-sector financial institutions in Argentina. This distribution platform, as of December 31, 2023, was comprised of 299 full service banking branches, located throughout the country, 862 ATMs and 970 self-service terminals owned by Banco Galicia, phone banking and e-banking facilities. Banco Galicia’s customer base was comprised of 3,987,842 customers. Banco Galicia has a strong competitive position in retail banking, both with respect to individuals and Small and Medium Enterprises ("SMEs"). Specifically, based on internal studies undertaken by Banco Galicia, it is estimated that Banco Galicia is one of the primary providers of financial services to individuals, one of the largest providers of credit cards, one of the primary private-sector institutions serving SMEs, and has traditionally maintained a leading position in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Banco Galicia’s primary clients are classified into four categories or segments, Retail, Business and SMEs, Wholesale and Financing, as explained further below in the Segment Tribes subsection.
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In 2018, and as a result of its strategy focused on growth, customer experience and efficiency, Banco Galicia began to transform its operating model with the aim of enhancing its operational flexibility and ability to adapt to changes. In 2020, Banco Galicia believes that it achieved this transformation, ending with an agile organization that is both able to adapt to changes on a dynamic basis while maintaining its organizational stability.
The traditional bank departments were replaced by new organizational departments and Banco Galicia’s organizational structure now includes various multidisciplinary teams that seek to constantly adapt and evolve to better meet their customer’s needs, adjust to market demands and allocate and reallocate resources in order to provide comprehensive customer solutions while also focusing on business continuity. These teams are organized in so-called “tribes”, expertise centers, back-end services and support areas, according to the type of value that each team adds to Banco Galicia and to the organizational services and tasks that they provide, all of which seeks to enhance the financial results of Banco Galicia.
During 2021, Banco Galicia promoted transformation towards a data-driven culture to provide agile and safe responses to its business ecosystem. The Bank promoted the generation of new ideas, tools and disruptive processes in pursuit of a distinctive customer experience, through a wide offer of products and services, focusing on the use of technology as a pillar for business.
Banco Galicia's main goal is to improve the day-to-day life of its customers and the general public. With that goal in mind, during 2022, Banco Galicia worked on further refining its cultural framework to be simpler and more agile, setting forth the following cultural values and guidelines to be followed by its employees and collaborators:
–Passion for our customers: Banco Galicia listens to the needs of its customers and anticipates such needs in order to design simple and effective solutions.
–Protagonists of the action: we resolve with freedom. We take responsibility for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to finding solutions today for tomorrow's needs. We empower ourselves and take responsibility for our actions because we share a clear vision.
–Team power: we are empowered as a team because we know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We become one with the whole when we put ourselves at the service of others and when we understand the role we must play. We believe in open communication and constructive debate where all ideas are welcome.
–Innovate in what is different: we innovate in what is different. That is why we work with openness and encourage people to share their experiences, views, and opinions in a safe and respectful environment where they can be themselves. We are certain that these differences are the engine to continue innovating.
–We experiment to grow: we work with a learner's mentality. We prefer "yes, let's try it!" rather than "we always do it this way". We act boldly, without fear of error, and always based on data as a guide to achieving results. We know that success, and much of the fun that comes with it, lies in exploring new ways of doing things.
Additionally, Banco Galicia recognizes that its clients have different needs and that it is necessary to learn from each one of them in order to design the most innovative solutions in the market that allow it to make a positive impact on its clients lives, allowing such clients to enjoy their lives freely. Banco Galicia designed an individual development plan to accelerate the development of necessary skills and abilities to achieve the above goal.
During 2023, aligned with the Grupo Galicia's purpose of improving the daily lives of more people, Banco Galicia continued working on comprehensive solutions that adapt to the needs of each client and have an impact on their daily lives.
a) Segments
Through segment tribes (i.e. multidisciplinary teams that are organized around one single objective) Banco Galicia offers clients a value proposition that meets their needs and behavior. Segments are focused on Banco Galicia’s clients' everyday operations, ensuring an agile and simple relationship between Banco Galicia and its clients that is designed to result in sustained customer growth. In order to best tailor its everyday client support and offerings, Banco Galicia has divided its clients in four segments as described below.
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a.i) Retail Segment
The Retail Segment is made up of all clients, individuals and legal entities, with an annual turnover of up to Ps.3,000 million. This segment serves 3,523,262 customers, grouped by individuals with no business activity and individuals with business activity.
The Retail Segment works to achieve the following objectives:
•The acquisition and retention of new clients, pursuing the achievement of the highest recognition as a financial platform.
•Offering end-to-end business solutions in order to provide the best market experience for each one of the clusters indicated below through differentiated value propositions.
•Understanding Banco Galicia’s customer lifecycle by identifying and understanding said clients' needs and providing customized offers when it comes to product and financial services.
•Achieving greater levels of financial inclusion and digitalization to make our customers’ day-to-day activities easier through financial education and simplification of our processes.
During 2023, Banco Galicia continued working on satisfying new needs, developing new functionalities in service channels, with special emphasis on digital channels, and adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve the experience and day-to-day life of its customers. Among the initiatives developed, the following stand out:
•Reduction of waiting times and claims resolution times, improving interaction via email, chat and social networks.
•Incorporation of the possibility for Banco Galicia clients to be assisted by a customer service officer through WhatsApp 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which results in minimum response and resolution times.
•Perfecting Banco Galicia's client's communication experience through the personalization of audiences, respecting each person's interests and accompanying them in their life cycle in Banco Galicia.
•Incorporation of new push notifications in the Galicia App, which inform the user about their account movements, expirations of associated services, current promotions, discounts and new functionalities that speed up their operations.
•Improvement of the financial experience by once again expanding the time range for rescuing Fima Fund balances.
In this way, Banco Galicia's investment and focus focused on becoming an increasingly self-managed and digital bank, generating an increase in transactions and interactions compared to 2022. During 2023, digital channels registered 3.6 million customer log-ins per month, 1.1 million operating through Online Banking and 2.5 million operating through Banco Galicia's App. This is equivalent to 94% of active customers logging in monthly to digital channels, 29% operating through Online Banking and 65% operating through the App. This is all part of the Bank's digital service model, which has been increasingly adapted to the needs and preferences of the customer portfolio.
Within the segment of individuals without commercial activity, clients are divided into one of the following service models:
•MOVE (Individuals)
•Personas (Individuals)
•PREFER (Individuals)
•EMINENT (Individuals)
1.Personas, Prefer and MOVE Cluster: 87,95% of Banco Galicia's clients belong to these clusters.
As a way of staying close to its customers and adding value to their day-to-day activities, Banco Galicia organizes and holds informative events and talks led by renowned speakers on different topics of interest, such as politics and the economy. At the same time, continuing its work on financial education and customer protection, the Bank expanded content related to financial tools and cybersecurity.
In the particular case of MOVE, although this cluster initially focused on university students/young professionals or other "independent" customer profiles, today it is a 100% free digital proposal that is fully open to anybody who wants to be a client (without age limits). For our MOVE customers, key concepts such as immediacy and simplicity stand out, and the featured products are (i) savings account in Ps. and US$ (meeting certain conditions) and (ii) debit cards.
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2.EMINENT Cluster: Banco Galicia seeks to satisfy the needs of its most demanding and outstanding customers through three pillars of service: exclusive attention, personalized benefits and experiences, and agile and simple processes. With the aim of establishing long-term and trustworthy relationships, Banco Galicia offers the Galicia ÉMINENT premium service, which provides differential and exclusive attention to its clients through ÉMINENT executives in the branch network and also digitally through Galicia Conecta using personal WhatsApp messages or e-mails, no matter the location, with 24x7 service.
Consequently, in 2023, Banco Galicia carried out unique experiences and events for the clients in the ÉMINENT segment, including the Food and Wine and “The Key” experiences at the Palacio Duhau, and 2 tennis clinics at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, both events organized together with American Express. In addition, Banco Galicia invited clients to participate in experiences at the restaurant Möoi in Belgrano under the concept of Wellness Life, and to enjoy shows such as Cirque Du Soleil, both events organized in conjunction with Visa. Additionally, in the sports field, the golf tournaments at Olivos Golf Club organized together with Visa stood out. Finally, Banco Galicia organized recreational experiences at the beach club Terrazas for the whole family and a gastronomic experience at Overo Bar together with Mastercard.
a.ii) Business and SMEs
The Business & SMEs cluster is made up of individuals with commercial activity and SMEs (legal entities) that invoice between Ps.28 million and Ps.1.8 billion annually. Businesses have a particular daily routine and a need to collect in a simple and agile way. In their business routines, SMEs need support in payment products (assets, suppliers, etc.) and advice on foreign trade, among other issues.
With the purpose of improving the daily lives of more people, Banco Galicia works to accompany and enhance businesses and SMEs by being allies in their business and routines. For businesses, in 2022 Banco Galicia created “NAVE”, an innovative solution to boost its clients' sales, simplify tasks and help grow their business. In 2023, Banco Galicia implemented digital registration at NAVE to accelerate and simplify the current process and provided 24x7 services so that customers can resolve questions and ask for support when they need it.
Additionally, for SMEs whose clients are other companies, Banco Galicia offers solutions to strengthen the value chain, for example (i) via the “valued partners” line that strengthens both buyers and suppliers, allowing buyers to be financed at a fixed and single rate in the market through its suppliers, who will in turn collect cash sales, and (ii) with specialized advisors in Foreign Markets so that they can search for new markets and financial support with nearby officials.
a.iii) Wholesale Segment
The Wholesale Segment was comprised of 27,686 customers as of December 31, 2023 (both individuals and legal entities), and divided in the following clusters (depending on each client's profile and activities, as described further below): (i) corporate, (ii) companies and (iii) agribusinesses.
The Wholesale Segment is focused on providing its clients with a business platform that offers specialized financial and business advice. This segment works to provide an agile and straightforward experience to its clients. Banco Galicia creates lasting bonds with clients through a value proposition that leads to recurring and growing results.
For this reason, Banco Galicia continues to enhance a single channel strategy for Wholesale Banking customers, focusing on relationship banking and the provision of customized and highly specialized attention and service. In line with this strategy and in order to provide national coverage to these clients, there are currently 23 business centers.
The purpose of the Wholesale Segment is to provide customers with tools that drive growth for their business. In order to do so, this segment provides technological solutions that allow for rapid response times for client needs. As part of these solutions, in 2022, Banco Galicia launched a program called "Socios de Valor", which connects the value chain between suppliers and buyers. The Bank also provides the same level of service at all points of contact, thus providing for consistent customer service.
In 2023, Banco Galicia continued to improve customer service in the cluster. Today, 92% of customers in this segment use digital channels. During 2023, the use of the Wholesale App grew by 125% as a result of the availability of products such as Fima, Echeq, bank transfers, among others. Such increase indicates that, together with Office Banking, digital channels are the preferred channels for customers in this segment. Among the pillars of the value proposal for the
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segment, the data driven culture stands out, enhancing the relationship with customers through a personalized marketing strategy throughout the life cycle, thus generating an orderly and personalized contact policy through the different digital channels. In terms of sustainability, Banco Galicia is committed to the development of companies with triple impact projects, offering the Banco Galicia Sustainable Line to those companies that seek greater efficiency in their production with a high social, environmental and economic impact, which in turn, also allows them to improve their positioning in the internal and external market.
In 2023, Banco Galicia entered into different commercial alliances to enhance the value of its clients' relationships with third parties (e.g. with suppliers of the clients, with customers of the clients), with a focus on the development of digital ecosystems for financial businesses. Banco Galicia worked with 30 Sociedades de Garantía Recíproca (“SGR”, financial entities created to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to credit and financing) which resulted in signing 60 pledge agreements, and getting approximately 10,000 active businesses in Tarjeta Galicia Rural and around 700 active suppliers in "Socios de Valor".
The main types of transactions and products utilized by the Wholesale Segment banking customers, which are comprised of payments and collections, foreign trade and financial and investment products, are 100% digital and self-managed.
Clients in the Wholesale Segment are divided by the type of services that they are given in the following clusters as described below:
•Corporate banking
•Companies
•Agribusiness
1.Corporate cluster: This cluster features a service model that is based on developing commercial, strategic and close, long-term relationships. This category is comprised of 879 economic groups with annual sales that start at a minimum of Ps.24,000 million or that -given the complexity of their businesses or their multinational profile- might require very specific attention in terms of financial advice and structuring.
After considering the particularities of the business within this category, the economic sectors in which they operate and the markets that companies in this category access (or hope to access), Banco Galicia designed solutions adapted to their demands and required response times, leveraged by the use of digital transactional banking.
2.Companies cluster: Clients in this category are those clients whose annual total sales are between Ps.1.8 billion and Ps.2.4 billion, including all economic activities: industries, marketers, services, mass consumption, etc. They are attended by specialized executives in each region of the country. As of December 31, 2023, this cluster had 5,724 active clients. In 2023, the cluster clients were served by executives that work out of business banking centers located across Argentina and that have specialized knowledge regarding the relevant regional economy.
Particularly, in 2023, new functionalities and tools were added to NAVE that allow businesses to access data on their own sales and competition and their own personal business information all in one place; thus allowing them to make informed, real time decisions.
3.Agribusinesses cluster: This cluster within the Wholesale Segment is the only one that is determined by the activity of the clients it serves. Given the characteristics of every company, for companies that focus on agriculture and, in particular, the production of agricultural goods, it is crucial to offer a service model that will respond to their needs and complexity in a personalized way. Banco Galicia has always supported the development of Argentine agricultural producers and companies throughout the agro-industrial chain.
Banco Galicia accompanies the digital transformation of its Agribusiness clients by promoting digital and agile solutions for their daily operations in their different stages of developing and taking into account the seasonality of their business. Thus, improve their cash flow allowing the efficiency in the operations with e-checks, salary payments, service payments and collection solutions at very competitive costs and 100% online through Office Banking.
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In 2023, the PUMA Platform, an Agtech Startup that launched its CO2 Calculator for the agricultural sector, signed a collaboration agreement with Banco Galicia to carry out a pilot program with selected clients in order to measure the carbon footprint of different activities and areas, so that lines of action can be drawn based on real data. In addition, companies that participate in the pilot program through the PUMA Platform have access to the "sustainable loan line", a line of loans that offers special conditions.
a.iv) Financial Segment
The Financial Segment includes (i) financial institutions clients, (ii) the public sector and (iii) institutional clients which are described below.
(i)Financial institutions: At an international level, Banco Galicia’s relationships in the financial institutions cluster are comprised of correspondent banks, international credit agencies, official credit banks, and export credit insurance companies; whereas at a domestic level, Banco Galicia’s clients include banks, financial companies, exchange bureaus, fintechs and other entities that carry out related financial activities.
Banco Galicia continues to enjoy long-term relationships with multilateral organizations and official credit banks, with the purpose of expanding the range of services offered to its client base, mainly in the agro-industrial sector and in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energies.
At a local level, business opportunities with financial institutions came in the form of transactional services, applying technology to payment and collection services with an emphasis on improving the client experience and consolidating long-term relationships. In addition to collection and payment transactions services, asset custody services are also used by insurance companies and during 2023 had considerable growth.
Given the country's context, during the year financial entities continued to show ample liquidity, affecting credit activity between entities.
The ALYCS were with high volume of operations in Fixed Income as tools to access parallel exchange rates. With respect to the international area, the focus was on the demand for import financing or Import Letters of Credit as a way to access the Single and Free Exchange Market (MULC). This demand is covered with lines from correspondent banks and multilateral credit organizations.
(ii)Public Sector: This segment focuses on the development of the Bank’s relationship with, among other entities, National, Provincial and Municipal States, State-Owned Companies, State Universities and Educational Institutions, Savings Banks, Schools, Unions’ and Healthcare Service. The purpose of the Public Sector cluster is to provide customers with investment services and their custody, transaction products and salary services, among others.
During 2023, the public sector of the financial segment focused on submitting bids for the tender processes of 15 national universities, whose bank agreements at the time were coming to an expiration date. Banco Galicia was awarded the winner in four tender processes: National University of Quilmes, National University of the Northeast of the Province of Buenos Aires, National University of Villa Mercedes and National University of Guillermo Brown. This resulted in the Bank getting 140,000 new salary accounts, 10 new agreements and a second place in participation in this segment.
In 2023, ESG-driven actions were carried out in a public-private coordination effort and Banco Galicia actively participated in several sustainability actions with different organizations.
Finally, during 2023, the Bank focused on providing solutions to different investment organizations and entities through Galicia Securities. Due to these efforts, during 2023 the Bank saw its trading clients increase by 51%, reaching 100 clients with active operations.
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(iii)Institutional: This segment is comprised of the Bank's clients that are mutual funds, insurance companies and other institutional funds (e.g. the National Social Secutiry Administration (Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social, ANSES)) served by the Bank. These clients generally require services consisting of investments (purchase and sale of public and private bonds, through the primary and secondary markets), demand and term deposits, and custody of assets.
b) Trading & Global Markets
One of the main responsibilities of the Office of Trading & Global Markets is the administration and operation of the positions in foreign currency, financial derivatives, liquidity position and securities, public or private, for its own portfolio or intermediation, in the primary or secondary market, with counterparties or clients.
With the latest information available in 2023 regarding the secondary market for fixed income products, Banco Galicia was ranked the sixth place in the total ranking in MAE in the last twelve months, with a 4.37% market share, being the only bank on the list.
In relation to the primary market for fixed income, and according to the latest information available from MAE, Banco Galicia continues to be one of the leading entities in the consolidated ranking (Trusts, Corporations and Sub sovereigns) of amounts awarded, with a market share of 9.8%, being the second bank on the list and only one with private national capital. Likewise, the provision of comprehensive advice to its clients has allowed Banco Galicia to stand out especially in the placement of corporate securities, also occupying a leadership position with a market share of 13.39%.
In the foreign exchange market, Banco Galicia got second place in the MAE Ranking, after having operated US$17,140 million of the US$119,664 million during 2023. The volume traded was increased by 3.39% during 2023.
Regarding the guaranteed MAE futures market, Banco Galicia got first place, trading US$12,826 million with a 33.65%.
ii) Naranja X
Consolidated as one of the most important local fintech companies, it develops products, services and functionalities to manage personal finances. Thus, it seeks to offer the best experience and promote financial inclusion.
Naranja X is committed to providing financial solutions that facilitate and promote a good relationship between people and their money. Naranja X wants to create opportunities to millions of people in Argentina who are excluded from the traditional financial system and access to credit. With 41 years of history, it has evolved from Salto 96, a sports store, to become the most chosen credit card in Argentina, and, lately, since 2019 to become Naranja X, a comprehensive platform of financial products and services.
Through its app, digital channels and more than 140 branches throughout the country, offers an agile, efficient and personalized experience so that people can make transactions, pay for services, manage their cards, and enjoy exclusive promotions and access to loans and insurance.
In terms of consumption, one of the highlights in 2019, was the launching of Naranja X, the virtual wallet from Naranja X, which focused on technology and digital channels. For more information see “Sales and Marketing”-“Service Channels”- "Self-Managed Channels" - “Virtual wallets”.
During 2023, Naranja X issued 3.2 million account statements, 3% more than in 2022. In addition, Naranja X authorized 8.7 million cards, including Naranja X Classic, Naranja X Visa, Naranja X MasterCard and Naranja X American Express. Finally, Naranja X's annual transactions increased 7% while average monthly consumption in the year reflected a 25% decrease in real terms when compared to 2022.
In terms of saving accounts, during 2023 Naranja X has registered a 135% growth, with more than 2.7 million active account users. Additionally, a total of 64% of those active users (equal to 2.4 million users) decided to activate the option to receive interests from the balances in their bank accounts, for which they receive daily interest on the average balances they have in their accounts. Around 74% of the users make wire transfers in and/or out every month, at an average of 21 transactions per user a month. The issuance of physical debit cards reached 1.4 million, while virtual cards
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experienced a 120% increase within active users. Naranja X increased the number of consumer transactions by 153% and average consumption per transaction remained stable at constant values.
iii) Galicia Seguros
Galicia Seguros provides life, property and casualty insurance to customers. With respect to property and casualty insurance products, Galicia Seguros primarily underwrites home and ATM theft insurance. With respect to life insurance, group life and personal accident insurance are its most significant source of revenues. Galicia Retiro offers annuity products, Sudamericana Seguros Galicia provides several lines of business to customers that includes property, casualty, motor, life, marine and engineering lines. With respect to property business insurance, Galicia Seguros primarily underwrites home and property insurance for small, medium and large companies, and casualty insurance includes coverage for crops, general liability and other small risk as ATM theft insurance. With respect to life insurance, group life and personal accident coverage is offered; Galicia Broker and Well Assistance are insurance brokers used by Galicia Seguros.
Galicia Seguros, Galicia Retiro, Sudamericana Seguros Galicia, Well Assistance and Galicia Broker are all subsidiaries that operate exclusively in Argentina and their total premiums and surcharges earned was equal to Ps.91,521 million in 2023.
iv) Other Business
Fondos Fima
Since 1960, Asset Management has been dedicated to the administration of the Fima Common Investment Funds that are distributed through the different commercial channels of Banco Galicia. It has a wide range of investment funds designed for each investor profile, which allows all types of investors to easily access the capital market through the various Fima funds.
For more information, please see “Sales and Marketing” – "Investments" - “Fima Funds”, below.
Inviu
Inviu is a financial services company using technology to generate a distinctive investment experience in Latin America. Its platform enables independent advisors to offer the best products and services, facilitating the management and growth of their business.
For more information, please see “Sales and Marketing” – "Investments" - “Inviu", below.
Galicia Securities
As one of the main settlement and compensation agents (ALYC), it offers unbanked financial products and services to its customers with an integrated value proposition.
For more information, please see “Sales and Marketing” – "Investments" - “Galicia Securities", below.
Nera
Nera is a digital payments and financing ecosystem for the agricultural sector, connecting producers, suppliers and financial institutions. On a single site, and 100% digitally, it offers multiple alternatives to finance the purchase of supplies or livestock.
For more information, please see “Sales and Marketing” – “Nera”, below.
Galicia Ventures
Galicia ventures aims to bring innovation closer to the group through its relationship with startups and its simultaneous support in their growth.
B.2 Competition
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Due to our financial holding structure, competition is experienced at the level of our operating subsidiaries. We face strong competition in most of the areas in which our subsidiaries are active. For a breakdown of our total revenues, for each of the past three fiscal years, for the activities discussed below (i.e., banking, credit cards and insurance), see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A. “Operating Results”.
i) Banco Galicia
Banco Galicia faces significant competition in all of its principal areas of operation from foreign banks operating in Argentina (mainly large retail banks which are subsidiaries or branches of banks with global operations), Argentine national and provincial government-owned banks, private-sector domestic banks and cooperative banks, non-bank financial institutions as well as digital banks and virtual wallets.
Regarding private sector customers, Banco Galicia's main competitors are large foreign banks and certain domestically owned private sector banks. Banco Galicia also faces competition from government-owned banks. In this context, in recent years Banco Galicia has maintained a growing trend in its share of the deposit market.
Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of private-sector deposits in the Argentine financial system was 9.90% as of December, 2023, as compared to 10.75% as of December, 2022 and 10.30% as of December, 2021.
With respect to loans extended to the private sector, Banco Galicia’s Argentine market share was 10.90% as of December, 2023, as compared to 11.78% as of December, 2022 and 12.18% as of December, 2021, respectively, according to the information published by the BCRA.
According to the information published by the BCRA, as of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia was the largest private-sector bank in Argentina as measured by its assets.
Banco Galicia believes that it has a strong competitive position in retail banking, both with respect to individuals and SMEs. Specifically, Banco Galicia believes it is one of the primary providers of financial services to individuals, the primary private-sector institution serving SMEs, and has traditionally maintained a leading position in the agriculture and livestock sector.
Argentine Banking System
As of December 2023 (the date on which the BCRA's latest update was issued), the Argentine financial system consisted of 77 financial institutions, of which 63 were banks and 14 were financial non-bank institutions (i.e., finance companies). Of the 63 banks, 13 were Argentine national and provincial government-owned or related banks. Of the 50 private-sector banks, 35 were private-sector domestically owned banks and 15 were foreign-owned banks (i.e., local branches or subsidiaries of foreign banks).
Consolidation has been a dominant theme in the Argentine banking sector since the 1990s, with the total number of financial institutions declining from 214 in 1991 to 77 as of December, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, the top 10 banks in Argentina, in terms of total deposits, were: Nación, Santander, Provincia, Banco Galicia, BBVA, Macro, ICBC, HSBC, Credicoop y Patagonia. Banco Nación, Banco Provincia and Banco Ciudad are government owned banks. Banco Galicia, Banco Macro and Banco Credicoop are locally owned while the rest are foreign owned. These top 10 banks hold 76% of total deposits in the Argentine financial system while the other entities hold the remaining 24%.
In relation to loans, the same 10 banks appear in the top positions, with the exception of Credicoop replaced by Banco Ciudad. These banks hold 77% of total loans in the Argentine financial system.
As of December 31, 2023, the largest Argentine national and provincial government-owned or related banks, in terms of total deposits, were Banco Nación and Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Under the provisions of the Financial Institutions’ Law, public-sector banks have comparable rights and obligations to private banks, except that public-sector banks are: (i) usually chosen as depositories for public-sector revenues, (ii) promote regional development, and (iii) certain public-sector banks have preferential tax treatment. The bylaws of some public-sector banks provide that the governments that own them (both national and provincial governments) must guarantee their commitments.
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Foreign banks continue to have a significant presence in Argentina, despite the fact that the number of these financial institutions decreased from 39 at the end of 2001 to 15 as of December, 2023, and the fact that their share of total deposits has decreased since the 2001-2002 financial crisis while the share of domestic private-sector banks has increased.
The Argentine banking sector focuses on transactional business and lacks a robust supply of medium and long-term lending. Local financial system deposits and loans are equal to 22,2% and 9.3% of the GDP respectively, well below the same ratios for other countries in the region.
ii) Naranja X
In the consumer loan market, Naranja competes with Argentine banks and other financial institutions that target similar economic segments within the credit cards market. The main players in this segment include Banco Supervielle, Banco Comafi, Banco Credicoop, Banco Macro, Banco Municipal de Rosario, Banco Nación (Nativa card), Banco de Córdoba (Cordobesa card), Cabal card, CFA (Efectivo Si), Banco Del Sol, Open Bank, Brubank, Wilobank, Bibank and Reba. Historically, certain international banks with a presence in Argentina have attempted to target consumers in these economic segments and have been, to date and for the most part, unsuccessful.
In order to compete effectively at a national and regional level, Naranja targets low- to middle-income clients by offering personalized services in each region, focusing their commercial efforts mainly on such segments. While other Argentine credit card issuers and consumer loan providers focus on earning interest on outstanding personal loans and credit card balances, Naranja also focuses on and has access to additional sources of revenues including merchant fees and commissions, which allows it to offer competitive pricing and financing terms. The broad geographical reach of their distribution network, which is the second largest in Argentina, has allowed Naranja to establish a local presence in all the provinces of Argentina.
Naranja believes that their diversified and consistent funding sources, significant network of branches, robust information technology infrastructure, relationships with over 80,000 average annual active merchants and the brand recognition they enjoy provide them with a competitive edge to consolidate and expand their market share in their target market segment, making it difficult for new players to effectively compete in this market segment on a national scale.
iii) Galicia Seguros
Sudamericana’s subsidiaries face significant competition since, as of December 31, 2023, the Argentine insurance industry was comprised of approximately 184 insurance companies, 14 of which were dedicated exclusively to annuities. Subsidiaries of foreign insurance companies and the world’s largest insurance companies with global operations are among these companies.
During 2023, the insurance industry slowed down. Production amounted to Ps.7,664,583 million, 1.3% higher than the level recorded for the previous year. Out of the total insurance production in 2023, 86% related to property insurance, 13% related to life and personal insurance, and 1% related to retirement insurance.
Within the 86% corresponding to property insurance, the automobile insurance segment continues to be the most significant segment, representing 47%, followed by the workers’ compensation segment, representing 26%. Within the life insurance segment, the group life insurance segment was the most significant, representing 54%, followed by individual life insurance, representing 26%, and personal accident insurance, representing 14%.
As of December 31, 2023, based on internal studies undertaken by Galicia Seguros, it is estimated that Galicia Seguros ranked sixth in terms of net premiums for personal accident insurance contracted, first in net premiums for home and theft insurance contracted, and fourteenth in terms of net life insurance premiums underwritten.
B.3. Sales and Marketing
i) Service Channels
Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries interact with their customers through a variety of marketing channels, tailored to meet specific customer needs.
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The strategy of the customer service model of Grupo Financiero Galicia is aimed at allowing its customers to access Grupo Financiero Galicia’s companies services (e.g. Banco Galicia, Naranja X and Galicia Seguros, among others) through all the service channels provided, which allows customers to operate both assisted and self-managed channels, but always focusing on digital channels as well.
Banco Galicia has the following customer service principles and guidelines:
–Customer Service 24x7: Always available
The Bank's goal is to always be available for its clients. Banco Galicia developed digital solutions which enable the client to self-manage its account, and improved assisted service centers to provide an outstanding experience for the client in every interaction.
As part of the digital solutions mentioned above, the Bank introduced the “Chat 24x7” initiative, becoming the first Argentine bank to provide assistance to customers every day at every hour. Additionally, Banco Galicia developed tools and solutions for its clients to self-manage their information needs.
–Problem Solving: Provide assertive responses upon first contact
This principle involves providing an assertive response to the client upon first contact. In order to achieve this, Banco Galicia worked together with its Planning and Customer Experience departments to determine the impact that problem solving upon first contact can have on the customer's experience.
–Experience: Customer satisfaction at every interaction
Assisted Channels
Grupo Galicia's subsidiaries engage with their customers through a variety of marketing channels, including digital tools and physical branches, tailored to meet specific customer needs.
Branches
Branches are the face-to-face service channel, which strengthens the link with all customers and brings customers closer regardless of the segment to which they belong. Grupo Galicia understands the value that physical contact, attention and resolution have for the client.
The chart below sets forth Grupo Financiero Galicia’s branches as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023 | |||||
| Branches (number) | |||||
| Banco Galicia | 299 | ||||
| Naranja X | 162 | ||||
Galicia Seguros | 13 | ||||
| Business Centers and In-House Facilities | 23 | ||||
Telephone and digital attention
The Banco Galicia telephone and digital call center is available to serve its customers continuously from Monday to Sunday 24 hours a day (24x7). Call center officers serve clients who are referred to Fonobanco IVR (i.e. the automated call center focused on addressing clients' problems) and manage various contact channels, including chat through online banking, WhatsApp and email.
The level of satisfaction and level of resolution of the digital and telephone service channels dropped to 68% and 80% respectively in 2023, as compared to 80% and 88% during the year 2022. In 2023, issues raised through the digital attention to customers in the Wholesale segment was also extended to 24x7 hours of operation.
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Conecta
Conecta is a hybrid service channel for priority income clients, i.e. only those clients that are part of the Eminent or SMEs subsegments of Banco Galicia. Conecta executives have an assigned client portfolio with a focus on its customization and development.
Social Media Networks
Banco Galicia uses social media platforms to:
•Inform (40%): promote self-management, including content about new launches, regulations, and holidays, among others.
•Educate (30%): reinforce basic concepts and build on new product launches, including computer security, financial education and investments, among others.
•Connect (30%): get closer to the audience, including content on benefits, special dates, sustainability and trends, among others.
Through relatable content provided via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube, Banco Galicia focuses on:
•Financial education: educating the community so that they can “do more with their money” and, at the same time, be able to solve everyday life issues through the Galicia App.
•Cybersecurity: moving beyond the concept of “alert” or “care” towards a concept of awareness. Thus, our clients obtain information on what they can do or what tips to keep in mind when browsing the Internet or receiving suspicious information.
•Sustainability: making visible the most notable sustainable actions that we carry out during the year.
During 2023, Naranja X developed an "always on social media" content strategy to continue strengthening digital communities on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The main components of this content were:
•Value proposition: solutions for individuals and its merchants, key information for credit card management, payments of statements, among others.
•Financial education: tips and data for managing everyday finances and tools for businesses that want to boost their sales.
•Community: playful content to encourage interaction and engagement with Naranja X, winks on real time, surveys and raffles.
•Cybersecurity: information to raise awareness about a safe digital experience.
•Promotions: discounts, special plans and commercial anniversaries.
•Environment: special dates to remind clients about what each can do from their place to contribute to caring for the environment.
In keeping with the current context in Argentina, Naranja X focused its strategy on financial education, always with a friendly and accessible tone. Based on the content of the "Hablemos de plata" blog, the platform shares simple tips and ideas for everyday money management. On social networks, the blog added the possibility of generating a back-and-forth with the audience, through interactive stories and publications that invite comments from the public.
Indirect Channels
Banco Galicia has the following indirect channels:
•Telemarketing is one of its indirect commercial channels that is dedicated to acquiring new customers and businesses, as well as selling loans through call centers. Banco Galicia's focus is on providing the best experience, bringing its solutions to the entire country and ensuring quality of its services through listening to its clients and reinforcing good market practices.
•Assisted Links is a commercial channel dedicated exclusively to the acquisition of companies and SMEs that leave their data on the Galicia Portal. This team provides advice focused on the benefits of operating with Banco Galicia.
•Third-party channels is a channel that focuses on the integration of Galicia Services with the physical and/or digital content of partners to imbibe the Banco Galicia Services and improve the daily lives of more people.
•Correspondents is a channel dedicated to the management of cash flow, credit card payment collection and payment of ANSES through third parties.
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Self-managed channels
Online Banking and App Galicia
Galicia App is the mobile online banking app for Banco Galicia. It allows clients to manage their day-to-day banking needs in one place, enabling them to send and request money transfers, make payments with a QR code, withdraw cash without a card, pay for services, request loans, make investments, purchase insurance coverage and control their expenses.
During 2023, Banco Galicia implemented the following functionalities in the App:
•Downloading account statements
•Password Overview with information about the client's passwords, consultation of the status of each one and the possibility of modifying them
•Alias modification (Android)
•Opening second accounts
•Password and user recovery with facial recognition (Android)
•An investment section with visualization of all investments, both in pesos and dollars
•Overview of cards to resolve frequently asked questions in a self-managed way
•Check credit card consumption in real time
•Alert on consumption that enters the cardholder and additional cards through push messages
Online Banking is a web-based online platform that Banco Galicia offers to clients in its Retail Segment "(Online Banking"). Through this platform, clients can pay services, make transfers, view and download account transactions, consult their available credit cards, apply for personal loans, invest in Fima Funds and apply for insurance. In 2023, Online Banking added the ability to open a savings account denominated in US dollars online, without having to go to a branch.
Office Banking
Office Banking is a web-based online platform that Banco Galicia offers to clients in its Wholesale Segment ("Office Banking"). Banco Galicia has promoted self-management, and the Office Banking platform allows companies to carry out a credit assessment of themselves with just one click. The Office Banking platform offers the Bank's clients the ability to manage their businesses from any location, both through its website and mobile versions. Banco Galicia continues to make technological improvements to offer more robust solutions to companies and add new functionalities to the Galicia Office App.
In 2023, with the intention of continuing to improve its customers' daily lives, Banco Galicia:
•Extended the hours to make AFIP Payments, clients can pay 24x7 in Office Banking and through the Galicia Office App
•Incorporated the option to view all of the client's debts and download receipts, available at any time of the day
•Implemented 5 new views: integration of the checks overview and direct access to issued, endorsed, assigned and guaranteed checks
•Implemented 13 new functionalities for check operations
•Implemented customized shortcuts to the most used products
•Created reminders for payments that clients have to make
•Allowed clients to view all debts payable for Service Payments, AFIP and Integrated Collection Galicia
•Allowed clients to see their consolidated balance between all accounts with an indicator that indicates if they have enough money to meet their payments for the day
•Enabled to view an interactive graph and analyze the client's payment history going back up to 1 year
•Enabled the client to download a .CSV with the client's payment history grouped by product
Naranja X App
Naranja X App is an application committed to providing financial solutions that facilitate and promote a good relationship between people and their money. Just by downloading the app, it allows anyone to access the account, start enjoying the application and thus access the benefits it provides.
During 2023, in order to motivate the migration of clients to the management and payment of the card through the App, campaigns were developed promoting summary payment through the App. In the first action step, the stimulus given
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to the clients was the draw for a summary bonus. Between September and December of 2023, as part of the campaign and the enticements offered, there was the ability to be entered into a raffle for prize money. There were 20 prizes of Ps.1 million raffled among those who paid for the app. As a result, in the first month Naranja X achieved an 8% increase in summary payments with a balance in the app versus the previous month, reaching a record of 200,000 payments with a balance in the account.
Among all aspects, the following achievements are remarkable during 2023:
•+2.4 million unique monthly logins.
•+1.5 million customers who enter every day with biometrics or password.
•20% increase in sign up conversion.
•Change of mindset, strengthened with IT expert profiles and roadmap planning to improve the experience.
Galicia Retail Help Section
The main objective of the retail help section is to be the main channel of consultation for Banco Galicia's customers when they have questions about the operation of its products. It is available on all our digital channels: Online Banking, App, Galicia.ar and is also accessible from Google.
During 2023, Banco Galicia continuously worked on improving the cards with product information, as well as the ease of searching for customers based on the usage analysis that Banco Galicia continually carries out. Accordingly, Banco Galicia incorporated the News and Advice section, offering interactive and valuable content for customers, displaying in an orderly manner exclusive information about the news or advice we have for them.
It also incorporated the Claims and Requests Section that can be accessed from the APP, Online Banking or Galicia.ar, which allows the client to create a claim - which, depending on its type, could be resolved at the time or referred to an official. or know the status of your claims history (current or not).
Help Section Office Banking Galicia
The main objective of the wholesale help section is to be a self-managed response channel for the client's need for updated information on the use of Office Banking products and operation.
During 2023, Banco Galicia worked on a minimum viable product (MVP) that integrates chat help within the App and Office Banking, so that Banco Galicia's customers' frequently asked questions can be resolved in conversation mode in a more intuitive way, and accompanying the client in their navigation.
Gala
Gala, is the name of Banco Galicia's virtual assistant. It is featured on WhatsApp, Facebook, Online Banking and the galicia.ar site. The procedures that can currently be carried out are: PIN restoring, balance display, display of transaction limits and available balances on credit cards, display of latest checking account movements, provision of latest account PDF summaries/extracts, CBU and Alias (which codes are used to identify a person's account) consultation and proof, consultation of closings and expirations, card replacement, resolution of foreign trade transfer status inquiries, display of Delivery Status of cards, card redemption and card delivery between branches and resolution of FIMA fund balance inquiries.
In 2023, Banco Galicia continued to promote its use through WhatsApp, with the incorporation of new functionalities and a strong presence in the App and Online Banking overviews.
Nixi
Nixi is Naranja X´s virtual assistant. During 2023, Naranja X implemented a chat in app, this innovation allows for 24x7 attention from the bot and 7x16 live attention from a collaborator, within a safe attention environment where the client is in the app and within this environment, it is easier to advise, guide and give them a solution and better levels of experience in this channel.
Laia
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Galicia Seguros added more sales and after-sales procedures to their BOT "Laia", such as requesting a policy, scopes of coverages, lodging complaints for losses and additional services. Not only did self-management improve, but it also began to run loyalty campaigns.
Automatic Channels
The chart below sets forth Grupo Financiero Galicia’s electronic terminals as of December 31, 2023:
As of December 31, 2023 | |||||
Banco Galicia | 1,832 | ||||
ATMs | 862 | ||||
| Self-Service Terminals | 970 | ||||
Naranja X | 44 | ||||
ATMs | 44 | ||||
In 2023, Banco Galicia consolidated the infrastructure of its automated banking to improve the experience of its users and facilitate financial operations.
Banco Galicia has a network of self-service terminals designed to offer a differentiated banking experience to its users. Using self-service terminals, Banco Galicia's clients can make deposits, integrated collection payments, and money withdrawals with a different limit than for the limit for non-clients, and without having to use the Debit Card, only using Galicia Token.
In addition, Banco Galicia has a wide network of ATMs distributed throughout the country in the Banelco Network. These ATMs are available for both Banco Galicia customers and those who are not. They allow cash withdrawals, transfers, key management and other banking operations to be carried out quickly and safely.
(ii) Products and Services
With a strategic vision to become a financial platform, Grupo Galicia provides products and services tailored for each customer, individual or company, that are designed to satisfy their unique needs. Through products and services tribes, Grupo Galicia creates and manages these products and services, including financing, E-checks, insurance, credit cards, investments, foreign trade operations, among others.
a) Financing
The application and registration processes since 2020 have been 100% digital, with the goal of allowing all of our customers to proceed with no difficulties or obstacles whatsoever.
Banco Galicia offers the following financing products for its customers:
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| Segment | Type | Description | ||||||
Individuals | Personal loans | The traditional loan for retail customers with an amount of up to Ps.16 million and a term of up to 72 months. The accreditation is immediate through online banking or the Galicia app. | ||||||
| Salary advance | It is a quick financing solution for the day-to-day life of our customers, where the Bank lends the client up to 50% of his salary. The maturity for this type of loans is between 2 to 45 days. | |||||||
| Préstamos Express (Express loans) | Through Online Banking, Banco Galicia offers loans with a total repayment schedule that goes from 2 to 45 days. Préstamos Express is a product exclusively designed for clients who have not purchased the payroll services of Banco Galicia and which helps them better manage their finances. | |||||||
| AfterPay | The AfterPay product allows customers to select installment plans for purchases already made with their debit card. The functionality is available to the entire customer portfolio and can be accessed from the App, in the “Accounts” or “Loans” sections. | |||||||
| Buy Now Pay Later | This loan allows customers to pay for their purchases in installments without the need for a credit card. | |||||||
Flexible Loan | It is a personal loan for which the first installment is due only 90 days after registration. | |||||||
Overdrafts | It is a line of credit that covers customers' transactions if their bank checking account balance is insufficient. | |||||||
Companies | Préstamo Inmediato (Immediate loans) | Loan with immediate credit without collateral. The client can choose whether to pay in monthly, quarterly or semi-annual installments as well as the term, , which can be short-term (up to 12 installments) or long-term (up to 24 installments). | ||||||
| Discount of electronic credit invoice and e-checks | The Bank implemented the discount of electronic credit invoice and confirming checks; in both cases, the customer is allowed to discount the instrument and the debt is allocated to the payer’s margin. | |||||||
| Pledge and mortgage loans | The bank lends customers up to 70% of the purchase price of a capital asset. | |||||||
| SGR loans (Sociedad de Garantía Recíproca, “SGR”) | It is a loan guaranteed with a guarantee from a reciprocal guarantee association. | |||||||
| Overdrafts | It is a line of credit that covers customers' transactions if their bank checking account balance is insufficient. | |||||||
| Socios de valor (Value Partners) | The purpose of this product is to enable Banco Galicia's customers to offer financing at a rate subsidized by them to their own customers. Thus, a value chain is generated, since it means benefits for all its participants. It is a simple, agile, innovative and 100% digital product. | |||||||
| Productive line | It is an assistance line offered by the Argentine State, focusing on productive capital. | |||||||
| Leasing | It is a type of loan through which companies are granted financing of up to 100% for the purchase of a vehicle for 36 or 48 months. When it ends, the client has the option to acquire the vehicle for a very competitive market value. | |||||||
Purchase of agricultural inputs | They are single signature financial loans, which NERA sells from its platform. What is special about them is that they are used to purchase agricultural inputs, the loans are credited to the account of a producer (debtor) and are automatically transferred to the account of the supplier who sold the inputs. | |||||||
During 2023, some new products were developed for both individuals and companies:
•Credit Loans: It is a loan with an exclusive discount code for public sector employees where the fee is deducted by the employer from their salary receipt.
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•Alianza Galicia: It is a new form of 100% digital and self-managed financing that allows clients who have checks in the custody of client companies to discount checks without affecting the availability of their line of credit.
•SGR Express: It is a loan guaranteed by a mutual guarantee company with settlement in 24 hours, with a pre-approved amount and without documentation.
•Asset Value Partner: It is a tool that allows companies to give a bonus on financing to their employees.
Additionally, Banco Galicia partnered with Agrotoken, which allowed it to be the first bank to take grain tokens as collateral to provide financing to producers. Also, a strategic alliance was generated with Potenciar SGR which became a pioneer in the banking system, managing the administration of a risk fund of a Reciprocal Guarantee Company.
During 2023, 297,000 clients were financed with the loans offered by Banco Galicia, which represents an increase of more than 100,000 clients compared to 2022.
In relation to the Productive Line, Banco Galicia managed to meet the 2023 goals, reaching more than 4,000 clients and placing more than Ps.130,000 million between all financing products for companies. In addition, the Bank made the Productive Line available for the SGRs in its express mode.
Additionally, Naranja X offers pre-approved personal loans with minimum requirements in a 100% digital way, which loans are credited on the spot through the Naranja X app or at branches. The loans have no delivery cost, do not affect the available consumption, and are paid in fixed installments and in Argentine pesos.
Naranja X consolidated Naranja Digital´s loans, adding new short payment plans (1 and 2 payments) and offering loans in up to 24 installments. It also improved the security of the flow of operations by incorporating biometric validation and implementing machine learning tools and models that help prevent fraud.
Additionally, Naranja X incorporated new credit scores that allowed it to expand its customer base by offering new products such as advances and microcredits. These two products allowed it to position itself as one of the Top 3 financial inclusion players in Argentina, granting access to credit to thousands of people who previously could not access formal credit.
Finally, Grupo Financiero Galicia promotes a triple impact business model through which it enhances its role in sustainable development, which begins with the design and implementation of products that contemplate the social and environmental aspects of the projects that are financed, thus focusing on financial inclusion, climate change, diversity, social investment, and impact investment. The following chart highlights certain products offered by this area and the impact in 2023.
| PRODUCT | DESCRIPTION | IMPACT | ||||||
Línea de Financiamiento Sostenible | Aimed at companies from all segments that seek to generate a social and/or environmental impact through good sustainable practices or impact projects. The eligibility of each project is determined according to sustainability criteria and the Bank's own taxonomy based on certifications. and internationally recognized guidelines. | Ps.188 million placed. | ||||||
Socio de Valor Sostenible | It is a service that connects suppliers with social impact activities and/or environmental impact activities with clients to finance the purchase of goods services with preferential rates of inputs, products and services. | Ps.67 million placed. | ||||||
Loans for people without credit history | With loans from the App, Naranja X finances people who usually cannot access a loan, either because they do not have a credit history, verifiable income, or they are rejected by other entities. This new product provides a for an increasing number of individuals to access credit. | Ps.115,000 million placed. | ||||||
b) E-Checks
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Banco Galicia previously developed an electronic check, an instrument which allows companies to make collections and payments online and which has now become a key tool. In 2023, Banco Galicia redesigned the options for electronic checks issued, simplifying the issuance process and incorporating new tab options, more information about the documents and new file download options. In addition, it added the “E-checks received” module to the Office Banking App, and integrated this process with interbanking so that its clients can endorse and transfer E-checks in a digital, agile and efficient way.
During 2023, a total of 6,331,699 electronic checks were issued.
The Bank's focus on digital transformation has resulted in an exponential increase in the use of electronic checks. In 2023, the issuance of electronic checks increased by 25% as compared to 2022.
c) Insurance
Galicia Seguros has a wide range of products that, in turn, provide a large number of different insurance coverages, fully covering the different needs of customers, based on their occupation, age or income level.
Insurance is sold to customers of Banco Galicia as well as of Naranja X, so that Galicia Seguros scope of business includes the entire country and every economic segment. Galicia Seguros offers specific coverage through its broker, so that each customer feels protected and has support in everything it needs.
In December 2023, Galicia Seguros had 3,494,049 active policies which were divided in the following types of insurance:
| Type of insurance | Amount of policies | |||||||
| Life | 898,765 | |||||||
| Home | 281,706 | |||||||
| Integral SMEs | 40,785 | |||||||
| Various Risks | 1,101,637 | |||||||
| Personal Accident | 578,132 | |||||||
| Robbery | 238,298 | |||||||
Cars | 312,791 | |||||||
Others | 41,935 | |||||||
| Total | 3,494,049 | |||||||
d) Credit Cards
The companies of Grupo Financiero Galicia respond to the needs of their customers with an outstanding offer of services and benefits of credit and debit cards.
Banco Galicia responds to the needs of its clients with an outstanding offer of services and benefits provided through its Galicia Credit and Debit Cards. Banco Galicia offers Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards, and they are offered to clients of all tribes. Some of the products offered are the International, Gold, Platinum, Black/Signature cards, which feature different consumer financing options and exclusive promotions for all their clients.
In 2023, Banco Galicia incorporated new features to facilitate the customer experience with credit and debit cards with a focus on self-management and digital channels with new operations functionalities. The following features are relevant:
•Post-sales self-managed commercial card: Banco Galicia implemented the functionalities of reprints, replacements and PIN reset for commercial cards from Office Banking, through a fully self-managed and automatic process.
•Viewing and consulting the Galicia Rural Card: starting this year, users in the agricultural segment can view the information on the cards associated with their company, including the ability to review their credit accounts and monthly consumption data.
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•Implemented credit account and Visa Business Card registration for all companies in a fully self-managed manner from Office Banking, with automatic impact on the bank's core systems, through the new sales architecture.
•New feature that allows an increase of temporary limit for Online Banking: customers can self-manage an increase in their purchase limit during a period of 90 days for the three card brands (VISA; MASTER; AMEX). The capacity is linked to the new sales architecture that is responsible for credit evaluation in the three brands and immediate implementation in the case of VISA and AMEX. The instrumentation in the case of MasterCard is channeled through our smart app and is processed within 48 hours.
•New debit card viewing function from the App: customers can view their debit card from the App in both mobile phone technologies (IOS and Android) giving them access to self-manage these from the application. Additionally, Banco Galicia created a new robust service connection that allowed the solution to scale to all users.
•Detail view: the Bank carried out a reorganization of credit card procedures to give the customer a better user experience.
•Omnichannel: Banco Galicia provided consistent information on the possession and movements of credit cards in all channels.
•Real time consumption: as of 2024, Banco Galicia shows credit card activity in real time.
Regarding Naranja X, it has more than 3,173,265 active clients between its credit and debit cards. On average, Naranja X adds 50,000 new customers every month, with 75% of these new customer registrations occurring from the application or digital channels. These customers instantly access a virtual card and 25% of them use it immediately. In addition, 30% of these clients access a credit card for the first time through Naranja X.
In this inflationary context, Naranja X accompanied its clients with an increase in the credit limit every month. It was a significant improvement in the purchasing experience for more than 80% of its portfolio, achieving significant growth in the Point of Sale Terminal ("POS").
In relation to debit cards, Naranja X implemented promotions with the card such as discounts on fuel, supermarkets and shops. In addition, since October 2023, it has allowed for the withdrawal of money by businesses.
In addition, users have access to a virtual debit card immediately, and for those who require it, they can request the physical card which is delivered to their home in an average period of 48 hours. At the end of the year 2023, the total number of physical debit cards issued was 1.4 million and the total number of virtual debit cards issued was 2.4 million, of which 532,000 are active with an average monthly consumption of 62,000 per customer carrying out 8.5 transactions of Ps.7,300 each. The top 3 categories where our users consume are Warehouses and Supermarkets (27%), Service Stations (8%), Fast Food (5%).
In debit cards, Naranja X had a growth of 120% in active users. This growth came together with certain changes such as: (i) the addition of large accounts, (ii) the possibility to request for an account balance when requesting a debit card, and (iii) the segmented renewal process.
In 2023, Naranja X achieved the following:
•Reduce ATM withdrawals by 49%.
•Reduce the commission charge for ATM withdrawals at Orange X branches.
•Provided promotions with YPF, PeYa, Super and Tada.
•Improved the self-managed renewal process in app and segmented to active customers.
•Implemented ExtraCash: withdrawal of money in stores.
e) Virtual Wallets
Galicia App is Banco Galicia's virtual wallet. With it, clients can pay using a QR code with the attached means of payments, which allows them to always have an alternative means of payment within their phones.
Through the use of virtual wallets, Banco Galicia's clients can:
•Send money to their phone contacts with MODO (a digital payment solution), without the need to introduce CBU or Alias account codes.
•Request money from their phone contacts to be sent through links.
•Pay with a QR code.
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•Contactless payment in stores with android cell phones.
•Make payments by scanning any QR code.
•Pay contactless (Apple Pay), through their mobile device (by bringing it closer to the store terminal) or through their smartwatch.
MODO is a digital payment solution, launched jointly by over thirty public and private banks in the country. This tool allows users with bank accounts to make transfers and payments in stores easily and from their cell phones. This virtual wallet allows the user to have an all-in-one app to check balances and transfer and receive money from other users from their bank accounts in other banks.
From the Galicia App, clients can access MODO and use the QR code to make payments to affiliated stores. Another feature is the possibility of transferring money to people registered as a contact on the client's cell phone, without the need to request a Unique Banking Key (Clave Bancaria Uniforme, “CBU”) or an Alias code. This alliance has been a great step for Banco Galicia's clients because they no longer need their physical wallet and have the chance to migrate to digital channels to make their daily transactions as secure, agile, and effective as always.
Since Banco Galicia wants their customers to feel safe when carrying out their daily transactions and not depend as much on the physical wallet, it is possible for them to access MODO from the Galicia App and make payments with a QR code in affiliated stores, as well as making transfers to cell phone contacts with no need to request a CBU or Alias code.
Banco Galicia also added Apple Pay technology, Apple's mobile payment service, to its digital operations, which allows its customers to pay with contactless technology through any iOS device.
In 2023, Banco Galicia incorporated (i) the option of adding Banco Galicia cards to the Google Pay wallet to pay contactless using their Android cell phones with NFC or smartwatch, (ii) the option to see current promotions when making contactless payments with QR code and (iii) virtual access to the data of credit and debit cards to be able to make online purchases without needing a wallet or the physical plastic card.
f) Investments
Through Banco Galicia, Fondos Fima, Galicia Securities and Inviu, Grupo Financiero Galicia has a wide range of investment products that believes meet the needs and the profile of every client.
Banco Galicia offers various investment possibilities for different customer profiles and within any segment. Options include simpler investments such as interest-bearing accounts, fixed terms, mutual funds, securities, custody of securities and purchase and sale of foreign currency; or more complex ones such as primary issues, custody, structured solutions, tailored solutions for hedging rates and currencies.
Fixed Term
The Fixed Term is a very low-risk investment alternative that allows Banco Galicia´s clients to obtain returns on their savings in exchange for keeping such savings in their bank accounts, untouched, for a period of time. The types of Fixed Term offered by the Bank are the Traditional Fixed Term and the UVA Fixed Term.
A Traditional Fixed Term is one in which an amount of money is delivered to the financial institution, either in pesos or dollars, for a predetermined time and, consequently, monetary compensation is received in the form of interest. Such compensation is set at the time the Fixed Term is constituted.
The UVA Fixed Term is a Fixed Term in pesos with the objective to protect capital from inflation. The deposited amount is converted into UVAs (Purchasing Value Units) taking the UVA price at the time of its constitution. The amount of capital to be received on the maturity date will be the equivalent in pesos to the amount of UVAs deposited, calculated according to the value of the UVA on that date.
In 2023, to accompany the 24x7 banking model, Banco Galicia implemented the possibility of requesting the creation of a fixed term from online banking and the retail app at any day and time.
Securities
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Banco Galicia offers its clients the possibility of trading securities in the Argentine capital market through Online Banking, providing access to a wide range of instruments (Bonds, Negotiable Obligations, Shares, CEDEARs including ETFs). Additionally, Banco Galicia provides its clients with the ability to participate in the most noteworthy primary security issuances in the market.
Custody of securities
The custody of securities consists in the provision of settlement and custody services for securities traded in local and international markets by Banco Galicia's customers. Banco Galicia acts as sub-custodian in said markets. Banco Galicia also offers global custody services for corporate and institutional clients, providing such clients with differentiated attention.
Purchase and sale of foreign currency
Banco Galicia offers the possibility of buying and selling dollar bills through Online Banking and Galicia's app from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Banca Privada
Private banking provides a differentiated and professional financial service to high net worth individuals, through the management of their investments and financial advice from highly trained officers. Private banking offers its clients a diverse portfolio of domestic financial investments, such as FIMA deposits and mutual funds, public and private securities, shares and trusts in which the Bank acts as placement agent.
Beyond the usual specialized and professional service, virtual talks were organized with investment experts focused on these clients with greater financial depth. Additionally, said clients were active collaborators on the developments or improvements in digital financial operations offered by the Bank, as in the case of the sale of the MEP dollar through the app, among others. In relation to other experiences, private banking clients have an exclusive golf tournament that takes place in the Jockey Club and is highly valued by these clients.
Galicia Securities
Galicia Securities offers brokerage services to individuals, companies and financial institutions. It is a member of the main markets in Argentina (BYMA, MAE, MAV and ROFEX).
Galicia Securities provides a variety of services and products through its settlement and clearing agent (ALYC):
•Fixed income products: Bond operations in Pesos and Dollars; Public and corporate securities; Fixed Rate, Buenos Aires Deposits of Large Amount Rate (BADLAR), adjustable by Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia (CER), US$ Linked, etc.
•Stocks: Access to the local share market of Argentine companies listed on BYMA with a wide diversity of assets from different industries: Agriculture, Communication, Construction, Energy, Gas, among others.
•CEDEARs: Investments in Pesos in the local market but in foreign companies.
•Secured Loans: Short-term investment/financing (1 - 120 days) with greater liquidity terms 1-7 days and fixed rates, allowing the clients to anticipate investment profitability or funding cost; Trading in pesos and US$; Guarantee securities administered by BYMA.
•Mutual funds: Placement and distribution agent for common investment funds in diversified portfolios managed by professionals, with a minimal initial investment and quick availability.
•Stock Promissory Note: Optimal tool for financing working capital and investment projects. It is a dynamic instrument, with minimal transaction costs and low complexity in terms of structuring.
•Structured solutions: Tailored solutions for the needs of each client. Temporary liquidity and coverage of fees and currencies. Investment options in Dollars and Pesos with an attractive variety of interest rates on different investment instruments (Bonds, Sureties, FIMA Funds, among others). Also provides regulatory and market context update, for different operating alternatives.
•Primary issuances: Participation in bidding for the National Treasury and corporate bonds and monitoring of the order and market context in each offer.
The Assets Under Custody as of December 31, 2023, amount to Ps.1,036,415 million.
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Fima Funds
Galicia Asset Management has a wide range of investment funds designed for each investor profile, which allows all types of investors to easily access the capital markets through the various Fima funds. The market share of common investment funds was 11.20% as of December 31, 2023, increasing 50 basis points (“bp”) as compared to December 31, 2022. The following is a list of the Fima funds offered:
1.Fima Premium: this is a fund that provides immediate-online liquidity with a yield close to a fixed-term deposit. It invests mainly in remunerated sight accounts and fixed-term certificates. It is suitable for very short-term investments in pesos.
2.Fima Ahorro Pesos: the purpose of this fund is to obtain yield from a portfolio of short-term bonds denominated in Argentine pesos. Its portfolio mainly includes treasury bills denominated in Argentine pesos, fixed terms, bonds and remunerated (i.e. interest generating) accounts, among others. Suitable for conservative short-term investments, for example, those with an investment horizon of approximately 30-60 days.
3.Fima Ahorro Plus: this investment portfolio includes short/medium term bonds denominated in Argentine pesos with low volatility and high liquidity. This is an alternative for those investors looking for a balance of risk and return. Its investment portfolio includes treasury bills in pesos, negotiable liabilities of first-line companies, provincial Government debt securities, fixed terms, bonds and remunerated (interest generating) accounts, among others. The investor profile in this case is conservative/moderate and the recommended investment horizon is 90 to 120 days.
4.Fima income in Argentine pesos: the aim of this fund is to maximize the yield of a portfolio of assets in pesos at a fixed and variable rate over a medium term. Its portfolio composition includes sovereign bonds, treasury bills denominated in Argentine pesos, negotiable liabilities and financial trusts, among others. Recommended for moderate investments that may last between 1 and 2 years.
5.Fima renta plus: this fund invests mainly in a portfolio of medium/long-term bonds denominated in Argentine pesos. It includes negotiable securities and public and private fixed income instruments in pesos, mainly sovereign bonds, negotiable liabilities, and provincial bonds and bills, among others. Suitable for moderate/risky investments of over 2 years.
6.Open Fima SMEs: the aim of this fund is to obtain returns from a portfolio comprised of instruments of fixed income or variable income that are issued by SMEs or companies with low market capitalization, with a long-term investment horizon.
7.Fima Capital plus: the aim of this fund is to maximize the yield of a portfolio composed of dollar linked bonds and synthetic assets that replicate the evolution of the exchange rate, with liquidity in 48 hours.
8.Fima international fixed income: this alternative fund seeks to obtain profitability from a portfolio of medium-term dollar bonds, mainly coming from Latin American markets and up to 25% in United States treasury bonds. The design of the investment portfolio does not include local bonds, something that will reduce the volatility of the fund.
9.Fima mix I: this is a fund denominated in pesos that invests in local assets that seek to track the evolution of the “official dollar,” combined with a lower level of investment in variable income of shares that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, through CEDEARs. Local fixed income assets provide the fund with certain stability whereas the equity portion adds greater volatility in search of higher returns.
10.Fima mix II: this is a fund denominated in pesos that invests mainly in local assets that seek to follow the exchange rate, complementing the portfolio with variable income assets and/or derivatives related to cryptocurrencies (equity linked cryptos). Since the portfolio includes medium to long-term instruments that have some associated volatility, the suggested investment horizon for this fund is greater than 3 years.
11.Fima shares: the aim of this fund is long-term capital appreciation, achieved by investing in Argentine companies that are members of the S&P Merval panel. The investment policy that was developed with respect to the benchmark index (S&P Merval) is all about accompanying the actual growth of the economy through the selection of stocks with good performance in their indicators.
12.Fima PB shares: this fund is composed of shares of Argentine companies that belong to the “S&P Merval” panel. This index considers the evolution of national and international companies that are listed on the local
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market. Suitable for investors seeking to follow the benchmark by investing in a portfolio managed by specialists in this market.
13.Fima Sustainable Portfolio FCI ESG: fund denominated in pesos composed of local assets that contribute to generating returns for the investor in the long term through a portfolio that contains ESG assets issued by entities that consider environmental, social and governance aspects.
14.Fima shares Latin America: this is a variable income fund in dollars. The investment portfolio is mainly made up of Latin American stocks. This fund’s benchmark is the S&P Latin America 40, which integrates shares of companies from the main economic sectors of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, among others.
In 2023, Fondos Fima maintained its leadership in the industry of mutual funds in Argentina, managing a total of Ps.3,483,940 million as of the end of the year, accomplishing a growth of 44% as compared to 2022.
Among the highlights of the year, Fondos Fima opened the Fima Mix II Fund and the Fima Sustainable ASG Fund and incorporated the Fima Funds operation into the Wholesale App. In addition, in order to improve its customer's digital financial experience, Fondos Fima extended the time range for redemption of balances in Investment Funds (FIMA) and added the possibility of doing so on non-business days.
In July 2023, Banco Galicia implemented the extension of operating hours, which were previously limited to 7:00 p.m., now covering from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. uninterruptedly. In addition, Banco Galicia enabled Fima Premium operations for “minor adolescents” between 13 and 17 years of age on the App Galicia and Online Banking channels.
Inviu
It is through Inviu that Grupo Financiero Galicia has developed a digital investment platform that allows users, both investors and financial advisors, to manage their portfolios in an efficient, simple and user-friendly way. This platform was launched on the market in October 2020.
It is a B2B2C company that specializes in offering brokerage and financial services. It believes that leveraging technology brings an excellent investment experience throughout Latin America. Its proprietary platform enables advisors and investors to access the best investment products and services.
Inviu provides the tools and services necessary for advisors to serve more investors and improve their business.
For financial advisors, it offers a web platform and consulting services to scale their operations. Through direct agreements with major global players and the selection of funds from both local and international markets, Inviu expands the investment options available to their clients, ensuring they have access to the best investment opportunities.
For investors, Inviu ensures the investment experience they are seeking: comprehensive advisory services from their advisors, along with an app and web platform where they can view their local and international portfolio.
During the year 2023, Inviu began its expansion process in the region. Today, it has advisors in 10 countries across Latin America, with offices in 2 of them (Argentina and Uruguay).
To continue developing the B2B2C channel, Inviu added to its service suite: direct account opening in Pershing, HR and marketing consulting.
Regarding their digital products, and aiming for financial advisors to serve their clients better and more efficiently, Inviu added to their advisor platform:
•Full integration of the offshore market: holdings of investors from both Interactive Broker and Pershing are visible within the platform.
•Implementation of tools to help advisors understand the performance of their clients' portfolios and the evolution of assets.
•Highlighted features such as buying power, Co-Branding, returns on cash balances, and trading in bulk.
g) Foreign Trade
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Through the Office Banking electronic platform, customers can make payments and manage their collections abroad. Likewise, the Galicia Comex (Foreign Trade) department offers product and service options that are tailored to export and import operations, in addition to keeping customers continuously informed of the developments in this area. Banco Galicia continues to accompany its clients in their international businesses through a personalized electronic platform and differentiated funding lines.
Galicia Seguros has surety policies for every need: Temporary importation or exportation, differences in law, value or lack of documentation, land transit and replacement of precautionary measures. It also offers surety insurance coverage when this is required to guarantee liabilities before the AFIP (Federal Tax Authority, for its acronym in Spanish). – Tax and Customs Administration. Through its Comex Tribe (i.e. Foreign Trade department), Banco Galicia works to guarantee quality in end-to-end foreign trade operations and safety in the application of current regulations. In order to do this, the Bank implements a "Call & Ops" service model in which the service circle contacts clients directly and answers their questions, provides advice and resolves any difficulties during the preparation of the corresponding documentation.
The products and services offered by Banco Galicia in foreign trade are:
•Transfers abroad
•Foreign payment orders
•Export and import tracking
•Export and import letters of credit
•Export pre-financing and post-financing
•Import financing
•Guarantees and stand-by letters of credit
In 2023, Banco Galicia carried out different initiatives to strengthen the financial tools and services provided to companies in international business, including, among others, the following:
•Launch of a new foreign trade site to accompany people and companies with more and better information.
•New help sections in office banking with the aim of answering frequently asked questions generated by foreign trade operations, promoting customer self-management.
•Improvement of the experience of transferring and receiving money from abroad, addressing the customer's frustrations and needs, with simpler and more intuitive flows.
•New module for movement and commission inquiries within office banking that provides transparency for the client about their operations and associated costs.
The volume operated as of December 2023 was US$19,007 million, while the volume of foreign trade operations was US$14,060, reaching a market share of 14.86%, and the volume operated on the Galicia Comex Platform was US$14,965. For its part, the positioning according to the BCRA Ranking was 2nd for the volume of trade operations, 3rd for the total volume operated and 1st for the number of trade operations as of December 31, 2023.
Galicia Seguros also prioritizes their customers’ needs related to international trade, aiming to provide surety insurance coverage when required to guarantee liabilities before the Federal Administration of Public Revenue (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos, "AFIP") or the National Customs Administration.
h) Capital Market & Investment Banking
Banco Galicia offers services related to the capital markets and investment products such as:
•Origination and structuring of syndicated and/or long-term debt.
•Financing with multinational credit entities
•Project Finance
•Issuance of Negotiable Obligations
•Sub-sovereign Debt Letters and Titles
•Financial Trusts
•Takeover Agent
During the year 2023, Banco Galicia continued to strengthen its position in the Argentine Capital Markets and Investment Banking sector by structuring various financial products that were specifically tailored for Corporate, SME, and Agricultural companies.
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As of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia participated in the Issuance, Placement and Structuring of 152 Classes of Negotiable Obligations and Financial Trusts in the Capital Market, accompanying 40 new Issuers.
In a year of uncertainty, hedging the exchange rate was the main demand from investors to overcome the typical turbulence of an election context, which is why negotiable obligations denominated in dollar linked (Dollar BILS) are the most issued in the primary debt market. Regarding instruments denominated in Pesos, those issued at a variable rate were the main preference of investors, allowing them to capture the increase in the interest rate. Thirdly, issuances denominated and payable in Dollars began to be more recurrent, especially during the last quarter.
Dollar BILS issuances ranked first, representing 53.95% of transactions with a total of US$3,187 million, with YPF S.A. issuances standing out. Class 21 for US$230 million, Telecom S.A. Class 16 for US$180 million and Compañía General de Combustibles S.A. Class 30 for US$150 million, with the purpose of financing infrastructure and working capital projects.
Issuances in Pesos at variable rates were positioned in second place, representing 31.58% with a total amount of Ps.335,859 million. The emissions of Tecpetrol S.A. stand out. Class 5 for Ps.32,898 million, marking a record as the largest issue in pesos, the issue of Loma Negra S.A. Class 1 for Ps.25,636 million and the issuance of Pan American Energy LLC Class 25 for Ps.23,692 million.
Finally, issuances in Dollars amounted to US$930 million, totaling 13.16%. The Issuances of YPF Class 25 for US$263 million and Arcor Class 21 for US$77 million stand out, which were mainly focused on clearing debt maturities and complying with the required regulations of the Central Bank.
For SME clients, Banco Galicia continues to strengthen its commitment. During 2023, it participated in 42 new classes of negotiable obligations for a total amount of US$170.2 million and Ps.12,122 million, and incorporated 24 new issuers whom Banco Galicia accompanied by being placers and guarantors in more than 90% of the transactions.
In terms of Investment Banking, Banco Galicia structured 11 transactions, not only under the syndicated loan scheme and restructurings in conjunction with other leading financial institutions, but also assisting large corporate customers through bilateral loans.
Additionally, Banco Galicia provided support through the subscription of committed lines, so during the first nine months of 2023 it structured 16 new transactions, for corporate clients through participation in syndicated financing together with other leading banks in the financial system, in addition to the lines committed and the issuance of guarantees mentioned above.
During 2023, Banco Galicia structured syndicated transactions, mainly in the oil and gas and food sectors, for a total amount of over Ps.58.8 billion, with Banco Galicia's interest amounting to Ps.20.6 billion. Among them, a committed line granted in March 2023 to YPF together with BBVA and Santander stands out for up to Ps.24,000 million..
Additionally, it granted committed line loans of up to one year for a total of Ps.5,000 million destined mainly to companies in the automotive sector.
Finally, continuing with the trend that began in mid-2022, in the first nine months of 2023 Banco Galicia guaranteed 7 loans among first-line clients for a total of US$129 million, allowing companies with liquidity to allocate it to those in need of financing for the development of various projects. It is important to highlight that of the total guaranteed, US$51 million is part of the Bank's sustainable portfolio.
i) Benefits
With the purpose of providing a straightforward and unique experience to our customers so that more people will select us, we aim to strengthen our value proposition by adding new savings benefits in nationwide categories, creating additional savings proposals through alliances with existing stores and one-shot saving deals on selected brands.
Banco Galicia works to improve the daily lives of more people and provide its clients with a differentiating value experience in the market. Consequently, Banco Galicia offers an extensive range of promotions and benefits adapted to the profile of each person and company that allows them to grow and improve their well-being.
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Through Banco Galicia, customers have access to a wide variety of savings benefits and installments in businesses and sectors throughout the country. During 2023, 800 businesses joined with promotions, covering e-commerce and physical stores (cashback and/or installment promotions).
In turn, the Galicia Online Store expands the options in the digital channel, bringing together more than 40 sellers who provide a wide and accessible catalog of electronics, technology, household appliances, home, decoration, gastronomy, among others. In 2023, the store recorded +4 million sessions and +116,000 customer transactions.
In April 2023, Banco Galicia launched the new benefits section for all of its clients with a proposal based on 3 pillars:
•Personalization: benefits based on people's information, their segment, their consumption.
•Georeferencing: promotions close to the customer's location.
•Instant cashback: immediate withdrawals into the client's common savings account so that they can use that money as they wish.
On the other hand, Naranja X has included Smartes (two Tuesdays a month) and its differential version which offers plans of up to 12 installments and discounts of up to 25% to 30% for non-traditional items such as mattresses, paint shops, social, clothing, home and pharmacy.
Naranja X took advantage of its anniversary to expand the offer of promotions from supermarkets and hypermarkets, offering options such as Zeta 3 interest-free installments and online offers with discounts of up to 25%, without a limit. In addition, Naranja X participated as a sponsor in notable events such as Hotsale and Cyber Monday, sustainability week, among others, marking notable peaks of sustainable growth month after month.
Of all these actions, the items most chosen by clients were:
•Supermarkets.
•Home appliances.
•Clothing.
•Airlines
In addition, in a year with a marked inflationary context, Naranja X granted credit limit increases every month for more than 80% of its portfolio, achieving significant growth in POS.
In terms of "purchase plans", the podium is made up as follows:
•In first place is the one payment option, with 0.39 share and a total of Ps.143 billion.
•In second place is our Z Plan 3 installments zero interest, with a 0.35 share and a total of Ps.127 billion.
•The podium is completed by the 4 to 6 installment plans, with a 0.1 share and Ps.37 billion.
j) Merchants
NAVE, the new proposal for Banco Galicia's businesses, offers an independent Office Banking and Online Banking platform without logging out, where businesses can manage their collections, offer installments without a card, customize user permissions, view and monitor all their sales in a single place (QR, Processors, Mercado Pago, Naranja X), manage chargebacks and unrecognized charges, among other functionalities.
NAVE seeks to understand its clients' business to simplify their daily lives and boost their sales, and to give each business the time it needs to focus on what is most valuable: its clients.
In 2023, 1 in 10 digital payments in the MODO Ecosystem were made in NAVE; approximately 90% of the operations were credited at the time; 49,040 businesses were charged with NAVE and 14,000 businesses use it every month.
Conversely, Naranja X offers different collection solutions that adapt to the needs of its individual clients with commercial activity:
•Touch: It is the Naranja X reader, which connects via Bluetooth to your cell phone and allows you to charge any card through the contactless system, chip or magnetic stripe. When you collect with Toque, the money from your sales is deposited in the business's Naranja X account and used for whatever you want or need.
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•Payment link and QR: The QR is a code that can be read from mobile devices and allows contactless payment. The business customer scans with their cell phone camera and pays from any bank App. This payment method is faster, safer and contactless.
•TAP: It is an innovative proposal from Naranja X, which came to simplify collections. Instead of dealing with different devices, this tool allows the merchant to use a cell phone with NFC technology to collect sales with Visa and Mastercard cards. It is a universal solution for in-person collections, which adapts to all types of businesses.
•QR PIX: It is the QR code that is generated for a transaction with tourists from Brazil where our client (the vendor with commercial activity) enters the amount to be charged, and shows it to their client so that they can scan and pay. The buyer must have a PIX account.
Among this year's new features, the following are relevant:
•It allowed business owners to have employees in charge of collecting on their behalf.
•Simplified merchant onboarding: eliminated the double selfie factor, improved the congratulations screen and autofill of address information, and improved the initial process screen.
•Risk segmentation:
▪Fraud prevention controls at the time of merchant registration and during its life cycle.
▪Segmented transactional limits.
▪Automatic blocking of high-risk merchants.
•It implemented a collection simulator that gives the business the possibility of calculating how much money it will receive based on the price of the product, the plan with which it sells and the established commissions.
•Sent the merchant a pre-printed associable QR that allows payment by QR without having to show the buyer the phone screen.
•Benefits in payment plans on specific days.
•Bonuses in commissions and financial cost.
Embedded Finance is a “white label” solution designed for companies that - due to their large size and volume of operations - need financial services that adapt to their own systems, processes and channels.
In 2023, Naranja X's focus was on Pagos Embebidos, an interoperable QR solution that integrates with companies' billing systems to digitize their collections by eliminating cash handling costs and time throughout their value chain.
Some advantages of this product:
•The company has the freedom to choose the customer collection experience. We integrate with any billing system, ERP or platform.
•You can receive digital payments from any virtual or bank wallet on the market.
•We credit the money immediately to the account of any bank or entity that the company chooses.
k) Electronic credit invoice
Banco Galicia makes available a mechanism designed to improve the financing conditions of micro, small and medium-sized companies, which allows said companies to increase their productivity through the early collection of credits and accounts receivable in connection with the sale of goods or services on a forward-term basis.
The issuance of invoices is carried out through the AFIP page and can be managed through office banking in Banco Galicia. Within this platform, Banco Galicia has a special section which allows its clients to manage these digital documents and collection accounts, make payments or collection automatically when due date or allow the SME to provide discounts and advance funds.
l) Integrated Collections
Through the Integrated Collection Galicia ("ICG") function, clients can use different means of communication with Banco Galicia to send and receive information about their collections and thus delegate the collection operations in Banco Galicia. Within this framework, customers are offered multiple payment channels and forms that allow them to adapt the product according to their needs.
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The main achievements of 2023 were:
•Implementation of new technology and systems to streamline the process of signing up, deleting and modifying new clients.
•Migration of obsolete technologies used under .NET from the user experience in office banking to SPA (Single-Page Application)
•Implementation of a new way of viewing charges.
•Implementation of QR codes as new means of collections within Integrated Collections.
•Implementation of Collections API (Application Programming Interface) in new ICG agreements.
•Creation of the “Pago de una” portal for payments from non-customers through Integrated Collections.
•Creation of ICG app for a beverage company client, scalable to various logistics clients.
m) Nera
Nera offers a digital payments and financing ecosystem that provides agricultural producers with valuable information and measurement alternatives. This allows them to access multiple financial and payment options, customized products to finance their agricultural campaigns, purchase inputs or buy livestock.
Through a digital platform, Nera connects the main suppliers of the agricultural sector so that they can choose the credit option that best suits their production cycle and thus enhance the growth of their business.
In 2023, with the aim of offering increasingly sustainable financing, Nera worked on carbon footprint measurement through the use of PUMA platform and their CO2 calculator.
In addition, in 2023, Nera developed the ability to differentiate its products offer to automatically provide better conditions that help monetize the value of the sustainability efforts made by producers in a collaborative way in conjunction with the sector's main suppliers. The first experience was in conjunction with the company Bayer and its Bayer Green Credit program, which aims to recognize with financial benefits those producers who implement good sustainability practices in their production.
B.4 Selected Statistical Information
You should read this information in conjunction with the other information provided in this annual report, including our audited consolidated financial statements and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. We prepared this information from our financial records in conformity with IFRS.
i) Average Balance Sheet and Income from Interest-Earning Assets and Expenses from Interest-Bearing Liabilities
The average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, including the related interest that is receivable and payable, are calculated on a monthly basis for Banco Galicia and Naranja X on a consolidated basis. The average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are calculated on a quarterly basis for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its other non-banking subsidiaries.
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The following table shows our consolidated average balances, accrued interest and average yield for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023 | For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 | For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance | Accrued Interest | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Accrued Interest | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Accrued Interest | Average Yield / Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except otherwise noted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Earning Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Securities | 1,753,919 | 41,019 | 2.34 | 1,623,925 | 984,148 | 60.60 | 1,480,052 | 546,117 | 36.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Others Debt Securities | 33,885 | 55,645 | 164.22 | 13,889 | 17,012 | 122.49 | 12,338 | 24,264 | 196.64 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | 1,787,804 | 96,664 | 5.41 | 1,637,814 | 1,001,160 | 61.13 | 1,492,390 | 570,381 | 38.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 537,011 | 479,628 | 89.31 | 278,620 | 134,073 | 48.12 | 903,514 | 326,824 | 36.17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans | 3,297,984 | 1,640,941 | 49.76 | 3,687,861 | 1,604,279 | 43.50 | 3,986,120 | 1,326,939 | 33.29 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Leases | 9,641 | 6,483 | 67.24 | 6,960 | 2,388 | 34.32 | 11,046 | 1,723 | 15.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Loans and Other Financing | 6,326 | 824 | 13.03 | 6,203 | 427 | 6.88 | 16,766 | 376 | 2.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Loans and Other Financing | 3,313,951 | 1,648,248 | 49.74 | 3,701,024 | 1,607,094 | 43.42 | 4,013,932 | 1,329,038 | 33.11 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Interest-Earning Assets | 583,602 | 2,262,759 | 387.72 | 733,368 | 592,892 | 80.85 | 291,290 | 115,970 | 39.81 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Earning Assets | 6,222,368 | 4,487,299 | 72.12 | 6,350,826 | 3,335,219 | 52.52 | 6,701,126 | 2,342,213 | 34.95 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 1,890,782 | 636,513 | 33.66 | 1,843,751 | 308,194 | 16.72 | 2,177,339 | 219,990 | 10.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 2,355,666 | 1,992,868 | 84.60 | 2,299,923 | 1,257,934 | 54.69 | 2,448,836 | 771,530 | 31.51 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Deposits | 4,246,448 | 2,629,381 | 61.92 | 4,143,674 | 1,566,128 | 37.80 | 4,626,175 | 991,520 | 21.43 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 35,078 | 5,976 | 17.04 | 39,804 | 4,160 | 10.45 | 124,747 | 20,485 | 16.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities | 272,656 | 14,709 | 5.39 | 320,974 | 109,130 | 34.00 | 344,731 | 81,721 | 23.71 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities | 111,189 | 70,689 | 63.58 | 14,985 | 4,839 | 32.29 | 19,806 | 1,547 | 7.81 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities | 4,665,371 | 2,720,755 | 58.32 | 4,519,437 | 1,684,257 | 37.27 | 5,115,459 | 1,095,273 | 21.41 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Spread and Net Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate Spread | 13.80 | 0.15 | 13.54 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of Funds Supporting Interest-Earning Assets | 43.73 | 0.27 | 16.34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Yield on Interest-Earning Assets | 28.39 | 0.26 | 18.61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(*)Rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.
ii) Changes in Net Interest Income-Volume and Rate Analysis
The following table allocates, changes in our consolidated interest income and interest expenses between changes in the average volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in their respective average yield/rate for (i) the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and (ii)
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the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, compared with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Differences related to both rate and volume are allocated proportionally to the rate variance and the volume variance, respectively.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023 / Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 Increase (Decrease) due to changes in | Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 / Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021 Increase (Decrease) due to changes in | |||||||||||||||||||
| Volume | Rate | Net Change | Volume | Rate | Net Change | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Earning Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Securities | 85,659 | (1,028,788) | (943,129) | 57,575 | 380,456 | 438,031 | ||||||||||||||
| Others | 31,241 | 7,392 | 38,633 | 3,625 | (10,876) | (7,252) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | 116,900 | (1,021,396) | (904,496) | 61,200 | 369,580 | 430,779 | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 179,689 | 165,865 | 345,555 | (369,054) | 176,303 | (192,751) | ||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans | (101,858) | 138,520 | 36,662 | (89,477) | 366,816 | 277,339 | ||||||||||||||
| Financial Leases | 1,173 | 2,922 | 4,095 | (296) | 962 | 666 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Loans and Other Financing | 9 | 389 | 397 | (22) | 73 | 51 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Loans and Other Financing | (100,676) | 141,831 | 41,154 | (89,795) | 367,851 | 278,056 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Interest-Earning Assets | (94,946) | 1,764,813 | 1,669,867 | 284,020 | 192,902 | 476,922 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Earning Assets | 100,967 | 1,051,113 | 1,152,080 | (113,629) | 1,106,636 | 993,006 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Bearing Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings Account | 8,057 | 320,262 | 328,319 | (26,930) | 115,134 | 88,204 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 31,196 | 703,738 | 734,934 | (43,821) | 530,226 | 486,405 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Deposits | 39,253 | 1,024,000 | 1,063,253 | (70,751) | 645,360 | 574,609 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | (422) | 2,237 | 1,816 | (10,643) | (5,681) | (16,325) | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities | (14,330) | (80,090) | (94,421) | (5,174) | 32,583 | 27,408 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities | 57,217 | 8,633 | 65,850 | (277) | 3,570 | 3,292 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Interest bearing liabilities | 81,718 | 954,780 | 1,036,498 | (86,845) | 675,832 | 588,984 | ||||||||||||||
The increase of Ps.1,152,080 million in interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the previous year, is primarily attributable to a Ps.1,051,113 million increase in interest rates and due to an increase of Ps.100,967 million in interest income due to a higher volume of interest-earnings assets.
The Ps.1,669,867 million increase in interest from other interest-earning assets was due to an increase in the interest rate equal to Ps.1,764,813 million, offset by a decrease in the volume equal to Ps.94,946 million.
Additionally, there was an increase of Ps.345,555 million in repurchase transactions, due to an increase in the interest rate and volume equal to Ps.165,865 million and Ps.179,689 million respectively. On the other hand, there was a decrease of Ps.943,129 million in government securities, due to a decrease in the interest rate of Ps.1,028,788 million, offset by an increase in the volume of Ps.85,659 million.
In terms of interest expenses, the Ps.1,036,498 million increase for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, is primarily a result of an increase in the interest rate payable on time deposits of Ps.734,934 million (which increased from 55% in 2022 to 85% in 2023).
iii) Debt and Equity Securities
62
The following table shows our holdings of debt and equity securities at the balance sheet dates stated below. Our holdings of Government securities represent mainly holdings of Banco Galicia.
| As of December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | ||||||||
| Debt Securities at FV through profit or loss | 598,795 | 2,467,190 | ||||||
| Argentine Government Securities | 556,912 | 212,668 | ||||||
| Government Bonds | 547,348 | 31,802 | ||||||
| Provincial Bonds | 1,027 | 7,660 | ||||||
| City of Buenos Aires Bonds | 2,291 | 123 | ||||||
| Treasury Bills | 6,246 | 173,083 | ||||||
| Argentine Central Bank´s Bill | — | 2,242,640 | ||||||
| Leliq (liquidity Bills) | — | 2,242,640 | ||||||
| Corporate Securities | 25,967 | 3,900 | ||||||
| Debt Securities | 25,786 | 3,565 | ||||||
| Debt Securities of Financial Trust | 181 | 335 | ||||||
| From Abroad Government Securities | 15,916 | 7,982 | ||||||
| Treasury Bills | 15,916 | 7,982 | ||||||
| Other Debt Securities | 1,926,334 | 1,141,854 | ||||||
| Measured at FV through OCI | 21,327 | 11,495 | ||||||
| Argentine Government Securities | 10,641 | 2,897 | ||||||
| Government Bonds | 10,233 | 280 | ||||||
| Treasury Bills | 121 | 1,909 | ||||||
| Provincial Government Bonds | 287 | 284 | ||||||
| City of Buenos Aires Bonds | — | 424 | ||||||
| Argentine Central Bank´s Bill | 10,686 | 8,598 | ||||||
| Leliq (liquidity Bills) | 10,686 | 8,598 | ||||||
| Measured at Amortized Cost | 1,905,007 | 1,130,359 | ||||||
| Argentine Government Securities | 1,579,182 | 1,013,434 | ||||||
| Government Bonds | 1,228,966 | 283,191 | ||||||
| Treasury Bills | 354,764 | 732,117 | ||||||
| Allowance | (4,548) | (1,874) | ||||||
| Argentine Central Bank´s Bills | 316,320 | 108,083 | ||||||
| Internal Bills | 316,320 | 108,083 | ||||||
| Corporate Securities | 9,505 | 8,842 | ||||||
| Debt Securities | 9,223 | 8,492 | ||||||
| Debt Securities of Financial Trusts | 203 | 263 | ||||||
| Others | 79 | 87 | ||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | 9,638 | 6,972 | ||||||
| Domestic | 8,002 | 6,584 | ||||||
| International | 1636 | 388 | ||||||
| Total Debt and Equity Securities | 2,534,767 | 3,616,016 | ||||||
As of December 31, 2023, the decrease in our holdings of debt and equity securities was mainly a result of a decrease in the volume of LELIQ (liquidity Bills). As of December 31, 2022, our securities in LELIQ amounted to Ps.2,242,640 million.
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The amount of Argentine government securities recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2023 in an amount of Ps.556,912 million corresponded to securities issued by the National Treasury Bills (for Ps.6,246 million), the Government (for Ps.547,348 million), provincial governments (for Ps.1,027 million) and the City of Buenos Aires (for Ps.2,291 million).
As of December 31, 2023, our holding of government securities denominated in Dollars was composed of Government bonds recorded at their fair value (for Ps.424,223 million), U.S. Treasury Bonds recorded at their fair value (Ps.15,916 million), Government bonds recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.48,535 million) and LEDIV (Internal Bills) issued by the BCRA recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.289,776 million).
As of December 31, 2022, the increase in our holdings of debt and equity securities was mainly a result of an increase in the volume of Government bonds issued by the National Treasury measured at fair value. Our securities in LELIQ (Liquidity Bills) issued by the BCRA amounted to Ps.2,242,640 million as of December 31, 2022.
The amount of Argentine government securities recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2022 in an amount of Ps.212,668 million corresponded to securities issued by the National Treasury Bills (for Ps.173,083 million), the Government (for Ps.31,802 million), provincial governments (for Ps.7,660 million) and the City of Buenos Aires (for Ps.123 million).
As of December 31, 2022, our holding of government securities denominated in Dollars was composed of Government bonds recorded at their fair value (for Ps.25,700 million), U.S. Treasury Bonds recorded at their fair value (Ps.7,982 million), Government bonds recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.98,624 million) and LEDIV (Internal Bills) issued by the BCRA recorded at their amortized cost (for Ps.108,083 million).
Remaining Maturity and Weighted-Average Yield
The following table analyzes the remaining maturity and weighted-average yield of our holdings of debt securities recorded at amortized cost as of December 31, 2023. Our debt securities portfolio yields do not contain any tax equivalency adjustments.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maturing within 1 year | Maturing after 1 year but within 5 years | Maturing after 5 years but within 10 years | Maturing after 10 years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Book Value | Book Value | Yield (1) | Book Value | Yield | Book Value | Yield (1) | Book Value | Yield (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measured at Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Argentine Government Securities | 1,224,417 | 442,916 | (54.10) | % | 773,587 | (18.60) | % | 7,766 | 38.80 | % | 148 | (71.30) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank´s Bill and Bonds | 671,084 | 671,084 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Securities | 9,505 | 3,380 | 11.50 | % | 6,125 | 2.30 | % | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | 9,223 | 3,098 | 6.70 | % | 6,125 | 2.30 | % | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities of Financial Trust | 203 | 203 | 84.40 | % | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Others | 79 | 79 | — | % | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Debt Securities Measured at Amortized Cost | 1,905,006 | 1,117,380 | 779,712 | 7,766 | 148 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(1)Effective yield based on December 31, 2023 quoted market values.
iv) Loan and Other Financing Portfolio
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Our total loans and other financing reflect Banco Galicia’s and Tarjetas Regionales’ loan and other financing portfolios including past due principal amounts. Personal loans and credit-card loans are typically loans to individuals granted by Banco Galicia or Naranja. Most of the Naranja’s loans are included under “credit card loans”. Also, certain amounts related to advances, promissory notes, mortgage loans and pledge loans are extended to individuals. However, advances and promissory notes mostly represent loans to companies for accounting purposes. The following table analyzes our consolidated loan and other financing activities portfolio.
| As of December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | ||||||||
| Principal and Interest | ||||||||
| Non- Financial Public Sector | 461 | 4,000 | ||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | 41 | 11 | ||||||
| Financial Institutions | 27,299 | 42,529 | ||||||
Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad (1) | ||||||||
| Loans | 3,073,593 | 3,965,965 | ||||||
| Advances | 119,851 | 206,972 | ||||||
| Overdrafts | 703,859 | 971,362 | ||||||
| Mortgage Loans | 37,916 | 60,416 | ||||||
| Pledge Loans | 45,092 | 79,762 | ||||||
| Personal Loans | 255,726 | 354,443 | ||||||
| Credit Card Loans | 1,706,969 | 2,025,688 | ||||||
| Other Loans | 49,633 | 117,074 | ||||||
| Accrued Interest, Adjustment and Quotation Differences Receivable | 167,597 | 166,990 | ||||||
| Documented Interest | (13,050) | (16,742) | ||||||
| Financial Leases | 6,393 | 10,832 | ||||||
| Other Financing | 106,097 | 63,658 | ||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 3,186,083 | 4,040,455 | ||||||
| Total Gross Loans and Other Financing | 3,213,884 | 4,086,995 | ||||||
| Less: Allowances | (133,177) | (215,368) | ||||||
| Total | 3,080,707 | 3,871,627 | ||||||
(1)Categories of loans include:
•Advances: short-term obligations drawn on by customers through overdrafts.
•Overdrafts: endorsed promissory notes, notes and other promises to pay signed by one borrower or group of borrowers and factored loans.
•Mortgage Loans: loans granted to purchase or improve real estate and collateralized by such real estate and commercial loans secured by a real estate mortgage.
•Pledge Loans: loans secured by collateral (such as cars or machinery) other than real estate, where such collateral is an integral part of the loan documents.
•Personal Loans: loans to individuals.
•Credit-Card Loans: loans granted through credit cards to credit card holders.
•Other Loans: loans not included in other categories.
•Documented Interest: discount on notes and bills.
As of December 31, 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s loan and other financing portfolio before allowances for loan and other financing losses amounted to Ps.3,213,884 million, a 21% decrease as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Maturity Composition of the Loan Portfolio
The following table sets forth an analysis by type of loan and time remaining to maturity of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023.
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| As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| In 1 year or less | After 1 year through 5 years | After 5 years through 15 years | After 15 years | Total at December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||||||||
| Variable Rates | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 68,513 | 14,356 | 47 | — | 82,916 | ||||||||||||
| Loans | 68,513 | 14,356 | 47 | — | 82,916 | ||||||||||||
| Advances | 202 | — | — | — | 202 | ||||||||||||
| Overdrafts | 33,993 | 11,028 | — | — | 45,021 | ||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | 19,123 | 1,316 | 47 | — | 20,486 | ||||||||||||
| Pledge Loans | 149 | 421 | — | — | 570 | ||||||||||||
| Personal Loans | 8,216 | 1,591 | — | — | 9,807 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-financing and financing of exports | 6,830 | — | — | — | 6,830 | ||||||||||||
| Total Variable Rate | 68,513 | 14,356 | 47 | — | 82,916 | ||||||||||||
| Fixed Rates | |||||||||||||||||
| Non- financial Public Sector | 461 | — | — | — | 461 | ||||||||||||
| Financial Institutions | 26,652 | 647 | — | — | 27,299 | ||||||||||||
| Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 2,665,109 | 138,836 | 8,892 | — | 2,812,837 | ||||||||||||
| Loans | 2,665,109 | 138,836 | 8,892 | — | 2,812,837 | ||||||||||||
| Advances | 119,649 | — | — | — | 119,649 | ||||||||||||
| Overdrafts | 611,735 | 45,320 | 23 | — | 657,078 | ||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | 3,595 | 4,190 | 92 | — | 7,877 | ||||||||||||
| Pledge Loans | 29,745 | 14,777 | — | — | 44,522 | ||||||||||||
| Personal Loans | 162,693 | 62,469 | 8,777 | — | 233,939 | ||||||||||||
| Credit Card Loans | 1,700,919 | 6,050 | — | — | 1,706,969 | ||||||||||||
| Placements in Banks Abroad | 17,580 | — | — | — | 17,580 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-financing and financing of exports | 19,193 | 6,030 | — | — | 25,223 | ||||||||||||
| Other Loans | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Rate | 2,692,222 | 139,483 | 8,892 | — | 2,840,597 | ||||||||||||
| Adjustable Rate | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial Institutions | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 15,963 | 4,370 | 2,771 | 189 | 23,293 | ||||||||||||
| Loans | 15,963 | 4,370 | 2,771 | 189 | 23,293 | ||||||||||||
| Overdrafts | — | 1,760 | — | — | 1,760 | ||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | 5,574 | 1,019 | 2,771 | 189 | 9,553 | ||||||||||||
| Personal Loans | 10,389 | 1,591 | — | — | 11,980 | ||||||||||||
| Total Adjustable Rate | 15,963 | 4,370 | 2,771 | 189 | 23,293 | ||||||||||||
| Total Loan | 2,776,698 | 158,209 | 11,710 | 189 | 2,946,806 | ||||||||||||
| Accrued Interest, Adjustment and Quotation Differences Receivable | 167,597 | — | — | — | 167,597 | ||||||||||||
| Documented Interest | (13,050) | — | — | — | (13,050) | ||||||||||||
| Allowance | (68,995) | — | — | — | (68,995) | ||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 2,862,250 | 158,209 | 11,710 | 189 | 3,032,358 | ||||||||||||
____________________
(*)Interest and the UVA/CER adjustment were assigned to the first month.
v) Credit Review Process
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Credit risk is the potential for financial loss resulting from the failure of a borrower to honor its financial contractual obligations. Our credit risk arises mainly from Banco Galicia’s and Naranja’s lending activities, and from the fact that, in the normal course of business, these subsidiaries are parties to certain transactions with off-balance sheet treatment and associated risk, mainly commitments to extend credit and guarantees granted. See also Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects ”—A. “Operating Results”—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements”.
Our credit approval and credit risk analysis is a centralized process based on balancing a variety of factors. In undertaking credit approval and credit risk analyses, the Bank’s risk management, credit and origination divisions, both with respect to retail and wholesale businesses, efficiently work together on management of asset quality, proactive management of problem loans, aggressive charge-offs for uncollectible loans, and adequate loan loss provisioning. These processes also include the update of financial models to measure portfolio risk at operational and customer levels, facilitating the detection of defaulting, or potentially defaulting, loans and losses associated therewith, which allows for the proactive management of the same in order to prevent portfolio deterioration, enabling appropriate protection of our assets.
Banco Galicia
The Risk Division is responsible for the overall risk management of the Bank in accordance with international best practices and handles solvency, financial, operational, credit, technological, reputational and strategic risks. The Risk Division is independent from the business areas of the Bank and its subsidiaries and reports directly to the Bank’s General Division. The Risk Division works with the functional support of the Compliance and Money Laundering Prevention Division, a division that also reports to the Board of Directors, and whose purpose is to prevent the execution of financial operations with funds derived from illegal activities, and the use of the Bank as a vehicle for laundering money and funding terrorist activities. In addition, the Risk Division monitors compliance with the laws, regulations and internal policies in order to prevent financial and/or criminal penalties and to minimize any reputational impact. It is an independent role that coordinates and assists in identifying, providing advice on, monitoring, reporting and warning management regarding compliance risks.
Moreover, in order to have timely information and a flexible structure in place to efficiently respond and adjust to macro and microeconomic variables, the Risk Division is responsible for credit extension and recovery functions for companies and individuals.
The mission of the Risk Division is comprised of the following activities:
• actively and comprehensively managing and monitoring the risks taken by Banco Galicia and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulations in force;
• keeping the Board of Directors informed of the risks faced by the Bank, proposing how to deal with such risks;
• helping to strengthen a risk management culture;
• establishing the risks the Bank is willing to take and designing policies and procedures to monitor, control and mitigate the same;
• escalating deviations from internal policies to the Bank’s General Division; and
• managing the evaluation process of available financing capabilities and required capital resources to maintain an appropriate risk profile.
The Risk Division’s responsibilities include:
• ensuring action and contingency plans are in place to address any deviations from acceptable thresholds for risks posing a threat to business continuity;
• recommending the most suitable methodologies for the Bank to measure identified risks;
• guaranteeing that the launching of any new product includes a previous assessment of potential risks involved;
• providing technical support and assisting the Management Division regarding risk management;
• developing and proposing the strategies for credit and credit-granting policies; and
• managing and monitoring the credit origination processes, follow-up and control thereof, and the recovery of past-due loans.
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Banco Galicia complies with all regulatory requirements set forth by Law No.25,246, as amended and Resolution No.30/2017, as amended, issued by the Financial Information Unit (the “UIF”) and BCRA’s Communication “A” 6399, as supplemented and/or amended.
The Bank has policies, procedures and control structures in place related to the features of the various products offered, which help monitor transactions in order to identify unusual or suspicious transactions and report them to the UIF. The Compliance and Money Laundering Prevention Division is responsible for managing this risk, through the implementation of control and prevention procedures as well as the communication thereof to the rest of the organization through the drafting of the corresponding handbooks and the training of all employees.
Banco Galicia has appointed a Director responsible for the management of this risk, and has created a Committee in charge of planning, coordinating and enforcing the compliance with the policies set by the Board of Directors. The basic principle on which the regulations regarding prevention and control of money laundering are based is in line with the “know your customer” policy in force worldwide. Such risks are regularly reviewed through internal and external audits.
The following subdivisions depend on support from the Risk Division: Wholesale Credit, Retail Credit and Credit Recovery. They are responsible for developing and proposing strategies for credit and credit-granting policies, as well as managing and monitoring credit origination processes, follow-up and control thereof, and the recovery of past-due loans. The goal of these divisions is to ensure the quality of the loan portfolio, minimize costs while maximizing efficiency, and recovery optimization, thus minimizing loan losses and optimizing efficiency in the credit extension process.
The Retail Credit Division is responsible for ensuring that credit strategies and policies are adequate to maintain the quality of the retail portfolio. This Division designs and manages complex credit decision-taking models and tools, directs the alignment efforts to implement retail business strategies, and works together with the business team to suggest business opportunities.
The Wholesale Credit Division is responsible for the corporate rating process, thus assuring the quality of the wholesale portfolio. This Division directs alignment efforts to implement business strategies based on the customer service model, working together with the business team to suggest business opportunities. This Division deals specifically with complex businesses such as banks, public companies, capital markets transactions and investment projects.
Before approving a loan, Banco Galicia performs an assessment of the potential borrower and his/her financial condition. Approvals of loans exceeding certain amounts are analyzed based on the credit line and the customer.
Banco Galicia performs its risk assessment based on the following factors:
| Qualitative Analysis | Assessment of the corporate borrower’s creditworthiness performed by the officer in charge of the account based on personal knowledge. | ||||
| Economic and Financial Risk | Quantitative analysis of the borrower’s balance sheet amounts. | ||||
| Economic Risk of the Sector | Measurement of the general risk of the financial sector where the borrower operates (based on statistical information, internal and external). | ||||
| Environmental Risk | Environmental impact analysis (required for all investment projects of significant amounts). | ||||
Loans are generally approved pursuant to pre-set authorization levels, except loans exceeding certain amounts, which are approved by the Credit Committee.
The Recovery Management Division is responsible for administering and managing both the Bank’s performing and under-performing credit portfolio, seeking to minimize the deterioration thereof and establishing recovery of such credit portfolios. Management models and specific strategies are applied to each type of portfolio, segments and tranches in arrears, from early defaults to out-of-court and judicial proceedings.
Naranja X
Credit Risk
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Credit risk for Naranja X arises from a variety of factors, including credit risk related to failures to pay by entities that Naranja lends money to and failures to pay outstanding credit card balances by individual clients that hold credit cards with Naranja.
With respect to investments, Naranja X evaluates its credit risk or exposure pursuant to an investment and credit evaluation policy. In accordance with this policy, Naranja X (i) has certain internal credit risk rating requirements that any company in which it invests must meet, (ii) requires certain debt to equity ratios be maintained by any company to which it lends money and (iii) has upper limits on the amount that it will invest in any given company.
Naranja X actively monitors the creditworthiness of its clients to minimize its overall exposure to their credit risk. Naranja X uses the following tools to evaluate and manage the creditworthiness of its clients:
•statistical models that determine the amount of credit that Naranja X is comfortable extending to a client based on the client’s specific financial situation;
•guidelines for providing credit cards and loans based on the client’s specific financial situation (i.e., verification of the applicant’s identity, monthly income, number of family members, geographic location and occupation);
•case-by-case evaluation of appropriate credit limits for each applicant; and
•ongoing monitoring of each client’s credit position and payment history.
Naranja - Procedure for Credit Card Application
Each applicant's credit risk is evaluated taking into consideration certain requirements established in the credit policies, the level of monthly income and the information obtained from companies specialized in credit information. Naranja's credit policy consists of various guidelines defined by the Risk Committee. These guidelines are based on set parameters and automated to determine the approval or rejection of the credit application and to inform the documentation to be submitted for those applications that are referred for review by a credit analyst.
It also verifies the non-existence of negative credit history, the applicant's credit score and payment history in Naranja, if applicable, among others. If the customer meets these requirements, the credit card is approved on the spot and can be delivered at the address provided by the applicant or can be picked up at any of the company's branches.
Naranja - Determination of Credit Limits
Credit limits are based on an evaluation of each client's credit situation. Based on such evaluation, the client is placed into a segment that is based on the assessed risk level of the particular client and the province they are residing in. There are 19 different risk levels, each risk level is represented by a letter and/or a number (A, B, C, A1, B1, C,1, and so on): (i) clients belonging to the provinces Tierra del Fuego, Rio Negro, Neuquén and Santa Cruz, Rio Negro, Neuquén and Santa Cruz are assigned (A, B, C, D, E, F), (ii) clients belonging to Buenos Aires and Santa Fe are assigned (A2, B2, C2, D2, E2, F2) and (iii) clients belonging to the rest of the provinces are assigned (A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1).
For purposes of determining what risk segment a client will be placed into, the following factors are considered, among others: monthly income, family composition, geographic location, type of economic activity performed, score ranges. The customer's account is assigned credit limits shared by all the cards in the account, whether they are cardholders or additional cards, i.e., the credit limit is unique per account regardless of the number or type of cards and/or additional cards held. As mentioned above, limits are automatically assigned according to the segment that a client is placed into. The limit assigned is subdivided into three categories: (i) the Monthly Balance Limit ("LSM"), which is determined according to the applicant's net income, is the maximum amount that the installments due each month may add up to; (ii) the Long Term Purchase Limit ("LCPL"), which is the maximum amount for which a customer may purchase in plans of 6 or more installments using the Company's credit cards; and (iii) the Total Credit Limit ("LTC") which is the maximum amount that a customer may owe to Naranja at all items.
Below is a detail of the percentage limits and nominal caps assigned to each risk segment.
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Risk Segment | Zone (1) | POLITICS | TOP | FLOOR IN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LSM | LCPL | LTC | LSM | LPCL | LTC | ZETA (2) | LSM | LCPL | LTC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A | S | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 1,346,000 | 1,346,000 | 1,346,000 | 1,346,000 | 345,000 | 345,000 | 345,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A1 | M | 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A2 | L | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 936,000 | 936,000 | 936,000 | 936,000 | 240,000 | 240,000 | 240,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B | S | 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B1 | M | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 995,000 | 995,000 | 995,000 | 995,000 | 255,000 | 255,000 | 255,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B2 | L | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 819,000 | 819,000 | 819,000 | 819,000 | 210,000 | 210,000 | 210,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C | S | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1,053,000 | 1,053,000 | 1,053,000 | 1,053,000 | 270,000 | 270,000 | 270,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 | M | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 895,000 | 895,000 | 895,000 | 895,000 | 230,000 | 230,000 | 230,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C2 | L | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 737,000 | 737,000 | 737,000 | 737,000 | 189,000 | 189,000 | 189,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| D | S | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 878,000 | 878,000 | 878,000 | 878,000 | 225,000 | 225,000 | 225,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| D1 | M | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 746,000 | 746,000 | 746,000 | 746,000 | 191,000 | 191,000 | 191,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| D2 | L | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 614,000 | 614,000 | 614,000 | 614,000 | 157,000 | 157,000 | 157,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| E | S | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 761,000 | 761,000 | 761,000 | 761,000 | 195,000 | 195,000 | 195,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| E1 | M | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 646,000 | 646,000 | 646,000 | 646,000 | 166,000 | 166,000 | 166,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| E2 | L | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 532,000 | 532,000 | 532,000 | 532,000 | 137,000 | 137,000 | 137,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| F | S | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 585,000 | 585,000 | 585,000 | 585,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| F1 | M | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 497,000 | 497,000 | 497,000 | 497,000 | 128,000 | 128,000 | 128,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| F2 | L | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 410,000 | 410,000 | 410,000 | 410,000 | 105,000 | 105,000 | 105,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BM | L | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 410,000 | 410,000 | 410,000 | 410,000 | 105,000 | 105,000 | 105,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Zone: S: Successful; M: Moderate; L: Low performing
(2) Zeta Limit: limit associated with an exclusive product of the Naranja X credit card, which allows you to opt for different payment options in installments.
Naranja reviews such credit limits on a daily basis and a credit limit may be automatically increased for eligible cardholders meeting certain requirements, including payment history. In addition, Naranja reviews cardholders’ applications for increases in the monthly limit and may, in its sole discretion, increase such limits based on the individual customer’s payment history and total income level.
Credit cards are extended to clients active in a wide range of business sectors. As such, Naranja maintains a diversified portfolio of risk exposure based on economic fluctuations.
Naranja Digital - Loan granting procedure
The client can apply for a loan through the Naranja X application. The requirements to be able to access the loan are the following:
•To be a holder of a risk product in the financial system (e.g. derivatives, insurance products, credit products, commodity products or foreign exchange products)..
•Not to be in default in risk products in the financial system.
•Not to have a payment plan.
•To have the account up to date.
•Last situation reported by BCRA = 1.
•Seniority in risk products greater than 3 months.
The determination of the offer is made on the basis of the customer's estimated income, internal and external indebtedness and the customer's risk level.
Naranja Digital - Calculation of pre-approved amounts
The calculation of the amount to be granted depends on several variables that influence its determination:
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•Income: the estimated income for each client. Currently, an income estimator model calculated in-house by the advanced analytics team is used.
•RCI: Fee-to-income ratio calculated as a percentage. The quota is considered net of the commitment in the financial system.
•Term: Maximum term a client can access.
•Cap: Maximum amount of income that can be accessed by each client, by risk level.
•Rate: Annual Nominal Rate (TNA) determined for the loan. In the calculation, it serves as a factor for updating installments.
•Risk: Segmentation variable. Behavior score is used.
Once the income and the corresponding RCI for each client have been established, the value of the installment is calculated, which arises from making INCOME x RCI. With this value, the present value of the installments determined by the assigned term is calculated.
Where:
•V0 = value of the pre-approved loan (unknown in our formula)
•C = Theoretical loan installment
•n = Loan term (months)
•i = (Loan TNA + IVA)/12
Naranja Digital - New clients:
•Income: the estimated income for each client. Currently a combination of the estimated income by bureaus Nosis and PyP is used.
•RCI: Fee-to-income ratio calculated as a percentage. The quota is considered net of the commitment in the financial system.
•Term: Maximum term a client can access.
•Cap: Maximum amount of income that can be accessed by each client, by risk level.
•Rate: Annual Nominal Rate (TNA) determined for the loan. In the calculation, it serves as a factor for updating installments.
•Risk: Segmentation variable. A combination of First Payment Default (FPD) Score and Buró Score (Nosis) is used.
Once the Income and the corresponding RCI for each client have been established, the value of the installment is calculated, which arises from making INCOME x RCI. With this value, the present value of the installments determined by the assigned term is calculated.
Naranja Digital - Renewing clients:
•Previous Fee: fee amount paid by the client in the previous operation.
•Share Percentage: percentage of the fee paid by the client in the previous operation.
•Term: Maximum term a client can access.
•Rate: Annual Nominal Rate (TNA) determined for the loan. In the calculation, it serves as a factor for updating installments.
•Risk: Segmentation variable. A combination of the external and internal credit experience is used.
Once the Previous Fee and the corresponding Share Percentage for each client have been established, the value of the installment is calculated, which arises from making PREVIOUS FEE x SHARE.With this value, the present value of the installments determined by the assigned term is calculated.
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vi) Financial Instruments Classification and Loss Provisions
General
The “Expected Credit Loss” (“ECL”) model applies to financial assets which are valued at both amortized cost and fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The standard establishes three categories to classify financial instruments, primarily taking into account the credit risk evolution over time. Stage 1 includes financial assets with normal or no significant risk associated; Stage 2 includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk has been identified but they are not yet deemed to be credit-impaired, and Stage 3 comprises financial assets which are impaired and/or subject to serious risk of impairment. To calculate the provisions for credit impairment risk, IFRS 9 differentiates among these three stages by applying the following concepts:
•12- Month Expected Credit Losses: Possible events of default within the 12 months following the date of the presentation of financial statements. Assets included in Stage 1 have their ECL measured at 12-month ECL.
•Lifetime Expected Credit Losses: ECL during the active period of the financial asset, which results of calculating the probability of impairment of an asset throughout its duration, up until its maturity. Instruments in Stage 2 or 3 have their ECL measured based on lifetime ECL.
The measurement of ECL in accordance with IFRS 9 should consider forward looking information. To estimate ECL, Grupo Galicia has applied the following definitions and parameters, in accordance with IFRS 9.
Financial Instruments Classification
Grupo Galicia classifies its financial instruments into the following groups: (i) retail loans, (ii) retail-like loans, (iii) wholesale loans and (iv) Naranja X.
Each subsidiary of Grupo Galicia classifies financial instruments subject to impairment under IFRS 9 in stages, as follows:
•Stage 1: With respect to retail portfolios, Stage 1 includes every financial instrument up to 31 days past due. With respect to wholesale portfolios, Stage 1 includes every client whose BCRA situation indicates a normal status (rating A) (i.e. low risk of bankruptcy).
•Stage 2: This stage includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk has been identified. This stage considers two groups:
•For retail and retail like Portfolios between 31 and 90 days past due. For wholesale it considers credit ratings for which the risk of default has increased significantly (rating B).
•Probability of Default or Score with impairment risk.
•Stage 3: For all portfolios, Stage 3 includes every client whose BCRA situation indicates a serious risk of bankruptcy (ratings C, D, E). With respect to retail portfolios, Stage 3 also includes financial instruments that are 90 or more days past due. Furthermore, this stage also includes refinanced transactions originated more than 90 days past due or with another transaction in force within the last 24 months.
See the BCRA Classification, on —“Argentine Banking Regulation”—“Loan Classification System”.
Definition of Default
A financial instrument is considered to be in default whenever payment is more than 90 days past due, or if Grupo Galicia believes that the amount due will not be repaid in full. The credit analysis for wholesale loans is not the same as for retail loans, Grupo Galicia’s definition of default for wholesale portfolios is based on a credit analysis of the individual borrower. The definition of default is applied consistently to produce models for the Probability of Default, Exposure at Default and Loss Given Default in Grupo Galicia’s expected loss calculations:
•Probability of Default (“PD”): This is the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on its financial obligation, either over the next 12 months or during the remaining term of the obligation.
•Exposure at Default: This is based on the amounts Grupo Galicia expects to be owed at the time of default, either over the next 12 months or over the remaining term. For example, for a revolving
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commitment, Grupo Galicia includes the current draw down balance plus any further amount that it is expected to be drawn up to the current contractual limit by the potential time of default.
•Loss Given Default: This represents Grupo Galicia’s expectation of effective loss from the total exposure at default. Its value changes according to the counterparty, seniority of the claim and availability of collateral or other credit support. Loss Given Default is expressed as a percentage loss per Peso of exposure at the time of default and is calculated over the term of the relevant obligation.
A financial instrument is no longer considered to be in default when it does not meet any of the above-mentioned default criteria.
Methodology for Expected Credit Loss Estimation
ECL impairment allowances recognized in the financial statements reflect the effect of a variety of possible economic outcomes (as described below) and calculated on a probability-weighted basis. ECL measurement involves the application of judgment and estimates. It is necessary to formulate multiple forward-looking economic forecasts and incorporate them into the ECL estimates. Grupo Galicia uses a standard framework to form economic scenarios to reflect assumptions about future economic conditions, supplemented with the use of management judgment, which may result in using alternative or additional economic scenarios and/or management adjustments.
IFRS 9 establishes the following standards regarding ECL:
•An unbiased weighted probability index, determined by the evaluation of different outcomes.
•Time value of money.
•Reasonable and sustainable information available at no additional cost or effort that provides evidence to support forecasts, as well as present conditions and past events.
Grupo Galicia developed a forward-looking methodology to evaluate the impact of different future macroeconomic scenarios on the credit risk of the financial assets. Grupo Galicia prepared three outcomes with varying probabilities in accordance with IFRS: (i) a base scenario with a 70% probability of occurrence, (ii) a pessimistic scenario with a 15% probability of occurrence and (iii) an optimistic scenario with a 15% probability of occurrence
In order to take the time value of money into account, Grupo Galicia assumes expected losses will take place proportionally over time. The ECL is determined by calculating the Probability of Default, Exposure at Default and the Loss Given Default for each future month for each collective segment. These three components are multiplied and adjusted, as applicable, to take into account any forward-looking information, thus calculating ECL for each month on a forward-looking basis, which is then discounted back to the reporting date and summed. The discount rate used in the ECL calculation is the original effective interest rate (or its estimation).
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vii) Credit Risk Exposure of Financial Instruments
The following table sets forth the credit risk exposure of financial instruments for which an ECL allowance is recognized.
| Retail Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| 0 | 762,818 | 203,340 | 8,598 | 974,756 | ||||||||||
| 1-30 | 13,117 | 11,395 | 1,471 | 25,983 | ||||||||||
| 31-60 | — | 8,057 | 1,114 | 9,171 | ||||||||||
| 61-90 | — | 5,450 | 2,393 | 7,843 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 39,012 | 39,012 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 775,935 | 228,242 | 52,588 | 1,056,765 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (15,102) | (15,307) | (41,024) | (71,433) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 760,833 | 212,935 | 11,564 | 985,332 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 3.69 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 183.11 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 6.76 | % | ||||||||||||
| Retail Like Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| 0 | 550,175 | 99,560 | 3,073 | 652,808 | ||||||||||
| 1-30 | 4,844 | 4,451 | 803 | 10,098 | ||||||||||
| 31-60 | 645 | 1,914 | 416 | 2,975 | ||||||||||
| 61-90 | 27 | 1,458 | 530 | 2,015 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 11,285 | 11,285 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 555,691 | 107,383 | 16,107 | 679,181 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (2,680) | (2,333) | (8,502) | (13,515) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 553,011 | 105,050 | 7,605 | 665,666 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 1.66 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 119.76 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 1.99 | % | ||||||||||||
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| Wholesale Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| A | 4,056,209 | 75,310 | — | 4,131,519 | ||||||||||
| B1 | — | 2,224 | 9 | 2,233 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 1,361 | 1,361 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 4,056,209 | 77,534 | 1,370 | 4,135,113 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (7,653) | (2,136) | (964) | (10,753) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 4,048,556 | 75,398 | 406 | 4,124,360 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 790.08 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 0.26 | % | ||||||||||||
| Naranja X | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| 0 | 868,301 | 5,007 | — | 873,308 | ||||||||||
| 1-30 | 36,934 | 1,430 | — | 38,364 | ||||||||||
| 31-60 | — | 12,352 | — | 12,352 | ||||||||||
| 61-90 | — | 5,094 | — | 5,094 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 18,306 | 18,306 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 905,235 | 23,883 | 18,306 | 947,424 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (25,016) | (6,167) | (11,417) | (42,600) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 880,219 | 17,716 | 6,889 | 904,824 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 1.93 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 232.71 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 4.50 | % | ||||||||||||
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| Retail Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
12/31/2022 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1,053,027 | 151,046 | 8,641 | 1,212,714 | ||||||||||
| 1-30 | 21,508 | 12,429 | 1,857 | 35,794 | ||||||||||
| 31-60 | — | 11,131 | 1,505 | 12,636 | ||||||||||
| 61-90 | — | 10,613 | 3,517 | 14,130 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 50,675 | 50,675 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 1,074,535 | 185,219 | 66,195 | 1,325,949 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (42,974) | (32,540) | (55,006) | (130,520) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 1,031,561 | 152,679 | 11,189 | 1,195,429 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 3.82 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 257.56 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 9.84 | % | ||||||||||||
| Retail Like Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
12/31/2022 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| 0 | 888,235 | 42,950 | 3,087 | 934,272 | ||||||||||
| 1-30 | 10,127 | 2,382 | 1,045 | 13,554 | ||||||||||
| 31-60 | — | 3,067 | 557 | 3,624 | ||||||||||
| 61-90 | — | 969 | 1,003 | 1,972 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 8,002 | 8,002 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 898,362 | 49,368 | 13,694 | 961,424 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (13,889) | (2,659) | (8,591) | (25,139) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 884,473 | 46,709 | 5,103 | 936,285 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 0.83 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 314.16 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 2.61 | % | ||||||||||||
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| Wholesale Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
12/31/2022 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| A | 2,815,090 | 15,612 | — | 2,830,702 | ||||||||||
| B1 | — | 2,992 | — | 2,992 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 1,268 | 1,268 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 2,815,090 | 18,604 | 1,268 | 2,834,962 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (8,754) | (1,328) | (845) | (10,927) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 2,806,336 | 17,276 | 423 | 2,824,035 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 0.04 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 861.75 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 0.39 | % | ||||||||||||
| Naranja X | ||||||||||||||
12/31/2022 | ||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | |||||||||||
| Days past due | ||||||||||||||
| 0 | 945,781 | 6,215 | 1,503 | 953,499 | ||||||||||
| 1-30 | 57,595 | 2,512 | 433 | 60,540 | ||||||||||
| 31-60 | — | 20,811 | 451 | 21,262 | ||||||||||
| 61-90 | — | 8,783 | 355 | 9,138 | ||||||||||
| Default | — | — | 25,786 | 25,786 | ||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | 1,003,376 | 38,321 | 28,528 | 1,070,225 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowance | (24,520) | (10,268) | (16,496) | (51,284) | ||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | 978,856 | 28,053 | 12,032 | 1,018,941 | ||||||||||
| Credit Quality | ||||||||||||||
| Default as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio | 2.41 | % | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Default | 198.88 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio | 4.79 | % | ||||||||||||
Under BCRA rules, we are required to cease the accrual of interest or to establish provisions equal to 100% of the interest earned on all loans pertaining to the non-accrual loan portfolio, meaning, all loans to borrowers in Stage 3.
The table below shows the interest income that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans on which the accrual of interest was discontinued and the recoveries of interest on loans classified as non-accrual on which the accrual of interest had been discontinued:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Interest Income that Would Have Been Recorded on Non-Accrual Loans on which the Accrual of Interest was Discontinued | 9,985 | 12,730 | 14,504 | ||||||||
| Recoveries of Interest on Loans Classified as Non-Accrual on which the Accrual of Interest had been Discontinued (1) | 519 | 750 | 728 | ||||||||
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____________________
(1)Recorded under “Other operating income”.
viii) Loss Experience
The following tables present the changes in the loss allowance between December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023, and the changes in the loss allowance between December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2022.
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | |||||||||||
Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | 90,138 | 46,795 | 80,937 | 217,870 | ||||||||||
| Inflation effect | (74,373) | (42,467) | (85,599) | (202,439) | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | (2,691) | 2,691 | — | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | (1,455) | — | 1,455 | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | 2,472 | (2,910) | 438 | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | 1,203 | (2,620) | 1,417 | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | — | 977 | (977) | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | 1,278 | — | (1,278) | — | ||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | 39,121 | 22,482 | 78,933 | 140,536 | ||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | 12,216 | 6,558 | 11,837 | 30,611 | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | (3,712) | 6,335 | 11,099 | 13,722 | ||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | (13,746) | (11,898) | (36,355) | (61,999) | ||||||||||
Loss allowance as of December 31, 2023 | 50,451 | 25,943 | 61,907 | 138,301 | ||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | |||||||||||
Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | 80,349 | 78,589 | 129,797 | 288,735 | ||||||||||
| Inflation effect | (49,950) | (39,942) | (65,448) | (155,340) | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | (1,952) | 1,952 | — | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | (1,492) | — | 1,492 | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | 4,398 | (4,398) | — | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | — | (2,527) | 2,527 | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | — | 1,927 | (1,927) | — | ||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | 2,953 | — | (2,953) | — | ||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | 70,393 | 41,450 | 57,205 | 169,048 | ||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | (222) | 3,384 | (5,780) | (2,618) | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | (1,080) | (17,182) | 6,368 | (11,894) | ||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | (13,259) | (16,458) | (40,344) | (70,061) | ||||||||||
Loss allowance as of December 31, 2022 | 90,138 | 46,795 | 80,937 | 217,870 | ||||||||||
ix) Deposits
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The following table sets out the composition of our deposits as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
| As of December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | ||||||||
| Deposits in pesos | ||||||||
| Checking Accounts | 662,301 | 917,873 | ||||||
| Savings Accounts | 1,781,911 | 1,744,932 | ||||||
| Time Deposits | 975,441 | 2,454,590 | ||||||
| Time Deposits UVA | 42,923 | 116,366 | ||||||
Other Deposits (1) | 305,058 | 126,619 | ||||||
| Plus: Accrued Interest, Quotation Differences Adjustment | 144,046 | 139,546 | ||||||
| Total Deposits in pesos | 3,911,680 | 5,499,926 | ||||||
| Deposits in foreign currency | ||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 1,592,790 | 966,321 | ||||||
| Time Deposits | 185,018 | 182,176 | ||||||
Other Deposits (1) | 17,885 | 21,544 | ||||||
| Plus: Accrued Interest, Quotation Differences Adjustment | 407 | 315 | ||||||
| Total Deposits in foreign currency | 1,796,100 | 1,170,356 | ||||||
| Total Deposits | 5,707,780 | 6,670,282 | ||||||
(1)Includes other deposits originated by Decree No.616/05, reprogrammed deposits under judicial proceedings and other demand deposits.
As of December 31, 2023, our consolidated deposits decreased 14% as compared to December 31 2022, mainly as a result of a Ps.1,479,149 million decrease in peso denominated time deposits, offset by an increase of a Ps.626,469 million in foreign currency saving accounts. These increases were mainly due to deposits received by Banco Galicia.
The following table shows the amount of uninsured deposits as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
| As of December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | ||||||||
Uninsured Deposits | 4,339,386 | 4,897,847 | ||||||
For more information, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” – A.“Operating Results”- “Funding”.
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The following table provides a breakdown of our consolidated deposits by contractual term and currency of denomination as of December 31, 2023.
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Within 3 Months | After 3 Months but Within 3 Months | After 6 Months but Within 12 Months | 1 year | After 1 but Within 5 years | Total | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits in pesos | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 1,765,629 | — | — | 1,765,629 | — | 1,765,629 | ||||||||||||||
| Checking Accounts | 965,211 | — | — | 965,211 | — | 965,211 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 968,093 | 3,078 | 2,094 | 973,265 | 2 | 973,267 | ||||||||||||||
| Total deposits in pesos | 3,698,933 | 3,078 | 2,094 | 3,704,105 | 2 | 3,704,107 | ||||||||||||||
| Deposits in pesos + UVA adjustment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 18,431 | — | — | 18,431 | — | 18,431 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 41,703 | 3,128 | 281 | 45,112 | 4 | 45,116 | ||||||||||||||
| Total deposits in pesos + UVA adjustment | 60,134 | 3,128 | 281 | 63,543 | 4 | 63,547 | ||||||||||||||
| Deposits in foreign currency | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 1,144,105 | — | — | 1,144,105 | — | 1,144,105 | ||||||||||||||
| Checking Accounts | 466,570 | — | — | 466,570 | — | 466,570 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 153,556 | 15,217 | 16,245 | 185,018 | — | 185,018 | ||||||||||||||
| Total deposits in foreign currency | 1,764,231 | 15,217 | 16,245 | 1,795,693 | — | 1,795,693 | ||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | 5,523,298 | 21,423 | 18,620 | 5,563,341 | 6 | 5,563,347 | ||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 2,928,165 | — | — | 2,928,165 | — | 2,928,165 | ||||||||||||||
| Checking Accounts | 1,431,781 | — | — | 1,431,781 | — | 1,431,781 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 1,163,352 | 21,423 | 18,620 | 1,203,395 | 6 | 1,203,401 | ||||||||||||||
____________________
(1)Only principal. Includes the UVA adjustment.
The chart above shows that the highest concentration of maturities for time deposits was in the period of up to 89 days, representing 98.6% of total time deposits. As of December 31, 2023, the average term for the raising of non-adjusted Peso-denominated time deposits was 32 days, for UVA-adjusted deposits the average term was 96 days and for those in foreign currency the term was about 54 days. Foreign currency-denominated deposits, equal to Ps.1,795,693 million, represented 32.3% of total deposits.
x) Regulatory Capital
Grupo Financiero Galicia
Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries are regulated by the General Corporations Law. Section 186 of the General Corporations Law establishes the minimum capital amount of a corporation at Ps.100,000.
Grupo Financiero Galicia’s capital adequacy is not regulated by the BCRA, however Grupo Financiero Galicia is required to comply with the minimum capital requirement established by the General Corporations Law. On October 8, 2012, through Decree No.1331/12, such amount was established as Ps.100,000. As of 29 February 2024, by Decree 209/2024, a new amount of Ps.30,000,000 (thirty billion) was established.
Banco Galicia
With respect to regulatory capital, Banco Galicia must comply with the regulations set forth by the BCRA. These regulations are based on the Basel Committee methodology, which provides the minimum capital requirements for financial institutions to cover the different risks inherent to its business activity and assets, such as credit risk (generated both by exposure to the private sector and to the public sector); operational risk (generated by the losses resulting from the
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non-adjustment or failures of internal processes); and market risk (generated by positions in securities and in foreign currency).
Computable capital is divided as follows:
•Computable regulatory capital is divided into Basic Shareholders’ Equity (Tier I Capital) and Supplementary Shareholders’ Equity (Tier II Capital). Deductible items generally fall within Basic Shareholders’ Equity.
•Intangible assets and deferred tax asset credit balances should be deducted from the calculation of computable capital.
•Results for a given period are part of Basic Shareholders’ Equity (Income: 100% of audited results, 50% of unaudited results; Losses: 100%).
•Supplementary Shareholders’ Equity includes 100% of the portfolio allowance in normal situation (up to the limit of 1.25%) and for subordinated notes, with respect to which, as from each of the last five years of each issuance term, the computable amount shall be reduced by 20% of the face value issued.
The following percentages apply in determining minimum capital requirements:
•Loans in Pesos to the Non-financial Public Sector: 0%.
•Property, Plant and Equipment and Miscellaneous Assets: 8%.
•Family Mortgage Loans: 35% over 8%, if the amount does not exceed 75% of the asset value.
•Retail Portfolio: 75% over 8%.
The following table sets forth the capital required pursuant to the BCRA regulations in force for each period indicated below.
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | ||||||||
| Minimum capital required (A) | ||||||||
| Allocated to Credit Risk | 288,667 | 109,408 | ||||||
| Allocated to Market Risk | 52,838 | 6,642 | ||||||
| Allocated to Operational Risk | 112,506 | 36,744 | ||||||
| Total minimum capital required (A) | 454,011 | 152,794 | ||||||
| Computable Capital (B) | ||||||||
| Tier I | 1,295,436 | 442,495 | ||||||
| Tier II | 80,848 | 36,139 | ||||||
| Total computable capital (B) | 1,376,284 | 478,634 | ||||||
| Excess over Required Capital (B)-(A) | 922,273 | 325,840 | ||||||
| Risk assets | 5,561,837 | 1,870,089 | ||||||
| Ratios (%) | ||||||||
| Equity / Total assets | 19.07 | 17.05 | ||||||
| Excess / Minimum capital required | 203.1 | 213.3 | ||||||
Total Capital Ratio(1) | 24.75 | 25.59 | ||||||
| Tier I Capital Ratio | 23.29 | 23.66 | ||||||
____________________
(1)Total computable capital / risk weighted assets credit, market and operational risks.
As of December 31, 2023, the Bank’s computable capital amounted to Ps.1,376,284 million, which was PS.922,272 million (203%) higher than the Ps.454,011 million minimum capital requirement. As of December 31, 2022, this excess amounted to Ps.325,840 million which was 213% higher than the minimum capital requirement.
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As of December 31, 2023, the minimum capital requirement increased by Ps.183,503 million as compared to December 31, 2022, mainly due to the increase in regulatory requirements on risk weighted assets. Computable capital increased by Ps.897,650 million as of December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022, primarily as consequence of the results generated during the quarter and to an increase of the accounting shareholders’ equity as a result of the inflation adjustment. Banco Galicia's total capital ratio was 24.75%, decreasing 85 bps as of December 31, 2023 as compared to 25.59% as of December 31, 2022.
Naranja X
Except for Naranja Digital, the companies comprising Naranja X are not financial institutions, thus, their capital adequacy is not regulated by the BCRA and they have to comply with the minimum capital requirement established by the Corporations Law, which was Ps.30,000,000.
Naranja Digital is a financial institution class “C” and, based on that condition, is regulated by the BCRA and has to comply with the minimum capital requirement establish by the BCRA. Such regime, based on the Basel Committee methodology, establishes the minimum capital that a financial entity must maintain to cover the different risks inherent to its activity that are incorporated in its assets, mainly: credit risk, operational risk generated by the losses resulting from the lack of adequacy or failures in the internal processes and the market risk, generated by the positions in securities and in foreign currency.
Minimum Capital Requirements of Insurance Companies
The insurance companies controlled by Sudamericana must meet the minimum capital requirements set by General Resolution No.39,957 of the National Insurance Superintendency. This resolution requires insurance companies to maintain a minimum capital level equivalent to the highest of the amounts calculated as follows:
(a)By line of insurance: this method establishes a fixed amount by line of insurance.
•For vehicle insurance: Ps.217.7 million.
•For motorcycle insurance: Ps.130.1 million.
•Joint operation for vehicles and motorcycles insurance: Ps.260.9 million.
•Civil liability for public transportation vehicles / labor insurance / retirement insurance: Ps.217.7 million.
•Civil and air navigation liability insurance / warranty and credit default insurances /general damage insurance / personal insurances including life insurance (individual and joint policies, which do not require a technical reserve), burial insurance, personal accident insurance, health insurance: Ps.65 million.
•Environmental insurance: Ps.43.5 million.
•Joint operation of vehicles and motorcycles insurance, civil and air navigation liability insurances, warranty and credit default insurance and damage insurance: Ps.325.35 million.
•Burial insurance: Ps.32.5 million.
•Life insurance, individual and collective, which requires a technical reserve: Ps.65.8million.
•Joint operation of personal and life insurance which prevents or not the constitution of mathematical reserves, burial, personal accidents and health Ps.130.1 million.
As of October 1, 2021, the defined amounts are adjusted quarterly according to the “Liability Update Rate” capitalized at simple interest on a daily basis.
(b)By premiums and additional fees: to use this method, Sudamericana must calculate the sum of the premiums issued and additional fees earned in the last 12 months. Based on the total, Sudamericana must calculate 16% of such amount. Finally, it must adjust the total by the ratio of net paid claims to gross paid claims for the last 36 months. This ratio must not be lower than minimum capital requirements required for a particular line of insurance as set forth above in (a).
(c)By claims: to use this method, Sudamericana must calculate the sum of gross claims paid during the 36 months prior to the end of the period under analysis. To that amount, it must add the difference between the balance of unpaid claims as of the end of the period under analysis and the balance of unpaid claims as of the
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36th month period prior to the end of the period under analysis. The resulting figure must be divided by three. Then Sudamericana must calculate 23% of the resulting figure. The resulting figure must then be adjusted by the ratio of net paid claims to gross paid claims for the last 36 months. This ratio must be at least 50%.
(d)For life insurance companies that offer policies with an investment component, the figures obtained in b) and c) must be increased by an amount equal to 4% of the technical reserves adjusted by the ratio of net technical reserves to gross technical reserves (at least 85%), plus 0.3% of at-risk capital adjusted by the ratio of retained at-risk capital to total at-risk capital (at least 50%).
The minimum required capital must then be compared to computable capital, defined as shareholders’ equity less non-computable assets. Non-computable assets consist mainly of deferred charges, pending capital contributions, proposed distributions and excess investments in authorized instruments.
As of December 31, 2023, the computable capital of the companies controlled by Sudamericana exceeded the minimum requirement of Ps.17,901 million by Ps.33,194 million.
Sudamericana also owns Galicia Broker, a company dedicated to brokerage in different lines of insurance that is regulated by the guidelines of the Corporations Law, which provided for a minimum capital requirement of Ps.100,000.
B.5 Government Regulation
i) General
All companies operating in Argentina must be registered with the applicable Public Registry of Commerce. In addition, any company with publicly issued equity or debt securities is subject to the rules of the CNV. Further, financial entities, such as Banco Galicia, are subject to BCRA regulations. As public issuers of securities in Argentina, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia must comply with the disclosure, reporting, governance and other rules applicable to such companies in the markets in which they are listed and those of regulators in the countries in which they are listed, including the Capital Markets Law (as amended by Law No. 27,440, among others), Law No.20,643, the Decrees No.659/1974 and No.2220/1980 (as amended by Decree No. 572/1996, among others), and CNV’s Rules (General Resolution No. 622/2013, as amended and/or supplemented, the “CNV Rules”).
In their capacity as public issuers of securities, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia are subject to the aforementioned rules. Since Grupo Financiero Galicia has publicly listed American Depository Shares (or “ADSs”) in the United States, it is also subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) for foreign private issuers and to the provisions applicable to foreign private issuers under the Sarbanes Oxley Act. See Item 9. “The Offer and Listing”.
Banco Galicia’s operating subsidiaries are also subject to the following laws: Law No.27,442 (the Competition Defense Law or, in Spanish “Ley de Defensa de la Competencia”), Decree No. 274/2019 that repeals the Fair Business Practice Law No. 22,802 and the Consumer Protection Law No. 24,240, as amended (or, in Spanish “Ley de Protección del Consumidor”).
As a financial service holding company, we do not have a specific institution that regulates our activities. Our banking and insurance subsidiaries are regulated by different regulatory entities. The BCRA is the main regulatory and supervising entity for Banco Galicia.
The banking industry is highly regulated in Argentina. Banking activities in Argentina are regulated by Law No.21,526, as amended (the “FIL”), which places the supervision and control of the Argentine banking system in the hands of the BCRA. The BCRA regulates all aspects of financial activity. See “Argentine Banking Regulation” below.
Banco Galicia and our insurance subsidiaries are subject to Law No.25,246 which was passed on April 13, 2000 (as amended, among others, by Laws No.26,087, 26,119, 26,683, 26,734, 26,831, 26,860, 27,446 and 27.739 collectively, the "Anti-Money Laundering Law"), which provides for an anti-money laundering framework in Argentina, including Laws No.26,268 and 27,304, which amend Law No.25,246 to include activities associated with terrorism and Law No. 27,401, which provides for the criminal liability of corporate entities upon their direct or indirect execution of prohibited activities. Furthermore, the Anti-Money Laundering Law created the Financial Information Unit (Unidad de Información Financiera), which established an administrative criminal system, compliance monitoring and the ability to impose sanctions.
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Sudamericana’s insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the National Insurance Superintendency and Laws No.17,418, as amended and modified by Law No.20,091. Galicia Broker is regulated by the National Insurance Superintendency, through Law No.22,400, as amended.
Naranja and the credit card activities of Banco Galicia are regulated by the Credit Card Law No. 25,065, as amended. Both the BCRA and the Secretary of Domestic Trade (Secretaría de Comercio) have issued regulations to, among other things, enforce public disclosure of companies’ pricing (fees, interest rates, and advertising) in order to ensure consumer awareness of such pricing. See “Credit Cards Regulation”.
On January 6, 2002, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.25,561 (as amended and supplemented, the “Public Emergency Law” or in Spanish “Ley de Emergencia Pública”), which, together with various decrees and BCRA rules, provided for the principal measures intended to manage the 2001-2002 financial crisis, including the introduction of the so called "Asymmetric Pesification" (Pesificacion Asimetrica) measure, and the elimination of the requirement that the BCRA’s reserves in gold, foreign currency and foreign currency denominated debt be at all times equal to 100% of the monetary base, among others. The Public Emergency Law, which has been extended year after year and was in force until December 31, 2017, granted the Government the power to fix the exchange rate of the peso against foreign currencies and to issue regulations relating to the foreign exchange market. The Argentine Government did not extend the term of the Public Emergency Law following December 31, 2017. However, on December 14, 2016, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,345, which extended the state of emergency on social matters until December 31, 2019. Additionally, on December 1st,2022, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,701, which extends the state of national nutrition emergency, first declared by Decree No. 108/2022, until December 31, 2025, whereby the Government must ensure the nutrition of its population with state funds.
On December 23, 2019, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.27,541 (the “Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law” or, in Spanish “Ley de Solidaridad Social y Reactivación Productiva”), which declared yet again a public emergency in relation to certain economic, financial, fiscal, administrative and social matters, among others. The goal of this law is to manage Argentina’s public debt and public spending in a sustainable manner.
On April 7, 2021, the Argentine Executive Branch issued Decree No. 234/2021, which established a new export investment promotion regime (the "Promotion Regime"), aimed, among other things, at increasing the export of goods by promoting the export of goods and services and sustainable economic development. The Promotion Regime contemplates investment in new productive projects in, among others, the forestry, mining, hydrocarbons, manufacturing, agribusiness and oil and gas sectors, as well as the expansion of existing business units that require investment.
Finally, by means of Decree of Necessity and Urgency No. 70/2023, the Argentine Executive Branch established the public emergency state in economic, financial, fiscal, administrative, pension, public service charges, health, and social matters until December 31, 2025.
ii) Foreign Exchange Market
In January 2002, through the Public Emergency Law, Argentina declared a public emergency situation in respect of its social, economic, administrative, financial, and foreign exchange matters and authorized the Argentine Executive Branch to establish a system to determine the foreign exchange rate between the Argentine Peso and foreign currencies and to issue foreign exchange-related rules and regulations.
Within this context, on February 8, 2002, through Decree No. 260/2002, as amended by Decree No. 27/2018, the Argentine Executive Branch established (i) a single and free-floating foreign exchange market (a “MULC”, or “Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios”) through which all foreign exchange transactions in a foreign currency must be conducted, and (ii) that foreign exchange transactions in a foreign currency must be conducted at the foreign exchange rate to be freely agreed upon among the contracting parties, subject to the requirements and regulations imposed by the BCRA.
On June 9, 2005, through Decree No.616/2005, the Argentine Executive Branch mandated that inflows of funds into the MULC arising from foreign debt incurred by residents (subject to certain exceptions) and all inflows of funds of non-residents channeled through the MULC for certain concepts were required to be credited into a local account and maintained for a “Minimum Stay Period”, requiring a mandatory deposit equal to 30% of the amount of the transaction for a period of 365 calendar days. Such requirements were eliminated by the former administration.
In February 2017, the former Ministry of Economy and Public Finance issued Resolution No. 1/2017, which reduced the “Minimum Stay Period” described above to zero days. As of July 1, 2017, with the issuance of Communication
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“A” 6244, the foreign exchange rules and regulations described above were reversed. In the same sense, the Government issued Decree 27/2018 by which it modified the denomination of the official foreign exchange market, from “MULC”, or “Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios” to “MLC” or “Mercado Libre de Cambios”.
On September 1, 2019, the Government issued Decree No. 609/19 (as later amended by Decree No. 91/19 on December 28, 2019), setting forth certain controls and restrictions on the acquisition, sale, and transfer of foreign currency, applicable to both individual persons and legal entities in Argentina. This decree also enabled the BCRA to establish, through regulations, the necessary measures to avoid “practices and operations aimed at avoiding, through public titles or other instruments” the restrictions set forth by the decree. In furtherance of such decree, since its date of implementation the BCRA has adopted a series of measures that regulate the MLC, which are all included in the Amended and Restated Text on Foreign Exchange (the “FX Regulatory Framework”). Within the Amended and Restated Text on Foreign Exchange the “MC” or “Mercado Libre de Cambios” is now referred to as “Mercado de Cambios” or “MC” (hereinafter, indistinctly the “MC”, the "MLC", the "FX Market", or the “Mercado de Cambios”).
Inflow of Funds:
Export of goods, provision of services, and sales of non-financial, non-locally produced assets: Funds entering into Argentina from (i) the export of Argentine goods, (ii) the provisions of services to a non-resident by a resident and (iii) payments received in foreign currency from the sale to a non-resident of non-financial, non-locally produced assets are required to be entered through the FX Market, converted into Pesos, and deposited into a local bank account, all within specifically prescribed periods.
Payments received from outstanding loans, payment of amounts earned from term deposits or payments received from the sale of any type of asset that is granted, set up or acquired after May 28, 2020: Furthermore, by means of Communication “A” 7030 (as amended), the BCRA set forth that, in order to grant their clients access to the FX Market, financial entities must first request from such clients an affidavit stating, among others, that such client will agree to transfer into Argentina and convert into local currency through the FX Market within five business days, any funds received abroad arising from payments received from outstanding loans, payments of amounts earned from term deposits held outside of Argentina or payments received from the sale of any type of asset (e.g. shares, securities, goods, etc.) outside of Argentina in case such loans, deposits or assets were granted, set up or acquired after May 28, 2020.
Offshore financial indebtedness: Regarding offshore financial debts, the Argentine borrower receiving the foreign funds must convert such funds into Argentine Pesos in order to be able to access the FX Market in the future for the payment of principal and interest when due.
Outflow of Funds:
The FX Regulatory Framework establishes certain limitations and regulations on the ability to access to the FX Market using the official foreign exchange rate for the import of goods, payment for offshore services, payment of dividends and earnings, repayment of loans, etc. The necessary requirements will depend on each particular transaction. BCRA's prior authorization will be required when the necessary applicable requirements are not met. The ability to access the FX Market for cross-border payments will depend on the terms and conditions established by the BCRA at the time of the execution of each specific transaction. Currently, both general requirements, as well as specific ones that depend on the nature of the transaction, need to be complied with.
As a general rule, in order to grant their clients access to the FX Market to perform cross-border payments, financial institutions must request their clients to provide an affidavit stating compliance with the provisions and requirements of the FX Regulatory Framework. In this context, clients must submit the following affidavits pursuant to the terms of Section 3.16 of the Amended and Restated Text on Foreign Exchange (the “Affidavits”):
(a) Affidavit of Foreign Assets: By means of this affidavit, the corresponding client must state that, on the day it is requesting access to the FX Market (i.e. on the day a given payment is to be executed), all of its foreign currency holdings in Argentina are deposited in accounts held in local financial institutions, and it does not hold any “available liquid foreign assets” (including Argentine certificates of deposit representing foreign shares, known as “CEDEARs”) in an amount in excess of US$100,000. In the event that the client holds available liquid foreign assets in an amount in excess of the threshold referred to above, it will have to file an additional affidavit before the bank (through which the corresponding payment is being executed) stating that such amount in excess is subject to any of the exceptions set forth under Section 3.16.2.1. of the Amended and Restated Text on Foreign Exchange (e.g. that the exceeding funds correspond to collections from exports of goods and/or services or
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advances, pre-financing or post-financing of exports of goods granted by non-residents, and that the 5 (five) business day term to convert those funds into Argentine Pesos has not elapsed).
(b) Affidavit of Mandatory Repatriation: By means of this affidavit, the corresponding client must undertake to convert any funds received abroad from the collection of any of the following sources into Argentine Pesos through the FX Market within 5 business days from the date on which any such funds become available: (a) loans; (b) term deposits; or (c) sales of any type of assets (e.g. shares, securities, goods, etc.): provided, that the same same were granted, constituted, or acquired after May 28, 2020.
(c) Affidavit on Securities Transaction: By means of this affidavit, the corresponding client must state that, on the day on which it is requesting to access to the FX Market, and during the previous ninety (90) calendar days, (when referring to securities issued under local legislation) or one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days (when referring to securities issued under foreign legislation), it has not performed any of the following (the "Securities Transactions"): (a) sold securities that were settled in a foreign currency; (b) arranged swaps of securities issued by residents for foreign assets, (c) transferred securities to depository institutions abroad; (d) acquired domestic securities issued by non-residents with payment in pesos; (e) acquired CEDEARS; (f) acquired securities representing private debt issued in a foreign jurisdiction; and (g) delivered local funds or other local assets (except funds in foreign currency deposited in local financial institutions) to any individual or legal entity, whether resident or non-resident, related or not, in order to receive, as prior or subsequent consideration, directly or indirectly, by itself or through a related, controlled or controlling entity, foreign assets, crypto-assets or securities deposited abroad. Furthermore, the client must also undertake not to carry out these operations during the ninety (90) calendar days (when referring to securities issued under Argentinean law) or one hundred eighty (180) calendar days (when referring to securities issued under foreign law) immediately thereafter.
In addition to the above, pursuant to Section 3.16.3.3 of the Amended and Restated Text on Foreign Exchange, as part of the Affidavits, the client must include a list of persons who exercise "direct control" over it and entities that are part of the same economic group, in accordance with Sections 1.2.1.1 and 1.2.2.1 of the “Large Exposures to Credit Risk” standards of the BCRA rules, and state that, on such day and during the one hundred eighty (180) calendar days prior to such day, it has not delivered funds in local currency or other liquid local assets to said controlling entities (except for funds in foreign currency deposited in Argentine financial institutions), except for those funds directly related to usual and customary transactions between Argentine residents for the acquisition of goods and/or services (the "Local Deliveries"). This requirement shall be deemed satisfied if: (a) the client submits an affidavit stating that it has not delivered local assets to any third party (except for funds directly related to usual and customary transactions between Argentine residents for the acquisition of goods and services); (b) all the direct controlling entities and entities forming part of the same economic group submit an affidavit stating that (i) they have not performed Securities Transactions, or (ii) an affidavit stating that they have not executed Local Deliveries, within the relevant timeframes; or (c) the direct controlling entities (and entities forming part of the same economic group) who have received Local Deliveries of the client within the relevant timeframe, submit an affidavit stating that they have not performed Securities Transactions and Local Deliveries, within the relevant timeframes.
Additionally, through Communication “A” 7200, the BCRA created the “Registry on foreign exchange information of exporters and importers of goods”, in which certain import and export companies that are specifically included in the list published under Communication “C” 89476 must be registered as a condition to access the FX Market for the outflow of funds (as of May 1, 2021 onwards).
Import of Goods. The FX Regulatory Framework establishes the possibility for Argentine residents to access the FX Market in order to pay amounts that they owe for the import of goods with customs entry registration on or after December 13, 2023, upon compliance with certain requirements. In summary: (i) all imports of goods for consumption (not temporary or other imports) must have an approved “Import Statistical System” (Sistema Estadístico de Importaciones - SEDI) declaration, whereby they provide information regarding import operations; (ii) financial institutions must register and validate each payment in a separate system managed by the BCRA called “Imports Payments Registration” (Registro de Pagos de Importaciones - REPI), which will review compliance by the local payer of the FX Regulatory Framework; (iii) the applicable payment obligation must be reported to the BCRA through the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime” (Relevamiento de Activos y Pasivos Externos) set forth pursuant to Communication “A” 6401; (iv) the payment must be made after maturity of the commercial payment term (i.e., the invoice maturity date); and (v) compliance with all other general applicable requirements and with the the affidavits set forth in the BCRA’s regulations.
If the above-mentioned conditions are complied with, Argentine financial entities may grant Argentine residents with access to the FX Market for the outflow of funds (i.e., the purchase of foreign currency), in order to make deferred payments of import of goods according to the following schedule:
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•No minimum term for the payment of certain goods that are part of either the petroleum, gas and coal industry, or the electrical energy.
•30 days for the payment of certain pharmaceutical products (or inputs used it their local production) or other goods related to health, for the payment of certain fertilizers or phytosanitary products (or their inputs) and for the payment of basic food basket goods;
•180 days for the payment of finished motor vehicles and certain goods related to the automobile industry.
•25% every 30 days for other goods (i.e., those not included in the above categories). This access scheme is granted as follows: (i) 25% after 30 calendar days; (ii) an additional 25% after 60 calendar days; (iii) an additional 25% after 90 calendar days; and (iv) the remaining 25% after 120 calendar days.
•Freight and insurance can be paid as soon as the importer has the first access to the FX Market according to the goods covered.
All terms must be counted as of the date of customs entry registration. Payments of imports of goods without customs entry registration or before the above-mentioned terms are permitted if the operation falls within a number of exceptional cases stipulated in the regulations.
Offshore Services. Financial entities may grant their clients access to the FX Market for the payment of offshore services provided or accrued as of December 13, 2023, to the extent that certain requirements are met. In summary, such requirements consist of the following: (i) the transaction must be reported, if applicable, in the last presentation of the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime" established under Communication “A” 6401; (ii) the payment must be made after maturity of the commercial term; and (iii) all other applicable general requirements and affidavits described above must be complied with.
If the above-mentioned conditions are complied with, Argentine financial entities may grant Argentine residents with access to the FX Market in order to make the payments of such services according to a time schedule. The terms applicable for the payment of services abroad will depend on the concept code assigned to the service provided:
•No minimum term will apply for the payment of services that are related to passenger transportation, travel, audiovisual services, government services, certain health services, and for withdrawals and/or consumption by residents holding resident cards to pay non-resident suppliers; or applicable to customers holding non-resident cards to pay Argentine suppliers.
•A term of 90 days applies for payment of services related to certain personal, cultural and recreational services (e.g., the foreign currency needed to pay the celebrities who travel to Argentina to perform live shows).
•The general term of 30 days will apply for payment of services that do not fall under the preceding paragraphs.
•A term of 180 days will apply for payment of services rendered by and between related parties.
All terms must be calculated from the date of service provision or accrual. Any payments made before the above-mentioned terms are permitted if the operation falls within a number of exceptional cases stipulated in the regulations.
Commercial Debt Stock prior to December 13, 2023. The access to the FX Market for the payment of imports of goods with customs entry registration or services rendered by non-residents prior to December 13, 2023 is subject to the prior approval of the BCRA, with very few exceptions. In practical terms, the BCRA does not grant concrete possibilities to transfer funds from Argentina for these purposes. The main alternative to make such payments is with the funds obtained from both capital and interest accumulated through the subscription of public bonds referred to as "Bonos para la Reconstrucción de una Argentina Libre" (BOPREAL).
Dividends and Earnings. No authorization from the BCRA is required to carry out foreign exchange transactions to pay dividends and earnings to “non-residents”, provided that the following requirements are met: (i) the dividends and earnings arise from closed and audited financial statements, (ii) the payment is made in accordance with the relevant corporate documents, (iii) the total amount of transfers for this reason made as of January 17, 2020 and onward, does not exceed 30% of the value of new contributions of foreign direct investment in Argentine companies, entered and settled through the MC as of the mentioned date, (iv) access to the FX Market for the payment of dividends cannot occur sooner than 30 calendar days following the settlement of the last contribution (v) the payer submits sufficient documentation that evidences the final capitalization of the contributions, and (vi) the payment obligation is reported to the BCRA through the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.
Offshore Financial Indebtedness. Regarding offshore financial indebtedness, financial entities may only grant access to the FX Market when, in summary: (i) the funds disbursed as of September 1, 2019 entered Argentina through the
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FX Market, were converted into Argentine Pesos, and deposited into local bank accounts; (ii) the transaction is reported to the BCRA through the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime” established under Communication “A” 6401, (iii) the payment is not made to an affiliated offshore company (subject to certain exceptions); (iv) the payment is performed at maturity (i.e. no more than 3 days in advance of the scheduled due date, subject to certain exceptions); and (v) all other applicable general requirements and affidavits are complied with.
Regarding offshore financial indebtedness where the offshore creditor is a related or affiliated entity, prior approval from the BCRA is required to pay any capital and interest on such offshore financial indebtedness. This requirement (i.e. BCRA’s prior approval) is not applicable (and the financing can be repaid on the maturity date, assuming no further relevant regulatory changes) when: (i) the funds disbursed under an intercompany loan entered Argentina and converted into Pesos through the FX Market following October 2, 2020, (ii) the debt has an average life of at least 2 years, and (iii) all other requirements set forth by applicable regulations are complied with.
Collateral trusts. Collateral trusts established by Argentine resident entities with the purpose of guaranteeing principal and interest payments for their obligations have access to the FX Market in order to make such payments, as long as it is verified that the debtor would have also had access to make such payments on its own behalf because of its compliance with the applicable regulations, and that the payment abroad by the collateral trust is the only available option set forth in the transaction documents. Collateral trusts are able to access to the FX Market to either transfer or purchase foreign currency to comply with guarantee deposits of this type of indebtedness, as long as certain requirements are met. However, this possibility is provided up to the equivalent payable amount in the relevant contract or the “value to be paid at the next maturity date of services”.
Investment Instruments. The BCRA‘s prior authorization is required to access the FX Market for the making of foreign investments, including the purchase of foreign currency for portfolio investments (“atesoramiento”) and the purchase of securities, (i) by legal entities, and non-Argentine residents (with certain exceptions -such as multilateral agencies, embassies, etc.-), for any amount; (ii) by individual residents, when the monthly sum of US$200 is exceeded, subject to compliance with certain requirements and affidavit filings; and (iii) for non- resident individual persons (for example, tourists), when the monthly sum of US$100 is exceeded, subject to compliance with certain requirements.
Notwithstanding all of the above described rules, the FX Regulatory Framework sets forth additional provisions that are applicable on a case-by-case basis. This is only a brief summary of applicable regulations.
iii) BCRA Reporting Regime
The BCRA’s reporting regime was established under Communication “A” 6401 and sets forth reporting requirements with respect to debt securities and external liabilities for the financial and private non-financial sector and direct investments of companies in such sector under the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.
The completion and validation of the information corresponding to the foregoing must be done electronically through the AFIP website. Such information, must be reported as follows: (i) at the end of any calendar quarter, by all individuals and legal entities who have outstanding offshore financial indebtedness (or if cancelled during that period, when filing the Foreign assets and liability informative regime); and (ii) in an annual presentation, by those individuals or legal entities for whom the balance of external assets and liabilities at the end of each year reaches or exceeds the equivalent of US$50 million.
iv) Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime
Exchange operations can only be carried out through the entities authorized for such purposes by the BCRA. As such, any exchange operation that does not comply with the provisions of the applicable regulations will be subject to Law No. 19,359, as regulated by Decree 480/95, and BCRA regulations (“Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime”), pursuant to which the following constitute offenses: (i) any foreign exchange transaction not performed before an authorized institution; (ii) the completion of foreign exchange transactions without the applicable authorization; (iii) any misrepresentation related to foreign exchange transactions; (iv) the failure to make accurate representations or to complete the necessary procedures in cases where the actual transactions are different than those declared; (v) any foreign exchange transaction executed without fulfilling the conditions established by applicable regulations, regarding quantity, foreign currency exchange rate, dates, etc.; and (vi) any other omission or act performed in violation of the Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime.
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Violations to the Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime may be subject to fines of up to ten times the amount of the operation in breach and imprisonment in certain instances.
B.6 Argentine Banking Regulation
The following is a summary of certain matters relating to the Argentine banking system, including provisions of Argentine law and regulations applicable to financial entities in Argentina. This summary is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all laws and regulations applicable to financial entities in Argentina.
i) General
Since 1977, banking activities in Argentina have been regulated by the Argentine Financial Institutions Law No. 21,526 (the “FIL”), which places the supervision and control of the Argentine banking system in the hands of the autonomous BCRA, the principal monetary and financial authority in Argentina that operates independently from the Argentine government. The BCRA enforces the FIL and grants authorization to banks to operate in Argentina. The FIL confers numerous powers to the BCRA, including the ability to grant and revoke bank licenses, authorize the establishment of branches of Argentine banks outside of Argentina, approve bank mergers, capital increases and certain transfers of stock, set minimum capital, liquidity and solvency requirements and lending limits, grant certain credit facilities to financial entities in cases of temporary liquidity problems and to promulgate other regulations and to enforce the FIL. The BCRA has vested the Superintendency with most of the BCRA’s supervisory powers. Such entity is responsible for enforcing Argentina’s banking laws, establishing accounting and financial reporting requirements for the banking sector, monitoring and regulating the lending practices of financial entities and establishing rules for participation of financial entities in the FX Market and the issuance of bonds and other securities, among other functions. In this section, unless otherwise stated, references to the BCRA should be understood to be references to the BCRA acting through the Superintendency. FIL grants the BCRA broad access to the accounting systems, books, correspondence, and other documents belonging to banking institutions. The BCRA regulates the supply of credit and monitors the liquidity, and generally supervises the operation, of the Argentine banking system.
Current regulations equally regulate Argentine and foreign-owned banks.
ii) Supervision
As the regulator of the Argentine financial system, the BCRA requires financial entities to submit information on a daily, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual basis. These reports, which include balance sheets and income statements, information relating to reserve funds, use of deposits, portfolio quality (including details on debtors and any established loan loss provisions) and other pertinent information, allow the BCRA to monitor financial entities financial condition and business practices.
The BCRA periodically carries out formal inspections of all banking institutions in order to monitor compliance by banks with legal and regulatory requirements and confirm the accuracy of the information provided to the BCRA. If BCRA rules are breached, it may impose various sanctions depending on the magnitude of the infringement. These sanctions range from warning calls up to the imposition of fines, or even the revocation of the financial institution’s operating license. Moreover, non-compliance with certain rules may result in the obligatory presentation to the BCRA of specific adequacy or regularization plans. The BCRA must approve these plans in order for the financial institution to remain operational.
Financial institutions operating in Argentina have been subject to the supervision of the BCRA on a consolidated basis since 1994. Information regarding “Limitations on Types of Business”, “Capital Adequacy Requirements”, “Lending Limits”, and “Loan Classification System and Loan Loss Provisions” related to a bank’s loan portfolio is calculated on a consolidated basis. However, regulations relating to a bank’s deposits are not based on consolidated information, but on such bank’s deposits in Argentina (for example, liquidity requirements and contributions to the deposit insurance system).
Examination by the BCRA
The BCRA began to rate financial institutions based on the “CAMEL” quality rating system in 1994. Each letter of the CAMEL system corresponds to an area of the operations of each bank being rated, with: “C” standing for capital, “A” for assets, “M” for management, “E” for earnings, and “L” for liquidity. Each factor is evaluated and rated on a scale from one to five, with one being the highest rating an entity can receive. The BCRA modified the supervision system in
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September of 2000. The objectives and basic methodology of the new system, referred to as “CAMELBIG,” do not differ substantially from the CAMEL system. The components were redefined in order to evaluate business risks separately from management risks. The components used to rate the business risks are capital, assets, market, earnings, liquidity, and business. The components to rate management risks are internal control and the quality of management. By combining the individual factors under evaluation, a combined index can be populated that represents the final rating for the financial institution.
In the case of Banco Galicia, a new audit has begun in March 2024.
Regulatory Capital (Minimum Capital Requirements)
Financial entities are subject to the capital adequacy rules of the BCRA, consequently Banco Galicia, as a commercial bank, must maintain a minimum capital amount measured as of each month’s closing. BCRA regulations establish that financial institutions legal capital should be equal to the greater value resulting from the comparison between the applicable basic requirement (corresponding to the type of entity) and the sum of those determined by credit and market risk, as well as operational risk.
The minimum basic capital requirement for a commercial bank located in the City of Buenos Aires, such as Banco Galicia, is a capital reserve of at least Ps.500 million. The minimum capital requirements related to credit risk, which are calculated according to a formula established by the BCRA, are designed to establish the minimum capital necessary to offset the risk that the counterparty does not comply with its obligation in a transaction related to the assets that are being reviewed. The minimum capital requirements related to market risks are designed to offset the eventual losses generated by a change of market rates or of credit quality, which would affect the assets and liabilities of the bank. Such market risk includes (among other risks) liquidity risk and interest rate risk. Operational risk includes the possibility of incurring a failure or deficiency in losses as a result of external events or as a result of a failure or deficiency in internal processes, human error, or internal systems.
In order to verify compliance with the minimum capital requirements, the BCRA considers the computable regulatory capital (“RPC”) of a particular entity (i.e., capital that the entities actually have). Pursuant to the BCRA’s regulations, a bank’s RPC is the sum of the minimum core capital (Tier I capital) and supplementary capital (Tier II capital), minus certain deductible concepts. The BCRA considered Basel III requirements in order to regulate the RPC (and listed the assets included in each Tier as well as the deductible concepts in accordance with such rules).
According to the BCRA’s regulations, any financial entity operating with an RPC under the minimum capital requirements must: (i) pay-in the corresponding amount within the following two months from the month in which it fails to comply with the requirement, or (ii) submit to the Superintendency a regularization and reorganization plan within the following 30 calendar days counted as from the last day of the month in which it fails to comply with the requirement. The Superintendency may appoint a supervisor and impose restrictions on distribution of dividends, among other actions, when non-compliance with the RPC requirements occurs or any warning from the Superintendency is received.
In addition, any financial entity operating under the daily integration of the minimum capital requirement related to market risk (when such failure is caused by the requirements established to guard against interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk or equity price risk), must pay-in the corresponding amount necessary to comply with the requirements and/or reduce its asset position until the applicable requirement is complied with, within a term of ten business days counted from the first failure to comply with the requirements. In case the non-compliance situation remains after such term has elapsed, the entity must submit to the Superintendency a regularization and reorganization plan within the following five days.
iii) Legal Reserve
The BCRA and FIL rules requires that every year banks allocate to a legal reserve a percentage of their net profits established by the BCRA, which currently amounts to 20% of their yearly income. Such reserve may only be used during periods in which such financial institution has incurred losses and has exhausted all other reserves. Distribution of dividends will not be allowed if the legal reserve is not met.
iv) Profit Distribution
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Profit distribution of financial institutions (the concept pursuant to which a payment of dividends is included) must be authorized by the Superintendency. Financial institutions may distribute profits without exceeding the limits set forth in the “Distribution of Profits” rules established by the BCRA. The amount to be distributed must not compromise the entity’s liquidity and solvency. The Superintendency is entitled to intervene to verify the correct application of the procedures and regulations with respect to dividends approved and to be distributed by financial institutions. Nevertheless, as explained above, dividends to be paid in a foreign currency to international investors, may be subject to foreign exchange restrictions.
The BCRA sets rules for the conditions under which financial institutions can make distributions of profits. BCRA regulations require that 20% of a company’s profits, subject to certain adjustments, be allocated to legal reserves. This requirement applies regardless of the company’s ratio of legal reserves to capital stock.
In addition to the foregoing, BCRA regulations regarding profit distributions provide that profits can be distributed so long as a company’s results of operations are positive after deducting required legal reserves, the difference between the carrying amount and the fair market value of public sector assets and/or debt instruments issued by the BCRA not valued at fair market price, and the amounts capitalized for legal proceedings related to deposits and any unrecorded adjustments required by external auditors or the BCRA. Furthermore, companies must also comply with capital adequacy rules, which set forth minimum capital requirements and required regulatory capital.
Effective as of January 2016, all Argentine financial institutions are also required to maintain capital in an additional capital reserve equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets and 3.5% for financial institutions classified as systemically important, which must be comprised of only Tier I Common Capital, net of deductible items. Profit distributions of financial institutions will not be authorized if failing to meet with the required computable regulatory capital set forth above. In certain cases, that margin may be modified by the BCRA, as established in the “Distribution of Profits” rules.
Profits, if any, resulting from the first-time application of IFRS may not be distributed. Any such profits will be allocated to a special reserve recorded under equity, which may only be released for capitalization purposes, or to otherwise offset potential losses.
v) Legal Reserve Requirements for Liquidity Purposes
The deposit amount minus the minimum cash requirement determines the “lending capacity” of a particular deposit.
The BCRA modifies the applicable minimum cash requirement from time to time depending on monetary policy considerations. The BCRA can modify the applicable minimum cash requirement from time to time based on monetary policy considerations, but has not done so recently (i.e., in the past 2 years).
The then-applicable minimum cash requirement is determined on the basis of the average daily balances of the obligations: (i) recorded at the end of each day, during the period prior to their integration for Argentine Pesos; and (ii) at the end of each day during each calendar month, for foreign currency and securities.
The averages will be obtained by dividing the sum of the daily balances by the total amount of days of each month. For days in which no movement is recorded, the balance will be that of the immediately preceding day. Compliance with minimum cash requirements must be made in the same debt currency and/or instrument that corresponds to the requirement (with certain exceptions), and might be completed through, among others, (i) checking accounts, denominated in Pesos, opened by financial entities in the BCRA; (ii) “Minimum Cash Accounts”, denominated in Dollars or other foreign currencies, opened by financial entities in the BCRA; (iii) special guarantee accounts in favor of clearing houses and for coverage of credit cards, vouchers and ATM operations and for transfer settlement of immediate funds; (iv) non-bank financial entities checking accounts opened in commercial banks for the requirement of minimum cash integration; (v) special accounts opened in the BCRA linked for the provision of social security benefits administered by National Social Security Administration (“Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social” or ANSES) and (vi) “sub-accounts 60” which are accounts that contain a minimum amount of cash received from investments in public securities and debt instruments issued by the BCRA, at market value.
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According to the “Minimum Cash” rule of the BCRA (as modified and complemented), the percentages of minimum cash requirements for financial institutions that belong to Group "A", are as follows:
•Demand deposits:
•Peso-denominated checking accounts and savings accounts: 45%.
•Savings accounts denominated in foreign currency: 25%.
•Fixed term deposits:
•Peso-denominated: (i) up to 29 days, 25%; (ii) 30 to 59 days, 14%; (iii) 60 to 89 days, 4%; (iv) 90 days or more, 0%.
•Foreign currency-denominated: (i) up to 29 days, 23%; (ii) 30 to 59 days, 17%; (iii) 60 to 89 days, 11%; (iv) 90 to 179 days, 5%; (v) 180 to 365 days, 2% and (vi) more than 365 days, 0%.
•Fixed term deposits adjusted by UVA/UVI (by remaining maturity):
•(i) up to 29 days, 7%; (ii) from 30 to 59 days, 5%; (iii) from 60 to 89 days, 3%; (iv) 90 days or more, 0%.
As of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia was in compliance with its legal reserve requirements and continued to be in compliance as of the date of this annual report.
vi) Limitations on Types of Business
In accordance with the provisions of the FIL, commercial banks are authorized to carry out all activities and operations which are not strictly prohibited by law or by the BCRA regulations. Permitted activities include the capacity to grant and receive loans; receive deposits from the general public in local and foreign currency; secure its customers’ debts; acquire, place and trade with shares and debt securities in the Argentine over-the-counter market (subject to prior approval of the CNV, if applicable); carry out operations in foreign currencies; act as trustee in financial trusts; and issue credit cards.
Pursuant to the BCRA’s regulations, financial institutions are not allowed to hold more than a 12.5% interest (or more than a specific percentage of the financial institution’s adjusted shareholders’ equity) in the outstanding capital of a company which does not provide services complementary to those offered by financial institutions, as established in the “Complementary services of financial activities” rules. The BCRA determines which services are complementary to those provided by financial institutions. To this date, it has been determined that such services mainly include those offered in connection with stock brokerage, the issuance of credit, debit or similar cards, financial intermediation in leasing and factoring transactions. Since May 5, 2022, financial institutions may not carry out or facilitate transactions with digital assets –including crypto assets and those whose yields are determined based on the variations that they register– which are not authorized by a national regulatory authority or by the BCRA.
Non-banking financial institutions are not allowed to provide certain services and activities, such as opening checking accounts, among other activities.
vii) Capitalization of Debt Instruments
Communication “A” 6304 (as amended) of the BCRA provides that all regulations related to capital increases must be cash contributions. However, the regulation establishes that subject to the prior authorization of the Superintendency, the following instruments are allowed as capital contributions: (i) securities issued by the Argentine government, (ii) debt instruments issued by the BCRA, and (iii) a financial institution’s deposits and other liabilities resulting from its financial brokerage activities, including subordinated obligations. With respect to instruments (i) and (ii), the contributions must be recorded at their market value. It is understood that an instrument has a market value when it is regularly listed on regulated local or foreign stock markets and traded on such markets in such amounts that the liquidation of such instruments does not significantly affect the listing price of such instruments. With respect to clause (iii) above, contributions must be recorded at their market value, as defined in the previous sentence or, in the case of financial institutions that publicly offer their stock, at the price determined by the applicable regulatory authority. If the aforementioned conditions are not met, the instruments in question will not be contributable as capital.
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Deposits and other liabilities resulting from a given financial institution’s financial brokerage activities, including subordinated obligations that are not permitted to be traded in local or foreign regulated secondary markets, will be allowed to be contributed as capital at their accounting value, pursuant to BCRA rules.
viii) Lending Limits
According to the “large exposures to credit risk” and “minimum capital for financial institutions” rules, the total amount of all credit risk exposure values of a financial entity to a single counterparty or, where appropriate, a group of related counterparties, may not exceed at any time the limits established for level capital one (Tier 1) by the BCRA.
In accordance with the BCRA’s regulations, the exposure limit to a counterpart or connected counterpart group of the non-financial private sector will be 15% of the Bank’s level one capital. However, this limit may be increased by 10% for exposures that are secured with preferred guarantees.
The total amount of financial assistance a bank is authorized to provide to a borrower and its affiliates is also limited based on the borrower’s shareholders’ equity. The total amount of financial assistance granted to a borrower and its affiliates shall not be higher than, in the aggregate, 100% of such borrower’s shareholders’ equity, although such limit may be increased an additional 200% of the borrower’s shareholders’ equity if the sum does not exceed 2.5% of the bank’s adjusted shareholders’ equity.
Global exposure to the public sector (national, provincial and municipal public sector) shall not be higher than 75% of an institution’s adjusted shareholders’ equity. Additionally, Section 12 of Communication “A” 3911, as amended, establishes that the average monthly financial assistance to non-financial public sector, in the aggregate, shall not be higher than 35% of the bank’s total assets as of the end of the previous month.
The BCRA also regulates the level of “total financial exposure” a bank has to related parties. A party may be a “related party” by: a) control, when an individual or a legal person directly or indirectly exercises control over the bank or is controlled directly or indirectly by the bank; or b) personal relationship, regarding individuals (including their families and any other entity which they control) who serve as directors, trustees, general managers, or managers with credit attributions.
The BCRA limits the level of total financial exposure that a bank can have outstanding to related parties, depending on the rating granted to each bank by the Superintendency. Banks rated 4 or 5 are prohibited from extending financial assistance to related parties. For banks ranked between 1 and 3, the financial assistance offered to related parties based on a relationship of control and without a guarantee, may not exceed 5% of the bank’s level one capital. The bank may increase this limit to 10% if the financial assistance is secured.
Financial assistance to related parties based on a “personal relationship” has a 5% limit of Level 1 capital of the entity providing the financing (the limit is unique for all cases and includes operations with and without guarantees).
However, a bank may grant additional financial assistance to such related parties up to the following limits:
a)Individual maximum limits for customers over which a bank has control:
•Domestic financial entities:
ü Financial institutions rated 1, 2 or 3, subject to consolidation with the lender and its controller or the borrower:
•If the affiliate is a financial institution rated 1, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 100% of a bank’s TIER 1, and 50% for additional financial assistance
•If the receiving affiliate financial institution is rated 2, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 20% and an additional 105% can be included
•If the affiliate is a financial institution rated 3, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 10%, and additional financial assistance can reach 40%
ü Financial institutions that do not meet the above conditions with the lender or the borrower: 10%
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•Domestic companies with complementary services:
ü Domestic companies with complementary services associated with brokerage activities, financial brokerage in leasing and factoring operations, and temporary acquisition of shares in companies to facilitate their development in order to sell such shares afterwards
•Controlling company rated 1: General assistance 100%
•Controlling company rated 2: General assistance 10% / Additional assistance 90%
ü Domestic companies with complementary services related to the issuance of credit cards, debit cards or other cards:
•Controlling company rated 1: General assistance 100% / Additional assistance 50%
•Controlling company rated 2: General assistance 20% / Additional assistance 105%
•Controlling company rated 3: General assistance 10% / Additional assistance 40%
ü Domestic companies with complementary services, not subject to consolidation with the lender or the borrower: 10%
•Foreign financial entities:
ü Investment grade 10%
ü No Investment grade: Unsecured 5%; with and without warrants10%
•Other counterparties related by control
ü Unsecured 5%; with and without warrants10%
b)Individual maximum limits for customers over which there is a personal relationship
•Lender is ranked from 1 to 3: 5% of its TIER 1
In addition, the aggregate amount of a bank’s total financial exposure to its related parties, except for the ones subject to individual maximum limits higher than 10% (complementary services companies), may not exceed 20% of such bank’s TIER 1.
Notwithstanding the limitations described above, the sum of computable exposure is also limited in order to prevent risk concentration. To that end, the total exposure independently of whether customers qualify as such bank’s related parties or not, in the case in which such exposure exceeds 10% of such bank’s TIER 1, may not exceed three times the bank’s TIER 1, excluding total financial exposure to domestic financial institutions, or five times the bank’s TIER 1, including such exposure.
For a second-grade financial institution (i.e., a financial institution that provides financial products to other banks and not to retail customers), the latter limit is ten times such financial institution’s TIER 1.
Banco Galicia has historically complied with such rules.
ix) Loan Classification System
General
Banco Galicia is required to comply with the BCRA regulations. In 1994, the BCRA introduced the current loan classification system and the corresponding minimum loan-loss provision requirements applicable to loans and other types of credit (collectively referred to as “loans”) to private sector borrowers.
The current loan classification system applies certain criteria to classify loans in a bank’s “consumer” portfolio, and another set of criteria to classify loans in its “commercial” portfolio. The classification system is independent of the currency in which the loan is denominated.
The loan classification criteria applied to loans in the consumer portfolio is based on objective guidelines related to the borrower’s credit score, legal status, and other information provided by credit rating agencies. However, if a
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borrower has defaulted in the past or is non-current on obligations, a lower rating is assigned by the Bank. In the event of any discrepancy, the guidelines indicating the higher risk level should be considered.
For the purposes of the BCRA’s regulations, consumer loans are defined as mortgage loans, pledge loans, credit card loans and other types of loans in installments granted to individuals. All other loans are considered commercial loans. In addition, in accordance with an option set forth in these regulations, Banco Galicia prospectively applies the consumer portfolio classification criteria to commercial loans of up to Ps.426,300,000. This classification is based on the level of fulfillment and the situation thereof.
The main classification criterion for loans in the commercial portfolio is each borrower’s ability to pay, mainly in terms of such borrower’s future cash flows. If a customer has both commercial and consumer loans, all of these loans will be considered as a whole to determine eligibility for classification in the corresponding portfolio. Loans backed with preferred guarantees will be considered at 50% of their face value.
By applying the BCRA’s classification to commercial loans, banks must assess the following factors: the current and projected financial situation of the borrower, the customer’s exposure to currency risk, the customer’s managerial and operating background, the borrower’s ability to provide accurate and timely financial information, as well as the overall risk of the sector in which the borrower operates and the borrower’s relative position within that sector.
The BCRA’s regulations also establish that a team independent from the departments responsible for credit origination must carry out a periodic review of the commercial portfolio. Banco Galicia’s Credit Division, which is independent from the business units that generate transactions, is responsible for these reviews.
The review must be carried out in respect of each borrower with debt pending payment equal to the lesser of the following amounts: Ps.426 million or 1% of the bank’s computable capital (the “RPC”). The frequency of the review of each borrower depends on the bank’s exposure to that borrower. The BCRA requires that the larger the exposure is, the more frequent the review should be. This review must be conducted every calendar quarter when credit exposure to that borrower is equal to or in excess of 5% of the bank’s RPC, or every six months when exposure equals or exceeds the lesser of the following amounts: Ps.426 million or 1% of the bank’s RPC. In all cases, at least 50% of Banco Galicia’s commercial portfolio must be reviewed once every six months; and all other borrowers in Banco Galicia’s commercial portfolio must be reviewed during the fiscal year, so that the entire commercial portfolio is reviewed every fiscal year.
In addition, only one level of discrepancy is permitted between the classification assigned by a bank and the lowest classification assigned by at least two other banks whose combined credit to the borrower represents 40% or more of the total credit of the borrower, considering all banks. If Banco Galicia’s classification was different by more than one level from the lowest classification granted, Banco Galicia must immediately downgrade its classification of the debtor to the same classification level, or else within one classification level.
Loan Classification
The following tables contain the six loan classification categories corresponding to the different risk levels set forth by the BCRA. Banco Galicia’s total exposure to a private sector customer must be classified according to the riskier classification corresponding to any part of such exposure.
Commercial Portfolio
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| Loan Classification | Description | |||||||
| A. Normal Situation | The debtor is widely able to meet its financial obligations, demonstrating significant cash flows, a liquid financial situation, an adequate financial structure, a timely payment record, competent management, available information in a timely, accurate manner and satisfactory internal controls. The debtor belongs to a sector of economic activity that records an acceptable future trend with good prospects and the debtor is competitive within such economic activity. | |||||||
| B. With Special Follow-up | Cash flow analysis reflects that the debt may be repaid even though it is possible that the customer’s future payment ability may deteriorate without a proper follow-up. This category is divided into two subcategories: B1. Under Observation; B2. Under Negotiation or Refinancing Agreements. | |||||||
| C. With Problems | Cash flow analysis evidences problems to repay the debt, and therefore, if these problems are not solved, there may be some losses. It also includes customers that maintain payment agreements resulting from judicial or extrajudicial agreements approved by the relevant insolvency court. | |||||||
| D. High Risk of Insolvency | Cash flow analysis evidences that repayment of the full debt is highly unlikely. It also includes customers who have been sued by the creditor financial institution for the payment of amounts due or that have requested the preventive tender or concluded, and extrajudicial preventive agreement not yet approved by the relevant insolvency court. | |||||||
| E. Uncollectible | The amounts in this category are deemed total losses. Even though these assets may be recovered under certain future circumstances, inability to make payments is evident at the date of the analysis. It includes loans to insolvent or bankrupt borrowers. Additionally, this category includes loans to borrowers indicated by the BCRA to be in non-accrual status with financial institutions that have been liquidated or are being liquidated, or whose authorization to operate has been revoked. It also includes loans to foreign banks and other institutions that are not: (i)classified as “normal”; (ii)subject to the supervision of the BCRA or other similar authority of the country of origin; (iii)classified as “investment grade” by any of the rating agencies admitted pursuant to Communication “A” 2729 of the BCRA. | |||||||
Consumer Portfolio
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| Loan Classification | Description | |||||||
| A. Normal Situation | Loans with timely repayment or arrears not exceeding 31 days, both of principal and interest. A customer classified in “Normal” situation that has been refinanced more than twice in the last twelve months in this category, must be re-classified to “Low-Risk”. | |||||||
| B. Low Risk | Occasional late payments, with a payment in arrears of more than 32 days and up to 90 days. A customer classified as “Low Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Normal”, as long as they amortize one principal installment (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 5% of principal. | |||||||
| C. Medium Risk | Some inability to make payments, with arrears of more than 91 days and up to 180 days. A customer classified as “Medium Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Low Risk” within this category, as long as they amortize two principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 5% of principal. | |||||||
| D. High Risk | Judicial proceedings demanding payment have been initiated or arrears of more than 180 days and up to one year. A customer classified as “High Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Medium Risk” within this category, as long as they amortize three principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 10% of principal. | |||||||
| E. Uncollectible | Loans to insolvent or bankrupt borrowers, or subject to judicial proceedings, with little or no possibility of collection, or with arrears in excess of one year. A customer classified as “Uncollectible” having been refinanced in this category, may be recategorized to “High Risk”, as long as they amortize three principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 15% of the principal. Additionally, this category includes loans to borrowers indicated by the BCRA to be in non-accrual status with financial institutions that have been liquidated or are being liquidated, or whose authorization to operate has been revoked. | |||||||
x) Limitation on Fees and Other Substantial Elements
The BCRA has issued regulations limiting amounts that entities can charge as credit card fees, as well as fees that can be charged for financial services rendered by financial entities, credit card issuers (and other similar entities). Such regulations provide that such fees must be duly justified from a technical and economic point of view and must be in relation to the total financial costs incurred by any such financial institution. Further, such Laws provide that applicable interest rates must be set forth.
In addition, such regulations provide that in order to modify fees and other conditions established in agreements executed by and between financial entities and consumers, the following requirements must be met (i) reasons for fee increases must be established in the agreements and must be duly justified; (ii) modifications cannot change the core or fundamental provisions of the agreement; (iii) the consumer must be duly informed of any such changes; and (iv) for the imposition of new fees, the consumer’s consent must be obtained.
xi) Foreign Currency General Position
Pursuant to the FX Regulatory Framework, financial entities may determine their own Foreign Currency General Position, with certain limitations.
xii) Deposit Insurance System
In 1995, Law No.24,485 and Decree No.540/95, as amended, created a mandatory deposit insurance system for bank deposits and delegated to the BCRA the organization and start-up of the deposit insurance system. The deposit insurance system was implemented through the creation of a fund named Fondo de Garantía de los Depósitos (“FGD”), which is administered by Seguros de Depósitos S.A. (“Sedesa”). The shareholders of Sedesa are the Argentine government, through the BCRA, which holds at least one share, and a trust constituted by the financial institutions which participate in the fund. The BCRA establishes the extent of participation by each institution in proportion to the resources contributed by each such institution to the FGD. Banks must contribute to the FGD on a monthly basis in an amount that is currently equal to 0.015% of the monthly average of daily balances of such institution’s deposits (both Peso- and foreign currency-denominated).
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In addition, when the contributions to the FGD reach the greater of Ps.2 billion or 5.0% of total deposits, the BCRA may suspend or reduce the monthly contributions and reinstate the same when contributions fall below such required level.
The deposit insurance system covers all Peso and foreign currency deposits held in demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, and time deposits for an amount up to Ps.25,000,000 per person, account, and deposit. Certain deposits are not covered by the guarantee of the deposit insurance system, such as deposits received at rates higher than the reference rate in accordance with the limits established by the BCRA, deposits acquired by endorsement, and those made by persons related to the financial institution (as defined by BCRA regulations).
The guarantee provided by the deposit insurance system must be made effective within 30 days from the revocation of the license of a financial institution, subject to the outcome of the exercise by depositors of their priority rights described under “—Priority Rights of Depositors” below. The BCRA may modify, at any time, and with general scope, the amount of the mandatory deposit guarantee insurance.
Decree No.1292/96 enhanced Sedesa’s functions by allowing it to provide equity capital or make loans to Argentine financial institutions experiencing difficulties and to institutions that buy such financial institutions or their deposits. As a result of such decree, Sedesa has the flexibility to intervene in the restructuring of a financial institution experiencing difficulties prior to bankruptcy.
Debt securities issued by banks are not covered by the deposit insurance system.
xiii) Priority Rights of Depositors
According to section 49(e) of the FIL, in the event of a judicial liquidation or the bankruptcy of a financial entity, the holders of deposits in Pesos and foreign currency benefit from a general priority right to obtain repayment of their deposits up to the amount set forth below, with priority over all other creditors, with the exception of the following: (i) deposits secured by a mortgage or pledge, (ii) rediscounts and overdrafts provided to financial entities by the BCRA, according to section 17 subsections (b), (c) and (f) of the BCRA Charter, (iii) credits provided by the Banking Liquidity Fund, which was created by Decree No.32, dated December 26, 2001, secured by a mortgage and pledge and (iv) certain labor credits, including accrued interest until the date of their total repayment.
The holders of the following deposits are entitled to the general preferential right established by the FIL (following this order of preference):
•deposits of individuals or entities up to Ps.50,000, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, with only one person per deposit being able to use this preference. For the determination of this preference, all deposits of the same person registered by the entity are computed;
•deposits in excess of Ps.50,000, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, referred to above;
•liabilities originated on commercial credit lines provided to the financial entity, which are directly related to international trade.
According to the FIL, the preferences set forth in previous paragraphs (i) and (ii) above are not applicable to deposits held by persons who are affiliates of the financial entity, either directly or indirectly as determined by the BCRA.
In addition, pursuant to Section 53 of the FIL, the BCRA has an absolute priority over all other creditors of the entity, except as provided by the FIL.
xiv) Deposit and Loans in Housing Units
In order to facilitate access to mortgage loans, through Communication “A” 5945, dated as of April 8, 2016, and complementary regulations, the BCRA established a new type of loan denominated in Acquisition Value Units (Unidades de Valor Adquisitivo or “UVAs”). The value of such units will be updated using the Reference Stabilization Coefficient. The initial value of the UVA was Ps.14.05, and as of April 11, 2024, it was Ps.831,37.
xv) Financing Loans for Economic Development
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The BCRA enacted several communications, by means of which it implemented several policies to promote economic development and productivity in Argentina. Among others, the required minimum cash to be held by financial institutions (as above-explained) is reduced in certain cases, among others, the following:
(i) by taking into account the share of financing to small and medium companies in pesos as a percentage of total financing to the non-financial private sector - in the same amount - in the same period, according to certain percentages established by the BCRA.
(ii) by 40% of the amount of financing in pesos that the entity granted since February 1, 2022 under the "Ahora 12" Program, both directly and indirectly (through non-financial companies issuing credit cards at a rate interest rate of up to 17%); by 30% of the amount of financing in pesos that the entity granted under the "Cuota Simple" Program on or before March 21, 2024; and by 15% of the amount of financing in pesos that the entity granted under the "Cuota Simple" Program after March 22, 2024. These deductions may not exceed 8% of the concepts in pesos subject to requirement, on average, of the month prior to the calculation.
(iii) The requirement is reduced based on cash withdrawals made through the entity's ATMs, giving greater consideration to withdrawals made at ATMs located in locations with less economic activity.
(iv) in an amount equivalent to 40% of the sum of outstanding financing granted in local currency to small and medium companies (PyME), provided such financing is granted according to the provisions set forth in Sections 4.1 and 5.1.1 of the "Financing Line for the Productive Investment of MSME's" BCRA's rules.
The required minimum cash to be held by financial institutions might also be reduced in other specific cases established by the BCRA (such as in the case of certain financings in pesos granted as of April 1, 2021, to individuals and MSMEs that have not been reported by financial institutions in the BCRA's "Central of debtors of the financial system" (CENDEU) as of December 2020).
xvi) Financial Institutions with Economic Difficulties
The FIL establishes that financial institutions, including commercial banks such as Banco Galicia, which do not meet certain minimum cash reserve requirements, have not complied with certain required technical standards, including minimum capital requirements, or whose solvency or liquidity is deemed to be impaired by the BCRA, must submit a restructuring plan to the BCRA. Such restructuring plan must be presented to the BCRA on the date specified by the BCRA, which should not be later than 30 calendar days from the date on which the request is made by the BCRA. In order to facilitate the implementation of a restructuring plan, the BCRA is authorized to provide a temporary exemption from compliance with technical regulations and/or the payment of charges and fines that arise from such non-compliance.
The BCRA may also, in relation to a restructuring plan presented by a financial institution, require such financial institution to provide guarantees or limit the distribution of profits, and appoint a supervisor, to oversee such financial institutions’ management, with the power to veto decisions taken by the financial institution’s corporate authorities.
In addition, the BCRA’s charter authorizes the Superintendency, subject only to the prior approval of the president of the BCRA, to suspend for up to 30 days, in whole or in part, the operations of a financial institution if its liquidity or solvency have been adversely affected. Notice of this decision must be given to the board of directors of the BCRA. If at the end of such suspension period the Superintendency considers renewal necessary, such renewal can only be authorized by the board of directors of the BCRA for an additional period not to exceed 90 days. During the suspension period: (i) there is an automatic stay of claims, enforcement actions and precautionary measures; (ii) any commitment increasing the financial institution’s liabilities is void; and (iii) acceleration of indebtedness and interest accrual is suspended.
If, in the judgment of the BCRA, a financial institution is in a situation which, under the FIL, would authorize the BCRA to revoke the financial institution’s license to operate as such, the BCRA may, prior to considering such revocation, order a variety of measures, including (i) taking steps to reduce, increase or sell the financial institution’s capital; (ii) revoking the approval granted to the shareholders of the financial institution to own an interest therein, giving a term for the transfer of such shares; (iii) excluding and transferring assets and liabilities; (iv) constituting trusts with part or all the financial institution’s assets; (v) granting of temporary exemptions to comply with technical regulations and/or pay charges and fines arising from such defective compliance; or (vi) appointing a bankruptcy trustee and removing statutory authorities.
Furthermore, any actions authorized, commissioned or decided by the BCRA under Section 35 of the FIL involving the transfer of assets and liabilities, or complementing such transfers, or that are necessary to execute the
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restructuring of a financial institution, as well as those related to the reduction, increase or sale of equity, are not subject to any court authorization and cannot be deemed inefficient in respect of the creditors of the financial institution which was the owner of the excluded assets, even though its insolvency preceded any such actions.
xvii) Dissolution and Liquidation of Financial Institutions
The BCRA must be notified of any decision to dissolve a financial institution pursuant to the FIL. The BCRA, in turn, must then notify a court of competent jurisdiction, which will determine who will liquidate the entity: the corporate authorities (extrajudicial liquidation) or an appointed independent liquidator (judicial liquidation). This determination is based on whether or not sufficient assurances exist regarding the ability of such corporate authorities to carry out the liquidation properly.
Pursuant to the FIL, the BCRA no longer acts as liquidator of financial institutions. However, when a restructuring plan has failed or is not considered viable, local, and regulatory violations exist, or substantial changes have occurred in the financial institution’s condition since the original authorization was granted, the BCRA may decide to revoke the license of the financial institution to operate as such. In this case, the law allows judicial or extrajudicial liquidation as in the case of voluntary liquidation described in the preceding paragraph.
The bankruptcy of a financial institution cannot be adjudicated until the license is revoked by the BCRA. No creditor, with the exception of the BCRA, may request the bankruptcy of the former financial institution before 60 calendar days have elapsed since the revocation of its license.
B.7 Credit Cards Regulation
The Credit Cards Law establishes the general framework for credit card activities. Among other regulations. This law was amended by Decree No. 70/2023, dated December 21, 2023, pursuant to which:
a.The credit card system was defined as a set of individual contracts, removing the adjectives “complex and systematized.”
b.The definition of "issuer" was modified, establishing that any entity can be an issuer as long as it is provided for in its corporate purpose.
c.The identification instrument (i.e. credit card) can be physical or virtual.
d.The prohibition of setting fees or differentiated charges between businesses of the same category or concerning similar products or services was removed.
e.The cap on fees charged to businesses for credit and debit card transactions was also removed, as well as the crediting period for the latter.
f.Issuers shall disclose to the public the financing rate applied to the credit card system.
g.The limit that existed for punitive interest was removed, stating that they cannot be capitalized interests.
h.The issuer must prepare and send monthly statements, preferably electronically. The obligation to have a copy of the statement available at the issuing branch of the card was removed.
i.The need to obtain prior approval of the contract from the regulatory authority was removed.
j.Various provisions of the Credit Card Law No 25,065 were eliminated, such as those related to user identification on the credit card; the content and wording of the contract; the perfection of the contractual relationship; the request for card issuance; nullities related to imposing a fixed amount for late payment of the statement and additions not authorized by the regulatory authority; the BCRA’s power to impose sanctions on issuers who do not report rates or violate the level of rates to be applied; the issuer’s obligation to provide businesses with identification materials, the regime on losses and thefts, and card cancellations; the obligation to provide electronic terminals for businesses; the prohibition of reporting to databases and personal backgrounds when obligations have not been canceled, and the obligation on issuers to monthly report their offers to the Federal Secretariat of Commerce, and the consequent power of the BCRA to impose sanctions in case of non-compliance with this obligation.
The BCRA has issued regulations to enforce public disclosure of companies’ pricing (fees and interest rates) to ensure consumer awareness of such pricing. All applicable regulations are included in the rules of “Interest Rate” of the BCRA.
B.8 Concealment and Laundering of Assets of a Criminal Origin
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Law No.25,246 (as amended in July 2011 by Law No.26,683) incorporates money laundering as a crime under the Argentine Criminal Code. Additionally, with the goal of preventing money laundering, the UIF was created under the jurisdiction of the Argentine Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights. As a result of such modification, money laundering is now classified as a separate offense.
In addition to the above, Law No.26,683 sanctions “self-laundering”, which sanctions money laundering tied to a crime the individual in question committed his or herself. It also includes certain tax offenses described in Article 303 of the Argentine Penal Code as punishable laundering behavior. The new standard falls under Article 303 of the Argentine Penal Code in the chapter titled “Crimes against economic and financial order”.
The minimum and maximum of the criminal scale will be doubled when (i) the foregoing acts were crimes that are particularly serious, meaning those crimes with a punishment that is greater than three years of imprisonment; (ii) the perpetrator committed the crime for profit; and (iii) the perpetrator regularly performs concealment activities.
The criminal scale can only be increased once, even when more than one of the above-mentioned acts occurs. In such case, the court may take into consideration the multiple acts when determining the original punishment.
The “Committee for the Control and Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorist Activities” was formed in 2005 and is responsible for establishing and maintaining the general guidelines related to the Bank’s strategy to control and prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. For more information, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia”.
Banco Galicia has also appointed two directors to fulfill the roles of Compliance Officer and Substitute Compliance Officer. In addition, a specialized management unit was created in this area that is responsible for the execution of the policies approved by the committee and for the monitoring of the control systems and procedures to ensure that they are adequate.
Law No.26,734 enacted on December 22, 2011, incorporated terrorism financing and the financing of terrorism as an aggravating circumstance to all criminal conduct in the Argentine Criminal Code. With the enactment of this law, new sections were introduced to the National Criminal Code that sanction any individual who directly or indirectly collects or provides goods or money with the intention of being used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part (i) to finance a crime with the purpose established in Section 41.5; (ii) for an organization who commits or attempts to commit crimes with the purpose established in Section 41.5; and (iii) for a person who commits or attempts to commit or participates in any way in committing crimes with the purpose established in Section 41.5.
The legislation also punishes terrorism as an aggravating factor in other punishable crimes when any such offense was committed in order to terrorize the population.
The Bank has implemented measures to combat the use of the international financial system by criminal organizations. The Bank has policies, procedures and control structures in place to monitor operations based on client profiles and risk assessments based on the information and documentation related to the economic, patrimonial and financial situation of each client to detect clients that could be considered unusual, and eventual reporting to the UIF as appropriate. The Asset Laundering Prevention Management program is charged with the implementation of such control and prevention procedures, as well as communication of such procedures and measures within the Bank, drafting of compliance manuals and employee training. Such management program is also periodically reviewed by senior management.
The Bank has appointed a Director as Compliance Officer, in accordance with Resolution 14/2023 of the UIF, who is responsible for ensuring the observance and implementation of procedures and obligations in the matter. The Compliance Officer contributes to the prevention and mitigation of the risks of criminal transactions and is involved in the establishment of internal policies and measures to monitor and prevent the same.
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C. Organizational Structure
The following table illustrates our organizational structure as of December 31, 2023. Percentages indicate the ownership interests held by each entity.
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D. Property, Plants and Equipment
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The following are our main property assets, as of December 31, 2023:
| Property | Address | Square meters (approx) | Main uses | |||||||||||||||||
| Grupo Financiero Galicia | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rented | Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 25th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 568 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Banco Galicia | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Owned | Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 407, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 18,199 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 35,301 | Administrative activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Corrientes 6287, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 12,068 | Administrative activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Naranja X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Owned | Sucre 152, 154 and 541, Córdoba, Argentina | 6,300 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
| La Tablada 451, Humberto Primo 450 y 454, Córdoba, Argentina | 14,080 | Administrative activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Jujuy 542, Córdoba, Argentina | 853 | Administrative activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ruta Nacional 36, km. 8, Córdoba, Argentina | 7,715 | Storage | ||||||||||||||||||
| Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina | 309 | Administrative and commercial activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| San Jerónimo 2348 and 2350, Santa Fe, Argentina | 1,475 | Administrative and commercial activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rented | Sucre 145/151, Córdoba, Argentina | 3,564 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
Av. Corrientes 6287, 6th and 7th floor, CABA, Argentina | 2,369 | Administrative activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 19th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 94 | Administrative activities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Galicia Asset Management | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rented | Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 22nd floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 208 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Galicia Warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Owned | Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 456, 6th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 118 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Galicia Seguros | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rented | Tte. Gral Juan D Perón 430, 7th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 804 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
Rented | Tte. Gral Juan D Perón 430, 5, 6 and 8th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 2,414 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Owned | San Martin 910, CABA, Buenos Aires | 176 | Storage | |||||||||||||||||
| Owned | San Ireneo 141, CABA, Buenos Aires | 392 | Storage | |||||||||||||||||
| Galicia Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rented | Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 415, 2nd floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 24 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
Inviu | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rented | Corrientes 6295, Torre Leiva, 7th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 926 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
Nera | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rented | Corrientes 6295, Torre Leiva, 1st floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 647 | Administrative activities | |||||||||||||||||
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As of December 31, 2023, our distribution network consisted of:
•Banco Galicia: 299 branches, located throughout Argentina’s 23 provinces, 152 of which were owned and 147 of which were leased by Banco Galicia.
•Naranja X: 142 branches, located in all the country, 1 of which was owned and 141 of which were leased by Naranja X.
•Sudamericana: 13 branches, located throughout Argentina's 8 provinces, 2 of which were owned and 11 of which were rented.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
A. Operating Results
The following discussion and analysis are intended to help you understand and assess the significant changes and trends in our historical results of operations and the factors affecting our resources. You should read this section in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and their related notes included elsewhere in this annual report.
A.1 Overview
In recent years, we have strengthened our position as a leading domestic private-sector financial institution, increasing our market share of loans and deposits and strengthening Banco Galicia’s, our principal subsidiary, regulatory capital reserves through the issuance of subordinated bonds and follow-on equity offerings and internal profit origination.
Despite the deterioration of the Argentine economy, high levels of inflation and the devaluation of the Peso, in 2022 we were able to maintain our asset quality and adequately cover credit risks and maintain solvency, liquidity and profitability metrics at what we believe are reasonable levels.
In addition, uncertainty and volatility in the Argentine economy may increase as a series of challenges arise from the path towards the normalization of global economic activity after 3 years of the pandemic, the continuing increases in inflation levels in many developed countries and the changes in monetary policies expected to be put in place, and their impact on international prices, interest rates and level of economic activity.
Further, the war between Russia and Ukraine adds economic uncertainty, including its impact on global trade and commodity prices, which could also have an impact on the Argentine economy and on Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business.
In Argentina, in addition to the above listed conditions -e.g. high inflation, fiscal deficit and its financing, low level of economic growth, poverty-, we have to add political difficulties that arose in a year in which there are presidential elections, both in the ruling coalition and in opposition parties, which makes it even more difficult to achieve the necessary consensus to resolve urgent problems, such as a fiscal primary deficit reduction, limitations to monetary financing, tariff adjustments, the accumulation of international foreign reserves, and controlling the increase of public debt.
Considering all the above, fiscal year 2024 is expected to be a challenging year, but we are confident that we will be able to sustain adequate levels of liquidity, solvency and profitability, with a healthy asset quality.
A.2 The Argentine Economy
International markets are currently focusing on the consequences of the contractionary monetary policies adopted by major central banks around the world, as has been the focus since 2023. The rise in interest rates managed to push inflation back from its peak levels reached in 2022, and the concern now lies on when will inflation rates return to the monetary authorities' targets and the effect this could have on global growth. Added to this scenario is the geopolitical conflict that continues to escalate in the Middle East, which could put pressure on oil prices.
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Within this context, the Federal Reserve kept its reference rate unchanged in the last meetings, remaining in the range of 5.25% - 5.5% since July 2023 (highest level since 2007). The European Central Bank marked the same path by leaving its reference rate at 4.5% since October 2023.
These measures succeeded in continuing the disinflationary trend that began in 2022, notwithstanding recent fluctuations observed in the preceding months. Specifically, the latest year-on-year figure for the United States was 3.5%, down from 5% a month earlier. On the other hand, the Eurozone showed a greater drop with the latest figure standing at 2.4% from the 6.9% it had recorded in March 2023. It is worth noting the importance of the fall in oil prices on the disinflationary dynamics during 2023. Crude oil had a lower global energy demand, especially during the last quarter of that year, which led its price to fall by 15.2% during this period. However, with the Middle East conflict on the rise, crude oil prices rebounded again, advancing by almost 20.1% in the first three months of 2024.
In this scenario, it becomes evident that while inflation metrics may approximate central banks' objectives, significant progress remains necessary, particularly within the services sector. In the United States, real wages were positive during the months prior to this form as a result of a labor market that remains solid. This favored consumption and led the country's growth to end up exceeding estimates, with the latest annualized GDP figure reaching 3.4%.
As a consequence of the latter, investors began to expect central banks to cut interest rates earlier than expected, which in turn, increased optimism and favored the markets, continuing the rally of the last half of 2023 during the first months of 2024. Specifically, the S&P and Nasdaq indices are up 8.3% and 7% year-to-date, respectively, both reaching new records and thus surpassing the previous highs recorded in November 2021. In the Eurozone, the Stoxx 600 advanced 5.6%, while China's Shanghai Composite, on the other hand, recorded a more moderate rise of 0.5%. Regarding fixed income, US Treasury bond yields showed greater aversion, advancing by almost 66 bps so far this year. Among other relevant variables, the DXY dollar index advanced 3.8% to 105.1%.
By the end of the first quarter of 2024, expectations of interest rate cuts were changing. While at the beginning of the year the first cut was projected to occur during the Federal Reserve Board March meeting, the outlook shifted and he first rates cut is now expected to occur in September 2024.
The main focus of this new year will be on the effects that high interest rates may have on market activities, given that regions such as China or Europe are already showing contractions in the services and industry segments. Given this scenario, investors expect central banks to ease their monetary policies during 2024. Despite this view, this rate adjustment will depend not only on factors endogenous to the economy, such as financial conditions and inflation, but also on exogenous factors, such as escalations in geopolitical conflicts.
At a local level, the economy began to show a decline in activity, after the recovery process observed during 2021-2022 as a consequence of the end of the pandemic. After growing 5.0% in 2022, the economy contracted around 1.6% in 2023. In particular, the drought that affected the 2022/23 season had a negative impact on the production of the agricultural sector. Conversely, there was a fall in the manufacturing industry but an increase in mining, oil and gas which expanded during 2023.
The unemployment rate decreased during the fourth quarter of 2023 (latest data available), reaching 5.7% of the economically active population. This figure compares with an unemployment rate of 6.3% in the same quarter of 2022 and with an unemployment rate of 7.0% for the same quarter of 2021. The activity and employment rates were at 48.6% and 45.8%, respectively. Urban poverty amounted to 41.7% of the population during the second half of 2023, and indigence reached 11.9%. Compared to the values for the same period in 2022, poverty and indigence increased from 39.2% and 8.1%, respectively. The monetary base ended 2023 with a balance of Ps.9,607,992 million, a year-over-year increase of 84.6%. The increase of the monetary base was mainly explained by the interest paid on the overnight repos and Liquidity Notes (LELIQ), and other factors such as the intervention of the BCRA in the secondary sovereign debt market in pesos and the net purchase of foreign currency to the private sector.
For instance, the monetary authority issued Ps.1,298,000 million in temporary advances during 2023, while the profit transfers amounted to Ps.400,000 million. Additionally, the BCRA issued Ps.16,327,458 million in interest corresponding to interest-bearing liabilities. These factors were combined with the expansion of pesos resulting from the purchase of foreign currency from the private sector (Ps.2,446,311 million), while the sales of dollars corresponding to the public sector generated a contraction of the monetary base (Ps.1,984,942 million).
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However, the monetary base expansion was partially neutralized via the placement of overnight repos (Ps.22,119,002 million), while LELIQs generated an expansion of Ps.6,134,847 million. It is worth noting that during the last weeks of 2023, LELIQs stopped being used as an instrument for neutralizing peso issuance. The liquidity of the financial system that had been placed in LELIQ during the year was channeled through overnight repos with the BCRA, following changes by the monetary entity in the interest rate and in its monetary policy instrument. Finally, the other factor not included above also involved an issuance of pesos for Ps.5,161,275 million.
So far in 2024, the monetary base has expanded by Ps.1,996,685 million (data as of April, 3), driven by the accrual of interest on interest-bearing liabilities (Ps.7,262,226 million), the net purchase of foreign currency (Ps.5,685,824 million), the elimination of LELIQ ($1,486,737 million) and the Other factor ($498,901 million). The latter includes the absorption of pesos through the placement of BOPREAL (as defined below), the expansion through the purchase of BCRA securities in the secondary market and the execution of put options by financial institutions. On the other hand, Ps.8,217,380 million were absorbed via repos and Ps.4,720,624 million through Treasury operations, including the sale of government-issued securities, which the Treasury has been repurchasing from the BCRA.
In the meantime, the M2 measure of money supply (comprised by the currency held by the public and private sector's checking and savings accounts) registered an expansion of 169.9% at the end of December compared to the end of 2022. At March 2024, the increase in private M2 was 157.8% year-over-year.
Regarding domestic interest rates, the 28-day LELIQ rate was increased to 133% annually, with an increase of 58 percentage points (p.p.) during 2023. However, with the new administration, on December 18, 2023 the BCRA established that overnight repos would be the new monetary policy instrument, and at the same time it was announced that no more LELIQ would be put out to tender.
Additionally, the BCRA reduced the reference interest rate from 133% to 100%. The year closed with an increase of 25 p.p. with respect to the end of 2022, when the rate was 75%. As of 11 April 2024, it currently stands at 70%. The BADLAR rate of private banks went from around 69.4% at the end of 2022 to 109.75% in December 2023. In addition, the BADLAR ended March 2024 at 70.88%.
The inflation rate closed 2023 at 211.4%, an increase of 116.6 p.p. regarding inflation in 2022 (+94.8%). Inflation showed a growing dynamic throughout 2023. The year had begun with average monthly rates of 6.8%, while fourth quarter inflation was 8.3% in October, 12.8% in November and 25.5% in December. The acceleration in December was partially driven by the rise in the exchange rate and the price correction of some of the goods and services that were accumulating delays. The first measurement of the year showed a variation of 20.6%, so the year-on-year rate amount rose to 254.2% in January, and slowed down in February to 13.2%, while the year-on-year rate climbed to 276.2%.
The exchange rate showed a daily variation or crawling peg for most of the last year. However, it verified discrete jumps on two occasions. The first took place on August 14th, 2023, the day on which the peso increased to Ps./US$ 350 from Ps./US$ 286.2, value it had closed the previous week. The second jump occurred on December 13th, 2023, when the exchange rate went from Ps./US$ 366.5 to Ps./US$ 800.0, implying an increase of 118.3%. In the following weeks, the exchange rate maintained a daily variation rate equivalent to 2.0% monthly. The exchange rate closed 2023 at Ps./US$ 808.5, an increase of 356.4% compared to the end of 2022. The crawling speed remained at the level of 2.0% per month during the first quarter of 2024 and remains at the same rate at the time of writing this report.
At the fiscal level, during 2023 tax resources grew 113.2% compared to the 78.8% year-on-year expansion in 2022. Primary spending expanded 123.0% in 2023, above the 70.5% of the previous year. However, the evolution of both variables was below the average inflation for the year (+133.5%), observing real falls of 7.0% and 4.9%. Thus, the national public sector registered a primary deficit of Ps.5,483,305 million, equivalent to -2.9% of GDP, which implies a deterioration compared to the primary result of 2022, which was -2.4%.
The financial deficit in 2023 amounted Ps.8,737,137 million (-4.6% of GDP), with interests that totaled Ps.3,253,832 million. This result implied a significant increase compared to 2022, representing 3.3% of GDP.
Additionally, the fiscal result for January and February 2024 was published, which presented an accumulated primary surplus of Ps.3,243,270 million and a financial surplus of Ps.856,520 million. Primary spending fell 38.0% year-over-year in real terms, while income dropped 2.5%.
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In connection with regulatory matters, in December 2023 the new administration of President Milei eliminated the Import System of the Argentine Republic (SIRA), replacing it with a statistical and information system that does not require prior approval of licenses. In turn, the importers' debt was recorded in the commercial debt register, totaling US$42,600 million according to official sources. The BCRA launched a dollar title whose objective is to provide predictability regarding payments associated with the stock of commercial debt of importers accumulated until December 12, 2023 called Bond for the Reconstruction of a Free Argentina (BOPREAL).
In relation to the external sector, in 2023 the country's current account of the exchange balance published by the BCRA (cash basis) recorded a deficit of US$3,581 million, less than the surplus of US$4,779 million registered in 2022. In connection to GDP, the current account deficit was around -0.6%, showing a deterioration of 1.4 p.p. compared to the result of 0.8% in 2022.
The deterioration of the country's current account in 2023 was due to a lower trade balance of goods (US$ 12,486 million in 2023 versus US$ 21,817 million in 2022) and an increase in the net interest payment (US$ 9,534 million in 2023 ), which offset the reduction in net expenses for services (US$6,195 million in 2023 versus US$10,106 million in 2022). Additionally, the trade balance showed a 31.9% drop in export collections, which totaled US$61,663 million. Import payments fell 28.4%, totaling US$49,178 million in 2023. On the other hand, expenses for services fell by 22.7%, accumulating US$13,737 million.
Simultaneously, the capital and financial account of the exchange balance recorded a net outflow of foreign currency of US$18,092 million in 2023, a figure that is compared to a net income of US$2,138 million in 2022. By the end of 2023, the BCRA's International Reserves amounted to US$23,073 million, US$21,525 million lower than a year earlier.
On Wednesday, January 10, the International Monetary Fund announced that its technical team had completed the seventh review of the Extended Fund Facility Agreement. On January 31, the IMF's Directors Board approved this review, after which a disbursement of approximately US$ 4,700 million (SDR 3,500 million) was made. Part of that disbursement was used to cover the capital payment of approximately US$ 1,900 million to the IMF.
With the publication of the seventh review, the non-compliance with the goals of primary fiscal deficit, monetary financing to the Treasury, accumulation of Net International Reserves (NIR) and domestic arrears for 2023 was confirmed. Additionally, a NIR accumulation goal was set for 2024 at US$ 10,000 million, while another one was established for the primary fiscal surplus at 2% of GDP. Accordingly, the monetary financing criterion was modified and set at Ps.0 for the year.
A.3 The Argentine Financial System
According to the latest information published by the BCRA, the aggregate amount of loans made by the financial system to the private sector totaled Ps.18,718,816 million in December 2023, which represented an increase of 148.7% as compared to the same month in 2022. Since 2018, the year-on-year growth of private loans has been systematically lower than inflation.
Consumer loans, consisting of loans granted through credit cards and personal loans, increased 127.8% as compared to December 31, 2022, totaling Ps.8,116,780 million as of December 31, 2023. On the other hand, commercial loans, consisting of checking account overdrafts and drafts/bills (single and purchased/discounted loans) finally totaled Ps.6,273,313 million, registering an increase of 151.1% year-on-year.
The total deposits in the financial system amounted to Ps.60,731,072 million as of the end of December 2023, which represented an increase of 168.7% as compared to December 31, 2022. Deposits from the non-financial private sector increased 171.1% annually, amounting to Ps.51,287,684 million, while public sector deposits totaled Ps.9,443,388 million, increasing by 156.2% year-on-year. Within private sector deposits, transaction deposits ended at Ps.24,640,932 million, increasing 213.7% year-on-year, and time deposits ended at Ps.13,475,024 million, increasing 69.1% year-on-year.
In December 2023, the average interest rate for 30-35-day term deposits in Argentine pesos from private banks (over Ps.1 million) was 122.0%, a 5,197 bps increase when compared to December 2022. Regarding active rates, the one corresponding to current account overdrafts was 112.1% (+3.879, bps year-on-year).
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With data as of December 2023, financial institutions increased their liquidity levels (in relation to total deposits) compared to the same month of the previous year, a ratio that amounted to 70.6%, +5,0. p.p. (considering repurchase transactions and instruments of the BCRA).
In terms of solvency, the equity of the financial system showed an interannual increase of Ps.16,568,904 million, finally totaling Ps.22,390,109 million, which implies an 285% increase. The profitability of the system accumulating 12 months as of December 2023 (Comprehensive Income adjusted by inflation) was equivalent to 5.4% of assets, while the return on Shareholders’ Equity was 27.6%.
The nonperforming portfolio of loans to the non-financial private sector amounted to 3.65% in December 2023, higher than the 3.14% of the previous year.
As for the composition of the financial system, as of December 31, 2023, there were 77 financial institutions: 63 banks, of which 50 were private (35 of domestic capital and 15 foreigners) and 13 were public, and 14 non-banking financial institutions.
With data as of September 2023, the latest information available, the financial system employed 97,908 people, which represented a 0.4% drop since December, 2022.
A.4 The Argentine Insurance Industry
During 2023, the Argentine insurance industry had a production that amounted to Ps.7,664,583 million, 1.3% higher than the level recorded the previous year. Of the total insurance production, 86% corresponded to property insurance, 13% to life and personal insurance, and 1% to retirement insurance.
Within the 86% corresponding to property insurance, the automobile insurance segment continued to be the most significant segment, representing 47%, followed by the work accidents segment, representing 26%. Within the life insurance segment, the group life insurance segment was the most significant, representing 54%, followed by individual life insurance, with 26%, and personal accident insurance, with 14%.
A.5 Inflation
Historically, inflation in Argentina has played a significant role in influencing, often negatively, the economic conditions and, in turn, the operations and financial results of companies operating in Argentina, such as Grupo Financiero Galicia.
The chart below presents a comparison of inflation rates published by INDEC, measured by the Whole Price Index and the CPI, for the fiscal years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
In addition, the chart below presents the evolution of the CER and UVA indexes, published by the BCRA and used to adjust the principal of certain of our assets and liabilities for the specified periods.
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Price Indices (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WPI | 276.35 | 94.78 | 51.34 | 35.38 | 58.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CPI | 211.41 | 94.79 | 50.94 | 36.14 | 53.83 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustment Indices (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CER | 184.93 | 73.50 | 38.64 | 25.49 | 18.70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
UVA(2) | 463.40 | 185.32 | 97.51 | 64.32 | 47.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(1)Data for December of each year as compared to December of the immediately preceding year.
(2)Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo (Acquisition Value Unit).
In 2023, the CPI published by INDEC reflected a 211.41% increase while the CER and UVA indexes remained at 184.93 and 463.40 by year-end, respectively.
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A.6 Currency Composition of Our Balance Sheet
The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency, in Pesos and adjustable by the CER/UVA, as of the dates indicated.
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (In millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| In Pesos, Unadjusted | 5,829,376 | 8,494,441 | 8,358,105 | ||||||||
| In Pesos, Adjusted by the CER/UVA | 1,423,249 | 209,491 | 240,147 | ||||||||
In Foreign Currency (1) | 2,963,433 | 1,784,244 | 1,580,771 | ||||||||
| Total Assets | 10,216,058 | 10,488,176 | 10,179,023 | ||||||||
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | — | — | |||||||||
| In Pesos, Unadjusted, Including Shareholders’ Equity | 7,189,079 | 8,566,974 | 8,487,007 | ||||||||
| In Pesos, Adjusted by the CER/UVA | 63,546 | 136,958 | 111,245 | ||||||||
In Foreign Currency (1) | 2,963,433 | 1,784,244 | 1,580,771 | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | 10,216,058 | 10,488,176 | 10,179,023 | ||||||||
____________________
(1)As of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia had a net assets foreign currency position of Ps.575.480 million (US$711.8 million) after adjusting its on-balance sheet net assets position of Ps.520.096 million (US$643.3 million) by net forward purchases of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying liability, for Ps.55,384 million (US$68.5 million), recorded off-balance sheet.
Funding of Banco Galicia’s long position in CER/UVA-adjusted assets through Peso-denominated liabilities bearing a market interest rate (and no principal adjustment linked to inflation) exposes Banco Galicia to differential fluctuations in the inflation rate and in market interest rates, with a significant increase in market interest rates vis-à-vis the inflation rate (which is reflected in the CER/UVA variation), which in turn has a negative impact on our gross brokerage margin.
Two other currencies have been defined apart from the Argentine Peso: assets and liabilities adjusted by CER/UVA and foreign currency. Banco Galicia’s policy in effect establishes limits in terms of maximum “net asset positions” (assets denominated in a currency which are higher than the liabilities denominated in such currency) and “net liability positions” (assets denominated in a currency which are lower than the liabilities denominated in such currency) for mismatches in foreign currency, as a proportion of Banco Galicia’s RPC, on a consolidated basis. An adequate balance between assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency characterizes the management strategy for this risk factor, seeking to achieve full coverage of long-term asset-liability mismatches and allowing a short-term mismatch management margin that contributes to the possibility of improving certain market situations. Short- and long-term goals are attained by appropriately managing assets and liabilities and by using the financial products available in our market, particularly “dollar futures” both in institutionalized markets (MAE and Mercado a Término de Rosario (ROFEX)) and in forward transactions performed with customers. Transactions in foreign currency futures (specifically, dollar futures) are subject to limits that take into consideration the particular characteristics of each trading environment.
A.7 Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
We discuss below our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as compared with our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
i) Consolidated Income Statement
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| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except otherwise noted) | |||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Income Statement | |||||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Interest | 1,727,686 | 474,948 | 662,878 | 264 | (28) | ||||||||||||
| Interest Income | 4,754,293 | 2,232,472 | 1,760,173 | 113 | 27 | ||||||||||||
| Interest Expenses | (3,026,607) | (1,757,524) | (1,097,295) | 72 | 60 | ||||||||||||
| Net Fee Income | 471,431 | 422,076 | 412,499 | 12 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Fee Income | 546,740 | 506,032 | 489,022 | 8 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Fee Related Expenses | (75,309) | (83,956) | (76,523) | (10) | 10 | ||||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments | 273,898 | 1,052,905 | 579,970 | (74) | 82 | ||||||||||||
| Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | 42,107 | 1,860 | 101 | 2,164 | 1742 | ||||||||||||
Exchange Rate Differences on Foreign Currency | 612,573 | 62,666 | 27,265 | 878 | 130 | ||||||||||||
| Other Operating Income | 381,761 | 229,784 | 155,436 | 66 | 48 | ||||||||||||
Insurance Business Result (1) | 36,343 | 40,075 | 44,585 | (9) | (10) | ||||||||||||
Impairment Charge | (190,683) | (163,294) | (133,151) | 17 | 23 | ||||||||||||
| Net Operating Income | 3,355,116 | 2,121,020 | 1,749,583 | 58 | 21 | ||||||||||||
| Personnel expenses | (351,460) | (301,727) | (281,731) | 16 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | (295,224) | (279,393) | (272,940) | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation Expenses | (84,279) | (86,812) | (87,942) | (3) | (1) | ||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | (565,566) | (396,299) | (335,784) | 43 | 18 | ||||||||||||
| Loss on Net Monetary Position | (1,518,507) | (851,316) | (482,259) | 78 | 77 | ||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 540,080 | 205,473 | 288,927 | 163 | (29) | ||||||||||||
| Share of Profit from Associates and Joint Ventures | 2,930 | (1,374) | (783) | (313) | 75 | ||||||||||||
| Income Tax from Continuing Operations | (205,840) | (52,842) | (99,525) | 290 | (47) | ||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year | 337,170 | 151,257 | 188,619 | 123 | (20) | ||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company’s Owner | 337,172 | 151,257 | 188,619 | 123 | (20) | ||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | (2) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 1,542 | (2,991) | 505 | (152) | (692) | ||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 338,712 | 148,266 | 189,124 | 128 | (22) | ||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Company’s Owners | 338,715 | 148,266 | 189,124 | 128 | (22) | ||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Loss Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | (3) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Ratios (%) | Change (pbs) | ||||||||||||||||
| Return on Assets | 3.30 | 1.44 | 1.85 | 186 | (41) | ||||||||||||
| Return on Shareholders’ Equity | 16.71 | 7.98 | 10.21 | 874 | (223) | ||||||||||||
| Change (%) | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic Earnings per Share (in Pesos) | 123 | (20) | |||||||||||||||
(1) Comparative data for the year ended December 31, 2021 are prepared on an IFRS 4 basis.
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Net income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.337,170 million, as compared to net income equal to Ps.151,257 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a Ps.185,913 million or 123% increase.
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This result was mainly due to net income from: (i) banking activities (Banco Galicia) for Ps.280,430 million, (ii) Naranja X for Ps.13,727 million and (iii) insurance services (Sudamericana Holding) for Ps.11,375 million.
Net earnings per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was equal to a Ps.228.64 per share, as compared to a Ps.102.57 per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
The return on assets and the return on shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was equal to 3.30% and 16.71%, respectively, as compared to 1.44% and 7.98%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
The increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to a higher net operating income, increasing from Ps.2,121,020 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to Ps.3,355,116 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 (a 58% increase as compared to December 31, 2022) due to a higher net income from interest increasing from Ps.474,948 million in 2022 to Ps.1,727,686 million in 2023,, offset by higher loss on net monetary position.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Net income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.151,257 million, as compared to net income equal to Ps.188,619 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a Ps.(37,362) million or (20)% decrease. This result was mainly due to net income from: (i) banking activities (Banco Galicia) for Ps.127,981 million, (ii) Naranja X for Ps.6,295 million and (iii) insurance services (Sudamericana Holding) for Ps.7,524 million.
Net earnings per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was equal to a Ps.102.57 per share, as compared to a Ps.127.90 per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
The return on assets and the return on shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was equal to 1.44%% and 7.98%%, respectively, as compared to 1.85%% and 10.21%%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
The decrease in net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to a higher loss on net monetary position, increasing from Ps.482,259 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 to Ps.851,316 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 (a 77% increase as compared to December 31, 2021), as a consequence of high levels of inflation.
The net operating income for the year ended December 31,2022 was equal to Ps.2,121,020 million, 21% higher than Ps.1,749,583 million of December 31, 2021, as a consequence of higher net income from financial instruments, increasing from Ps.579,970 million in 2021 to Ps.1,052,905 million in 2022.
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ii) Interest-Earning Assets
The following table shows our yields on interest-earning assets:
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Average Yield / Rate | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except rates) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Earning Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Securities | 1,753,919 | 2.34 | 1,623,925 | 60.60 | 1,480,052 | 36.90 | ||||||||||||||
| Others Debt Securities | 33,885 | 164.22 | 13,889 | 122.49 | 12,338 | 196.64 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | 1,787,804 | 5.41 | 1,637,814 | 61.13 | 1,492,390 | 38.22 | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 537,011 | 89.31 | 278,620 | 48.12 | 903,514 | 36.17 | ||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans | 3,297,984 | 49.76 | 3,687,861 | 43.50 | 3,986,120 | 33.29 | ||||||||||||||
| Financial Leases | 9,641 | 67.24 | 6,960 | 34.32 | 11,046 | 15.59 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Loans and Other Financing | 6,326 | 13.03 | 6,203 | 6.88 | 16,766 | 2.24 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Loans and Other Financing | 3,313,951 | 49.74 | 3,701,024 | 43.42 | 4,013,932 | 33.11 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Interest-Earning Assets | 583,602 | 387.72 | 733,368 | 80.85 | 291,290 | 39.81 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Earning Assets | 6,222,368 | 72.12 | 6,350,826 | 52.52 | 6,701,126 | 34.95 | ||||||||||||||
| Spread and Net Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Spread, Nominal Basis (1) | 13.80 | 15.25 | 13.54 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of Funds Supporting Interest-Earning Assets | 43.73 | 26.52 | 16.34 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Yield on Interest-Earning Assets (2) | 28.39 | 26.00 | 18.61 | |||||||||||||||||
(1)Reflects the difference between the average nominal interest rate on interest-earning assets and the average nominal interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.
(2)Net interest earned divided by average interest-earning assets. Interest rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
The average balance of interest-earning asset decreased Ps.128,458 million, from Ps.6,350,826 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, to Ps. 6,222,368 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, representing a minimal decrease of 2% as compared to 2022. Of this decrease, Ps.389,877 million were due to a increase in the average size of loans, offset by an increase for Ps.258,391 in the volume of repurchase transactions. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 72.12% in 2023, as compared to 52.52% in 2022, a 1,960 bps increase, mainly attributable to an increase in the average interest rate earned on other interest-earnings assets (increasing 30,688 bps as compared to 2022).
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
The average balance of interest-earning asset decreased Ps.350,300 million, from Ps.6,701,126 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, to Ps. 6,350,826 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, representing a minimal increase of 5% as compared to 2021. Of this decrease, Ps.624,894 million were due to a decrease in the average size of repurchase transactions, offset by an increase for Ps.442,078 in repurchase transactions. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 52.52% in 2022, as compared to 34.95% in 2021, a 1,757 bps increase, mainly attributable to an increase in the average interest rate earned on other interest-earnings assets (increasing 4,104 bps as compared to 2021).
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iii) Interest-Bearing Liabilities
The following table shows our yields on cost of funds:
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Average Yield / Rate | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except rates) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 1,890,782 | 33.66 | 1,843,751 | 16.72 | 2,177,339 | 10.10 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 2,355,666 | 84.60 | 2,299,923 | 54.69 | 2,448,836 | 31.51 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Deposits | 4,246,448 | 61.92 | 4,143,674 | 37.80 | 4,626,175 | 21.43 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 35,078 | 17.04 | 39,804 | 10.45 | 124,747 | 16.42 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities | 272,656 | 5.39 | 320,974 | 34.00 | 344,731 | 23.71 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities | 111,189 | 63.58 | 14,985 | 32.29 | 19,806 | 7.81 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities | 4,665,371 | 58.32 | 4,519,437 | 37.27 | 5,115,459 | 21.41 | ||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, were equal to Ps.4,665,371 million, as compared to Ps.4,519,437 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a minimal increase of 3% as compared to 2022. Such increase was primarily attributable to a Ps.102,774 million increase in the average balance of deposits, which increased to Ps.4,246,448 as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 from Ps.4,143,674 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and a Ps.96,204 million increase in the average balance of other interest-bearing liabilities, which increased to Ps.111,189 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 from Ps.14,985 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The average yield on interest-bearing liabilities was 58.32% in 2023, as compared to 37.27% in 2022, a 2,105 bps increase, mainly attributable to an increase in the average interest rate on other interest-bearing liabilities (increasing 3,128 bps as compared to 2022).
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were equal to Ps.4,519,437 million, as compared to Ps.5,115,459 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of 12% as compared to 2021. Such decrease was primarily attributable to a Ps.482,501 million decrease in the average balance of deposits, which decreased to Ps.4,143,674 as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 from Ps.4,626,175 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. The average yield on interest-bearing liabilities was 37.27% in 2022, as compared to 21.41% in 2021, a 1,586 bps increase, mainly attributable to an increase in the average interest rate earned on other interest-bearing liabilities (increasing 2,448 bps as compared to 2021).
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iv) Interest Income
Consolidated interest income was composed of the following:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 258 | 15 | 2 | 1620 | 650 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | (3,986) | 4,186 | 2,549 | (195) | 64 | ||||||||||||
| Government debt securities | 2,197,479 | 519,270 | 106,081 | 323 | 390 | ||||||||||||
| On Loans and Other Financing Activities | 2,019,254 | 1,569,305 | 1,324,640 | 29 | 18 | ||||||||||||
| Financial Sector | 16,478 | 12,384 | 13,769 | 33 | (10) | ||||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector | 2,002,776 | 1,556,921 | 1,310,871 | 29 | 19 | ||||||||||||
| Advances | 155,281 | 127,381 | 77,151 | 22 | 65 | ||||||||||||
| Mortgage loans | 161,913 | 134,695 | 121,020 | 20 | 11 | ||||||||||||
| Pledge loans | 28,910 | 28,913 | 27,285 | — | 6 | ||||||||||||
| Personal Loans | 198,654 | 154,226 | 150,052 | 29 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Credit Card Loans | 689,926 | 537,917 | 476,475 | 28 | 13 | ||||||||||||
| Financial Leases | 6,335 | 2,120 | 1,722 | 199 | 23 | ||||||||||||
| Notes | 701,954 | 482,602 | 378,941 | 45 | 27 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-financing and export financing | 2,165 | 4,973 | 15,249 | (56) | (67) | ||||||||||||
| Others | 57,638 | 84,094 | 62,976 | (31) | 34 | ||||||||||||
| On Repurchase Transactions | 541,288 | 139,696 | 326,901 | 287 | (57) | ||||||||||||
| Total Income from Interest | 4,754,293 | 2,232,472 | 1,760,173 | 113 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was equal to Ps.4,754,293 million, as compared to Ps.2,232,472 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 113% increase. Such increase was the result of a Ps.1,678,209 million or 323% increase in government securities and a Ps.449,949 million or 29% increase in loans and other financing.
The increase of Ps.1,678,209 million in the interest earned from government debt securities was due mostly to the interest accrued on the portfolio of the instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank (Leliq) acquired from January 1, 2023.
The increase of Ps.449,949 million in the interest earned from loans and other financing was due to an increase in the volume of notes loans.
The average amount of loans granted for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.3,297,984 million, a 11% decrease as compared to the Ps.3,687,861 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The average interest rate on total loans was 49.76% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 43.50% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, representing a 625 bps increase year-over-year.
The increase in interest earnings from loans and other financing in 2023 was primarily a consequence of a Ps.219,352 million increase in notes, Ps.152,009 million increase in credit cards loans and a Ps.27,900 million increase in advances.
Interest income from banking activity amounted to Ps.4,182,669 million in 2023, a 128% increase as compared to the Ps.1,833,110 million recorded in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
According to BCRA information, as of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of loans to the private sector was 10.90%, as compared to 11.78% as of December 31, 2022.
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Interest income related to Naranja X amounted to Ps.617,558 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a 55% increase as compared to the Ps.398,337 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Interest income related to insurance activity amounted to Ps.8,101 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a 73% decrease as compared to the Ps.29,839 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was equal to Ps.2,232,472 million, as compared to Ps.1,760,173 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 27% increase. Such increase was the result of a Ps.413,189 million or 390% increase in government securities measured at amortized cost (LECER) and a Ps.244,665 million or 18% increase in loans and other financing.
The increase of Ps.413,189 million in the interest earned from government debt securities was due to higher volume and rate yields, as compared to the previous year.
The increase of Ps.244,665 million in the interest earned from loans and other financing was due to an increase in the volume of notes loans.
The average amount of loans granted for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.3,687,861 million, a 7% decrease as compared to the Ps.3,986,120 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. The average interest rate on total loans was 43.50% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to 33.29% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, representing a 1,021 bps increase year-over-year.
The increase in interest earnings from loans and other financing in 2022 was primarily a consequence of a Ps.103,661 million increase in notes, Ps.61,442 million increase in credit cards loans and a Ps.50,230 million increase in advances.
Interest income from banking activity amounted to Ps.1,833,110 million in 2022, a 27% increase as compared to the Ps.1,443,583 million recorded in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
According to BCRA information, as of December 31, 2022, Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of loans to the private sector was 11.78%, as compared to 12.18% as of December 31, 2021.
Interest income related to Naranja X amounted to Ps.398,337 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a 26% increase as compared to the Ps.316,288 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Interest income related to insurance activity amounted to Ps.29,839 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a 111% increase as compared to the Ps.14,146 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
The following table indicates Banco Galicia market share in the segments listed below:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in percentages) | |||||||||||
| Total Loans | 10.80 | 11.84 | 11.97 | ||||||||
| Private-Sector Loans | 10.90 | 11.78 | 12.18 | ||||||||
(*) Exclusively Banco Galicia within the Argentine market, according to the daily information on loans published by the BCRA. Balances as of the last day of each year.
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v) Interest Expenses
Consolidated interest expenses were comprised of the following:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| On Deposits | 2,716,277 | 1,574,134 | 993,432 | 73 | 58 | ||||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector | 2,716,277 | 1,574,134 | 993,432 | 73 | 58 | ||||||||||||
| Checking Accounts | 1,210 | 1,625 | 1,899 | (26) | (14) | ||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 65,347 | 9,001 | 109 | 626 | 8158 | ||||||||||||
| Time Deposit and Term Investments | 1,917,221 | 1,230,444 | 745,336 | 56 | 65 | ||||||||||||
| Others | 732,499 | 333,064 | 246,088 | 120 | 35 | ||||||||||||
| On Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 83,021 | 68,077 | 18,622 | 22 | 266 | ||||||||||||
| On Repurchase Transactions | 7,914 | 4,821 | 1,448 | 64 | 233 | ||||||||||||
| Other Financial Institutions | 7,914 | 4,821 | 1,448 | 64 | 233 | ||||||||||||
| On Other Financial Liabilities | 136,357 | 12,277 | 14,449 | 1011 | (15) | ||||||||||||
| On Debt Securities | 71,629 | 86,718 | 56,111 | (17) | 55 | ||||||||||||
| On Subordinated Debt Securities | 11,409 | 11,498 | 13,232 | (1) | (13) | ||||||||||||
| Total Interest Expenses | 3,026,607 | 1,757,525 | 1,097,294 | 72 | 60 | ||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Interest expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, were equal to Ps.3,026,607 million, as compared to Ps.1,757,525 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, representing a 72% increase. Such increase was primarily attributable to an increase in interest paid on deposits for Ps.1,142,143 and an increase on other financial liabilities for Ps.124,080.
Interest expenses from deposits amounted to Ps.2,716,277 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to Ps.1,574,134 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a Ps.1,142,143 million increase. This increase was primarily due to increased interest expenses related to time deposits and term investments, which was equal to Ps.686,777 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, representing a 56% increase as compared to Ps.1,230,444 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and due to an increase of other deposits for Ps.399,435.
The increase in higher interest paid to time deposits and term investments was as a consequence of higher volume and rate yields.
The total average interest-bearing deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, amounted to Ps.4,246,448 million, reflecting a increase of 2%. This increase was due to a decrease in time deposits for Ps.55,743 million.
Out of total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the average interest rate of time deposits was 61.92%, as compared to 37.80% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022; a 2,412 bps increase.
Savings accounts deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 accrued interest at an average rate of 33.66%, as compared to an average rate of 16.72% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 1,695 bps increase. The rate of time deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was 84.60%, as compared to 54.69% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022; a 2,990 bps increase.
Interest expenses related to banking activity amounted to Ps.2,720,726 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to Ps.1,596,730 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, representing a 70% increase.
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According to BCRA information and considering only deposits from the private-sector deposits in checking and savings accounts and time deposits, Banco Galicia’s estimated Argentine deposit market share decreased from 10.70% as of December 31, 2022, to 9.96% as of December 31, 2023.
Interest expenses related to Naranja X amounted to Ps.356,949 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to Ps.188,632 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, representing a 89% increase.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Interest expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were equal to Ps.1,757,525 million, as compared to Ps.1,097,294 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, representing a 60% increase. Such increase was primarily attributable to a 58% increase in interest paid on deposits.
Interest expenses from deposits amounted to Ps.1,574,134 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to Ps.993,432 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a Ps.580,702 million increase. This increase was primarily due to increased interest expenses related to time deposits and term investments, which was equal to Ps.485,108 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, representing a 65% increase as compared to Ps.745,336 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
The increase in higher interest paid to time deposits and term investments was as a consequence of higher volume and rate yields.
The total average interest-bearing deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, amounted to Ps.4,143,674 million, reflecting a decrease of 10%. This decrease was due to a decrease in saving accounts for Ps.333,588 million.
Out of total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the average interest rate of time deposits was 37.80%, as compared to 21.43% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021; a 1,637 bps increase.
Savings accounts deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 accrued interest at an average rate of 16.72%, as compared to an average rate of 10.10% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 662 bps increase. The rate of time deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was 54.69%, as compared to 31.51% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021; a 2,318 bps increase.
Interest expenses related to banking activity amounted to Ps.1,596,730 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to Ps.1,025,841 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, representing a 56% increase.
According to BCRA information and considering only deposits from the private-sector deposits in checking and savings accounts and time deposits, Banco Galicia’s estimated Argentine deposit market share increased from 10.48% as of December 31, 2021, to 10.70% as of December 31, 2022.
Interest expenses related to Naranja X amounted to Ps.188,632 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to Ps.89,213 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, representing a 111% increase. This increase was primarily a result of an increase in interest expenses on debt securities issued by Naranja X and interest expenses on financing received from financial institutions.
The following table indicates Banco Galicia's market share in the segments listed below:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in percentages) | |||||||||||
| Total Deposits | 8.80 | 9.10 | 8.43 | ||||||||
| Total Deposits in Checking and Savings Accounts and Time Deposits | 9.96 | 10.70 | 10.48 | ||||||||
| Private-Sector Deposits | 9.90 | 10.75 | 10.30 | ||||||||
____________________
(*)Exclusively Banco Galicia within the Argentine market, according to the daily information on deposits published by the BCRA. Balances as of the last day of each year.
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vi) Net Fee Income
Consolidated net fee income consisted of:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income From | |||||||||||||||||
| Credit Cards | 228,011 | 203,869 | 191,420 | 12 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Insurance | 10,895 | 14,290 | 16,262 | (24) | (12) | ||||||||||||
| Deposits and other obligations | 197,960 | 189,130 | 185,658 | 5 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Credit Loans | 61,701 | 64,615 | 66,629 | (5) | (3) | ||||||||||||
| Loan Commitments and Financial Guarantees | 2,148 | 930 | 737 | 131 | 26 | ||||||||||||
| Securities | 28,396 | 16,319 | 14,602 | 74 | 12 | ||||||||||||
| Collections Management | 2,267 | 2,608 | 2,500 | (13) | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign and Exchange Transactions | 15,362 | 14,271 | 11,215 | 8 | 27 | ||||||||||||
| Total fee income | 546,740 | 506,032 | 489,023 | 8 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Total fee expenses | (75,309) | (83,956) | (76,523) | (10) | 10 | ||||||||||||
| Net fee income | 471,431 | 422,076 | 412,500 | 12 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Our net fee income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was equal to Ps.471,431 million, as compared to Ps.422,076 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 12% increase. This increase was mainly due to a 12% increase in credit cards and to a 74% increase in securities.
Income from credit card transactions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was Ps.228,011 million, as compared to Ps.203,869 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a Ps.24,142 million increase.
The total number of credit cards managed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was 13,416,142, as compared to 14,008,866 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 4% decrease.
The total fee expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.75,309 million, as compared to Ps.83,956 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 10% increase. Such increase was mainly attributable to a 12% increase in expenses related to other fees, as compared to the previous fiscal year.
Net fee income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was equal to Ps.291,308 million, as compared to Ps.255,932 million for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 14% increase.
Net fee income related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 amounted to Ps.186,248 million as compared to Ps.175,334 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 6% increase.
For more information about fees, please see – Item 4. “Information on the Company” –A. “Business Overview” – “Argentine Banking Regulations” – “Limitations on Fees and Other Substantial Elements”.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Our net fee income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was equal to Ps.422,076 million, as compared to Ps.412,500 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 2% increase. This increase was mainly due to a 7% increase in credit cards and to a 2% increase in deposits and other obligations.
Income from credit card transactions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was Ps.203,869 million, as compared to Ps.191,420 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a Ps.12,449 million increase. This increase was due to the increase in the fees of maintenance of Naranja X credit cards and the fees related to credit cards issuance.
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The total number of credit cards managed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was 14,008,866, as compared to 14,036,375 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Fees related to deposit accounts and other obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were equal to Ps.189,130 million, as compared to Ps.185,658 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a Ps.3,472 million increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in fees related to maintaining a deposits account with Banco Galicia, and a 10% increased in deposits accounts. Total deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were 6.8 million, as compared to 6.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Total fee expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.83,956 million, as compared to Ps.76,523 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 10% increase. Such increase was mainly attributable to a 40% increase in expenses related to other fees, as compared to the previous fiscal year.
Net fee income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was equal to Ps.255,932 million, as compared to Ps.255,306 million for fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a —% decrease.
Net fee income related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 amounted to Ps.175,334 million as compared to Ps.168,108 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 4% increase.
For more information about fees, please see – Item 4. “Information on the Company” –A. “Business Overview” – “Argentine Banking Regulations” – “Limitations on Fees and Other Substantial Elements”.
The following table sets forth the number of credit cards outstanding as of the dates indicated:
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| December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (number of credit cards, except otherwise noted) | (percentages) | ||||||||||||||||
| Visa | 2,553,142 | 3,265,090 | 3,133,597 | (22) | 4 | ||||||||||||
| “Gold” | 590,234 | 804,237 | 753,865 | (27) | 7 | ||||||||||||
| International | 728,291 | 923,064 | 941,692 | (21) | (2) | ||||||||||||
| Domestic | 10,513 | 19,872 | 25,670 | (47) | (23) | ||||||||||||
| “Business” | 155,187 | 173,101 | 167,680 | (10) | 3 | ||||||||||||
| “Platinum” | 439,272 | 675,998 | 674,741 | (35) | — | ||||||||||||
| “Signature” | 629,645 | 668,818 | 569,949 | (6) | 17 | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Rural | 19,516 | 19,627 | 14,487 | (1) | 35 | ||||||||||||
| American Express | 661,059 | 701,514 | 796,534 | (6) | (12) | ||||||||||||
| “Gold” | 153,977 | 174,447 | 209,721 | (12) | (17) | ||||||||||||
| “International” | 108,967 | 120,495 | 113,681 | (10) | 6 | ||||||||||||
| “Platinum” | 165,826 | 189,520 | 258,188 | (13) | (27) | ||||||||||||
| “Signature” | 232,289 | 217,052 | 214,944 | 7 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| MasterCard | 1,451,199 | 1,496,171 | 1,416,353 | (3) | 6 | ||||||||||||
| “Gold” | 312,545 | 329,086 | 351,580 | (5) | (6) | ||||||||||||
| MasterCard | 629,645 | 668,818 | 569,949 | (6) | 17 | ||||||||||||
| “Platinum” | 169,840 | 198,361 | 231,665 | (14) | (14) | ||||||||||||
| “Black” | 339,150 | 299,876 | 263,105 | 13 | 14 | ||||||||||||
Others | 19 | 30 | 54 | (37) | (44) | ||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja | 8,731,226 | 8,526,464 | 8,675,404 | 2 | (2) | ||||||||||||
| Naranja | 4,684,717 | 4,572,489 | 4,640,267 | 2 | (1) | ||||||||||||
| Visa | 3,667,833 | 3,566,908 | 3,594,080 | 3 | (1) | ||||||||||||
| MasterCard | 334,801 | 337,276 | 381,097 | (1) | (11) | ||||||||||||
| American Express | 43,875 | 49,791 | 59,960 | (12) | (17) | ||||||||||||
| Total Credit Cards | 13,416,142 | 14,008,866 | 14,036,375 | (4) | (0.2) | ||||||||||||
Total Amount of Purchases (in millions of Pesos) | 4,984,476 | 4,470,982 | 3,959,840 | 11 | 13 | ||||||||||||
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vii) Net Income from Financial Instruments
Consolidated net income from financial instruments was comprised of:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss: | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from Government Securities | 151,692 | 1,003,378 | 547,058 | (85) | 83 | ||||||||||||
| Income from Corporate Securities | 115,350 | 41,212 | 19,776 | 180 | 108 | ||||||||||||
| Income from Derivative Instruments | 17,435 | 10,604 | 13,667 | 64 | (22) | ||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 17,434 | 10,604 | 13,667 | 64 | (22) | ||||||||||||
| Rate Swaps | 2 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss: | (10,579) | (2,289) | (578) | 362 | (296) | ||||||||||||
| Total Net Results from Financial Instruments | 273,898 | 1,052,905 | 579,923 | (74) | 82 | ||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.273,898 million, as compared to Ps.1,052,905 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a Ps.779,007 decrease. This decrease was a consequence of the change in the valuation model of the instruments issued by the BCRA, which went from being measured from fair value to amortized cost.
The average position in Government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was Ps.1,787,804 million, as compared to Ps.1,637,814 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 9% increase.
The average yield on Government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was 5.41%, as compared to 61.13% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 5,572 bps decrease.
These variations were mainly a result of net income from financial instruments related to Banco Galicia, which for the noted years represented 43% of our total consolidated net result from financial instruments. Banco Galicia’s net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 amounted to Ps.116,827 million, as compared to Ps.997,642 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 88% decrease.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.1,052,905 million, as compared to Ps.579,923 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 82% increase. This increase was due to an increase in interest earnings related to Government securities equal to 83%, from Ps.547,058 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, to Ps.1,003,378 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
The average position in Government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was Ps.1,637,814 million, as compared to Ps.1,492,390 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 10% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to higher balances of securities (LELIQS) issued by the BCRA.
The average yield on Government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was 61.13%, as compared to 38.22% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 2,291 bps increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a higher average yield with respect to LELIQS.
These variations were mainly a result of net income from financial instruments related to Banco Galicia, which for the noted years represented 106% of our total consolidated net result from financial instruments. Banco Galicia’s net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 amounted to Ps.997,642 million, as
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compared to Ps.579,673 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 72% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a increase in income from Government securities.
viii) Exchange Rate Differences on Foreign Currency
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Exchange rate differences on foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.612,573 million, as compared to Ps.62,666 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 878% or Ps.549,907 million increase. This increase was primarily the result of a increase in valuation of assets and liabilities in foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, equal to Ps.586,665 million as compared to Ps.36,015 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 1,529% increase.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Exchange rate differences on foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.62,666 million, as compared to Ps.27,265 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 130% or Ps.35,401 million increase. This increase was primarily the result of a increase in valuation os assets and liabilities in foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, equal to Ps.36,015 million as compared to Ps.14,731 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 144% increase.
ix) Other Operating Income
The following table sets forth the various components of other operating income.
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
Other financial income (1) (2) | 11,269 | 3,423 | 2,842 | 229 | 20 | ||||||||||||
Rental of safe deposit boxes (1) | 12,263 | 12,473 | 12,301 | (2) | 1 | ||||||||||||
Other fee income (1) | 72,290 | 54,920 | 37,787 | 32 | 45 | ||||||||||||
| Other adjustments and interest on miscellaneous receivables | 212,637 | 115,639 | 42,949 | 84 | 169 | ||||||||||||
| Reversed allowances | 25,459 | 202 | 6,131 | 12,503 | (97) | ||||||||||||
| Other | 47,843 | 43,127 | 53,426 | 11 | (19) | ||||||||||||
| Total other operating income | 381,761 | 229,784 | 155,436 | 66 | 48 | ||||||||||||
____________________
1)Item included for calculating the efficiency ratio.
2)Item included for calculating the financial margin.
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Other operating income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.381,761 million, as compared to Ps.229,784 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 66% increase. This increase was mainly the result of an increase in the line of other adjustments and interest on miscellaneous receivables, as a consequence of earnings from debt securities pledged as collateral.
Other operating income related to banking activity was equal to Ps.278,827 million, as compared to Ps.154,699 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 80% increase.
Other operating income related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.39,256 million, as compared to Ps.35,795 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 10% increase.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Other operating income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.229,784 million, as compared to Ps.155,436 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 48% increase. This increase was mainly the
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result of an increase in the line other adjustments and interest on miscellaneous receivables, as consequence of earnings from debt securities pledge as collateral.
Other operating income related to banking activity was equal to Ps.154,699 million, as compared to Ps.99,010 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 56% increase.
Other operating income related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.35,795 million, as compared to Ps.36,030 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 1% decrease.
x) Income from Insurance Activities
The following table shows the results generated by insurance activities:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023/2022 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||
| Insurance revenue | 95,782 | 69,488 | 38 | ||||||||
| Insurance service expense | (58,799) | (27,247) | 116 | ||||||||
| Net expenses from reinsurance contracts held | (640) | (2,166) | (70) | ||||||||
| Total Income from Insurance Activities | 36,343 | 40,075 | (9) | ||||||||
The following items are included in the account as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 under IFRS 4 for the purpose of comparison between fiscal years:
For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||
| Premiums and Surcharges Accrued | 69,419 | 74,176 | (6) | ||||||||
| Claims Accrued | (12,226) | (13,593) | (10) | ||||||||
| Redemptions | (249) | (193) | 29 | ||||||||
| Fixed and Periodic Annuities | (97) | (115) | (16) | ||||||||
| Production and Operating Expenses | (13,671) | (14,867) | (8) | ||||||||
| Other Income and Expenses | (542) | (823) | (34) | ||||||||
| Total | 42,634 | 44,585 | (4) | ||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Income from insurance activities (excluding administrative expenses and taxes, net of eliminations related to related-party transactions) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was equal to Ps.36,343 million, as compared to Ps.40,075 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 9% decrease. This decrease was mainly due to higher insurance service expense, which for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, were equal to Ps.58,799 million, as compared to Ps.27,247 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Income from insurance activities (excluding administrative expenses and taxes, net of eliminations related to related-party transactions) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was equal to Ps.42,634 million, as compared to Ps.44,585 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 4% decrease. This decrease was mainly due to lower premiums and surcharges accrued, which for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were equal to Ps.69,419 million, as compared to Ps.74,176 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 6% decrease, offset by a decrease in claims accrued, which for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were equal to Ps.12,226, as compared to Ps.13,593 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
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xi) Impairment Charge
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Impairment Charge for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.190,683 million, as compared to Ps.163,294 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 17% increase. This increase was due to the worsening performance of macroeconomic variables.
Impairment Charge related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31 2023, were equal to Ps.125,750 million, as compared to Ps.110,111 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 14% increase.
Impairment Charge related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.64,934 million, as compared to Ps.53,188 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 22% increase. This increase was due to the worsening performance of Naranja's customers, as well as macroeconomic variables.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Impairment Charge for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.163,294 million, as compared to Ps.133,151 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 23% increase. This increase was due to the worsening performance of macroeconomic variables.
Impairment Charge related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31 2022, were equal to Ps.110,111 million, as compared to Ps.87,908 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 25% increase.
Impairment Charge related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.53,188 million, as compared to Ps.45,219 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 18% increase. This increase was due to the worsening performance of Naranja's customers, as well as macroeconomic variables.
xii) Personnel Expenses
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Personnel expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.351,460 million, as compared to Ps.301,727 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 16% increase. This increase was primarily as a result of the impact of salary increases on employee salary and annual bonuses.
Personnel expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.251,555 million, as compared to Ps.208,152 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 21% increase.
Personnel expenses related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.77,675 million as compared to Ps.76,070 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 2% increase.
Personnel expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.12,733 million as compared to Ps.11,534 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 10% increase.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Personnel expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.301,727 million, as compared to Ps.281,731 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 7% increase. This increase was primarily as a result of the impact of salary increases on employee salary and annual bonuses.
Personnel expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.208,152 million, as compared to Ps.189,101 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 10% decrease.
Personnel expenses related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.76,070 million as compared to Ps.75,406 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 1% decrease.
Personnel expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.11,534 million as compared to Ps.9,795 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 18% decrease.
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xiii) Administrative Expenses
The following table sets forth the components of our consolidated administrative expenses:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| Fees and Compensation for Services | 20,713 | 23,600 | 17,936 | (12) | 32 | ||||||||||||
| Directors’ and Syndics’ Fees | 3,618 | 3,880 | 2,371 | (7) | 64 | ||||||||||||
| Advertising and Marketing | 14,302 | 13,294 | 14,012 | 8 | (5) | ||||||||||||
| Taxes | 88,199 | 73,456 | 70,429 | 20 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Maintenance and Repairs | 42,254 | 43,441 | 48,730 | (3) | (11) | ||||||||||||
| Electricity and Communication | 13,677 | 14,465 | 17,448 | (5) | (17) | ||||||||||||
| Entertainment and Transportation Expenses | 809 | 726 | 410 | 11 | 77 | ||||||||||||
| Stationery and Office Supplies | 1,391 | 1,029 | 1,188 | 35 | (13) | ||||||||||||
Rentals | 632 | 1,102 | 2,942 | (43) | (63) | ||||||||||||
| Administrative Services Hired | 52,927 | 50,994 | 46,376 | 4 | 10 | ||||||||||||
| Security | 7,009 | 6,631 | 7,030 | 6 | (6) | ||||||||||||
| Insurance | 2,108 | 2,505 | 2,908 | (16) | (14) | ||||||||||||
| Armored Transportation Services | 18,086 | 17,399 | 17,222 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Others | 29,499 | 26,871 | 23,937 | 10 | 12 | ||||||||||||
| Total Administrative Expenses | 295,224 | 279,393 | 272,939 | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.295,224 million as compared to Ps.279,393 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 6% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a (i) Ps.14,743 million increase in taxes, and (ii) Ps.2,628 million increase in other administrative expenses.
Taxes for services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.88,199 million, as compared to Ps.73,456 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 20% increase.
Other administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.29,499 million, as compared to Ps.26,871 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 10% increase.
Administrative expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.204,567 million, as compared to Ps.197,357 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 4% increase.
Administrative expenses related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.76,730 million, as compared to Ps.69,713 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 10% increase.
Administrative expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.6,853 million, as compared to Ps.5,905 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 16% increase.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.279,393 million as compared to Ps.272,939 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 2% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a (i) Ps.5,664 million decrease in fees and compensation for services, and (ii) Ps.2,934 million decrease in other administrative expenses.
Fees and compensation for services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.23,600 million, as compared to Ps.17,936 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 32% increase. This increase was due to the completion of customer satisfaction projects and fees related to legal counsel.
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Other administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.26,871 million, as compared to Ps.23,937 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 12% increase.
Administrative expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.197,357 million, as compared to Ps.196,399 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 0.5% decrease.
Administrative expenses related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.69,713 million, as compared to Ps.66,118 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 5% decrease.
Administrative expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.5,905 million, as compared to Ps.4,935 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 20% decrease.
xiv) Other Operating Expenses
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| Turnover tax | 333,362 | 236,258 | 194,942 | 41 | 21 | ||||||||||||
On operating income (1) (2) | 276,940 | 158,504 | 129,721 | 75 | 22 | ||||||||||||
On fees (1) | 42,470 | 70,769 | 59,450 | (40) | 19 | ||||||||||||
| On other items | 13,952 | 6,985 | 5,771 | 100 | 21 | ||||||||||||
Contributions to the Guarantee Fund (1) (2) | 8,731 | 9,082 | 9,774 | (4) | (7) | ||||||||||||
| Charges for Other Provisions | 13,737 | 13,523 | 8,787 | 2 | 54 | ||||||||||||
| Claims | 15,547 | 18,830 | 16,711 | (17) | 13 | ||||||||||||
Other Financial Expenses (1) (2) | 35,498 | 38 | — | 93,316 | — | ||||||||||||
| Interest on leases | 3,404 | 3,560 | 3,217 | (4) | 11 | ||||||||||||
Credit-card-relates expenses(1) | 50,411 | 38,060 | 39,265 | 32 | (3) | ||||||||||||
Other Expenses from Services(1) | 95,256 | 67,563 | 52,217 | 41 | 29 | ||||||||||||
| Others | 9,620 | 9,385 | 10,871 | 3 | (14) | ||||||||||||
| Total other operating expenses | 565,566 | 396,299 | 335,784 | 43 | 18 | ||||||||||||
____________________
(1)Item included for calculating the efficiency ratio.
(2)Item included for calculating the financial margin.
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.565,566 million, as compared to Ps.396,299 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 43% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a 41% increase in the turnover tax, to a 41% increase in other expenses from services and a 32% increase in credit-card-relates expenses.
The turnover tax for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.333,362 million as compared to Ps.236,258 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 41% increase.
Other provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.13,737 million as compared to Ps.13,523 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 2% increase.
Other operating expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.410,391 million, as compared to Ps.285,193 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 44% increase.
Other operating expenses related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were equal to Ps.105,020 million, as compared to Ps.105,505 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
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Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.396,299 million, as compared to Ps.335,784 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 18% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a 22% increase in the turnover tax, to a 13% increase in claims and a 29% increase in other expenses from services.
The turnover tax for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.236,258 million as compared to Ps.194,942 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 21% increase.
Other provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.13,523 million as compared to Ps.8,787 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 54% increase.
Other operating expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.285,193 million, as compared to Ps.247,339 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 15% decrease.
Other operating expenses related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were equal to Ps.105,505 million, as compared to Ps.85,531 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 23% decrease.
xv) Loss on Net Monetary Position
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Loss on net monetary position for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.1,518,507 million as compared to Ps.851,316 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 78% increase. This increase was due to a higher annual inflation. Inflation as of December 31, 2023 was 211.40%, 11,660 bps higher than the 94.80% inflation rate as of December 31, 2022.
Loss on net monetary position related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.1,223,844 million as compared to Ps.692,019 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 77% increase.
Loss on net monetary position related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.225,077 million as compared to Ps.129,558 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 74% increase.
Loss on net monetary position related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.19,459 million as compared to Ps.6,065 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 221% increase.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Loss on net monetary position for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.851,316 million as compared to Ps.482,259 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 77% increase. This increase was due to a higher annual inflation. Inflation as of December 31, 2022 was 94.79%, 4,385 bps higher than the 50.94% inflation rate as of December 31, 2021.
Loss on net monetary position related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.692,019 million as compared to Ps.389,735 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 78% increase.
Loss on net monetary position related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.129,558 million as compared to Ps78,900 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 64% increase.
Loss on net monetary position related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.6,065 million as compared to Ps4,010 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 51% increase.
xvi) Income Tax from Continuing Operations
Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Income tax from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.205,840 million as compared to Ps.52,842 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 290% increase. This increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the operating income.
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Income tax from continuing operations related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.155,273 million as compared to Ps.19,581 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 693% increase.
Income tax from continuing operations related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.12,299 million as compared to Ps.6,088 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a 102% increase.
Income tax from continuing operations related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was equal to Ps.1,829 million as compared to Ps.6,700 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 , a 73% decrease.
Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021
Income tax from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.52,842 million as compared to Ps.99,525 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 47% decrease. This decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in the operating income.
Income tax from continuing operations related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.19,581 million as compared to Ps.59,590 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 67% decrease.
Income tax from continuing operations related to Naranja X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.6,088 million as compared to Ps.25,866 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a 76% decrease.
Income tax from continuing operations related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was equal to Ps.6,700 million as compared to Ps.5,051 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 , a 33% increase.
A.8 Consolidated Assets
The main components of our consolidated assets as of the dates indicated below were as follows:
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts | % | Amounts | % | Amounts | % | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 1,995,885 | 20 | 1,393,687 | 13 | 1,440,233 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | 598,795 | 6 | 2,467,190 | 24 | 1,431,195 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| Loans and other financing | 3,080,706 | 30 | 3,871,627 | 37 | 4,515,267 | 44 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | 3,751,088 | 37 | 2,167,039 | 21 | 2,176,164 | 21 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint businesses | 2,650 | — | 2,077 | — | 1,028 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | 355,259 | 3 | 360,675 | 3 | 377,282 | 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | 123,615 | 1 | 119,932 | 1 | 128,790 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Assets | 307,985 | 3 | 105,944 | 1 | 109,061 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Assets available for sale | 75 | — | 5 | — | 4 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | 10,216,058 | 100 | 10,488,176 | 100 | 10,179,024 | 100 | ||||||||||||||
Of our Ps.10,216,058 million total assets as of December 31, 2023, Ps.8,654,510 million, or 85%, corresponded to Banco Galicia and Ps.1,340,327 million, or 13%, corresponded to Naranja X (Tarjetas Regionales on a consolidated basis). The remaining were primarily attributable to Sudamericana on a consolidated basis. The composition of our assets demonstrates an increase in the amounts reflected in our main line items, as described in more detail below.
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As of December 31, 2023, the line item “Cash and Due from Banks” included cash for Ps.1,105,684 million, balances held at the BCRA for Ps.820,615 million and balances held in correspondent banks for Ps.890,200 million. The balance held at the BCRA is used for meeting the minimum cash requirements set by the BCRA.
Our holdings of debt securities as of December 31, 2023 was Ps.598,795 million. Our holdings of government and private securities are shown in more detail in Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B. “Operating Overview” — “Selected Statistical Information”— “Debt and Equity Securities”.
Our total net loans and other financing were Ps.3,080,706 million as of December 31, 2023, of which Ps.2,231,642 million corresponded to Banco Galicia’s portfolio and Ps.910,599 corresponded to Naranja X’ portfolios, the remaining amount to secured loans held by Sudamericana. For more information on loan and other financing activities portfolios, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B. “Operating Overview” — “Selected Statistical Information”— “Loan and Other Financing Portfolio”.
A.9 Exposure to the Argentine Public Sector
The following table shows our total net exposure, primarily related to Banco Galicia, to the Argentine public sector as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Government securities net position | 2,518,686 | 3,704,340 | 2,046,774 | ||||||||
| Debt securities at fair value | 421,525 | 2,448,673 | 1,424,475 | ||||||||
| Debt securities in pesos | (5,576) | 114,969 | 265,626 | ||||||||
Debt securities adjusted by CER | 89,143 | 65,841 | 57,354 | ||||||||
| Debt securities in US$ | 18,118 | 16,330 | 109 | ||||||||
| DUAL Bond | 319,840 | 8,894 | — | ||||||||
| Leliqs | — | 2,242,639 | 1,101,386 | ||||||||
| Debt securities measurement at amortized cost | 2,097,161 | 1,255,667 | 600,474 | ||||||||
Debt securities in pesos | 574,879 | 183,241 | 282,888 | ||||||||
Debt securities adjusted by CER | 1,071,316 | 865,723 | 317,586 | ||||||||
Debt securities in US$ | 64,667 | — | — | ||||||||
DUAL Bond | — | 98,620 | — | ||||||||
| Leliqs | 96,523 | — | — | ||||||||
| Lediv | 289,776 | 108,083 | — | ||||||||
| Debt securities measured at fair value through OCI | — | — | 21,825 | ||||||||
Debt securities in pesos | — | — | 21,825 | ||||||||
| Other Financing Assets | 1,065,137 | 296,174 | 1,232,570 | ||||||||
| Repurchase agreement transactions - BCRA | 1,064,534 | 292,082 | 1,232,407 | ||||||||
| Loans and Others Financing | 502 | 4,010 | 6 | ||||||||
| Certificate of Participation in Trusts | 101 | 82 | 157 | ||||||||
Total (1) | 3,583,823 | 4,000,514 | 3,279,344 | ||||||||
____________________
(1)Does not include deposits with the BCRA, which constitute one of the items by which Banco Galicia complies with the BCRA’s minimum cash requirements.
As of December 31, 2023, the exposure to the public sector amounted to Ps.3,583,823 million, a decrease of 10% as compared to Ps.4,000,514 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Excluding the debt securities issued by the BCRA, the Bank’s exposure amounted to Ps.2,132,990 million equal to 25% of total assets.
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A.10 Funding
Banco Galicia’s and Naranja X’ lending activities are our main asset-generating businesses. Accordingly, most of our borrowing and liquidity needs are associated with these activities. We also have liquidity needs at the level of our holding company, which are discussed in Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”—“Liquidity-Holding Company on an Individual Basis”. Our objective is to maintain cost-effective and well diversified funding to support current and future asset growth in our businesses. For this, we rely on diverse sources of funding. The use and availability of funding sources depends on market conditions, both local and foreign, and prevailing interest rates. Market conditions in Argentina include a structurally limited availability of domestic long-term funding.
Our funding activities and liquidity planning are integrated into our asset and liability management and our financial risks management and policies. The liquidity policy of Grupo Financiero Galicia is described in Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”—“Liquidity Management” and our other financial risk policies, including interest rate, currency and market risks are described in Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”. Our funding sources are discussed below.
Traditionally, our primary source of funding has been Banco Galicia’s deposit taking activity. Although Banco Galicia has access to BCRA financing, management does not view this as a primary source of funding in line with our overall strategies discussed herein. Other important sources of funding have traditionally included issuing foreign currency-denominated medium and long-term debt securities issued in foreign capital markets and borrowing from international banks and multilateral credit agencies. Banco Galicia entered into a master loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) in 2016, for US$130 million, divided into two parts, one with the purpose of providing funding via long-term loans to SMEs and the other part with the purpose of funding renewable energy projects and efficiency energy power projects. Additionally, Banco Galicia entered into a master bond agreement with the IFC for US$100 million in order to expand its loan program for environmental efficiency projects. As of the date hereof, the debt outstanding pursuant to the master loan agreement entered into with the IFC amounts to US$27 million (approximately Ps.2,740 million). On the other hand, as of the date hereof, the debt outstanding pursuant to the master bond agreements with the IFC amounts to US$44 million (approximately Ps.4,598 million)
Selling government securities under repurchase agreement transactions has been a recurrent source of funding for Banco Galicia. Although not presently a key source of funding, repurchase agreement transactions are part of the liquidity policy of the Bank. Within its liquidity policy, Banco Galicia considers its unencumbered liquid government securities holdings as part of its available excess liquidity. See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” —B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”—“Liquidity Management”.
Naranja X funds its business through the issuance of debt securities in the local and international capital markets, borrowing from local financial institutions and debt with merchants generated in the ordinary course of business of any credit card issuing company. In 2022, Naranja X issued debt securities in an amount equal to Ps.51,850 million and US$7.5 million (approximately US$300 million).
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Below is a breakdown of our funding as of the dates indicated:
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts | % | Amounts | % | Amounts | % | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | 5,707,780 | 56 | 6,670,282 | 64 | 6,283,715 | 62 | ||||||||||||||
| Checking Accounts | 662,301 | 6 | 917,873 | 9 | 1,453,611 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 3,374,701 | 33 | 2,711,253 | 26 | 2,428,820 | 24 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 1,160,459 | 11 | 2,636,766 | 25 | 2,208,649 | 21 | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposits - UVA | 42,923 | — | 116,366 | 1 | 93,666 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Others | 322,943 | 4 | 148,163 | 1 | 37,808 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Interests And Adjustments | 144,453 | 1 | 139,861 | 1 | 61,161 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Credit Lines | 138,129 | 1 | 116,685 | 1 | 143,882 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | 193 | — | 308 | — | 257 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Correspondents | 1,014 | — | 6,021 | — | 21,042 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Financing from Local Financial Institutions | 102,023 | 1 | 93,374 | 1 | 103,813 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing from Foreign Financial Institutions | 31,065 | — | 11,367 | — | 2,096 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Financing from International Financial Institutions | 3,834 | — | 5,615 | — | 16,674 | — | ||||||||||||||
Debt Securities (Unsubordinated and Subordinated) (1) | 298,328 | 3 | 350,982 | 3 | 329,065 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Other obligations (2) | 2,054,577 | 20 | 1,454,345 | 15 | 1,575,449 | 15 | ||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity | 2,017,244 | 20 | 1,895,882 | 18 | 1,846,913 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 10,216,058 | 100 | 10,488,176 | 100 | 10,179,024 | 99 | ||||||||||||||
(1)Each item includes principal, interest accrued, exchange rate differences and premiums payable, as well as UVA adjustment, where applicable.
(2)Includes debts with stores due to credit card transactions, collections on account of third parties in Pesos and foreign currency, miscellaneous obligations and allowances, among others.
The main sources of funds are (i) deposits from the private sector, (ii) lines of credit extended by local banks, international banks and multilateral credit agencies, (iii) repurchase transactions mainly related to government securities, (iv) mid- and long-term debt securities placed in the local and international capital market and (v) debts with stores due to credit card transactions.
As of December 31, 2023, deposits represented 56% of our funding, a decrease from the 64% of our funding that it represented as of December 31, 2022. Our deposit base decreased 14% in 2023 as compared to 2022. During fiscal year 2023, the Ps.962,502 million decrease in deposits was due to a decrease in amounts on deposit in our time deposits from Ps.2,636,766 million in December 2022 to Ps.1,160,459 million in December 2023, offset by an increase in saving accounts for Ps.663,448. For more information on deposits, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B. “Business Overview” — “Selected Statistical Information”—“Deposits”.
As of December 31, 2023, credit lines from international financial institutions amounted to Ps.3,834 million, which corresponded to amounts received from the IFC pursuant to a loan agreement. Also as of December 31, 2023, correspondents amounted to Ps.1,014 million and financing from local financial institutions totaled Ps.102,023 million, of this total Ps.94,611 million corresponded to agreements with banks and Ps.6,183 million corresponded to amounts received from the BICE (Argentine subsidiary of development bank called BICE “Banco de Inversion y Comercio Exterior”).
Our debt securities outstanding (only principal) were Ps.298,328 million as of December 31, 2023, as compared to Ps.350,982 million as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of 15%.
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Of the total debt securities outstanding as of December 31, 2023, Ps.71,059 million corresponded to Peso-denominated debt issued by Naranja. The remaining Ps.227,269 million of outstanding debt securities corresponded to foreign currency-denominated debt in respect of subordinated debt securities due in 2026 issued by Banco Galicia, the green bond with the IFC and Class LII issued by Naranja.
As of December 31, 2023, the breakdown of our debt was as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Currency | Expiration | Annual Interest Rate | Total(*) | |||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except for rates) | ||||||||||||||
| Banco Galicia | ||||||||||||||
ON Subordinated(1) | US$ | 07.19.26 | (2) | 205,613 | ||||||||||
| Green Bond | US$ | 06.21.25 | 5.90% | 15,537 | ||||||||||
| Naranja | ||||||||||||||
| LI Serie II | Ps. | 01.31.24 | Badlar + 6,00% | 2,753 | ||||||||||
| LIII Serie II | Ps. | 04.07.24 | Badlar + 5,25% | 3,726 | ||||||||||
| LIV Serie II | Ps. | 07.05.24 | Badlar + 4,99% | 6,175 | ||||||||||
| LV Serie II | Ps. | 02.09.24 | Badlar + 3,00% | 6,196 | ||||||||||
| LVII | Ps. | 02.03.24 | Badlar + 4,50% | 11,129 | ||||||||||
| LVIII | Ps. | 04.27.24 | Badlar + 5,00% | 4,641 | ||||||||||
| LIX | Ps. | 07.27.24 | Badlar + 5,00% | 12,476 | ||||||||||
| LX | Ps. | 11.03.24 | Badlar + 5,00% | 23,963 | ||||||||||
| LII | US$ | 04.30.24 | 5% | 6,119 | ||||||||||
| Total | 298,328 | |||||||||||||
____________________
(*)Includes principal and interest.
(1)Principal will be paid in full on the maturity date, on July 19, 2026, unless redeemed in full, at the issuer’s option, at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(2)Fixed 8.25% rate per annum (as from the issuance date to July 19, 2021, inclusively); and margin to be added to the nominal Benchmark Readjustment Rate of 7.156% per annum to the maturity date. Such interest shall be payable semiannually on January 19 and July 19 as from 2017.
For more information see “—Contractual Obligations” below.
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i) Ratings
The following are our ratings as of the date of this annual report:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Standard & Poor’s | Fix Scr | Fitch Ratings | Evaluadora Latinoamericana | Moody’s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Local Ratings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grupo Financiero Galicia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rating of Shares | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banco Galicia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty Rating | raCCC+ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt (Long-Term / Short Term) | AAA(arg)/A1+(arg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt | AA- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits (Long Term / Short Term) | raCCC+/ raC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits (Local Currency / Foreign Currency) | AAA.ar / AA-.ar | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Naranja | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Medium-/Long-Term Debt | A1(arg)/ AA- (arg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International Ratings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banco Galicia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuer Credit Rating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty Risk Rating (Local Currency / Foreign Currency) | CCC- | Caa2 / Caa3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank Deposits (Local Currency / Foreign Currency) | Caa2 / Caa3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt (Foreign Currency) | Caa2/Caa3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securitie | C | Ca | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(*)See “—Contractual Obligations”.
ii) Debt Programs
On March 9, 2009, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s shareholders, during an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, and the Board of Directors created a global short-,medium- and long-term notes program, for a maximum outstanding amount of US$60 million. This program was authorized by the CNV pursuant to Resolution No.16,113 of April 29, 2009.
In August 2012, during an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, it was decided to ratify the decision made at the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held in April 2010 with regard to the approval of the US$40 million increase in the amount of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s global notes program. Therefore, once approved by the CNV, the amount was for up to US$100 million or its equivalent in other currencies. On May 8, 2014, the CNV, pursuant to Resolution No.17,343, granted an extension of the debt program for another five-year period. On August 6, 2019, the CNV, pursuant to Resolution No. DI-2019-63-APN-GE#CNV granted an extension of the debt program for another five-year period.
Currently, Grupo Financiero Galicia does not have any outstanding debt under its notes program that was put into place in 2009.
Banco Galicia has a program in place for the issuance and re-issuance of non-convertible notes, subordinated or non-subordinated, floating or fixed-rate, secured or unsecured, with a term from 30 days to up to 30 years, for a maximum outstanding principal amount of up to US$483.25 million. This program was originally approved by the CNV on November 4, 2005 and was most recently extended on April 4, 2020 by the CNV until April 4, 2025. Pursuant to
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Resolution No.18,480, the CNV also approved an increase of the maximum outstanding principal amount under the program to US$1,100 million. Pursuant to Resolution No.19,520, dated May 17, 2018, the CNV approved an increase of the maximum outstanding principal amount under the program to US$2,100 million and the modification of the terms and conditions of the same.
Banco Galicia, also has a program for frequent issuance of notes, approved by the CNV on November 13, 2019; and registered under the number 11 for a maximum outstanding principal amount of US$2,100 million.
Naranja has a Global Short-Term, Medium-Term and Long-Term Note Program (the "Program") for the issuance of up to US$1,000 million (or the equivalent amount in other currencies) that was approved by the CNV on May 10, 2018. Such notes may be unsecured or secured, denominated in Pesos, Dollars or, at Naranja’s option, in other currencies, with maturities of not less than 30 days after their issuance date. Also, such Notes may be offered in separate classes and/or series and may be re-issued, as applicable, in the amounts, at the prices and under the conditions to be established and specified in the applicable pricing supplement. On February 19, 2020, the Board of Directors of Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. approved the extension of the term of the Program for 5 years. Then, on March 18, 2020, the National Securities Commission authorized said extension through Provision No. DI-2020-20-APN-GE#CNV.
Additionally, Naranja applied to the CNV to be registered as a frequent issuer, which was granted by Provision No. DI-2022-39-APN-GE#CNV on July 22, 2022. The status of a frequent issuer must be renewed annually, with the most recent renewal granted by Provision No. DI-2023-10-APN-GE#CNV on April 10, 2023. As of today, Naranja is processing the renewal for 2024.The program contains certain restrictions on liens, subject to the provisions established in the applicable pricing supplement with respect to each class and/or series of notes, so long as any note issued under such program remains outstanding.
Certain notes issued under Naranja’s program are subject to covenants that limit the ability of Naranja and their subsidiaries, subject to important qualifications and exceptions such as to: (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution in respect of its capital stock; (ii) redeem, repurchase or retire its capital stock; (iii) make certain restricted payments; (iv) consolidate, merge or transfer assets; and (v) incur in any indebtedness, among others.
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A.11 Contractual Obligations
The table below identifies the total amounts (principal and interest) of our main on balance-sheet contractual obligations, their currency of denomination, remaining maturity and interest rate and the breakdown of payments due as of December 31, 2023.
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maturity | Annual Interest Rate | Total | Less than 1 Year | 1 to 3 Years | 3 to 5 Years | Over 5 Years | |||||||||||||||||
| Banco Galicia | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Time Deposits (Ps./US$) | Various | Various | 1,186,574 | 1,186,568 | 6 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Badlar | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2026 Subordinated (US$) (1) | 2026 | 7.97% | 198,368 | — | 198,368 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Green Bond - IFC (US$) | 2025 | 5.81% | 15,497 | 10,331 | 5,166 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||
IFC Financial Loans (US$) | Various | Various | 2,695 | 2,695 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Other Financial Loans (US$) (2) | Various | Various | 31,065 | 31,065 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
BICE Financial Loans (Ps.) | Various | Various | 4,703 | 762 | 710 | 3,231 | — | ||||||||||||||||
BICE Financial Loans (US$) | Various | Various | 1,249 | 1,249 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Short-term Intrebank Loans (Ps.) | 2024 | 80.00% | 1,228 | 1,228 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Repos (Ps.) | 2024 | 1 | 23,189 | 23,189 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Correspondents | 2024 | — | 1,014 | 1,014 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| BCRA (Ps.) | 2024 | — | 193 | 193 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| NaranjaX | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Time Deposits (Ps./US$) | 2024 | 1.26 | 19,000 | 19,000 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Financial Loans with Local Banks (Ps.) | Various | Various | 90,080 | 88,080 | 2,000 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities (Ps.) | Various | Various | 55,361 | 55,361 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities (US$.) | 2024 | 5% | 6,064 | 6,064 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,636,280 | 1,426,799 | 206,250 | 3,231 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal and interest. Includes the UVA adjustment, where applicable.
(1) Interest payable in cash semi-annually, fixed rate of 7,9665%. Principal payable in full on July 19, 2026
(2) Borrowings to finance international trade operations to Bank customers.
i) Leases
The following table provides information for leases where Grupo Financiero Galicia is the lessee:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||
| (In millions of Pesos) | |||||
| Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position: | |||||
Right-of-use asset (1) | 17,776 | ||||
Lease Liabilities (2) | (29,461) | ||||
____________________
(1)Recorded in the Property, Plant and Equipment item, for right of use of real property.
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(2)Recorded in the item Other Financial Liabilities.
| December 31, 2022 | |||||
| (In millions of Pesos) | |||||
| Amounts recognized in the Statement of Income: | |||||
Charge for depreciation of right-of-use assets (1)(2) | (6,761) | ||||
Interest Expenses (3) | (3,404) | ||||
Expenses related to short-term leases (4) | (111) | ||||
Expenses related to low-value assets leases (4) | (521) | ||||
Sublease Income (5) | 71 | ||||
____________________
(1)Depreciation for right of use of Real Property.
(2)Recorded in the item Depreciation Expenses..
(3)Recorded in the item Other Operating Expenses, Lease Interest.
(4)Recorded in the item Administrative Expenses.
(5)Recorded in the item Other Operating Income.
A.12 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Our off-balance sheet risks mainly arise from Banco Galicia’s activities. In the normal course of its business and in order to meet customer financing needs, Grupo Galicia is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These instruments expose us to credit risk in addition to loans recognized on our consolidated balance sheets. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees.
The same internal regulations and policies apply for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees. Outstanding commitments and guarantees do not represent an unusually high credit risk for Grupo Galicia.
i) Commitments to Extend Credit
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at a future date, subject to meeting certain contractual terms. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent actual future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.
ii) Guarantees
Guarantees are agreements and/or commitments to reimburse or make payment on account of any losses or non-payments by a borrower in an event of default scenario and include surety guarantees in connection with transactions between two parties.
iii) Stand-By Letters of Credit and Foreign Trade Transactions
Standby letters of credit and guarantees granted are conditional commitments issued by Banco Galicia to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Banco Galicia also provides conditional commitments for foreign trade transactions.
Our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees granted and acceptances is represented by the contractual notional amount of those investments.
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Our credit exposure related to these items as of December 31, 2023 is set forth below:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||
| Agreed Commitments | 245,831 | ||||
| Export and Import Documentary Credits | 18,275 | ||||
| Guarantees Granted | 382,550 | ||||
| Responsibilities for Foreign Trade Transactions | 18,315 | ||||
The credit risk of these instruments is similar as the credit risk associated with credit facilities provided to individuals and companies. To provide guarantees to our customers, we may require counter-guarantees, which are classified as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||
| Other Preferred Guarantees Received | 17,014 | ||||
| Other Guarantees Received | 11,759 | ||||
In addition, checks to be debited and credited, notes, invoices and miscellaneous items subject to collection are recorded in memorandum accounts until such instruments are approved or accepted.
The risk of loss in these offsetting transactions is not significant.
| December 31, 2023 | |||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||
| Checks and Drafts to be Debited | 78,410 | ||||
| Checks and Drafts to be Credited | 74,255 | ||||
| Values for Collection | 524,459 | ||||
Grupo Galicia acts as trustee pursuant to trust agreements to secure obligations in connection with financing transaction undertaken by its customers. The amount of funds and securities held in trust as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||
| Trust Funds | 18,385 | ||||
| Securities Held in Custody | 17,190,472 | ||||
These funds and securities are not included in Grupo Galicia’s consolidated financial statements as it does not have control over the same. For additional information regarding off-balance sheet financial instruments, see Note 48 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
A.13 Principal Trends
i) Related to Argentina
During this year, the focus will be on the correction of macroeconomic imbalances that the new Government will carry out. Javier Milei's administration started with an exchange rate correction in mid-December 2023, which allowed the BCRA to purchase foreign currency and accumulate international reserves again. The initial jump in the exchange rate, added to the relative price correction initiated in December, resulted in an acceleration of inflation by the end of 2023 which is expected to last during the first months of 2024.
A competitive exchange rate, together with the recovery of the harvested volume during the 2023/24 season, are expected to generate more favorable conditions to accumulate reserves. The BCRA's ability to continue buying foreign currency will also be affected by the way in which the importers' debt with their foreign suppliers is solved. Once international reserves are replenished, the regulations that continue to restrict access to the foreign exchange and financial markets could be relaxed.
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The country is in need to achieve fiscal balance with the purpose of eliminating financing from the BCRA to the Treasury. Such need makes it necessary for the Government to apply an upward adjustment in public services' rates, given that the virtual freezing of tariffs in recent years has led to a fall in the ratio coverage of utilities supply costs, adding pressure on Government spending on economic subsidies. However, the absorption of pesos by the BCRA, together with the fall in monetary balances in real terms, would help inflation rates moderate once the aforementioned rate corrections are implemented.
The sustainability of the implemented corrections is subject to the achievement of the fiscal balance goal. Whether said goal is achieved will depend on the approval of tax increases (increase in withholdings on exports), the reversal of the changes made to the Income Tax and the implementation of a moratorium, among other measurements that could be taken by the Government. These measurements, in turn, will be subject to the degree of governability of the new administration and its ability to reach consensus with the different actors in the political sphere.
Economic activity will be negatively affected by the corrections adopted during the first months of the year. However, the gain in competitiveness will likely help the dynamism of the tradable sectors. In addition, there is expected to be a recovery in the harvest after the sharp drop seen during the previous season which could cushion part of the negative performance expected for certain sectors, particularly those linked to mass consumption.
ii) Related to the Financial System
The Argentine financial system will continue to interact mainly with the private sector, with short-term financing and impositions, while maintaining high levels of liquidity. The profits of entities in the financial system are currently greatly influenced by the context of high inflation. In any case, banks are expected to continue recording positive real profits, allowing capitalization levels to be maintained above minimum requirements. The current levels of irregular coverage with accounting provisions constitute another of the strengths of the financial system. The low leverage compared regionally in companies and families demonstrates the potential of Argentine financial entities.
Within the above scheme, Grupo Financiero Galicia (through Banco Galicia) will further its objective of strengthening its leadership position in the market. The quality of its products and services provided to current and future customers will continue to be the central focus, in addition to continuing the process of improving operational efficiency as a key factor in generating value both for customers and shareholders.
iii) Related to Us
We believe that 2024 will be marked by uncertainty, as previously mentioned. In a context of weak economic recovery and clear pressure on prices, we expect the BCRA and the Government to gradually reduce the regulations on our operations. In that regard, they have already eliminated the minimum interest rate for term deposits. We also anticipate a reduced volume of subsidized credit lines for the SME sector, or the removal or adjustment of maximum interest rates for some loan lines, among others.
During the first quarter of the year, increased inflation significantly exceeded the efforts from the BCRA to achieve positive interest rates in real terms. Looking forward, we expect consecutive rate increases that should help reduce inflation levels towards the end of the year.
With the aforementioned macroeconomic framework, we foresee the following possible impacts on Banco Galicia’s operations:
Although the Company's financial income could continue to be adversely impacted by maximum lending interest rates, a demand driven by subsidized credit and a reduction in system volumes, we expect our financial income to improve as compared to the previous year due to an increase in real interest rates expected to happen within the year 2024.
It is expected that the deceleration of prices will reduce the risk of exposure to inflation by non-monetary assets, which would benefit the Bank's financial revenues.
On the other hand, the compression of interest rates is likely to reduce the financial intermediation margins, which could be partially offset by an increase in volumes in the latter part of the year. We anticipate that this increase in volumes will occur partly organically, through an increase in our market share of deposits and loans.
Despite regulations limiting prices' increase and restrictions to access the FX Market, fee income is expected to increase in 2024 due to to efficiencies generated in the lines of business.
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Given the undergoing digital transformation, Banco Galicia is becoming more efficient and such efficiencies are translated into more stable administrative expenses compared to the previous year.
In sum, the Bank’s business is expected to improve during 2024 relative to the previous year provided that the depicted macroeconomic scenario holds; i.e., experience higher monetary policy rates in real terms, reduce macroeconomic imbalances and avoid a run against the peso. However, Banco Galicia’s current liquidity and solvency levels will allow it to cope with this situation.
With respect to Naranja X, as it is a credit-and-consumption-related business, it is certainly difficult for us to make any forecast for the coming months due to the current high level of economic volatility. Based on the 2024 Argentine budget this year is expected to be marked by the aftermath of the economic crisis in Argentina and the estimated impact will be reflected in a potential drop in the volume of operations or customer transactions. Therefore, revenue obtained from services will be affected. Loan and other receivables loss provisions will increase as a consequence of the general impact of the economic environment.
Within this context, the risks and opportunities faced by Naranja X are worth highlighting. Among the risks, the country's economic instability in recent years represents one of the greatest challenges. The years of activity contraction, exchange rate volatility, high inflation, changing regulations on the sector and the implementation of reforms with uncertain results are only some examples of the challenges faced by the financial sector in general, and by Naranja X in particular.
However, Naranja X is committed to becoming the most humane and popular technological and financial platform in Argentina, with a familiar approach to its client which will allow it to scale with simplicity and massiveness, new products and services, facilitating inclusion and financial education.
On the other hand, Sudamericana does not foresee significant consequences on their business during 2024, either in economic or financial terms.
During 2024, Galicia Retiro will continue to offer its Retiro Individual in pesos, although there is not expected to be a focus on increasing the placement of the same.
In addition, during 2024 Galicia Seguros expects to continue implementing its strategic plan from prior years, with the aim of sustaining the growth obtained in previous years. The company will continue to work to expand its business through Banco Galicia and Naranja X’s various customer channels, as well as through the continued development of its existing sales channels by offering new products, through the application of new means of contacts and sale, and through the potential offering of insurance underwriting in new property lines.
Likewise, it plans to continue to focus on the following objectives: (i) promoting the growth of its business and offering complementary products to the core business of Banco Galicia and its subsidiaries, adjusted to the needs of each one of the segments; (ii) expanding the sale of insurance for companies; (iii) improving management efficiency in order to support the growth of its business volume, and implementing updates to its administration system; (iv) consolidating its position in relation to personal insurance, taking advantage of synergies with the financial group and developing the open market and additional channels; (v) maintaining its efforts to contain the level of expenses and obtain the projected revenue levels; and (vi) promoting a very good internal climate and being elected as an excellent company to work for by its staff.
All these actions are intended to enhance sales and billing volumes in a context aimed at continuing to obtain adequate levels of profitability.
As for Galicia Asset Management, it is estimated that, in 2023, it will obtain a growth in the volume of assets under management and will maintain its leading position in the Argentine industry by leading the Argentine fund market. The current economic context suggests that investments will be concentrated primarily in money market or short-term bond funds, and to a lesser extent in the rest of the funds. In addition, this line of business plans to continue to deepen and expand the marketing of its products through the use of distribution and placement agents, a niche that is expected to continue to grow.
The organizational structure within the company is expected to remain stable during the year, and this company plans to continue to focus on the automation of its services and on the roll out of technological changes being implemented across the Grupo Galicia family that are aimed at improving efficiency and their customer’s digital experience.
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The operational management of the Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries is currently stable, hopefully enabling us to comply with the needs and demands of our customers and of the control and supervision bodies. The implementation of work from home policies for our employees and our technological infrastructure have become invaluable tools to remain operative.
During 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia will continue with the objective of strengthening its leadership position in the market, paying attention to the profitability of the business, leveraged by expansion and attraction of new clients. Grupo Financiero Galicia believes that this strategy is only possible to the extent that a differentiating experience is provided to its customers, which is based on digital transformation and the simplicity of the proposal.
The search for simplicity in offering products and services to its customers, as well as safer and more efficient processes are objectives that allow Grupo Financiero Galicia to face significant growth and generate operational efficiency at the same time. Tailoring offers to clients and segment and focusing on improving its customers' experience are the keys for their continuing to choose Grupo Financiero Galicia. Focusing on these pillars the Company hopes to leverage new lines of business, such as NAVE, new companies, such as Inviu and Nera, or mergers, such as those of Naranja and Naranja Digital.
The business growth of all the companies that make up Grupo Financiero Galicia takes place within the framework of a sustainable management. To this end, we will continue to seek new opportunities aimed at the common good and care for the environment.
The Board of Directors is closely monitoring the context in which we operate and taking all the required measures within their reach to preserve human life and our operations.
The analysis of these trends should be read in conjunction with the discussion in Item 3. “Key Information”— D. “Risk Factors”, and with consideration that the Argentine economy has been historically volatile, which has negatively affected the volume and growth of the financial system.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
B.1 Liquidity - Holding Company on an Individual Basis
We generate our net earnings/losses from our operating subsidiaries, specifically Banco Galicia, our main operating subsidiary.
During fiscal years 2021 and 2022, Grupo Financiero Galicia received dividends from its subsidiaries in the amount of Ps.3,284 million (equivalent to Ps.24,997 million as of December 31, 2023), and Ps.25,476 million (equivalent to Ps.110,051 as of December 2023), respectively.
During fiscal year 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia received cash dividends from its subsidiaries for Ps 93,595 million (equivalent to Ps.185,428 million as of December 31, 2023).
During February 2024, we received a dividend of Ps.19,370 million from Galicia Asset Management. Similarly, during March 2024, we received cash dividends of Ps.306 million from Galicia Warrants. During April 2024, we received US$10 million from Galicia Securities, Ps.6,200 million from Sudamericana Seguros Galicia, and it was schedule to received from Tarjetas Regionales Ps.30,000 million.
According to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s policy for the distribution of dividends and due to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and the fact that most of the profits for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 also corresponded to income from holdings (with just a fraction corresponding to the realized and liquid profits meeting the requirements to be distributed as per Section 68 of the Corporations Law) a proposal was made by the Board of Directors, to be treated at the next Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 30, 2024. The proposals made are i) to distribute a cash dividend or in kind for an amount, that inflation adjusted, pursuant to Resolution 777/2018 of the Argentine Securities Exchange Commission, results in Ps. 65,000,000,000 (which represents 4,407.6998%) being distributed regarding 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 each and ii) considering the company´s intention to distribute an additional cash dividend beyond the one proposed, and contingent upon the certainty of receiving dividends from our subsidiaries, as well as the company´s economic-financial situation, it is proposed to delegate to the Board of Directors the authority to disaffect Discretionary Reserves for an amount of Ps. 255,000,000,000, expressed in homogeneous currency at the time of the effective payment in accordance with the BCRA´s regulations. This amount is subject to liquidity conditions, dividends received from our subsidiaries, and the financial situation to determine the payment of a cash dividend or a kind, in this case valued at market price, or in any combination of both options, in one or more opportunities.
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For Fiscal year 2022, the shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2023, approved the distribution of cash dividends for a total amount of Ps.85,000 million, that was effectively paid as follows: (i) in May 2023, Ps.35,000 million (equivalent to Ps.76,638 million as of December 31, 2023) which represented a dividend of 2,373.3768% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, (ii) in June 2023, Ps.12,500 million (equivalent to Ps.25,833 million as of December 31, 2023) which represented a dividend of 847.6345% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, (iii) in July 2023, Ps.12,500 million (equivalent to Ps.24,292 million as of December 31, 2023) which represented a dividend of 847.6345% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, (iv) in August 2023, Ps.12,500 million (equivalent to Ps.21,604 million as of December 31, 2023) which represented a dividend of 847.6345% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 and (v) in September, Ps.12,500 million (equivalent to Ps.19,161 million as of December 31, 2023) which represented a dividend of 847.6345% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1.
For Fiscal year 2021, the shareholders’ meeting held on April 26, 2022, approved the distribution of cash dividends for a total amount of Ps.19,000 million, that was effectively paid as follows: in May 2022, Ps.11,000 million (equivalent to Ps.57,486 million as of December 31, 2023) which represented a dividend of 745.9184% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, in September 2022, Ps.4.000 million (equivalent to Ps.20,905 million as of December 2023) which represented a dividend of 271.2430% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, and in January 2023, Ps.4.000 million, (equivalent to Ps.11,748 million as of December 2023) which represented a dividend of 271.2430% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1.
For fiscal year 2021, and 2022, pursuant to what is set by paragraph added below Article 25 of Law 23,966, that was incorporated by Law 25.585 (and its subsequent amendments), when corresponding, Grupo Financiero Galicia withheld the amounts paid for said each fiscal year in its capacity as substitute taxpayer of the shareholders’ subject to the tax on personal assets. Similarly, for fiscal year 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia will withhold, when corresponding, an amount for said tax on personal assets and for the income tax in accordance with Article 97 of Law 20,683 on dividends to be distributed. See Item 8. “Financial Information”—"Dividend Policy and Dividends.”
During fiscal year 2021, Grupo Financiero Galicia made capital contributions for a total amount of Ps.977 million (equivalent to Ps.6,751 million as of December 2023), to IGAM LLC.
During fiscal year 2022, Grupo Financiero Galicia made capital contributions for a total amount of Ps.2,449 million (equivalent to Ps.11,659 million as of December 2023) to IGAM LLC and Ps.277 million (equivalent to Ps.1,012 million as of December 2023) to Agri Tech Investments LLC.
For fiscal year 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia made capital contributions for Ps.605 million (equivalent to Ps.1,045.7 million as of December 2023) and US$10 million to Sudamericana Seguros Galicia, Ps.975.2 million to Agri Tech Investments (equivalent to Ps.2,036.1 million as of December 2023) and US$0.017 million, US$5 million to IGAM LLC, US$0.034 million to Galicia Holdings US INC, US$1 million to Galicia Ventures LP and US$0.02 million to Galicia Investments LLC.
Additionally, Grupo Financiero Galicia made capital contribution during March, 2024 for Ps.490 million and US$0.035 million in favor of Agri Tech Investments. Likewise, a capital contribution was made during March, 2024 in favor of IGAM LLC for US$5 million, US$1,3 million for Galicia Holdings US during January 2024 and US$0.75 million, in favor of Galicia Ventures LP that were made during January and February 2024.
As of December 31, 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and due from banks in an amount of Ps.4.1 million, short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds, and government securities in an amount of Ps.11,795 million and foreign currency in an amount of US$12.3 million.
As of December 31, 2022, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and due from banks in an amount of Ps.2 million, short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds, and government securities in an amount of Ps.9,258 (equivalent to Ps.28,836 million as of December 2023) million and foreign currency in an amount of US$12.3 million.
As of December 31, 2021, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and due from banks in an amount of Ps.0.9 million, short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds, and
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government securities in an amount of Ps.559 million (equivalent to Ps.3,391 million as of December 2023) and foreign currency in an amount of US$8.3 million.
For a description of the notes issued by Grupo Financiero Galicia, see —Item 5.A. “Operating Results” —” Debt Programs”.
Each of our subsidiaries is responsible for their own liquidity management. For a discussion of Banco Galicia’s liquidity management, see “Banco Galicia’s Liquidity Management-Banco Galicia Liquidity Management”.
B.2 Consolidated Cash Flows
Our consolidated statements of cash flows were prepared in accordance with IAS 7 (Statements of Cash Flows). See our consolidated cash flow statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 included in this annual report.
As of December 31, 2023, on a consolidated basis, we had Ps.3,267,340 million in available cash (defined as total cash and cash equivalents), representing a Ps.864,221 million decrease as compared to the Ps.4,131,561 million in available cash as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2022, on a consolidated basis, we had Ps.4,131,561 million in available cash (defined as total cash and cash equivalents), representing a Ps.237,426 million increase as compared to the Ps.3,894,135 million in available cash as of December 31, 2021.
Cash equivalents are comprised of the following: BCRA debt instruments having a remaining maturity that does not exceed 90 days, securities in connection with reverse repurchase agreement transactions with the BCRA, local interbank loans and overnight placements in correspondent banks abroad. Cash equivalents also comprise, in the case of Naranja X, time deposit certificates and mutual fund shares.
The table below summarizes the information from our consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Net Cash generated by Operating Activities | 1,667,301 | 1,794,287 | 1,715,528 | ||||||||
| Net Cash used in Investment Activities | (81,858) | (58,232) | (51,062) | ||||||||
| Net Cash generated by / (used in) Financing Activities | (229,764) | 83,960 | 51,128 | ||||||||
| Exchange income on Cash and Cash Equivalents | 1,034,032 | 559,889 | 269,314 | ||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 2,389,711 | 2,379,904 | 1,984,908 | ||||||||
| Monetary loss related to cash and cash equivalents | (3,253,932) | (2,142,478) | (1,559,297) | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 4,131,561 | 3,894,135 | 3,468,524 | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year | 3,267,340 | 4,131,561 | 3,894,135 | ||||||||
Our operating activities include the operating results, the origination of loans and other financing transactions with the private sector, as well as raising customer deposits and entering into sales of government securities under repurchase agreement transactions. Our investing activities primarily consist of the acquisition of equity investments and purchasing of bank premises and equipment. Our financing activities include issuing bonds in the local and foreign capital markets and borrowing from foreign and local banks and international credit agencies.
Management believes that cash flows from operations and available cash and cash equivalent balances, will be sufficient to fund our financial commitments and capital expenditures for fiscal year 2023.
i) Cash Flows from Operating Activities
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| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | 543,010 | 204,099 | 288,144 | ||||||||
| Adjustment to Obtain the Operating Activities Flows: | |||||||||||
| Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions | 190,683 | 163,294 | 133,151 | ||||||||
Depreciation Expenses | 84,279 | 86,812 | 87,942 | ||||||||
| Loss on Net Monetary Position | 1,518,506 | 851,315 | 482,259 | ||||||||
| Other Operations | 704,537 | 560,287 | 737,888 | ||||||||
| Net (Increases)/Decreases from Operating Assets: | |||||||||||
| Debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss | (347,701) | 105,255 | (81,724) | ||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | (24,927) | (2,798) | 12,258 | ||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 15,181 | 804 | (772) | ||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | 12,241 | (25,729) | (47,688) | ||||||||
| Net Loans and Other Financing | |||||||||||
| - Non-financial Public Sector | 3,100 | (4,005) | — | ||||||||
| - Other Financial Institutions | (56,044) | 55,301 | 56,800 | ||||||||
| - Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 584,705 | 435,732 | 106,471 | ||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | (784,480) | (569,484) | (361,135) | ||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | 42,102 | (259,920) | (42,360) | ||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | (3,680) | 622 | 38,398 | ||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | (34,207) | (10,830) | 4,568 | ||||||||
| Non-current Assets Held for Sale | (71) | — | 264 | ||||||||
| Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||
| - Non-financial Public Sector | (63,720) | (27,379) | (39,931) | ||||||||
| - Financial Sector | 593 | 1,041 | 2,596 | ||||||||
| - Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | (899,375) | 412,805 | 128,759 | ||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | 49,241 | (215) | 459 | ||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | 6,963 | 956 | 3,794 | ||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | 193,450 | (104,907) | 301,002 | ||||||||
| Provisions | (11,547) | 5,356 | (7,997) | ||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | 75,608 | 10,522 | 1,361 | ||||||||
| Income Tax Collections/Payments | (131,146) | (94,647) | (88,979) | ||||||||
| Net Cash generated by Operating Activities | 1,667,301 | 1,794,287 | 1,715,528 | ||||||||
In fiscal year 2023, net cash generated by operating activities taking into account the impact of inflation amounted to Ps.1,667,301 million, mainly due to a Ps.584,705 million net increase in cash generated from net loans and other financing to the non-financial private sector and to residents abroad and Ps.(899,375) million net increase in cash generated from deposits from the non-financial private sector and from residents abroad. Such amounts were partially offset by net cash used of Ps.784,480 million related to a net increase in other debt securities.
In fiscal year 2022, net cash generated by operating activities taking into account the impact of inflation amounted to Ps.1,794,287 million, mainly due to a Ps.435,732 million net decrease in cash generated from net loans and other financing to the non-financial private sector and to residents abroad and Ps.412,805 million net increase in cash generated from deposits from the non-financial private sector and from residents abroad. Such amounts were partially offset by net cash used of Ps.569,484 million related to a net increase in other debt securities.
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In fiscal year 2021, net cash generated by operating activities taking into account the impact of inflation amounted to Ps.1,715,528 million, mainly due to a Ps.301,002 million net increase in cash generated from other financial liabilities and a Ps.128,759 million net increase in net cash generated from deposits from the non-financial private sector and from residents abroad. Such amounts were partially offset by net cash used of Ps.361,135 million related to an increase in other debt securities.
ii) Cash Flows from Investing Activities
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Investment Operations | |||||||||||
| Payments: | |||||||||||
| Purchase of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets | (74,019) | (57,704) | (60,316) | ||||||||
| Interests in other companies | (2,521) | (2,421) | (1,268) | ||||||||
| Collections: | |||||||||||
| Sale of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets | 4,816 | 1,893 | 3,944 | ||||||||
| Dividends earned | 1,015 | — | 6,304 | ||||||||
| Discontinued Operations/Sale of Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures | — | — | 274 | ||||||||
| Net Cash used in by Investment Activities | (81,858) | (58,232) | (51,062) | ||||||||
In fiscal year 2023, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.81,858 million and was mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.74,019 million. Such amount was partially offset by funds received from the sale of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.4,816 million.
In fiscal year 2022, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.58,232 million and was mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.57,704 million. Such amount was partially offset by funds received from the sale of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.1,893 million.
In fiscal year 2021, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.51,062 million and was mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.60,316 million. Such amount was partially offset by dividends received from investments in equity instruments for Ps.6,304 million and by funds received from the sale of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.3,944 million.
iii) Cash Flows from Financing Activities
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| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||||||
| Payments: | |||||||||||
| Unsubordinated Debt Securities | (157,188) | (124,999) | (103,468) | ||||||||
| Loans from Local Financial Institutions | (335,728) | (160,146) | (107,656) | ||||||||
| Dividends | (179,276) | (66,214) | (11,683) | ||||||||
| Leases payment | (6,373) | (8,331) | (10,531) | ||||||||
| Collections: | |||||||||||
| Unsubordinated Debt Securities | 75,021 | 209,972 | 144,871 | ||||||||
| Loans from Local Financial Institutions | 373,780 | 233,678 | 139,595 | ||||||||
| Net Cash generated / (used in) by Financing Activities | (229,764) | 83,960 | 51,128 | ||||||||
In fiscal year 2023, net cash generated in financing activities amounted to Ps.229,764 million due to: (i) Ps.335,728 million of loans received from local financial institutions and (ii) Ps.157,188 million received from the issuance of unsubordinated debt securities. Such amount was partially offset by: (i) payments on outstanding loans from local financial institutions for Ps.373,780 million and (ii) payments on outstanding unsubordinated debt securities for Ps.75,021 million during 2023.
In fiscal year 2022, net cash generated in financing activities amounted to Ps.83,960 million due to: (i) Ps.160,146 million of loans received from local financial institutions and (ii) Ps.124,999 million received from the issuance of unsubordinated debt securities. Such amount was partially offset by: (i) payments on outstanding loans from local financial institutions for Ps.233,678 million and (ii) payments on outstanding unsubordinated debt securities for Ps.209,972 million during 2022.
In fiscal year 2021, net cash used in financing activities amounted to Ps.51,128 million due to: (i) Ps.144,871 million as consequence of payments of loans obtained from local financial institutions and (ii) Ps.103,468 million received from the issuance of unsubordinated debt securities and (ii) Ps.139,595 million of loans received from local financial institutions. Such amount was partially offset by: (i) payments on outstanding loans from local financial institutions for Ps.107,656 million and (ii) payments on outstanding unsubordinated debt securities for Ps.103,468 million during 2021.
iv) Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents
In fiscal year 2023, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.1,034,032 million, an increase of Ps.474,143 million as compared to fiscal year 2022. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2023 was Ps.808.48 per US$1.
In fiscal year 2022, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.559,889 million, an increase of Ps.290,575 million as compared to fiscal year 2021. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2022 was Ps.177.13 per US$1.
In fiscal year 2021, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.269,314 million, a decrease of Ps.31,060 million as compared to fiscal year 2020. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2021 was Ps.102.75 per US$1.
For a description of the types of financial interests we use and the maturity profile of our debt, currency and interest rate structure, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”— A.“Operating Results”.
B.3 Liquidity Management
i) Liquidity Gaps
Liquidity risk is the risk that Grupo Financiero Galicia does not have a sufficient level of liquid assets to meet its contractual commitments and the operational needs of the business without affecting market prices. The goal of liquidity management is to maintain an adequate level of liquid assets that allows it to meet financial commitments at contractual maturity, take advantage of potential investment opportunities and meet demand for credit. To monitor and control liquidity
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risk, Grupo Financiero Galicia monitors and systematically calculates gaps in liquidity through the application of an internal model that is subject to periodic review.
Grupo Financiero Galicia’s liquidity policy covers three areas of liquidity risk:
•Stock Liquidity: The excess amount of cash and liquid assets above the legal minimum cash requirements, taking into account the characteristics and performance of Banco Galicia’s different liabilities, as well as the nature of the assets that provide such liquidity.
•Cash Flow Liquidity: Gaps between the contractual maturities of consolidated financial assets and liabilities.
•Concentration of Deposits: The concentration of deposits is regulated in terms of the top leading customers and the following 50 customers. A maximum limit with respect to the share in deposits is determined on an individual basis for such customers.
As of December 31, 2023, the consolidated gaps between maturities of Grupo Financiero Galicia's financial assets and liabilities based on contractual remaining maturity were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less than one Year | 1 –5 Years | 5 – 10 Years | Over 10 Years | Total | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except ratios) | |||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | 1,182,817 | — | — | — | 1,182,817 | ||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank – Escrow Accounts | 1,073,022 | — | — | — | 1,073,022 | ||||||||||||
| Overnight Placements in Banks Abroad | 16,617 | — | — | — | 16,617 | ||||||||||||
| Loans – Public Sector | 14,114 | 3,270 | — | — | 17,384 | ||||||||||||
| Loans – Private Sector | 2,533,335 | 183,076 | 44,789 | 60,600 | 2,821,800 | ||||||||||||
| Government Securities | 2,546,708 | 59,171 | — | — | 2,605,879 | ||||||||||||
| Notes and Securities | 30,168 | 8,156 | — | — | 38,324 | ||||||||||||
| Financial Trusts | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Receivables from Financial Leases | 303 | 166 | — | — | 469 | ||||||||||||
| Other Financing | 22,151 | 45,972 | — | — | 68,123 | ||||||||||||
| Government Securities Forward Purchase | 1,157,830 | — | — | — | 1,157,830 | ||||||||||||
| Total Assets | 8,577,065 | 299,811 | 44,789 | 60,600 | 8,982,265 | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Deposits in Savings Accounts | 2,928,158 | — | — | — | 2,928,158 | ||||||||||||
| Demand Deposits | 1,431,782 | — | — | — | 1,431,782 | ||||||||||||
| Time Deposits | 1,205,532 | 6 | — | — | 1,205,538 | ||||||||||||
| Notes | 61,751 | 200,542 | — | — | 262,293 | ||||||||||||
| Banks and International Entities | 44,097 | 5,168 | — | — | 49,265 | ||||||||||||
| Local Financial Institutions | 93,424 | 5,900 | — | — | 99,324 | ||||||||||||
| Other Financing | 1,345,774 | 18,824 | 1,922 | 853 | 1,367,373 | ||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | 7,110,518 | 230,440 | 1,922 | 853 | 7,343,733 | ||||||||||||
| Asset / Liability Gap | 1,466,547 | 69,371 | 42,867 | 59,747 | 1,638,532 | ||||||||||||
| Cumulative Gap | 1,466,547 | 1,535,918 | 1,578,785 | 1,638,532 | |||||||||||||
| Ratio of Cumulative Gap to Cumulative Liabilities | 20.6 | % | 20.9 | % | 21.5 | % | 22.3 | % | |||||||||
| Ratio of Cumulative Gap to Total Liabilities | 20.0 | % | 20.9 | % | 21.5 | % | 22.3 | % | |||||||||
____________________
(*)Principal plus UVA adjustment. Does not include interest.
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(1)Includes, mainly, debt with retailers due to credit card operations, liabilities in connection with repurchase transactions, debt with domestic credit agencies and collections for third parties.
The table above is prepared taking into account contractual maturity. Therefore, all financial assets and liabilities with no maturity date are included in the “Less than One Year” category.
Banco Galicia must comply with a maximum limit set by its board of directors for liquidity mismatches. This limit has been established at -25% (minus 25%) for the ratio of cumulative gap to total liabilities within the first year. Banco Galicia complies with the established policy, since such gap was of 9.0% as of December 2023.
ii) Banco Galicia Liquidity Management
The following is a discussion of Banco Galicia’s liquidity management.
Banco Galicia’s policy is to maintain a level of liquid assets that allows it to meet financial commitments at contractual maturity, take advantage of potential investment opportunities, and meet customer’s credit demand. To set the appropriate level, forecasts are made based on historical experience and on an analysis of possible scenarios. This enables management to project funding needs and alternative funding sources, as well as excess liquidity and placement strategies for such funds. As of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia’s liquidity structure was as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||
| Legal Requirement | 550,015 | ||||
| Management Liquidity | 676,543 | ||||
| Total Liquidity | 1,226,558 | ||||
Legal requirements correspond to the minimum cash requirements for Peso- and foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities as per the rules and regulations of the BCRA.
The assets that can be taken into account for compliance with this requirement are the balances of the Peso- and foreign currency-denominated deposit accounts at the BCRA, the liquidity bills and Bote 2027, and the escrow accounts held at the BCRA in favor of clearing houses.
Management liquidity, defined as a percentage over deposits and other liabilities, is made up of the following items: balances of checking accounts held by the BCRA exceeding minimum cash requirements, Letes, Leliq and placements held by the BCRA, overnight placements in banks abroad, net short-term interbank loans (call loans), technical cash and placements at the BCRA in excess of the amounts necessary to cover minimum cash requirements.
B.4 Capital
Our capital management policy is designed to ensure prudent levels of capital. The following table analyzes our capital resources as of the dates indicated.
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except ratios, multiples and percentages) | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG | 2,017,155 | 1,895,882 | 1,846,913 | ||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG as a Percentage of Total Assets | 19.74 | 18.08 | 18.14 | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG | 4.06 | 4.53 | 4.51 | ||||||||
Tangible Shareholders’ Equity (1) as a Percentage of Total Assets | 18.53 | 16.93 | 16.88 | ||||||||
____________________
1)Tangible shareholders’ equity represents shareholders’ equity minus intangible assets.
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For information on our capital adequacy and that of our operating subsidiaries, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.“Business Overview”—“Selected Statistical Information”—“Regulatory Capital”.
B.5 Capital Expenditures
In the ordinary course of business, our capital expenditures are mainly related to fixed assets, construction and organizational and IT system development. Generally, our capital expenditures are not significant when compared to our total assets.
For a more detailed description of our capital expenditures in 2022 and our capital commitments for 2023, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”— A. “History and Development of the Company”—“Capital Investments and Divestitures”. For a description of financing of our capital expenditures, see —“Consolidated Cash Flows”.
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
Not applicable.
D. Trend Information
See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A.“Operating Results” – “Principal Trends”.
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—A. “Operating Results”—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and “Contractual Obligations”.
F. Contractual Obligations
See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”—A. “Operating Results”—“Contractual Obligations”.
G. Safe Harbor
These matters are discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
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A. Directors and Senior Management
Our Board of Directors
Our ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting took place on April 25, 2023. The following table sets out the members of our Board of Directors as of that date, the positions they hold within Grupo Financiero Galicia, their dates of birth, their principal occupations and the dates of their appointment and on which their current terms will expire. Terms expire when the annual shareholders’ meeting takes place.
| Name | Position | Date of Birth | Principal Occupation | Member Since | Current Term Ends | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eduardo J. Escasany | Chairman | June 30, 1950 | Businessman | April 2005 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pablo Gutierrez | Vice Chairman | December 9, 1959 | Businessman | April 2003 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federico Braun | Director | February 4, 1950 | Businessman | September 1999 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Silvestre Vila Moret | Director | April 26, 1971 | Businessman | June 2002 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sebastián Gutierrez | Director | June 8, 1963 | Businessman | April 2021 | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tomás Braun | Director | December 17, 1979 | Businessman | April 2021 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alejandro Asrin | Director | November 15, 1969 | Lawyer | April 2021 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Claudia Raquel Estecho | Director | September 24, 1957 | Accountant | April 2019 | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miguel C. Maxwell | Director | December 19, 1956 | Accountant | April 2020 | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sergio Grinenco | Alternate Director | May 26, 1948 | Banker | April 2003 | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ana María Bertolino | Alternate Director | June 1, 1951 | Lawyer | April 2019 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pedro A. Richards | Alternate Director | November 14, 1952 | Businessman | April 2021 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Daniel Llambías | Alternate Director | February 8, 1947 | Businessman | April 2021 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alejandro Rojas Lagarde | Alternate Director | July 17, 1937 | Lawyer | April 2000 | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ricardo Alberto Gonzalez | Alternate Director | June 12, 1951 | Businessman | April 2019 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following is a summary of the biographies of the members of our Board of Directors:
Eduardo J. Escasany: Mr. Escasany obtained a degree in economics at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He held various roles with Banco Galicia from 1973 to 2002. He was appointed to Banco Galicia’s board of directors in 1975. In 1979, he was elected as the vice chairman and from 1989 to 2002 he served as the chairman of Banco Galicia’s board of directors and its chief executive officer. Additionally, he was the Director of the Institute of International Finance and President of Casa Escasany (Jewelry and Watches). He served as Vice President of the Argentine Banking Association from 1989 to 1993 and as President from 1993 to 1999. In 2005, he joined Grupo Financiero Galicia as a regular Director. Currently, Mr. Escasany is the Chairman of Grupo Financiero Galicia, a position he has held since 2010. He is also a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Foundation Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. Mr. Escasany is Mr. Silvestre Vila Moret's uncle.
Pablo Gutierrez: Mr. Gutiérrez obtained a degree on Business Administration from Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has held various roles for Banco Galicia since 1985; he was Manager of Private Banking, Manager of Investment Department, Manager of Risk Management, he was also Finance Manager and finally, he was promoted to manage the whole Financial Area. In 2005, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia as a regular Director and in 2012 he was elected Vice-Chairman of Grupo Financiero Galicia. He was an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia from April 2003 to April 2010 when he was appointed as regular Director. In April 2012, he was appointed as vice chairman of Grupo Financiero Galicia. He is also a regular Director of Tarjetas Regionales, Tarjeta Naranja, Marin S.A. and Lifetime Member of Fundación Banco Galicia y Buenos Aires. Mr. Pablo Gutierrez is Mr. Sebastian Gutierrez's sibling.
Federico Braun: Mr. Braun obtained a degree in industrial engineering at University of Buenos Aires. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1984 to 2002. Mr. Braun is chairman of Estancia Anita S.A., Tarjeta del Mar and S.A. Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia and vice chairman of Asociación Empresaria Argentina (AEA) and Asociación de Supermercados Unidos (ASU). He is member of Camara Argentina de Comercio (CAC) in representation of ASU. He is
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a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since September 1999. Mr. Federico Braun is Tomás Braun's father.
Silvestre Vila Moret: Mr. Vila Moret joined Banco Galicia in 1997, where he served until May 2002. Since June 2002, he has been serving as regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia. Also, he is a regular Director of, Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., El Benteveo S.A. and Santa Ofelia S.A. He is chairman of EBA Holding S.A. and vice-chairman of Marin S.A. Mr. Vila Moret is Mr. Eduardo J. Escasany's nephew.
Sebastián Gutiérrez: Mr. Gutiérrez obtained a degree in Economics from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He joined Banco Galicia in 1988, where he held different positions. He served as Private Banking Manager, International Sales Manager and Executive Director of the London –UK and New York-USA business units. In 2015, he was appointed as General Manager of Galicia Seguros, position he held until March 2021. He was appointed as regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2021 and is also Chairman of Sudamericana Holding S.A. Mr. Sebastián Gutierrez is Mr. Pablo Gutierrez's sibling.
Tomás Braun: Mr. Tomas Braun obtained a degree in Economics, a Master in finance at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and a Masters in Business at Stanford Graduate School of Business in the U.S. Since April 2021 he is a regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia, Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. and Inviu S.A. He joined Banco Galicia in 2006, where he developed leadership roles in sales, marketing, and business development. Tomas is Partner at Boost Capital Partners, a UK based venture capital fund that invests both in Europe and Latam. Previous to joining Boost, Tomas has been an active early-stage investor in Latam as a Partner at Kalei Ventures and as an active angel investor. Before that, Tomas led product development at LendingFront (a NYC-based Fintech SAAS startup). Tomás Braun is the son of Mr. Federico Braun.
Mr. Alejandro Asrin: Mr. Alejandro Asrin obtained a degree in law at the National University of Córdoba. He also graduated from the Intensive Program in Business Management at I.A.E. He has been associated with Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. since the beginning of its activities and served as Vice President of the Company from 1999 to 2002. He is a regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia, a position he has held since April 2002. He is also Chairman of Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. and Cobranzas Regionales S.A. and Vice Chairman of Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.
Claudia Raquel Estecho: Mrs. Claudia Estecho obtained a degree in accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has also completed specialized training programs in the areas of Human Resources, Risk and Executive Management at the Universidad Austral. She held different positions at Banco Galicia since 1976 to 2016 in the areas of Finance, Planning and Risk Management. She is regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia, position she has held since April 2019.
Miguel C. Maxwell: Mr. Maxwell obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires and completed the High Management Program of IAE Business School (Harvard Business School – University of Navarra). He developed his professional career at Deloitte & Co. S.A., where, after being promoted to Audit Partner and leading the Audit business in Argentina, he reached the position of CEO of Argentina, LATCO (15 countries) and became a member of the Board of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. He is regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., a position he has held since 2020. He is Chairman of the Advisory Board of Llorente & Cuenca (LLYC) and syndic of LIAG Argentina S.A. and Importadora y Exportadora del Norte S.A. (Don Mario Group). He is also member of the Boards of Directors of the Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Asociación Argentina de Cultura Inglesa and Club Champagnat and Accounts Reviewer of the Harvard Club of Argentina.
Sergio Grinenco: Mr. Grinenco obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina and a master’s in business administration from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1977. He has served as an alternate Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia since September 2001 and as vice chairman from April 2003 to 2011. Additionally, he was a member of the Audit Committee of Banco Galicia from 2009 to 2012. He is also Chairman of Banco Galicia, 1st Vice president of the Argentine Bank Association (ADEBA), alternate Director of Tarjetas Regionales S.A. Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. and Distrocuyo S.A. and alternate Member of the Foundation of Banco Galicia y Buenos Aires.
Ana María Bertolino: Mrs. Bertolino obtained a degree in law from Universidad de Buenos Aires. She joined Banco Galicia in 1972 and held positions in Credit and Corporate Banking, until 2009. She was appointed as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019.
Pedro Alberto Richards: Mr. Richards obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He holds a Master of Science in Management from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined Banco Galicia in 1990. He was a member of the board of directors of Galicia Capital Markets S.A. between 1992 and 1994 and Vice president of Net Investment between 2001 and 2007. Additionally, he was Director of the
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National Development Bank (BANADE). In 2000, he was appointed as General Manager of Grupo Financiero Galicia, a position he held until 2020. He was an Alternate Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia from 2003 to 2005, when he was appointed as regular Director, holding such position until 2010. Subsequently, he was elected as regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia from 2017 to 2021. He is currently an alternate Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia, a position he has held since April 2021. He is also alternate Director of Sudamericana Holding S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A.U., Galicia Retiro Compañia de Seguros S.A.U., Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. and Distrocuyo S.A.
Daniel Antonio Llambias: Mr. Llambías obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1964. He was elected as alternate Director of Banco Galicia in September 1997 and served as regular Director from September 2001 until August 2009, when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. In 2020, he was elected regular Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia, a position he held until 2021. Also, he served as the chairman of ADEBA from April 2016 to April 2017. He is currently an alternate Director of Grupo Financiero Galicia, a position he has held since April 2021. He is also an alternate Trustee of Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.
Alejandro María Rojas Lagarde: Mr. Rojas obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has held a variety of positions at Banco Galicia since 1963. From 1965 to January 2000, he served as the general counsel of Banco Galicia. He has served as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia since 2000. He is also a manager of Rojas Lagarde S.R.L., alternate Director of Santiago Salud S.A. and a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.
Ricardo Alberto Gonzalez: Mr. Gonzalez served in various positions at Banco Galicia between 1973 and December 2009, mainly in the retail division and the credit department. He retired as general manager of the corporate banking division. In April 2019, he was appointed as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia.
Our Board of Directors may consist of between three and nine permanent members. Currently our Board of Directors has nine members. In addition, the number of alternate directors who act in the temporary or permanent absence of a director has been set at six. The regular and alternate directors are elected by the shareholders at our annual general shareholders’ meeting.
Directors and alternate directors are elected for a maximum term of three years. Mr. Sergio Grinenco is also a director of Banco Galicia. In addition, some members of our Board of Directors may serve on the board of directors of any subsidiary.
Six of our directors are members of the families that are the controlling shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia.
The following table reflects certain data in respect of the diversity of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s Board of Directors.
Board Diversity Matrix (As of December 2023) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country of Principal Executive Offices: | Argentina | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Private Issuer | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disclosure Prohibited under Home Country Law | No | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Number of Directors | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Female | Male | NonBinary | Did Not Disclose Gender | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Part I: Gender Identity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directors | 2 | 13 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Part II: Demographic Background | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Underrepresented Individual in Home Country Jurisdiction | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LGBTQ+ | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Did Not Disclose Demographic Background | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Our Audit Committee
Grupo Financiero Galicia complies with the provisions set forth by the Capital Markets Law and the regulations set forth by the CNV, which require that companies which make a public offering of shares should form an Audit Committee and develop a charter with regulations for its operation.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors established an Audit Committee with three members. For fiscal year 2023, Messrs. Claudia Estecho, Sebastián Gutiérrez and Miguel Maxwell were the members of the Audit Committee, with Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell considered independent pursuant to the CNV and Nasdaq requirements. All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and have extensive experience in management. Mr. Miguel Maxwell was the financial expert serving on our Audit Committee during fiscal year 2023.
According to the CNV rules, the Audit Committee is primarily responsible for (i) issuing a report on the Board of Directors’ proposals for the appointment of the independent auditors and the compensation for the Directors, (ii) issuing a report detailing the activities performed according to the CNV requirements, (iii) issuing the Audit Committee’s annual plan and implementing it each fiscal year, (iv) evaluating the external auditors’ independence, work plans and performance, (v) evaluating the plans and performance of the internal auditors, (vi) supervising the reliability of our internal control systems, including the accounting system, and of external reporting of financial or other information, (vii) following-up on the use of information policies on risk management at Grupo Financiero Galicia’s main subsidiaries, (viii) evaluating the reliability of the financial information to be filed with the CNV and the SEC, (ix) verifying compliance with the applicable conduct rules, and (x) issuing a report on related party transactions and disclosing any transaction where a conflict of interest exists with corporate governance bodies and controlling shareholders. The Audit Committee has access to all information and documentation that it requires and is broadly empowered to fulfill its duties. During 2023, the Audit Committee held twelve meetings.
Our Executive Committee
The Executive Committee was created to assist the management of the Company’s ordinary business and help the Board of Directors in fulfilling its duties. The Committee is composed of between two and five members of the Board of Directors and the President of the Board of Directors acts as its chairman. The duties of this committee include gathering legal, economic, financial, and business information on the Company’s subsidiaries and investee companies; making investment decisions; appointing the Company’s first-tier managers; proposing a strategic plan for the Company and its subsidiaries; making annual budget estimates for the Board of Directors and performing risk assessments. The members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Eduardo J. Escasany, Pablo Gutiérrez, Federico Braun and Silvestre Vila Moret.
Our Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee
The Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee was created as part of the Company’s Ethics and Integrity Program, in order to promote respect for norms and regulations, the principles of good conduct and our Code of Ethics. The objective of this Committee, (apart from complying with the duties required to be performed by applicable Argentine laws), is to monitor and review reports of conducts contrary to our Code of Ethics, and to decide whether the conduct under review violated our Code of Ethics; evaluate the evolution and effectiveness of our Ethics and Integrity Program; and plan, coordinate and supervise compliance with the relevant policies approved by this Committee. This committee is formed by two independent Directors, the Administrative and Financial Manager, the person responsible for the Integrity program of the Company, and is chaired by Mr. Miguel Maxwell. The members are the two independent directors, Messrs. Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell, and José Luis Ronsini and Adrián Enrique Pedemonte.
Our Nomination and Compensation Committee
The Nomination and Compensation Committee was created to facilitate the analysis and monitoring of several issues based on good corporate governance practices. Said Committee is composed of 5 regular Directors, two of them independent, and is chaired by of one independent Director. Even though under Argentine law the appointment of new members to the Board of Directors remains within the exclusive power of the shareholders, this Committee assists the Board of Directors in the preparation and design of a succession plan for its members, in particular for the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Audit Committee. This committee reviews the background, training and professional experience of potential candidates to serve the Board and determines their level of compensation in accordance with market standards. The members of the committee are the two independent directors, Messrs. Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell and Eduardo J. Escasany, Pablo Gutierrez and Federico Braun.
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Our Disclosure Committee
We have established a Disclosure Committee in response to the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The main responsibility of this committee is to review and approve controls on the public disclosure of financial and related information, and other procedures necessary that enable our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer & Compliance to provide their certifications for the annual report we file with the SEC. The members of this committee are Messrs. Fabian Kon, Diego Rivas, Pablo Firvida, José Luis Ronsini, Adrián Enrique Pedemonte and Ms. Mariana Saavedra. In addition, at least one of the members of this committee attends all the meetings of our principal subsidiaries’ disclosure committees.
Our Supervisory Committee
Our bylaws provide for a Supervisory Committee consisting of three members who are referred to as syndics (“syndics”) and three alternate members who are referred to as alternate syndics (“alternate syndics”). In accordance with the Corporations Law and our bylaws, the syndics and alternate syndics are responsible for ensuring that all of our actions are in accordance with applicable Argentine law. Syndics and alternate syndics are elected by the shareholders at the annual general shareholders’ meeting. Syndics and alternate syndics do not have management functions. Syndics are responsible for, among other things, preparing a report to shareholders analyzing our financial statements for each year and recommending to the shareholders whether to approve such financial statements. Alternate syndics act in the temporary or permanent absence of a syndic. Currently, there are three syndics and three alternate syndics. Syndics and alternate syndics are elected for a one-year term.
The following table shows the members of our Supervisory Committee. Each of our syndics was appointed at the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2023. Terms expire when the annual shareholders’ meeting takes place or as set forth below.
| Name | Position | Principal Occupation | Current Term Ends | |||||||||||||||||
| Antonio R. Garcés | Syndic | Accountant | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| José Luis Gentile | Syndic | Accountant | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Omar Severini | Syndic | Accountant | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Miguel N. Armando | Alternate Syndic | Lawyer | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Fernando Noetinger | Alternate Syndic | Lawyer | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| María Matilde Hoenig | Alternate Syndic | Lawyer | April 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
The following is a summary of the biographies of the members of our Supervisory Committee:
Antonio Roberto Garcés: Mr. Garcés obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1959 and with Grupo Financiero Galicia since 2002. In April 1985, he was appointed as an alternate director of Banco Galicia. Subsequently, he was appointed as the vice chairman of Banco Galicia in September 2001, as the chairman of the board of directors of Banco Galicia from March 2002 until August 2002 and then as the vice chairman from August 2002 until April 2003, when he was elected to serve as chairman of Banco Galicia’s board of directors until 2011. From 2003 to 2010 he was the chairman of Grupo Financiero Galicia. Since April 2019, he has been serving as a regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia. Additionally, he is a regular syndic of Banco Galicia, Tarjetas Regionales S.A., Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., Naranja Digital Compañia Financiera S.A.U., Sudamericana Holding S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A.U. and Inviu S.A.U., among others subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia. He is also a regular syndic of Electrigal S.A. and an alternate syndic of EBA Holding S.A.
José Luis Gentile: : Mr. Gentile obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He provided services to Grupo Financiero Galicia from 1999 to March 2017. He served as Chief Financial Officer from 2003 to 2017. He is a regular syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia, a position held since 2017. He is also regular syndic of EBA Holding S.A., Banco Galicia, Tarjetas Regionales S.A., Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., Naranja Digital Compania Financiera S.A.U., Sudamericana Holding S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A.U. and Inviu S.A.U., among others subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia. He is also an alternate syndic of Electrigal S.A. and Distrocuyo S.A.
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Omar Severini: Mr. Severini obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Belgrano, a degree in finance with a concentration in capital markets from UCEMA. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1978, where he served in several positions. He served as Internal Auditor Manager to Banco Galicia between 2009 and 2017. He is regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia, positions he held since 2017. He is also a regular syndic of Banco Galicia, Tarjetas Regionales S.A., Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., Naranja Digital Compañia Financiera S.A.U., Sudamericana Holding S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A.U. and Inviu S.A.U., among other subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia. He is also a regular syndic of EBA Holding S.A., Electrigal S.A., Marin S.A. and Distrocuyo S.A.
Miguel Norberto Armando: : Mr. Armando obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He was first elected as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia from 1986 until 2017. He also acted as an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia between 1999 and January 2009 at which point, he became a regular syndic until April 2009 and was reelected as an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia until April 2023. Mr. Armando is also a regular syndic of EBA Holding S.A. and Electrigal S.A. and an alternate syndic of Marin S.A., Tarjetas Regionales S.A., Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., Naranja Digital Compania Financiera S.A.U., Sudamericana Holding S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A.U. and Inviu S.A.U., among others subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia.
Fernando Noetinger: Mr. Noetinger obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He served as alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia from September 1999 to June 2002. Since April 2006 he has been serving as alternate syndic of Grupo Galicia. Mr. Noetinger is also Chairman of Arnoar and alternate syndic of EBA Holding S.A., Electrigal S.A., Banco Galicia, Tarjetas Regionales S.A., Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., Naranja Digital Compania Financiera S.A.U., Sudamericana Holding S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A.U. and Inviu S.A.U., among others subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia.
Maria Matilde Hoening: Miss. Hoening obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1971 and served in different positions until 2009. She was appointed as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia, Grupo Financiero Galicia, Tarjetas Regionales S.A., Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., Naranja Digital Compania Financiera S.A.U., Galicia Seguros S.A.U. and Inviu S.A.U., among others subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia. She is also a regular syndic of Sudamericana Holding S.A. and Galicia Warrants S.A.
Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia
Our organizational structure consists of the Chief Executive Officer who reports to the Board of Directors, and the Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer (CFO&CO), Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Investor Relations Officer (IRO) each of whom reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
The Chief Executive Officer’s primary responsibilities consist of implementing the policies defined by the Board of Directors, as well as providing recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding future plans, budgets, and company organization to be considered by the Board of Directors. He is also responsible for supervising the CFO&CO, CRO and IRO.
The Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer is responsible for the designing of the financial and budgeting planning to be considered by the Executive Committee, including: proposing the framework of financial policies and applicable regulatory compliance with respect to controlled and investee companies, proposing the strategy and development of new businesses for GFG; monitoring the budget of controlled and investee companies, designing and proposing to the Executive Committee the policies in relation to tax, accounting and legal advisory services of GFG and its subsidiaries and investees; supervising the regulatory compliance framework applicable to GFG and its subsidiaries and affiliates and coordinating the operation of GFG’s administrative structure.
The Chief Risk Officer is responsible for advising on the design of GFG’s Risk Management strategy and proposing the Executive Committee the Risk policies for the subsidiaries, supervising risk management considering BCRA regulations and monitoring compliance of policies, rating process and fraud prevention.
The Investor Relations Officer is responsible for coordinating the institutional and investor relations activities at GFG.
Our Chief Executive Officer is Mr. Fabian Kon. Mr. Kon obtained a degree in national public accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has worked at Pistrelli, Diaz y Asociados, Accenture, Exolgan Container Terminal and Tradecom, in managerial positions. From 2006 to February 2014, he served as Galicia Seguros’ Chief Executive Officer and was appointed as Banco Galicia’s retail banking manager in March 2014. On October 7, 2015, Mr. Fabián Enrique
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Kon was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Banco Galicia. Mr. Kon is also the chairman of Sudamericana Holding S.A., vice chairman of Tarjetas Regionales S.A. and director of Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U.. He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Financiero Galicia in July 2020.
Our Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer is Mr. Diego Rivas. Mr. Rivas obtained a degree in business administration from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He also completed a postgraduate degree in finance at the CEMA and management development programs at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as a postgraduate degree in Risk Management at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rivas has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. In May 2016, he was appointed Risk Manager of Banco Galicia. Mr. Rivas is also an alternate director of Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. He was appointed as the Chief Risk Officer of Grupo Financiero Galicia from July 2020 to May 2021. In May 2021, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer. In March 2021, he was appointed the Bank’s Planning Manager.
Our Chief Risk Officer is Mr. Bruno Folino. Mr. Folino obtained an accounting degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He completed a post-graduate degree in Tax & Legal at the Universidad Austral and a Master in Science of Management from GSB Stanford University. He started his career as an auditor at Price Waterhouse & Co. before moving to the Tax & Legal Department. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1997 as Tax Manager and Planning Manager. He was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer of Grupo Financiero Galicia from July 2020 to May 2021. In May 2021, he was appointed Chief Risk Officer. On March 2021, he was appointed the Bank’s Risk Manager.
Our Investor Relations Officer is Mr. Pablo Firvida. Mr. Firvida obtained a degree in Industrial Engineering at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and a Master in Finance at the Universidad del CEMA. He also attended a course of “Management Development Program” at the IAE Business School. From 1990 to 1992 he worked as an economic analyst at the Compañía General de Combustibles. Later, from 1992 to 1996, he was an associate in “Investment Banking” at the Banco General de Negocios. Afterwards, from 1996 to 2003, he worked at Banco Galicia Capital Markets. From 2003 to 2008 he served as the Institutional Investor Relations Manager at Grupo Financiero Galicia. In 2008 he returned to Banco Galicia, as Manager of Investor Relations, and later, in 2014, as Manager of Institutional and Investor Relations. In July 2020 he was appointed as Investor Relations Officer of Grupo Financiero Galicia.
Board of Directors of Banco Galicia
At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on March 13, 2024, the size of Banco Galicia’s board of directors was set at seven members and three alternate directors. The following table sets forth the members of Banco Galicia’s board of directors as of the date hereof, all of whom are residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the position currently held by each of them, their dates of birth, their principal occupations, the dates of their appointment and the year in which their current
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terms will expire. The business address of the members of the Banco Galicia’s board of directors is Tte. General J. D. Perón 430, 24th floor (C1038AAI) Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| Name | Position | Date of Birth | Principal Occupation | Member Since | Current Term Ends | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sergio Grinenco | Chairman of the Board | May 26, 1948 | Banker | April 2012 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Raúl Héctor Seoane | Vicechairman | July 18, 1953 | Economist | April 2012 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Guillermo J. Pando | Secretary Director | October 23, 1948 | Banker | April 2003 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
María Elena Casasnovas (1) | Director | May 10, 1951 | Lawyer | April 2016 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Juan Carlos L’Afflitto | Director | September 15, 1958 | Accountant | April 2016 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gastón Bourdieu | Director | August 31, 1956 | Agricultural Administration | April 2018 | April 2027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miguel Angel Peña | Director | January 22, 1962 | Systems | April 2021 | April 2027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ignacio A. González (2) | Alternate Director | April 23, 1944 | Accountant | April 2018 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Verónica Lagos Mármol (2) | Alternate Director | November 14, 1972 | Economist | April 2020 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Augusto R. Zapiola Macnab | Alternate Director | June 27, 1947 | Economist | April 2013 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(1)In accordance with the rules of the CNV, and pursuant to the classifications adopted by the CNV, Mrs. Casasnovas is an independent director. Mrs. Casasnovas is also an independent director in accordance with the Nasdaq rules.
(2)In accordance with the rules of the CNV, and pursuant to the classifications adopted by the CNV, Messrs. Gonzalez and Lagos Mármol are independent alternate directors. We would replace the independent director in case of vacancy. Messrs. González and Lagos Mármol are also independent directors in accordance with the Nasdaq rules.
The following are the biographies of the members of the board of directors of Banco Galicia:
Sergio Grinenco: See “—Our Board of Directors”.
Raúl Héctor Seoane: Mr. Seoane obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1988. Mr. Seoane was first elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia from 2005 until December 2011, and in April 2012 was elected as a director. He is also a vice chairman of Distrocuyo S.A. and an alternate trustee of Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.
Guillermo Juan Pando: Mr. Pando has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1969. He was first elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia from September 2001 until June 2002, and in April 2003 he was elected as a director. He is also the chairman of Santiago Salud S.A. and Distrocuyo S.A., vice chairman of Electrigal S.A., and an alternate trustee of Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.
María Elena Casasnovas: Mrs. Casasnovas obtained a degree in law from the Universidad Católica Argentina. She completed the Program for High Management at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and the Senior Management Program at Universidad San Andrés. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1972. In April 2016, she was elected as a director.
Juan Carlos L’Afflitto: Mr. L’Afflitto obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He worked as advisor and accountant at Morgan, Benedit y Asociados and until 1990 he was a professor at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1986. In April 2016, he was elected as a director.
Gastón Bourdieu: Mr. Bourdieu obtained a degree in agricultural administration from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He has been associated with Banco Galicia from 1981 to 2017. He was appointed as a director of Banco Galicia in April 2018. He is also a director of Maradona S.A.
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Miguel Ángel Peña: Mr. Peña has a degree in Systems from the National Technological University, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. From January 1999 to February 2005, he served as Systems Manager of Banco Galicia; from February 2005 to March 2014 he was Manager of the Corporate Services Area at Banco Galicia and from April 1, 2014, to April 2021 he served as General Manager of Tarjeta Regionales S.A. He is President of Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U. and Tarjeta Regionales S.A. and Director of Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., Inviu and Cobranzas Regionales S.A. and was appointed as Director of the Bank on April 27, 2021. Mr. Peña’s date of birth is January 22, 1962 .
Ignacio Abel González: Mr. González obtained a degree in national public accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a master in Auditing at Drew University, New Jersey. Previously, he served as a Member of the International Committee of Finance & Value Sharing, PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was appointed as director of Banco Galicia in April 2010, and he was elected as an alternate director in April 2018. He is also director of IDEA and syndic of Sociedad Anónima La Nación, Nuevos Medios La Nación, Publirevistas, Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia, and the founder and president of P.O.D.E.R (Polo de Desarrollo Educativo Renovador).
Enrique García Pinto: Mr. García Pinto has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1970. Before that, he served at Nobleza Piccardo SAYCYF and Saturno Agropecuaria SCA. Mr. García Pinto was appointed as an alternate director of Banco Galicia at the shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2009. He also serves as a director of Distrocuyo S.A.
Augusto Rodolfo Zapiola Macnab: Mr. Zapiola Macnab obtained a degree in economics from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. He was associated with Banco Galicia from June 1978 until September 2002. He was elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia in April 2013. He was elected as an alternate director on the Board of Directors of Grupo Galicia in April 2015.
Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia
Banco Galicia’s board of directors may consist of three to nine permanent members. In addition, there can be one or more alternate directors who can act during the temporary or permanent absence of a director. As of the date of this annual report, none of the directors were also employees.
The Board of Directors meets formally at least twice a week and informally every day and is responsible for the general administration of Banco Galicia, making all the decisions required for that purpose.
Members of the Bank’s Board of Directors serve in the following committees:
Human Resources and Governance Committee: this committee is subdivided into the Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Nomination Sub-Committee is responsible for nominating successors for the roles of the General Manager and Area Managers and analyzing and setting the compensation to be paid to the General Manager and Area Managers. On the other hand, the Compensation Committee is responsible for submitting, analyzing and suggesting the level of compensation to be paid to the Board of Directors, the General Manager and Area Managers, and for monitoring the performance of Department Managers and Area Managers.
Risk and Capital Allocation Committee: this committee is responsible for approving and analyzing capital allocation, setting up risk policies and monitoring risks for the Bank.
High Credits Committee: this committee is responsible for approving and subscribing the qualifications and awards of operations of customers and high-risk groups. It meets at least once a week.
Low Credits Committee: this committee is responsible for approving and subscribing the qualifications and awards related to operations of customers and high-risk groups. It meets at least biweekly.
Information Technology and Security Governance Committee: this committee is responsible for supervising and approving new systems development plans and their budgets; supervising the budgetary control of developments; approving the general designs of the systems structure, the main processes, and systems to be implemented; and supervising the quality of the services, in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia.
Audit Committee: the Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in controlling the Bank and its controlled and investee companies, in order to reasonably ensure the following objectives: effectiveness and efficiency of
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operations; reliability of accounting information; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and compliance with the objectives and strategy set by the Board of Directors.
Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention and Control Committee: this committee is the body in charge of planning, coordinating and ensuring compliance with the policies established in this area, upon approval by the Board of Directors.
Disclosure Committee: this committee was created to comply with the provisions of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Asset and Liability Committee (“ALCO”): this committee is responsible for analyzing the collection of resources and placement in different assets, monitoring and controlling liquidity gaps, interest rates and currencies and managing such gaps.
Liquidity Crisis Committee: this committee is responsible for assessing situations of liquidity crisis and deciding the actions to be implemented aimed at its resolution. It will meet when the Chairman of the Board of Directors summons it and will meet permanently until the end of the liquidity crisis.
Profit and Loss Report Committee: this committee is responsible for monitoring the management and the income and evaluating macroeconomic global situations.
Compliance Committee: this committee is in charge of promoting respect for the rules, principles of good conduct, the Integrity Program, and the Bank’s Code of Ethics, and mitigating the non-compliance risk, through the definition of policies, the establishment of controls and reports in the best interest of the Bank, its employees, shareholders, and customers.
Financial Services User Protection Committee: this committee is responsible for monitoring the activities carried out by managerial levels and authorities involved in the internal process of user protection, in order to properly comply with legal and regulatory standards. Additionally, and in line with the above, this committee participates in the process of defining and approving new products and services and in the modification of existing ones, ensuring that the rights of users of financial services have been adequately considered in light of the provisions resulting from applicable substantive regulations.
Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Committee: this committee is responsible for generating/having an agile and professional environment for the definition of and decision-making regarding strategies/policies related to the information security of the Bank.
Banco Galicia’s Supervisory Committee
Banco Galicia’s bylaws provide for a Supervisory Committee consisting of three syndics and three alternate syndics. According to the General Companies Act and the BCRA regulations, the responsibility of the Syndics of the Supervisory Committee, both regular and alternate, is to ensure that all of the Bank’s actions are in accordance with applicable Argentine law. The Syndic and Alternate Syndic do not participate in the business administration of the Bank, and do not have and cannot have managerial functions. They are responsible, among other things, for preparing a report to the shareholders regarding the Bank’s financial statements of each fiscal year. The Syndic and Alternate Syndic are appointed by the shareholders at their Annual Ordinary Meeting, for one-year periods, and may be reelected. The Alternate Syndics act as Regular Syndics in case of temporary or permanent absence of the Syndics.
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The table below shows the composition of Banco Galicia’s Supervisory Committee as they were re-elected by the annual shareholders’ meeting held on March 13, 2024.
| Name | Position | Principal Occupation | Current Term Ends | |||||||||||||||||
| Omar Severini | Syndic | Accountant | December 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Jose Luis Gentile | Syndic | Accountant | December 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
Antonio R. Garces | Syndic | Accountant | December 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Fernando Noetinger | Alternate Syndic | Lawyer | December 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
Miguel N. Armando | Alternate Syndic | Lawyer | December 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
María Matilde Hoenig | Alternate Syndic | Lawyer | December 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
For the biographies of Messrs., Omar Severini, José Luis Gentile, Antonio R. Garces, Fernando Noetinger and Miguel N. Armando and María Matilde Hoening, see “—Our Supervisory Committee”.
Banco Galicia’s Executive Officers
On October 7, 2015, Mr. Fabián Enrique Kon was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Banco Galicia. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the strategic goals established by Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors and coordinating with the Managers of the Bank’s Divisions. Mr. Kon reports to the Board of Directors.
Fabián Enrique Kon: please see “— Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia”
As of the date of this annual report, the following divisions and department managers report to Banco Galicia’s Chief Executive Officer:
| Division | Manager | |||||||
| Wholesale Banking | Marcelo Iraola | |||||||
| Retail Banking | German Alejandro Ghisoni | |||||||
| Financial Banking | Pablo María León | |||||||
| Risk | Bruno Folino | |||||||
| Product and Technology | María Marcela Fernie | |||||||
| People | Flavio Dogliolo | |||||||
| Planning | Diego Rivas | |||||||
Wholesale Banking Area Management: it is responsible for obtaining a broad segment vision and, in turn, a greater alignment with the current situation and future business perspectives. Its main responsibilities are to design, plan and implement the vision, strategies, policies and objectives of the Wholesale Banking business and for each of the customers segments, as well as to define and control business objectives, with the purpose of ensuring that they are adjusted competitively to the demands of the industry and to the strategic objectives of the Bank, while also working to meet the volume, profitability, quality and customer satisfaction goals, all within the framework of the established risk levels. The following departments report to this division: (i) Agribusinesses and Companies (ii) Corporate Banking (iii) Investment Banking and Capital Markets, (iv) Transactional Services (v) Wholesale Tribe and (vi) Vertical Agro.
Retail Banking Area Management: it is responsible for facilitating the decision-making process, improving the commercial effectiveness of the Retail Banking sector and improving the customer focus. Its main responsibilities are to design, plan and implement the vision, strategies, policies and objectives of the Retail Banking business and for each of the customers segments and distribution channels, as well as to define and control business objectives, with the purpose of ensuring that they are in tune with the competitive demands of the industry and the strategic objectives of the Bank, while
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also working to meet volume, profitability, quality and customer satisfaction goals, all within the framework of the established risk levels. The following departments report to this division: (i) Retail Tribe, (ii) Contactability Tribe, (iii) Branches, (iv) Loyalty Tribe, (v) Private Banking (vi) Brand experience and (vii) Retail Planning.
Financial Banking Area Management: it is responsible for administering the financial position of the Bank, negotiating rates, funds, incentives, and campaigns with the different areas, and promoting the regulatory, technical and informative support in the management of assets and liabilities, in order to guarantee the control of the liquidity, rate, currency and industry risks, and compliance with current policy and legal regulations. It is also responsible for planning, proposing, and implementing the strategy for the development and maintenance of commercial relations with international banks, international organizations, international investment funds and binational chambers with the purpose of consolidating the bank’s image in international industries and guaranteeing the smooth development of the international business in accordance with the growth and profitability objectives set by the organization. The following departments report to this division: (i) Trading & Global Markets, (ii) Commercial, (iii) Financial Institutions, (iv) Public Sector and (v) Financial Planning.
Risks Area Management: it is responsible for maintaining an effective risk management system in compliance with the best practices developed globally and optimizing the credit process in order to provide a better service to customers. It is responsible for actively and comprehensively monitoring and managing the different risks of the Bank and its subsidiaries. It is responsible for ensuring compliance with the policies, qualification and fraud prevention processes, thus guaranteeing the quality of the retail portfolio; designing and auditing mass decision tools; making decisions on the use/development of credit scoring models; conducting alignment actions to retail commercial strategies; and accompanying the business area of the retail segment, making recommendations regarding business opportunities, all according to the strategic vision and policies, both external and internal, acting as the Bank’s first line of defense for the retail banking segment. The following departments report to this division: (i) Retail Credits, (ii) Wholesale Credits, (iii) Credit Recovery, (iv) Financial Risk and Capital Management, (v) Data & Analytics Tribe and (vi) Cibersecurity.
Product and Technology Area Management: it is responsible for integrating all the operations of the Bank in a single area, in order to improve the efficiency of operational processes and accelerate the development of products and new technologies. The following departments report to this division: (i) Collections and Payments Tribe, (ii) Lending Tribe, (iii) Foreign Trade Tribe, (iv) Everyday Banking Tribe, (v) Payment Acquisition Tribe, (vi) Technology, (vii) Operations, (viii) Merchants Tribe, (ix) Investment Tribe and (x) Planning Operation.
People Area Management: it is responsible for incorporating and developing new talents, fostering a framework that motivates employees and maintaining an excellent working environment. Additionally, it is responsible for all the matters related to the physical workspace of the employees and the distribution of the space used by clients. The following departments report to this division: (i) Compensation and Analytics, (ii) Culture and Talent, (iii) Persons Advice, (iv) Sustainability, (v) Corporate Infrastructure, (vi) Branch Offices Infrastructure, (vii) Labor Relations and Corporate Security, (viii) Change and (ix) Employee Experience.
Planning Area Management: it is responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling the development and maintenance of budgeting, planning, accounting, tax activities, payments to suppliers, legal aspects and compliance, in order to ensure that the management has the information needed for the decision-making processes, management control, and the satisfaction of the Bank’s information requirements, as well as to ensure compliance with the information requirements that shall enable the Bank to obtain long-term, strategic sources of financing. It is also responsible for coordinating, planning, and monitoring compliance with the strategy of liquidity, interest rates and currency gaps, within the limits of the established policies, making proposals to the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) regarding the management of such gaps in order to maximize income within the limits of policies. Additionally, it is in charge of institutional relationships and the objective and key results (“OKR”) and processes office. The following departments report to this division: (i) Accounting, (ii) Tax Advice and Strategic Supply, (iii) Management Control and Strategic Planning, (iv) Research, (v) Assets and Liabilities Management, (vi) Legal Advice and Compliance, (vii) Strategy and Customer Experience and (viii) Institutional Relations.
| Department | Manager | |||||||
| Internal Audit | Claudio Scarso | |||||||
| Prevention of Money Laundering | Teresa del Carmen Piraino | |||||||
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Internal Audit Departmental Management: its mission is to evaluate and monitor the efficiency, adequacy and defectiveness of the internal control systems, in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Money Laundering Prevention Departmental Management: it is responsible for coordinating and supervising compliance with the policies established by the Board of Directors in terms of money laundering and terrorist financing control and prevention, ensuring compliance with current regulations and international standards.
The following are the biographies of Banco Galicia’s senior executive officers mentioned above:
Marcelo Iraola: Mr. Iraola obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He completed the Program for Executive Development at Instituto Argentino de Empresas and a business management program at the Universidad de San Andres. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1988. He is also the chairman of Galicia Warrants S.A. and Agri Tech Investments S.A.U.
Germán Alejandro Ghisoni: Mr. Ghisoni obtained a degree in business management from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He completed the Program for Executive Development at Instituto Argentino de Empresas, the Strategic Management in Banking Program at INSEAD and the Customer Centric Organitatios at Kellogg School of Management. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1995. He is also a director of Sudamericana Holding S.A. and an alternate director of Tarjetas Regionales S.A. and Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U.
Pablo Maria Leon: Mr. Leon obtained a degree in finance from the Universidad de Palermo and two executive development programs at Instituto Argentino de Empresas and IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. He is also the chairman of Galicia Securities S.A.U. and Inviu S.A.U. and vicepresident of MAE. Mr. Leon is also manager of IGAM LLC.
Flavio Dogliolo: Mr. Dogliolo holds a degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Católica Argentina, an MBA IAE from the Universidad Austral, a Postgraduate Senior Management Program from the Universidad de San Andrés and a Postgraduate High Performance Leadership, from IMD Lausanne - Switzerland. He has been with Grupo Financiero Galicia since 1998. From 1998 to 2001, he was Product and Segment Manager for Personal Banking, from 2001 to 2007, Area Manager for Córdoba and NOA, from 2003 to 2008, Director of Tarjeta Naranja, from 2007 to 2009 Regional Manager with 6 areas in charge, and from 2009 to 2015, Branch Manager for the whole country. In 2015 he was appointed as Customer Experience Area Manager and since then he has been part of the GFG's executive committee. In 2021 and until 2023, he was appointed General Manager of Galicia Seguros. In May 2023 he returned to the bank as People Area Manager, a position he currently holds.
Diego Rivas: please see “— Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia”
Maria Marcela Fernie: Ms. Fernie obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 2011.
Bruno Folino: please see “— Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia”
Claudio Scarso: Mr. Scarso obtained a degree in systems engineering from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1995.
Teresa del Carmen Piraino: Ms. Piraino obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. She completed a post-graduate degree in Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Prevention from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1992.
B. Compensation
Compensation of Our Directors
Compensation for the members of the Board of Directors is considered by the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting once the fiscal year has ended. Directors are paid an annual fee based on the functions they carry out and they may receive partial advance payments during the year.
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At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2023 the compensation for the Board of Directors was set at Ps.498,477,643 (nominal value) for the year ended December 31, 2022. For fiscal year 2023, a proposal was made to the next shareholders meeting to be held on April 30, 2024 to set compensations for the Board of Directors for the amount of Ps.1,146,659,818 (nominal value).
For a description of the amounts to be paid to the board of directors of Banco Galicia, see “– Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Directors and Officers” below.
We do not maintain a stock-option, profit-sharing or pension plan for the benefit of our directors.
We do not have a policy establishing any termination benefits for our directors.
Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Directors
Banco Galicia’s board of directors establishes the policy for compensation of Banco Galicia’s personnel. Banco Galicia’s managers receive a fixed compensation. Seven directors are not employees of Banco Galicia. These non-employee directors receive a fixed compensation, provided that payments do not exceed the standard levels of similar entities in the Argentine financial market, a provision that is applicable to managers as well. Banco Galicia does not maintain stock-option plans or pension plans, or any other retirement plans for the benefit of its directors. Banco Galicia does not have a policy establishing any termination benefits for its directors.
For the fiscal year 2022, at the ordinary shareholders meeting held on March 29, 2023, the compensation for the directors of Banco Galicia was set for a total of Ps.88,739,974.08 (nominal value). For the fiscal year 2023, at the ordinary shareholders meeting held on March 13, 2024, the compensation for the directors of Banco Galicia was set for a total of Ps.199,047,162.14 (nominal value).
Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Officers
Banco Galicia’s board of directors establishes the compensation policy for Banco Galicia’s personnel. Banco Galicia’s officers receive a fixed compensation. The officers’ compensation regime includes the possibility of acquiring a retirement insurance policy. Banco Galicia does not maintain stock-option plans or pension plans, or any other retirement plans for the benefit of its officers.
Banco Galicia’s compensation policy is based on criteria that safeguard the principles of equity, meritocracy and justice, within the framework of current legal regulations.
The annual review and approval of this criteria is the responsibility of the Human Resources and Governance Committee.
C. Nasdaq Corporate Governance Standards
Pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5615(a) (3), a foreign private issuer may follow home country corporate governance practices in lieu of the requirements of the Rule 5600 Series, provided that the foreign private issuer complies with certain sections of the Rule 5000 Series, discloses each requirement that it does not follow and describes the home relevant country practice followed in lieu of such requirement. The requirements of the Rule 5000 Series and the Argentine corporate governance practice that we follow in lieu thereof are described below:
(i)Rule 5250 (d) – Distribution of Annual and Interim Reports. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5250 (d), we follow Argentine law, which requires that companies make public a Spanish language annual report, including annual audited consolidated financial statements, by filing such annual report with the CNV and the BASE, within 70 calendar days of the end of the company’s fiscal year. Interim reports must be filed with the CNV and the BASE within 42 calendar days of the end of each fiscal quarter. The BASE publishes the annual reports and interim reports in the BASE bulletin and makes the bulletin available for inspection at its offices. In addition, our shareholders can receive copies of our annual reports and any interim reports upon such shareholders’ request. English language translations of our annual reports and interim reports are furnished to the SEC. We also post the English language translation of our annual reports and quarterly press releases on our website. Furthermore, under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2000, among us, The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, and owners of ADSs issued thereunder, we are required to furnish The Bank of New York Mellon with, among other things, English language translations of our annual reports and each of our quarterly press releases. Annual reports and quarterly press releases are available for inspection by ADRs
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holders at the offices of The Bank of New York Mellon located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York. Finally, Argentine law requires that 20 calendar days before the date of a shareholders’ meeting, the board of directors must provide to the shareholders, at the company’s executive office or through electronic means, all information relevant to the shareholders’ meeting, including copies of any documents to be considered by the shareholders (which includes the annual report), as well as proposals of the company’s board of directors.
(ii)Rule 5605 (b) (2) – Executive Sessions of Independent Directors. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (b) (2), we follow Argentine law which does not require independent directors to hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only such independent directors are present (i.e., executive sessions). Our Board of Directors as a whole is responsible for monitoring our affairs. In addition, under Argentine law, the board of directors may approve the delegation of specific responsibilities to designated directors or non-director managers of the company. Also, it is mandatory for public companies to form a supervisory committee (composed of syndics), which is responsible for monitoring the legality of the company’s actions under Argentine law and the conformity thereof with its bylaws.
(iii)Rule 5605 (d) – Compensation of Officers. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (d), we follow Argentine law, which does not require companies to form a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. It also is not required under Argentine law that the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers be determined by either a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. Under Argentine law, the board of directors is the corporate body responsible for determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers, so long as they are not directors. In addition, under Argentine law, the audit committee shall give its opinion about the reasonableness of management’s proposals on fees and option plans for directors or managers of the company. Finally, because we are a “controlled company” as defined in Rule 5615 (c) (1), we are relying on the exemption provided thereby for purposes of complying with Rule 5615 (c) (2). For further information, please see “Compensation” – “Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Officers” above.
(iv)Rule 5605 (e) (1) – Nomination of Directors. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (e) (1), we follow Argentine law which requires that directors be nominated directly by the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting and that they be selected and recommended by the shareholders themselves. Under Argentine law, it is the responsibility of the ordinary shareholders’ meeting to appoint and remove directors and to set their compensation. However, the Company, based on the best practices in corporate governance has created a Nomination and Compensation Committee, chaired by an independent Director, and composed by 5 members of the Board of Directors. Said Committee aims to assist the Board of Directors to prepare a proposal to nominate candidates to fill its positions, to prepare and design a succession plan and to determine its compensation levels. In addition, because we are a “controlled company” as defined in Rule 5615 (c) (1), we are relying on the exemption provided thereby for purposes of complying with Rule 5615 (c) (2). For further information, please see “Our Board of Directors” above.
(v)Rule 5605 (c) (1) – Audit Committee Charter. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (c) (1), we follow Argentine law, which requires that audit committees have a charter but does not require that companies certify as to the adoption of the charter, nor does it require an annual review and assessment thereof. Argentine law instead requires that companies prepare an annual report describing its activities and propose a plan or course of action with respect to those matters, which are the responsibility of the company’s audit committee. Such plan or course of action could, at the discretion of our audit committee, include a review and assessment of the audit committee charter.
(vi)Rule 5605 (c) (2) – Audit Committee Composition. Argentine law does not require, and it is equally not customary business practice in Argentina, that companies have an audit committee comprised solely of independent directors. Argentine law instead requires that companies establish an audit committee with at least three members comprised of a majority of independent directors as defined by Argentine law. The Audit Committee is comprised of three Directors, two of them independent pursuant to the definition of independence in Rule 10 A-3 (b) (1) and the Argentine law, one of which the Board of Directors determined to be a financial expert. In addition, we have a supervisory committee (“comisión fiscalizadora”) composed of three syndics, who are responsible for monitoring the legality, under Argentine law, of the actions of our Board of Directors and the conformity of such actions with our bylaws. For further information about the Audit Committee, please see “Our Audit Committee” above.
(vii)Rule 5620 (c) – Quorum. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5620 (c), we follow Argentine law and our bylaws, which distinguish between ordinary meetings and extraordinary meetings and require, in connection with ordinary meetings, that a quorum consist of a majority of stock entitled to vote. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, constitute a quorum
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and resolutions may be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. Argentine law and our bylaws require, in connection with extraordinary meetings, that a quorum consist of 60% of the stock entitled to vote. However, if such quorum is not present at the first meeting, our bylaws provide that a second meeting may be called which may be held with the number of shareholders present. In both ordinary and extraordinary meetings, decisions are adopted by an absolute majority of votes present at the meeting, except for certain fundamental matters (such as mergers and spin-offs (when we are not the surviving entity and the surviving entity is not listed on any stock exchange), anticipated liquidation, a change in our domicile to outside of Argentina, total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss, any transformation in our corporate legal form or a substantial change in our corporate purpose) which require an approval by vote of the majority of all the stock entitled to vote (all stock being entitled to only one vote).
(viii)Rule 5620 (b) – Solicitation of Proxies. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5620 (b), we follow Argentine law which requires that notices of shareholders’ meetings be published, for five consecutive days, in the Official Gazette and in a widely circulated newspaper in Argentina no earlier than 45 calendar days prior to the meeting and at least 20 calendar days prior to such meeting. In order to attend a meeting and be listed on the meeting registry, shareholders are required to submit evidence of their book-entry share account held at Caja de Valores S.A. up to three business days prior to the scheduled meeting date. If entitled to attend the meeting, a shareholder may be represented by proxy (properly executed and delivered with a certified signature) granted to any other person, with the exception of a director, syndic, member of the surveillance committee (“consejo de vigilancia”), manager or employee of the issuer, which are prohibited by Argentine law from acting as proxies. In addition, our ADRs holders receive, prior to the shareholders’ meeting, a notice listing the matters on the agenda, a copy of the annual report and a voting card.
(ix)Rule 5630 (a) – Conflicts of Interest. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5630 (a), we follow Argentine law which requires that related party transactions be approved by the audit committee when the transaction exceeds 1% of the corporation’s net worth, measured pursuant to the last audited balance sheet. Directors can contract with the corporation only on terms consistent with prevailing market terms. If the contract is not in accordance with prevailing market terms, such transaction must be pre-approved by the board of directors (excluding the interested director). In addition, under Argentine law, a shareholder is required to abstain from voting on a business transaction in which its interests may be in conflict with the interests of the company. In the event such shareholder votes on such business transaction and such business transaction would not have been approved without such shareholders’ vote, such shareholder may be liable to the company for damages and the resolution may be declared void. For further information, please see Item 7. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” – “B.Related Party Transactions”.
Other than as noted above, we are in full compliance with all other applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards.
D. Employees
The following table shows the composition of our employees:
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Grupo Financiero Galicia | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| Banco Galicia | 5,765 | 5,457 | 5,319 | ||||||||
| Branches | 2,525 | 3,427 | 3,372 | ||||||||
| Head Office | 3,240 | 2,030 | 1,947 | ||||||||
| Naranja X | 2,673 | 2,800 | 2,905 | ||||||||
Fondos Fima | 32 | 30 | 24 | ||||||||
Sudamericana | 815 | 353 | 336 | ||||||||
| Other Subsidiaries | 203 | 123 | 130 | ||||||||
| Total | 9,489 | 8,764 | 8,715 | ||||||||
Within the current legal framework, membership in an employee union is voluntary and there is only one union of bank employees with national representation. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 41% of Banco Galicia’s employees were affiliated with the national bank employee union. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 69% of
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Naranja X’s work force was party to the merchant union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement No.130/75 applicable to trade employees and 5% of which were members of a labor union.
Throughout 2022, the bank employees union and the national commerce employees union began negotiations on their respective collective bargaining agreements to set new minimum wages. As a result of such negotiations, the minimum wage for these positions was increased. In 2022, due to the significant increases in the inflation index, the increases in the banking agreement were made in the months of January, April, July, August, October and December. In 2022, the Argentine union representing employees in the banking sector declared general strikes. These strikes were not specific to any one bank but affected all banks in Argentina. Some of the Bank’s employees who are members of the union participated in the strike; however, the Bank was able to continue its operations during the time that not all employees are union members. Although Banco Galicia's employees have participated in general strikes against the Argentine banking sector, Banco Galicia has not experienced a specific strike by its employees since 1973 and the Regional Card Companies have never experienced a specific employee strike. We believe that the relationship with our employees is stable and positive.
During fiscal year 2023, the banking union and the commerce union renegotiated their respective collective bargaining agreements. The annual agreement agreed with the banking union a 211.4% increase, granting remuneration increases in different sections based on the remunerations of December 2022. The accumulated adjustments granted were as follows: 6% in January, 13.1% in February, 24.1% in March, 30.1% in April, 44.1% in May, 56% in June, 66% in July, 80.2% in August, 97% in September, 125% in October, 148.2% in November and 211.4% in December.
Conversely, in fiscal year 2023, the trade employees union agreed to a 175% increase. The accumulated increases were as follows: 13% in January, 24.19% in February, 32.26% in March, 40.33% in April, 48.4% in May, 55.08% in June, 66.71% in July, 78.34% in August, 107.07% in September, 129.85% in October, 152.63% in November and 175.41% in December.
We have a human resources policy that aims at providing our employees possibilities for growth and personal and socio-economic achievement. We will continue our current policy of monitoring both wage levels and labor conditions in the financial industry in order to be competitive. Our employees receive fixed compensation and may receive variable compensation according to their level of achievement. We do not maintain any profit-sharing programs for our employees.
The Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires (the “Fundación”) is an Argentine non-profit organization that provides various services to Banco Galicia employees. The various activities of the Fundación include, among others, purchasing school materials for the children of Banco Galicia’s employees and making donations to hospitals and other charitable causes, including cultural events. The Fundación is managed by a Council, certain members and alternate members of which are members of our Board of Directors and supervisory committee. Members and alternate members of the Council do not receive remuneration for their services as trustees.
E. Share Ownership
For information on the share ownership of our directors and executive officers as of March 31, 2023, see Item 7. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders”.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major Shareholders
As of March 31, 2024, our capital structure was made up of class A shares, each of which is entitled to five votes and class B shares, each of which is entitled to one vote. As of March 31, 2024, we had 1,474,692,091 shares outstanding composed of 281,221,650 class A shares and 1,193,470,441 class B shares.
Our controlling shareholders are members of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families and the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. As of March 31, 2024, the controlling shareholders owned 100% of our class A shares through EBA Holding (representing 19.1% of our total outstanding shares) and 8.9% of our class B shares (or 7.2% of our total outstanding shares), therefore directly and indirectly owning 26.3% of our shares and 58.2% of total votes.
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Based on information that is available to us, the table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2024, the number of our class A and class B shares held by holders of more than 5% of each class of shares, the percentage of each class of shares held by such holder, and the percentage of votes that each class of shares represent as a percentage of our total possible votes.
Class A Shares
| Name | Class A Shares | % of Class A Shares | % of Total Votes | |||||||||||||||||
| EBA Holding S.A. | 281,221,650 | 100 | 54.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Class B Shares
| Name | Class B Shares | % of Class B Shares | % of Total Votes | |||||||||||||||||
The Bank of New York Mellon (1) | 513.009.100 | 42,9 | 19.7 | |||||||||||||||||
| ANSES | 266,939,279 | 22.4 | 10.3 | |||||||||||||||||
EBA Holding Shareholders (2) | 105.894.590 | 8,9 | 4.1 | |||||||||||||||||
(1)Pursuant to the requirements of Argentine law, all class B shares represented by ADSs are owned of record by The Bank of New York, as Depositary. The address for the Bank of New York Mellon is 101 Barclay Street, New York 10286, and the country of organization is the United States.
(2)No member holds more than 2.0% of the capital stock. Such holding includes 13,000,000 shares in the form of ADSs.
Based on information that is available to us, the table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2024, the shareholders that either directly or indirectly have more than 5% of our votes or shares.
| Name | Shares | Class | % of Capital | % of Total Votes | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Bank of New York Mellon | 513,009,100 | B | 34.8 | 19.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| EBA Holding S.A. | 281,221,650 | A | 19.1 | 54.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ANSES. | 266,939,279 | B | 18.1 | 10.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| EBA Holding Shareholders. | 105.894.590 | B | 7.2 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Members of the three controlling families have owned the majority of the issued share capital of Banco Galicia since 1959. Members of the Escasany family have been on the board of directors of Banco Galicia since 1923. The Ayerza and Braun families have been represented on Banco Galicia’s board of directors since 1943 and 1947, respectively. Currently, there are six members of these families on our Board of Directors.
On September 13, 1999, the controlling shareholders of Banco Galicia formed EBA Holding S.A., an Argentine corporation, which is 100% owned by our controlling shareholders. EBA Holding holds 100% of our class A shares.
Currently, EBA Holding only has class A shares outstanding. EBA Holding’s bylaws provide for certain restrictions on the sale or transfer of its class A shares. While the class A shares of EBA Holding may be transferred to any other class A shareholder of EBA Holding, any transfer of such class A shares to third parties would automatically result in the conversion of the sold shares into class B shares of EBA Holding having one vote per share. In addition, EBA Holding’s bylaws contain rights of first refusal, buy-sell provisions and tag-along rights.
As of March 31, 2024, we had 94 identified United States record shareholders (not considering The Bank of New York), of which 21 held our class B shares and 73 held our ADSs. Such United States holders, in the aggregate, held approximately 99 million of our class B shares, representing approximately 6,71 % of our total outstanding capital stock as of such date.
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B. Related Party Transactions
Grupo Galicia and its non-banking subsidiaries are not a party to any transactions with, and have not made any loans to any (i) enterprises that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control or are controlled by Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, (ii) associates (i.e., an unconsolidated enterprise in which Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries has a significant influence or which has significant influence over Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries), (iii) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in the voting power of Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries that gives them significant influence over Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable, and close members of any such individual’s family (i.e., those family members that may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable), (iv) key management personnel (i.e., persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, including directors and senior management of companies and close members of such individual’s family) or (v) enterprises in which a substantial interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (iii) or (iv) over which such a person is able to exercise significant influence nor are there any proposed transactions with such persons. For purposes of this paragraph, this includes enterprises owned by directors or major shareholders of Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries that have a member of key management in common with Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable. In addition, “significant influence” means the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the enterprise but means less than control. Shareholders beneficially owning a 10% interest in the voting power of Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries are presumed to have a significant influence on Grupo Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable.
Some of our directors and the directors of Banco Galicia have been involved in certain credit transactions with Banco Galicia as permitted by Argentine law. The Corporations Law and the BCRA’s regulations allow directors of a limited liability company to enter into a transaction with such company if such transaction follows prevailing market conditions. Additionally, a bank’s total financial exposure to related individuals or legal entities is subject to the regulations of the BCRA. Such regulations set limits on the amount of financial exposure that can be extended by a bank to affiliates based on, among other things, a percentage of a bank’s TIER 1. See Item 4. “Information on the Company—Argentine Banking Regulation—Lending Limits”.
Banco Galicia is required by the BCRA to present to its board of directors, on a monthly basis, the outstanding amounts of financial assistance granted to directors, controlling shareholders, officers and other related entities, which are transcribed in the minute books of the board of directors of Banco Galicia. The BCRA establishes that the financial assistance granted to directors, controlling shareholders, officers and other related entities must be granted on an equal basis with respect to rates, tenor and guarantees as loans granted to the general public.
In this section “total financial exposure” comprises equity interests and financial assistance (all credit related items such as loans, holdings of corporate debt securities without quotation, guarantees granted and unused balances of loans granted, among others), as this term is defined in Item 4. “Information on the Company—Argentine Banking Regulation—Lending Limits”.
“Related parties” refers mainly to our directors and the directors of Banco Galicia, our senior officers and senior officers of Banco Galicia, our syndics and Banco Galicia’s syndics, our controlling shareholders as well as all individuals who are related to them by a family relationship and any entities directly or indirectly affiliated with any of these parties, not required to be consolidated.
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The following table presents the aggregate amounts of total financial exposure of Grupo Galicia to related parties, the number of recipients, the average amounts and the maximum assistance as of the end of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, and as of February 29, 2024, the last date for which information is available.
February 29, | December 31, | ||||||||||
2024(1) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except as noted) | |||||||||||
| Total Financial Exposure | 16,248 | 18,191 | 17,146 | ||||||||
| Number of Recipient Related Parties | 264 | 266 | 279 | ||||||||
| Individuals | 216 | 218 | 219 | ||||||||
| Companies | 48 | 48 | 60 | ||||||||
| Average Amount of Financial Exposure | 67 | 68 | 62 | ||||||||
| Maximum Assistance | 3,036 | 4,923 | 2,628 | ||||||||
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(1)Currency value on February 29, 2024.
The financial assistance granted to our directors, officers and related parties by Banco Galicia was granted in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related parties, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
In June 2011, Banco Galicia entered into an agreement with Galicia Seguros, a company indirectly controlled by Grupo Galicia, pursuant to which the Bank can offer insurance products on behalf of Galicia Seguros. In addition, they entered into an agreement for a one-year period pursuant to which Galicia Seguros insures the Bank for the balances of certain loans in the case of death of its clients. On July 31, 2014, Banco Galicia renewed both agreements with Galicia Seguros, for an additional year, with automatic deferral. Such agreements were considered to be “related party transactions” pursuant to Section 72 of the Capital Markets Law.
Subsequently, on July 25 ,2008, Naranja concluded two new leasing operations with Banco Galicia for two properties located in the City of Córdoba, Argentina for a total of Ps.12 million, with maturity dates on August 25, 2018, and August 7, 2020. Likewise, on October 31, 2012 Naranja signed another leasing operation with Banco Galicia on a property located in the City of Córdoba, the total of the operation was Ps.15 million and with a maturity date on November 30, 2022.
In September 2015, the term for the lease operations of real estate located in the City of Córdoba was extended to 121 months from that date, and the corresponding rates were unified. The interest rate applied is the Private Banks Corrected Survey Rate plus a 6% margin.
C. Interest of Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
We have elected to provide the financial information set forth in Item 18 of this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
We are a party to the following legal proceedings:
Banco Galicia
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In response to certain pending legal proceedings, Banco Galicia has allocated reserves to cover (i) various types of claims filed by customers against it (e.g., claims for thefts from safe deposit boxes, collections of checks that had been fraudulently altered, discrepancies related to deposit, and payment services rendered to Banco Galicia’s customers, etc.) and (ii) estimated amounts payable under labor-related lawsuits filed against Banco Galicia by former employees.
Banco Galicia challenged certain claims made by various jurisdictions at the corresponding administrative and/or legal proceedings. These proceedings and their possible effects are constantly being monitored by the Bank’s management. Even though Banco Galicia considers it has complied with its tax liabilities in full pursuant to current regulations, adequate reserves in respect of such proceedings have been allocated.
As of December 31, 2023, a number of claims for repayment of income tax overpaid were filed for the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 tax years for the total sum of Ps.15,424 million in nominal value. The claims are based on jurisprudence establishing the unconstitutionality of rules that prevent the application of the tax inflation adjustment, which results in confiscatory situations. In the face of the delay in resolving the tax code, claims were initiated. At the close of these financial statements, the Bank does not record contingent assets derived from the above-mentioned claims.
Consumer Protection Associations, on behalf of consumers, have filed claims against Banco Galicia in connection with the collection of certain financial charges. The Bank does not believe that the resolution of these controversies will have a significant impact on its financial condition.
Naranja X
The national tax and customs authority (AFIP), Provincial Revenue Boards and Municipalities are in the process of conducting audits and assessments, in differing stages of completion, on the companies of Naranja X. Said agencies have served notices and made claims regarding taxes applicable to Naranja X’ s companies. Such companies are taking the corresponding administrative and legal steps in order to solve such issues. The original amount claimed for taxes totaled approximately Ps.41 million.
The provisions for liabilities related to the cases described above have been adjusted based on the opinion of legal counsel, doctrine, judicial precedents and the favorable or unfavorable evolution of the cases.
However, based on the opinion of Naranja's tax advisors, its Board of Directors considers that the taxes involved were correctly settled pursuant to the legal provisions in force at the time and that the claims made by the collection agencies have no legal or technical basis. For said reason, the Company is exercising and will exercise its constitutional rights in order to clarify and resolve these circumstances.
As of December 1, 2017, Naranja had filed a reimbursement claim before the AFIP regarding its income tax for the 2014-2016 fiscal years in an amount equal to Ps.580,164 in nominal value. The claim was made considering the lack of application of the inflation adjustment standards set forth in Section VI of the Income Tax Law, which led to a substantial difference in the taxable income exceeding the reasonable limits of taxation. The same claim was presented on behalf of Tarjetas Cuyanas as of May 17, 2018, for 2014-2016, amounting Ps.145,478. Along the same lines, on September 27, 2019, Naranja filed the claim pertaining to the 2017 fiscal year for the amount of Ps.326,498 in nominal value, on September 17, 2019, the one of 2018 was filed in an amount equal to Ps.973,843 in nominal value, on February 20, 2020, the one of 2015 was filed in an amount equal to Ps.149,763 in nominal value and on May 26, 2020 the one of 2019 was filed in an amount to Ps.1,364,949 in nominal value.
On the other hand, and with the period established in the applicable regulations having elapsed without obtaining AFIP’s response to the claim, on December 27, 2019, a repetition claim was filed before the Federal Justice for the 2014 and 2016 fiscal years of Tarjetas Cuyanas and fiscal year 2018 of Naranja. The same lawsuit was filed on December 30, 2019, for the 2017 fiscal year of Naranja and on April 29, 2021, for the 2015 fiscal year of Naranja.
The situations described above constitute uncertain tax positions and were evaluated by the Company as a result of the provisions of IFRIC 23. In this regard, although Naranja. considers that it has sound and reasonable elements to support its position, it did not recognize income in relation to such claims due to the uncertainty related to their final resolution. As of the date of this report, the Company continues to evaluate the development of the above claims with the expectation of obtaining favorable results.
Consumer Protection Associations, on behalf of consumers, have filed claims against Naranja in connection with the collection of certain financial charges. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has made a provision in the amount of Ps. 1,500 million corresponding to a fine imposed by the “Dirección Nacional de Defensa del Consumidor y Arbitraje de
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Consumo”. Naranja has filed a direct appeal at the administrative venue with an appeal before the administrative litigation chamber in subsidy and believes that it has solid basis and arguments to revert such penalty. Also, as of December 31, 2023, the Company made a provision for the amount of Ps. 600 million corresponding to a class action brought by the “Asociación de Protección de Consumidores del Mercado Común del Sur (Proconsumer),” in the framework of which a settlement agreement was entered into with the plaintiff, which is subject to approval by the Civil and Commercial Court of First Instance No. 3, Secretariat No. 3 of Gualeguaychú for the purpose of settling the dispute and terminating the action.
Dividend Policy and Dividends
Dividend Policy
Grupo Financiero Galicia’s policy for the distribution of dividends considers, among other factors, the obligatory nature of establishing a legal reserve, the Company’s financial condition and its indebtedness, the business requirements of affiliated companies and, mainly, that the profits recorded in the financial statements are, to a great extent, income from holdings and not realized and liquid profits, a requirement of Section 68 of the Corporations Law so that it is possible to distribute them as dividends. The proposal to distribute dividends arising from such analysis must be approved at the shareholders’ meeting that discusses the Financial Statements corresponding to each fiscal year.
We may only declare and pay dividends out of our retained earnings representing the profit realized on our operations and investments. The Corporations Law and our bylaws state that no profits may be distributed until prior losses are covered. Dividends paid on our class A shares and class B shares will equal one another on a per share basis. As required by the Corporations Law, 5% of our net income is allocated to a legal reserve until the reserve equals 20% of our outstanding capital. Dividends may not be paid if the legal reserve has been impaired until it is fully restored. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders.
Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders principally depends on (i) our net income, (ii) cash availability, (iii) indebtedness and (iv) applicable legal requirements.
Holders of our ADSs will be entitled to receive any dividends payable in respect of our underlying class B shares. We will pay cash dividends to the ADSs depositary in Pesos, although we reserve the right to pay cash dividends in any other currency or in kind, including Dollars. The ADSs deposit agreement provides that the depositary will convert cash dividends received by the ADSs depositary in Pesos to Dollars and, after deduction or upon payment of fees and expenses of the ADSs depositary and deduction of other amounts permitted to be deducted from such cash payments in accordance with the ADSs deposit agreement (such as for unpaid taxes by the ADSs holders in connection with personal asset taxes or otherwise), will make payment to holders of our ADSs in Dollars.
Dividends
Grupo Financiero Galicia
As a holding company, our principal source of cash from which to pay dividends on our shares is dividends or other intercompany transfers from our subsidiaries, primarily Banco Galicia. Due to dividend restrictions contained in Banco Galicia’s loan agreements in connection with Banco Galicia’s foreign debt restructuring - that were lifted when such debt was fully paid during fiscal year 2016 - and in some BCRA regulations, our ability to distribute cash dividends to our shareholders was materially and adversely affected since late 2001 until 2010, when Banco Galicia obtained the authorization to distribute its profits.
Until December 31, 2021, the ability to pay dividends of our subsidiary Banco Galicia and the Argentine financial system as a whole was restricted by the BCRA within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, in December 2021, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 7421, authorizing Financial Institutions, ad referendum of BCRA, to distribute for 2022 a maximum of up to 20% of the results obtained during fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, in 12 equal, consecutive, monthly installments.
Later, on December 15, 2022 by means of Communication “A” 7659, the BCRA restricted once again any distribution of earnings of financial institutions from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Nevertheless, by means of Communication “A” 7719 dated March 9, 2023, the BCRA established that as from April 1, 2023, and until December 31, 2023, financial institutions may distribute earnings: (i) for up to 40% of the amount that would have corresponded in accordance with the applicable regulations above-mentioned; and (ii) in six equal, monthly and consecutive installments.
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Similarly, on March 21, 2024 by means of Communication “A” 7984, the BCRA established that, until December 2024, financial institutions with prior authorization in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the regulations on “Distributions of Results”, may distribute earnings for up to 60% in six equal, monthly and consecutive installments.
On April 28, 2023, the BCRA authorized Banco Galicia to pay a cash dividend for the amount of Ps.74,993 million to be paid in 6 equal, consecutive, monthly installments.
On April 7, 2022, the BCRA authorized Banco Galicia to pay a cash dividend for the amount of Ps.18,016 million, to be paid in 12 equal, consecutive, monthly installments.
During 2023, for fiscal year 2022, Grupo Financiero Galicia paid cash dividends in the amount of Ps.85.000 million divided in five installments: (i) May, 2023 for Ps.35,000 million (equivalent to Ps. 76,638 million as of December 2023) which represented a dividend of 2,373.3768% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, (ii) June, 2023, Ps.12.500 million (equivalent to Ps.25,833 million as of December 2023) which represented a dividend of 847.6346%with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, (iii) July, 2023, Ps.12.500 millions, which represented a dividend of 847.6346% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 (equivalent to Ps.24,292 million as of December 2023), (iv) August, 2023, Ps.12.500 millions, which represented a dividend of 847.6346% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 (equivalent to Ps.21,604 million as of December 2023) and (v) September, 2023, Ps.12.500 millions, which represented a dividend of 847.6346% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 (equivalent to Ps.19,161 million as of December 2023).
For fiscal year 2021 and during 2022 and January 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia paid cash dividends in the amount of Ps.19.000 million divided in three installments: (i) a first installment in May, 2022 for Ps.11,000 million (equivalent to Ps.57,489 million as of December 2023) which represented a dividend of 745.9184% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1, (ii) during September 2022, Ps.4.000 million (equivalent to Ps.20,905 million as of December 2023) which represented a dividend of 271.2430% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 and (iii) during January 2023, Ps. 4.000 millions, which represented a dividend of 271.2430% with respect to 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 (equivalent to Ps. 11,748 million as of December 2023).
As for Grupo Financiero Galicia, during the year 2021, Grupo Financiero Galicia paid cash dividends for fiscal year 2020 in the amount of Ps.1,500 million, representing Ps.1.0171615 per share, equivalent to Ps.11,684 million as of December 2023.
According to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s policy for the distribution of dividends and in light of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and the fact that most of the profits for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 also corresponded to income from holdings (with just a fraction corresponding to the realized and liquid profits meeting the requirements to be distributed as per Section 68 of the Corporations Law) a proposal was made by the Board of Directors, to be treated at the next Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 30, 2024. The proposals made are i) to distribute a cash dividend or in kind for an amount, that inflation adjusted pursuant to Resolution 777/2018 of the Argentine Securities Exchange Commission, results in Ps.65,000,000,000 (which represents 4,407.6998%) being distributed regarding 1,474,692,091 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 each, and ii) considering the company's intention to distribute an additional cash dividend beyond the one proposed, and contingent upon the certainty of receiving dividends from our subsidiaries as well as the company´' economic-financial situation, it is proposed to delegate to the Board of Directors the authority to disaffect Discretionary Reserves for an amount of Ps.255,000,000,000, expressed in homogeneous currency at the time of the effective payment in accordance with the BCRA's regulations. This amount is subject to liquidity conditions, dividends received from our subsidiaries, and the financial situation to determine the payment of a cash dividend or a kind, in this case valued at market price, or in any combination of both options, in one or more opportunities.
For fiscal year 2021, and 2022, pursuant to what is set by Article 25 of Law 23,966, which was incorporated by Law 25.585 (and its subsequent amendments), when corresponding, Grupo Financiero Galicia withheld the amounts paid for said each fiscal year in its capacity as substitute taxpayer of the shareholders’ subject to the tax on personal assets. Similarly, for fiscal year 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia will withhold, when corresponding, an amount for said tax on personal assets and for the income tax in accordance with Article 97 of Law 20,683 on dividends to be distributed.
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For more information on requirements for dividend distribution, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”-B. “Business Overview”— “Argentine Banking Regulation”— “Profit Distribution”.
Banco Galicia
On March 13, 2024, and April 3, 2024 Banco Galicia held two ordinary shareholders’ meetings, at which shareholders approved the partial use of the “Optional Reserve” for the subsequent distribution of cash dividends up to Ps.255,000 million expressed in homogeneous currency at the time of the payment, payable in 6 installments, subject to the prior authorization of the BCRA.
Naranja X
On April 19, 2024, an Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Tarjetas Regionales was held. At the aforementioned Meeting, among other items, it was resolved to set aside the amount of up to Ps.30,000 million to be used for the Distribution of Cash Dividends for up to said amount.
Sudamericana Holding
On April 23, 2024 Sudamericana held a shareholders’ meetings, at which was approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.6,200 million.
Galicia Asset Management
On February 28, 2024, Galicia Asset Management held an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.19,370 million and ratified the anticipated dividend paid during August 2023 for Ps.5,000 million.
Galicia Securities
On April 16, 2024, Galicia Securities held an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of US$10 million.
Galicia Warrants
On March 26, 2024, Galicia Warrants held an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.350 million.
B. Significant Changes
Since the closing date of the annual financial statements (December 31st, 2023), Grupo Financiero Galicia has experienced the following significant changes other than those already indicated in this report.
HSBC Argentina acquisition
On April 9, 2023 Grupo Galicia and its main subsidiary, Banco Galicia, have entered into a share purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with HSBC Latin America B.V. ("HLA"), pursuant to which they will simultaneously acquire the stakes currently held directly by HLA at HSBC Argentina Holdings S.A., HSBC Participaciones (Argentina) S.A., and HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. (together with HSBC Argentina Holdings S.A. and HSBC Participaciones (Argentina) S.A., the "Direct Holdings"). Banco Galicia will be the buyer of 57.89% of the Direct Holdings, and Grupo Galicia will be the buyer of the remaining 42.11%. Therefore, Banco Galicia and Grupo Galicia simultaneously acquire, directly and indirectly, the 99.99383% of the equity capital and voting rights of HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. and 100% of HSBC Argentina Holdings S.A., HSBC Participaciones (Argentina) S.A., HSBC Global Asset Management S.A., HSBC Seguros de Vida (Argentina) S.A., and HSBC Seguros de Retiro (Argentina) S.A. As consideration for the acquisition of the aforementioned shares, Banco Galicia will pay the amount of US$274,977,500, in accordance with the Agreement, and Grupo Galicia will pay with class B shares to be issued in favor of HLA (in the form of ADRs - American Depositary Receipts - "ADRs"), for an equivalent value of US$200,022,500 (the "Consideration"). The issuance of Grupo Galicia's class B shares to be contributed in kind will be resolved by the Shareholders' of Grupo Galicia in a Shareholders' meeting to be timely called. The Consideration is subject to adjustments based on parameters established in the Agreement,
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customary in this type of transactions. Likewise, pursuant to the Agreement, Grupo Galicia will acquire at a price of US$75,000,000 the Private and Subordinated Negotiable Obligations issued by HSBC Bank Argentina S.A., with HSBC LATIN AMERICA HOLDINGS (UK) Limited as the creditor. These obligations have a maturity date in 2027 and a face value of US$100,000,000, provided they are not previously prepaid. Said acquisition will also be paid with class B shares to be issued in favor of said creditor (in the form of ADRs - American Depositary Receipts -).
The sale and other effects arising from the Agreement are subject to the prior approval of the Argentine Central Bank.
For further information regarding significant changes, please see Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors – Risk Factors Relating to Argentina; Item 5. Operating Results and Item 5. Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
A. Offer and Listing Details
Shares and ADSs
Our class B shares are listed on the BYMA, the MAE and the Córdoba Stock Exchange under the symbol “GGAL”. Our class B shares are listed on the MAE since October 28, 2015. Our ADSs, each representing ten class B shares, are listed also on the Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbol “GGAL”. Our ADSs have been listed on Nasdaq Capital Market since August 2002. Previously, our ADSs had been listed on the Nasdaq National Market since July 24, 2000.
Argentine Securities Market
The principal and oldest exchange for the Argentine securities market is the BYMA. The BYMA started operating in 1854 and handles the largest proportion of all equity trading in Argentina. Securities listed on the BYMA include corporate equity and debt securities and government securities. Debt securities listed on the BYMA may also be listed on the MAE. On December 29, 2016, the CNV approved the constitution of BYMA as a new stock market, through a spin-off of certain assets of the MERVAL (formerly the largest stock market in Argentina) relating to its stock market operations and capital contributions by the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. Following such authorization, and effective as of April 17, 2017, all securities listed on the MERVAL were automatically transferred to BYMA, as successor of MERVAL’s activities.We are member of the BYMA through INVIU S.A.U. and Galicia Securities, subsidiaries that own one share each. Additionally, the Bank, within the framework of the Capital Markets Law, was authorized by the CNV to act as a settlement and clearing agent and trading agent-comprehensive and was added as member of the BYMA.
Trading on the BYMA is conducted through a trading platform introduced during 2017 called Millenium, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each business day of the year. The Millenium software is a computer trading platform system that permits trading in debt and equity securities that can be accessed by brokers directly from workstations located at their offices. As a result of an agreement between the MERVAL and the MAE, equity securities are traded exclusively on the BYMA and corporate and government debt securities are traded on the MAE and the BYMA. Currently, all transactions relating to listed corporate and government debt securities can be affected by said trading platform. In addition, a substantial over-the-counter market exists for private trading in listed debt securities and, prior to the agreement described above, equity securities. Such trades are reported on the MAE.
Although companies may list all of their capital stock on the BYMA, in most cases the controlling shareholders retain the majority of a company’s capital stock. This results in only a relatively small percentages of most companies’ stock being available for active trading by the public on the BYMA. Even though individuals have historically constituted the largest group of investors in Argentina’s equity markets, in recent years, banks and insurance companies have shown an interest in these markets. Argentine mutual funds, by contrast, continue to have very low participation in the market. Although 79 companies had equity securities listed on the BYMA as of the date of this report, the 10 most traded stocks of the year accounted for 81.8% of the stock volume, a figure higher than the 77.6% of the year 2022. Our shares were the second most traded shares on the BYMA in 2023, accounting for a 19,7% of total trading volume, a decrease from the 21,94% recorded during 2022.
The Córdoba Stock Exchange is another important stock market in Argentina. Securities listed on the Córdoba Stock Exchange include both corporate equity and debt securities and government securities. Through an agreement with
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the BYMA, all the securities listed on the BYMA are authorized to be listed and subsequently traded on the Córdoba Stock Exchange. Thus, many transactions that originate on the Córdoba Stock Exchange relate to companies listed on the BYMA and such trades are subsequently settled in Buenos Aires.
The MAE is a securities market supervised by the CNV. The MAE is mainly comprised by private banks, either composed by national or foreign capital, national banks, provincial banks, municipal banks, cooperative banks, financial companies, exchange companies and agents.
B. Market Regulations
The CNV oversees the Argentine securities markets and is responsible for authorizing public offerings of securities and supervising brokers, public companies, debt issuers and mutual funds, among others. Argentine pension funds and insurance companies are regulated by separate Argentine government agencies, while financial institutions are regulated mainly by the BCRA. The Capital Markets Law (as amended) regulates the capital markets transactions as well as the supervision, control and disciplinary and regulatory powers of the CNV. The Capital Markets Law is supplemented by the CNV Rules.
In compliance with the provisions of Law No.20,643 and the Decrees No.659/74 and No.2220/80, most debt and equity securities traded on the authorized markets must be deposited or registered in Caja de Valores S.A., which is the central securities depository agent of Argentina, that provides deposit facilities for securities and mainly acts as a transfer and paying agent in connection therewith. It also handles settlement of securities transactions and operates the computerized exchange information system.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Argentine regulations, there may be less publicly available information about Argentine companies than is regularly published by or about companies in the U.S. and other countries. However, the CNV has taken steps to strengthen disclosure and regulatory standards for the Argentine securities market, including the issuance of regulations prohibiting insider trading and requiring insiders to report on their ownership of securities, with associated penalties for non-compliance.
In order to offer securities to the public in Argentina, an issuer must meet certain requirements established by the CNV Rules involving certain disclosure and compliance standards for assets' operating history, management and other matters, and only securities approved by the CNV to be publicly offered may be listed on the authorized markets. This approval does not imply any kind of certification of assurance related to the merits of the quality of the securities, or the solvency of the issuer. Issuers of listed securities (with certain exclusions applicable to SMEs and Civil Associations) are required to file unaudited quarterly financial statements and audited annual financial statements, as well as various other periodic reports, with the CNV and the corresponding markets.
Securities can currently be freely traded on the Argentine authorized markets, however, the Argentine government has been periodically imposing restrictions regarding access by residents and non-residents to the local MLC and to transfers of foreign exchange abroad. See Item 4. “Information on the Company—Government Regulation—Foreign Exchange Market”.
Regarding corporate governance practices, the CNV has been issuing different rules aimed to strengthen the good practices in that field, emphasizing the principles established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) and requiring a stronger commitment from the listing companies regarding the compliance with those practices.
Item 10. Additional Information
A. Share Capital.
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Description of Our Bylaws
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General
Set forth below is a brief description of certain provisions of our bylaws and Argentine law and regulations with regard to our capital stock. Your rights as a holder of our capital stock are subject to Argentine corporate law, which may differ from the corporate laws of other jurisdictions. This description is not purported to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our bylaws, Argentine law and the rules of the BYMA, the Córdoba Stock Exchange as well as the CNV. A copy of our bylaws has been filed with and can be examined at the CNV in Buenos Aires and the SEC in Washington, D.C.
We were incorporated on September 14, 1999, as a stock corporation under the laws of Argentina and registered on September 30, 1999, with the IGJ, under corporate registration number 14,519 of Book 7, Volume of Stock Corporations. Our domicile is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under our bylaws, our duration is until June 30, 2100 and we are exclusively a financial and investment company (as stated in “Chapter 2. Purpose. Article 3.” of our bylaws). This duration may be extended by resolution taken at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.
Our bylaws do not contain any provision governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
Outstanding Capital Stock
Our total subscribed and paid-in share capital as of March 31, 2024, amounted to Ps.1,474,692,091, composed of class A shares and class B shares, each with a par value of Ps.1. The following table presents the number of our shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024, and the voting interest that the shares represent.
| March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Number of Shares | % of Capital Stock | % of Voting Rights | |||||||||||||||||
| Class A Shares | 281,221,650 | 19.07 | % | 54.09 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Class B Shares | 1,193,470,441 | 80.93 | % | 45.91 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,474,692,091 | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||
Registration and Transfer
The class B shares are book-entry common shares held through Caja de Valores. Caja de Valores maintains a stock registry for us and only those persons listed in such registry will be recognized as our shareholders. Caja de Valores periodically delivers to us a list of the shareholders as at a certain date.
The class B shares are transferable on the books of Caja de Valores. Caja de Valores records all transfers in our registry. Within 10 days of any such transfer, Caja de Valores is required to confirm the registration of transfer with the transferor.
Voting Rights
At shareholders’ meetings, each class A share is entitled to five votes and each class B share is entitled to one vote. However, class A shares are entitled to only one vote in certain matters, such as:
•a merger or spin-off in which we are not the surviving corporation, unless the acquirer’s shares are authorized to be publicly offered or listed on any stock exchange;
•a transformation in our legal corporate form;
•a fundamental change in our corporate purpose;
•a change of our domicile to outside Argentina;
•a voluntary termination of our public offering or listing authorization;
•our continuation following a delisting or a mandatory cancellation of our public offering or listing authorization;
•a total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss; and
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•the appointment of syndics.
All distinctions between our class A shares and our class B shares will be eliminated upon the occurrence of any of the following change of control events:
•EBA Holding sells 100% of its class A shares;
•EBA Holding sells a portion of our class A shares to a third person who, when aggregating all our class A shares with our class B shares owned by such person, if any, obtains 50% plus one vote of our total votes; or
•the current shareholders of EBA Holding sell shares of EBA Holding that will allow the buyer to exercise more than 50% of the voting power of EBA Holding at any general shareholders’ meeting of EBA Holding shareholders, except for transfers to other current shareholders of EBA Holding or to their heirs or their legal successors or to entities owned by any of them.
Limited Liability of Shareholders
Shareholders are not liable for our obligations. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the payment of the shares for which they subscribe. However, shareholders who have a conflict of interest with us and do not abstain from voting may be held liable for damages to us. Also, shareholders who willfully or negligently vote in favor of a resolution that is subsequently declared void by a court as contrary to Argentine law or our bylaws may be held liable for damages to us or to third parties, including other shareholders, resulting from such resolutions.
Directors
Our bylaws provide that the Board of Directors shall be composed by at least three and at most nine members, as decided at a general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. To be appointed to our Board of Directors, such person must have been presented as a candidate by shareholders who represent at least 10% of our voting rights, at least three business days before the date the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting is to be held. Our bylaws do not state an age limit over which the directors cannot serve on our board.
At each annual shareholders’ meeting, the term of one third of the members of our Board of Directors (no fewer than three directors) expires and their successors are elected to serve for a term of three years. The shareholders’ meeting shall have the power to fix a shorter period (one or two years) for the terms of office of one, several or all the directors. This system of electing directors is intended to help maintain the continuity of the board. Alternate directors replace directors until the following general ordinary shareholders’ meeting is held. Directors may also be replaced by alternate directors if a director will be absent from a board meeting. The Board of Directors is required to meet at least once every month and anytime any one of the directors or syndics so requests.
Our bylaws state that the Board of Directors may decide to appoint an executive committee and/or a delegate director.
Our bylaws do not provide for any arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers, or others pursuant to which any person referred to in this annual report was selected as a director or member of senior management.
Additionally, pursuant to our bylaws, any borrowing powers on behalf of the Company are granted to our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has the power to delegate these borrowing powers to our directors through a power of attorney and currently certain of our directors have powers of attorney to negotiate the terms of and borrow money on behalf of the Company. Furthermore, as stated by our bylaws, the chairman of our Board of Directors is also the legal representative of the Company. Although our bylaws do not expressly address a director’s power to vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which the director has a material interest, pursuant to customary Argentine business practice and certain tenants of Argentine corporate law, our directors do not vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which the director has a material interest.
Appointment of Directors and Syndics by Cumulative Voting
The Corporations Law provides for the use of cumulative voting to enable minority shareholders to appoint members of the board of directors and syndics. Upon the completion of certain requirements, shareholders are entitled to
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appoint up to one third of the vacancies to be filled on the board of directors by cumulative voting. Each shareholder voting cumulatively has the number of votes resulting from multiplying the number of votes to which such shareholder would normally be entitled by the number of vacancies to be filled. Such shareholder may apportion his votes or cast all such votes for one or a number of candidates not exceeding one third of the vacancies to be filled.
Compensation of Directors
The Corporations Law and the CNV establish rules regarding the compensation of directors. The maximum amount of aggregate compensation that the members of the board of directors may receive, including salaries and other compensation for the performance of permanent technical and administrative services, may not exceed 25.0% of profits of each fiscal year. This maximum amount shall be limited to 5.0% when no dividends are distributed to the shareholders and shall be increased proportionately to the dividend distribution until the 25.0% limit is reached when all profits are distributed.
The Corporations Law provides that aggregate director compensation may exceed the maximum percentage of computable profit in any one year when the company’s profits are non-existent or too small as to allow payment of a reasonable compensation to board members which have been engaged in technical or administrative services to the company, provided that such proposal is described in the notice of the agenda for the ordinary shareholders’ meeting and is approved by a majority of shareholders present at such shareholders’ meeting.
In addition to the above, our bylaws establish that best practices and national and international market standards regarding directors with similar duties and responsibilities shall be considered when determining the compensation of board members.
Syndics
Our bylaws, in accordance with Argentine law, provide for the maintenance of a supervisory committee whose members are three permanent syndics and three alternate syndics. Syndics are elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected. Alternate syndics replace permanent syndics in case of absence. For the appointment of syndics, each of our class A shares and class B shares has only one vote. Fees for syndics are established by the shareholders at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Their function is to oversee the management of the company, to control the legality of the actions of the board of directors, to attend all board of directors’ meetings, to attend all shareholders’ meetings, to prepare reports for the shareholders on the financial statements with their opinion, and to provide information regarding the company to shareholders that represent at least 2% of the capital stock. Syndics’ liabilities are joint and several and unlimited for the non-fulfillment of their duties. They are also jointly and severally liable, together with the members of the board of directors, if the proper fulfillment of their duties as syndics would have avoided the damage or the losses caused by the members of the board of directors.
Shareholders’ Meetings
Shareholders’ meetings may be ordinary meetings or extraordinary meetings. An annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting is required to be held in each fiscal year to consider the matters outlined in Article 234 of the Corporations Law, including, among others:
•approval of the financial statements and general performance of the management for the preceding fiscal year;
•appointment and remuneration of directors and members of the supervisory committee;
•allocation of profits; and
•any other matter the board of directors decides to submit to the shareholders’ meeting concerning the Company’s business administration. Matters which may be discussed at these or other ordinary meetings include resolutions regarding the responsibility of directors and members of the supervisory committee, as well as capital increases and the issuance of notes.
Extraordinary shareholders’ meetings may be called at any time to discuss matters beyond the competence of the ordinary meeting, including but not limited to amendments to the bylaws, matters related to the liquidation of a company, limitation of the shareholders’ preemptive rights to subscribe new shares, issuance of bonds and debentures, transformation of the corporate form, a merger into another company and spin-offs, early winding-up, change of the company’s domicile
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to outside Argentina, total or partial repayment of capital for losses, and a substantial change in the corporate purpose set forth in the bylaws.
Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by the board of directors or by the syndics. A shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 5.0% in the aggregate of our capital stock may request the board of directors or the syndics to convene a general shareholders’ meeting to discuss the matters indicated by the shareholder.
Once a meeting has been convened with an agenda, the agenda limits the matters to be decided upon at such meeting and no other matters may be decided upon.
Additionally, our bylaws provide that any shareholder holding at least 5% in aggregate of our capital stock may present, in writing, to the Board of Directors, before February 28 of each year, proposals of items to be included in the agenda at the annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The Board of Directors is not obligated to include such items in the agenda.
Class B shares represented by ADSs will be voted or caused to be voted by the Depositary in accordance with instructions of the holders of such ADSs. In the event instructions are not received from the holder, the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy for the shares represented by such ADSs to a person designated by us.
Notice of each shareholders’ meeting must be published in the Official Gazette, and in a widely circulated newspaper in the country’s territory, at least twenty days prior to the meeting but not more than forty-five days prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held. The board of directors will determine the appropriate publication of notices outside Argentina in accordance with the requirements of the jurisdictions and exchanges on which our shares are traded. In order to attend a meeting and to be listed on the meeting registry, shareholders must submit evidence of their book-entry share account held at Caja de Valores at least three business days prior to the scheduled meeting date without counting the meeting day.
The quorum for ordinary meetings consists of a majority of stock entitled to vote, and resolutions may be adopted by the affirmative vote of 50% plus one vote (an “absolute majority”) of the votes present whether in person or participating via electronic means of communication. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, shall constitute a quorum. Resolutions are to be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. The second meeting may be convened to be held one hour later on the same day as the first meeting had been called for, provided that it is an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, or within 30 days of the date for which the first ordinary meeting was called.
The quorum for extraordinary shareholders’ meetings consists of 60% of stock entitled to vote, and resolutions may be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, shall constitute a quorum. Resolutions are to be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. The second meeting has to be convened to be held within 30 days of the date for which the first extraordinary meeting was called, and the notice must be published for three days, at least eight days before the date of the second meeting. Some special matters require a favorable vote of the majority of all the stock holding voting rights, the class A shares being granted the right to only one vote each. The special matters are described in “—Voting Rights” above.
Dividends
Dividends may be lawfully paid and declared only out of our retained earnings representing the profit realized and liquid on our operations and investments reflected in our annual financial statements, as approved at our annual general shareholders’ meeting. No profits may be distributed until prior losses are covered. Dividends paid on our class A shares and class B shares will equal one another on a per-share basis.
As required by the Corporations Law, 5% of our net income is allocated to a legal reserve until the reserve equals 20% of our outstanding capital. Dividends may not be paid if the legal reserve has been impaired. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders.
Our Board of Directors submits our financial statements for the previous fiscal year, together with reports prepared by our supervisory committee, to our shareholders for approval at the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The shareholders, upon approving the financial statements, determine the allocation of our net income.
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Our Board of Directors is allowed by law and by our bylaws to decide to pay anticipated dividends on the basis of a balance sheet especially prepared for purposes of paying such dividends.
Under BYMA regulations, cash dividends must be paid to shareholders within 10 days of the shareholders’ meeting approving said dividend. Payment of dividends in shares requires authorization from the CNV, the BYMA and the Córdoba Stock Exchange, whose authorizations must be requested within 10 business days after the shareholders’ meeting approving the dividend. We must make a distribution of the shares available to shareholders not later than three months after receiving authorization to do so from the CNV.
Shareholders may no longer claim the payment of dividends from us after three years have elapsed from the date on which the relevant dividends were made available to such shareholders.
Capital Increases and Reductions
We may increase our capital upon resolution of the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. All capital increases must be reported to the CNV, published in the Official Gazette and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce. Capital reductions may be voluntary or mandatory. A voluntary reduction of capital must be approved by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting after the corresponding authorization by the BYMA, the Córdoba Stock Exchange and the CNV and may take place only after notice of such reduction has been published and creditors have been given an opportunity to obtain payment or guarantees for their claims or attachment. A reduction of capital is mandatory when losses have exceeded reserves and more than 50% of the share capital of the company.
Preemptive Rights
Under Argentine law, it is mandatory that a shareholder of ordinary shares of any given class have preemptive rights, proportional to the number of shares he or she owns, to subscribe for shares of capital stock of the same class or of any other class if the new subscription offer does not include all classes of shares. Shareholders may only decide to suspend or limit preemptive rights by supermajority at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and only in exceptional cases. Shareholders may waive their preemptive rights only on a case-by-case basis.
In the event of an increase in our capital, holders of class A shares and class B shares have a preemptive right to subscribe for any issue of class B shares in an amount sufficient to maintain the proportion of capital then held by them. Holders of class A shares are entitled to subscribe for class B shares because no further class A shares carrying five votes each are allowed to be issued in the future. Under Argentine law, companies are prohibited from issuing stock with multiple voting rights after they have been authorized to make a public offering of securities.
Preemptive rights are exercisable following the last publication of the notification to shareholders of the opportunity to exercise preemptive rights in the Official Gazette and an Argentine newspaper of wide circulation for a period of 30 days, provided that such period may be reduced to no less than 10 days if so approved by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.
Shareholders who have exercised their preemptive rights and indicated their intention to exercise additional preemptive rights are entitled to additional preemptive rights (“accretion rights”), on a pro rata basis, with respect to any unsubscribed shares, in accordance with the terms of the Corporations Law. Class B shares not subscribed for by shareholders through the exercise of their preemptive or accretion rights may be offered to third parties.
Holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to exercise preemptive rights if a registration statement relating to such rights has not been filed or is not effective or if an exemption from registration is not available.
Appraisal Rights
Whenever our shareholders approve:
•a merger or spin-off in which we are not the surviving corporation, unless the acquirer’s shares are authorized to be publicly offered or listed on any stock exchange,
•a transformation in our legal corporate form,
•a fundamental change in our corporate purpose,
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•a change of our domicile to outside Argentina,
•a voluntary termination of our public offering or listing authorization,
•our continuation following a delisting or a mandatory cancellation of our public offering or listing authorization, or
•a total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss,
any shareholder that voted against such action or did not attend the relevant meeting may exercise its right to have its shares canceled in exchange for the book value of its shares, determined on the basis of our latest balance sheet prepared in accordance with Argentine laws and regulations, provided that such shareholder exercises its appraisal rights within the periods set forth below.
There is, however, doubt as to whether holders of ADSs, will be able to exercise appraisal rights with respect to class B shares represented by ADSs.
Appraisal rights must be exercised within five days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted, in the event that the dissenting shareholder voted against such resolutions, or within 15 days following such adjournment if the dissenting shareholder did not attend such meeting and can prove that he was a shareholder on the date of such meeting. In the case of a merger or spin-off involving an entity authorized to make a public offering of its shares, appraisal rights may not be exercised if the shares to be received as a result of such transaction are listed on any stock exchange. Appraisal rights are extinguished if the resolution giving rise to such rights is overturned at another shareholders’ meeting held within 75 days of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted.
Payment of the appraisal rights must be made within one year from the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the resolution was adopted, except if the resolution was to delist our capital stock, in which case the payment period is reduced to 60 days from the date of the related resolution.
Preferred Stock
According to the Corporations Law and our bylaws, an ordinary shareholders’ meeting may approve the issuance of preferred stock. Such preferred stock may have a fixed dividend, cumulative or not cumulative, with or without additional participation in our profits, as decided by shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting when determining the conditions of the issuance. They may also have other preferences, such as a preference in the event of our liquidation.
The holders of preferred stock shall not be entitled to voting rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that no dividends are paid to such holders for their preferred stock, and for as long as such dividends are not paid, the holders of preferred stock shall be entitled to voting rights. Holders of preferred stock are also entitled to vote on certain special matters, such as the transformation of the corporate form, a merger into another company and spin-offs (when we are not the surviving entity and the surviving entity is not listed on any stock exchange), early winding-up, a change of our domicile to outside Argentina, total or partial repayment of capital for losses and a substantial change in the corporate purpose set forth in our bylaws or in the event our preferred stock is traded on stock exchanges and such trading is suspended or terminated.
Conflicts of Interest
As a protection to minority shareholders, under the Corporations Law, a shareholder is required to abstain from voting on any resolution in which its direct or indirect interests conflict with that of or are different than ours. In the event such shareholder votes on such resolution, and such resolution would not have been approved without such shareholders’ vote, the resolution may be declared void by a court and such shareholder may be liable for damages to the company as well as to any third party, including other shareholders.
Redemption or Repurchase
According to the Capital Markets Law, a stock corporation may acquire the shares issued by it, provided that the public offering and listing thereof has been authorized, subject to the following terms and conditions and those set forth by the CNV. The above-mentioned conditions are: (a) the shares to be acquired shall be fully paid up; (b) there shall be a resolution signed by the board of directors to such effect; (c) the acquisition shall be made out of net profits or free or voluntary reserves; and (d) the total amount of shares acquired by the company, including previously acquired shares, shall
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not exceed 10% of the capital stock or such lower percentage determined by the CNV. The shares acquired by the company in excess of such limit shall be disposed of within the term of 90 days after the date of the acquisition originating such excess.
The shares acquired by the company shall be disposed of by the company within the maximum term of three years counted as from the date of acquisition thereof. Upon disposing of the shares, the company shall make a preemptive offer thereof. Such an offer will not be obligatory if the shares are used in connection with a compensation plan or program for the company’s employees or if the shares are distributed among all shareholders pro rata their shareholdings. If shareholders do not exercise, in whole or in part, their preemptive rights, the sale shall be made at a stock exchange.
Liquidation
Upon our liquidation, one or more liquidators may be appointed to wind up our affairs. If no such appointment is made, our Board of Directors will act as liquidator. All outstanding common shares will be entitled to participate equally in any distribution upon liquidation. In the event of liquidation, in Argentina and in any other country, our assets shall first be applied to satisfy our debts and liabilities.
Other Provisions
Our bylaws are governed by Argentine law and the ownership of any kind of our shares represents acceptance of our bylaws and submission to the exclusive jurisdiction of the ordinary commercial courts of Buenos Aires for any claim or dispute related to us, our shareholders, directors and members of the supervisory committee.
C. Material Contracts
Bonds
During the 2016 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued subordinated Class II notes due 2026 in an aggregate principal amount of US$250 million. The proceeds of this issuance were used to redeem the Bank’s outstanding subordinated notes due 2019.
The pricing supplements for the issuances described above set forth certain covenants Banco Galicia must comply with for the benefit of the holders of such notes, which include, among others, restrictions on mergers, acquisitions or dispositions (subject to certain exceptions) and restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt.
Loans
In May 2016, the IFC granted Banco Galicia a credit line in an amount of up to US$130 million. As of December 2022, Banco Galicia has drawn all of the committed amount and the loan was amortized for US$120 million.
On March 23, 2018, Banco Galicia announced the issuance of a green bond to raise US$100 million in order to expand its loan program for environmental efficiency projects. This was the first green bond issued by a private financial institution in Argentina, marking Banco Galicia’s commitment to finance projects with a positive impact on the environment. The bonds were underwritten on June 21, 2018 by the IFC and loans for US$57 million were granted. As of December 2023, US$27.1 million of such loans were amortized.
D. Exchange Controls
For a description of the exchange controls that would affect us or the holders of our securities, see Item 4. “Information on the Company—Government Regulation—Foreign Exchange Market”.
E. Taxation
The following is a summary of the principal Argentine and U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class B shares and ADSs. This summary is based on Argentine and U.S. federal income tax laws, as well as the regulations in effect as of the date of this annual report. Further, this summary is subject to any subsequent changes in laws and regulations that may come into effect after this date. Any change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary. This summary does not constitute legal advice
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or a legal opinion with respect to the transactions that the holders of our class B shares or ADSs may enter into. This summary is only a brief description of certain (but not all) aspects of the Argentine and U.S. federal income tax systems, as they relate to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class B shares and ADSs. In addition, although the Company believes that the following summary is a reasonable interpretation of the current taxation rules and regulations, Grupo Galicia cannot assure that the applicable authorities or tribunals will agree with all, or any of the tax consequences outlined below. Currently, there is no tax treaty between the United States and Argentina.
Argentine Taxes
Law No.26,893, enacted on September 12, 2013 and published in the Official Gazette on September 23, 2013, introduced changes to Income Tax Law No.20,628, including the derogation of Section 78 of Decree No.2284/1991; which provides that foreign holders with no permanent establishment in Argentina are exempt from paying income tax on the capital gains arising from the sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs.
Decree No.2334/2013 has regulated Law No.26,893. This decree provides that changes introduced by Law No.26,893 are effective from the date of publication of such law in the Official Gazette and apply to taxable events carried out from such date onwards.
Law No.27,430 enacted on December 27, 2017 and published in the Official Gazette on December 29, 2017, Law No. 27,541 published in the Official Gazette on December 23, 2019, and Law No.27,630 published in the Official Gazette on June 16,2021 introduced several changes to Income Tax Law No.20,628. The principal change resulting from such law is about corporate income tax rate. For fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2020, the government has reduced the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 30%. For the fiscal period of 2023, the corporate tax rate will be according to the following scheme:
*Tax Rate (In pesos except otherwise indicated in percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net taxable profit | Flat Tax | More % | Taxation over the excess of the amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over Ps. | Up to the amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | 14,301,209 | — | 25 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14,301,209 | 143,012,092 | 3,575,302 | 30 | 14,301,209 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 143,012,092 | Onward | 42,188,567 | 35 | 143,012,092 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
This reform includes additional changes, such as the confirmation that ADRs and ADSs generate Argentine-sourced income. Non- residents, however, will be exempted from the current 15% capital gains tax on the sale of ADRs or ADSs if they reside in a jurisdiction having an exchange of information agreement with Argentina or if these invested funds come from a cooperating jurisdiction.
Taxation of Dividends
As from the effectiveness of Law No. 27,430 and Law No. 27,630, on December 27, 2017 and June 16 , 2021, dividends and distributions (other than stock dividends) made by local entities to individuals, undivided estates, and foreign entities are subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 7%.
Decree No.1170/2018 provides for further guidance on Law No.27,430. This decree provides that dividend payments on ADSs or ordinary shares, whether in cash, property, or stock, would be subject to Argentine withholding tax and the exemption referred to in the last paragraph of “Argentine Taxes” above shall not apply.
Equalization Tax
There is a specific rule under which a 35% tax (“equalization tax”) will be imposed on certain dividends approved by shareholders. The equalization tax will be applied only to the extent that distributions of dividends exceed the taxable income of the company increased by non-taxable dividends received by the distributing company in prior years and reduced by Argentine income tax paid by the distributing company.
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The equalization tax will be imposed as a withholding tax on the shareholder receiving the dividend. Dividend distributions made in kind (other than cash) will be subject to the same tax rules as cash dividends. Stock dividends are not subject to Argentine taxation.
In addition, the foregoing tax reforms abolished the equalization tax for profits generated beginning January 1, 2018. Such equalization tax is a withholding tax levied at a rate of 35% on dividend distributions in excess of tax earnings that would remain applicable for the stock of non-distributed earnings and profits as of December 31, 2017.
Taxation of Capital Gains
In accordance with Law No.27,430 capital gains derived by non-resident individuals or foreign companies from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADSs or class B shares are subject to the following regulations:
Non-residents continue to be exempted from tax on capital gains arising from the sale of shares in publicly traded companies, if the shares are traded on the BASE. In accordance with Law No.27,541 the exemption will also apply if the securities are traded in stock or securities markets authorized by the (CNV). The benefits will be applied to foreign beneficiaries as long as they do not reside in non-cooperative jurisdictions, or the invested funds do not come from a non-cooperative jurisdiction.
Transfer of Argentine securities that occurred after September 23, 2013 triggered taxation on a retroactive basis, as the suspension of the rule that called for the tax was lifted. The tax will not apply to sales made through stock exchanges if the tax had not been withheld.
Indirect transfers of Argentine assets (including shares) will be taxable, if (i) the value of the Argentine assets exceed 30% of the transaction’s overall value; and (ii) the equity interest sold (in the foreign entity) exceeds 10%. The tax will also be due if any of these thresholds were met during the 12-month period prior to the sale. The indirect transfer of Argentine assets will only be subject to tax if these assets are acquired after January 1, 2018. Transactions involving indirect transfers of Argentine assets within the same economic group would also not trigger taxation, provided the requirements set by regulations have been met. Decree No.862/2019 and General Resolution No.4227/2018, provide that the seller, and not the buyer, is the party responsible for withholding the tax. The regulation has established a new mechanism regulating how non-resident sellers should pay the tax on the capital gain for transactions that have taken place on or after January 1, 2018. In summary, the non-resident seller should pay the tax directly through an international wire transfer unless there is a local withholding agent (i.e., local buyer or local custodial institution) involved in the payment.
Transfer Taxes: no Argentine transfer taxes are applicable on the sale or transfer of ADSs or class B shares.
Personal Assets Tax
Individuals domiciled and undivided estates located in Argentina or abroad will be subject to an annual tax in respect of assets located in Argentina and abroad. Applicable wealth tax rates and minimum non-taxable asset values for the general taxpayer regime are replaced with effect as of fiscal year 2021 by Law No.27,667. The following is the new scheme:
| Fiscal year | Tax rate | Exempt Minimum (Ps.) | |||||||||
2023 | * | 27,377,408 | |||||||||
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*Tax Rate (In pesos except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Value of Assets | Flat Tax | More % | Taxation over the excess of the amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over Ps. | Up to the amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | 13,688,704 | — | 0.50 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13,688,704 | 29,658,859 | 68,444 | 0.75 | 13,688,704 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29,658,859 | 82,132,225 | 188,220 | 1.00 | 29,658,859 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 82,132,225 | 456,290,138 | 712,953 | 1.25 | 82,132,225 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 456,290,138 | 1,368,870,414 | 5,389,927 | 1.50 | 456,290,138 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1,368,870,414 | Onward | 19,078,631 | 1.75 | 1,368,870,414 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Individuals domiciled abroad will pay the tax only in respect of the assets they hold in Argentina. In the case of individuals domiciled abroad, the tax will be paid by the individuals or entities domiciled in Argentina which, as of December 31 of each year, hold the joint ownership, possession, use, enjoyment, deposit, safekeeping, custody, administration or tenure of the assets located in Argentina and subject to the tax belonging to the individuals domiciled abroad. When the direct ownership of notes, government securities and certain other investments, except shares issued by companies ruled by the Corporations Law, are part of companies domiciled abroad in countries that do not enforce registration systems for private securities (with the exception of insurance companies, open-end investment funds, pension funds or banks and financial entities with head offices in countries that have adopted the international banking supervision standards laid down by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision) or that pursuant to their bylaws, charter, documents or the applicable regulatory framework, have as their principal activity investing outside of the jurisdiction of their organization or domicile, or are generally restricted from doing business in their country of incorporation, it will be assumed, without admission of any proof to the contrary, that these assets belong ultimately to individuals and therefore the system for paying the tax for such individuals domiciled abroad applies to them.
An exception pursuant to a tax reform was published in the Official Gazette as Law No.25,585, which went into effect on December 31, 2002. This tax reform introduced a mechanism to collect the personal assets tax on shares issued by companies ruled by the Corporations Law, which ownership belongs to individuals domiciled in Argentina or abroad, and companies or entities domiciled abroad. In the case of companies or entities domiciled abroad, it will be assumed, without admitting any proof to the contrary, that these shares ultimately belong to individuals domiciled abroad.
The tax was assessed and paid by those companies ruled by the Corporations Law at the rate of 0.5% on the value of the shares or equity interest. The valuation of the shares, whether listed or not, must be made according to their proportional equity value. These companies may eventually seek reimbursement from the direct owner of the shares, in respect of any amounts paid to the Argentine tax authorities as a personal asset tax. Grupo Financiero Galicia has sought reimbursement for the amount paid corresponding to December 31, 2002. The Board of Directors submitted the decision on how to proceed with respect to fiscal year 2003 to the annual shareholders’ meeting held on April 22, 2004. At that meeting, our shareholders voted to suspend all claims on our shareholders for any amount unpaid for fiscal year 2002 and to have the Company absorb the amounts due for fiscal year 2003 onward, when not withheld from dividends.
Other Taxes
There are no Argentine federal inheritance, succession or gift taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of ADSs or class B shares. There are no Argentine stamps, issue, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of ADSs or class B shares.
Deposit and Withdrawal of Class B Shares in Exchange for ADSs
No Argentine tax is imposed on the deposit or withdrawal of class B shares in exchange for ADSs.
Agreement between the Government of the Argentine Republic and the Government of the United States of America to improve international tax compliance and to implement FATCA
On December 5, 2022 officials from Argentina and the United States signed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to facilitate implementation of the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) through domestic reporting
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and automatic exchange of information. This IGA, which covers both individuals and corporate entities, enables the reciprocal exchange of certain financial account information between the United States and Argentina, while helping to ensure appropriate data protection. The IGA entered force in January 2023. According to the IGA, the Argentine tax administration will now receive from its U.S. counterpart – the IRS – information on accounts opened in financial institutions in the United States belonging to individuals that are residents in Argentina. The IRS will receive from the Argentine tax administration information related to accounts opened in Argentine financial entities belonging to U.S. residents.
United States Federal Income Taxes
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs. This summary does not purport to address all the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular holder (including consequences under the alternative minimum tax) or a decision to purchase, own or dispose of class B shares or ADSs. This summary applies only to beneficial owners of class B shares or ADSs that hold the class B shares or ADSs as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This summary does not address tax consequences to all categories of investors, some of which (such as dealers or traders in securities or currencies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, grantor trusts, tax-exempt entities, banks and certain other financial institutions, insurance companies, persons that received class B shares or ADSs as compensation for the performance of services, persons owning (or deemed to own for U.S. federal income tax purposes) 10% or more (by voting power or value) of our shares, U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the Dollar, persons that hold the class B shares or ADSs as part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging” or “conversion” transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and individual retirement accounts and other tax deferred accounts) may be subject to special tax rules. This summary does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs. Moreover, the summary below does not address the U.S. state, local or non-U.S. income or other tax consequences of an investment in class B shares or ADSs, or any aspect of U.S. federal taxation other than income taxation.
This summary (i) is based on the Code, existing, proposed and temporary United States Treasury Regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case, as of the date hereof, and (ii) is based in part on representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.
For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of class B shares or ADSs that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if such trust validly elects to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if (a) a United States court can exercise primary supervision over its administration and (b) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust. A “Non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of class B shares or ADSs that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes).
If an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds class B shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of the partnership and a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax advisor as to its tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of class B shares or ADSs.
Each prospective purchaser should consult its own tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of class B shares or ADSs.
Ownership of ADSs in General
In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders that are beneficial owners of ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owners of the class B shares represented by such ADSs.
The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has expressed concern that intermediaries in connection with depositary arrangements may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by U.S. persons who are
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holders of depositary shares. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should be aware that the discussion below regarding the availability of foreign tax credits for Argentine withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to Class B shares represented by ADSs could be affected by future action taken by the IRS. The rules relating to computing foreign tax credits and deducting foreign taxes are extremely complex, and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits with respect to any Argentine income taxes withheld from a dividend on the class B shares or ADSs.
Taxation of Distributions
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of distributions of cash with respect to the class B shares or ADSs (including any amounts withheld in respect of Argentine taxes) generally will, to the extent made from Grupo Financiero Galicia’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that a distribution by Grupo Financiero Galicia exceeds the amount of its earnings and profits, it will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs, and thereafter as capital gain. However, Grupo Financiero Galicia does not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. U.S. Holders should therefore assume that any distribution by Grupo Financiero Galicia with respect to class B shares or ADSs will be reported as ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, cash dividends (including amounts withheld in respect of Argentine taxes) paid with respect to:
•the class B shares generally will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary income on the day on which the dividends are received by the U.S. Holder; or
•the class B shares represented by ADSs generally will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary income on the day on which the dividends are received by the Depositary;
and, in either case, these dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.
Dividends paid by Grupo Financiero Galicia in respect of ADSs generally will be treated as “qualified dividend income,” which is taxable to a non-corporate U.S. Holder at the reduced rate normally applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that (i) the ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NASDAQ, on which the ADSs are currently listed), (ii) in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid Grupo Financiero Galicia was not, and in the year in which the dividend is paid Grupo Financiero Galicia is not, a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”), and (iii) certain other requirements are met. The ADSs (but not the class B shares) may qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States as long as they are listed on the NASDAQ. See “Passive Foreign Investment Companies” below for a discussion of the PFIC rules. Dividends paid by Grupo Financiero Galicia in respect of class B shares will be subject to tax as ordinary dividend income.
In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department has indicated that it continues to consider whether detailed information reporting guidance is necessary pursuant to which holders of ADSs and intermediaries through whom such securities are held will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividend income. However, no such detailed procedures have yet been issued and therefore Grupo Financiero Galicia is not certain that it will be able to comply with them. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced rate discussed above with respect to qualified dividend income in light of their own particular circumstances.
Dividends paid in Pesos will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder in an amount equal to the Dollar value of the Pesos on the date of receipt by the U.S. Holder, in the case of class B shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to Dollars. Any gains or losses resulting from currency exchange fluctuations between the date the dividend payment is included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder and the date the Pesos are converted into Dollars (or otherwise disposed of) will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss, as the case may be, of a U.S. Holder.
Dividends received by a U.S. Holder with respect to the class B shares or ADSs will be treated as non-U.S. source income, which may be relevant in calculating such U.S. Holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Argentine tax withheld on dividends may be deducted from taxable income or credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. For this purpose, dividend income with respect to class B shares or ADSs should
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generally constitute “passive category income”, or in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “general category income”. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Prospective holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Subject to the discussion below under “Backup Withholding and Information Reporting”, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on class B shares or ADSs, unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations,” U.S. Holders generally will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a sale or other taxable disposition of class B shares or ADSs in an amount equal to the difference between such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs and the amount realized on their sale or other taxable disposition, in each case as determined in Dollars. In the case of a non-corporate U.S. Holder, the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to such gain will be lower than the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate for ordinary income (other than certain dividends) if the U.S. Holder’s holding period in the class B shares or ADSs exceeds one year at the time of the sale or exchange. Gain or loss, if any, recognized by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, a U.S. Holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Argentine tax imposed on the disposition of class B shares or ADSs, unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against taxes due on other income treated as derived from non-U.S. sources. Certain limitations apply to the ability to deduct capital losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs is the Dollar value of the Pesos denominated purchase price determined on the settlement date, in the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder, or the trade date in the case of an accrual basis U.S. Holder. If the class B shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market”, an accrual basis U.S. Holder may elect to determine the Dollar value of the cost of such class B shares or ADSs by translating the amount paid at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the purchase.
With respect to the sale or exchange of class B shares or ADSs, the amount realized generally will be the Dollar value of the payment received, before reduction for any Argentine taxes withheld therefrom, determined on (i) the date of receipt of payment in the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder and (ii) the date of disposition in the case of an accrual basis U.S. Holder. If the class B shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market”, an accrual basis taxpayer may elect to determine the Dollar value of the amount realized by translating the amount received at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the sale. The election by an accrual basis U.S. Holder discussed above to use the settlement date for purposes of determining basis and the amount realized must be applied consistently from year to year and cannot be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
Subject to the discussion below under “Backup Withholding and Information Reporting,” a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale or exchange of class B shares or ADSs unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States or (ii) in the case of gain realized by an individual Non-U.S. Holder, the Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or exchange and certain other conditions are met.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to certain look-through rules, either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income is “passive income” or (2) at least 50 percent of the average value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities and securities transactions.
The application of the PFIC rules is unclear both generally and specifically with respect to banks. Although interest income generally is treated as passive income for this purpose, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has issued a notice and certain proposed Treasury Regulations that exclude from passive income any income derived in the active conduct of a banking business by a qualifying foreign bank (the “Active Bank Exception”). However, the IRS notice and proposed Treasury Regulations are inconsistent in certain respects. Because final Treasury Regulations have not been
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issued, there can be no assurance that Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries will satisfy the Active Bank Exception for any given taxable year.
Based on certain estimates of its gross income and gross assets (which estimates are inherently imprecise), the nature of its business, and reliance on the Active Bank Exception, Grupo Financiero Galicia believes that it was not a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2023. Grupo Financiero Galicia’s status in future years will depend on its assets and activities in those years. Grupo Financiero Galicia has no reason to believe that its assets or activities will change in a manner that would cause it to be classified as a PFIC, but there can be no assurance that Grupo Financiero Galicia will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If Grupo Financiero Galicia were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of class B shares or ADSs generally would be subject to imputed interest charges and other disadvantageous tax treatment with respect to any gain from the sale or exchange of, and certain distributions with respect to, the class B shares or ADSs.
If Grupo Financiero Galicia were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of class B shares or ADSs could make a variety of elections that may alleviate certain of the adverse tax consequences referred to above, and one of these elections may be made retroactively. However, it is expected that the conditions necessary for making certain of such elections will not apply in the case of the class B shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences and filing requirements that would arise if Grupo Financiero Galicia were treated as a PFIC.
Reporting Requirements
Non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, that hold “specified foreign financial assets”, as defined in the Treasury Regulations (which may include class B shares or ADSs), other than in an account at a U.S. financial institution or the U.S. branch of a non-U.S. financial institution, are required to report certain information relating to such assets. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this and any other reporting requirements on their ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs. Failure to comply with applicable reporting requirements could result in the imposition of substantial penalties.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
United States backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally apply to certain payments to certain holders of stock.
Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of, class B shares or ADSs made within the United States, or by a U.S. payer or U.S. middleman, to a holder of class B shares or ADSs (other than an exempt recipient, such as a payee that is not a United States person and that provides an appropriate certification).
Payments of dividends on, or proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of, class B shares or ADSs within the United States, or by a U.S. payer or U.S. middleman, to a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient, such as a payee that is not a United States person and that provides an appropriate certification) will be subject to backup withholding if such holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements.
The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a holder will be allowed as a credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. Holders should consult their tax advisers about these rules and any other reporting obligations that may apply to the ownership or disposition of class B shares or ADSs.
Medicare Tax on Investment Income
Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. Holder’s “net investment income” for the taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold. Net investment income includes, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of class B shares or ADSs.
THE ABOVE SUMMARIES ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF
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CLASS B SHARES OR ADSs. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts.
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report and its exhibits, may be inspected and printed or copied for a fee at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. These materials are also available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Material submitted by us can also be inspected at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1506.
I. Subsidiary Information
For a description of subsidiary information, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”—A.“History and Development of the Company” —“History”.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
A. General
Market risks faced by us are the risks arising from the fluctuations in interest rates and in foreign exchange rates. Our market risk arises mainly from the operations of Banco Galicia in its capacity as a financial intermediary. Our subsidiaries and are also subject to market risk. However, the amount of these risks is not significant, and they are not discussed below. Policies regarding these risks are applied at the level of our operating subsidiaries.
In compliance with the BCRA’s regulations, based on the best practices and international standards, Banco Galicia has a Risk Management Division responsible for identifying, monitoring and actively and integrally managing the different risks Banco Galicia and its subsidiaries are exposed to (credit, financial and operational risks). The aim of the Division is to guarantee Banco Galicia’s board of directors that it is fully aware of the risks Banco Galicia is exposed to. It also creates and proposes the policies and procedures necessary to mitigate and control such risks. The Risk Management Committee, made-up of six members of the board of directors of Banco Galicia, the Chief Executive Officer and the managers of the Risk Management Division, the Planning Division and Internal Audit, is the highest corporate body to which Banco Galicia’s board of directors delegates integral risk management and the executive responsibility to define and enforce risk management policies, procedures and controls. This Committee is also responsible for setting specific limits for the exposure to each risk and approving, when applicable, temporary excesses over such limits as well as being informed of each risk position and compliance with policies.
See Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”—“Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia”. Liquidity management is discussed in Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-.B.“Liquidity and Capital Resources”. Credit risk management is discussed in Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.“Business Overview”- “Selected Statistical Information”—“Credit Review Process” and other sections under Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.”Business Overview”- “Selected Statistical Information” describing Grupo Galicia’s financial instruments portfolio and financial instruments loss experience.
The following sections contain information on Banco Galicia’s sensitivity to interest-rate risk and exchange-rate risk that constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
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B. Interest Rate Risk
A distinctive and natural characteristic of financial brokerage is the existence of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with different maturities (or different rate repricing periods) and interest rates that can be fixed or variable. This situation leads to a gap or mismatch that arises from the balance sheet and measures the imbalance between fixed- and variable-rate assets and liabilities, and results in the so-called interest-rate risk or balance sheet structural risk. A commercial bank can face the interest rate risk on both sides of its balance sheet: with regard to the income generated by assets (loans and securities) and the expenses related to the interest-bearing liabilities (deposits and other sources of funds).
The policy currently in force defines this gap as the risk that the financial margin and the economic value of equity may vary as a consequence of fluctuations in market interest rates. The magnitude of such variation is associated with the sensitivity to interest rates of the structure of the Bank’s assets and liabilities.
Aimed at managing and limiting the sensitivity of Banco Galicia's economic value and results with respect to variations in the interest rate inherent to the structure of certain assets and liabilities, the following caps have been determined:
• Limit on the gross brokerage margin for the first year.
• Limit on the net present value of assets and liabilities.
i) Limit on the Gross Brokerage Margin for the First Year
The effect of interest rate fluctuations on the gross brokerage margin for the first year is calculated using the methodology known as scenario simulation. On a monthly basis, gross brokerage margin for the first year is simulated in a base scenario and in a “+400 bps” scenario for peso currency and “+200 bps” scenario for dollar currency. In order to prepare each scenario, different criteria are assumed regarding the sensitivity to interest rates of assets and liabilities, depending on the historical performance observed of the different balance sheet items. Gross brokerage margin for the first year in the “+400 bps” and “+200 bps” scenario is compared to the gross brokerage margin for the first year in the “base” scenario. The resulting difference is related to the annualized accounting gross brokerage margin for the last calendar trailing quarter available, for Banco Galicia on a consolidated basis.
The limit on a potential loss was established at 12% of the gross brokerage margin for the first year, as defined above. At fiscal year-end, the negative difference between the gross brokerage margin for the first year corresponding to the “+400/200 bps” scenario and that corresponding to the “base” scenario accounted for -4.07% of the gross brokerage margin for the first year.
The tables below show as of December 31, 2023 in absolute and percentage terms, the change in Banco Galicia’s gross brokerage margin (“GBM”) of the first year, as compared to the gross brokerage margin of the “base” scenario corresponding to various interest-rate scenarios in which interest rates change 50, 100, 150 and 200 bps from those in the “base” scenario. Banco Galicia’s net portfolio is broken down into trading and non-trading. The trading net portfolio represents primarily securities issued by the Argentine Government.
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| Net Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
Gross Brokerage Margin (1) | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions of Pesos, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates in bps | Variation | % Change in the GBM | ||||||||||||
| 200 | 84,492 | 6.54 | % | |||||||||||
| 150 | 74,591 | 5.77 | % | |||||||||||
| 100 | 64,734 | 5.01 | % | |||||||||||
| 50 | 54,920 | 4.25 | % | |||||||||||
| Static | ||||||||||||||
| (50) | (20,503) | (1.59) | % | |||||||||||
| (100) | (24,508) | (1.90) | % | |||||||||||
| (150) | (28,518) | (2.21) | % | |||||||||||
| (200) | (32,652) | (2.53) | % | |||||||||||
(1)Net interest of the first year
| Net Trading Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
Gross Brokerage Margin (1) | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions of Pesos, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates in bps | Variation | % Change in the GBM | ||||||||||||
| 200 | 4,718 | 0.37 | % | |||||||||||
| 150 | 3,533 | 0.27 | % | |||||||||||
| 100 | 2,352 | 0.18 | % | |||||||||||
| 50 | 1,176 | 0.09 | % | |||||||||||
| Static | ||||||||||||||
| (50) | (1,170) | (0.09) | % | |||||||||||
| (100) | (2,332) | (0.18) | % | |||||||||||
| (150) | (3,483) | (0.27) | % | |||||||||||
| (200) | (4,599) | (0.36) | % | |||||||||||
(1)Net interest of the first year
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| Net Non -Trading Portfolio | ||||||||||||||
Gross Brokerage Margin (1) | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions of Pesos, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates in bps | Variation | % Change in the GBM | ||||||||||||
| 200 | 79,775 | 6.17 | % | |||||||||||
| 150 | 71,058 | 5.50 | % | |||||||||||
| 100 | 62,382 | 4.83 | % | |||||||||||
| 50 | 53,745 | 4.16 | % | |||||||||||
| Static | ||||||||||||||
| -50 | (19,333) | (1.50) | % | |||||||||||
| -100 | (22,175) | (1.72) | % | |||||||||||
| -150 | (25,035) | (1.94) | % | |||||||||||
| -200 | (28,052) | (2.17) | % | |||||||||||
(1)Net interest of the first year
ii) Limit on the Net Present Value of Assets and Liabilities
The net present value of assets and liabilities is also calculated on a monthly basis and taking into account the assets and liabilities of Banco Galicia’s consolidated balance sheet. The methodology used for calculating interest rate risk is based on the net present value of the underlying asset of liability.
The net present value of the consolidated assets and liabilities, as mentioned, is calculated for a “base” scenario in which the listed securities portfolio is discounted using interest rates obtained according to yield curves determined based on the market yields of different reference bonds denominated in Pesos, foreign currency and adjusted by CER/UVA. Yield curves for unlisted assets and liabilities are also created using market interest rates. The net present value of assets and liabilities is also obtained for a second scenario called “critical”, where through a significant number of statistical simulations of the interest rate track record, a “critical” scenario is obtained as a result of the interest rate risk exposure presented by the balance sheet structure.
The economic capital is obtained from the resulting difference between the “critical” scenario and the net present value of assets and liabilities of the “base” scenario and considering a 99.5% degree of accuracy.
The limit on interest rate risk exposure, expressed as a difference between the net present value of assets and liabilities in the “base” scenario and the “critical” scenario cannot exceed 15% of the consolidated Tier 1. As of December 31, 2023, the “Value at Risk” was -3.93% of the Tier 1.
C. Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Exchange-rate sensitivity is the relationship between the fluctuations of exchange rates and Banco Galicia’s net financial income resulting from the revaluation of Banco Galicia’s assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. The impact of variations in the exchange rate on Banco Galicia’s net financial income depends on whether Banco Galicia has a net asset foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated assets exceed foreign currency denominated liabilities) or a net liability foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated liabilities exceed foreign currency denominated assets). In the first case an increase/decrease in the exchange rate results in a gain/loss, respectively. In the second case, an increase/decrease results in a loss/gain, respectively. Banco Galicia has established limits for its consolidated foreign currency mismatches for the asset and liability positions of 12% and + 30% of Banco Galicia’s RPC. At the end of the fiscal year, Banco Galicia’s net asset position in foreign currency represented +0.9% (plus 0.9%).
As of December 31, 2023, Banco Galicia had a net assets foreign currency position of Ps.520,096 million (US$643 million) after adjusting its on-balance sheet net assets position of Ps.575,480 million (US$711.8 million) by net
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forward purchases of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying liability, for Ps.55,384 million (US$68.5 million), recorded off-balance sheet.
The table below show the effects of changes in the exchange rate of the Peso vis-à-vis the Dollar on the value of Banco Galicia’s foreign currency net asset position as of December 31, 2023. As of these dates, the breakdown of Banco Galicia’s foreign currency net asset position into trading and non-trading is not presented, as Banco Galicia’s foreign currency trading portfolio was not material.
| Value of Foreign Currency Net Position As of December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | |||||||||||
Percentage Change in the Value of the Peso Relative to the Dollar (1) | Amount | Absolute Variation | % Change | ||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos, except percentages) | |||||||||||
| 40% | 728,134 | 208,038 | 40 | ||||||||
| 30% | 676,125 | 156,029 | 30 | ||||||||
| 20% | 624,115 | 104,019 | 20 | ||||||||
| 10% | 572,106 | 52,010 | 10 | ||||||||
Static (2) | 520,096 | — | — | ||||||||
| -10% | 468,086 | (52,010) | (10) | ||||||||
| -20% | 416,077 | (104,019) | (20) | ||||||||
| -30% | 364,067 | (156,029) | (30) | ||||||||
| -40% | 312,058 | (208,038) | (40) | ||||||||
____________________
(1)Devaluation / (Revaluation).
(2)Adjusted to reflect forward purchases and sales of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset, registered in memorandum accounts.
D. Currency Mismatches
The funding and the use of funds in loans and/or investments can be carried out in assets and liabilities denominated in different currencies. As such, there is the potential for a currency mismatch between liabilities and the use thereof on assets, generating a risk. Currency risk is defined as the risk of incurring equity losses as a result of variations in the foreign currency exchange rates in which assets and liabilities are denominated.
The management of the Bank’s currency risk mismatch involves the monitoring of foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities that may change in the short- and or mid-term. One of the available market instruments for the management of currency mismatches of assets and liabilities are “currency futures” transactions, which are traded on the MAE (MAE – OCT) and Mercado a Término de Rosario (ROFEX).
The policy framework currently in force establishes limits in terms of maximum net asset positions (assets denominated in a currency which are higher than the liabilities denominated in such currency) and net liability positions (assets denominated in a currency which are lower than the liabilities denominated in such currency) for mismatches in foreign currency, as a proportion of the Bank’s computable regulatory capital (RPC), on a consolidated basis.
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The table below shows the composition of the Grupo Financiero Galicia’s Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2023, by currency and type of adjustment:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | Gap | |||||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | |||||||||||
| Financial Assets and Liabilities | 9,468,888 | 7,626,980 | 1,841,908 | ||||||||
| Pesos - Adjusted by UVA | 1,423,249 | 63,546 | 1,359,703 | ||||||||
| Pesos - Unadjusted | 5,082,206 | 5,271,978 | (189,772) | ||||||||
Foreign Currency (1) | 2,963,433 | 2,291,456 | 671,977 | ||||||||
| Other Assets and Liabilities | 747,170 | 571,834 | 175,336 | ||||||||
| Total Gap | 10,216,058 | 8,198,814 | 2,017,244 | ||||||||
| Adjusted for Forward Transactions Recorded in Memo Accounts | |||||||||||
| Financial Assets and Liabilities | 9,468,888 | 7,626,980 | 1,841,908 | ||||||||
| Pesos - Adjusted by the UVA | 1,423,249 | 63,546 | 1,359,703 | ||||||||
Pesos - Unadjusted, Including Shareholders’ Equity (2) | 4,430,178 | 4,681,549 | (251,371) | ||||||||
Foreign Currency (1) (2) | 3,615,461 | 2,881,885 | 733,576 | ||||||||
| Other Assets and Liabilities | 747,170 | 571,834 | 175,336 | ||||||||
| Total Adjusted Gap | 10,216,058 | 8,198,814 | 2,017,244 | ||||||||
(1)In Pesos, at an exchange rate of Ps.808.4833 per US$1.
(2)Adjusted for forward sales and purchases of foreign exchange, without delivery of underlying assets and recorded in Memorandum Accounts.
As of December 31, 2023, considering the adjustments from forward transactions recorded under memorandum accounts, Grupo Financiero Galicia had net asset positions in foreign currency and Pesos adjusted and non-adjusted.
The paragraphs below describe the composition of the different currency mismatches of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023:
i) Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency
As of December 31, 2023, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s assets denominated in foreign currency were mainly comprised of the following:(i) Ps.1,858,519 million of cash and balances from the BCRA and correspondent banks; (iii) Ps.193,894 million for loans (principal plus interest) and other financing, including Ps.507 million for receivables for financial leases; (iv) Ps.51,563 million for other financial assets includes Ps.43,584 million for Prisma; and (ii) Ps.801,086 million for government and private securities, includes Ps.402,328 of Duals ans Ps.289,776 million of LEDIV; (v) Ps.52,663 million for assets pledged as collateral, including forward purchases of government securities.
The liabilities denominated in foreign currency consisted mainly of: (i) Ps.1,796,100 million for deposits (principal, interest and quotation differences); (ii) Ps.227,265 million for subordinated and non subordinated notes issued by Banco Galicia and Naranja X; (iii) Ps.188,341 million for other financial liabilities, mainly collections on behalf of third parties and leasing; (iv) Ps.36,105 million for payables to banks and international credit entities; and (v) Ps.16,455 million recorded in “Other Non-financial Liabilities”.
A net asset position of Ps.671,977 million stemmed from the consolidated balance sheet. Furthermore, forward transactions in foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset were recorded in memorandum accounts, which, in terms of their notional value, were equal to a net liability position of Ps.61,599 million. Therefore, as of that date, the net position in foreign currency adjusted to reflect these transactions was a net asset position of Ps.733,576 million, equivalent to US$907.3 million.
Grupo Financiero Galicia has set limits regarding mismatches in foreign currency for the short position of -9% of the computable regulatory capital (RPC) for the Bank's net liability position. At the fiscal year-end, Banco Galicia’s net asset position in foreign currency represented +47.0 % of its RPC. But adjusted the position excluding the LEDIV and the dual bonuses for Ps.692,104 the position is purchased at Ps.70,128 equivalent to US$86.7 equivalent to 4.3% of the RPC.
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ii) Non-Adjusted Peso-Denominated Assets and Liabilities
Grupo Financiero Galicia’s non-adjusted Peso-denominated assets at December 31, 2023 were mainly comprised of the following: (i) Ps.2,736,700 million for loans (principal plus interest, net of allowances) including Ps.5,753 million for receivables from financial leases and Ps.11,920 million for miscellaneous receivables; (ii) Ps.1,170,165 million for repurchase transactions; (iv) Ps.253,050 million pledged as collateral. (v) Ps.235,340 million for cash and balances held at the BCRA and correspondent banks (including the balance of escrow accounts); (iii) Ps.426,712 million for the holding of government and private securities, including Ps.62,288 million for BOTE 2027; (vi) Ps.115,117 million for “Other Financial Asset; and
Grupo Financiero Galicia’s non-adjusted Peso-denominated liabilities at December 31, 2023 were mainly comprised of the following: (i) Ps.3,848,134 million for deposits (principal plus interest); (ii) Ps.746,506 million for liabilities payable to stores, credit card transactions of Banco Galicia; (v) Ps.71,065 million for notes issued by Banco Galicia and Naranja X; (iii) Ps.274,151 million for other financial liabilities; (iv) Ps.100,884 million for debt incurred with local financial institutions and; (vi) Ps.87,762 million for amounts payable for future transactions and transactions pending settlement of government securities and foreign currency.
The net asset position in non-adjusted Peso-denominated assets and liabilities was Ps.(251,371) million on December 31, 2023.
iii) Peso-Denominated Assets and Liabilities Adjusted by UVA
At December 31, 2023, the net asset position amounted to Ps. 1,359,703 million, which is primarily comprised of Ps 1,261,736 millon for the holding of government securities, Ps.140,147 million for loans, mainly UVA mortgage loans and Ps.21,366 million for miscellaneous receivables.
With respect to liabilities, Ps.45,115 million was related to UVA-adjusted time deposits and Ps.18,431 million related to balances of the unemployment fund of construction workers.
iv) Other Assets and Liabilities
As of December 31, 2023, “Other Assets—Liabilities” mainly included the following:(i) property, plant and equipment, miscellaneous and intangible assets for Ps.496.469 million; (ii) miscellaneous receivables for Ps.56,176 million; and (iii) Ps.191,800 million recorded in “Other Non-financial assets”.
As of December 31, 2023, liabilities mainly included the following: (i) Ps.261,690 million recorded in “Other Non-financial Liabilities”; (ii) Ps.289,759 million for current income tax liabilities; and (iii) Ps.20,388 million for provisions for other contingencies.
E. Market Risk
The exposure of portfolios consisting of listed financial instruments, whose values vary according to the movements in their market prices, is subject to a specific policy framework. This framework regulates the risk of incurring a loss as a consequence of the variation in the market price of financial assets whose values are subject to negotiation.
Brokerage transactions and/or investments in government securities, currencies, notes, derivative products and debt instruments issued by the BCRA are governed by the policy that limits the maximum tolerable losses in a given fiscal year.
In order to gauge and monitor this source of risk, the model known as Value at Risk (VaR) is used, among others. Banco Galicia measures risk by means of a parametric VaR model, assuming that returns follow a multivariate normal distribution. This model determines on an intra-daily basis the potential losses that could be generated for the Bank individually according to its portfolio, under certain parameters.
The parameters taken into consideration are as follows:
(i) A 99% confidence level on the method used for the VaR model analysis.
(ii) Holding periods of one day and “n” days, where “n” is defined as the number of days necessary to settle the position in each security.
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(iii) Volatilities are calculated as the standard deviation of returns in the available trading days. If there are new issuances, or if there are not enough trading days or quotations, the volatility of bonds from domestic issuers with similar risk and characteristics are used.
Banco Galicia’s policy requires that the Risk Management and Treasury Divisions agree on the parameters under which the models work, and establishes the maximum losses authorized for equity securities, foreign-currency, BCRA’s debt instruments and derivative products in a fiscal year. Maximum losses were established in:
| Risk | Policy on Limits | |||||||
| (in millions of Pesos) | ||||||||
| Total risk (currency + fixed-income instruments + interest rate derivatives) | 22,862 | |||||||
Furthermore, the policy includes the regular undertaking of stress tests, with the goal to assess the risk positions and their results under adverse market conditions. Finally, “contingency plans” were designed for each transaction, which include the actions to be implemented in a critical scenario.
F. Cross-Border Risk
Cross-border risk represents the risk of incurring equity losses as a consequence of the impairment or failure to collect on foreign credit exposures (loans, securities holdings, equity investments, and cash) abroad. It includes risks generated by entering into transactions with public or private counterparties domiciled outside of Argentina.
In order to regulate risk exposures in international jurisdictions, limits were established taking into consideration the jurisdiction’s credit rating, the type of transaction and a maximum exposure acceptable for each counterparty.
The Bank defined its policy by setting maximum exposure limits measured as a percentage of its RPC and taking into account if the counterparty is considered investment grade:
| Risk | Required Credit Rating | Investment Grade | Not Investment Grade | |||||||||||||||||
| - Jurisdictional Risk | - International Rating Agency | - No limit | - Maximum limit: 5% | |||||||||||||||||
| - Counterparty Risk | - International Banking Relations - Credit Division | - Maximum limit: 25% - The limit is distributed between financial and foreign trade transactions, thus absorbing local counterparty margin | - Only foreign trade transactions | |||||||||||||||||
G. Overseas Foreign Currency Transfer Risk
With a view towards mitigating the risk resulting from a potential change in domestic laws that may affect overseas foreign currency transfers and in order to meet incurred liabilities, a policy was devised to set a limit for liabilities transferred abroad, as a proportion to total consolidated liabilities. Such ratio was fixed at 15%.
As of December 31, 2023, such exposure was 5.99% over total liabilities.
H. Risk Exposures in the Non-Financial Public Sector
The BCRA imposes restrictions with respect to financing for the non-financial Public Sector and establishes limits in connection with the agencies that can be aided, the types of permitted loans and maximum amounts that can be granted. Such maximum amounts are set on the basis of the Bank’s RPC.
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Banco Galicia provides two types of financial assistance to such sector: (i) assistance through the issuance of government securities; and (ii) direct assistance through loans, leasing, corporate securities, discounted notes, overdrafts, guarantees granted, foreign trade transactions, payroll loans, credit cards, etc.
Risk exposures on loans granted to such sector in national, provincial and municipal jurisdictions are governed by a specific policy, applicable to agencies within such jurisdictions, decentralized entities, companies and trust funds with underlying cash flows from the non-financial public sector.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
D. American Depositary Shares
Fees and Charges Applicable to ADS Holders
The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
| Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay | For: | |||||||
| US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs) | • Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property | |||||||
• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates | ||||||||
| US$0.02 (or less) per ADS | • Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders | |||||||
| A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs | • Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders | |||||||
| Registration or transfer fees | •Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares | |||||||
| Expenses of the depositary | • Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement) | |||||||
•Converting foreign currency to Dollars | ||||||||
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| Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes. | • As necessary | |||||||
| Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities | • As necessary | |||||||
Fees and Direct and Indirect Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
Past Fees and Payments
Grupo Financiero Galicia received a payment of US$190,087 for fiscal year 2023, US$286,792 for fiscal 2022 and US$181,360 for fiscal year 2021 in relation to continuing annual stock exchange listing fees, standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs (consisting of the expenses for filing annual and interim financial reports, relevant information reports, processing dividend distribution, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, and telephone and conference calls), accounting fees and legal fees.
Future Fees and Payments
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses they incur that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADSs program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees and certain accounting and legal fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consists of the expenses for filing annual and interim financial reports, relevant information reports, processing dividend distributions, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, and telephone and conference calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse the Company and the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is subject to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors in any given fiscal year.
The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
We expect to receive a similar reimbursement from the depositary for expenses for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, to the one we received for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
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PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Not applicable.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as amended). We performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file with or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Compliance Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Compliance Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance of their reliability. Notwithstanding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, these disclosure controls and procedures cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving their objectives because of their inherent limitations. Disclosure controls and procedures are processes that involve human diligence and compliance and are subject to error in judgment. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by our disclosure controls and procedures.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
1)Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for us and our consolidated subsidiaries. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
a.pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
b.provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and that receipts and expenditures of Grupo Galicia are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
c.provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
2)Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the COSO.
3)Based on our assessment, we and our management have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
4)The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, has been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
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(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm. See Item 18. “Financial Statements–Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” for our registered public accounting firm’s attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting During the Year Ended December 31, 2023.
During the period covered by this report, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Mr. Miguel Maxwell was the financial expert serving on our Audit Committee for fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. For more information about Mr. Maxwell, please see Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”- “Our Board of Directors”.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics (for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its main subsidiaries) in accordance with the requirements of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. During fiscal year 2019, in lieu of the new corporate governance requirements introduced by the CNV, the Company adopted a new Code of Ethics. In fiscal year 2021, we modified our Code of Ethics to introduce a new Ethical line managed by KPMG, that is now assisting the company to receive and manage eventual complaints and/or any irregular circumstance. Additionally, we did not grant any waivers to our code of ethics during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. In June 2009, we adopted a Code of Best Practices in Corporate Governance in accordance with Argentine legal requirements. During fiscal year 2019, the CNV issued Rule No. 797/2019 (modifying Rule No. 606 and the previous 516) which established new standards for the filing of the Code of Good Practices in Corporate Governance that received some minor modifications for fiscal year 2021, 2022 and 2023 in lieu of some improvements introduced. Our Code of Ethics and our Code of Corporate governance are attached hereto as Exhibits 11.1 and 11.2.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the total amount billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm, Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in thousands of Pesos) | ||||||||
Audit Fees | 924,029 | 980,613 | ||||||
| Audit Related Fees | 130,851 | 77,435 | ||||||
| Tax Fees | 226,569 | 122,710 | ||||||
| All Other Fees | 450 | 3,042 | ||||||
| Total | 1,281,899 | 1,183,800 | ||||||
Audit Fees
Audit fees are mainly the fees billed in relation with professional services for auditing our consolidated financial statements under local and IFRS requirements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees are fees billed for professional services related to attestation, review and verification services with respect to our financial information and the provision of services in connection with special reports in 2023 and 2022.
Tax Fees
Tax fees are fees billed with respect to tax compliance and advisory services related to tax liabilities.
201
All Other Fees
All other fees include fees paid for professional services other than the services reported above under “audit fees”, “audit related fees” and “tax fees” in each of the fiscal periods above.
Audit Committee Pre-approval
Our audit committee is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Our Audit Committee has reviewed, and approved audit and non-audit services fees proposed by our independent auditors.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.
Not applicable.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
See Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”—“Nasdaq Corporate Governance Standards” for a summary of ways in which the Company’s corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies.
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 16I. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable
Item 16J. Insider Trading Policies
Not applicable.
Item 16K. Cybersecurity
General
The favorable outcome of the operations carried out by the companies that make up Grupo Financiero Galicia depends inexorably on the safe, efficient and uninterrupted operation of the technologies applied to its information systems, human capital and digital assets.
Grupo Financiero Galicia has, through its member companies, access to a large amount of confidential information. Therefore, criminal and illicit activities occurring in cyberspace represent a relevant threat that, in case they materialize, could cause economic damages and reputational harm, negatively impacting the result of current and future operations.
The cyber risks that Grupo Financiero Galicia's companies face on a daily basis are related, among others, to the illegitimate appropriation of digital identities, transactional fraud, data hijacking, information leakage and advanced persistent threats that aim at negatively affecting the availability and integrity of the technological services provided to each of the customers.
202
Cybersecurity Strategy
In accordance with the size, industry and complexity of their operations, the companies that make up Grupo Financiero Galicia have a cybersecurity strategy designed on the basis of the following strategic axes and with the purpose of guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their technological assets.
•Budgetary control and investment in innovative technologies;
•Technical training of personnel;
•Cyber resilience and business continuity;
•Adoption of globally recognized information security standards;
•Secure management of digital identities and access rights;
•Data protection;
•Information leakage prevention;
•Malicious code protection;
•Transactional behavior analysis and fraud prevention;
•Prevention, detection and treatment of cybersecurity incidents;
•Continuous monitoring of the technological environment;
•Applied cyber intelligence with focus on continuous detection of emerging threats;
•Management of technical vulnerabilities;
•Collaboration with external experts;
•Third-party cybersecurity risk management;
•Security in the software development lifecycle; and
•Awareness raising linked to cybersecurity issues for staff and customers.
Governance
In accordance with the size, industry and complexity of their operations, the companies that make up Grupo Financiero Galicia have an organizational structure that establishes roles and responsibilities and shapes a cybersecurity governance framework. Such framework ensures the monitoring of risks arising from cybersecurity threats and informed decision-making process based on the timely communication to senior management and/or the board of directors, as appropriate, of relevant information regarding the executive oversight of the cybersecurity strategy and the status of the controls implemented.
The companies of Grupo Galicia, depending on their size, have their respective Boards of Directors to which cybersecurity threats are communicated in case of detection. This is done by the cybersecurity team of each company.
In particular, Banco Galicia, Sudamericana and Naranja X, have different committee instances to notify and deal with risks derived from cybersecurity threats.
The Board's oversight of the above risks is carried out both through direct communication with management and through regular committee meetings. In general, these committees are responsible for managing, promoting and encouraging improvements and adjustments to the risks for which they are responsible. These committees are:
•Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Committee (Banco Galicia)
•Operational and Technological Risk Committee (Banco Galicia)
•Non-financial risk Committee (Banco Galicia)
•IT & Information Security Committee (Naranja X)
•Integral Risk Management Committee (Sudamericana Holding)
For the rest of the companies of Grupo Galicia, senior management or the Board of Directors is kept informed. Each company has at least one executive with a focus on cybersecurity and cyber risks. However, Banco Galicia provides advice to the rest of the companies when required. Likewise, the Chief of Information Security Officers or cybersecurity referents of each company maintain a constant dialogue.
Risk Management
In accordance with the size, industry and complexity of their operations, the companies that make up Grupo Financiero Galicia have a governance and management framework that guarantees the identification, assessment and subsequent treatment of risks arising from cybersecurity threats.
203
Each company manages cybersecurity risks, including through third parties, with its own methodology. However, there are certain meetings, coordinated by Banco Galicia, where the most significant risks are presented to management. Likewise, internal and external audit services and professional consulting services are used whenever they are required.
To this end, the companies of Grupo Financiero Galicia have processes that facilitate the continuous execution of activities that allow timely addressing the monitoring of identified cybersecurity risks.
Disclosure of incidents
As of the date of this document, we have not detected any material cybersecurity threats and Grupo Galicia has not suffered any material cybersecurity incidents.
According to the size, industry and complexity of their operations, the companies that make up Grupo Financiero Galicia have established processes for early detection and decision making in response to cybersecurity incidents.
Additionally, all the companies of Grupo Financiero Galicia share a common protocol established for the assessment and determination of the materiality of a cybersecurity incident based on pre-established criteria.
Despite the cybersecurity strategies deployed, Grupo Financiero Galicia cannot provide absolute certainty that the technologies applied to its information systems, human capital and digital assets are invulnerable to the ever-growing global cybersecurity threats.
However, the companies that make up the Grupo Financiero Galicia are committed to maintain in a state of continuous improvement the processes of governance and management of material risks arising from cybersecurity threats.
204
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
Not applicable.
Item 18. Financial Statements
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
You can find our audited consolidated financial statements on pages F-1 to F-161 of this annual report.
205
Item 19. Exhibits
| Exhibit | Description | |||||||
| 1.1 | ||||||||
| 2.1 | ||||||||
| 2.2 | ||||||||
| 4.1 | ||||||||
| 4.2 | ||||||||
| 4.3 | ||||||||
| 8.1 | ||||||||
| 11.1 | ||||||||
| 11.2 | ||||||||
| 12.1 | ||||||||
| 12.2 | ||||||||
| 13.1 | ||||||||
| 13.2 | ||||||||
| 97 | ||||||||
| 101 | Interactive data files | |||||||
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101 | |||||||
* Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form F-4 (333-11960).
** Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009.
*** Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016.
**** Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017.
***** Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018.
****** Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021.
206
SIGNATURE
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
| GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Fabian Kon | |||||||
| Name: | Fabian Kon | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Diego Rivas | |||||||
| Name: | Diego Rivas | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |||||||
Date: April 26, 2024 | ||||||||
207
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
| INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, other comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also
included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and
F-1
directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of the expected credit loss allowance
As described in Notes 2.b and 45 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s expected credit loss allowance was Ps. 138,300,714 thousand as of December 31, 2023. Management assesses impairment by estimating the expected credit loss allowance in accordance with IFRS 9. Management’s models to determine the expected credit loss allowance involve significant judgement in relation to making assumptions about macroeconomic scenarios to determine the forward-looking factor.
The principal considerations for our determination that the valuation of the expected credit loss allowance is a critical audit matter are: (i) there was significant judgment by management in assessing impairment by estimating the expected credit losses; and (ii) the audit procedures performed related to the assessment of the valuation of the expected credit loss allowance involved significant auditor judgment and effort, as well as the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation of the expected credit loss allowance, including controls over the data and management’s assumptions about macroeconomic scenarios to determine the forward-looking factor. These procedures also included, among others; (i) evaluating the reasonableness of the process followed by management to develop macroeconomic scenarios; (ii) evaluating the reasonableness of the historical and projected macroeconomic data in the scenarios developed by management; and (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the data provided by management. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the reasonableness of the process and the projected macroeconomic scenarios.
/s/ | |||||
| /s/ SEBASTIÁN MORAZZO (Partner) | |||||
| Sebastián Morazzo | |||||
April 26, 2024.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.
F-2
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2023 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Items | Notes | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | 3, 4 and 5 | ||||||||||
| Cash | |||||||||||
| Financial Institutions and Correspondents | |||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank (BCRA) | |||||||||||
| Other, Local and Foreign Financial Institutions | |||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | 3, 4 and 6 | ||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | 3, 4 and 7 | ||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 3, 4 and 8 | ||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | 3, 4 and 9 | ||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | 3, 4 and 10 | ||||||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | |||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank (BCRA) | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Institutions | |||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | |||||||||||
| Expected credit loss allowance | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | 3, 4 and 11 | ||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | 3, 4 and 12 | ||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Assets | 13 | ||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | 3, 4 and 14 | ||||||||||
| Equity investments in Associates and Joint Ventures | 15 | ||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | 16 and 17 | ||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | 18 | ||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Assets | 19 and 41 | ||||||||||
| Insurance Contract Assets | 20 | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contract Assets | 20 | ||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | 21 | ||||||||||
| Non-current Assets Held for Sale | 22 | ||||||||||
| Total Assets | |||||||||||
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Continued) | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2023 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Items | Notes | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deposits | 3, 4 and 23 | ||||||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | |||||||||||
| Financial Sector | |||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | |||||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | 3, 4 and 24 | ||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | 3, 4 and 7 | ||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 3, 4 and 8 | ||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | 3, 4 and 25 | ||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 3, 4 and 26 | ||||||||||
| Debt Securities | 3, 4 and 27 | ||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Liabilities | 41 | ||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | 3, 4 and 28 | ||||||||||
| Provisions | 29 and 46 | ||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | 19 and 41 | ||||||||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | 20 | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contracts Liabilities | 20 | ||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | 30 | ||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||
| Capital Stock | 31 | ||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Capital Adjustments | |||||||||||
| Reserves | 31 | ||||||||||
| Retained Deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income | |||||||||||
| Income for the Year | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | 50 | ||||||||||
| Total Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME | ||
FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Items | Notes | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||||
| Interest Income | 32 | |||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | 32 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Net Income from Interest | ||||||||||||||
| Fee Income | 32 | |||||||||||||
| Fee related Expenses | 32 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Net Fee Income | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | 32 | |||||||||||||
| Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | ||||||||||||||
| Exchange rate differences on foreign currency | 33 | |||||||||||||
| Other Operating Income | 34 | |||||||||||||
Insurance Business Result(*) | 35 | |||||||||||||
| Impairment Charge | 36 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Net Operating Income | ||||||||||||||
| Personnel Expenses | 37 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | 38 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Depreciation Expenses | 39 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | 40 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss on net monetary position | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||||||||
| Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures | 15 | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||
| Income Tax from Continuing Operations | 41 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to parent company´s owners | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | 50 | ( | ||||||||||||
(*) Comparative data for the year ended December 31, 2021 are prepared on an IFRS 4 basis.
F-5
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME | ||
FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
| Items | Notes | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||||
| Earnings per Share | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to parent company´s owners | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to parent company´s owners Adjusted by dilution effects | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted-Average of Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the Year | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted Weighted-Average of Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the Year | ||||||||||||||
| Basic Earnings per Share | 43 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Share | 43 | |||||||||||||
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||
FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Items | Notes | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign Currency Adjustment | ( | |||||||||||||
| Income / (Loss) from Financial Instruments at Fair Value through OCI (Item 4.1.2a, IFRS 9) | ( | |||||||||||||
| Fair Value through OCI | 32 | ( | ||||||||||||
| Income tax | 41 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive (Loss) | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive (Loss) | ( | |||||||||||||
| Income tax | 41 | |||||||||||||
| Total Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) that may be Reclassified to Profit or Loss for the Year | ( | |||||||||||||
| Total Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) | ( | |||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent company´s owners | ||||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive (Loss) / Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | 50 | ( | ||||||||||||
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2023, AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Capital Stock | Paid-in Capital | Other Comprehensive Income | Reserves | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | Notes | Outstanding | Share Premium | Equity Adjustments | Accumulated Profit from Financial Instruments at Fair Value through OCI | Other | Legal Reserve | Others Reserves | Retained Earnings | Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to parent company´s owners | Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests | Total Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of 12.31.22 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 25, 2023 Shareholder´s Meeting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve creation | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution of Profits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends | 42 and 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other reserves | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business combination | 15 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | 43 and 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income for the Year | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of 12.31.23 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2023, AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Capital Stock | Paid-in Capital | Other Comprehensive Income | Reserves | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | Notes | Outstanding | Share Premium | Equity Adjustments | Accumulated Profit (Loss) from Financial Instruments at Fair Value through OCI | Other | Legal Reserve | Others Reserves | Retained Earnings | Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to parent company's owners | Total Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests | Total Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of 12.31.21 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26 April, 2022 Shareholder´s Meeting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve creation | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Use of Reserve and distribution of cash dividends | 42 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other reserves | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | 43 and 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income for the Year | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of 12.31.22 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued) | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2023, AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Capital Stock | Paid-in Capital | Other Comprehensive Income | Reserves | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | Notes | Outstanding | Share Premium | Equity Adjustments | Accumulated Profit (Loss) from Financial Instruments at Fair Value through OCI | Other | Legal Reserve | Others Reserves | Retained Earnings | Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to parent company's owners | Total Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests | Total Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of 12.31.20 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution of Profits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Absorption of Retained Earnings | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Use of Reserve and distribution of cash dividends | 42 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Reserves | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss for the Year | 43 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income for the Year | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of 12.31.21 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS | ||
FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Items | Notes | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to Obtain the Operating Activities Flows: | ||||||||||||||
| Expected credit loss allowance | 36 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation Expenses | 39 | |||||||||||||
| Loss on Net Monetary Position | ||||||||||||||
| Other Operations | ||||||||||||||
| Net (Increases)/Decreases from Operating Assets: | ||||||||||||||
| Debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Loans and Other Financing | ||||||||||||||
| - Non-financial Public Sector | ( | |||||||||||||
| - Other Financial Institutions | ( | |||||||||||||
| - Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | ||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Non-current Assets Held for Sale | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ||||||||||||||
| - Non-financial Public Sector | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| - Financial Sector | ||||||||||||||
| - Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | ( | |||||||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | ( | |||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Provisions | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Payments | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| NET CASH GENERATED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (A) | ||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
| Payments: | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase of PP&E and Intangible Assets | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Capital Contributions and purchase of shares in Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Payments for business combinations | 15.3 | ( | ||||||||||||
| Collections: | ||||||||||||||
| Sale of PP&E and Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends earned | ||||||||||||||
| Sales of Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures | ||||||||||||||
| NET CASH USED IN INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES (B) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
| Payments: | ||||||||||||||
| Unsubordinated Debt Securities | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Loans from Local Financial Institutions | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Dividends | 42 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Leases payments | 16 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Collections: | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
| Loans from Local Financial Institutions | ||||||||||||||
| NET CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (C) | ( | |||||||||||||
| EXCHANGE INCOME ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (D) | ||||||||||||||
| NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (A+B+C+D) | ||||||||||||||
| MONETARY LOSS RELATED TO CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR | 5 | |||||||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR | 5 | |||||||||||||
F-11
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2023 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.) and Thousands of U.S. Dollars (US$), Except as Otherwise Stated
NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS FOR PREPARATION | ||
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (hereinafter, “the Company”, and jointly with its subsidiaries, “the Group”) is a financial services holding company incorporated on September 14, 1999, under the laws of Argentina. The Company’s main asset is its interest in Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. (hereinafter, “Banco Galicia” or “the Bank”) which is a private bank offering a wide range of financial services, both to individuals and companies. Likewise, the Company has a controlling interest in: Tarjetas Regionales S.A. (hereinafter, “Naranja X”), which maintains investments related to the issuance of credit cards and services for managing personal and commercial finance; Sudamericana Holding S.A., a company engaged in the insurance business; Galicia Asset Management S.A.U., a mutual fund management company; Galicia Warrants S.A., a warrant issuing company; IGAM LLC, a company engaged in assets management; Galicia Securities S.A.U. a settlement and compensation agent and Trading Agent – Own Portfolio; Agri Tech Investments LLC, a company that seeks to provide a digital ecosystem that optimizes agricultural management in a practical and integrated way; Galicia Investments LLC and Galicia Ventures LP, companies dedicated to facilitating investment initiatives within the Open Innovation and Corporate Venturing program; and Galicia Holdings US Inc., parent company of Galicia Capital US LLC, a company dedicated to reaching new customers by incorporating a wide range of financial instruments and enabling the development of innovative credit products.
These consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for publication through Minutes of Board of Directors’ Meeting No. 706 dated April 26, 2024.
1.1. BASIS FOR PREPARATION
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and in compliance with IFRS Accounting Standards ("IFRS") issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and the interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC). All the IFRSs in force as of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements have been applied.
In Argentina, the Group is subject to the provisions of Article 2, Section I, Chapter I of Title IV: Periodic Information Regime of the National Securities Commission (CNV) regulations and it is required to present its financial statements in accordance with the valuation and disclosure criteria set forth by the Argentine Central Bank.
The Argentine Central Bank, through Communication “A” 5541 and its amendments, established a convergence plan towards the adoption of IFRS as issued by the IASB, and the interpretations issued by the IFRIC, for the entities under its supervision, effective for fiscal years commencing January 1, 2018, with certain exceptions.
The Group has presented its local financial statements under these rules on March 4, 2024. Shareholders’ equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank is presented in Note 52.8.
Management believes that these consolidated financial statements fairly present the Group’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows, in accordance with IFRS.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Groups´ accounting policies.
(a) Going Concern
F-12
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
(b) Measurement Unit
IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” requires that the financial statements of an entity whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy be restated in terms of the current measurement unit as of the reporting period-end, irrespective of whether they are based on the historical cost or the current cost method. Accordingly, in general terms, non-monetary items should be adjusted for inflation occurring since the acquisition date or since the revaluation date, as the case may be. These requirements are also applicable to the comparative information reported in the financial statements. According to IAS 29, monetary assets and liabilities are not required to be restated, for they are stated in the measurement unit as of the end of the reporting period. Assets and liabilities subject to adjustments based on specific agreements will be adjusted on the basis of such agreements. Non-monetary items measured at their fair values at the end of the reporting period, such as net realizable value or otherwise, will not be restated. The other non-monetary assets and liabilities will be restated by applying a general price index. The income (loss) from the net monetary position will be charged to net income for the reporting period in a separate item.
In order to conclude whether a given economy qualifies as hyperinflationary pursuant to the terms of IAS 29, the standard sets forth certain factors that should be considered, including a three-year cumulative inflation rate reaching or exceeding 100%.
These consolidated financial statements are based on a historical cost.
(c) New Accounting Standards
The Group has applied the following standards for the first time as of January 1, 2023:
| Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, IFRS Practice Statement 2 and IAS 8 Accounting Standards, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. | |||||
| Item | The IASB amended IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to require companies to disclose material accounting standards if its omission affects users' understanding of financial statements of other material information, rather than significant accounting standards. In support of this amendment, the Board also amended IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Judgments Related to Materiality to provide guidance on how to apply the concept of materiality to accounting standard disclosures. | ||||
| Publication date | February 2021 | ||||
| Effective date | Fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2023. | ||||
| Impact | It does not have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
| Amendments to IAS 12 - Deferred taxes related to assets and liabilities derived from a single transaction. | |||||
| Item | These amendments require companies to recognize deferred taxes on transactions that, on initial recognition, give rise to equal amounts of taxable and deductible temporary differences. | ||||
| Publication date | May 2021 | ||||
| Effective date | Fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2023. | ||||
| Impact | It does not have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
F-13
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Annual improvements - IFRS 11 and IFRS 15 | |||||
| IFRS 11 Disposal of Long-Lived Assets and Discontinued Operations and NIF C-11, Stockholders' Equity: It incorporates the accounting treatment in the event that in a distribution of dividends or capital reimbursement through long-lived assets there is a difference between the book value of the long-lived assets held to distribute to owners that will be used to settle said transaction and the liability recognized on the date that the dividends or capital reimbursements are settled. | |||||
| Item | IFRS 15 Translation of Foreign Currencies: Modifies the practical solution to not translate the financial statements from the recording currency to the functional currency, in order to be precise and make it clearer that in the event that they do not have subsidiaries or controllers, they must also meet the requirement of not having users who require the financial statements considering the effects of the translation to the functional currency. | ||||
| Publication date | March 2023. | ||||
| Effective date | As of January 2023. | ||||
| Impact | It does not have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
| IAS 33 - Earnings per Share | |||||
| Item | Establishes rules for calculating and presenting basic earnings per share (EPS), both in ordinary and dilution situations. Certain aspects related to preferred dividends are clarified and indications are given on how to determine if certain financial instruments are dilutive or not for the EPS calculation. Additionally, it is specified that the shares issued for the translation of a financial instrument must be considered in the calculation of the basic EPS from the date the corresponding contract is signed. | ||||
| Publication date | March 2023. | ||||
| Effective date | As of January 2023. | ||||
| Impact | It does not have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
| IFRS 17 “Insurance contracts.” | |||||
| Item | It provides a comprehensive, principles-based framework for the measurement and presentation of all insurance contracts. The new standard will replace IFRS 4 “Insurance contracts” requires an entity to recognize the profit of a group of contracts throughout the period in which the entity provides the services, and as the entity is released from risk. If a group of contracts contains or becomes loss-producing, the entity is required to immediately recognize those losses. The standard also requires that income from insurance ordinary activities, insurance service expenses and insurance finance income or expenses be presented separately. | ||||
| Publication date | May 2017, with modifications in June 2020 and December 2021. | ||||
| Effective date | 1st. January 2023. | ||||
| Impact | As of the date of adoption, it resulted in a decrease in equity and net income of Ps.67,239 (Ps.209,387 expressed in closing currency). | ||||
On January 1, 2023, the Group adopted IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’. As required by the Standard, the Group applied the requirements retrospectively as from the transition date (January 1, 2022) with comparative data for periods before the transition date presented as previously published under IFRS 4 ‘Insurance Contracts’. IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ requires that a third statement of financial position as of the transition date of January 1, 2022 to be disclosed, since the impact of the application is not material the Group decided not to present such statement.
The Group has determined that reasonable and supportable information was available for all contracts in force at the transition date. Accordingly, the Group has: identified, recognized and measured each group of insurance contracts and each insurance acquisition cash flows asset in this category as if IFRS 17 had always applied; derecognized any existing balances that would not exist if IFRS 17 had always applied; and recognized any resulting net difference in equity. At the transition date, the implementation of this Standard was not material for the Group.
(d) New accounting standards and amendments issued by the IASB that have not been adopted by the Group
The new standards, amendments and interpretations published are detailed below; however, they have not yet come into force for fiscal years commenced January 1, 2023, and have not been early adopted by the Group:
F-14
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Amendments to IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements on the Classification of Liabilities. | |||||
| Item | The amendments to IAS 1 clarify that liabilities will be classified as current or non-current depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. This classification is not affected by the entity's expectations or events that occurred after the reporting date, it also clarifies what IAS 1 refers to when it refers to the “settlement” of a liability. | ||||
| Publication date | November 2022. | ||||
| Effective date | As of January 2024. | ||||
| Impact | It is estimated that the application of this standard does not have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
| Amendments to IFRS 16 - Leaseback. | |||||
| Item | These amendments include requirements for leaseback transactions in IFRS 16 in order to explain how an entity accounts for a leaseback after the transaction date. Leaseback transactions where some or all of the lease payments are variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate are likely to be affected. | ||||
| Publication date | September 2022. | ||||
| Effective date | As of January 2024. | ||||
| Impact | It is estimated that the application of this standard does not have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
| Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 - Disclosures about Supplier Financing Arrangements (SFAs) | |||||
| Item | These amendments include specific disclosures about vendor financing arrangements (SFAs) in order to assess how they affect an entity's liabilities, cash flows, and liquidity risk. As well as to increase the transparency of these agreements. | ||||
| Publication date | May 2023. | ||||
| Effective date | As of January 2024. | ||||
| Impact | No significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
Amendments to IAS 21 - Lack of Exchangeability | |||||
| Item | The amendment provides guidance for entities to apply a consistent approach to the assessment of whether a currency is convertible at the measurement date and for a specific purpose, and if not, the determination of the exchange rate to be used for measurement purposes and the disclosures to be provided in their financial statements. A currency is convertible when there is the possibility of exchanging it for another currency, with normal administrative delays, and the transaction occurs through markets or exchange mechanisms that create enforceable rights and obligations. | ||||
| Publication date | August 2023. | ||||
| Effective date | As of January 2025. | ||||
| Impact | It is estimated that the application of this standard does not have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. | ||||
1.2. CONSOLIDATION
Subsidiaries are those entities, including structured entities, where the Group is in control because (i) it has the power to direct relevant activities of the investee, which significantly affect its returns; (ii) it has exposure, or rights, to variable returns for its interest in the investee; and (iii) it has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns. The existence and effect of the substantive rights, including potential voting rights, are considered when evaluating whether the Group has control over another entity. For a right to be substantive, the holder must have the practical ability to exercise it whenever necessary to make decisions on the direction of the relevant activities of the entity. The Group may be in control of an entity even when possessing less than the majority of the voting rights.
F-15
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Likewise, the protective rights of other investors, such as those related to substantive changes in the activities of the investee or applied only in exceptional circumstances, do not prevent the Group from having control over an investee. The subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the control is transferred to the Group, and they cease to be consolidated as of the date on which the control ceases.
The subsidiaries which have been consolidated in these Consolidated Financial Statements are detailed in Note 15.
For the purpose of consolidating its financial statements, the Group used the subsidiaries’ financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. The accounting policies applied by Sudamericana Holding SA. are established by the National Insurance Superintendency and have been adjusted to those applied by the Group in preparing its consolidated financial statements.
Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between Group’s companies were eliminated. See Note 51.
Non-controlling interest in the results and equity of consolidated subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of other comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in shareholder’s equity and consolidated statement of financial position, respectively.
In accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3 “Business combinations”, the acquisition method is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured at their fair values on the acquisition date.
Goodwill is measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and, in a business combination achieved in stages, the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree; over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.
1.3. TRANSACTIONS WITH NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of the Group. A change in ownership interest results in an adjustment between the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any consideration paid or received is recognized within equity attributable to owners of the Group.
1.4. ASSOCIATES
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant direct or indirect influence, but not control; generally, this implies holding between 20 and 50 percent of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost. The carrying amount of the associates includes the goodwill identified in the acquisition less the accumulated impairment losses, if any. Dividends received from associates reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Other changes subsequent to the acquisition of the Group’s interest in the net assets of an associate are recognized as follows: (i) the Group’s interest in the profits or losses of the associates is accounted under Share of Profit from Associates and Joint Ventures in the consolidated statement of income and (ii) the Group’s interest in other comprehensive income is recognized in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income and presented separately. However, when the Group’s share in losses in an associate equal or exceeds its interest in it, the Group does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.
F-16
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Unrealized profits on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment in the transferred asset.
1.5. SEGMENT REPORTING
An operating segment is a component of an entity (a) that conducts business activities from which it can earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses related to transactions with other components of the same entity); (b) whose operating income is regularly reviewed by the Group´s CODM (chief operating decision maker) to make decisions about the resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and (c) for which confidential financial information is available.
1.6. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
(a) Functional Currency and Presentation Currency
The figures included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group´s entities are stated in their functional currency, that is, the currency used in the primary economic environment where it operates. The consolidated financial statements are stated in Argentine pesos (Ps.), which is the Group’s functional and presentation currency. See Note 1.1.
(b) Transactions and Balances
The transactions in foreign currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the dates of the transactions. Profits and losses in foreign currency resulting from the settlement of these transactions and the translation of monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currency at closing exchange rate, are recognized under “Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency” in the statement of income, except when they are deferred in equity by transactions which qualify as cash flows hedges, if appropriate.
Assets and liabilities in foreign currency are measured at the reference exchange rate of the US dollar defined by the Argentine Central Bank at the closing of operations on the last business day of each month.
As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, balances in U.S. Dollars were translated at the reference exchange rate (Ps.808.48 and Ps.177.13 , respectively) established by the Argentine Central Bank. Foreign currencies other than the US dollar have been translated into this currency using exchange rates reported by the Argentine Central Bank.
1.7. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
The item Cash and Due from Banks includes the available cash and bank deposits freely available, which are short-term instruments with maturity less than three months from the origination date.
The assets disclosed under cash and due from banks are accounted for at their amortized cost which approximates its fair value.
1.8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Initial Recognition
The Group recognizes a financial asset or liability in its consolidated financial statements, as appropriate, when it becomes part of the contractual clauses of the financial instrument. Purchases and sales are recognized at the trading date when the Group buys or sells the instruments.
F-17
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Upon initial recognition, the Group measures financial assets or liabilities at fair value, plus or less, for instruments not recognized at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, such as fees and commissions.
When the fair value differs from the cost value of the initial recognition, the Group recognizes the difference as follows:
a. When the fair value is according to the market value of the financial asset or liability or is based on a valuation technique solely using market values, the difference is recognized as profit or loss, as appropriate.
b. In other cases, the difference is deferred and the recognition over time of the profit and loss is individually determined. The difference is amortized over the life of the instrument until the fair value can be measured based on market values.
Financial Assets
a. Debt Securities
The Group considers as debt securities those instruments considered financial liabilities for the issuer, such as loans, government and private securities and bonds.
Classification
As established by IFRS 9, the Group classifies financial assets according to how they are subsequently measured: at amortized cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income, or at fair value through profit or loss, based on:
•the Group’s business model to manage financial assets; and
•the characteristics of contractual cash flows of the financial asset.
Business Model
The Business Model refers to the way in which the Group manages a set of financial assets to reach a specific business objective. It represents the way the Group manages its financial instruments to generate cash flows.
Business models that the Group can follow are listed below:
•Hold the instruments to collect its contractual cash flows;
•Hold the instruments in the portfolio to collect contractual cash flows and, in turn, sell them when deemed convenient; or;
•Hold the instruments for trading.
The Group’s Business Model does not depend on the intentions that it may have for an individual instrument. Therefore, this condition is not an instrument-by-instrument classification approach, but it is determined from a higher level of aggregation.
The Group only reclassifies an instrument when, and only when, the business model for managing financial assets is modified. Such change is not expected to be frequent, and changes have not been recorded during this fiscal year.
Characteristics of Contractual Cash Flows
The Group assesses whether the cash flow of grouped instruments is not significantly different from the flow that would receive solely for interest and capital; otherwise, they shall be measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Based on the foregoing, there are three categories of Financial Assets:
(i) Financial assets measured at amortized cost:
F-18
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Financial assets are measured at amortized cost when:
(a) the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
(b) the contractual conditions of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount.
These financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value plus the incremental and directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost.
The amortized cost of a financial asset is equal to its acquisition cost less its accumulated amortization plus accrued interest (calculated according to the effective interest method), net of any impairment loss.
(ii) Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income:
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income when:
(a) the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and
(b) the contractual conditions of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows which are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding amount.
These instruments are initially recognized at their fair value plus the incremental and directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Profits and losses arising from the changes in fair value are included in other comprehensive income within a separate equity component. Impairment losses or reversals, income for interest and exchange profits and losses are recognized through profit or loss. Upon its sale or disposal, the accumulated profit or loss previously recognized through other comprehensive income is reclassified to the statement of income.
(iii) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss comprise:
• Instruments held for trading;
•Instruments specifically designated at fair value through profit or loss; and
•Instruments whose contractual terms do not represent cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding amount.
These financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value and any gain o loss is recognized in the statement of income as they are realized.
The Group classifies a financial instrument as held for trading if it is acquired or incurred for the main purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the short term, or if it is part of a portfolio of financial instruments that are jointly managed and for which there is evidence of short-term earnings, or is a derivative financial instrument not designated as a hedging instrument. Derivative instruments and held-for-trading securities are classified as held for trading and measured at fair value.
b. Equity Instruments
Equity instruments are so considered by its issuer; this means that they are instruments which do not contemplate a contractual obligation to pay cash, and which evidence a residual interest on the issuer’s asset after deducting its entire liabilities.
Such instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except when, at the time of the initial recognition, the irrevocable option had been exercised to measure them at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income. This method is only applicable when the instruments are not held for trading and income shall be accounted in other comprehensive
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
income with no reclassification to profit or loss, even when they are realized. Dividends receivable arising from such instruments shall be recognized through profit or loss solely when the Group is entitled to collect the payment.
Financial Liabilities
Classification
The Group classifies their financial liabilities at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method, except for:
•Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, including derivative financial instruments.
•Liabilities arising from the transfer of financial assets not complying with the derecognition criteria.
•Financial guarantee contracts.
•Loan commitments at a lower than market rate.
Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss: the Group may choose to use, at the beginning, the irrevocable option to designate a liability at fair value through profit or loss, if, and only if, in doing so, it reflects a better measurement of financial information because:
• the Group eliminates or significantly reduces measurement or recognition inconsistency which would otherwise be exposed in the valuation;
•if financial assets and liabilities are managed and their performance is assessed on a fair value basis, according to a documented investment or risk management strategy; or
•a host contract contains one or more embedded derivative instruments, and the Group has opted for designating the entire contract at fair value through profit or loss.
Financial guarantee contracts: Financial guarantee contracts are those contracts requiring the issuer to make specific payments to reimburse the holder for the loss incurred when a specific debtor does not comply with its payment obligation on maturity, in accordance with the original or amended terms of a debt instrument.
Financial guarantee contracts are initially measured at fair value, and subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of the loss allowance and the amount initially recognized less, when appropriate, the cumulative amount of income recognized.
Derecognition of Financial Instruments
Financial Assets
A financial asset or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or a part of a group of similar financial assets, is derecognized when: (i) the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or (ii) the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset, or has assumed an obligation to pay all of the cash flows received immediately to a third party under a pass-through agreement; and all the risks and rewards of the asset have also been substantially transferred, or, in case all the risks and rewards of the asset had not been substantially transferred or retained, the control of the asset has been transferred.
When the contractual rights of receiving the cash flows generated by the asset have been transferred, or a transfer agreement has been executed, the entity assesses if it has retained, and to what extent, the risks and awards inherent in asset ownership. When substantially all the risks and rewards inherent in asset ownership have not been transferred or retained, nor has control of the asset been transferred, the asset continues to be recognized to the extent of its continued involvement over it.
In this case, the related liability is also recognized. The transferred asset and the related liability are measured in such a way so as to reflect the rights and obligations that the Group had retained.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
A continuing involvement that takes the form of a collateral on the transferred asset is measured as the smallest amount between (i) the original carrying amount of the asset, and (ii) the maximum amount of consideration received that would be required to be returned.
Financial Liabilities:
1.9. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative Financial instruments, including foreign currency contracts, futures, forward contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps, interest rate options and foreign currency options are recorder at their fair value.
All derivative financial instruments are recorder as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative, against the agreed price. The changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in profit or loss.
In these consolidated financial statements, the Group has not applied hedge accounting.
1.10. REPURCHASE TRANSACTIONS
Reverse Repurchase Transactions
According to the derecognition principles in IFRS 9, these transactions are considered as secured borrowings, since the risk has not been transferred to the counterpart.
Financing granted through reverse repurchase transactions are recorded under “Repurchase Transactions” accounts, classified by counterparty and considering the asset received as collateral.
At the closing of each month, accrued interest receivable is imputed to the “Repurchase Transactions” account with offsetting entry in “Interest Income”.
The underlying assets received for the reverse repurchase transactions will be recorded in Off-Balance Sheet Items. The assets received that have been sold by the Group are not deducted, but derecognized only when the repo transaction finishes, recording a liability in kind for the obligation to deliver the security sold.
Repurchase Transactions
Financing received through repurchase transactions are recorded under “Repurchase Transactions” accounts, classified by counterparty and considering the asset pledged as collateral.
In these transactions, when the receiver of the underlying asset obtains the right to sell it or pledge it as collateral, this is reclassified to the “Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral” accounts.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
1.11. EXPECTED CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCE
The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit loss (“ECL”) associated with its debt instruments assets carried at amortized cost and FVOCI, together with the exposure arising from loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. The Group recognizes a loss allowance for such losses at each reporting date. The measurement of ECL reflects:
•An unbiased and probability-weighted amount is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes,
•The time value of money, and
•Reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort at the reporting date about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.
1.12. LEASES
1.12.1. Lease activities of the Group
The Group is the lessee of various properties to be used in its ordinary course of business. Lease contracts are generally made for fixed periods, from 1 to 20 years, but in some cases, there may be price agreements for shorter periods with extension options. Lease terms are individually negotiated and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions.
From January 1, 2019, leases are recognized as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability, on the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.
Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:
•fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;
•variable lease payments based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate on the initial date;
•amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;
•the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and
•payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.
Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the liability.
The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if it can be determined; or otherwise, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate will be applied, which is the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow the necessary funds to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of- use asset, in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.
Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period, to produce a constant, periodic interest rate on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.
Right-of-use assets are measured at their cost, comprising the following:
•the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;
•any lease payment made on or before the initial date, less any lease incentives received;
•any initial direct cost; and
•restoration and dismantling costs.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset useful life and the lease term on a straight-line method.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Payments related to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less that do not contain a bargain purchase option. Low-value assets are mainly small physical spaces to place equipment which are owned by the Bank.
1.12.2. Extension and Termination Options
1.13. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Assets are measured at their acquisition or construction cost, net of accumulated depreciations and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. The cost includes the expenses directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of the items.
Property, Plant and Equipment acquired through business combinations were initially valued at the estimated fair value at the acquisition date.
Subsequent costs are included in the value of the asset or are recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, if and only if they are likely to generate future economic benefits for the Group, and its cost can be reasonably measured. When improvements are made to the asset, the carrying amount of the replaced asset is derecognized, the new asset being amortized for the remaining useful life.
Repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the year in which they are incurred.
The depreciation of these assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost over, their estimated useful lives. If an asset includes significant components with different useful lives, they are recognized and depreciated as separate items.
The residual values of Property, Plant and Equipment, the useful lives and the depreciation methods are reviewed and adjusted if necessary, at the closing date of each fiscal year, or when there is evidence of impairment.
The book value of the Property, Plant and Equipment is immediately reduced to its recoverable amount when it is greater than the estimated recoverable value.
1.14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
1.14.1. Licenses
Licenses acquired individually are initially valued at cost, while those acquired through business combinations are recognized at their estimated fair value at the acquisition date.
At the closing date of these consolidated financial statements, intangible assets with a finite useful life are presented net of accumulated depreciation and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. These assets are subject to impairment tests annually, or when there is evidence of impairment.
The licenses acquired by the Group have been classified as intangible assets with a finite useful life, being amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the license.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are the assets arising from contracts or other legal rights, that can be renewed without significant cost, and for which, based on an analysis of all relevant factors, there is no foreseeable limit of the period along which the asset is expected to generate net cash flows for the Group. These intangible assets are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests, annually or when there is evidence of impairment, either individually or at the level of the cash generating unit. The determination of the indefinite useful life is annually reviewed to confirm if it continues being applicable.
1.14.2. Software
The costs related to software maintenance are recognized as expense when incurred. The development, acquisition and implementation costs that are directly attributable to software design and testing, identifiable and monitored by the Group, are recognized as assets.
1.15. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
1.15.1. Assets Held for Sale
The assets, or group of assets, classified as available for sale in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations,” will be disclosed separately from the rest of the assets.
Non-current assets or disposal groups (including the loss of control over a subsidiary) are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and a sale is considered highly probable. In order for an asset to be classified as held for sale, it must meet the following conditions:
•it must be available for immediate sale in its current condition;
•Management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset and must have initiated an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan;
•the asset must be actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price in relation to its current fair value;
•the sale is expected to be completed within 12 months from its reclassification date; and
•it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn.
The assets, or groups of assets, classified as held for sale in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”, are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell and are restated in accordance with Note 22.
Non-current assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are not depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for sale
1.15.2. Discontinued Operations
A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that has been disposed of, or that has been classified as held for sale, and complies with any of the following conditions:
•it represents line of business or a geographical area, which is significant and can be considered as separated from the rest;
•it is part of a single coordinated plan to have a business line, or geographical area of the operations which is significant and can be considered as separated from the rest; or
•it is an independent entity exclusively acquired to resell it.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
1.16. IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
Assets with indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or, at least, on an annual basis.
1.17. TRUST ASSETS
The assets held by the Group in its trustee role are not reported in the consolidated statement of financial position, because the Group is not in control of the trust or the risks and rewards of the underlying assets. Fees received from trust activities are recorded in Fee Income.
1.18. OFFSETTING
1.19. FINANCING RECEIVED FROM THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
1.20. PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES
In accordance with IFRS a provision will be recognized when:
a.an Entity has a current obligation (either legal or implicit) as a consequence of a past event;
b.it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying future economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and
c.the amount can be reliably estimated.
It will be understood that the Group has an implicit obligation if (a) as a result of previous practices or public policies, the Group has assumed certain liabilities; and (b) as a result, it has created expectations that it will comply with those obligations.
The Group recognizes the following provisions:
•For labor, civil, and commercial lawsuits: provisions are determined based on the lawyers’ reports on the status of the lawsuits and the estimate made on the bankruptcy possibilities to be faced by the Group, as well as on past experience regarding this type of lawsuits.
•For miscellaneous risks: provisions are set up to face contingent situations that may give rise to obligations for the Group. When estimating the amounts, the probability of their materializing is taken into account, considering the opinion of the Group’s legal advisors and professionals.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The amount recognized as provision must be the best estimate of the disbursement needed to cancel such obligation, at the end of the year being reported.
When the financial effect produced by the discount becomes important, the amount of the provision must be the present value of the disbursements that are expected to be required to cancel the obligation by using a pre-tax interest rate that reflects the current market conditions on the value of money and the specific risks for such obligation. The increase in the provision for the lapsing of time would be recognized in the Net Financial Income item of the Statement of Income.
The Group will not record the positive contingencies, except those arising from deferred taxes and those which materialization is virtually certain.
1.21. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
1.22. DEBT SECURITIES AND SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
1.23. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ARISING FROM INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE CONTRACTS
On January 1, 2023, the Group adopted IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’. For more information about the adoption and transition processes see note 1.1.c).
Insurance contracts
Insurance contracts are contracts under which the Group accepts significant insurance risk from a policyholder by agreeing to compensate the policyholder if a specific uncertain future event adversely affects the policyholder. In making this assessment, all material rights and obligations, including those arising from laws or regulations, are considered on a contract-by-contract basis. The Group uses its judgment to assess whether a contract transfers insurance risk (i.e., whether there is a scenario with commercial substance in which the Group has the possibility of a loss on a present value basis) and whether the insurance risk accepted is significant.
Separation of components
Contracts that have a legal form of insurance but do not transfer significant insurance risk and expose the Group to financial risks are classified as investment contracts and follow the accounting for financial instruments under IFRS 9. The Group has assessed whether its contracts accept significant insurance risk from another party by agreeing to compensate the insurance policyholder if an uncertain future event occurs that adversely affects it. From this assessment it has been concluded that all insurance contracts that were under the scope of IFRS 4 meet the definition of an insurance contract and therefore the introduction of IFRS 17 does not result in any reclassification.
Aggregation level
The grouping of contracts in units of account is made according to the types of products, onerousness and year of underwriting; since they have similar risks, they are managed together and no portfolio of contracts may contain contracts issued more than one year apart.
The Group classifies a portfolio of insurance contracts as onerous or non-onerous based on the expected profitability at the policy or contract level at the time of recognition.
Recognition of insurance and reinsurance contracts
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
IFRS 17 includes three measurement models, reflecting a different degree of policyholder involvement in the investment performance or overall performance of the insurance entity: the General Measurement Model (GMM, also known as the Building Block Approach (BBA)), the Variable Fee Approach (VFA) and the Premium Allocation Approach (PAA).
Measurement of Insurance and Reinsurance Contracts
General Model
In the measurement of contracts that include discretionary contractual features of policyholder participation, the Group has defined to apply the modified BBA Model. This method will be applied to the following units of account: Long-term Individual Life, Endowment, Retirement, USD Retirement and Provisional Annuity.
The amount of contracts valued following the general model (BBA) is residual in the group. The General Model requires that insurance contracts be initially valued for the total of:
a.fulfillment cash flows, which comprise the estimation of future cash flows discounted to reflect the time value of money, the financial risk associated, and a risk adjustment for non-financial risk that would represent the compensation required for the uncertainty associated with the amount and timing of the expected cash flows;
b.and the contractual service margin (CSM), which represents the expected unearned profit from insurance contracts, which will be recognized in the entity’s income statement as the service is provided in the future, instead of being recognized at the time of the estimation.
Simplified Model
For the remaining insurance contracts issued by the Group, the Simplified Model has been applied since the remaining hedge liability of such contracts has a coverage period of one year or less, or in those contracts with a duration of more than one year, a material valuation other than the General Model is not expected to occur.
Under the simplified approach, the Group assumes that such contracts are not onerous at initial recognition, unless facts and circumstances indicate otherwise. If facts and circumstances indicate that some contracts are onerous, an additional assessment is made to distinguish onerous from non-onerous contracts. For non-onerous contracts, the Group assesses the likelihood of changes in the applicable facts and circumstances in subsequent periods to determine whether the contracts have a significant possibility of becoming onerous.
Under this model, the remaining hedge liability consists of the premiums received (collected), less the insurance acquisition cash flows paid, plus or minus the allocation to income of the premiums or expected acquisition cash flows, respectively. The allocation to income is made on a straight-line basis over the period of coverage of the contract, in the event that the accrual of income is also straight-line. The Group has chosen to defer acquisition costs, although there is an option to recognize such costs as they are incurred.
The Group does not adjust the remaining hedge liability for insurance contracts issued for the effect of the time value of money because the insurance premiums expire within the coverage period of the contracts, which is one year or less.
Groups of contracts measured under the simplified model have an incurred claims liability calculated in a manner similar to that of the General Model. For contracts measured under the simplified method, the incurred claims liability is measured similarly to the measurement under the general model. Future cash flows are adjusted for the time value of money, as certain insurance contracts issued by the Group and measured under the PAA typically have a settlement period longer than one year. In addition, the risk adjustment for non-financial risk is applied to the present value of estimated future cash flows and reflects the compensation the Group requires for bearing the uncertainty about the amount and timing of non-financial risk cash flows as the Group fulfills insurance contracts.
Discount rate
IFRS 17 requires a measurement of the present value of future cash flows, for which it is necessary to define discount rates that reflect the time value of money. Without precise guidelines, the standard refers to bottom-up and top-down approaches, respectively.
The bottom-up approach is based on a risk-free curve to which an illiquidity premium is added; the top-down approach is based on a measure of return on a linked portfolio of assets, from which the associated credit risk is subtracted.
The Group has defined a methodology for the determination of discount rates, taking into account the general indications of the standard.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The Group used the following yield curves to discount the cash flows:
| Year/Quarter | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | ||||||||||
| 2024 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||
| 2025 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||
| 2026 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||
| 2027 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||
| 2028 | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||
Risk margin
The risk adjustment for non-financial risk is the compensation the Group requires for bearing the uncertainty about the amount and timing of cash flows arising from insurance risk and other non-financial risks such as lapse risk and expense risk. It measures the degree of variability of expected future cash flows and the Group's specific price for assuming that risk and reflects the Group's degree of risk aversion. The resulting risk adjustment corresponds to a confidence level of 64 % for Galicia Seguros S.A.U. and 67 % for Sudamericana Seguros Galicia SA. (formerly Seguros Sura S.A.).
Reinsurance
In general, the Group values reinsurance contracts under the Simplified Model, valuing the asset for remaining coverage of contracts with a coverage period equal to or less than one year, or in those contracts with a duration of more than one year, but which are not expected to result in a valuation significantly different from that of the General Model. This method also includes the asset for claims incurred.
Insurance service results
Insurance revenue reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for the provision of coverage and other insurance contract services. Insurance service expenses comprise claims incurred and other insurance service expenses incurred, and losses on onerous groups of contracts and reversals of such losses.
The Group applies the accounting policy set out in IFRS 17.86 and presents the financial performance of groups of reinsurance contracts held on a net basis in net income (expense) from reinsurance contracts held.
As a general rule, for the presentation of financial income or expense from insurance contracts arising as a result of the effect of the time value of money and the effect of financial risk disclosed in "Other Operating Expenses", the Group does not disaggregate changes in the risk adjustment for non-financial risk between insurance service result and insurance financial income or expense.
The Group includes all insurance financial income or expense for the period in profit or loss.
1.24. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Shareholders’ equity accounts are restated in accordance with Note 1.1.b., except for the item “Capital Stock”, which is carried at face value. The restatement adjustment is included in “Equity Adjustments”.
1.25. PROFIT RESERVES
According to Art. 70 of the General Companies Act, the Company and its subsidiaries, except Banco Galicia and Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U., must transfer to Legal Reserve 5 % of the profit for the year, until said reserve reaches 20 % of the capital stock plus the balance of the Equity Adjustment account.
Regarding Banco Galicia and Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U., in accordance with the regulations established by the Argentine Central Bank, it is required to allocate to Legal Reserve 20 % of the profits for the year, net of the eventual
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
1.26. DIVIDENDS DISTRIBUTION
1.27. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Financial income and expenses are recorded for all debt instruments according to the effective interest rate method, by which all gains and losses that are an integral part of the effective interest rate of the transaction are deferred.
The income included in the effective interest rate includes disbursements or income related to the creation or acquisition of a financial asset or liability, such as, for example, the preparation and processing of the documents necessary to conclude the transaction and the compensation received by the granting of credit agreements. The Group records all its non-derivative financial liabilities at amortized cost, except those included in the item “Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss” which are measured at fair value.
Fees received by the Group for the origination of syndicated loans are not part of the effective interest rate of the product and are recognized in the statement of income at the time the service is provided, to the extent the Group does not retain part of it, or this is maintained in the same conditions as the rest of the participants. Commissions and fees earned by the Group on negotiations in third parties’ transactions are not part of the effective interest rate either, and are recognized at the time the transactions are executed.
IFRS 15 establishes the principles that an entity shall apply to recognize revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers.
The amount that should be recognized will be the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the services delivered to customers.
The Group’s income from services is recognized in the statement of income to the extent the performance obligations are complied with, thus deferring those revenues related to customer loyalty programs, which are provisioned based on the fair value of each point and its redemption rate, until they are exchanged by the customer and can be recognized in the income for the year.
Retail product and service fees related to savings and checking account operations have a monthly charging frequency; safe deposit boxes fees are charged quarterly; renewal of credit cards is charged annually, and bond and shares transactions are charged at the time the transactions are executed.
Additionally, fees for wholesale products corresponding to maintenance of accounts, deposits and withdrawals between entities, are charged on a monthly basis; foreign trade transactions are charged at the time the transactions are executed.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Below is a summary of the main commissions earned by the Bank:
| Commissions | Earning Frequency | |||||||
| Retail Products and Services | ||||||||
| Savings Accounts | Monthly | |||||||
| Checking Accounts | Monthly | |||||||
| Credit-card Renewal | Annual | |||||||
| Safe Deposit Boxes | Quarterly | |||||||
| Bonds and Shares Transactions | On each transaction | |||||||
| Wholesale Products | ||||||||
| Account Maintenance | Monthly | |||||||
| Deposits and Withdrawals among Branches | Monthly | |||||||
| Foreign Trade Transactions | On each transaction | |||||||
1.28. INCOME TAX
The Income tax expense for the year comprises the current and the deferred taxes. Income tax is recognized in the statement of income, except when there are items that must be directly recognized in other comprehensive income. In this case, income tax liability related to such items is also recognized in this Statement.
The current income tax expense is calculated based on the tax laws enacted, or substantially enacted as of the date of the consolidated financial statements in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income. The Group periodically assesses the position assumed in tax returns as regards the situations in which tax laws are subject to interpretation. Likewise, when applicable, the Group sets up provisions on the amounts that it expects to be paid to tax authorities.
Deferred income tax is determined by the liability method on the temporary differences arising from the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax base. However, the deferred tax that arises from the initial recognition of an asset or a liability in a transaction not corresponding to a business combination, which at the time of the transaction does not affect neither the profit nor the accounting or taxable loss, is not recorded. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and legislation) that have been enacted as of the date of the financial statements and are expected to be applicable when the deferred tax assets are realized, or the deferred tax liabilities are settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent future tax benefits are likely to arise against which the temporary differences might be offset.
The Group recognizes a deferred tax liability for taxable temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries and affiliates, unless the following two conditions are met:
(i) the Group controls the timing on which temporary differences will be reversed, and.
(ii) such temporary differences are not likely to be reversed in the foreseeable future.
1.29. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the income attributable to parent company’s owners by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES | ||
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the accounting standards to define the Group’s accounting policies.
The Group has identified the following areas involving a greater degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where the assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, and which are essential to understand the underlying accounting/financial reporting risks.
a. FAIR VALUE OF LEVEL 3 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The fair value of financial instruments classified as level 3 are not listed in active markets and is therefore determined by using valuation techniques. The valuation of level 3 financial instruments involves one or more inputs which are unobservable and significant to their fair value measurement. The Group uses valuation models and unobservable inputs, including projected cash flows, discount rates and volatilities and correlations relating to interest rates and spreads, to estimate the fair value of level 3 financial instruments. These valuation techniques require management to make significant estimates and judgments.
b. VALUATION OF THE EXPECTED CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCE
c. IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
Intangible assets with finite useful lives and property, plant and equipment are amortized or depreciated on a straight-line basis during their estimated useful life. The Group monitors the conditions related to these assets to determine whether the events and circumstances require a review of the remaining amortization or depreciation term, and whether there are factors or circumstances indicating impairment in the value of the assets that cannot be recovered.
d. INCOME TAX AND DEFERRED TAX
Significant judgment is required when determining current and deferred tax assets and liabilities. The current income tax is accounted according to the amounts expected to be paid; while deferred income tax is accounted on the basis of temporary differences between carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax base, at the rates expected to be in force at the time of their reversal.
A deferred tax asset is recognized when future taxable income is expected to exist to offset such temporary differences, based on Management’s assumptions about the amounts and timing of such future taxable income. Actual results may differ from these estimates, for instance, changes in the applicable tax laws or the outcome of the final review of the tax returns by the tax authorities and tax courts.
NOTE 3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
Schedule P “Categories of Financial Assets and Liabilities”, discloses the measurement categories and fair value hierarchies for financial instruments.
F-31
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
As of the indicated dates, the Group maintains the following portfolios of financial instruments:
| Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.23 | Fair Value through Profit or Loss | Amortized Cost | Fair Value through OCI | ||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | |||||||||||
Argentine Central Bank’s Bills (*) | |||||||||||
Government Securities (*) | |||||||||||
Corporate Securities (*) | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | |||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | |||||||||||
Other Debt Securities (*) | |||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | |||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | |||||||||||
| Debt Securities | |||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | |||||||||||
(*) Recorded in Debt Securities at fair value trough profit or loss, except for Argentine Central Bank´s Bills at amortized cost that are recorded in Other debt securities.
F-32
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.22 | Fair Value through Profit or Loss | Amortized Cost | Fair Value through OCI | ||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | |||||||||||
Argentine Central Bank’s Bills (*) | |||||||||||
Government Securities (*) | |||||||||||
Corporate Securities (*) | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | |||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | |||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | |||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | |||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | |||||||||||
| Debt Securities | |||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | |||||||||||
(*) Recorded in Debt Securities at fair value trough profit or loss.
NOTE 4. FAIR VALUES | ||
The Group classifies the fair values of the financial instruments in 3 levels, according to the quality of the data used for their determination
Fair Value Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (as publicly traded derivative instruments, debt securities or instruments available for sale) is based on the quoted market prices as of the date of the reporting period. If the quoted price is available within the 5 business days of the valuation date, and there is an active market for the instrument, this will be included in Level 1.
Fair Value Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments not traded in active markets, for example, over-the-counter derivatives, is determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs. If all the significant inputs required to obtain the fair value of a financial instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2. If all or some of the inputs required to determine the price are not observable, the instrument will be included in Level 3.
Fair Value Level 3: If one or more relevant inputs are not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3.
Valuation Techniques
The valuation techniques to determine fair values include:
•Market prices for similar instruments.
•Determining the estimated present value of instruments.
F-33
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The valuation technique to determine the fair value Level 2 is based on data other than the quoted price included in Level 1, which are directly observable for assets or liabilities, both directly (i.e., prices) and indirectly (i.e., deriving from prices).
Financial instruments classified as level 3 mainly include equity instruments for which the fair value was calculated with the assistance of independent appraisers using methods of future discounted cash flows involving a combined income and market approach.
The valuation technique to determine the fair value of other Level 3 financial instruments is based on a method that compares the existing spread between the curve of sovereign bonds and the average yield of primary offerings, for different segments, according to the different risk ratings. If there are no representative primary offerings during the month, the following alternatives will be used:
(i)Secondary market prices of instruments under the same conditions, which had quoted in the evaluation month.
(ii)prior month bidding and/or secondary market prices, which will be taken based on their representativeness.
(iii)prior month spread applied to the sovereign curve.
(iv)A specific margin is applied, defined according to historical yields of instruments under the same conditions.
As stated above, the rates and spreads to be used to discount future cash flows and originate the price of the instrument are determined.
All the modifications to the valuation methods are previously discussed and approved by the Group’s key personnel.
The Group’s financial instruments measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period are detailed below:
| Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.23 | Fair Value Level 1 | Fair Value Level 2 | Fair Value Level 3 | ||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Government Securities | |||||||||||
| Corporate Securities | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | |||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | |||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (*) | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
(*)They include the operations of obligations for operations with Government Securities of third parties.
F-34
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.22 | Fair Value Level 1 | Fair Value Level 2 | Fair Value Level 3 | ||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes | |||||||||||
| Government Securities | |||||||||||
| Corporate Securities | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | |||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | |||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (*) | |||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
(*)Include the operations of obligations for operations with Government Securities of third parties.
The evolution of instruments included in Level 3 Fair Value is detailed below:
| Level 3 | 12.31.22 | Transfers(*) | Recognition | Derecognition | Income (Loss) | Inflation Effect | 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||||||
| Government Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
(*)Include the movements of levels of financial instruments classified as fair value Level 3, as described above.
| Level 3 | 12.31.21 | Transfers(*) | Recognition | Derecognition | Income (Loss) | Inflation Effect | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||
| Government Securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
(*)Include the movements of levels of financial instruments classified as fair value Level 3, as described above.
Transfers occurred because the instruments without observable valuation prices at the closing of the fiscal year were reclassified to Level 3, and the instruments with observable market quotes at the closing of the fiscal year were reclassified to Level 1 from Level 3. There were no transfers between Level 2 and Level 3.
F-35
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The Group included below the fair value of the instruments not carried at fair value as of the year-end.
| Items of Assets/Liabilities as of 12.31.23 | Book Value | Fair Value | Fair Value Level 1 | Fair Value Level 2 | Fair Value Level 3 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | |||||||||||||||||
Other Debt Securities (*) | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | |||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | |||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
(*) Includes Argentine Central Bank´s Bills for the sum of Ps.316,319,663 .
| Items of Assets/Liabilities as of 12.31.22 | Book Value | Fair Value | Fair Value Level 1 | Fair Value Level 2 | Fair Value Level 3 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | |||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
NOTE 5. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | ||
Cash equivalents are held to meet short-term payment commitments, rather than for investment or similar purposes. A financial asset is classified as cash equivalent if it can be readily convertible into a certain amount of cash and its risk of changes in value is immaterial. Accordingly, an investment with original maturity of three months or less is classified as cash equivalent. Equity interests are excluded from cash equivalents.
F-36
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Cash and cash equivalents break down as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
Net cash and Due from Banks(1) | |||||||||||
Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes Maturing up to 90 days(2) | |||||||||||
Receivables from Active Passes(2) | |||||||||||
Loans to Financial Institutions(3) | |||||||||||
Overnight Placements in Foreign Banks(3) | |||||||||||
Mutual Funds(4) | |||||||||||
Time Deposits Maturing up to 90 days(5) | |||||||||||
| Total Cash and Cash Equivalents | |||||||||||
(1)Net of Cash and Cash Equivalents for spot purchases or sales pending settlement.
(2)Included within Repurchase Transactions.
(3)Included within Loans and Other Financing.
(4)Included within Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss.
(5)Included within Other Financial Assets.
The reconciliation of financing activities as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is presented below:
| Item | Balances at 31.12.22 | Cash flow payments | Cash flow receipts | Other movements | Balances at 31.12.23 | ||||||||||||
| Lease Liabilities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Item | Balances at 31.12.21 | Cash flow payments | Cash flow receipts | Other movements | Balances at 31.12.22 | ||||||||||||
| Lease Liabilities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Item | Balances at 31.12.20 | Cash flow payments | Cash flow receipts | Other movements | Balances at 31.12.21 | ||||||||||||
| Lease Liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
The risk analysis for cash and cash equivalents is presented in Note 45. Related parties information is disclosed in Note 51.
F-37
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 6. DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS | ||
The Group’s debt securities at fair value through profit or loss are detailed in Schedule A.
The credit quality of debt securities is disclosed in Note 45.
NOTE 7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACT WITH NO DELIVERY OF THE UNDERLYING ASSET
The Electronic Open Market (Mercado Abierto Electrónico, MAE) and the Rosario Forward Market (ROFEX) have trading areas for the closing, recording and settlement of forward financial transactions between their Agents, including Banco Galicia. In general, the settlement of these transactions is made without delivering the underlying asset. The settlement is carried out daily in Argentine pesos for the difference, if any, between the closing price traded of the underlying asset and the closing price or value of the underlying asset of the previous day, the price difference impacting on Income.
The transactions are recorded in Off-balance Sheet Items The accrued balances pending settlement are disclosed in the “Derivative Financial Instruments” line, in Assets and/or Liabilities, as appropriate.
PURCHASE - SALE TAKEN WITH DELIVERY OF THE UNDERLYING ASSET
As from July 2022, the Argentine Central Bank may make put option bids on securities issued by the National Treasury. Put option contracts are non-transferable and such options may be exercised at any time, from 5 business days after the security settlement until the date established in the option term. The call premiums of the options are set by the Argentine Central Bank prior to the bids, and auctions end by price acceptance.
Put option contracts are intended for those instruments with maturities until December 31, 2025. The exercise price arises from the nominal rates traded for the underlying asset the day before the exercise date, considering the highest rate between the average rate traded on the day and the closing value for the market with the highest volume traded between Argentine Stock Exchanges and Markets (Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos, BYMA) and MAE, plus an additional charge set by the Argentine Central Bank.
The transactions are recorded in Off-Balance Sheet Items, at exercise price. The balances for the transaction premiums are exposed in Assets, in the “Derivative Financial Instruments” line.
The amounts of transactions as of December 31, 2023, and 2022 are as follows:
| Underlying Asset | Type of Settlement | 12.31.23(*) | 12.31.22(*) | |||||||||||
| Currency Forward Transactions | ||||||||||||||
| Purchases | Foreign currency | Daily difference | ||||||||||||
| Sales | Foreign currency | Daily difference | ||||||||||||
| Customers´ Purchases | Foreign currency | Daily difference | ||||||||||||
| Customers´ Sales | Foreign currency | Daily difference | ||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||||||||
| Forward Purchases | Government Securities | With delivery of the underlying asset | ||||||||||||
| Forward Sales | Government Securities | With delivery of the underlying asset | ||||||||||||
| Options | ||||||||||||||
| Put options taken | Government Securities | With delivery of the underlying asset | ||||||||||||
| Put options taken | Foreign currency | With delivery of the underlying asset | ||||||||||||
F-38
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
(*)Notional values.
For further details, refer to Schedule O.
NOTE 8. REPURCHASE TRANSACTIONS | ||
As of the indicated dates, the Group maintains the following repurchase transactions:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Debtors for Reserve Repurchase Transactions of Government Securities | ||||||||
| Interest Accrued Receivable for Reserve Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||
| Total Repurchase Transactions—Assets | ||||||||
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Creditors for Repurchase Transactions of Government Securities | ||||||||
| Interest Accrued Payable for Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||
| Total Repurchase Transactions—Liabilities | ||||||||
The notional values of the assets transferred in repurchase transactions are presented in Note 7 and Schedule O.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Reverse Repurchase Transactions recorded in Off-Balance Sheet Items | ||||||||
| Forward purchases for Repurchase transactions recorded in Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ||||||||
NOTE 9. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS | ||
As of the indicated dates, the balances of “Other Financial Assets” were as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Receivables from Spot Sales of Foreign Currency Pending Settlement | ||||||||
| Receivables from Spot Sales of Government Securities Pending Settlement | ||||||||
| Sundry Debtors | ||||||||
| Mutual Funds | ||||||||
| Premiums from financial guarantee contracts | ||||||||
| Interest accrued receivable | ||||||||
| Fiduciary Participation Certificates | ||||||||
| Balances from claims pending recovery | ||||||||
| Minus: Allowances | ( | ( | ||||||
| Total | ||||||||
F-39
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The credit rating quality analysis of Other Financial Assets as of December 31, 2023, was as follows:
| Debtors for Sale of Foreign Currency | Debtors for Cash sale of Government Securities to be Settled | Sundry Debtors | Mutual Funds | Premiums from financial guarantee contracts | Interest accrued receivable | Fiduciary participation certificates | Balances from claims pending recovery | |||||||||||||||||||
| Not yet due | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impaired/Uncollectible | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowances | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The main factors considered by the Group to determine the impaired assets are their due date status and the possibility to realize the related collateral, if appropriate.
NOTE 10. LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING | ||
The composition of the Loans and Other Financing portfolio as of the indicated dates is detailed below:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | ||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | ||||||||
| Financial Institutions | ||||||||
| Loans | ||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | ||||||||
| Loans | ||||||||
| Advances | ||||||||
| Notes | ||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | ||||||||
| Pledge Loans | ||||||||
| Personal Loans | ||||||||
| Credit Card Loans | ||||||||
| Other Loans | ||||||||
| Accrued Interest, Adjustments and Quotation Differences Receivable | ||||||||
| Documented Interest | ( | ( | ||||||
| Financial Leases | ||||||||
| Other Financing | ||||||||
Less: Allowances | ( | ( | ||||||
| Total | ||||||||
Classification of Loans and Other Financing as per situation and guarantees received, is detailed in Schedule B.
The concentration of Loans and Other Financing is detailed in Schedule C.
The breakdown by maturity term of Loans and Other Financing is detailed in Schedule D.
The risk analysis for Loans and Other Financing is presented in Note 45.
F-40
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 11. OTHER DEBT SECURITIES | ||
The Group’s “Other Debt Securities” are detailed in Schedule A.
The risk analysis for Other Debt Securities is presented in Note 45.
NOTE 12. FINANCIAL ASSETS PLEDGED AS COLLATERAL | ||
The Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral valuated in accordance with their underlying asset for the years under analysis are detailed below:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Deposits as Collateral | ||||||||
| Special Accounts as Collateral—Argentine Central Bank | ||||||||
| Forward Purchases of monetary regulatory instruments | ||||||||
| Less: Allowances | ( | ( | ||||||
| Total | ||||||||
The restricted availability assets are detailed in Note 52.2.
NOTE 13. CURRENT INCOME TAX ASSETS | ||
As of the indicated dates, the balances of Current Income Tax Assets correspond to:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Tax Advances | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
NOTE 14. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INSTRUMENTS | ||
The Group’s “Investments in Equity Instruments” are detailed in Schedule A.
Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. (Prisma)
On October 1, 2021, within the framework of the divestment commitment assumed by Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. ("Prisma") and its shareholders before the National Commission for the Defense of Competition, the Bank, together with all other Prisma’s Class B shareholders, notified AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. (a company linked to Advent International Global Private Equity), the exercise of the put option contemplated in the sale agreement entered into in February 2019. As a result of the exercise of the put option, the process to sell the remaining 49 % shareholding in Prisma to AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. was initiated.
In March 2022, the Bank executed the sale of the remaining 49 %of Banco Galicia´s shareholding in Prisma to AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. representing 7.4 % of Prisma's share capital. The final sale price contemplated in the new sale agreement signed by the parties amounted to US$54,358 to be paid as follows: (i) 30 % in Pesos, adjusted by a UVA rate plus a nominal annual rate of 15 % and (ii) 70 % in US Dollars at a nominal annual rate of 10 % within a term of six years .
F-41
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 15. EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES | ||
15.1 Equity Investments in Subsidiaries
The interest and shareholding percentages in companies over which the Group exerts control, and which are consolidated by the Group, are detailed below:
| Direct and Indirect Shareholding | Equity Investment % | |||||||||||||
| Company | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||
| Agri Tech Investments Argentina S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Agri Tech Investments LLC | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
Cobranzas Regionales S.A. (*) | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Asset Management S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Capital US LLC | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Holdings US Inc. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Investments LLC | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Securities S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Seguros S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Ventures LP | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Warrants S.A. | % | % | ||||||||||||
Nera Uruguay S.A. (formerly Halsiuk S.A.) (**) | % | % | ||||||||||||
| IGAM LLC | % | % | ||||||||||||
| INVIU S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| INVIU Capital Markets Limited | % | % | ||||||||||||
| INVIU Technology Limited | % | % | ||||||||||||
| INVIU Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Sudamericana Holding S.A. | % | % | ||||||||||||
Sudamericana Seguros Galicia S.A. (formerly Seguros SURA S.A.) (***) | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Tarjetas Regionales S.A. | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Well Assistance S.A.U. | % | % | ||||||||||||
(*) Company absorbed by Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. as from October 1, 2023.
(**) As of the date of issuance of these financial statements, the process for the change of name is pending registration at the Registry of Legal Entities of the ROU.
(***) As of the date of issuance of these financial statements, the process of change of name is pending approval by the Superintendence of Insurance of the Nation.
F-42
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The following are the balances of subsidiaries, according to IFRS as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||||
| Company | Assets | Liabilities | Shareholders’ Equity | Net Income (Loss) (*) | ||||||||||
| Agri Tech Investments Argentina S.A.U. | ( | |||||||||||||
| Agri Tech Investments LLC | ( | |||||||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
Cobranzas Regionales S.A. (**) | ( | |||||||||||||
| Galicia Asset Management S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. (***) | ||||||||||||||
| Galicia Capital US LLC | ( | |||||||||||||
| Galicia Holdings US Inc. | ||||||||||||||
| Galicia Investments LLC | ( | |||||||||||||
Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.U. (***) | ||||||||||||||
| Galicia Securities S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
Galicia Seguros S.A.U. (***) | ||||||||||||||
| Galicia Ventures LP | ||||||||||||||
| Galicia Warrants S.A. | ||||||||||||||
Nera Uruguay S.A. (formerly Halsiuk S.A.) (****) | ( | |||||||||||||
| IGAM LLC | ||||||||||||||
| INVIU S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
| INVIU Capital Markets Limited | ||||||||||||||
| INVIU Technology Limited | ( | |||||||||||||
| INVIU Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A. | ( | |||||||||||||
| Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U. | ( | |||||||||||||
Sudamericana Holding S.A. (***) | ||||||||||||||
Sudamericana Seguros Galicia S.A. (formerly Seguros SURA S.A.) (*****) | ||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
| Tarjetas Regionales S.A. | ||||||||||||||
Well Assistance S.A.U. (***) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
____________________
(*) Income attributable to the shareholders of the parent.
(**) Net income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023.
(***) Net income for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023.
(****) Net income for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023.
(*****) Net income for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023.
F-43
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||
| Company | Assets | Liabilities | Shareholders’ Equity | Net Income (Loss) (*) | ||||||||||
| Agri Tech Investments Argentina S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
| Agri Tech Investments LLC | ||||||||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | ( | |||||||||||||
Cobranzas Regionales S.A. | ( | |||||||||||||
| Galicia Asset Management S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. (**) | ||||||||||||||
Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.U. (**) | ||||||||||||||
| Galicia Securities S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
Galicia Seguros S.A.U. (**) | ||||||||||||||
| Galicia Warrants S.A. | ||||||||||||||
| IGAM LLC | ( | |||||||||||||
| INVIU S.A.U. | ( | |||||||||||||
| INVIU Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A. | ( | |||||||||||||
| Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U. | ( | |||||||||||||
Sudamericana Holding S.A. (**) | ||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | ||||||||||||||
| Tarjetas Regionales S.A. | ||||||||||||||
Well Assistance S.A.U. (***) | ||||||||||||||
____________________
(*) Income attributable to the shareholders of the parent.
(**) Net income for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2022.
Corporate Reorganization
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. and Tarjetas Regionales S.A.
On March 16, 2021, the Public Registry of Commerce registered the merger-spin-off between Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. as the merging company for the spin-off equity from Dusner S.A., Fedler S.A. and its shareholders, as spin-off companies, jointly holders of 17 % of the capital stock of Tarjetas Regionales S.A.; and the capital increase of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.
Consequently, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. now has control of 1,756,704,458 shares of Tarjetas Regionales S.A., which represent 100 % of the capital stock and 100 % of the votes.
On June 15, 2021, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. sold 10,000 shares of Tarjetas Regionales S.A., representing 0.000569 %, to Galicia Securities S.A.U.
Tarjeta Naranja S,A.U. and Cobranzas Regionales S.A.
On July 14, 2023, the Group decided to initiate the necessary steps to carry out a merger by absorption (the “Merger”), whereby Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. (absorbing company) absorbs Cobranzas Regionales S.A. (absorbed company) effective as from October 1, 2023.
The Merger was carried out within the provisions established in Article 80, Paragraph c), and concordant articles of the Income Tax Law No. 20,628 (Ordered Text of 2019) and its regulations, with the aim, inter alia, of: (i) unifying the administration and management of both companies, with the consequent optimization of services and reduction of costs, (ii) unifying the commercial and marketing programs, (iii) increasing synergy and efficiency to provide a better and more effective customer service and a more efficient rendering of services, (iv) strengthening the payment pooling business
F-44
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
within the economic group with the commercial experience Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. has with its network of physical branch offices (more than 150 throughout the country), and (v) improving the organization and use of resources.
The Prior Merger Agreement was executed by the parties on December 4, 2023, having been approved by the Boards of Directors of Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. (absorbing company) and Cobranzas Regionales (absorbed company) on the same date.
As of the date of issuance of these Financial Statements, the Merger is pending registration with the relevant corporate regulators (National Securities Commission, General Directorate of Legal Entities of the Province of Cordoba and the Superintendency of Corporations).
Ondara S.A. liquidation and final distribution
On April 13, 2022, the Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting approved the early dissolution of the company and its subsequent liquidation, under the terms of the provisions of article 94, paragraph 1 of the General Law of Companies. By virtue of the net worth resulting from the Special Liquidation Financial Statements, the final distribution was made on the first day of November 2022.
Participation in other controlled companies
On May 20, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company resolved the creation of the company Agri Tech Investments LLC, in the state of Delaware, United States of America in order to continue the company's business strategy of providing comprehensive financial services, in this case focused on agriculture. For this purpose, on August 16, 2022, Agri Tech Investments Argentina S.A.U. was created, located in the province of Mendoza, whose main purpose is to operate as a service agent, collection and payment management, and financing for agriculture related activities.
On November 7, 2022, Well Assistance S.A.U., a company controlled by Sudamericana Holding S.A., was incorporated, whose main purpose is to provide assistance services of all kinds and/or provide services related to personal or organizational well-being directly aimed at achieving a healthier, fuller and more balanced life, targeting the general public. On December 28, 2022, it was registered in the Public Registry of Commerce.
During the first quarter of 2023, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. decided to create two companies, Galicia Investments LLC in the state of Delaware, in the United States of America, and Galicia Ventures LP in Ontario, Canada, in order to facilitate the investment initiatives within the open innovation and corporate venturing program.
On October 11, 2023, the Group acquired 99.434 % of the capital stock of Seguros Sura S.A., an insurance company with insurance solutions and services for individuals and families, SMEs, large companies and the agricultural and livestock segment, served by a broad network of insurance advisors (see Business Combination).
On October 23, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company decided to create two companies in the United States of America, Galicia Holdings US Inc. in the state of Delaware, controlling Galicia Capital US LLC, in the state of Florida, a company aimed at attracting new customers by incorporating a wide range of financial instruments and enabling the development of innovative credit products.
15.2 Equity Investments in Associates
Banco Galicia, together with other financial entities, has set up Play Digital S.A. a company whose purpose is to develop and market a payment solution linked to the bank accounts of the financial system users in order to significantly improve their payment experience. The board of directors of said company is made up of key personnel of Banco Galicia, therefore, having significant influence, the investment is measured by the equity method.
| Company | Equity Investment % | Place of Business | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||
| Play Digital S.A. | CABA | |||||||||||||
F-45
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The movements of such investment are as follows:
| Company | 12.31.22 | Contributions (1) | Purchase of shares | Profit Sharing in income (loss) for the Year | 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||
| Play Digital S.A. | ( | ||||||||||||||||
(1)Banco Galicia has made new contributions after the closing.
| Company | 12.31.21 | Contributions | Sales of shares | Profit Sharing in income (loss) for the Year | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||
| Play Digital S.A. | ( | ||||||||||||||||
The basic information regarding Grupo Financiero Galicia’s associates is detailed as follows:
| Profit Sharing in income (loss) for the Year (*) | ||||||||||||||
| Company | Assets | Liabilities | Shareholders’ Equity | Net Income (Loss) | ||||||||||
| Play Digital S.A. | ( | |||||||||||||
(*) Balances according to financial statements as of September 30, 2023, restated in closing currency.
For more details see Schedule E.
15.3 Business combination
On August 11, 2023 Sudamericana Holding S.A. entered into a share purchase agreement with Suramericana S.A. and Santa María del Sol S.A.U. (collectively “the seller”), whereby they agreed to sell their entire shareholding in Seguros Sura S.A. after approval of such transaction by the Argentine Superintendency of Insurance (Superintendencia de Seguros de la Nación, SSN).
On September 21, 2023, the SSN approved the transaction and, as a consequence, on October 11, 2023, it was materialized through the transfer 4,512,697,946 ordinary shares with a nominal value of Ps.1 (expressed in Argentine pesos) and with one vote per share, representing 99.43 % of the capital and votes of Sudamericana Seguros Galicia S.A. (formerly Seguros Sura S.A.).
The acquiree company is an insurance company that offers insurance solutions and services for individuals and families, large companies and the agricultural and livestock segment, served by a broad network of insurance advisors who make it possible to achieve more than half of the insurer's turnover. The incorporation of the aforementioned company complements the marketing of insurance, which until now was only channeled through the Bank. Seguros Sura S.A. has 775,000 customers and 13 branch offices in the country and a network of approximately 5,000 insurance producers.
The acquired business generated, from the insurance activity, income for the Group amounting to Ps.29,527,213 and a loss of Ps.(452,620 ) for the period from the acquisition date to December 31, 2023. If such acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2023, the income would have amounted to Ps.108,514,025 and the loss would have amounted to Ps.(4,292,010 ).
The consideration paid for the business combination amounted to Ps.11,149,830 .
The fair value of the net assets acquired as at September 30, 2023 amounted to Ps.16,026,488 .
Due to the strategy of concentrating its operations in fewer countries and the need to sell the company in Argentina, the
seller accepted the fair value of the price paid. Since the latter is lower than the amount of net assets acquired, the Group recorded a gain of Ps.4,876,658 in “Profit or Loss from Associates and Joint Ventures.”
The fair value of the net assets acquired is currently under review and could be subject to changes within one year from the date of acquisition, in accordance with IFRS 3; however, it is estimated that no significant variations will arise from the aforementioned review.
The Assets and Liabilities arising from the acquisition are detailed below:
F-46
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Item | Fair value | ||||
| Assets | |||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | |||||
| Investments | |||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | |||||
| Reinsurance Contract Assets | |||||
| Other Assets | |||||
| Total Assets | |||||
| Liabilities | |||||
| Provisions | |||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | |||||
| Other Liabilities | |||||
| Total Liabilities | |||||
| Net Assets | |||||
| Minority Interest | ( | ||||
| Net Assets Acquired | |||||
NOTE 16. LEASES | ||
This Note provides information for leases where the Grupo is the lessee:
(i) Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
Right-of-use asset (1) | ||||||||
| Real estate | ||||||||
Lease Liabilities (2) | ( | ( | ||||||
(1) Recorded in Property, Plant and Equipment.
(2) Recorded in Other Financial Liabilities, see Note 25.
Additions to the right-of-use assets during the financial year were Ps.5,285,656 .
The maturity of lease liabilities is disclosed in Note 45.
(ii) Amounts recognized in the Statement of Income:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
Charge for depreciation of right-of-use assets (1)(2) | ( | ( | ||||||
Interest Expenses (3) | ( | ( | ||||||
Expenses related to short-term leases (4) | ( | ( | ||||||
Expenses related to low-value assets leases (4) | ( | ( | ||||||
Sublease Income (5) | ||||||||
(1)Depreciation for right of use of Real Property.
(2)Recorded in Depreciation Expenses, see Note 39.
(3)Recorded in Other Operating Expenses, Lease Interest, see Note 40.
(4)Recorded in Administrative Expenses, see Note 38.
(5)Recorded in Other Operating Income, see Note 34.
F-47
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The roll forward of right -of-use assets and lease liabilities during the years 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
| Right-of-use assets | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||
| Balances at the beginning of the year | ||||||||
| Additions | ||||||||
| Cancellation of contracts | ( | ( | ||||||
| Depreciation of the year | ( | ( | ||||||
| Balances at the end of the year | ||||||||
Lease liabilities(1) | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||
| Balances at the beginning of the year | ||||||||
| New contracts | ||||||||
| Cancellation of contracts | ( | ( | ||||||
| Lease payments | ( | ( | ||||||
| Leases financial cost | ||||||||
| Translation differences and inflation adjustment | ( | |||||||
| Balances at the end of the year | ||||||||
(1)Recorded in the item Other Financial Liabilities, see Note 25.
The total cash flows related to leases was Ps.6,372,889 .
NOTE 17. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT | ||
Changes in “Property, Plant and Equipment” are detailed in Schedule F.
The carrying amounts of “Property, Plant and Equipment” do not exceed their recoverable values.
NOTE 18. INTANGIBLE ASSETS | ||
Changes in “Intangible Assets” are detailed in Schedule G.
The carrying amounts of “Intangible Assets” do not exceed their recoverable values.
F-48
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 19. DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS/LIABILITIES | ||
Changes in “Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities” during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, are as follows:
Deferred Tax Assets
| Item | 12.31.22 | Inclusions | Charge to Income | 12.31.23 | ||||||||||
| Valuation of Securities | ||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ( | |||||||||||||
| Tax Loss Carryforwards | ( | |||||||||||||
| Insurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Provisions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contracts Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign Currency Exchange Differences | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation adjustment deferral | ( | |||||||||||||
| Others | ( | |||||||||||||
| Totals | ||||||||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets in subsidiaries with net liability position | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | ||||||||||||||
F-49
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Deferred Tax Liabilities
| Item | 12.31.22 | Inclusions | Charge to Income | 12.31.23 | ||||||||||
| Valuation of Securities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Derivate Instruments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contract Assets | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contracts Liabilities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Inflation adjustment deferral | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Others | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Totals | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities in subsidiaries with net asset position | ( | |||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets
| Item | 12.31.21 | Charge to Income | 12.31.22 | ||||||||
| Valuation of Securities | |||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments | ( | ||||||||||
| Loans and other financing | ( | ||||||||||
| Tax Loss Carryforwards | |||||||||||
| Insurance Contract Assets | |||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Provisions | |||||||||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Foreign Currency Exchange Differences | ( | ||||||||||
| Inflation adjustment deferral | ( | ||||||||||
| Others | ( | ||||||||||
| Totals | ( | ||||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets in subsidiaries with net liability position | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | ( | ||||||||||
F-50
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Deferred Tax Liabilities
| Item | 12.31.21 | Charge to Income | 12.31.22 | ||||||||
| Valuation of Securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Derivative Instruments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Intangible Assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Provisions | ( | ||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Inflation adjustment deferral | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Others | ( | ||||||||||
| Totals | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities in subsidiaries with net asset position | ( | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
In addition, the expiration dates of tax loss carryforwards are as follows:
| Year of Generation | Amount | Year Due | Deferred Tax Assets | ||||||||
| 2019 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2026 | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2027 | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2028 | ||||||||||
F-51
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 20. ASSETS/LIABILITIES FOR INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE CONTRACTS | ||
Assets and Liabilities related to insurance and reinsurance contracts as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:
| Total as | |||||||||||
| Life | Non Life | 12.31.23 | |||||||||
| Insurance contract assets | |||||||||||
| Insurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Reinsurance contract assets | |||||||||||
| Reinsurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Total as | |||||||||||
| Life | Non Life | 12.31.22 | |||||||||
| Insurance contract assets | |||||||||||
| Insurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Reinsurance contract assets | |||||||||||
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Insurance contract assets | ||||||||
| Insurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | ||||||
| Liabilities for remaining coverage | ||||||||
| Estimates of the present value of cash flows | ( | ( | ||||||
| Risk adjustment | ( | ( | ||||||
| Cost service margin | ( | ( | ||||||
| Premium reserve - Simplified Model | ||||||||
| Liabilities for incurred claims | ( | ( | ||||||
| Estimates of the present value of cash flows | ( | ( | ||||||
| Risk adjustment | ( | ( | ||||||
| Reinsurance contract assets | ||||||||
| Reinsurance contract liabilities | ( | |||||||
| Liabilities for remaining coverage | ( | |||||||
| Premium reserve - Simplified Model | ( | |||||||
| Liabilities for incurred claims | ||||||||
| Estimates of the present value of cash flows | ||||||||
| Risk adjustment | ||||||||
F-52
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| LRC | LIC | ||||||||||||||||
| Excluding LC | LC | Present value of future cash flows | Risk adj. for non-fin. risk | Total | |||||||||||||
| Opening insurance contract assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Opening insurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2022 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Incurred claims and other directly attributable expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Losses on onerous contracts and reversal of those losses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance acquisition cash flows amortization | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance service expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||
| Insurance service result | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| IAS 29 + Finance expenses from insurance contracts held | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total amounts recognized in comprehensive income | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows | |||||||||||||||||
| Premiums received | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Claims and other directly attributable expenses paid | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance acquisition cash flows | |||||||||||||||||
| Total cash flows | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2023 | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||
| Closing insurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||
| Closing insurance contract assets | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2023 | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||
F-53
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| LRC | LIC | ||||||||||||||||
| Excluding LC | LC | Present value of future cash flows | Risk adj. for non-fin. risk | Total | |||||||||||||
| Opening reinsurance contract assets | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2022 | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Incurred claims recovery | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss recovery component | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income (expenses) from reinsurance contracts held | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| IAS 29 + Finance results from reinsurance contracts held | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total amounts recognized in comprehensive income | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows | |||||||||||||||||
| Premiums paid net of ceding commissions and other directly attributable expenses paid | |||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries from reinsurance | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total cash flows | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | |||||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Closing reinsurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Closing reinsurance contract assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
F-54
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| LRC | LIC | ||||||||||||||||
| Excluding LC | LC | Present value of future cash flows | Risk adj. for non-fin. risk | Total | |||||||||||||
| Opening insurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2021 | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Incurred claims and other directly attributable expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance acquisition cash flows amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance service expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance service result | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| IAS 29 + Finance expenses from insurance contracts held | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total amounts recognized in comprehensive income | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows | |||||||||||||||||
| Premiums received | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Claims and other directly attributable expenses paid | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance acquisition cash flows | |||||||||||||||||
| Total cash flows | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2022 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Closing insurance contract liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||
| Closing insurance contract assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2022 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
F-55
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| LRC | LIC | ||||||||||||||||
| Excluding LC | LC | Present value of future cash flows | Risk adj. for non-fin. risk | Total | |||||||||||||
| Opening reinsurance contract assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Opening reinsurance contract liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Incurred claims recovery | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income (expenses) from reinsurance contracts held | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| IAS 29 + Finance results from reinsurance contracts held | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total amounts recognized in comprehensive income | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows | |||||||||||||||||
| Premiums paid net of ceding commissions and other directly attributable expenses paid | |||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries from reinsurance | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Total cash flows | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2022 | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Closing reinsurance contract assets | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net balance as at December 31, 2022 | ( | ||||||||||||||||
Insurance liabilities were recorded using the current estimates of future cash flows derived from insurance contracts. The assumptions used are as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||
| Mortality Table | 1983 Table A | 1983 Table A | |||||||||
| Investment (Discount) Rate | Products in US$: | Products in US$: | |||||||||
Products in Ps.: | Products in Ps.: | ||||||||||
| Life Insurance Reference Rate | |||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | Ps. | Ps. | |||||||||
F-56
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 21. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS | ||
“Other Non-financial Assets” break down as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Payments on behalf of third parties | ||||||||
| Advances of fees to Directors and Syndics | ||||||||
| Advances to Personnel | ||||||||
| Tax Credits | ||||||||
| Payments made in Advance | ||||||||
| Advances for Purchase of Assets | ||||||||
| Investment properties (*) | ||||||||
| Other Sundry Assets Measured at Cost | ||||||||
| Assets Taken in Defense of Credits | ||||||||
| Contract Assets | ||||||||
| Others | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
____________________
| (*) | Changes in “Investment Properties” are detailed in Schedule F. | ||||
NOTE 22. NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | ||
The Group has classified the following assets as “Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||||||
| Real Estate | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
F-57
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 23. DEPOSITS | ||
Deposits break down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| In Pesos | ||||||||
| Checking Accounts | ||||||||
| Savings Accounts | ||||||||
| Time Deposits | ||||||||
| Time Deposits – UVA | ||||||||
| Others | ||||||||
| Interest and Adjustments | ||||||||
| In Foreign Currency | ||||||||
| Savings Accounts | ||||||||
| Time Deposits | ||||||||
| Others | ||||||||
| Interest and Adjustments | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
The concentration of deposits is detailed in Schedule H.
The breakdown of deposits by remaining term is detailed in Schedule I.
The breakdown of deposits by sector is detailed in Schedule P.
NOTE 24. LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS | ||
F-58
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 25. OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Creditors for Purchase to be Settled | ||||||||
| Collections and Other Transactions on Behalf of Third Parties | ||||||||
| Obligations for Purchase Financing | ||||||||
| Creditors for Purchase of Foreign Currency to be Settled | ||||||||
| Accrued Fees Payable | ||||||||
| Sundry Items Subject to Minimum Cash | ||||||||
| Sundry Items not Subject to Minimum Cash | ||||||||
| Financial Liabilities for guarantees and sureties granted (financial guarantee contracts) | ||||||||
| Cash or equivalents for purchases or cash sales to be settled | ||||||||
| Lease Liabilities | ||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
NOTE 26. LOANS FROM THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Argentine Central Bank Financing | ||||||||
| Correspondents | ||||||||
| Financing from Local Financial Institutions | ||||||||
| Financing from Foreign Financial Institutions | ||||||||
| Financing from International Financial Institutions | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
The breakdown of loans per remaining terms is detailed in Schedule I.
F-59
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The following table details the credit lines with local and international financial institutions and entities as of the indicated dates:
| Financial Institutions and/or Agencies | Placement Date | Currency | Term(*) | Rate(*) | Maturity | Amount as of 12.31.23(**) | ||||||||||||||
| Local Institutions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BICE | Sundry Dates | Ps. | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
| BICE | Sundry Dates | US$ | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
Agreements with Banks(1) | Sundry Dates | Ps. | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
| Call Taken | 12.29.23 | Ps. | 01.02.24 | |||||||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | 12.29.23 | Ps. | 01.02.24 | |||||||||||||||||
| International Institutions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Correspondents | 12.29.23 | US$ | 01.02.24 | |||||||||||||||||
| IFC | Sundry Dates | US$ | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
| Pre-financing | Sundry Dates | US$ | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
(*) Weighted average.
(**) It includes principal and interest.
(1) Relates to Naranja X’ credit lines.
| Financial Institutions and/or Agencies | Placement Date | Currency | Term(*) | Rate(*) | Maturity | Amount as of 12.31.22(**) | ||||||||||||||
| Local Institutions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BICE | Sundry Dates | Ps. | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
| BICE | Sundry Dates | US$ | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
Agreements with Banks(1) | Sundry Dates | Ps. | Sundry Dates | |||||||||||||||||
| Call Taken | 12.30.22 | Ps. | 01.21.23 | |||||||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | 12.30.22 | Ps. | 01.21.23 | |||||||||||||||||
| International Institutions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Correspondents | 12.30.22 | US$ | 01.02.23 | |||||||||||||||||
| IFC | Sundry Dates | US$ | Sundry dates | |||||||||||||||||
| Pre-financing | Sundry Dates | US$ | Sundry dates | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
(*) Weighted average.
(**) It includes principal and interest.
F-60
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 27. DEBT SECURITIES | ||
The following is a breakdown of the Global Programs for the Issuance of Debt securities outstanding:
| Company | Authorized Amount(*) | Type of Debt Securities | Program Term | Approval Date by Shareholders’ Meeting | CNV Approval | ||||||||||||
| Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. | US$ | Simple debt securities not convertible into shares | 03.09.09 confirmed on 08.02.12 | Resolution No. 16113 dated 04.29.09 and extended by Resolution No. 17343 dated 05.08.14 and Provision No. DI-2019-63-APN-GE#CNV dated 08.06.19. Authorization of Increase, Resolution No. 17,064 dated 04.25.13 | |||||||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | US$ | Simple debt securities, not convertible into shares, subordinated or not, to be adjusted or not, secured or unsecured. | 04.28.05, 04.14.10, 04.29.15, 11.09.16 and 04.28.20 | Resolution No. 15228 dated 11.04.05 and extended through Resolution No. 16454 dated 11.11.10 and Resolution No. 17883 dated 11.20.15 and Resolution No. DI-2020-53-APN-GE#CNV dated 11.24.20. Increase of the amount approved by Resolutions No. 17883 dated 11.20.15, No. 18081 dated 06.10.16, No. 18480 dated 01.26.17 and No. 19520 dated 05.17.18 | |||||||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | US$ | Simple debt securities not convertible into shares | 04.25.19 | Frequent Issuer Registration No. 11, granted by Resolution No. RESCFC-2019-2055-APN-DIR#CNV, dated 11/13/19 of CNV´s Board of Directors | |||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | US$ | Simple debt securities, not convertible into shares | 03.08.12 | Resolution No. 15220 dated 07.14.05 and extended through Resolution No. 17676 dated 05.21.15 and No. DI2020-20-APNGE#CNV dated 03.18.20. Increase of the amount approved by Resolutions No. 15.361 dated 03.23.06, 15.785 dated 11.16.07, 16.571 dated 05.24.11, 16.822 dated 05.23.12 and 19.508 dated 05.10.18 | |||||||||||||
F-61
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The Company has the following Unsubordinated Debt securities outstanding issued under the Global Programs detailed in the table above as of December 31, 2023, net of repurchases of Own Debt:
| Company | Placement Date | Currency | Class N° | Face Value | Term | Maturity Date | Rate | Book Value(*) as of 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 01.31.22 | Ps. | LI Serie II | 01.31.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 04.07.22 | Ps. | LIII Serie II | 04.07.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 07.05.22 | Ps. | LIV Serie II | 07.05.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 08.09.22 | Ps. | LV Serie II | 02.09.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 02.03.23 | Ps. | LVII | 02.03.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 04.27.23 | Ps. | LVIII | 04.27.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 07.27.23 | Ps. | LIX | 07.27.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 11.03.23 | Ps. | LX | 11.03.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 03.22.22 | US$ | LII | 04.30.24 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) It includes principal and interest.
On June 21, 2018, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. issued the “Green Bond” which was entirely acquired by the International Finance Corporation. The Green Bond is a 7-year facility, with interest payable every six months. The Green Bond has a 36-month grace period in respect of the repayment of principal, followed by payments in 9 installments due every six months . As of December 31, 2023, the carrying amount of the Green Bond totals Ps.15,536,702 , and it amounted to Ps.19,937,550 as of December 31, 2022.
F-62
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The Company has the following Unsubordinated Debt Securities outstanding issued under the Global Programs detailed in the table above as of December 31, 2022, net of repurchases of Own Debt:
| Company | Placement Date | Currency | Class N° | Face Value | Term | Maturity Date | Rate | Book Value(*) as of 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Banco Galicia | 09.12.22 | Ps. | XII | 03.12.23 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 08.13.21 | Ps. | XLIX Serie II | 08.13.23 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 01.31.22 | Ps. | LI Serie I | 01.31.23 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 01.31.22 | Ps. | LI Serie II | 01.31.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 04.07.22 | Ps. | LIII Serie I | 04.07.23 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 04.07.22 | Ps. | LIII Serie II | 04.07.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 07.05.22 | Ps. | LIV Serie I | 07.05.23 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 07.05.22 | Ps. | LIV Serie II | 07.05.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 08.09.22 | Ps. | LV Serie I | 05.09.23 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 08.09.22 | Ps. | LV Serie II | 02.09.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 02.03.23 | Ps. | LVII | 02.03.24 | Badlar + | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 04.06.21 | US$ | XLVII | 04.28.23 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | 03.22.22 | US$ | LII | 04.30.24 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) It includes principal and interest.
F-63
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The repurchases of Own Debt securities as of the indicated dates are as follows:
| Company | ON Class | Nominal Value as of 12.31.23 | Book Value(*) as of 12.31.23 | ||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LI Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LIII Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LIV Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LV Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LVII | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LVIII | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LIX | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LX | ||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
(*) It includes principal and interest.
| Company | ON Class | Nominal Value as of 12.31.22 | Book Value(*) as of 12.31.22 | ||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | XII | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | XLVII | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | XLIX Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LI Serie I | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LI Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LII | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LIII Serie I | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LIII Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LIV Serie I | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LIV Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LV Serie I | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LV Serie II | ||||||||||
| Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. | LVII | ||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
F-64
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 28. SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES | ||
The Company has the following subordinated debt securities not convertible into shares issued under the Global Programs detailed in Note 27 as of the close of the fiscal year:
| Company | Placement Date | Currency | ON Class | Nominal Value | Term | Maturity Date | Rate | Book Value as of12.31.23(*) | Book Value as of12.31.22(*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | 07.19.16 | US$ | US$ | (1) | 07.19.26 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (*) | It includes principal and interest. | ||||
| (1) | Amortization shall be fully made upon maturity, on July 19, 2026, unless redeemed, at the issuer’s option, fully at a price equal to | ||||
| (2) | Fixed | ||||
The net proceeds from this issuance of debt securities was applied to investments in working capital, loans, other loans and other uses envisaged by the provisions of the Law on Debt securities and the Argentine Central Bank regulations.
The repurchases of Own Subordinated Debt securities as of the indicated dates are as follows:
| Company | ON Class | Nominal Value as of 12.31.23 | Book Value(*) as of 12.31.23 | ||||||||
| Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. | |||||||||||
Total | |||||||||||
NOTE 29. PROVISIONS | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| For Termination Benefits | ||||||||
| Others | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
Changes in the “Provisions” account for fiscal year 2023 are detailed in Schedule J.
F-65
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 30. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Creditors for sale of assets | ||||||||
| Tax withholdings and collections payable | ||||||||
| Payroll and Social Contributions Payable | ||||||||
| Withholdings on Payroll Payable | ||||||||
| Fess to Directors and Syndics | ||||||||
| Value-Added Tax | ||||||||
| Sundry Creditors | ||||||||
| Taxes Payable | ||||||||
Obligations Arising from Contracts with Customers (*) | ||||||||
| Retirement payment orders pending settlement | ||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
(*)Including Liabilities for Quiero! Customer Loyalty Program.
Deferred income resulting from contracts with customers includes the liabilities for the “Quiero!” Customers Loyalty Program. The Group estimates the fair value of the points assigned to customers under the above-mentioned program. This value is estimated by means of the use of a mathematical model that considers certain assumptions of redemption rates, the fair value for the exchanged points based on the combination of available products and the customers’ preferences, as well as breakage. As of December 31, 2023, Ps.2,251,056 was recorded for non-exchanged points, whereas as of December 31, 2022, such amount totaled Ps.7,441,313 .
The following table shows the estimated use of the liabilities recorded as of this fiscal year-end.
| Terms | ||||||||||||||
| Item | Up to 12 Months | Up to 24 Months | Over 24 Months | Total | ||||||||||
Liabilities –“Quiero!” Customers Loyalty Program | ||||||||||||||
NOTE 31. CAPITAL STOCK | ||
The capital stock structure is detailed in Schedule K.
Due to the spin-off-merger in Tarjetas Regionales S.A. non-controlling interest, mentioned in Note 15.1, the Company increased its capital by 47,927,494 Class B shares.
On March 16, 2021 the capital increase of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. was registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.
The expenses related to the capital increase amounted to Ps. 120,390 and are deducted from the share premium.
The Company has no treasury shares in portfolio.
F-66
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 32. INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN | ||
NOTE 33. EXCHANGE RATE DIFFERENCES ON FOREIGN CURRENCY | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| Arising from: | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||
| For Purchase sale of foreign currency | |||||||||||
| For Valuation of Assets and Liabilities in Foreign Currency | |||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
NOTE 34. OTHER OPERATING INCOME | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Other Adjustments and Interest on sundry Credits | |||||||||||
| Rental of Safety Deposit Boxes | |||||||||||
| Other Financial Income | |||||||||||
| Other Income from Services | |||||||||||
| Reversed allowances | |||||||||||
| Others | |||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
NOTE 35. INSURANCE BUSINESS RESULT | ||
The following items are included in the account as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Insurance revenue | ||||||||
| Insurance service expense | ( | ( | ||||||
| Net expenses from reinsurance contracts held | ( | ( | ||||||
| Total | ||||||||
The following items are included in the account as of December 31, 2021 under IFRS 4:
| 12.31.21 | |||||
| Premiums and Surcharges Accrued | |||||
| Claims Accrued | ( | ||||
| Redemptions | ( | ||||
| Fixed and Periodic Annuities | ( | ||||
| Production and Operating Expenses | ( | ||||
| Other Income and Expenses | ( | ||||
| Total | |||||
F-67
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 36. IMPAIRMENT CHARGE | ||
The following items are included in the account as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Expected credit loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Direct charge offs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
NOTE 37. PERSONNEL EXPENSES | ||
The following are the items included in the account as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Payroll | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Social Contributions on Payroll | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Personnel Compensations and Rewards | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Services for Personnel | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Other Short-term Personnel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Other Long-term Personnel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
NOTE 38. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES | ||
The Group presented its statement of comprehensive income by function. Under this method, expenses are classified according to their function as part of the item “Administrative Expenses”.
F-68
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The table below provides the required additional information about expenses by nature and function as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Fees and Remunerations for Services | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Directors’ and Syndics’ Fees | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Advertising and Marketing | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Taxes | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Maintenance and Repairs of Assets and Systems | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Electricity and Communications | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Representation and Travel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Stationery and Office Supplies | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Rentals | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Administrative Services under Contract | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Security | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Insurance | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Armored Transportation Services | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Others | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
NOTE 39. DEPRECIATION EXPENSES | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Amortization of Organization and Development Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Depreciation of other intangible assets | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
Others (*) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
(*) "Other" include the depreciation of various assets and losses from sale or depreciation of property, plant and equipment.
F-69
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 40. OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES | ||
The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Turnover Tax | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Contributions to the Deposit Insurance Scheme | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Charges for Other Provisions | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Claims | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Other Financial Expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Interest on leases | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Credit-card-relates expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Other Expenses from Services | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Others | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
NOTE 41. INCOME TAX/DEFERRED TAX | ||
The following is a reconciliation of income tax charged to income as of December 31, 2023, as compared to the previous fiscal year:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Income Before Income Tax for the Year | |||||||||||
| Current Tax Rate | |||||||||||
| Income for the Year at Tax Rate | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Permanent Differences at Tax Rate | |||||||||||
| - Income for Equity Instruments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| - Untaxed Income | |||||||||||
| - Donations and Other Non-deductible Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| - Other | ( | ( | |||||||||
| - Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| -Tax adjustment | |||||||||||
| - Tax inflation adjustment | |||||||||||
| Total Income Tax Charge for the Year | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Current Income Tax | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
Deferred Tax Charge(*) | ( | ||||||||||
| Update of the charge tax for inflation effects | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Tax Return adjustment from previous fiscal year | ( | ||||||||||
| Total Income Tax Charge for the Year | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
(*)See Note 19.
F-70
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Current Income Tax | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Tax Advances | |||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
Tax Inflation Adjustment
•Law 27,430 introduced an amendment establishing that the subjects referred to in paragraphs a) to e) of Article 53 of the current Income Tax Act, for the purposes of determining the net taxable earnings, should deduct or incorporate the tax inflation adjustment to the tax income for the fiscal year being settled. Said adjustment would be applicable in the fiscal year where a variation percentage of the consumer price index is verified, greater than one hundred percent (100%), accumulated in the thirty-six (36) months prior to the closing of the fiscal year being settled.
•The positive or negative inflation adjustment, as the case may be, to be calculated, would be charged as follows: for the first and second fiscal years commenced on or after January 1, 2019, one sixth (1/6) had to be charged in that fiscal year, and the remaining five sixths (5/6), in equal parts, in the following five (5) immediate fiscal years. Later, for fiscal years commencing on or after January 1, 2021, the inflation adjustment would be charged in full (100%), with no deferral at all. In this regard, the whole inflation adjustment calculated for this year has to be included in the current fiscal year.
Tax rates
On June 16, 2021, Law 27,630 was enacted establishing a new graduated income tax rate structure for capital companies, with three segments in relation to the level of accumulated taxable net earnings, to be applied for fiscal years commencing on or after January 1, 2021, this date included.
The new tax rate in the framework of this treatment are:
For the fiscal year beginning on 01.01.23 and ended 12.31.23:
| Accumulated taxable net earnings | ||||||||||||||
| Over Ps. | At Ps. | Will pay Ps | Plus % | On the surplus of Ps. | ||||||||||
| % | ||||||||||||||
| % | ||||||||||||||
| Onwards | % | |||||||||||||
For the fiscal year beginning on 01.01.22 and ended 12.31.22:
| Accumulated taxable net earnings | ||||||||||||||
| Over Ps. | At Ps. | Will pay Ps | Plus % | On the surplus of Ps. | ||||||||||
| % | ||||||||||||||
| % | ||||||||||||||
| Onwards | % | |||||||||||||
The amounts provided for above will be adjusted annually, based on the annual variation of the CPI provided by INDEC, corresponding to the month of October of the year prior to the adjustment, with respect to the same month of the previous year.
Dividend tax: it is established that dividends or profits distributed to individuals, undivided estates or foreign beneficiaries will be taxed at the rate of 7 %.
F-71
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 42. DIVIDENDS | ||
The General and Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting held on April 25, 2023 approved the distribution of cash dividends in the amount of Ps.10,000,000 (equivalent to Ps.25,581,333 at December 31, 2023), which represented Ps.6.78 (amount stated in Argentine pesos) per share.
In addition, at said Meeting, the use of the Reserve for the eventual distribution of profits for up to Ps.75,000,000 (equivalent to Ps.191,860,028 at December 31, 2023) was approved, delegating to the Board of Directors the power to pay it on one or more occasions until the annual meeting that discusses the income of the current fiscal year. Accordingly, on May 9, 2023 a payment of Ps.35,000,000 (equivalent to Ps.76,637,662 at December 31, 2023) was made, on June 12, 2023 a payment of Ps.12,500,000 (equivalent to Ps.25,833,298 at December 31, 2023) was made, on July 10, 2023 a payment of Ps.12,500,000 (equivalent to Ps.24,292,006 at December 31, 2023) was made, on August 8, 2023 a payment of Ps.12,500,000 (equivalent to Ps.21,604,102 at December 31, 2023) was made, and on September 11, 2023 the remaining payment of Ps.12,500,000 was made (equivalent to Ps.19,161,108 at December 31, 2023).
The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting held on April 26, 2022, approved the distribution of cash dividends in the amount of Ps.11,000,000 (equivalent to Ps.57,487,964 at December 31, 2023), which represented Ps.7.46 (figure expressed in Argentine pesos) per share. On May 9, 2022, the aforementioned dividends were paid to the Company's shareholders.
Additionally, at the same Shareholders´ Meeting, the distribution of cash dividends in the amount of Ps.8,000,000 (equivalent to Ps.41,809,424 at December 31, 2023) was approved, delegating to the Board of Directors the power to partially pay it twice in the months of September 2022 and January 2023. On September 12, 2022, the payment of Ps.4,000,000 was made (which is equivalent to Ps.14,610,418 at December 31, 2023). On January 9, 2023, the remaining payment of Ps.4,000,000 was made (wich is equivalent to Ps.11,748,143 at December 31, 2023).
NOTE 43. EARNINGS PER SHARE | ||
Earnings per share are calculated by dividing income attributable to parent company´s owners by the weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares during the year. As the Group does not have preferred shares or debt convertible into shares, basic earnings are equal to diluted earnings per share.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners | |||||||||||
| Weighted Average Ordinary Shares | |||||||||||
| Earnings per Share | |||||||||||
NOTE 44. SEGMENT REPORTING | ||
The Group determines segments based on management reports that are reviewed by the Board of Directors and updated as they show changes.
Reportable segments are one or more operating segments with similar economic characteristics, distribution channels and regulatory environments.
Below there is a description of each business segment’s composition:
a.Bank: It represents the banking business operation results.
F-72
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
b.Naranja X: This segment represents the results of operations of brand credit cards, consumer finance and digital banking services business. Includes the results of operations of Tarjetas Regionales S.A. consolidated with its subsidiaries, as follows: Cobranzas Regionales S.A., Naranja Digital Companía Financiera S.A.U. and Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. At of 12.31.21, it incorporated the results of Ondara S.A., liquidated in the previous financial year.
c.Insurance: This segment represents the results of operations of the insurance companies’ business and includes the results of operations of Sudamericana Holding S.A. consolidated with its subsidiaries, as follows: Galicia Retiro Cía. de Seguros S.A.U., Galicia Seguros S.A.U., Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A., Well Assistance S.A.U. and, as from this fiscal year, Sudamericana Seguros Galicia S.A. (formerly Seguros SURA S.A.).
d.Other Businesses: This segment shows the results of operations of Galicia Asset Management S.A.U., Galicia Warrants S.A., Galicia Securities S.A.U., Agri Tech Investments LLC, Agri Tech Investments Argentina S.A.U., IGAM LLC, Inviu S.A.U., INVIU Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A., Galicia Investments LLC, Galicia Ventures LP, Galicia Holdings LLC and Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., the last net of eliminations of the income from equity investments.
e.Adjustments: This segment includes consolidation adjustments and eliminations of transactions among subsidiaries. See Note 51.5.
The operating income (loss) of the Group’s different operating segments is monitored separately in order to make decisions on resource allocation and the evaluation of each segment’s performance. Segment performance is evaluated based on operating income or losses and is consistently measured with the operating income and losses of the consolidated income statement.
Intersegment transactions are at arm’s length similarly to transactions performed with third parties. Income, expenses and income (losses) resulting from the transfers among operating segments are then eliminated from consolidation.
On July 26, 2021, INVIU Uruguay Agente de Valores S.A. was authorized by the Central Bank of Uruguay to operate as a Securities Agent, in order to provide financial advice to foreign customers. At the closing of the fiscal year 2021, the volume of operations reached by said Company was not significant.
F-73
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The relevant segment reporting as of the indicated dates is as follows:
| Bank | Naranja X | Insurance | Other Businesses | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.23 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income from interest | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net fee Income | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange rate Differences on Foreign Currency | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Income | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Business Result | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment Charge | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Personnel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Loss on net monetary position | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax from Continuing Operations | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
F-74
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Bank | Naranja X | Insurance | Other Businesses | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.22 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income from interest | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net fee Income | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange rate Differences on Foreign Currency | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Income | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Business Result | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment Charge | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Personnel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Loss on net monetary position | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax from Continuing Operations | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | ||||||||||||||||||||
F-75
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Bank | Naranja X | Insurance | Other Businesses | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.21 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income from interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net fee Income | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange rate Differences on Foreign Currency | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Income | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Business Result | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment Charge | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Personnel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Loss on net monetary position | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax from Continuing Operations | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | ||||||||||||||||||||
F-76
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Bank | Naranja X | Insurance | Other Businesses | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.23 | |||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current Assets Held for Sale | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provisions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contracts Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
F-77
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Bank | Naranja X | Insurance | Other Businesses | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.22 | |||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current Assets Held for Sale | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase transactions | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Provisions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
The information by geographic segments as of the indicated dates is presented below:
F-78
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Argentina | Uruguay | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.23 | |||||||||||
| Net Income from interest | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net fee Income | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||
| Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | ||||||||||||||
| Exchange rate Differences on Foreign Currency | ||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Income | ( | |||||||||||||
| Insurance Business Result | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment Charge | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Personnel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Depreciation Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Loss on net monetary position | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Operating Income | ( | |||||||||||||
| Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures | ||||||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | ( | |||||||||||||
| Income Tax from Continuing Operations | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
F-79
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Argentina | Uruguay | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.22 | |||||||||||
| Net Income from interest | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net fee Income | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||
| Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | ||||||||||||||
| Exchange rate Differences on Foreign Currency | ||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Income | ( | |||||||||||||
| Insurance Business Result | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment Charge | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Personnel Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Depreciation Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Loss on net monetary position | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Operating Income | ( | |||||||||||||
| Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations | ( | |||||||||||||
| Income Tax from Continuing Operations | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Income from Continuing Operations | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests | ||||||||||||||
F-80
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Argentina | Uruguay | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.23 | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | ( | |||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | ( | |||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | |||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ||||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ||||||||||||||
| Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures | ||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ( | |||||||||||||
| Non-current Assets Held for Sale | ||||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | ( | |||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ( | |||||||||||||
| Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Provisions | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contracts Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ( | |||||||||||||
F-81
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Argentina | Uruguay | Adjustments | Total as of 12.31.22 | |||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | ( | |||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss | ( | |||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ( | |||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ||||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ||||||||||||||
| Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures | ||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Contract Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Non-current Assets Held for Sale | ||||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | ( | |||||||||||||
| Deposits | ( | |||||||||||||
| Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ( | |||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ( | |||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Current Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
| Provisions | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance Contracts Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ( | |||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ( | |||||||||||||
NOTE 45. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND RISK POLICIES | ||
The tasks related to risk information and internal control of each of the companies controlled by Grupo Financiero Galicia are defined and carried out rigorously by each of them.
Corporate risk management is monitored by the Audit Committee, which as well gathers and analyzes the information submitted by the main controlled companies.
As concerns risks, Banco Galicia embraces a policy that takes into consideration several aspects of the business and operations, abiding by the main guidelines of internationally accepted standards.
F-82
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The specific function of the integral management of risks faced by Banco Galicia has been assigned to the Risk Area Management, ensuring its independence from the rest of the business areas by depending directly on the Bank’s General Management. Likewise, in order to have timely information and an agile and efficient structure that allows responding and adapting to the prevailing macro and microeconomic variables, the functions of granting and recovering credits, both for companies and individuals, are in charge of managements directly reporting to the Area, thus seeking greater efficiency in decision-making.
Additionally, the control and prevention of the risks of money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities, are in charge of the Prevention of Money Laundering Management, reporting to the Board of Directors, thus ensuring the Board of Directors is fully knowledgeable of the risks the Bank is exposed to, being in charge of designing and proposing the required policies and procedures for their identification, evaluation, follow-up, control, and mitigation.
The Risk Appetite framework has been specified as the risk level that would eventually be assumed in order to meet the business objectives. This specified Risk Appetite framework counts on different levels of risk acceptance, both in individual and consolidated terms. The Risk Appetite monitors, through a series of metrics and associated thresholds, the main risks assumed by the Bank, and divides them into the following dimensions: (i) Capital Risk (or Solvency); (ii) Financial Risk; (iii) Credit Risk; (iv) Operational Risk; (v) Cybersecurity. It should be noted that the last two dimensions also include monitoring the Reputational and Technological Risks.
Additionally, the Risks Area Management monitors the risk appetite set up, and conducts prospective analysis of the risk levels, aligning the management to the strategy and the business plan defined by the Board of Directors. It also promotes corporate policies aimed at mitigating verified (or potential) deviations from the accepted risk levels.
Capital Management
The Company’s goals are to generate returns to its shareholders, benefits to other groups of interest and keep the best capital structure. The latter will be given by the needs for investment in subsidiaries and new ventures, keeping the expected profitability levels and complying with the liquidity and solvency goals set.
Banco Galicia’s subsidiary determines the minimum capital requirement for each risk, in accordance with Argentine Central Bank regulations. The capital risk management is cross-sectional with respect to the other risks. Senior management is responsible for monitoring, overseeing, adjusting and ensuring compliance with its stated goals concerning capital management.
The Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (Proceso de Evaluación de Suficiencia de Capital—PESC) (reflected in the Capital Adequacy Report—IAC, as per its acronym in Spanish) enables to assess the relationship between own resources available and necessary resources to maintain an appropriate risk profile. This process also allows for the identification of both the economic capital needs and the sources to meet such needs.
To perform stress tests, four scenarios with different likelihood of occurrence are defined, which could affect the solvency and liquidity. The most likely to occur scenarios are used in management stress testing and are referred to when defining Risk Appetite thresholds. The least-likely to occur or least-severe scenarios are used in developing the Recovery Plan, which specifies the protocol defined for situations or events that may compromise the Bank’s operational capacity.
As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, Banco Galicia complied with the minimum capital requirement established by the Argentine Central Bank regulations. The balances of these items for Banco Galicia are detailed below, in accordance with the regulations and the currency in force each year.
F-83
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Computable Regulatory Capital (RPC, as per the initials in Spanish) is made up of Core Capital and Supplementary Capital. Banco Galicia’s balance for such items as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, is as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Basic Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| (Deductible Items) | ( | ( | ||||||
| Equity Tier 1 | ||||||||
| Complementing shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Equity Tier 2 | ||||||||
| Regulatory Capital (RPC) | ||||||||
The breakdown of the minimum capital requirement determined for the Group is shown below:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Credit Risk | ||||||||
| Market Risk | ||||||||
| Operational Risk | ||||||||
| Minimum Capital Requirement | ||||||||
| Integration | ||||||||
| Excess | ||||||||
Financial Risks
Financial risk is a phenomenon inherent to the financial brokerage activity. The exposure to the different financial risk factors is a natural circumstance that cannot be completely avoided without affecting the Group’s long-term economic viability. However, the lack of management regarding risk exposures is one of the most significant short-term threats. Risk factors need to be identified and managed within a specific policy framework that envisages the profile and the level of risk it has been decided to take to achieve long-term strategic goals.
Market Risk
The “price risk” is the possibility of incurring losses as a consequence of the variation of the market price of financial assets whose value is subject to negotiation. Financial assets subject to “trading” or allocated to “own positions” will be government and private debt securities, shares, currencies, derivatives and debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank.
Brokerage/trading transactions that are allowed and regulated by the Policy are as follows:
•Brokerage of Government and Provincial Securities.
•Brokerage of Currencies on the Spot and Futures Markets
•Brokerage of Interest Rate Derivatives. Interest Rate Futures and Interest Rate Swaps.
•Brokerage of Debt Instruments Issued by the Argentine Central Bank.
•Brokerage of Third-party Debt securities.
•Brokerage of Shares.
For the fiscal year 2023, a limit of 2.25% of TIER1 was set for all operations, with a closing amount of Ps.29,147,302 .
The “price risk” (market) is daily managed according to the strategy approved, the purpose of which is to keep the Group present in the different currencies, variable- and fixed-income and derivatives markets, while obtaining the maximum return as possible on brokerage, without exposing the latter to excessive risk levels. Finally, the designed policy contributes
F-84
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
to providing transparency and facilitates the perception of the risk levels to which it is exposed. In order to measure and monitor risks derived from the variation in the price of financial instruments that form the trading or brokerage securities portfolio, a model known as “Value at Risk” (also known as “VaR”) is used. This model determines the possible loss that could be generated by different financial instruments at each time under the following critical parameters.
Currency Risk
The composition of Assets and Liabilities in domestic currency and foreign currency exposes the Bank’s financial position to the so-called “Currency Risk”, as a consequence of market fluctuations in the prices of the different currencies in which Assets and Liabilities are nominated.
The Group’s exposure to the foreign exchange risk as of year-end by type of currency is shown below:
| Balances as of 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||||
| Currency | Monetary Financial Assets | Monetary Financial Liabilities | Derivatives | Net Position | ||||||||||
| US Dollar | ( | |||||||||||||
| Euro | ( | |||||||||||||
| Canadian Dollar | ( | |||||||||||||
| Real | ||||||||||||||
| Swiss Franc | ( | |||||||||||||
| Others | ( | |||||||||||||
| Total | ( | |||||||||||||
| Balances as of 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||
| Currency | Monetary Financial Assets | Monetary Financial Liabilities | Derivatives | Net Position | ||||||||||
| US Dollar | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Euro | ( | |||||||||||||
| Canadian Dollar | ( | |||||||||||||
| Real | ||||||||||||||
| Swiss Franc | ( | |||||||||||||
| Others | ( | |||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
F-85
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Balances as of 12.31.23 | Balances as of 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||
| Currency | Change | Income (Loss) | Shareholders’ Equity | Income (Loss) | Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||
| US Dollar | % | ||||||||||||||||
| - | % | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Euro | % | ||||||||||||||||
| - | % | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Canadian Dollar | % | ||||||||||||||||
| - | % | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Real | % | ||||||||||||||||
| - | % | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Swiss Franc | % | ||||||||||||||||
| - | % | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Others | % | ||||||||||||||||
| - | % | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Risk
The different sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in “market interest rates” exposes the Group to the “interest rate risk”. It is the risk that the financial margin and the economic value of equity may vary as a consequence of fluctuations in market interest rates. The magnitude of such variation is associated with the sensitivity to interest rates of the structure of the Group’s assets and liabilities.
This risk factor (the change in interest rates) has an impact on two key variables: the “Net Financial Income (Expense)” and the “Present Value of Shareholders’ Equity”.
These methodologies imply a “short-term” approach (RFN), for which a “base case scenario” is submitted to a 400 basis points “interest rates” shock for Argentine pesos, and 200 basis points for Dollars and CER/UVA, and the variation of the Net Financial Income is estimated and compared with the limits assigned to said changes in the variables subject to control. For “long-term approach” (VP), statistical simulations of interest rates are performed, and a “critical” scenario is obtained, arising from the exposure to the interest rate risk presented by the balance sheet structure. The economic capital is obtained from the difference resulting from the “critical” scenario and the balance sheet market value, within a 99.5 % confidence interval.
The Group’s exposure to the interest rate risk is detailed below. This table shows the residual value of assets and liabilities, classified by the sooner of the interest renegotiation date or the maturity date.
| Term (in Days) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets and Liabilities at Variable Rate | Up to 30 | From 30 to 90 | From 90 to 180 | From 180 to 365 | More than 365 | Total | ||||||||||||||
| As of 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As of 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Amount | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
F-86
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The table below shows the sensitivity to potential additional changes in interest rates in the next fiscal year, considering the breakdown as of December 31, 2023. The percentage change budgeted by the Group for fiscal year 2023 was determined considering 100 bps and changes are considered reasonably possible on the basis on an observation of market conditions.
| Additional Changes to the Interest Rate | Increase/(Decrease) in Income before Income Tax in Pesos | Increase/(Decrease) in Shareholders’ Equity in % | |||||||||
| Decrease in Interest Rate | - | % | |||||||||
| Increase in Interest Rate | ( | ( | % | ||||||||
Liquidity Risk
It contemplates the risk that the Group is unable to offset or liquidate a position at market value because:
•the assets that are part thereof do not have a sufficient secondary market; or
•market changes.
In measuring and daily following up the “stock liquidity” an internal model is used, which contemplates the characteristics of behavior of the Group’s main funding sources. Based on the Group’s experience in connection with the changes in deposits and other liabilities, this model determines the “liquidity requirements” applied to liabilities subject to the policy and give rise to the “Management Liquidity Requirement”. In determining these liquid resources, the remaining term of liabilities is also contemplated, as well as the currency in which they are denominated. The resulting liquidity requirement is allocated to “eligible assets” set by the policy. The management liquidity requirement, along with the legal minimum cash requirements, are part of the total liquidity available.
Daily liquidity management is supplemented by the estimated available funds or needs for the day, considering the opening balance of Argentine Central Bank’s account, deducting the daily minimum requirement, and including the main movements for the day. The latter results in the overestimated/underestimated balance that will be considered by operators in order to place funds or meet the financing needs.
The monthly liquidity follow-up and control from the “flow” standpoint, called “liquidity mismatch/liquidity gap”, are performed by estimating the accumulated mismatches within the first year as a percentage of total liabilities. The gap methodology used (contractual gaps) is consistent with the best international practices in the field.
In addition, the concentration of deposits is followed up and measured. In order to mitigate this risk factor, the policy designed restricts the involvement of two groups of customers to the total deposits: the first 10 customers and second 50 customers.
F-87
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The table below shows an analysis of maturities of assets and liabilities, determined based on the remaining period as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, based on undiscounted cash flows:
| Less than 1 Month | 1 to 6 Months | 6 to 12 Months | 12 Months to 5 Years | More than 5 Years | Total as of 12.31.23 | |||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
F-88
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Less than 1 Month | 1 to 6 Months | 6 to 12 Months | 12 Months to 5 Years | More than 5 Years | Total as of 12.31.22 | |||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities measured at Fair Value trough Profit or Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from the possibility of suffering losses due to a debtor’s or counterparty’s noncompliance with its contractual obligations. It is the one that requires the greatest need for capital, including that arising from the risk of individual and sectorial concentration, which represents supplementary approximations to the intrinsic credit risk.
Accordingly, the Group uses credit assessment and risk monitoring tools that allow the entity to manage risks in a streamlined and controlled manner and that foster the adequate diversification of portfolios, both on an individual basis and by economic sector, thus controlling its exposure to potential risks.
F-89
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The credit quality of debt securities as of December 31, 2023, is as follows:
| Government Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rating | Government Bonds | Provincial Bonds | Autonomous City of Buenos Aires Bonds | Treasury Bills | Argentine Central Bank’s Bills | Foreign government bonds | Private Securities | Total as of 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||||||||
| AAA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA+ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A+ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BBB- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BB- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The credit quality of debt securities as of December 31, 2022, is as follows:
| Government Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rating | Government Bonds | Provincial Bonds | Autonomous City of Buenos Aires Bonds | Treasury Bills | Argentine Central Bank’s Bills | Foreign government bonds | Private Securities | Total as of 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||
| AAA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA+ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A+ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BBB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BBB.ar | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BB- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-90
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Summary of credit risk
The following disclosures present the gross carrying amount of financial instruments to which the impairment requirements in IFRS 9 are applied and the associated allowance for loan losses.
Those credits that do not have reasonable expectations of recovering the contractual cash flows are eliminated from the Group’s assets and are recognized in “Off-balance Items”.
The credit quality related to loans granted is detailed in Schedule B.
The breakdown by term of “Net Loans and Other Financing” is detailed in Schedule D.
Impairment of financial assets
The “Expected Credit Loss” (“ECL”) model applies to financial assets which are valued at both amortized cost and fair value through OCI.
The standard establishes three categories to classify financial instruments, primarily considering the credit risk evolution over time. Stage 1 includes financial assets with normal or no significant risk associated; Stage 2 includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk (“SICR”) has been identified but they are not yet deemed to be credit-impaired, and Stage 3 comprises financial assets which are defaulted and/or subject to serious risk of impairment.
To calculate the provisions for credit impairment risk, IFRS 9 differentiates between each of the three stages. The resulting concepts are explained as follows:
•Expected Credit Losses within a 12-month period: possible events of default within the 12 months following the date of the presentation of financial statements. Assets included in Stage 1 have their ECL measured at 12-month ECL.
•Lifetime Expected Credit Losses: ECL during the active period of the financial asset, which results of calculating the probability of impairment of an asset throughout its duration, up until its maturity. Instruments in Stage 2 or 3 have their ECL measured based on lifetime ECL.
A pervasive concept in measuring ECL in accordance with IFRS 9 is that it should consider forward looking information. The Group has included below an explanation on how it has incorporated this in its ECL models.
Grouping of instruments for losses measured on a collective basis
For expected credit loss provisions modelled on a collective basis, a grouping of exposures is performed based on shared risks characteristics, such that risk exposures within group are homogeneous. In performing this grouping, there must be sufficient information for the group to be statistically credible. Where sufficient information is not available internally, the Group has considered benchmarking internal/external supplementary data to use for modelling purposes.
The Group has identified four groupings: Retail, Retail-like, Wholesale and Naranja X, amongst these four segments the Group estimates parameters in a more granular way based on the shared risk characteristics.
Stage classification
Each subsidiary of Grupo Galicia classifies financial instruments subject to impairment under IFRS 9 in stages, as follows:
•Stage 1: in the case of retail portfolios, it includes every operation up to 31 days past due. In the case of wholesale portfolios, it considers every client whose BCRA situation indicates a normal status (A1) (i.e. low risk of bankruptcy).
•Stage 2: considers two groups:
•For retail and retail like Portfolios between 31 and 90 days past due. For wholesale it considers credit ratings for which the risk of default has increased significantly (B).
•Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score with impairment risk.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
•Stage 3: For retail portfolios, it includes every operation amounting 90 or more days past due. For wholesale portfolios, it considers every client whose BCRA situation indicates serious risk of bankruptcy (C, D, E). Furthermore, this stage also includes refinanced transactions originated more than 90 days past due or with another transaction in force within the last 24 months.
Significant Increase in credit risk
The Group considers a financial instrument to have experienced a significant increase in credit risk when any of the following conditions exist:
____________________
1 | The analysis of the customer’s cash flow shows that it is capable of attend adequately all its financial commitments. | ||||
| Retail Portfolio | |||||
| BCRA situation | Extra conditions to be considered stage 2 | ||||
| A, B1 | - Cure (*) | ||||
| - Between 30 and 90 past due days | |||||
- Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score (**) with impairment risk | |||||
| C | - It does not apply to defaulted clients | ||||
| Retail-like Portfolio | |||||
| BCRA situation | Extra conditions to be considered stage 2 | ||||
| A, B1 | - Cure (*) | ||||
| - Between 30 and 90 past due days | |||||
- Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score (**) with impairment risk | |||||
| C | - It does not apply to defaulted clients | ||||
| Wholesale Portfolio | |||||
| BCRA situation | Extra conditions to be considered stage 2 | ||||
| A | - Cure (*) | ||||
| - BCRA situation B1 | |||||
- Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score (**) with impairment risk | |||||
| C | - It does not apply to defaulted clients | ||||
| (*) | It refers to customers who have been in stage 3 and back to stage 1, the entity has decided to keep them in stage 2. | ||||
| (**) | Internal scoring. | ||||
Definition of Default
A financial asset is in default whenever a payment is more than 90 days past due, or if the Company considers the payment will not be fully reimbursed.
The credit analysis for wholesale loans is not the same as for retail loans, Grupo Galicia’s definition of default for wholesale portfolios is based on a credit analysis of the individual borrower.
F-92
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The default definition has been applied consistently to model the Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD) and Loss given Default (LGD) throughout the Group’s expected loss calculations:
•Probability of Default (“PD”): it represents the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on its financial obligation (as per the definition of default included above), either over the next 12 months or the remaining lifetime of the obligation.
•Exposure at the moment of Default (“EAD”): it is based on the amounts the Group expects to be owed at the time of default, over the next 12 months or over the remaining lifetime. For example, for a revolving commitment, the Group includes the current draw down balance plus any further amount that it is expected to be drawn up to the current contractual limit by the potential time of default.
•Loss given Default (“LGD”): this represents Grupo Galicia’s expectation of effective loss from the total exposure at default. Its value changes according to the counterparty, seniority of the claim and availability of collateral or other credit support. LGD is expressed as a percentage loss per Peso of exposure at the time of default and is calculated over the term of the relevant obligation.
An instrument is considered to no longer be in default when it no longer meets any of the default criteria above mentioned.
Methodology for Expected Credit Loss estimation
Expected credit loss impairment allowances recognized in the financial statements reflect the effect of a range of possible economic outcomes, calculated on a probability-weighted basis, based on the economic scenarios described below. The recognition and measurement of expected credit losses (‘ECL’) involves the use of significant judgment and estimation. It is necessary to formulate multiple forward-looking economic forecasts and incorporate them into the ECL estimates. Grupo Galicia uses a standard framework to form economic scenarios to reflect assumptions about future economic conditions, supplemented with the use of management judgment, which may result in using alternative or additional economic scenarios and/or management adjustments.
IFRS 9 establishes the following standards regarding the estimation of credit loss:
•An unbiased weighted probability index determined by the evaluation of different outcomes.
•Time value of money
•Reasonable and sustainable information available at no additional cost or effort that provides evidence to support forecasts, as well as present conditions and past events.
According to IFRS 9, Grupo Galicia prepared three different scenarios with different probabilities: a base scenario with 70 % probability of occurrence, a pessimistic scenario with 15 % probability of occurrence and an optimistic scenario with 15 % probability of occurrence.
| Scenario Probabilities | Base | Optimistic | Pessimistic | |||||||||||
| Retail, Retail like and Wholesale | % | % | % | |||||||||||
| Naranja | % | % | % | |||||||||||
In order to toake time value of money into account, Grupo assumes expected losses will take place according to the PD behavior.
The ECL is determined by calculating the PD, EAD and LGD for each future month or collective segment. These three components are multiplied together and adjusted for forward looking information. This effectively calculates an ECL for each future month, which is then discounted back to the reporting date and summed. The discount rate used in the ECL calculation is the original effective interest rate or an estimation of it.
F-93
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Key macroeconomic variables used in the scenarios described below are shown in the table:
| Macroeconomic Variable Projections (%) | QI - 2024 (*) | QII - 2024 (*) | QIII - 2024 (*) | QIV - 2024 (*) | |||||||||||||
| GDP | Base | - | % | - | % | - | % | % | |||||||||
| Optimistic | - | % | - | % | - | % | % | ||||||||||
| Pessimistic | - | % | - | % | - | % | - | % | |||||||||
| Unemployment Rate | Base | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Optimistic | % | % | % | - | % | ||||||||||||
| Pessimistic | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||
| Real Salary | Base | - | % | - | % | - | % | - | % | ||||||||
| Optimistic | - | % | - | % | - | % | % | ||||||||||
| Pessimistic | - | % | - | % | - | % | - | % | |||||||||
| Badlar rate | Base | % | - | % | - | % | - | % | |||||||||
| Optimistic | % | - | % | - | % | - | % | ||||||||||
| Pessimistic | % | % | - | % | - | % | |||||||||||
| Consumer Price Index (CPI) | Base | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Optimistic | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||
| Pessimistic | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||
Grupo Galicia has also carried out sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of volatility on macroeconomic variables on the result of the expected credit losses.
| Scenario 1 (change in the probability of the macroeconomic scenarios) | Base scenario | Sensitivity | ||||||
| Regular scenario | % | % | ||||||
| Positive scenario | % | % | ||||||
| Negative scenario | % | % | ||||||
| Grupo Financiero Galicia ECL | ||||||||
| Retail, Retail like and Wholesale ECL | ||||||||
| Naranja ECL | ||||||||
| Scenario 2 (change in forecast PIB, inflation, nominal exchange rate, unemployment, current account) | Regular scenario | Positive scenario | Negative scenario | ||||||||
| Macroeconomic scenario probability | % | % | % | ||||||||
| Sensitivity | |||||||||||
| GDP | % | % | % | ||||||||
| Unemployment Rate | % | % | % | ||||||||
| Real Salary | - | % | - | % | - | % | |||||
| Badlar | % | % | % | ||||||||
| CPI | % | % | % | ||||||||
| Grupo Financiero Galicia ECL | |||||||||||
| Retail, Retail like and Wholesale RCL | |||||||||||
| Naranja ECL | |||||||||||
F-94
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Maximum exposure to credit risk
Unless identified at an earlier stage, all financial assets are deemed to have suffered a significant increase in credit risk when they are 30 days past due (“DPD”) and are transferred from stage 1 to stage 2. The following disclosure presents the ageing of stage 2 financial assets. It distinguishes those assets that are classified as stage 2 when they are less than 30 days past due (1-29 DPD) from those that are more than 30 DPD (30 and >DPD). Past due financial instruments are those loans where customers have failed to make payments in accordance with the contractual terms of their facilities.
The following table contains an analysis of the credit risk exposure of financial instruments for which an ECL allowance is recognized.
| Retail Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1-30 | |||||||||||||||||
| 31-60 | |||||||||||||||||
| 61-90 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Retail like Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1-30 | |||||||||||||||||
| 31-60 | |||||||||||||||||
| 61-90 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
F-95
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Wholesale Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| A | |||||||||||||||||
| B1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Naranja X | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month ECL | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime ECL | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1-30 | |||||||||||||||||
| 31-60 | |||||||||||||||||
| 61-90 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Retail Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1-30 | |||||||||||||||||
| 31-60 | |||||||||||||||||
| 61-90 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
F-96
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Retail like Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1-30 | |||||||||||||||||
| 31-60 | |||||||||||||||||
| 61-90 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| A | |||||||||||||||||
| B1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Naranja X | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECL Staging | |||||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |||||||||||||||
| 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Days past due | |||||||||||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1-30 | |||||||||||||||||
| 31-60 | |||||||||||||||||
| 61-90 | |||||||||||||||||
| Default | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss allowance | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
The Grupo Galicia employs a range of policies and practices to mitigate credit risk. The most common of these is accepting collateral for loans or funds advanced. The Group has internal policies on the acceptability of specific classes of collateral.
F-97
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The Grupo Galicia policies regarding obtaining collateral have not significantly changed during the reporting period and there has been no significant change in the overall quality of the collateral held by the Group since the prior period.
This table provides information on balance sheet items and their collateral in offsets as well as loan and other credit-related commitments.
Assets Subject to Impairment
| Item | Carrying Amount | Loss Allowances | Net Gross Carrying Amount | Collateral´s Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Advances | ( | |||||||||||||
| Documents | ( | |||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | ( | |||||||||||||
| Pledge Loans | ( | |||||||||||||
| Personal Loans | ( | |||||||||||||
| Credit Card Loans | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial Leases | ( | |||||||||||||
| Others | ( | |||||||||||||
| Total as of December 31, 2023 | ( | |||||||||||||
The following table shows information about the mortgage portfolio LTV distribution.
| Mortgages Portfolio -LTV Distribution | Exposure | ||||
| Lower than 50% | |||||
| 50 to 60% | |||||
| 60 to 70% | |||||
| 70 to 80% | |||||
| 80 to 90% | |||||
| 90 to 100% | |||||
| Higher than 100% | |||||
| Total | |||||
Evolution of the exposure to credit risk and the related allowances
The credit risk allowance recognized in the fiscal year is affected by a variety of factors, such as:
•transfers between Stage 1 and Stages 2 or 3 because the financial instruments experience significant credit risk increases (or decreases), or become impaired in the period, with the corresponding “increase” (or “decrease”) between the 12-month and Lifetime ECL;
•additional allocations for new financial instruments recognized during the fiscal year, as well as reversals of allowances for loan losses for financial instruments derecognized in the fiscal year;
•impact on ECL measurements of changes in PD, EAD and LGD in the fiscal year, arising from the periodic update of inputs to the models;
•impact on ECL measurement due to changes in models and assumptions;
•impacts due to passing of time resulting from an update to the present value;
•local currency translations for assets denominated in foreign currency and other changes;
•financial assets derecognized during the period and application of allowances related to assets derecognized in the balance sheet during the fiscal year; and
F-98
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The following tables explain the changes in the loss allowance between the beginning and the end of the fiscal year due to these factors:
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Like Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
F-99
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Wholesale Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ||||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Naranja X | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ||||||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
F-100
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | |||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Like Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | |||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
F-101
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Wholesale Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ||||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Naranja X | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | |||||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
F-102
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | |||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Like Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
F-103
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Wholesale Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ||||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | |||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Naranja X | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Movements with P&L Impact | ||||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Other movements with no P&L impact | ||||||||||||||
| Write-offs and other movements | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
F-104
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The following table further explains changes in the gross carrying amount of specific segment portfolio to help explain their significance to the changes in the loss allowance:
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail like Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
F-105
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Wholesale Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Naranja X | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
F-106
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | |||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Retail like Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
F-107
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Wholesale Portfolio | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ( | |||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||||||||||||
| Naranja X | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Total | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers: | ||||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 | ( | |||||||||||||
| Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| New financial assets originated or purchased | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange and other movements | ||||||||||||||
| Inflation Effect | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
Use of information
Grupo Financiero Galicia, according to IFRS 9 standards, uses all information available, past, present and future to identify and estimate expected credit loss.
Operational Risk
The operational risk management is understood as the identification, assessment, monitoring, control and mitigation of this risk. It is an ongoing process carried out throughout the Group, which fosters a risk management culture at all organization levels through an effective policy and a program led by Senior Management.
Identification
The starting point of the operational risk management is the identification of risks and their association with the controls established to mitigate them, considering internal and external factors that may affect the process development. The results
F-108
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
of this exercise are entered into a log of risks, which acts as a central repository of the nature and status of each risk and controls thereof.
Assessment
Once risks have been identified, the size in terms of impact, frequency and likelihood of risk occurrence is determined, considering the existing controls. The combination of impact with likelihood of occurrence determines the risk exposure level. Finally, the estimated risk levels are compared to pre-established criteria, considering the balance of potential benefits and adverse results.
Monitoring
The monitoring process allows detecting and correcting the possible deficiencies in operational risk management policies, processes and procedures and their update.
Risk Control and Mitigation
The control process ensures compliance with internal policies and analyzes risks and responses to avoid, accept, mitigate or share them, by aligning them with the risk tolerance defined.
IT Risk
The Group manages the IT risk inherent to its products, activities and business processes. It also manages the risk associated with the material information systems, technology and information security processes. It also covers the risks derived from subcontracted activities and from services rendered by providers.
Reputational Risk
The reputational risk may result from the materialization of other risks: Legal, Compliance, Operational, Technological, Strategic, Market, Liquidity, Credit, etc.
The groups of interest are at the core of management, being considered upon establishing any type of mitigation measure.
Banco Galicia’s reputational risk management function was allocated to the Compliance Management Division, seeking to obtain a more comprehensive vision and be able to make immediate decisions that protect the entity’s image and reputation by using tools that enable to monitor and follow up to the perception of different groups of interest.
Banco Galicia defined an internal policy to reduce the occurrence of reputational events with negative impact, by defining a governance model with roles and responsibilities, and identifying critical scenarios that require management and visibility.
Contacts have been established with key business areas, devising a work scheme based on synergy and ongoing communication in order to spread the risk culture across the organization.
The Reputational Crisis Committee is in charge of becoming aware of the events that may affect the Bank’s reputation. In the face of an event of such characteristics, all the necessary information is gathered in the shortest time possible in order to be able to make assertive decisions, formally declare the crisis situation, if appropriate, and define the action plan to alleviate the crisis. In addition, such committee determines the communication strategy to be followed, considering the groups of interest involved. Finally, the strategy and related actions are followed to tackle the crisis.
Strategic Risk
Strategic risk is that which arises from an inappropriate business strategy or an adverse change in forecasts, parameters, goals and other functions that support such strategy.
F-109
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
It represents the possibility of fluctuations in placements that prevent Banco Galicia or its subsidiaries from obtaining the expected results of operations. These potential affected results of operations would give rise to lower income or higher costs regardless of what was budgeted.
Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk
As regards the control and prevention of asset laundering and funding of terrorist activities, Banco Galicia complies with the regulations set forth by the Argentine Central Bank, the Financial Information Unit and Law No. 25246, as amended, which creates the Financial Information Unit (UIF), within the purview of Argentina’s Ministry of Treasury and Public Finance with functional autarchy. The Financial Information Unit is in charge of analyzing, addressing and reporting the information received, in order to prevent and avoid both asset laundering and funding of terrorist activities.
The Bank has promoted the implementation of measures designed to fight against the use of the international financial system by criminal organizations. For such purposes, Banco Galicia has control policies, procedures and structures that are applied using a “risk-based approach”, which allow for the monitoring of transactions, pursuant to the “customer profile” (defined individually based on the information and documentation related to the economic and financial condition of the customer), in order to detect such transactions that should be considered unusual, and to report them to the UIF in applicable cases. The Anti-Money Laundering Management Division (“PLA”, as per its initials in Spanish) is in charge of managing this activity, through the implementation of control and prevention procedures as well as the communication thereof to the rest of the organization by drafting the related handbooks and training all employees. In addition, the management of this risk is regularly reviewed by Internal Audit.
The Bank has appointed a director as Compliance Officer, pursuant to Resolution 121/11, as amended, handed down by the UIF, who shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with and implementation of the proceedings and obligations on the issue.
The Bank contributes to the prevention and mitigation of risks from these transaction-related criminal behaviors, by being involved in the international regulatory standards adoption process.
Cybersecurity Risk
The use of technologies in place facilitates us a significant number of tools that expedite and improve the Bank’s processes, having a positive impact on our products and services. However, along with the above-mentioned benefits, risks and/or threats related to these new opportunities provided by digital technologies appear.
NOTE 46. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS | ||
a) Tax Issues
At the date of these consolidated financial statements, provincial tax collection authorities, as well as tax collection authorities from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, are in the process (in different degrees of completion) of conducting reviews and assessments mainly in respect of matters resulting from applying turnover tax.
These proceedings and their possible effects are constantly being monitored. Even though it is considered that it has complied with its tax liabilities in full pursuant to current regulations, the provisions deemed adequate pursuant to the evolution of each proceeding have been set up.
Banco Galicia has filed to the Federal Administration of Public Revenue (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos, AFIP) several claims for refund of the Income Tax paid in excess for the fiscal years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, for the amounts of Ps.433,815 , Ps.459,319 , Ps.944,338 , Ps.866,842 , Ps.3,646,382 , Ps.4,403,712 ,
F-110
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Ps.629,837 and Ps.4,039,802 , respectively. These claims are based on Argentine jurisprudence that establishes the unconstitutionality of the rules disabling the application of the tax inflation adjustment, resulting in confiscatory situations. Considering the delay in the resolution by the Federal Administration of Public Revenue, the corresponding judicial claims were filed.
Identical claims were filed by other Group subsidiaries before the Federal Administration of Public Revenue: Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A., (Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. predecessor company), for 2014 and 2016 periods, for an amount of Ps.145,478 , nominal value; Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U., for 2014 and 2016 periods, for a total amount of Ps.580,164 , nominal value; and for 2015, 2017, and 2018 periods, for an amount of Ps.149,763 , Ps.326,498 , and Ps.973,843 , nominal value, respectively. Considering the delay in the resolution by the Federal Administration of Public Revenue, the corresponding judicial claims were filed. On May 26, 2020, Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. filed before the AFIP a claim for the repetition of the Income Tax corresponding to 2019 period for Ps.1,364,949 in nominal value.
At the closing of these Financial Statements, the Group does not record contingent assets derived from the aforementioned presentations.
b) Consumer Protection Associations
Consumer Protection Associations, on behalf of consumers, have filed claims against Banco Galicia regarding the collection of certain fees, interest rates and financial charges.
The Group believes that the resolution of these controversies will not have a significant impact on its financial condition.
c) Penalties Imposed on Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and Summary Proceedings Commenced by the Argentine Central Bank
The penalties imposed and the summary proceedings commenced by the Argentine Central Bank are detailed in Note 52.
The provisions for contingencies recorded are as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Other Contingencies | ||||||||
| For Commercial Lawsuits/Legal matters | ||||||||
| For Labor Lawsuits | ||||||||
| For Claims and Credit Cards | ||||||||
| For Guarantees Granted | ||||||||
| For Other Contingencies | ||||||||
| For Termination Benefits | ||||||||
| Difference for Dollarization of Judicial Deposits—Communication “A” 4686 | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
NOTE 47. OFFSETTING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | ||
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, and the net amount is reported in the statement of financial position where the Group currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
The disclosures in the following tables include financial assets and liabilities that:
•are offset in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position; or
•are subject to a netting agreement or similar agreement that covers similar financial instruments, regardless of whether they are offset in the consolidated statement of financial position.
F-111
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Financial instruments such as loans and deposits are not disclosed in the following tables since they are not offset in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The financial instruments subject to offsetting, master netting agreements and similar agreements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Offsetting effects on Statement of Financial Position | Related amounts not offset | ||||||||||||||||
| 12.31.23 | Gross Amount | Offset Amount | Net amounts in Statement Financial Position | Subject to netting agreements | Total Net Amount | ||||||||||||
| Financial Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivate Instruments | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivate Instruments | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Offsetting effects on Statement of Financial Position | Related amounts not offset | ||||||||||||||||
| 12.31.22 | Gross Amount | Offset Amount | Net amounts in Statement Financial Position | Subject to netting agreements | Total Net Amount | ||||||||||||
| Financial Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivate Instruments | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivate Instruments | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| NOTE 48. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ITEMS | ||
In the normal course of business and in order to meet customers’ financing needs, off-balance sheet transactions are performed. These instruments expose the Group to the credit risk, in addition to loans recognized in assets. These financial instruments include credit lending commitments, letters of credit reserve, guarantees granted and acceptances.
The same credit policies for agreed credits, guarantees and loan granting are used. Outstanding commitments and guarantees do not represent an unusually high credit risk.
Agreed Credits
They are commitments to grant loans to a customer in a future date, subject to compliance with certain contractual agreements that usually have fixed maturity dates or other termination clauses and may require a fee payment.
Commitments are expected to expire without resorting to them. The total amounts of agreed commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer’s solvency is assessed case by case.
F-112
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Guarantees Granted
The issuing bank commits to reimbursing the loss to the beneficiary if the secured debtor does not comply with its obligation upon maturity.
Export and Import Documentary Credits
They are conditional commitments issued by the Group to secure a customer’s compliance towards a third party.
Responsibilities for Foreign Trade Transactions
They are conditional commitments for foreign trade transactions.
Our exposure to credit loss upon the other party’s default in the financial instrument is represented by the contractual notional amount of the same investments.
The credit exposure for these transactions is detailed below.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Agreed Credits | ||||||||
| Documentary Export and Import Credits | ||||||||
| Guarantees Granted | ||||||||
| Liabilities for Foreign Trade Operations | ||||||||
The fees and commissions related to the items mentioned above as of the indicated dates were as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| For Agreed Credits | ||||||||
| For Documentary Export and Import Credits | ||||||||
| For Guarantees Granted | ||||||||
The credit risk of these instruments is essentially the same as that involved in lending credit facilities to customers.
To grant guarantees to our customers, we may require counter-guarantees, which, classified by type, amount to:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Other Preferred Guarantees Received | ||||||||
| Other Guarantees Received | ||||||||
Additionally, checks to be debited and credited, as well as other elements in the collection process, such as, notes, invoices, and miscellaneous items, are recorded in memorandum accounts until the related instrument is approved or accepted.
The risk of loss in these offsetting transactions is not significant.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Values to be Debited | ||||||||
| Values to be Credited | ||||||||
| Values for Collection | ||||||||
F-113
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The Group acts as trustee by virtue of trust agreements to secure obligations derived from several agreements between parties. The amounts of trust funds and securities held in custody as of the indicated dates are as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Trust Funds | ||||||||
| Securities Held in Escrow | ||||||||
| NOTE 49. TRANSFER OF FINANCIAL ASSETS | ||
All portfolio sales carried out by the Group are without recourse; therefore, they all qualify for the full derecognition of financial assets.
NOTE 50. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST | ||
The following tables provide information about each subsidiary that has a non-controlling interest.
The non-controlling equity investment percentages and votes as of the indicated dates are as follows:
| Company | Place of Business | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||
| Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. | % | % | |||||||||
| Sudamericana Seguros Galicia S.A. (formerly Seguros SURA S.A.) | % | % | |||||||||
Changes in the Group’s non-controlling interests as of the indicated dates were as follows:
| Company | Balance as of 12.31.22 | Purchases / Contributions / Sales | Cash Dividends | Profit Sharing in income (loss) for the Year | Balance as of 12.31.23 | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Sudamericana Seguros Galicia S.A. (formerly Seguros SURA S.A.) | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Company | Balance as of 12.31.21 | Purchases / Contributions / Sales | Cash Dividends | Profit Sharing in income (loss) for the Year | Balance as of 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||||
F-114
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
| Company | Balance as of 12.31.20 | Purchases / Contributions / Sales | Cash Dividends | Profit Sharing in income (loss) for the Year | Balance as of 12.31.21 | ||||||||||||
| Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||||
Summary information on subsidiaries is detailed in Note 15.
| NOTE 51. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | ||
Human and legal persons who directly or indirectly exert control over the Entity, or are controlled by it, are considered related parties; they include the Subsidiaries, Associates and Affiliates; the members of the Board of Directors, Syndics and personnel in charge of Senior Management; human persons who hold similar positions in financial institutions or complementary services companies; companies or sole proprietor ships over which key personnel may exert significant influence or control, and spouses, partners and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or first degree of affinity of all human persons directly or indirectly linked to the Group.
The Group controls another entity when it has power over the financial and operational decisions of other entities, and in turn, obtains benefits from it.
On the other hand, the Group considers that it has joint control when there is an agreement between the parties on the control of a common economic activity.
Finally, those cases where the Group exerts significant influence means the capacity to participate in the decisions of the financial policy and the company’s operations. Shareholders with an interest equal to or greater than 20 % of the Group’s total votes or its subsidiaries are considered to exert a significant influence. In determining said situations, not only the legal aspects are observed but also the nature and substance of the relationship.
Additionally, the key personnel of the Group’s Management (members of the Board of Directors and Managers) and the entities over which the key personnel can exert significant influence or control are considered related parties.
51.1. Controlling Entity
The Group is controlled by:
| Name | Nature | Principal Line of Business | Place of Business | Equity Investment % | ||||||||||
| EBA Holding S.A. | Operations | |||||||||||||
51.2. Key Personnel’s Compensation
The compensation earned by the Group’s key personnel as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 amounts to Ps.15,690,972 and Ps.15,841,127 respectively.
F-115
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
51.3. Key Personnel’s Structure
Key personnel’s structure as of the indicated dates is as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Regular Directors | ||||||||
| General Manager | ||||||||
| Area and department Managers | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
51.4. Related Party Transactions
The following table shows the total credit assistance granted by the Group to key personnel, syndics, majority shareholders, as well as all individuals who are related to them by a family relationship of up to the second degree of consanguinity or first degree by affinity (pursuant to the Argentine Central Bank’s definition of related individual) and any entity affiliated with any of these parties, not required to be consolidated.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Total Amount of Credit Assistance | ||||||||
| Number of Addressees (quantities) | ||||||||
| - Natural Persons | ||||||||
| - Legal Entities | ||||||||
| Average Amount of Credit Assistance | ||||||||
| Maximum Assistance | ||||||||
Financial assistance, including the one that was restructured, was granted in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related parties. Besides, this financial assistance did not involve more than the normal risk of loan losses or present other unfavorable features.
The information about the credit assistance granted to affiliates based on the quality of receivables, their documentation and preferred guarantees is stated in Schedule N.
F-116
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
51.5. Amounts of Related Party Transactions
The amounts of related party transactions conducted as of the indicated dates are as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | ||||||||
| Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | ||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | ||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | ||||||||
| Total Assets | ||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Deposits | ||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | ||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and other Financial Institutions | ||||||||
| Debt Securities Issued | ||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | ||||||||
| Liabilities for Insurance Contracts | ||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | |||||||||
| Income (Loss) | |||||||||||
| Net Income (Loss) from Interest | ( | ||||||||||
| Net Fee Income (Expense) | |||||||||||
| Net Income from Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Operating Income (Expense) | |||||||||||
| Income from Insurance Business | ( | ||||||||||
| Insurance Business Result | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Administrative Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| Total Income | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
| NOTE 52. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK | ||
52.1. CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE SYSTEM
Law No. 24485 and Decree No. 540/95 established the creation of the Deposit Insurance System to cover the risk attached to bank deposits, in addition to the system of privileges and safeguards envisaged in the Financial Institutions Law.
The National Executive Branch through Decree No. 1127/98 established the maximum amount for this insurance system to demand deposits and time deposits denominated either in Pesos and/or in foreign currency. Such limit was set at Ps.1,500 as from May 1, 2020. This amount as of January 1, 2023 will increase to Ps.6,000 .
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
This system does not cover deposits made by other financial institutions, deposits made by parties related to the Bank, either directly or indirectly, deposits of securities, acceptances or guarantees and those deposits set up at an interest rate exceeding the one established regularly by the Argentine Central Bank.
Deposits acquired through endorsement, placements made as a result of incentives other than interest rates and locked-up balances from deposits and other excluded transactions are also excluded. This system has been implemented through the creation of the Deposit Insurance Fund (“FGD”), which is managed by a company called Seguros de Depósitos S.A. (“SEDESA”). SEDESA’s shareholders are the Argentine Central Bank and the financial institutions in the proportion determined for each one by the Argentine Central Bank based on the contributions made to the fund.
The monthly contribution institutions should make to the FGD is 0.015 % on the monthly average of total deposits.
52.2. RESTRICTED ASSETS
As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the ability to freely dispose of the following assets is restricted, as follows:
Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.
a) Cash and Government Securities
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| For transactions in ROFEX, MAE and BYMA | ||||||||
| For appraisals from repo transactions | ||||||||
| For debit / credit cards transactions | ||||||||
| For attachments | ||||||||
| Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agent | ||||||||
For contribution to M.A.E.’ s Joint Guarantee Fund (Fondo de Garantía Mancomunada) | ||||||||
| Guarantees for the Regional Economies Competitiveness Program | ||||||||
| For other transactions (includes guarantees linked to rental contracts) | ||||||||
| For forward purchases of repurchase transactions | ||||||||
| For surety guarantees | ||||||||
b) Special Guarantees Accounts
Special guarantee accounts have been opened at the Argentine Central Bank as collateral for transactions involving electronic clearing houses, checks for settling debts and other similar transactions as of the indicated dates, which amount to:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Escrow Accounts | ||||||||
c) Deposits in favor of the Argentine Central Bank
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Unavailable deposits due to exchange transactions | ||||||||
d) Equity Investments
The account “Equity Investments” includes 1,222,406 non-transferablenon-endorsable registered ordinary shares in Electrigal S.A., the transfer of which is subject to approval by the national authorities, according to the terms of the previously executed concession contract.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
e) Contributions to Risk Fund
Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., in its capacity as sponsoring partner in Garantizar S.G.R. Risk Fund, Don Mario S.G.R. and Móvil S.G.R., is committed to maintaining the contributions made to them for two (2 ) years.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Fondo de Riesgo Garantizar SGR | ||||||||
| Don Mario SGR | ||||||||
| Movil SGR | ||||||||
| Potenciar S.G.R. | ||||||||
| Bind Garantías S.G.R. | ||||||||
INVIU S.A.U.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agents | ||||||||
| Guarantees linked to surety bonds | ||||||||
| Surety | ||||||||
Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Attachments arising from judicial cases | ||||||||
| Guarantees linked to rental contracts | ||||||||
Galicia Asset Management S.A.U.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as collective investment products administration agents of mutual funds, as required by CNV(*) | ||||||||
| (*) | As of December 31, 2023, it corresponds to | ||||
Galicia Securities S.A.U.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| For transactions in the market | ||||||||
| Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agents | ||||||||
| Guarantees linked to surety bonds | ||||||||
Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Escrow Accounts | ||||||||
The total amount of restricted assets for the reasons stated above in the aforementioned controlled companies, as of the indicated dates, is as follows:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Total Restricted Assets | ||||||||
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
52.3. TRUST ACTIVITIES
a) Trust Contracts for Purposes of Guaranteeing Compliance with Obligations:
Purpose: In order to guarantee compliance with contractual obligations, the parties to these agreements have agreed to deliver to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., as fiduciary property, amounts to be applied according to the following breakdown:
| Date of Contract | Trustor | Balances of Trust Funds | Maturity (*) | ||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
____________________
| (1) | These amounts shall be released monthly until settlement date of trustor obligations or maturity date, whichever occurs first. | ||||
b) Financial Trust Contracts:
Purpose: To administer and exercise the fiduciary ownership of the trust assets until the redemption of debt securities and participation certificates:
| Contract date | Trust | Balances of Trust Funds | Maturity (*) | ||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||
| (*) | Estimated date since maturity date shall occur at the time of the distribution of all of trust assets. | ||||
52.4. COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS
52.4.1. Agents – Minimum Liquidity requirement
Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.
Within the framework of CNV Resolution No. 622/13, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. has been duly registered with such agency in the following categories: Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products in the Financial Trustors’ Registry No. 54, and Settlement and Integral Compensation Agent No. 22 (AlyC and AN—INTEGRAL).
As of December 31, 2023, for the Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products in the Financial Trustors’ Registry, the required Shareholders’ Equity amounts to Ps.440,230 , and the minimum required offsetting entry is Ps.220,115 .
For AlyC and AN—INTEGRAL, said requirement amounts to Ps.217,960 , with the minimum offsetting entry required of Ps.108,980 .
The Entity integrated these requirements with the Bono República Argentina Ley Local 2030, maturing on July 9, 2030, whose fair value amounts to the sum of Ps.756,300 , which are held in escrow in Caja de Valores (Principal 100100).
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Galicia Asset Management S.A.U.
In accordance with the requirements set forth in CNV Resolution No. 622/13, the minimum Shareholders’ Equity required to operate as Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products, Mutual Funds amounts to Ps.523,642 and the minimum offsetting entry amounts to Ps.261,821 .
The Company’s Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2023, exceeds the minimum required by the aforementioned Resolution.
Galicia Asset Management S.A.U. integrated said requirement with 6,000,000 shares of Fondo Fima Premium Class “C”, equivalent to Ps.295,718 .
Galicia Securities S.A.U.
Within the framework of CNV General Resolution No. 622/13, the Company has been duly registered with said agency in the following categories: “Settlement and Offsetting Agent (ALyC and AN Own Portfolio)” and “Comprehensive Mutual Funds Placement and Distribution Agent.”
In accordance with the requirements set forth, for an ALyC and AN Own Portfolio the Shareholders’ Equity must be equivalent to 470,350 Units of Purchasing Value (Unidades de Valor Adquisitivo, UVA). As of December 31, 2023, said requirement amounted to Ps.217,960 , and the minimum offsetting entry required was Ps.108,980 . For Comprehensive Mutual Funds Placement and Distribution Agent, said requirement amounts to Ps.75,766 , and the minimum offsetting entry required is Ps.37,883 .
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s Shareholders’ Equity amounted to Ps.11,322,823 and the offsetting entry would be comprised of government securities amounting to Ps.149,144 .
INVIU S.A.U.
In accordance with the requirements set forth in General Resolution No. 622/13, for an ALyC and AN Integral the Shareholders’ Equity must be equivalent to 470,350 Units of Purchasing Value (UVA), with said requirement amounting to Ps.217,960 as of December 31, 2023, and a minimum offsetting entry required of Ps.108,980 . For Comprehensive Mutual Funds Placement and Distribution Agents, said requirement amounts to Ps.75,766 , and the minimum offsetting entry required is Ps.37,883 .
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s Shareholders’ Equity amounted to Ps.7,749,903 and the offsetting entry would be integrated with a demand account with an amount of Ps.306,071 .
52.4.2. Custodial Agent of Collective Investment Products Corresponding to Mutual Funds
Likewise, in compliance with Art. 7 of Chapter II, Title V of said resolution, Banco Galicia in its capacity as Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products of Mutual Funds (depositary company): “Fima Acciones”, “Fima P.B. Acciones”, “Fima Renta en Pesos”, “Fima Ahorro Pesos”, “Fima Renta Plus”, “Fima Premium”, “Fima Ahorro Plus”, “Fima Capital Plus”, “Fima Abierto Pymes”, “Fima Mix I”, "Fima Mix II", “Fima Renta Fija Internacional”, "Fima Sustentable ASG" and “Fima Acciones Latinoamericanas US$”, it is hereby stated that the total quantity held in escrow as of December 31, 2023 is 83,582,052,338 shares, their cash value being Ps.3,483,939,552 , which is reflected in the account “Depositors of Securities Held in Escrow.”
As of December 31, 2022, securities held in escrow amounted to the quantity of 42,336,393,400 shares and their cash value was Ps.2,412,629,138 .
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
The balances of the Mutual Funds as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:
| Mutual Fund | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||
| FIMA Acciones | ||||||||
| FIMA P.B. Acciones | ||||||||
| FIMA Renta en pesos | ||||||||
| FIMA Ahorro pesos | ||||||||
| FIMA Renta Plus | ||||||||
| FIMA Premium | ||||||||
| FIMA Ahorro Plus | ||||||||
| FIMA Capital Plus | ||||||||
| FIMA Abierto PyMES | ||||||||
| FIMA Mix I | ||||||||
| FIMA Mix II | ||||||||
| FIMA Renta Fija Internacional | ||||||||
| FIMA Sustentable ASG | ||||||||
FIMA Acciones Latinoamericanas Dólares(*) | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
____________________
| (*) | Stated at the reference exchange rate of the US$ set by the Argentine Central Bank. See Note 1.6.(b). | ||||
All the transactions detailed above are recorded in off-balance sheet items—securities held in custody.
The mutual funds detailed above have not been consolidated as the Group is not a controlling company thereof, since the depository role does not imply in this case:
•power over the trust to run material activities;
•exposure or right to variable returns;
•capacity to have influence on the amount of returns to be received for the involvement.
52.4.3. Storage of Documents
Pursuant to General Resolution No. 629 of the CNV, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. notes that it has supporting documents regarding accounting and management transactions, which are stored at AdeA (C.U.I.T. No. 30-68233570-6), Plant III located at Ruta Provincial 36 km 31.5 No. 6471 (CP 1888) Bosques, Province of Buenos Aires, with legal domicile at Av. Juramento 1775, 4th. floor, (CP 1428), Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
52.5. COMPLIANCE WITH MINIMUM CASH REQUIREMENTS:
As of December 31, 2023, the balances recorded as computable items are as follows:
| Currency | |||||||||||
| Item | Ps. | US$ | Euros(*) | ||||||||
| Checking Accounts held in Argentine Central Bank | |||||||||||
| Escrow Accounts held in Argentine Central Bank | — | ||||||||||
| National Treasury Bonds in Argentine Pesos computable for minimum cash | — | — | |||||||||
| Government Securities | — | — | |||||||||
| Total for integration Minimum Cash | |||||||||||
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____________________
| (*) | Stated in thousands of US$. | ||||
52.6. PENALTIES IMPOSED ON BANCO DE GALICIA Y BUENOS AIRES S.A.U. AND SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS COMMENCED BY THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK
Penalties Imposed on Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. Existing as of December 31, 2023:
UIF Proceedings -Docket 867/13.
▪Penalty Notification date: June 19, 2020.
▪Reason of the Penalty: Reason of the Penalty: alleged non-compliance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Anti-Money Laundering Law and alleged non-compliance with the provisions of UIF Resolution No. 121/11, especially with the provisions of Article 13 (paragraph j), Article 14 (paragraph h); Article 21 (paragraph a); Article 23, and Article 24 (paragraphs d and e). These objections are related to the risk matrix and the transactions monitoring system regarding prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and required information allegedly missing.
▪Amount applied and responsible persons receiving penalties: penalties for global amounts of Ps.440 applied to the Bank and eight Directors.
▪Status of the Case: On September 14, 2020, the direct appeal to the penalty was filed before the National Court of Appeals for Federal Administrative Disputes of the Federal Capital, under the terms of Article 25 of Law No. 25,246, amended by Law No. 24,144; Room III, where the proceeding is pending, was designated to issue judgment. On February 19, 2021, the UIF answered the direct appeal; on March 3, 2021, the procedural step was taken by which the parties were warned that judgment was being considered, and on November 30, 2023, Room III of the National Court of Appeals for Federal Administrative Matters decided to reject the direct appeal filed, with costs awarded. On December 15, 2023, a Federal Extraordinary Appeal was filed against this last decision. On February 2, 2023, the UIF answered the direct appeal, but no decision has been made to date.
UIF Summary Proceeding - Docket No. 127/18.
▪Penalty Notification date: April 18, 2022.
▪Imputation of Charges: alleged breaches in the determination of customer profile, deficiencies in the implementation of technological tools and monitoring and in the parameterization of alerts, as well as the alleged untimeliness of an STR filed and failure to file an STR of a customer; this in alleged violation of Articles 20 bis, 21 Paragraphs a) and b), and 21 bis of Law No. 25,246; and Articles 3 (Paragraph g); 21 (Paragraphs g and j); 22 (Paragraph a-); 23; 24 (Paragraphs d-, e- and f-); and 34 of UIF Resolution No. 121/2011, as amended.
▪Defendants: the Bank and seven Directors.
▪Status of the case: on July 1, 2022, the defense and presentation of evidence was filed together with several motions. On February 17, 2023, it was decided to proceed to the admittance of evidence, which was subsequently produced. On April 14, 2023, notice was served to present the argument on the merits of the evidence, which was presented on April 28
Summary Proceeding No. 1570.
▪Penalty Notification date: August 13, 2021.
▪Reason of the Penalty: alleged violation to the provisions of the Amended Text on “Truthfulness of Accounting Records”, Point 2.2. (“Liabilities”), in accordance with point 1 of the aforementioned Amended Text, pursuant to Schedule to Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 6248, CONAU 1 – 1260 -supplementary and amending provisions. Amount applied and responsible persons receiving penalty: the Bank, for an amount of Ps.1,680.
▪Status of the Case: On September 6, 2021, an appeal was filed with the Argentine Central Bank against the penalty under the terms of Article 42 of Law No. 21,526, amended by Law No. 24,144. On September 19, 2022,
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
the Argentine Central Bank filed its answer replying to the terms of the appeal. On June 15, 2023 we were notified of the Court’s rejection of the evidence provided by the Bank. Since the judgment is not subject to Federal Extraordinary Appeal (because it is not final), a written document was filed to pursue a federal case to preserve the right of defense on account of its violation.
Summary Proceeding No. 1613.
▪Date of notification of the opening of the summary proceeding: August 24, 2023.
▪Imputation of Charges: alleged violation of the provisions of the Ordered Text of the rules on the “Regulation of the bank checking account”, according to Communication “A” 4971. OPASI Circular 2 - 402. Schedule. Section 7, Paragraph 7.3, Points 7.3.1.5 -in accordance with the provisions of Section 8, Points 8.2.3-, 7.3.3.2 i) and 7.3.3.2 iii) (as supplemented and amended) due to an alleged failure to ratify in court the report of loss and an inadequate report of the checks in the Information Regimes regarding two checks corresponding to a customer which were rejected due to an “Order not to pay - With funds”.
▪Defendants: the Bank, three Managers and a Check Processing Leader.
▪Status of the Case: On September 12, 2023, a general reply was filed by all the defendants, and on September 25, 2023, additional personal replies were filed.
Summary Proceeding No. 1620.
▪Date of notification of the opening of the summary proceeding: December 18, 2023.
▪Imputation of Charges: alleged violation of the provisions of the Ordered Text of the “Minimum Standards on Internal Controls for Financial Institutions”, according to Communication “A” 6552, Circular CONAU 1 - 1289, Schedule I, Section I - Basic Concepts-, Point 1 - Internal Control, and Section IV - Design and Documentation of Controls-, Point 1 - Responsibilities in the Design and Implementation of Controls-, as supplemented and amended; and the Ordered Text of the rules on “Guidelines for Risk Management in Financial Institutions”, according to Communication “A” 5398, Circular RUNOR 1 - 1013, Schedule, Section 1 - Risk Management Processes-, Point 1.1. -Scope of the Guidelines-, Point 1.4. -General Principles-, Sub-point 1.4.3, and Section 6 -Operational Risk Management-, Point 6.1.2., as supplemented and amended, due to alleged failures in internal controls and deficiencies in the management of the financial entity between 09.02.19 and 08.05.22 .
▪Defendants: the Bank, and nineteen officers (Directors, Syndics, Managers and Tribe Leaders).
▪Status of the Case: On February 2, 2024, a general reply was filed by all the defendants.
Summary Proceeding No. 7732.
▪Date of notification of the opening of the summary proceeding: August 08, 2022.
▪Imputation of Charges: Having carried out exchange operations carried out by customers without the prior approval of the Argentine Central Bank in alleged violation of art. 1, sections e) and f) of the Criminal Exchange Law (O.T. by Executive Order No. 480/95), integrated with the regulations of points 5, 6, 9, 10, 15 and 18 of
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Communication “A” 6770, Communication “A” 6815, Communications “C” 43716, 49077, 50737, 52384, 52388, 57618, 62862, 66581, 66582, 67343, 70322, 81561, 82665 and 84797, amending and supplementary.
▪Defendants: the Bank, General manager, Area managers and other officials.
▪Status of the case: On February 28, 2023, the global reply of all the defendants was filed. The statute of limitations was raised. The defendants’ individual replies for their defense were recently filed.
Summary Proceeding No. 1544.
▪Penalty notification date: November 9, 2018.
▪Reasons of the penalty: alleged infraction to provisions established in Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 6242, SINAP 1 – 61.
▪Amount applied and parties receiving penalties: the Bank; three Directors, the General Manager and a Manager, in the amount of Ps. 747.50 to the first one; Ps. 172.50 to one of the Directors; Ps. 143.75 individually to the remaining two Directors, the General Manager and the Manager
▪Status of the case: On November 26, 2018, a direct appeal to the penalty was filed before the National Court of Appeals for Federal Administrative Disputes of the Federal Capital, under the terms of Article 42 of Law No. 21,526, amended by Law No. 24,144; Room V was designated to issue judgment. On February 26, 2020, said Room V decided to reject the direct appeal and confirm the penalties, which was notified on February 27. On March 12, 2020, an extraordinary federal appeal was filed against that decision, which was partially granted by Room V. On September 6, 2022, the Argentine Supreme Court declared the appeal inadmissible (Article 280 of the Argentine Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure), as a result of which the Argentine Central Bank attorneys requested the regulation of their fees, which were regulated on August 8, 2023.
The Group considers that the resolution of these proceedings will not have significant impact on its equity.
52.7. ISSUANCE OF DEBT SECURITIES
The issuance of debt securities is detailed in Notes 27 and 28.
52.8. RESTRICTIONS FOR THE INCOME DISTRIBUTION
Pursuant to Section 70 of the General Corporations Law, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. should transfer 5 % of the net income for the year to the Legal Reserve until 20 % of the capital stock is reached, plus the balance of the Capital Adjustment account.
With respect to Banco Galicia, the Argentine Central Bank regulations require that 20 % of the profits shown in the Income Statement at fiscal year-end, plus (or less), the adjustments made in previous fiscal years and, less, if any, the loss accumulated at previous fiscal year-end, be allocated to the legal reserve.
This proportion applies regardless of the ratio of the Legal Reserve fund to Capital Stock. Should the Legal Reserve be used to absorb losses, earnings shall be distributed only if the value of the Legal Reserve reaches 20 % of the Capital Stock plus the Capital Adjustment.
The Argentine Central Bank sets rules for the conditions under which financial institutions can make distributions of profits. According to these rules, profits can be distributed as long as results of operations are positive after deducting not only the Reserves, which may be legally and statutory required, but also the following items from Retained Income: The difference between the carrying amount and the market value of public sector assets and/or debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank not valued at market price, the amounts capitalized for lawsuits related to deposits and any unrecorded adjustments required by the external auditors or the Argentine Central Bank.
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Moreover, in order that a financial institution be able to distribute profits, such institution must comply with the capital adequacy rule, i.e. with the calculation of minimum capital requirements and the regulatory capital.
For these purposes, this shall be done by deducting from its assets and Retained Income all the items mentioned in the paragraph above. Moreover, in such calculation, a financial institution shall not be able to compute the temporary reductions that affect minimum capital requirements, computable regulatory capital or its capital adequacy.
The Argentine Central Bank established that a capital conservation margin must be maintained in addition to the minimum capital requirement, equivalent to 3.5 % of risk-weighted assets. Said margin must exclusively be integrated with level I, net of items deductibles. Income distribution will be limited when the level and composition of the institution’s Regulatory Capital puts said distribution within the range of the capital conservation margin.
The Argentine Central Bank provided that income distribution must be performed with its prior authorization.
The Argentine Central Bank established that, from 01.01.22 until 12.31.22, the financial institutions may distribute income for up to 20 % of the accumulated income, with prior authorization by said Institution. In turn, said distribution must be in 12 equal, monthly and consecutive installments.
Communication "A" 7719 established that as from 01.01.23 and until 12.31.23, financial institutions authorized by the Argentine Central Bank may distribute profits in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments of up to 40% of the amount that would have corresponded if the rules on "Distribution of profits" had been applied.
Communication "A" 7984 established that as from 01.01.24 and until 12.31.24, financial institutions authorized by the Argentine Central Bank may distribute profits in 6 equal, monthly and consecutive installments of up to 60% of the amount that would have corresponded if the rules on "Distribution of profits" had been applied.
Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U.’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on March 16, 2006, decided to set the maximum limit for the distribution of dividends at 25 % of the realized and liquid profits of each fiscal year. This restriction shall remain in force as long as the company’s Shareholders’ Equity is below Ps.300,000 (Ps.51,737,890 in closing currency).
The Group may pay dividends to the extent that it has distributable retained earnings and distributable reserves calculated in accordance with the rules of the Argentine Central Bank. Therefore, retained earnings included in the consolidated financial statements may not be wholly distributable.
The Group has presented its local financial statements under these rules on March 4, 2024.
Shareholders’ equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank comprise the following captions:
| 12.31.23 | |||||
| Share Capital | |||||
| Additional paid in Capital | |||||
| Adjustments to shareholders´ equity | |||||
| Legal reserve | |||||
| Distributable reserves | |||||
| Non distributable reserves | |||||
| Profit for the year | |||||
| Total Shareholder’s equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank | |||||
The Board of Directors proposes that the profit for fiscal year, which as of December 31, 2023 amounts to Ps.336,243,903 , be allocated to: (i) 5 % to the constitution of the Legal Reserve; (ii) the payment of a cash dividend in an amount such that, adjusted for inflation, results in the sum of Ps.65,000,000 ; and (iii) the remaining balance to the constitution of a Special Discretionary Reserve for eventual dividend distribution.
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52.9. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRANSPARENCY POLICY
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.
Board of Directors
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.’s Board of Directors is the Company’s highest management body. It is made up of nine directors and three alternate directors, who must have the necessary knowledge and skills to clearly understand their responsibilities and duties within the corporate governance, and to act with the loyalty and diligence of a good businessman.
As set out in its bylaws, the term of office for both directors and alternate directors is three (3) years; they are partially changed every year and may be reelected indefinitely.
The Company complies with the appropriate standards regarding total number of directors, as well as the number of independent directors. Furthermore, its bylaws provide for the flexibility necessary to adapt the number of directors to the possible changes in the conditions in which the Company carries out its activities, from three (3) to nine (9) directors.
The Board of Directors complies, in every relevant respect, with the recommendations included in the Code on Corporate Governance as Schedule IV to Title IV of the regulations issued by the National Securities Commission (Text amended in 2013).
Likewise, controls are carried out on the application of corporate governance policies defined by regulations in force, through the Executive Committee, the Nomination and Compensation Committee, the Audit Committee, the Disclosure Committee, and the Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee. The Committees periodically reports to the Board of Directors, who becomes aware of the decisions of each Committee, and the relevant matters are recorded in the Minutes of their meetings.
Executive Committee
In July 2018, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.’s Board of Directors approved the creation of the Executive Committee, along with its governing rules and regulations. It is made up of five directors, and the purpose of its creation is to contribute to the conduction of the Company’s ordinary business and the efficient performance of the Board of Directors’ duties.
Nominations and Compensation Committee
The objective behind the creation of this Committee is to facilitate the analysis and monitoring of several issues based on good corporate governance practices; it is composed of five directors, two of them independent.
Its main duty is to support the Company’s Board of Directors in preparing the candidates appointment proposal to occupy positions on said Board of Directors.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee set by Capital Markets Law No. 26831 and the CNV’s regulations is formed by three directors, two of whom are independent, and meets the requirements set out in U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Such Committee’s mission is to provide the Board of Directors with assistance in overseeing the financial statements, as well as in the task of controlling Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries.
Committee for Information Integrity
The Committee for Information Integrity was created in compliance with the recommendations of U.S. Sarbanes Oxley Act, and is made up of the General Manager, the Administrative and Finance Manager and two supervisors of the Administrative and Finance Division.
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
Its most important duties are monitoring the Company’s internal controls, reviewing the financial statements and other information published, preparing Board of Directors’ reports with the activities carried out by the Committee. Its operation has been adapted to local laws and it currently performs important administrative and reporting duties, which are used by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee, contributing to the transparency of the information provided to markets.
Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee
The objective behind the Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee is to promote compliance with standards, principles of good conduct, and the Code of Ethics.
Basic Holding Structure
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. is a company whose sole purpose is to conduct financial and investment activities as per Section 31 of the General Corporations Law. That is to say, it is a holding company whose activity involves managing its equity investments, assets and resources.
Therefore, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. directly and indirectly holds those equity interests in companies that carry out activities defined as non-supplementary.
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. has a reduced structure due to its nature as holding company of a group of financial services. Accordingly, certain typical organizational aspects of large operating companies are not applicable thereto.
To conclude, one should note that Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. is under the control of a pure holding company, EBA Holding S.A., which has the number of votes necessary to hold the majority of votes at the Shareholders’ Meetings, although it does not have any managerial functions over the former.
Compensation Systems
Directors’ compensation is defined by the General Shareholders’ Meeting and is fixed within the limits established by law and the corporate bylaws.
The Audit Committee expresses its opinion on whether compensation proposals for Directors are reasonable, taking into consideration market standards.
Business Conduct Policy
The Company has consistently shown respect for the rights of its shareholders, reliability and accuracy in the information provided, transparency as to its policies and decisions, and caution with regard to the disclosure of strategic business issues.
Code of Ethics
Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. has a Code of Ethics formally approved that guides its policies and activities. It considers business objectivity and conflict-of-interests related-aspects, and how the employee should act upon identifying a breach of the Code of Ethics.
Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.
Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors is the Company’s highest management body. As of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements, it is made up of seven directors and four alternate directors, who have the necessary knowledge and skills to clearly understand their responsibilities and duties within the corporate governance, and act with the loyalty and diligence of a good businessman.
Banco Galicia complies with the appropriate standards regarding total number of directors, as well as number of independent directors. Furthermore, its bylaws provide for the flexibility necessary to adapt from three (3) to nine (9) directors to the possible changes in the conditions in which the Bank carries out its activities.
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The General Shareholders’ Meeting has the power to establish the number of directors, both independent and non-independent ones, and appoint them. Out of the seven directors, one of them is independent. In addition, two of the alternate directors are independent. The independence concept is defined in the regulations set forth by the CNV and the Argentine Central Bank regulations.
As regards prevention of conflicts of interest, the provisions set forth in the General Corporations Law and the Capital Markets Law are applicable.
As set out in the bylaws, the term of office for both directors and alternate directors is three years; two thirds of them (or a fraction of at least three) are changed every year and may be reelected indefinitely.
The Board of Directors’ meeting is held at least once a week and when required by any director. The Board of Directors is responsible for the Bank’s general management and makes all the necessary decisions to such end. The Board of Directors’ members also take part, to a greater or lesser extent, in the commissions and committees created. Therefore, they are continuously informed about the Bank’s course of business and become aware of the decisions made by such bodies, which are transcribed into minutes.
Additionally, the Board of Directors receives a monthly report prepared by the General Manager, the purpose of which is to report the material issues and events addressed at the different meetings held between the General Manager and Senior Management. The Board of Directors becomes aware of such reports, as evidenced in the minutes.
In connection with directors’ training and development, the Bank has a program, which is reviewed every nine months, whereby they regularly attend courses and seminars of different kinds and subjects.
According to the activities carried out by the Bank, effective laws and corporate strategies, the following committees have been created to achieve an effective control over all activities performed by the Bank:
•Risk and Capital Allocation Committee
It is in charge of approving and analyzing capital allocation, establishing risk policies and monitoring the Bank’s risk.
•High Credit Committee
This committee’s function is to approve and sign credit ratings and grant transactions related to high-risk groups and customers, i.e., greater than 2.5 % of the Bank’s individual Computable Regulatory Capital, loans to financial institutions (local or foreign) and related customers, in which case two thirds of the Board of Directors is required to participate.
•Low Credit Committee
This committee’s function is to approve and sign the credit ratings and grant transactions related to medium-risk groups and customers, equal to amounts greater than 1 % of the Bank’s individual Computable Regulatory Capital.
•Asset and Liability Management Committee
It is in charge of analyzing the fundraising and its placement in different assets, the follow-up and control of liquidity, interest-rate and currency mismatches, and management thereof.
•Information Technology Committee
This Committee is in charge of supervising and approving the development plans of new systems and their budgets, as well as supervising these systems’ budget control. It is also responsible for approving the general design of the systems’ structure, the main processes thereof and the systems implemented, as well as monitoring the quality of the Bank’s systems, within the policies established by the Board of Directors.
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•Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for helping the Board of Directors, in performing the control function of the Bank and its controlled companies and the companies in which it owns a stake, in order to fairly ensure the following objectives:
•Effectiveness and efficiency of operations;
•Reliability of the accounting information;
•Compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and
•Compliance with the goals and strategy set by the Board of Directors.
•Committee for the Control and Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorist Activities (CPLA/FT, as per its initials in Spanish)
It is in charge of planning, coordinating, and ensuring compliance with the policies on anti-money laundering and funding of terrorist activities set and approved by the Board of Directors.
•Committee for Information Integrity
It is in charge of encouraging compliance with the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley (2002).
•Human Resources and Governance Committee
It is in charge of presenting the succession of the General Manager and Division Managers, analyzing and establishing the General Manager’s and Division Managers’ compensation, and monitoring the performance matrix of Department and Division Managers.
•Performance Reporting Committee
It is in charge of monitoring the performance and results of operations and evaluating the macro situation.
•Liquidity Crisis Committee
It is in charge of evaluating the situation upon facing a liquidity crisis and deciding the steps to be implemented to tackle it.
•Compliance Committee
It is in charge of instilling respect for Banco Galicia’s rules, code of conduct and ethics, and mitigating the compliance risk, by defining policies and establishing controls and reports in the best interests of the Bank and its employees, shareholders, and customers.
•Committee for the Protection of Users of Financial Services
It is responsible for following up on the activities developed by Banco Galicia’s management involved in user protection internal processes to ensure adequate compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
The Bank considers the General Manager and Division Management reporting to the General Manager as Senior Management. These are detailed as follows:
•Retail Banking Division
•Wholesale Banking Division
•Finance Division
•Products and Technology Division
•People Division
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•Risk Division
•Planning Division
Senior Management’s main duties are as follows:
•Ensure that the Bank’s activities are consistent with the business strategy, the policies approved by the Board of Directors and the risks to be assumed.
•Implement the necessary policies, procedures, processes and controls to manage operations and risks cautiously, meet the strategic goals set by the Board of Directors and ensure that the latter receives material, full and timely information so that it may assess management and analyze whether the responsibilities assigned are effectively fulfilled.
•Monitor the managers from different divisions, in line with the policies and procedures set by the Board of Directors and establish an effective internal control system.
Basic Holding Structure
The Bank’s majority shareholder is Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., which has full control of its shares and votes. In turn, the Bank holds equity investments in supplementary companies as shareholders of the parent, as well as minority interests in companies whose controlling company is its own shareholders of the parent. From a business point of view, this structure allows the Bank to take advantage of significant synergies that guarantee the loyalty of its customers and additional businesses. All business relationships with these companies, whether permanent or occasional in nature, are fostered under the normal and usual market conditions and this is true when the Bank holds either a majority or minority interest.
Business Conduct Policy and/or Code of Ethics
The Bank has a formally approved Code of Ethics that guides its practices and activities. It considers aspects related to objectivity, transparency and honesty in business, and contains guidelines on how the employee should act in the event of non-compliance with it or with our internal policies, giving intervention to the Conduct Committee.
Information Related to Personnel Economic Incentive Practices
The Human Resources and Governance Committee, composed of two (2) Directors, the General Manager and the Organizational Development and Human Resources Division Manager, is in charge of establishing the compensation policy for Banco Galicia’s personnel.
It is the policy of Banco Galicia to manage the full compensation of its personnel based on the principles of fairness, meritocracy, and justice, within the framework of the legal regulations in force.
The aim of this policy is to provide an objective and fair basis, through the design and implementation of tools for the management of the fixed and variable compensation paid to each employee, based on the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, individual performance with regard to compliance thereof, contribution to the Bank’s results and conformity to market values, with the purpose of:
•Attracting and creating loyalty with regard to quality personnel suitable for the achievement of the business strategy and goals.
•Being an individual motivation means.
•Easing the decentralized management of compensation administration.
•Allowing the effective budget control of personnel costs.
•Guaranteeing the internal fairness in order to monitor and ensure both external and internal fairness with regard to the payment of fixed and variable compensation. The Compensation and People Analytics area uses and puts at the disposal of the Senior Management and the Human Resources Committee market
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surveys published by consulting firms specialized in compensation issues, pursuant to the market positioning policies defined by the management division for the different corporate levels.
With the purpose of gearing individuals towards the achievement of attainable results that contribute to the global performance of the Bank/Area, and to the increase in motivation for the common attainment of goals, differentiating individual contribution, Banco Galicia has different variable compensation systems:
1)Business Incentives and/or Incentives through Commissions system for business areas.
2)Annual Bonus System for management levels, officers and the rest of the employees who are not included in the business incentives system. The annual bonus is determined based on individual performance and the Bank’s results and is paid in the first quarter of the next fiscal year. To determine the variable compensation for the Senior Management and Middle Management, the Bank uses the Management Performance Assessment System. This system has been designed including both qualitative and quantitative KPI (Key Performance Indicators). Criteria are all quantitative, and built considering at least three characteristics:
a)Results.
b)Business volume or size.
c)Projections: Indicators that protect the business for the future (For example: Quality, internal and external customer satisfaction, risk coverage, work environment, etc.).
The significance or impact of each of them is monitored and adjusted yearly pursuant to the strategy approved by the Board of Directors.
The interaction among these three aspects seeks to make incentives related to results and growth consistent with the risk thresholds determined by the Board of Directors. In turn, there is no deferred payment of variable compensation subject to the occurrence of future events or in the long term, taking into consideration that the business environment in the Argentine financial system is characterized by being mainly transactional, with lending and borrowing transactions with a very short seasoning term.
Annual budget and management control – the latter carried out monthly in a general manner and quarterly in a more detailed manner—include different risk ratios, including the ratio between compensation and risks undertaken. Variable compensation is only paid in cash. There are no share-based payments. Every change to this policy is submitted to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.’s Human Resources Committee for its consideration.
Gender policies and practices implemented
The Group's Diversity strategy is made up of 2 lines of work: gender and disability.
This strategy has as its main objective the search for representation of women at all levels of the organization and the hiring of people with disabilities.
The Group uses the main initiatives, guidelines, standards and international certifications on gender as a guide; United Nations Global Compact; UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB); United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
As part of a strategy of good and exemplary practices in corporate governance, the Group seeks to promote gender-equitable integration in its subsidiaries, both in the Management body and in the Supervisory Committee.
As of December 31, 2023, the percentage (%) of women in the Group is as follows:
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| Conformation of women in the Group | Total | Women | % of women | ||||||||
Regular and Alternate Directors (1) | % | ||||||||||
Regular and Alternate Trustees (2) | % | ||||||||||
| General, area and department Managers | % | ||||||||||
| Rest of collaborators | % | ||||||||||
| Total | % | ||||||||||
(1) It corresponds to the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.
(2) It corresponds to the Supervisory Committee of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.
| NOTE 53. ECONOMIC CONTEXT WHERE THE GROUP OPERATES | ||
The Group operates in a complex economic context, both in the national and international spheres.
In the international arena, during the last quarter of 2023, the world’s Central Banks continued with their contractionary monetary policies, seeking to bring inflation to their target levels. This scenario, which began in 2022, favored a slowdown in prices, but negatively affected the level of activity in certain regions, such as Europe. In contrast, the United States maintained its growth, supported by both a solid level of consumption and a labor market that remained steady. This boosted the level of salaries, which led to higher service costs, pushing inflation sideways during the last quarter of the year. Against this context, the Federal Reserve maintained rates at 5.5% in order to achieve sufficiently restrictive levels for the economy, and thus slow down the level of activity. The same path was taken by the European Central Bank, which held interest rates steady at its last meeting. Against this context, the focus will be on the effects of these policies on both growth at world level and international markets.
At the local level, the main indicators in Argentina were:
•The country ended 2023 with a 1.6% drop in activity, according to the Monthly Economic Activity Estimator.
•Between January 1 and December 31, 2023, the accumulated inflation reached 211.4% (CPI).
•Between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the Argentine peso depreciated against the US Dollar from Ps. 178.1417/USD at the beginning of the fiscal year to Ps. 808.4833/USD at the end of the fiscal year, in accordance with the Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 3500.
•Since the end of 2019, the monetary authority has been imposing increasing foreign exchange restrictions in order to contain the demand for dollars. This implied, among other things, the requirement to request prior authorization from the Argentine Central Bank to make payments abroad in transactions such as the payment of dividends to non-residents, the payment of financial loans abroad and the payment of imports of certain goods and services, among others. These restrictions continued to intensify in 2023.
On December 10, 2023, a new government took office in Argentina, which has set among its objectives the establishment of a new economic regime in the country, for which a wide-ranging reform of laws and regulations is intended to take place.
The new government proposes to move forward with a significant deregulation of the economy and with structural reforms that will free up restrictions to invest and operate in the country, including the gradual easing of the aforementioned exchange restrictions, with the objective of eliminating them once the macroeconomic conditions to do so are in place.
On December 12, 2023, the Ministry of Economy presented the economic program of the new administration, whose cornerstone is to eliminate the fiscal deficit and its financing through money issuance by the Argentine Central Bank, as well as the strong expansion of interest-bearing liabilities resulting from sterilization operations. Another central element of the new program is the elimination of distortions, restrictions and bureaucratic obstacles and the correction of relative prices (especially the exchange rate and utility rates), as a prerequisite for stabilizing the economy.
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The Argentine GDP fell 1.6% in 2023. The economy displayed a retraction of 1.9% in seasonally adjusted terms with respect to the third quarter of 2023. Although at the time of publishing this report the National Accounts for the first quarter of 2024 have not yet been released, the performance of the Monthly Estimator of Economic Activity for the first month of the year is known. According to this indicator, the economy fell 4.3% year-over-year in January, while, in seasonally adjusted terms, the retraction was 1.2% month-over-month.
The Non-financial Public Sector showed a primary deficit of Ps. 5,483,305 million (equivalent to 2.9% of GDP), with total revenues falling in real terms in greater proportion than primary expenditure. Resources accumulated a real drop of 7.3%, while expenditure fell 4.9% (the comparison excludes income from primary issues computed in 2022, which exceeded the limit agreed with the International Monetary Fund). The financial deficit amounted to Ps. 8,737,137 million (-4.6% of GDP), with interests totaling Ps. 3,253,832 million. Additionally, the fiscal result for February 2024 was published, which showed a primary surplus of Ps. 1,232,525 million and a financial result of Ps. 338,112 million. Primary expenditure fell by 36.4% year-over-year in real terms, while revenues decreased by 6.3%.
International Reserves accumulated a drop of US$ 21,525 million, ending the year at US$ 23,073 million. This was the result of the variation of different factors such as the payment of principal and interest maturities to the International Monetary Fund, to other international organizations and to foreign currency debt holders, the fall in minimum cash requirements, the sales of foreign currency to the private sector during most of the year, the repurchase of sovereign bonds by the Treasury and the purchase of securities by the Central Bank. It is worth noting that, as of December 13, the Central Bank began to purchase foreign currency from the private sector, reversing the dynamic of falling Reserves evidenced during most of 2023. This change in trend occurred after the correction of the official exchange rate validated by the monetary entity. During the last two weeks of 2023, foreign currency purchases from the private sector totaled US$ 2,863 million and reserves increased by US$ 1,940 million. As of April 18, 2024, foreign exchange purchases from the private sector continued to show a positive balance and accumulated US$ 11,103 million so far this year.
The inflation rate closed the year at 211.4%, an increase of 116.6 p.p. with respect to inflation in 2022 (+94.8%). Inflation showed an increasing dynamic throughout 2023. The year had started with monthly average rates of 6.8%, while inflation was 8.3% in October, 12.8% in November and 25.5% in December. The acceleration in December was partly due to the rise in the exchange rate and to the correction of prices of some of the goods and services that had accumulated lags. On the other hand, after showing variations of 20.6% and 13.2% in January and February 2024, respectively, the third measurement of the year amounted to 11.0%. Thus, year-over-year inflation rose to 287.9%.
The exchange rate showed a crawling peg during most of the year. However, it did display discrete jumps on two occasions. The first took place on August 14, when the peso increased from $/US$ 286.2 to US$ 350 overnight . The second jump occurred on December 13, when the exchange rate went from $/US$ 366.5 to $/US$ 800.0, implying a discrete jump of 118.3%. In the weeks following this correction, the exchange rate maintained a daily crawl equivalent to 2.0% per month. The exchange rate closed 2023 at $/US$ 808.5, an increase of 356.4% with respect to the close of 2022. The crawling speed remained at the level of 2.0% per month during the first quarter of 2024 and is still in effect at the time of writing this report.
During 2023, the BCRA raised the interest rate on Liquidity Notes (LELIQ) on six occasions. The first increase took place in March, with rates rising from 75% to 78% (Nominal Annual Rate). In April the rate was increased twice, first from 78% to 81%, and then to 91%. In May, the benchmark interest rate increased to 97%, a level at which it remained until mid-August. After the primary elections, the monetary authority raised the interest rate to 118% and to 133% in October. On December 18, the Central Bank announced that the reference rate would be the Overnight Repo rate, and simultaneously cut it to 100%. Additionally, the Central Bank implemented a reduction in the minimum interest rate limits for time deposits of individuals, which went from 133% to 110%. Subsequently, on March 11, the monetary authority made a further cut in the reference rate, bringing it to 80%. It also deregulated the minimum rate on time deposits. Finally, on April 11, it made the last cut so far, bringing the monetary policy rate to 70%.
During January, the International Monetary Fund reported that its technical team had completed the seventh review of the Extended Fund Facility Agreement, which was approved by the IMF's Board of Directors. This allowed for a disbursement of approximately US$4,700 million (SDR 3,500 million). Part of this disbursement was used to cover the principal payment of approximately US$ 1,900 million to the IMF.
The EFF’s seventh review confirmed that the targets for primary fiscal deficit, monetary financing to the Treasury, accumulation of Net International Reserves (NIR) and domestic arrears for 2023 were not met. Additionally, a target for NIR accumulation of US$ 10,000 million and a primary fiscal surplus of 2% of GDP were set for 2024. At the same time, the monetary financing criterion was modified, and the target was set at $ 0 for the year.
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In addition, the new government published a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) which annuls and/or modifies some 300 laws, introducing reforms in the labor market, the customs code and the status of public companies, among others. Although the DNU must be approved and ratified by at least one of the chambers of the Congress, its provisions are effective as of December 29, 2023.
In addition, the Congress of the Nation held extraordinary sessions to deal with a series of legislative initiatives, among them a bill of "Omnibus Law" with tax reforms, including changes to the Civil and Commercial Code. However, the ruling party withdrew the bill after the lack of support for its approval.
The context of volatility and uncertainty continues as of the issuance date of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
| NOTE 54. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | ||
Dividends
On February 28, 2024, Galicia Asset Management S.A.U. held an Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.19,370,000 .
On March 26, 2024, Galicia Warrants S.A. held an Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.350,000 .
On April 16, 2024, Galicia Securities S.A.U. held an Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of USD10,000 .
On April 23, 2024, Galicia Seguros S.A.U. held an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.6,200,000 .
On April 23, 2024, Sudamericana Holding S.A. held an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.6,200,000 .
Irrevocable Contributions
On January 03, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution to Galicia Holdings US Inc for the sum of USD100 .
On January 05, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of its subsidiary Galicia Ventures LP for the sum of Ps.285,272 .
On January 05, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary Galicia Investments LLC in the amount of Ps.2,882 .
On January 18, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary Galicia Holdings US Inc in the amount of USD1,211 .
On February 21, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary Galicia Ventures LP in the amount of Ps.331,531 .
On February 21, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary Galicia Investments LLC in the amount of Ps.3,349 .
On February 29, 2024, Tarjetas Regionales S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U. in the amount of Ps.400,000 .
On Mar 6, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary Agri Tech Investments LLC in the amount of Ps.500,000 .
On Mar 12, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary Agri Tech Investments LLC in the amount of Ps.20,039 .
On Mar 25, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. made a contribution in favor of the subsidiary IGAM LLC in the amount of Ps.4,272,500 .
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Debt Securities
On February 05, 2024, Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. issued and placed Class LXI Debt Security. The aforementioned issuance was made for an amount of Ps.35,000,000 , maturing 12 months from the issuance date. Interest will be accrued at Badlar rate plus a 3.50 % margin, to be paid quarterly.
On January 11, 2024, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. issued and placed Class XIII Debt Security. The aforementioned issuance was made for an amount of Ps.24,727,778 , maturing 6 months from the issuance date. Interest will be accrued at Badlar rate plus a 2.00 % margin, to be paid together with the full principal amount at maturity.
Shareholders' meeting
On February 26, 2024, Tarjeta Naranja S.A.U. held an Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting, at which the shareholders, as a consequence of the Merger with Cobranzas Regionales S.A., approved a capital increase in the amount of Ps.720 .
On March 13, 2024, an Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. was held. At the aforementioned Meeting, among other items, it was resolved:
•To distribute the unallocated results as follows: (i) to Legal Reserve the amount of Ps.77,244,791 ; (ii) to Optional Reserve for Future Profit Distributions the amount of Ps.308,979,164 .
•To set aside the amount of up to Ps.255,000,000 to be used for the Distribution of Cash Dividends for up to said amount, subject to the prior authorization of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic.
On April 3, 2024, the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.AU. decided that the amount of the dividends approved at the meeting of March 13, 2024, would be paid in a homogeneous currency at the time of payment and in 6 installments, in accordance with the provisions of Com. "A" 7984 of the Central Bank of Argentina.
On April 16, 2024, an Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U. was held. At the aforementioned Meeting, among other items, it was resolved:
•Absorb the negative unallocated results through: (i) the use of the account corresponding to Adjustments to Irrevocable Contributions for the total amount of Ps.8,387,942 ; (ii) the use of Irrevocable Contributions for the total amount of Ps.2,578,671 .
On April 19, 2024, an Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Tarjetas Regionales S.A. was held. At the aforementioned Meeting, among other items, it was resolved:
•To distribute the unallocated results as follows: (i) to Legal Reserve the amount of Ps.1,134,672 ; (ii) to Optional Reserve for Future Profit Distributions the amount of Ps.21,558,775 .
•To set aside the amount of up to Ps.30,000,000 to be used for the Distribution of Cash Dividends for up to said amount.
On April 23, 2024, an Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Inviu S.A.U. was held. At the aforementioned Meeting, among other items, it was resolved:
•To distribute the unallocated results as follows: (i) to Legal Reserve the amount of Ps.42,349 ; (ii) to Optional Reserve for Future Profit Distributions the amount of Ps.804,635 .
On April 25, 2024, an Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Agri Tech Investments Argentina S.A.U. was held. At the aforementioned Meeting, among other items, it was resolved:
•Absorb the negative unallocated results through: (i) the use of the account corresponding to Adjustments to Irrevocable Contributions for the total amount of Ps.901,177 ; (ii) the use of Irrevocable Contributions for the total amount of Ps.283,711 .
Business combination
On April 09, 2024, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. ("Grupo Galicia") and its main subsidiary, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. ("Banco Galicia"), have entered into a share purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with HSBC Latin America B.V. ("HLA"), pursuant to which they will simultaneously acquire the stakes currently held directly by HLA at HSBC Argentina Holdings S.A., HSBC Participaciones (Argentina) S.A., and HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. (together with HSBC Argentina Holdings S.A. and HSBC Participaciones (Argentina) S.A., the "Direct Holdings").
Banco Galicia will be the buyer of 57.89 % of the Direct Holdings, and Grupo Galicia will be the buyer of the remaining 42.11 %.
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Therefore, Banco Galicia and Grupo Galicia simultaneously acquire, directly and indirectly, the 99.99383 % of the equity capital and voting rights of HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. and 100.00 % of HSBC Argentina Holdings S.A., HSBC Participaciones (Argentina) S.A., HSBC Global Asset Management S.A., HSBC Seguros de Vida (Argentina) S.A., and HSBC Seguros de Retiro (Argentina) S.A.
For the acquisition of the aforementioned shares, Banco Galicia will pay the amount of USD 274,977,500 , in accordance with the Agreement, and Grupo Galicia will pay with class B shares to be issued in favor of HLA (in the form of ADRs - American Depositary Receipts - "ADRs"), for an equivalent value of USD 200,022,500 (the "Consideration"). The issuance of Grupo Galicia's class B shares to be contributed in kind will be resolved by a Shareholders´ meeting of Grupo Galicia to be timely called. The Consideration is subject to adjustments based on parameters established in the Agreement, customary in this type of transactions.
Likewise, pursuant to the Agreement, Grupo Galicia will acquire at a price of USD 75,000,000 the Private and Subordinated Negotiable Obligations issued by HSBC Bank Argentina S.A., with HSBC LATIN AMERICA HOLDINGS (UK) Limited as the creditor. These obligations have a maturity date in 2027 and a face value of USD 100,000,000 , provided they are not previously prepaid. Said acquisition will also be paid with class B shares to be issued in favor of said creditor (in the form of ADRs - American Depositary Receipts -).
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GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE A – BREAKDOWN OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECURITIES | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Holdings | |||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | |||||||||||
| Item | Fair Value Level | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||
| DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS | 598,794,865 | 2,467,190,345 | |||||||||
| Argentine | 582,878,739 | 2,459,208,142 | |||||||||
| Government Securities | 556,912,485 | 212,668,492 | |||||||||
| Argentine Government Bonds | Level 1 | 547,347,928 | 31,802,326 | ||||||||
| Argentine Government Bonds | Level 2 | 64 | — | ||||||||
| Provincial Government Bonds | Level 1 | 95,025 | 3,236,263 | ||||||||
| Provincial Government Bonds | Level 2 | 932,303 | 4,423,499 | ||||||||
| City of Buenos Aires Bonds | Level 1 | 2,291,015 | 123,193 | ||||||||
| Treasury Bills | Level 1 | 6,246,150 | 171,940,345 | ||||||||
| Treasury Bills | Level 2 | — | 1,142,866 | ||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank’s Bills | — | 2,242,639,562 | |||||||||
| Liquidity Bills | Level 2 | — | 2,242,639,562 | ||||||||
| Corporate Securities | 25,966,254 | 3,900,088 | |||||||||
| Debt Securities | Level 1 | 25,241,227 | 1,215,387 | ||||||||
| Debt Securities | Level 2 | 296,196 | 510,126 | ||||||||
| Debt Securities | Level 3 | 248,177 | 1,839,463 | ||||||||
| Debt Securities of Financial Trusts | Level 1 | — | 196,891 | ||||||||
| Debt Securities of Financial Trusts | Level 2 | 180,654 | 32,265 | ||||||||
| Debt Securities of Financial Trusts | Level 3 | — | 105,956 | ||||||||
| From Abroad | 15,916,126 | 7,982,203 | |||||||||
| Government Securities | 15,916,126 | 7,982,203 | |||||||||
| Treasury Bills | Level 1 | 15,916,126 | 7,982,203 | ||||||||
| OTHER DEBT SECURITIES | 1,926,334,348 | 1,141,853,895 | |||||||||
| Measured at Fair Value through OCI | 21,328,319 | 11,495,275 | |||||||||
| Argentine | 21,328,319 | 11,495,275 | |||||||||
| Government Securities | 10,641,603 | 2,897,323 | |||||||||
| Argentine Government Bonds | Level 1 | 10,232,880 | 280,296 | ||||||||
| Treasury Bills | Level 1 | 121,718 | 1,909,032 | ||||||||
| Provincial Government Bonds | Level 1 | 287,005 | 284,222 | ||||||||
| City of Buenos Aires Bonds | Level 1 | — | 423,773 | ||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank’s Bills | 10,686,716 | 8,597,952 | |||||||||
| Liquidity Bills | Level 2 | 10,686,716 | 8,597,952 | ||||||||
| Measurement at Amortized Cost | 1,905,006,029 | 1,130,358,620 | |||||||||
| Argentine | 1,905,006,029 | 1,130,358,620 | |||||||||
| Government Securities | 1,579,181,667 | 1,013,434,021 | |||||||||
| Argentine Government Bonds | 1,228,966,091 | 283,191,115 | |||||||||
| Treasury Bills | 354,763,802 | 732,117,122 | |||||||||
| Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Risk | (4,548,226) | (1,874,216) | |||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank’s Bills | 316,319,663 | 108,083,057 | |||||||||
| Internal Bills | 316,319,663 | 108,083,057 | |||||||||
| Corporate Securities | 9,504,699 | 8,841,542 | |||||||||
| Debt Securities | 9,222,686 | 8,492,407 | |||||||||
| Debt Securities of Financial Trusts | 203,482 | 262,591 | |||||||||
| Others | 78,531 | 86,544 | |||||||||
| INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INSTRUMENTS | 9,637,518 | 6,972,539 | |||||||||
| Measured at Fair Value through profit or loss | 9,637,518 | 6,972,539 | |||||||||
| Argentine | 8,001,752 | 6,584,176 | |||||||||
| Shares | Level 1 | 1,944,028 | 22 | ||||||||
| Shares | Level 3 | 6,057,724 | 6,584,154 | ||||||||
| From Abroad | 1,635,766 | 388,363 | |||||||||
| Shares | Level 1 | 765,702 | 338,326 | ||||||||
| Shares | Level 3 | 870,064 | 50,037 | ||||||||
F-138
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE B – CLASSIFICATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING BY STATUS AND GUARANTEES RECEIVED | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Item | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||
| COMMERCIAL PORTFOLIO | ||||||||
| In Normal Situation | 960,232,178 | 1,003,202,683 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A” | 28,396,724 | 18,602,758 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 36,350,510 | 34,239,853 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 895,484,944 | 950,360,072 | ||||||
| With Special Follow-Up – In Observation | 2,233,031 | 2,991,877 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 770,934 | 831,119 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 1,462,097 | 2,160,758 | ||||||
| With Problems | — | 1,283,416 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | — | 1,038,547 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | — | 244,869 | ||||||
| High Insolvency Risk | 462,988 | — | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 462,988 | — | ||||||
| Uncollectible | 891,387 | — | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 891,387 | — | ||||||
| TOTAL COMMERCIAL PORTFOLIO | 963,819,584 | 1,007,477,976 | ||||||
F-139
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE B – CLASSIFICATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING BY STATUS AND GUARANTEES RECEIVED (Continued) | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Item | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||
| CONSUMER AND HOUSING PORTFOLIO | ||||||||
| Normal Performance | 2,628,755,691 | 3,271,650,354 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A” | 36,757,925 | 62,622,252 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 143,276,817 | 85,546,793 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 2,448,720,949 | 3,123,481,309 | ||||||
| Low Risk | 43,291,236 | 67,295,126 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A” | 298,094 | 506,875 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 1,105,879 | 887,524 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 41,887,263 | 65,900,727 | ||||||
| Medium Risk | 31,805,026 | 37,772,293 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A” | 45,330 | 244,807 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 1,081,764 | 664,662 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 30,677,932 | 36,862,824 | ||||||
| High Risk | 40,073,760 | 43,561,648 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A” | 151,907 | 264,535 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 890,183 | 851,996 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 39,031,670 | 42,445,117 | ||||||
| Uncollectible | 16,248,270 | 26,734,452 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A” | 32,072 | 66,470 | ||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 790,221 | 414,975 | ||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 15,425,977 | 26,253,007 | ||||||
| TOTAL CONSUMER AND HOUSING PORTFOLIO | 2,760,173,983 | 3,447,013,873 | ||||||
GRAND TOTAL(1) | 3,723,993,567 | 4,454,491,849 | ||||||
(1)Reconciliation between Schedule B and Statement of Financial Position:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | 3,080,706,325 | 3,871,626,785 | ||||||
| Other Debt Securities | 1,926,334,348 | 1,141,853,895 | ||||||
| Agreed Credits and Guarantees Granted Accounted Off-Balance Sheet | 419,140,868 | 250,485,951 | ||||||
| Plus, Allowances for Uncollectible Accounts | 133,176,984 | 215,368,364 | ||||||
| Plus, Adjustments to the IFRS based accounting framework, not Computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position | 89,190,876 | 120,009,481 | ||||||
| Minus Others Non-computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position | (7,726,185) | (11,840,273) | ||||||
| Minus Government Securities Measured at Fair Value through OCI | (1,916,829,649) | (1,133,012,354) | ||||||
| Total | 3,723,993,567 | 4,454,491,849 | ||||||
F-140
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE C – CONCENTRATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| LOANS | ||||||||||||||
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||||||||
| Number of Customers | Outstanding Balance | % of Total Portfolio | Outstanding Balance | % of Total Portfolio | ||||||||||
| 10 Largest Customers | 242,341,398 | 7 | % | 324,505,714 | 7 | % | ||||||||
| next 50 Largest Customers | 306,715,727 | 8 | % | 314,576,615 | 7 | % | ||||||||
| next 100 Largest Customers | 196,190,267 | 5 | % | 178,694,220 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Rest of Customers | 2,978,746,175 | 80 | % | 3,636,715,300 | 82 | % | ||||||||
TOTAL(1) | 3,723,993,567 | 100 | % | 4,454,491,849 | 100 | % | ||||||||
(1)Reconciliation between Schedule C and Statement of Financial Position:
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | 3,080,706,325 | 3,871,626,785 | ||||||
| Other Debt Securities | 1,926,334,348 | 1,141,853,895 | ||||||
| Agreed Credits and Guarantees Granted Accounted Off-Balance Sheet | 419,140,868 | 250,485,951 | ||||||
| Plus, Allowances for Uncollectible Accounts | 133,176,984 | 215,368,364 | ||||||
| Plus, Adjustments to the IFRS based accounting framework, not Computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position | 89,190,876 | 120,009,481 | ||||||
| Minus Others Non-computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position | (7,726,185) | (11,840,273) | ||||||
| Minus Government Securities Measured at Fair Value through OCI | (1,916,829,649) | (1,133,012,354) | ||||||
| Total | 3,723,993,567 | 4,454,491,849 | ||||||
F-141
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE D – BREAKDOWN MATURITY TERM OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2021 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
The following table shows contractual cash flows, including interest and other expenses to be accrued until contractual maturity.
| Terms Remaining to Maturity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Past-due Loan Portfolio | 1 Month | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 24 Months | Over 24 Months | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | — | 6,936,462 | — | — | — | — | — | 6,936,462 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Sector | — | 25,644,305 | 9,393,208 | — | — | — | — | 35,037,513 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 99,236,430 | 2,468,220,845 | 858,112,875 | 734,025,229 | 537,852,328 | 307,895,660 | 362,563,000 | 5,367,906,367 | ||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 99,236,430 | 2,500,801,612 | 867,506,083 | 734,025,229 | 537,852,328 | 307,895,660 | 362,563,000 | 5,409,880,342 | ||||||||||||||||||
F-142
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE E – DETAIL OF INTERESTS IN OTHER COMPANIES | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2021 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Shares | Data from the last financial statement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Denomination | Class | Nominal Value per Share | Votes per Share | Quantity | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | Principal Line of Business | Year- end Date | Capital | Shareholders´ Equity | Net Income / (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In complementary service companies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Associates and Joint Ventures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Argentine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Play Digital S.A. | Ord. Esc. | 1 | 1 | 785,942,728 | 2,650,357 | 2,076,371 | Services | 09/30/23 | 3,841,024 | 9,978,967 | (7,818,441) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 2,650,357 | 2,076,371 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-143
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE F – CHANGES IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Depreciation | Net Book Value as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Value at Beginning of Fiscal Year | Estimated Useful Life in Years | Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Accumulated | Transfers | Disposals | For the Fiscal Year | At Fiscal Year-end | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement at Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real Estate | 301,632,576 | 50 | 3,893,031 | (57,086) | (634,925) | (42,262,259) | 93,798 | 57,086 | (6,032,319) | (48,143,694) | 256,689,902 | 259,370,317 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Furniture and Facilities | 71,791,647 | 10 | 1,946,935 | (255,314) | 4,015,195 | (49,718,669) | (1,984,414) | 134,394 | (4,660,573) | (56,229,262) | 21,269,201 | 22,072,978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Machines and Equipment | 194,575,577 | 3 y 5 | 15,947,639 | (13,919,471) | 2,424,741 | (150,188,570) | 1,984,414 | 13,701,164 | (23,481,088) | (157,984,080) | 41,044,406 | 44,387,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vehicles | 2,711,551 | 5 | 933,017 | (231,731) | — | (1,456,742) | — | 172,559 | (511,595) | (1,795,778) | 1,617,059 | 1,254,809 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Right of use of real property | 67,865,610 | (*) | 5,285,656 | (15,676,846) | — | (44,844,417) | — | 11,906,311 | (6,760,728) | (39,698,834) | 17,775,586 | 23,021,193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sundry | 25,840,862 | 5 y 10 | 317,965 | (975,399) | 1,280,166 | (18,071,725) | — | 647,912 | (1,681,400) | (19,105,213) | 7,358,381 | 7,769,137 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Work in Progress | 2,799,972 | — | 7,550,849 | (41,310) | (804,885) | — | — | — | — | — | 9,504,626 | 2,799,972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 667,217,795 | 35,875,092 | (31,157,157) | 6,280,292 | (306,542,382) | 93,798 | 26,619,426 | (43,127,703) | (322,956,861) | 355,259,161 | 360,675,413 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) The useful life of the rights of use of real estate is defined individually on the basis of each lease contract.
| Depreciation | Net Book Value as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Value at Beginning of Fiscal Year | Estimated Useful Life in Years | Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Accumulated | Transfers | Disposals | For the Fiscal Year | At Fiscal Year-end | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement at Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real Estate | 295,882,238 | 50 | 4,330,646 | (470,278) | 1,889,970 | (36,270,336) | 53,014 | 265,857 | (6,310,794) | (42,262,259) | 259,370,317 | 259,611,902 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Furniture and Facilities | 67,787,524 | 10 | 4,009,326 | (1,502,118) | 1,496,915 | (46,129,088) | — | 1,392,776 | (4,982,357) | (49,718,669) | 22,072,978 | 21,658,436 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Machines and Equipment | 183,836,248 | 3 y 5 | 10,234,546 | (3,926,193) | 4,430,976 | (130,330,670) | — | 3,826,031 | (23,683,931) | (150,188,570) | 44,387,007 | 53,505,578 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vehicles | 2,893,360 | 5 | 431,113 | (612,922) | — | (1,473,120) | — | 472,824 | (456,446) | (1,456,742) | 1,254,809 | 1,420,240 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Right of use of real property | 63,813,250 | (*) | 4,203,097 | (150,737) | — | (36,487,381) | — | — | (8,357,036) | (44,844,417) | 23,021,193 | 27,325,869 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sundry | 24,168,269 | 5 y 10 | 76,111 | (106,569) | 1,703,051 | (15,797,159) | — | 106,566 | (2,381,132) | (18,071,725) | 7,769,137 | 8,371,110 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Work in Progress | 5,388,495 | — | 3,154,858 | (38,324) | (5,705,057) | — | — | — | — | — | 2,799,972 | 5,388,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 643,769,384 | 26,439,697 | (6,807,141) | 3,815,855 | (266,487,754) | 53,014 | 6,064,054 | (46,171,696) | (306,542,382) | 360,675,413 | 377,281,630 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) The useful life of the rights of use of real estate is defined individually on the basis of each lease contract.
F-144
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE F – CHANGES IN INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
Changes in investment properties recorded in the “Other Non-financial Assets” account are detailed below.
| Depreciation | Net Book Value as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Value at Beginning of Fiscal Year | Estimated Useful Life in Years | Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Accumulated | Transfers | Disposals | For the Fiscal Year | At Fiscal Year-end | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement at Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real Estate Leased | 5,893,968 | 50 | 303,118 | — | — | (779,564) | — | — | (115,599) | (895,163) | 5,301,923 | 5,114,404 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 5,893,968 | 303,118 | — | — | (779,564) | — | — | (115,599) | (895,163) | 5,301,923 | 5,114,404 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | Net Book Value as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Value at Beginning of Fiscal Year | Estimated Useful Life in Years | Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Accumulated | Transfers | Disposals | For the Fiscal Year | At Fiscal Year-end | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement at Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real Estate Leased | 5,893,968 | 50 | — | — | — | (692,878) | — | — | (86,686) | (779,564) | 5,114,404 | 5,201,090 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 5,893,968 | — | — | — | (692,878) | — | — | (86,686) | (779,564) | 5,114,404 | 5,201,090 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-145
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE G – CHANGES IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Amortization | Net Book Value as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Value at Beginning of Year | Estimated Useful Life in Years | Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Accumulated | Disposals | For the Fiscal Year | Transfers | At Fiscal Year-end | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement at Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Licenses | 110,738,127 | 5 | 14,581,886 | (7,184,703) | 6,457,790 | (80,442,528) | 6,906,938 | (16,397,763) | — | (89,933,353) | 34,659,747 | 30,295,599 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Intangible Assets | 158,095,805 | 5 | 23,561,567 | — | — | (68,458,918) | — | (24,243,382) | — | (92,702,300) | 88,955,072 | 89,636,887 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 268,833,932 | 38,143,453 | (7,184,703) | 6,457,790 | (148,901,446) | 6,906,938 | (40,641,145) | — | (182,635,653) | 123,614,819 | 119,932,486 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | Net Book Value as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Value at Beginning of Year | Estimated Useful Life in Years | Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Accumulated | Disposals | For the Fiscal Year | Transfers | At Fiscal Year-end | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement at Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Licenses | 105,773,001 | 5 | 11,185,520 | (6,794,841) | 574,447 | (69,468,593) | 5,672,554 | (16,646,489) | — | (80,442,528) | 30,295,599 | 36,304,408 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Intangible Assets | 138,051,212 | 5 | 20,079,291 | (34,698) | — | (45,565,518) | 7,069 | (22,900,469) | — | (68,458,918) | 89,636,887 | 92,485,694 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 243,824,213 | 31,264,811 | (6,829,539) | 574,447 | (115,034,111) | 5,679,623 | (39,546,958) | — | (148,901,446) | 119,932,486 | 128,790,102 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-146
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE H – CONCENTRATION OF DEPOSITS | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| DEPOSITS ACCOUNTS | ||||||||||||||
| 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | |||||||||||||
| Number of Customers | Debt Balance | % on Total Portfolio | Debt Balance | % on Total Portfolio | ||||||||||
| 10 Largest Customers | 1,313,754,729 | 23 | % | 1,358,930,563 | 20 | % | ||||||||
| next 50 Largest Customers | 614,260,422 | 11 | % | 795,252,113 | 12 | % | ||||||||
| next 100 Largest Customers | 263,432,434 | 5 | % | 330,553,970 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| Rest of Customers | 3,516,332,358 | 61 | % | 4,185,545,742 | 63 | % | ||||||||
| TOTAL | 5,707,779,943 | 100 | % | 6,670,282,388 | 100 | % | ||||||||
F-147
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE I – BREAKDOWN OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES BY REMAINING CONTRACTUAL TERM | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
The following table shows the decline in contractual cash flows, including interest and other expenses to be accrued until undiscounted contractual maturity.
| Terms until Maturity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | 1 Month | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 24 Months | More than 24 Months | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Deposits (1) | 5,647,823,827 | 151,682,031 | 24,324,965 | 21,841,927 | 70,492 | 1,827 | 5,845,745,069 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | 62,519,872 | 4,830,873 | 62,147 | 10,166 | — | 67,423,058 | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial Sector | 2,778,672 | — | — | — | — | — | 2,778,672 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 5,582,525,283 | 146,851,158 | 24,262,818 | 21,831,761 | 70,492 | 1,827 | 5,775,543,339 | ||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities Measured at fair value through profit or loss | 49,485,078 | — | — | — | — | 49,485,078 | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | 12,238,747 | — | — | — | — | 12,238,747 | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 23,346,266 | — | — | — | — | — | 23,346,266 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | 1,089,763,284 | 140,544,769 | 18,662,881 | 5,647,559 | 9,001,153 | 17,056,447 | 1,280,676,093 | ||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 62,668,525 | 36,545,989 | 49,826,612 | 23,917,179 | 621,472 | 3,804,379 | 177,384,156 | ||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | 15,936,208 | 35,579,224 | 34,739,767 | 19,191,154 | 7,860,455 | — | 113,306,808 | ||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | 15,123,585 | — | — | 7,878,160 | 15,756,319 | 198,367,468 | 237,125,532 | ||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 6,916,385,520 | 364,352,013 | 127,554,225 | 78,475,979 | 33,309,891 | 219,230,121 | 7,739,307,749 | ||||||||||||||||
____________________
(1)Maturities in the first month include:
•Checking Accounts Ps.659,518,674
•Savings Accounts Ps.3,418,926,544
•Time Deposit Ps.1,178,985,703
•Other Deposits Ps.390,392,906
F-148
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE J – CHANGES IN PROVISIONS | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Decreases | Balances as of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Balances at the Beginning of the Year | Increase | Reversals | Charge offs | Inflation Effect | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||
| FROM LIABILITIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| For Termination Benefits | 8,648,052 | 4,260,533 | — | (4,016,886) | (4,877,888) | 4,013,811 | 8,648,052 | ||||||||||||||||
| Others | 23,286,874 | 14,731,017 | (296,158) | (1,673,691) | (19,673,910) | 16,374,132 | 23,286,874 | ||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL PROVISIONS | 31,934,926 | 18,991,550 | (296,158) | (5,690,577) | (24,551,798) | 20,387,943 | 31,934,926 | ||||||||||||||||
F-149
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE K – CAPITAL STOCK STRUCTURE | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Shares | Capital Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class | Quantity | Nominal Value per Share (*) | Votes per Share | Outstanding | Portfolio shares | Pending Issuance or Distribution | Allocated | Paid-in | Not Paid-in | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Class “A” | 281,221,650 | 1 | 5 | 281,222 | — | — | — | 281,222 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Class “B” | 1,193,470,441 | 1 | 1 | 1,193,470 | — | — | — | 1,193,470 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,474,692,091 | 1,474,692 | — | — | — | 1,474,692 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(*)Face value per share stated in Pesos.
F-150
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE L – FOREIGN CURRENCY BALANCES | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| 12.31.23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items | Headquarters and Branches in the country | 12.31.23 | Dollar | Euro | Real | Others | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | 1,854,797,726 | 1,854,797,726 | 1,823,396,472 | 28,431,612 | 350,078 | 2,619,564 | 1,270,898,836 | ||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | 451,872,669 | 451,872,669 | 451,872,669 | — | — | — | 35,135,629 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | 51,564,103 | 51,564,103 | 51,564,103 | — | — | — | 32,967,068 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | 193,912,682 | 193,912,682 | 192,442,570 | 1,458,501 | — | 11,611 | 229,928,091 | ||||||||||||||||
| To the Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 193,912,682 | 193,912,682 | 192,442,570 | 1,458,501 | — | 11,611 | 229,928,091 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | 349,213,213 | 349,213,213 | 349,213,213 | — | — | — | 210,672,152 | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | 56,384,243 | 56,384,243 | 56,384,243 | — | — | — | 3,683,361 | ||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | 1,635,982 | 1,635,982 | 1,553,750 | 82,232 | — | — | 388,363 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Assets | 4,052,580 | 4,052,580 | 4,052,580 | — | — | — | 570,785 | ||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 2,963,433,198 | 2,963,433,198 | 2,930,479,600 | 29,972,345 | 350,078 | 2,631,175 | 1,784,244,285 | ||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | 1,796,100,218 | 1,796,100,218 | 1,796,100,218 | — | — | — | 1,170,355,745 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | 19,621,591 | 19,621,591 | 19,621,591 | — | — | — | 13,746,760 | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial Sector | 225,666 | 225,666 | 225,666 | — | — | — | 564,149 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 1,776,252,961 | 1,776,252,961 | 1,776,252,961 | — | — | — | 1,156,044,836 | ||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | 26,927,790 | 26,927,790 | 26,927,790 | — | — | — | 243,592 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | 187,465,236 | 187,465,236 | 184,415,192 | 2,409,841 | — | 640,203 | 111,324,301 | ||||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 37,244,069 | 37,244,069 | 35,840,063 | 1,404,006 | — | 26,626,009 | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | 21,650,857 | 21,650,857 | 21,650,857 | — | — | — | 28,844,086 | ||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | 205,612,893 | 205,612,893 | 205,612,893 | — | — | — | 141,394,653 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Non-financial Liabilities | 16,455,330 | 16,455,330 | 16,454,469 | 861 | — | — | 4,789,642 | ||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 2,291,456,393 | 2,291,456,393 | 2,287,001,482 | 3,814,708 | — | 640,203 | 1,483,578,028 | ||||||||||||||||
F-151
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE N – CREDIT ASSISTANCE TO AFFILIATES | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Situation | Normal | With Special Follow- up /Low Risk | With Problems / Medium Risk | With High Insolvency Risk / High Risk | Uncollectible | Uncollectible due to Technical Reasons | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items | Not Past Due | Past Due | Not Past Due | Past Due | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | 8,011,867 | — | — | — | — | — | 16,211 | — | 8,028,078 | 4,809,261 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Advances | 259,479 | — | — | — | — | — | 593 | — | 260,072 | 421,904 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 259,479 | — | — | — | — | — | 593 | — | 260,072 | 421,904 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Overdraft | 5,450,735 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5,450,735 | 2,520,293 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 5,450,735 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5,450,735 | 2,520,293 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Mortgage and Collateral Loans | 75,673 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 75,673 | 253,175 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 75,673 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 75,673 | 252,695 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 480 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Personal Loans | 136,096 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 136,096 | 348,945 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 136,096 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 136,096 | 348,945 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
F-152
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE N – CREDIT ASSISTANCE TO AFFILIATES (Continued) | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Situation | Normal | With Special Follow-up / Low Risk | With Problems / Medium Risk | With High Insolvency Risk / High Risk | Uncollectible | Uncollectible due to Technical Reasons | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items | Not Past Due | Past Due | Not Past Due | Past Due | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Credit Cards | 672,270 | — | — | — | — | — | 14 | — | 672,284 | 1,122,618 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 672,270 | — | — | — | — | — | 14 | — | 672,284 | 1,122,618 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Other | 1,417,614 | — | — | — | — | — | 15,604 | — | 1,433,218 | 142,326 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B” | 14,154 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 14,154 | 1,853 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees | 1,403,460 | — | — | — | — | — | 15,604 | — | 1,419,064 | 140,473 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | 1,390,338 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1,390,338 | 2,327,875 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent Commitments | 8,772,959 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8,772,959 | 10,008,100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 18,175,164 | — | — | — | — | — | 16,211 | — | 18,191,375 | 17,145,236 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ALLOWANCES | 17,030 | — | — | — | — | — | 8,102 | — | 25,132 | 60,466 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
F-153
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE O – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Type of Contract | Objective of the Operations | Underlying Asset | Type of Settlement | Scope of Negotiation or Counterpart | Weighted Average Term Originally- Agreed | Residual Weighted Average Term | Weighted Average Term to Settle Differences | Amount(*) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Forwards in Foreign Currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OTC - Purchases | Brokerage - own account | Foreign currency | Daily settlement of the difference | MAE | 2 | 1 | 1 | 49,110,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| OTC - Sales | Brokerage - own account | Foreign currency | Daily settlement of the difference | MAE | 2 | 2 | 1 | 43,830,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ROFEX - Purchases | Brokerage - own account | Foreign currency | Daily settlement of the difference | ROFEX | 3 | 2 | 1 | 603,321,194 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ROFEX - Sales | Brokerage - own account | Foreign currency | Daily settlement of the difference | ROFEX | 4 | 2 | 1 | 546,907,106 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Forwards with Customers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | Brokerage - own account | Foreign currency | Upon maturity of differences | OTC - Residents in Argentina - Non-financial sector | 7 | 4 | 202 | 84,103,301 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | Brokerage - own account | Foreign currency | Upon maturity of differences | OTC - Residents in Argentina - Non-financial sector | 3 | 2 | 95 | 54,639,485 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward Sales | Brokerage - own account | Argentine government securities | With delivery of the underlying asset | MAE | — | — | — | 23,566,922 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Forward Purchases | Brokerage - own account | Argentine government securities | With delivery of the underlying asset | MAE | — | — | — | 1,205,775,644 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Put options taken | Brokerage - own account | Argentine government securities | With delivery of the underlying asset | BCRA | 6 | 11 | — | 2,464,070,256 | ||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(*)Relates to the notional amount.
F-154
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE P – CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Amortized Cost | Fair Value through OCI | Fair Value through Profit or Loss | Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||||
| Items | Mandatory Measurement | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| FINANCIAL ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Due from Banks | 1,995,884,822 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Cash | 1,105,684,352 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Financial Institutions and Correspondents | 890,200,470 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | — | — | 598,794,865 | 597,137,471 | 1,409,217 | 248,177 | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | — | — | 35,290,286 | 20,656 | 35,269,630 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 1,170,165,239 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | 1,170,162,260 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Institutions | 2,979 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Assets | 128,802,703 | — | 49,300,833 | 49,279,292 | 21,541 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Loans and Other Financing | 3,080,706,325 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | 375,599 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | 40,796 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Institutions | 27,276,998 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 3,053,012,932 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Advances | 119,850,633 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Overdraft | 703,859,191 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | 37,915,833 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Pledge Loans | 45,092,352 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Personal Loans | 255,726,017 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Credit-card loans | 1,706,968,422 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Finance Leases | 6,259,376 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Others | 177,341,108 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other Debt Securities | 1,905,006,029 | 21,328,319 | — | 10,641,603 | 10,686,716 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral | 395,502,883 | — | 36,054,319 | 36,054,319 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Investments in Equity Instruments | — | — | 9,637,518 | 2,709,730 | — | 6,927,788 | ||||||||||||||
| TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS | 8,676,068,001 | 21,328,319 | 729,077,821 | 695,843,071 | 47,387,104 | 7,175,965 | ||||||||||||||
F-155
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE P – CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued) | ||
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Amortized Cost | Fair Value through OCI | Fair Value through Profit or Loss | Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||||
| Items | Mandatory Measurement | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | 5,707,779,943 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Public Sector | 66,169,475 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Financial Sector | 2,778,672 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad | 5,638,831,796 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Checking Accounts | 634,815,243 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Savings Accounts | 3,655,417,605 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Time Deposit and Term Investments | 1,144,733,214 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Others | 203,865,734 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | — | — | 49,485,078 | 49,485,078 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Derivative Financial Instruments | — | — | 12,238,747 | — | 12,238,747 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 23,346,266 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank | 23,346,266 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Liabilities | 1,273,329,296 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 138,128,699 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities | 92,715,512 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Subordinated Debt Securities | 205,612,893 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | 7,440,912,609 | — | 61,723,825 | 49,485,078 | 12,238,747 | — | ||||||||||||||
F-156
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE Q – INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2021 AND ENDED December 31, 2023, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Items | Net Financial Income/(Expense) | |||||||
| Mandatory Measurement | OCI | |||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||
| Income from Government Securities | 151,692,144 | 937,873 | ||||||
| Income from Corporate Securities | 115,349,746 | — | ||||||
| Income from Derivative Financial Instruments | 17,433,735 | — | ||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 17,433,735 | — | ||||||
| Income from Other Financial Assets | 1,713 | — | ||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||
| Loss from Derivative financial instruments | (10,579,597) | — | ||||||
| Forward transactions | (173,058) | — | ||||||
| Options | (10,406,539) | — | ||||||
| Total as of 12.31.23 | 273,897,741 | 937,873 | ||||||
| Net Financial Income/(Expense) | ||||||||
| Items | Mandatory Measurement | OCI | ||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||
| Income ( Loss) from Government Securities | 1,003,377,736 | (3,307,570) | ||||||
| Income from Corporate Securities | 41,211,959 | — | ||||||
| Income from Derivative Financial Instruments | 10,603,729 | — | ||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 10,603,729 | — | ||||||
| Loss from Other Financial Assets | — | (69,593) | ||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||
| Loss from Derivative financial instruments | (2,288,335) | — | ||||||
| Forward transactions | (687,018) | — | ||||||
| Options | (1,601,317) | — | ||||||
| Total as of 12.31.22 | 1,052,905,089 | (3,377,163) | ||||||
| Items | Net Financial Income/(Expense) | |||||||
| Mandatory Measurement | OCI | |||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss | ||||||||
| Income from Government Securities | 547,058,169 | 759,640 | ||||||
| Income from Corporate Securities | 19,776,146 | — | ||||||
| Income from Derivative Financial Instruments | 13,666,742 | — | ||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | 13,666,742 | — | ||||||
| Income from sale o derecognition of financial assets at fair value | 47,242 | — | ||||||
| From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through in Profit or Loss | ||||||||
| Loss from Derivative Financial Instruments | (578,218) | — | ||||||
| Repurchase Transactions | (571,558) | — | ||||||
| Interest Rate Swaps | (6,660) | — | ||||||
| Total as of 12.31.21 | 579,970,081 | 759,640 | ||||||
F-157
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE Q – INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN (Continued) | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2021 AND ENDED December 31, 2023, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Interest and Adjustments for Application of Effective Interest Rate of Financial Assets Measured at Amortized Cost | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||
| Interest Income | |||||||||||
| On Cash and Due from Banks | 257,989 | 14,580 | 2,445 | ||||||||
| On Corporate Securities | (3,986,395) | 4,186,676 | 2,549,161 | ||||||||
| On Government Securities | 2,197,479,562 | 519,270,490 | 106,080,392 | ||||||||
| On Loans and Other Financing | 2,019,253,777 | 1,569,304,579 | 1,324,639,423 | ||||||||
| Financial Sector | 16,477,662 | 12,384,046 | 13,769,020 | ||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector | 2,002,776,115 | 1,556,920,533 | 1,310,870,403 | ||||||||
| Advances | 155,281,242 | 127,381,072 | 77,150,809 | ||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | 161,912,486 | 134,695,135 | 121,020,154 | ||||||||
| Pledge Loans | 28,909,963 | 28,912,845 | 27,285,161 | ||||||||
| Personal Loans | 198,654,039 | 154,226,165 | 150,051,470 | ||||||||
| Credit Card Loans | 689,926,065 | 537,917,133 | 476,474,572 | ||||||||
| Finance Leases | 6,334,975 | 2,120,222 | 1,721,503 | ||||||||
| Notes | 701,954,177 | 482,601,809 | 378,941,379 | ||||||||
| Pre-financing and export financing | 2,164,968 | 4,972,445 | 15,249,351 | ||||||||
| Others | 57,638,200 | 84,093,707 | 62,976,004 | ||||||||
| On Repurchase Transactions | 541,288,118 | 139,695,964 | 326,901,352 | ||||||||
| Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | 519,975,503 | 135,693,607 | 326,825,254 | ||||||||
| Other Financial Institutions | 21,312,615 | 4,002,357 | 76,098 | ||||||||
| Total | 4,754,293,051 | 2,232,472,289 | 1,760,172,773 | ||||||||
| Interest-related Expenses | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||
| On Deposits | (2,716,277,130) | (1,574,134,102) | (993,431,533) | ||||||||
| Non-financial Private Sector | (2,716,277,130) | (1,574,134,102) | (993,431,533) | ||||||||
| Checking Accounts | (1,209,919) | (1,624,567) | (1,898,879) | ||||||||
| Savings Accounts | (65,347,105) | (9,001,291) | (109,152) | ||||||||
| Time Deposit and Term Investments | (1,917,221,353) | (1,230,443,579) | (745,335,639) | ||||||||
| Others | (732,498,753) | (333,064,665) | (246,087,863) | ||||||||
| Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions | (83,021,206) | (68,077,162) | (18,622,385) | ||||||||
| On Repurchase Transactions | (7,914,316) | (4,821,036) | (1,447,883) | ||||||||
| Other Financial Institutions | (7,914,316) | (4,821,036) | (1,447,883) | ||||||||
| On Other Financial Liabilities | (136,356,699) | (12,276,510) | (14,449,249) | ||||||||
| On Debt Securities | (71,628,797) | (86,718,435) | (56,111,424) | ||||||||
| On Subordinated Debt Securities | (11,409,083) | (11,497,525) | (13,231,815) | ||||||||
| Total | (3,026,607,231) | (1,757,524,770) | (1,097,294,289) | ||||||||
F-158
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. SCHEDULE Q – INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN (Continued) | ||
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2021 AND ENDED December 31, 2023, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT
Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated
| Fee Income | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||
| Fee Related to Credit cards | 228,010,896 | 203,868,937 | 191,420,344 | ||||||||
| Fee related to Insurance | 10,894,944 | 14,290,322 | 16,261,871 | ||||||||
| Fee related to Obligation | 197,959,830 | 189,129,692 | 185,657,988 | ||||||||
| Fee Related to Credits | 61,700,512 | 64,615,548 | 66,629,366 | ||||||||
| Fee Related to Loan Commitments and Financial Guarantees | 2,148,253 | 930,277 | 736,747 | ||||||||
| Fee Related to Securities | 28,395,829 | 16,318,779 | 14,601,811 | ||||||||
| Fee for Collections Management | 2,267,102 | 2,607,749 | 2,500,148 | ||||||||
| Fee for Foreign and Exchange Transactions | 15,362,348 | 14,270,803 | 11,214,558 | ||||||||
| Total | 546,739,714 | 506,032,107 | 489,022,833 | ||||||||
| Fee-related Expenses | 12.31.23 | 12.31.22 | 12.31.21 | ||||||||
| Fees related to Transactions with Securities | (1,692,299) | (1,045,663) | (1,128,205) | ||||||||
| Fees related to Credit Cards | (44,709,117) | (50,698,054) | (50,914,149) | ||||||||
| Fees related to foreign operations and exchange | (2,068,543) | (1,955,245) | (2,107,689) | ||||||||
| Fees related to indirect channels | (1,713,968) | (1,863,967) | (2,146,017) | ||||||||
| Others | (25,124,952) | (28,392,746) | (20,227,403) | ||||||||
| Total | (75,308,879) | (83,955,675) | (76,523,463) | ||||||||
F-159