OP Corporate Bank plc’s Financial Statements Bulletin for 1 January–31 December 2020

OP Corporate Bank plc
Stock Exchange Release 10 February 2021 at 9.00 am EET
Financial Statements BulletinOP Corporate Bank plc’s Financial Statements Bulletin for 1 January–31 December 2020Consolidated earnings before tax rose to EUR 529 million (412). Net insurance income increased by 38% to EUR 555 million (402) and net interest income by 10% to EUR 325 million (295). Transferring the rest of the management of the statutory earnings-related pension insurance to Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company at the end of 2020 lowered the Group’s and the Insurance segment’s pension costs by EUR 85 million. Excluding the effect of the pension liability transfer, total expenses increased by 1% to EUR 641 million. The consolidated earnings were decreased by a fall of 41% in investment income to EUR 228 million (384).Corporate Banking earnings before tax increased by 15% to EUR 301 million (262). Net investment income increased by 22% to EUR 140 million (115) and net interest income by 3% to EUR 395 million (383). Corporate Banking earnings were weakened by an increase in expenses to EUR 231 million (220). Impairment loss on receivables totalled EUR 53 million (51). The loan portfolio grew in the year to December by 1% to EUR 24.0 billion (23.7).Insurance earnings before tax rose by 44% to EUR 288 million (200). Net insurance income increased by 38% to EUR 556 million (402). The reduction in the discount rate for insurance liability increased non-life insurance claims incurred by EUR 45 million (136). Investment income fell by 69% to EUR 75 million (242). The operating combined ratio improved to 87.8% (92.7).Other Operations earnings before tax were EUR –58 million (–50). Liquidity remained good despite the Covid-19 crisis.The Group’s CET1 ratio was 15.1% (14.9).Comparatives deriving from the income statement are based on figures reported for the corresponding periods a year ago. Unless otherwise specified, balance-sheet and other cross-sectional figures on 31 December 2019 are used as comparatives.
*Change in ratioOutlook for 2021The number of Covid-19 infections increased in most countries over the autumn. As a result of this, the economic recovery that started last summer faltered somewhat. Towards the end of the year, the effects of the pandemic on the economy began to ease off, mainly affecting the service sector. Economic recovery will continue as the pandemic will continue to subside.  In financial markets, expectations are positive. Policy actions by central banks are expected to calm down markets and keep interest rates low.The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to cause uncertainty over the economic outlook. A sudden worsening of the pandemic would affect OP Corporate Bank in three ways: economic uncertainty and uncertainty in the financial and capital market would increase, a rise in financial difficulties among customers would increase credit risk and decrease the demand for services, and a worsening disease situation could make it more difficult for OP Financial Group to run its operations efficiently.The most significant uncertainties affecting earnings performance due to the Covid-19 crisis relate to changes in the interest rate and investment environment and to the developments in impairment losses. In addition, future earnings performance will be affected by the market growth rate, change in the competitive situation and the effect of large claims on claims expenditure.Full-year earnings estimates for 2021 will only be provided at the OP Financial Group level, in its financial statements bulletin and interim reports.All forward-looking statements in this Interim Report expressing the management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions are based on the current view of the future development in the business environment and the future financial performance of OP Corporate Bank Group and its various functions, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.Time of publication of 2020 reports:Schedule for Interim Reports and Half-year Financial Report in 2021:Helsinki, 10 February 2021OP Corporate Bank plc
Board of DirectorsFor additional information, please contact:
Katja Keitaanniemi, President and CEO, tel. +358 (0)10 252 1387
Tuuli Kousa, Chief Communications and Corporate Responsibility Officer, tel. +358 (0)10 252 2957DISTRIBUTION
Nasdaq Helsinki Oy
Euronext Dublin (Irish Stock Exchange)
LSE London Stock Exchange
SIX Swiss Exchange
Major media
op.fiOP Corporate Bank plc is part of OP Financial Group. OP Corporate Bank and OP Mortgage Bank are responsible for OP’s funding in money and capital markets. As laid down in the applicable law, OP Corporate Bank, OP Mortgage Bank and their parent company OP Cooperative and other OP Financial Group member credit institutions are ultimately jointly and severally liable for each other’s debts and commitments. OP Corporate Bank acts as OP Financial Group’s central bank.