ANDBANK RESEARCH Global Economics & Markets Alex Fusté Chief Economist [email protected] +376 881 248 Working paper - 54 Understanding the regional financing system in Spain September 11th, 2013 Corporate Review 2 The discussion on the process of decentralization and regional financing in Spain, which opens with the 1978 Constitution, has not helped in resolving disputes about the concept of equity and efficiency. With the passage of time, and now with the crisis, the sharpness of the debate has intensified, reaching worrying levels and giving wings to independence sentiments in key regions that, being already at significant levels of acceptance and political representation, could destabilize the entire economy of the state as a whole. Indeed, there is room for improvement, and the leeway is more or less extensive depending on what level of solidarity we had defined as sufficient. (My special thanks to Mr. Angel de la Fuente, who had the courtesy and patience to respond to many of our queries). Corporate Review The current system of regional financing in Spain is based on four principles 1. An initial assessment of the differences among regions 2. An assessment of the relative costs and spending needs of each region. The concept of “adjusted population” 3. The allocation of resources 4. The equalization mechanism 3 Corporate Review 1st. Differences among regions are significant The only two regions that operate under the Foral Regime (Special status) are the Basque Country and Navarra. Given historical rights, both regions enjoy greater tax autonomy. Precisely the two with the highest GDP per capita. The other regions operate under the Common Regime (normal status). 4 Corporate Review 2nd. The relative spending needs of each region - The concept of “adjusted population” as criterion for allocating resources to each region 1. The equalization mechanism incorporates a formula to quantify the resources needed in each region to fund a uniform level of public services. This formula is implemented through the calculus of a variable based on the concept of “adjusted population” (rather than real population). 2. What you get with this operation is a regional population adjusted by a factor that reflects the cost differential in per capita terms of the main public services. This cost differential can be higher (or lower) due to factors such as greater aging of the population or greater dispersion, to cite two examples. Per capita expenditure needs to finance a uniform level of public services (relative cost) Variables considered in the calculation of the Regional Spending Needs (relative cost) Protected population equivalent Population School-age population (0-16) Population 65+ Extension of the territory Dispersion of the population Insularity Factor Weight Regions less densely populated and more aged, have higher relative costs for a uniform level of public sectors, thus, have higher spending needs per capita 38% 30% 20,5% 8,5% 1,8% 0,6% 0,6% Angel de la Fuente – published by BBVA. Working paper 12/27 5 Corporate Review 3rd. The allocation of resources - The central government has entrusted its regions with key responsibilities. In order for the regions to finance these responsibilities, it has allocated a high share of taxes to the regional level … TABLE 1 – RESOURCES & COMPETENCES TRANSFERRED TO THE REGIONS • The share of taxes that the regions can keep has been increased (2009 financing pact between central government & regions)… • … increasing the fiscal autonomy of the Spanish regions operating under the Common Regime… • … although, admittedly, the regions are still only marginally involved in direct tax collection. • At this point, we have realized that some analysts believe the full effects of the new system will be seen in 2014, based on the hypothesis that the new settlement will take place in 2014. This is FALSE, since the new regime applies from 2011. 6 Corporate Review 4th. The equalization mechanism - The two elements in charge of allocating the resources. 1. Guarantee Fund for Basic Public Services (Horizontal mechanism) 1. The Fund is fed with the 75% of theoretical tax revenues of the regions, plus an extra EUR 7.4bn contribution from the central government. 2. This fund represents 70% of total resources available in the system 3. The fund's resources are shared between communities each year in proportion to the needs of equivalent public spending and according to the “adjusted population” criteria. 4. In essence, this Fund receives resources from the regions and then distributes these resources among them. It is, therefore, a horizontal leveling mechanism. 2. Other Funds with a vertical nature 1. Sufficiency Fund • These funds channel economic transfers from central government to regional governments • The distribution criteria used is very wide, considering logical adjustment factors (income per capita, density of population, etc.) but also some factors that could be considered not so logical (the principle of maintaining the status quo). This is, the assurance that no one will lose out with a change made in the system. Which would perpetuate, if anything, an unfair sharing mechanism. 2. Cooperation Fund 3. Convergence Fund 7 Corporate Review And now, having considered the four principles and checked how the mechanisms of equalization are implemented (resulting in the Common Regime of regional financing system), let us see what the results are. 8 Corporate Review The starting point – What would be the financing capacity of each region without applying equalization mechanism? That is, the tax revenue that corresponds to each region given the distribution of fiscal resources described in Table 1 Gross Fiscal Capacity Fiscal Capacity of each Region at homogeneous competences 150 Canary Is. Extremadura C. la Mancha Andalusia Galicia Murcia Valencia C. León Asturias Rioja Aragón Cantabria Catalonia Balearic Is. Madrid 51.8 72.0 81.9 82.2 84.5 86.2 92.3 94.9 100.1 101.0 106.1 108.5 118.6 124.5 143.3 Average Max-Min Desv. Standard 100 52.5 * 22.4 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 Gross Fiscal Capacity 50 (1) All the values are relative funding rates per capita, where the ensemble average is normalized to 100 (2) All the calculations are made at homogeneous levels of competences, excluding the resources dedicated to fund singular competences only assumed by some regions (regional police, prisons, etc.). If we include them, the resources perceived will be greater (and also the spending incurred) (3) These calculations also make an adjustment to incorporate in this line the resources received for linguistic policies. Some argue that this resources should be placed in the computation of Financing for Singular competences (and thus, be excluded from this chart). However, in 2009, as part of the regional financing agreement, it was agreed to increase the official assessment of the linguistic competences, multiplying its previous value by 3.5 times. Assuming that the initial assessment of this competence had been made in a reasonable manner, it is hardly justifiable to remove an increase of this magnitude from the computation of the homogeneous fiscal capacity. (4) Source: De la Fuente (2012a) * Exluding outliers 9 Corporate Review The results of the system (I) – What is the financing capacity of each region after applying the first level of the equalization mechanism? (The fund with a horizontal nature or the Guarantee Fund) Gross Fiscal Capacity Fiscal Capacity post 1st equalization (after applying the Guarantee Fund) Canary Is. Extremadura C. la Mancha Andalusia Galicia Murcia Valencia C. León Asturias Rioja Aragón Cantabria Catalonia Balearic Is. Madrid 51.8 72.0 81.9 82.2 84.5 86.2 92.3 94.9 100.1 101.0 106.1 108.5 118.6 124.5 143.3 97.3 93.7 95.8 96.0 96.1 97.2 95.9 99.2 99.1 100.4 99.2 97.8 103.3 106.4 110.8 Average Max-Min Desv. Standard 100 52.5 * 22.4 100 17.1 4.5 150 140 130 120 Spanish Regions 2010, resources per capita before and after 1st level of equalization The application of the Guarantee Fund significantly reduces the disparities in available resources between the regions, with respect to the original ordering in Gross Fiscal Capacity 110 100 90 80 70 Gross Fiscal Capacity 60 After Guarantee Fund 50 Source: De la Fuente (2012a), published by BBVA, Working Document 12/27 as of November 2012 * Exluding outliers 10 Corporate Review 11 The results of the system (II) – What is the financing capacity of each region after applying the two levels of equalization? (Both the Horizontal Fund (Guarantee Fund) and the Vertical Transfers (Sufficiency, Cooperation and Convergence Funds) Gross Fiscal Capacity Fiscal Capacity post 1st equalization (after applying the Guarantee Fund) Fiscal Capacity post 2nd equalization (after applying the vertical economic transfers) Canary Is. Extremadura C. la Manc ha Andalusia Galic ia Murc ia Valenc ia C. León Asturias Rioja Aragón Cantabria Catalonia Balearic Is. Madrid 51.8 72.0 81.9 82.2 84.5 86.2 92.3 94.9 100.1 101.0 106.1 108.5 118.6 124.5 143.3 97.3 93.7 95.8 96.0 96.1 97.2 95.9 99.2 99.1 100.4 99.2 97.8 103.3 106.4 110.8 95.3 113.0 98.7 95.9 105.5 95.3 92.9 109.4 107.4 115.9 104.9 117.9 99.3 102.4 100.7 Average Max-Min Desv. Standard 100 52.5 * 22.4 100 17.1 4.5 100 25.0 7.8 Spanish Regions 2010, resources per capita before and after 2nd level of equalization (vertical & horizontal) 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 Gross Fiscal Capacity 70 After Guarantee Fund 60 After Vertical Transfers 50 Sourc e: De la Fuente (2012a), published by BBVA, Working Doc ument 12/27 as of November 2012 * Exluding outliers The effect of the Vertical Transfers (from Central Government) is quite different. This element drives up dispersion of fiscal capacity (funding) per capita in adjusted terms. Extremadura wins 12 positions in fiscal capacity after total equalization. Catalonia and Madrid lose 7 and 8 positions respectively. Corporate Review Comparing with other economies - Equalization in Spain is by no means as “extensive” as in Germany • Whereas the resources per capita after equalization are similar for all German states (with slightly higher figures for the wealthier states, and those with lower resources are lifted to a minimum level), the picture after equalization within regions looks markedly different in Spain. 12 Corporate Review 13 This apparent arbitrariness of central government (that leads to a higher dispersion of fiscal capacity per person) may (and only may) respond to a broader objective: further reducing the total resources (private & public) available within each region after equalization. Fiscal Capacity post 2nd equalization Fiscal Capacity x cap post 2nd equalization (100 = 6027 of Asturias) Total resources within a region after 2nd equalization (GDP less fiscal load + Fiscal capacity after 2nd equalization) 5,929 95.3 5,744 19,383 4,555 113.0 6,811 17,650 17,698 5,171 98.7 5,949 18,475 16,960 5,029 95.9 5,780 17,711 84.5 20,723 6,043 105.5 6,358 21,039 Murcia 86.2 18,520 5,480 95.3 5,744 18,784 Valencia 92.3 19,964 6,006 92.9 5,599 19,557 C. León 94.9 22,289 6,600 109.4 6,594 22,283 Asturias 100.1 21,035 6,027 107.4 6,473 21,481 Rioja 101.0 25,508 8,000 115.9 6,985 24,493 Aragón 106.1 25,540 7,731 104.9 6,322 24,132 Cantabria 108.5 22,341 6,450 117.9 7,106 22,997 Catalonia 118.6 27,248 7,944 99.3 5,985 25,289 Balearic Is. 124.5 24,393 7,309 102.4 6,172 23,256 Madrid 143.3 29,385 8,785 100.7 6,069 26,669 Gross Fiscal Capacity per capita at homog comp (Index) Gross GDP per capita Theoretical Fiscal Resources (€bn per capita) * Canary Is. 51.8 19,568 Extremadura 72.0 15,394 C. la Mancha 81.9 Andalusia 82.2 Galicia Average 100 Max-Min 52.5 8,999 5,606 Desv. Standard 22.4 4,003 2,891 * Computed as Regional GDP / Population * 30%. Assumes the same level of fiscal load (30% of total GDP) and the same relative presence of corporations. It also assumes that central government spending is also equitable. Some of the data contained in this table are based on our own estimates which, for reasons of data availability, we obtain by applying assumptions. This means they could be inaccurate and should therefore be used only as an approximation. Corporate Review 14 This apparent arbitrariness of central government (that leads to a higher dispersion of fiscal capacity per person) may (and only may) respond to a broader objective: further reducing the total resources (private & public) available within each region after equalization. If true, the hypothesis of arbitrariness should be removed. Total resources per capita within each region (before and after equalization) 29000 Some of the data contained in this table are based on our own estimates which, for reasons of data availability, we obtain by applying assumptions. 27000 25000 23000 21000 19000 17000 Total Resources within a region before equalization (Gross GDP per cap) Total resources within a region after equalization 15000 This means they could be inaccurate and should therefore be used only as an approximation. Corporate Review And now What? A new reform of the financing system will eventually be on the agenda, but … the timing and nature is unpredictable 1. In the absence of economic growth, the central government will be reluctant to relinquish a proportion of its own resources in favor of the regions. 2. Those regions currently benefiting from the system are expected to push back any reforms until the final outcome of the current system is known in 2015. 3. Most importantly, the regions currently demanding reforms lack a united front given different political agendas (Catalonia, Balearic Islands, Valencia, etc). 15 Corporate Review Meanwhile, in the past few years, the Central Government Support to the Autonomous Communities has been extensive and is expected to continue advancing forward The central government set up two funds with the aim of enabling the centralization of public debt issuance to provide liquidity to the regions, with a significant reduction in funding costs. The mechanism includes strengthening conditionality and supervision of the regions requesting support, with the aim of ensuring the achievement of deficit targets 16 Corporate Review Conclusions on the Spanish Regional Financing System 1. While the first level of equalization (Horizontal Transfers) in the regional financing system in Spain reduces significantly the disparities in available resources between the regions (compared to the original ordering in Gross Fiscal Capacity), the effect of the Vertical Transfers (from Central Government) drives up dispersion of fiscal capacity per capita at homogeneous levels and in adjusted terms. 2. This means that the equalization mechanism in Spain is by no means as “extensive” as in Germany. Whereas the level of fiscal resources per capita after equalization is similar for all German states, the picture after equalization within regions looks markedly different in Spain. 3. Admittedly, there could be deeper and complex reasons to justify an equalization resulting in a different level of fiscal resources per capita (at homogeneous competences & adjusted population). In Spain, these reasons may be related to a starting point in income per capita which is markedly different among regions. This means that although fully homogenizing fiscal capacity (like in Germany), total resources (private and public) available in the different Spanish regions after equalization would continue being very different, thus preventing convergence between regions. 4. At this point, can anyone determine which system is more fair and to whom? In the same way, can anyone determine which of the two systems (the German or the Spanish one) is more efficient? Admittedly, the lower the solidarity the greater the growth potential for regions that by its nature grow more, and thus greater will be the overall growth. But do not fall into this simplistic assertion. It could result more counterproductive a higher GDP when there is only a few participants, than a lower GDP with more participants. And it is not acceptable to use here the hypothesis that “if the ceteris paribus clause remains in the poorest regions, what can be wrong with that the rich are richer?”. Everyone shares the sneaking suspicion that the extreme concentration of wealth, if not established a reversal mechanism, leads to more concentration and this will end up reducing the level of potential growth. This refers to the concept of “convergence”. So, be cautious when talking about efficiency. 5. What seems indisputable is that the level of solidarity in the Spanish regional financing system reaches higher levels than in the German system. But let me clarify here an important issue. Solidarity in Spain is a concept that is only implemented between the regions under the Common Regime of financing. Specifically, the weight of this solidarity is borne only by the communities that cede fiscal capacity in favor of the most disadvantaged, to the point that the communities transferring resources enjoy even a lower fiscal capacity in favor of the other ones. In this sense, the regions most generous with the rest (and according to the figures shown) are Catalonia, Balearic Islands and Madrid, although in the latter case, it should be noted that this region enjoys a greater benefit of all the government spending to fund the state structure, given its status of the state capital. Just as an example, with only 6.4 million inhabitants, Madrid counted more than 400.000 civil servants in 2007 (6.2% of total population). Catalonia, with 7.5 million inhabitants, just counted with 277.000 civil servants (3.6% over total population) and Balearic Islands 48.000 civil servants (4.3% of total population). This relative difference (72% higher in Madrid than in Catalonia), responds to the fact that the weight of the Central Administration staff on all public employment in Madrid accounts 40.7%, versus just an 11.1% in Catalonia or 22.7% in Balearic Islands. In other words, the structure of the State generates much more employment (and thus wealth) in Madrid than in the other two regions. This is why, if we adjust by this factor, the two regions more genuinely generous with the rest would be Catalonia and Balearic Islands. 17 Corporate Review Conclusions on the Spanish Regional Financing System 6. Two Spanish regions must be excluded from the set of autonomous communities that effectively practice the exercise of solidarity. Two communities that, for historical reasons, do not participate of the Common Regime of regional financing but are regulated under the Special Regime (or statutory). A regime that, honestly speaking, is much more favorable to their particular interests. These two communities are the Basque Country and Navarra. Stressing that, being these two regions the ones with the highest level of income per capita, are precisely those that maintain intact their gross fiscal capacity without giving even the slightest portion of that capacity. 7. There are many who argue that the system of transfers from central government to the regions is arbitrary. Indeed, there is a range of 25 points between the regions with greater adjusted fiscal capacity and those with lower fiscal capacity. Not that poor or rich regions are being consistently well or poorly treated (Andalusia and Murcia would be between 95 and 96 in fiscal capacity, while Extremadura is receiving 113. -100 is the average-). This is because the final ranking has nothing to do with cost factors or tax revenues (maybe the reason that fuels the suspicion of arbitrariness). Nevertheless, and as we have mentioned, there could be reasonable doubts that the dispersion in fiscal capacity (caused by the central government after implementing the equalization mechanism) could have more to do with the ultimate goal of real convergence in terms of Total Resources (public & private) available in each region, rather than with fiscal capacity. If true, the hypothesis of the arbitrariness should be removed. 7. The fact that transfers are distributed through a complicated and opaque tangle of funds does not help to reduce suspicions about this hypothetical arbitrariness; a point that continues to fuel the acrimony of the debate and political tension. 8. Although there may be a hypothetical and well-intended target of interregional solidarity, this is not made explicit; meaning that there is also a lack of explicit limits to interregional solidarity in Spain. In Germany these limits are clear, thus, also the objectives. 9. As suggested by independent reports (from agencies and foreign banks), this lack of explicit limits and goals makes the estimation of fiscal capabilities complicated for the different regions, leading to greater uncertainty as regards future expected revenues, which in turn complicates the budgetary planning process. 10. The ability to maneuver in the regional financing system in Spain is very high, as long as the current level of solidarity implemented is, likewise, very high. 18 Corporate Review 19 About the new tensions arising from Catalan nationalism. 1. The origin of the dispute: The eternal discussion on the process of decentralization and regional financing in Spain has led to an increased bitterness of the debate (specially now with the crisis), reaching worrying levels and giving wings to independence sentiments in key regions that, being already at significant levels of acceptance and political representation, could destabilize the entire economy of the state as a whole. 2. The costs of the break (at a first glance): i. For Spain: Our assessment is of a traumatic impact. With the breakdown, the Spanish government should assume a fiscal balance that as of today is favorable for the whole state. According to sources, the net resource flow would be favorable to Spain in about EUR8bn, which would represent about 0.8% of GDP in new deficit, and therefore, in new adjustments. Imponderables that may appear by the reaction of economic agents (enterprises, trade and international investment community) must also be considered. ii. For Catalonia: Unaffordable. 3. First Package of issues to be considered by the hypothetically newly created state of Catalonia. i. Integration in the EU (a direct process?): According to sources familiar with the international laws, the ownership of the current arrangements for Spain's membership in the EU corresponds to what is known in international law as “the Kingdom of Spain”. Catalonia is certainly within the EU as an integral part of that kingdom (in other words, Catalonia is in the EU without being a member but through its status of part of an EU member). Indeed, there is no history that could assist us in this matter, but it would seem that Catalonia should request access to the EU (no direct integration), as many other independent states who have aspired to be full. Here, we have to consider the list of countries that are still waiting to be accepted as members of the EU (Romania and Bulgaria in 2016, Poland, Czech R and Denmark in 2017, Hungary in 2020, etc…). ii. Difficulties in the integration process in the Euro area: Having been part of a integral member of the euro, the integration process should be, a priori, easier since negotiations would go through pacts already collected between the Eurozone and Spain (agreements and assumptions for which Catalonia would have been positioning in the last years of the crisis). However, we must not forget that after the euro crisis, which triggered numerous rescue programs for several members of the EUR, and has even come to raise the potential expulsion of some country, will make the entry conditions revised upwards. It is also legitimate to think that the valuation process of compliance will be much more strict and lenghty. This translates into more time. A time that Catalonia might not have. Corporate Review 20 … package of issues to be considered by the hypothetically newly created state of Catalonia. iii. International isolation? The EU integration necessarily involves the acceptance of the norms of international laws, among which are the Spanish laws. Some experts suggest that not having the acceptance of secession by the Spanish state, it could leave the new state of Catalonia internationally isolated. iv. The distribution of assets and liabilities. As in the process featured by the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, opting for the distribution of assets and liabilities would be very costly for the new state of Catalonia, since it could not prevent inheriting a significant part of the reality and the obligations of a highly indebted country. To the debt owed by the regional government itself (about EUR50bn) it should be added about EUR200bn of Central Government debt resulting from the liabilities’ distribution process. In total, the new state would have a debt that may reach the EUR250bn figure (> 100% of current GDP of Catalonia). Admittedly, the assets should also be distributed (but public companies should first be valued, also buildings, etc ...). The temporal mismatch between the duration of liabilities and assets will be evident, leaving Catalonia with highly liquid liabilities and highly illiquid assets. v. On Social Security accounts: Here is also required an understanding to settle the contributions belonging to one and another in a fair and reasonable basis. In the best of cases, this will require opening a transition period (probably a long one) in which both systems should work to extinguish the mutual obligations. Failing to achieve a reasonable distribution would presumably mean the bankruptcy of one of the two pension systems. vi. On the reaction of economic agents (enterprises, trade and international investors): Since the hypothetical process of secession would be long and hard, insecurity and uncertainty generated so would. In terms of financial markets, with a debt presumably near the EUR250bn, and with an average duration of five years in this debt (in the best case), the new state of Catalonia would be forced to finance EUR50bn in the financial markets in the first year. Honestly, with a High Yield rating, the current situation of financial repression, and presumably being outside of the ECB liquidity schemes, it will result highly unlikely to see a good performance of the new state of Catalonia, at least in the initial phase of its journey (a phase that could take several years). In a different order of things, establishing borders always affects (negatively) the flow of commerce without exception. It is very difficult to assess at this point but, with no doubt, the flow of trade between Spain and Catalonia would be affected in the first stages of the process, being the latter probably the most affected by such commercial alteration (due to its greater orientation to export). Corporate Review … package of issues to be considered by the hypothetically newly created state of Catalonia. vii. Potential benefits of the Independence: A. Have all the fiscal resources available in Catalonia. No doubt, a factor that would impact positively on the economy of the new state. However, it is also legitimate to think that most of these additional resources (if not all) would go to cover the high costs generated by the secessionist process (higher cost of debt, trade disruption that will result in an adjustment of GDP that, in turn, will raise public spending on social policies, etc ) B. Political autonomy. We must understand here that the main source of the conflict between Spain and Catalonia comes from the economic policy arena (although there have been episodes of tension in other fields of politics such as education). Therefore, it is legitimate to thing that one of the main objectives pursued with this process is the political autonomy, particularly in the economic area. Well. Do not forget that the euro crisis has opened a deep process of integration among the countries that are members of the EUR. A process that inexorably leads towards more control and intervention from Brussels as regards economic policy, entailing an explicit transfer of fiscal policy. Since monetary policy is already fully transferred, it is clear that the space left for doing economic policy is already limited, and will be more as the integration process will move forward. Bottom line: We can not ignore the economic consequences of an eventual secessionist process. The costs (quantifiable or not) should be put on the table. To date, I have not seen even the minimal analysis providing reliable data on the effects arising from a process such as the one proposed in Catalonia. Honestly, without assessing the legitimacy (this is something that I keep to myself and is beyond the scope of this analysis), I strongly believe that a decision of this magnitude without putting the necessary information available to the population, is at least, unwise. 21 Corporate Review Legal Disclaimer All the sections in this publication have been prepared by the financial institution’s team of analysts. The views expressed in this document are based on the assessment of public and private information. These reports contain evaluations of a technical and subjective nature on economic data and relevant social and political factors, from which the financial institution’s analysts have extracted, evaluated and summarized the information they believe to be the most objective, subsequently agreeing upon and drawing up reasonable opinions on the issues analysed herein. The opinions and estimates in this document are based on market events and conditions that took place before the publication of this document, and therefore cannot be determining factors in the evaluation of future events that take place after its publication. The financial institution may hold views on financial instruments that differ completely or partially from the general market consensus. The market indices chosen have been selected using the exclusive criteria that the financial institution regards as most appropriate. The financial institution cannot in any way guarantee that the predictions or events given in this document will take place, and expressly reminds readers that any past performances mentioned do not in any circumstances imply future returns; that the investments analysed may not be suitable for all investors; that investments can fluctuate over time in terms of their share price and value; and that any changes that might occur in interest rates or currency exchange rates are other factors that may also make it unadvisable to follow the opinions expressed herein. This document cannot be regarded, under any circumstances, as an offer or proposal to buy the financial products or instruments that may have been mentioned, and all the information herein is for guidance purposes and should not be regarded as the only relevant factor when it comes to making a decision to proceed with a specific investment. This document does not, therefore, analyse any other determining factors for properly appraising the decision to make a specific investment, such as the risk profile of the investor, his/her knowledge, experience and financial situation, the duration or the liquidity of the investment in question. Consequently, investors are responsible for seeking and obtaining appropriate financial advice in order to assess the risks, costs and other characteristics of any investments they wish to make. The financial institution cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the evaluations or estimates of the models used in the valuations in this document, or any possible errors or omissions that may have been made when preparing this document. The financial institution reserves the right to change the information in this document at any time, whether partially or in full. 22
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz