20-F: NatWest Group Delivers Strong 2024 Performance Amidst Economic Uncertainty


NatWest Group reports a solid 2024 with a return on equity of 11.9% and progress on strategic priorities, despite a complex economic landscape.

Summary

  • NatWest Group's 20-F filing for December 31, 2024, highlights a strong financial performance with a return on equity of 11.9% and a RoTE of 17.5%.
  • Total income reached 14.7 billion, exceeding guidance at 14.6 billion excluding notable items.
  • The group maintained cost discipline, achieving broadly stable costs excluding increased bank levies and retail share offering expenses.
  • Default levels remained stable at low levels, and there was strong growth in net lending and customer deposits.
  • The CET1 ratio was within the targeted range at 13.6%.
  • Net loans to customers increased by 18.9 billion to 400.3 billion.
  • Customer deposits increased by 2.1 billion to 433.5 billion.
  • The group has provided 93.4 billion towards its target of 100 billion in climate and sustainable funding and financing between July 1, 2021, and the end of 2025.
  • The group is also involved in various legal proceedings and regulatory matters, with ongoing cooperation with relevant authorities.

Positives

  • Strong financial performance with a high return on equity and RoTE.
  • Growth in net lending and customer deposits.
  • Maintenance of a strong CET1 ratio within the target range.
  • Significant progress towards climate and sustainable funding targets.
  • Stable levels of default across the loan portfolio.

Negatives

  • Total income decreased slightly by 0.3% compared to the previous year.
  • Total operating expenses increased by 153 million compared to the previous year.
  • ECL provision decreased by 0.2 billion, and the ECL coverage ratio decreased from 0.93% to 0.83%.

Risks

  • Economic and political risks, including inflation, interest rates, supply chain disruption, and geopolitical developments, could impact performance.
  • Changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect results.
  • Implementation of the group's strategy carries execution and operational risks.
  • The group may not meet prudential regulatory requirements for liquidity, funding, capital, and MREL.
  • Reductions in credit ratings could affect funding availability and increase costs.
  • Operational risks, including reliance on third-party suppliers and cyberattacks, are inherent in the business.
  • The group is exposed to litigation matters and regulatory actions.
  • Climate and sustainability-related risks may adversely affect the group and its value chain.
  • The group's strategy relating to climate change entails execution and reputational risks.
  • There are limitations related to accessing accurate climate data.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2008Start date for alleged spoofing conduct in US Treasuries markets
2009-01-01Start date for Legal Proceeding Coutts And Co Ltd Onemdb Litigation
2011-12-31End date for Legal Proceeding Coutts And Co Ltd Onemdb Litigation
2012Start date for breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations
2014-05-31End date for alleged spoofing conduct in US Treasuries markets
2015-12-01Start date for Review And Investigation Of Treatment Of Tracker Mortgage Customers In UlsterBank Ireland Dac
2015-12-31End date for Review And Investigation Of Treatment Of Tracker Mortgage Customers In UlsterBank Ireland Dac
2018-01-01Start date for Us Investigations Relating To Fixed Income Securities
2018-09-01Start date for Tel Aviv District Court Fx Antitrust Litigations
2018-10-31End date for Tel Aviv District Court Fx Antitrust Litigations
2018-12-31End date for Offshoring Vat Assessments
2019-05-01Start date for Federal Court Of Australia Fx Antitrust Litigation
2019-05-31End date for Federal Court Of Australia Fx Antitrust Litigation
2019-07-01Start date for Uk Competition Appeal Tribunal Fx Litigation
2019-12-31End date for Uk Competition Appeal Tribunal Fx Litigation
2020-01-01Start date for Main Section Of RoyalBankOfScotlandGroupPensionFundMember
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2021-08-01Start date for Legal Proceeding Madoff Litigation
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2024-12-31End date for OnMarketShareBuybackProgrammeMember
2024-12-31End date for OtherFinancialLiabilitiesMember
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2024-12-31End date for OtherSubsidiaries16Million5.63NotesMember
2024-12-31End date for OtherSubsidiaries170MillionFloatingRateNotesMaturityDatedFeb2041Member
2024-12-31End date for OtherSubsidiaries31Million7.38NotesMember
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2024-12-31

Keywords

NatWest Group, financial performance, CET1 ratio, RoTE, climate finance, sustainability, risk management, regulatory capital, customer deposits, net lending

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