interbank offered rates (ibor) transition guide...first trust bank ibor transition guide1 what is...

Interbank offered Rates (IBOR) Transition Guide

CONTENTSWhat is changing? 1

How will IBOR transition affect you? 2

What are IBORs and how are they used? 3

Why are benchmark rates important? 4

Transition from IBORs to alternative reference rates 5

What alternative reference rates will replace IBORs? 6

What are we doing to get ready for the changes? 7

Frequently Asked Questions 8

Disclaimer 10

First Trust Bank IBOR Transition Guide1

What is changing?Banks use benchmark rates as the basis for calculating interest rates for some products.

Interbank offered Rates (IBORs) are the most commonly used benchmark rates. IBORs are being reformed, and in many cases, replaced.

All banks are currently considering alternative rates to IBORs.

Helping you transition Helping You Prepare

While the effects of changes to benchmark rates are not yet fully apparent, this guide should help you prepare.

Helping You Transition

We will support you to transition through this process and we will be publishing more information as it becomes available.


How will IBOR transition affect you?Contracts which relate to an IBOR may need to be reviewed or amended.

Although the impact of the changes is still unclear, we will review and respond to market and regulatory guidance.

We will communicate with you if changes to products or documentation are required

In the meantime, you can also consider if you require guidance from your professional advisors on the

possible implications of any changes – including from a financial, legal, accountancy or tax perspective.


What are IBORs andhow are they used?The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) are forms of benchmark rates used, for example, in the calculation of interest on some of our products.

How are they used?

IBORs are used in all kinds of financial transactions. For example, as the basis for calculating certain interest rates when lending to individuals or corporate customers.

Banks and other organisations also use benchmark rates to value financial assets on their balance sheet.

How are IBORs calculated?

IBORs represent an average of the rates at which selected banks estimated they could borrow money from other banks.


Why are benchmark ratesimportant?

They are the foundation on which many products are built

Benchmark rates, such as IBORs, are widely embedded in our economy, and inuence relatively simple products such as loans, overdrafts and deposits.

They are also used as the basis for more complex products such as securities and derivatives.

Not all our products relate to IBORs and not every customer will be affected by these changes.

How are IBORs calculated?

Banks use IBORs to calculate interest rates when they are lending to individuals or corporate clients.

IBORs are also used to monitor effects of monetary policy decisions, for example, Central Banks observe impacts of any changes on market rates.

LOANS

DERIVATIVESDEPOSITS

BONDSSECURITIES

IBOR


Transition from IBORs to alternative reference ratesAs IBORs are key to the financial system, they have been subject to increasing regulation and review.

Regulators and the banking sector are seeking to reform IBORs and in some cases, to replace them with Alternative Reference Rates (ARRs).

IBORs are based on forward looking estimates of how much it costs for a bank to borrow money from other banks in the interbank lending market. The activity in this market has been declining gradually. ARRs, such as Risk Free Rates, are being introduced because they are based on transactions which have already taken place in active markets, making them more accurate and robust.

Changes are being made to benchmark rates

This transition is currently being scoped and the implications for some products may result in changes for you

ARRs are alternative benchmark rates to IBORs. They include Risk Free Rates which are overnight interest rates based on transactions

which have already taken place


What alternative reference rates will replace IBORs?

GBP LIBOR*

USD LIBOR*

EURIBOR

Transition to SterlingOvernight IndexAverage (SONIA)

Replacements must bein place by 31 Dec 2021

Transition toSecured OvernightFinancing Rate (SOFR)

Replacements must bein place by 31 Dec 2021

Reforms have beenmade to how EURIBORis calculated

No requirement to transferto a new rate, but future ofEURIBOR unclear

*There are also LIBOR rates in other currencies


What are we doing to getready for the changes?While the effects of IBOR transition are not yet fully clear, we will monitor and respond to how the market evolves and regulatory guidance, to help you with a smooth and effective transition.

Investigate & PrepareReview market developments and contribute to industry debate to ensure measures are appropriate. Prepare robust plans for the transition.

Keep You UpdatedShare updates and guidance as these become known. We will be updating www.firsttrustbank.co.uk/ibortransition

If your products or documentation need to change, we will communicate with you.

Backing Our CustomersSupport you as you adjust to the changes.

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Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Benchmark Rate?

Benchmark Rates are used in financial transactions throughout our economy, for example, to calculate interest rates for loans.

What are IBORs?

Interbank Offered Rates represent an estimate of how much it would cost a bank to borrow money from other banks. IBORs are published in several currencies and for a variety of interest periods.

What is LIBOR?

The London Interbank Offered Rate. This is calculated from estimates submitted by a selection of banks in London.

What are Alternative Reference Rates (ARRs)?

They are benchmark rates which are being developed as an alternative to IBORs.

Why are IBORs being replaced?

IBORs are based on forward looking estimates of how much it costs for a bank to borrow money from other banks in the interbank lending market. The activity in this market has been declining gradually. ARRs, such as Risk Free Rates, are being introduced because they are based on transactions which have already taken place in markets which are very active,making them more accurate and robust.

What are Risk Free Rates?

Risk Free Rates are a type of ARR. They are overnight rates, based on transactions which have already taken place.

How are Risk Free Rates different to IBORs?

Risk Free Rates are based on information from transactions which have already taken place. They will therefore be less reliant on the judgement of banks.

When do the changes to IBORs come into effect?

ARRs for LIBOR need to be in place by 31 December 2021. A timeline for having ARRs for EURIBOR is unclear at this time.

What is SONIA?

The Sterling Overnight Index Average which is the new Risk Free Rate for Sterling transactions.

AIB (GB) IBOR Transition Guide7

What are we doing to getready for the changes?While the effects of IBOR transition are not yet fully clear, we will monitor and respond to how the market evolves and regulatory guidance, to help you with a smooth and effective transition.

Investigate & PrepareReview market developments and contribute to industry debate to ensure measures are appropriate. Prepare robust plans for the transition.

Keep You UpdatedShare updates and guidance as these become known. We will be updating www.aib.ie/ibortransition

If your products or documentation need to change, we will communicate with you.

Backing Our CustomersSupport you as you adjust to the changes.

1234


Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is SOFR?

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate which is the new Risk Free Rate for Dollar transactions.

What is €STR?

The Euro Short Term Rate which is the new Risk Free Rate for Euro transactions.

What is EURIBOR and how is it changing?

The Euro Interbank Offered Rate. EURIBOR has been reformed to meet the requirements of the EU Benchmarks Regulation, to include in its calculation, information based on transactions that have already taken place. €STR may replace EURIBOR in the future, however it is likely that in the short term, banks will continue to use EURIBOR.

Are all Banks impacted?

All banks which offer products based on IBOR rates are impacted.

What are we doing to get ready for this change?

We are monitoring this situation and will provide you with further information as things progress.

What does this mean for me?

If you have a contract with us that relates to an IBOR, this might need to be amended at some stage in the future. If this is the case, we will communicate with you.

What if I am unsure about these changes?

Should you wish to discuss the impact of IBOR transition on any of the products you hold with us, please contact us as outlined below.

What are the next steps?

Whether you are taking out a new product, or you are an existing customer, we are making you aware that IBOR transition may require us to make changes to products or documentation. In either case, if you are affected by these changes we will communicate with you.

Where can I go for more information?

[email protected] or your Relationship Manager.

In addition the following website may be useful: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/

DisclaimerThis guide is provided for information only and may not represent the views or opinions of AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. or its affiliates including Allied Irish Banks, plc (collectively, the AIB Group), employees or officers. The information contained in this guide does not constitute and shall not be construed to constitute legal, tax and/or accounting advice by AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or timeliness of such information, which may also be subject to change. This guide may only be accessed by recipients lawfully entitled to do so.

This guide and any documents provided with it should not be used or relied upon by any person/entity (i) for the purpose of making investment or regulatory decisions, (ii) to provide regulatory advice to another person/entity based on matter(s) discussed herein or (iii) in connection with any transaction, contract or communication.

Recipients of this guide should obtain guidance and/or advice, based on their own particular circumstances, from their own professional advisors (legal, tax, accounting or otherwise) in light of IBOR transition as they consider necessary. Any terms set forth herein are intended for discussion purposes only and are subject to the final terms as set forth in separate definitive written agreements. This guide is not a commitment or firm offer and does not oblige us to enter into such a commitment, nor are we acting as a fiduciary to you.

Any transaction which you may enter into with AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. will be on the basis that you have made your own independent evaluations, without reliance on AIB Group (UK) p.l.c., and based on your own knowledge and experience and any professional advice which you may have sought in relation to all aspects of the transaction including, without limitation, legal, accounting and/or taxation advice. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising out of, or in connection with, your use of (or failure to use) any information provided in this document.

We encourage you to keep up to date with the latest industry developments in relation to IBOR transition and to consider its impact on your or your business. You should consider, and continue to keep under review, the potential impact of IBOR transition on any existing product you have with AIB Group (UK) p.l.c., or any new product you enter into with us.

First Trust Bank is a trade mark of AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.), incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3HH. Registered Number NI018800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

November 2019


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