UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of May, 2018

 

Commission File Number 1-11414

 

BANCO LATINOAMERICANO DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR, S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

FOREIGN TRADE BANK OF LATIN AMERICA, INC.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

Business Park Torre V, Ave. La Rotonda, Costa del Este

P.O. Box 0819-08730

Panama City, Republic of Panama

(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

 

Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

 

Yes ¨ No x

 

 

  

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: May 7, 2018

 

FOREIGN TRADE BANK OF LATIN AMERICA, INC.
  (Registrant)

 

  By: /s/ Ana Graciela de Méndez
     
  Name: Ana Graciela de Méndez
  Title: CFO

 

 

 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano

de Comercio Exterior, S.A.

and Subsidiaries

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and related unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss, unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of changes in equity and unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

 

 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A.

and Subsidiaries

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

 

Contents   Pages
     
Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of financial position   3
     
Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss   4
     
Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income   5
     
Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of changes in equity   6
     
Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of cash flows   7
     
Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements   8-74

 

 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position

March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(In US$ thousand)

 

 

      March 31,   December 31, 
      2018   2017 
   Notes  (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
Assets             
Cash and cash equivalents  3,16   560,276    672,048 
Financial Instruments:  4,16          
At fair value through OCI  4,16   24,313    25,135 
Securities at amortized cost, net  4,16   68,112    68,934 
Loans  4   5,225,324    5,505,658 
Less:             
Allowance for expected credit losses  4   82,670    81,294 
Unearned interest and deferred fees  4   5,927    4,985 
Loans, net      5,136,727    5,419,379 
              
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable  4,14,16   14,682    13,338 
              
Property and equipment, net      7,120    7,420 
Intangibles, net      5,115    5,425 
              
Other assets:             
Customers' liabilities under acceptances  16   4,940    6,369 
Accrued interest receivable  16   34,725    30,872 
Other assets  6   19,035    18,827 
Total of other assets      58,700    56,068 
Total assets      5,875,045    6,267,747 
              
Liabilities and stockholders' equity             
Deposits:  7,15          
Noninterest-bearing - Demand      407    420 
Interest-bearing - Demand      41,594    81,644 
Time      2,772,214    2,846,780 
Total deposits      2,814,215    2,928,844 
              
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable  4,14,16   12,469    34,943 
              
Financial liabilities through profit or loss  4,16   -    - 
Securities sold under repurchase agreement  4,8,16   49,316    - 
Short-term borrowings and debt  9,16   776,967    1,072,723 
Long-term borrowings and debt, net  9,16   1,123,908    1,138,844 
              
Other liabilities:             
Acceptances outstanding  16   4,940    6,369 
Accrued interest payable  16   17,005    15,816 
Allowance for expected credit losses on loan commitments and financial guarantees contracts  5   7,423    6,845 
Other liabilities  10   22,066    20,551 
Total other liabilities      51,434    49,581 
Total liabilities      4,828,309    5,224,935 
              
Stockholders' equity:             
Common stock  12   279,980    279,980 
Treasury stock  13   (60,671)   (63,248)
Additional paid-in capital in excess of assigned value of common stock  12   120,319    119,941 
Capital reserves      95,210    95,210 
Dymanic provision  20   108,756    108,756 
Regulatory credit reserve  20   18,748    20,498 
Retained earnings  20   480,778    479,712 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  4,14   3,616    1,963 
Total stockholders' equity      1,046,736    1,042,812 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity      5,875,045    6,267,747 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

 3 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(In US$ thousand, except per share amounts)

 

 

   Notes  2018   2017   2016 
                
Interest income:                  
Deposits      2,939    2,001    1,171 
At fair value through OCI      123    170    950 
   Securities at amortized cost      485    533    784 
Loans      53,890    56,427    58,253 
Total interest income      57,437    59,131    61,158 
Interest expense:                  
Deposits      14,004    6,207    4,552 
Short and long-term borrowings and debt      16,843    18,492    17,088 
Total interest expense      30,847    24,699    21,640 
                   
Net interest income      26,590    34,432    39,518 
                   
Other income:                  
Fees and commissions, net      3,059    3,269    2,373 
Loss on derivative financial instruments and foreign currency exchange, net  4   1,666    131    (839)
(Loss) gain per financial instrument at fair value through profit or loss      (62)   (60)   (4,183)
Gain (loss) on sale of securities at fair value through OCI  4   -    114    (285)
Gain on sale of loans  4   (625)   86    100 
Other income      115    354    351 
Net other income      4,153    3,894    (2,483)
                   
Total income      30,743    38,326    37,035 
                   
Expenses:                  
Impairment loss from expected credit losses on loans at amortized cost  4   1,377    3,953    2,143 
(Recovery) impairment loss from expected credit losses on investment securities  4   (25)   (454)   7 
Impairment loss (recovery) from expected credit losses on loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts  5   579    163    (913)
Salaries and other employee expenses      10,094    6,696    7,880 
Depreciation of equipment and leasehold improvements      323    431    329 
Amortization of intangible assets      338    201    113 
Other expenses      3,559    3,878    4,038 
Total expenses      16,245    14,868    13,597 
Profit for the period      14,498    23,458    23,438 
                   
Earnings per share:                  
Basic  11   0.37    0.60    0.60 
Diluted  11   0.37    0.60    0.60 
Weighted average basic shares  11   39,466    39,188    38,997 
Weighted average diluted shares  11   39,492    39,296    39,121 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

 4 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(In US$ thousand)

 

 

   Notes  2018   2017   2016 
                
Profit for the period      14,498    23,458    23,438 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                  
Items that will not reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:                  
Change in fair value for revaluation by equity instrument to FVOCI, net of hedging  14   (623)   -    - 
                   
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:                  
Change in fair value for revaluation y debt instrument, net of hedging  14   1,291    937    1,801 
Reclasification adjustment for gains (losses) included in the profit  14   1,160    (2,485)   207 
Exchange difference in conversion of foreign operating currency      (175)   -    - 
                   
Other comprehensive income (loss)  14   1,653    (1,548)   2,008 
                   
Total comprehensive income for the period      16,151    21,910    25,446 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

 5 

 

  

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of changes in stockholders's equity

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(In US$ thousand)

 

 

   Common stock   Treasury stock  

Additional paid-
in capital in
excess of
assigned value of

common stock

   Capital reserves   Dymanic
provision
   Regulatory
credit
reserve
   Retained
earnings
  

Accumulated
other
comprehensive

income (loss)

   Total 
Balances at January 1, 2016   279,980    (73,397)   120,177    95,210    30,788    7,920    521,934    (10,681)   971,931 
Profit for the period   -    -    -    -    -    -    23,438    -    23,438 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    2,008    2,008 
Issuance of restricted stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Compensation cost - stock options and stock units plans   -    -    659    -    -    -    -    -    659 
Exercised options and stock units vested   -    1,433    (1,433)   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Repurchase of "Class B" and "Class E" common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Regulatory reserve   -    -    -    -    -    6,381    (6,381)   -    - 
Dymanic provision   -    -    -    -    830    -    (830)   -    - 
Dividends declared   -    -    -    -    -    -    (15,000)   -    (15,000)
Balances at March 31, 2016   279,980    (71,964)   119,403    95,210    31,618    14,301    523,161    (8,673)   983,036 
                                              
Balances at January 1, 2017   279,980    (69,176)   120,594    95,210    43,826    18,633    525,048    (2,801)   1,011,314 
Profit for the period   -    -    -    -    -    -    23,458    -    23,458 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (1,548)   (1,548)
Issuance of restricted stock   -    1,005    (1,005)   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Compensation cost - stock options and stock units plans   -    -    419    -    -    -    -    -    419 
Exercised options and stock units vested   -    471    (127)   -    -    -    -    -    344 
Repurchase of "Class B" and "Class E" common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Regulatory reserve   -    -    -    -    -    (10,967)   10,967    -    - 
Dymanic provision   -    -    -    -    983    -    (983)   -    - 
Dividends declared   -    -    -    -    -    -    (15,078)   -    (15,078)
Balances at March 31, 2017   279,980    (67,700)   119,881    95,210    44,809    7,666    543,413    (4,349)   1,018,910 
                                              
Balances at January 1, 2018   279,980    (63,248)   119,941    95,210    108,756    20,498    479,712    1,963    1,042,812 
Profit for the period   -    -    -    -    -    -    14,498    -    14,498 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    1,653    1,653 
Issuance of restricted stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Compensation cost - stock options and stock units plans   -    -    124    -    -    -    -    -    124 
Exercised options and stock units vested   -    2,577    254    -    -    -    -    -    2,831 
Repurchase of "Class B" and "Class E" common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Regulatory reserve   -    -    -    -    -    (1,750)   1,750    -    - 
Dymanic provision   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Dividends declared   -    -    -    -    -    -    (15,182)   -    (15,182)
Balances at March 31, 2018   279,980    (60,671)   120,319    95,210    108,756    18,748    480,778    3,616    1,046,736 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

 6 

 

  

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of cash flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(In US$ thousand)

 

 

   2018   2017   2016 
             
Cash flows from operating activities               
Profit for the period   14,498    23,458    23,438 
Adjustments to reconcile profit for the year to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:               
Activities of derivative financial instruments used for hedging   (21,776)   (1,450)   (13,038)
Depreciation of equipment and leasehold improvements   323    431    328 
Amortization of intangible assets   338    201    113 
Loss for disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements   -    4    - 
Loss for disposal of intangible assets   -    -    - 
Impairment loss from expected credit losses   1,931    4,116    1,237 
Net (gain) loss on sale of financial assets at fair value through OCI   -    114    (285)
Compensation cost - share-based payment   124    419    659 
Interest income   (57,437)   (59,131)   (61,159)
Interest expense   30,847    24,699    21,640 
Net decrease (increase) in operating assets:               
Net decrease (increase) in pledged deposits   36,685    7,270    4,125 
Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss   -    -    (4,084)
Net decrease (increase) in loans at amortized cost   281,276    281,123    157,702 
Other assets   1,221    9,854    (27,216)
Net increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:               
Net increase due to depositors   (114,629)   378,404    277,910 
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss   -    (24)   (89)
Other liabilities   86    (17,073)   11,322 
Cash provided by operating activities   173,487    652,415    392,603 
                
Interest received   53,584    58,870    58,879 
Interest paid   (29,658)   (20,492)   (17,823)
Net cash provided by operating activities   197,413    690,793    433,659 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Acquisition of equipment and leasehold improvements   (21)   (198)   60 
Acquisition of intangible assets   (27)   -    (7)
Proceeds from the redemption of of financial instruments at fair value through OCI   -    -    14,000 
Proceeds from the sale of financial instruments at fair value through OCI   679    6,459    51,449 
Proceeds from maturities of financial instruments at amortized cost   849    11,084    8,600 
Purchases of financial instruments at fair value through OCI   -    -    (124,640)
Purchases of financial instruments at amortized cost   -    -    (8,226)
Net cash provided by investing activities   1,480    17,345    (58,764)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Net decrease in short-term borrowings and debt and securities sold under repurchase agreements   (246,440)   (708,512)   (901,296)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings and debt   95,000    255,547    268,206 
Repayments of long-term borrowings and debt   (109,936)   (29,051)   (281,199)
Dividends paid   (15,183)   (15,077)   14,958 
Exercised stock options   2,577    344    - 
Repurchase of common stock   -    -    - 
Net cash used in financing activities   (273,982)   (496,749)   (899,331)
                
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (75,089)   211,389    (524,436)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the pereiod   618,807    1,007,726    1,267,302 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period   543,718    1,219,115    742,866 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

 7 

 

  

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

1.Corporate information

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. (“Bladex Head Office” and together with its subsidiaries “Bladex” or the “Bank”), headquartered in Panama City, Republic of Panama, is a specialized multinational bank established to support the financing of trade and economic integration in Latin America and the Caribbean (the “Region”). The Bank was established pursuant to a May 1975 proposal presented to the Assembly of Governors of Central Banks in the Region, which recommended the creation of a multinational organization to increase the foreign trade financing capacity of the Region. The Bank was organized in 1977, incorporated in 1978 as a corporation pursuant to the laws of the Republic of Panama, and officially initiated operations on January 2, 1979. Under a contract law signed in 1978 between the Republic of Panama and Bladex, the Bank was granted certain privileges by the Republic of Panama, including an exemption from payment of income taxes in Panama.

 

The Bank operates under a general banking license issued by the National Banking Commission of Panama, predecessor of the Superintendence of Banks of Panama (the “SBP”).

 

In the Republic of Panama, banks are regulated by the SBP through Executive Decree No. 52 of April 30, 2008, which adopts the unique text of the Law Decree No. 9 of February 26, 1998, modified by the Law Decree No. 2 of February 22, 2008. Banks are also regulated by resolutions and agreements issued by this entity. The main aspects of this law and its regulations include: the authorization of banking licenses, minimum capital and liquidity requirements, consolidated supervision, procedures for management of credit and market risks, measures to prevent money laundering, the financing of terrorism and related illicit activities, and procedures for banking intervention and liquidation, among others.

 

Bladex Head Office’s subsidiaries are the following:

 

-Bladex Holdings Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary, incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America (USA), on May 30, 2000. Bladex Holdings Inc. has ownership in Bladex Representacao Ltda.

 

-Bladex Representaçao Ltda., incorporated under the laws of Brazil on January 7, 2000, acts as the Bank’s representative office in Brazil. Bladex Representacao Ltda. is 99.999% owned by Bladex Head Office and the remaining 0.001% owned by Bladex Holdings Inc.

 

-Bladex Investimentos Ltda. was incorporated under the laws of Brazil on May 3, 2011. Bladex Head Office owned 99% of Bladex Investimentos Ltda., and Bladex Holdings Inc. owned the remaining 1%. This company had invested substantially all of its assets in an investment fund, Alpha 4x Latam Fundo de Investimento Multimercado, incorporated in Brazil (“the Brazilian Fund”), registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil (“CVM”, for its acronym in Portuguese). Bladex Investimentos Ltda. merged with Bladex Representacao Ltda. on April 2016, being the former the extinct company under Brazilian law and prevailing the acquiring company Bladex Representacao Ltda.

 

-Bladex Development Corp. was incorporated under the laws of Panama on June 5, 2014. Bladex Development Corp. is 100% owned by Bladex Head Office.

 

-BLX Soluciones, S.A. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. was incorporated under the laws of Mexico on June 13, 2014. BLX Soluciones is 99.9% owned by Bladex Head Office, and Bladex Development Corp. owns the remaining 0.1%. The company specializes in offering financial leasing and other financial products such as loans and factoring.

 

Bladex Head Office has an agency in New York City, USA (the “New York Agency”), which began operations on March 27, 1989. The New York Agency is principally engaged in financing transactions related to international trade, mostly the confirmation and financing of letters of credit for customers in the Region. The New York Agency also has authorization to book transactions through an International Banking Facility (“IBF”).

 

 8 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

1.Corporate information (continued)

 

The Bank has representative offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina; in Mexico City; in Lima, Peru; and in Bogota, Colombia.

 

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on April 10, 2018.

 

2.Basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements

 

2.1Statement of compliance

 

These unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting (IAS 34) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). As all the disclosures required by IFRS for annual period consolidated financial statements are not included herein, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, contained in the Bank’s annual audited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss, profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results expected for any future period.

 

3.Cash and cash equivalents

 

   March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
         
Cash and due from banks   10,190    11,032 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks   550,086    661,016 
Total   560,276    672,048 
           
Less:           
Pledged deposits   16,557    53,241 
Total cash and cash equivalents   543,719    618,807 

 

The following table presents the details on interest-bearing deposits in banks and pledged deposits:

 

   March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   Amount  

Range

Interest rate

   Amount  

Range

Interest rate

 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks:                    
 Demand deposits(1)   550,086    0.25% a 1.68%    661,016    0.25% a 1.55% 
Time deposits(2)   -    -    -    - 
Total   550,086         661,016      
                     
Pledged deposits:                    
 New York(3)   3,000    -    3,000    - 
 Panama(4)   13,557    1.68%   50,241    1.42%
Total   16,557         53,241      

 

(1)Demand deposits with bearing interest based on the daily rates determined by banks.
(2)Time deposits “overnight” calculated on an average interest rate.
(3)The New York Agency had a pledged deposit with the New York State Banking Department, as required by law since March 1994.
(4)The Bank had pledged deposits to secure derivative financial instruments transactions.

 

 9 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments

 

Financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income “FVOCI”

 

The amortized cost, related unrealized gross gain (loss) and fair value of financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income by country risk and type of debt are as follows:

 

Equity Investment at FVOCI

 

   March 31, 2018 
       Unrealized     
   Amortized cost   Gain   Loss   Fair value 
Equity investments (1)                    
 Brazil   8,402    -    556    7.846 
    8,402    -    556    7,846 

 

Securities at FVOCI

   March 31, 2018 
       Unrealized     
   Amortized cost   Gain   Loss   Fair value 
Sovereign debt:                    
Brazil   2,940    -    48    2,892 
Chile   5,171    -    135    5,036 
Trinidad and Tobago   8,729    -    190    8,539 
    16,840    -    373    16,467 
    25,242    -    929    24,313 

 

Equity Investment at FVOCI

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Unrealized     
   Amortized cost   Gain   Loss   Fair value 
Equity investments (1)                    
 Brazil   8,630    -    228    8,402 
    8,630    -    228    8,402 

 

Securities at FVOCI

   December 31, 2017 
       Unrealized     
   Amortized cost   Gain   Loss   Fair value 
Sovereign debt:                    
Brazil   2,937    29    12    2,954 
Chile   5,182    -    35    5,147 
Trinidad and Tobago   8,843    -    211    8,632 
    16,962    29    258    16,733 
    25,592    29    486    25,135 

 

(1)Equity instruments were initially recognized at fair value. These equity instruments correspond to equity securities classified with the irrevocable option of changes in OCI.
 10 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (continued)

 

Securities at FVOCI (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2018, securities at fair value through other comprehensive income with a carrying value of $ 5.0 million, were pledged to secure repurchase transactions accounted for as secured financings. As of December 31, 2017, there were no securities at fair value through other comprehensive income accounted for as secured financings.

 

The following table discloses those securities that had unrealized losses for a period less than 12 month and for 12 months or longer:

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total 
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
gross losses
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
gross losses
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
gross losses
 
Sovereign debt   6,964    150    9,503    223    16,467    373 
Total   6,964    150    9,503    223    16,467    373 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total 
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
gross losses
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
gross losses
   Fair
value
   Unrealized
gross losses
 
Sovereign debt   5,147    35    9,616    223    14,763    258 
Total   5,147    35    9,616    223    14,763    258 

  

The following table presents the realized gains and losses on sale of securities at fair value through other comprehensive income:

 

   Three months ended March 31st 
   2018   2017   2016 
Realized gain on sale of securities   -    161    39 
Realized loss on sale of securities   -    (47)   (324)
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities at fair value through other comprehensive income   -    114    (285)

 

 11 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (continued)

 

Securities at FVOCI (continued)

 

Securities at fair value through other comprehensive income classified by issuer’s credit quality indicators are as follows:

 

Rating(1)  March 31,
2018
  

December 31,

2017

 
1-4   16,467    16,733 
5-6   -    - 
7   -    - 
8   -    - 
9   -    - 
10   -    - 
Total   16,467    16,733 

 

(1) Current ratings as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at fair value through other comprehensive income by contractual maturity are shown in the following tables:

 

   March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   Amortized
cost
   Fair value   Amortized
cost
   Fair value 
                 
Due within 1 year   -    -    -    - 
After 1 year but within 5 years   16,839    16,467    16,962    16,733 
After 5 years but within 10 years   -    -    -    - 
    16,839    16,467    16,962    16,733 

 

 12 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (continued)

 

Securities at FVOCI (continued)

 

The significant changes in the gross carrying amount of securities at fair value through other comprehensive income during the period that contributed to changes in the loss allowance, is provided at the table below:

 

   Stage 1   Stage 2   Stage 3   Total 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017   13,779    2,954    -    16,733 
Transfer in book value to stage 2   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses - credit-impaired   -    -    -    - 
Transfer in book value to stage 1   -    -    -    - 
Financial assets that have been derecognized during the period   (204)   (62)   -    (266)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2017
   (204)   (62)   -    (266)
New financial assets originated or purchased   -    -    -    - 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 
Gross carrying amount as of March 31, 2018   13,575    2,892    -    16,467 

 

   Stage 1   Stage 2   Stage 3   Total 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2016   27,821    2,786    -    30,607 
Transfer in book value to stage 2   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses – not credit-impaired   -    -    -    - 
Transfer in book value to stage 1   -    -    -    - 
Financial assets that have been derecognized during the year   (14,042)   168    -    (13,874)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2016
   (14,042)   168    -    (13,874)
New financial assets originated or purchased   -    -    -    - 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017   13,779    2,954    -    16,733 

 

 13 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Securities at FVOCI (continued)

 

The allowance for expected credit losses relating to securities at fair value through other comprehensive income, which is recorded in equity under accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), is as follow:

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2017

   24    198    -    222 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit losses
   (1)   4    -    3 
Financial assets that have been derecognized
during the year
   -    -    -    - 
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2017:
   (1)   4    -    3 
New financial assets originated or purchased   -    -    -    - 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

March 31, 2018

   23    202    -    225 

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2016

   42    263    -    305 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit losses
   (6)   (65)   -    (71)
Financial assets that have been derecognized
during the year
   (12)   -    -    (12)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2016:
   (18)   (65)   -    (83)
New financial assets originated or purchased   -    -    -    - 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2017

   24    198    -    222 

 

(1)12-month expected credit losses.
(2)Lifetime expected credit losses.
(3)Credit-impaired financial assets (lifetime expected credit losses).
 14 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Investment securities- at amortized cost

 

The amortized cost, related unrealized gross gain (loss) and fair value of these securities by country risk and type of debt, excluding the amounts of allowance for expected credit losses are as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018 
       Unrealized     
   Amortized
cost (1)
  

 

Gross gain

  

 

Gross loss

   Fair value 
Corporate debt:                    
Brazil   1,486    -    20    1,466 
Panama   9,478    -    -    9,478 
    10,964    -    20    10,944 
                     
Sovereign debt:                    
Colombia   28,799    -    247    28,552 
Mexico   20,116    -    558    19,558 
Panama   8,403    -    49    8,354 
    57,318    -    854    56,464 
    68,282    -    874    67,408 

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Unrealized     
   Amortized
cost (2)
  

 

Gross gain

  

 

Gross loss

   Fair value 
Corporate debt:                    
Brazil   1,485    3    -    1,488 
Panama   9,978    -    -    9,978 
    11,463    3    -    11,466 
Sovereign debt:                    
Brazil   29,006    67    16    29,057 
Mexico   20,203    -    167    20,036 
Panama   8,458    -    11    8,447 
    57,667    67    194    57,540 
    69,130    70    194    69,006 

 

(1)Amounts do not include allowance for expected credit losses of US170.
(2)Amounts do not include allowance for expected credit losses of US$196.

 

As of March 31, 2018, securities at amortized cost with a carrying value of $ 46.5 million, were pledged to secure repurchase transactions accounted for as secured financial liabilities. As of December 31, 2017, there were no securities at amortized cost accounted for as secured financial liabilities.

 15 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Investment securities - at amortized cost (continued)

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at amortized cost by contractual maturity are shown in the following tables:

 

   March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   Amortized
cost (1)
  

Fair

value

   Amortized
cost (2)
   Fair
value
 
                 
Due within 1 year   7,278    7,278    7,978    7,978 
After 1 year but within 5 years   61,004    60,130    61,152    61,028 
After 5 years but within 10 years   -    -    -    - 
    68,282    67,408    69,130    69,006 

 

Securities at amortized cost classified by issuer’s credit quality indicators are as follows:

 

Rating(3)  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
1-4   57,318    57,667 
5-6   10,964    11,463 
7   -    - 
8   -    - 
9   -    - 
10   -    - 
Total   68,282    69,130 

 

(3)Current ratings as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

(1)Amounts do not include allowance for expected credit losses of US170.
(2)Amounts do not include allowance for expected credit losses of US$196.

 

 16 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Investment securities- at amortized cost (continued)

 

The significant changes in the gross carrying amount of securities at amortized cost during the period that contributed to changes in the loss allowance, is provided at the table below:

 

   Stage 1   Stage 2   Stage 3   Total 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017   67,645    1,485    -    69,130 
Transfer in book value to stage 2   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses - credit-impaired   -    -    -    - 
Transfer in book value to stage 1   -    -    -    - 
Financial assets that have been derecognised during the period   (1,049)   1    -    (1,048)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2017
   (1,049)   1    -    (1,048)
New financial assets originated or purchased   200    -    -    200 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 
Gross carrying amount as of March 31, 2018   66,796    1,486    -    68,282 

 

   Stage 1   Stage 2   Stage 3   Total 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2016   65,154    12,687    -    77,841 
Transfer in book value to stage 2   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses – not credit-impaired   -    -    -    - 
Transfer in book value to stage 1   -    -    -    - 
Financial assets that have been derecognized during the year   (7,487)   (11,202)   -    (18,689)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2016
   (7,487)   (11,202)   -    (18,689)
New financial assets originated or purchased   9,978    -    -    9,978 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017   67,645    1,485    -    69,130 

 

 17 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Investment securities- at amortized cost (continued)

 

The allowance for expected credit losses relating to securities at amortized cost is as follow:

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2017

   144    52    -    196 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit losses
   (1)   (22)   -    (23)
Financial assets that have been derecognized
during the period
   (6)   -    -    (6)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2017:
   (7)   (22)       -    (29)
New financial assets originated or purchased   2    -    -    2 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

March 31, 2018

   139    30    -    169 

 

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2016

   99    503    -    602 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit losses
   (16)   (29)   -    (45)
Financial assets that have been derecognized
during the year
   (18)   (422)       -    (440)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2016:
   (34)   (451)   -    (485)
New financial assets originated or purchased   79    -    -    79 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2016

   144    52    -    196 

 

(1)12-month expected credit losses.
(2)Lifetime expected credit losses.
(3)Credit-impaired financial assets (lifetime expected credit losses).

 

 18 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Recognition and derecognition of financial assets

 

During the periods ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Bank sold certain financial instruments in the secondary market measured at amortized cost. These sales were made on the basis of compliance with the Bank's strategy to optimize the loan portfolio.

 

The amounts and gains arising from the derecognition of these financial instruments are presented in the following table. These gains are presented within the line “gain on sale of loans at amortized cost” in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.

 

   Assignments and
participations
  

Gains

(losses)

 
         
For the year ended March 31, 2018   41,667    (625)
For the year ended March 31, 2017   64,400    86 
For the year ended March 31, 2016   13,800    56 

 

Loans – at amortized cost

 

The following table set forth details of the Bank’s gross loan portfolio:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Corporations:          
Private   1,667,575    1,882,846 
State-owned   877,213    723,267 
Banking and financial institutions:          
Private   1,987,807    2,083,795 
State-owned   472,555    573,649 
Middle-market companies:          
Private   220,174    242,101 
Total   5,225,324    5,505,658 

 

The composition of the gross loan portfolio by industry is as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Banking and financial institutions   2,460,362    2,657,444 
Industrial   799,218    772,238 
Oil and petroleum derived products   924,274    735,413 
Agricultural   444,117    501,241 
Services   221,834    430,717 
Mining   224,921    231,687 
Others   150,598    176,918 
Total   5,225,324    5,505,658 

 

Loans are reported at their amortized cost considering the principal outstanding amounts net of unearned interest, deferred fees and allowance for expected credit losses.

 

The amortization of net unearned interest and deferred fees are recognized as an adjustment to the related loan yield using the effective interest rate method.

 

 19 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Loans – at amortized cost (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the unearned discount interest and deferred commission amounted to $5,927 and $4,985, respectively.

 

Loans classified by borrower’s credit quality indicators are as follows:

 

March 31, 2018
   Corporations   Banking and financial
institutions
   Middle-market
companies
     
Rating(1)  Private   State-owned   Private   State-owned   Private   Total 
1-4   1,235,700    675,829    1,709,544    313,891    138,965    4,073,929 
5-6   408,116    201,384    278,263    158,664    46,209    1,092,636 
7   -    -    -    -    -    - 
8   19,275    -    -    -    -    19,275 
9   -    -    -    -    -    - 
10   4,484    -    -    -    35,000    39,484 
Total   1,667,575    877,213    1,987,807    472,555    220,174    5,225,324 

 

December 31, 2017
   Corporations   Banking and financial
institutions
   Middle-market
companies
     
Rating(1)  Private   State-owned   Private   State-owned   Private   Total 
1-4   1,336,032    563,877    1,729,592    361,236    147,212    4,137,949 
5-6   523,055    159,390    354,203    212,413    59,889    1,308,950 
7   -    -    -    -    -    - 
8   23,759    -    -    -    -    23,759 
9   -    -    -    -    -    - 
10   -    -    -    -    35,000    35,000 
Total   1,882,846    723,267    2,083,795    573,649    242,101    5,505,658 

 

(1) Current ratings as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

 20 

 

  

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Loans – at amortized cost (continued)

 

The following table provides a breakdown of gross loans by country risk:

 

   March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
Country:          
Argentina   345,382    294,613 
Belgium   10,167    11,368 
Bolivia   5,000    15,000 
Brazil   911,948    1,019,466 
Chile   247,641    170,827 
Colombia   660,382    829,136 
Costa Rica   426,632    356,459 
Dominican Republic   176,804    249,926 
Ecuador   76,929    94,315 
El Salvador   41,901    55,110 
Germany   32,500    37,500 
Guatemala   243,362    309,024 
Honduras   48,498    74,476 
Jamaica   21,594    24,435 
Luxembourg   18,029    19,924 
Mexico   801,815    850,463 
Nicaragua   23,690    29,804 
Panama   382,318    500,134 
Paraguay   80,847    59,536 
Peru   312,385    211,846 
Singapore   47,500    54,500 
Switzerland   100,000    3,687 
Trinidad and Tobago   175,000    175,000 
United States of America   20,000    44,109 
Uruguay   15,000    15,000 
Total   5,225,324    5,505,658 

 

 21 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Loans – at amortized cost (continued)

 

The remaining loan maturities are summarized as follows:

 

   March 31,
2018
  

December 31,

2017

 
Current:          
Up to 1 month   813,070    846,993 
From 1 month to 3 months   1,302,076    1,079,793 
From 3 months to 6 months   964,120    1,175,801 
From 6 months to 1 year   749,886    922,711 
From 1 year to 2 years   442,023    392,456 
From 2 years to 5 years   875,631    989,222 
More than 5 years   19,759    39,923 
    5,166,565    5,446,899 
           
Impaired   58,759    58,759 
Total   5,225,324    5,505,658 

 

As of March, 31 2018 and December 31, 2017, the range of interest rates on loans fluctuates from 1.75% and 11.73% (2017: 1.35% y 11.52%).

 

The fixed and floating interest rate distribution of the loan portfolio is as follows:

 

   March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
         
Fixed interest rates   2,265,935    2,378,509 
Floating interest rates   2,959,389    3,127,149 
Total   5,225,324    5,505,658 

 

As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, 89% and 85%, of the loan portfolio at fixed interest rates has remaining maturities of less than 180 days.

 

An analysis of credit-impaired balances is detailed as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018   2018 
   Recorded
investment
   Past due
principal
balance
  

Related
allowance

Stage 3

   Average
principal
loan
balance
  

Balance

interest
recognized

 
With an allowance recorded:                         
Private corporations   23,759    -    7,676    23,759    438 
Middle-market companies   35,000    35,000    22,564    35,000    3,314 
Total   58,759    35,000    30,240    58,759    3,752 

 

 22 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Loans – at amortized cost (continued)

 

   December 31, 2017   2017 
   Recorded
investment
   Past due
principal
balance
  

Related
allowance

Stage 3

   Average
principal
loan
balance
   Balance
interest
recognized
 
With an allowance recorded:                         
Private corporations   23,759    -    7,468    5,988    229 
Middle-market companies   35,000    35,000    20,527    35,000    3,028 
Total   58,759    35,000    27,995    40,988    3,257 

 

The following is a summary of information of interest amounts recognized on an effective interest basis on net carrying amount for those financial assets in Stage 3:

 

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
Interest revenue calculated on the net carrying amount (net of credit allowance)   495    490    77 

 

The following table presents an aging analysis of the loan portfolio:

 

March 31, 2018
   91-120
 days
   121-150
 days
   151-180
 days
  

Greater

than 180
days

   Total
Past
due
   Delinquent   Current   Total 
Corporations   -    -    -    -    -    -    2,554,183    2,554,183 
Banking and financial institutions     -       -      -    -    -       -    2,450,967    2,450,967 
Middle-market companies   -    -    -    35,000    35,000    -    185,174    220,174 
Total   -    -    -    35,000    35,000    -    5,190,324    5,225,324 

 

December 31, 2017
   91-120
 days
   121-150
 days
   151-180
 days
  

Greater

than 180
days

   Total
Past
due
   Delinquent   Current   Total 
Corporations   -    -    -    -    -    -    2,606,113    2,606,113 
Banking and financial institutions      -      -      -     -    -         -    2,657,444    2,657,444 
Middle-market companies   -    -    -    35,000    35,000    -    207,101    242,101 
Total   -    -    -    35,000    35,000    -    5,470,658    5,505,658 

 

 23 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Loans – at amortized cost (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Bank had credit transactions in the normal course of business with 16% and 21%, respectively, of its Class “A” and “B” stockholders. All transactions were made based on arm’s-length terms and subject to prevailing commercial criteria and market rates and were subject to all of the Bank’s Corporate Governance and control procedures. As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, approximately 9% and 14%, respectively, of the outstanding loan portfolio was placed with the Bank’s Class “A” and “B” stockholders and their related parties. As of March 31, 2018, the Bank was not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or any foreign government, and no Class “A” or “B” shareholder was the registered owner of more than 3.5% of the total outstanding shares of the voting capital stock of the Bank.

 

Modified financial assets

 

The following table refer to modified financial assets, where modification does not result in de-recognition:

 

Modified financial assets (with loss allowance based on lifetime ECL) modified during the period  March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Gross carrying amount before modification       -    8,855 
Loss allowance before modification   -    (3,344)
Net amortized cost before modification   -    5,511 
Gross carrying amount after modification   -    4,484 
Loss allowance after modification   -    (4,484)
Net amortized cost after modification     -    - 

 

For the modified financial assets during the year 2017, were received other real estate owned for $ 5,119.

 

 24 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Loans – at amortized cost (continued)

 

The significant changes in the gross carrying amount of financial assets during the period that contributed to changes in the loss allowance, is provided at the table below:

 

   Stage 1   Stage 2   Stage 3   Total 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017   4,839,227    607,672    58,759    5,505,658 
Transfer in book value to stage 2                    
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses - credit-impaired   -    -    -    - 
Transfer in book value to stage 1   13,000    (13,000)   -    - 
Financial assets that have been derecognized during the period   (1,783,568)   (164,866)   -    (1,948,434)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2017
   (1,770,568)   (177,866)   -    (1,948,434)
New financial assets originated or purchased   1,668,100    -    -    1,668,100 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 
Gross carrying amount as of March 31, 2018   4,736,759    429,806    58,759    5,225,324 

 

   Stage 1   Stage 2   Stage 3   Total 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2016   5,019,368    935,999    65,364    6,020,731 
Transfer in book value to stage 2   (41,167)   41,167    -    - 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses – not credit-impaired   -    (46,673)   46,673    - 
Transfer in book value to stage 1   8,000    (8,000)   -    - 
Financial assets that have been derecognized during the year   (4,214,697)   (314,821)   (53,278)   (4,582,796)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2016
   (4,247,864)   (328,327)   (6,605)   (4,582,796)
New financial assets originated or purchased   4,067,723    -    -    4,067,723 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017   4,839,227    607,672    58,759    5,505,658 

 

 25 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Loans – at amortized cost (continued)

 

The allowances for expected credit losses related to loans at amortized cost are as follows:

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2017

   19,821    33,477    27,996    81,294 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses – not credit-impaired   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses - credit-impaired   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   1,664    (1,664)   -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit losses
   (1,625)   4,251    2,245    4,871 
Financial assets that have been derecognized during the period   (5,590)   (5,712)   -    (11,302)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2017
   (5,551)   (3,125)   2,245    (6,431)
New financial assets originated or purchased   7,807    -    -    7,807 
Write-offs   -    -    -    - 
Recoveries of amounts previously written off   -    -    -    - 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

March 31, 2018

   22,077    30,352    30,241    82,670 

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2016

   29,036    41,599    35,353    105,988 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses – not credit-impaired   (672)   672    -    - 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses – not credit-impaired   -    (12,845)   12,845    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   1,428    (1,428)   -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit losses
   (2,900)   18,227    20,257    35,584 
Financial assets that have been derecognized during the year   (24,434)   (11,321)   (8,333)   (44,088)
Changes due to financial instruments recognized
as of December 31, 2016
   (26,578)   (6,695)   24,769    (8,504)
New financial assets originated or purchased   17,363    -    -    17,363 
Write-offs   -    (1,427)   (32,126)   (33,553)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off   -    -    -    - 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2017

   19,821    33,477    27,996    81,294 

 

(1)12-month expected credit losses.
(2)Lifetime expected credit losses.
(3)Credit-impaired financial assets (lifetime expected credit losses).

 

 26 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes

 

Quantitative information on derivative financial instruments held for hedging purposes is as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018 
       Carrying amount of the
hedging instrument
     
   Nominal
Amount
   Asset   Liability  

Changes in fair
value used for

calculating hedge
ineffectiveness

 
Fair value hedges:                    
Interest rate swaps   373,500    122    (4,592)   (111)
Cross-currency swaps   241,108    2,925    (8,088)   21,320 
Cash flow hedges:                    
Interest rate swaps   690,000    830    (916)   314 
Cross-currency swaps   23,025    709    -    (170)
Foreign exchange forward   202,035    7,183    (725)   128 
Net investment hedges:                    
Foreign exchange forward   8,427    111    (53)   113 
Total   1,538,095    11,880    (14,374)   21,594 

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Carrying amount of the
hedging instrument
     
   Nominal
Amount
   Asset   Liability  

Changes in fair
value used for

calculating hedge
ineffectiveness

 
Fair value hedges:                    
Interest rate swaps   367,500    -    (4,361)   (2,394)
Cross-currency swaps   306,961    3,672    (30,154)   15,900 
Cash flow hedges:                    
Interest rate swaps   595,000    127    (428)   995 
Cross-currency swaps   23,025    879    -    2,132 
Foreign exchange forward   225,388    8,610    -    11,835 
Net investment hedges:                    
Foreign exchange forward   9,243    50    -    181 
Total   1,527,117    13,338    (34,943)   28,649 

 

The hedging instruments presented in the tables above are in the line item in the statement of financial position at fair value - Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable or at fair value – Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable.

 

 27 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

The gains and losses resulting from activities of derivative financial instruments and hedging recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss are presented below:

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Gain (loss)
recognized in
OCI (effective
portion)
   Classification of gain
(loss)
  Gain (loss)
reclassified from
accumulated OCI
to the
consolidated
statement of
profit or loss
  

Gain (loss)

recognized on
derivatives
(ineffective
portion)

 
Derivatives – cash flow hedge                  
Interest rate swaps   (1,543)  Gain (loss) on interest rate swap   -    - 
Cross-currency swaps   184   Gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange   -    4 
        Interest income – loans   418    - 
Foreign exchange forward   (2,624)  Interest income – securities at FVOCI   -    - 
        Interest expense – borrowings and debt   -    - 
        Interest expenses – deposits   1,110   - 
        Gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange   (3,374)   - 
Total   (3,983)      (1,846)   4 
                   
Derivatives – net investment hedge                    
Forward foreign exchange   9            
Total   9            
 28 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

   March 31, 2017 
   Gain (loss)
recognized in
OCI (effective
portion)
   Classification of gain
(loss)
 

Gain (loss)
reclassified from

accumulated OCI
to the
consolidated
statement of
profit or loss

  

Gain (loss)
recognized on

derivatives
(ineffective
portion)

 
Derivatives – cash flow hedge                  
Interest rate swaps   (384)  Gain (loss) on interest rate swap   -    233 
Cross-currency swaps   (1,419)  Gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange   -    4624 
        Interest income – loans   1,871    - 
Foreign exchange forward   (9,838)  Interest income – securities at FVOCI   -    - 
        Interest expense – borrowings and debt   -    - 
        Interest expenses – deposits   (800)   - 
        Gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange   (27,169)   - 
Total   (11,641)      (26,098)   268 
                   
Derivatives – net investment hedge              
Forward foreign exchange   (277)             
Total   (277)             
 29 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

   March 31, 2016 
   Gain (loss)
recognized in
OCI (effective
portion)
   Classification of
gain (loss)
 

Gain (loss)
reclassified from

accumulated OCI
to the
consolidated
statement of
profit or loss

   Gain (loss)
recognized on
derivatives
(ineffective
portion)
 
Derivatives – cash flow hedge                  
Interest rate swaps   (1,618)  Gain (loss) on interest rate swap   -    (578)
Cross-currency swaps   2,787   Gain (loss) on foreign exchange   -    (64)
        Interest income – loans   (752)   - 
Forward foreign exchange   (1,214)  Interest income – securities at FVOCI   -    - 
        Interest income – loans   (4,751)   - 
        Interest expense – borrowings and debt   -    - 
        Interest expenses – deposits   1,672    - 
        Gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange   9,097    - 
Total   (45)      6,018    (642)
                   
Derivatives – net investment hedge              
Forward foreign exchange   -              
Total   -              

 

 30 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

The Bank recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss the gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments and the gain (loss) of the hedged asset or liability related to qualifying fair value hedges, as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018
   Classification in
consolidated statement
of profit or loss
  Gain (loss) on
derivatives
   Gain (loss) on
hedge item
   Net gain (loss) 
Derivatives – fair value hedge                  
Interest rate swaps  Interest income – securities at FVOCI   (21)   97    76 
   Interest income – loans   -    6    6 
   Interest expenses – borrowings and debt   (167)   (3,049)   (3,216)
   Derivative financial instruments and hedging   102    345    447 
Cross-currency swaps  Interest income – loans   (308)   548    240 
   Interest expenses – borrowings and debt   230    (201)   29 
   Derivative financial instruments and hedging   (2,921)   3,200    279 
Total      (3,085)   946    (2,139)

 

   March 31, 2017
   Classification in
consolidated statement
of profit or loss
  Gain (loss) on
derivatives
   Gain (loss) on
hedge item
   Net gain (loss) 
Derivatives – fair value hedge                  
Interest rate swaps  Interest income – securities at FVOCI   (47)   169    122 
   Interest income – loans   10    141    151 
   Interest expenses – borrowings and debt   (261)   (7,058)   (7,319)
   Derivative financial instruments and hedging   (648)   765    117 
Cross-currency swaps  Interest income – loans   (102)   119    17 
   Interest expenses – borrowings and debt   268    (1,837)   (1,569)
   Derivative financial instruments and hedging   13,101    (13,021)   80 
Total      12,321    (20,722)   (8,401)

 

 31 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

   March 31, 2016
   Classification in
consolidated statement of
profit or loss
  Gain (loss) on
derivatives
   Gain (loss) on
hedge item
   Net gain (loss) 
Derivatives – fair value hedge                  
Interest rate swaps  Interest income – securities at FVOCI   (198)   426    228 
   Interest income at amortized cost   (36)   831    795 
   Interest expenses – borrowings and debt   1,679    (7,063)   (5,384)
   Derivative financial instruments and hedging   (7,186)   8,208    1,022 
Cross-currency swaps  Interest income loans at amortized cost   (42)   119    77 
   Interest expenses – borrowings and debt   (148)   (1,837)   (1,985)
   Derivative financial instruments and hedging   7,131    (6,801)   330 
Total      1,200    (6,117)   (4,917)

 

Derivatives financial position and performance

 

The following tables details the changes of the market value of the underlying item in the statement of financial position related to fair value hedges:

 

   March 31, 2018
Fair value hedges  Carrying
amount
   Thereof
accumulated
fair value
adjustments
   Line item in the statement of financial
position
Interest rate risk             
Loans   6,000    -   Loans
Issuances   355,000    (7,358)  Short and long-term borrowings and debt
              
Foreign exchange rate risk and FX             
Securities at FVOCI   11,987    138   Financial instruments at FVOCI
Loans   17,955    104   Loans
Issuances   (219,755)   2,711   Short and long-term borrowings and debt

 

 32 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

Derivatives financial position and performance (continued)

 

   December 31, 2017
Fair value hedges 

Carrying

amount

   Thereof
accumulated
fair value
adjustments
   Line item in the statement of financial
position
Interest rate risk             
Loans   -    -   Loans
Issuances   355,000    (4,411)  Short and long-term borrowings and debt
              
Foreign exchange rate risk and FX             
Securities at FVOCI   12,369    (32)  Financial instruments at FVOCI
Loans   25,027    744   Loans
Issuances   (249,328)   (2,301)  Short and long-term borrowings and debt

 

The following tables detail the profile of the timing of the nominal amount of the hedging instrument:

 

   March 31, 2018 
Risk type  Foreign
Exchange risk
   Interest rate
 risk
   Foreign exchange
and Interest
rate risk
   Total 
Up to 1 month   27,520    -    -    27,520 
31 to 60 days   26,105    -    -    26,105 
61 to 90 days   6,233    137,500    -    143,733 
91 to 180 days   5,306    75,000    8,127    88,433 
181 to 365 days   68,952    342,500    -    411,452 
1 to 2 years   154,163    71,500    73,193    298,856 
2 to 5 years   4,413    437,000    31,816    473,229 
More than 5 years   -    -    68,768    68,768 
Total   292,692    1,063,500    181,904    1,538,096 

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

Derivatives financial position and performance (continued)

 

Analysis of maturity of the derivatives by type of risk covered:

 

   December 31, 2017 
Risk type  Foreign
Exchange risk
   Interest rate
risk
   Foreign exchange
and Interest
rate risk
   Total 
Up to 1 month   69,459    -    -    69,459 
31 to 60 days   26,104    -    -    26,104 
61 to 90 days   1,729    185,000    16,821    203,550 
91 to 180 days   16,567    137,500    -    154,067 
181 to 365 days   68,952    202,500    8,127    279,579 
1 to 2 years   178,331    21,500    73,193    273,024 
2 to 5 years   4,413    416,000    24,872    445,285 
More than 5 years   -    -    76,049    76,049 
Total   365,555    962,500    199,062    1,527,117 

 

For control purposes, derivative instruments are recorded at their nominal amount (“notional amount”) in memorandum accounts. Interest rate swaps are made either in a single currency or cross currency for a prescribed period to exchange a series of interest rate flows, which involve fixed for floating interest payments, and vice versa. The Bank also engages in certain foreign exchange trades to serve customers’ transaction needs and to manage foreign currency risk. All such positions are hedged with an offsetting contract for the same currency.

 

The Bank manages and controls the risks on these foreign exchange trades by establishing counterparty credit limits by customer and by adopting policies that do not allow for open positions in the credit and investment portfolio. The Bank also uses foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge the foreign exchange risk associated with the Bank’s equity investment in a non-U.S. dollar functional currency foreign subsidiary. Derivative and foreign exchange instruments negotiated by the Bank are executed mainly over-the-counter (OTC). These contracts are executed between two counterparties that negotiate specific agreement terms, including notional amount, exercise price and maturity.

 

The maximum length of time over which the Bank has hedged its exposure to the variability in future cash flows on forecasted transactions is 5.95 years.

 

The Bank estimates that approximately $237 reported as losses in OCI as of March 31, 2018, related to foreign exchange forward contracts, are expected to be reclassified into interest income as an adjustment to yield of hedged loans during the twelve-month year ending December 31, 2019.

 

The Bank estimates that approximately $2,524 of losses reported in OCI as of March 31, 2018, related to forward foreign exchange contracts are expected to be reclassified into interest expense as an adjustment to yield of hedged available-for-sale securities during the twelve-month year ending December 31, 2019.

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes (continued)

 

Types of Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Instruments

 

Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate flows in a single currency are exchanged over a prescribed period. The Bank has designated a portion of these derivative instruments as fair value hedges and a portion as cash flow hedges. Cross currency swaps are contracts that generally involve the exchange of both interest and principal amounts in two different currencies. The Bank has designated a portion of these derivative instruments as fair value hedges and a portion as cash flow hedges. Foreign exchange forward contracts represent an agreement to purchase or sell foreign currency at a future date at agreed-upon terms. The Bank has designated these derivative instruments as cash flow hedges and net investment hedges.

 

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank enters into derivative financial instrument transactions and securities sold under repurchase agreements under industry standards agreements. Depending on the collateral requirements stated in the contracts, the Bank and counterparties can receive or deliver collateral based on the fair value of the financial instruments transacted between parties. Collateral typically consists of cash deposits and securities. The master netting agreements include clauses that, in the event of default, provide for close-out netting, which allows all positions with the defaulting counterparty to be terminated and net settled with a single payment amount.

 

The International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreement (“ISDA”) and similar master netting arrangements do not meet the criteria for offsetting in the consolidated statement of financial position. This is because they create for the parties to the agreement a right of set-off of recognized amounts that is enforceable only following an event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Bank or the counterparties or following other predetermined events.

 

The following tables summarize financial assets and liabilities that have been offset in the consolidated statement of financial position or are subject to master netting agreements:

 

a)Derivative financial instruments – assets

 

March 31, 2018
       Gross amounts
offset in the
consolidated
  

Net amount of
assets presented

in the

   Gross amounts not offset in
the consolidated statement
of financial position
     
Description 

Gross

amounts
assets

   statement of
financial
position
   consolidated
statement of
financial position
   Financial
instruments
   Cash
collateral
received
   Net
Amount
 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable – at fair value   14,682      -    14,682      -    (30,388)   (15,706)
Total   14,682    -    14,682    -    (30,388)   (15,706)

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities (continued)

 

a)Derivative financial instruments – assets (continued)

 

December 31, 2017
       Gross amounts
offset in the
consolidated
  

Net amount of
assets presented

in the

   Gross amounts not offset in
the consolidated statement
of financial position
     
Description  Gross
amounts
assets
   statement of
financial
position
   consolidated
statement of
financial position
   Financial
instruments
  

Cash
collateral

received

   Net
Amount
 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable – at fair value   13,338        -    13,338      -    (22,304)   (8,966)
Total   13,338    -    13,338    -    (22,304)   (8,966)

 

The following table presents the reconciliation of assets that have been offset or are subject to master netting agreements to individual line items in the consolidated statement of financial position:

 

   March 31, 2018 
Description  Gross amounts
of assets
  

Gross amounts
offset in the
consolidated

statement of

financial position

  

Net amount of assets
presented

in the consolidated

statement of

financial position

 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable – at fair value   14,682        -    14,682 
Total   14,682    -    14,682 

 

   December 31, 2017 
Description  Gross amounts
of assets
  

Gross amounts

offset in the
consolidated
statement of
financial position

  

Net amount of assets
presented

in the consolidated
statement of
financial position

 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable – at fair value   13,338        -    13,338 
Total   13,338    -    13,338 

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial instruments (continued)

 

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities (continued)

 

b)Financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments – liabilities

 

March 31, 2018
       Gross
amounts
offset in the
  

Net amount
of liabilities

Presented

in the

   Gross amounts not offset
in the consolidated
statement of financial
position
     
Description  Gross
amounts
 of
liabilities
   consolidated
statement of
financial
position
   consolidated
statement of
financial
position
   Financial
instruments
   Cash
collateral
pledged
   Net
Amount
 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements   49,316    -    49,316    (49,316)   -    - 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable – at fair value   12,469         -    12,469    -    (29,161)   (16,692)
Total   61,785    -    61,785    (49,316)   (29,161)   (16,692)

 

December 31, 2017
       Gross
amounts
offset in the
   Net amount
of liabilities
presented
in the
   Gross amounts not offset
in the consolidated
statement of financial
position
     
Description  Gross
amounts
of
liabilities
   consolidated
statement of
financial
position
   consolidated
statement of
financial
position
   Financial
instruments
   Cash
collateral
pledged
   Net
Amount
 
                         
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable – at fair value   34,943       -    34,943       -    (50,241)   (15,298)
Total   34,943    -    34,943    -    (50,241)   (15,298)

 

 37 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

4.Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities (continued)

 

b)Financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments – liabilities (continued)

 

The following table presents the reconciliation of liabilities that have been offset or are subject to master netting agreements to individual line items in the consolidated statement of financial position:

 

   March 31, 2018 
Description  Gross amounts
of liabilities
   Gross amounts
offset in the
consolidated
statement of
financial position
  

Net amount of
liabilities presented

in the consolidated
statement of
financial position

 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements   49,316    -    49,316 
Derivative financial instruments:               
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable – at fair value   12,469          -    12,469 
Total derivative financial instruments   12,469    -    12,469 

 

 

   December 31, 2017 
Description  Gross amounts
of liabilities
   Gross amounts
 offset in the
consolidated
statement of
financial position
  

Net amount of
liabilities presented

in the consolidated
statement of
financial position

 
Derivative financial instruments:               
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable – at fair value   34,943        -    34,943 
Total derivative financial instruments   34,943    -    34,943 

 

 38 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

5.Loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts

 

In the normal course of business, to meet the financing needs of its customers, the Bank is party to loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk more than the amount recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position. Credit risk represents the possibility of loss resulting from the failure of a customer to perform in accordance with the terms of a contract.

 

The Bank’s outstanding loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts are as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Confirmed letters of credit   291,172    273,449 
Stand-by letters of credit and guaranteed – Commercial risk   180,053    168,976 
Credit commitments   30,577    45,578 
 Total   501,802    488,003 

 

The remaining maturity profile of the Bank’s outstanding loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts is as follows:

 

Maturities 

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Up to 1 year   471,224    457,168 
From 1 to 2 years   -    257 
From 2 to 5 years   30,000    30,000 
More than 5 years   578    578 
 Total   501,802    488,003 

 

Loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts classified by issuer’s credit quality indicators are as follows:

 

Rating(1) 

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
1-4   178,048    151,934 
5-6   323,754    336,069 
7   -    - 
8   -    - 
9   -    - 
10   -    - 
Total   501,802    488,003 

 

(1)       Current ratings as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

 39 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

5.Loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts (continued)

 

The breakdown of the Bank’s loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts exposure by country risk is as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Country:          
Argentina   7,341    7,546 
Bolivia   291    200 
Canada   425    425 
Chile   -    15,000 
Colombia   91,021    91,020 
Costa Rica   18,355    19,848 
Dominican Republic   23,107    - 
Ecuador   243,246    252,800 
El Salvador   585    767 
Guatemala   11,700    11,788 
Honduras   1,110    890 
Mexico   47,769    35,643 
Panama   32,405    31,260 
Paraguay   -    22 
Peru   377    17,618 
Uruguay   24,430    3,176 
Total   501,802    488,003 

 

Letters of credit and guarantees

 

The Bank, on behalf of its client’s base, advises and confirms letters of credit to facilitate foreign trade transactions. When confirming letters of credit, the Bank adds its own unqualified assurance that the issuing bank will pay and that if the issuing bank does not honor drafts drawn on the letter of credit, the Bank will. The Bank provides stand-by letters of credit and guarantees, which are issued on behalf of institutional clients in connection with financing between its clients and third parties. The Bank applies the same credit policies used in its lending process, and once issued the commitment is irrevocable and remains valid until its expiration. Credit risk arises from the Bank's obligation to make payment in the event of a client’s contractual default to a third party. Risks associated with stand-by letters of credit and guarantees are included in the evaluation of the Bank’s overall credit risk.

 

Credit commitments

 

Commitments to extend credit are binding legal agreements to lend to clients. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and require payment of a fee to the Bank. As some commitments expire without being drawn down, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

 40 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

5.Loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts (continued)

 

The allowances for credit losses related to loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts are as follows:

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2017

   1,358    5,487    -    6,845 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to credit-impaired instruments   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit loss
   (200)   (17)   -    (217)
Instruments that have been derecognized
during the period
   (827)   -    -    (827)
Changes due to instruments recognized as of December 31, 2017:   (1,027)   (17)   -    (1,044)
New instruments originated or purchased   1,623    -    -    1,623 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

March 31, 2018

   1,954    5,470    -    7,424 

 

   Stage 1 (1)   Stage 2 (2)   Stage 3 (3)   Total 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2016

   1,143    4,633    -    5,776 
Transfer to lifetime expected credit losses   (1)   1    -    - 
Transfer to credit-impaired instruments   -    -    -    - 
Transfer to 12-month expected credit losses   -    -    -    - 
Net effect of changes in reserve for expected
credit loss
   (54)   853    -    799 
Instruments that have been derecognized
during the year
   (971)   -    -    (971)
Changes due to instruments recognized as of December 31, 2016:   (1,026)   854    -    (172)
New instruments originated or purchased   1,241    -    -    1,241 

Allowance for expected credit losses as of

December 31, 2017

   1,358    5,487    -    6,845 

 

(1)12-month expected credit losses.
(2)Lifetime expected credit losses.
(3)Credit-impaired financial assets (lifetime expected credit losses).

 

The reserve for expected credit losses on loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts reflects the Bank’s Management estimate of expected credit losses items such as: confirmed letters of credit, stand-by letters of credit, guarantees and credit commitments.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

6.Other assets

 

Following is a summary of other assets:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Accounts receivable   7,008    6,793 
Real estate owned (1)   5,119    5,119 
IT projects under development   1,531    1,405 
Other (2)   5,377    5,510 
    19,035    18,827 

 

(1) Other real estate owned as dation in payment.

(2) As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, $1.7 million corresponds to leasing under development.

 

7.Deposits

 

The maturity profile of the Bank’s deposits is as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Demand   42,001    82,064 
Up to 1 month   1,088,761    1,147,772 
From 1 month to 3 months   557,901    492,205 
From 3 months to 6 months   355,430    411,159 
From 6 months to 1 year   591,750    571,500 
From 1 year to 2 years   27,063    76,422 
From 2 years to 5 years   151,309    147,722 
    2,814,215    2,928,844 

 

The following table presents additional information regarding the Bank’s deposits:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Aggregate amounts of time deposits of $100,000 or more   2,813,808    2,928,425 
Aggregate amounts of deposits in the New York Agency   250,941    266,158 

 

   Three months ended March 31st 
  

 

2018

  

 

2017

  

 

2016

 
Interest expense paid to deposits in the New York Agency.   1,153    710    388 

 

8.Securities sold under repurchase agreements

 

The Bank’s financial liabilities under repurchase agreements amounted to $49,316 as of March 31, 2018.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank does not have financing transactions under repurchase agreements.

 

During the periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2016, interest expense related to financing transactions under repurchase agreements totaled $32 and $270, respectively, corresponding to interest expense generated by the financing contracts under repurchase agreements. These expenses are included in the interest expense – short-term and long-termborrowings and debt line in the consolidated statements of profit or loss.

 

As of March 31, 2017, the Bank did not incur in any interest expense generated by financial liabilities under repurchase agreements.

 

 42 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

9.Borrowings and debt

 

Short-term borrowings and debt

 

The breakdown of short-term (original maturity of less than one year) borrowings and debt, together with contractual interest rates, is as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Short-term Borrowings:          
At fixed interest rates   125,625    429,069 
At floating interest rates   610,447    633,154 
Total borrowings   736,072    1,062,223 
Short-term Debt:          
At fixed interest rates   13,500    10,500 
At floating interest rates   27,395    - 
Total debt   40,895    10,500 
Total short-term borrowings and debt   776,967    1,072,723 
           
Average outstanding balance during the period   984,930    710,021 
Maximum balance at any month-end   1,057,619    1,072,723 
Range of fixed interest rates on borrowing and debt in U.S. dollars   1.95%   1.60% to 1.95%
Range of floating interest rates on borrowing in U.S. dollars   2.04% to 2.47%   1.77% to 2.08%
Range of fixed interest rates on borrowing in Mexican pesos   8.19% to 8.27%   7.92%
Range of floating interest rate on borrowing in Mexican pesos   8.12% to 8.19%   7.68% to 7.89%
Weighted average interest rate at end of the period   2.93%   2.16%
Weighted average interest rate during the period   2.67%   1.66%

 

The balances of short-term borrowings and debt by currency, is as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Currency          
US dollar   643,500    1,044,500 
Mexican peso   133,467    28,223 
Total   776,967    1,072,723 

 

 43 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

9.Borrowings and debt (continued)

 

Long-term borrowings and debt

 

Borrowings consist of long-term and syndicated loans obtained from international banks. Debt instruments consist of public and private issuances under the Bank's Euro Medium Term Notes Program (“EMTN”) as well as public issuances in the Mexican market. The breakdown of borrowings and long-term debt (original maturity of more than one year), together with contractual interest rates gross of prepaid commission of $3,760 and $4,211 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, is as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Long-term Borrowings:          
At fixed interest rates with due dates from April 2018 to February 2022   73,362    44,011 
At floating interest rates with due dates from August 2019 to March 2021   429,000    379,000 
Total borrowings   502,362    423,011 
Long-term Debt:          
At fixed interest rates with due dates from July 2018 to March 2024   518,164    532,305 
At floating interest rates with due dates from April 2019 to January 2023   107,142    187,739 
Total long-term debt   625,306    720,044 
Total long-term borrowings and debt   1,127,668    1,143,055 
Less: Prepaid commission   (3,760)   (4,211)
Total long-term borrowings and debt, net   1,123,908    1,138,844 
           
Net average outstanding balance during the year   1,111,615    1,477,788 
Maximum outstanding balance at any month – end   1,144,448    2,010,078 
Range of fixed interest rates on borrowing and debt in U.S. dollars   1.35% to 3.25%   1.35% to 3.25%
Range of floating interest rates on borrowing and debt in U.S. dollars   2.62% to 3.49%   2.61% to 3.01%
Range of fixed interest rates on borrowing in Mexican pesos   5.05% to 9.09%   4.89% to 9.09%
Range of floating interest rates on borrowing and debt in Mexican pesos   8.44%   7.99% to 8.00%
Range of fixed interest rate on debt in Japanese yens   0.46% to 0.50%   0.46% to 0.81%
Range of fixed interest rate on debt in Euros   3.75%   3.75%
Range of fixed interest rate on debt in Australian dollar   3.33%   3.33%
Weighted average interest rate at the end of the period   3.73%   3.60%
Weighted average interest rate during the period   3.69%   3.43%

 

 44 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

9.Borrowings and debt (continued)

 

Long-term borrowings and debt (continued)

 

The balances of long-term borrowings and debt by currency, excluding prepaid commission, is as follows:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Currency          
US dollar   845,914    753,981 
Mexican peso   110,504    206,750 
Japanese yen   84,419    98,711 
Euro   63,796    60,178 
Australian dollar   23,035    23,435 
Total   1,127,668    1,143,055 

 

The Bank's funding activities include: (i) EMTN, which may be used to issue notes for up to $2.3 billion, with maturities from 7 days up to a maximum of 30 years, at fixed or floating interest rates, or at discount, and in various currencies. The notes are generally issued in bearer or registered form through one or more authorized financial institutions; (ii) Short-and Long-Term Notes “Certificados Bursatiles” Program (the “Mexico Program”) in the Mexican local market, registered with the Mexican National Registry of Securities maintained by the National Banking and Securities Commission in Mexico (“CNBV”, for its acronym in Spanish), for an authorized aggregate principal amount of 10 billion Mexican pesos with maturities from one day to 30 years.

 

Some borrowing agreements include various events of default and covenants related to minimum capital adequacy ratios, incurrence of additional liens, and asset sales, as well as other customary covenants, representations and warranties. As of March 31, 2018, the Bank was in compliance with all covenants.

 

The future payments of long-term borrowings and debt outstanding as of March 31, 2018, are as follows:

 

Payments  Outstanding 
     
2018   17,945 
2019   367,253 
2020   452,723 
2021   200,898 
2022   10,053 
2023   15,000 
2024   63,796 
    1,127,668 

 

 45 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

10.Other liabilities

 

Following is a summary of other liabilities:

 

  

March 31,

2018

   December 31,
2017
 
Accruals and other accumulated expenses   5,619    8,018 
Accounts payable   13,377    9,307 
Others   3,070    3,226 
    22,066    20,551 

 

11.Earnings per share

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) computations for the dates indicated:

 

  

March 31,

2018

  

March 31,

2017

  

March 31,

2016

 
(Thousands of U.S. dollars)               
Profit for the period   14,498    23,458    23,438 
                

 

(U.S. dollars)

               
Basic earnings per share   0.37    0.60    0.60 
Diluted earnings per share   0.37    0.60    0.60 
                
(Share units)               
Weighted average common shares outstanding - applicable to basic   39,466    39,188    38,997 
                
Effect of diluted securities:               
Stock options and restricted stock
units plan
   26    108    124 
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to diluted EPS   39,492    39,296    39,121 

 

 46 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

12.Capital and additional paid-in capital in excess

 

Common stock

 

The Bank’s common stock is divided into four categories:

 

1)“Class A”; shares may only be issued to Latin American Central Banks or banks in which the state or other government agency is the majority shareholder.
2)“Class B”; shares may only be issued to banks or financial institutions.
3)“Class E”; shares may be issued to any person whether a natural person or a legal entity.
4)“Class F”; may only be issued to state entities and agencies of non-Latin American countries, including, among others, central banks and majority state-owned banks in those countries, and multilateral financial institutions either international or regional institutions.

 

The holders of “Class B” shares have the right to convert or exchange their “Class B” shares, at any time, and without restriction, for “Class E” shares, at a rate of one-to-one.

 

The following table provides detailed information on the Bank’s common stock activity per class for each of the periods in the three-years ended March 31, 2018, 2017and 2016:

 

(Share units)  “Class A”   “Class B”   “Class E”   “Class F”   Total 
Authorized  40,000,000   40,000,000   100,000,000   100,000,000   280,000,000 
                     
Outstanding at January 1, 2016   6,342,189    2,474,469    30,152,247    -    38,968,905 
Conversions   -    -    -    -    - 
Restricted stock issued – directors   -    -    -    -    - 
Exercised stock options - compensation plans   -    -    -    -    - 
Restricted stock units – vested   -    -    91,454    -    91,454 
Outstanding at March 31, 2016   6,342,189    2,474,469    30,243,701    -    39,060,359 
                          
Outstanding at January 1, 2017   6,342,189    2,474,469    30,343,390    -    39,160,048 
Restricted stock issued – directors   -    -    -    -    - 
Exercised stock options - compensation plans   -    -    1,616    -    1,616 
Restricted stock units – vested   -    -    65,265    -    65,265 
Outstanding at March 31, 2017   6,342,189    2,474,469    30,410,271    -    39,226,929 
                          
Outstanding at January 1, 2018   6,342,189    2,408,806    30,677,840    -    39,428,835 
Conversions   -    (64,386)   64,386        -    - 
Repurchase common stock   -    -    -    -    - 
Restricted stock issued – directors   -    -    -    -    - 
Exercised stock options - compensation plans   -    -    102,918    -    102,918 
Restricted stock units – vested   -    -    13,756    -    13,756 
Outstanding at March 31, 2018   6,342,189    2,344,420    30,858,900    -    39,545,509 

 

Additional paid-in capital in excess

 

As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the additional paid-in capital consists of additional cash contributions to the common capital paid by shareholders.

 

 47 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

13.Treasury stock

 

The following table presents information regarding shares repurchased but not retired by the Bank and accordingly classified as treasury stock:

 

   “Class A”   “Class B”   “Class E”   Total 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Outstanding at January 1, 2016   318,140    10,708    589,174    16,242    2,103,620    46,447    3,010,934    73,397 
Repurchase of common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Restricted stock issued – directors   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Exercised stock options - compensation plans   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Restricted stock units – vested   -    -    -    -    (64,870)   (1,433)   (64,870)   (1,433)

Outstanding at

March 31, 2016

   318,140    10,708    589,174    16,242    2,038,750    45,014    2,946,064    71,964 
                                         
Outstanding at January 1, 2017   318,140    10,708    589,174    16,242    1,912,477    42,226    2,819,791    69,176 
Repurchase of common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Restricted stock issued – directors   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Exercised stock options - compensation plans   -    -    -    -    (1,616)   (35)   (1,616)   (35)
Restricted stock units – vested   -    -    -    -    (65,265)   (1,441)   (65,265)   (1,441)

Outstanding at

March 31, 2017

   318,140    10,708    589,174    16,242    1,845,596    40,750    2,752,910    67,700 
                                         
Outstanding at January 1, 2018   318,140    10,708    590,174    16,270    1,642,690    36,270    2,551,004    63,248 
Repurchase of common stock   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Restricted stock issued - directors   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Exercised stock options - compensation plans   -    -    -    -    (102,918)   (2,273)   (102,918)   (2,273)
Restricted stock units - vested   -    -    -    -    (13,756)   (304)   (13,756)   (304)

Outstanding at

March 31, 2018

   318,140    10,708    590,174    16,270    1,526,016    33,693    2,434,330    60,671 

 48 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

14.Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

The breakdown of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to financial instruments at FVOCI, derivative financial instruments, and foreign currency translation is as follows:

 

   Financial
instruments
at FVOCI
   Derivative
financial
instruments
   Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
   Total 
Balance as of January 1, 2016   (8,931)   (1,750)   -    (10,681)
Change in fair value for revaluation by debt instrument, net of hedging   2,900    (1,099)   -    1,801 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) loss included in the net profit (1)   528    (321)   -    207 
Other comprehensive income (loss) from the period   3,428    (1,420)   -    2,008 
Balance as of March 31, 2016   (5,503)   (3,170)   -    (8,673)
                     
Balance as of January 1, 2017   (853)   (1,948)   -    (2,801)
Change in fair value for revaluation by debt instrument, net of hedging   120    817    -    937 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) loss included in the net profit (1)   105    (2,590)   -    (2,485)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from the period   225    (1,773)   -    (1,548)
Balance as of March 31, 2017   (628)   (3,721)   -    (4,349)
                     
Balance as of January 1, 2018   (385)   858    1,490    1,963 
Change in fair value for revaluation by debt instrument, net of hedging   26    1,265    -    1,291 
Change in fair value for revaluation by equity instrument, net of hedging   (555)   (68)   -    (623)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) loss included in the net profit (1)   2    1,158    -    1,160 
Foreign currency translation adjustment   -    -    (175)   (175)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from the period   (527)   2,355    (175)   1,653 
Balance as of March 31, 2018   (912)   3,213    1,315    3,616 

 

(1) Reclassification adjustments include amounts recognized in profit of the year that had been part of other comprehensive income (loss) in this and previous periods.

 

 49 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

14.Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (continued)

 

The following table presents amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income to the profit of the period:

 

March 31, 2018
Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
  Amount reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
   Affected line item in the consolidated statement of
profit or loss where net income is presented
Realized gains (losses) on financial instruments at FVOCI:   -   Interest income – financial instruments at FVOCI
    -   Net gain on sale of financial instruments at FVOCI
    (2)  Derivative financial instruments and hedging
    (2)   
         
Gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments:        
Foreign exchange forward   (418)  Interest income – loans at amortized cost
    (1,110)  Interest expense – borrowings and deposits
    379   Net gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange
Interest rate swaps   (9)  Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swap   -   Net gain (loss) on cross-currency interest rate swap
    (1,158)   

 

March 31, 2017

Details about accumulated other

comprehensive income components

  Amount reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
   Affected line item in the consolidated statement of
profit or loss where net income is presented
Realized gains (losses) on financial instruments at FVOCI:   -   Interest income – financial instruments at FVOCI
    (36)  Net gain on sale of financial instruments at FVOCI
    (69)  Derivative financial instruments and hedging
    (105)   
         
Gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments:        
Foreign exchange forward   (1,871)  Interest income – loans at amortized cost
    781   Interest expense – borrowings and deposits
    3,515   Net gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange
Interest rate swaps   163   Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swap   2   Net gain (loss) on cross-currency interest rate swap
    2,590    

 

 50 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

14.Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (continued)

 

March 31, 2016
Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
  Amount reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
   Affected line item in the consolidated statement of
profit or loss where net income is presented
Realized gains (losses) on financial instruments at FVOCI:   (221)  Interest income – financial instruments at FVOCI
    50   Net gain on sale of financial instruments at FVOCI
    (357)  Derivative financial instruments and hedging
    (528)   
         
Gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments:        
Foreign exchange forward   (752)  Interest income – loans at amortized cost
    177   Interest expense – borrowings and deposits
    264   Net gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange
Interest rate swaps   578   Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swap   84   Net gain (loss) on cross-currency interest rate swap
    321    

 

15.Business segment information

 

The Bank’s activities are managed and executed in two business segments: Commercial and Treasury. The business segment results are determined based on the Bank’s managerial accounting process as defined by IFRS 8 – Operating Segments, which assigns consolidated statement of financial positions, revenue and expense items to each business segment on a systematic basis. The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), represented by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Executive Committee reviews internal management reports from each division at least quarterly. Segment profit, as included in the internal management reports is used to measure performance as management believes that this information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of the respective segments relative to other entities that operate within the same industry.

 

The Bank’s net interest income represents the main driver of profits; therefore, the Bank presents its interest-earning assets by business segment, to give an indication of the size of business generating net interest income. Interest-earning assets also generate gains and losses on sales, such as for financial instruments at fair value through OCI and financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, which are included in net other income, in the Treasury Segment. The Bank also discloses its other assets and contingencies by business segment, to give an indication of the size of business that generates net fees and commissions, also included in net other income, in the Commercial Business Segment.

 

The Commercial Business Segment incorporates all of the Bank’s financial intermediation and fees generated by the commercial portfolio. The commercial portfolio includes book value of loans at amortized cost, acceptances, loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. Profits from the Commercial Business Segment include net interest income from loans at amortized cost, fee income, gain on sale of loans at amortized cost, impairment loss from expected credit losses on loans at amortized cost, impairment loss from expected credit losses on loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts, and allocated expenses.

 

The Treasury Business Segment incorporates deposits in banks and all the Bank’s financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, financial instruments at fair value through OCI and securities at amortized cost. Profits from the Treasury Business Segment include net interest income from deposits with banks, financial instruments at fair value through OCI and securities at amortized cost, derivative financial instruments foreign currency exchange, gain (loss) for financial instrument at fair value through profit or loss, gain (loss) for financial instrument at fair value through OCI, impairment loss for expected credit losses on investment securities, other income and allocated expenses.

 

 51 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

15.Business segment information (continued)

 

The following table provides certain information regarding the Bank’s operations by segment:

 

   Periods ended March 31st 
   2018(1)   2017(1)   2016(1) 
Commercial               
Interest income   53,890    56,427    58,253 
Interest expense   (26,780)   (23,136)   (23,037)
Net interest income   27,110    33,291    32,216 
Net other income (2)   2,551    3,479    2,819 
Total income   29,661    36,770    38,035 
Impairment loss from expected credit losses on loans and impairment loss from expected credit losses on loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts   (1,956)   (4,116)   (1,230)
Expenses, less impairment loss from expected credit losses   (10,761)   (8,700)   (9,578)
Profit for the period   16,944    23,954    27,227 
Commercial assets and loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts (end of period balances):               
Interest-earning assets (3 and 5)   5,219,397    5,732,359    6,013,482 
Other assets and loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts (4)   506,164    401,266    381,052 
Total interest-earning assets, other assets and loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts   5,725,561    6,133,625    6,394,534 
                
Treasury               
Interest income   3,547    2,704    2,905 
Interest expense   (4,067)   (1,563)   1,397 
Net interest income   (520)   1,141    4,302 
Net other income (2)   1,602    415    (5,302)
Total income   1,082    1,556    (1,000)
Impairment loss for expected credit losses on investment securities   25    454    (7)
Expenses, less impairment loss for expected credit losses   (3,552)   (2,506)   (2,782)
Profit (loss) for the period   (2,445)   (496)   (3,789)
Treasury assets (end of period balances):               
Interest-earning assets (3 and 5)   645,025    1,364,229    1,177,961 
Total interest-earning assets   645,025    1,364,229    1,177,961 
 52 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

15.Business segment information (continued)

 

   Periods ended March 31st 
Combined business segment total   2018(1)   2017(1)   2016(1)
Interest income   57,437    59,131    61,158 
Interest expense   (30,847)   (24,699)   (21,640)
Net interest income   26,590    34,432    39,518 
Net other income (2)   4,153    3,894    (2,483)
Total income   30,743    38,326    37,035 
Impairment loss from expected credit losses on loans and impairment loss from expected credit losses on loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts   (1,956)   (4,116)   (1,230)
Impairment loss from expected credit losses on investment securities   25    454    (7)
Expenses, less impairment loss from expected credit losses   (14,313)   (11,206)   (12,360)
Profit for the period   14,499    23,458    23,438 

 

  

March 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Total assets and loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts
(end of period balances):
          
Interest-earning assets (3 and 5)   5,864,422    6,258,584 
Other assets and loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts (4)   506,164    493,794 
Total interest-earning assets, other assets and loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts   6,370,586    6,752,378 

 

(1)The numbers set out in these tables have been rounded and accordingly may not total exactly.
(2)Net other income consists of other income including gains on sale of loans, gains (loss) per financial instrument at FVTPL and FVOCI, derivative instruments and foreign currency exchange.
(3)Includes deposits and loans, net of unearned interest and deferred fees.
(4)Includes customers’ liabilities under acceptances, loans commitments and financial guarantees contracts.
(5)Includes cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits with banks, financial instruments at fair value through OCI, financial instruments at amortized cost and financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss.

 

   March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
Reconciliation of total assets:          
Interest-earning assets – business segment   5,864,422    6,258,584 
Equity investment   7,846    8,402 
Allowance for expected credit losses on loans   (82,670)   (81,294)
Allowance for expected credit losses on securities at amortized cost   (170)   (196)
Customers’ liabilities under acceptances   4,940    6,369 
Intangibles, net   5,115    5,425 
Accrued interest receivable   34,724    30,872 
Property and equipment, net   7,120    7,420 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging - receivable   14,682    13,338 
Other assets   19,035    18,827 
Total assets – consolidated financial statements   5,875,044    6,267,747 

 

 53 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

16.Fair value of financial instruments

 

The Bank determines the fair value of its financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy established in IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, which requires the Bank to maximize the use of observable inputs (those that reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market information obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances) when measuring fair value. Fair value is used on a recurring basis to measure assets and liabilities in which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. Additionally, fair value is used on a non-recurring basis to evaluate assets and liabilities for impairment or for disclosure purposes. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the Bank uses some valuation techniques and assumptions when estimating fair value. The Bank applied the following fair value hierarchy:

 

Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which an identical instrument is traded in an active market, such as publicly-traded instruments or futures contracts.

 

Level 2 – Assets or liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments, quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3 – Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market; instruments measured based on the best available information, which might include some internally-developed data, and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require.

 

When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities that are required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Bank considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. When possible, the Bank uses active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, the Bank uses observable market information for similar assets and liabilities. However, certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets and the Bank must use alternative valuation techniques to determine the fair value measurement. The frequency of transactions, the size of the bid-ask spread and the size of the investment are factors considered in determining the liquidity of markets and the relevance of observed prices in those markets.

 

When there has been a significant decrease in the volume or level of activity for a financial asset or liability, the Bank uses the present value technique which considers market information to determine a representative fair value in usual market conditions.

 

A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including the general classification of such assets and liabilities under the fair value hierarchy is presented below:

 

Financial instruments at FVTPL and FVOCI

 

Financial instruments at FVTPL are carried at fair value, which is based upon quoted prices when available, or if quoted market prices are not available, on discounted expected cash flows using market rates commensurate with the credit quality and maturity of the security.

 

Financial instruments at FVOCI are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices when available, or if quoted market prices are not available, based on discounted expected cash flows using market rates commensurate with the credit quality and maturity of the security.

 

When quoted prices are available in an active market, financial instruments at FVOCI and financial instruments at FVTPL are classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available or they are available in markets that are not active, then fair values are estimated based upon quoted prices of similar instruments, or where these are not available, by using internal valuation techniques, principally discounted cash flows models. Such securities are classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

16.Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

The valuation techniques and inputs depend on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instrument. Exchange-traded derivatives that are valued using quoted prices are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

For those derivative contracts without quoted market prices, fair value is based on internal valuation techniques using inputs that are readily observable and that can be validated by information available in the market. The principal technique used to value these instruments is the discounted cash flows model and the key inputs considered in this technique include interest rate yield curves and foreign exchange rates. These derivatives are classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The fair value adjustments applied by the Bank to its derivative carrying values include credit valuation adjustments (“CVA”), which are applied to OTC derivative instruments, in which the base valuation generally discounts expected cash flows using the Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) interest rate curves. Because not all counterparties have the same credit risk as that implied by the relevant OIS curve, a CVA is necessary to incorporate the market view of both, counterparty credit risk and the Bank’s own credit risk, in the valuation.

 

Own-credit and counterparty CVA is determined using a fair value curve consistent with the Bank’s or counterparty credit rating. The CVA is designed to incorporate a market view of the credit risk inherent in the derivative portfolio. However, most of the Bank’s derivative instruments are negotiated bilateral contracts and are not commonly transferred to third parties. Derivative instruments are normally settled contractually, or if terminated early, are terminated at a value negotiated bilaterally between the counterparties. Therefore, the CVA (both counterparty and own-credit) may not be realized upon a settlement or termination in the normal course of business. In addition, all or a portion of the CVA may be reversed or otherwise adjusted in future periods in the event of changes in the credit risk of the Bank or its counterparties or due to the anticipated termination of the transactions.

 

Transfer of financial assets

 

Gains or losses on sale of loans depend in part on the carrying amount of the financial assets involved in the transfer, and its fair value at the date of transfer. The fair value of instruments is determined based upon quoted market prices when available, or are based on the present value of future expected cash flows using information related to credit losses, prepayment speeds, forward yield curves, and discounted rates commensurate with the risk involved.

 

 55 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

16.Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis by caption on the consolidated statement of financial positions using the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Level 1(a)   Level 2(b)   Level 3(c)   Total 
Assets                    
Securities at fair value through OCI:                    
Equity investments   7,846    -    -    7,846 
Sovereign debt   16,467    -    -    16,467 
Total securities at fair value through OCI   24,313    -    -    24,313 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable:                    
Interest rate swaps   -    951      -    951 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps   -    3,634    -    3,634 
Foreign exchange forward   -    10,097    -    10,097 
Total derivative financial instrument used for hedging – receivable   -    14,682    -    14,682 
Total financial assets at fair value   24,313    14,682    -    38,995 
                     
Liabilities                
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable:                    
Interest rate swaps   -    5,508    -    5,508 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps   -    5,765    -    5,765 
Foreign exchange forward   -    1,196    -    1,196 
Total derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable   -    12,469    -    12,469 
Total financial liabilities at fair value   -    12,469    -    12,469 

 

(a)Level 1: Quoted market prices in an active market.
(b)Level 2: Quoted market prices in an inactive market or internally developed models with significant observable market.
(c)Level 3: Internally developed models with significant unobservable market information.
   
 56 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

16.Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Level 1(a)   Level 2(b)   Level 3(c)   Total 
Assets                    
Securities at fair value through OCI:                    
Corporate debt   8,402    -    -    8,402 
Sovereign debt (1)   16,733    -    -    16,733 
Total securities at fair value through OCI   25,135    -       -    25,135 
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – receivable:                    
Interest rate swaps   -    129    -    129 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps   -    4,550    -    4,550 
Foreign exchange forward   -    8,659    -    8,659 
Total derivative financial instrument used for hedging – receivable   -    13,338    -    13,338 
Total financial assets at fair value   25,135    13,338    -    38,473 
                     
Liabilities                    
Derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable:                    
Interest rate swaps   -    4,789    -    4,789 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps   -    30,154    -    30,154 
Total derivative financial instruments used for hedging – payable   -    34,943    -    34,943 
Total financial liabilities at fair value   -    34,943    -    34,943 

 

(a)Level 1: Quoted market prices in an active market.
(b)Level 2: Quoted market prices in an inactive market or internally developed models with significant observable market.
(c)Level 3: Internally developed models with significant unobservable market information.

 

(1)At December 31, 2017, securities at fair value through OCI for $2,955 were reclassified from level 2 to level 1 of the fair value hierarchy given that Bloomberg's valuation "BVAL" for these values increased from 7 (in 2016) to 10 (in 2017).

 

The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the Bank. Fair value calculations are only provided for a limited portion of the Bank’s financial assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparison of fair value information of the Bank and other companies may not be meaningful for comparative analysis.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

16.Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Bank’s management in estimating the fair values of financial instruments whose fair value is not measured on a recurring basis:

 

Financial instruments with carrying value that approximates fair value

 

The carrying value of certain financial assets, including cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, customers’ liabilities under acceptances, accrued interest receivable and certain financial liabilities including customer’s demand and time deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements, accrued interest payable, and acceptances outstanding, as a result of their short-term nature, are considered to approximate fair value. These instruments are classified in Level 2.

 

Securities at amortized cost

 

The fair value has been based upon current market quotations, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value has been estimated based upon quoted price of similar instruments, or where these are not available, on discounted expected cash flows using market rates commensurate with the credit quality and maturity of the security. These securities are classified in Levels 1and 2.

 

Loans at amortized cost

 

The fair value of the loan portfolio, including impaired loans, is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current rates at which loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities, considering the contractual terms in effect as of December 31 of the relevant year. These assets are classified in Level 2.

 

Short and long-term borrowings and debt

 

The fair value of short and long-term borrowings and debt is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, considering the changes in the Bank’s credit margin. These liabilities are classified in Level 2.

 58 

 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

16.Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

The following table provides information on the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Bank’s financial instruments that are not measured on a recurring basis:

 

    March 31, 2018  
    Carrying
value
    Fair
value
    Level 1(a)     Level 2(b)     Level 3(c)  
Financial assets                                        
Instruments with carrying value that approximates fair value:                                        
Cash and deposits on banks     575,880       575,880       -       575,880       -  
Acceptances     4,940       4,940       -       4,940       -  
Interest receivable     34,742       34,742       -       34,742       -  
Securities at amortized cost (2)     68,112       67,408       50,330       8,380       9,402  
Loans, net (1)     5,136,727       5,236,793       -       5,236,793       -  
                                         
Financial liabilities                                        
Instruments with carrying value that approximates fair value:                                        
Deposits     2,829,819       2,829,819       -       2,829,819       -  
Acceptances     4,940       4,940       -       4,940       -  
Interest payable     17,022       17,022       -       17,022       -  
Short-term borrowings and debt     776,967       776,576       -       776,576       -  
Long-term borrowings and debt, net     1,123,908       1,134,188       -       1,134,188       -  

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Carrying
value
   Fair
 value
   Level 1(a)   Level 2(b)   Level 3(c) 
Financial assets                         
Instruments with carrying value that approximates fair value:                         
Cash and deposits on banks   672,048    672,048    -    672,048    - 
Acceptances   6,369    6,369    -    6,369    - 
Interest receivable   30,872    30,872    -    30,872    - 
Securities at amortized cost (2)   68,934    69,006    50,581    8,447    9,978 
Loans , net (1)   5,419,379    5,520,604    -    5,520,604    - 
                          
Financial liabilities                         
Instruments with carrying value that approximates fair value:                         
Deposits   2,928,844    2,928,844    -    2,928,844    - 
Acceptances   6,369    6,369    -    6,369    - 
Interest payable   15,816    15,816    -    15,816    - 
Short-term borrowings and debt   1,072,723    1,072,483    -    1,072,483    - 
Long-term borrowings and debt, net   1,138,844    1,158,534    -    1,158,534    - 

 

(a) Level 1: Quoted market prices in an active market.

(b) Level 2: Quoted market prices in an inactive market or internally developed models with significant observable market.

(c) Level 3: Internally developed models with significant unobservable market information.

 

(1)The carrying value of loans at amortized cost is net of the allowance for expected credit losses of $82.6million and unearned interest and deferred fees of $6.0 million for March 31, 2018; allowance for expected credit losses of $81.3 million and unearned interest and deferred fees of $5.0 million for December 31, 2017.

 

(2)The carrying value of securities at amortized cost is net of the allowance for expected credit losses of $0.2 million for both periods.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

17.Related party transactions

 

During the reporting periods, total compensation paid to directors and the executives of Bladex as representatives of the Bank amounted to:

 

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
Expenses:            
Compensation costs paid to directors   34    34    75 
Compensation costs paid to executives   2,939    1,108    2,023 

 

18.Litigation

 

Bladex is not engaged in any litigation that is material to the Bank’s business or, to the best of the knowledge of the Bank’s management that is likely to have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

19.Risk management

 

Risk is inherent in the Bank’s activities, but it is managed through a process of ongoing identification, measurement and monitoring, subject to risk limits and other controls. This process of risk management is critical to the Bank’s continuing profitability and each individual within the Bank is accountable for the risk exposures relating to his or her responsibilities. The Bank is exposed to market, credit, compliance and liquidity risk. It is also subject to country risk and various operating risks.

 

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall risk management approach and for approving the risk management strategies and principles. The Board has appointed a Risk Committee which has the responsibility to monitor the overall risk process within the Bank.

 

The Risk Committee has the overall responsibility for the development of the risk strategy and implementing principles, frameworks, policies and limits. The Risk Committee is responsible for managing risk decisions and monitoring risk levels and reports on a weekly basis to the Executive Committee.

 

The Risk Management Unit is responsible for implementing and maintaining risk related procedures to ensure an independent control process is maintained. The unit works closely with the Risk Committee to ensure that procedures are compliant with the overall framework.

 

The Risk Management Unit is responsible for monitoring compliance with risk principles, policies and limits across the Bank. This unit also ensures the complete capture of the risks in risk measurement and reporting systems. Exceptions are reported on a daily basis, where necessary, to the Risk Committee, and the relevant actions are taken to address exceptions and any areas of weakness.

 

The Bank ‘s Assets/Liabilities Committee (ALCO) is responsible for managing the Bank’s assets and liabilities and the overall financial structure. It is also primarily responsible for the funding and liquidity risks of the Bank. The Bank’s policy is that risk management processes throughout the Bank are audited annually by the Internal Audit function, which examines both the adequacy of the procedures and the Bank’s compliance with the procedures. Internal Audit discusses the results of all assessments with management, and reports its findings and recommendations to the Audit Committee.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Risk measurement and reporting systems

 

The Bank’s risks are measured using a method that reflects both the expected loss likely to arise in normal circumstances and unexpected losses, which are an estimate of the ultimate actual loss based on statistical models. The models make use of probabilities derived from historical experience, adjusted to reflect the economic environment. The Bank also runs worst-case scenarios that would arise in the event that extreme events which are unlikely to occur do, in fact, occur.

 

Monitoring and controlling risks is primarily performed based on limits established by the Bank. These limits reflect the business strategy and market environment of the Bank as well as the level of risk that the Bank is willing to accept, with additional emphasis on selected industries. In addition, the Bank’s policy is to measure and monitor the overall risk bearing capacity in relation to the aggregate risk exposure across all risk types and activities. Information compiled from all the businesses is examined and processed to analyze, control and identify risks on a timely basis. This information is presented and explained to the Board of Directors, the Risk Committee, and the head of each business division. The report includes aggregate credit exposure, credit metric forecasts, market risk sensitivities, stop losses, liquidity ratios and risk profile changes. On a monthly basis, detailed reporting of industry, customer and geographic risks takes place. Senior management assesses the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses on a monthly basis. The Supervisory Board receives a comprehensive risk report once a quarter which is designed to provide all the necessary information to assess and conclude on the risks of the Bank. For all levels throughout the Bank, specifically tailored risk reports are prepared and distributed to ensure that all business divisions have access to extensive, necessary and up–to–date information.

 

Risk mitigation

 

As part of its overall risk management, the Bank uses derivatives and other instruments to manage exposures resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currencies, equity risks, credit risks, and exposures arising from forecast transactions.

 

In accordance with the Bank’s policy, its risk profile is assessed before entering into hedge transactions, which are authorized by the appropriate level of seniority within the Bank. The effectiveness of hedges is assessed by the Risk Controlling Unit (based on economic considerations rather than the IFRS hedge accounting regulations). The effectiveness of all the hedge relationships is monitored by the Risk Controlling Unit quarterly. In situations of ineffectiveness, the Bank will enter into a new hedge relationship to mitigate risk on a continuous basis.

 

Risk concentration

 

Concentrations arise when a number of counterparties are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geographical region, or have similar economic features that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic, political or other conditions. Concentrations indicate the relative sensitivity of the Bank’s performance to developments affecting a particular industry or geographical location. To avoid excessive concentrations of risk, the Bank’s policies and procedures include specific guidelines to focus on maintaining a diversified portfolio. Identified concentrations of credit risks are controlled and managed accordingly. Selective hedging is used within the Bank to manage risk concentrations at both the relationship and industry levels.

 

The Bank has exposure to the following risk from financial instruments:

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that the Bank will incur a loss because its customers or counterparties fail to discharge their contractual obligations. The Bank manages and controls credit risk by setting limits on the amount of risk it is willing to accept for individual counterparties and for geographical and industry concentrations, and by monitoring exposures in relation to such limits.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Credit risk (continued)

 

The Bank has established a credit quality review process to provide early identification of possible changes in the creditworthiness of counterparties, including regular collateral revisions. Counterparty limits are established using a credit risk classification system, which assigns each counterparty a risk rating. Risk ratings are subject to regular revision. The credit quality review process aims to allow the Bank to assess the potential loss because of the risks to which it is exposed and take corrective action.

 

Individually assessed allowances

 

The Bank determines the allowances appropriate for each individually significant loan or advance on an individual basis, considering any overdue payments of interests, credit rating downgrades, or infringement of the original terms of the contract. Items considered when determining allowance amounts include the sustainability of the counterparty’s business plan, its ability to improve performance if it is in a financial difficulty, projected receipts and the expected payout should bankruptcy ensue, the availability of other financial support, the realizable value of collateral and the timing of the expected cash flows. Allowances for losses are evaluated at each reporting date, unless unforeseen circumstances require more careful attention.

 

Collectively assessed allowances

 

Allowances are assessed collectively for losses on loans and advances and for debt investments at amortized costs that are not individually significant and for individually significant loans and advances that have been assessed individually and found not to be impaired. The Bank generally bases its analyses on historical experience and prospective information. However, when there are significant market developments, regional and/or global, the Bank would include macroeconomic factors within its assessments. These factors include, depending on the characteristics of the individual or collective assessment: unemployment rates, current levels of bad debt, changes in the law, changes in regulation, bankruptcy trends, and other consumer data. The Bank may use the aforementioned factors as appropriate to adjust the impairment allowances.

 

Allowances are evaluated separately at each reporting date with each portfolio. The collective assessment is made for groups of assets with similar risk characteristics, in order to determine whether provision should be made due to incurred loss events for which there is objective evidence, but the effects of which are not yet evident in the individual loans assessments. The collective assessment takes account of data from the loan portfolio (such as historical losses on the portfolio, levels of arrears, credit utilization, loan to collateral ratios and expected receipts and recoveries once impaired) or economic data (such as current economic conditions, unemployment levels and local or industry–specific problems). The approximate time when a loss is likely to have been incurred and the time it will be identified as requiring an individually assessed impairment allowance is also taken into consideration. The impairment allowance is then reviewed by credit management to ensure alignment with the Bank’s overall policy.

 

Financial guarantees and letters of credit are assessed in a similar manner as for loans.

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

Credit risk arising from derivative financial instruments is, at any time, limited to those with positive fair values, as recorded on the statement of financial position at fair value.

With gross–settled derivatives, the Bank is also exposed to a settlement risk, being the risk that the Bank honors its obligation, but the counterparty fails to deliver the counter value.

 

Credit–related commitments risks

 

The Bank makes available to its customers guarantees that may require that the Bank makes payments on their behalf and enters into commitments to extend credit lines to secure their liquidity needs. Letters of credit and guarantees (including standby letters of credit) commit the Bank to make payments on behalf of customers in the event of a specific act, generally related to the import or export of goods. Such commitments expose the Bank to similar risks to loans and are mitigated by the same control processes and policies.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Credit risk (continued)

 

Collateral and other credit enhancements

 

The amount and type of collateral required depends on an assessment of the credit risk of the counterparty. Guidelines are in place covering the acceptability and valuation of each type of collateral.

 

The main types of collateral obtained are, as follows:

 

-For commercial lending, charges over real estate properties, inventory and trade receivables.

 

The Bank also obtains guarantees from parent companies for loans to their subsidiaries. Management monitors the market value of collateral and will request additional collateral in accordance with the underlying agreement. It is the Bank’s policy to dispose of repossessed properties in an orderly fashion. The proceeds are used to reduce or repay the outstanding claim. In general, the Bank does not occupy repossessed properties for business use.

 

The Bank also makes use of master netting agreements with counterparties with whom a significant volume of transactions are undertaken. Such arrangements provide for single net settlement of all financial instruments covered by the agreements in the event of default on any one contract. Master netting arrangements do not normally result in an offset of balance–sheet assets and liabilities unless certain conditions for offsetting.

 

Although master netting arrangements may significantly reduce credit risk, it should be noted that:

 

-Credit risk is eliminated only to the extent that amounts due to the same counterparty will be settled after the assets are realized.
-The extent to which overall credit risk is reduced may change substantially within a short period because the exposure is affected by each transaction subject to the arrangement.

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity refers to the Bank’s ability to maintain adequate cash flows to fund operations and meet obligations and other commitments on a timely basis.

 

As established by the Bank’s liquidity policy, the Bank’s liquid assets are held in overnight deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or in the form of interbank deposits with reputable international banks that have A1, P1, or F1 ratings from two of the major internationally – recognized rating agencies and are primarily located outside of the Region. In addition, the Bank’s liquidity policy allows for investing in negotiable money market instruments, including Euro certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and other liquid instruments with maturities of up to three years. These instruments must be of investment grade quality A or better, must have a liquid secondary market and be considered as such according to Basel III rules.

 

The Bank performs daily reviews, controls and periodic stress tests on its liquidity position, including the application of a series of limits to restrict its overall liquidity risk and to monitor the liquidity level according to the macroeconomic environment. The Bank determines the level of liquid assets to be held on a daily basis, adopting a Liquidity Coverage Ratio methodology referencing the Basel Committee guidelines. Additionally, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio is complemented with the use of the Net Stable Funding Ratio to maintain an adequate long-term funding structure.

 

Specific limits have been established to control (1) cumulative maturity “gaps” between assets and liabilities, for each maturity classification presented in the Bank’s internal liquidity reports, and (2) concentrations of deposits taken from any client or economic group maturing in one day and total maximum deposits maturing in one day.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Liquidity risk (continued)

 

The Bank follows a Contingent Liquidity Plan. The plan contemplates the regular monitoring of several quantified internal and external reference benchmarks (such as deposit level, Emerging Markets Bonds Index Plus, LIBOR-OIS spread and market interest rates), which in cases of high volatility would trigger implementation of a series of precautionary measures to reinforce the Bank’s liquidity position. In the Bank’s opinion, its liquidity position is adequate for the Bank’s present requirements.

 

While the Bank’s liabilities generally mature over somewhat shorter periods than its assets, the associated liquidity risk is diminished by the short-term nature of the loan portfolio, as the Bank is engaged primarily in the financing of foreign trade.

 

The following table details the Banks’s assets and liabilities grouped by its remaining maturity with respect to the contractual maturity:

 

    March 31, 2018  
Description   Up to 3
months
    3 to 6
months
    6 months
to 1 year
    1 to 5
years
    More
than
5 years
    Without
maturity
    Total  
Assets                                                        
Cash and cash equivalent     560,276       -       -       -       -       -       560,276  
Investment securities     277       5,302       14,919       64,081       -       -       84,579  
Equity investments     -       -       -       -       -       7,846       7,846  
Loans at amortized cost     2,115,146       964,120       749,886       1,322,139       74,033       -       5,225,324  
Unearned interest and deferred fees     (1,269 )     (461 )     (670 )     (3,527 )     -       -       (5,927 )
Allowance for expected credit losses     -       -       -       -       -       (82,670 )     (82,670 )
Other assets     26,565       13,849       17,302       17,643       3,074       7,184       85,617  
Total     2,700,995       982,810       781,437       1,400,336       77,107       (67,640 )     5,875,045  
                                                         
Liabilities                                                        
Deposits     2,160,995       265,205       283,452       104,563       -       -       2,814,215  
Other liabilities     357,620       89,112       432,343       1,074,255       60,764       -       2,014,094  
Total     2,518,615       354,317       715,795       1,178,818       60,764       -       4,828,309  
                                                         
Confirmed letters of credit     266,528       172,690       30,552       -       -       -       469,770  
Stand-by letters of credit and guaranteed – Commercial risk     557       385       513       -       -       -       1,455  
Credit commitments     -       -       -       30,000       577       -       30,577  
Total     267,085       173,075       31,065       30,000       577       -       501,802  
Net position     (84,705 )     455,418       34,577       191,518       15,766       (67,640 )     544,934  

 

 64 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Liquidity risk (continued)

 

   December 31, 2017 
Description  Up to 3
months
   3 to 6
months
   6 months
to 1 year
   1 to 5
years
  

More
than

5 years

   Without
maturity
   Total 
Assets                                   
Cash and cash equivalent   672,048    -    -    -    -    -    672,048 
Investment securities   700    279    7,000    77,688    -    -    85,667 
Equity investments   -    -    -    -    -    8,402    8,402 
Loans at amortized cost   1,926,787    1,175,801    922,711    1,386,161    94,198    -    5,505,658 
Unearned interest and deferred fees   (472)   (479)   (223)   (3,546)   (248)   (17)   (4,985)
Allowance for expected credit losses   -    -    -    -    -    (81,294)   (81,294)
Other assets   31,282    8,635    13,175    3,819    9,398    21,949    88,258 
Total   2,630,345    1,184,236    942,663    1,464,122    103,348    (50,960)   6,273,754 
                                    
Liabilities                                   
Deposits   1,722,041    411,158    571,500    224,145    -    -    2,928,844 
Other liabilities   806,547    151,090    291,694    979,958    72,809    -    2,302,098 
Total   2,528,588    562,248    863,194    1,204,103    72,809    -    5,230,942 
                                    
Confirmed letters of credit   169,042    101,403    3,004    -    -    -    273,449 
Stand-by letters of credit and guaranteed –
commercial risk
   18,687    72,080    77,952    257    -    -    168,976 
Credit commitments   -    15,000    -    30,000    578    -    45,578 
Total   187,729    188,483    80,956    30,257    578    -    488,003 
Net position   (85,972)   433,505    (1,487)   229,762    29,961    (50,960)   554,809 

 

 65 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Market risk

 

Market risk generally represents the risk that values of assets and liabilities or revenues will be adversely affected by changes in market conditions. Market risk is inherent in the financial instruments associated with many of the Bank’s operations and activities, including loans, deposits, securities held to maturity and financial instruments through OCI, short- and long-term borrowings and debt, derivatives and financial liabilities through profit or loss. This risk may result from fluctuations in different parameters: interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation rates and changes in the implied volatility. Accordingly, depending on the instruments or activities impacted, market risks can have wide ranging, complex adverse effects on the Bank’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and business.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Bank endeavors to manage its assets and liabilities in order to reduce the potential adverse effects on the net interest income that could be produced by interest rate changes. The Bank’s interest rate risk is the exposure of earnings (current and potential) and capital to adverse changes in interest rates and is managed by attempting to match the term and repricing characteristics of the Bank’s interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The Bank’s policy with respect to interest rate risk provides that the Bank establishes limits with regards to: (1) changes in net interest income due to a potential impact, given certain movements in interest rates and (2) changes in the amount of available equity funds of the Bank, given a one basis point movement in interest rates.

 

The following summary table presents a sensitivity analysis of the effect on the Bank’s results of operations derived from a reasonable variation in interest rates which its financial obligations are subject to, based on change in points.

 

   Change in
interest rate
   Effect on
 income
 
         
March 31, 2018   +200 bps    25,974 
    -200 bps    (19,745)
           
March 31, 2017   +200 bps    24,873 
    -200 bps    (12,203)
           
March 31, 2016   +200 bps    15,026 
    -200 bps    (9,788)

 

This analysis is based on the prior year changes in interest rates and assesses the impact on income, with balances as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. This sensitivity provides an idea of the changes in interest rates, taking as example the volatility of the interest rate of the previous period.

 66 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Market risk (continued)

 

Interest rate risk (continued)

 

The table below summarizes the Bank's exposure based on the terms of repricing of interest rates on financial assets and liabilities.

 

   March 31, 2018 
Description  Up to 3
months
   3 to 6
months
   6 months
to 1 year
   1 to 5 years   More than
5 years
   Total 
Assets                        
Investments securities   279    5,345    14,874    64,081    -    84,579 
Equity investments   -    -    -    -    7,846    7,846 
Loans   4,214,174    754,326    219,331    26,900    10,593    5,225,324 
Total   4,214,453    759,671    234,205    90,981    18,439    5,317,749 
                               
Liabilities                              
Deposits   2,118,994    265,205    283,452    104,563    -    2,772,214 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements   49,316    -    -    -    -    49,316 
Short and long term borrowings and debt, net   1,240,887    12,448    80,399    515,470    51,671    1,900,875 
Total   3,409,197    277,653    363,851    620,033    51,671    4,722,405 
Total interest rate sensibility   805,256    482,018    (129,646)   (529,052)   (33,232)   595,344 

 

   December 31, 2017 
Description  Up to 3
months
   3 to 6
months
   6 months
to 1 year
   1 to 5 years   More than
5 years
   Total 
Assets                        
Investments securities   700    279    7,000    77,688    -    85,667 
Equity investments   -    -    -    -    8,402    8,402 
Loans   4,067,639    952,542    301,334    173,550    10,593    5,505,658 
Total   4,068,339    952,821    308,334    251,238    18,995    5,599,727 
                               
Liabilities                              
Deposits   2,242,220    305,415    197,060    102,085    -    2,846,780 
Short and long term borrowings and debt, net   1,585,145    2,538    85,232    482,814    55,838    2,211,567 
Total   3,827,365    307,953    282,292    584,899    55,838    5,058,347 
Total interest rate sensibility   240,974    644,868    26,042    (333,661)   (36,843)   541,380 

 

 67 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Market risk (continued)

 

Currency risk

 

Currency risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in exchange rates of foreign currencies, and other financial variables, as well as the reaction of market participants to political and economic events. For purposes of accounting standards this risk does not come from financial instruments that are not monetary items, or for financial instruments denominated in the functional currency. Exposure to currency risk is low since the Bank’s has maximum exposure limits established by the Board.

 

Most of the Bank’s assets and most of its liabilities are denominated in US American Dollars and hence the Bank does not incur a significant currency exchange risk. The currency exchange rate risk is mitigated using derivatives, which, although perfectly covered economically, may generate a certain accounting volatility.

 

The following table details the maximum to foreign currency, where all assets and liabilities are presented based on their book value, except for derivatives, which are included within other assets and other liabilities based on its value nominal.

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Brazilian
Real
expressed
in US$
   European
Euro
expressed
in US$
   Japanese
Yen
expressed
in US$
   Colombian
Peso
expressed in
US$
   Mexican
Peso
expressed
in US$
   Other
currencies
expressed in
US$(1)
   Total 
Exchange rate   3.3126    1.2010    112.655    2,985.78    19.665    -    - 
                                    
Assets                                   
Cash and cash equivalent   857    1    3    70    575    88    1,594 
Equity investments   (421)   -    -    -    -    -    (421)
Loans   -    -    -    -    173,166    -    173,166 
Total   436    1    3    70    173,741    88    174,339 
                                    
Liabilities                                   
Borrowings and deposit placements   -    -    -    -    173,773    -    173,773 
Total   -    -    -    -    173,773    -    173,773 
                                    
Net currency position   436    1    3    70    (32)   88    566 

 

(1)It includes other currencies such as: Argentine pesos, Australian- dollar, Swiss franc, Pound sterling, Peruvian soles and Remimbis.

 

 68 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Market risk (continued)

 

Currency risk (continued)

   December 31, 2017 
   Brazilian
Real
expressed
in US$
   European
Euro
expressed
in US$
   Japanese
Yen
expressed
in US$
   Colombian
Peso
expressed in
US$
   Mexican
Peso
expressed
in US$
   Other
currencies
expressed in
US$(1)
   Total 
Exchange rate   3.31    1.20    112.66    2,985.78    19.67    -    - 
                                    
Assets                                   
Cash and cash equivalent   87    2    4    91    369    75    628 
Equity investments   168    -    -    -    -    -    168 
Loans   -    -    -    -    143,182    -    143,182 
Total   255    2    4    91    143,551    75    143,978 
                                    
Liabilities                                   
Borrowings and deposit placements   -    -    -    -    143,661    -    143,661 
Total   -    -    -    -    143,661    -    143,661 
                                    
Net currency position   255    2    4    91    (110)   75    317 

 

(1)It includes other currencies such as: Argentine pesos, Australian- dollar, Canadian dollar, Swiss franc, Peruvian soles and Remimbis.

 

Operational Risk

 

Operational risk is the risk of loss arising from systems failure, human error, fraud or external events. When controls fail to operate effectively, operational risks can cause damage to reputation, have legal or regulatory implications, or lead to financial loss. Bladex, like all financial institutions, is exposed to operational risks, including the risk of fraud by employees and outsiders, failure to obtain proper internal authorizations, failure to properly document transactions, equipment failures, and errors by employees, and any failure, interruption or breach in the security or operation of the Bank’s information technology systems could result in interruptions in such activities. Operational problems or errors may occur, and their occurrence may have a material adverse impact on the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The Bank cannot expect to eliminate all operational risks, but it endeavors to manage these risks through a control framework and by monitoring and responding to potential risks. Controls include effective segregation of duties, access, authorization and reconciliation procedures, staff education and assessment processes, such as the use of internal audit.

 

Capital management

 

The primary objectives of the Bank’s capital management policy are to ensure that the Bank complies with externally imposed capital requirements and maintains strong credit ratings and healthy capital ratios to support its business and to maximize shareholder value.

 

 69 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

19.Risk management (continued)

 

Capital management (continued)

 

The Bank manages its capital structure and adjusts it according to changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of its activities. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Bank may adjust the amount of dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue capital securities. No changes have been made to the objectives, policies and processes from the previous years. However, they are under constant review by the Board.

 

   March 31,  
2018
   December 31,
 2017
 
Tier 1 capital   1,041,658    1,048,304 
           
Risk weighted assets   5,258,810    5,601,518 
Tier 1 capital ratio   19.81%   18.71%

 

20.Applicable laws and regulations

 

Liquidity index

 

The Rule No. 4-2008 issued by the Superintendence of Banks of Panama (SBP) establishes that every general license or international license bank must maintain, always, a minimum balance of liquid assets equivalent to 30% of the gross total of its deposits in the Republic of Panama or overseas up to 186 days, counted from the date of the report. The formula is based on the following parameters:

 

Liquid assets x 100 = X% (Liquidity index)
Liabilities  (Deposits Received)

 

As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the percentage of the liquidity index reported by the Bank to the regulator was 82.29% and 88.78%, respectively.

 

Capital adequacy

 

The Banking Law in the Republic of Panama and the Rules No. 01-2015 and 03-2016 require that the general license banks maintain a total capital adequacy index that shall not be lower, at any time, than 8% of total assets and off-balance sheet irrevocable contingency transactions , weighted according to their risks; and ordinary primary capital that shall not be less than 4.5% of its assets and off-balance sheet transactions that represent an irrevocable contingency, weighted according to their risks; and a primary capital that shall not be less than 6% of its assets and off-balance sheet transactions that represent an irrevocable contingency, weighted according to their risks.

 

As of March 31, 2018, the Bank's total capital adequacy ratio is 19.81%, which is in compliance with the capital adequacy indexes required by the Banking Law in the Republic of Panama.

 

 70 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

20.Applicable laws and regulations (continued)

 

Specific provisions

 

The Rule No. 4-2013, modified by Rule No. 8-2014, indicates that the specific provisions are originated from the objective and concrete evidence of impairment. These provisions must be established for credit facilities classified according to the risk categories denominated: special mention, substandard, doubtful, or unrecoverable, both for individual credit facilities as for a group of such facilities. In the case of a group, it corresponds to circumstances that indicate the existence of deterioration in credit quality, although individual identification is still not possible.

 

Banks must calculate and maintain at all times the amount of the specific provisions determined by the methodology specified in this Rule, which takes into account the balance owed of each credit facility classified in any of the categories subject to provision, mentioned in the paragraph above; the present value of each guarantee available in order to mitigate risk, as established by type of guarantee; and a weighting table that applies to the net balance subject to loss of such credit facilities.

 

In Article 34 of this Rule, it establishes that all credits must be classified in the following five (5) categories, according to their default risk and loan conditions, and establishes a minimum reserve for each classification: normal 0%, special mention 2%, substandard 15%, doubtful 50%, and unrecoverable 100%.

 

If there is an excess in the specific provision, calculated in accordance with this Rule, compared to the provision calculated in accordance with IFRS, this excess will be accounted as a regulatory credit reserve in Stockholder’s Equity and will increases or decreases with allocations towards the retained earnings. The balance of the regulatory credit reserve will not be considered as capital funds for calculating certain ratios or prudential indicators mentioned in the Rule.

 

Based on the classification of risks, real guarantees and in accordance with Rule No. 04-2013 of the Superintendence of Banks of Panama, the Bank classified the loan portfolio as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018 
Loans  Normal   Special
Mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Unrecoverable   Total 
Corporations   2,706,203    -    19,275    -    39,484    2,764,962 
Banks:                              
Private   1,643,983    -    -    -    -    1,643,983 
State-owned   472,555    -    -    -    -    472,555 
    2,116,538    -    -    -    -    2,116,538 
Others   343,824    -    -    -    -    343,824 
Total   5,166,565    -    19,275    -    39,484    5,225,324 
                               
Loans provision:                              
Specific   -    -    2,754    -    23,734    26,488 
Total   -    -    2,754    -    23,734    26,488 

 

 71 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

 

 

20.Applicable laws and regulations (continued)

 

Specific provisions (continued)

 

   December 31, 2017 
Loans  Normal   Special
Mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Unrecoverable   Total 
Corporations   2,789,454    -    23,759    -    35,000    2,848,213 
Banks:                              
Private   1,822,350    -    -    -    -    1,822,350 
State-owned   573,649    -    -    -    -    573,649 
    2,395,999    -    -    -    -    2,395,999 
Others   261,446    -    -    -    -    261,446 
Total   5,446,899    -    23,759    -    35,000    5,505,658 
                               
Loans provision:                              
Specific   -    -    7,238    -    17,500    24,738 
Total   -    -    7,238    -    17,500    24,738 

 

As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the total restructured loans amounted to $ 32,924 for both periods.

 

Non-accruing loans are presented by category as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018 
Non-accruing
loans
  Normal   Special
Mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Unrecoverable   Total 
Impaired loans   -    -    19,275    -    39,484    58,759 
Total   -    -    19,275    -    39,484    58,759 

 

   December 31,2017 
Non-accruing
loans
  Normal   Special
Mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Unrecoverable   Total 
Impaired loans   -    -    23,759    -    35,000    58,759 
Total   -    -    23,759    -    35,000    58,759 

 

 72 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

20.Applicable laws and regulations (continued)

 

Specific provisions (continued)

 

  

March 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Non-accruing loans:          
Private corporations   23,759    23,759 
Middle-market companies   35,000    35,000 
Total non-accruing loans   58,759    58,759 
Interests that would be reversed if the loans had been   classified as non-accruing loans   3,752    3,257 
Income from collected interest on non-accruing loans   -    551 

 

Credit risk coverage - dynamic provision

 

The Superintendence of Banks of Panama by means of the Rule No. 4-2013, which governs as of June 30, 2014 and repeals in all its parts the Rule No. 6-2000 and all its amendments, establish the compulsory constitution of a dynamic provision in addition to the specific provision as part of the total provisions for credit risk coverage.

 

The dynamic provision is an equity consignment associated to the regulatory capital, but does not replace or offset the capital adequacy requirements established by the Superintendence of Banks of Panama. The Rule in Article 50, numeral 2, establishes the period of adjustment where banks must ensure that they have the minimum percentages of risk-weighted assets, without prejudice to the Bank's decision to apply the corresponding amount in accordance with what establishes Article 37 of this Rule.

 

Methodology for the constitution of the regulatory credit reserve

 

The Superintendence of Banks of Panama by means of the General Resolution of Board of Directors SBP-GJD-0003-2013 of July 9, 2013, establishes the accounting methodology of the identified differences that rise between the application of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the application of prudential regulations issued by the SBP; as well as the additional disclosures require to be included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The parameters established in this methodology are the following:

 

1.“The calculations of how the accounting balances would be applied in accordance to IFRS and the prudential standards issued by the Superintendence of Banks of Panama will be carried out and the respective figures will be compared.

 

2.When the calculation made in accordance with IFRS results in a greater reserve or provision for the Bank compared to the one resulting from the use of the prudential standards issued by the SBP, the Bank will account the IFRS figures.

 

3.When the impact of the use of prudential standards results in a greater reserve or provision for the bank, the effect of the application of IFRS will be recorded in profit and loss, and the difference between IFRS calculation compared to the prudential standards calculation will be appropriated in the retained earnings as a regulatory credit reserve. If the Bank does not have sufficient retained earnings, the difference will be presented as an accumulated deficit account.

 

4.The regulatory credit reserve mentioned in numeral 3 of this Rule may not be reversed against the retained earnings as long as there are differences between the IFRS and the originated prudential regulations”.

 

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Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

20.Applicable laws and regulations (continued)

 

Credit risk coverage - dynamic provision (continued)

 

Considering that the Bank presents its consolidated financial statements under IFRS, specifically for its expected credit reserves

under IFRS 9, the line "Regulatory credit reserve" established by the Superintendence of Banks of Panama has been used to present the difference between the application of the accounting standard used and the prudential regulations of the Superintendence of Banks of Panama to comply with the requirements of the Rule No. 4-2013.

 

As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the total amount of the dynamic provision and the regulatory credit reserve calculated according to the guidelines of Rule No. 4-2013 of the Superintendence of Banks of Panama is $ 127,504 and $ 129,254. respectively, taken in full from retained earnings for purposes of compliance with local regulatory requirements. This appropriation is restricted to distributing dividends in order to comply with local regulatory. As follows, the detail:

 

   March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
Dynamic provision   108,756    108,756 
Regulatory credit reserve   18,748    20,498 
    127,504    129,254 

 

21.Subsequent Events

 

Bladex announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.385 US dollar cent per share corresponding to the first quarter of 2018. The cash dividend was approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on April 10, 2018 and it is payable on May 17, 2018 to the Bank’s stockholders as of May 2, 2018 record date.

 

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