Constant Korthoutt: "The liquidity and capital position of the bank is still exceptionally strong. Customer savings and deposits, the bank's traditional source of funding, rose slightly in the third quarter. Moreover, the two successful issues of senior unsecured bonds in recent months demonstrate that Van Lanschot has access to the capital markets and are a clear endorsement of the bank's solidity. At a private bank like Van Lanschot the balance sheet is for the client; this is reflected in the high Core Tier I ratio and strong leverage ratio. The investment and cost reduction programme is progressing as planned. The workforce has been reduced by some 150 FTEs in the first three quarters of this year, equivalent to about 7% of the number of FTEs at year-end 2011. As a result, operating expenses were lower compared with the first half of 2012."

 

The funding ratio of over 87% means that the bank's loan book is largely funded by customer savings and deposits. However, the falling market interest rates led to a further widening of the difference between the lending base rate and the rates on savings accounts in the third quarter, as a result of which the interest margin decreased.

 

The management fees rose slightly compared with the first two quarters of the year. Kempen attracted new mandates and the shift to discretionary mandates at the private bank continued. Our clients remain risk averse in their investment behaviour given the current uncertain market conditions; transaction commission therefore fell compared with the first half of the year.

 

While the addition to loan loss provisions remains high, the bank's result before non-recurring charges is positive.

 

Van Lanschot has introduced a number of new online services. Clients have been able to use online Execution Only services since the summer. VIPinvest Advies was launched in September; this unique platform allows clients to invest online with the comfort of professional online advice and support.

 

United Bank & Trust ('United') has decided to suspend its purchase of Van Lanschot's banking activities on Curacao and trust company. Van Lanschot and United were unable to reach agreement on the acquisition due to the requirements imposed on United by the central bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten in order to obtain a declaration of no objection. Van Lanschot will close down the banking activities on Curacao in the short term, the options for the trust company are being considered.

 

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2013

 

Publication of 2012 annual results 8 March 2013

Publication of Q1 2013 trading update 14 May 2013

Publication of 2013 half-year results 13 August 2013

's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, 9 November 2012

 

Van Lanschot NV is the holding company of F. van Lanschot Bankiers NV, the oldest independent bank in the Netherlands with a history dating back to 1737. The bank offers high-quality financial services to high net-worth Individuals, entrepreneurs and their businesses and institutional investors. Van Lanschot NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

 

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